Armored Vehicle Periscope Integrating Prism and Digital Camera
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing periscope systems in armored vehicles occupy significant installation space and require the driver to turn their head to access information from both optical and digital sources, limiting the viewing area and operational efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A compact periscope design incorporating a one-piece or multi-piece prism with deflection mirrors and a digital display system, where a miniature camera is integrated within the upper housing to provide a combined view without head movement, with optional features like infrared detection, backup functionality, and data storage for enhanced situational awareness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate optical and digital systems are integrated in armored vehicles, then comprehensive information display is achieved, but installation space increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the optical periscope system and digital camera system into a single integrated periscope unit. The digital camera (7) is positioned within the upper housing part (3) adjacent to the prism (5), allowing both optical viewing through the prism and digital image capture through the same structural envelope. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting spaces for independent optical and digital systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The periscope housing serves multiple functions: it contains the optical prism for direct viewing, houses the digital camera for image capture, provides mounting structures for both systems, and integrates control elements. This multi-functional design allows comprehensive information display capability while minimizing the overall volume occupied in the vehicle.
2Loss of information
If multiple information sources are provided separately, then complete information is available, but the driver must turn head to access all information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the optical view through the prism and the digital camera view into a single integrated display unit. The display (6) is positioned within the periscope housing and can show both the optical image from the prism and the digital image from the camera simultaneously or alternately, allowing the driver to access all information from a single fixed viewing position without head movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The display (6) acts as an intermediary between the optical system (prism with viewing area 2) and the digital system (camera with sensor). It combines and presents both information sources in a unified format that the driver can view from a fixed position, eliminating the need to turn the head to access separate information sources.
3Volume of stationary object
If viewing area is reduced for compact design, then installation space decreases, but image completeness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the digital camera (7) and its processing components within the existing periscope housing structure that contains the optical prism. The camera is positioned in the upper housing part adjacent to the prism, utilizing the same structural envelope. This nesting allows the system to maintain a compact external dimensions while providing both optical and digital viewing capabilities through the integrated display.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly reduces installation space, allows the driver to access information without head movement, enhances situational awareness with combined optical and digital views, and ensures operational reliability with backup and data storage capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system made of a one-piece or multi-piece prism made of glass or optical plastic with deflection mirrors
Implementation Method 2
the viewing side of the prism of the angle mirror is designed as an optical lens to compensate for the recess or cutout as a missing area in the viewing area
Implementation Method 3
a digital camera is arranged in the direction of the view inside the upper part of the housing in the area of the view, the images it takes can be displayed on the display
Implementation Method 4
It can also detect infrared radiation and use a computer to generate a night vision display on the display
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A periscope for an armored vehicle is provided, comprising a lower housing part (1) with a viewing area (2), an upper housing part (3) with a viewing area (4), and an optical system consisting of a single or multi-part prism (5) made of glass or optical plastic with deflecting mirrors, as well as a digital system consisting of a display (6) and a computer with information that can be displayed in the viewing area (2). This system requires significantly less installation space and provides the driver with the desired information without requiring him to move his head. This is achieved by arranging at least one digital camera (7;10) in the viewing direction within the upper housing part (3) in the area of the viewing area (4), the images of which can be displayed on the display (6) via the connected computer.