Beam Combiner Assembly Indicator Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current night vision devices lack effective internal indicators to inform users of the status of image sensors or illuminators without distracting from the field of view or compromising operational security.
Innovation Solution
A beam combiner assembly integrates indicator lights with the display connector and light pipes, allowing for internal visual indicators that provide status information, such as battery level and IR laser activity, without requiring users to look away from their field of view, using a combination of microdisplays and optical elements to combine and transmit images while incorporating indicator lights within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If external indicator lights are used to show device status, then user awareness of device status is improved, but operational security is compromised and user position may be exposed
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator function is extracted from the external housing and relocated to the optical beam path itself. Status information is presented through the display assembly using optical indicators that appear within the user's field of view, rather than external lights that could expose position.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical beam path serves as an intermediary medium to convey status information. Rather than using direct external illumination, the system uses the optical pathway to transmit status indicators to the user's eye, masking the indication within the normal viewing environment.
2Loss of information
If external indicator lights are mounted on the housing, then device status can be displayed, but the user must look away from the field of view to see the indicators
Solution Approach 1:
The indicator function is merged with the display assembly and optical beam path. Status indicators are integrated into the optical pathway so that they appear within the user's field of view, allowing simultaneous monitoring of both the target scene and device status without eye movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The status information is superimposed on the optical beam path dimension, creating a layered display where status indicators appear within the existing field of view rather than requiring a separate viewing angle or position.
3Ease of operation
If indicator lights are integrated into the display assembly, then status information is visible within the field of view, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display assembly is given multiple functions: it serves both as the primary image display and as the indicator system for device status. The same optical components and beam path are used for both imaging and status indication, eliminating the need for separate indicator hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions (image display and status indication) are combined into a single integrated display assembly, reducing overall device complexity by eliminating redundant components and simplifying the optical architecture.
4Loss of information
If complex integrated indicator systems are implemented, then comprehensive status information can be provided, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display assembly performs multiple functions including image display and various status indications (battery level, IR laser activity, etc.), reducing the need for separate indicator components and simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical beam path and display assembly serve themselves to convey status information without requiring additional dedicated indicator systems. The existing optical infrastructure is utilized for dual purposes, reducing manufacturing complexity.
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
This solution enhances user awareness of night vision device status without exposing their position, simplifies manufacturing, and maintains focus on the field of view, addressing the limitations of external and complexly integrated indicator systems.
Implementation Method 1
a beam combiner receives a first image from an image intensifier tube, receives a second image from a microdisplay, combines the first and second images, and transmits a combined image
Implementation Method 2
one or more light pipes coupled to the beam combiner. The light pipes are configured to receive light from indicator lights and transmit the light to the beam combiner
Data Source
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AI summary
A beam combiner assembly (150) for a night vision device is disclosed. The beam combiner assembly is for use with a night vision device. The beam combiner assembly includes a beam combiner (250, 256, 258) and one or more light pipes (290). The beam combiner is configured to generate a combined image by combining a first image and a second image. The beam combiner is further configured to transmit the combined image to a user. The one or more light pipes are coupled to the beam combiner in positions corresponding to one or more indicator lights. Each light pipe is configured to receive light from a respective indicator light. Each light pipe is further configured to transmit the light from the respective indicator light to the beam combiner. The beam combiner assembly may be provided in a night vision device including a first image source, a second image source, a microdisplay (230, 232, 234), and a display connector.