Hybrid Optical Device Day Night Vision Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable optical devices, such as rifle scopes and telescopes, are typically limited to daytime use due to their reliance on ambient light, making them less useful in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a control circuit and optical sensors that can switch between day view and night view modes, enabling the use of optical sensors to provide a digital image in low-light conditions, which can be fused with the direct view image to enhance visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If portable optical devices rely on ambient light for imaging, then they provide good image quality in daytime conditions, but they become unusable or significantly degraded in low-light nighttime conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines traditional optical imaging components with digital sensor components into a single hybrid optical device. The optical assembly captures light and forms an image that can be detected by either the viewer's eye (in daytime) or digital sensors (in nighttime), merging two separate imaging systems into one unified device that adapts to different lighting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic adaptability through a control circuit that can switch between day view and night view modes based on ambient light conditions. The system dynamically adjusts which imaging path is active - using the optical assembly for daytime viewing and digital sensors for nighttime viewing - allowing the device to adapt its functionality to varying environmental conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital sensors are added to provide night vision capability, then operational versatility in low-light conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as the primary imaging system during daytime when ambient light is sufficient, and it continues to function during nighttime by directing available light to digital sensors for enhanced detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for completely separate systems and minimizes overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an optical assembly as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between traditional optical viewing and digital sensing. The optical assembly processes light from the target scene and can direct it to either the viewer's eye or digital sensors, serving as a mediator that enables night vision capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
3Measurement precision
If optical sensors are selectively enabled in night view mode, then image clarity in low-light conditions is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit dynamically manages sensor activation based on detected ambient light conditions. Digital sensors are enabled only when the system determines that nighttime or low-light conditions exist, and disabled when sufficient ambient light is available. This dynamic control optimizes energy consumption by activating power-intensive components only when necessary for their function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic or conditional activation of digital sensors rather than continuous operation. The control circuit periodically assesses lighting conditions and activates sensors only during periods when low-light detection is required, creating a periodic on-off pattern that reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision when needed.
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
Enables effective operation in both daytime and nighttime environments by selectively enabling optical sensors to provide enhanced image clarity and visibility, improving usability in various lighting conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element configured to selectively direct a portion of the light toward the one or more optical sensors
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical sensors configured to receive light from the view area
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of lenses including an objective lens to receive light from a viewing area and including a viewing lens through which a user may perceive at least a portion of the received light
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an apparatus can include an optical device configured to provide a day view image mode and a night view image mode. The optical device may include an optics assembly configured to receive light from a view area and a control circuit including one or more sensors and a display interface. The control circuit may be configured to receive a mode selection input and to selectively enable at least one of the display interface and the one or more sensors in response to the mode selection input indicating a night view image mode. The optical device may also include an optical element responsive to a signal from the control circuit to direct at least a portion of the light toward the one or more sensors.