Night Vision Aperture Cover for Near-Object Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Night vision instruments typically focus at a certain distance, causing near objects to appear blurry, and existing solutions require adjustments or additional lenses, which are not practical for quick and easy switching between near and far focus.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adjustable cover that attaches to the lens frame of a night vision instrument, allowing variable apertures to enhance focus and clarity for near objects without altering the instrument's settings, and can be easily toggled between states for different viewing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the night vision instrument is set to focus at a certain distance for viewing objects far from the operator, then the visual clarity of far objects is improved, but the visual clarity of near objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element (aperture cover or filter) placed between the lens and the environment to modify light entry. This intermediary allows the instrument to maintain its fixed focus setting while the aperture manipulation creates an effective focus improvement for near objects, resolving the contradiction without requiring the instrument itself to be adjustable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the aperture parameter (opening size) to affect focus characteristics. By adjusting the aperture from a first area to a second area, the system modifies how light enters the lens, thereby improving visual clarity for near objects without changing the instrument's focus setting, thus maintaining adaptability across different object distances.
2Measurement precision
If an adjustable aperture device is added to improve near object focus, then the visual clarity of near objects is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the focus improvement function into a separate, modular component (aperture cover or filter) that can be independently attached to or removed from the night vision instrument. This segmentation allows the main instrument to remain simple while the additive component provides the necessary aperture control for improved near object visualization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, easily manufactured aperture covers or filters that can be quickly attached and removed. These are designed as simple optical elements rather than complex mechanical systems, reducing overall device complexity while achieving the desired focus improvement effect.
3Measurement precision
If the aperture area is reduced to improve near object focus, then the visual clarity of near objects is improved, but the light transmission is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic aperture system that can adjust between a first area and a second area. This dynamic adjustment allows the user to optimize between visual clarity for near objects (smaller aperture) and light transmission (larger aperture) based on the specific viewing conditions and object distance, resolving the contradiction through adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the aperture parameter (area size) to control both focus quality and light transmission. By providing multiple aperture area settings, the system allows optimization of the trade-off between achieving sharp focus for near objects and maintaining sufficient light transmission for night vision operation.
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
Improves visual clarity for objects within 3 feet by adjusting the aperture size, allowing for superior focus and reduced glare, while maintaining the instrument's original functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the cover is adjustable to define an aperture allowing light to the lens, the aperture being variable between having at least a first area and a second area
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a device for improving the focus of an object viewed using a night vision instrument.