Night Vision Apparatus On-Board Memory Data Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Night vision apparatus have a limited useful lifetime due to degradation of the image intensifier tube, requiring laborious maintenance and record-keeping to ensure their performance and compliance, especially in large fleets like military and law enforcement organizations.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an on-board memory and a low-energy IR LED transmitter in night vision devices to store and transmit data, including usage metrics and image intensifier tube condition, allowing for remote monitoring and calibration, with sensors to detect ambient light and accelerometers to manage power and usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual maintenance and record-keeping methods are used for night vision apparatus, then compliance and performance monitoring can be achieved, but the process becomes very time consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The night vision apparatus automatically monitors its own performance parameters and usage data through integrated sensors and processors, storing information in internal memory without requiring manual inspection or record-keeping by maintenance personnel
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical record-keeping processes are replaced by an automated electronic data collection and transmission system that uses processors, memory storage, and wireless transmitters to automatically track and report apparatus performance and usage information
2Loss of information
If additional components like memory and transmitter are added to night vision apparatus, then data tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared LED transmitter serves dual purposes: it functions as both an illumination source for night vision operations and as a data transmission device for wireless communication of usage information, eliminating the need for separate dedicated components
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are integrated into unified systems - the transmitter combines illumination and data communication functions, while the processor handles both image processing and data management tasks, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced capabilities
3Device complexity
If the transmitter is used for both illumination and data transmission, then component count is reduced, but the reliability of each function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The infrared LED transmitter dynamically switches between illumination mode and data transmission mode based on operational requirements, with the processor controlling the duty cycle and intensity to optimize both functions while preventing degradation from continuous 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
This solution enables efficient and accurate tracking of device performance, reducing maintenance time, ensuring timely replacement, and improving operational safety by automating data collection and transmission, while maintaining security and reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
the transmitter is an infra red light emitting diode that is used for infra-red illumination for night vision and used as a transmitter
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable night vision apparatus comprising at least one image intensifier tube and a memory. The at least one image intensifier tube is coupled to a power supply and coupled to a processor. The memory is coupled to the processor for the storage of data relating to the apparatus and to the use of the apparatus.