Night Vision Overlay Display With Local Frame Buffer Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Analog night vision systems face challenges in reducing size, weight, and power due to the inefficiencies in controlling and updating overlay display images, particularly when using high-speed parallel data interfaces.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a local frame driver with a memory array representing pixel values, allowing for local updating of display images and reducing communication bandwidth by only transmitting changed pixel values, along with the use of a local processor to determine pixel values from detected signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire display image is updated each frame at the frame rate using external controller communication, then the display image is kept current, but considerable power is consumed by the communication interfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the changed portions of the display image (delta updates) rather than transmitting the entire frame. The external controller identifies which pixels have changed and transmits only those updated pixel values, significantly reducing communication power consumption while maintaining display currentness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the communication parameter from transmitting full-frame pixel data to transmitting only delta updates. This parameter change in the communication protocol reduces the data volume and power consumption while maintaining the reliability of displaying current information.
2Productivity
If each pixel value is communicated via communication interfaces during each period of the frame rate, then the display is updated completely, but the size, weight, and power of the system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the essential information (changed pixel values) rather than the complete pixel data. This reduces the communication bandwidth requirements and system complexity while maintaining complete display updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by transmitting only the necessary portion of data (changed pixels) rather than the complete data set. This partial transmission approach reduces system complexity and resource requirements while achieving the goal of complete display updates.
3Speed
If high-speed parallel data interfaces are used for overlay display control, then the display update speed is sufficient, but electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and transmits only the changed pixel data rather than complete frames, reducing the data volume and communication time. This reduces the duration of high-speed parallel interface activity, thereby minimizing electromagnetic interference while maintaining adequate update speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic updates only when changes occur, rather than continuous full-frame transmission. This periodic delta-update approach reduces the frequency and duration of high-speed interface activity, minimizing electromagnetic interference while maintaining display responsiveness.
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 approach significantly reduces the size, weight, and power consumption of night vision systems while minimizing electromagnetic interference, enabling more efficient and covert operations.
Implementation Method 1
a semiconductor chip configured to receive first light of an underlying image and superimpose second light of a display image over the underlying image
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An apparatus and method are provided for a night vision system including a transparent overlay display that transmit direct-view light representing an intensified image and emits display light representing a display image. To reduce the communication bandwidth with an external controller, a frame buffer is provided to locally update pixel values of the display image, at a first frame rate. Because many pixel values remain unchanged from frame to frame, an external controller may change the pixel values stored in the frame buffer as needed, reducing the amount of information that is needed from the external controller to control the display image. Additionally, to reduce the communication bandwidth the display information may be communicated from the external controller using a high-level language. Further, some of the display information may be determined using a local processor, rather than relying on the external controller for the display information.