Nightvision Micro-Display Integration via Beam Combiner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nightvision devices lack modern ancillary functionality, such as heads-up displays, due to space and form factor constraints, and existing solutions like clip-on devices can cause image washout and burn-in, while also adding weight and size, and there is a need to maintain existing functionality and ensure power and focal compatibility.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a micro display unit within the nightvision system, using a beam combiner to align the display image with the intensified image at the same focal distance, and providing power through parasitic connections, while allowing for different orientations and maintaining existing functionality like low battery indication, using a self-contained display unit with a flex-style interposer for power transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a clip-on display device is added to the nightvision system, then modern ancillary functionality is provided, but image washout and burn-in occur
Solution Approach 1:
A beam combiner is introduced as an intermediary optical element that merges the display image with the intensified nightvision image. The beam combiner uses partial reflection and partial transmission to combine the two optical paths, allowing the display information to be superimposed on the nightvision image without direct contact that would cause washout or burn-in.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a clip-on display device is added to the nightvision system, then modern ancillary functionality is provided, but weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display unit is integrated into the existing nightvision housing rather than being a separate clip-on device. The micro-display, beam combiner, and associated components are merged with the nightvision system's structural elements, eliminating redundant housings and mounting mechanisms that would add unnecessary weight.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the nightvision system is modified to add display functionality, then modern ancillary functionality is provided, but existing functionality may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The nightvision system is divided into functionally independent modules: the image intensifier tube, the micro-display unit, and the beam combiner. This segmentation allows each module to operate independently without interfering with the others, ensuring that adding display functionality does not compromise the core nightvision capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam combiner acts as an optical intermediary that merges the display path with the nightvision image path without affecting the intensifier tube's operation. This intermediary element ensures that the display addition is optically isolated from the sensitive image intensification process.
4Use of energy by moving object
If power is provided to the display unit through parasitic connections, then power supply is achieved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parasitic power connection uses the existing electrical contacts of the image intensifier tube to serve dual purposes: powering the intensifier tube itself and providing power to the micro-display unit. This multi-functional use of existing electrical infrastructure eliminates the need for separate power wiring, reducing overall connection 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
Enables the addition of modern ancillary functionality like heads-up displays without altering the form factor, maintaining image quality, and ensuring compatibility and power supply, while allowing for various orientations and maintaining existing features like low battery indication.
Implementation Method 1
using a beam combiner to align the display image with the intensified image at the same focal distance
Implementation Method 2
a micro display unit integrated within a nightvision system
Implementation Method 3
some nightvision systems measure infrared thermal energy and convert that infrared thermal energy into a visual image viewable by a user
Implementation Method 4
convert emissions, reflections, and combinations thereof to visible spectrum emissions
Implementation Method 5
some nightvision devices emit infrared light that is reflected off of objects, and the reflections are detected by the nightvision devices
Implementation Method 6
emit infrared light that is reflected off of objects
Implementation Method 7
The nightvision system may have amplification of light photons reflected into the nightvision system, by use of an intensifier module
Data Source
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AI summary
A modified nightvision system. The nightvision system includes an intensifier module configured to intensify received light input into the intensifier module. The intensifier module has an input side configured to receive photons of the received light and an output side configured to output intensified light resulting from the received light. The night vision system includes an added display unit proximate the output side of the intensifier module, the display unit configured to output graphical content. The night vision system includes an added beam combiner optically coupled to the display unit and the output side of the intensifier module. The beam combiner is configured to combine the intensified light and graphical content. The night vision system includes an eyepiece optically coupled to the beam combiner. The eyepiece is configured to receive the combined intensified light and graphical content and to provide the combined intensified light and graphical content to a user.