Night Vision Test Fixture Mirror Optical Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
Night vision imaging systems, such as night vision goggles, are sensitive to cockpit lighting, which can degrade their visual acuity by amplifying unwanted light sources, and existing testing methods face challenges in maintaining the required viewing distance due to spatial constraints in flight simulators or aircraft cockpits.
Innovation Solution
A night vision test fixture that includes a mirror and a starlight generator, allowing the visual target to be reflected to the pilot's seat, thereby increasing the effective viewing distance while maintaining the required target distance, and is adjustable to accommodate different setups and constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the visual target is placed at the required viewing distance from the pilot seat, then the testing accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and spatial requirements increase due to the need for a mirror and adjustable mounting structure
Solution Approach 1:
A mirror is introduced as an intermediary element to redirect the optical path between the visual target and the pilot seat. The mirror allows the target to be positioned at the required viewing distance while reflecting the image to the pilot, effectively resolving the spatial constraint without compromising testing accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is extended by utilizing the reflection dimension created by the mirror. Instead of placing the target in a straight line at the required distance, the mirror creates a virtual image path that achieves the same optical effect within the confined spatial dimensions of the cockpit
2Adaptability or versatility
If the mirror and visual target holder are made adjustable, then the adaptability to different cockpit configurations is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate and visual target holder are designed with adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the mirror and target positions. This enables the fixture to adapt to different cockpit layouts and testing requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular adjustment capabilities
3Measurement precision
If the starlight generator illuminates the visual target, then the measurement precision of night vision system testing is improved, but the risk of degrading NVG performance due to excessive illumination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The starlight generator is designed to emit light at specific intensity parameters that mimic natural starlight conditions. By carefully controlling the illumination parameters (intensity, spectrum, direction), the system achieves accurate night vision testing without overwhelming the NVG sensors, preventing automatic gain reduction and maintaining testing fidelity
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 accurate testing of night vision imaging systems by ensuring the visual target is viewed at the specified distance, even in confined spaces, without degrading the system's performance due to cockpit lighting, and allows for compact and portable setup in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
a mounting plate supporting a mirror and arranged such that the mirror intersects the sight line... to direct a reflected image of the visual target from the mirror to the pilot seat
Implementation Method 2
a starlight generator attached to the support structure and arranged to output starlight on the visual target supported by the visual target holder
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for testing visual acuity of a night vision imaging system using a visual target. A fixture arranges a mirror a first distance from the night vision imaging system and arranges the visual target a second distance from the mirror. A sum of the first distance and the second distance equals a target distance between the night vision imaging system and the visual target. The fixture includes a starlight generator that can illuminate the visual target with simulated starlight and/or moonlight that stimulates the night vision imaging system.