Optical Assembly for Night Vision Image Superimposition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing night vision goggles struggle with distinguishing between thermal and image intensifier channels due to identical green color, lack of color contrast, and manual brightness adjustments required for varying scene brightness, which can lead to missed targets and limited image export capabilities.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly that wirelessly receives and superimposes images from multiple sources within the night vision device, using a non-contact receiver and a 45-degree semi-transparent mirror to combine images, with optional camera for capturing and exporting the combined image, and a brightness detector for automatic adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thermal imagery is injected into the image intensifier channel using a clip-on thermal imager, then the user can simultaneously view night vision and thermal imagery, but the thermal channel imagery has the same green color as the I2 imagery resulting in no color contrast
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes by converting the thermal channel imagery from green to red color. This is achieved through electronic processing of the thermal video signal to change its color representation, providing distinct color contrast between the night vision (green) and thermal (red) imagery channels, thereby resolving the contradiction between simultaneous viewing capability and color contrast.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual brightness adjustment is added to the thermal display to maintain thermal brightness contrast, then brightness contrast can be maintained, but the soldier needs to constantly adjust the thermal channel brightness which is impractical for rapid scene brightness changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing automatic brightness control for the thermal channel that responds to scene brightness changes. The system continuously monitors the night vision scene brightness and automatically adjusts the thermal channel brightness accordingly, eliminating the need for manual adjustment while maintaining optimal brightness contrast between channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the thermal display system to automatically regulate its own brightness based on ambient conditions. The system self-adjusts the thermal channel brightness in response to scene brightness changes without requiring operator intervention, making the device autonomous in maintaining optimal display contrast.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a clip-on thermal imager is mechanically mounted externally to the I2 goggle, then the thermal channel can be added to the system, but the system cannot provide export of the image intensified image
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an integrated system that provides multiple functions including thermal imagery injection, color contrast enhancement, automatic brightness control, and image export capability. The system serves multiple purposes through a unified architecture, allowing both internal display with enhanced contrast and external export of the combined imagery.
4Illumination intensity
If the tube gain is reduced to accommodate brighter night vision scenes, then the night vision image can be displayed properly, but the thermal brightness contrast is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing dynamic, independent brightness control for each channel. The system allows the night vision and thermal channels to have separate brightness adjustments, enabling the tube gain to be optimized for night vision scenes while the thermal channel brightness is independently controlled to maintain its contrast, resolving the trade-off between the two channels.
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 simultaneous viewing of night vision and injected imagery with improved color contrast and brightness adjustment, allowing for export of the combined image, enhancing target detection and facilitating mission feedback and training purposes.
Implementation Method 1
A 45-degree semi-transparent (i.e., partially reflective, partially transmissive) mirror 106 is positioned to intercept light from the display 104, allowing some of the light to pass therethrough and some of the light to reflect there off.
Data Source
AI summary
An optical assembly allows video imagery to be imported into a night vision device and exported therefrom. The assembly can be an insert that is installed between the image tube and eyepiece of an existing night vision device to retrofit the device for superimposing images. Images imported—e.g., images captured by thermal detectors, maps, compass information, training video, etc.—are received wirelessly and injected into the optical train of the night vision device such that both the night vision scene from the goggle and the injected imagery can be simultaneously observed at the eyepiece. Combined images can be transmitted to external systems for observation purposes such as real-time active mission feedback. The insert provides sensor fusion and interconnection to the digital battlefield for presently-fielded night vision goggles. It receives power and optical information from the existing goggle. Goggles using this device can have full functionality and performance.