Semi-transparent Detector Array Autofocus Nightvision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nightvision systems often require manual focus adjustments, which can be inconvenient and difficult in high-stress situations where users do not have a free hand available.
Innovation Solution
A nightvision system incorporating a transparent optical device with active elements and transparent regions, coupled with an image processor and autofocus mechanism, allowing for automatic focus adjustment based on image processing and detection of light, enabling hands-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual focus adjustment is used, then the user can control focus manually, but the user cannot perform adjustments in high-stress situations without a free hand
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the night vision image itself to automatically determine focus status and adjust focus without requiring user intervention. The image processor analyzes the captured image to detect focus conditions and triggers the autofocus mechanism accordingly, making the system self-regulating and hands-free operational during high-stress situations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the image processor continuously monitors the captured night vision image to detect focus status, sends control signals to the autofocus mechanism, and adjusts focus accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic focus adjustment based on real-time image analysis, eliminating the need for manual intervention.
2Extent of automation
If a transparent optical device is added to enable autofocus, then automatic focus functionality is achieved, but light transmission efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent optical device incorporates localized transparent regions positioned at specific locations where light transmission is critical, while active elements are placed in other areas for detecting and processing light information. This spatial differentiation allows the device to maintain high light transmission efficiency in key areas while still providing autofocus functionality through localized active elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent optical device is segmented into distinct functional zones: transparent regions for light transmission and active elements for light detection and processing. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its specific function, with transparent areas maximizing light throughput and active elements performing focus detection, thereby balancing automation capability with light transmission efficiency.
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
The system provides automatic focus functionality, improving image clarity and convenience by allowing users to maintain focus without manual adjustments, even in stressful environments.
Implementation Method 1
The transparent optical device includes an active area of a single semiconductor chip. The active area includes active elements configured to cause the underlying device to detect light from the underlying device and transparent regions formed in the active area which are transparent to the light in the first spectrum to allow light in the first spectrum to pass through from the underlying device to a user.
Implementation Method 2
an underlying device configured to provide output light in a first spectrum from input light received at the underlying device
Implementation Method 3
An image processor configured to process images produced using light detected by the first plurality of active elements is coupled to the transparent optical device. The autofocus mechanism configured to focus the input light into the underlying device based on image processing performed by the image processor.
Data Source
AI summary
A nightvision system includes an underlying device that provides output light in a first spectrum. A transparent optical device transmits light in the first spectrum from the underlying device through the transparent optical device. The transparent optical device includes an active area of a semiconductor chip. The active area includes active elements that cause the underlying device to detect light from the underlying device and transparent regions formed in the active area which are transparent to the light in the first spectrum to allow light in the first spectrum to pass through from the underlying device to a user. An image processor processes images produced using light detected by the first plurality of active elements. An autofocus mechanism coupled to the image processor focuses the input light into the underlying device based on image processing performed by the image processor.