Semi-Transparent Detector Array Illumination for Nightvision Contrast
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nightvision systems face challenges in low-light environments due to insufficient ambient lighting, leading to washed-out scenes or important portions being obscured by constant external illuminators, and existing solutions do not effectively address these issues.
Innovation Solution
A nightvision system incorporating a transparent optical device that detects brightness maps and performs illumination functionality, using image processing to enhance contrast and selectively adjust light output based on detected objects or regions of interest, with optional heads-up display capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a constant external illuminator is used to add additional lighting in low-light environments, then visibility is improved, but the scene becomes washed out and important portions are obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The illuminator transitions from a static constant light source to a dynamic controllable illuminator that can adjust its output intensity and spatial distribution in real-time based on scene requirements, preventing over-illumination and washout effects
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminator provides non-uniform illumination with different intensities in different regions of the scene, concentrating light on important portions while reducing illumination in other areas to preserve scene detail and contrast
2Measurement precision
If a transparent optical device with active elements is added to detect light and provide illumination control, then illumination precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent optical device integrates multiple functions including light detection, illumination control, and display capabilities into a single unified component, reducing the need for separate devices and simplifying the overall system structure
Solution Approach 2:
The transparent optical device serves multiple purposes: detecting brightness maps, controlling illuminator output, providing heads-up display functionality, and enabling augmented reality features, thereby reducing the need for additional specialized components
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
Enhances visibility in low-light conditions by dynamically adjusting illumination, improving contrast and providing augmented reality features, while minimizing interference with the user's view.
Implementation Method 1
The transparent optical device is configured to transmit light in the first spectrum from the underlying device through the transparent optical device
Implementation Method 2
The active area includes active elements configured to cause the underlying device to detect light from the underlying device
Implementation Method 3
The illuminator is configured to provide additional input light into the underlying device based on image processing performed by the image processor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3A
Figure 3B
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 brightness maps produced using light detected by the first plurality of active elements. An illuminator coupled to the image processor inputs light into the underlying device based on image processing performed by the image processor.