Abstract:
A vibration stabilized image projection system includes a viewing screen supported on a vibratory platform, an image projector supported off the platform in a relatively vibration-free environment for projecting an image toward the screen, and an image stabilizing lens interposed between the projector and screeen for providing an optical link between them. The stabilizing lens is supported on the platform for undergoing vibratory movement therewith in X, Y and/or Z planes and relative to the projector. The lens focuses the image at a stationary position on the screen as the stabilizing lens, screen and platform undergo vibratory movement relative to the projector.
Abstract:
A measurement apparatus and method for detecting, resolving and quantifying the distortion caused by a relatively large region of a distorting optically transparent medium. A precisely defined pattern is viewed through the transparent medium to introduce the distortion effects. The altered pattern is photographically recorded in thin film transparency format. A beam of coherent luminous energy projected through the transparency, once focused, produces a Fraunhofer diffraction pattern which is the Fourier transform of the original pattern. Conventional distortion characteristics in the Fourier domain appear in a form more amenable to quantification and analysis. The character and magnitude of the distortion is readily ascertained by comparing the transforms of distorted and undistorted patterns, yielding quantitative data comparable to conventional distortion effects in terms of grid line slop and lens factor.
Abstract:
An optical device for measuring the angles formed between a line-of-sight and the normal to a planar surface intersected thereby. A solid piece of optically transparent material having a relatively large index of refraction is geometrically shaped to have a planar base surface, with a reference mark theron, and a curvilinear viewing surface with scale marks to designate angular orientations. The exterior surfaces are optically polished to create mirrored surfaces for internal reflection. To accentuate contrast, the planar surface containing the reference mark is coated with a layer of contrasting opaque material. Angles are measured by placing the planar base surface of the device on the planar surface intersected by the line-of-sight and aligning the reference mark with the point of intersection. When viewed from the observation point defining the line-of-sight, an image of the reference mark appears on the scaled surface at a location representing the line-of-sight angle.
Abstract:
A cost considered arrangement for evaluating local illumination interference with operation of a night vision apparatus in for example the confines of an illumination inclusive aircraft cockpit. The evaluation is especially applicable to identifying interference between aircraft instrument lighting having infrared content for example, and night vision apparatus operation in the aircraft. The evaluation is cost is limited by use of a common household lamp night vision apparatus source calibrated with a common light measuring instrument operated at close range and with modification of the measured illumination through mathematical manipulation of the source operating distance to achieve the low light levels needed for night vision apparatus operation. A standard visual acuity chart and multiple operator interpretations of the chart resolutions achieved are included.
Abstract:
A self-contained, military usage compatible, stabilized illumination calibration system and method of using same to enable in-the-field accurate determination of the low-level light falling on the surface of a night vision apparatus resolution chart and attending adjustment of a night vision device. Use of such charts, such as the chart of U.S. Pat. No. 4,607,923, preferably includes known levels of illumination at several different expected night vision goggle compatible lower-levels in order to both evaluate and adjust the performance of a night vision device prior to its use or during extended use periods. The disclosed system is digital computer controlled and provides an accurate, easy to use, and low cost alternative to previous laboratory-like methods of determining night vision evaluation illumination. The disclosed system provides go or no go indications of achieved chart illumination.
Abstract:
A method for measuring optical distortion in a transparency is described which comprises the steps of acquiring an analog image of a grid board through the transparency, digitizing the analog image to form a digitized image comprising a multiplicity of pixels defining the shape of the grid board as viewed through the transparency, locating on the digitized image the pixels defining the grid and determining optical distortion of the transparency by comparing the shape of the grid in the digitized image to the actual grid shape on the grid board.
Abstract:
A system for measuring optical angular deviation in a transparency such as an aircraft or automobile windscreen, visor, optical lens or the like is described wherein orthogonal first and second incoherent light line images are combined and separately optically encoded, such as by wavelength or by polarization vector using suitable color or polarization filters or beamsplitters, and projected through a transparency under examination, the combined images then separated to detect simultaneously and separately the vertical and horizontal components of angular deviation at a specific location in the transparency.
Abstract:
A novel instrument and method for measuring the accommodative amplitude and speed of the eye of a subject is described. The instrument for making the measurements according to the present invention comprises a pair of illuminated or luminous visual displays disposed for viewing along an optical axis, the images of the displays superimposed upon each other for viewing by a subject, one of the displays comprising a pattern having a plurality of distinct and recognizable orientations with respect to the axis along which it is viewed, an orientation generator for randomly and alternately generating one of the orientations for viewing by the subject, a switch operable by the subject for turning the displays off and indicating the observed orientation of the random pattern, and a recorder for recording the last displayed orientation and the time the displays were on or the time between presentation of one display and the correct identification of the other.
Abstract:
An image layout arrangement suitable for transposing small template located images into large work surface located images with any required degree of image resolution and detail, using simple, low-cost tools. An exemplary layout of aircraft images to a runway surface for use in enhancing air base survivability is included and employs point-by-point image transposition according to a plurality of point locating arrangements.
Abstract:
A diffuse incandescent runway marker light apparatus has a housing with a visible light diffusing plate mounted in one end and an infrared light diffusing plate mounted in the other end, and a pair of incandescent light sources mounted in the housing and aimed toward the respective housing end plates. A switch, when flipped to a first position, turns on one light source for producing visible illumination and turns off the other light source. The switch, when flipped to a second position, turns off the one light source and turns on the other light source for producing infrared illumination. In such manner, the appropriate type of illumination for marking the runway for overt or covert landing operation may be selected. When the switch is flipped to a third position, both light sources are turned off.