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.
Abstract:
An improved aerial refueling system, suitable for operation under nighttime or other limited visibility conditions, is described, and comprises a tanker aircraft with refueling boom depending rearwardly thereof, a receiver aircraft having a fuel receptacle for interconnection with the boom, means disposed on the tanker for illuminating the receiver aircraft with infrared light during hookup and refueling, infrared sensitive viewing means and an optical imaging device on the tanker through which the boom operator may view the boom and receiver aircraft to guide the boom into position for connection with the receiver aircraft.
Abstract:
An apparatus for analyzing the deleterious characteristics of optically transparent bodies, including distortion, multiple imaging and birefringence. A beam of light is projected along an optical axis onto a beam splitter. The reflected segment passes through the transparent body and is then reflected back along nearly the same path toward the beam splitter by a retro-reflective screen lying at the image plane of the beam. The portion of the reflected beam passing directly through the beam splitter is detected by an optical sensor in substantial orientation with the axis of the beam reaching it. Distortions and multiple imaging are detected by shape changes and images, respectively, in a pattern of opaque areas superimposed on the originating beam. Birefringence is analyzed by polarizing the originating beam and observing the color pattern and intensity reaching the sensor.
Abstract:
A fluid filled variable power optical lens is described that includes a substantially tubular shaped housing having in one embodiment an optically transparent elastic membrane disposed over one end thereof and a transparent plate over the second end thereof and defining a chamber for containing an optically transparent fluid and in another embodiment an optically transparent elastic membrane disposed over each end thereof and defining a chamber containing the fluid, and pump assembly for inserting or withdrawing fluid from the chamber whereby each membrane is correspondingly selectively bulged outwardly or inwardly in the shape of a convex or concave lens.
Abstract:
An automated and preferably computer-controlled night vision device test arrangement for determination of spectral sensitivity in the infrared or other input spectrum regions. The test arrangement includes feedback control of night vision device input port signal levels, incremented selection of input signal wavelength, loop-residing spectrum increments and automated collection and presentation of test results.
Abstract:
A test arrangement for assessing the spectral energy distribution-determined response of a night vision device or other electro-optical apparatus. The test arrangement provides a library of spectral energy-distributed test signals or input scenes which may be selected to represent for example typical or extreme conditions expected during field use of the tested night vision device. The test signals originate in an array of energy transducer devices such as light emitting diode elements with each such light emitting diode element proving a limited wavelength component of the wide band composite optical signal received at the input port of the night vision device. Each component signal is arranged to be controlled electrically in presence or absence and also controlled electrically in radiance or intensity according to the needs of the scene being presented; such control is provided by a manual controller or by a programmed digital computer or by other controlling apparatus such as a programmed logic array. The composite test signal may include both infrared and visible components. In addition to control of the composite test signal, other aspects of the performed test such as test scene data storage may also be accomplished in the controller or computer. The disclosed apparatus is especially suited to performance verification of night vision systems in a laboratory environment prior to field use of similar systems. Military and non-military uses are contemplated.