Abstract:
An instrument and method for optically calibrating and balancing low level luminances of lighted instrument panel displays within the operator station of a vehicle is described which comprises a self-contained, calibrated luminance source and a beamsplitter for combining and juxtaposing an image of the calibrated luminance source with an image of the luminance from a lighted instrument panel display to be calibrated or balanced, whereby the images may be compared in luminance, the lighted instrument panel display being adjustable in intensity using the vehicle instrument panel light trim capability.
Abstract:
An adaptor detachably mounted on an ocular of night vision goggles for quly adjusting the objective lens focus to clearly view far and near objects. The adaptor includes a positive optical power or close-up lens mounted in a holder pivotally mounted between a stowed, inoperative position and an operative position locating the close-up lens in axial alignment with the objective lens of the ocular. The close-up lens has an effective diameter substantially smaller than the diameter of the objective lens to raise the F/number of the objective lens/close-up lens combination for increasing the depth of focus for enhanced near viewing. Auxiliary illumination is provided by a battery powered infra-red Light Emitting Diode (LED) mounted in the adaptor and energized by a switch as the lens holder moves toward its operative position.
Abstract:
A synthetic color arrangement for a night vision inclusive surveillance system and its display is disclosed. The system partitions an input scene video signal into spectrally segregated scene components which are provided with separate processing as video signals and then recombined into a composite but now multiple color inclusive output representation of the input scene. The system in effect shifts input spectral components to a different part of the electromagnetic spectrum, the visible range of the spectrum, where operator controllable new spectral wavelength values are assigned to each different input scene spectral wavelength. Use of charge coupled device video camera elements, a video signal mixer apparatus, input wavelengths within both the visible and infrared spectral regions and signal processing according to the NTSC standards are also included. Military and non military uses of the apparatus are contemplated.
Abstract:
A method of measuring optical properties of a transparency uses a video camera for focusing and then refocusing an image of a point source of light transmitted through a test region when the transparency is first absent and then later present at the test region. The distance the camera needs to be moved together with the focal length of a focusing lens used in carrying out the method provide sufficient quantitative data to calculate the spherical optical power of the transparency. Also, the camera generates video images of the point source both before and after the transparency is present in the test region. These images are displayed on a screen containing a grid pattern which facilitates measurement of the displacement of the image from the center of the grid or from the optical axis due to the presence of prismatic deviation in the transparency. Given the earlier data and supplemented by the latter displacement quantity, the prismatic deviation of the transpareny can also be calculated.
Abstract:
A novel optical device and method for measuring intraocular light scatter in a human vision system of a subject is described which comprises first and second light sources of respective predetermined intensities, the images of which are optically folded along a common optical axis and projected into the vision system of the subject, the first source being of intensity sufficient to generate intraocular haze in the vision system of the subject, the second source being movable in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis along which its image is projected whereby the second source image as viewed by the subject may be selectively viewed with respect to the first source image to measure the apparent peripheral extent of the haze surrounding the first source image.
Abstract:
A portable visual function tester and testing method is described for rapid and accurate measurement of several human vision parameters, including critical fusion frequency, stereopsis, Snellen visual acuity and visual resolution, cyclophoria, eye dominance, and lateral and vertical phoria, which comprises, first and second illuminated visual displays disposed for viewing by respective left and right eyes of a subject along respective parallel first and second optical axes, each display comprising an array of visual display patterns, one pattern of each display comprising a pair disposed for simultaneous viewing by the subject in the measurement of a corresponding vision parameter; the display patterns include an illuminated blinking disk for measurement of critical fusion frequency, a rectangular array of four-dot sets for measurement of stereopsis, an array of Snellen E designs of various sizes and orientations for measurement of visual acuity, and a resolution fan comprising a pattern of a plurality of radially extending alternate bright and dark luminance areas for measurement of minimum visual resolution; the visual display pairs include a first pair including a first circle with adjacent reference mark and a second circle with adjacent reference scale for measurement of cyclophoria, a second pair including two sets of oppositely oriented diagonal lines for determination of eye dominance, and a third pair including an illuminated dot and illuminated rectangular grid for testing of lateral and vertical phorias; suitable electronics are included for selectively illuminating the display patterns in pairs.
Abstract:
An arrangement for conveniently changing the illumination in an aircraft cockpit or other enclosure to a spectrum compatible with night vision infrared equipment including provision for easy return to the original illumination source. Selected LED elements are employed in multiple element arrays using a tether connected package that can be excited directly from existing wiring in fixtures.
Abstract:
A glide slope indicator system in which light from an incoming aircraft's landing light is shaped by spherical/cylindrical lens combination into a line image which strikes a linear photodiode array. By determining which photodiode in the array the center of the line image strikes, the glide slope angle can be determined. An appropriate signal is communicated to the pilot via a pair of indicator lights mounted on the runway depending upon whether the aircraft is above, below or on the desired glide slope angle.
Abstract:
A method for dynamically recording distortion in a transparency includes a support fixture for mounting the transparency for movement about a predetermined horizontal or vertical axis, with a camera disposed in back of the transparency while a test target is disposed in front of it. The test target has a plurality of small light sources arranged in a rectangular matrix pattern toward which the camera is aimed through the transparency. By opening the camera shutter for a period of time as the transparency is moved through a predetermined angle, a photographic record of distortion at a plurality of regions in the transparency is produced.
Abstract:
An apparatus for altering the spatial frequency content of recorded patterns by selectively filtering the patterns after they are transformed into the Fourier domain. The filter characteristics are spatially and temporally variable while the real space image of the altered pattern is being observed. A laser beam is projected through a transparency containing the pattern. The patterned beam, with diffraction interference effects, is transformed to the Fourier domain at the surface of a liquid crystal light valve responsive to a spatially and temporally varying light projector. The projector activated regions reflect areas of the Fourier domain beam, while other areas are absorbed or incoherently reflected. A beam splitter redirects a portion of the reflected beam to a continuously observable image plane after transformation back into real space.