With Plural Optical Axes Patents (Class 359/403)
  • Patent number: 10977817
    Abstract: An image device includes a first image capture module, a second image capture module, and an image processor. The first image capture module has a first field of view, and the second image capture module has a second field of view different from the first field of view. The image processor is coupled to the first image capture module and the second image capture module. The image processor sets a virtual optical center according to the first image capture module, the second image capture module, and a target visual scope, and generates a display image corresponding to the virtual optical center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: eYs3D Microelectronics, Co.
    Inventor: Chi-Feng Lee
  • Patent number: 10216071
    Abstract: An optical system has a first optical axis on an incident side and a second optical axis on an exit side, and the first optical axis and the second optical axis are located at different positions. The optical system includes a reflection unit including a roof surface having a first reflection surface and a second reflection surface, and a third reflection surface parallel or orthogonal to a ridge line of the roof surface. The third reflection surface is different from the first reflection surface and the second reflection surface. The reflection unit is rotatable about the first optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Saburo Sugawara, Makoto Takahashi, Junya Ichimura
  • Patent number: 9233643
    Abstract: An image generation device generates an output image based on input images obtained by image-taking parts. A coordinates correspondence part causes coordinates on a columnar space model arranged to surround a body to be operated to correspond to coordinates on input image planes on which the input images are positioned, respectively. An output image generation part causes values of the coordinates on the input image planes to correspond to values of the coordinates on an output image plane on which the output image is positioned through coordinates on the columnar space model, which is a combination of a plurality of space model parts each having a reference axis. The space model corresponds to a pair of adjacent image-taking parts among the image-taking parts, and an optical axis of each of the pair of image-taking parts intersects with the reference axis of a corresponding one of the space model parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.
    Inventor: Yoshihisa Kiyota
  • Publication number: 20140185138
    Abstract: A periscope that provides a wide-angle viewing field while having a compact physical size is provided. The periscope has at least two objective lenses with their optical axes at an angle to each other so that the objective lenses image different solid angle regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: SCHOTT AG
    Inventors: Werner Sklarek, Hubertus Russert, Juergen Boer
  • Patent number: 8659826
    Abstract: A worn display, such as a head worn display, includes a projector and a periscopic system configured to be wearable. The periscopic system includes at least one diffraction grating member. The member includes an input end for receiving an image from a projector and a combiner end for receiving light from a scene and providing the image received at the input end and the light received from the outside scene to the user. The head worn display can be used in aircraft applications to provide guidance information to a pilot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: Rockwell Collins, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert D. Brown, Steven J. Robbins, Francois Raynal
  • Patent number: 7936504
    Abstract: The camera or periscope system may include a taking lens, a beam steering device, a relay device, and an image rotation device. The camera or periscope system can be used to image in situations where the camera is not easily redirected to view a desired object of interest. The camera or periscope system is designed to be fixed to a mounting platform where the taking lens can be configured to point to the desired object of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Snakehead Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ronald C. Goodman, Attila Szalay, Clark A. Pentico, Walt Caldwell
  • Patent number: 7888644
    Abstract: An imaging system (30, 30?) and corresponding method has a two-dimensional imaging sensor array (32) and an associated optical system. The optical system includes at least one optical arrangement (34, 36a, 36b) defining a field of view (38a, 38b) of given angular dimensions and an optical switching mechanism (40) for alternately switching an optical axis of the imaging system between two directions (42a, 42b). The optical switching mechanism and the optical arrangement(s) are deployed such that the imaging sensor array generates images of at least two generally non-overlapping fields of view of equal angular dimensions and with diverging optical axes in fixed spatial relation. Rapid switching between the fields of view allows quasi-continuous monitoring of a larger field of view than would otherwise be possible while maintaining sensitivity to transient events. Also disclosed is an infrared search and tracking system based on such imaging systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
    Inventors: Assa Fine, Chanoch Miller
  • Patent number: 7837330
    Abstract: An adapter is provided for adapting an optical instrument, such as a camera (3) or a projector, to capture or display panoramic three-dimensional images. The adapter comprises a plurality of mirrors (1a, 1b, 1c), each of which has a reflective surface which is in the shape of a curved non-circular conic section rotated about an axis of symmetry (15a, 15b, 15c). The reflective surfaces have first foci which are spaced perpendicularly from a longitudinal axis of the adapter and which are angularly spaced around the longitudinal axis. For example, the conic section may be a hyperbola with first foci equidistantly spaced from the longitudinal axis and equiangularly spaced around 15b the longitudinal axis. The axes of symmetry (15a, 15b, 15c) of the mirrors (1a, 1b, 1c) converge to intersect the longitudinal axis at a point which is coincident with the front principal point of, for example, a camera lens (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: David James Montgomery, Graham Roger Jones
  • Patent number: 7589894
    Abstract: Apparatus (204) for optical manipulation of a pair of landscape stereoscopic images, such that the side-by-side orientation needed by a pair of human eyes is reoriented to an orientation which is required for recording with a single camera. The apparatus comprises three periscopes (108, 124, 130), two of which are horizontally oriented and one which is vertically oriented. The side-byside view is reoriented to an arrangement with one picture above the other. To achieve this one side view is reflected by one horizontal periscope (108) with first and second reflectors (120, 122) to an upper picture position. The other side view is reflected by the vertical periscope (124) with third and fourth reflectors (126, 128) to a lower position, where another horizontal periscope (130) with fifth and sixth reflectors (132, 134) reflects the other side view of a lower picture position. Thus, the optical axis exit the third periscope (130) below the optical axis exit of the first periscope (108).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Stereoscopic Optical Systems Limited
    Inventor: John Alexander Christian
  • Patent number: 7298392
    Abstract: An omni-directional camera array that is very small and unobtrusive and allows for higher pixel resolution for the face of meeting participants sitting or standing around a conference room table, as would be typical in a video conferencing situation. The camera system of the invention uses N cameras and an N sided mirror to capture images of the surrounding scene. The cameras are arranged to have a small distance between their virtual centers of projection. The images from the N cameras are stitched together to create a 360-degree panorama using a calibration surface. To stitch the images together in real-time, a static image stitcher is used, which stitches images together perfectly for objects on a calibration surface. The calibration surface is typically defined by the boundary of the table the camera is sitting on.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Microsoft Corp.
    Inventor: Ross Cutler
  • Patent number: 7246405
    Abstract: A self-moving vacuum cleaner includes a duct disposed in a casing and having a vacuum inlet which extends downwardly of a bottom wall of the casing, and an impeller disposed to draw dust from the floor surface through the vacuum inlet into the duct. An intake nozzle includes a tubular nozzle body which has an upper end communicated with and retainingly slidable relative to the vacuum inlet so as to enable a lower end of the nozzle body to be movable between upper and lower positions, and an anchoring member which is hinged to the bottom wall such that the nozzle body is swingable between the upper and lower positions in response to unevenness of the floor surface, thereby enabling the lower end to keep trailing on the floor surface when the casing moves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Inventor: Jason Yan
  • Patent number: 7236299
    Abstract: A periscopic beam director is disclosed. The periscopic beam director can be configured with a hemispheric field of regard, in a volume that minimizes external structure or dome size when mounted on a host vehicle (e.g., airplane or UAV). One embodiment combines a Risley Prism refractive beam steering arrangement with an angled azimuthal mount. By using refraction in combination with reflection for changing the beam direction within an optical unit, a substantially more compact periscopic beam director can be realized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: M. James Smith
  • Patent number: 6768598
    Abstract: The image pickup device includes a plurality of plane mirrors arranged in the form of a polygonal pyramid, and a plurality of cameras disposed opposite the plane mirrors, respectively. The angle of incidence of a ray passing along the optical axis of a lens of the camera on the plane mirror is set to be less than 45 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Koichi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6731845
    Abstract: A panoramic view of the world surrounding a stationary mast of a submarine is provided by a plurality of small windows disposed circumferentially around the mast and a corresponding plurality of lenses for imaging the fields of view thereof onto coherent fiber optic image bundles. The fields of view of the lenses overlap to provide a complete panoramic view. The exit ends of the image guides are arranged to form a polygonal opening so that a replica of the panoramic view is provided within the opening. A mirror or prism rotating within the opening scans the view replica and directs the scanned image to a stationary television camera. A derotating prism in the path of the directed scanned image rotates at one-half the angular displacement of the image director to compensate for rotation imparted to the scanned image by the image director.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2004
    Assignee: Sperry Marine Inc.
    Inventor: David William Gerdt
  • Patent number: 6700711
    Abstract: Cameras are positioned so that at least a portion of the field of view of at least one camera is redirected by a reflective surface. Images from these cameras are merged to produce a composite image while disregarding at least a portion of a camera's field of view such that there is at least one blind region in the composite field of view. Advantageously, such blind regions can be made to encompass edges of mirror surfaces that would otherwise produce image artifacts in the composite image; this can be accomplished without introducing gaps in the angular span of the composite field of view. Data representative of the composite image is stored in a memory from which it may be retrieved selectively using a control means to display a portion of the composite image. The image and control data may be transmitted over a communication network to facilitate remote control and display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Fullview, Inc.
    Inventor: Vishvjit Singh Nalwa
  • Publication number: 20020089765
    Abstract: Cameras are positioned so that at least a portion of the field of view of at least one camera is redirected by a reflective surface. Images from these cameras are merged to produce a composite image while disregarding at least a portion of a camera's field of view such that there is at least one blind region in the composite field of view. Advantageously, such blind regions can be made to encompass edges of mirror surfaces that would otherwise produce image artifacts in the composite image; this can be accomplished without introducing gaps in the angular span of the composite field of view. Data representative of the composite image is stored in a memory from which it may be retrieved selectively using a control means to display a portion of the composite image. The image and control data may be transmitted over a communication network to facilitate remote control and display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 11, 2002
    Inventor: Vishvjit Singh Nalwa
  • Patent number: 6369942
    Abstract: A mounting and tracking system for telescopes receives date, time, and geographical position data and, in response, automatically selects and points the telescope to a first alignment star. The user completes the exact centering of the first alignment star. Based on the date, time, and geographical position data, the telescope automatically selects and points to a second alignment star. After the user completes the exact centering of the second alignment star the system automatically points to and tracks any of a large number of celestial bodies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Inventors: Rick Hedrick, Manishi Gupta, James Barnaby
  • Patent number: 6347010
    Abstract: A periscope has an IR sight corresponding to the infrared light split from the optical splitters; a visible camera corresponding to the visible light split from the optical splitters; and a laser range finder corresponding to the laser beam for emitting and receiving the laser beam. The three different light beams are integrated to share a common optical path by means of a prism so as to reduce the size and the cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology
    Inventors: Ping-Ho Chen, Yung-Shung Hung, Jiun-Woei Huang, Ding-Tin Lin, Chin-Kuan Luo
  • Patent number: 6339497
    Abstract: A panoramic periscope includes a central body (3, 3A) and a rotating head-piece (9) supported on the central body. Inside the central body, an optical path (21, 23, 101, 105, 109, 111, 113) for an optical beam (F,) coming from the head-piece (9) is provided. A viewing module (17) receives the optical beam, for observing the external scenery. A laser telemeter (19) is provided and, along the optical path, a separator element (10S) with an inner dichroic surface (105A) is passed through by the optical beam coming from the head-piece (9). The inner dichroic surface (105A) separates a laser beam coming from the head-piece (9) and deviating it towards a separate optical path (107) which conveys the laser beam towards the laser telemeter (19). The separator element (105) has an entry surface (105I) and an exit surface (105U) which are parallel with one another and passed through by the optical beam (FV), the surfaces being perpendicular to the optical beam (FV).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2002
    Assignee: Finmeccanica S.p.A. Ramo di Azienda Alenia Difesa
    Inventors: Silvano Pieri, Mauro Magnani, Mario Cecchi
  • Patent number: 6219090
    Abstract: A plurality of sensors' field of view are redirected by reflective surfaces. Portions of the fields of view of the sensors are removed to produce a first sensor modified field of view with a modified field of view boundary, and a second sensor modified field of view with a modified field of view boundary. Images obtained form the modified fields of view are combined along a modified field of view boundary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Vishvjit Singh Nalwa
  • Patent number: 6195204
    Abstract: A compact high resolution omnidirectional or panoramic viewer has several cameras with a common virtual optical center. The field of view of each of the cameras is arranged to form a continuous 360 degree view of an area when taken as a whole. The cameras are positioned so that they each view a different reflective surface of a polyhedron such as a pyramid. This results in each camera having a virtual optical center positioned within the pyramid. The cameras may be positioned so that their virtual optical centers are offset from each other. The offsets produce narrow blind regions that remove image distortions received from the edges of the pyramid's reflective surfaces. The reflective pyramids may be stacked base to base or nested within each other to produce a more compact panoramic viewer. Using two or more reflective pyramids in such close proximity permits using many cameras with the same virtual optical center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Vishvjit Singh Nalwa
  • Patent number: 6141145
    Abstract: A stereo panoramic view is provided through the use of multiple virtual optical centers. A reflective polyhedral cement, such as a pyramid, redirects the field of view of each camera in a first set of cameras to form a group of substantially co-located virtual optical centers at a first location within the pyramid. The pyramid also redirects the field of view of each camera in a second set of cameras to form a group of substantially co-located virtual optical centers at a second location within the pyramid. Panoramic images from the first and second virtual optical centers provide a stereo panoramic view when one panoramic image is provided to a user's left eye and the other panoramic image is provided to the user's right eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies
    Inventor: Vishvjit Singh Nalwa
  • Patent number: 6128143
    Abstract: A compact high resolution omnidirectional or panoramic viewer has several cameras with a common virtual optical center. The field of view of each of the cameras is arranged to form a continuous 360 degree view of an area when taken as a whole. The cameras are positioned so that they each views a different reflective surface of a polyhedron such as a pyramid. This results in each camera having a virtual optical center positioned within the pyramid. The cameras may be positioned so that their virtual optical centers are offset from each other. The offsets produce narrow blind regions that remove image distortions received from the edges of the pyramid's reflective surfaces. The reflective pyramids may be stacked base to base or nested within each other to produce a more compact panoramic viewer. Using two or more reflective pyramids in such close proximity permits using many cameras with the same virtual optical center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Vishvjit Singh Nalwa
  • Patent number: 6122100
    Abstract: Headgear apparatus allows a viewer to see objects in a periscopic direction and a normal direction simultaneously. A periscope is mounted to a headpiece that is easily supported by the viewers head. The periscope has movable mirrors and an extending periscope section to allow the viewer to change the angle of the periscopic view relative to a plane containing a normal line of sight and the peripheral distance of the periscopic view, respectively. The apparatus further has a sectional periscope, whereby sections containing the reflective elements of the periscope can be rotated relative to each other and change the periscopic view in the plane of the forward line of sight. The head gear apparatus is adapted to a mask or an underwater mask that allows a viewer to see objects in a periscopic direction and a forward direction in diverse environments such as under water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2000
    Inventor: Robert D. Miller
  • Patent number: 6115176
    Abstract: A nearly spherical view is provided using five cameras. Four cameras provide a 360 degree view of an area using a four sided pyramid shaped element. The four sides of the pyramid shaped element are reflective and reflect images from four different directions. Each camera is positioned to receive a reflected image from one of the reflective sides of the pyramid. The four cameras are arranged so that they share a common virtual optical center. A fifth camera with a wide angle lens is positioned with the camera's optical center positioned at the common virtual optical center. The fifth camera has a view in the direction of the pyramid's base to provide a nearly spherical view when combined with the 360 degree view of the other cameras.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Vishvjit Singh Nalwa
  • Patent number: 6111702
    Abstract: Cameras are positioned so that they each view a different reflective surface of a polyhedron such as a pyramid. This results in each camera having a virtual optical center positioned within the pyramid. The cameras are positioned so that their virtual optical centers are offset from each other. The offsets produce narrow blind regions that remove image distortions received from the edges of the pyramid's reflective surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2000
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Vishvjit Singh Nalwa
  • Patent number: 6094302
    Abstract: A sight including an infrared camera. A first admission aperture receives an incident image. The position of the first admission aperture is rotatable vertically and sideways. A mirror arrangement is rotatable about a common axis for derotation of the incident image. An output aperture is fixed with respect to the infrared camera. The incident image passes through the output aperture to the infrared camera.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Celsiustech Electronics AB
    Inventor: Dan Bergstedt
  • Patent number: 6002516
    Abstract: A viewfinder device for viewing the interior of dark, inaccessible areas and environments, such as the chamber of a vertical cassette elevator or load lock used in semiconductor wafer fabricating systems, consisting of three housing sections forming a displaced optical path from the interior of the chamber on which the device is mounted through a viewport on the chamber to a viewfinder and viewing lens at the observing end of the device. The first housing section is mounted on a suitable rotater assembly on the top wall of the chamber to the viewport by an adapter member, and is fitted in its side with an illuminating means, for illuminating the interior of the chamber. An image reflected from the chamber interior passes up through the optical column formed by the first section and is reflected by a reflector mirror, disposed at an angle at the top of the first section, through the optical column formed within the center section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 14, 1999
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jia-Rong Chen
  • Patent number: 5982536
    Abstract: A panoramic display system for use in a vehicle equipped with a plurality of episcopes (22) includes an information gathering sensor and a plurality of displays (24) for the gathered information. Each display (24) is associated with a respective episcope (22) and is operable to display the information gathered from a field of view corresponding to the respective episcope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Barr & Stroud Limited
    Inventors: Gordon Swan, Herbert Morrison Runciman, Hillary Sillito
  • Patent number: 5943163
    Abstract: An optical and infrared periscope includes a housing having an elongated 35 degree prism mounted in its upper portion in a position to receive a light image and refract and reflect the image toward a lower portion of the housing. The prism has a first portion of an optical grade glass that transmits and reflects light in a visible range of the light spectrum and a second portion of an optical grade single crystal silicon that transmits and reflects light in a range of wavelengths of from about three microns to about five microns. An HgCdTe focal plane array is provided in the lower portion of the housing for receiving the image reflected by the second portion of the prism and producing output signals representing the reflected image. The lower portion of the housing also contains an electronics package for processing the output signals and displaying a visible image on a cathode ray tube, which may be viewed through an eyepiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 24, 1999
    Assignee: Selectron Management Corporation
    Inventor: Robert M. Tartaglia
  • Patent number: 5793527
    Abstract: A pyramid shaped group of reflective surfaces segment a field of view. Each of the reflective surfaces of the pyramid provides a segment of the field of view to a lens which focuses the segment onto a sensor. The pyramid shaped collection of reflective surfaces provide each of the sensors with a common center of projection. This avoids distortions that may result from using sensors with differing centers of projection. The sensors provide an electronic representation of the image for storage or other uses. The sensor used to receive each segment may have a low resolution, but since the low resolution sensor is only capturing a segment of the image, the overall effect is to capture the entire image at a high resolution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Assignee: Lucent Technologies Inc.
    Inventor: Vishvjit Singh Nalwa
  • Patent number: 5617257
    Abstract: A variable focus adapter is disclosed that comprises the combination of a ns and an aperture provided by a plate all lodged in a housing that is placed so that the lens is in proximity with each objective lens of a binocular arrangement to change the focal range from greater than 20 ft. to seven (7) ft. with a depth of field spanning from 5 to 15 ft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 1, 1997
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: James B. Sheehy, Kenneth W. Gish, John J. Sprenger, William H. Finkbeiner, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5526177
    Abstract: A low-cost, dual-view, immersible periscope that is particularly suitable for use as a toy or learning tool in environments such as bath tubs, sinks, tidal pools, outdoor wadding pools, or other aquatic areas where children play and explore. The periscope has an upper viewing compartment that operates in air and a lower compartment that floods with water as the periscope is immersed and contains the entrance aperture. The upper and lower compartments are separated from one another with a transparent window, which the upper compartment surrounds isolate its air space from surrounding water to provide a completely still image of activity taking place beneath the surface even though it may be turbulent with wave action. Additional enhancements include magnification, underwater accessory lighting, sound effects, torpedo tubes, and means for placing transparencies over the entrance aperture to integrate images with underwater action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 11, 1996
    Assignee: Mobi Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen D. Fantone
  • Patent number: 5495370
    Abstract: A surveillance device in the form of a fake radio aerial which projects from the roof of a vehicle. There is an upright periscope in the aerial which can rotate through 360.degree.. In the vehicle the light from the periscope is bent through 90.degree. and viewed by a camera all of which fits in the headliner space of the vehicle and so is not visible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Advance Visual Optics Ltd.
    Inventor: John Tuffen
  • Patent number: 5485306
    Abstract: The optical sensor (10) has a multiple telescope assembly (12), a rotating periscope assembly (14), an imager optical system (16) and a detector (18). The sensor (10) may be utilized with visible, ultraviolet or infrared wavelength radiation. Each telescope (12) views a particular sector of a scene. The rotating periscope (14) multiplexes the output of each telescope (12) to provide a combined wide field of view of each of the sectors. The system may be used in various types of navigation, pilotage, and monitoring systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: Hughes Aircraft Company
    Inventors: Paul C. Kiunke, Dean C. Hatfield, Jr., Reynold S. Kebo
  • Patent number: 5434704
    Abstract: A night vision sight is provided for use with a weapon, which includes an objective lens and a non-inverting image intensifier tube disposed along an optical axis, providing an intensified target image. The sight is focused by direct movement of the image intensifier tube relative to the fixed position of the objective lens. A reticle projector is disposed orthogonal to the optical axis and provides a collimated reticle image, the reticle image providing an aiming point for the weapon. The reticle image is superimposed over the target image, which are reflected into an eyepiece of the sight. The eyepiece has an axis between the optical axis and a sight line passing through a pre-existing sight provided with the weapon. Adjustment of the apparent position of the reticle to compensate for azimuth and elevation is accomplished by moving the reticle projector about crossed cylindrical bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Clifford J. Connors, Gary A. Wannagot, Roland M. Morley
  • Patent number: 5339720
    Abstract: The invention relates to an episcopic sight usable for observation and firing by day or night on a vehicle equipped with a gun. The sight includes an assembly of interchangeable moduli grouping the optical elements, particularly made of a head modulus 1 containing a mirror controlled in elevation, a height increase modulus 2, a day sight modulus 4, a night sight modulus 5, a rangefinder modulus 6, an electronic case associated to a fire-control computer. It includes a modulus of separation 3 of the day and night channels interposed between the height increase modulus 2, and the day and night moduli 4, 5, the modulus of separation 3 containing the means for generating a sight reticle in the day and night channels. The means of generating a firing reticle include a projection collimator of this reticle and a rhombohedron to inject this reticle into the day and night moduli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1994
    Assignee: Giat Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Francois R. Pellarin, Gilles M. Colin
  • Patent number: 5321547
    Abstract: A monocular telescope in which the beam path is so laid out that the casing may be flat in the direction of view, and the optical axis of the beam path in the casing describes a somewhat rectangular route, and in which the telescope has a view finder beam path intesecting with the telescope beam path in the users eye.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Inventor: Walter Zapp
  • Patent number: 5204489
    Abstract: The invention relates to an episcopic sight usable for observation and firing by day or night on a vehicle equipped with a gun. The sight includes an assembly of interchangeable moduli grouping the optical elements, particularly made of a head modulus 1 containing a mirror controlled in elevation, a height increase modulus 2, a day sight modulus 4, a night sight modulus 5, a rangefinder modulus 6, an electronic case associated to a fire-control computer. It includes a modulus of separation 3 of the day and night channels interposed between the height increase modulus 2, and the day and night moduli 4, 5, the modulus of separation 3 containing the means for generating a sight reticle in the day and night channels. The means of generating a firing reticle include a projection collimator of this reticle and a rhombohedron to inject this reticle into the day and night moduli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1993
    Assignee: GIAT Industries
    Inventors: Jean-Francois R. Pellarin, Gilles M. Colin
  • Patent number: 5130855
    Abstract: A viewfinder optical system including an objective lens for forming an image of a subject, a rooflike reflecting portion for reflecting an incident bundle of rays so as to deflect the incident bundle of rays through 90.degree., which is provided between the objective lens and the image of the subject formed by the objective lens, a double reflecting portion for twice reflecting a bundle of rays reflected by the rooflike reflecting portion so as to deflect the bundle of rays through 270.degree. and an eyepiece for enlarging the image of the subject.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1992
    Assignee: Minolta Camera Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiromu Mukai, Ichiro Kasai
  • Patent number: 5128803
    Abstract: A combat vehicle, especially a military tank, has a hatchway in its armored roof and periscopes in the immediate vicinity of the hatchway. Each periscope has an ocular inside the vehicle and an objective outside it. A channel that accommodates the optical path extends between them. The channel extends through a protective block of neutral material on the roof of the vehicle. At least one section of the channel is completely occupied by optical glass. The ocular extends directly out of that section although the objective rests on the top of the block. The block can consist of a stack of separate sheets. The objective can have an outlook aperture and a direct-view aperture. The mirror in the objective can be semitransparent or moved out of the optical path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1992
    Assignee: Wegmann & Co. GmbH
    Inventor: Uwe Sprafke
  • Patent number: 5060554
    Abstract: A sighting system for arming a gun mounted on a self-propelled platform. The system comprising a periscope with a collimator having a source of monochromatic light and a swivelling mirror, and in association therewith an auxiliary sighting system so devised that a reticle or spot is projected from the collimator simultaneously into the lines of sight of the gunner and the commander. The auxiliary sighting system comprises a first dichroic mirror or beam splitter facing the head mirror and a second dichroic mirror or beam splitter vertically removed from the first one so as to be located in the commander's field of vision; and means for transmitting light between these two dichroic mirrors or beam splitters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: The State of Israel Ministry of Defence, Rafael Armament Development Authority
    Inventor: Oren Aharon
  • Patent number: 5044738
    Abstract: An optical system for scanning a wide angle conical field of regard through a small aperture and with a narrow field of view device includes a first optical offsetting device rotated about a first axis coincident to the axis of the conical field of regard. The first offsetting optical device receives light along a second optical axis which at a certain acute angle with respect to the first axis. A second optical offsetting device is positioned at the output side of the first device and is rotated about the second axis. The second offsetting device also receives light along a third optical axis, which is at the certain angle with respect to the second axis. The first, second and third axes intersect in front of the system in the narrow aperture through which the viewing takes place. By rotating each of the two optical offsetting devices, an entire area having a field of regard of twice the certain angle from the viewing aperture may be mapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Assignee: Consulier Engineering, Inc.
    Inventor: James E. Shaffer