Abstract: A wearable system is shown that presents one or more heads-up displays to the wearer. A data source provides information to an image generator that is sufficient to generate one or more display images, which are still or moving, characters or graphical displays. The output image from the image generator passes through a lens, reflects off a curved mirror, and passes back through the lens the other way. The image then passes through two lenses, between which an intermediate image exists. The image reflects off the “lens,” or visor, of the glasses and proceeds to the pupil of the wearer's eye. Alternative embodiments use a helmet visor, mirror, or other (at least partially) reflective surface for the final reflection.

Abstract: A wearable system is shown that presents one or more heads-up displays to the wearer. A data source provides information to an image generator that is sufficient to generate one or more display images, which are still or moving, characters or graphical displays. The output image from the image generator passes through a lens, reflects off a curved mirror, and passes back through the lens the other way. The image then passes through two lenses, between which an intermediate image exists. The image reflects off the “lens,” or visor, of the glasses and proceeds to the pupil of the wearer's eye. Alternative embodiments use a helmet visor, mirror, or other (at least partially) reflective surface for the final reflection.

Abstract: Image-intensifying glasses 100 are disclosed that are suitable for certain commercial and entertainment applications by virtue of their light weight, small size, and economical production, compared to certain other night vision products. In one disclosed embodiment, input light passes through two Amici prisms 144 and 148 and a field-flattening lens 150 to reach an image intensifier 152. The intensified image it produces is reflected off a first folding mirror 162, passes through a lens 154, reflects off a curved mirror 156, and passes back through the lens 154 the other way. The intensified image then passes through two additional, non-doublet lenses 158 and 160, between which an intermediate image exists. The intensified image then reflects off the “lens,” or visor 130, of the glasses and proceeds to the pupil of eye 131 of the wearer. Alternative embodiments use a helmet visor, mirror, or other (at least partially) reflective surface for the final reflection.

Abstract: A wearable system is shown that presents one or more heads-up displays to the wearer. A data source provides information to an image generator that is sufficient to generate one or more display images, which are still or moving, characters or graphical displays. The output image from the image generator passes through a lens, reflects off a curved mirror, and passes back through the lens the other way. The image then passes through two non-doublet lenses, between which an intermediate image exists. The image reflects off the “lens,” or visor, of the glasses and proceeds to the pupil of the wearer's eye. Alternative embodiments use a helmet visor, mirror, or other (at least partially) reflective surface for the final reflection.

Abstract: A wearable system is shown that presents one or more heads-up displays to the wearer. A data source provides information to an image generator that is sufficient to generate one or more display images, which are still or moving, characters or graphical displays. The output image from the image generator passes through a lens, reflects off a curved mirror, and passes back through the lens the other way. The image then passes through two non-doublet lenses, between which an intermediate image exists. The image reflects off the “lens,” or visor, of the glasses and proceeds to pupil of the wearer's eye. Alternative embodiments use a helmet visor, mirror, or other (at least partially) reflective surface for the final reflection.

Abstract: A dichroic type narrow-band-pass filter is used as a beamsplitter inside a night vision goggle eyepiece. The filter is combined with appropriately aligned polarizers and liquid crystal type shutter rotators movable between a “P” orientation and an “S” orientation to transmit center band and side band wavelengths of the normal view or night scene for recording, transmitting or enhancing. In the enhanced low light level mode, the intensified visible image presented to the user comprises a 40 degree circular image with a 30 degree by 22.5 degree rectangular display insert.

Abstract: A dichroic type narrow-band-pass filter is used as a beamsplitter inside a night vision goggle eyepiece. The filter is combined with appropriately aligned polarizers and liquid crystal type shutter rotators movable between a “P” orientation and an “S” orientation to transmit center band and side band wavelengths of the normal view or night scene for recording, transmitting or enhancing. In the enhanced low light level mode, the intensified visible image presented to the user comprises a 40 degree circular image with a 30 degree by 22.5 degree rectangular display insert.

Abstract: A modular binocular-like vision assembly (300) has individual interconnecting inner (320, 330) and outer (310, 340) optical modules. Each module is separately sealed and self-contained and includes image intensifier means for converting incoming light to an intensified visible image for presentation to the eyes of the observer in low light conditions. Electrical connectors are provided between the modules for permitting free flow of electrical power and information between the modules. Attaching system is provided for removably attaching the outer modules to the inner modules to deliver a panoramic field of vision and removal of any single module from the assembly will not break any pressure seals or degrade the optical performance of the removed module or the remaining modules.

Abstract: An optical path switch and a method of using thereof, for creating two optical pathways for input light. The switch is composed of two polarizers that polarize the input light and two polarization rotators each having two positions. The polarization rotators position translates to one of two the optical pathways. Additionally, the optical path switch has an image enhancement device for producing an enhanced image of the light, and a beam splitter that directs the light to two channels. The optical path switch works by polarizing the light by one of the two polarizers producing an output, following, the output is then directed through the beam splitter where the output is directed towards the two channels. Next, the output is then filtered through the two polarization rotators and to the other of the two channels where the positions of the two polarization rotators switch the optical pathways.

Abstract: An optical path switch and a method of using thereof, for creating two optical pathways for input light. The switch is composed of two polarizers that polarize the input light and two polarization rotators each having two positions. The polarization rotators position translate to one of two the optical pathways. Additionally, the optical path switch has an image enhancement device for producing an enhanced image of the light, and a beam splitter that directs the light to two channels. The optical path switch works by polarizing the light by one of the two polarizers producing an output, following, the output is then directed through the beam splitter where the output is directed towards the two channels. Next, the output is then filtered through the two polarization rotators and to the other of the two channels where the positions of the two polarization rotators switch the optical pathways.

Abstract: A helmet-mounted night vision system that is compact, light in weight and ejection-safe. The system incorporates a night vision goggles apparatus for receiving incoming infrared and/or visible light from a viewed object and for converting the incoming light to an intensified visible light for presentation to an eye of a user, a visor mounted to a helmet to be worn by the user and adapted to be positioned in front of the night vision goggles apparatus, and connecting structure for connecting the visor to the night vision goggles apparatus for retaining the visor in position in front of the night vision goggles apparatus. By ensuring that the visor is safely retained in front of and substantially fully covers the goggles apparatus at all times, the system of the invention is rendered ejection-safe. The system also provides the user with numerous other structural and operational advantages.