Including Alternative Optical Path Or Optical Element (e.g., Day-night, Hi-low Magnification) Patents (Class 359/353)
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Patent number: 12061067Abstract: A target adjustment apparatus may be provided. The target adjustment apparatus may include an optical targeting device having a first zero. The target adjustment apparatus may further include an optical adjustment lens removably disposed in a line of sight between a target and the optical targeting device. The optical adjustment lens may shift a target image before it reaches the optical targeting device, creating a second zero.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2021Date of Patent: August 13, 2024Assignee: TACOM HQ, Inc.Inventors: Jacob Baker, John Baker
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Patent number: 11768381Abstract: Vision apparatus intended to be mounted on the head of a user, including: a night vision device, for forming first virtual images; an offsetting element, for projecting the first virtual images in the field of view of the user; a shutter, such that the offsetting element is between the shutter and the eye of the user, and able to have an open position that allows light to pass and a closed position that blocks light; a switching element with an open position that authorises emission of the first virtual images or the transfer thereof to the offsetting element, and a closed position that blocks the image emission or transfer; and a controlling device controlling the shutter and the switching element according to opening and closing cycles so the shutter is closed during all or a portion of the time during which the switching element is open, and inversely.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2020Date of Patent: September 26, 2023Assignee: PHOTONIS FRANCEInventor: Geoffroy Deltel
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Patent number: 11481873Abstract: An image processing method is provided The image processing includes images obtained using a Red-Clear-Clear-Blue (RCCB) color filter array. An image processing method for processing an RCCB image obtained by an image capturing device comprising an array of photosensors with a mosaic of RCCB filters comprises interpolating the RCCB image to obtain dense C-channel data from a sparse C-channel, and chromatic filtering, based on the RCCB image data and the dense C-channel, to obtain an RGB image by obtaining the dense R-channel and B-channel, and filtering the R-channel and B-channel using the guide image. The computational load on the image processing equipment and the processing time are reduced, while enhancing the obtained image quality, including in low light conditions.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sergey Stanislavovich Zavalishin, Aleksei Mikhailovich Gruzdev, Kirill Viktorovich Lebedev, Evgeny Andreevich Dorokhov, Ilya Vasilievich Kurilin
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Patent number: 11288772Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for super resolution and color motion artifact correction in a pulsed fluorescence imaging system are disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor to generate a plurality of exposure frames. The method includes detecting motion across two or more sequential exposure frames of the plurality of exposure frames, compensating for the detected motion, and combining the two or more sequential exposure frames to generate an image frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 770 nm to about 790 nm or from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
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Patent number: 11280737Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for super resolution and color motion artifact correction in a pulsed fluorescence imaging system are disclosed. A method includes actuating an emitter to emit a plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation and sensing reflected electromagnetic radiation resulting from the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation with a pixel array of an image sensor to generate a plurality of exposure frames. The method includes detecting motion across two or more sequential exposure frames of the plurality of exposure frames, compensating for the detected motion, and combining the two or more sequential exposure frames to generate an image frame. The method is such that at least a portion of the plurality of pulses of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the emitter comprises one or more of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength from about 795 nm to about 815 nm.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2019Date of Patent: March 22, 2022Inventors: Joshua D. Talbert, Donald M. Wichern
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Patent number: 10678033Abstract: A method for adjusting the magnification scale of an optical imaging device for exposing or inspecting substrates is provided. The optical imaging device includes a first optical element group, which includes a plurality of first optical elements in an imaging beam path. The method includes replacing optical elements of the first optical element group in the imaging beam path by optical elements of a second optical element group for the purposes of adjusting the magnification scale. The first optical element group includes two reflecting optical elements with first optical parameters, which define a first Petzval sum. The second optical element group includes two reflecting optical elements with second optical parameters, which define a second Petzval sum. The value of the first Petzval sum is at least substantially identical to the value of the second Petzval sum.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbHInventor: Holger Muenz
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Patent number: 10180565Abstract: The disclosure relates to a viewing optic. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having an integrated display system. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having an integrated display system for generating images that are projected into the first focal plane of an optical system.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2018Date of Patent: January 15, 2019Assignee: Sheltered Wings, Inc.Inventors: Calen Havens, Will Lowry, Ian Klemm, Samuel Hamilton, Garrison Bollig, Craig Schultz, Andrew Carlson, Jason Lyle, David M. Hamilton
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Patent number: 9146102Abstract: The invention describes a long-range optical device with two observation parts and a first observation beam path and a measurement beam path, in which the two observation parts are arranged essentially parallel next to each other and spaced a predefinable distance apart via at least one connection element. In a plan view of the device 1 with respect to a plane, in which the longitudinal axes of the observation parts are arranged, the sub-regions of the observation parts facing each other lie directly opposite each other over a length aligned parallel to the longitudinal axis of the observation parts of 20% to 90%, preferably 30% to 80% of a length of the observation parts. In addition, the observation beam path and the measurement beam path are arranged outside the sub-regions of the observation parts.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2014Date of Patent: September 29, 2015Assignee: Swarovski-Optik KG.Inventors: Ludwig Pernstich, Konrad A. Roider, Andreas Zimmermann, Gavin Lancaster
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Patent number: 9127912Abstract: A rifle scope having a body and a reticle mounted within the body, an elevation adjustment means for adjusting an elevation sighting of the reticle and including a vertically oriented elevation adjustment knob extending from a side of the body and being rotatable in a vertical plane about a horizontal axis to vertically adjust the elevation sighting of the reticle, and a windage adjustment means for adjusting the windage sighting of the retical and including a horizontally oriented windage adjustment knob extending from the body so as to be rotatable in a horizontal plane about a vertical axis to adjust the windage sighting of the reticle.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2014Date of Patent: September 8, 2015Inventor: Chris Lee Billings
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Patent number: 8922882Abstract: Imaging systems are provided allowing examination of different object regions spaced apart in a depth direction by visual microscopy and by optical coherence tomography. An axial field of view and a lateral resolution is varied depending on which object region is examined by the imaging system. The proposed imaging systems are in particular applicable for thorough examination of the human eye.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Carl Zeiss Meditec AGInventors: Christoph Hauger, Markus Seesselberg, Martin Hacker, Keith O'Hara
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Patent number: 8773756Abstract: An optical system, in particular for endoscopic applications, is disclosed which uses wavelength-compensating optical components, in particular prisms, made of materials with different inter-element coatings and refractive indices to image significantly different wavelength-ranges (VIS and NIR) onto the same image plane of an image acquisition device, such as a CCD sensor.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Novadaq Technologies Inc.Inventors: John C. Tesar, Paul Cottle, John J. P. Fengler
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Patent number: 8710353Abstract: Methods and systems for solar energy converter with increased photovoltaic and thermal conversion efficiencies including a collection optics for receiving and concentrating incident sunlight, or radiation from any other directed electromagnetic energy source, an optical filtering unit for separating and redirecting infrared light and ultraviolet light from incoming solar light, a thermal distribution unit redirecting heat from the optical filtering unit into a thermal-loop, and a photovoltaic for receiving the filtered light from the filtering system and converting the light into energy.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventor: Scott Roger Shepard
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Publication number: 20130278922Abstract: Optical systems and methods including interferometric systems and methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the present invention relates to a system comprising at least one light source including a deep ultraviolet light source, a lens device, a beam splitter, and a camera device. The lens device receives first light, directs at least some of that light toward a target location, receives reflected light therefrom, and directs at least some of the reflected light toward a further location, where at least part of a light path between the deep ultraviolet light source and the target location is other than at a high vacuum. The camera device is positioned at either the further location or an additional location, whereby an image is generated by the camera device based upon at least a portion of the reflected light. Also encompassed herein are interferometric lithography and optical microscopy systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2013Publication date: October 24, 2013Applicant: INVENT TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Barry Gelernt, Thomas D. Milster, Thiago Jota
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Patent number: 8564668Abstract: A thermal imager comprises a thermal video detector for detecting thermal video images and generating a video signal representing those thermal video images. Often, imaging optics are used for imaging light onto the thermal video detector. A display mode selector is also provided for enabling a selection between different video display modes. A video controller then scales the video signal in response to the display mode of the selector for display on a visible video display, which receives the scaled video signal from the video controller and displays the thermal video images. In the typical application, the display mode selector is operated by a user to select between a hand-held mode or mode in which the imager is used with a non-magnifying gun weapon sight, on one hand, and a mode for use with a magnifying telescopic sight of a weapon, on the other. In these latter applications, possibly only a portion of output of the video display is imaged through the telescopic sight of the weapon.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: BAE Systems OASYS LLCInventor: Vadim Plotsker
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Publication number: 20130188163Abstract: A mirror for EUV radiation includes a mirror body, which has at least one EUV radiation-reflecting region and at least two EUV radiation-permeable regions. A spatial separation of the illumination and imaging beam paths is possible with small angles of incidence and a large object-side numerical aperture.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 8, 2013Publication date: July 25, 2013Applicant: CARL ZEISS SMT GMBHInventor: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH
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Patent number: 8427743Abstract: A microscope having a night vision apparatus, which apparatus can be impinged upon by beam paths proceeding from a specimen or object to be observed.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Leica Instruments (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventor: Ulrich Sander
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Patent number: 8369008Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-field (NF and WF) imaging system comprising an optronic detector (1) and an optical combination of narrow-field focal length FNF having, an optical axis a front lens, a narrow-field entrance pupil situated in the vicinity of the front lens, a real wide-field entrance pupil, that is to say situated upstream of the front lens, an intermediate focal plane (IFP). The optical combination has, on the optical axis, the following refractive groups: a convergent front group G1 of focal length F, where F<FNF/2, this group G1 comprising the front lens, a divergent field-change group G2 that can move along the optical axis, this group being situated upstream of the IFP in NF configuration and downstream of the IFP in WF configuration, a relay group G3 imaging the IFP on the focal plane of the detector.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2007Date of Patent: February 5, 2013Assignee: ThalesInventors: Bertrand Forestier, Paul Jougla
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Patent number: 8313608Abstract: In an optical system including an optical bench and an imaging device that is configured to be mounted to the optical bench, a method of aligning the imaging device on the optical bench includes the steps of: (1) inserting an alignment pin extending from a mounting surface of either the optical bench or the imaging device into a hole defined in the other of the optical bench and the imaging device; (2) aligning the imaging device with respect to a target image by translating and/or rotating the imaging device on the mounting surface of the optical bench while the pin is inserted in the hole to meet pre-defined center pixel, scan line and/or resolution requirements of the optical system; and (3) applying epoxy to the pin and the hole to mount the optical bench to the imaging device.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Exelis, Inc.Inventors: William Eric Garris, Scott Adams
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Patent number: 8248692Abstract: An exemplary lens module includes a barrel receiving a lens system therein, an infrared-cut filter, an infrared-pass filter, and a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a connecting member interconnecting the infrared-cut filter and the infrared-pass filter, a first magnetic member fixed at the barrel, and a second magnetic member fixed at the connecting member. The first and second magnetic members are configured for driving the connecting member to move relative to the barrel so as to selectively bring either the infrared-cut filter or the infrared-pass filter into optical alignment with the lens system in the barrel.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2009Date of Patent: August 21, 2012Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chia-Ying Wu
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Publication number: 20120147350Abstract: A transmissive spectral purity filter configured to transmit extreme ultraviolet radiation includes a filter part having a plurality of apertures to transmit extreme ultraviolet radiation and to suppress transmission of a second type of radiation. The apertures may be manufactured in semiconductor material such as silicon by an anisotropic etching process. The semiconductor material is provided with a hydrogen-resistant layer, such as silicon nitride Si3N4, silicon dioxide SiO2, or silicon carbide SiC.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 11, 2010Publication date: June 14, 2012Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.VInventors: Andrei Yakunin, Vadim Banine, Denis Glushkov
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Publication number: 20120120482Abstract: A helmet mounted display (HMD) system comprising (i) a display device adapted to be positioned between an eye of a person wearing the helmet and a vision-related device; and (ii) a step-in visor which is positioned between the eye of the user and the display device. The vision-related device is removably attached to an accessory joint so that it can be interchanged between an outer visor for use during the day and night vision goggles for use during the night.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2012Publication date: May 17, 2012Applicant: GENTEX CORPORATIONInventors: George Darrell Hedges, Anthony William Bugno, Mark William Edel, Michael Koichi Uchima, Robert B. Atac
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Publication number: 20110226311Abstract: A sunlight collector module is disclosed, capable of collecting the sunlight from the sun for the illumination at a certain position, and of reflecting portion of the sunlight to a solar photovoltaic module. The disclosed sunlight collector module comprises: a base, a first reflective element disposed on the base, a second reflective element, a light-guide element, and a beam splitting element, wherein the second reflective element is disposed on a side, which is opposite to the base, of the first reflective element. Besides, the light-guide element disposed on a side, which is opposite to the second reflective element, of the first reflective element. In addition, the beam splitting element is disposed between the first reflective element and the light-guide element, for reflecting portion of the sunlight to the solar photovoltaic module. The non-reflected portion of the sunlight passes through the beam splitting element and enters the light-guide element.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Inventors: Wen-Hsin Sun, Chih-Hsuan Tsuei
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Patent number: 8023185Abstract: A transmission type screen for stereoscopic images having a transmission layer includes an incident surface having a gloss surface, a transmission layer having a refractive index less than 1.55, a transmissivity more than 60%, and an imaging surface having surface particle sizes of 40 to 400 mesh that avoids a hot spot. The imaging surface is formed on the final surface through which images are transmitted, so that the components operate in an organic fashion with respect to each other. The polarization degree of stereoscopic images is maximized thereby increasing the three-dimensional effect and the transmissivity, and enables viewers to view images clearly several times better than with a conventional screen.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2009Date of Patent: September 20, 2011Inventor: Hae-Yong Choi
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Patent number: 7961381Abstract: A combination day/night sight includes an image intensifying sensor/display combination and a daytime optical path length compensator that may be selectively placed within the optical path. Use of the optical path length compensator when the image intensifying sensor/display is not being used eliminates the need for moving optical elements. The night sight therefore requires no change in focus or bore sight adjustment after switching between day and night operations.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Omnitech PartnersInventor: Eugene Pochapsky
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Patent number: 7911687Abstract: A sighted device has a sight that includes an objective lens lying on an optical axis of the sight so that an input beam is coincident with the optical axis, an eyepiece lens lying on the optical axis, an imaging detector having a detector output signal, a signal processor that receives the detector output signal from the imaging detector, modifies the detector output signal, and has a processor output signal, and a video display projector that receives the processor output signal and has a video display projector output. An optical beam splitter lies on the optical axis. The beam splitter allows a first split subbeam of the input beam to pass to the eyepiece lens and reflects a second split subbeam of the input beam to the imaging detector. An optical mixer mixes the first split subbeam and the video display projector output prior to the first split subbeam passing through the eyepiece lens.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2005Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Raytheon CompanyInventor: Robert J. Scholz
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Patent number: 7880962Abstract: The present invention includes a periscope, which has two camera objectives. The cameras are housed on top of the viewing monitor inside of a housing cell, so as to efficiently utilize the cabin space of the vehicle. One camera objective is a day camera bullet that may be used during day time or low light viewing. Another camera objective is the night board camera that may be used for night time viewing. Both cameras are electronically connected to a flat panel display, so that the optical picture may be displayed by others. In addition, the periscope of the present invention utilizes a heater sensor system that allows the day or night camera to be operated at or below temperatures of 32° Fahrenheit. The periscope of the present invention also implements an 18 mm image intensifier tube, which has the capability of detecting and amplifying low light level images during night time viewing and surveillance, under moonlight or starlight.Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Inventor: Robert Tartaglia
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Patent number: 7864432Abstract: A fusion night vision system having image intensification and thermal imaging capabilities includes an edge detection filter circuit to aid in acquiring and identifying targets. An outline of the thermal image is generated and combined with the image intensification image without obscuration of the image intensification image. The fusion night vision system may also include a parallax compensation circuit to overcome parallax problems as a result of the image intensification channel being spaced from the thermal channel. The fusion night vision system may also include a control circuit configured to maintain a perceived brightness through an eyepiece over a mix of image intensification information and thermal information. The fusion night vision system may incorporate a targeting mode that allows an operator to acquire a target without having the scene saturated by a laser pointer.Type: GrantFiled: October 30, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: L-3 Insight Technology IncorporatedInventor: Joseph C. Ottney
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Patent number: 7813037Abstract: In a day/night-vision device, provision is made to view observations made via a day- or night-vision channel in a shared receiving channel or via an eyepiece unit as day image or night image by designing and arranging a deflector such that the same deflector is used to transfer radiation from the day- or night-vision channel into the shared receiving channel. In particular, it is also provided that further images, such as thermal images, can be transferred to the observer and can be overlaid by the day image or night image, in particular fused.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Vectronix AGInventors: Dusan Zadravec, Felix Wälti
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Publication number: 20100208372Abstract: An objective lens assembly suitable for use in helmet-mounted applications. The objective lens assembly comprises two prisms that collectively are configured, oriented and bonded relative to each other to separate and allow simultaneous imaging of two separate spectral bands (such as VNIR and LWIR bands) received from the same object scene via a common window such that the object scene may be viewed from the same perspective without the effects of parallax.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2009Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: DRS SENSORS & TARGETING SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: Richard J. Heimer
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Publication number: 20100193412Abstract: A device for splitting light between the visible light spectrum and the near infrared light spectrum, particularly for separating reflected light between the visible light spectrum and the near infrared light spectrum, in determining multiple characteristics of product in a product scanning system. The invention also pertains to sorting machines that optically sort or separate nonstandard fungible objects from standard objects as they pass a viewing station by viewing such objects in at least two different wavelength spectrums and particularly to such sorting machines utilizing detector elements comprised of two or more different photo-sensitive devices and to the optical detection system used therein. The device includes a hermetically-sealed device with two transparent prisms between which is sandwiched indium tin oxide (ITO) selected to exhibit dielectric behavior in the VIS/NIR and metallic behavior in the NIR band.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicants: Satake USA, Inc., Princeton Lightwave, Inc.Inventors: Larry H. Mack, JR., Gary Ernest Carver
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Publication number: 20100134878Abstract: An exemplary lens module includes a barrel receiving a lens system therein, an infrared-cut filter, an infrared-pass filter, and a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a connecting member interconnecting the infrared-cut filter and the infrared-pass filter, a first magnetic member fixed at the barrel, and a second magnetic member fixed at the connecting member. The first and second magnetic members are configured for driving the connecting member to move relative to the barrel so as to selectively bring either the infrared-cut filter or the infrared-pass filter into optical alignment with the lens system in the barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: CHIA-YING WU
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Publication number: 20100128129Abstract: An apparatus and method for obtaining an image. A first filter unit of the apparatus of obtaining an image may pass a light in a first wavelength band corresponding to visible light. Also, a second filter unit may pass a light in a second wavelength band corresponding to an Infrared ray (IR). A sensor unit may sense the light in the first wavelength band and the light in the second wavelength band.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventor: Seong Jin Kim
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Publication number: 20100103508Abstract: A combination day/night sight includes an image intensifying sensor/display combination and a daytime optical path length compensator that may be selectively placed within the optical path. Use of the optical path length compensator when the image intensifying sensor/display is not being used eliminates the need for moving optical elements. The night sight therefore requires no change in focus or bore sight adjustment after switching between day and night operations.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 26, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Inventor: Eugene Pochapsky
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Publication number: 20100079857Abstract: Observation is performed using bright, clear multiphoton fluorescence images produced by efficiently generating a multiphoton excitation effect, without the need for a complex interference film structure. The invention employs a laser microscope apparatus including a first dichroic mirror that reflects visible laser light guided via a first light path and that transmits IR pulsed laser light guided via a second light path to combine the first light path and the second light path; an XY galvanometer mirror that scans the laser light from the first dichroic mirror on a specimen; an objective lens that irradiates the specimen with the scanned laser light and that collects fluorescence produced in the specimen; a second dichroic mirror that reflects the visible laser light and transmits the fluorescence from the specimen; and a detection unit that detects the fluorescence transmitted through the second dichroic mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2009Publication date: April 1, 2010Applicant: Olympus CorporationInventors: Hiroshi SASAKI, Hirokazu Kubo
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Patent number: 7605977Abstract: An apparatus for enhanced viewing of objects in two separate simultaneous frequency bands of light that is constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention includes a primary mirror and a moveable secondary mirror that is disposed above the primary mirror to provide a long focal length. A beam splitter splits the optical path into two paths, one for infrared and another path for visible. Various optical elements and devices are described along each path. The secondary mirror is displaced away from its concentric position over the primary mirror to provide shorter focal lengths in IR and visible. Focal Plane Arrays (FPA's) are disposed where desired along both optical paths for real-time viewing and data acquisition. The preferred FPA in visible is a CCD. The preferred FPA in IR is disposed in a Dewar.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2004Date of Patent: October 20, 2009Inventors: Che Ram Souza Voigt, Allan Alfred Voigt, John Mark Speicher, Chet Alister Johnston, Eric Herlen Ford
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Patent number: 7576516Abstract: The battery adapter system includes a housing having a body portion and a reversible cap adapted to screw on and off of the body portion. The body portion has an interior sized to accommodate the whole of a relatively short and wide 3-volt lithium battery or to partially accommodate the narrower, taller 1.5-volt AA battery. The reversible cap has an open end and an interior, and has outer threads that allow the cap to screw to the body portion in either of two orientations. When using the smaller and wider lithium battery, the cap is screwed onto the body portion in a first orientation that forms a first sealed housing interior that does not include the cap interior. When using the taller and thinner AA battery, the cap is screwed onto the body portion in a second orientation wherein the cap open end is first placed over the portion of the AA battery that protrudes from the body portion. This forms a second sealed housing interior that includes the cap interior.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2008Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Knight's Armament Co.Inventor: Kenneth Greenslade
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Patent number: 7576515Abstract: A battery adapter system and night-vision scope using same is disclosed. The system includes a housing having a body portion and a reversible cap adapted to screw on and off of the body portion. The body portion has an interior sized to accommodate the whole of a relatively short and wide 3-volt lithium battery or to partially accommodate the narrower, taller 1.5-volt AA battery. The reversible cap has an open end and an interior, and has outer threads that allow the cap to screw to the body portion in either of two orientations. When using the lithium battery, the cap is screwed onto the body portion in a first orientation that forms a first sealed housing interior that does not include the cap interior. When using the AA battery, the cap is screwed onto the body portion in a second orientation wherein the cap open end is first placed over the portion of the AA battery that protrudes from the body portion. This forms a second sealed housing interior that includes the cap interior.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2007Date of Patent: August 18, 2009Assignee: Knight's Armament Co.Inventor: Kenneth Greenslade
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Publication number: 20090168152Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing optical microscopy are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a deep ultraviolet light source configured to generate light having a wavelength within a window in the deep ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum within which a local minimum in the absorption coefficient of Oxygen occurs. Further, the apparatus includes a lens device that receives at least a first portion of the generated light, directs at least some of the first portion of the generated light toward a location, receives reflected light from the location, and directs at least some of the reflected light toward a further location. Additionally, the apparatus includes a camera device that is positioned at one of the further location and an additional location, where the camera device receives at least a second portion of the reflected light, whereby an image is generated by the camera device.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 12, 2007Publication date: July 2, 2009Inventors: Barry Gelernt, Thomas D. Milster
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Patent number: 7540632Abstract: A lighting assembly topology that utilizes spectrum controlling materials to render the illumination compatible with night vision imaging systems. The lighting assembly can be used as either a general illumination source or can be used as a backlight for a transmissive display such as a liquid crystal display. The lighting assembly makes use of spectral filtering which is both transmissive and absorptive for specific spectral regions. The exit port of the lighting assembly is completely filtered with a red and near infrared reflective filter. The absorption of the near infrared spectrum to which NVIS are sensitive is reflected by the typical near infrared reflective filter covering the exit port and absorbed within the material lining the housing of the lighting assembly.Type: GrantFiled: November 21, 2006Date of Patent: June 2, 2009Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventors: Randy M. Maner, Michael R. Praiswater
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Publication number: 20090122394Abstract: A camera module according to an embodiment includes a lens barrel having a lens, a housing having an upper portion coupled with the lens barrel, a printed circuit board coupled to a lower portion of the housing and provided thereon with an image sensor and an infrared LED that emits infrared rays, and an infrared cut-off filter positioned above the lens barrel. The infrared cut-off filter is movable to inhibit the infrared rays from being incident into the lens barrel or to allow the infrared rays to be incident into the lens barrel.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2008Publication date: May 14, 2009Inventor: Sung Ho Son
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Publication number: 20090051760Abstract: A fusion night vision system having image intensification and thermal imaging capabilities includes an edge detection filter circuit to aid in acquiring and identifying targets. An outline of the thermal image is generated and combined with the image intensification image without obscuration of the image intensification image. The fusion night vision system may also include a parallax compensation circuit to overcome parallax problems as a result of the image intensification channel being spaced from the thermal channel. The fusion night vision system may also include a control circuit configured to maintain a perceived brightness through an eyepiece over a mix of image intensification information and thermal information. The fusion night vision system may incorporate a targeting mode that allows an operator to acquire a target without having the scene saturated by a laser pointer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2007Publication date: February 26, 2009Inventor: Joseph C. Ottney
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Publication number: 20080297885Abstract: A night vision device provides both an amplified visible light image and an infrared image, overlayed upon each other so that they appear to be a single image. A user may select to utilize either an intensified visual image only, an infrared image only, or ratios of both images simultaneously. Dichroic surfaces within the night vision device are utilized first to separate light into visible and infrared portions, and then to recombine the visible and infrared images to a single image.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2008Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Eugene Pochapsky, Scott Keitzer
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Publication number: 20080231947Abstract: In a day/night-vision device according to the invention, provision is made to view observations made via a day- or night-vision channel (T, N) in a shared receiving channel (E) or via an eyepiece unit (4) as day image or night image by designing and arranging a deflecting means such that the same deflection means is used to transfer radiation from the day- or night-vision channel (T, N) into the shared receiving channel (E). In particular, it is also provided that further images, such as thermal images, can be transferred to the observer and can be overlaid by the day image or night image, in particular fused.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 12, 2006Publication date: September 25, 2008Applicant: VECTRONIX AGInventors: Dusan Zadravec, Felix Walti
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Publication number: 20080144165Abstract: An exemplary multi-function lens module includes a cylindrical first part and a second part. The second part is received in the first part. The first part is capable of rotating relative to the second part. The first part has a central axis. The first part defines at least two pairs of recesses therein. Each pair of recesses is symmetric about the central axis. A first pair of the recesses is configured for accommodating first optical elements therein. A second pair of the recesses is configured for accommodating second optical elements therein. The second part defines a first through hole therein. The first through hole receives a third optical element therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2007Publication date: June 19, 2008Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.Inventor: RUI-YONG LI
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Patent number: 7382526Abstract: An optical system projecting onto an image plane an object that is disposed at infinity by an intermediate image. The optical system includes a front group and a relay optic, each including a plurality of lenses, the intermediate image disposed between the front group and the relay optic. The optical system being configured as the object lying at infinity with at least two switchable and/or zoomable fields of view, the fields of view being imaged into the image plane. The front group including at least three lenses successively disposed towards the image plane. A first one of the lenses including of Ge, at least a second of the lenses including of ZnSe, and at least a third of the lenses including of either MgF2, CaF2 or MgO.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Linos Photonics GmbH & Co. KGInventor: Fritz Blechinger
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Patent number: 7369302Abstract: A day/night weapon sight assembly that consists of daytime sight and a nighttime sight allows the use of both sights without change in eye relief even when the nighttime sight is attached to the rear end of the daytime sight. This is achieved by supporting the daytime sight moveably in the direction of the optical axis and by supporting the nighttime sight with the use of a plane-parallel motion mechanism that allows switching of the nighttime sight between the upper inoperative position and the operative position behind and coaxially with the daytime sight.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2006Date of Patent: May 6, 2008Inventor: Leonid Gaber
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Patent number: 7359114Abstract: A night viewer (10) is adaptable to generate an enhanced image suitable for viewing through an optical scope (16). An input end (18) of the viewer (10) receives the image to be enhanced through an objective lens (20). An image enhancing unit (22) enhances the image. The enhanced image is optically transmitted from a display (28) to the ocular lens (24) of the scope (16). The display (28) is operably connected with the image enhancing unit (22) to display the enhanced image. A Risley prism (30) located in an image path (32) is used to controllably adjust and to maintain boresight alignment (36).Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Litton Systems, Inc.Inventors: Kenneth W. Sauter, Rodney L. Doster, Roland M. Morley
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Patent number: 7359105Abstract: A spatial light modulator comprises: a first substrate (25); a second substrate (26); a layer of electrooptic material disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first electrode arrangement (27) is disposed over the first substrate (25); and a second electrode arrangement (35) is disposed over the second substrate (26). The first electrode arrangement (27) comprises first and second electrode layers (28,29) disposed over the first substrate, with the spacing between the first electrode layer (28) and the first substrate (25) being different to the spacing between the second electrode (29) layer and the first substrate (25). The first electrode layer (28) and the second electrode arrangement (35) are configured so as to co-operate, in use, to define a plurality of first addressable regions in the electrooptic material.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Adrian Marc Simon Jacobs, Diana Ulrich Kean, David James Montgomery
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Patent number: 7333270Abstract: A night vision device provides both an amplified visible light image and an infrared image, overlayed upon each other so that they appear to be a single image. A user may select to utilize either an intensified visual image only, an infrared image only, or ratios of both images simultaneously. Dichroic surfaces within the night vision device are utilized first to separate light into visible and infrared portions, and then to recombine the visible and infrared images to a single image.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2005Date of Patent: February 19, 2008Assignee: OmniTech PartnersInventors: Eugene Pochapsky, Scott Keitzer
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Patent number: 7307793Abstract: A fusion night vision system having image intensification and thermal imaging capabilities includes an edge detection filter circuit to aid in acquiring and identifying targets. An outline of the thermal image is generated and combined with the image intensification image without obscuration of the image intensification image. The fusion night vision system may also include a parallax compensation circuit to overcome parallax problems as a result of the image intensification channel being spaced from the thermal channel. The fusion night vision system may also include a control circuit configured to maintain a perceived brightness through an eyepiece over a mix of image intensification information and thermal information. The fusion night vision system may incorporate a targeting mode that allows an operator to acquire a target without having the scene saturated by a laser pointer.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2005Date of Patent: December 11, 2007Assignee: Insight Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joseph C. Ottney, Roger T. Hohenberger, Andrew D. Russell