Abstract: A drive system for optical components particularly useful with night vision devices. The drive system uses a single motor to rotate a selected one of two components between its operative and inoperative positions while retaining the other component in its inoperative position.

Abstract: A night vision goggle system is shown, including optical modules, a heads-up display (HUD) module, and a camera module. Each module may be added to and removed from the system without structural, electrical, or optical damage to itself or the remaining modules. Each optical module takes input light at one end and provides an intensified image at the other. A heads-up display module (HUD) can provide an informational display in any of at least two of the optical modules or both. A camera module is capable of recording both the intensified image produced by a particular optical module, as well as the HUD information shown through that module with substantially no offset from the original display. Both the camera module and the HUD module are installable onto the same optical module at the same time, and can be installed on either (or in some embodiments, any) optical module.

Abstract: A fusion vision system has a first eyepiece through which a fused viewable image is larger than an image viewed through a second eyepiece to help the operator more easily view the fused image in their brain. The fusion vision system may employ image intensification and infrared imaging capabilities.

Abstract: An optical system includes an optical assembly frame having an input portion, an output portion, and an objective lens assembly disposed at the input portion of the optical assembly frame. The objective lens assembly has an objective lens central optical axis. An eyepiece lens assembly is disposed at the output portion of the frame. The eyepiece lens assembly has an eyepiece lens central optical axis parallel to the objective lens central optical axis and offset from the objective lens central optical axis by a distance. An inverting image intensifier is disposed between the objective lens assembly and the eyepiece lens assembly. The image intensifier has an image intensifier optical axis parallel to the objective lens central optical axis and parallel to the eyepiece lens central optical axis. The image intensifier optical axis is offset from both the objective lens central optical axis and the eyepiece lens central optical axis by about half the distance.

Abstract: First, a position control mechanism having a fixed part and a movable part, and a driver that changes position of the movable part relative to the fixed part is prepared. Next, a manufacturing unit having first and second holders and a coupler that couples the first and second holders is prepared. A conductive actuator is held in tension between the first and second holders. Further, the first holder is attached to the movable part and the second holder is attached to the fixed part. After that, the coupler is cut from the manufacturing unit, the first and second holders are separated from each other.

Abstract: A passive optical crosswind profiling system. The system includes at least one telescope defining two apertures separated at a distance and adapted to collect light along at least two separate paths from a field of view containing a target and at least one high-speed digital camera defining at least one many pixel sensor wherein pixels of said at least one many pixel sensor are identified as separate blocks of pixels. The system further includes an optical system for focusing light collected along said at least two separate paths by said at least one telescope onto said at least one many pixel sensor to produce at least two images of the target scene and a high-speed computer processor programmed to with a special block matching correlation algorithm to correlate image data collected the separate blocks of pixels in order to calculate a crosswind profile along a path between said system and said target.

Abstract: A device for the magnified viewing of an object, from which object rays originate, includes a lens system (1) for collecting object rays. In one embodiment of the invention, the device includes: a display (2) from which display rays (14) originate, and; a left eyepiece (3) and a right eyepiece (3), via which a left-eye and right-eye beam (5 and 6) of visual field rays are projected into the left and right eye of a user of the device. According to this inventive embodiment, an optical component (7, 8, 9, 10, 11) is provided with a physical ray distributing surface (12) on which a beam of collected object rays (13) and a beam of display rays (14) can be superimposed and can be divided up into the left-eye beam and right-eye beam (5, 6) of the visual field rays. This enables a reduction in losses of display rays and object rays.

Abstract: Improvement to an adornable binocular device having a telescope pair and an adjustable inter-pupillary distance (IPD) where both telescopes move simultaneously and substantially the same distance when the IPD is adjusted, the improvement including a mechanism for releasably preventing unintentional adjustment of the IPD and including a first releasably pivoting coupling between each telescope and arm and a second releasably slideable coupling between each telescope and arm.

Abstract: A pair of binoculars has lenses constituting optical filters with a transmissivity range within the wavelength range between about 650 nm and at least 800 nm and also with an additional transmissivity band within a wavelength range from about 310 nm to about 600 nm. The objects viewed with such a pair of binoculars appear as an image that is carried by a satin-finished metallic surface.

Abstract: A compact night vision binoculars with a first eyepiece channel and a second eyepiece channel and including: an optical separator (8), positioned at the output of a light intensifier tube (2); a plane of reflection (8?) common to the first optical channel (BYZC) and the second optical channel (BCW); a first optical combination comprising two first convergent groups (V1, V2) positioned on either side of a first reflective angled surface (5); a second reflective angled surface (6); a second optical combination comprising two second convergent groups (V1?, V2?) positioned on either side of the common plane of reflection (8?); and a third reflective angled surface (7).

Abstract: An apparatus for forming an image has one or more lenses in an optical path, at least one angular-sensitive light transmission filter in the optical path, in which transmission varies with change in angular orientation of the filter with reference to the direction of light in the optical path, and a mechanism for adjusting the angle of the light transmission filter.

Abstract: A pair of binoculars is provided with a second bridge portion on which a portion for fitting an adapter for attaching a tripod is provided near to the center of gravity of the binoculars with a given space in the optical axis direction from a first bridge portion that is provided to the objective lens side, thereby capable of preventing a shake upon attaching a tripod through the adapter.

Abstract: The binoculars of the present invention comprise two optical units; one optical unit for each eye. Each optical unit comprises a first reflective lens element and a second reflective lens element, wherein at least one of the reflective lens elements is a Micromirror Array Lens. The binoculars of the present invention provide focusing and/or zoom functions without or with minimal macroscopic mechanical lens movement.

Abstract: The invention relates to compact night vision binoculars with a first eyepiece channel and a second eyepiece channel, comprising: an optical separator (8), positioned at the output of a light intensifier tube (2), a plane of reflection (8?) common to the first optical channel (BYZC) and the second optical channel (BCW); a first optical combination comprising two first convergent groups (V1, V2) positioned on either side of a first reflective angled surface (5), a second reflective angled surface (6); a second optical combination comprising two second convergent groups (V1?, V2?) positioned on either side of the common plane of reflection (8?); and a third reflective angled surface (7).

Abstract: A color-filtering device for enhancing color from a binocular view includes a first variable color filter element a second variable color filter element: and a mechanical assembly for communication of axial rotation to the first and second filter elements.

Abstract: A helmet mount for night vision apparatus including a night vision goggle rotatable between operative and inoperative positions. Retractable stop means are included on the mount for obstructing the rotation of the goggle from its inoperative to operative position without obstructing the rotation of the goggle from its operative to its inoperative position.

Abstract: Electronic viewing devices including image sensors, image processing units, image displays devices, and optional viewfinders are disclosed. Optionally, the image processing unit is configured to produce a distorted image. In some embodiments, the production of the distorted image include using at least one distorting algorithm including coordinate transformations, time transformations, a color transformations a value transformation, and any combination thereof. Optionally, the distorted image is superimposed on a preserved image to form a hybrid image. Exemplary image sensors include but are not limited to visible light sensors, magnetic sensor, heat sensor, infra red sensor, echo location sensor, radio location sensor, remote location reporting sensor, proximity sensor, motion sensor, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A color-filtering device for enhancing color from a binocular view includes a first variable color filter element a second variable color filter element: and a mechanical assembly for communication of axial rotation to the first and second filter elements.

Abstract: In a binocular telescope with an adjustable prism module, an eyepiece lens module, a prism module and an objective lens module are installed inside a telescope tube of the binocular telescope. The prism module includes a prism base, a first right-angle prism, a Porro prism, a second right-angle prism and a support base, and an exit surface of the first right-angle prism is connected with an incident surface of the Porro prism, and the second right-angle prism is set on the support base, and the incident surface of the second right-angle prism is attached to the Porro prism. The first and second right-angle prisms can be adjusted to change the angle of optical axes among the prism module, the eyepiece lens module and the objective lens module to prevent a distortion of the optical imaging.

Abstract: A night vision system has an image intensifier tube that may be installed or replaced without requiring realignment of the optics. A first locating feature may be coupled to the image intensifier tube to align the first locating feature with an input optical axis of the image intensifier tube. A second locating feature may be coupled to the image intensifier tube to align the second locating feature with the output optical center of the image intensifier tube and form an image at a predetermined location along the output optical axis.

Abstract: A binocular device for transmitting an image into the eyes is provided. The binocular device comprises a first monocular device, for providing one eye with a first asymmetric field-of-view, and a second monocular device for providing another eye with a second asymmetric field-of-view, where the first and second asymmetric field-of-views are mutually complementary to a combined field-of-view, wider than each individual asymmetric field-of-view.

Abstract: In an observation device according to the invention, it is possible to coordinate a multiplicity of functions with the device by using and exchanging optical modules. By means of existing optical components in the observation device, transmitted and/or received beams of the modules can be reflected in and/or reflected out. For example, field glasses, binoculars and measuring glassed can be equipped according to the invention with modules. The modules can be produced for special purposes, can be carried in particular as convenient units and can be inserted into the device and removed therefrom an can be exchanged. An optical module may be, for example, in the form of a camera, graphic display or IR laser. The modular multifunctional observation device according to the invention can be designed as a compact and light device by using optical components already present in the “basic system.

Abstract: An improved binocular apparatus, system and method for presenting disparate fields of view is provided. The binocular apparatus and system differently magnifies optical transmissions pertaining to fields of view concurrently and simultaneously presents the optical transmissions pertaining to fields of view disparately.

Abstract: An observation device has an ocular lens and an objective lens and is adapted to observe through the ocular lens an intermediate image of an object formed by the objective lens. The observation device further includes a display section provided either on a light path connecting the ocular lens and the objective lens or on a light path branched off from the light path and displaying an image, and a light path switching section provided on the light path connecting the ocular lens and the objective lens and switching the light to be guided from the ocular lens to the objective lens and the image displayed on the display section to be guided to the ocular lens or the objective lens, thereby providing a small-sized observation device and binoculars having a display function.

Abstract: A holder for field glasses has a pair of substantially similar resilient receptacles that each has a main body with an open bottom and a narrower neck with an open top. A slot is located in each neck portion while a slit extends between each slot and its respective open bottom. The two receptacles are attached to each other so as to be parallel to one another and so that each slit generally faces the other receptacle. A pair of binoculars is inserted, ocular lens side first, through the bottoms of each main body by gapping each receptacle with the bridge of the binoculars passing through the gapped slits. Once the bridge is received within the slots of the two receptacles, the slits are degapped. Alternately, the binoculars themselves may have the form of a pair of drink receptacles.

Abstract: An optical system provides a lens cell having a generally cylindrical lens cell body and an optical lens system therein. The lens cell body has a lens cell central longitudinal axis and a lens cell optical axis, eccentrically offset from the lens cell central longitudinal axis. A sleeve has a generally cylindrical sleeve body, an outer surface with a first longitudinal axis, and an inner surface with a second longitudinal axis, eccentrically offset from the first longitudinal axis. The lens cell is inserted into the sleeve. A housing has a generally cylindrical body into which the sleeve is at least partially inserted. The lens cell and the sleeve are rotated relative to each other and to the housing such that the lens cell optical axis is aligned in a desired location. After the lens cell optical axis is aligned in the desired location, the lens cell is fixedly connected to the sleeve and the sleeve is connected to the housing to prevent rotation of the sleeve relative to the housing.

Abstract: An interpupillary distance adjustment mechanism for an optical device includes a slide rail (1) mounted on a middle support of the optical device, two slide blocks (2) mounted on respective lens barrels of the optical device, and a blocking member (4, 4?). The two slide blocks are slidably movable relative to the slide rail toward or away from each other to change the distance between the two lens barrels of the optical device. The blocking member is manually operable to provide an acting force between the slide block and the slide rail, and thus changing the friction force therebetween during sliding movement of the slide block. In this way, undesired sliding movement of the slide block relative to the slide rail can be prevented.

Abstract: A night vision system including a power system having a low voltage unit coupled to a high voltage unit. The low voltage unit includes a low voltage controller and a low voltage table correlating step values to pulse widths, the low voltage controller obtaining a desired pulse width and accessing the table to obtain a step value. The high voltage unit including an opto-isolator for receiving the step value from the low voltage controller, a high voltage controller response to the step value accessing a high voltage table correlating step values to pulse width to obtain a pulse width, the high voltage controller generating a control pulse in response to the pulse width.

Abstract: A night vision goggle system is provided having an image intensifier tube that may be installed or replaced without requiring realignment of the optics. The image intensifier tube is coupled to a first locating feature that is in a predetermined relationship to the optical center of the image intensifier tube. The system includes a second locating feature that interacts with the first locating feature to position the image intensifier tube in a predetermined relationship to an optical component of the night vision system.

Abstract: A viewing device for minimizing the distance between interpupillary viewpoints of the left and right eyes to effect biocular viewing or minimized viewpoints viewing by partially reflecting the view of one eye to the other eye or by partially reflecting the view near one eye to the other eye through a series of reflectors starting with the flat semi-silvered mirror (20) that partially reflects light towards the roof mirror (22 and 26) and concave mirror (24) combination that reflects an erect and focused image that is then received by the entry parabolic mirror (28) that collects light about the center of the converging mirror and reflects it towards the facing exit parabolic mirror (30) and finally reflecting and converging the light to the pupil of the other eye.

Abstract: Magnifying binoculars configured for observing a magnified image of an object, includes a frame configured to be worn by a user, a pair of magnifying optical system units provided for left and right eyes of the user, respectively, each of the magnifying optical system units including a magnifying optical system for observing the magnified image of the object, and an optical path switching unit provided on an object side of each of the magnifying optical system units, the optical path switching unit including a movable mirror and a fixed mirror. The movable mirror is configured to be moved between an operating position on an optical path on the object side of the magnifying optical system unit and an evacuated position off the optical path. The fixed mirror is configured to deflect the optical path deflected by the movable mirror when the movable mirror is located on the operating position.

Abstract: The binoculars include a pair of displaceable optical elements, which are at least parts of objective optical systems, respectively, a focusing mechanism used to move the displaceable optical elements for focusing, a pair of guide rails that guide the displaceable optical elements, respectively, when they are moved. The pair of guide rails have inclined portions, at least parts thereof, which incline with respect to the optical axes of the objective optical systems, respectively. A pair of engagement portions are formed on a pair of frames of the displaceable optical elements, respectively. The engagement portions are engaged with the guide rails, respectively. When the displaceable optical elements are moved for focusing with the pair of engagement portions being engaged with the inclined portions of the pair of guide rails, respectively, a distance between the optical axes of the pair of displaceable optical elements changes, thereby a convergence value being compensated.

Abstract: Binoculars which include a pair of observation optical systems each having an objective optical system, an erecting optical system and an eyepiece optical system. The binoculars include a focusing mechanism that is used to move a part of the observation optical system for focusing, and a convergence value compensating mechanism that compensates for a convergence value by displacing displaceable optical elements which are at least parts of the objective optical systems, respectively, in association with actuation of the focusing mechanism. In this structure, a distance between optical axes of the eyepiece optical systems is adjustable in line with a width between eyes of a user. A maximum value of a distance between optical axes of the displaceable optical elements is smaller than a minimum value of the distance between the optical axes of the eyepiece optical systems.

Abstract: Binoculars having an integrated laser rangefinder has two separate housing parts (1, 2) with eyepieces (16, 17) and objectives (18, 19), which are connected to each other via a jointed bridge (3) for eye width adjustment, and in which the first housing part (1) contains a transmitter (4) and a receiver (5) of the laser rangefinder and also an optoelectronic display element (6) in a fixed arrangement with respect to an optical observation axis (7).

Abstract: Binoculars having a digital camera are provided. The digital camera is able to capture an image of an object which is observed through the optical systems of the binoculars. The digital-camera-provide binoculars further comprise a microphone. The microphone is provided on the bottom face of the binoculars.

Abstract: Handsfree fieldglasses providing increased clarity and magnification of a visual target in an outdoor application are disclosed. The handsfree fieldglasses can include eyeglasses, binoculars, and a customized connector coupling the eyeglasses and binoculars. The eyeglasses may include prescription lenses and/or polarized lenses. The lenses can have antireflective coatings, hydro-phobic coatings and/or a reduced or substantially flat base curve. The binoculars include adjustable separate lens arrangements having lengthy or infinite focal lengths to be placed against each eyeglass lens. The connector includes multiple fixed attachments and adjustable components such that the binoculars can be custom adjusted to rest against the eyeglasses and also to flip away from the eyeglasses while remaining coupled thereto. While resting against the eyeglasses, a user simultaneously perceives a full field of view having a magnified central portion and non-magnified outer portion.

Abstract: A device for tracer stream simulation is disclosed. The device includes a casing having an aperture, a beam splitter, and structure for generating a first image. The aperture is capable of displaying first and second fields of sight. The beam splitter conveys a second image to the first and second fields of sight while superposing the first and second images in the first field of sight. A system for tracer stream simulation is also disclosed and includes a biocular sight with the device being adapted for attachment to the biocular sight. A method for tracer stream simulation in a biocular sight is also disclosed.

Abstract: An adjustment method includes rotating a pair of magnifying glasses in directions opposite to each other using ?-rotation, and correcting inclination of an image, caused by the ?-rotation, by rotating the pair of magnifying glasses in directions opposite to each other using the ?-rotation, given that rotation about each of axes XL and XR, which respectively correspond to visual axes of left and right eyes when an object distance is infinite in a condition of a primary position, is represented by the ?-rotation, and that rotation about each of axis YL and YR, which are respectively perpendicular to the axes XL and XR and are also perpendicular to a z-axis which perpendicularly intersects with the axis XL at a position of a deflector for the left eye and the axis XR at a position of the deflector for the right eye, is represented by the ?-rotation.

Abstract: Electronic binoculars include an imaging unit, a first binocular unit, a second binocular unit, and a mode selector. The imaging unit captures an image of an object. The first binocular unit includes a first ocular unit through which the object is observed based on signals from the imaging unit. The second binocular unit includes a second ocular unit through which the object is observed based on signals from the imaging unit. The mode selector selects at least one of first and second modes. The first mode fully supplies electricity to each of the first and second binocular units. The second mode at least partially suspends the electricity supply to the second binocular unit.

Abstract: An imaging optical device, in particular binoculars or a telescope, comprises, in addition to a casing, an optical system with at least two optical components, the distance of which relative to one another is adjustable for focus setting of the optical system. This adjustment is effected by an adjusting device, which is coupled with at least one of the two components. The position of the optical components relative to each other is detected and, by the aid of a processor, converted into a focal length of the optical system and then outputted as a focal length via an output device. In this way, the distance of an object sighted by the optical device can be determined conveniently.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an optical apparatus is provided that comprises a recording medium, a distance-detecting sensor, an illustrated-guide selector, and an image-indicating device. The recording medium stores illustrated-guide data for a plurality of illustrated guides. The distance-detecting sensor detects distance information relating to an observation target. The illustrated-guide selector selects one illustrated guide from the plurality of illustrated guides, in accordance with the distance information. The image-indicating device displays information of the illustrated-guide data.

Abstract: A fusion vision system has a first eyepiece through which a fused viewable image is larger than an image viewed through a second eyepiece to help the operator more easily view the fused image in their brain. The fusion vision system may employ image intensification and thermal imaging capabilities.

Abstract: The two-stage variable power binoculars are configured so that, in right and left body tubes focus lenses are movably provided in the direction of optical axis, movable frames are movably provided in a direction so as to intersect with the optical axis, magnification switch lenses are respectively provided in the movable frames a magnification switch knob for moving the focus lenses and movable frames is provided in a center portion connecting the body tubes and the magnification switch knob is operated to move the movable frames so that the magnification switch lenses are disposed at either the high-magnification position on the optical axis or at the low-magnification position set back from the optical axis, and simultaneously, to move the focus lenses so that focus is adjusted.

Abstract: An eyepiece member comprises an eye cup provided on the outer circumference of an eyepiece barrel that holds an eyepiece lens, the eye cup being movable relative to the eyepiece barrel along the direction of the optical axis of the eyepiece lens, and a positioning members for the eye cup provided on at least one of a portion of the eyepiece barrel and a portion of the eye cup that are opposed to each other, intervals of the positioning members being relatively smaller in the eye cup pull-out side in which the eye cup is pulled toward the user when used than in the eye cup push-in side.

Abstract: An optical device includes an optical system mount plate, a casing, and a screw-hole forming part. An optical system is mounted on the optical system mount plate. The optical system mount plate is housed in the casing. The screw-hole forming part is provided on a bottom of the casing such that a screw provided on a tripod head can threadedly fit in the screw-hole forming part. The screw-hole forming part and at least one portion of the bottom are engaged with the optical system mount plate so as to counteract a rotational tightening force that is applied to the screw-hole forming part when the screw is threadedly tighten in the screw-hole forming part.

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: Electronic binoculars comprise an imaging unit, an image-signal processing unit, and first and second ocular units. First and second optical images, obtained by the optical system, are converted to first and second electric signals, due to imaging operations of the first and second imaging devices. The imaging operations of the first and second imaging devices are simultaneously started, and ended at different times. The image-signal processing unit superimposes the first and second electric signals to generate a third electric signal. The first and second ocular units indicate object images based on the third electric signal.

Abstract: A play-free rotary mounting for a drive roll held on stop surfaces in the axial direction on a cylindrical body, wherein V-shaped annular grooves with an opening angle V are provided at least in one of the end faces of the drive roll and the stop surface located opposite them on the body, V-shaped bearing shells with at approximately identical opening angles and approximately identical leg length are inserted into the annular grooves, the vertex diameters of the annular grooves differ from the vertex diameters of the bearing shells. Balls with a diameter matched to the opening width of the bearing shells are inserted into the bearing shells. At least one of the stop surfaces can be adjusted in the axial direction in order to clamp the drive roll in. Instead of different vertex diameters, different opening angles can also be provided for the annular grooves and opening angles for the bearing shells.

Abstract: A binocular cover comprising a cover sheet that overlies an exposed face of a binocular carried at the chest of a user by a neck strap, a substantially rigid top cover fixed to and projecting from one end of the cover sheet to overlie the eyepieces of the binocular, and an elastic strip interconnecting wings at opposite sides of the top cover and pull tabs affixed to the top cover to be used to peel the top cover from over the eyepieces and downwardly towards a distal end of the binocular positioned between the elastic strap, a back surface of the cover sheet and the wings.

Abstract: In an optical viewer instrument with a photographing function, there is provided a telescopic lens system for observing objects, and a digital camera system including a solid-state image sensor and a photographing lens system associated with each other such that an object is formed as a photographed image on the solid-state image sensor through the photographing lens system. A manually-operable focussing mechanism is associated with the telescopic lens system and the photographing lens system such that the object is brought into focus through the telescopic lens system, and such that the object is brought into focus through the photographing lens system. Optical parameters are selected such that predetermined conditions are fulfilled, whereby the focussing of the telescopic lens system and the focusing of the photographing lens system can be suitably and properly performed by the focussing mechanism.