Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a sensing system having a focal plane array having an n×m array of sensing elements and a single output pixel and a mask to select or deselect ones of the sensing elements in the array to form patterns, wherein the mask forms a part of the focal plane array.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for increasing display visibility.

Abstract: A blended optical device includes a first objective with a first axis and a first image position adjustment means for adjusting the position of a first image. An electronic control circuitry is configured to control the first adjustment means to adjust a position of the first image. A second objective includes a second axis and a variable focus mechanism, and a blender configured to form a blended image from the first image and a second image. The electronic control circuitry is configured to receive data from the second objective regarding a range to a target of the second objective as a function of the focus setting, and to adjust the position of the first image so that the blended image is corrected for parallax errors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a camera device for fastening to an eyepiece tube of a telescopic sight. For this purpose, a deflection module (12, 51) is fastened to the eyepiece tube by means of an assembly module (01, 50). A semi-permeable device (28) for deflecting the image from the axis of the telescopic sight is arranged in the deflection module (12, 51), which (28) enables a straight view through the device on the one hand. On the other hand, the image is deflected towards a camera module (34, 52) also arranged at the deflection module. The assembly module (01, 50), the deflection module (12, 51) and/or the camera module (34, 52) are detachably connected to each other.

Abstract: An irradiation apparatus includes a radiation unit for the emission of radiation in the form of a beam, a first microlens arrangement, downstream of the radiation unit, having a multiplicity of convergent microlenses, for dividing the beam into one partial beam per convergent microlens, and a convergent lens, downstream of the microlens arrangement, that overlays the partial beams, in an irradiated area. The microlenses have a first group and a second group. The microlenses in each group are identical, but the microlenses in the first group differ from the microlenses in the second group from their shape, size and/or focal length, so that a first region of the irradiated area, which is irradiated via the microlenses in the first group, differs from a second region of the irradiated area, which is irradiated by the microlenses in the second group, from its shape and/or its size.

Abstract: A lens system includes a first lens array assembly including a first plurality of cells, each cell of the first plurality of cells configured to exhibit a pair of first Fourier transform lenses, and a second lens array assembly including a second plurality of cells, each cell of the second plurality of cells configured to exhibit a pair of second Fourier transform lenses. The first Fourier transform lenses have a first pitch. The second Fourier transform lenses have a second pitch differing from the first pitch. The first and second lens array assemblies are positioned relative to one another along an optical axis of the lens system such that a Fourier transform of light from an object is developed at a plane between the first and second lens array assemblies and an image of the object is provided at an image conjugate distance from the second lens array assembly.

Abstract: An optical component called the Phase Space Combiner (PSC) is designed to join several bundles of rays. The bundles of rays, when represented in ray phase-space, occupy non-connected regions before passing through the PSC, while their representation in ray phase space occupies a single simply connected region (without holes) after passing through the PSC. Obviously, when used in reverse way it splits one bundle in several parts. We present herein the idea of using Multiple Individual Optics, MIO, not for collimating the light from the LEDs but as a PSC. Then a Single Common Optics, SCO, which can be an optical train, is used to get the desired intensity pattern. This hybrid SCO and MIO strategy combines most of the advantages of both approaches.

Abstract: A loupe accessory comprising: a loupe, comprising a first lens characterized in a positive focal length of less than 350 mm, the first lens for producing substantially infinity rays from a relatively close object, and an infinity-focus camera, comprising an image sensor and a second lens disposed at a fixed distance from the image sensor, the fixed distance being a focal length of the second lens, wherein the infinity-focus camera is fixed to the first lens, for imaging the infinity rays on the image sensor, thereby a first portion of the infinity rays produced by the first lens is imaged by the infinity-focus camera, and a second portion of the infinity rays produced by a second portion of the first lens is directly viewed by a human eye.

Abstract: New families of two mirror unobscured telescopes with compact Schiefspiegler, eccentric pupil Cassegrain geometries, incorporating aspheres, tilted and decentered secondaries, and tilted decentered focal surfaces. These variables allow control of focal surface tilt. All embodiments, from f/5 to f/16, are totally reflecting, fully baffled systems, with wide diffraction limited FOVs and unobscured aperture MTFs. Systems optimized with the focal plane normal to the gut ray are well suited for visual and general use. They can incorporate a variable iris for f/number control and allow focusing along the gut ray with minimal field tilt. Systems optimized with a fixed focal plane tilt are well suited for high resolution, wide field collimators and IR scene generators. Any light reflected at focus can be trapped, eliminating Narcissus or “cats eye” effects. Additionally, this reflection can be used to provide a uniform “background” irradiance field.

Abstract: A dual-function optical system including a secondary optical path incorporated, off-axis, within a primary optical path of the system and sharing a single aperture and at least some of the optical components with the primary optical path. In one example, an optical system includes an optical telescope including a plurality of mirrors configured to receive and direct first light rays through an entrance aperture of the optical system along a primary optical path, a detector positioned behind the optical telescope in the primary optical path and configured to receive the first light rays from the optical telescope, and an illuminator positioned behind the optical telescope and configured to produce second light rays and to direct the second light rays to the optical telescope, the optical telescope being further configured to transmit the second light rays along a secondary optical path through the entrance aperture of the optical system.

Abstract: An optical sighting device and a method of providing magnification in the optical sighting device are disclosed. In one example, the optical sighting device comprises a first telescope including a first focal plane, a second telescope, comprising a first variable power lens group, a second variable power lens group, and a second focal plane positioned between the first and second variable power lens groups, and a rotary optical tumbler comprised of a Galilean telescope configured to rotate into and out of a optical path that extends through the first telescope, the Galilean telescope and the second telescope, the rotation being about an axis disposed relative to the optical path.

Abstract: A dual-function optical system including a secondary optical path incorporated, off-axis, within a primary optical path of the system and sharing a single aperture and at least some of the optical components with the primary optical path. In one example, an optical system includes an optical telescope including a plurality of mirrors configured to receive and direct first light rays through an entrance aperture of the optical system along a primary optical path, a detector positioned behind the optical telescope in the primary optical path and configured to receive the first light rays from the optical telescope, and an illuminator positioned behind the optical telescope and configured to produce second light rays and to direct the second light rays to the optical telescope, the optical telescope being further configured to transmit the second light rays along a secondary optical path through the entrance aperture of the optical system.

Abstract: An object-finder-mounting apparatus comprises: a base for mounting the object-finder-mounting apparatus to an optical instrument; an object-finder-holder assembly coupled to the base and comprising one or more object-finder holders for removably holding an object finder; a projection plate moveably coupled to the base and/or the object-finder-holder assembly for movement between first and second positions; and a shadow-casting member. The object-finder-mounting apparatus is convertible between first and second working modes. In the first working mode, the projection plate is moved to the first position which permits use of the object finder held by the object-finder holders to locate objects. In the second working mode, the object finder is removed from the object-finder holders and the projection plate is moved to the second position. In the second working mode, the shadow-casting member casts a shadow onto the projection plate when the optical instrument is directed toward a luminous object.

Abstract: Improvement to an adornable binocular device having a telescope pair including a pivoting coupling between each telescope and arm and a second releasably slidable coupling between each telescope and arm.

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 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 space telescope system includes, but is not limited to, a support platform configured to orbit astronomical object, a plurality of mirrors mounted to the support platform and spaced apart from one another, the plurality of mirrors being configured to reflect a plurality of focused beams, and a focal plane image combiner positioned to intersect the plurality of focused beams and configured to combine the plurality of focused beams to form a composite image.

Abstract: An optical sight includes an outer barrel unit, an objective lens unit, an ocular lens unit, a magnification unit, and an illumination unit. The outer barrel unit extends about an axis and has a front end and a rear end. The objective lens unit is mounted to the front end of the outer barrel unit and has a first optical axis. The ocular lens unit is mounted to the rear end of the outer barrel unit. The magnification unit is disposed in and on the outer barrel unit between the objective lens unit and the ocular lens unit, and has a second optical axis. The illumination unit is disposed on the magnification unit, and includes a light source spaced apart from the second optical axis, and a reflective element for projecting emitted light, which is emitted from the light source, onto the objective lens unit.

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 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: A display device (4) for a telescope system is disposed between a first image plane (10) and a second image plane (20) of the telescope system. The display device includes a signal emitter (41), a converging lens group (42) positioned adjacent to the signal emitter, and a dioptric imaging lens group (43) positioned adjacent to the converging lens group. The optical signal emitted by the signal emitter is first transmitted through the converging lens group, then incident onto the dioptric imaging lens group, and finally imaged onto the second image after reflection of the dioptric imaging lens group. Therefore, both the image size and brightness of the displayed signal viewed by the observer can maintain unchanged in spite of the magnification variation of the telescope system.

Abstract: A telescope includes an objective lens to receive an optical signal from an object and an electronic signal generator that generates an electronic signal representing for example distance and direction of the object. Both signals travel through a magnification system to from images on a viewer side image plane. The image representing the electronic signal is further transmitted, before reaching the image plane, through a reflector prism, by which the image of the electronic signal is maintained invariable with respect to the variation of magnification factor of the telescope.

Abstract: A phased-array light telescope includes at least two non-obscured light subtelescopes. Each of the light subtelescopes is aimed along a common boresight. The phased-array light telescope further includes a non-obscured combining imager that receives and combines the output beams of the light subtelescopes.

Abstract: A remote sensing instrument using optical aperture synthesis comprises at least two independent remote sensing devices each comprising at least two light collecting means delivering light beams and having a selected field of view and a selected resolution and further comprising recombination means adapted to recombine interferometrically the light beams delivered by said devices so as to deliver a final light beam associated with a resolution better than or equivalent to the lowest resolution of said devices and/or a field of view less than or equal to the largest field of view of said devices.

Abstract: A system and method for telescope guiding requires creating an artificial reference star which is locked to the line of sight of the imaging means of a main telescope in the field-of-view (FOV) of a guide scope. A real guide star is selected using the guide scope, such that both artificial and guide stars are within the FOV of the guide scope. Guiding is accomplished by varying the line of sight such that the positional displacement between the guide and artificial stars on the guide star's focal plane is maintained approximately constant. The artificial star is created by generating a point source of light near the main scope's imaging means, directing the light outside the main scope and retroreflecting it at the same direction angle of the beam exiting the aperture into the guide scope, effectively locking the guide scope to the line of sight of the imaging means.

Abstract: A multi-telescope imaging system includes a first telescope and a second telescope, each telescope having an input line of sight, a ray path that is incident upon a focal surface imaging location at a non-normal angle of incidence, and a shutter lying on the ray path. A single common sensor lies at the focal surface imaging location, such that the first-telescope ray path and the second-telescope ray path are alternatingly incident upon the same focal surface imaging location of the sensor. A shutter controller alternatingly opens and closes the two shutters, so that the sensor alternatingly views the scenes imaged by the two telescopes.

Abstract: A sensor assembly including a detector; a first arrangement for enhancing the resolution of the detector; and a second arrangement for increasing the field-of-view of the detector. In a specific implementation, the detector is a focal plane array of detectors, the first arrangement is a Hadamard mask and the second arrangement is a telescope array with a field-bias element operationally coupled thereto. The field bias optical element is implemented with a prism and grating such as a grism. An arrangement is included for actuating the mask to selectively enable a desired level of resolution and another arrangement is included for actuating the field bias element to select a desired field of view. An arrangement for effecting image motion compensation is included along with an imager, an image processor and a data processor. The telescope array may include refractive elements, reflective elements, and/or catadioptric elements. Likewise, the imager may be refractive, reflective and/or catadioptric.

Abstract: An object locator sight aiding a first person to communicate the location of a distant object to a second person provides a laterally elongate base, carrying upstanding forward and spacedly adjacent rearward panels. The forward panel is perpendicular to the base and defines objective sight elements inwardly adjacent each end portion. The rearward panel is parallel to the forward panel and defines ocular sight elements inwardly adjacent each end portion. A sight line passing through the aligned first ocular sight element and the first objective sight element is intersected by a sight line passing through the second ocular sight element and the second objective sight element.

Abstract: A panoramic field of view acquiring system comprises three telescopes, which acquire three separate images, each typically covering a little over one third of the total required scene and a multiplexer, which is used to transmit the three images, one at a time, to an appropriate detector. Standard imaging techniques are then used to coordinate the images to form a complete picture and display them as required.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical instrument, designed to be used on a satellite, for simultaneously or quasi-simultaneously observing in two opposite angularly separated directions. It comprises at least two telescopes (TA, TB) having angularly spaced apart observation directions, each having a real and accessible exit pupil and respective planar or superimposable image fields, with a width at least five times more than that of the pupil in a specific direction. Optical means provided at the exit pupil are arranged so as to form the image fields in a common overlapping focal plane except in lateral zones whereof the width is substantially equal to that of the exit pupil of the telescopes. In the common focal plane, an assembly of several matrix detectors are arranged and oriented on the superimposition zone of the image fields of the telescopes in the wavefront.

Abstract: A binocular telescope with a photographing function comprises a pair of telescopic optical systems, a photographing optical system, and a pair of reticle elements, on which reticles are formed. The reticle elements are provided in the telescopic optical systems for focusing the telescopic optical systems. The distance between the optical axes of the telescopic optical systems can be adjusted, so that the reticle images are fused. The shapes of the fused reticle images are geometrically non-coordinate with each other.

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 imaging optical system includes a first imaging structure having a first optical axis and a first field of view, wherein the first imaging structure forms an image on a common focal plane, and a second imaging structure having a second optical axis parallel to the first optical axis and a second field of view different from the first field of view, wherein the second imaging structure forms an image on the common focal plane. The imaging structures preferably contain identical lens modules, most preferably identical Petzval lenses, and achromatic or apochromatic prisms of different spatial orientations. A planar sensor structure lies in the common focal plane, wherein the first optical axis and the second optical axis pass through the planar sensor structure.

Abstract: A tripod (1) for the support of apparatus in general and, in particular, of optical or photographic apparatus and the like is described and comprises a spider (3) in which a plurality of legs (2) converge and a pillar (12) arranged to receive the apparatus and having a stem (11) housed in a seat (4) of the spider, the seat extending through a pivotably adjustable element (21) of an articulated joint (22) formed in the spider.

Abstract: A multiple aperture imaging system, that includes: a plurality of imaging elements for capturing light; an optical relay assembly for phasing the captured light; a means for diverting the captured light within the multiple aperture imaging system to produce a plurality of images; and an imaging sensor capable of receiving the captured light from each of the plurality of imaging elements.

Abstract: In a method for imaging using multiple apertures, the present invention uses a wavefront sensor, a phase sensor, and an image processor to construct a high-resolution image without using complex relay optics. A wavefront sensor collects information that allows the wavefront from each aperture to be reconstructed and a phase sensor collects information regarding the relative phase difference between the apertures. An image processor uses the information collected from the phase sensor to correct the phase differences between the apertures, reconstruct the wavefronts from the wavefront sensor data, then coherently sums the wavefronts from each aperture to form a high-resolution image that corresponds to a synthesized aperture that is larger than any of the individual apertures.

Abstract: In a method for imaging using multiple apertures, the present invention uses a wavefront sensor, a phase sensor, and an image processor to construct a high-resolution image without using complex relay optics. A wavefront sensor collects information that allows the wavefront from each aperture to be reconstructed and a phase sensor collects information regarding the relative phase difference between the apertures. An image processor uses the information collected from the phase sensor to correct the phase differences between the apertures, reconstruct the wavefronts from the wavefront sensor data, then coherently sums the wavefronts from each aperture to form a high-resolution image that corresponds to a synthesized aperture that is larger than any of the individual apertures.

Abstract: A multiple aperture imaging system, that includes: a plurality of imaging elements for capturing light; an optical relay assembly for phasing the captured light; a means for diverting the captured light within the multiple aperture imaging system to produce a plurality of images; and an imaging sensor capable of receiving the captured light from each of the plurality of imaging elements.

Abstract: A device having night vision capability, in particular a laser distance-measuring device, has at least two optical channels (A-C), of which a first (A) focuses the low-level light emitted by an object by a mirror (2) and of an optical system (3) onto the entry window (4) of a low-light-level amplifier (5). The image of the object, which is available at the exit window (6) of the low-light-level amplifier (5), is displayed in a predetermined wavelength range and is electronically amplified, and is projected by a further mirror (8) to a receptor (13′) on the second optical channel. The first optical channel (A) responsible for night observation has at least one of the mirrors (2; 8) in the form of a first splitter mirror (2; 8) which can be switched on or off and reflects the light in the predetermined wavelength range but is essentially completely transparent for the laser wavelength.

Abstract: A reflective telecentric lens which uses an on-axis type concave mirror in a pseudo-off-axis manner to avoid blockage of a portion of the field of view. The concave mirror used in a pseudo-off-axis manner permits the telecentric stop, imaging lens, and film or an electronic detector to be moved outside of the field of view.

Abstract: A binocular-like vision system (50) for enabling an observer to view an object. The system includes an input end (72,90) that receives light from the object and an optical transfer system (62,64,86,88) that receives the light received from the input end and transfers the received light to an image intensifier (68) which intensifies the received light, wherein the intensified received light is transferred to and transmitted out of an output end (80,92) of the system, wherein the light transmitted out of the output end forms a field of view of the object that is greater than a 60 degree horizontal field of view.

Abstract: An optical reconnaissance system for the observation of terrain from a great height, in which a number of individual telescopes are aligned approximately parallel and the detector arrays for the telescopes are disposed in a common focal plane such that during observation, a terrain surface segment imaged on any arbitrary detector element of the detector array of any of the individual telescopes is shifted by a fraction of the width of the detector element, from one detector array to the next. Instead of being parallel, the optical axes of the telescopes can be slightly inclined relative to one another to arrange the detector arrays in the common focal plane adjacent to one another.

Abstract: The invention comprises a protective window for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an optical sight (20) may comprise an optical component (182, 300) transmitting an image of a scene. A protective window (180, 430) may be disposed approximate to an internal side of the optical component (180, 300) to obstruct dirt from contacting the internal side of the optical component.

Abstract: The invention aims to provide binoculars suitable to be used in a theater or a sports stadium, which can provide a wide and bright field of view on one hand, and which are compact and lightweight with improved portability and maneuverability on the other hand. Inverse reflection of an image is achieved by providing optical systems of inverse reflection, each comprising a pair of specular reflectors opposed to each other on an object side and an eyepiece side, respectively, so that an optical axis of light exiting the optical system of inverse reflection on the eyepiece side extends in parallel with an optical axis of light entering the optical system of inverse reflection on the object side, and one or more object lens(es) is or are placed on one or more path(s) selected from optical paths of reflection from respective specular reflectors forming the optical systems of inverse reflection.

Abstract: The invention comprises a protective window for an optical sight. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, an optical sight (20) may comprise an optical component (182, 300) transmitting an image of a scene. A protective window (180, 430) may be disposed approximate to an internal side of the optical component (180, 300) to obstruct dirt from contacting the internal side of the optical component.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a telescopic sight which is characterized by the fact that in a telescopic sight for day and night use, [a] a night time imaging device can be connected without removing the ocular tube body connected to the ocular side of the objective tube body when there is a changeover from day time use to night time use, so that the telescopic sight can be used at night, [b] the sight can be used "as is" as a day time sight by removing the night time imaging device, and [c] attachment or detachment for day time or night time use can be accomplished quickly, easily and reliably by means of one hand while the gun is held in the other hand.

Abstract: Binoculars include a pair of lens barrels, each barrel having an optical system, a flexible lens barrier which travels between a protective position for protecting the optical system of each of the lens barrels and a position that is retracted from the field of view of the optical system, and a drive member for moving the flexible lens barrier between the protective position and the retracted position.

Abstract: A dual purpose optical device that is convertible between binocular and stereoscope modes of operation while using a common eyepiece arrangement for both. The device includes a housing containing a pair of optic supports mounted side-by-side for lateral movement towards and away from one another. Each support preferably carries three lenses. Two lenses on each support serve as the eyepiece and are aligned in a common plane with an eyepiece opening through the housing and a rotatable mirror assembly. The assembly pivots substantially ninety degrees from opposing forty-five degree angle positions with respect to the plane through the eyepiece opening and the eye and field lenses so as to fold the lines of sight either up or down within the housing. A circular photo transparency reel is received horizontally in a slot provided on an upper side of the housing.

Abstract: A multi-aperture imaging system for continuous dwell imaging of complex extended scenes which are not required to contain localized point sources. The multi-aperture imaging system includes a plurality of subaperture telescopes, each of which collect image data of an instantaneous field of view of an extended object scene within a field of regard of the imaging system. The image data collected by each subaperture telescope is transferred by respective optical delay paths to a beam combiner which combines all the image data in coherent fashion to form a single high resolution image of said object scene at a focal plane of the beam combiner. The subaperture telescopes are optically phased using phase diversity techniques which include using a phase diversity sensor located at the focal plane of the beam combiner to detect wavefront errors in the collected images.

Abstract: A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, or sighting device includes a single objective lens and a single eyepiece lens and provides an image of a distant scene. The single objective lens leads to a visible-light first optical path and to an invisible-light second optical path. The invisible-light second optical path includes an image intensifier tube providing a visible image. The first and second optical paths converge with visible images provided by along each path being overlaid at a reticule plane. A single light path leads from the reticule plane to the eyepiece lens. A laser provides laser light projected into the scene, and the image intensifier tube is used as a detector for a portion of the laser light reflected from an object in the scene in order to provide imaging or a laser range finding functions.