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GB2059099A - Low ambient light level indicators - Google Patents

Low ambient light level indicators Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2059099A
GB2059099A GB8026144A GB8026144A GB2059099A GB 2059099 A GB2059099 A GB 2059099A GB 8026144 A GB8026144 A GB 8026144A GB 8026144 A GB8026144 A GB 8026144A GB 2059099 A GB2059099 A GB 2059099A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
binoculars
devices
light emitting
indicator
emitting device
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB8026144A
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
SECR DEFENCE
UK Secretary of State for Defence
Original Assignee
SECR DEFENCE
UK Secretary of State for Defence
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by SECR DEFENCE, UK Secretary of State for Defence filed Critical SECR DEFENCE
Priority to GB8026144A priority Critical patent/GB2059099A/en
Publication of GB2059099A publication Critical patent/GB2059099A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01—Head-up displays
    • G02B27/017—Head mounted
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
    • G02B23/02—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices involving prisms or mirrors
    • G02B23/10—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices involving prisms or mirrors reflecting into the field of view additional indications, e.g. from collimator
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B23/00—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices
    • G02B23/12—Telescopes, e.g. binoculars; Periscopes; Instruments for viewing the inside of hollow bodies; Viewfinders; Optical aiming or sighting devices with means for image conversion or intensification
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01—Head-up displays
    • G02B27/017—Head mounted
    • G02B27/0172—Head mounted characterised by optical features
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01—Head-up displays
    • G02B27/0101—Head-up displays characterised by optical features
    • G02B2027/0138—Head-up displays characterised by optical features comprising image capture systems, e.g. camera

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Astronomy & Astrophysics (AREA)
  • Electroluminescent Light Sources (AREA)
  • Illuminated Signs And Luminous Advertising (AREA)

Abstract

Binoculars (3) incorporating an image intensifier are used by, for instance, a pilot to view a scene; a light emitting device (1) being mounted in the field of view of the binoculars to emit light of a predetermined, constant intensity which becomes visible when the ambient light level is sufficiently low. The invention is particularly, though not exclusively, for use by aircraft pilots as a safety aid when flying in conditions of poor or deteriorating visibility. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to low ambient light level indicators The invention relates to low ambient light level indicators and particularly, though not exclusively, relates to indicators for use by aircraft pilots as a safety aid when flying in conditions of poor or deteriorating visibility.
Several types of image intensifying systems are currently used by pilots for surveillance or target acquisition and also to provide sufficient visual information to enable their aircraft to be flown safely. Atypical system includes an image intensifier tube mounted in lightweight, head-mounted binoculars having unity magnification and a forty degree field of vision.
It has been found however that pilots using image intensifying systems do not always appreciate a deterioration in scene illumination and luminosity and may fly under unsafe conditions.
The present invention provides an indication to a pilot or observer of minimum safe scene illumination.
According to one aspect of the invention a low ambient light level indicator includes binoculars incorporating an image intensifier for viewing a scene, and a light emitting device or devices mounted in the field of view of the binoculars, wherein the device or devices are arranged to emit light of a predetermined intensity such that the device or devices when viewed through the binoculars contrast with a low ambient light level.
The light emitting device or each of the devices may comprise for example, a light emitting diode, or array of diodes, or an electroluminescent lamp. The device may emit light continuously or in pulses, preferably at a rate of between 1 to 10 Hertz.
Where the indicator is used in an aircraft or helicoptor the light emitting device may conveniently be windscreen mounted. Alternatively, the device may be mounted on the binoculars by means of a mounting which supports the device in the field of view of the binoculars.
A low ambient light level indicator in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to Figure 1 of the drawings.
Referring to Figure 1,a pilot, 4 having helmet mounted binoculars 3 which incorporate an image intensifier, views a scene through a transparent canopy 6, the field of view being indicated by the lines A, A in the drawing. An electroluminescent panel 1 has a square face, 3 cm x 3 cm, and is mounted on the canopy 6 to emit light towards the intensifier and is within the binocular field of view.
The panel 1 is fed via wires 2 by a power supply which produces current pulses at 3 Hertz. The supply power level is pre-set to a value such that under high ambient light levels the panel illumination is relatively low and the panel is not noticeable, whereas at low ambient light levels the panel becomes noticeable and the pilot is thereby warned of deteriorating visibility.
Whilst the above embodiment employs a single light emitting device, two or more such devices which emit light at the same or different frequencies may be substituted and arranged in a convenient pattern.
1. A low ambient light level indicator including binoculars incorporating an image intensifier for viewing a scene, and a light emitting device or devices mounted in the field of view of the binoculars, wherein the device or devices are arranged to emit light of a predetermined intensity such that the device or devices when viewed through the binoculars contrast with a low ambient light level.
2. An indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light emitting device or each of the devices comprises a light emitting diode.
3. An indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light emitting device on each of the devices comprises an electroluminescent lamp.
4. An indicator as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the device or devices is arranged to emit pulses of light.
5. An indicator as claimed in claim 4 wherein the puise frequency of the light is between 1 and 10 Hertz.
6. An indicator as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the light emitting device or devices is mounted on awindscreen of an aircraft or helicopter.
7. An indicator as claimed in any of claim 1 to claim 5 wherein the light emitting device or devices is mounted on the binoculars in the field of view thereof.
8. An indicator substantially as described herein with reference to the drawing.
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (8)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to low ambient light level indicators The invention relates to low ambient light level indicators and particularly, though not exclusively, relates to indicators for use by aircraft pilots as a safety aid when flying in conditions of poor or deteriorating visibility. Several types of image intensifying systems are currently used by pilots for surveillance or target acquisition and also to provide sufficient visual information to enable their aircraft to be flown safely. Atypical system includes an image intensifier tube mounted in lightweight, head-mounted binoculars having unity magnification and a forty degree field of vision. It has been found however that pilots using image intensifying systems do not always appreciate a deterioration in scene illumination and luminosity and may fly under unsafe conditions. The present invention provides an indication to a pilot or observer of minimum safe scene illumination. According to one aspect of the invention a low ambient light level indicator includes binoculars incorporating an image intensifier for viewing a scene, and a light emitting device or devices mounted in the field of view of the binoculars, wherein the device or devices are arranged to emit light of a predetermined intensity such that the device or devices when viewed through the binoculars contrast with a low ambient light level. The light emitting device or each of the devices may comprise for example, a light emitting diode, or array of diodes, or an electroluminescent lamp. The device may emit light continuously or in pulses, preferably at a rate of between 1 to 10 Hertz. Where the indicator is used in an aircraft or helicoptor the light emitting device may conveniently be windscreen mounted. Alternatively, the device may be mounted on the binoculars by means of a mounting which supports the device in the field of view of the binoculars. A low ambient light level indicator in accordance with the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to Figure 1 of the drawings. Referring to Figure 1,a pilot, 4 having helmet mounted binoculars 3 which incorporate an image intensifier, views a scene through a transparent canopy 6, the field of view being indicated by the lines A, A in the drawing. An electroluminescent panel 1 has a square face, 3 cm x 3 cm, and is mounted on the canopy 6 to emit light towards the intensifier and is within the binocular field of view. The panel 1 is fed via wires 2 by a power supply which produces current pulses at 3 Hertz. The supply power level is pre-set to a value such that under high ambient light levels the panel illumination is relatively low and the panel is not noticeable, whereas at low ambient light levels the panel becomes noticeable and the pilot is thereby warned of deteriorating visibility. Whilst the above embodiment employs a single light emitting device, two or more such devices which emit light at the same or different frequencies may be substituted and arranged in a convenient pattern. CLAIMS
1. A low ambient light level indicator including binoculars incorporating an image intensifier for viewing a scene, and a light emitting device or devices mounted in the field of view of the binoculars, wherein the device or devices are arranged to emit light of a predetermined intensity such that the device or devices when viewed through the binoculars contrast with a low ambient light level.
2. An indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light emitting device or each of the devices comprises a light emitting diode.
3. An indicator as claimed in claim 1 wherein the light emitting device on each of the devices comprises an electroluminescent lamp.
4. An indicator as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the device or devices is arranged to emit pulses of light.
5. An indicator as claimed in claim 4 wherein the puise frequency of the light is between 1 and 10 Hertz.
6. An indicator as claimed in any of the preceding claims wherein the light emitting device or devices is mounted on awindscreen of an aircraft or helicopter.
7. An indicator as claimed in any of claim 1 to claim 5 wherein the light emitting device or devices is mounted on the binoculars in the field of view thereof.
8. An indicator substantially as described herein with reference to the drawing.
GB8026144A 1979-08-21 1980-08-11 Low ambient light level indicators Withdrawn GB2059099A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB8026144A GB2059099A (en) 1979-08-21 1980-08-11 Low ambient light level indicators

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB7929018 1979-08-21
GB8026144A GB2059099A (en) 1979-08-21 1980-08-11 Low ambient light level indicators

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB2059099A true GB2059099A (en) 1981-04-15

Family

ID=26272633

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB8026144A Withdrawn GB2059099A (en) 1979-08-21 1980-08-11 Low ambient light level indicators

Country Status (1)

Country Link
GB (1) GB2059099A (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0206324A3 (en) * 1985-06-27 1989-05-10 Honeywell Inc. Dual source display apparatus

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0206324A3 (en) * 1985-06-27 1989-05-10 Honeywell Inc. Dual source display apparatus

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WAP Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1)