GB2512198A

GB2512198A - A viewing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2512198A
Application number: GB1402151.3A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Craven; Philip Craven
Original assignee: Nitesite Ltd
Current assignee: Nitesite Ltd
Priority date: 2013-02-08
Filing date: 2014-02-07
Publication date: 2014-09-24
Also published as: WO2014122473A1; GB201302251D0; GB201402151D0

Abstract

A hand held viewing device 102 for use in low light situations includes a housing 104, a camera (108, fig.1) operable to detect infrared light, a display unit 106 operable to display image data detected by the camera unit, and a source of infrared (IR) illumination 126. The device further comprises focussing means 128 arranged to focus infrared light from the infrared source to a narrow point, thereby causing the intensity of IR illumination to be maintained over a longer distance. The focussed source of IR illumination 126 may be mounted behind a sheet of IR transparent material (114, fig.1) above the camera (108, fig.1). The IR focussing means 128 may include two lenses. Lens curvatures spacings are disclosed. The viewing device may be used by hunters pursuing vermin, rats, rabbits, etc.

Description

A Viewing Device The present invention relates to a viewing device, in particular to a hand held viewing device which is operable to be used covertly in low light situations.

In many circumstances, it is desirable to view objects in low light situations covertly.

For example, for security purposes, it is advantageous to be able to view a poorly lit area, without illuminating the area with visible light, since illuminating the area may alert any wrongdoer to the presence of the security personnel.

Similarly, when hunting in low light situations, shining a light on an area would likely alert the hunted animal to the presence of the hunter, thus causing the hunted animal to flee.

WO 2011/158013 discloses a hand held viewing device for the purposes as discussed above. In particular, the viewing device disclosed in this document is suitable for use when accompanying a hunter in the pursuit of vermin, such as when shooting rats, rabbits, etc. The device disclosed in this document comprises a camera unit, a display device and an infrared illumination device, thus allowing a user to covertly view, on the display device, an image captured by the camera, wherein the image has been illuminated by the infrared illumination means.

However, it has been found that it is particularly advantageous to be able to covertly view objects in low light situations from a further distance than that envisaged in prior art document WO 2011/158013. For example, in many situations, in particular in the field of covert security, it is desirable to view an object covertly from 100 to 400 meters. This allows, for example, a security guard to monitor great distances from a stationary position.

It is an object of aspects of the present invention to provide one or more solutions to the above mentioned or other problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a viewing device comprising a housing, the housing comprising a camera operable to detect infrared light, a display unit operable to display image data detected by the camera unit, and infrared illumination means, wherein the device further comprises focussing means arranged and operable to focus infrared light illuminated from the infrared illumination device, in use.

Advantageously, by focussing the infrared light illuminated from the infrared illumination device, the intensity of the illuminated light can be maintained over a greater distance, thus allowing the viewing apparatus to be used for viewing greater distances in low light situations.

Preferably, the viewing device is a hand held viewing device. Preferably, the viewing device comprises a handle operable to allow the device to be held in the hand of a user. The handle may be pad of the housing.

Preferably, the display unit is arranged on a first face of the viewing apparatus, which may be arranged to face a user, in use. Preferably, the camera is arranged on a second face of the viewing apparatus, which may be arranged to face away from a user, in use. In one embodiment, the first face and second face of the viewing apparatus are generally arranged to face in opposite directions.

Preferably, the infrared illumination means are arranged and operable to illuminate an area with infrared light. Preferably, the infrared illumination means emits little or no light visible to the naked eye (ie. light in the visible part of the spectrum). Thus, although the area may be said to be "illuminated" with infrared light, it is not illuminated by visible light and thus, to the naked eye, it is not illuminated.

The infrared illumination means is preferably arranged and operable to emit infrared light substantially in a direction where the camera is aimed to thereby preferably illuminate with infrared light an area where the camera is aimed. In one embodiment, the infrared illumination means is arranged on the second face of the viewing apparatus.

The infrared illumination means may comprise one or more source of infrared light.

For examples, the infrared illumination means may comprise one or more infrared emitting LED5.

In one embodiment, the infrared illumination means may comprise a plurality of sources of infrared light, such as a plurality of infrared illuminating LEDs, for example.

In some embodiments, it may be advantageous, in the interest of conserving electrical power, to have multiple lower powered LED5, rather than a single high powered LED.

The focussing means preferably comprises one or more focussing device. The focussing means may comprise a plurality of focussing devices. For example, the focussing means may comprise a separate focussing device associated with each source of infrared light.

In one embodiment, the infrared illumination means comprises a plurality of infrared emitting LEDs and the focussing means comprises a plurality of focussing devices, each focussing device being associated with one of the plurality of infrared emitting LEDs.

Preferably, the or each focussing device comprises at least one lens. The or each focussing device may comprise a plurality of lenses, such as 2, 3, 4 or more lenses.

The plurality of lenses may be of different sizes.

In one embodiment, the or each focussing device comprises a first lens and a second lens. Preferably, the first lens is diametrically smaller than the second lens, preferably the second lens has a diameter at least double that of the first lens. The ratio of the diameter of the first lens to the second lens is preferably between about 1:2 to 1:3, such as between about 1:2.4 to 1:2.8, for example. One of the lenses, which may be the second lens, may be a double convex lens, that is, a lens having opposing faces that are each convex. One of the lenses, which may be the first lens, may be a single convex lens, that is, a lens that has a single convex face and an opposing planar face.

The first and second lens may be arranged with regard to the infrared light source such that the infrared light passes through the first lens before the second lens.

According to a preferred embodiment the first lens is substantially circular in cross-section, preferably with a diameter of about 10mm, such as 9 mm. Suitably, the first lens has a diameter of at least 4 mm, such as 6 mm. According to a preferred embodiment the second lens is substantially circular in cross-section, preferably with a diameter of about 26mm. Suitably, the second lens has a diameter of at least 10 mm, such as 15 mm or 20 mm. Preferably, a depth of the convex portion of the first lens is about 2.7mm and the radii of curvature is about 6mm. The depth of the convex portion of the first lens may be at least 1 mm, such as at least 2mm, or 3 mm, the depth may be about 4mm. The radii of curvature of the first lens may be at least 4 mm, such as 6 mm, 8 mm or 10 mm, for example 12 mm. Preferably, the double convex second lens has a first lens portion which has a depth of about 2mm and a radii of curvature of about 53mm, and a second lens portion which has a depth of about 6mm. The second lens may have a first lens portion having a depth of at least 2 mm, such as 4 mm, the depth may be about 6 mm. The second lens may have a second lens portion with a depth of at least 0.2 mm, such as 0.5 mm, for example 1 mm. The second lens may have a first lens portion having radii of curvature of at least 10 mm, such as 20 mm or 30 mm. The second lens may have a second lens portion having a radii of curvature of at least 5 mm, such as 15 mm or 25 mm.

Suitably the ratio of radii of curvature between the first lens portion and the second lens portion of the second lens is between 2:1 and 1:1, such as between 1.5:1 and 1:1 or 1.3:1 and 1:1, forexample 1.1:1.

The ratio between the radii of curvature of the first lens, the first lens portion of the second lens and the second lens portion of the second lens may be between 2:4:4 and 1:2:2, such as between 1:3:3 and 1:2:2, for example between 1:2.3:2.2 to 1:2.7:2.6.

Suitably, the lenses are spaced between 3 cm and 1 cm apart, such as between 1.5 cm and 2.5 cm apart.

Typically, the lens is formed of plastic or glass. In one embodiment the lens are formed of plastic.

The or each focussing device may comprise a focussing assembly. The focussing assembly may comprise a body holding one or more lenses therein. In one embodiment, the focussing assembly comprises a body holding a plurality of lenses, the lenses preferably being arranged in a generally parallel manner.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a focussing assembly for focussing light, suitably infrared light, the focussing assembly comprising a body and a focussing device comprising at least one lens.

Typically, the body comprises at least two apertures operable to permit the passage of light through the body. Suitably, the body comprises at least two opposed apertures.

Suitably, the body may comprise a first aperture of a different size to a second opposed aperture. The second aperture may be about 2 to 20 times the size of the first aperture, such as 5 to 15 times the size. Each aperture may independently have a generally circular cross-section. In one embodiment, the first aperture may be substantially rectangular in cross-section. The first aperture may comprise a generally coplanar series of adjacent and adjoining substantially rectangular cross-section openings of different sizes. In such an embodiment, the first aperture may comprise a series of three substantially rectangular cross-sectional openings of different sizes.

Typically, the middle substantially rectangular cross-section opening may be larger than the two adjacent cross-sections. Typically the apertures are arranged on respective opposite ends the body.

The body may be any suitable shape; typically the body is substantially cylindrical.

The body may be formed of two or more body components, typically two or more detachably attachable components. A body component may comprise a projection operable to be received into a receiving means of another body component. Suitably, a body component may comprise two projections operable to be received into respective receiving means of a further body component(s). Suitably, the body comprises a male and a female body component, the male component comprising at least one projection and the female body component comprising at least one receiving means operable to receive the projection such as to form a detachable attachment between the male and female body members. Typically, at least the male body component is resiliently deformable. Suitably, the projections and or the receiving means are arranged at a position along the body between a first and a second lens.

The body may comprise cradles operable to hold the lenses in place. Suitably, the lenses are releasably held in the cradles. As such, the lenses of the focussing assembly may be removed and, if necessary, replaced. The body may comprise a cradle in the form of a substantially continuous channel extending around the inner circumference of the body. Suitably, the channel is of a thickness appropriate to receive the lens and hold it in substantially the same place during use. The body may additionally/alternatively comprise a raised cradle operable to hold a lens such that the apex of the convex face of the lens is on substantially the same axis as the apex of a larger adjacent lens. Typically, the first lens is arranged in a raised cradle and the second lens is arranged in a channel cradle.

The body may comprise at least one channel cradle and at least one raised cradle.

Suitably, the channel cradle is arranged substantially towards the opposite end of the body in relation to the raised cradle.

A channel cradle may be spaced inwardly from an end of the body. Suitably, the channel cradle may be spaced inwardly such that in use the apex of the lens arranged in the cradle is at least 0.1 mm below the end of the body, such as at least 0.5 mm or at least 1 mm. Optionally, the apex of the lens may be substantially flush with the end of the body. Typically, the channel cradle is arranged within at least 1.2 cm of an end of the body, such as at least 0.8 cm, or at least 0.7 cm.

A lens arranged in a raised cradle may be spaced inwardly from an end of the body.

Suitably, the lens may be spaced at least 0.5 mm from an end of the body, such as at least 1 mm or 2 mm. Typically, a lens arranged in a raised cradle is arranged within at least 1 cm of an end of the body, such as at least 0.7 cm, or at least 0.6cm.

Each lens may independently comprise a ridge. Suitably, the ridge extends radially around the circumference of the lens, generally substantially continuously around the circumference of the lens. The ridge may comprise one or more discrete portions extending over a portion of lens. The ridge may extend from the curved surface(s) of the lens. The ridge may comprise a substantially planar upper, lower face and/or end face. The ridge may be operable to be received into the cradle of the body.

Optionally, the ridge is operable to engage the cradle to enable the lens to be held in place during use such the curved faces of the lens intended for light manipulation are substantially free from direct engagement with the cradle. The ridge may comprise one or more projections extending from an upper and/or lower surface of the ridge.

Each lens may independently comprise a ridge operable to extend through an aperture in the body, the aperture may be arranged in a cradle.

Suitably, the first lens comprises two diametrically opposed ridge portions. Suitably, the second lens comprises a ridging extending substantially continuously around the circumference of the lens. In such an embodiment, the second lens may comprise a second ridge that extends further than the first ridge and which is operable to extend through an aperture in the cradle.

Suitably, the body comprises an internal wall extending between the internal faces of the body. The internal wall may form a portion of the raised cradle. Typically, the internal wall comprises an aperture. Suitably, the aperture of the internal wall has substantially the same circumference as the circumference of the smallest lens of the assembly and/or substantially the same circumference as the circumference of the lens arranged in the raised cradle when the internal wall forms a portion of the raised cradle. In such an arrangement, a convex face of the lens may extend into the aperture, suitably the edges of the apertures forms a close fit with the convex face of the lens.

Typically, the body is substantially opaque, generally the body is opaque.

The body may be formed of any suitable material or mixture of materials. Suitably, the body is formed of plastic.

In a preferred embodiment, the focussing assembly comprises a body holding two lenses, the lenses preferably being arranged in a generally parallel manner and being operable, in use, to focus the infrared light emitted by the infrared illumination device into a beam that is generally cylindrical.

The focussing means is preferably operable to focus the infrared light emitted by the infrared illumination device into a generally parallel beam. In other words, the focussing means is preferably operable to focus the infrared light emitted by the infrared illumination device into a beam that is generally cylindrical.

Suitably, the focusing assembly is operable to focus infrared light such that the infrared light may extend fuither than when non-focussed. The focussing device may be operable to extend the reach of the infrared light up to at least 6Dm, such as least 70m, for example 80m or 9Dm. Advantageously, these distances may be obtained through the use of a single illuminator, thus projecting the light further using less power.

B

The focusing assembly may focus the infrared light to an arc of between 1° and 6°, such as between 1 and 4°, such as 2° arc. The focussing assembly may focus a 7° arc to a 2° arc.

The viewing device may contain at least one focussing assembly.

By the term infrared camera" it is meant a camera that is sensitive to detect infrared light.

Preferably, the camera is operable to generate dynamic image data. In other words, preferably the image data is not static imagery, but a live feed of moving imagery viewed by the camera.

Preferably, the viewing apparatus comprises means to allow the image data to be recorded by an image recording device. The means may comprise an interface, which may be a wired or wireless interface. The interface may comprise a socket into which a recording device may be plugged. The socket may be a 3.5mm jack socket, for example. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the viewing apparatus comprises a video output socket. The means to allow the image data to be recorded by an image recording device is operable to allow the output of dynamic image data.

Preferably, the display unit comprises a screen.

The viewing apparatus may comprise illumination varying means, operable to vary the intensity of the infrared illumination means, in use. The illumination varying means may be continuously or discretely variable.

In one embodiment, the illumination varying means may be discretely variable between a plurality of predetermined intensities. One of the predetermined intensities may be zero, wherein the illumination means is in an off' state.

The viewing apparatus may comprise means to switch the screen of the display unit between an "on" position and an off" position.

The infrared illumination means may be operable to illuminate to a predetermined distance, depending on the use of the viewing apparatus. In one embodiment, the focussing means may be adjustable to adjust the focus of the infrared beam and thereby adjust the distance that the infrared beam travels.

Suitably, the focussing assembly may be adjustable to adjust the focus of the infrared beam and thereby adjust the distance that the infrared beam travels.

The viewing apparatus may further comprise a power supply, preferably operable to supply power to one or more of the camera unit, display unit and/or infrared illumination means. The power supply may comprise a 12V DC power supply. The power supply may be situated in the body of the device. The powei supply may be situated in the handle of the device. The power supply is preferably rechargeable.

All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects and in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a front schematic view of a hand held viewing device; Figure 2 shows rear schematic view of a hand held viewing device; Figure 3 shows a front view of a hand held viewing device having a front screen removed therefrom; Figure 4 shows a side perspective view of focussing means of a viewing apparatus; Figure 5 shows a side perspective view of a focussing device of the viewing apparatus; Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the focussing device of figure 5; and Figure 7 shows a schematic view of a focussing device of the viewing apparatus.

Referring to figures 1 and 2 there is shown a hand held viewing device 102. The device 102 comprises a housing 104 which comprises a screen 106 on a first face 107 thereof and a camera 108 on a second face 109 thereof, the second face 109 being substantially opposite the first face 107. The screen 106 is arranged and operable to produce an image detected by the camera 108, in use. Extending downward from the housing 104 is a handle portion 110 operable to allow a user to hold the device 102 by hand.

In more detail, the first face 107 of the housing 104 further comprises a switch 112 operable to turn the device on and off. The first face 107 further comprises indicia 114 above the screen 106, which may be a trade mark of the device, for example.

Referring to the second face 109 of the device 102, the camera, having a generally circular front lens visible in Figure 1, is situated toward a lower edge thereof, with an upper portion of the second face 109 being covered by a sheet of material 114 transparent to infrared light, because, as will be described hereunder, infrared illumination means are situated behind the sheet of material 114.

Two levers 116, 118 extend through an underside of the body 104 proximal to the camera 108. These levers 116 are arranged and operable to adjust the zoom of the camera (lever 116) and the focus of the camera (lever 118). The levers are actuated manually by a user, in use.

The handle portion 110 has a gripping portion 120 toward an upper part thereof, which is ergonomically designed for a user to grip with their left or right hand. Situated toward a lower part of the handle portion 110 is an external power supply socket 122 operable to supply power to recharge a battery (not shown) located within the handle portion 110 and/or to power the device directly. Also situated toward a lower part of the handle portion is a video out" socket 124 to allow the image seen by the camera 108 to be outputted to a auxiliary device (not shown) to thereby allow the image of the camera 108 to be viewed or recorded on the auxiliary device (not shown). A recharging socket 125 is positioned on the first face 107 for receiving power to recharge the battery.

Referring now to figure 3 there is shown a front view of the device 102 having the cover sheet 114 removed therefrom to reveal the infrared illumination means 126 situated in the front face 109, above the camera 108. The infrared illumination means 126 comprises five discrete infrared illumination devices 128, arranged in a pentagonal shape. This arrangement is more clearly shown in figure 4, which is a schematic view of the infrared illumination means 126 removed from the viewing device 102 having a body portion 130 and five pentagonally arranged infrared illumination devices 128.

An infrared illumination device 128 is shown in more detail in figures 5 and 6. The infrared illumination device comprises an outer cylindrical housing 130 formed in two parts for ease of manufacture and assembly, within which is held a first smaller lens 132 and a second, larger lens 134. The lenses 132, 134 act together to focus the infrared light emitted by the infrared light source 136, which in the present embodiment is five infrared emitting LED5, one associated with each infrared illuminating device 128. The focussing of the infrared light through the lenses 132, 134 is shown more clearly in figure 7 where it can be seen that the infrared light is focussed into a beam that is generally a parallel, generally cylindrical beam.

In use, a user holds the device 102 by gripping the gripping portion 120 of the handle portion 110. The user then hold the device 102 out in front of them and aims the camera 108 at an area to be viewed, thereby causing an image of the area to be displayed on the screen 106. The infrared illumination means illuminates the area to be viewed infrared light, which is not perceptible to the naked eye, but which can be detected by the camera 108 and shown on the screen 106. The user then zooms the camera 108 to an appropriate level of zoom depending on how far away the desired viewing area is using the lever 116, then focuses the camera onto the area to be viewed using the focussing lever 118.

The present invention allows an area to be viewed by a user without alerting the target to the presence of the user. Furthermore, the provision of the focussing means allows the infrared illumination to be focussed to a narrow point, thereby causing the infrared intensity to be maintained over a longer distance and allowing the user to see much further than prior art devices. This is particularly useful in the security industry where the device can be used to allow a user to see into dark areas at a great distance away, without illuminating the areas in a way that is perceptible to the human eye.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.