Multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device and method of its operation
US5892617A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Apr 6, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B23/12
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A multi-function day/night observation, ranging, and sighting device includes a single first lens and a single eyepiece lens and provides an image of a scene. The single first 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 each pathway being overlaid at a reticule plane. A single light path leads from the reticule plane to the eyepiece lens. A laser provides a pulse of laser light projected into the scene via the single first lens, and the image intensifier tube is used as a detector for a portion of the laser light pulse reflected from an object in the scene in order to provide a laser range finding function. The device includes a light-emitting display visible through the eyepiece lens and providing ranging information superimposed over the image of the scene as seen by a user of the device. Methods of the device's operation are also disclosed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.