Night vision device with improved laser range finder
US6072565A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 14, 1998 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 14, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04N23/21
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An integrated night vision device and laser range finder (10) provides night-time imaging of a scene by use of an image intensifier tube (14), as well as providing laser range finding operations. In a laser range finder mode of operation the device (10) projects a pulse of laser light into a scene being viewed, and a power supply and laser range finder circuit (50) of the device (10) temporarily utilizes the image intensifier tube (14) as a sensor to detect reflected laser light. During laser range finding, imaging is cut off for a very short time interval, and the image intensifier tube provides an electrical output signal in response to receipt of reflected laser light. A detection circuit (86, 86') associated with the image intensifier tube (10) receives the electrical output signal from the image intensifier tube (14), and includes a magnetic circuit. Oscillation in the magnetic circuit is effected by the electrical output signal of the image intensifier tube (14). A frequency comparator circuit, or phase detector circuit provides an electrical timer-stop output signal in response to a change in a frequency or phase relationship, respectively, of oscillations in the magnetic ci…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.