Integrated night vision device and laser range finder
US6121600A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 28, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 19, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 28, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01S17/89
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An integrated night vision device and laser range finder provides both night-time and day-time imaging by use of an image intensifier tube, as well as providing laser range finding operations both day and night. In a laser range finder mode of operation the device projects a pulse of laser light into a scene being viewed, and a power supply and laser range finder circuit of the device temporarily utilizes the image intensifier tube as a sensor to detect reflected laser light. During laser range finding, imaging is cut off for a very short time interval. Also, during imaging operations, the power supply and laser range finder circuit operates the image intensifier tube in a unique way in order to provide both improved automatic brightness control (ABC) and improved bright-source protection (BSP). The ABC and BSP functions are coordinated with the laser range finding function in order to prevent interference by the ABC or BSP functions with laser range finding operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.