Patent · US Expired

Variable gain image intensifier

US6150650A · kind A · utility

5Cited by
5References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignees

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 27, 1998
Grant dateNov 21, 2000
Priority date
Expiry dateJul 27, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B23/12
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A method for providing user adjustable variable gain for a night vision device which utilizes an image intensifier tube, wherein the image intensifier tube has a given life expectancy, the image intensifier tube is subjected to factory calibration for providing an optimum output during operation, wherein the calibration undesirably differs from tube to tube and is adjustable by variable control means coupled to the tube, whereby when one tube is substituted for another the difference in calibration causes non-optimum performance, the method including the steps of: determining minimum and maximum gain limits associated with the optimum output of the night vision device; factory calibrating gain limiting means according to the determined minimum and maximum gain limits, wherein the gain limiting means are associated with the image intensifier tube and for limiting the variable control means; and, tethering the gain limiting means to the image intensifier tube.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.