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Patent Number: |
7391504 |
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Case ID: |
0 |
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Patent Title:
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Low cost night vision apparatus and cockpit lighting compatibility
evaluation via visual acuity
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Status: |
ACTIVE |
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Status Date: |
6/17/2009 4:21:20 PM |
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Issue Date:
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6/24/2008 |
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Filed Date:
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12/14/2005 |
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Serial #:
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1/311,588 |
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Assignee Name:
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The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
(Washington,
DC)
N/A
(
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Inventor(s):
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Pinkus, Alan R. , Task, Harry L. |
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Lab Name: |
Human Effectiveness Directorate |
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Location: |
2610 Seventh Street, Building 441
Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7901 |
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Contact: |
Contact Lab About This Patent |
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RIGHTS OF THE GOVERNMENT
The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States for all governmental purposes without the payment of any royalty.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Cockpit lighting can interfere with the optimum operation of night vision apparatus such as a night vision goggle, in several specific ways. For each interference mechanism, the effect on the image seen through the night vision apparatus is to
reduce the light level or contrast of the useful image (the view from outside the aircraft). This reduction in light level or contrast can be manifested as a reduction in visual acuity and/or as an observed loss of contrast or brightness. In order to
determine if a particular configuration of cockpit lighting or instrument illumination interferes with the proper operation of night vision apparatus the arrangement of the present invention can be used to implement a night vision apparatus visual
perfo . . . . More |
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A cost considered arrangement for evaluating local illumination
interference with operation of a night vision apparatus in for example
the confines of an illumination inclusive aircraft cockpit. The
evaluation is especially applicable to identifying interference between
aircraft instrument lighting having infrared content for example, and
night vision apparatus operation in the aircraft. The evaluation is cost
is limited by use of a common household lamp night vision apparatus
source calibrated with a common light measuring instrument operated at
close range and with modification of the measured illumination through
mathematical manipulation of the source operating distance to achieve the
low light levels needed for night vision apparatus operation. A standard
visual acuity chart and multiple operator interpretations of the chart
resolutions achieved are included.
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We claim:
1. The inexpensive, in-the-field method of verifying night vision apparatus isolation from competing local illumination, said method comprising the steps of: training said night vision
apparatus on a remotely located standard visual acuity chart; illuminating said visual acuity chart from a distant household incandescent lamp point source night vision apparatus compatible, controlled color temperature, calibrated source of low level
illumination; and comparing an output image generated from said remote visual acuity chart by said night vision apparatus during absence of said competing local illumination with an output image generated during presence of said competing local
illumination; said comparing step including observer night vision apparatus visual acuity determinings during said absence and presence of said competing local illumination.
2. The inexpensive, in-the-field method of verifying night vision apparatus isolation from competing local illum . . . . More |
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