Optical: systems and elements – Compound lens system – Telescope
Patent
1998-11-06
2000-07-25
Nguyen, Thong
Optical: systems and elements
Compound lens system
Telescope
359350, 359353, 359431, G02B 2308, G02B 530
Patent
active
060943025
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a sight comprising an infrared (IR) camera and device for obtaining a large observation area.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In order to increase the observation area for an infrared (IR) camera, it is already known to angle those components of the infrared (IR) camera which contain the IR detector. These are bulky components which have to be moved and thus, known designs are cumbersome and can be used within relatively restricted observation areas.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The object of the present invention is to provide a compact construction of a sight with an IR camera which at the same time permits use of a large observation area, for example of hemispherical shape.
The object of the invention is achieved by means of a sight in which the device for obtaining a large observation area comprises an admission aperture which can be rotated vertically and sideways for receiving an incident image, a mirror arrangement rotatable about a common axis for derotation of the image incident through the admission aperture, and an output aperture which is related in fixed terms to the IR detector of the IR camera. The invention uses an IR camera with fixed mounting of the IR detector, in combination with an admission aperture which can be rotated vertically and sideways. A mirror arrangement ensures that the image is rotated so that an observer always sees the image the right way round.
It should be said here that arrangements for turning the image the right way round for an observer are already known. A prism arrangement can be used in this connection for turning the image. However, this entails completely different wavelength ranges from those which apply in the case of IR cameras.
According to one advantageous embodiment of the invention, the mirror arrangement consists of three plane mirrors arranged to reflect an image incident on the mirror arrangement parallel to the axis of derotation, so that the image leaves the mirror arrangement in a continuation of the direction of incidence. The first mirror and the third mirror are advantageously inclined relative to the axis of derotation and are arranged to meet at a common edge in front of which the second mirror is arranged.
According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the arrangement for obtaining a large observation area comprises a first structure which can be rotated about a first axis, the structure comprising an admission aperture which consists of an objective with one or more lenses and a mirror inclined in relation to the admission aperture. A second structure rotatable about a second axis at right angles to the first axis and comprises an inclined mirror for directing the incident image towards the mirror arrangement. A third structure supporting the mirror arrangement and rotatable about the same second axis. The arragement also includes a fourth structure which is fixed relative to the IR camera. By means of this arrangement with four structures, scanning of the desired area can be carried out in a simple and functionally reliable manner.
The sight can advantageously comprise a channel for IR light and a channel for visible light. According to one advantageous embodiment, a prism arrangement, in combination with a mirror transparent to visible light, is arranged to combine the IR light and the visible light into a common channel. To divide the light once again into IR light and visible light, a mirror which is transparent to IR light can be used.
For receiving the visible light, the arrangement for obtaining a large observation area can advantageously comprise a fifth structure rotatable about the first axis. The fifth structure comprises an admission aperture which consists of an objective with one or more lenses and a mirror which is inclined in relation to the admission aperture.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will be described in greater detail hereinbelow on the basis of illustrative embodiments and with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
F
REFERENCES:
patent: 1006230 (1911-10-01), Kollmorgen
patent: 3632868 (1972-01-01), Gaffard
patent: 4158504 (1979-06-01), De Ponteves et al.
patent: 4483587 (1984-11-01), Michon et la.
patent: 5035472 (1991-07-01), Hansen
patent: 5084780 (1992-01-01), Phillips
patent: 5149969 (1992-09-01), Fouilloy et al.
patent: 5469236 (1995-11-01), Roessel
Celsiustech Electronics AB
Nguyen Thong
LandOfFree
Sight comprising IR camera and having a large observation area does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Sight comprising IR camera and having a large observation area, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Sight comprising IR camera and having a large observation area will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1340765