Split mirror vision augmentation system

• US 5,119,236 A
• Filed: 10/22/1990
• Issued: 06/02/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 10/22/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
• Original Assignee: Rockwell International Corporation
• Inventors: Fong, Craig S., Matsunaga, Kaori E., Brown, Dean W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Arnold, Bruce Y.
• Assistant Examiner(s): SHAFER, RICKY D
• Application Number:
  US07/601,543
• Time in Patent Office: 589 Days
• Field of Search: 350/174, 350/602, 350/604, 350/618, 350/622, 350/623, 340/705, 340/980, 359/630, 359/633, 359/850, 359/402, 359/403, 359/405
• US Class Current: 359/630
• CPC Class Codes: B64D 41/00 Power installations for auxiliary purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 17/02 Catoptric systems, e.g. image erecting and reversing system
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 23/08 Periscopes arrangements on floating structures of underwater viewing devices B63C11/49; arrangement of visual watch equipment on submarines B63G8/38
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 50/40 Weight reduction

Abstract

A split mirror vision augmentation system for high performance aircraft is disclosed comprising a transparency, an adjustable external mirror, a first internal mirror, and at least a second internal mirror. The external mirror is positionable at a stowed position adjacent to the transparency and substantially flush with the outer skin and is also positionable at at least one deployed position for reflecting light received from a field-of-view exterior to the aircraft. The first internal mirror is located within the aircraft, at an orientation substantially parallel to the external mirror. It receives a first portion of the light reflected from the external mirror and through the transparency. When the external mirror is deployed, the first internal mirror is constructed and arranged to redirect the reflected first portion of light toward a crew member of the aircraft. Thus, a first view is provided from the vantage of a first "apparent eye" position located aft of the external mirror. The second internal mirror is also located within the aircraft at an orientation substantially parallel to the external mirror. It receives a second portion of the light reflected from the external mirror and through the transparency. When the external mirror is deployed, the second internal mirror redirects the second portion of reflected light toward the crew member, thus providing a second view from the vantage of a second "apparent eye" position located aft of the internal mirror.

Claims

1. A split mirror vision augmentation system for a high performance aircraft, comprising:

(a) a transparency constructed in a portion of the fuselage of said aircraft at a desired location;

(b) an adjustable external mirror positionable at,

(i) a stowed position adjacent to said transparency and substantially flush with the outer skin of the fuselage so as to maintain the aerodynamic integrity of the aircraft during high speed flight, and

(ii) at least one deployed position for reflecting light received from a field of view exterior to the aircraft, during low speed travel;

(c) means for positioning said external mirror;

(d) a first internal mirror defining a downlook mirror, located within the aircraft, at an orientation substantially parallel to said external mirror, for receiving a first portion of the light reflected from the external mirror and through the transparency, when the external mirror is deployed, said first internal mirror being so constructed and arranged to redirect the reflected first portion of light toward a crew member of the aircraft, thus providing a first view from the vantage of a first "apparent eye" position located aft of the external mirror; and

(e) at least a second internal mirror, defining an uplook mirror, located within the aircraft, at an orientation substantially parallel to said external mirror, for receiving a second portion of the light reflected from the external mirror and through the transparency, when the external mirror is deployed, a trailing edge of said downlook mirror being positioned just forward the leading edge of the uplook mirror with reference to a crew member'"'"'s horizontal vision line to redirect said second portion of reflected light toward said crew member, thus providing a second view from the vantage of a second "apparent eye" position located aft of the internal mirror, the first and second internal mirrors not obstructing each others'"'"' views and providing a near continuous view, the split vision augmentation system preserving depth perception cues, the second internal mirror providing an enlarged external field of view.