Night vision device with audio communication and identification facility
First Claim
1. A night vision device for receiving non-image information from a source in a night-time scene, said night vision device comprising:
- an image intensifier having a field of view and receiving low-level light from said night-time scene, said image intensifier providing to a user of said night vision device a visible image replicating the night-time scene including said source while in said field of view;
receiver means for receiving a light beam carrying non-image information from said source while within said field of view, and for responsively providing an output response to said user.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A night vision device includes an image intensifier tube for providing an intensified image of a dim or night-time scene. The night vision device also includes provision for full duplex transmission and receipt of voice audio between the user of the device and another person who is using a substantially identical device. Another provision of the device is for interrogating IFF (identify friend or foe) units worn by other personnel. The IFF units have provision for receiving a beamed interrogation signal and for transmitting a coded identification signal in response. Thus, a user of the night vision device can identify friendly personnel at a distance, as well as communicating by voice with others who are using similar night vision devices so equipped.
96 Citations
17 Claims
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1. A night vision device for receiving non-image information from a source in a night-time scene, said night vision device comprising:
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an image intensifier having a field of view and receiving low-level light from said night-time scene, said image intensifier providing to a user of said night vision device a visible image replicating the night-time scene including said source while in said field of view; receiver means for receiving a light beam carrying non-image information from said source while within said field of view, and for responsively providing an output response to said user. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11, 12)
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8. A night vision device comprising:
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an image intensifier for receiving low-level light from a scene and providing a visible image replicating the scene; receiver means for receiving a light beam carrying non-image information, and for providing an output response thereto; wherein said receiver means includes a detector for receiving the light beam and providing an output response indicative of a predetermined encoded signal on said light beam, and said output response includes a identification friend-or-foe (IFF) signal provided to said user of said night vision device; and wherein said IFF signal includes a visible light signal provided to the user of the device along with the replica image of the scene viewed through the device. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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13. A night vision device having a field of view and providing to a user of said device a visible-light image replicating a portion of said night-time scene within said field of view, said night vision device also having the capability to covertly identify personnel made visible in said night-time scene as friend or foe by selective emission of an interrogation signal, and in response to a non-image light-beam return identification signal from friendly personnel in said field of view providing a sensible output response to the user, said night vision device comprising:
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an image intensifier for receiving low-level light from a night-time scene in said field of view and providing a visible image replicating the scene, said visible image rendering personnel in said field of view visible; means for transmitting an invisible infrared beam from said night vision device into said field of view toward said visible personnel, input means for receiving an interrogation command from the user of said night vision device and transmitting said interrogation command on said invisible infrared beam; receiver means for receiving a light-beam return identification signal carrying non-image identification information from friendly personnel in said field of view, and means responsive to said non-image identification information for providing an output response to said user. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification