EP0256915B1 - System for adjusting the relative angular positions of two video cameras pointed towards a same object, and its use in their orientation adjustment - Google Patents

System for adjusting the relative angular positions of two video cameras pointed towards a same object, and its use in their orientation adjustment Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0256915B1
EP0256915B1 EP87401743A EP87401743A EP0256915B1 EP 0256915 B1 EP0256915 B1 EP 0256915B1 EP 87401743 A EP87401743 A EP 87401743A EP 87401743 A EP87401743 A EP 87401743A EP 0256915 B1 EP0256915 B1 EP 0256915B1
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Prior art keywords
cameras
images
axes
video
axis
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0256915A1 (en
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Emmanuel Giacometti
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Airbus Group SAS
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Airbus Group SAS
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    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41WEAPONS
    • F41GWEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/32Devices for testing or checking
    • F41G3/326Devices for testing or checking for checking the angle between the axis of the gun sighting device and an auxiliary measuring device

Description

La présente invention concerne un système pour ajuster les positions angulaires relatives de deux caméras vidéo dirigées vers un même objet et son application au réglage de l'orientation de deux appareils. Plus particulièrement, elle permet d'ajuster les axes de prise de vue de deux caméras vidéo en direction d'un même objet, ainsi que de régler les axes desdits appareils vers ce dernier.The present invention relates to a system for adjusting the relative angular positions of two video cameras aimed at the same object and its application to adjusting the orientation of two devices. More particularly, it makes it possible to adjust the axes of shooting of two video cameras in the direction of the same object, as well as to adjust the axes of said devices towards the latter.

Par le brevet JP-A-58 31691, on connaît un système comprenant :

  • deux caméras vidéo dont l'une au moins comporte des moyens pour modifier l'orientation de son axe et qui sont dirigées vers un même objet ;
  • des moyens de synchronisation de fonctionnement reliés auxdites caméras et fournissant une suite d'impulsions de synchronisation des images vidéo ;
  • des moyens susceptibles de visualiser les signaux vidéo issus desdites caméras, ces moyens de visualisation étant communs auxdites caméras ; et
  • des moyens de commutation pour relier les sorties desdites caméras alternativement auxdits moyens de visualisation.
By patent JP-A-58 31691, a system is known comprising:
  • two video cameras, at least one of which includes means for modifying the orientation of its axis and which are directed towards the same object;
  • operating synchronization means connected to said cameras and providing a series of pulses for synchronizing video images;
  • means capable of viewing the video signals from said cameras, these viewing means being common to said cameras; and
  • switching means for connecting the outputs of said cameras alternately to said display means.

L'objet de la présente invention est de perfectionner un tel système pour permettre d'ajuster les positions angulaires relatives des deux caméras, de façon simple et peu coûteuse, ne nécessitant aucun appareil électronique ou informatique complexe.The object of the present invention is to improve such a system to allow the relative angular positions of the two cameras to be adjusted, in a simple and inexpensive manner, requiring no complex electronic or computer device.

A cette fin, selon l'invention, le système du type décrit ci-dessus est caractérisé en ce que ledit dispositif de commutation d'images est commandé par un dispositif de bascule monostable, dont l'entrée reçoit, desdits moyens de synchronisation, la suite des impulsions de synchronisation des images vidéo, de sorte que, pour les impulsions de synchronisation de rang pair, ledit dispositif de commutation adresse auxdits moyens de visualisation des images provenant d'une desdites caméras, tandis que, pour les impulsions de synchronisation de rang impair, ledit dispositif de commutation adresse auxdits moyens de visualisation des images provenant de l'autre desdites caméras et en ce que, pour ajuster les positions angulaires relatives desdites caméras, les moyens pour modifier l'orientation sont actionnés de façon à permettre de superposer, sur les moyens de visualisation, lesdites images provenant desdites caméras.To this end, according to the invention, the system of the type described above is characterized in that said image switching device is controlled by a monostable flip-flop, the input of which receives, from said synchronization means, the sequence of the synchronization pulses of the video images, so that, for the synchronization pulses of even rank, said switching device addresses to said means for viewing images from one of said cameras, while for synchronization pulses of odd rank, said switching device sends to said display means images from the other of said cameras and in that, to adjust the relative angular positions of said cameras, means for modifying the orientation are actuated so as to allow said images coming from said cameras to be superimposed on the display means.

Ainsi, dans la suite des images vidéo visualisées sur lesdits moyens de visualisation, toutes les images de rang pair proviennent de l'une des caméras, tandis que toutes les images de rang impair proviennent de l'autre desdites caméras. Il apparaît donc, sur l'écran desdits moyens de visualisation, deux images dont l'une est constituée de la suite des images vidéo de rang pair et dont l'autre est formée par la suite desdites images vidéo de rang impair. Par suite, si les positions angulaires relatives des deux caméras par rapport à un même objet ne sont pas identiques, il apparaît sur ledit écran deux images de cet objet, distinctes l'une de l'autre. En revanche, si ces positions angulaires relatives des deux caméras sont identiques, ces deux images sont exactement superposées pour n'en former qu'une seule. Au moment de la superposition desdites images, d'une part les deux caméras occupent les mêmes positions angulaires autour de leurs axes de prise de vue et, d'autre part, les axes desdites caméras sont rigoureusement parallèles, si l'objet visé se trouve à l'infini, ou convergent à l'emplacement dudit objet, si celui-ci se trouve à une distance finie.Thus, in the following video images displayed on said display means, all the images of even rank come from one of the cameras, while all the images of odd rank come from the other of said cameras. It therefore appears, on the screen of said display means, two images, one of which consists of the sequence of video images of even rank and the other of which is formed of said video images of odd rank. Consequently, if the relative angular positions of the two cameras with respect to the same object are not identical, there appear on said screen two images of this object, distinct from each other. On the other hand, if these relative angular positions of the two cameras are identical, these two images are exactly superimposed to form only one. At the time of the superimposition of said images, on the one hand the two cameras occupy the same angular positions around their shooting axes and, on the other hand, the axes of said cameras are strictly parallel, if the object in question is located to infinity, or converge at the location of said object, if it is at a finite distance.

Pour pouvoir obtenir la superposition des deux images sur l'écran des moyens de visualisation, au moins l'une desdites caméras est montée de façon orientable par rapport à un support. Quoique, dans le système selon l'invention, les deux caméras puissent être montées de façon orientable par rapport à leur support respectif, il est avantageux, à des fins de simplicité de manoeuvre en vue d'obtenir la superposition des images sur ledit écran et donc l'ajustement désiré des axes des caméras, que l'une desdites caméras soit montée rigidement sur un support orienté vers ledit objet, de façon que l'orientation de cette caméra autour de son axe de prise de vue et cet axe de prise de vue servent respectivement de références correspondantes pour l'autre caméra.In order to be able to obtain the superposition of the two images on the screen of the display means, at least one of said cameras is mounted in an orientable manner relative to a support. Although, in the system according to the invention, the two cameras can be mounted in an orientable manner relative to their respective support, it is advantageous, for the sake of simplicity of operation in order to obtain the superimposition of the images on said screen and therefore the desired adjustment of the axes of the cameras, that one of said cameras is rigidly mounted on a support oriented towards said object, so that the orientation of this camera around its shooting axis and this shooting axis view respectively serve as corresponding references for the other camera.

Le système selon l'invention peut être utilisé dans de nombreux domaines d'application, notamment afin d'ajuster l'un par rapport à l'autre les axes de deux appareils, ainsi que les orientations de ceux-ci autour desdits axes, ces appareils pouvant être par exemple un viseur et une arme, déportée par rapport audit viseur.The system according to the invention can be used in numerous fields of application, in particular in order to adjust the axes of two devices relative to each other, as well as the orientations of these around said axes, these apparatuses which can be for example a sight and a weapon, deported with respect to said sight.

A cet effet, selon l'invention, le système est caractérisé en ce que la première caméra vidéo est liée rigidement à un premier appareil de façon que son axe de prise de vue soit au moins sensiblement confondu avec l'axe dudit premier appareil et en ce que la seconde caméra vidéo est liée rigidement à un second appareil de façon que son axe de prise de vue soit au moins sensiblement confondu avec l'axe dudit second appareil.To this end, according to the invention, the system is characterized in that the first video camera is rigidly linked to a first camera so that its axis of shooting is at least substantially coincident with the axis of said first camera and in that the second video camera is rigidly linked to a second device so that its shooting axis is at least substantially coincident with the axis of said second device.

De ce qui a été expliqué précédemment, il ressort que, pour obtenir l'ajustement des axes desdits premier et second appareils l'un par rapport à l'autre (cet ajustement entraînant un parallélisme desdits axes si l'objet visé par lesdites caméras se trouve à l'infini, ou bien une convergence desdits axes sur ledit objet, si celui-ci se trouve à une distance finie), ainsi que l'ajustement des positions angulaires relatives desdits appareils autour de leurs axes, il suffit d'amener en superposition les deux images fournies par les caméras sur l'écran desdits moyens de visualisation.From what has been explained above, it appears that, for obtain the adjustment of the axes of said first and second devices relative to each other (this adjustment resulting in a parallelism of said axes if the object aimed by said cameras is at infinity, or else a convergence of said axes on said object, if it is at a finite distance), as well as the adjustment of the relative angular positions of said devices around their axes, it suffices to superimpose the two images provided by the cameras on the screen of said visualization means.

Pour cela, au moins l'un desdits appareils est monté de façon orientable par rapport à un support, de façon que l'ensemble appareil-caméra puisse être orienté d'un bloc.For this, at least one of said devices is mounted in an orientable manner relative to a support, so that the camera-camera assembly can be oriented in one block.

Bien entendu, dans ce système d'ajustement des positions relatives des deux appareils, lesdits moyens adressant aux moyens de visualisation les images des deux caméras peuvent comporter les particularités décrites ci-dessus.Of course, in this system for adjusting the relative positions of the two devices, said means sending the images of the two cameras to the display means may include the features described above.

Les caméras vidéo peuvent être de tout type connu, tel que celui à balayage concernant les caméras usuelles de télévision et les caméras thermiques à détecteurs infra-rouge ou bien encore les caméras à détecteurs à couplage de charges (caméras CCD). Il est avantageux que l'une desdites caméras soit pourvue, d'origine, comme cela se produit parfois, d'une dispositif de synchronisation lui permettant de synchroniser une caméra esclave.The video cameras can be of any known type, such as that for conventional television cameras and thermal cameras with infrared detectors or else cameras with charge coupled detectors (CCD cameras). It is advantageous for one of said cameras to be provided, as is the case from time to time, with a synchronization device enabling it to synchronize a slave camera.

Les figures du dessin annexé feront bien comprendre comment l'invention peut être réalisée. Sur ces figures, des références identiques désignent des éléments semblablesThe figures of the appended drawing will make it clear how the invention can be implemented. In these figures, identical references designate similar elements

La figure 1 est une vue schématique, partiellement en perspective, du système d'ajustement des positions angulaires relatives de deux caméras vidéo, conforme à l'invention.Figure 1 is a schematic view, partially in perspective, of the system for adjusting the relative angular positions of two video cameras, according to the invention.

La figure 2 montre des diagrammes temporels a, b et c illustrant le fonctionnement du système de la figure 1.Figure 2 shows time diagrams a , b and c illustrating the operation of the system of Figure 1.

Les figures 3a et 3b illustrent les images apparaissant sur l'écran de visualisation du système de la figure 1.Figures 3a and 3b illustrate the images appearing on the display screen of the system in Figure 1.

La figure 4 représente une application du système de la figure 1.FIG. 4 represents an application of the system of FIG. 1.

Le système, conforme à l'invention et montré par la figure 1, a pour objet d'ajuster, l'une par rapport à l'autre, les positions angulaires relativies, et notamment les axes de prise de vue 1 et 2, de deux caméras vidéo, 3 et 4 respectivement. Les caméras 3 et 4 sont dirigées au moins sensiblement vers le même objet (ou ensemble d'objets) 5, par exemple un arbre d'un paysage, de sorte que lesdits axes 1 et 2 sont parallèles l'un à l'autre si ledit objet 5 est très éloigné ou bien concourent à l'emplacement dudit objet si celui-ci se trouve à une distance finie des deux caméras 3 et 4.The purpose of the system according to the invention and shown in FIG. 1 is to adjust, relative to one another, the relative angular positions, and in particular the shooting axes 1 and 2, of two video cameras, 3 and 4 respectively. The cameras 3 and 4 are directed at least substantially towards the same object (or set of objects) 5, for example a tree of a landscape, so that said axes 1 and 2 are parallel to each other if said object 5 is very far away or else contributes to the location of said object if the latter is at a finite distance from the two cameras 3 and 4.

Par des liaisons 6 et 7 respectivement, les deux caméras 3 et 4 sont commandées en un synchronisme rigoureux par un dispositif électronique de commande 8. Notamment, ce dispositif électronique de commande 8 adresse aux caméras 3 et 4, par lesdites liaisons 6 et 7, les mêmes impulsions de synchronisation d'images 9 (voir le diagramme a de la figure 2).By links 6 and 7 respectively, the two cameras 3 and 4 are controlled in rigorous synchronism by an electronic control device 8. In particular, this electronic control device 8 addresses the cameras 3 and 4, by said links 6 and 7, the same image synchronization pulses 9 (see diagram a in FIG. 2).

Les signaux vidéo engendrés par lesdites caméras 3 et 4 apparaissent aux sorties respectives 10 et 11 de celles-ci. Ces sorties 10 et 11 sont reliées à deux entrées 12 et 13 d'un dispositif de commutation 14, à sortie unique 15.The video signals generated by said cameras 3 and 4 appear at the respective outputs 10 and 11 thereof. These outputs 10 and 11 are connected to two inputs 12 and 13 of a switching device 14, with a single output 15.

Entre le dispositif de commande 8 et le dispositif de commutation 14 est disposée une bascule monostable 16, recevant à son entrée les impulsions de synchronisation d'images (figure 2a) engendrées par le dispositif électronique de commande 8. La sortie de la bascule monostable 16 commande le basculement de dispositif de commutation 14, de sorte que, alternativement, la sortie 15 est reliée avec l'entrée 12 et avec l'entrée 13. Ainsi pour les impulsions 9 de rang impair (par exemple), portant la référence 9i sur la figure 2b, une liaison est établie entre l'entrée 12 et la sortie 15. En revanche, pour les impulsions 9 de rang pair (par exemple), portant la référence 9p sur la figure 2c, la liaison est établie entre l'entrée 13 et la sortie 15. Il en résulte que, à la sortie 15, ce sont les images de la caméra 3 qui apparaissent pour les impulsions 9i et les images de la caméra 4 qui apparaissent pour les impulsions 9p.Between the control device 8 and the switching device 14 is disposed a monostable flip-flop 16, receiving at its input the image synchronization pulses (FIG. 2 a ) generated by the electronic control device 8. The output of the monostable flip-flop 16 controls the switching of switching device 14, so that, alternatively, the output 15 is connected with the input 12 and with the input 13. Thus for the pulses 9 of odd rank (for example), bearing the reference 9i in FIG. 2b, a connection is established between input 12 and output 15. On the other hand, for pulses 9 of even rank (for example), bearing the reference 9p in FIG. 2 c , the connection is established between l input 13 and output 15. As a result, at output 15, it is the images of camera 3 which appear for the pulses 9i and the images of camera 4 which appear for the pulses 9p.

Ainsi, le signal à la sortie 15 du dispositif de commutation 14 est constitué de deux suites d'images entrelacées, provenant respectivement des caméras 3 et 4, les images de chaque suite se succèdant à une fréquence moitié (celle des impulsions 9i ou 9p) de celle des signaux de synchronisation d'images 9.Thus, the signal at the output 15 of the switching device 14 consists of two sequences of interlaced images, coming respectively from the cameras 3 and 4, the images of each sequence following one another at half the frequency (that of the pulses 9i or 9p) that of the image synchronization signals 9.

Sur la figure 1, à des fins de clarté, on a associé à chacune des caméras 3 et 4 un système d'axes de référence, respectivement X3, Y3, Z3, et X4, Y4, Z4. Par exemple, les axes X3 et X4 sont respectivement confondus avec les axes 1 et 2 et les axes des deux systèmes d'axes se correspondent deux à deux.In FIG. 1, for the sake of clarity, a system of reference axes, respectively X3, Y3, Z3, and X4, Y4, Z4, has been associated with each of the cameras 3 and 4. For example, axes X3 and X4 are respectively merged with axes 1 and 2 and the axes of the two axis systems correspond in pairs.

Si le signal apparaissant à la sortie 15 du dispositif de commutation 14 est adressé à un dispositif d'affichage 17, pourvu d'un écran 18, il peut se produire deux cas :

  • si les axes 1 et 2 des deux caméras 3 et 4 ne sont pas rigoureusement parallèles (objet 5 à l'infini) ou ne concourent pas exactement sur l'objet 5 (objet 5 à distance finie), et/ou si les positions angulaires des deux caméras 3 et 4 autour des axes 1 et 2 ne sont pas identiques, il apparaît sur l'écran 18 deux images 5.1 et 5.2 de l'objet 5 (figure 3a). Ces images 5.1 et 5.2 sont décalées l'une de l'autre d'une distance d correspondant à l'amplitude du défaut relatif d'alignement desdits axes 1 et 2 et/ou sont inclinées l'une par rapport à l'autre d'un angle a correspondant à la différence de position angulaire autour desdits axes 1 et 2. Lesdites images 5.1 et 5.2 présentent chacune une fréquence de répétition égale à la moitié des images vidéo fournies par chacune des camras 3 et 4 ;
  • si les axes 1 et 2 des deux caméeras 3 et 4 sont rigoureusement parallèles ou concourent exactement au même point de l'objet 5 et si les positions angulaires des deux caméras 3 et 4 autour des axes 1 et 2 sont identiques (figure 3b), les deux images 5.1 et 5.2 sont superposées et forment une image unique 5.3 de l'objet 5, cette image étant constituée alternativement par des images vidéo provenant de la caméra 3 et par des images vidéo provenant de la caméra 4, ces images vidéo étant entrelacées et communiquant à l'image 5.3 une fréquence de répétition égale à la fréquence des impulsions 9 de synchronisation d'images.
If the signal appearing at the output 15 of the switching device 14 is sent to a display device 17, provided with a screen 18, there may occur two cases:
  • if the axes 1 and 2 of the two cameras 3 and 4 are not strictly parallel (object 5 at infinity) or do not exactly compete on the object 5 (object 5 at finite distance), and / or if the angular positions of the two cameras 3 and 4 around the axes 1 and 2 are not identical, it appears on the screen 18 two images 5.1 and 5.2 of the object 5 (FIG. 3a). These images 5.1 and 5.2 are offset from each other by a distance d corresponding to the amplitude of the relative alignment defect of said axes 1 and 2 and / or are inclined with respect to each other d 'an angle a corresponding to the difference in angular position around said axes 1 and 2. Said images 5.1 and 5.2 each have a repetition frequency equal to half of the video images provided by each of the cameras 3 and 4;
  • if the axes 1 and 2 of the two cameras 3 and 4 are strictly parallel or compete at exactly the same point of the object 5 and if the angular positions of the two cameras 3 and 4 around the axes 1 and 2 are identical (FIG. 3b), the two images 5.1 and 5.2 are superimposed and form a single image 5.3 of the object 5, this image being constituted alternately by video images coming from the camera 3 and by video images coming from the camera 4, these video images being interlaced and communicating to image 5.3 a repetition frequency equal to the frequency of the image synchronization pulses 9.

On voit ainsi que, pour ajuster l'orientation relative des caméras 3 et 4 l'une par rapport à l'autre, il suffit de modifier l'orientation d'au moins l'une desdites caméras jusqu'à ce que l'on obtienne la superposition des images 5.1 et 5.2 sur l'écran 18, c'est-à-dire l'image unique 5.3.It can thus be seen that, in order to adjust the relative orientation of the cameras 3 and 4 relative to one another, it suffices to modify the orientation of at least one of said cameras until one obtains the superimposition of images 5.1 and 5.2 on the screen 18, i.e. the single image 5.3.

Si par exemple, la position de la caméra 3 est considérée comme donnant la position de référence, il est seulement nécessaire que la caméra 4 puisse être mobile par rapport à son support (non représenté) autour des axes, X4, Y4 et Z4. L'articulation de la caméra 4 (et éventuellement celle de la caméra 3) par rapport audit support peut être de tout type connu et n'est donc pas représentée.If for example, the position of the camera 3 is considered to give the reference position, it is only necessary that the camera 4 can be movable relative to its support (not shown) around the axes, X4, Y4 and Z4. The articulation of the camera 4 (and possibly that of the camera 3) with respect to said support can be of any known type and is therefore not shown.

Sur la figure 4, on a représenté un exemple d'application du système de la figure 1, au réglage d'une arme 20 ayant une ligne de tir 19, cette arme 20 étant déportée latéralement par rapport à un viseur 21, dont la ligne de visée porte la référence 22. Une telle configuration de système d'arme se trouve couramment à bord des aéronefs, notamment des hélicoptères, dans lesquels le viseur 21 se trouve en regard du pilote ou du copilote, représentés sur la figure par l'oeil 23, alors que l'arme 20 se trouve déportée latéralement.In Figure 4, there is shown an example of application of the system of Figure 1, to the adjustment of a weapon 20 having a line of fire 19, this weapon 20 being offset laterally relative to a sight 21, whose line Aiming sight bears the reference 22. Such a weapon system configuration is commonly found on board aircraft, in particular helicopters, in which the sight 21 is located opposite the pilot or co-pilot, represented in the figure by the eye 23, while the weapon 20 is offset laterally.

Lors du montage ou du changement de l'arme 20 et/ou du viseur 21, il est nécessaire d'ajuster les positions angulaires respectives de ces appareils et, notamment, de régler les axes 19 et 22. Il est également nécessaire de procéder de temps à autre à des ajustements destinés à compenser et éliminer les déréglages intervenus.When mounting or changing the weapon 20 and / or the sight 21, it is necessary to adjust the respective angular positions of these devices and, in particular, to adjust the axes 19 and 22. It is also necessary to carry out from time to time to adjustments intended to compensate for and eliminate the irregularities which have occurred.

Dans le dispositif de la figure 4 :

  • le viseur 21 est solidaire de la caméra 3 et les axes de prise de vue et de visée 1 et 22 sont suffisamment proches et parallèles pour pouvoir être considérés comme confondus;
  • la caméra 4 est solidaire de l'arme 20 et les axes de prise de vue et de tir 2 et 19 sont suffisamment proches et parallèles pour pouvoir être considérés comme confondus ;
  • au moin l'ensemble de l'arme 20 et de la caméra 4 peut être orienté autour d'axes rectangulaires X4, Y4, et Z4, respectivement au moyen de vérins à vis 24, 25 et 26.
In the device of figure 4:
  • the viewfinder 21 is integral with the camera 3 and the shooting and aiming axes 1 and 22 are sufficiently close and parallel to be considered as being combined;
  • the camera 4 is integral with the weapon 20 and the shooting and shooting axes 2 and 19 are sufficiently close and parallel to be able to be considered as being confused;
  • at least the assembly of the weapon 20 and of the camera 4 can be oriented around rectangular axes X4, Y4, and Z4, respectively by means of screw jacks 24, 25 and 26.

Ainsi, lorsqu'il est nécessaire de s'assurer de l'alignement entre les axes 19 et 22 de l'arme 20 et du viseur 21 (qui peut tenir compte du déport latéral de l'arme 20), ainsi que l'orientation relative de ceux-ci autour desdits axes, on examine sur l'écran 18 les images 5.1 et 5.2 données par les caméras 3 et 4. Si ces images sont confondues pour former l'image 5.3, aucun réglage n'est nécessaire. Si, au contraire, il apparaît deux images 5.1 et 5.2, on actionne un ou plusieurs des vérins à vis 24,25,26 pour modifier l'orientation de l'ensemble 4-20 de façon à n'obtenir qu'une seule image 5.3. A ce moment le réglage est terminé.Thus, when it is necessary to ensure the alignment between the axes 19 and 22 of the weapon 20 and the sight 21 (which can take account of the lateral offset of the weapon 20), as well as the orientation relative of these around said axes, on the screen 18 we examine the images 5.1 and 5.2 given by the cameras 3 and 4. If these images are combined to form the image 5.3, no adjustment is necessary. If, on the contrary, two images 5.1 and 5.2 appear, one or more of the screw jacks 24, 25, 26 are actuated to modify the orientation of the assembly 4-20 so as to obtain only one image. 5.3. At this point the setting is completed.

La distance finie ou infinie séparant l'objet 5 des caméras 3 et 4 est choisie en fonction des caractéristiques de l'arme 20.The finite or infinite distance separating the object 5 from the cameras 3 and 4 is chosen according to the characteristics of the weapon 20.

Claims (2)

  1. System comprising:
    - two video cameras (3,4) at least one of which comprises means for modifying the orientation of its axis (1,2), and which are directed towards the same object (5);
    - means (8) for action synchronization connected to said cameras (3,4) and providing a succession of synchronization pulses of the video images;
    - means (17) capable of visualizing the video signals issuing from said cameras, these visualizing means being common to said cameras; and
    - commutation means (14) for connecting the outputs of saids cameras alternately to said visualization means,
    characterized in that said image commutation device (14) is controlled by a monostable tipping device (16), the input of which receives from said synchronisation means (8) the succession of synchronisation pulses of the video images so that, for the synchronisation pulses of even rank, said commutation device addresses to said visualization means images coming from one of said cameras whereas, for the synchronization pulses of odd rank, said commutation device addresses to said visualization means images coming from the other of said cameras, and in that for adjusting the relative angular positions of said cameras, the means for modifying the orientation are actuated so as to allow the superimposition of said images coming from said cameras on the visualization means.
  2. System according to claim 1,
    characterized in that the first video camera (3) is rigidly connected to a first apparatus (21) so that its shot-taking axis (1) is at least substantially merged with the axis (22) of said first apparatus (21), and in that the second video camera (4) is rigidly connected to a second apparatus (20) so that its shot-taking axis (2) is at least substantially merged with the axis (19) of said second apparatus (20).
EP87401743A 1986-07-31 1987-07-24 System for adjusting the relative angular positions of two video cameras pointed towards a same object, and its use in their orientation adjustment Expired - Lifetime EP0256915B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR8611130A FR2602389B1 (en) 1986-07-31 1986-07-31 SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING THE ANGULAR POSITIONS RELATING TO TWO VIDEO CAMERAS DIRECTED TOWARD THE SAME OBJECT AND ITS APPLICATION TO ADJUSTING THE ORIENTATION OF TWO DEVICES
FR8611130 1986-07-31

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0256915A1 EP0256915A1 (en) 1988-02-24
EP0256915B1 true EP0256915B1 (en) 1992-05-20

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EP87401743A Expired - Lifetime EP0256915B1 (en) 1986-07-31 1987-07-24 System for adjusting the relative angular positions of two video cameras pointed towards a same object, and its use in their orientation adjustment

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US (1) US4811093A (en)
EP (1) EP0256915B1 (en)
CA (1) CA1276038C (en)
DE (1) DE3779215D1 (en)
FR (1) FR2602389B1 (en)

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FR2678461B1 (en) * 1991-06-25 1993-10-15 Aerospatiale Ste Nat Indle METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE POSITION OF THE SIGHT LINE OF A SHOOTING DEVICE SUBJECT TO VIBRATION, DEVICE FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION AND APPLICATION TO THE HARMONIZATION OF SHOOTING DEVICES.
GB9121418D0 (en) * 1991-10-09 1991-11-20 Nader Esfahani Rahim Imaginograph
EP0609831B1 (en) * 1993-02-03 1997-08-20 Peter Dr. Lux Method for recording distance-dependent images
US7280134B1 (en) 1998-01-26 2007-10-09 Thales Avionics, Inc. Landscape camera system with electronic field of view switching
DE102005013117A1 (en) * 2005-03-18 2006-10-05 Rudolf Koch Rifle with a aiming device
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US8170413B2 (en) 2010-03-31 2012-05-01 James Cameron Single seat-kill camera system
US8655163B2 (en) 2012-02-13 2014-02-18 Cameron Pace Group Llc Consolidated 2D/3D camera

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US4811093A (en) 1989-03-07
DE3779215D1 (en) 1992-06-25
CA1276038C (en) 1990-11-06
FR2602389B1 (en) 1988-12-02
EP0256915A1 (en) 1988-02-24
FR2602389A1 (en) 1988-02-05

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