EP1411316A1 - Direction finding device on viewing means - Google Patents

Abstract

Rows of LEDs (7,9) fit on an incoming window (6) i.e. a viewfinder window outside and on an outgoing window (8) i.e. a viewfinder window inside for a vision device (VD) (4) and are so positioned that the row of LEDs on the incoming window are visible to an observer on the top or bottom edge of the VD's field of vision (10).

Description

The invention relates to a device for bearing, which on a sight, such as a viewing block, angled mirror, etc., on an armored vehicle in particular or is installed in shelters.

In shelters and armored vehicles, etc. are used to monitor the so-called vision blocks or angle mirrors are often used in the vicinity. These are solid blocks of glass or other optically transparent materials manufactured so that the observer against massive external influences, especially in Use case (splinter effect, shelling) is protected.

An angle mirror for armored vehicles and its arrangement on the vehicle discloses DE 41 00 229 A1.

Another angular mirror arrangement is described in DE 36 27 716 A1, in which the ex post Installation on the surface of the vitreous body facing the viewing window Arranged display unit, the display field is provided with adjustable information. In one embodiment, light-emitting diodes are attached to the display panel, over which are located Letters or numbers and symbols are located. The valid symbol is indicated by the corresponding light-emitting diode marked.

A viewing block for observing the external environment is mentioned in DE 100 52 048 A1, which is made of a translucent material.

DE 298 22 897 U1 describes an optical system for a sighting device with a mirrored one Brand. As a brand, emitting LEDs are used in the red area, which is reflected for the user of the sighting device on lenses of this device.

The viewing blocks or angle mirrors are arranged in such a way that the crew can have all-round observation (observation angle in azimuth 360 °), which can be achieved by using several viewing blocks / angle mirrors.
Due to the spatial and geometric conditions within the shelters or the vehicles, there is a need for the task of close-range observation to be performed by several people. Magnifying optical and / or optronic vision devices are used for the observation of the wider environment as well as for the identification and combating of the observed object in the entire surveillance area, which are arranged as a target periscope or as an all-round vision periscope.

To identify and / or combat by the individual observers by the Objects that are discovered in the viewing blocks must be viewed using the magnifying optical / optronic viewing device be directed at the object detected in each case. To do this, the operator of the magnifying Instruction device instructed by the operator of the viewing block who targeted the object, which triggers mutual communication.

To make this instruction easier, so-called tip sights are on the viewing block or Angle mirror provided with which the area in which the observed object is located can be selected. Fields of view are common in the sectors "Left", "Middle" and "Right". Each button corresponds to a specific tower angle, which serves as the setpoint for the position control loop of the periscope is activated. The setpoint is determined via the position the viewing block and the addressed sector manually or using a computer.

The disadvantage is that this form of direction assignment is rather imprecise, depending on the situation the position of the observer in relation to the view of the viewing block (eye point) assumes that the position of the object to be observed changes in the field of view of the viewing block. The direction assignment with the well-known tip sights is still too rough, so here too A verbal description is required to indicate the location of the detected location to be defined so that this can be captured by the magnifying viewing device.

For a quick and safe detection and location of the object, it is also required that the direction angle specified by the observer on the viewing block with a An error is determined that is less than half the field of view of the magnifying viewing device.

Here the invention takes up the task of showing a device on a sighting device, with which a simple, preferably automatic destination assignment is possible and the aforementioned Disadvantages are avoided.

The object is achieved by the features of patent claim 1.

The invention is based on the idea of the entrance window (outside viewing window) and the exit window To arrange a row of light-emitting diodes (LED) for each sighting means (viewing window inside), which are positioned so that they are at least at the entrance window for the observer are visible at the top and bottom of the field of view. At the exit window Row of diodes may also be visible at the top or bottom of the field of vision, however preferably do not protrude into the field of view, especially a light emission at dusk or avoid darkness.

With this device, a type of electrical sighting disk is created, which allows individual Targeting objects in the field of view of the sighting device with sufficient accuracy and instruction of the operator on the magnifying viewing device by the observer on the viewing device makes more necessary.

The principle of bearing is based on a paired control of one diode each outer and inner row of diodes via control electronics, with the specification a single number (bearing number) or a programmable pair of diodes a clear direction is possible.

When the diode pairs are activated, the diodes of the outer row of diodes are activated mirrored to the inner. This creates a predetermined bearing line that simulates a predetermined angle at the same time. The eye (eye point) adjusts itself the two driven diodes and runs visually through the pair of diodes formed bearing line. If the object is not on this bearing line, another will be Controlled pair of diodes until the generated bearing line and eye line match the object. The diode pairs cover the entire angular range of the field of view From sight. The bearing lines created in this version go through a common one DF point, the center of the sight.

A further development of the invention is also the programming of diode pairs to be controlled possible, the generated bearing lines not through the center of the sight go. Diode pairs are defined here that could emulate a bearing line. This then, like the key figures, are stored in the system computer. The one controlled The diode pair then defines the bearing angle.

The control of the diode pairs or pairs can be done manually or by the System computers can be determined automatically in a predetermined time interval, whereby then the operator is given the opportunity to inform the system computer that this is currently set direction is in order and no further controls are necessary. The system computer stores this information.

If the installation position of the sighting means in relation to the vehicle, preferably to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is known can by the position of the sighting means and by the controlled Diodes set the angle within the sight clearly the direction of targeted object in relation to the vehicle (vehicle longitudinal axis) can be determined. This Direction is recognized by a system computer and on the corresponding devices or equipment transmitted. In particular, the direction is given as information given the magnifying viewing device.

Fig. 1

in einer Draufsichtdarstellung eine skizzenhafte Anordnung von Sichtmitteln mit erfinderischer Vorrichtung an einem Fahrzeug,

Fig. 2

eine vergrößerte Darstellung eines der Sichtmittel aus Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung,

Fig. 3

das Prinzip der Peilung mit diesem Sichtmittel,

Fig. 4

eine Darstellung der Peilung mit dem Sichtmittel,

Fig. 5

in Blockbilddarstellung eine Anordnung zur Zielzuweisung mehrere Sichtmittel.

The invention will be explained in more detail using an exemplary embodiment with a drawing. It shows

Fig. 1

a plan view shows a sketchy arrangement of viewing means with inventive device on a vehicle,

Fig. 2

2 shows an enlarged illustration of one of the sighting means from FIG. 1 in a perspective illustration,

Fig. 3

the principle of bearing with this sight,

Fig. 4

a representation of the bearing with the sighting device,

Fig. 5

in block diagram representation an arrangement for target assignment of several sighting means.

1 shows a top view of an armored vehicle 1 with a turret 2 and a weapon 3 on the turret 2. A sketch of an all-round observation area of 360 ° in azimuth is also indicated, which is covered by viewing means 4 (4.1-4.n), only two of, for example, 8 viewing means 4.1, 4.2 being indicated for the sake of clarity.
The installation means 4 are positioned differently due to their installation on the vehicle 1. In this exemplary embodiment, these positions are described by an angle α or angle β with respect to the vehicle longitudinal axis 1.1 and are stored in a system computer 11. An eye (eye point) of an observer who is not shown is identified by 5.

Fig. 2 shows one of the viewing means 4 in a perspective view.

The viewing means 4, a viewing block, has one on the entrance window 6 (outside viewing window) LED row 7 outside and at the exit window 8 (view window inside) an LED row 9 inside on. The LED row 9 on the exit window 8 is preferably positioned so that it does not protrude into a field of view 10 of the viewing block 4. LED row 7 on entrance window 6 is positioned so that it is at the top or bottom for the observer of the field of view 10 is visible. The number sequence n to -n of the LEDs in the inner row of LEDs 9 is mirror-inverted to the number sequence n to -n of the LEDs of the outer LED row 7.

A bearing line P ₀ is shown here, which leads through the diodes "0" of both rows 9, 7. This number of diodes -n to n serves as a characteristic number K _-n to _n of the bearing angle δ _-n to n determined during the bearing.

Fig. 3 shows the principle of electrical direction finding, which in Fig. 4 is based on the view block is practically shown.

This principle is based on the fact that in pairs an LED, here the LED "-3" of the inner LED row 7 and the LED "-3" of the outer 9, via control electronics, not shown here, which is integrated, for example, in the system computer 11, can be controlled, so that by specifying a number of diodes "-3" a single characteristic number K, namely "-3" is determined, by means of which the system computer 11 provides a clear directional reference with respect to the observer (eye point 5). Both LEDs "-3" describe a predetermined angle δ _-3 , which the observer's eye 5 follows to aim at the object 12.

The two LED rows 7, 9 thus form an electronic sighting disk 20.

In practical application, this is such that each viewing block 4 _{1-n has} a field of view 10 _1-n , which limits the view of the eye 5 due to its field of view boundaries 13 _1-n .

Due to the distance to the object 12, this field of view 13 _{1-n is} sufficient for the bearing. The eye 5 looks along the LEDs of the inner and the outer LED rows 7, 9, which are controlled manually or the system computer 11, in order to aim at the object 12. The pair of diodes, which is then in direct bearing with the eye 5 and the object 12 and forms a specific bearing line P _-n to _n and thus simulates the bearing angle δ _{-n to n} , is determined by the system computer 11 as a characteristic number K _-n to _n , In the present case shown here, the key figure is "K ₁ ".

The individual pairs of diodes of the electric sighting disk 20 are activated one after the other, in the case of manual presetting by pushing a button (not shown) in the area or in the vicinity of the viewing block 4, so that an adjacent diode of the inner LED row 7 lights up on the left or right. At the same time, the corresponding diodes of the outer row of LEDs 9 are driven in reverse order, that is to say the neighboring diodes on the right or left (see link in FIG. 3). This creates different bearing lines P _-5 to P ₅ for the eye 5 to the object 12. The control of the LEDs -5 to 5 takes place via a signal conditioning circuit of the system computer 11, not shown in detail, and by means of pulsed signals of a defined length. Depending on which of the diode pairs -5 to 5 meet the bearing condition, this information is obtained from the key position and passed on to the system computer 11.

Knowing the angle α or β etc. and thus the position of the viewing block 4 on the vehicle 1 and the angle δ _{-n to n} defined by the controlled LED'S _{-n to n} (see also FIG. 1) within the viewing block 4 can The direction of a targeted object 12 can thus be clearly determined.

The weapon controller 16 can be used by the system computer 11 to sum up the information Alignment of the weapon 3 driven to the object 12 and aligned the weapon 3 by this become.

As already described, several viewing blocks 4.1 to 4.n are for all-round observation necessary. FIG. 5 shows an arrangement with which it is possible to set up a circular mirror disc 14 and / or weapon-parallel aiming device (not shown in detail) with control 15 or the weapon 3 to aim automatically at the targeted object 12 via a weapon control 16.

For example, the object is not in the field of view 10.1 of the one described here Viewing block 4.1, but in the field of view 10.3, another is offset by about 160 ° Viewing block 4.3, this viewing block 4.3 connects to the system computer 11, whereby in turn a control 16 of the weapon station (tower 2) is controlled to the Gun 3 taking into account the angle δ in the viewing block 4.3 in the field of view 10.3 of the Bring viewing block 4.3. The weapon 3 is then aligned via the weapon control 16th

It goes without saying that changes are possible within the scope of the inventive concept.

In this way, another sensible control can be carried out by programming are not the diode pairs described, but freely programmable diode pairs connecting them. This could be the LED "1" of the inner row of diodes 7 and the LED "-3" of the outer row of diodes 9, whereby a different angle δ than between the actual Diode pair is simulated. Additional bearing lines can be generated using this method.

However, the diode pairs have been shown to be practically sufficient.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

armored vehicle,

1.1

vehicle longitudinal axis

2

tower

3

weapon

4

means visual

4.1 -4.n

view blocks

5

Eye of an observer

6

Entry window (outside view window)

7

LED row outside

8th

Exit window (lookout window inside)

9

LED row inside

10.1-10.n

Field of view

11

system computer

12

object

13.1-13.n

Sehfeldbegrenzung

14

Rundumperiskop

15

Control of 14

16

weapons control

17

Control weapon station (tower)

20

electronic dipstick

Claims (15)

Device on a sighting means (4) for bearing an object (12) by an observer, the sighting means (4) consisting of an optically translucent material and an observation of the outside environment of a vehicle (1) within a field of view (10) of the sighting means ( 4) allow, where a row (7, 9) of diodes (-n, n) are arranged on the entry window (6) and on the exit window (8) of the sighting means (4) and are positioned such that these rows of diodes (7, 9) on the entrance window (6) and on the exit window (8) are visible to the observer at the top and bottom of the field of view (10). Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner row of diodes (9) at the exit window (8) does not protrude into the field of view (10) of the viewing means (4). Device according to claim, characterized in that the number sequence of the LEDs (-n, n) in the inner row of LEDs (9) is mirror-inverted to the sequence of numbers of the LEDs (n, -n) of the outer row of LEDs (7). Device according to one of the claims, characterized in that the control takes place via control electronics (11), one diode (-n, n) each of the outer (7) and one diode (n, -n) of the inner row of diodes (9) can be controlled in pairs. Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that the control of the diodes (-n, n) of the outer row of diodes (7) is mirror-inverted to the inner (9) and specifies a bearing line (P) to the object (12). Device according to one of claims 4 or 5, characterized in that the control of the individual diode pairs (-n, n) of the outer row of diodes (7) and the inner row of diodes (9) takes place in succession such that an adjacent diode (-n, n) the inner row of LEDs (7) lights up on the left or right and at the same time the corresponding diodes (n, -n) of the outer row of LEDs (9) are driven in reverse order on the right or left. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the diodes (-n, n) act as a characteristic number (K _1-n ) of the bearing line (P _1-n ). Apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that freely programmable diode pairs (-n, n) of the outer row of diodes (7) and the inner row of diodes (9) can be connected, which can emulate a bearing line (P) to the object (12), which are not run through a common center of the sighting means (4). Device according to one of the claims, characterized in that an angle (δ _1-n ) within the sighting means (4, 4.1-4.n) is reproduced by the bearing lines (P _1-n ), which is used as angle data in the system computer (11 ) is deposited. Device according to one of the claims, characterized in that the number of diodes (-n, n) of the outer row of diodes (7) and the inner row of diodes (9) is dependent on the entire angular range of the field of view (10, 10.1-10.n). Device according to one of the claims, characterized in that the control of the LEDs (-n, n) takes place by means of a key circuit, the respective key position being registered by the system computer (11) and this information being processed. Device according to one of the claims, characterized in that the control of the LEDs (-n, n) is specified by the system computer (11) and processed as information. Apparatus according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that this information is given to a weapon controller (16) for aligning a weapon (3) with the object (12). Device according to one of the claims, characterized in that in the case of a plurality of sighting means (4.1-4.n), the sighting means (4.1-4.n) is connected to the system computer (11) which, when bearing, a bearing line (P _{-n to n} ) generated to the object (12). Device according to claim 13, characterized in that a control (16) of the weapon station is actuated in order to bring the weapon (3) into line with the field of view (10.1-10.n) of the sighting means (4.1-4.n) which has detected the object (12).

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