GB2280330A - Simulating a thermal imager - Google Patents

Abstract

The simulator comprises a visual display unit (13, figure 3) mounted inside housing 12 which may be viewed through eyepiece 15, 16. A video recorder is disposed outside the housing 12 for supplying recorded video signals to the simulator; alternatively a computer may be used to allow interactive simulation. A brightness control 20 and colour change control are provided on the side of the simulator. A monopod support and face shield (as in figures 1, 2) may be provided to provide greater similarity to the thermal imager being simulated. <IMAGE>

Description

Training Apparatus for Optical and Other Imagine Devices This invention relates to the provision of training for optical and other imaging devices.

The use of electronic aids to vision such as image intensifiers and thermal imaging apparatus has been well known in both military and civilian contexts for a long time. Thermal imaging has improved penetration over optical devices through mist or smoke and, in the military context, is less fooled by camouflage.

Thermal imaging devices tend to produce their output as a two-colour optical display, often black and red, and wherein increasing red intensity in the image represents increasing infra-red radiation, and thus heat, from the object. The images only approximate to the actual shapes of the objects being viewed. Thus operators of such equipment require a period of familiarisation with the images before they are able to use such devices reliably.

Further image distortion can arise if the equipment is used in proximity to a radio transmitter or the like. If the transmitter is using particular frequencies then interference results. It may take the form of black lines moving through the image, depending on the precise nature of the equipment being used.

Such interference is quite likely to occur when imaging equipment is used in the military context and it is important that it does not prevent the operator from recognising and distinguishing images correctly.

The operator must be able to distinguish reliably between objects that produce very similar images and he must be able to do so in a full range of weather conditions. To provide an adequate amount of training in the field in such a range of weather conditions is expensive and impractical. Some form of simulation is thus required. The operator must be able to see a selection of images, in as realistic a setting as possible so that he may learn to identify them. A prior proposal has involved a group of trainees watching images projected onto a large screen in a lecture theatre. This has proved inadequate due, in particular, to the lack of realism of the setting and the lack of emphasis on the individual trainee.

In accordance with the invention there is thus provided a device, for simulating the use of imaging equipment, comprising a mounting, a visual display unit (VDU) and an eyepiece and wherein the VDU is mounted such that it may be viewed through the eyepiece.

Embodiments of the invention may be built with specific imaging devices in mind. Thus the eyepiece in any specific embodiment may be compatible with the relevant device. Similarly the mounting, which may comprise a hollow container tube, may be made to simulate the relevant device in size and shape.

The mounting may enclose a space of sufficient size and shape at one of its ends to contain the VDU.

Available VDUs may differ in size and the dimensions of the mounting may vary in accordance therewith.

The mounting may include attachment means for a stand such as a monopod or tripod. The stand may be compatible with that of the device being simulated.

The eyepiece may be rubber and a face shield may additionally be provided. The face shield may be arranged such that the pressure of an operator's head thereon allows the VDU to be seen. The tube may contain a light intensity control. It may also contain a colour control knob to change the colours of the image.

The VDU may be connected to a video player.

Alternatively it may be connected to computerised image generation apparatus so that interactive simulations are possible.

An embodiment of the invention has been built to simulate the Thermal Imagers L5A1 and L6A1 (spyglass).

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, purely by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 shows a rear view of a conventional thermal imaging device.

Fig. 2 shows the device of Fig. 1 from below and with a monopod attached.

Fig. 3 is a diagram of a side view of a device according to the invention.

Fig. 4 is a view from above of the device in Fig.

3.

Fig. 5 is a view from below of the device in Fig.

3.

Fig. 6 is a rear view of a part of the device in Fig. 3.

Fig. 7 is a raised perspective view from the rear of the device in Fig. 3.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view from behind of a thermal imaging device, specifically the L5A1 (spyglass) used by the British Army. The device 1 consists of a telescope section 2, a main body section 3 comprising a cryogenic assembly, an electronics module and a scanner module, and a viewer assembly 4.

A face shield 5 is also included.

The telescope 2 focuses and magnifies the IR image. The image is presented to the main body 3 where it is processed to provide a red-black image. This image is focused by the viewer 4, which is an optical assembly, to provide an output display. The viewer 4 is protected by flaps (not shown) inside the face shield 5. To observe the display, the operator must open the flaps by applying slight pressure to the face shield 5.

Fig. 2 is a view of the device from beneath. A support leg or monopod 6 is attached to the underside of the device by means of location studs 7, 8 and 9 which locate in corresponding intrusions on the monopod. The rear location intrusion is connected to the others via a spring frame 10. The spring frame 10 provides the tension necessary for the studs to be gripped. Application of hand pressure to the spring frame 10 adjacent to the rear stud 9 allows the monopod 6 to be attached securely to the device. Firm finger pressure between the device 1 and the spring frame 10 will disengage the monopod 6 from the rear stud 9 for the purposes of removal.

Fig. 3 shows a device 11, a preferred embodiment according to the invention. A main body 12 is provided which serves as a housing for a visual display unit (VDU) 13. The main body 12 is a rectangular box with a substantially square cross-section and has dimensions based on the particular device being simulated. At one end a rectangular protrusion 14, again with a substantially square cross-section, extends from the main body 12. At the other end of the protrusion 14 is a small hollow cylinder 15 over which a rubber eyepiece 16 may be fitted. The eyepiece 16 has the same dimensions as that of the device being simulated. Thus the precise dimensions will vary. The (VDU) 13 is fixed inside the main body 12 and the whole device 11 is configured such that a user can see substantially the whole of the screen of the VDU 13 by looking through the eyepiece 16. The VDU 13 is connected to a video player or the like (not shown) outside the device 11 and is a conventional VDU of an appropriate size.

Fig. 4 shows the device from above and Fig. 5 shows it from below. Three location studs 17, 18 and 19 are provided on the underside of the main body 12 for the attachment of a monopod in a manner similar to that of the thermal imaging device described above.

The monopod is identical with that of the device being simulated.

Fig. 6 is a view of the device 11 from the rear.

In use the trainee views the screen of the video display 13 through the hollow cylinder 15. A series of images are provided of the type an operator may be expected to encounter when using a thermal imaging device on the battlefield, and the training exercise involves the correct identification of the images.

Fig. 7 shows a perspective view of the device 11.

As an alternative to using a video player to provide the images, a computer can be used. In this way an interactive simulation can be set up.

A brightness control 20 is provided on the side of the protrusion 14. This is connected to the brightness control of the display device 13 which is a conventional light intensity control of the type widely known in VDU devices.

A colour change knob 21 is also provided on the side of the main body 12. This allows the colour combination of the display to be changed.

The eyepiece 11 is made of rubber.

A face shield may be attached to the rear of the device. The face shield would be the same as that 5 of the device 1 being simulated.

In an embodiment made to simulate the device illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2 the following dimensions were used for the lengths indicated by arrows in Figs.

3 and 4: Dimension 101 length 17.5cm 102 26.5cm 103 12cm 104 4cm 105 10cm 106 5cm 107 4cm 108 2cm 109 38.5cm 110 4cm 111 18cm 112 3cm 113 4cm 114 12cm The invention allows training in the art of image recognition, using devices that feel like real imaging devices. The images are viewed in the same way as on the real device. Training can be focused on individual trainees and the training is sufficiently realistic to reduce considerably the need for field exercises.

Hence the invention leads to a large saving in cost.

Claims (15)

Claims:

1. A device, for simulating the use of imaging equipment, comprising a mounting, a visual display unit (VDU) and an eyepiece, the VDU being mounted on the mounting so that it is viewable through the eyepiece.

2. A device according to claim 1 wherein the mounting is a hollow container tube enclosing the area between the VDU and the eyepiece.

3. A device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the mounting includes attachment means for a stand.

4. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the eyepiece is made of rubber.

5. A device according to any preceding claim and having a face shield.

6. A device according to claim 5 wherein the face shield is arranged so that pressure of the head of a user thereon allows the VDU to be seen.

7. A device according to claim 2 wherein the tube includes a means for controlling the light intensity of the display.

8. A device according to claim 2 or claim 7 wherein the tube includes a means for controlling the colour of the display.

9. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the VDU is connected to a video player or to computerised image generation apparatus.

10. A device according to any preceding claim wherein the components are designed by size and shape or size, shape and appearance or size, shape, appearance and weight, to simulate a given thermal or optical imaging device.

11. A device according to any preceding claim which is designed to simulate the L5A1 and L6A1 (spyglass) thermal imaging devices.

12. A device according to any of claims 1 to 9 wherein the eyepiece allows the VDU to be seen by the operator through both eyes.

13. A device according to any preceding claim which is portable.

14. A method of using a device according to any preceding claim by showing a stationary or motion optical or infra-red derived image or imitation thereof on the VDU.

15. A device or method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 3 to 7 of the accompanying drawings.