WO2003096216A1 - Infrared toy viewing scope and games utilizing infrared radiation - Google Patents
Infrared toy viewing scope and games utilizing infrared radiation Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2003096216A1 WO2003096216A1 PCT/US2003/014051 US0314051W WO03096216A1 WO 2003096216 A1 WO2003096216 A1 WO 2003096216A1 US 0314051 W US0314051 W US 0314051W WO 03096216 A1 WO03096216 A1 WO 03096216A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- infrared
- image
- image display
- electromagnetic energy
- game
- Prior art date
Links
- 230000005855 radiation Effects 0.000 title description 8
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 31
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 claims description 29
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 claims description 18
- 238000001228 spectrum Methods 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000012935 Averaging Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000000153 supplemental effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002401 inhibitory effect Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 238000004148 unit process Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000015654 memory Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000004297 night vision Effects 0.000 description 10
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 9
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 8
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 description 7
- 230000003321 amplification Effects 0.000 description 5
- 238000003199 nucleic acid amplification method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000003384 imaging method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000005693 optoelectronics Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001429 visible spectrum Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 229920002799 BoPET Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000005041 Mylar™ Substances 0.000 description 2
- OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Phosphorus Chemical compound [P] OAICVXFJPJFONN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000003708 edge detection Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- FINOAUDUYKVGDS-UHFFFAOYSA-N (2-tert-butylcyclohexyl) acetate Chemical compound CC(=O)OC1CCCCC1C(C)(C)C FINOAUDUYKVGDS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acetate Chemical compound CC([O-])=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 241000282412 Homo Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000124008 Mammalia Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000004931 aggregating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012550 audit Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003990 capacitor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000019994 cava Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003111 delayed effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005684 electric field Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002349 favourable effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010408 film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009501 film coating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000002329 infrared spectrum Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011159 matrix material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005055 memory storage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000010409 thin film Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012549 training Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003936 working memory Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63H—TOYS, e.g. TOPS, DOLLS, HOOPS OR BUILDING BLOCKS
- A63H33/00—Other toys
- A63H33/22—Optical, colour, or shadow toys
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2401—Detail of input, input devices
- A63F2009/2436—Characteristics of the input
- A63F2009/2442—Sensors or detectors
- A63F2009/2444—Light detector
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63F—CARD, BOARD, OR ROULETTE GAMES; INDOOR GAMES USING SMALL MOVING PLAYING BODIES; VIDEO GAMES; GAMES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- A63F9/00—Games not otherwise provided for
- A63F9/24—Electric games; Games using electronic circuits not otherwise provided for
- A63F2009/2448—Output devices
- A63F2009/245—Output devices visual
- A63F2009/2451—Output devices visual using illumination, e.g. with lamps
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04N—PICTORIAL COMMUNICATION, e.g. TELEVISION
- H04N23/00—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof
- H04N23/20—Cameras or camera modules comprising electronic image sensors; Control thereof for generating image signals from infrared radiation only
Definitions
- These devices generally utilize a photo multiplier/light amplifier imaging tube that produces an image on a small, phosphor coated surface viewing screen, which is viewed by way of an ocular eyepiece.
- the image depicted is usually green and is magnified by a lens so that a larger image is observed by the user.
- the phosphoric material When the accelerated electrons hit the phosphoric material, the phosphoric material converts the electrons into photons in the physical visible light spectrum, which may be viewed by the human eye.
- the phosphoric material generally used emits a light in the green color portion of the visible light spectrum.
- the resultant image on the phosphoric material due to a low signal to noise ratio is usually grainy, but provides visual indication of objects such as persons, animals, structures, etc., in the viewing field of the night vision device.
- U.S. Patent No. 6,116,744 discloses toy glasses or goggles, which include a visible light source such as light emitting diode (s) in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum positioned proximate to the eye(s) of the user for illuminating a scene, and makes no mention or use whatsoever of infrared light, i.e., light in the non-visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- the goggles utilize colored filters and/or lenses for simulating the appearance of a night vision scope.
- the '744 Patent discloses that a visible light sensor and processing electronics may be used to detect reflected visible light.
- Night vision goggle simulators have also employed electronically controlled liquid crystals positioned in the optical path.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,413,483 discloses such a construction. Training devices in the form of simulated night vision goggles, which employ polarizers and colored filters to give the impression of night vision viewing when viewing an illuminated scene such as in U.S. Patent No. 4,202,601, are also known.
- Other night vision goggle simulators are also disclosed in U.S. Patents No. 3,722,985; 4,337,044; and 5,420,414.
- U.S. Patent No. 5,742,939 play costumes used with real or simulated night vision devices, LEDs as light sources and IR sensors are disclosed.
- the Applicant is not aware of any night or low light level viewing scope toy, which utilizes reflected or emitted infrared light. Applicant is also not aware of any toy, which emits infrared light and processes the reflected infrared light so that a scene may be viewed. A toy that processes infrared light for viewing would be interesting and entertaining to children and to adults. Such a toy may be used to view scenes at night or low visible light conditions and can also be used to play games, which involve the location of various objects in low visible light conditions by means of a view scope toy.
- Such a toy may also be used to view scenes in the darkness of night and under daylight conditions, and also in places or locations of darkness even during daylight hours such as dark rooms, basements, caves, tunnels, and similar places. Applicant's invention is not restricted to use at night. [0013]
- children and others have enjoyed games such as treasure hunt, laser tag and other games under visible light conditions. Such games include the location of persons/or objects under ambient visible light conditions.
- the present invention introduces many refinements and improvements over the present state of the art.
- the present invention has several aspects or facets that can be used independently, although they are preferably employed together to optimize their benefits.
- the invention is a view scope toy capable of receiving and processing electronically received infrared light signals and converting the infrared light signals to a visible light image or display for viewing or recording for later viewing.
- the view scope toy has an IR transparent image input-focusing lens for focusing the incident infrared light or EM energy on an infrared photoelectronic image sensor or sensor array or matrix. It also includes analog, digital, or combinations of analog and digital electronic signal processing means for processing the electrical output of the infrared sensor and a video display screen or viewing surface or image output device for viewing and displaying the scene in visible light to the eye or eyes of a person or persons .
- a source of infrared illumination is included which infrared illumination source may or may not be integral with the infrared receiving portion of the scope toy.
- an optional focusing lens is positioned between the video display screen and the eye of the user to focus and enlarge the image on the video display screen.
- the display screen is a self-lighted (by phosphor emission) monochrome, or color miniature cathode ray tube (“CRT") screen or a monochrome or color back or front lighted liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screen or a photonic emission screen using organic light emitting diodes (OLED) .
- a translucent red or green acetate or mylar color filter or gel is located between the viewing screen and the viewer's eye or eyes, which colors the viewed image to resemble an expensive night scope viewer utilizing photo amplifiers, which typically utilize green phosphors. Other colors beside green can also be used.
- an infrared light source is present for illuminating the scene with infrared light, which is reflected from the objects in the scene to increase the infrared light energy incident upon the infrared photo sensor in the infrared scope toy.
- the electronic processing of the electrical output of the infrared sensor is capable of image averaging over time to provide a more sensitive device with greater range, i.e., the invention is able to provide acceptable images for viewing of objects that are a greater distance from the viewing scope. Also, darker or weaker images can then be seen and become visible by the increased sensitivity.
- image processing functions such as contract enhancements, edge detection and other methods well known to those skilled in the art of digital image signal processing can be used.
- an infrared light source is capable of being “flashed” or “strobed” at intervals and the scope is synchronized with the infrared source so that the scope processes receive infrared signals during the period of the "flash” or “strobed” infrared illumination to produce an image of the visible light which has a higher signal to noise ratio and greater definition and clarity.
- audio alarms or notification signal generating circuits and/or processing algorithms are electronically connected to the video processing circuitry so that an audio signal may be generated in response to a change in the pixels in the image above a predetermined level corresponding to a change or movement of persons or objects in the scene being viewed.
- the invention is a night or low visible light level view scope game for searching and locating objects. It includes the step of illuminating a scene with infrared light, which is not visible to the human eye. Other steps comprise the detection of the infrared light and converting the infrared light to light in the visible spectrum. Another step is observing the visible spectrum light and locating the object when it is depicted by visible spectrum light.
- Another embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of emitting an infrared light and locating IR reflective devices
- Still another embodiment of the invention comprises the step of locating a pulsed or continuous IR transmitter proximate and/or affixed to a predetermined object and/or person so as to aid a game participant in locating the object and/or person.
- Yet another aspect of the invention comprises the step of illuminating a supplemental IR transmitter or transmitters to illuminate a scene to improve the view of the scene in the view scope .
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention
- Figure 2 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the invention
- Figure 3a is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the invention in the form of a binocular
- Figure 3b is a diagrammatic view of a second embodiment of the invention in binocular form
- Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view of our embodiment of the invention in the form of a periscope
- Figure 5 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of the invention as a plug-in unit to a personal digital assistant, hand-held video game such as Game Boy Advance, or similar device;
- Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment of an infrared beacon for use in playing games;
- Figure 7 is a diagrammatic view of an infrared reflector for use in playing games
- Figure 8 is a diagrammatic view of a player in a play area using the infrared toy scope to locate infrared beacons and/or reflectors;
- Figure 9 is a diagrammatic view of an infrared light source ;
- Figure 10 is a diagrammatic view of a target or targets being illuminated by one or more portable infrared source or sources .
- Figure 11 is a diagrammatic view of yet another embodiment of the invention.
- Fig. 12 is a diagrammatic view of still another embodiment of the invention.
- the night view scope toy 10 utilizes infrared light, which is not in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- the night view scope toy may utilize IR light emitted by an object or person or warm-blooded animal (such as a mammal) in a scene or a scene may be illuminated by operation of an infrared light source 20.
- an infrared light source 20 It will be understood that there may be a plurality of infrared light sources and that each time a single infrared light source is mentioned, a plurality of infrared light sources may be utilized.
- the infrared light source 20 is controlled by an infrared source illumination control 22, which regulates the electrical power, which operates the infrared light source 20.
- the infrared light source 20 may be an infrared light emitting diode (IR LED) , a conventional incandescent light source with an infrared filter, IR floodlight, or such other infrared light sources as are presently on the market and known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the infrared source illumination control 22 is also electrically coupled to the CPU/controller 25 as is described in detail herein below.
- the infrared light source may be a separate, independent unit from the remainder of the night view scope toy and may have a binary (on/off) control or an analog control which is capable of adjusting the infrared light output of the light source to different levels.
- the control may also be capable of synchronizing and controlling the timing of the infrared light, such as an infrared flashbulb, or infrared strobe light.
- Such a control may also be coupled and synchronized with the image sensing and/or processing portion of the invention so as to increase the sensitivity and range of the view scope.
- a plurality of infrared light sources may be utilized in such an embodiment.
- the IR light illumination sources can also be pulsed to convey data and information in binary data forms which can be detected and used in games, identification, and other useful purposes.
- the optical input of the night view scope toy 10 comprises an infrared filter 28 (which is optional) , an input focusing lens 30 and an infrared sensor 32.
- the infrared sensor 32 may be any one of a number of semiconductor optoelectronic devices commonly available today, such as a charge coupled device (CCD) , CMOS image sensor, a dynamic RAM (DRAM) IC chip the surface of which is exposed to incident light energy (photons) in visible and/or infrared wavelengths, or any other similar optoelectronic device.
- CCD charge coupled device
- CMOS image sensor CMOS image sensor
- DRAM dynamic RAM
- the scene to be viewed comprises a target 26, which may be capable of radiating infrared light or reflecting infrared light emitted by the infrared light source 20.
- the infrared light emitted from or reflected from the target 26 passes through the infrared filter 28.
- the infrared filter 28 is composed of a material transparent to infrared electromagnetic energy, but substantially opaque to light outside the infrared spectrum passband of the filter.
- Typical infrared filter materials are glass with thin film coatings, acetate or mylar films containing dyes and other filters which form a band pass filter in the optical wavelengths of electromagnetic energy so as to allow infrared energy to pass through with a low level of attenuation, but which highly attenuates visible light energy.
- the infrared filter 28 prevents visible light from entering and ensures that the infrared scope toy 10 will respond only to infrared light.
- the infrared filter 28 is not a necessary feature of the view scope toy but provides for improved operation of the view scope toy under certain conditions by increasing the signal to noise ratio of the view scope toy.
- the filter can be controlled by a mechanical button and/or electrical motor so as to be positioned or removed from the optical path. This permits the toy viewing scope to be used with or without the IR filter, which can produce better quality results depending on conditions. More than one IR filter type can be included by a caddie rotating or sliding mechanism. Different IR filters with various optical passbands and wavelengths can alter and improve the received images for optimum viewing under a wide variety of conditions.
- the input focusing lens 30 focuses the infrared light from the scene, after it has passed through the infrared filter 28, onto the infrared sensor 32.
- the infrared sensor 32 may be a charged coupled device (CCD) , CMOSS, or DRAM chip or other suitable infrared reactive device.
- the infrared sensor is reactive to infrared light in proportion to the intensity of incident infrared light.
- an infrared sensor such as a CCD, CMOS or
- DRAM chip have an array of pixels on its surface. Typical pixel densities and resolutions may range from 50 to 200 dots per inch
- CMOS monochrome image sensor such as the CA201A monochrome CMOS image sensor from Sun Plus Technology Co., Ltd., headquartered at Service Park, Hsin Chu, Taiwan, ROC.
- This optoelectronic semiconductor image sensor has an effective array size of 160 pixels x 120 pixels with each pixel 7 x 7 ⁇ m in dimensional size. Each pixel generates a current proportional to the intensity of the light incident incident upon it.
- CMOS sensors are primarily used for visible light image sensing, but many also are sufficiently sensitive to infrared to provide acceptable results.
- each pixel generates a current in reaction to the intensity of the infrared light striking the pixel.
- the infrared sensor 32 generates a plurality of electrical signals, each signal representing the intensity of the infrared light striking the infrared sensor in a predetermined pixel area.
- the electrical outputs of the infrared sensor 32 are of an exceedingly small current, which must be amplified.
- the electrical outputs 34 of the infrared sensor 32 are electrically connected to a buffer/amplifier 40, which serves to amplify the small electrical signals from the infrared sensor 32.
- the amplifier 40 is connected to an automatic sensitivity control 44 and a manual sensitivity control 46.
- the manual sensitivity control is operable by the user and adjusts the amplification of the buffer amplifier 40 to obtain an optimal visual image as disclosed below.
- the automatic sensitivity control 44 attempts to maintain the electrical output of the buffer amplifier 40 to the predetermined level as set by the manual sensitivity control 46 as the electrical output signals 34 from the infrared sensor 32 vary due to any change in the level of intensity of infrared light entering through the infrared filter 28 from the target 26.
- An automatic gain control (AGC) 43 operably connected directly to the output of the IR sensor 32 or, in an additional preferred embodiment (shown in the drawing) , operably connected to the output of the IR sensor 32 through the buffer/amplifier 40.
- the output of the AGC is fed back to the image sensor 32 so that the AGC is able to change the bias current or voltage levels of the image sensor 32 so as to increase or decrease the amplification of the pixel current or voltage.
- the automatic gain control 43 may also be adjusted by the manual sensitivity control
- the manual sensitivity control 46 may have a plurality of user interface adjustment controls.
- the signal processing unit 50 is comprised of a central processing unit/controller 55 (which contains the stored program instructions for operating the controller, operating registers and working memory for computations, and input and output signal and control lines) , and other electronic circuit elements such as a frame buffer 60, frame storage memory 70, edge detector 80, and frame comparator 90, as well as other standard circuit elements for controlling the operation of all the internal elements.
- a central processing unit/controller 55 which contains the stored program instructions for operating the controller, operating registers and working memory for computations, and input and output signal and control lines
- other electronic circuit elements such as a frame buffer 60, frame storage memory 70, edge detector 80, and frame comparator 90, as well as other standard circuit elements for controlling the operation of all the internal elements.
- the function in an alternative preferred embodiment, performed by the edge detector 80 and frame comparator 90, which are discrete electronic circuits, may also be realized by utilizing computer software programs running on the main CPU/controller and micro controller system of the toy viewing scope.
- digital data representing image elements are stored in portions of a read/write RAM and the control program operates and performs computational manipulations of the data to realize the various image processing functions and features.
- algorithms known to those having ordinary skill in the art are applied to the image data through the operation of the CPU/controller 55.
- the frame storage memory 70 may be part of the memory of the CPU/controller 55, but is shown as a separate block in Figure 1 for clarity of illustration.
- the amplified output signals 42 from the buffer amplifier 40 are electrically connected to the CPU/controller 55, by means of analog to digital (A/D) converters 47.
- the CPU controller 55 controls the signal processing of the signal processor 50.
- the central processing unit/controller 55 is capable of routing the output 42 of the A/D converters 47 to the input of the frame buffer 60.
- the CPU controller 55 may route the output 42 of the D/A converters 47 to the frame storage memory 70, which in a preferred embodiment is a readable and writeable random access memory (RAM) .
- RAM readable and writeable random access memory
- the function of the frame storage memory 70 is to store and aggregate values of output 42. For example, when the level of infrared light entering the infrared filter 28 and striking the IR sensor 32 is low, the electrical outputs 34 of the infrared sensor 32 will also be low as will be the outputs 42 of the A/D converters.
- the frame storage memory 70 is capable of adding the electrical values from each pixel of one frame to one or more electrical values from the same pixels in successive frames of data so that the electrical values per pixel are increased frame by frame. This is analogous to time lapse or double or multiple exposure using conventional chemical photographic methods so that in extremely low infrared light situations, there is additional amplification of the signals by means of aggregating each of the electrical values of the pixels. After successive frames have been stored in the frame storage memory 70 and the electrical values for each respective pixel have been respectively aggregated, the output of the frame storage memory 70 is electrically operable connected to the frame buffer 60.
- the CPU/controller is capable of routing the electrical signals 42 from the A/D converters 47 to the edge detector 80.
- the edge detector 80 performs logical operations on the pixel data such as exclusive OR(XOR) and/or other digital logic and comparison operations.
- the output of the edge detector 80 may also be routed to the frame buffer 60.
- the CPU controller is also capable of routing the electrical output 42 of the A/D converters 47 to a frame comparator 90.
- the frame comparator 90 records in memory a frame of data and then compares the reference frame to subsequent frames of data.
- Deviations in pixel data between the reference frame and subsequent frames of video can trigger an alarm or other user notification signal 95 if the difference between the reference frame and subsequent frames is equal to or greater than a predetermined magnitude or falls outside or inside a predetermined criteria.
- the alarm signal 95 generated by the frame comparator 90 is electrically coupled to an alarm 100 which may be an audio, video and/or visual alarm, notifying the user of a change in the scene .
- the frame buffer 60 When a frame of video data is received by the frame buffer 60, the frame buffer 60 generates a corresponding frame output signal 62.
- a video display driver 100 receives video frame output signal 62 from the frame buffer 60.
- the video display driver 100 operates to provide video frame drive data 102 to the video display 120, which corresponds to the respective video frame output signal 62.
- the video display 120 may be an LCD or another type of video output device.
- the video display 120 may be black and white, monochrome or color LCD, CRT, organic light emitting diode (OLED) or other video display device and has a video display surface 122, which generates an image corresponding to the video frame drive data 102.
- the video display surface 120 may be front, side or back lit, using LED, incandescent lamps or various other light sources of various colors, such as by screen light source 170.
- a preferred embodiment of the invention uses a reflective black and white LCD video display which is illuminated from the front and/or sides, with red, green, yellow or other color LEDs, so as to simulate the appearance of a real, military type IR view scope using green phosphors, or the red light condition of a submarine or an entertaining yellow light condition is utilized.
- red, green, yellow or other color LEDs so as to simulate the appearance of a real, military type IR view scope using green phosphors, or the red light condition of a submarine or an entertaining yellow light condition is utilized.
- any other color of optical viewing filters such as blue, purple, or a combination of various color filters and/or displays may be used for effects.
- An output focusing and enlargement lens 130 is provided so that the image on the display surface 122 of the video display 120 is enlarged and may be focused so that it is capable of being perceived by the eye 140 of the user.
- a brightness control 110 as well as optional contrast control 157, color saturation control 159, and the other video controls discussed above, are provided which are electrically coupled to the video display driver 100 to increase the magnitude of the electrical signal 102 from the video display driver 120.
- These controls function together to improve the apparent sensitivity of the view scope toy by optimizing the video output display image.
- the brightness of the image on the display surface 122 will be proportional to the magnitude of the video frame drive data 1D2 over their respective operating ranges .
- the electronic components and circuits are energized by means of a power supply 150, which provides power for all of the circuits and devices requiring electrical power.
- the power supply may itself receive power from batteries or from standard 110/120 volt common utility service electrical supply, as well as from vehicles such as cars, trucks and boats, which provide a 12 volt DC power system.
- these electrical power sources may be converted to an electrical voltage suitable for operating the circuits of the night view scope toy.
- Another preferred embodiment of the invention is to utilize software computational techniques instead of, or in addition to, actual, dedicated electronic circuits, such as edge detector 80 and frame comparator 90.
- the CPU controller 55 receives digital frame image data of the scene.
- the software in the CPU/controller operates on the digital image frame data and performs the computational activity to create information corresponding to a frame having the edges of the objects in the scene outlined.
- successive image frame data may be received by the CPU/controller, and the digital frame image data may be stored so that comparisons may be made between pixels in successive or multiple frames of image data so that the output of the CPU/controller will be a frame of image data, which is the aggregate of several input frames.
- the output frame would correspond to a time lapse photograph made by standard photographic techniques.
- various frames of input image data may be compared and if the image data changes or varies by more than a predetermined amount or quantity, representing motion or movement in the scene.
- the CPU/controller may send a signal to an audio and or video alarm in response to the change in the image.
- Programs implementing these functions are within the skill of those having ordinary skill in the art. Portions of such actual/dedicated electronic circuits may also be replaced by software control programs so that the software control programs perform some, but not all of the functions of the portions of the actual dedicated electronic circuits, which have been replaced.
- the electrical output 42 of the A/D converters 47 is connected directly to the input of the video display driver 100, although the image processing and enhancement functions will not be fully realized in this embodiment.
- the performance of the toy view scope will still be acceptable, but the quality will not be as high as with the use of the signal processing unit 50.
- the infrared toy scope 200 contains the lens, electronic circuits, and video display screens (not shown) , which have been disclosed and discussed above. Also, the infrared toy scope 200 has an IR transmitter 210 for illuminating a scene with infrared illumination 215. It will be understood that the IR transmitter need not be affixed to the infrared scope 200, but may be separate and apart from it.
- the infrared scope 200 receives reflected infrared light 220, which through the infrared image sensor, electronic circuits, and video display screens disclosed in detail above converts the infrared light to visible light 230, which can be viewed by the user.
- the binocular form of the invention is essentially two monocular IR scopes 200A held together by a conventional binocular fastener 310.
- the conventional binocular fastener is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the binocular form of the invention requires a single IR transmitter 210A, which transmits infrared illumination 215A towards a scene. Reflected infrared light 220A enters the infrared binoculars and through the use of the aforesaid sensors, circuits, and displays a visible light 230A is produced.
- the alternative embodiment of the invention comprises an IR transmitter 210B, which transmits infrared illumination 215B toward a scene. Reflected infrared light 220B enters the infrared binoculars and is received and processed by the sensors, circuits, and displays referred to generally in Fig. 3b as 320.
- These elements include a display screen 120A, having a display surface 122A upon which the image in visible light form appears.
- An optional color filter 155A is located proximate the video display 120A.
- a pair of output image focusing lenses 130A and 130B are mounted to the binocular housing and the distance between the lenses is such that the user may simultaneously look through the two focusing lenses at the image on the display surface 122A of the video display 120A. Accordingly, this embodiment of the toy view scope in binocular form is less expensive than the above-identified binocular form, because it is not necessary to double each component to create the binocular form of the invention.
- periscope 400 is positioned at the edge of a wall 410.
- An infrared transmitter 420 transmits infrared illumination 430 towards the scene.
- Reflected infrared illumination 440 enters the input opening 445 of the periscope 400.
- Periscope 445 contains two mirrors 450, which reflect the IR illumination towards the IR scope 460.
- the IR scope converts the infrared illumination to visible light 470, which can then be seen by the user.
- the IR scope 460 may be unitary with the remainder of the periscope 400 or it may be a separate unit, which may be affixed to the remainder of the periscope by conventional fasteners. It should also be noted that it is possible that the IR transmitter 420 may be mounted within the periscope rather then to the outer surface of the periscope 400.
- a display unit 500 such as a personal digital assistant, hand-held video game, such as a Game Boy Advance, or similar device.
- a connector 510 is a part of the device 500 and is capable of receiving a plug-in unit 520.
- the plug-in unit 520 has an infrared transmitter 530 and an infrared receiver 540.
- the infrared receiver transmits infrared illumination 550 toward a scene and the infrared illumination 550 will strike targets 560 in the scene such as target 560. Reflected IF illumination 570 from a target 560 in the scene will be received by the IR image sensor 540.
- the plug-in unit 520 contains the infrared image sensor, lens, and electronic circuits discussed above. By virtue of the plug-in with the device 500, the reflected infrared 570 is converted to visible light for viewing on the screen 580.
- the plug-in unit 520 may also contain an optional additional power source 590. It will be understood that the infrared transmitter 530 may be separate and apart from the plug- in unit 520 in an alternative embodiment.
- an infrared beacon 600 having an infrared source 620.
- the infrared source 620 may be a single or multiple light-emitting diode or incandescent lamps with infrared filters as described in more detail herein.
- the infrared beacon includes a power source 670, start and stop switch 630, and control switches 635 and 640 for controlling the intensity and frequency of the infrared illumination 650.
- the infrared illumination 650 from the infrared transmitter 620 is controlled by an electronic control circuit chip 660.
- the control circuit chip 660 is electronically coupled to the infrared source 620 by means of connector 650.
- the electronic control chip is capable of controlling the intensity, and pulsing of the infrared source 620.
- the pulsing may be at defined intervals as set by the control 640 or may be random.
- Such control circuitry 660 is well known to those having ordinary skill in the art.
- the pulsed IR emission may also carry data and identification information by using PWM, PCM or other digital encoding methods well known to those skilled in the art .
- an IR reflector 700 which has a infrared reflecting portion 710.
- the infrared beacon 600 and the infrared reflector 700 may be utilized in infrared games.
- FIG. 8 there is disclosed therein a diagrammatic view of a play area 800 which may be a room, a yard, a forest, a basement, or other play area.
- a play area 800 which may be a room, a yard, a forest, a basement, or other play area.
- targets 810 which comprise infrared beacons 600, infrared reflectors 700, or targets which do not comprise either an infrared beacon or a reflector, which are referred to as 810A.
- infrared beacons and/or infrared reflectors may be placed proximate to targets 810A.
- a player 820 is in the play area and is utilizing the toy scope 830 in searching the play area.
- a player may wear or carry an infrared beacon and/or target and that the other players may play a game with the toy scope of hide and seek, in which they attempt to locate the player wearing or carrying the infrared beacon and/or target .
- a infrared light source 900 which may be a flood lamp, a flashlight, or other unit utilizing an incandescent light source 910.
- an incandescent light source 910 within the infrared light source 900, there is an incandescent light source 910, generating light waves 920.
- the infrared light source 900 has an infrared band pass filter 930, which allows infrared electromagnetic radiation to pass through it, but which substantially attenuates visible light wavelength radiation. Accordingly, infrared radiation 940 exits the filter 930 and is capable of illuminating a scene.
- the infrared light source 900 may also be used in playing the infrared games described herein.
- Fig. 10 there is disclosed therein one or more targets 950 being illuminated by one or more portable infrared sources 960, simultaneously or sequentially in time and spatial coordinates, by one or more players.
- Players using the infrared toy scope may play a game wherein the objective of the game is to be the first person to illuminate one or more targets, or to have some or all of the game players illuminate one or more targets.
- the one or more targets may be located and through the use of the portable infrared sources 960, the game players illuminate one or more targets.
- the multiple infrared sources will increase the illumination power directed upon a target or targets, thereby increasing the range or distance by which a target can then be seen on the view scope toy.
- Another game involves one or more scouts, each having a portable infrared source 960, by which they can singularly or collectively illuminate a selected target or targets, either simultaneously or sequentially, in time and spatial coordinates similar to the above.
- the target may in alternative embodiments have an infrared beacon and/or infrared reflector attached to it or in the target's vicinity.
- one or more IR light sources 900A may also be used to implement the game, but such sources are optional.
- One or more players with infrared toy scopes may search for one or more of the targets, which have previously been located within the play area.
- the objective of the game may be to be the first to locate a target or to locate the largest number of targets. Similar games are also possible.
- Fig. 11 there is shown an embodiment of the invention, wherein there is a physical separation between the elements of the infrared toy scope 1200 (having an IR source of illumination 1202 directing IR electromagnetic energy 1204 at a scene) and a video display by means of a link 1210.
- the link 1210 can be, for example, by means of video and audio wire cables, or by means of a wireless transmitter and receiver combination using modulated RF carrier signals.
- RF radio frequency
- the view scope toy video display drive can include circuits 1220 to encode the video image into a television video standard such as NTSC, PAL, HDTV, or other well known standards so that the images received by the view scope toy can be viewed on a television
- video monitor 1240 or video recorder 1260 (for delayed viewing) .
- FIG. 12 Another embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 12 includes the use in the video display driver 1225 of a signal output 1227 to a personal computer 1270 or video game playing console 1280 such as a Play Station from SONY, or an X-Box from Microsoft.
- the video information is conveyed to the personal computer by transmission means 1290 such as a USB cable and network, an Ethernet cable and network, a "Firewire" IEE 1394 standards cable and network, or by many other means well known to those skilled in the art.
- the infrared toy scope may be utilized in a variety of games having various objectives, such as, locating targets, locating game players, and other similar or related activity. It will also be appreciated that the infrared toy scope may be entertaining to children on multiple levels. Children will have fun not only playing the aforesaid games, but also they will have the thrill of being able to see in dark or low lit conditions. Accordingly, the infrared toy scope is highly useful and entertaining.
Landscapes
- Toys (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA002484359A CA2484359A1 (en) | 2002-05-07 | 2003-05-07 | Infrared toy viewing scope and games utilizing infrared radiation |
GB0423543A GB2403619B (en) | 2002-05-07 | 2003-05-07 | Infrared toy viewing scope and games utilizing infrared radiation |
AU2003228871A AU2003228871A1 (en) | 2002-05-07 | 2003-05-07 | Infrared toy viewing scope and games utilizing infrared radiation |
US10/982,732 US20050096111A1 (en) | 2003-05-07 | 2004-11-05 | Infrared toy viewing scope and games utilizing infrared radiation |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US37850802P | 2002-05-07 | 2002-05-07 | |
US60/378,508 | 2002-05-07 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2003096216A1 true WO2003096216A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
Family
ID=29420409
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2003/014051 WO2003096216A1 (en) | 2002-05-07 | 2003-05-07 | Infrared toy viewing scope and games utilizing infrared radiation |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
AU (1) | AU2003228871A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2484359A1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB2403619B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003096216A1 (en) |
Cited By (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1736361A1 (en) * | 2005-06-21 | 2006-12-27 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Night vision device for a motor vehicle |
EP1947499A2 (en) | 2007-01-16 | 2008-07-23 | Xenonics Holdings, Inc. | Digital low-light viewing device |
US7420153B2 (en) | 2004-10-22 | 2008-09-02 | Xenonics, Inc. | Low-light viewing device having camera assembly with image signal containing visible light and infrared energy components and method for controlling same |
US7581852B2 (en) | 1999-11-15 | 2009-09-01 | Xenonics, Inc. | Portable device for viewing and imaging |
US7703679B1 (en) | 2006-02-03 | 2010-04-27 | Burris Corporation | Trajectory compensating sighting device systems and methods |
US7795574B2 (en) | 2004-02-23 | 2010-09-14 | Xenonics, Inc. | Low-light viewing device for displaying image based on visible and near infrared light |
US8201741B2 (en) | 2006-02-03 | 2012-06-19 | Burris Corporation | Trajectory compensating sighting device systems and methods |
US8833655B2 (en) | 2011-05-26 | 2014-09-16 | Burris Corporation | Magnification compensating sighting systems and methods |
US9038901B2 (en) | 2012-02-15 | 2015-05-26 | Burris Company, Inc. | Optical device having windage measurement instruments |
US9091507B2 (en) | 2012-02-04 | 2015-07-28 | Burris Company | Optical device having projected aiming point |
US9250036B2 (en) | 2012-03-05 | 2016-02-02 | Burris Company, Inc. | Optical device utilizing ballistic zoom and methods for sighting a target |
US9322616B2 (en) | 2010-06-18 | 2016-04-26 | Nitesite Ltd. | Viewing apparatus |
US10132593B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2018-11-20 | Burris Corporation | Multi-turn elevation knob for optical device |
US10415934B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2019-09-17 | Burris Company, Inc. | Self-aligning optical sight mount |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5127657A (en) * | 1989-09-29 | 1992-07-07 | Namco Ltd. | Amusement system |
US5641288A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1997-06-24 | Zaenglein, Jr.; William G. | Shooting simulating process and training device using a virtual reality display screen |
US6196845B1 (en) * | 1998-06-29 | 2001-03-06 | Harold R. Streid | System and method for stimulating night vision goggles |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPH07178233A (en) * | 1993-12-24 | 1995-07-18 | Sega Enterp Ltd | Game device |
US6196895B1 (en) * | 1998-03-20 | 2001-03-06 | Larry Elkins | Heat-activated toy |
US6521892B2 (en) * | 1998-10-09 | 2003-02-18 | Thomson-Csf Optronics Canada Inc. | Uncooled driver viewer enhancement system |
-
2003
- 2003-05-07 WO PCT/US2003/014051 patent/WO2003096216A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-05-07 GB GB0423543A patent/GB2403619B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2003-05-07 AU AU2003228871A patent/AU2003228871A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-05-07 CA CA002484359A patent/CA2484359A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5127657A (en) * | 1989-09-29 | 1992-07-07 | Namco Ltd. | Amusement system |
US5641288A (en) * | 1996-01-11 | 1997-06-24 | Zaenglein, Jr.; William G. | Shooting simulating process and training device using a virtual reality display screen |
US6196845B1 (en) * | 1998-06-29 | 2001-03-06 | Harold R. Streid | System and method for stimulating night vision goggles |
Cited By (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7581852B2 (en) | 1999-11-15 | 2009-09-01 | Xenonics, Inc. | Portable device for viewing and imaging |
US7795574B2 (en) | 2004-02-23 | 2010-09-14 | Xenonics, Inc. | Low-light viewing device for displaying image based on visible and near infrared light |
US7420153B2 (en) | 2004-10-22 | 2008-09-02 | Xenonics, Inc. | Low-light viewing device having camera assembly with image signal containing visible light and infrared energy components and method for controlling same |
EP1736361A1 (en) * | 2005-06-21 | 2006-12-27 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Night vision device for a motor vehicle |
US7703679B1 (en) | 2006-02-03 | 2010-04-27 | Burris Corporation | Trajectory compensating sighting device systems and methods |
US8201741B2 (en) | 2006-02-03 | 2012-06-19 | Burris Corporation | Trajectory compensating sighting device systems and methods |
EP1947499A2 (en) | 2007-01-16 | 2008-07-23 | Xenonics Holdings, Inc. | Digital low-light viewing device |
US9322616B2 (en) | 2010-06-18 | 2016-04-26 | Nitesite Ltd. | Viewing apparatus |
US9482516B2 (en) | 2011-05-26 | 2016-11-01 | Burris Corporation | Magnification compensating sighting systems and methods |
US8833655B2 (en) | 2011-05-26 | 2014-09-16 | Burris Corporation | Magnification compensating sighting systems and methods |
US9091507B2 (en) | 2012-02-04 | 2015-07-28 | Burris Company | Optical device having projected aiming point |
US10145652B2 (en) | 2012-02-04 | 2018-12-04 | Burris Company, Inc. | Optical device having projected aiming point |
US9038901B2 (en) | 2012-02-15 | 2015-05-26 | Burris Company, Inc. | Optical device having windage measurement instruments |
US9250036B2 (en) | 2012-03-05 | 2016-02-02 | Burris Company, Inc. | Optical device utilizing ballistic zoom and methods for sighting a target |
US9689643B2 (en) | 2012-03-05 | 2017-06-27 | Burris Company, Inc. | Optical device utilizing ballistic zoom and methods for sighting a target |
US10132593B2 (en) | 2014-11-26 | 2018-11-20 | Burris Corporation | Multi-turn elevation knob for optical device |
US10415934B2 (en) | 2015-02-27 | 2019-09-17 | Burris Company, Inc. | Self-aligning optical sight mount |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2403619B (en) | 2005-11-09 |
CA2484359A1 (en) | 2003-11-20 |
AU2003228871A1 (en) | 2003-11-11 |
GB0423543D0 (en) | 2004-11-24 |
GB2403619A (en) | 2005-01-05 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6301050B1 (en) | Image enhancement system for scaled viewing at night or under other vision impaired conditions | |
WO2003096216A1 (en) | Infrared toy viewing scope and games utilizing infrared radiation | |
US7307793B2 (en) | Fusion night vision system | |
US4663657A (en) | Image pickup apparatus for endoscopes | |
US5001558A (en) | Night vision system with color video camera | |
EP1393124B1 (en) | Realistic scene illumination reproduction | |
US6665079B1 (en) | Method and apparatus for locating electromagnetic imaging and detection systems/devices | |
US20120154627A1 (en) | Systems and methods for controlling color balance for a photographic illuminator | |
WO2008004438A1 (en) | Projector system and video image projecting method | |
US7746551B2 (en) | Vision system with eye dominance forced to fusion channel | |
US6459076B1 (en) | On-board camouflage lighting system using directional light sources | |
US20050096111A1 (en) | Infrared toy viewing scope and games utilizing infrared radiation | |
JP3188277B2 (en) | Computer controlled game system | |
TWI692706B (en) | Goggle with augmented-reality enhancement | |
FI110141B (en) | Sight | |
US12022201B2 (en) | Smart illumination for nightvision using semi-transparent detector array | |
US5614942A (en) | Device for the control of the shutter of a CCD camera supplied with light from a light source | |
US4866414A (en) | Optoelectronic lawn tennis linesman system | |
CN101631194A (en) | Image pickup | |
JP5619870B2 (en) | Lighting technique for wirelessly controlling lighting elements | |
US20110050985A1 (en) | System for artificially improving contrast for displaying images | |
JP2009129754A (en) | Lighting device and system | |
US4337044A (en) | Night vision training simulator | |
JP2005530409A (en) | Event synchronization device for detection system | |
JP2002084552A (en) | Device and method for displaying stereoscopic image for karaoke |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AK | Designated states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY BZ CA CH CN CO CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EC EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NI NO NZ OM PH PL PT RO RU SC SD SE SG SK SL TJ TM TN TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VC VN YU ZA ZM ZW |
|
AL | Designated countries for regional patents |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZM ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IT LU MC NL PT RO SE SI SK TR BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GQ GW ML MR NE SN TD TG |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 0423543 Country of ref document: GB Kind code of ref document: A Free format text: PCT FILING DATE = 20030507 |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application | ||
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2484359 Country of ref document: CA |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2003228871 Country of ref document: AU |
|
122 | Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase | ||
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: JP |
|
WWW | Wipo information: withdrawn in national office |
Country of ref document: JP |