Showing papers on "Night vision published in 1996"

Low cost night vision system for nonmilitary surface vehicles

Abstract: A low cost night vision system for use in connection with law enforcement vehicles, marine vessels, and other nonmilitary surface vehicles. The invention includes a night vision camera having an array of uncooled detectors. A mechanism is provided for adjusting the pointing angle of the night vision camera in response to scan control signals. Output signals from the uncooled detectors are further processed into a standard video format and displayed on a conventional display located, for example, within a vehicle or marine vessel.

Effects of ablation diameter, depth, and edge contour on the outcome of photorefractive keratectomy

Abstract: PURPOSE To investigate the effects of the ablation diameter, depth, and edge contour on the outcome of excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy (PRK). METHODS A prospective study was conducted in which 60 patients (60 eyes) were randomly allocated to 5.00-mm, 6.00-mm, or 5.00 to 6.00-mm multizone treatment groups. All eyes underwent a -6.00 diopter (D) correction using a Summit Omnimed excimer laser. RESULTS In eyes treated with 6.00-mm diameter zones, the initial hyperopic shift was reduced, with significant differences at 1 and 4 weeks (p < 0.01). At 6 and 12 months, the refractive changes were closer to the intended correction with 6.00-mm diameters. The predictability of PRK was improved with 6.00-mm zones, with a significant reduction in variance of the refractive changes, at all stages postoperatively (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Objective measurements of haze were significantly less at 1, 3, and 6 months with 6.00-mm ablations (p < 0.05). There were no differences between the 5.00-mm and the 5.00- to 6.00-mm multizone groups. Computerized measurements of "night" halo were significantly smaller in the 6.00-mm treatment group at 1 week and 1 month (p < 0.05). At 12 months, two patients treated with 5.00-mm zones and three with the 5.00- to 6.00-mm multizone complained of severe night vision disturbances. No 6.00-mm eyes were similarly affected. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with a 6.00-mm spherical ablation diameter produced less initial overcorrection, improved predictability, and was associated with a reduction in postoperative halos and night vision disturbances. Creating a superficial blend zone with a 5.00- to 6.00-mm multizone treatment had no beneficial effect on the outcome.

Monogeusia for fructose, glucose, sucrose, and maltose

Abstract: We investigated the ability of subjects to discriminate sugars with a whole-mouth forced-choice paradigm, in which a standard solution was compared with a test solution of varied concentration. Discrimination probabilities were U-shaped functions of test concentration: for 6 subjects and pairwise combinations of fructose, glucose, and sucrose, discriminability always declined to chance over a narrow range of test concentrations. At concentrations < or = 100 mM, maltose was indiscriminable from fructose but discriminable at higher concentrations for 4 subjects. By analogy with the monochromacy of night vision, whereby any two lights are indiscriminable when their relative intensities are suitably adjusted, we call the gustatory indiscriminability of these sugars monogeusia. The simplest account of monogeusia is that all information about the indiscriminable sugars is represented by a single neural signal that varies only in magnitude. The discriminability of maltose from the other sugars at higher concentrations is consistent with the hypothesis that maltose also activates a second gustatory code.

Binocular night vision device and method of making and using the device

Abstract: A binocular night vision device (BNVD) includes a pair of night vision monocular scopes which pivotally and adjustably depend from a central housing portion. The central housing portion and the two night vision monocular scopes cooperatively define a singular gas envelope, which allows the entire BNVD to be purged of moist air and back filled with dry nitrogen gas to prevent fogging while requiring only a single purging port. Further, the central housing portion contains a single battery and a single voltage step up circuit powering both image intensifier tube modules of the two monocular night vision scopes. In order to provide for interpupillary distance adjustment, the central housing portion and each of the monocular night vision scopes defines a sealed pivot mechanism which also allows for electrical connection between the central housing portion and each of the night vision scopes.

Wide-range dual-backlight display apparatus

Abstract: A backlight display system having a display screen illuminated directly by high intensity daylight lamps and illuminated indirectly by lower intensity nightlight lamps positioned to reflect their light off the daylight lamps and onto the display screen. The backlight display system includes intensity gradient filters and/or distribution lenses to enhance the uniformity of reflected nightlight, a brightness enhancement filter/diffuser disposed before the display screen, and optical filtering positioned between the illumination sources and the display screen. Photosensor controlled intensity feedback is used to provide smooth continuous dimming transition from a wide range of maximum to minimum intensity. The system also provides a third monochromatic nightlight lamp array for "class A" Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) compatibility and an override switch to assure that lighting restrictions needed for night-vision are maintained. The system thus provides illumination of the display screen for operating during daytime conditions, nighttime conditions, nighttime conditions of Class A NVIS device use, and nighttime conditions of Class B NVIS device use.

Effect of ablation profile on wound healing and visual performance 1 year after excimer laser photorefractive keratectomy.

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Early photorefractive keratectomy ablations were of limited diameter and depth to maintain the integrity of the globe and to minimise postoperative haze. This study evaluated the effects of deeper, larger diameter wounds on refractive stability and corneal haze, and investigated the effects of ablation profile on wound healing and visual performance. METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing -3.00D and -6.00D corrections were randomised to receive 5 mm, 6 mm, or multizone treatments. The multizone treatment was 6 mm in diameter, but only the depth of the 5 mm treatment. Outcome was measured by Snellen visual acuity, residual refractive error, objective techniques for haze and halos, pupil diameter, subjective night vision, and requirement for retreatment. RESULTS: Overall, the results of 6 mm treatments were superior to those of 5 mm and multizone treatments: they had a smaller hyperopic shift (p < 0.01), a more predictable (p < 0.001) and stable refractive outcome, less haze (p < 0.05), smaller halos (p < 0.05), fewer subjective night vision problems, and fewer patients required retreatment. CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of these data and a literature review of corneal wound healing demonstrated that the improved outcome associated with the 6 mm beam did not relate to the depth of ablation. The factor with greatest apparent influence on the development of haze and regression was the slope of the wound surface over the entire area of the ablation. Tapering the wound edge provided no additional benefit, and contributed to night vision problems. It is, therefore, recommended that small diameter or multizone treatments should not be used in low and moderate myopia.

Low cost night vision camera for vehicles and mounting thereof

Abstract: An arrangement (10) for mounting a night vision enhancement system to a vehicle (1010). The invention is adapted for use with a night vision enhancement system having an infrared camera (14) and a display (587). In the preferred embodiment, the imrention (10) includes a mounting mechanism (16) disposed at a front end of said vehicle (1010) for retaining the camera (14). Optionally, a door (42) is included for protecting the camera (14). The door (42) is actuated on command between open and closed positions by a solenoid (44) attached to the frame of the vehicle on one end and to a linkage (48, 49) on the other. The linkage (48, 49) allows the door (42) to pivot in response to the movement of the solenoid plunger (45). The camera (14) is retained in an upside down orientation by a bracket (16) which is attached to the frame of the vehicle.

Progress on color night vision: visible/IR fusion, perception and search, and low-light CCD imaging

Abstract: We report progress on our development of a color night vision capability, using biological models of opponent-color processing to fuse low-light visible and thermal IR imagery, and render it in realtime in natural colors. Preliminary results of human perceptual testing are described for a visual search task, the detection of embedded small low-contrast targets in natural night scenes. The advantages of color fusion over two alterative grayscale fusion products is demonstrated in the form of consistent, rapid detection across a variety of low- contrast (+/- 15% or less) visible and IR conditions. We also describe advances in our development of a low-light CCD camera, capable of imaging in the visible through near- infrared in starlight at 30 frames/sec with wide intrascene dynamic range, and the locally adaptive dynamic range compression of this imagery. Example CCD imagery is shown under controlled illumination conditions, from full moon down to overcast starlight. By combining the low-light CCD visible imager with a microbolometer array LWIR imager, a portable image processor, and a color LCD on a chip, we can realize a compact design for a color fusion night vision scope.

Compact battery pack for a helmet mounted night vision device

Abstract: A battery pack device which can be removably attached to a SPH-4 helmet and used to power an ANVIS night vision goggle device which is mounted on the helmet. The battery pack device includes a battery pack assembly with a bent-shaped housing that enables the battery pack assembly to conform to the shape of the helmet. The housing of the battery pack assembly is adapted to hold only two replaceable AA battery sets to minimize the weight of the battery pack device. The battery pack assembly also includes electrical circuitry for selecting one of the two battery sets to power the night vision device. A support assembly adapted to be permanently fastened to the helmet is provided for removably attaching the battery pack assembly to the rear of the helmet.

Age Differences in Visual Abilities in Nighttime Driving Field Conditions

Abstract: This study was conducted to provide field data on age differences in sign legibility and object detection. Two age groups of healthy drivers with normal vision were tested for nighttime visual ability. The older group had an average age of 65.6 years and the younger group averaged 22.5 years. The field study was conducted on a private road with the subjects seated in the front passenger seat. Subjects performed a Landolt ring legibility task for four types of signs; positive and negative contrast, new and worn material. Subjects also performed object detection tasks using a small object and a pedestrian target appearing in average and low reflectance. In addition, sign legibility and object detection were completed for some trials using a simulated inclement weather visor to create a worst-case scenario. The object detection task was also completed in the presence of glare from oncoming headlamps. Results showed that older driver's legibility distances were 65% those of the younger drivers. Age difference...

Use of dha as a pharmaceutical composition

Abstract: A method of combating dyslexia, or inadequate night vision or dark adaptation in dyslexics or normal persons, and a method of manufacture of a medicament for such purposes, characterised by administering/incorporating DHA as an active in effective amount, optionally in association with other n-3 essential fatty acids and n-6 essential fatty acids.

Elderly drivers and safety when using it systems

Abstract: There are increasing numbers of elderly drivers in developed countries the great majority of whom are unfamiliar with the use of in-car information technology (IT) systems. Some systems, provided they are appropriately designed, may be of real benefit in extending older people's driving life, but there are concerns about the effects of these systems on road traffic safety. This paper reports the results of some of the trials carried out under the EDDIT (Elderly and Disabled Drivers Information Telematics) project in the European Commission's DRIVE 2 program. EDDIT tested a range of in-car systems including route guidance, reversing aids, night vision enhancement and collision avoidance/gap acceptance and also evaluated two more generic issues of head-up versus on-dashboard display of information and the effects of changes in size and complexity of information. The probable effects of the use of these systems on driving behaviour of older motorists vary; some systems were found likely to encourage elderly drivers to drive more or to drive to new, unfamiliar places. Other systems would apparently have a negligible effect on this kind of behaviour. Direct effects on safety of driving, in most cases, were not found to be of great consequence, except in the case of night vision enhancement, where there could be significant safety benefits. This study concludes that elderly drivers show a high degree of readiness to consider the use of IT where they perceive it to be of real benefit; they are not resistant to new technology provided that the design is appropriate to their needs.

Display optimization for night vision enhancement systems

Abstract: PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the depth sensitivity of a display in a noctvision system where a sensor adding a wide angle optical system and a visible display. SOLUTION: The sensor 11 is constituted so as to have selected-sized sight in a horizontal direction and the aspect ratio of the display is selected based on the horizontal direction size. The sensor 11 is attached to an upper part (on the roof of an automobile, for example) of windshield. The aspect ratio of the display is selected so as to provide only the same information quantity as that by viewed by the eyes of an observer through the windshield and so as to reduce the display aspect ratio when the horizontal direction size becomes narrow (so as to cut a close distant part being unrequired as information, for example). COPYRIGHT: (C)1997,JPO

Target acquisition methodology for visual and infrared imaging sensors

Abstract: Today the great majority of target acquisition models within the Department of Defense (DoD) originate from two primary sources of empirical human observer data: the Blackwell-Tiffany visual perception experiments begun in World War II and the Army Night Vision Electro- optic Sensors Directorate (NVESD) field test trials with military observ- ers. An extensive sensitivity analysis that compares the performance of several DoD acquisition models derived from these two extensive sets of data was carried out. A comprehensive analysis of each method and a detailed comparison of these different methodologies shows that they are in remarkably good agreement throughout their ranges of applicabil- ity. The authors show when the various modeling methodologies are applicable for a variety of military sensor and countermeasure scenarios. © 1996 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.

Flashlight illuminator for a night vision device

Abstract: An illuminator device for a night vision apparatus, the illuminator device providing supplemental illumination of remotely located objects to be viewed through the night vision apparatus under a low light condition. The illuminator device (10) comprises a housing (12), light source (24) coupled to one end of the housing for generating a light to illuminate the remotely located objects. The illuminator device further comprises focusing lens (94) for condensing the light generated by the light source into a concentrated light beam having a pattern of consistent brightness which enables substantially long range illumination. The focusing lens is located a given distance away from the light source in a location which is remote from the end of the housing.

An Assessment of the Impact of Fused Monochrome and Fused Color Night Vision Displays on Reaction Time and Accuracy in Target Detection.

Abstract: : Night Vision Devices (NVDs) employed by the military fall into two categories: Image Intensifiers (I2) also known as Night Vision Goggles (NVGs) and Infrared (IR). Each sensor provides unique visual information not available to the unaided human visual system. However, these devices have limitations and they have been listed as a causal factor in many crashes of military aircraft at night. Researchers hypothesize that digitally fusing the output from these sensors into one image and then artificially coloring the image will improve an NVD user's visual performance. The purpose of this thesis was to determine if fusion and coloring of static, natural scene NVG and IR imagery will improve reaction time and accuracy in target detection. Pairs of static images from three different scenes were obtained simultaneously from NVG and IR sensors. The six original images were fused pixel by pixel and then colored using a computer algorithm. A natural target was moved to two other coherent positions in the scene or completely removed, resulting in twenty-four images for each of the three natural scenes. Six subjects viewed the images randomly on a high-resolution monitor, rapidly indicating on a keypad if the target was present (1) or absent (2). Reaction time and accuracy were recorded. An ANOVA on the output and a subsequent review of the images revealed that fusion significantly impacted local (target) contrast and that, coupled with scene content, decreased performance on the task.

MOSAD IR focal plane per pixel A/D development

Abstract: An on focal plane digital readout development suggested by the Army Night Vision & Electronics Sensors Directorate is proceeding under a combined program with the development of two color HCT detector arrays. The on focal plane A/D process is based on the Amain patented multiplexed oversample A/D, MOSAD, technology. In the first year of the program, prototype on focal plane analog to digital converters for both staring arrays and scanning arrays were built and demonstrated. The prototypes included a 2 loop double ended switched MOSAD and a 1 loop single ended MOSAD. Results from the original experimental prototypes showed conclusively that better than 14 bits could be achieved and that well capacity could be increased to support high background HCT needs approaching 109 electrons. In the second year, a 64 X 64 staring array for HCT LWIR detectors, 50 micron centers, was built based on these original prototype designs. The layout of the per pixel MOSAD A/D staring array used Orbit 1.2 micron CMOS process and achieved a pixel size of 40 microns with a well capacity of 1.9 X 108 electrons. Integration capacitors were built using Orbit's normal double poly capacitors with a standard buffered direct inject TIA detector interface configuration. Preliminary testing has been completed indicating complete functionality. Fermionics LWIR HCT detectors with cutoff at 9 microns have been built for attachment to the readout but indium bumping was not completed in time to report system level testing results. However, some noise tests have been performed using on array current mirrors. These tests indicate that better than 12 bits has been achieved, but lower noise current sources will be required for a more accurate measurement.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Evaluation of an Energy Absorbing Truck Seat for Increased Protection from Landmine Blasts.

Abstract: : Mine blast resistant kits, developed by the Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate (NVESD), are designed to enhance the survivability of the crew of military 5-ton trucks. The kit includes an energy-absorbing (EA) seat which is the focus of this report. A full-scale demonstration mine blast of a 5-ton truck was conducted using the full protection kit and included two anthropomorphic manikins to represent the passenger and driver. Only the passenger manikin was seated in the EA seat, while the driver manikin was seated in a standard seat. This report presents the analysis of test data performed by the U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL). Results show the standard seat produced lumbar (lower back) spine compression of 2159 lbs, a value that exceeds the 1500-lb threshold generally used in spinal injury assessment. On the other hand, the EA prototype seat limited the compression of the lower spine to about 1329 lbs, a value which is below injury thresholds. The report concludes that NVESD mine protection kit reduced upward truck accelerations transmitted to the truck occupants and eliminated head contact injuries, and the EA seat reduced lumbar spine compressive forces by 3S percent to a level below tolerance threshold.

Low intensity aircraft rotor tip illumination

Abstract: A wing tip system for rotor craft includes a downwardly-facing light housing to provide a visual aid to rotor wingtip position. This system is visible to crew members and to adjacent crew, particularly when using night vision goggles (NVG) or other ambient night vision (ANVIS) equipment. This allows tip lighting to be provided in situations where covert helicopter operations are desired. The lighting further is compatible with ANVIS equipment, in that it permits operation noncandescent light in order to prevent blooming or other effects which would otherwise diminish the effectiveness of the ANVIS equipment. The lighting system further has a higher level of illumination, in which rotor tip lighting is increased to become more visible without the use of ANVIS equipment.

National imagery interpretation rating system (NIIRS) and the probabilities of detection, recognition, and identification

Abstract: There are a large number of EO and IR sensors used on military platforms including ground vehicle, low altitude air vehicle, high altitude air vehicle, and satellite systems. Ground vehicle and low altitude air vehicle (rotary and fixed wing aircraft) sensors typically use the probabilities of discrimination (detection, recognition, and identification) as design requirements and system performance indicators. High altitude air vehicles and satellite sensors have traditionally used the National Imagery Interpretation Rating Systems (NIIRS) performance measures for guidance in design and/or measures of systems performance. Data from the high altitude air vehicle and satellite sensors is now being made available to the warfighter for many applications including surveillance and targeting. National imagery offices are being merged and restructured to more fully support warfighters and connectivities to high altitude air vehicle sensors. It is becoming more apparent that the gap between the NIIRS approach and the probabilities of discrimination approach will have to be addressed. Users, engineers, and analysts need to have a comparative basis for assessing the image quality between the two classes of sensors. This paper describes and compares the two approaches.

Conclusive evidence for a distinct congenital stationary night blindness locus in Xp21.1.

Abstract: X linked congenital stationary night blindness (CSNBX) is a non-progressive retinal disorder characterised by decreased visual acuity and disturbance of night vision. CSNBX appears to be not only clinically but also genetically heterogeneous. On studying a single large family, we recently suggested the presence of a distinct locus for CSNBX in Xp21.1. Here, we describe the results of a linkage analysis in another large CSNBX family, which confirms this finding. Thus, the data presented here provide conclusive evidence for a distinct CSNBX locus in Xp21.1, closely linked to the X linked retinitis pigmentosa type 3 gene. The results combined with other published results indicate the order Xpter-DXS451-DMD-DYS1-(DXS1110, CSNBX1, XLRP3)-DXS7-(CSNBX2, XLRP2)-DXS14-Xcen.

Long-Duration Exposure Criteria for Head-Supported Mass

Abstract: : The modern crew station of Army helicopters uses the helmet as an integral component of the aircraft control systems. What was once viewed as a simple device for crash protection now supports devices including night vision goggles, chemical mask, head-up displays, and weapon aiming systems. These devices combine to increase the biomechanical stress in the neck. This study investigated the effects of increasing helmet torque on the motion of the helmeted head under the conditions of long-duration whole-body vibration exposure. Twelve U.S. Army volunteer aviators were exposed to four hours of whole-body vibration, similar to that found in a UH-60 helicopter, while wearing four different helmets. Helmet torques, as calculated at the point where the head connects to the spine, ranged from a standard aviator helmet to a helmet with a chemical mask and a night vision goggle. Head motion was measured using a three dimensional active infrared marker system attached to a fixture held in the subject's teeth. Results showed no significant differences (p

Uncooled infrared focal plane arrays

Abstract: Night vision technology is present in most military systems used today. The sensors range from night vision goggles to high performance infrared target acquisition and tracking systems. With the importance placed upon night vision, lower cost and wider availability of night vision technology is an important consideration. Infrared sensors, which do not require cryogenic cooling, have many of these assets. Recently, the excellent imaging performance of uncooled infrared has captured the attention of many system users, and new applications are rapidly emerging. This paper reviews these application areas, explores new possibilities, and assesses the technology underway to further expand the realm of uncooled infrared imaging. Technological advances, both in the sensor technology and the interface with the imaging system, will expand the use of uncooled infrared sensors into additional military and commercial applications.

A comparison between phosphors for aviator's night vision imaging system

Abstract: BACKGROUND: The visual display on night vision goggles (NVG's) is green and isochromatic (P22 phosphor). Future systems are expected to use a P43 phosphor which has a narrower visible spectrum and is yellowish green, while the P22 is deeper green. In transitioning to the P43, some NVG's may have P22 and P43 phosphors paired in the same NVG. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the suitability of the P43 phosphor and the effect of mixing phosphors in the same NVG. METHODS: We tested three systems: one with P22 phosphors in both tubes (P22), one with P43 in both tubes (P43), and one with P22 in the right and P43 in the left tube (mixed). Visual acuity (VA), contrast sensitivity (CS), flicker sensitivity, and dynamic CS were measured in six subjects with measures repeated across the three systems (P22, P43 and mixed). RESULTS: There was no difference between systems in VA or CS across a range of simulated night sky conditions. There also was no difference between systems in sensitivity to flicker. Performance on dynamic CS was slightly better with the P43 display, which may relate to the faster decay time of this phosphor. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide no contraindication for using the P43 phosphor in NVG's (paired or unpaired), but it would be prudent to minimize mixing of phosphors in the same NVG. Additional factors that may affect performance with different color displays are discussed. Language: en

Day and night gun sight apparatus

Abstract: Gun sight apparatus for day and night viewing includes three units, a base unit including an objective lens assembly and a windage and elevation assembly. An erector lens assembly is disposed within the windage and elevation assembly. An aiming reticle is located between the objective lens and the erector lens at the first focal plane. A second focal plane is located behind the base unit. For daytime viewing operations, a daytime unit, including an ocular lens assembly, is secured to the base unit. For nighttime viewing operations, a night vision unit, including an image intensifier tube, is secured to the base unit. The face of the image intensifier tube is located at the second focal plane when the night vision unit is secured to the base unit.

Human Off-Road Mobility, Preference, and Target-Detection Performance with Monocular, Biocular, and Binocular Night Vision Goggles.

Abstract: : The present studies examined the hypothesis that participants who are required to scan for targets would perform better for a number of measures when wearing the monocular night vision goggle than when wearing biocular or the binocular goggles. These findings would be different from the findings discussed in the 1995 report in which participants were not required to scan for targets. No-moon and 3/4 moon experiments were conducted using National Guardsmen. The difficulties that each participant encountered while walking through rough, off-road terrain were recorded by an independent observer. The observer recorded the participant's course-traversal times and the number and types of targets detected. The studies also collected data about subjective preference for the three types of goggles. Results replicated the previous studies, which found that the binocular goggle yielded better performance and was preferred to the other two goggles. The monocular goggle, again, showed no consistent difference from the biocular goggle for any of the four sets of dependent measures. The addition of the target-detection task failed to change the relative ordering of the monocular goggle versus the biocular or binocular goggles.

Collimator/diopter assembly with folder optics for a night vision monocular device

Abstract: A combined collimator/diopter cell subassembly for use in a monocular optical device. The subassembly has its own housing, wherein the subassembly housing is a two part structure that joins together in a clam shell like fashion. The subassembly housing defines a plurality of reliefs that engage and retain the various lens elements that comprise the collimator and the diopter cell. The subassembly housing also defines slots that retain mirrors, creating a folded optical path whereby light enters the collimator and exists the diopter cell. Since the subassembly housing is shaped to hold the various lenses and mirrors in a predetermined relationship, the amount of labor required to both produce the collimator and diopter and position them within the optical deice is greatly reduced.

Evaluation of FLIR/IR camera technology for airport surface surveillance

Abstract: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is evaluating Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) and IR focal plane array technology as part of the Airport Surface Traffic Automation program. Under this program a new application for these technologies in aviation will be developed. The goal of the program is to evaluate FLIR and IR cameras for enhanced Air Traffic Control surface surveillance in all weather conditions for some major airports. Initially, FLIR cameras will be installed at airports with varying traffic densities to analyze and compare their capabilities along with other IR camera systems, displays and security/surveillance software. These cameras will be evaluated for both technical and operational performance. This paper discusses the initial studies that demonstrated the usefulness of FLIR technology for search and rescue situations and multiple coverage for integration with automatic surveillance systems. The general operation of the three IR camera systems to be evaluated in this study is presented. Finally, a concept for the possible integration of FLIR and IR technology with current automatic surface surveillance systems under development such as the Airport Movement Area Safety System and the Airport Traffic Identification System programs is proposed. This paper will conclude with a review of the FAA's future plans for evaluating a microbolometer based, uncooled IR camera system.© (1996) COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering. Downloading of the abstract is permitted for personal use only.

Procedures for Conducting a Field Evaluation of Night Vision Goggle Compatible Cockpit Lighting

Abstract: : The requirements to assess the compatibility of aircraft cockpit lighting with night vision goggles (NVGs) are defined in MIL-L-85762A, Lighting, Aircraft, Interior, Night Vision Imaging System (NVIS) Compatible. However, the procedures specified to evaluate cockpit lighting are primarily specific to the laboratory environment, with only a few assessments specific to the field environment. This report describes the procedures used by Armstrong Laboratory's Aircrew Training Research Division (AL/HRA) to conduct a field evaluation of aircraft cockpit lighting. The evaluation procedures are divided into Planning, Evaluation Preparation, Assessment Procedures, and Results. This report can also be used as a guideline for other organizations that need to conduct NVG-compatible cockpit lighting evaluations.