Night vision

About: Night vision is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 6004 publications have been published within this topic receiving 67372 citations.

Helmet mounted night vision apparatus and method of separation

Abstract: A helmet mounted night vision device for a pilot that is automatically propelled away from the pilot before the pilot ejects from an aircraft, thereby preventing injury to the pilot caused by the night vision device striking the ejecting pilot. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention night vision device is a binocular device, having a right optical assembly and a left optical assembly that are viewed by the right and left eyes of the pilot, respectively. The right and left optical assemblies are each attached to elongated arm members. Each of the arm members, supporting the optical assemblies, are pivotably coupled to a common mounting plate that is removably attachable to the helmet of the pilot. Prior to ejection, the left and right optical assemblies are joined in front of the eyes of the pilot, thereby forming the binocular device. Before the pilot ejects, the left and right arm members pivotably rotate in opposite directions and detach from the common mounting plate, thereby separately propelling the right and left optical assemblies away from the pilot.

The use of vision enhancements to assist elderly drivers

Abstract: The overall goal with the EDDIT programme is to find out whether different ATT systems can enhance personal security and extend safe driving among elderly drivers. Two systems developed to enhance visibility during night-time driving were tested: the Volvo ultraviolet light system and the Jaguar night vision system. Both systems have a positive effect on the visibility of pedestrians and on road design elements. It appears likely that using these systems would give older drivers more confidence when driving at night and should improve both their own safety and that of other vulnerable road users such as pedestrians. (A) For the covering abstract see IRRD 868006.

The role of drivers' vision in road safety:

Abstract: The literature on relationships between drivers' vision and their driving performance is reviewed. Certain vision tests, particularly those which use moving targets, are weakly associated with measures such as accident frequency and rate; their practical value in terms of road safety is very limited. Some visual abilities, such as extent of visual field, are unassociated with driving performance in general but may be relevant to specific types of accident; any association for tests of night vision remains open to question. Methodological problems are considered and possible reasons why associations are not stronger are discussed. Development of a new rapid test of contrast sensitivity function is mentioned together with some current and future research plans.

What the clock tells the eye: lessons from an ancient arthropod.

Abstract: Circadian changes in visual sensitivity have been observed in a wide range of species, vertebrates, and invertebrates, but the processes impacted and the underlying mechanisms largely are unexplored. Among arthropods, effects of circadian signals on vision have been examined in most detail in the lateral compound eye (LE) of the American horseshoe crab, Limulus polyphemus, a chelicerate arthropod. As a consequence of processes influenced by a central circadian clock, Limulus can see at night nearly as well as they do during the day. The effects of the clock on horseshoe crab LE retinas are diverse and include changes in structure, gene expression, and rhabdom biochemistry. An examination of the known effects of circadian rhythms on LEs shows that the effects have three important outcomes: an increase in visual sensitivity at night, a rapid decrease in visual sensitivity at dawn, and maintenance of eyes in a relatively low state of sensitivity during the day, even in the dark. All three outcomes may be critically important for species' survival. Specific effects of circadian rhythms on vision will certainly vary with species and according to life styles. Studies of the circadian regulation of Limulus vision have revealed that these effects can be extremely diverse and profound and suggest that circadian clocks can play a critical role in the ability of animals to adapt to the dramatic daily changes in ambient illumination.

Depth Perception with the AN/PVS-5 Night Vision Goggle

Abstract: : Laboratory measures of stereopsis and field measures of relative depth discrimination while using the AN/PVS-5 Night Vision Goggle were determined and compared with data of unaided eye performance. Using a modified Howard-Dolman apparatus, the stereoscopic threshold was found to be considerably degraded with the man-goggle system when compared to photopic unaided eye performance. Field measurements of relative depth discrimination using all available visual cues showed that performance of the man-goggle system was statistically equivalent only at intermediate distances of 500 feet or less.