The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Sep. 28, 1999
Filed:
Sep. 26, 1996
Michael Eugene Cryder, N. Canton, OH (US);
Dale Robert Sebok, Tallmadge, OH (US);
H John Tatko, Stow, OH (US);
Lockheed Martin Tactical Defense Systems, Inc., Akron, OH (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for viewing dimly illuminated and rapidly changing scenes includes a sensor assembly which generates a video signal. The apparatus further includes a controller which receives the video signal for comparison to a desired average video value whereupon the controller adjusts at least one adjustable variable contained within the sensor assembly. The sensor assembly includes a lens which has an adjustable iris and an image intensification tube which includes a photocathode and a micro-channel plate. The photocathode has an adjustable photocathode gate pulsewidth and the micro-channel plate has an adjustable micro-channel plate gain. A strobe is also provided to illuminate the scene viewed by the sensor assembly wherein the strobe is connected to a processor which is also connected to the controller. The controller determines what the ambient light level is to be at the next illuminated or non-illuminated scene and adjusts the adjustable variables accordingly.