초록 ▼

A method of detecting objects with a night vision system is provided. The night vision system includes a light source and a camera. The method includes activating the light source as a sequence of light pulses wherein each light pulse is increasing in intensity for a predetermined number of pulses t

A method of detecting objects with a night vision system is provided. The night vision system includes a light source and a camera. The method includes activating the light source as a sequence of light pulses wherein each light pulse is increasing in intensity for a predetermined number of pulses to form a pulse train. The camera is activated as a corresponding sequence of detection windows wherein each of the windows corresponds to one of the light pulses for receiving reflected light resulting from the corresponding light pulse. The light pulses and detection windows are configured such that a time delay between each corresponding light pulse and detection window is increasing throughout the pulse train. In another variation, the camera gain is increased throughout the pulse train. In yet another variation, the light pulses have constant amplitude, the camera gain is constant for all pulses, and the number of camera gain windows increases as the delay increases. In all cases, objects nearer the night vision system are imaged with lower intensity light, less camera gain, and/or fewer laser pulses than objects further away to provide a composite image in which the apparent brightness of near and far objects can be controlled.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of detecting objects with a night vision system is provided. The night vision system includes a light source and a camera. The method includes activating the light source as a sequence of light pulses wherein each light pulse is increasing in intensity for a predetermined number of pulses t

A method of detecting objects with a night vision system is provided. The night vision system includes a light source and a camera. The method includes activating the light source as a sequence of light pulses wherein each light pulse is increasing in intensity for a predetermined number of pulses to form a pulse train. The camera is activated as a corresponding sequence of detection windows wherein each of the windows corresponds to one of the light pulses for receiving reflected light resulting from the corresponding light pulse. The light pulses and detection windows are configured such that a time delay between each corresponding light pulse and detection window is increasing throughout the pulse train. In another variation, the camera gain is increased throughout the pulse train. In yet another variation, the light pulses have constant amplitude, the camera gain is constant for all pulses, and the number of camera gain windows increases as the delay increases. In all cases, objects nearer the night vision system are imaged with lower intensity light, less camera gain, and/or fewer laser pulses than objects further away to provide a composite image in which the apparent brightness of near and far objects can be controlled. f the cable thus facilitating electrical engagement.6. A dual-purpose wiring device for electrically connecting at least one electrical wire having a first end and a second end, and a continuous midsection to an electrical socket adapted to receive at least one prong of an electrical plug, said dual-purpose wiring device comprising: a. means for removably retaining the prong of the electrical plug; b. means to electrically contact at least one portion of the continuous midsection of said electrical wire; and c. means to conduct energy from the electrical wire to the at least one prong of the electrical plug removably retained in said dual-purpose wiring device. 7. The dual-purpose wiring device as set forth in claim 6, wherein said means for removably retaining the at least one prong of the electrical plug is at least one conductive receiver having a first end and a second end, wherein a plurality of gripping members are carried by said first end, said plurality of gripping members defining a prong receptacle at one end of said conductive receiver.8. The dual-purpose wiring device as set forth in claim 7, wherein said means for electrically contacting the electrical wire is at least one incisive member, said at least one incisive member carried by said second end of said electrical receiver, wherein said at least one incisive member penetrates the insulation of the electrical wire to facilitate electrical engagement.9. The dual-purpose wiring device as set forth in claim 6 further comprising: a. a plurality of receivers for removably retaining a plurality of prongs of the electrical plug and for electrically contacting a plurality of wires, wherein said electrical receiver electrically contacts at least one portion of each continuous midsection of each wire of the plurality of wires and conducts energy from-the plurality of wires to the plurality of prongs of the electrical plug removably retained in said electrical receiver. 10. An electrical receiver for contacting at least one insulated electrical wire and receiving at least one prong of an electrical plug, said electrical receiver comprising: a. a plurality of resilient arms dimensioned and positioned to grip there between the prong of the electrical plug, said resilient arms positioned proximal to a first end of said electrical receiver; b. means for penetrating the insulation of the electrical wire and electrically communicating with the electrical wire, said means positioned proximal to a second end of said electrical receiver; and c. means for electrically communicating with an additional auxiliary electrical wire, wherein said means for electrical communication is an electrically conductive resilient member carried by said electrical receiver. 11. A dual-purpose wiring device for use with at least one electrical cable, comprising in combination: a. at least one female casing having at least one first pair of protruding members for gripping and supporting the electrical cable therebetween; and b. at least one male casing having at least one second pair of protruding members for gripping and supporting the electrical cable therebetween said first pair of protruding members and said second pair of protruding members. 12. A dual-purpose wiring device comprising at least one electrical receiver for contacting at least one electrical wire and receiving at least one prong of a electrical plug, said electrical receiver comprising: a. a plurality of resilient arms dimensioned and positioned to grip therebetween the prong of the electrical plug, said resilient arms positioned proximal to a first end of said electrical receiver; and b. means for contacting the electrical wire and securing electrical engagement therewith, said means positioned proximal to a second end of said electrical receiver. 13. The electrical receiver as set forth in claim 12, wherein said means for contacting the electrical wire and securing electrical engagement therewith i