Abstract The invention provides an optical pickup whose entrance pupil is externally located and whose image is rectilinearly generated. A plurality of optical systems with each providing a moderately large field of view, together with low distortion and an external entrance pupil are physically integrated so that the entrance pupils of all systems occupy a common spatial location, representing the real world location of an observer''s eyes. Each channel shares a physically common first element consisting of a fixed multifaceted mirror or prism. This element serves to fold the components of the remainder of the optical channels through some angular relationship such that these components are then closely grouped in side-by-side fashion about a reference axis oriented at some predetermined angle (nominally 90*) to those of the several incident optical axes in object space. An infinitedepth-of-field feature may be utilized, operating on an independent per channel basis. The imagery generated by the individual channels can then be recombined and presented as a display for simulator purposes to represent for example the real world visual environment as seen by the pilot of an aircraft or other vehicle.
A multichannel optical pickup system to provide an unlimited field of view which comprises a plurality of channels each comprising an optical pickup, an imaging lens for each pickup, a focusing lens for each imaging lens and an objective lens for each focusing lens which is characterized by each channel defining an optical axis with the axes diverging through their respective objective lenses from a coincident entrance pupil, and where each channel lies at a common angle with respect to a reference plane through the entrance pupil, and a multifaceted reflective means positioned in fixed relation to the channels and entrance pupil so that the optical information detected by each channel is reflected from one face of said means to a respective channel consisting of the above lenses.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A multichannel optical pickup system to provide an unlimited field of view which comprises a plurality of channels each comprising an optical pickup, an imaging lens for each pickup, a focusing lens for each imaging lens and an objective lens for each focusing lens which is characterized by each channel defining an optical axis with the axes diverging through their respective objective lenses from a coincident entrance pupil, and where each channel lies at a common angle with respect to a reference plane through the entrance pupil, and a multifaceted reflective means positioned in fixed relation to the channels and entrance pupil so that the optical information detected by each channel is reflected from one face of said means to a respective channel consisting of the above lenses.
Claim 3
Independent Claim
30 words
A system according to claim l which includes at least two channels, and where the reflective angle betwEen the reflective means and each channel is between 30* to 60* .
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
47 words
A system according to claim 2 which includes frame means to hold the structure comprising the channels in proper position with respect to the reflective means, whereby when the reflective means views a substantially horizontal simulated angle, the frame means extends substantially vertically above the reflective means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
A system according to claim 3 which includes five channels each having an optical viewing area of 72* wide and 57* high, and where there are five faces of the reflective means which are at an angle of 67 1/2 * with relation to the horizontal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
A system according to claim 4 where the faces of the reflective means are trapezoidal in shape with the lower edge longer than the upper edge.