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US010215531B2
( 12 ) United States Patent Thurner et al .
( 10 ) Patent No . : US 10 , 215 , 531 B2 ( 45 ) Date of Patent : Feb . 26 , 2019
( 54 ) TESTING SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL AIMING SYSTEMS WITH LIGHT EMITTER SYSTEMS INCLUDING TESTING SYSTEM FOR THERMAL DRIFT AND RELATED METHODS
( 58 ) Field of Classification Search CPC . . . . GO1M 99 / 002 ; GO1M 11 / 00 ; G01M 11 / 08 ;
F41G 1 / 54 ; GO2B 27 / 32 See application file for complete search history .
( 56 ) References Cited U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS ( 71 ) Applicant : The United States of America as
represented by the Secretary of the Navy , Washington , DC ( US )
( 72 ) Inventors : Matthew Thurner , Bloomfield , IN ( US ) ; Brandon Clarke , Bloomington , IN ( US ) ; Ronald A Volpone , Dayton , OH ( US ) ; David Scot Curry , Bloomington , IN ( US )
4 , 698 , 477 A * 10 / 1987 Aramaki . . . . . . . . . . . . . B23H 11 / 00 219 / 69 . 1
4 , 928 , 019 A * 5 / 1990 Tomikawa . . . . . . . . . . . . . B23Q 15 / 18 250 / 559 . 3
( Continued )
FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS CN JP ( 73 ) Assignee : The United States of America , as
represented by the Secretary of the Navy , Washington , DC ( US )
204101008 U * 1 / 2015 2004200312 A * 7 / 2004
2535584 C1 * 12 / 2014 RU
( * ) Notice : OTHER PUBLICATIONS Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 31 days .
( 21 ) Appl . No . : 15 / 435 , 348 ( 22 ) Filed : Feb . 17 , 2017 ( 65 ) Prior Publication Data
US 2017 / 0307331 A1 Oct . 26 , 2017 Related U . S . Application Data
( 60 ) Provisional application No . 62 / 324 , 939 , filed on Apr . 20 , 2016 .
Machine generated translation of CN - 204101008 U , Yu , ( Year : 2015 ) . * English Abstract , RU - 2535584 C1 , Aksenov , ( Year : 2014 ) . * Primary Examiner — David E Harvey ( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Christopher A . Monsey ( 57 ) ABSTRACT Exemplary testing systems and methods are provided including a system configured to test for thermal drift of a unit under test ( UUT ) under various temperature or envi ronmental conditions and generating an output including visual or data on the thermal drift , if any . The methods involve attaching a UUT to a mounting device within a thermally controlled chamber , collimating light received from a UUT , recording the resulting images , and comparing the results at different temperatures to determine how much thermal drift has occurred . In addition , there are testing apparatuses capable of performing the tests .
16 Claims , 24 Drawing Sheets
( 51 ) Int . Ci . F416 1 / 54 GOIM 99 / 00
( 52 ) U . S . CI . CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . .
( 2006 . 01 ) ( 2011 . 01 )
F416 1 / 54 ( 2013 . 01 ) ; GOIM 99 / 002 ( 2013 . 01 )
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( 56 ) References Cited U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
TI
5 , 031 , 349 A * 7 / 1991 Vogel F41G 1 / 54 356 / 153
5 , 410 , 815 A * 5 / 1995 Parikh F41A 33 / 02 33 / 275 R
2001 / 0042335 A1 * 11 / 2001 Strand F41A 33 / 02 42 / 116
2007 / 0020785 A1 * 1 / 2007 Bruland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B23K 26 / 043 438 / 16
2008 / 0186831 A1 * 8 / 2008 Tukker . . . . . . . . . . . . G11B 7 / 1369 369 / 112 . 01
2009 / 0027753 Al * 1 / 2009 Lizotte . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G02B 27 / 0927 359 / 238
2009 / 0242531 A1 * 10 / 2009 Baird . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B23K 26 / 0853 219 / 121 . 81
2009 / 0245318 A1 * 10 / 2009 Clifford , Jr . . . . . . . . . . B23K 26 / 046 372 / 107
2011 / 0219658 Al * 9 / 2011 AlKandari . . . . . . . . . . . . F41G 1 / 54 42 / 116
2015 / 0345905 A1 * 12 / 2015 Hancosky . . . . . . . . . . . . F41G 1 / 35 42 / 113
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U . S . Patent Feb . 26 , 2019 Sheet 20 of 24 US 10 , 215 , 531 B2
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U . S . Patent Feb . 26 , 2019 Sheet 21 of 24 US 10 , 215 , 531 B2
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U . S . Patent Feb . 26 , 2019 Sheet 22 of 24 US 10 , 215 , 531 B2
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STEP 203 : MOUNTING AN OPTICAL SIGHT SYSTEM TO THE LOW THERMAL EXPANSION MATERIAL RAIL INSIDE OF A TTC KRA
STEP 205 : GENERATING A LIGHT SIGNAL WITH THE OPTICAL SIGHT
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STEP 221 : PROVIDING A TESTING SYSTEM SUCH AS , E . G . IN FIG . 1 SUCH AS FOR EXAMPLE , INCLUDINGA SUPPORT STRUCTURE ; A LOW THERMAL EXPANSION MATERIAL RAIL WITH MOUNTING STRUCTURES COUPLED WITH THE SUPPORT STRUCTURE , SAID MOUNTING STRUCTURES CONFIGURED TO RECEIVE AND RETAIN AN OPTICAL SIGHT SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO GENERATE A LIGHT SIGNAL ALONG AN OPTICAL PATH ; A THERMAL CHAMBER WITH A CONTROLS SYSTEM AND A HEATING AND COOLING SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO ATTAIN AND MAINTAIN A PREDETERMINED TEMPERATURE IN THE THERMAL CHAMBER , WHEREIN THE THERMAL CHAMBER IS CONFIGURED WITH AN APERTURE CONFIGURED TO RECEIVE AND PASS THROUGH A PORTION OF THE LOW THERMAL EXPANSION MATERIAL RAIL INTO THE THERMAL CHAMBER SAID THERMAL CHAMBER FURTHER COMPRISES A TRANSPARENT SECTION ADAPTED TO PERMIT THE LIGHT SIGNAL TO PASS THROUGH THE TRANSPARENT SECTION ALONG THE OPTICAL PATH ; A DRY AIR EXPANSION CHAMBER COUPLED OR DISPOSED IN RELATIONSHIP TO SAID THERMAL CHAMBER AND SURROUNDING A PORTION OF SAID OPTICAL PATH EXTING SAID TRANSPARENT SECTION TO PERMIT SAID LIGHT SIGNAL TO PASS THROUGH SAID DRY AIR EXPANSION CHAMBER , WHEREIN THE DRYAIR EXPANSION WINDOW IS CONFIGURED TO MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE TO PREVENT FOGGING OR CONDENSATION ON SAID TRANSPARENT SECTION ; AN OPEN AIR REFLECTIVE COLLIMATOR POSITIONED IN SAID OPTICAL PATH EXISTING SAID DRY AIR EXPANSION CHAMBER AND REDIRECTING SAID LIGHT SIGNAL TO A SECOND OPTICAL PATH ; A CAMERA IMAGER SYSTEM CONFIGURED TO RECEIVE SAID LIGHT SIGNAL ALONG SAID SECOND OPTICAL PATH AND CONVERT SAID LIGHT SIGNAL INTO A PLURALITY OF ELECTRONIC OR DIGITAL SIGNALS ; AND A TEST CONTROL AND PROCESSING SYSTEM COUPLED WITH THE CAMERA IMAGER SYSTEM ADAPTED TO RECEIVE SAID PLURALITY OF ELECTRONIC SIGNALS OR DIGITAL SIGNALS , RECORD SAID ELECTRONIC SIGNALS OR DIGITAL SIGNALS , AND THEN PERFORM IMAGE PROCESSING COMPRISING NOISE REDUCTION , LOCATING A CENTROID OF EACH IMAGE CAPTURE OF SAID LIGHT SIGNAL DETERMINING A THERMAL DRIFT OF THE LIGHT SIGNAL IN THE IMAGE CAPTURES , AND GENERATING AN OUTPUT REPORT ON AN OUTPUT SYSTEM COMPRISING A GRAPHIC OR DATA SHOWING A COMPARISON OF THE LIGHT SIGNALS IN AT LEAST SOME SELECTED IMAGE CAPTURES OF SAID LIGHT SIGNAL
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FIG . 19 CONT .
US 10 , 215 , 531 B2
TESTING SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL AIMING cooling then firing of a firearm introduces additional vari SYSTEMS WITH LIGHT EMITTER ables that are not repeatable in a laboratory setting . For
SYSTEMS INCLUDING TESTING SYSTEM example , various factors impacting such testing include FOR THERMAL DRIFT AND RELATED sight picture , trigger squeeze , breath holding , density alti
METHODS 5 tude , bullet quality , allowable dispersion from lot - to - lot in ammunition , etc . This type of test method is very heavily
CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED reliant on the skill of the user and other environmental APPLICATIONS factors .
In one exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure , The present application claims priority to U . S . Provisional 10 an exemplary mounting rail is disposed inside of an exem
Patent Application Ser . No . 62 / 324 , 939 , filed Apr . 20 , 2016 , plary thermal chamber along with a unit under test ( UUT ) , entitled “ TESTING SYSTEM FOR OPTICAL AIMING e . g . , visual augmentation device or sight . Such a mounting SYSTEMS WITH LIGHT EMITTER SYSTEMS rail can be formed from a dense material that is resistant to INCLUDING TESTING SYSTEM FOR THERMAL DRIFT AND RELATED METHODS , ” the disclosure of 15 is thermal changes , but if its position changes due to thermal
expansion , this expansion or movement will be minimal which is expressly incorporated by reference herein . ( e . g . , within an error budget ) . STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure substantially
SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT reduce or eliminate human factors in process controls asso 20 ciated with various types of in - situ testing . Reductions of
The invention described herein was made in the perfor - errors can approach or exceed an order of magnitude or mance of official duties by employees of the Department of better in measurement resolution , repeatability , and reliabil the Navy and may be manufactured , used and licensed by or ity results . Various embodiments provide a capability for for the United States Government for any governmental evaluating parts or systems to characterize performance of a purpose without payment of any royalties thereon . This 25 device or system under test which can be useful for a variety invention ( Navy Case 200 , 357 ) is assigned to the United of evaluations . Exemplary evaluations can include evaluat States Government and is available for licensing for com - ing for specification adherence , tampering , misrepresenta mercial purposes . Licensing and technical inquiries may be tion , defects , fraudulent claims or counterfeit parts . In par directed to the Technology Transfer Office , Naval Surface ticular , various exemplary systems and methods are Warfare Center Crane , email : Cran _ CTO @ navy . mil . 30 provided including test stations and methods for quantifying
thermal drift or establishing thermal stability of visual BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION augmentation systems , such as red dot sights , lasers , etc .
Additional features and advantages of the present inven The present invention relates to systems and methods for 35 10 for 35 tion will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
evaluating optical systems , parts or systems for tampering , consideration of the following detailed description of the defective design , fraudulent representations of capability , illustrative embodiment exemplifying the best mode of specification misrepresentation , or counterfeit parts . carrying out the invention as presently perceived . Some embodiments can be used for evaluating defective
or misrepresentations of specification compliance . For 40 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS example , the Government could use the invention to deter mine if a supplier of military and / or government agency The detailed description of the drawings particularly optics knowingly sold defective optics such as optics includ refers to the accompanying figures in which : ing red - dot sights . Defects can include a condition referred FIG . 1 shows an exemplary simplified test system for to as thermal drift where the sight ' s point of aim differs from 45 evaluating UUT parts or systems to characterize thermal its point of impact when exposed to temperature changes . drift or thermal stability performance . For example , a gun that was sighted in the morning at 50 FIG . 2 shows an exemplary main power and thermal degrees F . would not hold accurate when the temperature chamber main panel used with an exemplary system such as ranged up to 100 degrees F . by the afternoon . After learning shown in FIG . 1 . of this problem , it was necessary to quantifiably test optics 50 FIG . 3 shows an exemplary thermal chamber controller , to determine if they have the thermal drift condition . control panel , and control display used with an exemplary
One existing method of testing for thermal drift includes system such as shown in FIG . 1 . placing a sight in a freezer or heating chamber , pulling the FIG . 4 shows an exemplary optional optical table and sight out , putting it on a firearm , and firing at a target . One mounting rail ( e . g . , Invar ( e . g . , FeNi36 ) material mounting problem with this existing method includes not accounting 55 rail ) used with an exemplary system such as shown in FIG . for the temperature of the firearm or sight mounting rail where the sight is attached . Repeatability of results is FIG . 5 shows an exemplary insulated mounting rail on an impeded due to the need to take the sight on and off the firearm or its mounting rail ( requires re - zeroing of the sight , exemplary platform such as shown in FIG . 1 . etc . ) . If a testing environment has experienced a thermal 60 so FIG . 6 shows an internal view of an exemplary thermal change , a platform the sight or device is attached to will also chamber with an open side door ( not shown ) , mounting rail , have experienced some changes due to expansion or con UUT ( e . g . , reflexive sight with red dot laser reticle ) , and traction of the materials . window for an optical path from the unit under test .
Embodiments of the invention address significant prob - FIG . 7 shows an exemplary test system , such as shown in lems with various existing methods for testing thermal 65 simplified FIG . 1 , with an outside view of thermal chamber , stability of a sight or other visual augmentation devices ( e . g . , dry air expansion chamber with open dry air expansion magnified optics or lasers ) . Testing based on heating then chamber door , optical path , collimator , and reflecting mirror .
US 10 , 215 , 531 B2
FIG . 8 shows a partial view of the FIGS . 1 and 7 test or temperature chamber ( TTC ) 3 is shown which receives a system from in front of a camera point of view of an mounting rail 1 made with temperature insensitive material exemplary red dot on a reflecting mirror resulting from ( e . g . , a MIL - STD - 1913 ) dimensioned mounting rail made optical path segments . from low coefficient of thermal expansion ( CTE ) material
FIG . 9 shows a camera at a receiving position for exem - 5 ( e . g . , an Invar ( FeNi36 ) rail ) inserted therein . Exemplary plary optical path at focal length and the exemplary FIGS . CTE can include a CTE of 1 . 2x10 - K - 1 . An aluminum 1 , and 7 collimator mirror . material was attempted for use in an embodiment of the
FIG . 10 shows an exemplary system for testing UUTS invention but it was found to have too high a CTE ( e . g . , using a fiber light to create an optical path in accordance 24x10 - 6 K - 1 ) . The exemplary Invar mounting rail 1 has a with an alternative embodiment of the invention . 10 UUT 5 mounted on a distal section of the mounting rail 1
FIG . 11 shows an exemplary an optional optical table , a passing through a test system mounting rail aperture ( not mounting rail , and a fiber light used with an exemplary shown , but see FIG . 4 , 45 ) into and disposed within the TTC system such as shown in FIG . 10 . 3 . The exemplary UUT 5 includes a light or laser generator
FIG . 12 shows an internal view of an exemplary thermal ( not shown ) that is oriented to pass a light or laser beam chamber used with an exemplary system as shown in FIG . 15 optical path 6 out of the thermal chamber 3 ( e . g . , through a 10 with a mounting rail and UUT . glass window 4 not shown ) into a dry air expansion chamber
FIG . 13 shows exemplary processing sequences associ 7 coupled to the TTC 3 where the optical path 6 ( e . g . , light ated with an exemplary testing system , e . g . , thermal drifting or laser beam ) is directed onto an open air reflexive colli testing system , including launch of image capture software , mator mirror 8 and reflected into a reflecting mirror 9 . The e . g . , IRWin® , in accordance with one exemplary embodi - 20 reflecting mirror 9 then directs the light or laser beam optical ment of the invention . path 6 into a video or digital camera 11 . A test control system
FIG . 14 show a continuation of the exemplary FIG . 13 ( not shown ) includes a processor , input / output device , dis processing sequences including operating and adjusting play system , user interface ( e . g . , keyboard , mouse , etc . ) and image capture in accordance with one exemplary embodi - a software storage medium such as a hard drive which stores ment of the invention . 25 an operating system and test related software including an
FIG . 15 shows a continuation of the exemplary FIGS . 13 infrared signal analysis system , e . g . , IRWin , on the test and 14 processing sequences including capturing and saving control system . The exemplary test control system ( not images of a UUT aiming system , e . g . , reflexive sight . shown ) operates the camera 11 settings and image capture of
FIG . 16 shows a continuation of the exemplary FIG . UUT 5 output ( e . g . , aiming dot , reticle , laser dot , etc . ) . 13 - 15 processing sequences including operating image pro - 30 Testing can include measurements for thermal drift asso cessing software ( e . g . , MatLab® ) - e . g . , eliminate noise , ciated with the light or laser generator in the UUT 5 that can determine center of reticle dot in image , compare multiple be measured across a designated temperature cycle starting images captured with sight at different temperatures to show at ambient or room / chamber temperature , then down to a any movement of sight ' s reticle dot ( thermal drift ) . low temperature setting for a soak of a designated duration ,
FIG . 17A shows an exemplary flow chart of processing 35 then up to a high temperature setting for a soak of a image data to produce an image for a thermal drift report , as designated duration , and back to ambient temperature . At represented in step 85 of FIG . 16 . each temperature soak , the UUT ' s 5 output , e . g . , reticle
FIG . 17B shows an exemplary flow chart of processing position , will be documented via image capture from the image data to produce an image for a thermal drift report . camera 11 and test related software ( e . g . , IRWin ) . If a
FIG . 18 shows an exemplary method of testing a UUT . 40 temperature soak duration is not specified , an exemplary FIG . 19 shows another exemplary method of testing a duration , e . g . , a two hour soak , can be used .
UUT . FIG . 2 shows an exemplary main power and thermal chamber main panel ( control panel ) 17 used with an exem
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS plary system such as shown in FIG . 1 . In particular , FIG . 2 45 shows a partial view of a programmable control panel for
The embodiments of the invention described herein are controlling the thermal or temperature controlled test cham not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to ber ( e . g . , TTC 3 ) . A number of exemplary controls are precise forms disclosed . Rather , the embodiments selected provided including a pilot 21A , circulator 21B , heat 21C , for description have been chosen to enable one skilled in the cool 21D , light 21E , internal dry air ( auto - off - manual selec art to practice the invention . 50 tor ) 21F , external dry air ( auto - off - manual selector ) 21G , and
Various embodiments of the invention include test pro - refrigeration trip / reset ( start or breaker trip ) 21H . cedures and systems for testing and characterizing the FIG . 3 shows an exemplary thermal chamber temperature thermal drift for various visual augmentation systems , e . g . , display 32 and temperature control panel 33 used with an visual augmentation weapons accessories ( VASWA ) exemplary system such as shown in FIG . 1 . In particular , this devices , across their full operating temperature range . These 55 figure shows a partial view of a programmable control panel VASWA devices will hereafter be referred to as UUTs . One with several control panels and indicators for controlling objective of testing can include ensuring that delivered items thermal or temperature controlled test chamber ( e . g . , TTC meet the thermal drift requirements of a contract or product 3 ) . The thermal chamber temperature display 32 displays the specification and do not shift boresight or alignment when current temperature inside of TTC 3 . On the temperature subjected to changing temperatures . 60 control panel 33 is an upper display interface 35A which
Referring initially to FIG . 1 , an exemplary system for shows process information , ( e . g . , temperature ) , and a lower testing UUTs 5 in accordance with one embodiment of the display interface 35B that shows user selection menu invention is shown . UUTs can include optical sights , tele options including operations , profiles , setup etc . that is scopic aiming devices with a reticle , holographic red dot navigated by a up 37A , down 37B , next 37C , and back scroll sight , optical reticle aiming devices , reflexive sight , laser 65 push buttons 37D . A series of temperature options , such as aiming device , beam system used as a part of an aiming upper and lower temperature limits and duration of tem system , reticle projection system , laser sight , etc . A thermal perature phase , can be manually entered using the naviga
US 10 , 215 , 531 B2
tion buttons or can be programmed to automatically change plary system includes a UUT 5 ' , which can be a magnified the TTC temperature to desired temperatures for set periods optical sight with an internal reticle UUT 5 ' . The UUT 5 ' is of time as part of a temperature profile . A series of status aligned such that an objective lens of the UUT 5 ' is facing indicators is provided on the temperature control panel 33 the collimator 8 . In this embodiment , the UUT 5 ' is back - lit including output status indicator 35C , alarm status indicator 5 with a fiber light 13 such that the fiber light 13 creates a 35D , communication status indicator 35E , and profile light beam including a first optical path segment 6A ' , which is run / hold status indicator 35F . Other interface options are projected to fill an exit pupil of the UUT 5 ' and propagates also provided including an information key 37E which into the eyepiece of the UUT 5 ' . The optical path segment provides information on various menu option choices or 6A ' projects a collimated shadow of subtension of the reticle selected parameters . 10 within the UUT 5 ' , wherein the collimated shadow forms an
FIG . 4 shows an exemplary optional optical table and optical path segment 6A , out the UUT ' s 5 ' objective lens mounting rail used with an exemplary system such as shown into a dry air expansion chamber 7 coupled to the TTC 3 . A in FIG . 1 . In particular , FIG . 4 shows an optical table 43 that second optical path segment 6A of the beam from the fiber receives and supports Invar mounting rail 1 via mounting light 13 is further directed onto an open air reflexive feet 41 . Other embodiments can use alternative table designs 15 collimator mirror 8 and so as to result in forming of a third and materials , e . g . a wooden box with an Invar mounting rail optical path segment 6B that is reflected into a flat reflecting 1 . Invar mounting rail 1 passes into TTC 3 through a TTC mirror 9 . The reflecting mirror 9 then directs or forms a mounting rail access aperture 45 formed in TTC 3 . The fourth optical path segment 6C into a video or digital camera optical table 43 , in at least some embodiments , can include or form a vibration control platform that is used to support 20 FIG . 11 shows an exemplary optional optical table 43 , a systems used for laser and optics related experiments , engi mounting rail 1 , and a fiber light 13 used with an exemplary neering and manufacturing . Surfaces of these optical tables system such as shown in FIG . 10 . In particular , FIG . 11 can be designed to be very rigid with minimum deflection so shows the optical table 43 that receives and supports the that the alignment of optical elements remains stable over mounting rail 1 via a scissor lift 15 . The scissor lift 15 allows time which provides functions such as vibration reduction . 25 the elevation of the mounting rail to be adjusted . Other
FIG . 5 shows an exemplary insulated mounting rail on an embodiments can use alternative methods of supporting the exemplary platform such as shown in FIG . 1 . In particular , mounting rail 1 , such as mounting feet . FIG . 5 shows foam insulation 53 that provides temperature FIG . 12 shows an internal view of an exemplary TTC 3 insulation and covers Invar mounting rail 1 , TTC mounting with a mounting rail 1 passing through a mounting rail rail access aperture 45 , and a portion of TTC 3 to provide a 30 access aperture 45 and a UUT 5 . A first optical path segment barrier to thermal energy . In lieu of an exemplary optical 6A ' enters the TTC 3 through the mounting rail access table ( see FIG . 4 , 43 ) a mounting table 51 may be used when aperture 45 and enters the UUT 5 ' as shown in FIG . 10 . A attributes of an optical table 43 are not required . Control second optical path segment 6A leaves the UUT 5 ' as shown panel 17 ( see FIGS . 2 and 3 ) provides control functions for in FIG . 10 . TTC 3 . 35 FIG . 13 shows exemplary processing sequences associ
FIG . 6 shows an internal view of an exemplary TTC 3 ated with an exemplary testing system , e . g . , thermal drifting with an open side door ( not shown ) , mounting rail 1 , UUT testing system , including launch of image capture software , 5 ( e . g . , reflexive sight with red dot laser reticle ) , and glass e . g . , IRWin® , in accordance with one exemplary embodi window 4 for an optical path from the UUT 5 . A first optical m ent of the invention . At step 71 : launch IRWin® ; at step 73 path segment 6A extends from the TTC to the collimator 40 go to devices and select image capture . ( not shown ) . FIG . 14 show a continuation of the exemplary FIG . 13
FIG . 7 shows an exemplary test system , such as shown in processing sequences including operating and adjusting simplified FIG . 1 , with an outside view of TTC 3 , dry air image capture in accordance with one exemplary embodi expansion chamber 7 with open dry air expansion chamber ment of the invention ; at step 75 , maximize an image capture door 7A , glass window 4 , optical path 6 , collimator 8 , and 45 window to ensure image capture is captured in a full or reflecting mirror 9 . predetermined resolution ; at step 77 align the UUT e . g . ,
FIG . 8 shows a partial view of the FIGS . 1 and 7 test sight so that a reticle image is in a middle of the image system from a camera point of view of an exemplar light capture window ' s frame . Sharp focus of the reticle is sought beam ( shown as a red dot ) reflecting on reflecting mirror 9 , in this embodiment in order to provide accurate thermal drift a first optical path segment 6A for the light beam between a 50 data for measurement . For best exemplary results in this UUT ( not shown ) and collimator ( not shown ) , and a second embodiment , ensure the reticle setting is bright enough to optical path segment 6B for the light beam between the reduce the noise floor ( or until the image background is collimator 8 and the reflecting mirror 9 . The light beam black ) . Depending on the sight , a change of optical filters associated with the red laser dot shown in reflecting mirror may be required . 9 is aligned with a third optical path segment ( not directly 55 FIG . 15 shows a continuation of the exemplary FIGS . 13 shown ) of the light beam between the mirror 9 and a camera and 14 processing sequences including capturing and saving ( not shown ) . images of a UUT aiming system , e . g . , reflexive sight . At step
FIG . 9 shows a view of an exemplary test system such as 79 , for each temperature , select a save icon ( e . g . , diskette in FIG . 1 . In particular , FIG . 9 shows a camera 11 at a icon ) to save the image file . Create a folder for each UUT receiving position for exemplary optical path 6 at focal 60 and serial number . Save as a . BMP ( bitmap ) file on IR length and a collimator mirror 8 . Windows using the drop down window using a naming
FIG . 10 shows an exemplary system for testing UUTs in scheme , e . g . 1 - Ambient , 2 - 402 hour soak , etc . At step 81 , accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention save files to a storage medium once testing is complete . such as FIG . 1 . This exemplary system includes common FIG . 16 shows a continuation of the exemplary FIGS . elements of previous embodiments ( e . g . FIG . 1 ) , including 65 13 - 15 processing sequences including operating image pro a mounting rail 1 , TTC 3 , glass window 4 , collimator 8 , cessing software ( e . g . , MatLab® ) - e . g . , eliminate noise , reflective mirror 9 , and camera 11 . In addition , this exem determine center of reticle dot in image , compare multiple
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images captured with sight at different temperatures to show configured to automatically change the temperature to pre any movement of sight ' s reticle dot ( thermal drift ) . At step determined testing temperatures after predetermined periods 83 , download bitmap file to a working directory on a of time . computer with MatLab® . At step 85 , running MatLab® In at least some embodiments , processing can start at script , launch Thermaldriftfinal . m . At step 87 , Rename the 5 ambient / room temperature , input the low temperature into defaultDir in the code to match selected working directory . the controller by adjusting the up / down arrows of control At step 89 , Select the Run function option on the top of the panel 17 and select a first Set Point in the control panel screen . Alternately press F5 to run the code . At step 91 , An system , then , adjust control panel system 17 to select a
‘ Input Data ? ' window will appear . Select the working folder desired temperature setting followed by the right arrow to created . At step 93 , the MatLab® code will auto - generate all 1 10 save the temperature . If desired , a temperature cycle / profile
can be programmed into the controller . Temperature cycle / files and provide output files as necessary . profile will start at ambient / room temperature , then down to FIG . 17A shows an exemplary flow chart of processing the low temperature setting for a soak of a designated time , image data to produce an image for a thermal drift report , as then up to the high temperature setting for a soak of a represented in step 85 of FIG . 16 . At step 101 , input image 15 . designated duration and back to ambient . In this example files . At step 103 , convert to a binary image by assigning a at each temperature soak , a reticle position will be docu binary value to each pixel based on brightest ( e . g . , assigning mented with ambient as the baseline reticle position docu a “ I ” to the brightest 30 % of the image ) . At step 105 , display mentation . Intermediate temperature settings may also be only pixels of a certain intensity ( e . g . , retaining the pixels specified . assigned as “ 1 ” ) . At step 107 , create a disc shaped structure 20 In this example , at each temperature soak , reticle position from pixels . At step 109 , measure the disc area . At step 111 , will be documented with ambient as the baseline reticle find the largest disc , removing noise . At step 113 , find a position documentation . This can be accomplished by vari centroid of the disc and display . At step 115 , save the ous methods . It may be beneficial to leave the dry air centroid for processing . expansion chamber door closed to reduce icing and fogging .
FIG . 17B shows an exemplary flow chart of processing 25 If frosting / fogging of the chamber window occurs , a heat image data to produce an image for a thermal drift report . At gun on low heat can be used to defrost / defog the window to step 117 , input centroid files , e . g . , Aimpoint t2 - sn61 file . At take the measurement . step 119 , combine the centroid files into a single image , e . g . Although the invention has been described in detail with colormap . jpg . At step 121 , add minute of angle elliptical reference to certain preferred embodiments , variations and rings . At step 123 , save file . 30 modifications exist within the spirit and scope of the inven
FIG . 18 shows an exemplary method of testing a UUT . At tion as described and defined in the following claims . step 203 , a UUT 5 is mounted to a mounting rail 1 . At step The invention claimed is : 205 , a light signal is generated with the UUT 5 . At step 207 , 1 . A system for testing for thermal drift in an optical sight the temperature is adjusted using the TTC 3 to a plurality of system comprising : testing temperatures for a finite duration at each temperature . 35 a support structure ; At step 209 , the light signal is collimated using the colli - a low thermal expansion material rail with mounting mator mirror 8 . At step 211 , the light signal is converted into structures coupled with the support structure , said a plurality of signals using a camera imager at each testing mounting structures configured to receive and retain an temperature ( as shown in FIGS . 13 and 14 , steps 71 - 77 ) . At optical sight system configured to generate a light step 213 , the plurality of signals are recorded by the imager 40 signal along an optical path ; system ( e . g . , as shown in FIG . 15 , steps 79 and 81 ) . At step a thermal chamber with a controls system and a heating 215 , the signals are processed ( e . g . , as shown in FIGS . 16 , and cooling system configured to attain and maintain a 17A , and 17B , steps 85 and 101 - 123 ) . At step 217 , the predetermined temperature in the thermal chamber , processed signals are compared to determine the amount of wherein the thermal chamber is configured with an thermal drift . An exemplary comparison involves comparing 45 aperture configured to receive and pass through a the Cartesian coordinates of the centroids of the processed portion of the low thermal expansion material rail into signals to determine the amount of thermal drift at the testing the thermal chamber , said thermal chamber further temperatures . The Pythagorean theorem can be used to comprises a transparent section adapted to permit the determine the distance between the centroids ( M . ) mea light signal to pass through the transparent section sured in the camera ' s pixel size . The pixel distance mea - 50 along the optical path ; surements can be converted into minutes of angle distance a dry air expansion chamber coupled or disposed in ( Mme ) by the equation Mme = Mmpxtan - ' ( p / f ) x3438 , where p relationship to said thermal chamber and surrounding a is size of a pixel , fis the focal length of the collimator mirror portion of said optical path exiting said transparent 9 , and 3438 is a conversion factor from radians to minutes section to permit said light signal to pass through said of angle . 55 dry air expansion chamber , wherein the transparent
FIG . 19 shows another exemplary method of testing a section is configured to maintain a temperature to UUT . prevent fogging or condensation on said transparent
Another exemplary process can include mounting an section ; UUT 5 to the exemplary mounting rail 1 inside the TTC 3 an open air reflective collimator positioned in said optical with the UUT ' s 5 ocular end facing the collimator mirror 8 . 60 path exiting said dry air expansion chamber and redi Referring to FIG . 2 , a next step can include configuring the recting said light signal to a second optical path ; TTC 3 by operating a control panel 17 including actuation a camera imager system configured to receive said light of a main power switch supplying power to various elements signal along said second optical path and convert said of an embodiment and actuating control switches on the light signal into a plurality of electronic or digital TTC 3 to an on position ( e . g . , see FIG . 2 ) and actuating a 65 signals ; and REFRIG RESET switch to start a low temperature cooler a test control and processing system coupled with the ( not shown ) . In at least one embodiment , the TTC 3 can be camera imager system adapted to receive a plurality of
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electronic signals or digital signals , record said elec - 6 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the external light source tronic signals or digital signals , and then perform image is further configured to fill an exit pupil of the retained processing comprising noise reduction , locating a cen - optical sight system with light , propagate the light into said troid of each image capture of said light signal , deter - optical sight system , and project a collimated shadow of mining a thermal drift of the light signal in the image 5 subtension of a reticle within said optical sight system such captures , and generating an output report on an output that the light signal exits an objective lens of said optical system comprising a graphic or data showing a com cor data showing a com - sight system . parison of the recorded electronic or digital signals in 7 . The system of claim 6 , wherein the external light source at least some selected image captures of said light is a fiber light .
10 signal . 8 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the thermal chamber is 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the support structure is further configured to automatically change between prede
an optical table . termined temperatures and maintain the predetermined tem 3 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the thermal chamber is peratures for predetermined durations .
further configured to automatically change between prede - 16 9 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the support structure is termined temperatures and maintain the predetermined tem - an optical table . peratures for predetermined durations . 10 . The system of claim 5 , wherein the low thermal
4 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the low thermal expansion material rail has a coefficient of thermal expan expansion material rail has a coefficient of thermal expan sion of less than 5x10 - 6 K - 7 . sion of less than 5x10 - 6K - . 20 11 . A system for testing for thermal drift in an optical sight
5 . A system for testing for thermal drift in an optical sight system comprising : system comprising : a support structure ;
a support structure ; a low thermal expansion material rail with mounting a low thermal expansion material rail with mounting structures coupled with the support structure , said
structures coupled with the support structure , said 25 mounting structures configured to receive and retain an mounting structures configured to receive and retain an optical sight system configured to allow an optical path optical sight system ; to exit the optical sight system ; an external light source configured to generate a light a thermal chamber with a controls system and a heating signal and direct said light signal through an optical and cooling system configured to attain and maintain a sight system retained by the mounting structures ; 30 predetermined temperature in the thermal chamber ,
a thermal chamber with a controls system and a heating wherein the thermal chamber is configured with an and cooling system configured to attain and maintain a aperture configured to receive and pass through a predetermined temperature in the thermal chamber , portion of the low thermal expansion material rail into wherein the thermal chamber is configured with an the thermal chamber , said thermal chamber further aperture configured to receive and pass through a 35 portion of the low thermal expansion material rail into comprises a transparent section adapted to permit the the thermal chamber , said thermal chamber further light signal to pass through the transparent section comprises a transparent section adapted to permit the along the optical path ; light signal to pass through the transparent section a dry air expansion chamber coupled or disposed in along the optical path ; relationship to said thermal chamber and surrounding a
a dry air expansion chamber coupled or disposed in portion of said optical path exiting said transparent relationship to said thermal chamber and surrounding a section to permit said light signal to pass through said portion of said optical path exiting said transparent dry air expansion chamber , wherein the transparent section to permit said light signal to pass through said section is configured to maintain a temperature to dry air expansion chamber , wherein the transparent 45 prevent fogging or condensation on said transparent section is configured to maintain a temperature to section ; prevent fogging or condensation on said transparent an open air reflective collimator positioned in said optical section ; path exiting said dry air expansion chamber and redi
an open air reflective collimator positioned in said optical recting said light signal to a second optical path ; path exiting said dry air expansion chamber and redi - 50 a camera imager system configured to receive said light recting said light signal to a second optical path ; signal along said second optical path and convert said
a camera imager system configured to receive said light light signal into a plurality of electronic or digital signal along said second optical path and convert said signals ; and light signal into a plurality of electronic or digital a test control and processing system coupled with the signals ; and 55 camera imager system adapted to receive a plurality of
a test control and processing system coupled with the electronic signals or digital signals , record said elec camera imager system adapted to receive a plurality of tronic signals or digital signals , and then perform image electronic signals or digital signals , record said elec processing comprising noise reduction , locating a cen tronic signals or digital signals , and then perform image troid of each image capture of said light signal , deter processing comprising noise reduction , locating a cen - 60 mining a thermal drift of the light signal in the image troid of each image capture of said light signal , deter captures , and generating an output report on an output mining a thermal drift of the light signal in the image system comprising a graphic or data showing a com captures , and generating an output report on an output parison of the recorded electronic or digital signals in system comprising a graphic or data showing a com at least some selected image captures of said light parison of the recorded electronic or digital signals in 65 signal . at least some selected image captures of said light 12 . A method of testing an optical sight system for thermal signal . drift comprising :
40
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30
mounting the optical sight system to a low thermal expansion material rail located inside of a thermal chamber ;
generating a light signal from the optical sight system ; adjusting the temperature inside of the thermal chamber to 5
a plurality of testing temperatures for a finite duration at each testing temperature ;
collimating the light signal received from the optical sight system ;
converting the light signal into a plurality of electronic or 10 digital signals using a camera imager system at each testing temperature ;
recording the plurality of electronic or digital signals created by the camera imager system at each testing temperature ; 15
processing the plurality of electronic or digital signals recorded at each testing temperature , said processing comprising : converting the electronic or digital signals into binary
images , wherein a brightest percentage of the image 20 is retained and the remainder of the image is elimi nated ;
approximating the centroids of the binary images ; and assigning coordinate positions to the centroids of the binary images in relation to an origin point , wherein 25 the origin point is located at the centroid of the binary image corresponding to the starting testing temperature ; and
comparing the processed signals to determine the amount of thermal drift in the optical sight system .
13 . The method of claim 10 , wherein the assigned coor dinate positions are polar coordinates .
14 . A method of testing an optical sight system for thermal drift comprising : mounting the optical sight system to a low thermal 35
expansion material rail located inside of a thermal chamber ;
generating a light signal from an external light source , wherein the external light source is configured to direct said light signal through the optical sight system 40 retained by the mounting structures ;
adjusting the temperature inside of the thermal chamber to a plurality of testing temperatures for a finite duration at each testing temperature ;
collimating the light signal received from the optical sight 45 system ;
converting the light signal into a plurality of electronic or digital signals using a camera imager system at each testing temperature ;
recording the plurality of electronic or digital signals 50 created by the camera imager system at each testing temperature ;
processing the plurality of electronic or digital signals recorded at each testing temperature , said processing comprising : 55 converting the electronic or digital signals into binary
images , wherein a brightest percentage of the image is retained and the remainder of the image is elimi nated ;
approximating the centroids of the binary images ; and 60 assigning coordinate positions to the centroids of the
binary images in relation to an origin point , wherein the origin point is located at the centroid of the binary image corresponding to the starting testing temperature ; and 65
comparing the processed signals to determine the amount of thermal drift in the optical sight system .
15 . The method of claim 12 , wherein the assigned coor dinate positions are polar coordinates .
16 . Amethod of testing an optical sight system for thermal drift comprising :
providing a testing system comprising : a support structure ; a low thermal expansion material rail with mounting
structures coupled with the support structure , said mounting structures configured to receive and retain an optical sight system configured to allow an optical path to exit the optical sight system ;
a thermal chamber with a controls system and a heating and cooling system configured to attain and maintain a predetermined temperature in the thermal chamber , wherein the thermal chamber is configured with an aperture configured to receive and pass through a portion of the low thermal expansion material rail into the thermal chamber , said thermal chamber further comprises a transparent section adapted to permit the light signal to pass through the transparent section along the optical path ;
a dry air expansion chamber coupled or disposed in relationship to said thermal chamber and surround ing a portion of said optical path exiting said trans parent section to permit said light signal to pass through said dry air expansion chamber , wherein the transparent section is configured to maintain a tem perature to prevent fogging or condensation on said transparent section ;
an open air reflective collimator positioned in said optical path exiting said dry air expansion chamber and redirecting said light signal to a second optical path ;
a camera imager system configured to receive said light signal along said second optical path and convert said light signal into a plurality of electronic or digital signals ; and
a test control and processing system coupled with the camera imager system adapted to receive said plu rality of electronic signals or digital signals , record said electronic signals or digital signals , and then perform image processing comprising noise reduc tion , locating a centroid of each image capture of said light signal , determining a thermal drift of the light signal in the image captures , and generating an output report on an output system comprising a graphic or data showing a comparison of the recorded electronic or digital signals in at least some selected image captures of said light signal ;
mounting the optical sight system to the low thermal expansion material rail ;
generating a light signal from the optical sight system ; using the thermal chamber with the controls system to
adjust the temperature within the thermal chamber to a plurality of testing temperatures for a finite duration at each testing temperature ;
collimating the light signal received from the optical sight system ;
converting the light signal into a plurality of electronic or digital signals using a camera imager system at each testing temperature ;
recording the plurality of electronic or digital signals created by the camera imager system at each testing temperature ;
processing the plurality of electronic or digital signals recorded at each testing temperature , said processing comprising :
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converting the electronic or digital signals into binary images , wherein a brightest percentage of the image is retained and the remainder of the image is elimi nated ;
approximating the centroids of the binary images ; and 5 assigning coordinate positions to the centroids of the
binary images in relation to an origin point , wherein the origin point is located at the centroid of the binary image corresponding to the starting testing temperature ; and 10
comparing the processed signals to determine the amount of thermal drift that occurs in the optical sight system across the plurality of testing temperatures .
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