System and method for combining multiple energy bands to improve scene viewing

Abstract

A single sensor that can operate in multiple bands and display either one radiation band alone or multiple overlaid bands, using an appropriate color choice to distinguish the bands. The multiple-band sensor allows the user to look through at least one eyepiece and with the use of a switch, see scenes formed via the human eye under visible light, an II sensor, an MWIR sensor, or an LWIR sensor, either individually or superimposed. The device is equipped with multiple switching mechanisms. The first, for allowing the user to select between radiation bands and overlays, and the second, as with most thermal imaging sensors, for allowing the user to switch between “white-hot/black-hot” i.e., a polarity switch.

1 - 26 . (canceled)  
   
   
       27 . A switchable compact monocular comprising: 
 a first optical system for imaging at least a first band of radiation indicative of a scene onto at least one eye of a user when the switchable compact monocular is in a first or third mode;    a second optical system for imaging at least a second band of radiation indicative of the scene onto the at least one eye of the user when the switchable compact monocular is in a second or third mode; and    a switch for selecting between the first, second and third modes,    wherein the first optical system comprises an objective lens component, a first aberration correction component, a focal plane array, a display and an imaging system; and    further wherein the second optical system comprises the objective lens component, a second aberration correction component, an image intensifier and the imaging system.    
   
   
       28 . The switchable compact monocular according to  claim 27 , wherein the at least a first band of radiation is mid to long wavelength infrared radiation.  
   
   
       29 . The switchable compact monocular according to  claim 27 , wherein the at least a second band of radiation is visible to near wavelength infrared radiation.  
   
   
       30 . The switchable compact monocular according to  claim 27 , wherein the imaging system comprises a beam combiner, an eyepiece and a display.  
   
   
       31 . The switchable compact monocular according to  claim 30 , wherein the display is selected from an active matrix electroluminescent display and a cathode ray tube.  
   
   
       32 . The switchable compact monocular according to  claim 27 , wherein the first band of radiation indicative of the scene is imaged onto the at least one eye of the user using a first color and the second band of radiation indicative of the scene is imaged onto the at least one eye of the user using a second color.  
   
   
       33 . The switchable compact monocular according to  claim 27 , wherein the objective lens has an f/number in the range of f/1.0 to f/1.5.  
   
   
       34 . The switchable compact monocular according to  claim 27 , wherein the objective lens includes a first optical element for reflecting the at least a first and second bands of radiation and a second optical element for transmitting the at least a first band of radiation and reflecting the at least a second band of radiation.