Digital Scope

Digital night vision device: digital eyes, illuminating the dark night

Digital night vision device is a technological innovator of traditional image intensifier (microlight tube) night vision device. It uses digital imaging technology (CMOS/CCD sensor) to capture weak ambient light or actively emit infrared light to illuminate the target, and finally presents a clear visible image on the display screen through electronic signal amplification and digital image processing. Its core value lies in providing a relatively economical, feature-rich and flexible night and low-light environment observation solution.

Core working principle

1. Light collection:

1.1 Ambient light (weak light): Weak ambient light such as moonlight and starlight is collected through the objective lens.

1.2 Active infrared illumination: The built-in infrared emitter (usually invisible 850nm or 940nm wavelength) illuminates the target to provide additional illumination.

2. Photoelectric conversion: Light is projected onto a highly sensitive digital image sensor (CMOS or CCD), which converts the optical signal into an electrical signal.

3. Signal amplification and processing: The electrical signal is greatly amplified and complexly digitally processed by the electronic circuit:

3.1 Improve brightness and contrast.

3.2 Reduce noise (digital noise reduction).

3.3 Sharpen the image.

3.4 Color processing may be performed (some models can present partial colors in specific modes).

4. Image display: The processed image signal is transmitted to the built-in LCD or OLED display, and the user observes the enlarged real-time image through the eyepiece.

5. Recording and output (optional): Many models have the ability to record videos, take photos, and output images or transfer data via Wi-Fi, HDMI or USB interfaces.

Core advantages and features (compared to traditional image intensifier tube night vision devices)

1. Low cost: The manufacturing process is closer to consumer electronics products, and the price is usually much lower than traditional image intensifier tube night vision devices of the same level (especially high-generation).

2. No risk of damage from strong light: Don't be afraid of sudden strong light (such as car lights, flashlights)! This is the most significant safety advantage of digital night vision devices. The sensor has automatic gain control, and the picture may be overexposed under strong light but will not damage the device.

3. Day and night use: It can be used like an ordinary digital camera/camcorder during the day (usually with a daylight filter or automatic switching mode), without worrying about the image intensifier tube being damaged under strong light. Achieve "one machine for multiple uses".

4. Rich functions:

4.1 Image/video recording: Built-in storage or support for memory cards, convenient for recording the observation process.

4.2 Screen display: Information can be superimposed on the screen (such as power, time, GPS coordinates, electronic compass, distance measurement data, etc.).

4.3 Wireless transmission: The Wi-Fi function can transmit real-time images or recorded materials to mobile phones and tablets for remote viewing, sharing or control.

4.4 Digital zoom: Provides additional magnification capabilities beyond optical zoom.

4.5 Multiple display modes: Black and white mode (high contrast), green phosphorus mode (mimicking traditional night vision), sepia mode, and even some color modes (under specific lighting).

4.6 Image parameter adjustment: Brightness, contrast, sharpness, etc. can be adjusted manually or automatically.

5. Long service life: The core is the electronic sensor and screen, and there is no life limit like the intensifier tube (the traditional tube life is about thousands to tens of thousands of hours).

6. Quick startup: It can be used immediately after turning on, without preheating.

7. Comfortable observation: The screen is luminous and the eyes are not easily fatigued (especially for some users, it is more comfortable than observing the fluorescent screen of the traditional tube).

8. Easy to integrate: It is easier to integrate with thermal imaging modules, laser ranging modules, etc. to form a multi-functional device.

Main types

1. Monocular digital night vision device:

1.1 Similar to a monocular telescope, it is small and portable and can be handheld or mounted on a helmet/weapon.

1.2 Suitable for bird watching, night patrols, security, hunting observation, equipment inspection, etc.

2. Binocular digital night vision device:

2.1 Binocular design provides a more three-dimensional and comfortable long-term observation experience.

2.2 Usually larger in size and weight, suitable for scenes that require long-term stable observation (such as fixed-point observation, navigation).

3. Digital night vision scope:

3.1 Designed specifically for firearms and mounted on a rail.

3.2 With an aiming reticle (electronically switchable style and color), it usually has a ballistic calculation function (parameters need to be entered).

3.3 Emphasizes shock resistance, zero hold, and fast target acquisition.

4. Digital night vision telescope:

4.1 Combines the high magnification capability of the telescope with the digital night vision function.

4.2 Suitable for long-distance observation (such as bird watching, wildlife monitoring, border patrol).

5. Digital night vision camera/module:

5.1 No eyepiece, output video signal, can be connected to a monitor or recording device.

5.2 Used for security monitoring, vehicle-mounted systems, drone image transmission, etc.

Key performance parameters

1. Sensor type and size:

1.1 Type: CMOS is the most common (low cost, low power consumption), CCD is less common (may be slightly better in low illumination but high cost).

1.2 Size: Key indicator! The larger the sensor size (such as 1/1.8", 1/2.5", 1/3"), the better the ability to capture light in low light, and the better the image quality (less noise, more details). Larger sensors are preferred.

2. Sensor resolution:

2.1 Determines the clarity and detail of the image, the unit is pixel (such as 1280x720 / 720p, 1920x1080 / 1080p, or even higher).

2.2 Higher resolution can see the details of farther and smaller targets. 1080p is the current mainstream level.

3 Optical system:

3.1 Objective lens diameter: The larger (such as 40mm, 50mm), the more light enters, the farther the observation distance, and the brighter the image.

3.2 Optical magnification: Basic magnification (such as 3x, 4x, 5x). High magnification requires stability (tripod).

3.3 Digital zoom: Further magnify the image based on the optical magnification, but at the expense of clarity.

3.4 Lens quality: Multi-layer coating reduces reflections, improves light transmittance and clarity.

4. Display system:

4.1 Display type and resolution: OLED (self-luminous, high contrast, pure black, fast response) is better than LCD. Resolution should at least match or approach sensor resolution.

4.2 Eyepiece design: pupil distance, eye mask comfort, diopter adjustment range (adapt to myopic/hyperopic users).

5. Infrared illuminator (IR Illuminator):

5.1 Core! Provide light source in a completely dark environment (such as indoors, dense forests).

5.2 Power and range: Determine the effective lighting distance. Nominal values (such as 150 meters, 300 meters) are usually ideal values.

5.3 Wavelength:

5.3.1 850nm: The lighting effect is strong, but it may be noticed by others/animals (with a weak red exposure). The most common.

5.3.2 940nm: Almost completely invisible (no red exposure), good concealment, but the lighting distance and effect are usually weaker than 850nm at the same power.

5.4 Adjustability: Multi-level brightness adjustment or zoom spot is more practical.

6. Low-light performance:

6.1 Measures the imaging ability under extremely weak ambient light. Usually expressed in Lux (Lux), the lower the value, the better (such as 0.001 Lux). However, different manufacturers have different testing standards, which need to be combined with actual evaluation.

6.2 Sensor size, sensitivity, and image processing algorithm jointly determine.

7. Detection/recognition distance:

7.1 Detection distance: The maximum distance to detect the target (such as a person).

7.2 Recognition distance: The maximum distance to see the details of the target (such as a human face, animal species).

7.3 Affected by sensor performance, optical system, IR power, atmospheric conditions, target size/contrast. Manufacturer data is for reference only.

8. Functional characteristics:

8.1 Video recording/photographing: Resolution, frame rate, storage method (built-in/memory card), format.

8.2 Wireless connection (Wi-Fi): Supported, supporting APP functions (remote control, real-time image transmission, file transfer).

8.3 GPS & electronic compass: Record position and direction information.

8.4 Distance measurement function: Integrated laser rangefinder module (LRF).

8.5 Ballistic calculation (scope): Assisted shooting.

8.6 Anti-shake: Digital or optical anti-shake to improve handheld observation clarity.

8.7 Multiple image modes and adjustments: Provide different observation experiences.

9. Environmental adaptability:

9.1 Protection level (IP): Waterproof and dustproof capabilities (such as IPX4 splashproof, IPX7 short-term immersion), which is crucial for outdoor use.

9.2 Operating temperature range: Adapt to cold or hot environments.

10. Power supply and battery life:

10.1 Rechargeable lithium batteries (18650, special batteries) or AA/AAA batteries are usually used.

10.2 Battery life: When IR and screen are on is the key indicator (e.g. 4-8 hours). Battery backup is important.

Application scenarios

1. Outdoor leisure: bird watching at night, wildlife observation, camping adventure, fishing.

2. Hunting: observing prey, assisting aiming (digital night vision scope).

3. Security and law enforcement: night patrol, monitoring, search and rescue, evidence collection.

4. Property and industry: night facility inspection (electricity, pipelines, factory areas), care.

5. Navigation: night navigation assistance.

6. Home security: checking the yard and garage at night.

7. Hobbies and research: exploring natural phenomena at night.

Limitations (compared to traditional image intensifier tubes)

1. Extreme low-light performance: In completely dark and IR-free environments, or when observing faint targets at very long distances, top-level image intensifier tubes (especially Gen 3) can usually still provide brighter and more detailed images. Digital technology is catching up quickly.

2. Dynamic range: For scenes with extremely high contrast between light and dark, the processing ability may not be as good as the human eye or top-level image intensifier tubes.

3. Display delay: There is a slight image processing delay (milliseconds), which may need to be paid attention to when moving quickly or aiming accurately. The delay of high-end models is already very low.

4. Power consumption: The sensor, processor and screen need to be continuously powered, so battery life management is important.

Summary

Digital night vision devices represent the popularization and digital development direction of night vision technology. They have won a wide market with their relatively affordable prices, excellent security (not afraid of strong light), and rich functions (video recording, Wi-Fi, day and night use). Although their absolute performance in extreme low-light environments may still be inferior to top-level traditional image intensifier tubes, for most civilian needs (bird watching, hunting observation, security patrols, outdoor adventures), modern mid-to-high-end digital night vision devices can already provide excellent and reliable night vision experience.