Protective laser beam viewing device
Inventors
Neil, George R. • Jordan, Kevin Carl
Assignees
Jefferson Science Associates LLC
Publication Number
US-8334899-B1
Publication Date
2012-12-18
Expiration Date
2027-11-01
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Abstract
A protective laser beam viewing system or device including a camera selectively sensitive to laser light wavelengths and a viewing screen receiving images from the laser sensitive camera. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the camera is worn on the head of the user or incorporated into a goggle-type viewing display so that it is always aimed at the area of viewing interest to the user and the viewing screen is incorporated into a video display worn as goggles over the eyes of the user.
Core Innovation
The invention provides a protective laser beam viewing device comprising a camera selectively sensitive to laser light wavelengths and a viewing screen receiving images from the laser sensitive camera. The preferred embodiment includes the camera worn on the user's head or incorporated into a goggle-type viewing display so it is always aimed at the area of viewing interest, with the viewing screen incorporated into video display goggles worn over the eyes.
The problem addressed by this invention arises from the limitations of standard protective laser goggles. Such goggles must be designed for specific laser wavelengths, restricting their use to particular lasers and creating hazards when multiple lasers of different wavelengths are present. Additionally, the strong filtering needed for safety reduces the ability to see where the laser beam is directed, leading some users to unsafe practices, such as looking around the edges of goggles during alignment.
The objective of the invention is to provide a laser viewing device or system that enables only indirect viewing of laser beams, eliminating any possibility of direct eye exposure, while maintaining adequate viewing capability to prevent unsafe behavior. This is achieved through the use of a laser wavelength sensitive camera linked to a video display worn as goggles, allowing safe visualization of the laser beam path without risk of eye damage.
Claims Coverage
The patent includes four claims with four main inventive features covering different configurations of the protective laser beam viewing device.
Protective laser beam viewing device with laser-sensitive camera and impermeable video goggles
This device includes at least one camera generating video images sensitive to laser light at specified wavelengths, paired with goggles having a video image display that projects these images. The goggles are essentially impermeable to laser radiation, allowing complete visualization of the laser light path while protecting the user's eyes.
Protective laser beam viewing device with unshielded camera and impermeable goggles
The device comprises at least one unshielded camera producing video images including laser light at specified wavelengths, and goggles that receive and display these images while being essentially impermeable to laser radiation. This setup enables the user to view laser light safely in their environment.
Protective laser beam viewing device with stereo pair of laser-sensitive cameras and goggles
The device involves a pair of laser wavelength band sensitive cameras generating video signals and a pair of goggles receiving the separate images individually. Both the cameras and goggles are worn by the user and permit complete visualization of one or more laser beams in the user's environment by presenting video images of the surroundings and laser beams at the specified wavelengths.
Protective laser beam viewing device with unshielded stereo cameras and video image viewing system
This configuration features a pair of unshielded laser wavelength sensitive cameras generating video signals, paired with a video image viewing mechanism that transmits the stereo images individually to a pair of image displays in the viewing system.
These inventive features focus on using laser wavelength sensitive or unshielded cameras combined with impermeable goggles or video displays to provide safe indirect viewing of laser beams at one or more specified wavelengths. The claims cover both monocular and binocular viewing configurations ensuring user eye protection while maintaining visualization capabilities.
Stated Advantages
Eliminates any danger of eye damage by preventing direct exposure to laser radiation through indirect viewing.
Allows safe viewing of actual laser beams, including invisible ones, rather than relying on manifestations such as mist or particulate alignment cues.
Removes the risk associated with multiple lasers of different wavelengths by providing a viewing system effective irrespective of the number or types of lasers present.
Improves safety by removing the need for unsafe user practices such as looking around the edges of protective eyewear during laser alignment.
Documented Applications
Viewing of high power laser beams for alignment and operation without direct eye exposure.
Use in environments where multiple lasers of various wavelengths operate simultaneously, providing safe visualization of their beams.
Provision of stereoscopic or multi-wavelength visualization of laser beams via paired cameras and goggles for enhanced viewing fidelity.
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