How Night Vision Goggles Work

 

When you see in the movies or TV someone using night vision goggles, do you wonder if it is real or something that's made up. Yes, it is real.

After World War II, Vladimir K. Zworykin developed the first practical commercial night-vision device at Radio Corporation of America (now more commonly known as RCA), intended for civilian use. Zworykin's idea came from a former radio-guided missile. At the time of development for this technology, infrared was commonly called black light, a term later restricted to ultraviolet.

The goggles enhance ambient visible light and convert near-infrared light into visible light which can be seen by the user; this is known as image intensification.

There are two types of night vision technology one is Thermal Imaging, and the other is Image Enhancement.

Imaging Enhancement:

 

Traditional types of night vision devices use optoelectrical imaging enhancement. This uses a series of optical lenses and vacuum tubes, just like in very old TV sets, which work by sensing small amounts of infrared light and visible light, Light sources that are reflected off of objects, and then electronically amplifying that light into a glowing monochromatic green image. As green was considered to be the easiest color to look at for prolonged periods of time in the dark. 

Thermal imaging: 

With thermal imaging optics, the sensors detect heat (or radiation) to help see in the dark. The radiation of the electromagnetic spectrum has varying wavelengths which can be interpreted as color. Short wavelengths have a very high amount of energy that can be seen as lighter colors. While longer wavelengths have lower amounts of energy that are seen as darker colors. Through thermal imaging devices, different shades of color are seen to find objects.

Newer image enhancement technologies will digitally enhance the image in a full-color display, by capturing available light on a digital image sensor. Called a CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor found in modern digital cameras. Semiconductor devices serve as "electronic eyes" for the wearer. 

Vast improvements in night optics over the last decade have meant clearer images, improved light amplification, as well as durability and portability.

 

Night vision was originally developed for warfare. Now this technology has many new applications for use in aeronautics, security cameras, maritime firefighting and search rescue, other uses for this technology will be sure to follow.

Sources:

www.bushnell.com

www.howstuffworks.com

www.smithsonianmagazine.com

www.sciencedirect.com

#visionsourcesouthhills

#DrClaudiaWendel

#PittsburghEyeCare

#PittsburghOptometrist

Are You joking

 

1. Why wear glasses when doing Math?

It improves di-vision

2. Where does bad light end up?

In Prism

3. What do you call a potato wearing glasses?

A-spec-tater

4. Why do bee-keepers have such beautiful eyes?

Because beauty is in the eye of the bee holder

5. What has 4 eyes and a mouth?

The Mississippi River

#visionsourcesouthhills

#DrClaudiaWendel

#PittsburghEyeCare

#PittsburghOptometrist

Erik Weihenmayer

 

You may wonder who Eric Weinhenmayer is, if you have ever seen an advertisement by the Foundation for a Better Life, you would know he is an athlete, a motivational speaker author, and a teacher. He founded the nonprofit No Barriers. His accomplishments include:

• Reaching the summit of Mount Everest on May 25, 2001.

• In 2008 he climbed the Carstensz pyramid island of Papaya New Guinea. 

• Completing the Seven Summits -the highest point on each continent in 2002.

• Denali in 1995

• Kayaking, the Grand Canyon

Achieving all these accomplishments, while being blind. Weinhenmayer has made it his goal in life to empower those who are marginalized and pushed to the sidelines to find purpose and fulfilment in their lives-not just those who are blind, but all those who could easily let obstacles life throws at them get in the way. Turning adversity into opportunity.

Retinoschisis began to rob him of his sight at the age of 14. Retinoschisis is a condition that happens when the retina divides into two or more layers. Schisis means a split or cleft. It affects the light-sensing layer of the retina and the layer of cells that transmit signals to the brain through the optic nerve. A genetic mutation is found to be one of the causes of the form of retinoschisis affecting juveniles. The X-linked factor is related to maternal genes.

 

Erik’s triumphs show that with some perseverance great things can happen.

Sources:

www.encyclopedia.com

www.nfb.org

www.erikweinhenmayer.com

www.clevelandclinic.org

#visionsourcesouthhills

#DrClaudiaWendel

#PittsburghEyeCare

#PittsburghOptometrist

Have a Safe and Happy July 4th Celebration

 

This may seem like a lot of rules and regulations for going to have fun, but having fun safely is how you keep from turning these fun activities into a nightmare. 

FIREWORKS SAFETY

The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public firework show put on by professionals. Stay at least 500 feet away from the show. Many states have outlawed most fireworks. Leave any area at once where untrained amateurs are using fireworks. Always assign a responsible sober adult to supervise activities. Fireworks cause over 19,000 fires every year. Take the proper precautions when using fireworks. 

If you are setting fireworks off at home, follow these safety steps:

1. Never give fireworks to small children, and never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures, or flammable materials. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
2. Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
3. Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
4. Light only one firework at a time and never try to relight "a dud."
5. Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
6. Never disassemble or try to make your own fireworks.
7. Don't point sparklers, or fireworks at yourself or others, especially when lighting them.

PICNIC & FOOD SAFETY

July is one of the peak months for grilling fires. Enjoy grilling your favorite meals this summer while also keeping your family safe.

1. Wash your hands before preparing the food.
2. Don't leave food out in the hot sun. Keep perishable foods in a cooler packed with plenty of ice or freezer gel packs.
3. If you are going to cook on the grill, never grill indoors. Keep the grill out in the open, away from the house, the deck, tree branches, or anything that could catch fire.
4. Always supervise the grill when in use. Don't add charcoal starter fluid when coals have already been ignited. Use the long-handled tools especially made for cooking on the grill to keep the chef safe.
5. Make sure everyone, including pets, stays away from the grill. Check gas grill hoses for cracks, holes, and leaks. Gas leaks, blocked tubes, and propane tanks can cause grill fires and explosions.

BEACH AND WATER SAFETY

As July is one of the hottest months, many families turn to water activities to beat the heat. However, even fun water activities have serious risks if you don't take the proper precautions.

1. Watch the weather and get out of the water at the first sign of lightning or the rumble of thunder. Stay indoors and away from water for 30 minutes after the last lightning flashes or thunder roars.
2. Swim only at a beach with a lifeguard, within the designated swimming area. Obey all instructions and orders from lifeguards and ask them about local conditions.
3. Always designate a "water watcher" whose sole responsibility is to keep a close eye and constant attention on everyone in and around the water until the next water watcher takes over.
4. Children, inexperienced swimmers, and all boaters should wear properly fitted U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets.
5. Protect your neck – don't dive in headfirst. Walk carefully into open waters. Watch out for and avoid aquatic life.
6. If you are caught in a rip current, stay calm and don't fight it. Swim parallel to the shore until you are out of the current. Then, turn and swim to shore. If you can't swim to shore, float or tread water until you are free of the rip current and then head toward shore. Draw attention to yourself by waving and calling for help.
7. If a child is missing near a pool or body of water, ALWAYS check the water first

OUTDOOR SAFETY

1. Stay hydrated with lots of water
2. Apply and reapply bug spray and sunscreen (with proper SPF)
3. Prepare for the weather and avoid being outdoors during high heat indexes or storms.
4. Wear other protective apparel for the activity, such as bicycle helmets, hats, sunglasses, footwear, safety vests, life vests, etc.
5. Always wear life vests when boating and jet skiing
6. Use caution around bonfires, fire pits, or sparklers.
7. Check outdoor toys, seats, and equipment for snakes and other critters hiding in the heat.
8. Test the temperature of playground equipment before children play
9. .Check for bees and wasps (and nests) in playground equipment, especially if a child has a known allergy

PET SAFETY

The safest place for your pets is at home where it's familiar, quiet, and comfortable. You should also be on the lookout in the days leading up to Independence Day since many people shoot off fireworks a few days before and after July 4th.

1. Ensure your pet's microchip and ID tags have the correct information. If your pet isn't microchipped, now is the time to do it! IDs are added to insurance and can help you find your pet if a neighbor grabs them. Microchipping can help you if your pet escapes and is dropped off at a vet or shelter.
2. Fill your pets' prescriptions before July.
3. Tire out your animals, either with exercise or play. 
4. Watch out for signs of heat stroke during the day. And always make sure your pet has a shaded area to escape the sun.
5. If you know you will be away from home during the 4th of July, consider hiring a pet sitter or getting a friend to watch your pet.

 

Keeping these tips in mind and using a little common sense during your celebrations will keep you, your kids, and your pets healthy and happy.

#visionsourcesouthhills

#DrClaudiaWendel

#PittsburghEyeCare

#PittsburghOptometrist 

#HappyJuly4Th

Sources:

www.redcross.org

www.lifeguardambulance.com

www.adt.com/