Night vision goggles (NVGs) are now a central part of a modern soldier’s inventory, allowing them to operate effectively in low-light and night environments. Soldiers also now use a myriad of electronic equipment, so it is crucial that NVGs can be used when operating various computer systems. In this blog, we discover more about how GRiD computers are compatible with the latest NVG devices.
Night vision devices (NVDs) for dismounted troops have been around for several decades, with the first generation of dismounted passive examples being deployed during the Vietnam War in the 1960s. These devices were often bulky with low light amplification, but they led the way in terms of providing the capability to see and operate during the night. They were especially useful in detecting and observing enemy forces that would attack under the cover of darkness.
The first generation of NVDs – such as the US Army’s ‘Starlight’ scope – utilised image-intensification (I2 – commonly referred to as ‘I squared’), which works by amplifying ambient light, normally from the moon and stars, and sometimes from an infrared (IR) source, then creating an image for the soldier. The image produced that is visible to the soldier is the monochrome green picture that most people associate with night vision.
NV technology, especially I2, has advanced significantly from those early first-generation examples. Modern systems are now optimised for size, weight and power (SWaP), with much-improved image resolution and low-light performance. Cost has also come down, meaning that most deployed soldiers now wear some kind of night vision goggle (NVG) that can be fitted to a helmet.
An example of just how much technology has progressed is the British Army’s latest NVGs, which now weigh just 450g!
I2 night vision has also been supplemented with thermal technology, which is a digital technology that leverages IR radiation (heat) produced by objects. As it doesn’t rely on ambient light, thermal night vision can be used in complete darkness, or even daytime, and can also see through obscurants such as smoke or dust, as well as highlight objects that may be camouflaged or hidden.
Using devices at night
As well as being equipped with the latest NVGs, the modern soldier is also likely to interact with many displays during a mission – not least mission computers, sensor and control displays, and battle management systems. If this is at night, then it is highly likely that they will be wearing NVGs and they will want to avoid removing them each time they look at a display.
As we have already seen, NVGs utilising I2 technology amplify light and are sensitive to specific wavelengths. This means that there is a chance that an operator could be temporarily blinded if they look at a bright display through their goggles. Modern I2 devices will have what’s known as an ‘auto gating’ feature, whereby the sensor will adaptively shut off if it experiences a sudden light change, however, this is not helpful when trying to work on a computer.
Take for example a marine operating on a vessel, who may be piloting it or looking at the sensor feed from the onboard electro-optic camera and radar – they will not want the auto gate function to enable nor will they want to be blinded. To retain all-round situational awareness and hands-on control, the marine will also not want to remove their NVGs to look at the computer displays. Therefore, the NVGs and display must be compatible and not provide any interference that hinders the mission.
How to achieve night vision device-display compatibility
GRiD Defence Systems has many years of experience in this space and tailors its computers to these specialist night vision requirements. On a number of projects, we have leveraged several methods for ensuring personnel can use both their NVGs and our computer displays simultaneously, significantly improving their capability during a mission.
One design method is to apply a permanent red light-blocking filter to the screen, which minimises red light and any interference with the NVGs. These filters can either be a film or glass, and they are typically permanently fitted to the display so that there is no need for the user to do anything. They can be cost-effective, but a downside is that these permanent filters can impact the display’s quality when not using NVGs, often reducing brightness and colour clarity.
Another approach to NVG compatibility is dual-LED display panels, which as the name suggests require two separate sets of LEDs for the backlight, one for normal operations and one for NVGs. In its ‘NVG mode’ the normal LEDs will be dimmed or switched off completely, and the NVG-compatible LEDs – normally illuminating in a wavelength that doesn’t interfere with night vision – will be on. This addresses the downsides of applying a red light filter, although this comes at a cost and parts are usually bespoke and more expensive.
A third method, and a common approach by GRiD customers, is being able to fully control the brightness of the backlight through software or via buttons on the computer itself, allowing users to fully dim the display to the level that is compatible with the NVGs being worn. GRiD’s in-house firmware engineers have full control over the number of steps between fully bright and off, tailoring the brightness control to each individual display and customer requirement. This means that customers do not have to buy bespoke displays or filters, and can leverage the system as it is delivered.
Customers can also utilise a ‘blackout’ button, which will shut off all lights on the device in certain tactical situations, which is very useful when operating at night.
Conclusion
GRiD has many years of experience supplying computers to users that require compatibility with night vision devices, especially NVGs. Our UK manufacturing capability and status as a rugged computer OEM allows us to tailor our laptops and tablets for specialist missions and for whichever NVG-compatible display is preferred by the user.
Drop an email to sales@griduk.com if you want to learn more.
