ISO 14490-8-2011 PDF

Full title and description

ISO 14490-8:2011 — Optics and optical instruments — Test methods for telescopic systems — Part 8: Test methods for night-vision devices. This part of ISO 14490 specifies standardized test methods for determining the performance of night-vision devices (NVDs) used with telescopic systems.

Abstract

ISO 14490-8:2011 describes laboratory test arrangements, measurement sequences and assessment criteria for objective evaluation of night-vision device characteristics as specified in ISO 21094. The standard provides procedures to measure optical, electrical and functional performance parameters of NVDs under defined test conditions.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed in ISO systematic reviews; active edition remains current).
• Publication date: September 2011 (ISO listing: 2011-09).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.020 (Optical instruments).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2011).
• Number of pages: 23 (ISO published PDF: 23 pages).

Scope

Defines test methods for objective assessment of night-vision devices intended for use with telescopic systems (for example monoculars, binoculars, goggles and similar image‑intensifier based equipment). It sets out required test-room conditions, power/illumination arrangements, measurement set-ups and procedures needed to determine performance characteristics such as resolution, magnification, field of view, exit pupil and other optical/electrical parameters in a repeatable way. The tests are intended to support specification, type‑testing and comparison of NVD performance as referenced in ISO 21094.

Key topics and requirements

• Laboratory test conditions: recommended ambient temperature and humidity ranges, dark-room illuminance levels and protection from stray light for repeatable measurements.
• Power and illumination requirements: use of dedicated power supplies or tightly controlled external supplies; lamp source characteristics and stability for collimators and test rigs.
• Optical and geometric measurements: magnification, angular field of view, exit pupil diameter, eye relief, image rotation and non-parallelism checks.
• Image performance metrics: limit of resolution, working resolution, range of vision/detection or recognition indicators, imperfections in the field of view and close‑focus distance.
• Test rigs and instrumentation: specifications for collimators, scales, reticles, and required measurement accuracies and read‑outs.
• Reporting and repeatability: prescribed reporting elements and repeatability/uncertainty considerations (references to ISO 5725‑1 for accuracy and repeatability).

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers of night-vision optics and image‑intensifier equipment, independent test laboratories, military and law‑enforcement procurement and acceptance teams, research and development groups, and certification bodies to verify product performance, support specifications and enable objective comparison between devices. The standard supports product design validation, quality control and contractual test requirements.

Related standards

Key related documents include ISO 21094 (Specifications for night vision devices) and other parts of the ISO 14490 series (for example ISO 14490‑1:2005 for basic characteristics and ISO 14490‑7 addressing limit of resolution test methods). These documents are produced by ISO/TC 172/SC 4 and are intended to be used together where relevant.

Keywords

night-vision devices; NVD; telescopic systems; test methods; image intensifier; resolution; field of view; exit pupil; eye relief; ISO 14490; ISO 21094; optical test procedures.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 14490-8:2011 is an ISO international standard that specifies test methods for objectively measuring the performance of night‑vision devices used with telescopic systems.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers laboratory test conditions, test arrangements and measurement procedures for optical, electrical and image‑performance characteristics of NVDs (resolution, magnification, field of view, exit pupil, etc.) to permit repeatable, comparable assessments.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Manufacturers, test laboratories, procurement and acceptance authorities (military, law enforcement), R&D teams and certification bodies use the standard for product verification, quality control and comparative evaluation.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The published edition is Edition 1 (2011). ISO indicates the publication was last reviewed and confirmed in subsequent systematic reviews (the ISO record shows confirmation activity through 2019 and review activity recorded through 2024); users should check with their national standards body or ISO for the latest revision status before relying on it for regulatory or contractual purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is Part 8 of the ISO 14490 series (Test methods for telescopic systems) and is intended to be used alongside related parts (for example ISO 14490‑1 and ISO 14490‑7) and the related specification ISO 21094.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Night‑vision device, NVD, telescopic systems, test methods, image intensifier, resolution, field of view, exit pupil, eye relief, ISO 14490, ISO 21094.