ISO 21094-2008 PDF

Full title and description

Optics and photonics — Telescopic systems — Specifications for night vision devices. This International Standard specifies requirements and specifications applicable to night-vision observation devices such as binoculars, monoculars and goggles used for low-light and night-time observation activities.

Abstract

ISO 21094:2008 applies to night vision devices (binoculars, monoculars, goggles and similar telescopic systems) intended for observation at night or under very low illumination — for example rescue actions, urgent repairs in darkness, night‑time surveillance and related activities. The standard defines specifications to describe and communicate device characteristics and intended use.

General information

• Status: Published (confirmed in periodic review; to be revised — replacement DIS under development).
• Publication date: February 2008 (edition 1, 2008).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 37.020 (Optical equipment / optics and photonics).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2008).
• Number of pages: 4 (concise international publication).

Scope

Specifies characteristic definitions and specification requirements for night-vision telescopic systems (analog devices covered by ISO 21094:2008). It is intended to provide a common basis for describing device performance, intended application and key characteristics for procurement, testing and product information. The draft ISO/DIS 21094 currently under development extends and updates the scope for analog night‑vision devices.

Key topics and requirements

• Device types covered: binoculars, monoculars, bioculars and goggles intended for night observation.
• Specification of optical/performance parameters used to describe night‑vision devices (image intensifier characteristics, field of view, magnification, resolution descriptors, etc.).
• Operational and environmental usage descriptors to communicate intended application (surveillance, search & rescue, maintenance in low light).
• Reference to related test methods for verifying performance (see ISO 14490‑8:2011 for test methods for night‑vision devices).
• Conformance and information requirements aimed at manufacturers, suppliers and procurers to ensure consistent specification and comparison.

Typical use and users

Used by manufacturers and designers of night‑vision optical equipment to present device specifications, by test laboratories and conformity assessment bodies for verification planning, and by procurement officers, rescue and security services, and technical buyers who need standardized descriptions of night‑vision device capabilities for selection and acquisition. The standard is referenced where low‑light operational use and consistent specification are required.

Related standards

Relevant companion and related documents include the draft replacement ISO/DIS 21094 (updating/specifying analog night‑vision device requirements), ISO 14490‑8:2011 (Optics and optical instruments — Test methods for telescopic systems — Part 8: Test methods for night‑vision devices), and ISO 14132‑5:2008 (vocabulary and terms for night‑vision devices). These documents are produced under ISO/TC 172/SC 4 (telescopic systems).

Keywords

night vision, night‑vision devices, telescopic systems, binoculars, monoculars, goggles, low‑light observation, performance specifications, image intensifier, ISO 21094.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 21094:2008 is an ISO international standard titled "Optics and photonics — Telescopic systems — Specifications for night vision devices" that defines how night‑vision telescopic devices are described and specified.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers specification elements and descriptive parameters for night‑vision devices such as binoculars, monoculars and goggles used for observation in very low light or night conditions (rescue, surveillance, maintenance in darkness, etc.). Test methods are covered separately (for example in ISO 14490‑8:2011).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Device manufacturers, test laboratories, procurement teams, rescue and security services, and technical specification writers use ISO 21094 to produce, test and compare night‑vision equipment specifications.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO 21094:2008 remains a published international standard (it was reviewed and confirmed in the ISO review cycle) but it is marked for revision; a draft replacement (ISO/DIS 21094) has been developed to update specifications for analog night‑vision devices. Users should check national/membership bodies or ISO for the latest status before procurement.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO work on telescopic systems under ISO/TC 172/SC 4. Related parts include vocabulary and test‑method standards (e.g., ISO 14132‑5 and ISO 14490‑8) which together support consistent definition and testing of night‑vision devices.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Night vision devices, telescopic systems, low‑light observation, binoculars, monoculars, goggles, performance specification, image intensifier, ISO 21094.