Fused thermal and direct view aiming sight

Abstract

A fused thermal and a direct view aiming sight includes an optical gun sight, a thermal sight, and a beam combiner. The optical sight generates a direct view image of an aiming point or reticle superimposed on a target scene. The thermal sight generates a monochromic thermal image of the target scene. The combiner is positioned behind a 1× non-magnified optical sight and the thermal sight and in front of an exit pupil of the thermal sight. The combiner is positioned right behind the intermediate image plane of a magnified optical sight between an objective lens and an eyepiece. The combiner passes the direct view image and reflects the thermal image to the exit pupil to fuse the thermal image onto the direct view image for an operator to see at the exit pupil as a combined thermal and direct view optical image of the target scene together with the aiming reticle.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 043,627, filed Jan. 26, 2005.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to aiming sights for use with firearms and, more particularly, to a fused thermal and a direct view aiming sight. [0004] 2. Background Art [0005] Conventional aiming sights superimpose an aiming reticle on the view of a target scene for the use of firearms during the day-time. For the use of guns, such conventional aiming sights include non-magnified (1×) aiming sights such as a reflex (red-dot) aiming sight as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 3,905,708; and also include holographic aiming sights as taught in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,483,362 and 6,490,060. For the use of rifles, such conventional aiming sights include magnified aiming sights such as a rifle scope. [0006] Conventional aiming sights for night-time use of firearms typically include a thermal...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides an aiming sight that fuses a thermal imaging sight with a direct view sight, allowing an operator to see both a thermal image and a direct view image simultaneously. The thermal imaging sight can provide a thermal image of a target scene while the direct view sight provides a direct view image of the target scene. The two images can be combined and superimposed on each other for the operator to see. The aiming sight can also include a beam combiner assembly that combines the direct view image with the thermal image, providing a superimposed thermal and direct view image for the operator to see. The thermal imaging sight can be used at night with an image intensified night vision device. The invention provides an improved aiming sight that allows an operator to see both a thermal image and a direct view image simultaneously, making it easier to identify and engage targets."

Problems solved by technology

However, a well-camouflaged target can be difficult for the CCD sensor to detect because camouflages are designed to blend into the background in the visible to near infrared (400 nm to 900 nm) spectral region.

However, target identification (e.g., friend or foe) with a thermal imager is difficult.

CCD video sensors and image displays have limited resolution and dynamic range.

Moreover, target aiming by looking at a display screen is indirect and relatively slower than by looking through a conventional aiming sight.

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