Elevation adjustment adapter for viewing optics with integrated display system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a viewing optic. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optics with an active display and an elevation adjustment adapter. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optics with an integrated display system that may incorporate and account for an elevation adjustment adapter and display a correct drop in a first focal plane of the viewing optics.

Description

[0001] Citation of Related Applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 391,299, filed Jul. 21, 2022, and is a non-provisional application of the U.S. Provisional Application, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an elevation adder. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an integrated display system and an elevation adder. In yet another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an active display system that can incorporate and account for the elevation adder and display the correct drop in the first focal plane of the observation optical device. Background Art

[0004] Riflescopes have been in use for over a century. Although the quality and features of these devices have improved significantly over the years, the core components (and their limitations) used in their design, manufacture, and use remain largely the same today as they were 100 years ago. A riflescope creates an amplified or unamplified image of a scene distant from the shooter in a focal plane that coincides with an aiming feature or reticle. The reticle is composed of wires or materials deposited on a glass surface in a certain pattern and serves as an aiming reference corresponding to the trajectory of the rifle to which it is attached. The reticle may also include specific features to assist the shooter in distance judgment and compensating for bullet deviation at different distances.

[0005] Turrets are also used to adjust the position of the reticle relative to the target to compensate for bullet deviation. This is a well-developed and reliable system that can be used by experienced and skilled shooters to perform challenging long-range shots. With the aid of a laser rangefinder (LRF), a ballistic computer, and careful attention to detail, an experienced shooter can routinely hit a target at the maximum effective range of their firearm by making the necessary mechanical adjustments to the firearm and / or executing the correct hold on the reticle pattern.

[0006] Although the system functions well, there is always a desire to improve it. In particular, there is a desire to reduce the complexity involved in hitting long-range targets. To effectively hit long-range targets, a large amount of information is required on a shot-by-shot basis, and the shooter must be able to process this information and make correct judgments and calculations in real time. In addition to the rifle scope, the shooter also needs other tools to ensure accurate shot placement. For example, a bubble level that needs to be mounted outside the rifle scope to ensure that the optics are level before a shot is executed. This requires the shooter to move his or her head away from the pupil of the optics to check his or her level.

[0007] A laser rangefinder and a ballistic computer are also needed to measure the target distance and calculate the bullet trajectory. This again requires the shooter to focus on external devices and then remember the data when making the necessary adjustments. If a laser rangefinder mounted on the weapon is used, the shooter needs to take special care to ensure that the aiming point of the optics exactly corresponds to the aiming point of the LRF.

[0008] In addition, of no small importance for the use of a rifle scope is that it is only useful during the day. Once night begins to fall, thermal and / or night vision devices must be attached to the weapon in front of the rifle scope. These devices capture other forms of radiation that are invisible to the human eye due to their wavelength or low intensity. These devices then either recreate an image of the scene or enhance it and re-image the scene into the objective lens of the rifle scope. These devices are effective and necessary for low-light conditions, but they are also bulky and large.

[0009] In the case of thermal imaging devices, the thermal scene is imaged onto a special thermal sensor via infrared optics. The image is then recreated on a microdisplay, which is then re-imaged into the objective lens of a rifle scope with a visible light optical system. The two separate optical systems required to accomplish this result in the device being quite large, bulky, and expensive.

[0010] With the advancement of technology, some degree of system integration is needed to reduce the heavy processing requirements on the shooter. This integration is also required to reduce the traditionally rather long "lock-on time" when multiple devices must be referenced and calculations and adjustments must be made. And finally, the size and weight of the additional devices required to effectively use a rifle scope in low-light conditions can be reduced with a more integrated solution.

[0011] Observation optics with an integrated display system have previously been described in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,606,061, 10,520,716, and 10,180,565, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Observation optics with a display system provide a significant increase in capabilities compared to traditional optics. It is possible to project a aiming point into the first focal plane using observation optics with a display system. Additionally, using the display system, a compass heading can be shown, camera input can be displayed, wireless data can be transmitted, training programs can be run, and many other capabilities can be utilized.

[0012] Technologies that increase in capabilities tend to increase in size, weight, and cost. While some users may truly benefit from all the features, other users may not use their capabilities and would prefer a lighter and less costly observation optic.

[0013] One alternative is to produce multiple variants of observation optics with an integrated display system that cover different combinations of increased capabilities and enabling elements. The drawback of this approach is that inventory levels can grow quickly, and building features directly into the optic may limit the easy upgradeability of any added components.

[0014] Accordingly, there is still a need for an observation optic with an integrated display system having a modular system, such as a modular mounting system, such that the observation optic can accept different attachment or enabling devices that can be easily selected, added, and removed by an end user. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein address all of these drawbacks in an innovative way. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system including: an observation optic having an optical system with an objective system that focuses a target image from an external scene onto a first focal plane, where the first focal plane is located between the objective system and an erecting system that inverts the target image, and an active display configured to generate an image that is projected onto the first focal plane of the optical system; and an elevation adjustment adapter configured to communicate with the active display.

[0016] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system including: (a) an elevation adjustment adapter; and (b) an observation optic having an active display, the observation optic configured to communicate with the elevation adjustment adapter, where the observation optic detects an additional elevation provided by the elevation adjustment adapter and transmits the additional elevation to the active display, where the active display generates a correct bullet drop in the first focal point of the observation optic.

[0017] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system including: (a) an elevation adjustment adapter; and (b) an observation optical device including a main tube, an objective lens system coupled to a first end of the main tube, an eyepiece system coupled to a second end of the main tube, an erecting lens system disposed between the objective lens system and the eyepiece system, a first focal plane located between the objective lens system and the erecting lens system, and an active display. The observation optical device is configured to determine an additional elevation angle provided by the elevation adjustment adapter and transmit the additional elevation angle to the active display, wherein the active display generates an image selected from the group consisting of a digital reticle, a corrected aiming point, or a ballistic solution, and wherein the image is projected into a first focal point of the observation optical device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the image is a digital reticle. In another embodiment, the image is a corrected aiming point. In another embodiment, the image is a ballistic solution.

[0019] In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment adapter is configured to communicate with the active display via a wireless connection. In another embodiment, the elevation adjustment adapter is configured to communicate with the active display via a wired connection.

[0020] In one embodiment, the observation optical device is configured to communicate with the elevation adjustment adapter via a wireless connection. In another embodiment, the observation optical device is configured to communicate with the elevation adjustment adapter via a wired connection.

[0021] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including: a body having a first end and a second end and having a central axis; an objective lens system disposed within the body, the objective lens system focusing a target image from an external scene; an eyepiece system disposed within the body; an erecting lens system disposed within the body, the objective lens system, the eyepiece system, and the erecting lens system forming an optical system having a first focal plane and a second focal plane, the first focal plane being close to the objective lens system and the second focal plane being close to the eyepiece; an active display configured to generate an image; a lens system configured to collect light from the active display; and an optical waveguide configured to combine the generated image from the active display with the target image.

[0022] In one embodiment, a combined image of the generated image from the active display and the target image is focused on the second focal plane.

[0023] In one embodiment, the optical waveguide has a first diffraction pattern and a second diffraction pattern.

[0024] In another embodiment, the first diffraction pattern of the active display, the lens system, and the waveguide is located below the eyepiece system.

[0025] In one embodiment, an observation optical device has a main tube, an objective lens system coupled to a first end of the main tube, and an eyepiece system coupled to a second end of the main tube. The main tube, the objective lens system, and the eyepiece system are cooperatively configured to define at least one focal plane. The observation optical device further includes a beam combiner located between the objective lens system and the first focal plane. The observation optical device further includes an integrated display system including an active display, wherein the active display generates a digital image and projects the digital image onto the beam combiner such that the digital image and the target image from the objective lens system can be combined at the first focal plane.

[0026] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a first optical system and a second optical system. The first optical system includes an objective lens system that focuses an image from a target onto a first focal plane (hereinafter referred to as the "FFP target image"), followed by an erecting lens system that inverts the FFP target image and focuses it onto a second focal plane (hereinafter referred to as the "SFP target image"), a beam combiner placed between the objective lens system and the FFP target image, and an eyepiece system that collimates the SFP target image so that it can be observed by the human eye. In one embodiment, the second optical system has an active display for generating an image and a lens system for collecting light from the active display. The image from the digital display is directed to the beam combiner such that the digital image and the target image from the objective lens system can be combined at the first focal plane and observed simultaneously.

[0027] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body and a base coupled to the main body. The main body has an optical system for observing an external scene, and the base has an integrated display system for generating an image and guiding the generated image for simultaneous overlapping observation of the generated image and the image of the external scene in a first focal plane of the main body. In one embodiment, the base is separable from the main body. In one embodiment, the base is coupled to the bottom of the main body. In yet another embodiment, the base has a cavity containing the integrated display system. In another embodiment, the cavity may further have compartments for one or more power supplies.

[0028] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body and a base. The main body has a direct observation optical device for observing an image of an external scene, and the base has an integrated display system, wherein the integrated display system uses an active display to generate an image and guides the image for simultaneous overlapping observation of the generated image and the image of the external scene.

[0029] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body and a base coupled to the bottom of the main body. The main body has a main optical system, which includes an objective lens system that focuses an image from a target onto a first focal plane (hereinafter referred to as the "FFP target image"), a beam combiner placed between the objective lens system and the FFP target image, followed by an erecting lens system that inverts the FFP target image and focuses it onto a second focal plane (hereinafter referred to as the "SFP target image"), and finally an eyepiece system that collimates the SFP target image so that it can be observed by the human eye. The base has a cavity containing an integrated display system for generating and guiding the generated image for simultaneous overlapping observation of the generated image and the image of the external scene in the first focal plane of the main body.

[0030] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body and a base. The main body has an optical system for observing an external scene, and the base has an active display for generating an image, wherein the generated image is combined with the image of the external scene in the first focal plane of the optical system.

[0031] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body and a base coupled to the bottom of the main body. The main body has an optical system for observing an external scene, and the base has a cavity containing an active display for generating an image, wherein the generated image is combined with the image of the external scene in the first focal plane of the optical system.

[0032] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body with a first optical system for observing an external image and a second optical system including a digital display mounted in a housing. The housing is parallel to the first optical system, and the image of the second optical system is combined with the image of the first optical system in the first focal plane of the optical device. In one embodiment, the second optical system includes an active display. In yet another embodiment, the second optical system includes a lens system for collecting light from the active display.

[0033] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body and a housing coupled to the main body. The main body has a first optical system for observing an external image, and the housing has an integrated display system for generating an image, wherein the image of the integrated display system is combined with the image of the first optical system in the first focal plane of the optical device.

[0034] In one embodiment, the integrated display system includes an active display, a light collector, and a reflective surface or material (including but not limited to a mirror). In one embodiment, the active display can generate images, including but not limited to text, alphanumeric, graphics, symbols, and / or video images, icons, etc., including an active reticle, a calibrated aiming point, range measurement, and wind direction information.

[0035] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device, including: an observation optical device, including: an optical system configured to define a first focal plane; an active display and a reflective material, the active display for generating an image, the reflective material for guiding the image to the first focal plane; and one or more adjustment mechanisms for performing one or more of the following: (a) moving the active display relative to the reflective material, and (b) moving the reflective material relative to the active display.

[0036] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a housing coupled to the body of an observation optical device, wherein the housing contains a display for generating an image that can be injected into the first focal plane of the body such that the image of the display on the first focal plane is not associated with the movement of the erecting tube.

[0037] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including a body and a base coupled to the bottom of the body, the body having an optical system for observing an external scene, the base having an active display for generating an image, a sensor for detecting the presence of a user, and a processor in communication with the sensor and capable of controlling the power state of the observation optical device, wherein the generated image is combined with the image of the external scene in the first focal plane of the optical system.

[0038] In one embodiment, the active display is configured to emit light in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis of the observation optical device.

[0039] In one embodiment, the active display is configured to emit light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical device.

[0040] In one embodiment, the mirror is oriented at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the light emitted by the display.

[0041] In one embodiment, the display and the mirror are located on a common side of the body of the observation optical device.

[0042] In one embodiment, the display and the mirror are located on opposite sides of the body of the observation optical device.

[0043] In one embodiment, the display and the mirror are located on a common side of the base coupled to the body of the observation optical device.

[0044] In one embodiment, the display and the mirror are located on opposite sides of a base coupled to the body of the viewing optical device.

[0045] In one embodiment, the mirror is located on the objective side of a base coupled to the body of the viewing optical device.

[0046] In one embodiment, the active display is located on the eyepiece side of a base coupled to the body of the viewing optical device.

[0047] In one embodiment, the methods and apparatus disclosed herein allow an end user to easily distinguish digital overlays from a daylight optical scene.

[0048] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optical device having both an analog reticle and a digital reticle, where the analog reticle and the digital reticle are visible to a user when viewing through the viewing optical device.

[0049] In one embodiment, the viewing optical device is used in combination with a firearm. In one embodiment, the viewing optical device is a rifle scope. In one embodiment, the rifle scope can be used in conjunction with an external laser rangefinder having ballistic calculation capabilities. In one embodiment, the rifle scope is rigidly mounted to the firearm, and the laser rangefinder is mounted to the firearm or the rifle scope.

[0050] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a sighting system including a rifle scope, a laser rangefinder for measuring the distance to a target, and components for calculating the trajectory for hitting the target, the rifle scope having a body and a base, the body having a first optical viewing system for viewing an external scene, the base having an integrated display system for generating an image, where the base is coupled to the bottom of the body, and further, where the generated image and the image of the external scene are combined in a first focal plane of the optical system. In one embodiment, the integrated display system can digitally display the calculated information and the correct aiming point, the correct aiming point corresponding to the impact point of a rifle bullet, where the digitally displayed aiming point and the external scene are overlapped and displayed in the first focal plane of the rifle scope.

[0051] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a sighting system including a rifle scope having a body and a base, the body having a first optical viewing system for viewing an external scene, the base having an integrated display system for generating an image, where the base is coupled to the bottom of the body, and further, where the generated image and the image of the external scene are combined in a first focal plane of the optical system, and the laser rangefinder for measuring the distance to the target and the components for calculating the trajectory for hitting the target are located in the body of the rifle scope.

[0052] In another embodiment, the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein allow for a maximized vertical adjustment range of the active reticle within a rifle scope by specifically orienting the device responsible for emitting the enhanced image.

[0053] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for aligning the tilt of the vertical axis of a microdisplay with the vertical axis of a reticle in an optical system of an observation optical device, which is compact, simple, and precise.

[0054] In one embodiment, the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein allow for the seamless combination of a processed digital image into a daytime visible light optical device.

[0055] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an active display integrated into a first focal plane (FFP), utilizing an axially oriented data or communication port to maintain a minimized physical top-down profile.

[0056] An advantage of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein is that multiple advanced aiming functions can be utilized while maintaining a direct view of the target scene.

[0057] An advantage of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein is that injecting the generated image from the active display into the first focal plane of the optical system allows the generated image to be unaffected by any changes in turret adjustment or the position of the erecting system.

[0058] An advantage of the apparatuses and methods disclosed herein is that the modular / scalable system allows for the use of additional enabling technologies without the need for separate system combinations. The observation optical device with an enabling interface allows the user to select specific enabling elements relevant to their needs.

[0059] The features, components, steps, or aspects of one embodiment described herein can be combined with the features, components, steps, or aspects of other embodiments without limitation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0060] Figure 1A is a schematic diagram depicting the parts of a rifle scope.

[0061] Figure 1B is a schematic diagram depicting additional parts and components of an observation optical device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 1C is according to one embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 1B of a cross-sectional view of an observation optical device, showing movable optical elements within the optical device body.

[0063] Figure 1DSchematic diagram of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, depicting a parallax adjustment knob.

[0064] Figure 1E Schematic diagram of an erect image system in an optical element of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 2 Side view of a riflescope having a main body and a base coupled to the main body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 3 Cross-sectional view of an observation optical device having a main body according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the main body having a beam combiner located between an objective lens assembly and a first focal plane.

[0067] Figure 4 Representative schematic diagram showing a longitudinally split main body of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0068] Figure 5A Representative schematic diagram of a conventional parallax adjustment knob having a cam pin located in a cam groove on the parallax knob.

[0069] Figure 5B Representative schematic diagram of a conventional parallax adjustment knob showing a cam pin connecting various aspects of a focusing unit to the parallax knob.

[0070] Figure 5C Representative schematic diagram of a parallax adjustment system. A linkage that can be used for parallax adjustment is shown. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the focusing unit (parallax lens) has been moved to create space for placing the beam combiner (prism) in front of the first focal plane.

[0071] Figure 5D Representative schematic diagram of a parallax adjustment system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing one end of a linkage having a cam pin located in a cam groove of a parallax adjustment knob assembly.

[0072] Figure 5E Representative schematic diagram of a parallax adjustment system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the parallax adjustment system having a linkage with one end connected to a focusing unit and the other end connected to a cam pin.

[0073] Figure 5F Representative schematic diagram of a parallax adjustment system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the parallax adjustment system having a linkage with one end connected to a focusing unit and the other end connected to a cam pin located in a cam groove on the parallax knob.

[0074] Figure 6A representative schematic diagram showing an erecting sleeve with a potentiometer slider according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0075] Figure 7 A representative schematic diagram showing the placement of a thin-film potentiometer on the body of a rifle scope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0076] Figure 8 A representative schematic diagram showing an erecting sleeve with a potentiometer slider installed and a thin-film potentiometer installed on the body of a rifle scope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0077] Figure 9 A block diagram of various components of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0078] Figure 10 A top view of a rifle scope having a body and a base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0079] Figure 11 A side view of a portion of a rifle scope having a body and a base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0080] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of a side cross-section of a rifle scope having a body and a base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the body having a glass-etched reticle and the base having an integrated display system.

[0081] Figure 13 A representative schematic diagram showing a side cross-section of an integrated display system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0082] Figure 14 A schematic diagram of a side cross-section of the body of an observation optical device and a base having an integrated display system, wherein the base is coupled to at least a portion of the body.

[0083] Figure 15 A representative depiction of an integrated display system for imaging a digital display onto a first focal plane of the body of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0084] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the body of an observation optical device and a base having an integrated display system with an active display, wherein the active display is located in a portion of the base closest to the objective lens assembly compared to the eyepiece assembly of the body of the observation optical device.

[0085] Figure 17Schematic diagram of the main body of an observation optical device and a base having an integrated display system with an active display, wherein the active display is located in the part of the base closest to the eyepiece assembly as compared to the objective lens assembly of the main body of the observation optical device.

[0086] Figure 18 Representative schematic diagram showing the aspect ratio of a microdisplay according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0087] Figure 19 Depicts an integrated display system having a digital display of 530 nm - 570 nm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0088] Figure 20 Schematic diagram of an exemplary image that can be displayed using a digital display of 530 nm - 570 nm according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0089] Figure 21 Depicts an integrated display system having an AMOLED digital display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] Figure 22 Schematic diagram of an exemplary image that can be displayed using an AMOLED digital display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0091] Figure 23 Representative schematic diagram showing a side cross-sectional view of an active display and an optical system having an inner lens unit and an outer lens unit according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0092] Figure 24 Side cross-sectional view of an integrated display system having a condenser system mounted in an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0093] Figure 25 Representative schematic diagram of a top view of an integrated display system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated display system having an active display, a condenser system including an inner unit and an outer unit, a mirror, and a screw for adjusting the tilt of the active display.

[0094] Figure 26 Representative schematic diagram of a rear cross-sectional view of an integrated display system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated display system having an active display, a condenser system including an inner unit and an outer unit, a mirror, and a screw for adjusting the tilt of the active display.

[0095] Figure 27A representative depiction of a side cross-section showing a microdisplay, an inner lens unit and an outer lens unit, and a spring located between the inner unit and the outer unit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0096] Figure 28A A representative depiction of an integrated display system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing surfaces that can be used to adjust the position of the inner lens unit and eliminate parallax errors.

[0097] Figure 28B A representative depiction of an integrated display system in an embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a lens system.

[0098] Figure 29 A representative depiction of a side cross-section of an integrated display system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated display system having a microdisplay, an optical system, and a mirror with tilt adjustment capabilities mounted in an observation optical device.

[0099] Figure 30 A representative schematic left view of a battery compartment in a base that can be coupled to the body of a rifle scope, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] Figure 31 A representative schematic right view of an integrated battery compartment in a base that can be coupled to the body of a rifle scope, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0101] Figure 32 A representative schematic top view of an integrated battery compartment in a base that can be coupled to the body of a rifle scope, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Figure 33 A representative schematic side view of a base having a battery compartment that can be used to couple to a Picatinny rail, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0103] Figure 34 A representative schematic front view of a cantilevered Picatinny rail of a battery compartment coupled to a base, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] Figure 35 A representative schematic top view of a cantilevered Picatinny rail of a battery compartment coupled to a base, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0105] Figure 36 A representative schematic profile side view of a rifle scope having a body and a base, the base having an axially oriented data / communication connection, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Figure 37A representative schematic diagram of a rifle scope having a main body and a base according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the base having one or more connection interfaces for communicating with a thermal imaging unit.

[0107] Figure 38 A left rear view of an embodiment of a rifle scope having a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0108] Figure 39 A right rear view of an embodiment of a rifle scope having a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0109] Figure 40 A right rear view of an embodiment of a rifle scope having a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0110] Figure 41 A left front view of an embodiment of a rifle scope having a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0111] Figure 42 A right front view of an embodiment of a rifle scope having a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0112] Figure 43 A left side view of an embodiment of a rifle scope having a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0113] Figure 44 A right side view of an embodiment of a rifle scope having a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0114] Figure 45 A right side view of an embodiment of a rifle scope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0115] Figure 46 A top view of an embodiment of a rifle scope according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0116] Figure 47 A right side view of an embodiment of a rifle scope having a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0117] Figure 48 A top view of an embodiment of a rifle scope having a laser rangefinder according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0118] Figure 49A representative schematic diagram of a holographic waveguide device provided with a digital display according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the digital display being coupled to the waveguide and emitting from a second hologram that focuses light onto a predetermined focal plane.

[0119] Figure 50 A representative schematic diagram of an alternative configuration of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0120] Figure 51 A representative schematic diagram of an alternative configuration of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0121] Figure 52 A representative schematic diagram of an alternative configuration of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0122] Figure 53 A representative depiction of a 1X reticle, showing passive (fixed or etched) reticle features and markings or features from an active display.

[0123] Figure 54 A representative depiction of an 8X reticle, showing passive (fixed or etched) reticle features and markings or features from an active display.

[0124] Figure 55 A representative depiction of an 8X reticle, showing passive (fixed or etched) reticle features and markings or features from an active display (including range measurement and windage ballistic compensation marks (holdover marks)).

[0125] Figure 56 A representative depiction of an 8X reticle, showing passive (fixed or etched) reticle features and markings or features from an active display (including range measurement and windage ballistic compensation marks).

[0126] Figure 57 A representative depiction of a reticle with standard etched and filled sections and an image generated from a digital display.

[0127] Figure 58 A representative depiction of a BDC reticle with range markings.

[0128] Figure 59 A representative schematic diagram depicting the effect of left / right cant on shooting.

[0129] Figure 60 A representative schematic diagram of a digital or active display that can compensate for left / right cant.

[0130] Figure 61Is a representative depiction of a reticle with a target at a distance of 500 yards, showing the real-time drop position and wind holds for 500 yards.

[0131] Figure 62 Is a representative depiction of a reticle with a target at a distance of 1000 yards, showing the real-time drop and wind holds for 1000 yards.

[0132] Figure 63 Is a representative depiction of a wide-angle view of a reticle at low magnification with fewer rows of dots below the horizontal crosshair.

[0133] Figure 64 Is a representative depiction of the central portion of a reticle at higher magnification with a smaller central grid.

[0134] Figure 65 Is a representative depiction of a side view of a 1-8x active reticle riflescope. The magnification adjustment ring can be seen on the right side of the image.

[0135] Figure 66 Is a representative depiction of a side view of a 1-8x active reticle riflescope, where the body of the scope is hidden and the outer cam sleeve is revealed. The outer cam sleeve rotates with the magnification adjustment ring to change the magnification setting.

[0136] Figure 67 Is a representative view of the base of the observation optics with a circuit board that contains a photoelectric sensor and an LED for measuring the position of a reflective gradient material attached to the outer cam sleeve. The outer cam sleeve and the associated optical system are hidden in this image.

[0137] Figure 68 Is a representative exploded view of the photoelectric sensor and the LED, with an analog cone drawn to illustrate the light acceptance angle of the photoelectric sensor.

[0138] Figure 69 and Figure 70 Is a representative image of the photoelectric sensor and the LED, which work in combination with a reflective gradient band attached to the outer cam sleeve to measure the magnification setting of the optics. The illustration shows a gradient band with 4 specific zones of different reflectivities, each zone associated with an optical magnification setting, but it should be noted that the reflectivity of such a band can vary infinitely.

[0139] Figure 71 Is a representative schematic diagram of the observation optics, which has a beam combiner in the body and a photoelectric sensor and a filter attached to the beam combiner.

[0140] Figure 72 is a representative depiction of the rear of an observation optical device, showing a window machined in a base that is coupled to the body of the observation optical device, a proximity sensor, and a carrier, all of which are located below the eyepiece.

[0141] Figure 73 and Figure 74 is a representative illustration of an observation optical device having a base with an energy-saving system, where the observation optical device is mounted on a rifle.

[0142] Figure 75 and Figure 76 is a representative schematic of an observation optical device having power pins protruding through the base, which is coupled to the body of the observation optical device.

[0143] Figure 77 is a representative profile side view of the base, showing power pins protruding through the base of the observation optical device.

[0144] Figure 78 is a representative depiction of a side profile where the base of the observation optical device is made transparent to show the power pins attached to a PCB.

[0145] Figure 79 is a representative image of the top of a remote control keyboard for communicating with an observation optical device.

[0146] Figure 80 is a representative side profile of the remote control keyboard, showing power pins protruding through a built-in recoil lug.

[0147] Figure 81 is a representative bottom view showing two power pins protruding through a remote recoil lug.

[0148] Figure 82 is a representative bottom view with the lid made transparent to show the PCB within the remote body.

[0149] Figure 83 is a representative depiction of a keyboard having three buttons for communicating with the observation optical device disclosed herein.

[0150] Figure 84 is a representative depiction of an observation optical device having a mechanical switch for changing the function of a remote control keyboard for communicating with the observation optical device.

[0151] Figure 85 is a representative depiction of a display system for an observation optical device having a first active display and a second active display.

[0152] Figure 86Is a representative depiction of an image from an active display with high bit depth and high resolution.

[0153] Figure 87 Is a representative depiction of an image from an active display with low bit depth and low resolution.

[0154] Figure 88 Is an image of a printed circuit board with optoelectronic sensor, LED, and microprocessor functions.

[0155] Figure 89 Is a representative depiction of a turret with a reflective gradient band attached to the outer turret sleeve to measure turret position. The figure shows a gradient band with 4 specific zones of different reflectivities, but it should be noted that the reflectivity of such a band can vary infinitely.

[0156] Figure 90 Is a schematic depiction of the principle of near home position and far home position.

[0157] Figure 91 Is a schematic diagram of a magazine follower and magazine with magnets that are components of a cartridge counter system according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0158] Figure 92 Is a schematic diagram of a magazine follower, magazine, and sensors located on a circuit board for detecting magnetic fields according to an embodiment disclosed herein.

[0159] Figure 93A Is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a cartridge counter system installed in the lower receiver of a firearm M4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The magazine follower is raised in the magazine and shows approximately 8 cartridges remaining.

[0160] Figure 93B Is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a cartridge counter system installed in the lower receiver of a firearm M4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The magazine follower is raised in the magazine and shows approximately 4 cartridges remaining.

[0161] Figure 93C Is a schematic diagram of a cross-sectional view of a cartridge counter system installed in the lower receiver of a firearm M4 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the magazine follower is raised in the magazine and shows zero cartridges remaining in the magazine.

[0162] Figure 94A and Figure 94B Is a representative schematic diagram of another embodiment of a cartridge counter system, where according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the magazine follower has magnets that interact with iron-containing wires in or on the magazine wall.

[0163] Figure 95A representative photograph of an observation optical device on a firearm with an integrated display system and a cartridge counter system in a conventional layout, where, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated display system and the cartridge counter system communicate via a cable.

[0164] Figure 96 A representative photograph of an observation optical device on a firearm with an integrated display system and a cartridge counter system in a bullpup layout, where, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the integrated display system and the cartridge counter system communicate via a cable.

[0165] Figure 97 A representative depiction showing multiple positions for an IR laser mounted to the observation optical device disclosed herein.

[0166] Figure 98 A representative photograph of a rifle scope showing the perspective looking through the objective lens of the scope.

[0167] Figure 99 A representative photograph of a rifle scope showing the left side perspective of the rifle scope (right and left as determined from the perspective of a user looking through the eyepiece).

[0168] Figure 100 A representative photograph of a rifle scope showing the right side perspective of the rifle scope (right and left as determined from the perspective of a user looking through the eyepiece).

[0169] Figure 101 A representative photograph of a rifle scope showing the perspective looking through the eyepiece system.

[0170] Figure 102 A representative depiction of an observation optical device having a front powering interface and a rear powering interface and a cover located above the powering interfaces.

[0171] Figure 103 A representative depiction of an observation optical device having a front powering interface and a rear powering interface and a laser rangefinder located above the rear powering interface.

[0172] Figure 104 A representative depiction of an observation optical device having a laser rangefinder coupled to the rear powering interface and a front powering interface, the rear powering interface being positioned towards the eyepiece side of the observation optical device, the front powering interface having no powering elements or accessory components.

[0173] Figure 105 A representative depiction of an observation optical device showing the configuration of a powering interface having cutouts for weight reduction.

[0174] Figure 106Is a representative depiction of an observation optical device, showing the configuration of an enabling interface with a flat, uninterrupted surface except for the central cavity.

[0175] Figure 107 Is a representative depiction of an observation optical device, depicting a rear enabling interface located behind the etched reticle and elevation adjustment.

[0176] Figure 108 Is a representative depiction of a rear enabling interface, depicting a standard 20-pin connector.

[0177] Figure 109 Is a representative depiction of an observation optical device, describing a front enabling interface located in front of the etched reticle and elevation adjustment.

[0178] Figure 110 Is a representative depiction of a front enabling interface, depicting a standard 20-pin connector.

[0179] Figure 111 Is a representative exploded view of a mechanism for mounting an imaging enabling element to an observation optical device.

[0180] Figure 112 Is another representative exploded view of a mechanism for mounting an imaging enabling element to an observation optical device.

[0181] Figure 113 Is a representative left front view of an imaging enabling element mounted to an observation optical device.

[0182] Figure 114 Is a representative right front view of an imaging enabling element mounted to an observation optical device.

[0183] Figure 115 Is a representative front view of an imaging enabling element mounted to an observation optical device.

[0184] Figure 116 Is a representative photograph of a thermal hotspot superimposed on an image scene.

[0185] Figure 117 Is a representative left side view with an attached objective display module.

[0186] Figure 118 Is a representative right front side view with a transparent objective display model.

[0187] Figure 119 Is a representative top view with a detached objective display module.

[0188] Figure 120 Is a representative top view with an attached transparent objective display model.

[0189] Figure 121Is a representative front view without an objective lens display module.

[0190] Figure 122 Is a representative front view with an attached transparent objective lens display module.

[0191] Figure 123 Is a representative left side view of an imager module mounted on an attached objective lens.

[0192] Figure 124 Is a representative top view of an imager module mounted on an attached transparent objective lens.

[0193] Figure 125 Is a representative top view with an attached objective lens display module.

[0194] Figure 126 Is a representative front view without an objective lens display module.

[0195] Figure 127 Is a representative front view of an alternative embodiment with a vertically stacked top imager and bottom imager without an objective lens display module.

[0196] Figure 128 Is a representative top view of an imager module mounted on an attached transparent objective lens.

[0197] Figure 129 Is a representative depiction of a second focal plane display. Detailed Description

[0198] The devices and methods disclosed herein will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown. However, the devices and methods disclosed herein may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0199] Those skilled in the art will understand that a collection of features and / or capabilities can be readily adapted in standalone weapon sights, front or rear clip-on weapon sights, and other arrangements of field-deployable optical weapon sights. Additionally, those skilled in the art will understand that various combinations of features and capabilities can be incorporated into attachment modules for retrofitting any kind of existing fixed or variable weapon sight.

[0200] It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on another element or layer,” “connected to another element or layer,” or “coupled to another element or layer,” it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer. Alternatively, intervening elements or layers may be present. More specifically, when an element is referred to as being “directly on another element or layer,” “directly connected to another element or layer,” or “directly coupled to another element or layer,” no intervening elements or layers are present.

[0201] The same numbers always refer to the same elements. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0202] It will be understood that although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another. Thus, a first element, component, region, or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, or section without departing from the present disclosure.

[0203] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as “below,” “beneath,” “lower,” “above,” “upper,” etc. may be used herein to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature shown in the figures. It will be understood that the spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, an element described as “below” or “beneath” another element or feature will then be oriented “above” the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptors used herein are to be interpreted accordingly.

[0204] I. Definitions

[0205] The numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximate, so values outside the range may be included unless otherwise stated. The numerical ranges include all values from the lower limit value to the upper limit value (including the lower limit value and the upper limit value) in increments of one unit, provided that there is at least a two-unit interval between any lower limit value and any upper limit value. As an example, for instance, if a compositional property, a physical property, or other properties (such as molecular weight, viscosity, etc.) ranges from 100 to 1000, it means that individual values (such as 100, 101, 102, etc.) and sub-ranges (such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc.) are all explicitly listed. For ranges that include values less than 1 or include fractions greater than 1 (e.g., 1.1, 1.5, etc.), one unit is considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, or 0.1, as appropriate. For ranges that include single-digit numbers less than 10 (e.g., 1 to 5), one unit is typically considered to be 0.1. These are merely examples of specific intentions, and all possible combinations of the numerical values between the lowest value and the highest value listed are considered to be explicitly stated in this disclosure. Numerical ranges for distances from a user of a device to a target, etc. are provided within this disclosure.

[0206] As used herein in phrases such as “A and / or B,” the term “and / or” is intended to include both A and B; A or B; (only) A; and (only) B. Similarly, as used in phrases such as “A, B, and / or C,” the term “and / or” is intended to cover each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; (only) A; (only) B; and (only) C.

[0207] As used herein, an “active display” includes pixel modulation to create an image. In one embodiment, the active display is an emissive active display. An emissive active display (including but not limited to organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) is characterized in that the image and the light source are located in a single device, so no external light source is required. This minimizes the system size and power consumption while providing excellent contrast and color space. An OLED is made of an ultrathin organic semiconductor layer that emits light when connected to a voltage (charge carriers become injected, and the luminance is mainly proportional to the forward current). The main layers sequentially include several organic materials (e.g., charge transport layer, blocking layer, and emission layer - each layer is a few nanometers thick), which are inserted between the anode and the cathode. The terms “active display,” “digital display,” and “microdisplay” are used interchangeably.

[0208] As used herein, "ammunition state" may refer to all or one or more of the following: the number of rounds in a magazine, whether a round is in the chamber, and whether a round is in the magazine but not in the chamber.

[0209] As used herein, the term "bullpup" is a firearm in which the action and magazine are behind the trigger. This creates a shorter weapon compared to a rifle with the same size barrel. This means that the advantages of a longer barrel, such as muzzle velocity and accuracy, are retained while reducing the overall size and weight of the weapon.

[0210] As used herein, an enabler is a system or device that can be used with an observation optical device. In one embodiment, an enabler is a system or device that can provide information to assist a user of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, an enabler is a system or device that can be coupled to a portion of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, enablers include, but are not limited to, a laser rangefinder, a camera, a compass module, a communication module, a laser aiming unit, an illuminator, a backup sight (iron sight, red dot sight, or other sight), a pivoting sight module, or other devices useful to the user. As used herein, the terms "enabler" and "enabling device" may be used interchangeably.

[0211] As used herein, an enabling interface is a location that allows an enabler to be coupled to an observation optical device.

[0212] As used herein, an "elevation adjustment adapter" is a device for adding an angle or elevation to a perceived image observed through an observation optical device. In one embodiment, the elevation adjustment adapter clips in front of the observation optical device. The terms "elevation adjustment adapter" and "angle adder" may be used interchangeably.

[0213] As used herein, an "erector sleeve" is a protrusion extending from an erector lens mount that engages a groove in an erector tube and / or a cam tube or for a similar purpose. This may be integral with the mount or detachable.

[0214] As used herein, an "erector tube" is any structure or device having an opening for receiving an erector lens mount.

[0215] As used herein, "firearm" is a portable gun, a tubular weapon that typically fires one or more projectiles driven by the force of an explosion. As used herein, the term "firearm" includes pistols, long guns, rifles, shotguns, carbines, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons, machine guns, submachine guns, assault rifles, and automatic rifles.

[0216] As used herein, a "Hall effect sensor" is a device for measuring the magnitude of a magnetic field. The output voltage is proportional to the magnetic field strength passing through it. Hall effect sensors are used in proximity sensing, positioning, speed detection, and sensing applications.

[0217] As used herein, an "integrated display system" refers to a system for generating an image. In one embodiment, the integrated display system includes an active display. In one embodiment, the integrated display system includes an active display and a light collector. In yet another embodiment, the integrated display system includes an active display, a light collector, and a reflective surface.

[0218] In one embodiment, the integrated display system can be used to generate a digital image using the active display and direct the digital image into the first focal plane of an optical system for simultaneous viewing of the digital image and an image of an external scene. As used herein, an "aiming system" refers to one or more optical devices and other systems that assist a person in aiming a firearm or other tool.

[0219] As used herein, a "magazine well" or "magwell" acts as a funnel to guide a magazine into place.

[0220] As used herein, the term "mark" can include any of a variety of visually perceivable lines, circles, dots, crosshairs, horseshoe patterns, geometric shapes, characters, numbers, letters, notations, or symbols.

[0221] As used herein, the term "optical waveguide" refers to a physical structure that guides electromagnetic waves in a wave / spectrum.

[0222] As used herein, the term "passive reticle" refers to a reticle having fixed marks that cannot be changed by the user. Representative examples of passive reticles are etched and filled reticles. Another example is a holographic reticle, where the marks cannot be changed by the user. Passive reticles can be located in the first focal plane, the second focal plane, or both the first and second focal planes.

[0223] As used herein, the term "receiver" refers to the part or body of a firearm that integrates other components by providing a housing for internal bolt components such as hammers, bolts or locking blocks, firing pins, extractors, and trigger mechanisms, and has threaded interfaces for attaching ("receiving") components such as barrels, stocks, and bolt parts. Receivers are often made of forged, machined, or stamped steel or aluminum; in addition to these traditional materials, modern science and engineering have introduced polymers and sintered metal powders into receiver construction.

[0224] As used herein, the terms "round" and "cartridge" are used interchangeably.

[0225] As used herein, the term "observation optics" refers to a device used by a shooter or monitor to select, identify, or monitor a target. "Observation optics" can rely on visual observation of the target or, for example, on infrared (IR) imaging, ultraviolet (UV) imaging, radar imaging, thermal imaging, microwave imaging, or magnetic imaging, radiation (including X-ray radiation, gamma-ray radiation, isotope radiation, and particle radiation), night vision, vibration receptors (including ultrasonic vibrations, acoustic pulse vibrations, sonar vibrations, seismic vibrations), magnetic resonance, gravity receptors, broadcast frequencies (including radio wave receptors, television receptors, and cellular receptors), or other target images. The target image presented to the shooter by the "observation optics" device can be unaltered or can be enhanced by, for example, magnification, enlargement, subtraction, superposition, filtering, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified, or monitored by the "observation optics" may be within the shooter's line of sight, or tangent to the shooter's line of sight, or the shooter's line of sight may be blocked while the target acquisition device presents a focused target image to the shooter. The target image acquired by the "observation optics" can be, for example, analog or digital and can be shared, stored, archived, or transmitted within a network of one or more shooters and monitors by, for example, video, physical cables or wires, IR, radio waves, cellular connections, laser pulses, optics, 802.11b, or other wireless transmissions using protocols such as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, etc., Bluetooth TM , serial, USB, or other suitable image distribution methods. The term "observation optics" can be used interchangeably with "optical sight".

[0226] As used herein, the term "external scene" refers to real-world scenes, including but not limited to targets.

[0227] As used herein, the term "shooter" applies to the operator who fires the shot or an individual who observes the shot in cooperation with the operator who fires the shot.

[0228] II. Observation Optical Devices

[0229] Figure 1A Shows a conventional design of a rifle scope as a representative example of an observation optical device. Figure 1B Shows an exemplary observation optical device 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, Figure 1B Shows a rifle scope. More specifically, the rifle scope 10 has a body 38 that encloses a movable optical element 15. The body 38 is an elongated tube that tapers from a larger opening at its front portion 40 to a smaller opening at its rear portion 42. An eyepiece 56 is attached to the rear of the scope body, and an objective lens 54 is attached to the front of the scope body. The central axis of the movable optical element defines the optical axis 44 of the rifle scope.

[0230] The elevation turret 12 and the windage turret 48 are two turrets that are often found in the outer central portion of the body 38. They are incrementally marked by markings 20 on their perimeters 11 and are used to adjust the elevation and windage of the movable optical element for impact change points. These turrets project from a turret housing 50. The turrets are arranged such that the elevation turret rotation axis 46 is perpendicular to the windage turret rotation axis 52.

[0231] Figure 1C Shows Figure 1B a cross-sectional view of the aiming device, where the basic components are the optical system 14 and the movable optical element 15. As Figure 1C shown, the optical system 14 includes an objective lens system 16, an erecting system 25, and an eyepiece system 18. Figure 1C Shows a rifle scope having a body 38, but the optical system 14 can also be used in other types of aiming devices. The erecting system 25 can be included within the movable optical element 15. The erecting system 25 can include a variable magnification lens element or a zoom element 25A. In Figure 1C it, the movable optical element 15 also includes a light collector 22 and a first focal plane reticle 55 and a second focal plane reticle 57. In use, the adjustment of the turret assembly 28 and the turret screw 29 results in the adjustment of the movable optical element 15.

[0232] The movable optical element 15 is adjusted by rotating the turret assembly 28 one or more times. As the turret rotates, the turret screw 29 moves into and out of the scope, which pushes the erecting tube. The erecting tube is spring-biased, so when the turret screw is adjusted, the spring positions the erecting tube against the bottom surface of the turret screw. The erecting tube provides a smaller view of the overall image. As the erecting tube is adjusted, the position of the reticle is modified relative to the image.

[0233] The reticle is a circular, planar or flat transparent panel or disk mounted within the sight body perpendicular to the optical axis or line of sight passing through the sight, and is located between the objective lens element 54 and the erecting lens element, typically at the location considered to be the front focal plane of the optical system within the housing. In one embodiment, the reticle includes fine etched lines or thin line markings, which include a central vertical thin line and a central horizontal thin line that intersect orthogonally or perpendicularly at the center point.

[0234] In one embodiment, as Figure 1D shown, the observation optical device may have a parallax adjustment knob 70 or a focusing knob. Parallax occurs when the optical plane of the target image and the optical plane of the reticle image are not coplanar. Due to the offset between the two optical planes, when the shooter moves their eyes around the center of the reticle, the reticle may appear to move relative to the target. This parallax error may cause the impact point to shift from the firing point. By enabling the optical system to be adjusted to show the image of the target and the image of the reticle in the same optical plane, the parallax adjustment of the observation optical device enables the shooter to eliminate optical errors at different distances. Parallax compensation neither changes the focus of the reticle nor the focus of the image; it simply moves the planes at which the two objects are focused so that they share the same plane (coincide).

[0235] As Figure 1D shown, the observation optical device may have a side wheel mounted to the rotatable parallax adjustment knob 70. The larger diameter of the side wheel provides more space for markings such as distance markings to be applied, and is easier for the shooter to rotate and read during use. The larger diameter of the side wheel is used to increase the accuracy and resolution of the rangefinding markings.

[0236] Figure 1E A close-up view of the optical system 14 is shown in cross-section, showing how light rays propagate through the optical system 14. The optical system 14 may have additional optical components (such as a condenser 22), and it is well known in the art that certain components (such as the objective lens system 16, the erecting system 25, and the eyepiece system 18) may themselves have multiple components or lenses.

[0237] In one embodiment, the observation optical device may have a focusing unit that has one or more adjustable lenses for providing parallax adjustment. In one embodiment, the one or more adjustable lenses are one or more parallax lenses.

[0238] In one embodiment, the focusing lens is located between the eyepiece and the objective lens. The relative distance between the focusing lens and the objective lens is adjustable for providing parallax adjustment. Additionally, the erecting lens is located between the eyepiece and the focusing lens. The relative distance between the erecting lens and the objective lens is adjustable for providing magnification adjustment.

[0239] III. Observation Optical Device with an Active Display

[0240] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device with an active display that generates a digital image and projects the digital image into the first focal plane of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device with an analog reticle and a digital image (including but not limited to a digital reticle), where the analog reticle and the digital image are visible to the user when viewed through the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the observation optical device can be used with an external laser rangefinder having ballistic calculation capabilities.

[0241] In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a movable erecting tube with an analog reticle or a glass-etched reticle, and the analog reticle or the glass-etched reticle is mounted to the erecting tube such that the analog reticle or the glass-etched reticle moves in combination with the erecting tube. In one embodiment, the digitally injected reticle does not move in combination with the erecting tube. Thus, the digital reticle is accurate regardless of the turret or erecting tube position.

[0242] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device with a digital display that can be injected into the first focal plane of the observation optical device such that the image of the digital display on the first focal plane has no association with the movement of the erecting tube. In one embodiment, regardless of the position of the erecting tube / turret of the rifle scope, the display can provide the user with an accurate ballistic compensation aiming point.

[0243] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device with an aiming point that is independent of the position of the erecting tube and / or turret of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, if the aiming point determined by ballistics is outside the field of view of the erecting unit, the turret can be rotated to bring the aiming point determined by ballistics into the field of view.

[0244] In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a main optical system that includes an objective lens system that focuses an image from a target onto a first focal plane (hereinafter referred to as the "FFP target image"), followed by an erecting lens system that inverts the FFP target image and focuses it onto a second focal plane (hereinafter referred to as the "SFP target image"), a beam combiner placed between the objective lens system and the FFP target image, an eyepiece system that collimates the SFP target image so that it can be observed by the human eye, and a second optical system.

[0245] In one embodiment, the second optical system has an active display and a lens system that collects light from the active display. The image from the digital display is directed to a beam combiner such that the digital image and the target image from the objective lens system can be combined at the first focal plane and observed simultaneously. In one embodiment, the second optical system may have reflective materials, including but not limited to mirrors.

[0246] Referring to the above description, the digital display is injected into the main optical system between the objective lens system and the first focal plane and then focused onto the first focal plane. At the first focal plane, the digital image from the digital display and the analog / glass etched reticle attached to the erecting lens system share the same plane. However, the analog reticle is attached to the movable erecting lens system while the image from the digital display is not. Thus, if the erecting lens system is moved, the analog reticle will move but the digital image will remain stationary.

[0247] In one embodiment, the observation optics can be rigidly mounted to the firearm. In another embodiment, a laser rangefinder can be mounted to the firearm or the observation optics. The laser rangefinder measures the distance to the target, calculates the ballistic trajectory for hitting the target, and provides this information to the active display such that the correct aiming point can be displayed using the impact point of the rifle bullet.

[0248] It is important that the digital image remains stationary because the laser rangefinder is rigidly attached to the observation optics and its aiming point does not move. This allows the digital display to be adjusted digitally such that the digital laser indicator corresponds to the laser at the initial setting and then the two will always remain aligned regardless of how the erecting lens system is moved.

[0249] Additionally, the barrel of the firearm is rigidly attached to the observation optics, so the aiming point of the barrel never changes relative to the digital display. This allows the digital display to be adjusted digitally such that the digital aiming point corresponds to the barrel of the firearm at its initial "aiming" distance during the initial setting and then the two will always remain aligned.

[0250] When shooting at a different distance than the initial aim in terms of range is required, the laser rangefinder can measure the distance and then perform a ballistic calculation to determine the new position of the aiming point. This new position of the aiming point is always relative to the initial aim at a distance, so the rifle scope only needs to adjust the digital display aiming point to correspond to the new aiming point.

[0251] An incidental benefit of the system is that since the digital aiming point is stationary, the user can easily test the accuracy of the turret on the observation optics using a reticle that has predetermined marks at regular intervals thereon. As the erect image tube moves, the reticle can be measured relative to the stationary digital aiming point to see if the adjustment rotation on the turret corresponds to the amount of movement measured between the digital aiming point and the reticle attached to the erect image lens system.

[0252] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a display system for an observation optic, including a first active display for generating a first image and a second active display for generating a second image, wherein the first active display and the second active display are perpendicular to each other, and further wherein the first image or the second image is projected into a first focal plane of the observation optic. In one embodiment, the display system further includes an optical system having a first focal plane and a first beam combiner;

[0253] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a display system for an observation optic, including a first active display configured to generate an image, a second active display configured to generate a second image, and a beam combiner located between the first active display and the second active display and configured to combine the first image and the second image to generate a combined image, wherein the combined image is projected into a first focal plane of the observation optic. In one embodiment, the display system further includes a condenser lens system. In yet another embodiment, the display system includes a reflective material.

[0254] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a display system for an observation optic, including a first active display for generating a first image and a second active display for generating a second image, wherein the first active display and the second active display are perpendicular to each other, and further wherein the first image or the second image is directed to a beam combiner for simultaneous overlapping viewing of an image of an external scene in a first focal plane of the observation optic.

[0255] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a display system for an observation optic, including a first active display configured to generate an image, a second active display configured to generate a second image, and a beam combiner located between the first active display and the second active display and configured to combine the first image and the second image to generate a combined image, wherein the combined image is directed to an additional beam combiner for simultaneous overlapping viewing of an image of an external scene in a first focal plane of the observation optic. In one embodiment, the display system further includes a condenser lens system. In yet another embodiment, the display system includes a reflective material for directing the combined image to the additional beam combiner.

[0256] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for observing using an observation optical device, including: generating a first image using a first active display; generating a second image using a second active display; combining the first image and the second image using a beam combiner to produce a combined image; and projecting the combined image into a first focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0257] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for observing using an observation optical device, including: generating a first image using a first active display; generating a second image using a second active display; combining the first image and the second image using a beam combiner to produce a combined image; and guiding the combined image to an additional separate beam combiner for observing the combined image and an image of an external scene in a first focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0258] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for observing using an observation optical device, including: observing a field of view of an external scene using an observation optical device having a first focal plane and positioned along an observation optical axis; generating a first image using a first active display; generating a second image using a second active display; combining the first image and the second image using a beam combiner to produce a combined image; and projecting the combined image into the first focal plane of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, a reflective material is used to project the combined image into the first focal plane.

[0259] Figure 85 is a representative schematic diagram of a display system 8500 having a plurality of active displays. The system 8500 has a first active display 8507 configured to generate a first image in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis of the observation optical device. In addition, the system has a second active display 8509 configured to generate an image in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical device. The system also has a beam combiner 8511 configured to combine the generated images from the first active display 8507 and the second active display 8509. As Figure 85 shown, the first active display 8507 is located to the left of the beam combiner 8511, and the second active display 8509 is located above the beam combiner 8511.

[0260] The system also serves as a light collecting lens system 8513 located to the right of the beam combiner 8511. The system also has a reflective material 8515 located to the right of the light collecting lens system 8513.

[0261] In one embodiment, a first active display 8507 and a second active display 8509 respectively generate a first image and a second image, and the first image and the second image are directed to a beam combiner 8511. The beam combiner 8511 is configured to combine the first image and the second image into a combined generated image. The combined generated image is directed to a condenser lens system 8513 and optionally to a reflective material 8515.

[0262] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to viewing optics having a display system including one or more active displays. In one embodiment, the viewing optics has a display system having a first active display configured to generate an image and a second active display configured to generate a second image. In one embodiment, the first active display and the second active display are parallel to each other. In yet another embodiment, the first active display is perpendicular to the second active display.

[0263] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to viewing optics having a plurality of displays combined with a passive sight picture to provide a user with a clear resolution and a bright image regardless of time or light conditions. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to viewing optics utilizing a combination of thermal and night vision technologies, where the thermal and night vision technologies are used one after the other to optimize the sight picture in all environments and scenarios.

[0264] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to viewing optics having an integrated display system having an appropriate level of brightness and clarity for thermal technology within a range of ambient brightness levels.

[0265] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to viewing optics having an integrated display system that uses a plurality of displays to enhance a passive image provided by daylight viewing optics.

[0266] Instead of projecting or displaying an entire image, viewing optics having an integrated display system can use a thermal camera to enhance a passive image rather than display a completely new image. The ability to have two different displays also allows for optimal battery life while still providing sufficient brightness and image quality.

[0267] In one embodiment, viewing optics having an integrated display system combines a plurality of displays into one viewing optic: a first display having a high brightness quality and a second display having a higher bit depth and higher resolution. In one embodiment, the viewing optics has two beam combiners. In one embodiment, the viewing optics has a first beam combiner in a body and a second beam combiner in a base.

[0268] By using two displays, one display can be of a format with a low color depth and resolution but high brightness for daytime use, while the other display can be of a type with a higher color depth and resolution but lower brightness for low-light use. In one embodiment, the color depth, resolution, and brightness can be a comparison between the first display and the second display. In another embodiment, the terms high color depth, low color depth, high resolution, low resolution, high brightness, and low brightness can be used according to industry standards.

[0269] When used with a thermal camera and a night vision camera, the advantages of using these two display types become clear. In one embodiment, the thermal camera can be attached to the observation optics and transmit the thermal image to an active display, which transmits the image into the field of view such that the thermal image overlaps the passive image.

[0270] During the day, the passive image is bright, so the thermal image from the active display must be bright enough for the user to see it. At present, suitable displays with a high enough brightness for use under these conditions have a low color bit depth and a lower resolution ( Figure 86 and Figure 87 ). This means that the display can be used to project fewer color shades between the brighter and darker areas, and the quality of the projected image is lower.

[0271] However, if such a display is only used during the day, it only needs to enhance the passive image, so the color depth and resolution are less important. For example, the sight can be programmed to only outline the thermal marker features rather than obscure them, because the passive image will provide the necessary details for a good image, and the display will only help to draw the user's eye to the heat source.

[0272] During low-light conditions, the passive image starts to dim to the point where it becomes more difficult for the user to see the details. In this case, a high-brightness display becomes unnecessary, and another display with a lower brightness but higher bit depth and resolution is allowed to be used.

[0273] In one embodiment, the observation optics can have a light sensor that can detect when the light level is below a set threshold. The observation optics use a secondary display that can have enough bit depth and resolution to precisely obscure the heat source and enhance or replace the passive image such that the user gets a clear image.

[0274] In another embodiment, an observation optical device having two or more active displays can project a thermal image and a night vision image into the field of view of the observation optical device. By using both a thermal camera and a low-light camera (such as a low-light CMOS), the two active displays can send images from each camera into the field of view of a rifle scope.

[0275] For example, the thermal camera can transmit the profile of a heat source to a low-bit-depth, low-resolution display, while the low-light CMOS camera can transmit a night vision image to a high-bit-depth, high-resolution display, such that both can be simultaneously imaged into the field of view.

[0276] Another advantage of an observation optical device having multiple active displays is that a high-brightness display is a small display, which means it has a limited field of view. For the day, this is not a big problem because the user still has the ability to see a wider field of view from the passive optics. However, at night, when passive images are less available, the small display can be a liability for close threats. Fortunately, the lower-brightness display is larger, and thus it allows for a larger field of view for low-light conditions. This also allows for the best of both worlds.

[0277] Finally, a high-bit-depth, high-resolution display uses significantly more power than a low-bit-depth, low-resolution display. This means that during the day, only the low-bit-depth, low-resolution display needs to be used, and the overall power consumption can be significantly reduced compared to using a high-resolution display all the time.

[0278] In one embodiment, the first active display and the second active display are configured to emit light in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis of the observation optical device. In yet another embodiment, the first active display and the second active display are configured to emit light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical device.

[0279] In one embodiment, the first active display is configured to emit light in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis of the observation optical device, and the second active display is configured to emit light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical device.

[0280] In yet another embodiment, the display system has a beam combiner configured to combine a generated image from the first active display and a generated image from the second active display.

[0281] In one embodiment, the first active display and the second active display are located on the right side of the beam combiner. In another embodiment, the first active display and the second active display are located on the left side of the beam combiner.

[0282] In one embodiment, the first active display is located on the left side of the beam combiner, and the second active display is located on the right side of the beam combiner.

[0283] In one embodiment, the first active display and the second active display are located above the beam combiner. In another embodiment, the first active display and the second active display are located below the beam combiner.

[0284] In one embodiment, the first active display is located above the beam combiner, and the second active display is located below the beam combiner.

[0285] In one embodiment, the first active display is located on the left side of the beam combiner, and the second active display is located below the beam combiner.

[0286] In one embodiment, the first active display is located on the right side of the beam combiner, and the second active display is located below the beam combiner.

[0287] In one embodiment, the first active display is located on the left side of the beam combiner, and the second active display is located above the beam combiner.

[0288] In one embodiment, the first active display is located on the right side of the beam combiner, and the second active display is located above the beam combiner.

[0289] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located on the right side of the beam combiner. In another embodiment, one or more active displays are located on the left side of the beam combiner.

[0290] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located on the left side of the beam combiner, and one or more active displays are located on the right side of the beam combiner.

[0291] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located above the beam combiner. In another embodiment, one or more active displays are located below the beam combiner.

[0292] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located above the beam combiner, and one or more active displays are located below the beam combiner.

[0293] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located on the left side of the beam combiner, and one or more active displays are located below the beam combiner.

[0294] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located to the right of the beam combiner and one or more active displays are located below the beam combiner.

[0295] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located to the left of the beam combiner and one or more active displays are located above the beam combiner.

[0296] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are located to the right of the beam combiner and one or more active displays are located above the beam combiner.

[0297] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body, comprising: an optical system having a first focal plane and configured to observe an image of an external scene; a beam combiner placed in line with the optical system; and a display system having a first active display configured to generate an image, an additional separate and distinct beam combiner, and a second active display perpendicular to the first active display and configured to generate a second image, wherein the generated image from the first active display or the second active display is projected into the first focal plane of the optical system so as to provide simultaneous viewing of the generated image and the image of the external scene when viewed through the eyepiece of the observation body. In one embodiment, the generated images from the first active display and the second active display are combined in the second beam combiner and directed to the first beam combiner system so as to provide simultaneous viewing of the combined image and the image of the external scene in the first focal plane of the optical device when viewed through the eyepiece of the observation body.

[0298] In one embodiment, the second beam combiner is located to the right of the first active display. In another embodiment, the second active display may be placed perpendicular to the main active display in the system. This allows the two displays to be used separately or simultaneously and projected onto the focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0299] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device, comprising: an optical system and a beam combiner for generating an image of an external scene along an observation optical axis; and a display system having a first active display configured to generate an image and a second active display perpendicular to the first active display and configured to generate a second image, wherein the generated image from the first active display or the second active display is directed to the beam combiner for simultaneous viewing of the generated image and the image of the external scene in the first focal plane of the optical system when viewed through the eyepiece of the sight body.

[0300] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device, comprising: an optical system for generating an image of an external scene along an observation optical axis; and a first beam combiner; and a display system having a first active display configured to generate an image, a second active display configured to generate a second image, and an additional separate and distinct beam combiner for combining the first image and the second image, wherein the combined image is directed to the first beam combiner for simultaneous viewing of the generated image and the image of the external scene in a first focal plane of the optical system when viewed through an eyepiece of the sight body.

[0301] IV. Observation Optical Device with a Base

[0302] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a first housing coupled to a second housing, including but not limited to a rifle scope. In one embodiment, the first housing is a body. In yet another embodiment, the second housing is a base.

[0303] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a rifle scope having a body and a base coupled to the body. In one embodiment, the base is separable from the body. In one embodiment, the base is attached to the bottom of the body. In one embodiment, a gasket is used to seal the body and the base.

[0304] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a rifle scope having a body and a base coupled to the body, the body having an optical system for generating an image of an external scene, the base having an integrated display system for generating a digital image and directing the digital image to a first focal plane of the optical system, thereby providing simultaneous viewing of the digital image and the image of the external scene.

[0305] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a rifle scope having a body and a base coupled to the body, the body having an optical system for generating an image of an external scene, the base having an integrated display system including an active display for generating an image and directing the generated image to a first focal plane of the optical system, thereby providing simultaneous viewing of the generated image and the image of the external scene when viewed through an eyepiece of the sight body.

[0306] In a representative embodiment, Figure 2 A side view of a rifle scope 200 having a body 210 and a base 220 is shown. In one embodiment, the base 220 is separable from the body 210. The base 220 is attached at one end of the sight body near the magnification ring 212 and at the other end of the sight body near the objective assembly 214. In one embodiment, the body 210 and the base 220 are made of the same material. In another embodiment, the sight body and the base are made of different materials.

[0307] In one embodiment, the base 220 is approximately the length of the main body's orthicon tube.

[0308] In one embodiment, the base has an integrated display system that can generate and display situational information, geographical information, and ballistic information in the first focal plane of the observation optics, including but not limited to: real-time ballistic solution; next-round ballistic correction through flight tracer detection and tracking; weapon pointing angle tracking using an integrated high-performance inertial sensor; precise pointing angle comparison for advanced ballistic targeting and correction; target location and designation; pressure, humidity, and temperature; fratricide prevention data and situational awareness data that can be processed by the device and viewed while aiming; reticle targeting correction outside the aiming scope's field of view for facilitating ballistic drop correction at long distances; weapon characterization data, round characterization data, and environmental characterization data.

[0309] In one embodiment, the observation optics has one or more of the following capabilities and / or components: one or more microprocessors; one or more computers; a fully integrated ballistic computer; an integrated near-infrared laser rangefinder; an integrated GPS and digital compass with an observation optics capable of performing full coordinate target location and designation; integrated sensors for pressure, humidity, and temperature with an observation optics capable of automatically incorporating this data into ballistic calculations; conventional observation optics capabilities under all conditions, including a zero-power off mode; wired and wireless interfaces for communication of sensor data, environmental data, and situational awareness data; the ability to support digital interfaces such as Personal Network Node (PNN) and Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW); integrated tilt sensitivity relative to the vertical direction with ballistic correction available for uphill and downhill shooting orientations; an integrated imaging sensor; acquiring and processing target scene image frames; the ability to record the firing time history for the purpose of automatically applying cold bore / hot bore shooting corrections; and a built-in backup optical distance estimation ability using automatic angle-to-linear dimension conversion.

[0310] In one embodiment, the observation optics can communicate wirelessly with one or more devices. In another embodiment, the observation optics can communicate with one or more devices via a physical cable.

[0311] A. Main body

[0312] In one embodiment, the body is in the shape of an elongated tube that tapers from a larger opening at its front end to a smaller opening at its rear end. The eyepiece is attached to the rear of the elongated tube, and the objective lens is attached to the front of the elongated tube. In one embodiment, the first housing is the body of the rifle scope.

[0313] In one embodiment, the body has an observation input end and an observation output end, and the observation input end and the observation output end can be aligned and in a straight line along the observation optical axis 44( Figure 1B ). The user's eye can directly observe an object or a target through the observation input end, along the observation direct vision optical device, and from the observation output end. The body may include an objective lens or a lens assembly at the observation input end. The first focal plane reticle can be positioned along the observation optical axis A and spaced apart from the objective lens assembly.

[0314] In one embodiment, the picture or image inversion lens assembly can be positioned and spaced rearward from the first focal plane reticle along the observation optical axis A. A erecting tube with an erecting image system is located within the body between the objective lens and the eyepiece to invert the image. This provides the correct orientation of the image for ground observation. The erecting image system is typically contained within the erecting tube.

[0315] The inversion lens assembly or the erecting image system can include one or more lenses spaced apart from each other. The erecting image system can include one or more movable optical elements, such as a focusing lens that can be moved along its optical axis to adjust the image focus, and a magnifying lens that can be moved along its optical axis to optically magnify the image at the rear focal plane so that the target appears closer than its actual distance. Generally, the erecting assembly includes a mechanical system, an electromechanical system, or an electro-optical system to drive the coordinated movement of one or more zoom lens elements of the focusing lens and the magnifying lens, thereby providing a continuously variable magnification range, within which the erecting assembly produces a focused erecting image of a distant target at the rear focal plane.

[0316] The variable magnification can be achieved by providing a mechanism for adjusting the positions of the erecting lenses relative to each other within the erecting tube. This is typically done by using a cam tube that fits tightly around the erecting tube. Each erecting lens (or lens group) is mounted on an erecting lens bracket that slides within the erecting tube. An erecting sleeve attached to the erecting lens bracket slides within a straight groove in the body of the erecting tube to maintain the orientation of the erecting lens. The erecting sleeve also engages an angled or curved groove in the cam tube. Rotating the cam tube causes the erecting lens bracket to move longitudinally within the conduit, thereby changing the magnification. Each erecting lens will have its own groove in the cam tube, and the configuration of these grooves determines the amount and rate of change of the magnification when the cam tube is rotated.

[0317] The aperture in the second focal plane can be positioned and spaced rearwardly along the viewing optical axis A from the image inversion assembly. The eyepiece assembly can be positioned and spaced rearwardly along the viewing optical axis A from the aperture at the eyepiece in the second focal plane. The eyepiece assembly can include one or more lenses spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the viewing optical axis A and the direct vision optics can be folded.

[0318] In one embodiment, the body has a beam combiner. In one embodiment, the beam combiner can be located on the viewing optical axis 44 and optically coupled to the viewing optical axis 44, as Figure 1B shown. In one embodiment, the beam combiner can be located near the reticle of the viewing optics. In another embodiment, the beam combiner can be located near the reticle of the viewing optics in the first focal plane.

[0319] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is located between the objective lens assembly and the first focal plane.

[0320] In yet another embodiment, the body has a beam combiner, where the beam combiner is not located near the eyepiece assembly. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is not located below the eyepiece assembly.

[0321] In one embodiment, the body has a beam combiner, where the beam combiner is positioned closer to the objective lens assembly compared to the eyepiece assembly in the main tube of the viewing optics.

[0322] Figure 3 A side cross-sectional view of a riflescope 300 having a body 210 and a base 220 is shown. As shown, the riflescope 300 has an objective lens assembly 310, a beam combiner 320, a first focal plane 330, a second focal plane 350, and an eyepiece assembly 360. The beam combiner 320 is located between the objective lens assembly 310 and the first focal plane 330.

[0323] In one embodiment, the viewing optics 400 can have a longitudinally segmented body 210 to allow for the assembly of associated lenses and circuitry in the base 220. Figure 4 is a representative example of the longitudinally segmented main tube 210 of a riflescope 400. Figure 4 Depicts a dividing line 410 of the longitudinally segmented main tube. A slit 420 on the bottom side of the body 210 allows for the coupling of the base 220 having an integrated display system.

[0324] In one embodiment, the bottom side of the body has a longitudinal slit. In one embodiment, the longitudinal slit is approximately the length of the base coupled to the body.

[0325] In one embodiment, the body does not have an active display.

[0326] 1. Beam combiner

[0327] In one embodiment, the body of the viewing optical device has a beam combiner. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is one or more prisms (the prisms constituting the beam combiner). In another embodiment, the body of the rifle scope has a beam combiner that combines an image generated from an integrated display system with an image generated from the viewing optical device along the viewing optical axis of the rifle scope. In one embodiment, the integrated display system is located in a housing separate and distinct from the body. In one embodiment, the integrated display system is located in a base coupled to the first housing or the body. In one embodiment, the integrated display system is located in a cavity of the base coupled to the first housing or the body.

[0328] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is used to combine a generated image from the integrated display system and an image from an optical system for viewing an external image, where the optical system is located in the body of the rifle scope, in front of a first focal plane in the body, and then the combined image is focused onto the first focal plane such that the generated image and the observed image do not move relative to each other. As the combined image is focused onto the first focal plane, the aiming reference generated by the integrated display system will be accurate regardless of the adjustment of the movable erect image system.

[0329] In one embodiment, the beam combiner can be aligned with the integrated display system along the display optical axis and positioned along the viewing optical axis of the viewing optical device of the rifle scope body, thereby allowing the image from the integrated display to be directed onto the viewing optical axis for combination with the field of view of the viewing optical device in an overlapping manner.

[0330] In another embodiment, the beam combiner and the integrated display system are in the same housing. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is approximately 25 mm from the objective lens assembly.

[0331] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is approximately 5 mm from the objective lens assembly. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is located at a certain distance from the objective lens assembly, including but not limited to from 1 mm to 5 mm, or from 5 mm to 10 mm, or from 5 mm to 15 mm, or from 5 mm to 20 mm, or from 5 mm to 30 mm, or from 5 mm to 40 mm, or from 5 mm to 50 mm.

[0332] In yet another embodiment, the beam combiner is located at a certain distance from the objective lens assembly, including but not limited to from 1 mm to 4 mm, or from 1 mm to 3 mm, or from 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0333] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is located at a certain distance from the objective lens assembly, including but not limited to at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, and at least 20 mm. In another embodiment, the beam combiner is located at a distance from the objective lens assembly ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0334] In another embodiment, the beam combiner is approximately 150 mm from the eyepiece assembly. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is located at a certain distance from the eyepiece assembly, including but not limited to from 100 mm to 200 mm, or from 125 mm to 200 mm, or from 150 mm to 200 mm, or from 175 mm to 200 mm.

[0335] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is located at a certain distance from the eyepiece assembly, including but not limited to from 100 mm to 175 mm, or from 100 mm to 150 mm, or from 100 mm to 125 mm.

[0336] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is located at a certain distance from the eyepiece assembly, including but not limited to from 135 mm to 165 mm, or from 135 mm to 160 mm, or from 135 mm to 155 mm, or from 135 mm to 150 mm, or from 135 mm to 145 mm, or from 135 mm to 140 mm.

[0337] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is located at a certain distance from the eyepiece assembly, including but not limited to from 140 mm to 165 mm, or from 145 mm to 165 mm, or from 150 mm to 165 mm, or from 155 mm to 165 mm, or from 160 mm to 165 mm.

[0338] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is located at a certain distance from the eyepiece assembly, including but not limited to at least 140 mm, or at least 145 mm, or at least 150 mm, or at least 155 mm.

[0339] In another embodiment, the body has a beam combiner, where the beam combiner is located below the elevation turret on the outer central part of the sight body.

[0340] In one embodiment, the beam combiner may have a partially reflective coating or surface that reflects the output from the integrated display system or at least a portion of the active display output and redirects it to the observation axis to reach the observer's eye at the eyepiece, while still providing good transmission penetration quality for the direct viewing optical path.

[0341] In one embodiment, the beam combiner can be a cube made of an optical material such as optical glass or plastic material with a partially reflective coating. The coating can be a uniform and neutral-colored reflective coating, or it can be customized using polarized spectral selectivity or patterned coatings to optimize both the transmission and reflection properties in the eyepiece. The polarization and / or color of the coating can be matched to the active display. This can optimize the reflectivity and efficiency of the display optical path while minimizing the impact on the projection path of the direct-view optical device.

[0342] Although the beam combiner is shown as a cube, in some embodiments, for an integrated display system, the beam combiner can have different optical path lengths, and the direct-view optical device is along the viewing optical axis A. In some embodiments, the beam combiner can be in the form of a flat plate, where a thin reflective / transmissive plate can be inserted into the path of the direct-view optical device that passes through the optical axis A.

[0343] In one embodiment, the position of the beam combiner can be adjusted relative to the reflective material to eliminate any errors, including but not limited to parallax errors. The position of the beam combiner can be adjusted using a screw system, a wedge system, or any other suitable mechanism.

[0344] In one embodiment, the position of the beam combiner can be adjusted relative to the erecting tube to eliminate any errors, including but not limited to parallax errors.

[0345] 2. Parallax System

[0346] In one embodiment, the body has a parallax adjustment system. In one embodiment, the parallax adjustment system uses a device that connects the focusing unit to the parallax adjustment element.

[0347] In one embodiment, the observation optical device disclosed herein has a body that has a focusing unit positioned closer to the objective lens side compared to a conventional focusing unit and a beam combiner located in the space that is conventionally occupied by the focusing unit. In one embodiment, a connecting element connects the focusing unit to the parallax adjustment element.

[0348] In a typical rifle scope, as Figure 5A and Figure 5B shown, the parallax knob 510 is connected to the focusing unit via a simple cross pin 520, where the cross pin 520 is on a cam slot 530 in the parallax knob, thus converting the rotational movement of the knob into a linear movement within the focusing unit. However, in some embodiments disclosed herein, the focusing unit is shifted towards the objective lens side, so a connecting device is needed to connect the focusing unit to the parallax adjustment element.

[0349] The parallax adjustment system can eliminate or reduce the parallax error between the image of an active display and the reticle in the body of the viewing optics. The parallax adjustment system disclosed herein allows viewing optics having an image of a digital display and an image of an external scene to be integrated into the first focal plane (FFP) of an optical system without parallax error.

[0350] In another embodiment, the focusing unit is positioned closer to the objective lens side of the body compared to the focusing unit of a conventional rifle scope. In one embodiment, the focusing unit is displaced closer to the objective lens by about 5 mm to about 50 mm compared to the focusing unit of a conventional rifle scope. In one embodiment, the focusing unit is displaced closer to the objective lens by at least 20 mm compared to the focusing unit of a conventional rifle scope. In one embodiment, the focusing unit is displaced closer to the objective lens by at least 10 mm compared to the focusing unit of a conventional rifle scope. In yet another embodiment, the focusing unit is displaced closer to the objective lens side by no more than 50 mm compared to the focusing unit of a conventional rifle scope. In one embodiment, the focusing unit is displaced 30 mm closer to the objective lens assembly compared to the position of the focusing unit in a Vortex Diamondback riflescope, a Vortex Viper riflescope, a Vortex Crossfire riflescope, or a Vortex Razor riflescope.

[0351] In one embodiment, the focusing unit is displaced closer to the objective lens compared to the focusing unit of a conventional rifle scope, including but not limited to being closer to the objective lens side of the viewing optics by 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 mm.

[0352] In one embodiment, the device connects the displaced focusing unit to an adjustment knob. In one embodiment, the device allows remote positioning of the parallax adjustment lens located in the focusing unit. In one embodiment, the mechanical device is a push rod, a rod, or a shaft.

[0353] In one embodiment, the length of the rod is about 5 mm to about 50 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the rod is at least 20 mm. In one embodiment, the length of the rod is at least 10 mm. In yet another embodiment, the length of the rod does not exceed 50 mm.

[0354] In one embodiment, the length of the rod is 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, and 40 mm.

[0355] Figures 5C - 5F FIG. 4 is a representative schematic view of a parallax adjustment system in a main tube 210 of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As Figure 5C shown, a device 530 such as a rod or shaft connects a focusing unit (parallax lens) 535 to a parallax cam track pin 540 within a parallax adjustment knob assembly, where the focusing unit 535 has been moved closer to the objective side of the observation optical device. The shifted position of the parallax lens provides the necessary space for a prism in front of the first focal plane. One end of a connecting rod is coupled to the focusing unit, and the other end of the connecting rod is coupled to the cam pin.

[0356] Figure 5D FIG. 10 shows the device 530 that connects the focusing unit 535 having a parallax lens to the parallax cam track pin 540, where the parallax cam track pin 540 is located in a cam track 545 of a parallax adjustment assembly 550. In one embodiment, the parallax adjustment assembly 550 has a rotatable element for moving the cam pin and adjusting the parallax lens.

[0357] As Figure 5E shown, in order to provide space for a beam combiner (prism) in the body of the observation optical device, the focusing unit is moved closer to the objective assembly. Therefore, a mechanism for connecting the focusing unit to the parallax knob assembly is required. The connecting device 530 connects the focusing unit to the cam pin 540, and the cam pin 540 is located in a cam groove of the parallax knob assembly 560.

[0358] As Figure 5F shown, the cam pin 540 is located in the cam groove 545 of the parallax knob assembly 560, thereby allowing adjustment of the focusing unit via the parallax knob assembly.

[0359] In one embodiment, the shifted focusing unit having a parallax lens in the body provides space for integrating a beam combiner in front of the first focal plane of the objective system.

[0360] In one embodiment, the beam combiner in the body of the rifle scope disclosed herein is located in the space where a focusing unit is typically mounted in a conventional rifle scope.

[0361] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device, comprising: (a) a main tube; (b) an objective lens system coupled to a first end of the main tube; (c) an eyepiece system coupled to a second end of the main tube; (d) a focusing unit located between the objective lens system and a beam combiner, wherein the beam combiner is located between the focusing unit and a first focal plane reticle; and (e) a rod connecting the focusing unit to a parallax adjustment element. In one embodiment, the rod connects the focusing unit to a cam pin of the parallax adjustment element. In some embodiments, the parallax adjustment element has a knob.

[0362] 3. Magnification Tracking System

[0363] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device and a method for tracking the magnification setting of an observation optical device, wherein the components of the tracking mechanism are reliable, completely transparent to the operator, and environmentally friendly.

[0364] When the reticle is located in the first focal plane, the reticle is in front of the erect image system, so the reticle changes proportionally as the lens position changes, thereby creating a magnified image. The erect image system changes its position by using a magnification ring, which is located outside the rifle scope near the eyepiece housing. Generally, the magnification ring is connected to the outer erect image sleeve by screws, so that when the magnification ring rotates, it forces the outer erect image sleeve to rotate with the magnification ring, so that the cam groove changes the position of the zoom lens in the erect image system. When a digital image is projected onto the first focal plane, it is necessary to scale the image using the scaling of the reticle so that the digital image can be used.

[0365] The magnification adjustment mechanism is coupled to a variable magnification lens or a zoom lens element that provides the ability to adjust the optical magnification of an image of a distant object.

[0366] In one embodiment, as Figure 6 shown, a potentiometer wiper 610 is located on the outer diameter of the outer erect image sleeve 620. The potentiometer wiper contacts a thin film potentiometer 710 located on the inner diameter of the main body 210 of the rifle scope (see Figure 7 ).

[0367] As Figure 8 shown, in one embodiment, the potentiometer wiper 610 is a leaf spring having two contact points to ensure that it maintains contact with the thin film potentiometer 710. The leaf spring is located between the outer erect image sleeve 620 and the inner erect image tube. The potentiometer wiper 610 is located on the inner diameter of the rifle scope on the opposite inner walls of the magnification ring groove screw 820. The potentiometer wiper 610 is fastened to the inner side of the scope tube using an adhesive.

[0368] In one embodiment, the potentiometer slider has the ability to lie flat completely on the outer diameter of the erect image sleeve. In one embodiment, the potentiometer slider is placed inside the erect image sleeve.

[0369] In one embodiment, the potentiometer slider is not placed on Figure 8 the magnification ring 810.

[0370] The magnification tracking system disclosed herein is internal and no parts are exposed to the environment, which provides several advantages. First, the system is internal, so no seals are required to protect the slider / erect image system from the environment. Second, when the erect image system is installed in a riflescope, the magnification tracking system is completed. This eliminates the possibility of debris entering the system through the screw holes outside the magnification ring.

[0371] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system for tracking the magnification setting of an observation optical device, where the system uses sensors and materials with different degrees of optical reflectivity / absorbance. In one embodiment, the sensor is located in the base of the observation optical device, where the base is coupled to the body of the observation optical device, and the materials are located in the body of the observation optical device.

[0372] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body, including an erect image tube having an erect image lens system, a cam tube or sleeve surrounding or encapsulating the erect image tube, materials with different degrees of optical reflectivity / absorbance coupled to the cam tube, and a base coupled to the body, where the base has an integrated display system and a photoelectric sensor for detecting the optical reflectivity / absorbance from the materials. In one embodiment, the base has a printed circuit board or a microprocessor for communicating with the photoelectric sensor and one or more microcontrollers or electronic controllers.

[0373] In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a body and a base coupled to the body. The body has a magnification adjustment ring for adjusting the optical magnification of the image. The base has an integrated display system, a microprocessor, and a system for delivering the magnification setting of the optical device to the microprocessor, where the microprocessor communicates with the active display of the integrated display system.

[0374] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system for tracking the magnification setting of an observation optical device that has no mechanical link between the moving parts and the sensing device of an opto-mechanical system. The magnification tracking system disclosed herein is embedded in a base coupled to the body of the observation optical device, and there is no mechanical link between the fixed parts and the moving parts of the system.

[0375] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body and a base connected to the body, the body having an erecting tube that houses an erecting lens assembly and a cam sleeve that surrounds the erecting tube and has materials with different degrees of optical absorptivity / reflectivity, wherein the base has a photoelectric sensor. In one embodiment, the materials with different degrees of optical absorptivity / reflectivity surround the cam sleeve at one end of the cam sleeve near the magnification adjustment ring of the body. In one embodiment, the photoelectric sensor is located under the materials with different degrees of optical absorptivity / reflectivity on the cam sleeve.

[0376] When the operator / user rotates the magnification adjustment ring 212 of the observation optical device, the outer cam sleeve is rotated, which moves the two lens units, thereby changing the effective optical magnification of the rifle scope.

[0377] In one embodiment, the cam sleeve has materials with different degrees of optical reflectivity / absorptivity. In one embodiment, the material adheres to the outer diameter of the cam sleeve.

[0378] In one embodiment, the material is a material strip. In one embodiment, the material is approximately 10 mm wide and 40 mm long. In one embodiment, the first side of the material has an adhesive for attaching it to the outer cam sleeve. In another embodiment, the other side of such a strip has a printed gray scale gradient thereon such that when an LED is directed thereto, it reflects different amounts of light depending on the gradient portion exposed to the LED.

[0379] In one embodiment, the PCB has an LED and a photoelectric sensor. In one embodiment, the LED and the photoelectric sensor are located directly below the gradient strip that is attached to the outer diameter of the cam sleeve. The LED irradiates the gradient strip, and the photoelectric sensor receives a portion of the light reflected from the gradient strip, which can then send a signal to a microcontroller, wherein the intensity of the signal varies with the amount of light detected.

[0380] When the operator rotates the magnification adjustment ring, different portions of the gradient strip are exposed to the LED and the photoelectric sensor, which in turn changes the intensity of the signal sent to the microcontroller. Thus, the optical magnification setting of the system can be tracked by correlating it with the amount of light detected by the photoelectric sensor.

[0381] Figure 65 A side view of an 1-8x rifle scope 6500 having a body 6502 and a base 6505 coupled to the body 6502 is depicted. The magnification adjustment ring 6510 can be seen on the right side of the image.

[0382] Figure 66Depicts a side view of a rifle scope 6500, where the body of the scope is hidden and the outer cam sleeve 6610 is revealed. The outer cam sleeve 6610 rotates with the magnification adjustment ring 6510 to change the magnification setting.

[0383] Figure 67 Depicts a view of the base 6505 of the observation optics 6500 with a printed circuit board 6710, where the printed circuit board 6710 contains a photoelectric sensor and an LED 6720 for measuring the position of a reflective gradient material attached to the outer cam sleeve in the body. The outer cam sleeve and the associated optical system are hidden in this image.

[0384] Figure 68 Is an exploded view of the printed circuit board 6710 with a photoelectric sensor and an LED 6720, where an analog visual cone is drawn to illustrate the light acceptance angle of the photoelectric sensor.

[0385] Figure 69 and Figure 70 Is an image of the photoelectric sensor and the LED 6720, which work in combination with a reflective gradient band 6910 attached to the outer cam sleeve 6610 to measure the magnification setting of the optics. The figure shows a gradient band 6910 with 4 specific zones of different reflectivities, but it should be noted that the reflectivity of such a band can vary infinitely. The gradient band 6910 is coupled to the cam sleeve at a portion of the cam sleeve near the magnification adjustment ring. The printed circuit board 6710 is located in the base 6505 attached to the body of the observation optics. The LED and the photoelectric sensor 6720 on the PCB 6710 are located below the gradient band 6910.

[0386] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device, comprising: a body having a first end and a second end and having a central axis; an objective lens system disposed within the body; an eyepiece disposed within the body; an erecting tube disposed within the body and having an erecting lens system, the objective lens system, the eyepiece, and the erecting lens system forming an optical system having a first focal plane and a second focal plane, the first focal plane being close to the objective lens system, and the second focal plane being close to the eyepiece; a cam sleeve surrounding the erecting tube that moves in combination with a magnification adjustment ring for adjusting the optical magnification of an image; a material having different degrees of optical absorptivity / reflectivity, the material being coupled to the cam sleeve; and a base coupled to the body and having a photoelectric sensor for detecting light from the material, a microprocessor in communication with the photoelectric sensor, and an active display in communication with the microprocessor, the active display generating an image based on a magnification setting and projecting the generated image into the first focal plane of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the generated image from the active display is based on a signal obtained from the photoelectric sensor.

[0387] Feeding the magnification setting to the microprocessor has a number of advantages, including but not limited to changing the reticle pattern based on the magnification setting and automatically changing the font size of alphanumeric information as the magnification changes. Additionally, if multiple display "pages" are stored in the memory system, the microcontroller can automatically switch between "display" pages depending on the magnification setting to present the most relevant data to the operator.

[0388] 4. Additional Components

[0389] In one embodiment, the observation optical device can be controlled by a button integral with the rifle scope or an externally attached button.

[0390] In one embodiment, the body of the observation optical device can have a camera system.

[0391] In one embodiment, the body of the observation optical device can have one or more computing systems. The integrated display system described below can communicate with or otherwise be associated with the computing systems. In some embodiments, the computing systems can be enclosed within a first housing or body of the observation optical device. In some embodiments, the computing systems can be coupled externally to the observation optical device.

[0392] Figure 9It is a block diagram of various electronic components of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The battery 902 can supply power to the computing system or control module 904 and the active display 906. In one embodiment, the computing system 904 can include, but is not limited to, a user interface 908, a data input device 914, a processor 910, a memory 916, and one or more sensors 912.

[0393] In one embodiment, the user interface 908 can include multiple input and / or output devices, such as buttons, keys, knobs, touchscreens, displays, speakers, microphones, etc. For example, some components of the user interface (such as buttons) can be used for manual data input, such as wind direction data, display intensity data, reticle intensity data, ballistic profile data, ballistic coefficient data, muzzle velocity data, primary zero data, static conditions of the rifle scope system, GPS coordinate data, compass coordinate data, data of the aiming line above the barrel axis, etc. These data can be received by the processor and saved in the memory. These data can also be used by the processor in algorithms or to execute algorithms.

[0394] The data input device 914 can include a wired or wireless communication device and / or can include any type of data transmission technology, such as a USB port, a mini USB port, a memory card slot (e.g., a micro SD slot), an NFC transceiver, a transceiver, a FireWire, a transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, an 802.6 device, a cellular communication device, etc. Note that although it is called a data input device, it can also be used in two-way communication, thus also providing data output.

[0395] In one embodiment, the processor 910 can be any type of processor known in the art that can receive input, execute algorithms, and / or process, and can include, but is not limited to, one or more general-purpose processors and / or one or more dedicated processors (such as a digital signal processing chip, a graphics acceleration chip, and / or the like). The processor can be used to control various processes, algorithms, and / or methods in the operation of the rifle scope. The processor can control the operation of the display system and / or the reticle. The processor can also receive input from the user interface, data input, memory, sensors, a position encoder associated with the position of an adjustable component (e.g., a vertical adjustment knob, a windage adjustment knob, or a parallax turret), and / or other sources.

[0396] In one embodiment, the memory 916 may include any type of digital data storage device (such as random access memory (RAM) and / or read-only memory (ROM)), which may be programmable, flash-updatable, and / or the like. In other embodiments, the memory may include memory from externally connected devices (including, for example, disk drives, drive arrays, optical storage devices, or solid-state storage devices). In some embodiments, the memory may be configured to store ballistic information, which includes data that can be used, for example, to correct for the amount by which a bullet may drop over a given distance and / or the horizontal deflection of the bullet.

[0397] Data may be input from another device (e.g., the processor may receive data that can be input from another device (such as a computer, laptop, GPS device, rangefinder, tablet, or smartphone, etc.)) via a data input device and stored in the memory. Such data may include, for example, calibration data, a ballistic profile lookup table that cross-references rotational data and / or linear data with range values, rifle data, projectile data, user data, and the like.

[0398] The sensor 912 may be used to sense any one of a variety of environmental conditions or characteristics associated with the use of the rifle scope. For example, the sensor may sense atmospheric conditions (such as humidity, temperature, pressure, etc.), up / down tilt, left / right tilt of the rifle, and / or the direction of the rifle's sight (compass direction). Any number of sensors may be included. The sensor data may be recorded by the processor and saved to the memory and / or used when processing instructions for operating the viewing optics.

[0399] The control module 904 may also include software elements that may be located within the working memory 916. The software elements may include an operating system and / or other code, such as one or more applications.

[0400] In one embodiment, a camera may communicate with the control module.

[0401] B. Second housing

[0402] In one embodiment, the second housing is coupled to the first housing and contains an integrated display system. In one embodiment, the second housing is a base that is coupled to a portion of the body of the viewing optics. In one embodiment, the base may be separable from the body of the viewing optics.

[0403] In one embodiment, the second housing is not an image stabilization device. In one embodiment, the length of the base with the integrated display system is 35% to 70% of the body length of the rifle scope to which the base is coupled. In another embodiment, the base with the integrated display system is 40% to 65% of the body length of the rifle scope to which the base is coupled. In another embodiment, the base with the integrated display system does not exceed 65% of the body length of the rifle scope to which the base is coupled.

[0404] In one embodiment, the body of the rifle scope is approximately 2.5 times the length of the base with the integrated display system. In yet another embodiment, the length of the body is 1.5 to 2.5 times the length of the base with the integrated display system. In yet another embodiment, the length of the body is at least 1.5 times the length of the base with the integrated display system.

[0405] As Figure 2 shown, the base 220 can be bolted to the scope body 210 of the rifle scope to form a fully enclosed integrated system. The base 220 can then be directly attached to the firearm without the need for traditional rifle scope rings.

[0406] Figure 10 A top view of a rifle scope 200 having a body 210 and a base 220 is shown. Figure 10 It is shown that the base 220 does not cause the rifle scope to protrude or be disproportionate to a traditional rifle scope in any position. The rifle scope having a body and a base disclosed herein maintains the traditional sleek design of the rifle scope.

[0407] Figure 11 The base 220 attached to the body 210 of the rifle scope is shown. The base 220 is aligned and flush with the outer edge of the body 210.

[0408] In one embodiment, as Figure 2 shown, the base with the integrated display system is coupled to the bottom side of the body 210 of the rifle scope, where one end of the base is generally coupled at the power selection ring or magnification ring 212 of the body 210, and the other end of the base is coupled approximately at the starting point of the objective lens assembly 214 of the body. In one embodiment, the base 220 is coupled to the body 210 by threaded fasteners, non-threaded integral and non-integral positioning and recoil transfer features, and elastic seals.

[0409] In one embodiment, the base can be equipped with the components necessary to generate a digital display, and then the base can be bolted to the body of the rifle scope to form a fully enclosed integrated system.

[0410] In one embodiment, the base and the body of the sight are a closed integrated system. In one embodiment, the base is coupled to the body without using a fixture that is designed to be easily removable.

[0411] In one embodiment, an observation optical device having a body and a base coupled to the body can be coupled to a firearm without the need for traditional rifle scope rings. In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a body and a base coupled to the body, wherein the bottom side of the base has a mounting rail.

[0412] In one embodiment, the base of the observation optical device can include a mounting rail for mounting to a desired firearm, equipment, or device, and can have an adjustment mechanism that includes an elevation adjustment drum for adjusting the elevation position of the optical device. A lateral adjustment mechanism is typically also used for left - right adjustment. The adjustment mechanism can be covered using a protective cap.

[0413] In one embodiment, the top side of the base is coupled to the bottom side of the body of the observation optical device, and the bottom side of the base has a mounting rail. In one embodiment, the top side of the base is coupled to a lateral slit in the bottom side of the body of the observation optical device.

[0414] In one embodiment, the base includes an integrated display system that is configured to generate an image using an active display and direct the image along a display optical axis for simultaneous overlapping viewing of the generated image and an image of the external scene, wherein the generated image is injected into a first focal plane of the body of the observation optical device.

[0415] In one embodiment, the base is separate and distinct from a laser rangefinder device. In one embodiment, the base is a device independent of the laser rangefinder device.

[0416] In one embodiment, the second housing or base is not an attached accessory. In another embodiment, the second housing or base is not coupled as an attached accessory adjacent to the eyepiece of an observation optical device having an adapter.

[0417] In one embodiment, the end - user cannot separate the second housing or base from the body. In one embodiment, the second housing or base is not interchangeable with multiple or other observation optical devices.

[0418] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system including an observation optical device and a laser rangefinder device, the observation optical device having a body and a base coupled to the body, the body having a first optical system and the base having a second optical system, such as an integrated display system.

[0419] 1. Integrated display system

[0420] In one embodiment, the second housing includes an integrated display system. In another embodiment, the base includes an integrated display system. In yet another embodiment, a base having an integrated display system is coupled to the body of a rifle scope. In yet another embodiment, the base is coupled to the bottom of the body of the rifle scope.

[0421] In one embodiment, the base has an integrated display system that includes an active display, a light collector, and reflective material (including but not limited to a mirror). In one embodiment, the integrated display system has the following architecture: an active display, followed by a light collector, followed by reflective material (such as a mirror).

[0422] Figure 12 A top cross-sectional view of base 220 coupled to the body of an observation optic is depicted. Base 220 includes an integrated display system having a microdisplay 1210, a light collector 1220, and a mirror 1230. In one embodiment, mirror 1230 can be positioned at any suitable angle.

[0423] Figure 13 A side cross-sectional view of base 220 having an integrated display system is depicted, the integrated display system having a microdisplay 1210, a light collector 1220, and a mirror 1230. Body 210 has a beam combiner 320 located above mirror 1230.

[0424] Figure 14 A side cross-sectional view of a rifle scope having a body 210 and a detachable base 220 is depicted. Base 220 includes a microdisplay 1210, a light collector 1220, and a mirror 1230. Mirror 1230 is positioned at approximately 45 degrees. Scope body 210 has a beam combiner 320 located generally above the angled mirror 1230. Beam combiner 320 is generally located below elevation adjustment knob 1410 of scope body 210. When base 220 is coupled to the body 210 of the observation optic, active display 1210 is located in the base on the eyepiece assembly side 1420.

[0425] As Figure 15 shown, an image generated from microdisplay 1210 can be redirected from display optical axis A to observation optical axis A, through mirror 1230 to beam combiner 320 in body 210, for simultaneously superimposing or overlapping a digital image onto an image of the scene observed by the observer through the optic in the first focal plane 1510. Because beam combiner 320 is located before the first focal plane 1510 and the combined images are focused in the first focal plane, the displayed image and the observed image do not move relative to each other. This is a significant advancement compared to devices that inject an image into the second focal plane.

[0426] In one embodiment, as Figure 16 shown, when the base is coupled to the body of the rifle scope, the active display 1210 is located at a portion of the base closest to the objective lens assembly 214 as compared to the eyepiece assembly of the body of the rifle scope. The body of the rifle scope has an analog reticle 1610.

[0427] Figure 17 FIG. depicts a rifle scope 200 having a body 210 and a base 220 coupled to the body, the body 210 having a beam combiner 320, and the base 220 having an integrated display system. As Figure 17 shown, when the base is coupled to the body of the rifle scope, the active display 1210 is located at a portion of the base closest to the eyepiece assembly as compared to the objective lens assembly of the body of the rifle scope. By overlaying an image from the integrated display system onto the first focal plane, the user can still use the conventional glass-etched reticle 1610 for aiming purposes.

[0428] In one embodiment, the integrated display system can direct a generated image from the active display along a display optical axis A. The generated image can be directed from the display optical axis A to a mirror in the base and to a beam combiner in the body of the rifle scope for simultaneously overlaying or overlapping the generated image onto an image of a scene observed by an observer through the optical system of the body, wherein the combined image is injected or focused onto the first focal plane of the optical system of the body.

[0429] In one embodiment, an image generated from the active display in the base is focused on the first focal plane of the body of the rifle scope, which allows the image generated by the display to maintain alignment with externally mounted accessories.

[0430] In one embodiment, an image generated from the active display in the base is focused on the first focal plane of the body of the rifle scope, so that the generated image is not associated with the movement of the erecting tube. The generated image is independent of the movement of the erecting tube.

[0431] In one embodiment, light from the active microdisplay is collected by a set of optical lenses. Light from the display is reflected to a beam combiner in the main body of the rifle scope and forms an image of the display that coincides with the first focal plane of the rifle scope. This image of the display is combined with an image from the scene (target) and is perceived as being "under" the conventional wire or glass-etched reticle. In one embodiment, the "conventional" reticle that is still utilized obscures both the image of the scene and the image of the display. If the luminance of the display is increased to a sufficient brightness level, the image of the OLED display will saturate the image of the scene and will also appear to obscure the scene.

[0432] In yet another embodiment, an integrated display system in the base can direct a generated image along a display optical axis "B" onto an observation optical axis A in the body of the rifle scope. The image can be redirected from the display optical axis B to a beam combiner in the body using a mirror or similar reflective material in the base, arriving on the observation optical axis A in the body, which allows the generated image to be simultaneously superimposed or overlapped onto an image of the scene observed by the observer through the optics of the body. The generated image from the active display in the base is directed to a mirror, which reflects the image to the beam combiner.

[0433] In one embodiment, the display optical axis "B" and the observation optical axis "A" are substantially parallel, although other embodiments may be oriented differently as needed.

[0434] A. Active display

[0435] In one embodiment, the integrated display system has an active display. In one embodiment, the active display is controlled by a microcontroller or a computer. In one embodiment, the active display is controlled by a microcontroller with an integrated graphics controller to output a video signal to the display. In one embodiment, information can be sent wirelessly or via a physical connection (via a cable port) into the observation optics. In yet another embodiment, many input sources can be input into the microcontroller and displayed on the active display.

[0436] In one embodiment, the active display and the beam combiner are not in the same housing. In one embodiment, the active display and the beam combiner are in separate housings.

[0437] In one embodiment, the active display can be a reflective, transmissive, or emissive microdisplay, including but not limited to microdisplays, transmissive active matrix LCD displays (AMLCDs), organic light emitting diode (OLED) displays, light emitting diode (LED) displays, electronic ink displays, plasma displays, segmented displays, electroluminescent displays, surface-conduction electron-emitter displays, quantum dot displays, etc.

[0438] In one embodiment, the LED array is a micro-pixelated LED array, and the LED elements are micro-pixelated LEDs (also referred to as micro-LEDs or μLEDs in the specification) having a small pixel size generally less than 75 μm. In some embodiments, each LED element may have a pixel size ranging from about 8 μm to about 25 μm and a pixel pitch (vertical and horizontal pitch on the micro-LED array) ranging from about 10 μm to about 30 μm. In one embodiment, the micro-LED elements have a uniform pixel size of about 14 μm (e.g., all micro-LED elements have the same size within a small tolerance) and are arranged in a micro-LED array with a uniform pixel pitch of about 25 μm. In some embodiments, each LED element may have a pixel size of 25 μm or less and a pixel pitch of about 30 μm or less.

[0439] In some embodiments, the micro-LEDs may be inorganic and based on gallium nitride light-emitting diodes (GaN LEDs). A micro-LED array (comprising many μLEDs arranged in a grid or other array) can provide a high-density emissive microdisplay not based on an external switching or filtering system. In some embodiments, a GaN-based micro-LED array may be grown, bonded, or otherwise formed on a transparent sapphire substrate.

[0440] In one embodiment, the sapphire substrate is textured, etched, or otherwise patterned to increase the internal quantum efficiency and light extraction efficiency of the micro-LEDs (i.e., to extract more light from the surface of the micro-LEDs). In other embodiments, silver nanoparticles may be deposited / spread on the patterned sapphire substrate to coat the substrate before bonding the micro-LEDs, thereby further improving the light efficiency and output power of the GaN-based micro-LEDs and micro-LED arrays.

[0441] In one embodiment, the active display may be monochromatic or may provide full color, and in some embodiments, may provide multiple colors. In other embodiments, other suitable designs or types of displays may be employed. The active display may be driven by electronic devices. In one embodiment, the electronic device may provide the display function or may receive such function from another device with which it communicates.

[0442] In one embodiment, the active display can be part of a backlight / display assembly, module, or arrangement having a backlight assembly, device, apparatus, or structure including backlighting or a light source, such as an LED backlight for illuminating the active display with light. In some embodiments, the backlight source can be a large area LED and can include a first or integrated lens for collecting the generated light and directing it to a second illumination or condenser lens to collect, focus, and direct the light to the active display with good spatial and angular uniformity along the display optical axis B. The backlight assembly and the active display are capable of providing an image with a luminance brightness high enough while being at low power such that it can be observed through the optics simultaneously with a very high brightness real world view.

[0443] The backlight color can be selected as any single color, or can be white to support a full color microdisplay. Other backlight design elements can be included, such as other light sources, waveguides, diffusers, micro-optics, polarizers, birefringent components, optical coatings, and reflectors, for optimizing the performance of the backlight and being compatible with the overall size requirements of the active display as well as the luminance, power, and contrast requirements.

[0444] Figure 16 and Figure 17 A representative example of an integrated display system in a base coupled to a body is depicted, showing a display, an optical system, and a mirror. The integrated system operates with an optical system housed in the body of the viewing optics, which is depicted above the integrated display system.

[0445] Representative examples of microdisplays that can be used include, but are not limited to: micro OLEDs, including MDP01 (series) DPYM, MDP02, and MDP05; eMagin, such as SVGA microdisplays with pixel pitches of 9.9×9.9 microns and 7.8×7.8 microns; and light-emitting OLED microdisplays, such as those produced by Kopin Corporation. Micro LED displays can also be used, including but not limited to those produced by VueReal and Lumiode.

[0446] In one embodiment, an electronic device working with the active display can include the ability to generate display symbols and format output for display, and includes battery information, power regulation circuitry, a video interface, a serial interface, and control features. Other features can be included for additional or different functions of the display overlay unit. The electronic device can provide the display function or can receive such a function from another device with which it communicates.

[0447] In one embodiment, an active display may generate images, including but not limited to text, alphanumeric, graphics, symbols, and / or video imagery, icons, etc., including an active reticle, range measurement, wind direction information, GPS information, and compass information, gun elevation information, target detection information, identification information, and identification (ID) information, and / or external sensor information (sensor video and / or graphics), or images for situational awareness, for viewing through an eyepiece together with the image of the view seen through the optics. The direct vision optics may include or maintain an etched reticle and a bore sight, and maintain high resolution.

[0448] In one embodiment, the utilization of the active display allows a programmable electronic aiming point to be displayed at any position in the field of view. This position may be determined by the user (as in the case of a rifle that fires both supersonic and subsonic ammunition and thus has two different trajectories and "zero points"), or may be calculated based on information received from a ballistic calculator. This will provide a "drop compensation" aiming point for long-range shooting that can be updated during each shot interval.

[0449] In one embodiment, the active display may be oriented to achieve maximum vertical compensation. In one embodiment, the active display is positioned such that its height is greater than its width.

[0450] In one embodiment, the active display is oriented as Figure 18 shown, which allows for a maximized vertical adjustment range 1810 of the active reticle within the rifle scope. The maximized vertical adjustment is beneficial as it allows for ballistic compensation for scenes at greater distances.

[0451] In one embodiment, the integrated display system further includes a processor in electronic communication with the active display.

[0452] In another embodiment, the integrated display system may include a memory, at least one sensor, and / or an electronic communication device in electronic communication with the processor.

[0453] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optic having a body and a base coupled to the body, the body having an optical system for generating an image of an external scene and a body beam combiner placed in line with the optical system, the base having an integrated display system having a first active display for generating an image and a second active display perpendicular to the first active display, wherein the generated image from the first active display or the second active display is projected into a first focal plane of the optical system, thereby providing simultaneous viewing of the generated image and the image of the external scene when viewed through the eyepiece of the scope body.

[0454] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body and a base coupled to the body, the body having an optical system for generating an image of an external scene and a body beam combiner disposed in line with the optical system, the base having an integrated display system having a first active display for generating an image, a second active display for generating an image, a base beam combiner configured to combine the first image and the second image, and a reflective material for guiding the combined image to the body beam combiner for simultaneous overlapping viewing of the combined image and the image of the external scene in a first focal plane when viewed through an eyepiece of the sight body.

[0455] In one embodiment, the base beam combiner is located to the right of the first display. In another embodiment, the second active display may be disposed perpendicular to the primary active display in the system. This allows the two displays to be used separately or even simultaneously and projected onto the focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0456] Method of using ranging

[0457] In one embodiment, the active display may display distance measurements obtained from a laser rangefinder. In one embodiment, the LRF may be coupled to the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the LRF is directly coupled to the outer sight body of a rifle scope. In another embodiment, a portion of the LRF is directly coupled to the exterior of the sight body of a rifle scope.

[0458] In one embodiment, the LRF is indirectly coupled to the outer sight body of a rifle scope. In another embodiment, a portion of the LRF is indirectly coupled to the exterior of the sight body of a rifle scope.

[0459] In yet another embodiment, the LRF is not coupled to the rifle scope but communicates with the rifle scope either hardwired or wirelessly.

[0460] In general operation, the LRF provides a laser pulse that is projected into the scene via projection optics. The laser illuminates an object, and a portion of the laser is reflected back to the LRF. The portion of the reflected laser that returns to the device is captured by a receiving optical system and directed to a detector. The device includes a timer that starts when the laser pulse is transmitted and stops when the returned laser is detected. The calculator portion of the device uses the time elapsed from the transmission of the laser pulse until the detection of the returned reflected laser to calculate the distance to the object.

[0461] In one embodiment, the distance calculation is transmitted to the active display, and the generated image (distance measurement or calculation) is redirected from the display optical axis "B" to the viewing optical axis A using a mirror and a beam combiner for simultaneously superimposing or overlapping the image (distance measurement or calculation) onto the image of the scene observed by the observer through the viewing optics.

[0462] Windage distance bar

[0463] In another embodiment, the active display can generate a windage range. In one embodiment, the user can supply a range of windage values, and the software can generate windage data, such as a windage range change bar. In one embodiment, the windage data is transmitted to the active display, and the generated image (e.g., windage range change bar) is redirected from the display optical axis "B" to the viewing optical axis "A" using a mirror and a beam combiner for simultaneously superimposing or overlapping the image (windage range change bar) onto the image of the scene observed by the observer through the viewing optics.

[0464] In one embodiment, the windage data includes a minimum windage compensation point to a maximum windage compensation point.

[0465] In one embodiment, the windage data is transmitted to the active display, and the active display can generate a reticle in the field of view with appropriate windage compensation.

[0466] Display color for psychological suggestion

[0467] In one embodiment, the active display can generate a color display to convey an additional level of information to the user in a quickly understandable format. In one embodiment, the active display can generate a series of color-coded symbols to indicate ready to fire.

[0468] In one embodiment, the active display can generate a series of color-coded symbols to color-code objects in the target scene. In one embodiment, the active display can distinguish between enemy and friendly forces for color-coding. In another embodiment, the active display can color-code targets of interest.

[0469] In one embodiment, the active display can generate a series of color symbols to indicate the status of windage adjustment. In one embodiment, a red dot can indicate that the windage adjustment is not yet complete, while a green symbol can indicate that the windage adjustment has been completed.

[0470] In another embodiment, the active display can generate an aiming point with color. In one embodiment, if reasonable adjustments, including but not limited to windage, distance, and elevation, have not been performed, the aiming point will be red. In another embodiment, if some but not all of the firing adjustments have been completed, the aiming point will be yellow. In yet another embodiment, if all the necessary firing adjustments have been completed, the aiming point will be green and the aiming point is fully compensated.

[0471] In yet another embodiment, the blinking and steady states of the symbol can be used to convey similar status information regarding the aiming point adjustment.

[0472] In yet another embodiment, the active display can generate text shown by color to indicate the status. In one embodiment, red text can indicate that input parameters have not been entered or calculated, while green text indicates parameters that have been entered or calculated.

[0473] Marking of impact zone in ranging

[0474] In one embodiment, the active display can generate circles, squares, or other shapes to allow the user to quickly surround or encircle the impact zone of the projectile.

[0475] Ballistic compensation estimation and compensation

[0476] In another embodiment, the active display can generate an aiming point for compensating a moving target based on the user's input for the direction and rate of movement. For example, the user can input a movement rate of 5 miles per hour to the left. If the wind direction and the movement are in the same direction, this will be added to the windage value, and if the wind direction and the movement are in opposite directions, this will be subtracted from the windage value. Then, when the aiming point and / or the deviation value bar are plotted on the display, the aiming point will include a reasonable amount of ballistic compensation to allow the user to place the aiming point on the desired impact zone and fire, rather than having to place the aiming point in front of the moving target to compensate for the movement.

[0477] Team operation via camera and remote display control

[0478] In one embodiment, the active display combined with a network interface allows an additional level of enhanced operation and usage. In one embodiment, the reticle images of multiple shooters on the network can be observed. The reticle camera images of each shooter are shown on one or more consoles, and the network processing and interface enable group-level coordination, training, and cooperation, which were not achievable before with a single rifle scope.

[0479] Training and instruction.In a training or instructional scenario, the coach can see how each shooter aligns his or her reticle with his or her respective target. By being able to actually see the reticle alignment, the coach or trainer can then provide instructions regarding adjustments and repositioning, such as by verbal commands (e.g., via radio or in person).

[0480] In another embodiment, the coach's console can be provided with pointing means (such as a mouse or joystick), where for the pointing means, control data is transmitted from the console to the integrated display system of the rifle via a network. The coach's mouse or joystick then controls an additional dot or pointer in the display of each shooter's sight, which allows the coach to visually show the shooter which target to use, which range marker bar to use, and where to position the reticle relative to the target. In one embodiment, each shooter can be provided with his or her own coach dot, such that the coach can provide personalized instructions to each shooter.

[0481] Firing coordination. In another embodiment, an active display can be used in the coordination and implementation of a multi-shooter firing team. In one embodiment, the leader of the team operates the coach's console and uses the coach dot to assist in assigning targets to each shooter, transmitting changes in reticle placement, etc.

[0482] Snapshots for remote review and approval. In another embodiment, an active display and network processing can allow a shooter equipped with control means to obtain a "snapshot" of his or her reticle view. Such a snapshot of the user's reticle view can include an image of the target in question. When the leader or coach receives the image, the leader or coach reviews the image and approves or disapproves the shot. For example, in an instructional scenario, the user can obtain a snapshot of an animal that he or she believes to be a legal animal to shoot (age, species, gender, etc.). If the coach agrees, the coach can so indicate by positioning or moving the coach dot on the shooter's reticle.

[0483] Biometric classification of targets. In another embodiment, a snapshot of the reticle image is received via biometric identification and / or classification processing (such as a facial recognition system). The biometric identification and / or classification processing can be on the gun (such as integrated into the display control logic), or can be remote from the gun interconnected via a network. The results of the identification and / or classification processing can be provided in the reticle by transmitting the results via the network to the control logic and appropriately updating the display.

[0484] Side - by - side image display.In another embodiment, an image is downloaded via a network to the integrated display system and is displayed in the reticle simultaneously with the observed target image. The user can use the downloaded image to make a side-by-side comparison of the currently observed target with a previously acquired target image or photograph (similar to the image or photograph that the shooter is instructed or expects to acquire). For example, during deer season, a deer image can be provided as a reference for a new shooter in the reticle, where the deer image can be compared in real time with the actual animal observed through the scope. In military or law enforcement applications, an image of a pursued enemy or fugitive can be displayed in the reticle for a sniper to make a real-time comparison with the face of the person observed through the scope.

[0485] Representative examples of active displays

[0486] a. 530 - 570nm

[0487] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an integrated display system using a microdisplay of 530 - 570nm.

[0488] Figure 19 An integrated display system having a digital display 1910 of 530nm - 570nm is described.

[0489] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary image 2020 that can be displayed using a digital display 1910 of 530nm - 570nm. As Figure 20 shown, a glass etched reticle 2010 can be used with the devices and systems disclosed herein. These images are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the amount or type of information that can be displayed using an active display.

[0490] In another embodiment, due to the sensitivity of the human eye, the integration of a digital display 1910 of 530nm - 570nm allows for a relatively higher efficacy than any other color display. This allows for a lower amount of power consumption compared to powering a red or blue display of the same light luminance.

[0491] In yet another embodiment, the integration of a digital display 1910 of 530nm - 570nm provides the end user with a stronger ability to discern digital overlays from the background created by ambient light in a daylight sight.

[0492] b. AMOLED

[0493] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an integrated display system including an AMOLED microdisplay.

[0494] Figure 21 An integrated display system having an AMOLED digital display 2110 is depicted.

[0495] Figure 22 It is a schematic diagram of an exemplary image 2210 that can be displayed using an AMOLED digital display. As Figure 22 shown, the glass etched reticule 2010 can be used with the devices and systems disclosed herein. These images are merely examples and should not be construed as limiting the amount or type of information that can be displayed using an active display.

[0496] In one embodiment, the image generated by the AMOLED 2110 is integrated / imaged / focused in the first focal plane. In one embodiment, the use of the AMOLED display 2110 allows for an increase in contrast and an increase in complexity within the data displayed in the riflescope.

[0497] In one embodiment, the integration of the AMOLED display 2110 allows for the selection of individual pixels to be illuminated, which provides the ability to easily display complex data configurations in the riflescope.

[0498] In another embodiment, the integration of the AMOLED display 2110 allows for a small and lightweight package size within the riflescope due to the reduced need for backlighting in the system.

[0499] In another embodiment, the integrated display system does not require a backlight display component.

[0500] In yet another embodiment, the integration of the AMOLED display 2110 allows for a reduction in power consumption because the ability to optimize the power usage of individual pixels is now available.

[0501] In one embodiment, the integration of the AMOLED display 2110 provides contrast, which allows for a clear "heads-up" display within the scope. The contrast allows each floating feature to be individually targeted and represented without low glow around the pixels.

[0502] B. Condenser lens system

[0503] In one embodiment, an integrated display system has an optical system based on using an optical lens as part of one or more lens units, including the lens itself and the lens unit body to which the lens is mounted. In one embodiment, the lens unit includes a precision formed body that is generally cylindrical or disk-shaped. The body has a central aperture for mounting the lens that is aligned with the optical axis of the larger optical system. It can also be said that the unit body has its own alignment axis that will ultimately align with the optical axis of the larger system when the lens unit is mounted therein. Additionally, the lens unit acts as a "holder" for the lens, serves as the mechanism for mounting the lens into the larger optical system, and (finally) serves as the means by which the lens can be operated through and for the system.

[0504] In one embodiment, the integrated display system includes a condenser lens system (also referred to as a lens system). In one embodiment, the condenser lens system includes an inner lens unit and an outer lens unit.

[0505] Figure 23 is a representative example of a condenser lens system 2310 having an inner lens unit 2315 and an outer lens unit 2320. In one embodiment, the outer lens unit 2320 contains at least one lens, and the inner lens unit 2315 contains at least one lens. In one embodiment, the inner lens unit 2315 rotates on the inner surface of the outer lens unit 2320. As Figure 23 shown, the active display 1210 is coupled to a flat machined surface on the back of the inner lens unit 2315. In one embodiment, the active display 1210 can be directly coupled to the inner lens unit 2315. In yet another embodiment, the active display 1210 can be indirectly coupled to the inner lens unit 2315.

[0506] One advantage of the condenser system disclosed herein is that the inner lens unit in combination with the microdisplay mount provides a fixed rotational mechanical axis for positioning the vertical axis of the microdisplay.

[0507] Figure 24 is a representative depiction of a base 220 coupled to the body of the viewing optics, where the base has a condenser system 2310 that is part of the integrated display system. In Figure 24 it, the body is depicted by a beam combiner 320 and a viewing optics reticle 2420.

[0508] The outer lens unit 2320 is fixed in place relative to the viewing optical system in the body, while the inner lens unit 2315 is allowed to rotate and float within the outer lens unit 2320. By applying pressure to the surface 2410 of the inner lens unit 2315 that is below the axis of rotation of the lens unit, the vertical axis of the active display 1210 can be aligned with the vertical axis of the reticle 1610 of the viewing optical system.

[0509] Figure 25 is a representative depiction of an embodiment for aligning the tilt of the vertical axis of an active display with the vertical axis of a reticle. As Figure 25 shown, opposing set screws 2505 can be tightened against the surface of the inner lens unit 2315 located below the rotation axis of the lens unit. The set screws 2505 can be used to align the vertical axis of the microdisplay 1210 with the vertical axis of the reticle in the optical system within the body of the viewing optics. The rotation of the inner lens unit 2315 can be maintained by tightly tightening the set screws 2505 against the lower surface of the inner lens unit 2315, thereby rotationally locking the vertical axis of the microdisplay 1210 in place.

[0510] Figure 26 is a representative depiction of a rear cross-sectional view of a condenser lens system 2300 having a tilt adjustment mechanism for the microdisplay 1210 or an active display. When a microdisplay is injected into the optical system of the viewing optics using a beam combiner or waveguide, additional compensation methods are required to eliminate the tilt error between the vertical axis of the reticle and the injected image of the vertical axis of the microdisplay. The set screws 2505 can be tightened against the surface of the inner lens unit 2315 located below the rotation axis of the lens unit, thereby aligning the vertical axis of the microdisplay 1210 with the vertical axis of the reticle in the optical system within the body of the viewing optics.

[0511] Figure 27 is a representative depiction of a method and apparatus for eliminating parallax between a microdisplay and a reticle in an optical system within the body of a viewing optics. The outer lens unit 2320 includes at least one lens on the Figure 27 right hand side, and the inner lens unit 2315 includes at least one lens on the Figure 27 left hand side. The inner lens unit 2315 slides along the optical axis on the inner surface of the outer lens unit 2320. The microdisplay 1210 is coupled to the inner lens unit 2315. A spring 2710 is installed between the outer lens unit 2320 and the inner lens unit 2315 such that the units are separated when not under compressive force.

[0512] Figure 28A is a representative depiction of a base coupled to the body of a viewing optics, the base having a condenser system 2300. In Figure 28A this, the body is depicted by a beam combiner 320 and a viewing optics reticle 2810.

[0513] The outer lens unit 2320 is fixed in place relative to the viewing optics, and the inner lens unit 2315 is allowed to float within the outer lens unit 2320. By using screws or wedges 2820 that apply a force to the back of the inner lens unit / active display mount, the inner lens unit 2315 is forced forward, changing the axial position of the image such that the focal plane of the microdisplay image lies in the same plane as the viewing optics reticle in the body of the viewing optics. Thus, the parallax between the microdisplay and the reticle is eliminated.

[0514] The position of the inner lens unit is held in place by the action of springs being pressed outward against the screws or wedges. The parallax between the active display and the reticle can be eliminated without changing the amount of light collected from the active display or degrading the image quality of the system.

[0515] By using springs between the inner lens unit and the outer lens unit and forces on the back of the inner lens unit / microdisplay, the maximum amount of light can be collected from the microdisplay, and a rapid, simple, and precise adjustment method is provided.

[0516] In one embodiment, the inner lens unit 2315 and the outer lens unit 2320 can include two or more lenses. In another embodiment, the lens system can include 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10 lenses. The lenses can be obtained from various commercial manufacturers, including but not limited to LaCroix Optics (www.lacroixoptics.com) and DiverseOptics (www.diverseoptics.com). In one embodiment, the inner lens unit and the outer lens unit include a condenser lens system.

[0517] In one embodiment, the lens system includes a five (5)-lens system. In one embodiment, the five-lens system includes 5 single lenses. In another embodiment, the five-lens system includes two doublets and one single lens. In yet another embodiment, the five-lens system includes 3 single lenses and 1 doublet. In one embodiment, at least one plastic aspheric is used as the first element.

[0518] In one embodiment, the lens system is a five-lens system in the following order: an aspheric single lens closest to the active display, followed by a single lens, followed by a doublet, followed by the final single lens.

[0519] In one embodiment, the lens system is a five-lens system in the following order: an aspheric single lens closest to the active display, followed by a single lens, followed by a single lens, followed by a doublet.

[0520] In one embodiment, the lens system is a five-lens system with the following configuration: The diameter of lens 1, which is close to the active display, is 11 mm and the thickness is 9.3 mm; the diameter of lens 2 is 9 mm and the thickness is 1.9 mm; the doublet lens has a lens (lens 3) with a diameter of 13.5 mm and a thickness of 2.1 mm and another lens (lens 4) with a diameter of 13.5 mm and a thickness of 4.1 mm; and the diameter of lens 5 is 13.5 mm and the thickness is 3.3 mm.

[0521] In one embodiment, the air gap between one lens and the next lens ranges from about 1 mm to about 20 mm. In one embodiment, the air gap between one lens and the subsequent lens ranges from about 5 mm to about 20 mm. In one embodiment, the air gap between one lens and the subsequent lens ranges from about 10 mm to about 20 mm.

[0522] In one embodiment, the distance between the active display and the first lens is minimized to collect the maximum amount of light from the display. In one embodiment, the distance between the active display and the first lens is less than 2 mm. In another embodiment, the distance between the active display and the first lens is selected from the group consisting of less than 1.8 mm, less than 1.5 mm, less than 1.3 mm, less than 1.1 mm, less than 0.9 mm, less than 0.7 mm, less than 0.5 mm, and less than 0.3 mm.

[0523] In one embodiment, the five-lens system is housed in an inner lens unit and an outer lens unit. In one embodiment, the inner lens unit is constructed by mounting an aspherical surface to the inner lens unit from the opposite end where the display base is located; followed by a spacer; followed by lens 2, which can be a 9-mm single lens; followed by a retaining ring that holds the two lenses in place.

[0524] In one embodiment, the outer lens unit is constructed by inserting lens 5 into the outer lens unit from the display end of the unit, where lens 5 can be a 13.5-mm single lens; followed by a spacer; followed by a doublet lens, which can be lens 3 and lens 4; followed by a retaining ring.

[0525] Figure 28B It is a representative depiction of a base having a light collector system or a condenser lens system. The inner lens unit 2315 is constructed by mounting an aspherical surface 2840 to the inner lens unit from the opposite end where the display base is located; followed by a spacer; followed by a glass meniscus 2850. In one embodiment, the glass meniscus can be lens 2 as described above. The outer lens unit 2320 can be constructed by inserting a glass doublet lens 2860 and then inserting a glass single lens 2870.

[0526] In one embodiment, the condenser lens system includes a five-lens system including 2840, 2850, 2860, and 2870, where 2840 is closest to the active display and 2870 is farthest from the active display. In one embodiment, the inner lens unit 2315 includes 2840 and 2850. In one embodiment, the outer lens unit 2320 includes 2860 and 2870.

[0527] In one embodiment, when the inner lens unit axially moves along the inner diameter of the outer lens unit, the spacing between the lens 2 in the inner unit and the lens 3 in the outer unit is changed. This causes the focal plane of the image of the display to shift and is used to eliminate the parallax between the projected display image and the passive reticle in the body of the viewing optics.

[0528] In one embodiment, focusing the display image onto the first focal plane of the optical system in the body is accomplished by changing the air gap between lens 2 and lens 3 of the 5-lens system, which is done by changing the position of the inner lens unit relative to the outer lens unit.

[0529] In one embodiment, the lens assembly can also be assembled together within a lens barrel, which is an integral mechanical structure that holds a series of lenses. It is used to axially and radially position the lenses relative to each other and provides a means to dock the lens assembly with the system of which the lens assembly is a part. The lens elements are radially positioned by the inner diameter or ID of the barrel wall. The outer diameter or OD of the lens elements is ground to fit the ID of the barrel wall. The axial position of the lens elements is accomplished by cutting the lens bases during assembly. The lens elements can then be constrained to the bases by epoxy resin, snap rings, etc.

[0530] C. Reflective material

[0531] In one embodiment, the integrated display system includes a reflective material 1230. In one embodiment, the reflective material 1230 is a mirror. In one embodiment, the integrated display system includes one or more mirrors. In one embodiment, the integrated display system includes two, three, four, or more mirrors.

[0532] In one embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle of 30° to 60°, or 30° to 55°, 30° to 50°, or 30° to 45°, or 30° to 40°, or 30° to 35° relative to the light emitted by the display.

[0533] In one embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle of 30° to 60°, or 35° to 60°, 40° to 60°, or 45° to 60°, or 50° to 60°, or 55° to 60° relative to the light emitted by the display.

[0534] In one embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle of at least 40°. In one embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle of 45° relative to the light emitted by the display.

[0535] In one embodiment, as Figure 29 shown, the tilt of the mirror 2910 along the vertical axis can be adjusted by using screws or a similar mechanism. By screwing in a screw against the base or the rear of the mirror 2910, the angle at which the image of the microdisplay is reflected into the beam combiner can be changed. This correspondingly changes the tilt of the focal plane in which the reticle 2930 of the viewing optics of the optical system in the body of the viewing optics is located. Using such adjustment, the parallax error along the vertical axis between the microdisplay and the reticle can be eliminated.

[0536] In one embodiment, the mirror is fastened to the base using one or more screws. In one embodiment, the mirror is fastened to the base using a chemical compound such as epoxy resin, resin, glue, or a combination thereof.

[0537] In one embodiment, the position of the mirror can be adjusted relative to the beam combiner to eliminate any errors, including but not limited to parallax errors.

[0538] In one embodiment, the position of the mirror can be adjusted relative to the active display to eliminate any errors, including but not limited to parallax errors.

[0539] 2. Power System

[0540] In one embodiment, the base coupled to the body of the viewing optics has a power system. In another embodiment, the base of the viewing optics has a cavity. A battery cavity can be integrated into the base coupled to the body of the viewing optics.

[0541] Figure 30 is a representative schematic view of the base 220 having a battery compartment 3005, where the base 220 is coupled to the body 210 of the rifle scope 3000. As Figure 30 and Figure 31 shown, the battery cavity 3005 extends from each side of the base to encapsulate a battery, including but not limited to a CR123 battery. Compared with small batteries or coin-type batteries, the CR123 battery has increased power capacity and discharge ability.

[0542] In one embodiment, the battery cavity 3005 is integral with the base 220, such that only a battery cover is needed to protect the battery from the environment. No additional sealing is required.

[0543] In one embodiment, the battery cavity 3005 in the base 220 is positioned closer to the objective lens assembly 3010 of the main body 210 of the viewing optics than the eyepiece assembly.

[0544] In one embodiment, the battery cavity 3005 in the base 220 is positioned closer to the eyepiece assembly of the main body 210 of the viewing optics than the objective lens assembly.

[0545] Figure 32 is a representative depiction of the battery compartment 3005 integrated into the base 220. In one embodiment, the cavity 3005 is designed such that the positive side of the battery is inserted first, with a mechanical stop at the bottom of the battery cavity to prevent improper battery installation and operation.

[0546] In one embodiment, the integrated battery cavity 3005 can use the same gasket as the base 220 for the main body 210 of the rifle scope. This provides a more reliable seal and eliminates mechanical devices as a separate battery cavity is not required. Secondly, there are no mechanical devices for fixing the battery cavity as it is integrated into the base. This reduces the need for any mechanical interfaces for fixing the battery compartment. Since there is no need to mechanically lock the battery cavity, the integrated battery compartment reduces the failure points for traditional battery compartments.

[0547] The integrated battery compartment eliminates any obstacles encountered by the user. The integrated battery compartment is located below the viewing optics without interfering with any adjustments and knobs found on traditional viewing optics. The integrated battery cavity is a significant advancement as it allows the necessary space to accommodate larger batteries.

[0548] In one embodiment, the viewing optics can be set in a manner that minimizes battery depletion and maximizes battery life. For example, when the operator presses a button or switch, the viewing optics with a laser rangefinder is activated. A rangefinder icon is displayed on the screen. When zeroing the viewing optics, the output laser of the external rangefinder is aligned with the icon through an initial calibration step. When the external rangefinder is activated by the operator, information is sent wirelessly or via a communication port to the viewing optics, thereby signaling to the device that the information has been received and needs to be displayed.

[0549] If the viewing optics is turned on and no data is received from an external device, the viewing optics will turn off after a user-set time. After displaying the information received from the external device, a shutdown timer is started and the device will be turned off if no further button presses are registered.

[0550] If more information is received from an external device, the screen will clear the previous information, display the updated information, and start a shutdown timer. This cycle can continue multiple times according to the operator's choice.

[0551] During the time information is displayed on the screen, left and right tilt indicators are displayed on the screen. This is refreshed by the accelerometer communicating with the microcontroller at a certain time interval. When the microcontroller is in sleep mode, the integrated button on the observation optic will control the brightness of the LED illuminating the glass etched reticle. When the observation optic is operating, the control of these LEDs becomes suspended, and during the corresponding push button, the brightness of the screen will change.

[0552] 3. Picatinny Rail

[0553] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optic having a body and a base, the base having a battery compartment and a Picatinny rail that can be coupled to the battery compartment. In one embodiment, a removable Picatinny rail is attached to a protruding battery compartment that is integrated with the base of the body of a rifle scope.

[0554] Figures 33 - 35 is a representative schematic diagram of a rifle scope having a body 210 and a base 220 coupled to the body 210, the base 220 having a battery compartment 3005 that can be attached to a Picatinny rail 3305. In one embodiment, the Picatinny rail 3305 is aligned with the battery compartment 3005 and secured using fasteners.

[0555] By attaching the rail 3305 to the battery compartment 3005 of the base 220, the material required to form the cavity 3005 for the battery is utilized. This eliminates the need for any additional material from the base, making the observation optic lighter and less invasive.

[0556] In one embodiment, the rail is positioned towards the objective lens of the turret and parallax knob so as not to interfere with the user's ability to adjust the rifle scope. Additionally, the top ring is removable, allowing for easy attachment of accessory devices such as a laser rangefinder. By utilizing the Picatinny rail disclosed herein, no additional structural support from the top of the ring is required as the integrated base secures the rifle scope.

[0557] In one embodiment, the rail includes a cantilevered Picatinny rail that extends forward towards the objective lens of the rifle scope. This allows a laser rangefinder mounted on the weapon to be directly above the bell of the rifle scope. This type of rail allows for reduced shift upon impact and increased accuracy of the ranging device. It reduces the likelihood of impact shift as there are fewer variables that can affect the ranging device's acquisition of the desired target.

[0558] 4. Data Port

[0559] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body and a base, the base having an active microdisplay for generating an image and combining the generated image into an image of a scene in a first focal plane of the body of the observation optical device, wherein the base has an axially oriented data port for docking with auxiliary devices including but not limited to remote switches and laser rangefinders.

[0560] Figure 36 FIG. 3600 is a representative schematic view of a rifle scope 3600 having a body 210 and a base 220, the base 220 having an axially oriented data port 3605. In one embodiment, the observation optical device may have one axially oriented data port. In another embodiment, the observation optical device may have two or more axially oriented data ports.

[0561] By utilizing the axially oriented data port 3605, the overall top-down profile of the observation optical device is minimized, thereby increasing the robustness of the installed system and its connections.

[0562] 5. External Video Source

[0563] In one embodiment, the active display in the base may be used as an optical assembly or optical system for a clip-on device, including but not limited to a thermal imaging system and a night vision system.

[0564] Thermal imaging systems allow various waves of the electromagnetic spectrum (which are typically not capturable by the human eye) to be imaged and relayed to the user. Conventional thermal weapon sights include two systems paired together: an infrared optical system for observing a scene; and a visible wavelength optical system consisting of a microdisplay and a lens for re-creating an image in front of the rifle scope. There are also instances of catalytic photon enhancement, thus creating what we know as a "night vision" system. However, clip-on devices are typically attached to a rifle rail in front of the body of the rifle scope. This setup blocks all ambient light that is normally imaged by the scope and only allows the use of digital images. To switch back to a conventional image, the user must remove the system from the rail. This can lead to impact displacement due to the calibration settings that must be made each time the scope is changed. Due to the need for an eyepiece / imaging system behind the digital display in the unit, these clip-on units also tend to be bulky. In a conventional system, any live video feed source would be a completely digital image, including the visible light spectrum output.

[0565] Figure 37FIG. 0 is a representative schematic view of a rifle scope 3700 having a body 210 and a base 220, the base 220 having an active display 1210 and a light collector 1220, the active display 1210 and the light collector 1220 being usable as an optical system of a thermal imaging unit 3705. The active display 1210 generates an image that is focused on a first focal plane of the body of the scope and integrates the image into a conventional daylight optical device using a beam combiner. The integration of the digital display allows the user to overlay a digital image onto the ambient daylight optical device. With the digital display disclosed herein, the clip-on unit does not have to be removed from in front of the viewing optics to view the ambient daylight optical device. More precisely, the digital display can be turned on and off as needed.

[0566] The integration of the digital display allows for zero image shift when switching between daylight visible light optics and digital optics. Since the system is fully integrated, zeroing is not required each time the digital optics are turned on. The system is synchronous due to the alignment of the combiner optical system.

[0567] In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display constitutes an optical assembly that is typically the rear half of a clip-on unit. Since a microdisplay already exists in the base of the viewing optics, the thermal sight will only require infrared optics; the image created by the thermal sensor can be transmitted to the active display that has been incorporated into the base of the viewing optics. By integrating the thermal sight or NV sight in this manner, the thermal / NV device will be much shorter and lighter than weapon sights currently on the market. This allows for the design of a smaller and lighter system since half of the optical assembly is now directly integrated into the base that is coupled to the body of the viewing optics. There is no need to integrate a rear optical system or display into a clip-on unit that contains the sensing device.

[0568] Additionally, if a thermal weapon sight is mounted to the side of a rifle scope such that the thermal optics do not obscure the rifle scope objective lens, then it will be possible to overlay a thermal image on top of the visible light image that the user will view. This will be beneficial for being able to highlight a human, animal, or anything with thermal signature features that stand out in an otherwise neutral daylight scene.

[0569] In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display disclosed herein creates the advantage of feeding live video into the focal plane of the viewing optics without interrupting the daylight visible light sight.

[0570] In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display allows for seamless integration of imaging overlays (such as live thermal imaging views and hyperspectral overlay systems). The visible light image is now analog rather than another digital display.

[0571] In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display disclosed herein creates the advantage that the image feed continues even if there is a sudden power drain on the digital system. A true analog image will still be available, which is not the case in traditional digital output systems.

[0572] In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display allows multiple types of imaging systems to be mounted separated from in front of the viewing optics. A thermal imaging system can be aligned to the bottom or side of the viewing optics and still feed the image directly onto the focal plane within the body of the viewing optics.

[0573] 6. EMI permeable window

[0574] In one embodiment, the body, the base, or both the body and the base of the viewing optics can have a window that is sealed with a material transparent to electromagnetic waves used for wireless communication. Transparent materials include, but are not limited to, plastics, resins, or epoxy resins.

[0575] In one embodiment, the window allows EM waves to propagate from a communication device, with reduced interaction with the metal body of the viewing optics. This increases the rate at which data can be transmitted. This also allows wireless communication devices to operate at lower power levels due to reduced signal loss.

[0576] III. Additional sensors / devices

[0577] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optic having a body and a base, the base having an integrated display system and one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the sensors include, but are not limited to, global positioning system, accelerometer, magnetometer, MEMS rate sensor, tilt sensor, laser rangefinder.

[0578] A. Pointing angle, target location, and communication

[0579] In one embodiment, the viewing optic can have an inertial MEMS rate sensor to determine the pointing angle of the weapon in inertial space. Example products are the LCG-50 from Systron Donner and the SiRRS01 from Silicon Sensing. In another embodiment, an accelerometer can be incorporated into the embedded electronics to determine the absolute tilt angle of the viewing optic and track the weapon acceleration due to general movement or firing events.

[0580] To support targeting, in various embodiments, the viewing optical device may have a GPS and / or a digital compass. In one embodiment, the GPS and / or the digital compass may be integrated into the viewing optical device, e.g., as a board-level module. In another embodiment, the GPS and / or the digital compass may be associated with a separate device that communicates with the viewing optical device.

[0581] Several manufacturers offer customization of GPS and digital compasses as off-the-shelf modules with small form factors and low power consumption characteristics in terms of functionality. These devices are designed to be integrated into embedded components. For example, OceanServer Technology makes the OS4000-T compass with an accuracy of 0.5 degrees, power consumption below 30ma, and an area less than 3 / 4" square. An example of a GPS device is the DeLorme GPS2058-10 module, which is 16mm×16mm, available in a surface-mount package, and provides 2-meter accuracy.

[0582] In one embodiment, the viewing optical device may have a data interface that provides one or both of wired and wireless capabilities and is designed to interface with systems such as BAE personal network nodes and emerging SRW radios. These interfaces provide various communication capabilities, such as range data, sensor data, and other tactical data (e.g., fratricide detectors, environmental sensors, etc.). This unique functionality is used in various embodiments to obtain environmental information, target information, and situational awareness information and transmit it to interested parties. Generally, various embodiments are designed to enable warfighters to quickly acquire, reacquire, process, and otherwise integrate data from various passive and active sources into ballistic firing solutions, thereby enhancing the shooter's effectiveness.

[0583] In another embodiment, the sensor provides information to an active display to generate real-time position data of different targets on the first focal plane of the body of the viewing optical device. In another embodiment, the sensor is part of an external device that communicates with an integrated display system.

[0584] By using these sensors in the viewing optical device, or on an external device rigidly attached to the viewing optical device, or on the weapon to which the viewing optical device is mounted, the exact position of the viewing optical device and the exact direction in which the viewing optical device is pointing can be obtained, and external targets can be calculated relative to the viewing optical device position and aiming direction.

[0585] When the user moves around the viewing optical device or when the target moves relative to the viewing optical device, the position of the target will be continuously and real-time updated by the sensors that communicate with the integrated display system, such that by observing through the viewing optical device, the user will be able to see the target position relative to the position they are viewing.

[0586] This method has strong practicality in military applications, where personnel in different positions attempt to transmit specific target locations to each other. For example, in the case of Close Air Support (CAS), a pilot may be flying an aircraft, and a ground unit may rely on that aircraft to drop bombs on a target. Typically, it is difficult for the ground unit to relay the exact location of the target to the aircraft. The process of relaying target information between the ground unit and the aircraft is often referred to as "talking to the target" and involves transmitting what the transmitting unit or aircraft sees in their field of view, such as what landmarks may be visible near the target, and so on.

[0587] This process often takes a considerable amount of time and can cause confusion because things often look different from the air than they do on the ground. Crucially, each unit must ensure that they are all looking at the same target because if the aircraft mistakes the target, they may drop bombs on friendly units or non-combatants.

[0588] These problems are solved by allowing position and orientation sensors to communicate with the active reticle display of an integrated display system. The user of the observation optics can designate a target in their sight, and the sight knows the GPS position of the sight, the exact direction it is pointing, and the distance to the target, and can calculate the exact GPS coordinates of the target. This information can be fed into a common system to which all friendly units are connected, such as Link 16. Now the aircraft can simply look at the display on their aircraft and have the new target shown on their map as soon as another unit designates a new target.

[0589] This makes it much faster to find the target and much easier to confirm that both units are looking at the same target. When determining the target location, accuracy is extremely important, so the image generated by the active display needs to be displayed in the first focal plane of the body of the observation optics. If the generated image from the active display is placed in the second focal plane of the observation optics, the target location is only accurate when the reticle of the observation optics is in its "zeroed" position. If the user of the observation optics turns anything on their turret (e.g., to lock onto a long-range target), all the target information on the display will be shifted by the amount turned in the turret and will be inaccurate.

[0590] By using these in conjunction with the active display image injected into the first focal plane, the displayed data is independent of any adjustment to the reticle position and is automatically compensated for. This means that the target data in the field of view is always accurate.

[0591] B. Environmental Sensors

[0592] In one embodiment, the observation optical device may have one or more pressure sensors, humidity sensors, and / or temperature sensors that are designed to collect and use environmental data for ballistic correction. The sensors are available in a miniature configuration suitable for integration into the observation optical device. An example of a miniature, low-power, waterproof barometric pressure sensor is the MS5540 from Intersema. The dimensions of this component are 6.2 × 6.4 mm.

[0593] In one embodiment, the sensor may be coupled to the main tube of the observation optical device or the base of the observation optical device.

[0594] C. Uphill and downhill

[0595] In one embodiment, the observation optical device may have a z-axis accelerometer that can be used to measure the tilt angle of the sight relative to the vertical direction. This tilt angle can be integrated into the ballistic solution when selecting a target. Once a target is selected, the system is able to automatically integrate the actual uphill or downhill tilt into the ballistic solution and display the solution in the first focal plane of the observation optical device so that the digital reticle or the corrected aiming point is correctly displayed. This can provide a very fast and effective aiming means in long-range uphill or downhill lock-on.

[0596] IV. Observation Optical Device with Display System and Laser Rangefinder

[0597] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body and a base, and a laser rangefinder, the base having an integrated display system. In one embodiment, the laser rangefinder is coupled to the observation optical device. In another embodiment, the laser rangefinder is independent of the observation optical device and communicates with the observation optical device wirelessly or via a cable.

[0598] In one embodiment, the laser rangefinder is coupled to the observation optical device via a mounting rail that is attached to the base through a battery compartment.

[0599] In one embodiment, the laser rangefinder can be used to determine the distance to a target. In various embodiments, for concealment, the laser is transmitted in the near IR. A typical wavelength for a laser rangefinder operating in the near infrared (NIR) is 905 nm.

[0600] In one embodiment, specific laser power and spectral characteristics are selected to meet the range and eye safety requirements of the observation optics. The rangefinder has sufficient power to produce accurate measurements, for example, 1500 meters, 2500 meters, or any effective range associated with a firearm or weapon intended to be used with the observation optics. For rangefinder operation, in some embodiments, a single button control is dedicated to making or performing rangefinder measurements.

[0601] In one embodiment, the distance to the target can be transmitted to an active display that generates an image of the distance to the target and superimposes the distance to the target on the first focal plane of the observation optics when observing the target scene.

[0602] In one embodiment, the observation optics has a computing device with ballistic calculator capabilities. In one embodiment, the body of the observation optics has a computing device with ballistic calculator capabilities.

[0603] In one embodiment, a laser rangefinder can be used to measure the target distance, calculate the projectile trajectory, and transmit the corrected aiming point to an active display in an integrated display system, and then superimpose an image of the corrected aiming point on the first focal plane of the observation optics, which has a reticle attached to a movable erecting lens system.

[0604] Importantly, since the image generated by the active display is combined with the image of the target from in front of the first focal plane and then focused onto the first focal plane, the target image and the display image never move relative to each other. Thus, any aiming reference created by the digital display will always be accurate regardless of how the movable erecting system is adjusted.

[0605] When an external laser rangefinder feeds distance information to a rifle scope, an aiming reference or laser mark will need to be created by the digital display so that the user knows where the LRF aiming is in the field of view and can thus accurately hit the correct target with the laser. The digital display image and the target image of the objective lens system in the body of the rifle scope do not move relative to each other. Thus, the digital laser indicator will accurately show the user the correct position of the LRF laser aiming point regardless of how the turret is adjusted to move the movable erecting lens system.

[0606] On the other hand, if the digital display image is integrated into the optical system at any position behind the first focal plane, then when the turret is adjusted and the erecting lens system is moved / tilted, the image of the digital display will move relative to the target image, and the digital LRF mark will move relative to the actual laser aiming point. If the user turns in any elevation or windage adjustment into the turret and forgets to turn back to the original position set by the turret when the user aligned the digital reticle with the actual laser aiming point, this may result in incorrect distance measurement.

[0607] In addition, when a conventional rifle scope is zeroed to the rifle, the user will typically select a "zero" distance (usually 100 yards), which is used to align the rifle scope reticle with the impact point of the rifle projectile. This is typically done by adjusting the turret of the rifle scope, thereby adjusting the tilt angle of the erecting lens system to align the reticle with the impact point of the projectile. After the initial "zero" of the rifle scope is set, the turret allows the user to further adjust the position of the rifle scope reticle to compensate for targets at different distances or to vary the wind drift variables that affect where the impact point of the projectile may change from the initial "zero" position.

[0608] If the digital display is to be integrated into the rifle scope system behind the first focal plane, then if the user has made any adjustments to the turret from the initial "zero", the ballistic calculation correction factor for the aiming point will likely be incorrect. For example, if the ballistic calculator determines that a 10 milliradian elevation adjustment is required to hit the target, the digital display will place the aiming point 10 milliradians below the center of the crosshair. However, if the user has rotated the elevation turret 5 milliradians from the initial "zero" position, the digital aiming point will actually be sighted 15 milliradians below the initial "zero".

[0609] By injecting the digital display into the first focal plane of the optical system of the rifle scope body, the digital display is allowed to be completely unaffected by any changes in the turret adjustment or the position of the erecting system. This means that in the above example, for a correct 10 milliradian ballistic drop (where the user has previously rotated the elevation turret 5 milliradians from the initial "zero" position), the digital aiming point will actually only appear 5 milliradians below the center of the reticle. In short, injecting the digital display image into the first focal plane of the body's optical system makes the digital display image completely independent of any changes in the turret position and thus completely independent of the movement / tilt of the erecting lens system, which provides the required accuracy.

[0610] In one embodiment, the laser rangefinder capabilities provide a dynamically defined ballistic solution based on acquired data. The distance to the target can be used by an on-board computer, when processing tracer trajectories, to determine the optimal point along the measured trajectory path for determining ballistic corrections for the next shot.

[0611] In one embodiment, the laser rangefinder is integrated into the sight and has a dedicated outgoing laser transmission port. In one embodiment, the optical path of the dedicated laser axis is located in a corner of the housing so that it is not blocked by the main objective. The detection path for incoming reflected laser signals is through the main objective of the sight, where the light is directed to a photodetector by a near-IR beam splitter. This arrangement takes advantage of the relatively large aperture of the main objective to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurement.

[0612] Figures 38 - 44 A photograph of an observation optical device 3800 having a body 3810 and a base 3820 coupled to the body 3810 is provided. The body 3810 has an optical system and the base 3820 has an integrated display system, wherein a laser rangefinder 3830 is coupled to the top of the body 3810. The observation optical device 3800 may have two auxiliary ports 3805 for communicating with an external source. The observation optical device 3800 may have a Picatinny rail 3305 that is coupled outside of a battery cover of a battery cavity 3005 in the base 3820.

[0613] Figures 45 - 46 A depiction of an observation optical device 4500 having a body 4510 and a base 4520 coupled to the body 4510 is provided. The body 4510 has an optical system and the base 4520 has an integrated display system, wherein a laser rangefinder 4530 is coupled to the top of the body 4510. The observation optical device 4500 may have a single auxiliary port 4535 for communicating with the laser rangefinder 4530.

[0614] Figure 47 and Figure 48 A depiction of an observation optical device 4700 having a body 4710 and a base 4720 coupled to the body 4710 is provided. The body 4710 has an optical system and the base 4720 has an integrated display system. In certain embodiments, the observation optical device 4700 may have a Picatinny rail 4730. In certain embodiments, the observation optical device may have an auxiliary port 4735.

[0615] V. Additional Embodiments

[0616] 1. Digital Zeroing

[0617] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of using a digital reticle for alignment and zeroing. In one embodiment, the viewing optics has a physical reticle and a digital reticle, where the physical reticle is coupled to the erecting system. The user "zeros" the physical reticle by moving the reticle and the erecting system using a turret so that the center of the reticle coincides with the bullet impact point.

[0618] After the physical reticle is zeroed, the digital reticle must also be zeroed. Since the digital reticle is formed by an active or digital display fixed in place, the only way to zero or align the digital reticle is by using digital means. The user can move the position of the digital reticle so that the center of the digital reticle coincides with the center of the physical reticle.

[0619] In another embodiment, digital zeroing can also be used with a laser indicator. When used in combination with an external laser rangefinder, the viewing optics laser indicator must be aligned with the direction pointed by the laser rangefinder. Most external laser rangefinders have a visible light laser and an infrared laser. The infrared laser is the laser that actually measures the distance. The visible light laser can be turned on and off and is collimated with the infrared laser. The visible light laser allows the user to see where the laser is being collimated. Once the visible light laser is turned on, the user can digitally adjust the laser indicator so that it coincides with the aiming point of the visible light laser. Then the visible light laser can be turned off, and the user can use the laser indicator in the viewing optics display to ensure the accurate collimation of the laser rangefinder.

[0620] 2. Holographic waveguide

[0621] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optics having a body and a base, the body having a first optical system, the base having an active display and a holographic waveguide. In one embodiment, the integration of the holographic waveguide reduces the package size and weight of traditional beam combining systems. The integration of the holographic waveguide can increase the overall transmission brightness ratio such that a greater percentage of the light from each optical system reaches the end user.

[0622] Figure 49 is a representative depiction of a viewing optics 4900 having an optical system in a body 4910 and a base 49, the base 49 having an active display 1210 and a holographic waveguide system 4925. The holographic waveguide system 4925 spans the body 4910 and the base 4920. The digital or active display 1210 generates an image for the collimating optics 4930, which sends the image to the incoming holographic waveguide 4926. The image exits the waveguide via the output hologram 4927, and the image is injected into the first focal plane 4930 of the optical system 4940.

[0623] In one embodiment, the integration of the holographic waveguide reduces the need for a dedicated coating made for the beam combiner. Additionally, the integration of the holographic waveguide disrupts the need for a mirror system, thereby alleviating the need for a complex mechanical alignment system.

[0624] The integration of the holographic waveguide allows for the creation of a replica of the complex optical system required to image the display, thereby eliminating the need to place the complex system in each system.

[0625] The integration of the holographic waveguide allows for the display of information within the optical system using LCOS, LCD, and OLED systems. The nature of the system allows for the combination of various types of illumination systems with different types of displays used within the system.

[0626] The use of the holographic waveguide allows for the implementation of a non-static illumination reticle. The reticle can be changed just like changing an image on a screen. The holographic waveguide allows for a bright reticle system during the day without the need for traditional illumination methods.

[0627] The integration of the holographic waveguide creates the ability to create a non-static holographic sight. An externally coupled hologram can transmit light defined by the main optical system, thereby allowing the sight picture of the holographic sight to change.

[0628] The integration of the holographic waveguide can be used with any monochromatic or polychromatic light source. The use of a complex multiplexed Bragg grating allows for the integration of a polychromatic illumination system.

[0629] 3. Tracking Bullet Trajectory

[0630] One of the difficulties associated with long-range lock-on is the ability to determine the initial shot accuracy so that timely corrections can be made to improve the accuracy of the next shot. Traditional techniques for determining the impact point of a projectile are to attempt to detect bullet marks and / or the actual landing point of the bullet. This can be difficult in many long-range lock-on scenarios. In the case of a sniper team, subsequent shots also require feedback from a spotter to return relevant data to the shooter. Using only verbal communication, this can take several seconds.

[0631] In one embodiment, the observation optics can have an imaging sensor that is adapted to detect image frames associated with the bullet flight path and transmit the image frames to a computing device, which can then calculate the bullet trajectory therefrom.

[0632] In one embodiment, an observation optic having a body and a base with an integrated display system may allow for the detection of tracer rounds via on-board image processing capabilities to determine the trajectory of a bullet before it impacts a target area. In one embodiment, this data may be transmitted back to a ballistic computer to quickly and efficiently create a subsequent firing solution for a second round, which firing calculation may be transmitted to an active display and a corrected aiming point superimposed in a first focal plane of the body of the observation optic.

[0633] Using a computer for trajectory and impact detection automates the feedback loop and combines this with an active display and superimposed electronic aiming point correction in the first focal plane, advantageously reducing the total time required for an accurate second shot. This time reduction can be a critical point in the lock-on process. After a first shot is fired, the opportunity window for a second shot may quickly narrow, especially if the delay exceeds the time point at which the sonic boom from the initial shot reaches the desired target.

[0634] Environmental conditions and wind drift can have a significant impact on the ballistic trajectory of a round at long distances. For example, an M193 bullet may drift approximately 4 feet at 500 yards with a moderate 10 mph crosswind. The wind drift effect becomes more amplified at greater distances as the bullet's velocity decreases with increasing distance and total flight time.

[0635] Various tracer round options are available. Shooters typically use standard tracers to view the trajectory of a bullet in its flight path. Depending on the composition of the tracer material, a tracer round may emit light in the visible or infrared spectrum. The latter is effective when the shooter is using night vision equipment. Additionally, some tracers may initially emit a faint light and then brighten as the round travels downrange. A fuse element may control when the tracer illuminates after the firing of the round to delay ignition of the tracer material until the bullet has completed its range. The fuse delay mitigates the risk of the tracer revealing the shooter's firing position.

[0636] In one embodiment, an observation optic having an integrated display system may use tracer rounds to detect, determine, and / or display the trajectory of a bullet before it impacts a target area. In one embodiment, a stealth tracer having a long delay fuse and emitting in the near IR region (700 nm to 1000 nm) of the electromagnetic spectrum may be used. Light emitted in the near IR region is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by an imaging sensor using conventional glass optics. This type of tracer round may be particularly effective in maintaining shooter stealth during sniper operations while providing significant automated bullet tracking capabilities for accurately determining subsequent shot correction requirements. Accordingly, various embodiments are adapted to cooperate with one or more types of tracer rounds to implement the functions described herein.

[0637] Since the imaging sensors in the daytime embodiments are also sensitive to visible light, standard daytime tracers can also be used for bullet tracking. In both the visible light and near-IR cases, tracer bullets can utilize long-delay fuses to increase stealth, as the system only needs to detect the flight of the bullet in the last moments before impact.

[0638] In one embodiment, a camera associated with the observation optics can record the trajectory of the bullet, and using a set of sensors embedded in the observation optics, the exact geographic location trajectory of the bullet and the impact point of the bullet can be calculated.

[0639] In another embodiment, the observation optics can also use a stabilized camera to compensate for recoil from the firearm. The observation optics will precisely track the movement of the stabilized camera and compensate for that movement to accurately calculate the geographic location trajectory of the bullet. This embodiment will allow the shooter to track their own trajectory and more precisely compensate for any misses.

[0640] In both of these embodiments, the geographic location trajectory of the bullet can then be shared with other users who are also using active displays in devices such as another rifle scope, a surveillance scope, or goggles, using a microdisplay or holographic technology to display the trajectory into their field of view.

[0641] In one embodiment, tracking the bullet trajectory includes capturing video frame images of a glowing tracer bullet in flight. The spatial position of the bullet in the selected image frame is extracted by image processing techniques and then correlated with data from other video frames to establish the trajectory of the bullet.

[0642] Image frames are selected for processing based on their correlation with the firing event. When a bullet is fired from the weapon, the muzzle exit time is immediately determined by processing accelerometer data obtained from an on-board weapon axis accelerometer included in various embodiments. Then, a correlation window is started from the muzzle exit time, where various embodiments start processing the video images frame by frame to identify a small cluster of pixels associated with a tracer bullet at a specific X-Y position in space. When the bullet transmits a small number of individual pixels in the X-Y frame, an optimized exposure time can be utilized to capture the frame image and thus capture the bullet. Since the frame rate of the camera and the muzzle exit time are known, the distance of the bullet from the weapon in each frame can be established using known bullet flight characteristics. This data is included in an on-board table associated with each weapon and its associated ammunition, or alternatively, received from a tactical network communication with the weapon sight.

[0643] If the absolute distance to a target is known from a laser rangefinder measurement, the position of the projectile at the target distance can be calculated by determining the point in the trajectory corresponding to the target distance. The advantage of this technique is that the measurement is made based on flight data and does not rely on the impact of the bullet with a physical surface. The calculated position will correspond to the elevation and azimuth angles relative to the weapon position and can be used to determine the ballistic aiming corrections needed to improve accuracy. As part of the calculation of the next shot ballistic correction, various embodiments use inertial pointing angle data to calculate a relative reference point between the inertial pointing angle of the gun at muzzle exit and the pointing angle at splashdown. This allows calculations to account for any angular movement of the gun that occurs during the flight time of the bullet to the target distance.

[0644] 4. Additional configurations

[0645] Figure 50 An alternative embodiment of a rifle scope 5000 is depicted. The rifle scope 5000 has a scope body 5005 and a compartment or notch 5010 located at the top of the scope body 5005. The compartment 5010 has an integrated display system that includes an active display 5015 and a light collector 5020. The integrated display system is oriented such that the display 5015 and the light collector 5020 are parallel to the beam combiner 5025. In this embodiment, no reflective surface, such as a mirror, is required.

[0646] Figure 51 An alternative embodiment of an observation optical device 5000 is depicted. The observation optical device 5000 has a scope body 5005 and a compartment or notch 5010 located at the top of the scope body 5005. The compartment 5010 has an integrated display system that includes an active display 5105, a light collector 5110, and a mirror 5115. The integrated display system is oriented such that the display 5115 and the light collector 5110 are perpendicular to the beam combiner 5025. In Figure 51 this, the active display 5105 is closer to the eyepiece system compared to the objective lens system of the observation optical device.

[0647] Figure 52 An alternative embodiment of an observation optical device 5000 is depicted. The observation optical device 5000 has a scope body 5005 and a compartment or notch 5010 located at the top of the scope body 5005. The compartment 5010 has an integrated display system that includes an active display 5105, a light collector 5110, and a mirror 5115. The integrated display system is oriented such that the display 5105 and the light collector 5110 are perpendicular to the beam combiner 5025. In Figure 52 this, the active display 5105 is closer to the objective lens system compared to the eyepiece system of the observation optical device.

[0648] The image generated from the active display 5105 can be directed to the mirror 5115 to be combined with the image of the scene observed by the observer through the viewing optics using the beam combiner 5025 in the sight body 5005 for simultaneously superimposing or overlapping the generated image and the observed image, where the combined image is injected into the first focal plane. Since the beam combiner 5025 is located before the first focal plane and the combined image is focused on the first focal plane, the displayed image and the observed image do not move relative to each other. This is a significant advancement compared to devices that inject the image into the second focal plane.

[0649] In another alternative embodiment, the viewing optics has a sight body and a separable base that has an active display and a light collector, where the active display and the light collector are parallel to the beam combiner. In this embodiment, no reflective surface, such as a mirror, is required. The base is coupled to the bottom of the body of the viewing optics.

[0650] The image generated from the microdisplay can be combined with the image of the scene observed by the observer through the viewing optics using the beam combiner in the sight body for simultaneously superimposing or overlapping the generated image and the observed image, where the combined image is injected into the first focal plane. Since the beam combiner is located before the first focal plane and the combined image is focused on the first focal plane, the displayed image and the observed image do not move relative to each other. This is a significant advancement compared to devices that inject the image into the second focal plane.

[0651] The optical sights and methods disclosed herein can be display or viewing devices, equipment, sights or scopes that can be used on, or as part of, or as an attached accessory to a weapon, gun, rifle, laser target locator, rangefinder. Embodiments can be mounted on a weapon or device, or can be hand-held or mounted on a helmet.

[0652] V. Viewing Optics with Advanced Reticle Features

[0653] A. Active Display Patterns Based on Magnification Settings

[0654] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optics having a body and a base that has an integrated display system, where the active display of the integrated display system generates a plurality of reticle patterns that are projected into the first focal plane of the field of view.

[0655] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optics having a body and a base that has an integrated display system, where the active display of the integrated display system generates reticle patterns based on the magnification level.

[0656] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body and a base, the body having one or more sensors that can track or monitor the magnification level of the optical device, the base having an integrated display system, wherein the active display of the integrated display system generates a reticle pattern based on the magnification level. Depending on the magnification level, the active display system can generate different reticle patterns optimized for different optical magnification levels. In one embodiment, the active display of the integrated display system can automatically switch between reticle patterns based on the magnification level.

[0657] In one embodiment, an observation optical device having an integrated display system can project digital features or aiming points optimized for a particular magnification setting being used.

[0658] In one embodiment, the body of the observation optical device has sensors associated with the magnification adjustment mechanism of the aiming device to generate a signal indicative of the adjustment of the optical magnification of the observation optical device. The observation optical device further includes an electronic controller that communicates with the sensors and the active display of the integrated display system. In response to the signal generated by the sensors, the electronic controller communicates with the active display to generate a reticle pattern that is visible through the eyepiece in the field of view where it is superimposed on the image of a distant object.

[0659] In some embodiments, the electronic controller and the active display are configured to generate a first reticle pattern, such as a close-range reticle pattern, in response to a signal indicative of a first magnification setting; and, in response to a signal indicative of a second magnification setting greater than the first magnification setting, the electronic controller and the active display can generate a second reticle pattern different from the first reticle pattern. For example, the second reticle pattern can be a long-range reticle pattern, such as a sniper reticle.

[0660] In some embodiments, the sensors can include a combination of electromechanical or optical digital encoders (which can be rotary or linear), potentiometers, one or more magnets and one or more Hall effect sensors, or other suitable devices operable to sense the position or movement of the magnification adjustment mechanism and generate a corresponding electrical signal. In one embodiment, the sensors are as Figure 69 and Figure 70 shown.

[0661] In one embodiment, the active display is not in the body of the observation optical device.

[0662] In one embodiment, one or more reticle patterns may be selected from, including but not limited to: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, and more than 20. In one embodiment, an observation optical device having an integrated display system may select between at least 10, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50 reticle patterns.

[0663] In one embodiment, the active display of the integrated display system projects a reticle pattern based on a particular magnification setting into the first focal plane of the field of view. When the magnification setting changes, the reticle pattern generated from the active display is switched so that the aiming point is immediately useful to the operator. The switching of the reticle may be based on the magnification setting.

[0664] By way of example and not limitation, at a 1x magnification setting, the active display may generate a small center point that is projected into the first focal plane. When the magnification is changed to 8x, the active display generates a crosshair pattern with a long-range ballistic compensation point that is projected into the first focal plane. A sensor determines the change in magnification, which is communicated to a controller that changes the reticle pattern of the active display.

[0665] In one embodiment, an observation optical device having an integrated display system projects information and aiming points designed to assist an operator in locking onto a target at short and long ranges. In one embodiment, multiple "pages" of information or reticle patterns may be designed and loaded into the system, and different pages may be displayed depending on the magnification setting.

[0666] In one embodiment, the reticle pattern from the active display is projected onto an etched reticle in the first focal plane. Projecting a digital reticle onto an etched or fixed reticle provides the necessary protection in the event of a system failure.

[0667] Figure 53 is a representative depiction of a close combat reticle 5300 at 1x magnification. The thick arched line 5305, the main horizontal line 5307, the main vertical line 5309, the numbers, and the arrows are components of the etched reticle. The center point 5310 is generated from the active display of the integrated display system. This type of reticle is used for close combat; the center point represents a quick target acquisition aiming point.

[0668] Figure 54 is from Figure 53 a reticle of but the magnification setting of the observation optical device is set to 8x. It can be seen that the center point 5310 projected from the active display becomes conspicuously large at 8x magnification.

[0669] Figure 55 It is a representative depiction of the reticle pattern 5500, where the reticle pattern 5500 provides useful information when the viewing optical device is set at a magnification setting of 8x. The thick arched line 5502, the main horizontal line 5504, the main vertical line 5506, the numbers and arrows represent the etched reticle. The center aiming point 5510, the 6 ballistic compensation windage points 5520, and the upper left square 5530 are components generated by the active display, and the square 5530 represents a rangefinder mark indicating the imaginary distance to the target being displayed.

[0670] Figure 56 It is a representative depiction of the rectangular pattern 5500 at a low magnification setting.

[0671] Reference Figures 53 - 56 , when the optical magnification is set to 1x, the reticle pattern 5300 includes etched reticle features 5305, 5307, and 5309, and a first set of multiple markers 5310 (such as circles and / or aiming points) generated by the active display and projected onto the first focal plane reticle. Preferably, the reticle pattern 5300 formed at least in part by the first set of markers 5310 is a close quarters battle (CQB) reticle with a minimum number of markers to provide a less cluttered viewing area, as Figure 53 shown.

[0672] When the optical magnification setting increases, the electronic controller and the active display (in response to signals received from sensors including but not limited to Figure 69 and Figure 70 the sensors described therein) utilize a second set of multiple markers to replace / change / alter the first reticle pattern, and the second set of multiple markers (at least in part) forms a second reticle pattern 5500, which is different from the first reticle pattern 5300 and generally includes at least some different functions.

[0673] For example, the second reticle pattern may include different aiming features and additional markers, such as additional markers related to estimated distance, calculated deviation, and elevation adjustment, or other suitable markers commonly used for a rangefinder reticle as Figure 55 shown.

[0674] Therefore, it can be seen that creating multiple "pages" of features and reticle patterns for the active display, storing them in a memory system, and automatically switching between reticle patterns when the operator changes the magnification setting on the viewing optical device would be extremely useful.

[0675] B. Active BDC reticle

[0676] A Ballistic Drop Compensation (BDC) reticle is designed to have hash marks located on a portion of the vertical crosshair that is below the horizontal crosshair. These hash marks are designed at specific distances to attempt to closely match one or a set of specific ballistic profiles.

[0677] However, current BDC reticle designs are fixed designs. This is because reticles are made using wire, metal, or glass etching. Once the reticle is made and installed in a rifle scope, it cannot be changed without removing the reticle and installing a new one, which can practically only be done by sending the scope back to the manufacturer.

[0678] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body with an optical system and a base with an integrated display system having an active display that can generate a BDC reticle, which can be manually changed by the user at any time or even automatically changed in real time by the software and sensors of the observation optical device.

[0679] To generate a BDC reticle for the observation optical device disclosed herein, a rifle scope can be programmed for a specific ballistic profile of the rifle and the ammunition to be fired. Secondly, the observation optical device has sensors as described above, such as a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, a humidity sensor, a left - right tilt angle sensor, and an up - down tilt angle sensor, which can assist in real - time updating of the BDC reticle so that it is as accurate as possible for all conditions. This allows the BDC reticle to be customized for each rifle and specific shooting conditions.

[0680] The BDC reticle generated in real time by the active display allows the shooter to have an accurate system to shoot precisely and quickly at various distances.

[0681] As Figure 57 shown, the reticle 5700 has a standard etched fill portion, including a main horizontal line 5702, a main vertical line 5704, and numerical and hash marks along the main crosshair and vertical crosshair. The reticle 5700 also has patterns and marks generated by an active display and projected onto a first focal plane reticle. The active - display marks in the form of a BDC reticle include numerical marks 5710 (100 - 900 on the vertical axis in quadrants 3 and 4). Since this portion is projected from a digital display, it can be updated in real time.

[0682] In addition to the active BDC reticle, sometimes the user / shooter may find themselves in a position to provide cover for other individuals in an area where the target may appear quickly on its own and at different distances. An example might be a sniper located above a building looking down on an alley or a road with intersections or doorways. The active display can be used in combination with various sensors (such as a compass, left and right tilt angles, up and down tilt angles, GPS, etc.) embedded in the rifle scope to be able to accurately determine the direction in which the rifle scope is pointing.

[0683] Using an observation optical device with environmental sensors, an integrated display system with an active display for generating a BDC reticle and projecting the BDC reticle onto a first focal plane, and a rangefinder, the user will be able to range known landmarks (such as doors, windows, cars, etc.) and place distance markers on these landmarks using a controller and the active display. These distance markers are projected onto the first focal plane and are visible through the observation optical device. The environmental sensors allow the user to move the observation optical device to observe other targets, but the distance markers will remain on the target.

[0684] Figure 58 is a representative image of a BDC reticle generated by the active display and projected onto a first focal plane reticle, where the distance to a potential target is indicated. The following observation optical device will allow the user to mark multiple targets in one or more areas with the distance indication on the target marker. The observation optical device has a body containing environmental sensors and a base with an integrated display system that includes an active display for generating a BDC reticle. Then, if the target itself is to appear near the target marker, the user will be able to quickly identify the distance to the target without having to range the target. Then, the user can quickly hold the active BDC reticle in the correct position to lock onto the target.

[0685] C. Reticle for compensating gun left - right tilt

[0686] In a traditional rifle scope, when making long-range shots, it is important for the firearm and the scope to be level when firing. When a bullet travels over a long distance, the degree to which the bullet is affected by gravity is something the shooter must consider. Gravity pulls the bullet towards the ground in a consistent direction, causing "bullet drop". The shooter compensates for this bullet drop by aiming higher than their target so that the bullet has dropped to the appropriate height by the time it reaches the target, thus hitting the target.

[0687] Figure 59It is a representative depiction of the left - right tilt angle. It can be clearly seen that the triangle is a right - angled triangle with a 10° angle at the top and a right angle at the bottom. The side of 10 milliradians becomes the hypotenuse of the triangle and represents the left - right tilt vertical segments of the reticle. However, the force of gravity acts on the vertical side of the triangle.

[0688] Using trigonometry, the length of the vertical side can be solved using the following equation: cos10° = x / 10 milliradians. Solving for x gives a value of 9.85 milliradians. Thus, in this example, although the user / shooter may have held or rotated 10 milliradians, they only compensated for 9.85 milliradians of the shot. At long distances, this can easily miss the target.

[0689] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an integrated display system that uses an active display to generate a reticle that can compensate for the left - right tilt of a firearm. The user can shoot at long distances seamlessly without having to worry about the left - right tilt angle.

[0690] In a traditional rifle scope, the reticle is a physical cross - hair in the form of metal, wire, or a pattern permanently etched on glass. This means that the left - right tilt of the reticle is always fixed. However, with active display technology for generating a real - time reticle, the digital reticle can be changed at any time by overlaying the digital reticle on a passive image. In one embodiment, the observation optical device has an internal left - right tilt sensor that can immediately orient the reticle generated by the active display to compensate for the left - right tilt angle.

[0691] Figure 60 It is a representative depiction of a reticle 6000 that has marks and patterns oriented left - right and is generated by the active display of an integrated display system. The main horizontal line 6002 and the main vertical line 6004 are provided by a passive or etched or fixed reticle. The aiming point generated by the active reticle 6020 compensates for the left - right tilt and is projected or overlaid on the passive reticle. The pivot point 6010 is located at the center of the reticle. In this case, the electronic controller / microcontroller will use the information collected from the left - right tilt angle sensor and the up - down tilt angle sensor and apply software logic and communicate with the active display to adjust the generated image aiming point 6020 to reflect the new zero position, the associated geometry, and the hold point corresponding to the orientation of the firearm at that point in time. The user will shoot from the digital reticle (instead of the passive or fixed reticle) generated by the active display.

[0692] In another embodiment, the active display of the integrated display system can generate a digital reticle that compensates for left and right tilt and fires at an up or down tilt angle or depression angle by adjusting the aiming point up or down on the digital reticle. This eliminates the need for a cosine indicator, which is often used to compensate for firing in these types of situations.

[0693] D. Digital reticle with wind drift indicator

[0694] In traditional rifle scopes, reticles with wind indicators are typically glass-etched reticles. These reticles often have a grid pattern or multiple rows of dots to allow the user to use reference points for aiming and compensating for wind speed. The problem with these reticles is that their shape and size are fixed because they are physically and permanently etched on a glass plate.

[0695] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body and a base with an integrated display system having an active display for generating a digital reticle that uses a wind drift indicator that compensates for the distance to the target. In one embodiment, the digital reticle overlays a passive reticle. By using a digital reticle that overlays a passive reticle, the observation optical device can have a reticle that can adapt real-time windage compensation to the ballistics, distance, and environment of a particular situation.

[0696] Generally, the farther the distance, the greater the effect of crosswind on the bullet. By using a digital reticle, as the distance increases, the windage compensation can be extended more to compensate for the windage value at a particular range to the target.

[0697] Figure 61 is a representative depiction of reticle 6100. The passive reticle including main horizontal crosshair 6102 and main vertical crosshair 6104 provides a plurality of components or markings. The active display of the integrated display system generates and projects a target at a distance of 500 yards 6105 and a windage compensation 6110 for specific conditions. One end of the auxiliary horizontal line (crossing the main vertical line) will equal a wind drift of 5 mph, the next point will be 10 mph, and the outermost point is 15 mph. The images generated from the active display 6105 and 6110 overlay the passive reticle.

[0698] Figure 62This is a representative depiction of the reticle 6200. The passive reticle, which includes a main horizontal crosshair 6202 and a main vertical crosshair 6204, provides multiple components or markings. The active display of the integrated display system generates and projects a target at a distance of 1000 yards 6210 and a windage compensation 6220 for specific conditions. One end of the horizontal line (passing through the main vertical line) will equal a wind drift of 5 mph, the next point will be 10 mph, and the outermost point will be 15 mph. The images generated from the active displays 6210 and 6220 are overlaid on the passive reticle. It can be seen that the auxiliary horizontal line 6220 extends wider, and compared to the solution for 500 yards ( Figure 61 ), the wind points spread further to the sides to compensate for the additional wind drift induced when the bullet travels a longer distance.

[0699] E. Reticle with a central grid for second shot correction

[0700] In the past, passive reticles were designed to allow the shooter to have many reference points for shooting under different conditions and different trajectories. However, due to the wide variety of conditions and trajectory variations, these reticles often had many features (such as a grid of lines or points) on them, which made the reticle appear cluttered or cumbersome to the user.

[0701] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a reticle system that includes a digital reticle generated by an active display and overlaid on a passive reticle. The use of the digital reticle allows information to be shown as needed and according to circumstances, which eliminates the need to display certain information on the passive reticle, thus providing a clearer or more distinguishable passive reticle.

[0702] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a passive or analog reticle that is designed to work most efficiently in combination with an active reticle. The active reticle technology allows the observation optical device to perform complex calculations and display the ballistic solution for the user. Typically, the ballistic solution will not be at the center of the field of view or the center of the passive reticle crosshairs. This allows the user to choose either to stay centered on the ballistic solution or to turn the turret until the ballistic solution is at the center of the field of view and the center of the passive crosshairs for shooting.

[0703] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an analog and digital reticle that will allow the shooter to perform a second shot correction most effectively and efficiently while blocking their field of view to a minimum extent as was done by passive reticles that previously used a large number of grids of lines and points.

[0704] Figure 63It is a representative depiction of a wide - angle view of the reticle 6300 at low magnification. A row of less - prominent dots is used below the horizontal reticle. This passive reticle can be used as a backup in case an active display cannot be generated due to battery power or electronic component failure of the viewing optics.

[0705] Figure 64 It is a representative depiction of a close - up view of the central portion of the reticle 6400. Figure 64 A view at higher magnification is provided. The image shows a small grid 6410 generated by the active display of the integrated display system, and the small grid 6410 is located at the center of the reticle. This will allow the user to precisely measure the first - shot impact location for an accurate second - shot correction.

[0706] In one embodiment, the width of the grid 6410 generated by the active display is greater than the height. This is specifically designed because calculating the elevation angle of impact is more accurate than estimating the wind drift of the first shot. In this embodiment, the small plus features of the small grid are not illuminated, but rather very fine features, which allows for very precise measurement.

[0707] The active or digital reticle should be very close to the first shot, so the central grid may be much smaller than a typical passive reticle, which requires a large - range grid covering most of the field of view below the horizontal crosshair.

[0708] VI. Automatic brightness adjustment

[0709] As discussed throughout the application, the integrated display system allows the digital image generated by the active display to overlap on top of the image of the external scene. The active display is injected into the image of the external scene using the illuminated portion of the display. To make the display most useful, a high contrast between the brightness of the passive scene and the illuminated display is desired so that both can be easily seen. If the display is too dim, the user will not be able to see it. If the display is too bright, the display will suppress the passive scene.

[0710] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optic having a body with an integrated display system and a light sensor that can detect and compensate for the brightness of a specific target.

[0711] Figure 71A representative schematic diagram of an observation optical device 7000 having a body 7005 and a base 7010 coupled to the body is provided. The body 7005 has an optical system for observing an image of an external scene and a beam combiner 7020, where a photoelectric sensor 7025 and a filter 7030 are located above the beam combiner 7020. This allows the photoelectric sensor to directly view the target scene without causing an obstruction in the field of view. The base 7010 has an integrated display system 7015 having an active display for generating an image that is projected into the first focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0712] The photoelectric sensor 7025 and the filter 7030 generate a high contrast between the brightness of the image of the external scene and the image generated from the active display.

[0713] In one embodiment, the transmission band of the filter in front of the photoelectric sensor can be tuned to be narrow enough such that only the brightness of the target will be measured and additional light from the display system will not be measured, which would distort the measurement.

[0714] VII. Observation optics with automatic ranging ability

[0715] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an integrated display system that incorporates the use of a camera to assist in automatic ranging. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system including an observation optical device having an integrated display system, a camera for assisting in automatic ranging, and a laser rangefinder.

[0716] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an integrated display system and a camera incorporating image recognition technology. The systems and methods disclosed herein significantly improve the speed of obtaining a target solution and eliminate the need for button presses that may affect the aiming point. Additionally, the systems and methods disclosed herein integrate artificial intelligence into the system to determine the quality of the ranging target solution.

[0717] In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a camera incorporating image recognition technology. In one embodiment, the camera can be attached to an observation optical device or a firearm having an integrated display system and will point to the aiming point of a rifle scope.

[0718] In one embodiment, the camera has artificial intelligence to detect the target and communicates with the active display of the integrated display system to highlight the target. In another embodiment, the artificial intelligence system can be incorporated into the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the artificial intelligence system can be located in the base coupled to the body of the observation optical device.

[0719] In another embodiment, a thermal imaging camera lacking image recognition technology can be used. This will allow the thermal image to be transmitted to an active display and overlaid on the image of the external scene in the viewing optics. The viewing optics can be programmed to display only the "hot spots" of interest. For example, hot spots indicating human heat or vehicle heat, etc. Eliminating artificial intelligence will greatly reduce the power consumption of the system. In addition, all appropriate hot spots will appear in the field of view of the viewing optics, allowing the user to evaluate each hot spot to determine if the target is valid.

[0720] After identifying a valid target, the user simply moves the viewing optics so that the LRF marker in the FOV is over the desired hot spot. Once the LRF marker is aligned with the hot spot, the system will automatically trigger the LRF to range at that hot spot. After obtaining the distance, the viewing optics can display a hold point for the target distance, or can simply show the distance, and the user can use the active BDC mode and hold the active BDC reticle to obtain an appropriate measurement distance to the target.

[0721] An additional capability of the system is that it can automatically detect if a hot spot remains within the LRF marker long enough to obtain a valid range. If not, it will wait to display the distance until the hot spot remains within the LRF marker for an appropriate length of time to achieve a valid target acquisition before displaying the solution. This will eliminate the second problem of pressing a button.

[0722] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to techniques and methods for automatically ranging a target using an overlapping camera image projected into the first focal plane of the viewing optics and using the image in combination with an LRF marker.

[0723] VIII. Energy-saving observation optics with optoelectronic sensors

[0724] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optic having an integrated display system and an energy-saving system. In one embodiment, the energy-saving system is located in a base coupled to the body of the viewing optic. In one embodiment, the energy-saving system includes a proximity sensor. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor communicates with a microcontroller.

[0725] In one embodiment, the energy-saving system can be used to place the viewing optic in a sleep or standby mode when the user / operator is not viewing through the optic. In one embodiment, the system and mechanism can wake up or activate the viewing optic when a user / operator is detected behind the eyepiece of the optic.

[0726] The current method of putting an electronic device to sleep or standby is done by using a "pause" feature, where the "pause" feature is disadvantageous if the optical device is used for close combat work because the optical device must remain on for an indeterminate amount of time as long as an operator is viewing through the optical device. An accelerometer can also be used to detect movement and thus turn on the system. The drawback of this method is that if the operator is making an observation, the gun may enter sleep for a long time with little movement even though the operator is still viewing through the optical device.

[0727] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system for saving battery power by turning on an observation optical device when an operator is detected behind the eyepiece of the optical device.

[0728] In one embodiment, the energy-saving system can be used in any electro-optical device compatible with a proximity sensor located within a few inches of the position of the operator's face when using the optical system.

[0729] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body and a base coupled to the body, where the base has a window on the back side of the base facing the eyepiece.

[0730] In one embodiment, the base has a proximity sensor mounted in a carrier, and the carrier is mounted in a window located at one end of the base facing the eyepiece. When the proximity sensor detects a reflection within a few inches of the window, the proximity sensor can send a signal to a microcontroller in the base or the body. The distance at which an object will activate the sensor can be adjusted at the factory or there can be a software option built into the user interface to allow the operator to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor or disable / enable the auto-sleep / standby feature.

[0731] Figure 72 is a representative depiction of an observation optical device 7200 having a base 7205. The base 7205 has a window 7210 that is positioned to face the eyepiece of the body of the observation optical device. A proximity sensor and carrier 7215 are located in the window 7210, which is located below the eyepiece.

[0732] Figure 73 and Figure 74is a representative depiction of an observation optical device 7200 having a base with an energy saving system, where the observation optical device is mounted on a rifle. It can be seen that the operator's face will be within a few inches of the back of the optical device. A sensor 7215 in the base 7205 of the observation optical device 7200 will detect reflections from the operator's face, thereby waking the optical device from sleep mode. When the operator moves his / her head away from the observation position, the sensor will no longer see the reflection and will put the observation optical device into sleep or standby mode.

[0733] IX. Observation optics with power rails

[0734] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body and a base with an integrated display system, where the observation optical device can be powered by an external power source housed in a main firearm. In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a body and a base coupled to the body, where electrical pins are built into the base to power the observation optical device from the firearm. In another embodiment, the observation optical device can be powered by the firearm using electrical pins built into a remote control keyboard assembly.

[0735] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to methods and systems for supplying additional power to an observation optical device over an extended period of time.

[0736] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a body and a base coupled to the body, where the base has a PCB for controlling a display, a sensor, and a user interface of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the base has power input pins that extend through the base and contact power pads. In one embodiment, the power pads are built into a Picatinny rail.

[0737] In one embodiment, the PCB is located in a position that allows interaction with the input pins. In one embodiment, the pins are sealed relative to the base of the rifle scope to protect the interior of the rifle scope from the environment.

[0738] Figure 75 and Figure 76 is a representative depiction of an observation optical device 7500 having a body and a base 7510 with power pins 7520 that extend through the base 7510 of the observation optical device 7500.

[0739] Figure 77 is a representative side profile of the observation optical device 7500, showing power pins 7520 that extend through the base 7510 of the observation optical device 7500.

[0740] Figure 78Is a representative view of the side profile of the observation optical device 7500, where the base of the observation optical device is made transparent to show the power pins 7520 attached to the built-in PCB 7530.

[0741] In another embodiment, the power supplied by the Picatinny rail on the firearm can be delivered to the observation optical device through a remote control keyboard for controlling the observation optical device. In this scenario, the power pins are connected to the PCB located in the remote control keyboard and protrude through the built-in recoil lug in the remote control keyboard housing. Then, the power is sent into the base of the rifle scope through two dedicated lines in the cable.

[0742] Figure 79 Is a representative image of the top of the remote control keyboard 7900.

[0743] Figure 80 Is a representative side profile of the remote control keyboard 7900, showing the power pins 8010 protruding through the built-in recoil lug.

[0744] Figure 81 Is a representative bottom view of the remote control keyboard 7900, showing two power pins 8010 protruding from the remote recoil lug.

[0745] Figure 82 Is a representative bottom view of the remote control keyboard 7900, where the cover is made transparent to show the PCB 8205 within the remote body.

[0746] X. Observation optics with a single multifunctional keyboard

[0747] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system including an observation optical device and a remote control keyboard system, the observation optical device having an integrated display system, and each keyboard button of the remote control keyboard system having more than one function. In one embodiment, the remote control keyboard can control more than one aspect of the functions of the observation optical device, that is, each button has more than one function. In one embodiment, the function of the button depends on the state of the control signal or software bit.

[0748] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a remote control keyboard that extends user / operator control over an observation optical device and / or auxiliary devices used with the observation optical device.

[0749] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a keyboard for an observation optical device and / or one or more auxiliary devices used with the observation optical device. In one embodiment, more than one function is assigned to a single button of the keyboard, and the desired function can be determined using software bits or separate mechanical switches. This can significantly enhance the functionality of the observation optical device.

[0750] In one representative embodiment, in a first mode, a button may change the brightness of the display, while in a second mode, the same button may activate an infrared pointer on the system. Using the same button for more than one function keeps the remote control keypad small and simple with a minimum number of buttons required.

[0751] Figure 83 is a representative depiction of a keypad with three buttons. The remote control keypad associated with the viewing optics has 3 buttons. The top button 8305 is used to increase the brightness of the display, the middle button 8310 is used to activate the laser rangefinder to measure the distance to the target, and the bottom button 8315 is used to reduce the brightness of the display. The function of each button depends on the operating mode.

[0752] In one embodiment, the keyboard may have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more than 10 modes of operation. In one embodiment, the keyboard may communicate with a processor that has 10 to 50 modes of operation set for the keyboard. For example, a keyboard communicating with a processor that has 10 modes of operation for the keyboard will provide 10 functions for each button, where the function is determined by the mode of operation.

[0753] Several methods can be used to change the function of a button. In one embodiment, when the user / operator presses and holds a button on the remote control for a period of time, the microcontroller changes the function of one or more buttons. In one embodiment, the operator can press and hold one of the three buttons for a long time (e.g., 1 second), and this will signal the microcontroller within the viewing optics to change the bit that assigns the new function to the button. In one embodiment, pressing and holding the top button 8305 for a period of time can set mode A, pressing and holding the middle button 8310 for a period of time can set mode B, and pressing and holding the bottom button 8315 for a period of time can set mode C. Changing the time each button is engaged can activate more operating modes. For example, holding button 8305 for five seconds can activate mode A, and quickly tapping button 8305 five times can activate mode F.

[0754] In another embodiment, the function of the remote control keyboard buttons can be changed by viewing a separate mechanical switch on the optical device. In one embodiment, the mechanical switch can have 3 different positions that communicate with 3 separate bits or programs in the microcontroller. These bits or programs can be used to assign various functions to the remote control keyboard buttons.

[0755] Representative examples include Figure 84As shown. The viewing optical device has a switch 8400 that communicates with the remote control keyboard 8300. The first setting 8405 can assign the function of increasing the display brightness to the top button 8305 of the remote control keyboard 8300, the middle button 8310 can activate the laser rangefinder, and the bottom button 8315 can decrease the display brightness. When the mechanical switch 8400 is set to the second setting 8410, the functions of the top button 8305 and the bottom button 8315 can be programmed to turn on and off the auxiliary aiming laser on the viewing optical device, and the middle button 8310 can still be programmed to activate the laser rangefinder. When the mechanical switch 8400 is set to the third setting 8415, the functions of the three buttons can be changed again. For example, if the viewing optical device is equipped with a digital magnetic compass and the position and landmark data are saved in the memory of the microcontroller, the information about the object position can be displayed within the field of view of the viewing optical device (augmented reality data).

[0756] In one embodiment, the keyboard communicates with the processor of the viewing optical device, which allows different operation modes to be assigned to each button or switch of the keyboard. For example, in one operation mode, the buttons of the keyboard have specific functions for marking the target of interest. The operator can use the laser rangefinder to measure the distance to the target and use the heading data from the digital magnetic compass to "mark" the target of interest within the field of view. Functions specifically adapted to this task can be assigned to the buttons on the keyboard.

[0757] The middle button on the keyboard can be used to activate the laser rangefinder to measure the distance to the target. Once the target has been measured, the top button and the bottom button can be used to select from a predefined list of descriptive words (such as "landmark", "friendly", "hostile", "unknown", etc.) for marking the target. Once the operator has completed this action, the mechanical switch can be changed to quickly assign the functions back to the remote control keyboard buttons, allowing the operator to change the brightness settings, activate the infrared laser, or obtain a ballistic solution for the target range.

[0758] XII. Observation optics with a relative coordinate mapping system

[0759] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to techniques and methods for using a viewing optical device with an integrated display system to precisely mark and track targets using a relative coordinate mapping system and / or drone technology.

[0760] Soldiers need to be able to precisely identify the location of enemy targets and share that location with other soldiers for close air support, etc., and be able to easily see those targets by overlaying them onto the field of view of their main optical device. The most obvious way to achieve these is to use a combination of GPS sensors, compass heading sensors, altitude sensors, pitch and roll sensors, and range sensors. However, there are drawbacks in relying on GPS, such as the need for a direct line of sight to GPS satellites for the GPS signal, which may not always be possible. Using relative coordinate techniques and / or using drones can reduce the need for GPS. Relative coordinate techniques become feasible when used in combination with observation optics having an integrated display system.

[0761] In one embodiment, the user will be able to point the observation optics at a landmark or target using the integrated display system and "tag" it. If the user "tags" several targets, a relative position map can be created based on the tagged targets. These tagged targets can be transmitted to the observation optics of other users, and those users will see the tagged targets displayed in their field of view. Then, all of this target data will be locally stored in one or more memory devices in the observation optics.

[0762] In one embodiment, the user can also use drones as an alternative to, or in addition to, tagging targets. This will work by launching a "swarm" of many small or micro drones that will contain cameras and appropriate sensors to fly over the battlefield and start identifying and tagging landmarks. The drones can share this information with each other and feed it back to the user, who will have it displayed on the active display of their observation optics.

[0763] By using relative coordinate techniques and / or a swarm of drones, the drawbacks of GPS can be overcome:

[0764] ● In the case of multiple users and multiple observation optics, there is an inherent redundancy in the stored target data. When using a swarm of drones, the redundancy may even increase further. In the case of redundancy, the likelihood that a signal or data will be lost becomes much smaller.

[0765] ● GPS needs to send data to and receive data from orbiting satellites over very long distances. By using other users in the same battlespace, or a swarm of drones in the same battlespace, the network becomes much closer to the user and the target, which increases the accuracy of the user and target coordinates.

[0766] ● Blocking GPS becomes much easier because the number of GPS satellites in existence is limited. In the case of a group of users and / or drones, blocking all signals becomes much more difficult and creates more redundancy.

[0767] ● Eliminating the need for a GPS module makes the viewing optics less bulky.

[0768] XIII. Viewing Optics with Ammunition Status Indicator

[0769] When firing in a high-pressure scenario, the shooter may easily forget how many rounds are left in the firearm. Currently, there is no simple or convenient way to determine the number of rounds remaining in the firearm magazine while keeping the firearm in the firing position. A mechanical counter can be added or integrated into the magazine, but checking the mechanical counter requires the shooter to take his eyes off his sights and / or the target to check the round count. Other current methods and systems for determining the number of rounds in the magazine require the shooter to lose his sight picture, physically check the magazine, or otherwise disrupt his stance or position.

[0770] Some magazines are clear or have clear windows to show the remaining rounds, but the shooter needs to interrupt their firing position to observe the level. Additionally, the remaining rounds may be obscured by the grip or receiver. In a military environment, some shooters have loaded tracer rounds as the last few rounds in the magazine to indicate that the magazine they are using is almost empty, but this may reveal the shooter's position and requires the use of specific ammunition.

[0771] Other methods and systems attempt to solve this problem by placing a digital readout on the grip, but these readouts not only project light back at the shooter but also tend to be placed in an area where the shooter has to interrupt their attention from the sight picture to see the remaining rounds. Sometimes, the readout is an accessory to an existing firearm component, while other times, the shooter needs to replace parts (such as the handle) to mount the readout on the weapon. Some readouts are even mounted on the bottom of the magazine, which in some military applications can be considered a disposable or semi-disposable item and is a more expensive item.

[0772] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a viewing optics with an integrated display system that allows the user / shooter to monitor the ammunition status. The ammunition status can be projected into the first focal plane and combined with an image of the external scene. Proactively performing or preparing for a magazine change better allows the shooter to reload at a time of their choosing rather than at a suboptimal time determined by an empty weapon and magazine.

[0773] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a round counter system. In one embodiment, the round counter system includes one or more magnets in a magazine or another ammunition feeding device and a sensor on or in a weapon for counting the rounds in the magazine. In one embodiment, the sensor may be located in a remote control mounted to the weapon magazine well to count the last round in the magazine. This information is then displayed via an active display and projected into the first focal plane of the optical system, providing simultaneous viewing of the generated image (round indicator / round status) and the image of the external scene while viewing through the eyepiece of the observation optics.

[0774] In one embodiment, an observation optic having an integrated display system and a round counter system can be used by military, law enforcement, competition, or civilian shooters to indicate their specific remaining round count without the user having to interrupt their aiming view through the optic. Additionally, the shooter is aware of the last round in the magazine without interrupting their focus from the aiming view within the optic and maintains a more continuous lock on the target. This also better provides the shooter with the opportunity to proactively prepare or perform a magazine change. Proactively performing or preparing for a magazine change provides the shooter with the opportunity to reload at a time of their choosing rather than at a potentially suboptimal time. As used herein, the terms round counter system and ammunition status indicator may be used interchangeably.

[0775] In one embodiment, the round counter system may include a chamber status indicator to serve as a safety notification by telling the user that there is a round in the chamber. This may be particularly useful on bullpup weapons as it can be difficult to visually inspect the chamber on some weapon designs.

[0776] Additionally, the system adds minimal weight as it can utilize a significant amount of existing hardware without requiring extensive or costly modifications to the weapon or the weapon's magazine.

[0777] In one embodiment, the round counter system can be fully integrated into the weapon system or can be a minor and inexpensive modification to an existing weapon system.

[0778] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optic having an integrated display system and a round counter system, the integrated display system having an active display, and the round counter system projecting the ammunition status or round count into the first focal plane of the observation optic.

[0779] The cartridge counter system disclosed herein is different from previously disclosed devices that use recoil pulses to determine the number of cartridges remaining in a magazine. Previously disclosed devices typically required the user to click a button or perform another action to tell the system that they had loaded a new magazine. Additionally, previously disclosed systems only counted down from a set number. So, if a user loaded a 30-round magazine and only had 7 rounds, a previously disclosed device could read that the user had 30 rounds available. This could lead to very dangerous results. In contrast, the cartridge counter system disclosed herein will read the number of cartridges remaining in the magazine without depending on a countdown of cartridges. As a result, the user can insert a partially loaded magazine and see the exact number of cartridges they have.

[0780] In one embodiment, the cartridge counter disclosed herein is independent of a countdown mechanism.

[0781] In one embodiment, the cartridge counter system includes one or more magnets in an ammunition feed device and a magnetic sensor on or in a firearm. When a cartridge is fired, the magnet moves and docks with the magnetic sensor. A signal is sent from the sensor to a processing unit that is configured to communicate with an integrated display system within an observation optic. The number of cartridges remaining in the ammunition feed device is determined based on the position of the magnet relative to the sensor. The cartridge counter system disclosed herein is configured to communicate with the integrated display system, which will then display the number of cartridges remaining to the user without the user having to break their concentration from their sight picture.

[0782] Figure 91 A representative magazine follower 9110 and magazine 9130 that can be used in the cartridge counter system disclosed herein are depicted. As Figure 91 shown, one or more directional magnets 9120 are placed at the rear of the magazine follower 9110. A magnetic field projects outside of the magazine 9130 perpendicular to the cartridges in the magazine 9130 such that the magnetic field does not interfere with the feeding or loading of steel casings or armor piercing steel or other magnetically affected tips.

[0783] Figure 92 A representative sensor that can be used with the cartridge counter system disclosed herein is depicted. As cartridges are fed through the magazine 9130, the follower 9110 is raised by a spring as each cartridge is stripped from the magazine 9130, and thus one or more magnets 9120 included are raised by the spring. A sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor 9210) on a circuit board 9220 is located on the receiver 9230 of the firearm to detect the magnetic field, detect changes in the magnetic field strength, and detect the position of the changing magnetic field.

[0784] In one embodiment, the sensor then sends a signal to a processing unit that is used to correlate the height of the retaining plate in the magazine with the number of remaining rounds. The processing unit is configured to send information to an active display in the viewing optics that projects the information into a first focal plane of the optical train in the body of the viewing optics. The number of remaining rounds is displayed within the shooter's field of view of the optics via the active reticle display.

[0785] In one embodiment, each magnetic sensor generates an electrical signal depending on the detected magnetic field and sends it to the processor 9260, which receives multiple electrical signals from different receivers and, based on the received signals, associates the number of rounds or loads corresponding to the position of the magazine feeder.

[0786] The processor runs a program from an instruction set stored in a storage unit. In one embodiment, the storage unit may be located on a circuit board housing the magnetic sensor. The instructions may be defined differently for different types of magazines, either as a necessary consequence of the different technical possibilities of the different types of magazines (such as the number of rounds they can hold, their storage method (in-line, interleaved, etc.)) or as a result of a choice made by the gun owner.

[0787] The processor thus calculates the supply quantity based on different types of signals that can be associated with different values, so that the number of cartridges still remaining in the magazine is calculated depending on the value received.

[0788] Figure 93A , Figure 93B and Figure 93C A cross-sectional view of a magazine retainer 9110 is depicted with one or more magnets 9120, a magazine 9130, and Hall Effect sensors (9310, 9330, and 9340) mounted on a circuit board 9320 in a lower receiver 9325 of an M4. The retainer 9110 is raised in the magazine 9130, and the position of the magnetic field changes. The various sensors (9310, 9320, and 9340) are positioned to detect the changing magnetic field position.

[0789] Figure 93A It is shown that there are approximately 8 rounds remaining when the Hall effect sensor 9310 detects a magnetic field. Figure 93B It is shown that there are approximately 4 rounds remaining when the Hall effect sensor 9330 detects a magnetic field. Figure 93CIllustrates that there are zero rounds remaining in the magazine when the Hall effect sensor 9340 detects a magnetic field. For each position, the magnet 9120 interacts with different combinations of Hall effect sensors 9310, 9330, or 9340. Any number of Hall effect sensors can be used, including but not limited to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, and more than 15.

[0790] In one embodiment, the combination of sensors interacting with the magnet allows determination of the magazine height and calculation of the number of remaining rounds. In one embodiment, these sensors can be spaced apart in the vertical direction and evenly spaced from each other. The spacing of the sensors can be related to the vertical distance traveled by the feed plate each time one round is removed.

[0791] In one embodiment, the information can be transmitted physically or wirelessly via a cable to an observation optic having an active display. Then, the number of remaining rounds can be displayed within the shooter's field of view in the observation optic via an active reticle display. In one embodiment, the number of rounds can be displayed using alphanumeric or graphical or pictorial means. In one embodiment, the ammunition status can be displayed by a color code. In one embodiment, the ammunition status can be indicated using green to indicate that there are sufficient remaining rounds. In another embodiment, the ammunition status can be indicated using red to indicate that ammunition replacement is needed. In one embodiment, the ammunition status can be indicated using yellow to indicate that ammunition replacement will soon be needed.

[0792] In one embodiment, a round counter system tracks or monitors the ammunition status. In one embodiment, the round counter system determines the number of remaining rounds. In another embodiment, the round counter system counts the rounds in the magazine.

[0793] Figure 94A and Figure 94B Additional embodiments of the round counter system are described. As Figure 94A and Figure 94BAs shown, the magazine follower 9110 has one or more magnets 9120 that interact with one or more ferrous wires 9420 in or on the wall of the magazine 9130. When the magnets contact or approach one or more wires 9420, the wires 9420 acquire the magnetic flux emitted from the magnets 9120, thereby magnetizing the wires 9420. One or more wires 9420 feed to one or more nodes 9430 located at or near the top of the magazine 9130, where sensors (including but not limited to Hall effect sensors) interact with the magnetic field of the nodes 9430. Based on the position of the follower 9110, different nodes 9430 will be magnetized, thus allowing determination of the number of remaining rounds in the magazine. In this scenario, the remaining rounds in the entire magazine 9130 can be determined, rather than just the remaining rounds at one end of the magazine. Figure 94A An internal cross-sectional view of the system is shown. Figure 94B An external view of the nodes 9430 shown through one side of the magazine 9130 is shown.

[0794] In another embodiment, the round counter system displays the ammunition status or chamber status. This can be done by magnetizing the rounds or another chamber status indicating system. This information can be transmitted wirelessly, through a direct wired connection, or through other interfaces (such as a smart rail that can transmit data) to an observation optic. The ammunition status or chamber status can be displayed together with the status of the rounds in the magazine, or indicate to the user that there is one round in the chamber, or indicate to the user that there are multiple rounds in the magazine but the chamber is empty. The round counter system disclosed herein can be used as a safety mechanism to help users know their chamber status. While this feature will be useful for any weapon, it may be particularly useful for bullpup weapons because their design may make it difficult to confirm the chamber status.

[0795] In another embodiment, the rounds or cartridges can have magnets or magnetism that interact with Hall effect sensors. This will eliminate the need for a special follower that interacts with Hall effect sensors.

[0796] In one embodiment, different types of rounds can also have unique marking features. This can provide the user with information on what type of rounds are loaded in the magazine or chamber. Different symbols or colors can be used to distinguish the load types. Some examples can include but are not limited to projectiles, armor-piercing, high-precision, tracer, subsonic, higher or lower power, incendiary, explosive, demolition, lead bullets, airgun pellets, arrow projectiles, and less-lethal. This type of round can be very useful in military and police environments, especially when dealing with non-lethal rounds compared to lethal rounds.

[0797] In another embodiment, the type of ammunition loaded in the chamber and / or magazine can also be fed into a ballistic calculator in an observation optic having an integrated display system. The system can identify the loaded ammunition and update the ballistic solution to match that load. This would eliminate the need for the shooter to select a different type of ammunition from their menu.

[0798] In yet another embodiment, the loaded ammunition information can also interface with weapon information. An observation optic having an integrated display system can detect the weapon settings and display a signal to alert the user to change the weapon recoil or operating settings, such as gas settings or buffer weight, based on the loaded ammunition. This would help ensure that the weapon cycles the ammunition more reliably and may help reduce wear on the weapon system. If the weapon is capable, the system could even direct the weapon to adjust these settings itself.

[0799] In another embodiment, in addition to the user of the observation optic, the ammunition status can also be transmitted to a third party. The status can be transmitted via an observation optic having an integrated display system with a wireless chipset, or can be transmitted via a communication hub on a circuit board having a Hall effect sensor or additional points throughout the system. The ammunition status can be sent externally to other team members. The ammunition status can be sent to a sniper spotter team or a heads-up display worn by the user or other team members. The ammunition status of a machine gun or automatic rifle can be sent to the team leader and / or assistant gunner to better coordinate reloading, firing, and maneuvering.

[0800] If a Hall effect sensor and communication hub are incorporated into the user's magazine pouch, the status of the entire load can be displayed to the user or team leader. In a range or training environment, the magazine and chamber status can be sent to range personnel and commanders. This would allow for better distance control and create a safer live-fire environment, especially when training individuals not familiar with the weapon.

[0801] In one embodiment, an ammunition counter system can display the total ammunition count in a magazine or can be used solely as an indicator to the shooter that they are approaching their last round in the magazine.

[0802] In one embodiment, the ammunition counter system disclosed herein can be used on a weapon having a conventional layout as Figure 95 shown or in a bullpup design as Figure 96 shown.

[0803] As Figure 95As shown, the system 9500 disclosed herein includes a firearm with a conventional layout, an observation optical device 9510, a cartridge counter system 9520, and a cable 9530 that supports communication between the observation optical device 9510 and the cartridge counter system. The observation optical device 9510 can include any of the embodiments and configurations disclosed throughout the application.

[0804] Figure 96 Another embodiment of the system 9600 disclosed herein is depicted. The system 9600 includes a firearm with a bullpup design, an observation optical device 9610 with an active display, a cartridge counter system 9620, and a cable that supports communication between the observation optical device 9610 and the cartridge counter 9620. The observation optical device 9610 can include any of the embodiments and configurations disclosed throughout the application.

[0805] In addition, the cartridge counter system can be used with a firearm having a magazine in the grip or any other magazine-fed weapon. The cartridge counter system disclosed herein can also be used with a belt-fed weapon using special metal links or an inextensible belt having progressive magnets to trigger the sensors of the present invention.

[0806] In one embodiment, one or more magnets can be located within the magazine follower to trigger one or more sensors on the weapon receiver. In one embodiment, a magnetic sensor can be located in a remote control that has been connected to the observation optical device. The remote control is attached to the magazine well of the weapon. When a cartridge is stripped or ejected from the magazine, the magazine follower rises, and the magnetic sensor sends information to the active display of the observation optical device.

[0807] This design will provide feedback to the shooter regarding the number of cartridges remaining in their magazine without having to break their attention from the sight picture. Additionally, this design for ammunition tracking has limited cost and does not add weight to the weapon system since the integrated display system already exists in the observation optical device. Further, the sensor can be located in a remote control that has been attached to the magazine well of the weapon.

[0808] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device with an integrated display system that can display the cartridge count in the magazine from full to empty or can be used solely as an indicator that the shooter is approaching their last cartridge in the magazine.

[0809] In one embodiment, a Hall effect sensor can be located in a remote control that controls or is linked to an optical device or a portion of an optical system. In one embodiment, a new magazine follower can be inserted into the magazine.

[0810] In one embodiment, the Hall effect sensor housing or enclosure can be removable or fully integrated into the firearm's receiver or outer housing. In one embodiment, the Hall effect sensor can be located in a remote control that controls or links to a portion of the viewing optics or optical system. At least one magnet and at least one corresponding sensor can be placed on either side to best facilitate clear reading of the magnet associated with the magazine or other feeding device.

[0811] XIV. Viewing optics capable of inte...

Claims

1. A system, comprising: An observation optical device having an optical system with an objective lens system that focuses a target image from an external scene onto a first focal plane, where the first focal plane is located between the objective lens system and an erecting system that inverts the target image, and an active display configured to generate an image, where the image is projected onto the first focal plane of the optical system; And An elevation adjustment adapter configured to communicate with the active display.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the image is a digital reticle.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the image is a corrected aiming point.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the image is a ballistic solution.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the elevation adjustment adapter is configured to communicate with the active display via a wireless connection.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the elevation adjustment adapter is configured to communicate with the active display via a wired connection.

7. A system, comprising: (a) An elevation adjustment adapter; And (b) an observation optical device having an active display, the observation optical device configured to communicate with the elevation adjustment adapter, where the observation optical device detects an additional elevation angle provided by the elevation adjustment adapter and transmits the additional elevation angle to the active display, where the active display generates a correct bullet drop at the first focal point of the observation optical device.

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the observation optical device is configured to communicate with the elevation adjustment adapter via a wireless connection.

9. The system according to claim 7, wherein the observation optical device is configured to communicate with the elevation adjustment adapter via a wired connection.

10. A system, comprising: (a) An elevation adjustment adapter; And (b) an observation optical device including a main tube, an objective lens system coupled to a first end of the main tube, an eyepiece system coupled to a second end of the main tube, an erecting lens system disposed between the objective lens system and the eyepiece system, a first focal plane located between the objective lens system and the erecting lens system, and an active display, the observation optical device configured to determine an additional elevation angle provided by the elevation adjustment adapter and transmit the additional elevation angle to the active display, where the active display generates an image selected from the group consisting of a digital reticle, a corrected aiming point, or a ballistic solution, where the image is projected onto the first focal point of the observation optical device.

11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the image is a digital reticle.

12. The system according to claim 10, wherein the image is a corrected aiming point.

13. The system according to claim 10, wherein the image is a ballistic solution.

14. The system according to claim 10, wherein the observation optical device is configured to communicate with the elevation adjustment adapter via a wireless connection.

15. The system according to claim 10, wherein the observation optical device is configured to communicate with the elevation adjustment adapter via a wired connection.

Images