Image processing method for a riflescope, image processing device and riflescope

Abstract

The application discloses an image processing method and device for a sighting telescope and the sighting telescope, and relates to the technical field of optical sighting devices. The image processing method comprises the following steps: acquiring an original image obtained after an objective lens images a to-be-observed target, performing data processing on the original image, and transmitting the original image to a display for display; acquiring a control instruction generated by triggering a user input component based on the displayed observation target image, wherein the control instruction comprises determining a user-selected region on the observation target image; and performing zooming processing on the user-selected region according to the control instruction, and controlling the display to display the zoomed image of the user-selected region. Through the flexible region selection and zooming function, the user can select any region on the observation target image for zooming observation according to needs, and the flexibility and convenience of use are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical aiming equipment technology, and in particular to an image processing method, image processing equipment and aiming scope for a scope. Background Technology

[0002] As an important optical observation and aiming device, the scope is widely used in military, hunting, and shooting sports. Traditional scopes mainly magnify the target image through an optical lens system, allowing users to clearly observe distant targets. The field of view is large at low magnification and small at high magnification. When switching to high magnification, the target is easily lost, making continuous observation difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to propose an image processing method, image processing device, and aiming scope for a scope, which aims to perform fine observation of the target while maintaining the field of view.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention proposes an image processing method for a sight, the sight including an objective lens, a display, and a user input component; the image processing method includes the following steps: The original image obtained after the objective lens images the target to be observed is acquired, the original image is processed and transmitted to the display so that the display shows the image of the observed target after data processing. The system acquires control commands generated by the user input component based on the displayed image of the observed target; the control commands include defining a user-selected area on the image of the observed target. According to the control command, the area selected by the user is magnified, and the display is controlled to show the magnified image of the area selected by the user.

[0005] In one embodiment, the display includes a first area and a second area, the first area and the second area being located in different areas on the display; controlling the display to show a magnified image of the user-selected area includes: the first area showing the magnified image of the user-selected area; and the second area showing the complete original image, both displayed on the same screen in real time.

[0006] In one embodiment, the display also shows a cursor, which is a positioning marker on the image; the control command includes moving the cursor to the observation target position and then defining the observation target position as the user-selected area.

[0007] In one embodiment, the control commands include commands to zoom in on the user-selected area and commands to zoom in on the cursor; The image processing method further includes: when receiving the instruction to zoom in on the user-selected area, zooming in on the user-selected area; and when receiving the instruction to zoom in on the cursor, zooming in on the cursor, wherein the zooming in on the user-selected area and the zooming in on the cursor are executed independently of each other.

[0008] In one embodiment, the cursor is a crosshair cursor, which includes a horizontal line and a vertical line; the horizontal line and the vertical line are respectively provided with mil-number scales, which are used to estimate the distance and size of the observed target; the cursor is magnified by magnifying the mil-number scales of the crosshair cursor, and the magnified mil-number scales are clearly readable.

[0009] In one embodiment, the image processing method further includes: upon receiving the instruction to magnify the user-selected area, magnifying the user-selected area by a first preset magnification; and upon receiving the instruction to magnify the cursor, magnifying the cursor by a second preset magnification.

[0010] The present invention also proposes an image processing apparatus, the image processing apparatus comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the computer program being configured to implement the steps of the image processing method as described above.

[0011] The present invention also proposes a sight, which includes a scope tube, an objective lens, an image processor, a display, a chip processor, a user input component, and an eyepiece; The objective lens, display, and eyepiece are arranged at intervals inside the microscope tube; The image processor is built into the lens tube and connected to the chip processor. The image processor is used to convert the optical image formed by the objective lens into an electrical signal, generate raw image data, and transmit it to the chip processor. The user input component is located outside the mirror tube and is connected to the chip processor for the user to trigger control commands. The chip processor is built into the lens tube and connected to the display. The chip processor is used to magnify the area selected by the user according to the control command and control the display to display the magnified image of the area selected by the user.

[0012] The image processing method employed in this invention collects light from the target object through an objective lens and images it onto an image processor to obtain a raw image. The image processor converts the optical image into electrical signals, generating raw image data. After acquiring this raw image data, the chip processor performs data processing such as noise reduction, enhancement, and color correction, and then transmits the processed image to a display so that the display shows the image of the observed target.

[0013] The image processing method employed in this invention allows users to freely select any position on the image for magnified observation according to actual observation needs, improving the flexibility and convenience of use. Users generate control commands based on the target image displayed on the monitor by operating input components such as buttons, knobs, touchpads, and joysticks.

[0014] The image processing method employed in this invention uses a chip processor to monitor the status of the user input components in real time. Once a user operation is detected, the chip processor acquires the corresponding control command. Based on the control command, the chip processor accurately determines the area selected by the user and then magnifies the image data of that area. The magnified image data is transmitted to the display, and the display finally shows the magnified image of the user-selected area, allowing the user to clearly observe the detailed features of the specific target area. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the image processing method provided by the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a split-screen display provided by the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a crosshair cursor; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the aiming scope provided by the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship of various components in an embodiment of the aiming scope provided by the present invention.

[0017] Explanation of icon numbers: 1. Lens tube; 2. Objective lens; 3. Image processor; 4. Display; 5. Chip processor; 6. User input component; 7. Eyepiece; 8. First region; 9. Second region.

[0018] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0020] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indicators (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indicators are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indicators will also change accordingly.

[0021] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0022] Existing sights have a large field of view at low magnification and a small field of view at high magnification. When switching to high magnification, the target is easily lost, making continuous observation difficult.

[0023] Reference Figure 1 This invention proposes an image processing method for a sight, the sight including an objective lens 2, a display 4, and a user input component 6; the image processing method includes the following steps: S100: Acquire the original image obtained by the objective lens 2 after imaging the target to be observed, process the data of the original image and transmit it to the display 4 so that the display 4 can display the image of the target after data processing. The image processing method employed in this invention collects light from the target object through the objective lens 2, which performs optical imaging on the target object to obtain a raw image. The image processor 3 converts the optical image into an electrical signal, generating raw image data. After acquiring this raw image data, the chip processor 5 performs data processing such as noise reduction, enhancement, and color correction, and then transmits the processed image to the display 4, allowing the display 4 to show the image of the observed target.

[0024] S200, acquire the control command generated by the user input component 6 based on the displayed observation target image; the control command includes determining the user-selected area on the observation target image; Understandably, the display also shows a cursor, which serves as a positioning marker on the image. Control commands include moving the cursor to the observation target location and then defining that location as the user-selected area. The image processing method employed in this invention allows users to freely select any location on the image for magnified observation based on actual observation needs, improving flexibility and convenience. Users generate control commands based on the observation target image displayed on display 4 using input components such as buttons, knobs, touchpads, and joysticks. These control commands include: area selection commands to define the magnification area; magnification commands to specify the magnification level; magnification window display commands to open or close the magnification window; dual-view switching commands to switch between full-screen original image and split-screen magnified image; and cursor movement commands, as mentioned below.

[0025] S300, according to the control command, the area selected by the user is magnified, and the display 4 is controlled to display the magnified image of the selected area. The image processing method used in this invention monitors the status of the user input component 6 in real time through the chip processor 5. Once a user operation is detected, the corresponding control command is obtained. The chip processor 5 accurately determines the area selected by the user according to the control command, and then magnifies the image data of that area. The magnified image data is transmitted to the display 4, and finally the display 4 displays the magnified image of the selected area, so that the user can clearly observe the detailed features of a specific area of ​​the target. It can be understood that a cursor (visual positioning mark) can always be displayed on the display. The default cursor is a "crosshair cursor", which includes horizontal and vertical lines, and the intersection point is the current reference position. The user can move the cursor to a certain position in the observed target through input components (such as mouse movement, touch drag, arrow keys). The system automatically determines this position (the center point of the cursor) as a user-selected area. The selected area can be a configurable-sized rectangle centered on the cursor (such as 64×64 pixels), or an area of ​​a point plus a default radius.

[0026] Existing sights suffer from high computational load, high latency, and blurry images during magnification switching due to the use of overall magnification. This invention addresses this by real-time detection of user control commands, rapidly magnifying and enhancing only the central area. This results in fast response, no significant interaction latency, low computational overhead, and stable operation on low-power devices. In an embodiment of this invention, the display 4 also shows a cursor, which is a positioning marker on the image. The control command includes: S201, moving the cursor to the observation target position and defining the observation target position as the user-selected area. The user can issue control commands through the input component.

[0027] The image processing method of this application moves the cursor to the observation target position and then determines the observation target position as the user-selected area, thereby improving the accuracy of area selection. At the same time, the operation logic is simple and easy to understand, effectively reducing the user's operation threshold.

[0028] The cursor can be in various shapes such as crosshair, rectangle, and dot. Crosshair cursor is suitable for precise center point positioning, rectangle cursor can directly select the entire target area, and dot cursor minimizes field of view obstruction, meeting the user's shape selection needs under different observation conditions.

[0029] Reference Figure 2 In an embodiment of the present invention, the display 4 includes a first region 8 and a second region 9, with the first region 8 located within the second region 9. Controlling the display 4 to display a magnified image of the user-selected region includes: the first region 8 displays the magnified image of the user-selected region, which can display local details; the second region 9 displays the complete original image, simultaneously displaying a global view without any cropping. The image processing method of this application adopts a split-screen display design, where the first region 8 displays a magnified detail image of the selected target, and the second region 9 presents the original complete image. Both regions are updated simultaneously, allowing the user to observe both the global scene and magnified details without switching screens, facilitating comparison and subsequent operations. Upon receiving a user-inputted magnification command for the selected region, a sub-image can be extracted from the complete image displayed in the second region, centered on the current cursor position and according to a preset cropping size. A bilinear or bicubic interpolation algorithm is then used to magnify the sub-image to a first preset magnification, and the magnified image is then displayed in the first region of the display. Simultaneously, a semi-transparent frame or a highlighted border can be used to mark the currently magnified region's position on the complete image in the second region.

[0030] This invention magnifies a target area arbitrarily selected by the user in an image, while maintaining normal display for the remaining areas. This allows for real-time comparison between the magnified local area and the original global image on the same screen, achieving picture-in-picture display. Users can focus on observing magnified details in the first area while maintaining a global view in the second area, eliminating the need for frequent screen switching and facilitating spatial positioning and comparative observation. Users can simultaneously view fine details of the target and maintain a global perspective without frequently switching display modes, avoiding interruptions caused by frequent operations and significantly improving observation efficiency. This is particularly suitable for aiming scenarios that require simultaneous attention to detail and the overall picture.

[0031] Traditional optical sights fix the crosshair in the optical path. When the image is magnified, the size of the crosshair remains unchanged, making it impossible to directly estimate the target distance or perform ballistic compensation based on the magnified image. Furthermore, the lines of the crosshair become thicker after magnification, thus obscuring the target. To address these issues, in embodiments of this invention, the control commands include commands to magnify the user-selected area and commands to magnify the cursor. Image processing methods also include: When a command to zoom in on the user-selected area is received, the user-selected area will be zoomed in. When a command to enlarge the cursor is received, the cursor will be enlarged. The zoom-in process for the user-selected area and the zoom-in process for the cursor are executed independently.

[0032] In this embodiment, the control commands also include: a target tracking command, which automatically locks onto and follows the target after it is selected, with the magnified window always aligned with the target; an image enhancement mode command, which enhances contrast, sharpens edges, and improves night vision, making targets clearer and increasing recognition distance under complex lighting conditions; and a cursor switching command, which switches between various cursor shapes such as crosshairs, rectangles, and dots to adapt to different environments and habits, reducing visual interference. For example, using a rectangle or arrow as a cursor can highlight the target's position on the display screen in night vision mode, making the target clearer and more accurate.

[0033] In step S302, the cursor is magnified. Since the cursor is drawn independently on the display screen, its line width remains constant and does not thicken with image magnification, thus avoiding target obstruction. The cursor can scale proportionally with the image, and the scale always corresponds to the actual size. Users can directly estimate distances and perform ballistic compensation using mils without additional calculations, making the readings intuitive. The magnified cursor (e.g., using an arrow-shaped cursor) can also enhance target indication, making the target clearer and more accurate. It is understood that when a cursor magnification command is received, no image scaling is performed; only the cursor graphic (including the crosshairs, center, and scale markings) is geometrically magnified. The magnification can be a second preset magnification (usually independent of the image magnification, such as 2x or 3x). The magnified crosshair cursor has increased spacing between scale lines and larger font sizes for scale values ​​(if any), ensuring clear and readable mil scales for easy estimation of distant or small targets. When observing a highly magnified image, the cursor may appear too thin or the scale may be blurry. By zooming in on the cursor, users can easily read mil values ​​without changing the image viewing scale, thereby calculating the distance or size of the target.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 3 The cursor is a crosshair cursor, which includes horizontal and vertical lines. The horizontal and vertical lines are marked with mils. A mil is a commonly used military unit of angle. One mil is equal to 1 / 6000 of a circle, about 0.06 degrees. The mil scale can be used to quickly estimate the distance and size of the observed target. Enlarging the cursor includes enlarging the mil-scale of the crosshair, making the mil-scale clearer and easier to read. Users can intuitively obtain angle information simply by looking at the mil-scale on the crosshair without the need for additional measuring tools, thus improving the efficiency of estimating target distance and size.

[0035] Since cursor magnification is independent, the width of the scale after cursor magnification is calculated using the following formula: Scale width after cursor magnification = Scale width before cursor magnification * Base magnification of the second region / Magnification of the first region. Here, the scale width before cursor magnification is 11 pixels, the magnification of the first region is 5x to 40x, and the base magnification of the second region is 5x, meaning the second region displays the observed target magnified 5x. For the crosshair portion exceeding the display's 4 area, the excess portion is truncated to ensure that the mil-dot scale on the crosshair is entirely within the display's 4 area. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The horizontal and vertical lines of the crosshair include a thick line segment on the outside and a thin line segment on the inside. The thin line segment has micrometer scales, and the part that is cut off is usually the thick line segment. Therefore, the thin line segment and the micrometer scales can always be kept in the center of the screen in the first area 8, which makes it convenient for users to make accurate measurements.

[0036] In embodiments of the present invention, the image processing method further includes: upon receiving the instruction to magnify the user-selected area, magnifying the user-selected area by a first preset magnification; and upon receiving the instruction to magnify the cursor, magnifying the cursor by a second preset magnification. The first preset magnification and the second preset magnification are between 5 and 40 times. The user-selected area and the cursor can be magnified at the same magnification, ensuring that the scale and the actual size of the image are always accurately matched, eliminating measurement reading deviations, and effectively solving the problem of low measurement accuracy in traditional modes. Of course, in other embodiments, the size of the cursor is not affected when magnifying the area image; or, the magnification factor of the image is not changed when magnifying the cursor, and the user can adjust them separately as needed, without limitation here. The user can trigger the image magnification and cursor magnification instructions sequentially or simultaneously, and the system processes them according to their respective parameters.

[0037] This invention achieves significantly improved measurement accuracy by strictly scaling the magnified area and scale proportionally, eliminating reading deviations after magnification. The mil readings at different magnifications are consistent and comparable, avoiding errors caused by magnification mismatches in traditional fixed graduations. This invention allows for independent magnification of the cursor without obscuring the target, and cursor switching enhances target indication. The proportionally magnified cursor allows direct determination of the distance between the target and the scope based on the mil readings. In embodiments of this invention, an image processing device is also provided, comprising: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. The computer program is configured to implement the steps of the image processing method described above.

[0038] The image processing device provided in this application, employing the image processing method described in the above embodiments, can solve the technical problem that the observed target is easily lost and continuous observation is difficult during the process of switching to high-magnification observation. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the image processing device provided in this application are the same as those of the image processing method provided in the above embodiments, and other technical features in this image processing device are the same as those disclosed in the method of the previous embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present invention, reference is made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 The present invention also proposes a sight, which includes a scope tube 1, an objective lens 2, an image processor 3, a display 4, a chip processor 5, a user input component 6, and an eyepiece 7. Objective lens 2 is located at the front end of lens tube 1 and is used to collect light from the target to be observed and image it on image processor 3; Image processor 3 is located inside the lens tube 1 and is connected to chip processor 5; it is used to convert the optical image formed by objective lens 2 into electrical signals, generate raw image data and transmit it to chip processor 5. User input component 6 is located on the outside of mirror tube 1 and is connected to chip processor 5. User input component 6 includes buttons, knobs, touchpads, joysticks, etc., for users to trigger control commands. The chip processor 5 is located inside the lens tube 1 and is connected to the display 4. On one hand, the chip processor 5 receives the raw image data and performs optimization processing such as noise reduction, image enhancement, and color correction. On the other hand, the chip processor 5 obtains control commands generated by the user based on the operation input components of the display screen. The control commands include determining the user-selected area on the observed target image, zooming in on the area, and zooming in on the cursor. According to the control commands, the chip processor 5 zooms in on the user-selected area and controls the display 4 to display the zoomed-in image of the user-selected area. Display 4 is used to display the processed original image of the observed target, a magnified view of the selected area of ​​the target, and a crosshair cursor with mil-level scale. The eyepiece 7 is located at the rear end of the lens tube 1 and is set in correspondence with the display 4, so as to allow the user to observe the image content displayed on the display 4; The overall workflow is as follows: Objective lens 2 acquires target light to form an image; image processor 3 converts the optical image into an electrical signal to generate raw image data; then chip processor 5 performs preprocessing such as image noise reduction, enhancement, and color correction; the processed image is transmitted to display 4 for display, and a crosshair cursor can be seen on the scope's display screen. Users can issue control commands (such as selecting any area, area magnification, cursor magnification, etc.) by operating external input components according to observation needs. The status of user input component 6 is monitored in real time. The crosshair cursor is moved by the rotation control in the center of the scope. Chip processor 5 receives the voltage signal changes generated by the rotation to determine the cursor's movement direction and value. Once an operation is detected, the corresponding command is obtained, the user-selected area is accurately determined, the image data of that area is magnified, and finally the magnified image is pushed to display 4. It can be understood that when the cursor points to any position in the image, the system automatically performs a 2x magnification based on the crosshair center and enhances clarity using a differential algorithm. Simultaneously, the mil-dot scale on the crosshair can adaptively magnify, with the mil-dot grid changing synchronously with the cursor, thus ensuring measurement accuracy. The mil-scale is used to measure distance, with one division corresponding to 10 pixels. One pixel on the display screen corresponds to an actual distance of 0.84 cm. This invention can also achieve a picture-in-picture display mode. When the crosshair cursor moves to the area to be magnified, the corresponding small window (first area) displays the magnified image. The large window (second area) provides 5-40x magnification, and the small window provides 10-80x magnification. Using the scope of this invention, users can freely choose any position on the image for magnification according to their actual observation needs, improving flexibility and convenience. The chip processor 5 monitors the status of the user input component 6 in real time. Once a user operation is detected, it acquires the corresponding control command. The chip processor 5 accurately determines the area selected by the user based on the control command, and then magnifies the image data of that area. The magnified image data is transmitted to the display 4, and finally, the display 4 displays the magnified image of the user-selected area, allowing the user to clearly observe the detailed features of a specific target area.

[0040] The above description is merely an exemplary embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the scope of patent protection of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the technical concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the scope of patent protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An image processing method for a sight, characterized in that, The aiming scope includes an objective lens, a display, and a user input component; the image processing method includes the following steps: The original image obtained after the objective lens images the target to be observed is acquired, the original image is processed and transmitted to the display so that the display shows the image of the observed target after data processing. The system acquires control commands generated by the user input component based on the displayed image of the observed target; the control commands include defining a user-selected area on the image of the observed target. According to the control command, the area selected by the user is magnified, and the display is controlled to show the magnified image of the area selected by the user.

2. The image processing method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The display includes a first area and a second area, which are located in different areas on the display. The control of the display to show the magnified image of the user-selected area includes: the first area displays the magnified image of the user-selected area; the second area displays the complete original image, both displayed on the same screen in real time.

3. The image processing method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The display also shows a cursor, which is a positioning marker on the image; the control command includes moving the cursor to the observation target position and then defining the observation target position as the user-selected area.

4. The image processing method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The control commands include commands to zoom in on the user-selected area and commands to zoom in on the cursor; The image processing method further includes: upon receiving the instruction to enlarge the user-selected area, enlarging the user-selected area; upon receiving the instruction to enlarge the cursor, enlarging the cursor; the user-selected area enlargement processing and the cursor enlargement processing are executed independently of each other.

5. The image processing method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The cursor is a crosshair cursor, which includes a horizontal line and a vertical line; the horizontal line and the vertical line are respectively provided with mil-number scales, which are used to estimate the distance and size of the observed target; the cursor is magnified, which includes magnifying the mil-number scales of the crosshair cursor, and the magnified mil-number scales are clear and readable.

6. The image processing method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The image processing method further includes: when receiving the instruction to magnify the user-selected area, magnifying the user-selected area by a first preset magnification; and when receiving the instruction to magnify the cursor, magnifying the cursor by a second preset magnification.

7. An image processing device, characterized in that, The image processing device includes: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, the computer program being configured to implement the steps of the image processing method as described in any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A sight, characterized in that, The sight includes a scope tube, objective lens, image processor, display, chip processor, user input components, and eyepiece; The objective lens, display, and eyepiece are arranged at intervals inside the microscope tube; The image processor is built into the lens tube and connected to the chip processor. The image processor is used to convert the optical image formed by the objective lens into an electrical signal, generate raw image data, and transmit it to the chip processor. The user input component is located outside the mirror tube and is connected to the chip processor for the user to trigger control commands. The chip processor is built into the lens tube and connected to the display. The chip processor is used to magnify the area selected by the user according to the control command and control the display to display the magnified image of the area selected by the user.

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