Imaging enable for observation optical instruments

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an observation optical device. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including an active display and an enable interface. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system including an observation optical device having an active display and an imaging device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application is the present application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 363,560 filed on April 25, 2022 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 363,591 filed on April 26, 2022, claims priority thereto, and the provisional applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety into this specification.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an in - enable interface. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising an observation optical device having an active display and an in - enable interface and an imaging device. In yet another embodiment, the imaging device is configured to communicate with an active display. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising an observation optical device, an objective display module, and an imaging device.

Background Art

[0003] Riflescopes have been used for well over a century, and the quality and functionality of these devices have advanced significantly over the years. However, the core components (and the limitations associated with these components) used in their design, manufacture, and use have remained largely unchanged for nearly 100 years. A riflescope produces a magnified or non - magnified image of a scene remote from the shooter on a focal plane that coincides with a sighting feature, i.e., a reticle. The reticle is composed of wires or materials deposited in a pattern on a glass surface and is used as a sighting reference corresponding to the trajectory of the rifle to which it is attached. The reticle can also include specific features to assist the shooter in making range judgments and correcting for bullet drift at different ranges.

[0004] Also, a turret is used to adjust the reticle position relative to the target for the purpose of compensating for bullet drift. This is an extremely developed and highly reliable system that can be used by an experienced and skilled shooter for difficult long-range shooting. With the assistance of a laser rangefinder (LRF) and a ballistic computer and with meticulous attention to detail, an experienced shooter can always hit the target at the maximum effective range of their firearm by making the necessary mechanical adjustments to the firearm and / or executing an accurate hold on the reticle pattern.

[0005] This system functions well, but there is always a desire to improve the system. In particular, there is a desire to reduce the complexity associated with hitting a long-range target. To effectively hit a long-range target, a large amount of information is required for each shot, and the shooter must be able to process this information and make correct judgments and calculations in real time. In addition to a riflescope, other tools are required by the shooter to ensure an accurate shooting setup. For example, a bubble level attached to the outside of the riflescope is required to ensure that the optics are level before taking a shot. This requires the shooter to move their head away from the optics' eyepiece to check their level.

[0006] A laser rangefinder and a ballistic computer are also required to measure the target distance and calculate the bullet's trajectory. Again, it is necessary for the shooter to pay attention to the external device and then remember the data when making the necessary adjustments. When using a weapon-mounted laser rangefinder, the shooter needs to take special care to ensure that the aiming point of the optics exactly coincides with the aiming point of the LRF.

[0007] Furthermore, an important aspect that cannot be overlooked in the use of a rifle scope is that they are only useful during daylight hours. As night begins, it is necessary to attach a thermal device and / or a night vision device in front of the rifle scope to the weapon. These devices capture a different form of radiation that is not visible to the human eye due to its low wavelength or intensity. These devices then reproduce or enhance the image of the scene and re-image the scene onto the objective lens of the rifle scope. These devices, which are effective and required for low light conditions, are also heavy and large.

[0008] In the specific case of a thermal imaging device, the thermal scene is imaged onto a special thermal sensor via infrared optics. The image is then reproduced on a microdisplay, and the microdisplay is re-imaged onto the objective lens of a rifle scope having a visible optical system. The two separate optical systems required to achieve this result in a rather large, heavy, and expensive device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0009]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0010] With the progress of technology, a certain level of system integration is required to reduce the heavy processing requirements imposed on shooters. This integration is also necessary to shorten the rather long "time to engagement" that was conventionally required when multiple devices had to be referenced and calculations and adjustments had to be made. Finally, the size and weight of additional devices required to effectively use a riflescope under low light conditions can be reduced using a more integrated solution.

[0011] Observation optical instruments with integrated display systems have been previously described in U.S. Patent Nos. 10,606,061; 10,520,716; and 10,180,565, all of which are hereby expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety. Observation optical instruments with display systems achieve a significant improvement in capabilities compared to conventional optical instruments. Observation optical instruments with display systems can be used to project aiming points onto a first focal plane. Further, they can indicate the azimuth of a compass, display camera images, transmit wireless data, execute training programs, and utilize numerous other functions leveraging the display system.

[0012] With the progress of technology with enhanced functions, size, weight, and cost often increase. Some users can receive the true benefits from all the features, while other users may not use the functions and prefer to have a lighter and lower-cost observation optical instrument.

[0013] One alternative is to manufacture numerous variations of observation optical instruments with integrated display systems that include various combinations of added functions and enablers. The drawbacks of this approach are that inventory can quickly increase and that directly integrating features into the optical instrument may limit the easy upgradeability to any of the additional components.

[0014] Accordingly, there remains a need for an observation optical instrument having an integrated display system with a modular system, such as a modular attachment system, so that the observation optical instrument can accept different attachment devices or enabling devices that can facilitate selection, addition, and removal by an end user. The devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein address all of these drawbacks in an innovative manner.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0015] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument having an attachment system for one or more system components. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument having an interface for one or more enabling devices. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument having an interface for one or more auxiliary devices.

[0016] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is an observation optical instrument having a main body having a first end and a second end and a central axis, an objective lens system disposed within the main body, an eyepiece disposed within the main body, and an erecting lens system disposed within the main body, wherein the objective lens system, the eyepiece system, and the erecting lens system form an optical system having a first focal plane, the first focal plane being located between the objective lens system and the erecting lens system and having a first reticle, an active display configured to generate a digital image, and at least a first enabling interface. The present disclosure further relates to a system including a thermal imaging device configured to interact with the first enabling interface and configured to transmit information to the active display, wherein the information is projected onto the first focal plane of the observation optical instrument.

[0017] In one embodiment, the thermal imaging device has a main housing and an attachment arm that interacts with a first inenable interface. In another embodiment, the attachment arm has pogo pins and the first inenable interface has a pogo pin target header. In another embodiment, the attachment arm has a first portion that extends diagonally from the main housing of the thermal imaging device. In yet another embodiment, the attachment arm has a second portion that extends diagonally and has pogo pins for interacting with the first inenable.

[0018] In one embodiment, the first inenable interface is located in front of the etched reticle elevation adjustment knob of the observation optical device.

[0019] In another embodiment, the thermal imaging device is a long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) thermal imaging device.

[0020] In another embodiment, the main housing of the thermal imaging device is located to the left or right of the central axis of the observation optical device.

[0021] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an observation optical device having a main body with a first end and a second end and a central axis, an objective lens system disposed within the main body, an eyepiece lens disposed within the main body, and an erecting lens system disposed within the main body, wherein the objective lens system, the eyepiece lens system, and the erecting lens system form an optical system having a first focal plane, the first focal plane being located between the objective lens system and the erecting lens system and having a first reticle, an active display configured to generate a digital image, and at least a first inenable interface. The present disclosure further relates to a system comprising the observation optical device, an objective display module coupled to the objective lens system of the observation optical device, and an imaging device configured to interact with the first inenable interface and transmit information to the objective display module, wherein the information is projected onto the objective lens system of the observation optical device.

[0022] In one embodiment, the imaging device is a near-infrared (NIR) imaging device, or a short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) imaging device, or a mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) imaging device, or a long-wavelength infrared imaging device. In one embodiment, the imaging device has a main housing and an attachment arm that interacts with a first InEnabler interface. In one embodiment, the arm has pogo pins and the first InEnabler interface has a target pogo pin header. In another embodiment, the main housing of the imaging device is located to the left or right of the central axis of the observation optics.

[0023] In one embodiment, the objective display module includes an active display configured to communicate with the imaging device. In one embodiment, the objective display module includes a set of lenses for collecting light from the active display. In another embodiment, the objective display module has pogo pins configured to interact with a pogo pin target header on the imaging device.

[0024] In one embodiment, the imaging device is a dual imaging device having a first imaging device and a second imaging device. In another embodiment, the first imaging device is a thermal imaging device and the second imaging device is a CMOS near-infrared imaging device or a short-wavelength infrared imaging device.

[0025] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument having one or more InEnabler interfaces. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument having a first InEnabler interface in front of an etched reticle elevation adjustment knob and a second InEnabler interface behind the etched reticle elevation adjustment knob.

[0026] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device comprising an integrated display system having an interface for one or more system components. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device comprising an integrated display system having an attachment system for one or more enabling devices. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device comprising an integrated display system having an attachment system for one or more auxiliary devices.

[0027] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device comprising an integrated display system having an attachment system for one or more enabling devices, including but not limited to a laser rangefinder, a camera, and a video system. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having one or more enabling interfaces configured to receive an enabling device and configured to enable communication between the observation optical device and the enabling device.

[0028] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method for attaching one or more enabling devices or one or more system components to an observation optical device, including power and data transfer.

[0029] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an attachment system for an observation optical device that enables integration of one or more enabling devices into the system.

[0030] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device comprising an optical system configured to focus a target image on a first focal plane from an external scene, an active display configured to generate a digital image, and one or more enabling interfaces configured to receive an enabling device and configured to communicate with the active display.

[0031] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including a main body having an optical system configured to focus a target image on a first focal plane from an external scene, and one or more inenable interfaces located at an upper portion of the main body and configured to receive an inenable device.

[0032] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including a main body having an optical system configured to focus a target image on a first focal plane from an external scene, and a mounting system located at an upper portion of the main body and configured to receive an inenable device. In one embodiment, the mounting system includes a first mounting position in front of an etched reticle elevation adjustment knob and a second mounting position behind the etched reticle elevation adjustment knob. In one embodiment, the first mounting position or the first interface has an inclination angle of 45 degrees toward the right and left sides of the observation optical device. In yet another embodiment, the second mounting position or the second interface has an inclination angle of 45 degrees toward the right and left sides of the observation optical device.

[0033] In one embodiment, the mounting system includes one or more inenable interfaces. In yet another embodiment, the mounting system includes a front inenable interface and a rear inenable interface.

[0034] In one embodiment, the present disclosure is (a) A main tube, (b) an objective lens system coupled to a first end of the main tube for focusing a target image from an external scene, and (c) an eyepiece lens system coupled to a second end of the main tube, the main tube, the objective lens system, and the eyepiece lens system being configured to define a first focal plane, and (d) an observation optical device having an active display configured to generate a digital image, and one or more in-ebra interfaces located at an upper portion of the main tube and configured to receive an in-ebra device, the in-ebra interface being configured to transmit information to the active display, and the information being projected onto the first focal plane of the observation optical device, relates to a system.

[0035] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device comprising a main body having an optical system configured to focus a target image from an external scene onto a first focal plane, a front in-ebra interface located at an upper portion of the main body and in front of an etched reticle elevation adjustment knob and configured to receive a first in-ebra device, and a rear in-ebra interface located at an upper portion of the main body and behind the etched reticle elevation adjustment knob and configured to receive a second in-ebra device.

[0036] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device comprising a main body having an optical system configured to focus a target image from an external scene onto a first focal plane, an active display configured to generate a digital image, and one or more in-ebra interfaces located on a left or right side portion of the main body and configured to receive an in-ebra device, the in-ebra interface being configured to communicate with the active display of the observation optical device.

[0037] In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides an observation optical device having: (a) a main tube; (b) an objective lens system coupled to a first end of the main tube for focusing a target image from an external scene; (c) an eyepiece lens system coupled to a second end of the main tube, the main tube, the objective lens system, and the eyepiece lens system being configured to define at least a first focal plane; and (d) an active display configured to generate a digital image. The observation optical device further includes one or more enabler interfaces located on a left or right side portion of the main tube and configured to receive an enabler. The enabler interface is configured to transmit information from the enabler to the active display, and the information from the enabler is projected onto the first focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0038] In one embodiment, the observation optical device includes a main tube, an objective lens system coupled to a first end of the main tube, and an eyepiece lens system coupled to a second end of the main tube. The main tube, the objective lens system, and the eyepiece lens system are cooperatively configured to define at least one focal plane. The observation optical device further includes a beam combiner positioned between the objective lens system and the first focal plane. The observation optical device further includes an integrated display system having an active display configured to generate a digital image and project 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.

[0039] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including 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 an "FFP target image"), a subsequent erecting lens system that inverts the FFP target image and focuses it onto a second focal plane (hereinafter referred to as an "SFP target image"), a beam combiner disposed between the objective lens system and the FFP target image, and an eyepiece lens system that collimates the SFP target image so that it can be observed by the human eye. In one embodiment, the second optical system includes an active display for generating an image and a lens system for condensing light from the active display. The image from the digital display is guided to the beam combiner so that the digital image and the target image from the objective lens system are combined on the first focal plane and can be observed simultaneously.

[0040] In one embodiment, the integrated display system includes an active display, a condenser optical device, and a reflecting surface or reflecting material including, but not limited to, a mirror. In one embodiment, the active display can generate an image including, but not limited to, text, alphanumerics, graphics, symbols, and / or video imaging, icons, etc., including an active target reticle, a modified aiming point, a distance measurement value, and wind information.

[0041] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including an optical system configured to define a first focal plane, an active display for generating an image, and a reflecting material for guiding this image to the first focal plane, and one or more adjustment mechanisms for performing one or more of (a) moving the active display relative to the reflecting material and (b) moving the reflecting material relative to the active display.

[0042] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a housing coupled to the main body of an observation optical device. The housing houses a display for generating an image that can be introduced onto the first focal plane of the main body, and the display image on the first focal plane is not linked to the movement of the erecting tube.

[0043] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including a main body having an optical system for observing an external scene, and a base coupled to the bottom of the main body. The base includes an active display for generating an image, the generated image being coupled to the image of the external scene on a first focal plane of the optical system, a sensor for detecting the presence of a user, and a processor capable of communicating with the sensor to control the power state of the observation optical device.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] In one embodiment, the active display is positioned on the eyepiece side of the base coupled to the main body of the observation optical device.

[0047] In one embodiment, by the methods and apparatuses disclosed herein, an end user can easily distinguish a digital overlay from a daytime optical scene.

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

[0049] In one embodiment, the observation optical device is used in conjunction with a firearm. In one embodiment, the observation optical device is a riflescope. In one embodiment, the riflescope can be used with an external laser rangefinder having a ballistic calculation function. In one embodiment, the riflescope is rigidly attached to the firearm, and the laser rangefinder is attached to either the firearm or the riflescope.

[0050] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a sighting system comprising a main body having a first optical observation system for observing an external scene, a base having an active display for generating an image, the base being coupled to the bottom of the main body, and further, the base in which the generated image and the image of the external scene are combined at a first focal plane of the optical system, a rifle scope, a laser rangefinder for measuring the distance to a target, and components for calculating a ballistic trajectory for hitting the target. In one embodiment, the integrated display system can digitally display the calculated information and the correct aiming point corresponding to the landing point of the rifle bullet, and the digitally displayed aiming point and the external scene are superimposed and displayed on the first focal plane of the rifle scope.

[0051] The advantages of the devices and methods disclosed herein are that a number of advanced targeting functions can be utilized while maintaining a direct observation of the target scene.

[0052] The advantages of the devices and methods disclosed herein are that by introducing the image generated from the active display into the first focal plane of the optical system, the generated image can be made unaffected by any changes in the erecting system turret adjustment or position.

[0053] The advantages of the devices and methods disclosed herein are that the modular / scalable system allows the use of additional enabling technologies without the need for a combination of separate systems. The observation optical device having an Enabler interface allows the user to select a specific Enabler relevant to their needs.

[0054] 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

[0055]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0056] Here, the devices and methods disclosed herein will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings showing embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the devices and methods disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described 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.

[0057] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that a set of features and / or functions can be readily adapted in the context of standalone firearm sights, front mount or rear mount clip-on firearm sights, and other replacement related optical firearm sights deployed in the field. Further, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various combinations of features and functions can be incorporated into add-on modules for retrofitting any type of existing fixed or variable firearm sight.

[0058] When one element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it will be understood that this one element or layer can be directly on, or directly connected or coupled to, the other element or layer. Alternatively, intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when one element is referred to as being "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, no intervening elements or layers are present.

[0059] Throughout, like reference numerals refer to like elements. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0060] In this specification, terms such as first, second, etc. may be used to describe various elements, components, regions, and / or sections, but it will be understood that these elements, components, regions, and / or sections are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, or section from another. Thus, the first element, component, region, or section discussed below could, without departing from the disclosure, be termed the second element, component, region, or section. However, the term "first focal plane" refers to the focal plane located between the objective lens system and the erecting lens system. The term "second focal plane" refers to the focal plane closer to the eyepiece lens system.

[0061] In this specification, for the purpose of describing the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature (s) as shown in the figures, spatially relative terms such as "under", "below", "lower", "above", "upper", etc. may be used to facilitate the description. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is inverted, an element described as "below" or "beneath" another element or feature will face "above" the other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "below" can encompass both upward and downward orientations. The device can be in other orientations (90° rotation or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used in this specification can be interpreted accordingly.

[0062] I. Definitions The numerical ranges in the present disclosure are approximate, and thus, unless otherwise indicated, values outside the range may be included. A numerical range includes all values from the lower limit to the upper limit, including the lower and upper limits, in increments of one unit, provided that there is at least a separation of two units between any lower limit and any upper limit. As an example, when compositional, physical, or other properties such as molecular weight, viscosity, etc. are from 100 to 1000, all individual values such as 100, 101, 102, etc., as well as sub-ranges such as from 100 to 144, from 155 to 170, from 197 to 200, etc. are considered to be explicitly listed. For ranges that include values less than 1 or include decimal numbers 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 needed. In ranges that include single-digit numbers less than 10 (e.g., from 1 to 5), one unit is typically considered to be 0.1. These are merely examples of what is specifically intended, and it is considered that all possible combinations of numerical values between the lowest and highest values listed are explicitly described in the present disclosure. In particular within the present disclosure, numerical ranges are provided for the distance from the user of the device to the target.

[0063] As used herein, the term "and / or" as used in expressions such as "A and / or B" shall include both A and B; A or B; A alone; and B alone. Similarly, the term "and / or" as used in expressions such as "A, B, and / or C" shall include 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; A alone; B alone; and C alone.

[0064] As used herein, "active display" includes image generation pixel modulation. In one embodiment, the active display is a light-emitting active display. By way of non-limiting example, light-emitting active displays including organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are characterized by comprising both an image and a light source within a single device, and thus do not require an external light source. This provides excellent contrast and color space while minimizing system size and power consumption. OLEDs are made from extremely thin organic semiconductor layers and light up when connected to a voltage (charge carriers are injected and the luminance is mainly proportional to the forward current). The main layer comprises a plurality of organic materials in sequence (e.g., a charge transport layer, a blocking layer, and a light-emitting layer, each having a thickness of several nanometers), which are inserted between the anode and the cathode. The terms "active display", "digital display" and "microdisplay" are used interchangeably.

[0065] As used herein, "ammunition status" can refer to all or one or more of the following: the number of bullets in the magazine, whether a bullet is in the chamber, and whether a bullet is in the magazine but not in the chamber.

[0066] As used herein, the term "bullpup" is a firearm in which the action and magazine are behind the trigger. This results in a shorter weapon compared to a rifle with the same size barrel. This means that while reducing the overall size and weight of the weapon, the advantages of a long barrel such as muzzle velocity and accuracy are maintained. As used herein, an inabler is a system or device that can be used with an observation optical instrument. In one embodiment, an inabler is a system or device that can provide information to assist a user of an observation optical instrument. In one embodiment, an inabler is a system or device that can be coupled to a part of an observation optical instrument. In one embodiment, an inabler includes, but is not limited to, a laser rangefinder, a camera, a compass module, a communication module, a laser sight, an illuminator, a backup sight (iron sight, red dot, or another sight), a swivel sighting module, or other devices useful to a user. As used herein, the terms "inabler" and "inabler device" are used interchangeably.

[0067] As used herein, an inabler interface enables an inabler to be coupled to an observation optical instrument.

[0068] As used herein, an "erecting sleeve" is a protrusion from an erect lens mount that engages a slot in an erect tube and / or a cam tube or serves a similar purpose. This may be integrated with the mount or detachable.

[0069] As used herein, an "erecting tube" is any structure or device having an opening for receiving an erect lens mount.

[0070] As used herein, a "firearm" is often a portable firearm of a barreled weapon that fires one or more projectiles driven by the action of an explosive force. As used herein, the term "firearm" includes pistols, rifles, carbines, shotguns, carbines, automatic weapons, semi-automatic weapons, machine guns, light machine guns, automatic rifles, and assault rifles.

[0071] As used herein, a "Hall effect sensor" is a device used to measure the magnitude of a magnetic field. The output voltage is directly proportional to the strength of the magnetic field passing through. Hall effect sensors are used in proximity sensing, positioning, speed detection, and sensing applications.

[0072] As used herein, an "imaging device" is generally understood, though not limited to, a device capable of generating a one-dimensional, two-dimensional, or three-dimensional image of an object or a part thereof, including an image or a contour of a part thereof. As used herein, the terms "imaging device" and "imaging apparatus" and "imaging enabler" are used interchangeably.

[0073] In one embodiment, the imaging device has a thermal core or an infrared focal plane array having a wavelength exceeding 1,000 nm.

[0074] In one embodiment, the imaging device is an active infrared system that uses short-wavelength infrared light to irradiate an object or a region of interest. A portion of the infrared energy is reflected to the camera and analyzed to generate an image. In one embodiment, the imaging device is a night vision device.

[0075] In one embodiment, the night vision device includes one or more image intensifier tubes, and an operator can see radiation in the visible wavelength range (about 400 nm to about 900 nm). The night vision device functions by collecting a small amount of light that exists, including the lower portion of the infrared light spectrum, which is imperceptible to our eyes, and amplifying it to a level where the operator can easily observe the image.

[0076] In one embodiment, the imaging device is a thermal imaging system that uses mid-wavelength or long-wavelength IR energy. The thermal imaging device is passive and senses thermal differences. These thermal signatures (usually black (low temperature) and white (high temperature)) are displayed on a monitor. Since the thermal imaging device operates in the infrared wavelength region longer than active IR, it does not see reflected light and thus is not affected by additional light sources, smoke, haze, dust, etc.

[0077] In one embodiment, the imaging device is an IR camera, or an RGB camera, i.e., a camera designed to provide three primary colors designated as red, green, and blue in three separate connections. In one embodiment, the imaging device is a near-infrared imaging device. In another embodiment, the imaging device is a short-wavelength infrared imaging device.

[0078] In one embodiment, the imaging device is at least one imaging device selected from the group consisting of a pixelated organic camera element, preferably a pixelated organic camera chip; a pixelated inorganic camera element, preferably a pixelated inorganic camera chip, more preferably a CCD- or CMOS-chip; a monochrome camera element, preferably a monochrome camera chip; a multicolor camera element, preferably a multicolor camera chip; a full-color camera element, preferably a full-color camera chip; or can comprise the same. The imaging device is at least one device selected from the group consisting of a monochrome imaging device, a multichrome imaging device, and at least one full-color imaging device, or can comprise the same. The multichrome imaging device and / or the full-color imaging device can be generated by using filter technology, and / or by using inherent color sensitivity, and / or by using other techniques, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art. Other embodiments of the imaging device are also possible.

[0079] As used herein, "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 condenser optics. In yet another embodiment, the integrated display system includes an active display, condenser optics, and a reflective surface.

[0080] In one embodiment, an integrated display system is used to generate a digital image on an active display, direct the digital image into a first focal plane of an optical system, and simultaneously observe the digital image and an image of an external scene. As used herein, the term "sighting system" refers to one or more optical devices and other systems that assist a person in aiming a firearm or other tool.

[0081] As used herein, "magazine well" or "mag well" functions as a funnel to guide the magazine to a predetermined position.

[0082] As used herein, the term "mark" can include any of a variety of visually perceivable lines, circles, dots, crosshairs, horseshoe patterns, geometric shapes, symbols, numbers, letters, signs, or markings.

[0083] As used herein, the term "passive reticle" refers to a reticle with a fixed mark that cannot be changed by the user. Representative examples of passive reticles are etched and filled reticles. Another example is a holographic reticle, in which case the mark cannot be changed by the user. Passive reticles can be placed in the first focal plane, in the second focal plane, or in both the first and second focal planes.

[0084] As used herein, the term "receiver" refers to a firearm part or frame that integrates other components by providing a housing for internal operating components such as hammers, bolts or breech blocks, firing pins, extractors, and trigger mechanisms, and has a threaded interface for attaching ("receiving") components such as barrels, stocks, and action parts. Receivers are often made of forged, machined, or pressed steel or aluminum, and in addition to these conventional materials, modern science and engineering have introduced polymers and sintered metal powders into receiver structures.

[0085] As used herein, the terms "bullet" and "cartridge" are used interchangeably.

[0086] As used herein, the term "observation optical instrument" refers to a device used by a shooter or an observer to select, identify, or monitor a target. The "observation optical instrument" can rely on the observation of the target, or on radiation such as infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, heat, microwave, or magnetic imaging, X-rays, gamma rays, isotope radiation and particle radiation, night vision, ultrasonic, pulse sound, sonar, seismic vibration, vibration receptors including magnetic resonance, gravity receptors, broadcast frequencies including radio waves, television receptors and cellular receptors, or other images of the target. The image of the target presented to the shooter by the "observation optical instrument" device may be unchanged, or can be enhanced by, for example, magnification, amplification, subtraction, superposition, filtering, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified, or monitored by the "observation optical instrument" can be within the shooter's line of sight or can be off the shooter's line of sight, or the shooter's line of sight may be blocked while the target acquisition device presents a focused image of the target to the shooter. The image of the target acquired by the "observation optical instrument" can be, for example, analog or digital, and can be shared, stored, preserved, or transmitted within a network of one or more shooters or observers by, for example, video, physical cables or wires, IR, radio waves, cellular connection, laser pulses, optics, 802.11b, or other wireless transmissions using protocols such as html, SML, SOAP, X.25, SNA, Bluetooth (trademark), serial, USB, or other suitable image distribution methods. The term "observation optical instrument" is used interchangeably with "optical sight".

[0087] As used herein, the term "external scene" refers to the real-world scene including but not limited to the target.

[0088] As used herein, the term "shooter" applies to either the operator who fires the shot or an individual who observes the shot in cooperation with the operator who fires the shot.

[0089] II. Observation Optical Instrument FIG. 1A shows a conventional design of a riflescope, which is a representative example of an observation optical instrument. FIG. 1B shows an exemplary observation optical instrument 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Specifically, FIG. 1B shows a riflescope. More specifically, the riflescope 10 has a main body 38 that encloses a movable optical element 15. The main 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 riflescope.

[0090] The elevation turret 12 and the windage turret 48 are two dials that are often seen in the outer central portion of the main body 38. These are incrementally marked by markings 20 on their peripheries 11 and are used to adjust the elevation and windage of the movable optical element with respect to impact point changes. These dials project from a turret housing 50. The turrets are arranged such that the rotation axis 46 of the elevation turret is perpendicular to the rotation axis 52 of the windage turret.

[0091] FIG. 1C shows a cross-sectional view of the aiming device of FIG. 1B, which has basic components of an optical system 14 and a movable optical element 15. As shown in FIG. 1C, the optical system 14 includes an objective lens system 16, an erecting system 25, and an eyepiece lens system 18. FIG. 1C shows a riflescope having a main body 38, but the optical system 14 can be similarly 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 FIG. 1C, the movable optical element 15 also includes a first focal plane reticle 55 and a second focal plane reticle 57 together with a condenser 22. In use, adjustment of the movable optical element 15 is brought about by adjustment of the turret assembly 28 and the turret screw 29.

[0092] The movable optical element 15 is adjusted by rotating the turret assembly 28 one click or two or more clicks. As the turret rotates, the turret screw 29 moves in and out of the scope, thereby pushing the erect tube. Since the erect tube is spring-biased, when the turret screw is adjusted, the turret screw positions the erect tube in contact with its bottom surface. The erect tube provides a smaller view of the overall image. When the erect tube is adjusted, the position of the reticle is changed relative to the image.

[0093] The reticle is a circular planar or flat transparent panel or disk mounted within the scope body in a perpendicular relationship to the optical axis or line of sight passing through the scope, and is positioned between the objective lens element 54 and the erect lens element, typically at a position regarded as the front focal plane of the optical system within the housing. In one embodiment, the reticle includes fine etched lines or hairline markings with a central vertical hairline and a central horizontal hairline that intersect orthogonally or perpendicularly at the center point.

[0094] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1D, the observation optical device can have a parallax adjustment knob 70 or a focus knob. Parallax occurs when the optical plane of the target image is not in the same plane as the optical plane of the reticle image. As a result of the offset between the two optical planes, when the shooter moves their eye around the center of the reticle, the reticle may appear to move relative to the target. This parallax error can cause a shift in the point of impact upon firing. The parallax adjustment of the observation optical device enables the shooter to eliminate optical errors at different distances by making the optical system adjustable to display the target image and the reticle image in the same optical plane. Parallax correction is achieved by simply moving the plane in which these two objects are in focus, without changing the focus of the reticle or the image, so that they share the same plane (coincide).

[0095] As shown in FIG. 1D, the observation optical device can have a side wheel attached to a rotatable parallax adjustment knob 70. The larger diameter of the side wheel provides more space for applied markers such as distance markers and is easier for the shooter to rotate and read during use. The larger diameter of the side wheel helps to improve the accuracy and resolution of the rangefinding markers.

[0096] FIG. 1E shows a close-up of the optical system 14 in cross-section and shows how light rays travel through the optical system 14. The optical system 14 can 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 lens system 18 can themselves have multiple components or lenses.

[0097] In one embodiment, the observation optical device can have a focus cell with one or more adjustable lenses for providing parallax adjustment. In one embodiment, the one or more adjustable lenses are one or more parallax lenses.

[0098] In one embodiment, the focusing lens is positioned between the eyepiece lens and the objective lens. The relative distance between the focusing lens and the objective lens is adjustable to provide parallax adjustment. Further, the erecting lens is positioned between the eyepiece lens and the focusing lens. The relative distance between the erecting lens and the objective lens is adjustable to provide magnification adjustment.

[0099] III. Observation Optical Device with Active Display In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an active display that generates a digital image and projects this digital image onto a first focal plane of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an analog reticle and a digital image including, but not limited to, a digital reticle that is visible to the user when looking through the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the observation optical device can be used with an external laser rangefinder having a ballistic calculation function.

[0100] In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a movable erect tube equipped with an analog or glass-etching type reticle, and the analog or glass-etching type reticle is attached to the erect tube so as to move in conjunction with the erect tube. In one embodiment, the reticle introduced in a digital manner does not move in conjunction with the erect tube. Therefore, the digital reticle is accurate regardless of the position of the turret or the erect tube.

[0101] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device provided with a digital display, and this digital display can be introduced onto a first focal plane of the observation optical device so that the image of the digital display on the first focal plane is not associated with the movement of the erect tube. In one embodiment, this display can provide the user with an accurate ballistic aiming hold point regardless of the position of the erect tube / turret of the riflescope.

[0102] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an aiming point independent of the position of the erect tube and / or the position of the turret of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, when the ballistically determined aiming point is outside the field of view of the erect unit, the turret can be rotated to bring the ballistically determined aiming point into the field of view.

[0103] In one embodiment, the observation optical device 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 subsequent erect 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 disposed between the objective lens system and the FFP target image, an eyepiece lens system that collimates the SFP target image so that it can be observed by the human eye, and a main optical system composed of these components, and a second optical system.

[0104] In one embodiment, the second optical system includes an active display and a lens system that condenses light from the active display. An image from the digital display is directed to a beam combiner so that the digital image and the target image from the objective lens system can be combined and simultaneously observed on the first focal plane. In one embodiment, the second optical system can have a reflective material that includes, but is not limited to, a mirror.

[0105] Referring to the above description, the digital display is introduced into the main optical system between the objective lens system and the first focal plane and then focused on the first focal plane. At the first focal plane, both the digital image from the digital display and the analog / glass etching type 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. Therefore, when the erecting lens system is moved, the analog reticle will move, but the digital image will remain stationary.

[0106] In one embodiment, the observation optical device can be rigidly attached to the firearm. In another embodiment, the laser rangefinder can be attached to either the firearm or the observation optical device. The laser rangefinder measures the distance to the target, calculates the trajectory for hitting the target, and provides that information to the active display so as to be able to display an accurate aiming point together with the impact point of the bullet of the rifle.

[0107] Since the laser rangefinder is rigidly attached to the observation optical device and the aiming point does not move, it is important that the digital image remains stationary. This allows the digital display to be digitally adjusted so that the digital laser designator is initially set to correspond to the laser and the two always remain aligned regardless of how the erecting lens system is moved.

[0108] In addition, since the barrel of the firearm is rigidly attached to the observation optical device, the aiming point of the barrel does not change in relation to the digital display. Thus, the digital display can be digitally adjusted so that the digital aiming point corresponds to the barrel of the firearm at the initial "sight-in" distance during initial setup, and then the two always remain aligned.

[0109] If it becomes necessary to shoot at a distance different from the initial sight-in distance, the laser rangefinder can measure the distance and then perform a ballistic calculation to determine the new position of the aiming point. Since this new aiming point position is always related to the initial sight-in distance, the riflescope simply needs to adjust the aiming point on the digital display to correspond to the new aiming point.

[0110] A secondary advantage of this system is that, since the digital aiming point is stationary, the accuracy of the turret that adjusts the position of the erect tube using a reticle with predetermined marks at regular intervals can be easily tested on the observation optical device. When the erect tube moves, the reticle is measured against the stationary digital aiming point to verify whether the dial adjustment on the turret matches the measured movement between the digital aiming point and the reticle attached to the erect lens system.

[0111] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a display system for an observation optical device, comprising a first active display configured to generate a first image and a second active display configured to generate a second image, wherein the first active display and the second active display are perpendicular to each other, and either the first image or the second image is projected onto a first focal plane of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the display system further comprises an optical system having a first focal plane and a first beam combiner.

[0112] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a display system comprising a first active display configured to generate an image, a second active display configured to generate a second image, and a beam combiner positioned 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 onto a first focal plane of an observation optical device. In one embodiment, the display system further comprises a condenser lens system. In yet another embodiment, the display system comprises a reflective material.

[0113] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a display system for an observation optical device, comprising 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 the first image or the second image is guided to a beam combiner for simultaneous superposition and observation with an image of an external scene on a first focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0114] In one embodiment, the present disclosure comprises a first active display configured to generate a first image, a second active display configured to generate a second image, and a beam combiner positioned 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, and the combined image is guided to an additional beam combiner for simultaneous superposition and observation with an image of an external scene on a first focal plane of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the display system further comprises a condenser lens system. In yet another embodiment, the display system comprises a reflective material for guiding the combined image to the additional beam combiner.

[0115] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of observing using an observation optical device, the method 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 generate a combined image; and projecting the combined image onto a first focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0116] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of observing using an observation optical device, the method 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 generate a combined image; and guiding the combined image to an additional separate beam combiner to observe the combined image and an image of an external scene at a first focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0117] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of 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, the method including: observing the field of view of the external scene using the observation optical device; 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 generate a combined image; and projecting the combined image onto the first focal plane of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the step of projecting the combined image onto the first focal plane of the observation optical device uses a reflective material.

[0118] FIG. 85 is a representative schematic view of a display system 8500 having a plurality of active displays. The display system 8500 includes a first active display 8507 configured to generate a first image in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis of the viewing optical device. Further, the display system includes a second active display 8509 configured to generate an image in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the viewing optical device. The display system further includes a beam combiner 8511 configured to combine the images generated from the first active display 8507 and the second active display 8509. As shown in FIG. 85, the first active display 8507 is positioned on the left side of the beam combiner 8511, and the second active display 8509 is positioned above the beam combiner.

[0119] The display system further includes a condenser lens system 8513 positioned on the right side of the beam combiner 8511. The display system also includes a reflective material 8515 positioned on the right side of the condenser lens system 8513.

[0120] In one embodiment, the first active display 8507 and the second active display 8509 each generate a first image and a second image, which are directed to the beam combiner 8511. The beam combiner 8511 is configured to combine the first and second images into a combined and generated image. The combined and generated image is directed to the condenser lens system 8513 and optionally the reflective material 8515.

[0121] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a display system including one or more active displays. In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a display system including a first active display configured to generate a first 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.

[0122] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including a plurality of displays combined with a passive aiming picture to provide a user with clear resolution and bright images regardless of the state of time or light. In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including a combination of thermal and night vision technologies used in a vertical row to optimize the aiming picture in all environments and scenarios.

[0123] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an integrated display system with appropriate luminance and transparency levels for thermal technology at a certain range of environmental luminance levels.

[0124] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including an integrated display system that uses a plurality of displays to enhance a passive image provided by a daytime vision optical system.

[0125] Rather than projecting or displaying the entire image, the observation optical device including the integrated display system can enhance the passive image without displaying a new overall image using a thermal camera. Also, the ability to have two different displays enables optimal battery life while providing sufficient luminance and image quality.

[0126] In one embodiment, an observation optical device equipped with an integrated display system combines a plurality of displays, namely, a first display having high brightness quality and a second display having high bit depth and high resolution, in one observation optical device. In one embodiment, the observation optical device has two beam combiners. In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a first beam combiner in the main body and a second beam combiner in the base.

[0127] By using two displays, one display can be of a type that has low color depth and low resolution but high brightness for daytime use, and the other display can be of a type that has high color depth and high resolution but low brightness for low-light use. In one embodiment, the color depth, resolution, and brightness can be compared 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.

[0128] The advantages of using these two display types become apparent when used with a thermal camera and a night vision camera. In one embodiment, a thermal camera can be attached to the observation optical device to transmit a thermal image to an active display, and the active display transmits the image into the field of view so that the thermal image is superimposed on the passive image.

[0129] During the day, since the passive image is bright, the thermal image from the active display needs to be bright enough for the user to see. Currently, suitable displays with high enough brightness for use under these conditions have low color bit depth and low resolution (Figs. 86 and 87). This means that there are fewer color combinations available for the display to project between bright and dark areas, resulting in a lower quality of the projected image.

[0130] However, if this display is only used during the day, it is sufficient to only enhance the passive image, so color depth and resolution are not that important. For example, the passive image provides the details necessary for a good image, and the display helps to draw the user's eye to the heat source, so the sight can be programmed to outline rather than shade the heat signature.

[0131] During the low light state, the passive image begins to darken to a point where it becomes difficult for the user to reference the details. In this case, a high brightness display is no longer necessary, and another display with low brightness but high bit depth and resolution can be used.

[0132] In one embodiment, the observation optical device can have an optical sensor that can detect when the light level drops below a set threshold, and the observation optical device uses a secondary display that can accurately block the heat source and has sufficient bit depth and resolution to enhance or replace the passive image so that the user can obtain a clear image.

[0133] In another embodiment, an observation optical device with two or more active displays can project a thermal image and a low light image within 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 transmit the images from each camera within the field of view of the riflescope.

[0134] For example, the thermal camera can transmit the outline of the heat source to a low resolution display with low bit depth, and the low light CMOS camera can transmit the low light image to a high resolution display with high bit depth, and both are imaged within the field of view simultaneously.

[0135] Another advantage of an observation optical device equipped with a plurality of active displays is that the high-brightness display is a small display, which means having a limited field of view. In the case of daylight, this is not such a big problem because the user has the ability to see a wider field of view from the passive optical system. However, at night, when the passive image becomes unavailable, the small display can act negatively against approaching threats. Fortunately, the lower the brightness of the display, the larger it becomes, enabling a larger field of view in the micro-light state. This also enables two different respective advantages.

[0136] Finally, a high-bit-depth and high-resolution display uses significantly more power than a low-bit-depth and low-resolution display. This means that during the day, only a low-bit-depth and low-resolution display needs to be used, which can significantly reduce the overall power consumption compared to using a high-resolution display at all times.

[0137] In one embodiment, the first and second active displays are configured to emit light in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis of the observation scope. In yet another embodiment, the first and second active displays are configured to emit light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical device.

[0138] In one embodiment, it is configured to emit light in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis of the observation scope, and the second active display is configured to emit light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation optical device.

[0139] In yet another embodiment, the display system has a beam combiner configured to combine the image generated from the first active display and the image generated from the second active display.

[0140] In one embodiment, the first and second active displays are positioned on the right side of the beam combiner. In another embodiment, the first and second active displays are positioned on the left side of the beam combiner.

[0141] In one embodiment, the first active display is positioned on the left side of the beam combiner, and the second active display is positioned on the right side of the beam combiner.

[0142] In one embodiment, the first and second active displays are positioned above the beam combiner. In yet another embodiment, the first and second active displays are positioned below the beam combiner.

[0143] In one embodiment, the first active display is positioned above the beam combiner, and the second active display is positioned below the beam combiner.

[0144] In one embodiment, the first active display is positioned on the left side of the beam combiner, and the second active display is positioned below the beam combiner.

[0145] In one embodiment, the first active display is positioned on the right side of the beam combiner, and the second active display is positioned below the beam combiner.

[0146] In one embodiment, the first active display is positioned on the left side of the beam combiner, and the second active display is positioned above the beam combiner.

[0147] In one embodiment, the first active display is positioned on the right side of the beam combiner, and the second active display is positioned above the beam combiner.

[0148] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are positioned on the right side of the beam combiner. In another embodiment, one or more active displays are positioned on the left side of the beam combiner.

[0149] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are positioned on the left side of the beam combiner, and one or more active displays are positioned on the right side of the beam combiner.

[0150] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are positioned above the beam combiner. In yet another embodiment, one or more active displays are positioned below the beam combiner.

[0151] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are positioned above the beam combiner, and one or more active displays are positioned below the beam combiner.

[0152] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are positioned on the left side of the beam combiner, and one or more active displays are positioned below the beam combiner.

[0153] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are positioned on the right side of the beam combiner, and one or more active displays are positioned below the beam combiner.

[0154] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are positioned on the left side of the beam combiner, and one or more active displays are positioned above the beam combiner.

[0155] In one embodiment, one or more active displays are positioned on the right side of the beam combiner, and one or more active displays are positioned above the beam combiner.

[0156] In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a main body having an optical system configured to have a first focal plane and observe an image of an external scene, a beam combiner arranged in line with the optical system, a first active display configured to generate an image, an additional separate and different beam combiner, and a second active display configured to generate a second image perpendicular to the first active display. A viewing optical device having a display system, wherein an image generated from either the first active display or the second active display is projected onto the first focal plane of the optical system so that an image generated when viewed through an eyepiece lens of the scope body and an image of the external scene can be observed simultaneously. In one embodiment, images generated from the first active display and the second active display are combined in the second beam combiner, guided to the first beam combiner, and when viewed through the eyepiece lens of the scope body, an image generated at the first focal plane of the viewing optical device and an image of the external scene can be observed simultaneously.

[0157] In one embodiment, the second beam combiner is positioned on the left side of the first active display. In yet another embodiment, the second active display can be arranged perpendicular to the first active display within the system. Thereby, both active displays can be used to project individually or simultaneously onto the focal plane of the viewing optical device.

[0158] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including: an optical system for generating an image of an external scene along an observation optical axis and a beam combiner; a display system having a first active display configured to generate an image and a second active display configured to generate a second image perpendicular to the first active display; wherein an image generated from either the first active display or the second active display is guided to the beam combiner so as to simultaneously observe the image generated on a first focal plane of the optical system and the image of the external scene when viewed through an eyepiece lens of the scope body.

[0159] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including: an optical system for generating an image of an external scene along an observation optical axis and a first beam combiner; 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 different beam combiner for combining the first image and the second image; wherein the combined image is guided to the first beam combiner so as to simultaneously observe the image generated on a first focal plane of the optical system and the image of the external scene when viewed through an eyepiece lens of the scope body.

[0160] IV. Observation Optical Device with a Base In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including, but not limited to, a rifle scope in which a first housing is coupled to a second housing. In one embodiment, the first housing is a main body. In yet another embodiment, the second housing is a base.

[0161] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a rifle scope having a main body and a base coupled to the main body. In one embodiment, the base is separable from the main body. In one embodiment, the base is attached to the bottom of the main body. In one embodiment, a gasket is used to seal the main body and the base.

[0162] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a rifle scope having a main body provided with an optical system for generating an image of an external scene, and an integrated display system for generating a digital image and guiding the digital image to a first focal plane of the optical system, thereby providing simultaneous observation of the digital image and the image of the external scene, and a base coupled to the main body.

[0163] In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a rifle scope having a main body provided with an optical system for generating an image of an external scene, and an integrated display system having an active display for generating an image and guiding the generated image to a first focal plane of the optical system, thereby providing simultaneous observation of the image generated when looking through the eyepiece of the scope body and the image of the external scene, and a base coupled to the main body.

[0164] In a representative embodiment, FIG. 2 shows a side view of a rifle scope 200 having a main body 210 and a base 220. In one embodiment, the base 220 is separable from the main body 210. The base 220 is attached to one end of the scope body near the magnification ring 212 and to the other end of the scope body near the objective lens assembly 214. In one embodiment, the main body 210 and the base 220 are made of the same material. In another embodiment, the scope body and the base are made of different materials.

[0165] In one embodiment, the base 220 is approximately the length of the upright tube of the main body.

[0166] In one embodiment, the base includes, but is not limited to, real-time trajectory solution; trajectory correction of the next round by detecting and tracking tracer bullets during flight; tracking of the weapon aiming angle using an integrated high-performance inertial sensor; precise aiming angle comparison for advanced trajectory targeting and correction; target position and designation; atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperature; countermeasure data and situation awareness data that can be processed by the device and observed during aiming; reticle targeting correction beyond the scope of view for convenient ballistic drop correction at long distances; and an integrated display system that can generate situation information, geographic information, and ballistic information including weapon, round, and environmental characterization data and display it on the first focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0167] In one embodiment, the observation optical device has one or more of the following functions and / or components: 1 or more microprocessors, 1 or more computers, a fully integrated ballistic computer; an integrated near-infrared laser rangefinder; GPS and a digital compass integrated with the observation optical device capable of full coordinate target position and designation; sensors for pressure, humidity, and temperature integrated with the observation optical device that can automatically incorporate this data into ballistic calculations; functions of a conventional observation optical device under all conditions including zero-power-off mode; wired and wireless interfaces for communicating sensor, environmental, and situation awareness data; functions supporting digital interfaces such as Personal Network Node (PNN) and Soldier Radio Waveform (SRW); integrated vertical tilt sensitivity for ballistic correction applicable to upward and downward shooting directions; an integrated image sensor; functions for acquiring and processing image frames of the target scene; functions for recording the history of firing times for the purpose of applying automatic cold bore / hot bore shot corrections; and a built-in backup optical distance estimation function with automatic size conversion from angle to linear.

[0168] In one embodiment, the observation optical device can communicate wirelessly with one or more devices. In another embodiment, the observation optical device can communicate with one or more devices via a physical cable.

[0169] A. Main body In one embodiment, the main body is in the shape of an elongated tube that tapers from a large opening at its front to a small opening at its rear. An eyepiece is attached to the rear of the elongated tube, and an objective lens is attached to the front of the elongated tube. In one embodiment, the first housing is the main body of a rifle scope.

[0170] In one embodiment, the main body has an observation input end and an observation output end, which can be aligned and arranged in a straight line along the observation optical axis 44 (FIG. 1B). The object or target can pass through the observation input end, along the direct observation optical device for observation, and exit from the observation output end to be directly observed by the user's eyes. The main body can 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.

[0171] In one embodiment, the image or image inversion lens assembly can be positioned and spaced rearward along the observation optical axis A from the first focal plane reticle. In order to invert the image, an erecting tube having an erect image system is installed in the main body between the objective lens and the eyepiece. This gives the correct orientation for land observation with respect to the image. The erect image system is usually housed within the erecting tube.

[0172] The inversion lens assembly or the erect image system can include one or more lenses arranged spaced apart from each other. The erect image system can include one or more movable optical elements such as a focusing lens movable along its optical axis to adjust the focus of the image, and a magnifying lens movable 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, electromechanical, or electro-optical system for driving the cooperative movement of one or more zoom lens elements of the focusing lens and the magnifying lens, providing a continuously variable magnification range in which the erecting assembly creates a focused erect image of a distant target at the rear focal plane overall.

[0173] The variable magnification can be achieved by providing a mechanism for adjusting the position of the erect lens relative to each other within the erect tube. This is generally done by using a cam tube that closely adheres to the periphery of the erect tube. Each erect lens (or lens group) is attached to an erect lens mount that slides within the erect tube. An erect sleeve attached to the erect lens mount slides in a linear slot within the body of the erect tube to maintain the orientation of the erect lens. This sleeve also engages with an angled or curved slot within the cam tube. When the cam tube rotates, the erect lens mount moves longitudinally within the guide tube, and the magnification changes. Each erect lens has a unique slot within the cam tube, and the configuration of these slots determines the amount and ratio of the magnification change when the cam tube is rotated.

[0174] The aperture of the second focal plane can be positioned and spaced rearward along the observation optical axis A from the image inversion assembly. The eyepiece lens assembly can be positioned and spaced rearward along the observation optical axis A from the aperture of the second focal plane at the eyepiece lens. The eyepiece lens assembly can include one or more lenses arranged spaced apart from each other. In some embodiments, the observation optical axis A and the direct observation optical device can be folded.

[0175] In one embodiment, the main body has a beam combiner. In one embodiment, the beam combiner can be positioned on the observation optical axis 44 and optically coupled to the observation optical axis 44 as shown in FIG. 1B. In one embodiment, the beam combiner can be positioned near the observation optical reticle. In another embodiment, the beam combiner can be positioned near the observation optical reticle of the first focal plane.

[0176] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned between the objective lens assembly and the first focal plane.

[0177] In yet another embodiment, the main body has a beam combiner, and the beam combiner is not installed near the eyepiece lens assembly. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is not installed below the eyepiece lens assembly.

[0178] In one embodiment, the main body has a beam combiner, and the beam combiner is positioned closer to the objective lens assembly compared to the eyepiece lens assembly within the main tube of the observation optical device.

[0179] FIG. 3 shows a cut-away side view of a riflescope 300 including a main body 210 and a base 220. 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 lens assembly 360. The beam combiner 320 is positioned between the objective lens assembly 310 and the first focal plane 330.

[0180] In one embodiment, the observation optical device 400 can have a main body 210 that is longitudinally divided to enable the assembly of related lenses and circuits into the base 220. FIG. 4 is a representative example of the longitudinally divided main tube 210 of a riflescope 400. FIG. 4 shows a dividing line 410 of the longitudinally divided main tube. The dividing portion 420 on the bottom side of the main body 210 enables the connection of the base 220 having an integrated display system.

[0181] In one embodiment, the bottom side of the main body has a longitudinal dividing portion. In one embodiment, the longitudinal dividing portion is approximately the length of the base that couples to the main body.

[0182] In one embodiment, the main body does not have an active display.

[0183] 1. Beam Combiner In one embodiment, the main body of the observation optical device has a beam combiner. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is one or more prism lenses (the prism lenses constitute the beam combiner). In another embodiment, the main body of the rifle scope has a beam combiner that combines an image generated from an integrated display system and an image generated from the observation optical device along the observation optical axis of the rifle scope. In one embodiment, the integrated display system is installed in a separate housing separated from the main body. In one embodiment, the integrated display system is within a base that couples to the first housing or the main body. In one embodiment, the integrated display system is within a cavity of a base that couples to the first housing or the main body.

[0184] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is used to combine an image generated from the integrated display system and an image from an optical system for observing an external image, where the optical system is located within the main body of the rifle scope and in front of the first focal plane in the main body, and then the combined image is focused on the first focal plane, so that the generated image and the observed image do not move relative to each other. In the state where the combined image is focused on the first focal plane, the aiming reference generated by the integrated display system is accurate regardless of the adjustment of the movable erecting system.

[0185] In one embodiment, the beam combiner can be aligned with the integrated display system along the display optical axis and positioned along the observation optical axis of the observation optical device of the main body of the rifle scope, whereby the image from the integrated display system can be guided onto the observation optical axis and superimposed on the visual field of the observation optical device.

[0186] In another embodiment, the beam combiner and the integrated display system are within the same housing. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is at a distance of approximately 25 mm from the objective lens assembly.

[0187] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is at a distance of about 5 mm from the objective lens assembly. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from the objective lens assembly that includes, but is 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.

[0188] In yet another embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from the objective lens assembly that includes, but is not limited to, from 1 mm to 4 mm, or from 1 mm to 3 mm, or from 1 mm to 2 mm.

[0189] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from the objective lens assembly that includes, but is not limited to, at least 3 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, and at least 20 mm. In yet another embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance of from 3 mm to 10 mm from the objective lens assembly.

[0190] In another embodiment, the beam combiner is at a distance of about 150 mm from the eyepiece lens assembly. In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from the eyepiece lens assembly that includes, but is 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.

[0191] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from the eyepiece lens assembly that includes, but is not limited to, from 100 mm to 175 mm, or from 100 mm to 150 mm, or from 100 mm to 125 mm.

[0192] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from the eyepiece lens assembly that includes, but is 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.

[0193] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance, 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, from the eyepiece assembly.

[0194] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance, including but not limited to, at least 140 mm, or at least 145 mm, or at least 150 mm, or at least 155 mm, from the eyepiece assembly.

[0195] In yet another embodiment, the main body has a beam combiner, and the beam combiner is positioned under the elevation turret at the outer central part of the scope body.

[0196] In one embodiment, the beam combiner can have a partially reflective coating or surface that reflects an active display output from the integrated display system or at least a portion thereof onto the observer's eye through the eyepiece while still providing good transmission transparency quality in the path of the direct observation optical device.

[0197] 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 mid-tone reflective coating, or can be adapted with a polarizing, spectral selective or patterned coating to optimize both the transmission and reflection characteristics within the eyepiece. The polarization and / or color of the coating can be harmonized with the active display. This can optimize the reflectivity and efficiency of the display optical path while minimizing the impact on the transmission path of the direct observation optical device.

[0198] The beam combiner is shown as a cube, but in some embodiments, the beam combiner can have different optical path lengths for an integrated display system and a direct observation optical device along the observation optical axis A. In some embodiments, the beam combiner can be in the form of a flat plate, in which case a thin reflective / transmissive flat plate can be inserted into the path of the direct observation optical device across the optical axis A.

[0199] In one embodiment, the position of the beam combiner can be adjusted in relation to the reflective material to remove errors including, but not limited to, errors due to parallax. The position of the beam combiner can be adjusted using a screw system, a wedge system, or any other suitable mechanism.

[0200] In one embodiment, the position of the beam combiner can be adjusted in relation to the erect tube to remove errors including, but not limited to, errors due to parallax.

[0201] 2. Parallax System In one embodiment, the main body has a parallax adjustment system. In one embodiment, the parallax adjustment system uses a device for connecting the focus cell to the parallax adjustment element.

[0202] In one embodiment, the observation optical device disclosed herein has a main body comprising a focus cell positioned closer to the objective lens end compared to a conventional focus cell and a beam combiner positioned within the space that was conventionally occupied by the focus cell. In one embodiment, a connecting element connects the focus cell to the parallax adjustment element.

[0203] In a typical rifle scope, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the parallax knob 510 is connected to the focus cell via a simple cross pin 520 that rides in a cam groove 530 within the parallax knob, converting the rotational movement of the parallax knob into linear movement within the focus cell. However, in some embodiments disclosed herein, the focus cell is shifted towards the objective lens side, and thus a connection device is required to connect the focus cell to the parallax adjustment element.

[0204] The parallax adjustment system can remove or reduce the parallax error between the image of the active display and the reticle within the main body of the observation optical device. The parallax adjustment system disclosed herein enables an observation optical device that integrates the image of the digital display and the image of the external scene onto the first focal plane (FFP) of the optical system without parallax error.

[0205] In another embodiment, the focus cell is positioned closer to the objective lens side of the main body compared to the focus cell of a conventional rifle scope. In one embodiment, the focus cell is shifted closer to the objective lens by about 5 mm to about 50 mm compared to the focus cell of a conventional rifle scope. In one embodiment, the focus cell is shifted closer to the objective lens by at least 20 mm compared to the focus cell of a conventional rifle scope. In one embodiment, the focus cell is shifted closer to the objective lens by at least 10 mm compared to the focus cell of a conventional rifle scope. In yet another embodiment, the focus cell is shifted closer to the objective lens by 50 mm or less compared to the focus cell of a conventional rifle scope. In one embodiment, the focus cell is shifted 30 mm closer to the objective lens assembly compared to the position of the focus cell in a Vortex Diamondback rifle scope, a Vortex Viper rifle scope, a Vortex Crossfire rifle scope, or a Vortex Razor rifle scope.

[0206] In one embodiment, the focus cell is shifted closer to the objective lens side of the observation optical device by a distance including, but not limited to, 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 compared to the focus cell of a conventional rifle scope.

[0207] In one embodiment, one device connects the shifted focus cell to an adjustment knob. In one embodiment, this device enables remote placement of the parallax adjustment lens positioned within the focus cell. In one embodiment, the mechanical device is a push rod, rod, or shaft.

[0208] In one embodiment, the rod has a length of about 5 mm to about 50 mm. In one embodiment, the rod has a length of at least 20 mm. In one embodiment, the rod has a length of at least 10 mm. In yet another embodiment, the rod has a length of 50 mm or less.

[0209] In one embodiment, the rod has a length of 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.

[0210] Figures 5C - 5F are representative schematic views of a parallax adjustment system in the main tube 210 of an observation optical device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in Figure 5C, a device 530 such as a rod or shaft connects a focus cell (parallax lens) 535 moved close to the objective lens end of the observation optical device to a parallax cam track pin 540 within the parallax adjustment knob assembly. The shifted position of the parallax lens provides the space required for the prism lens in front of the first focal plane. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the focus cell, and the other end of the connecting rod is connected to the cam pin.

[0211] FIG. 5D shows where device 530 connects a focus cell 535 having a parallax lens to a parallax cam track pin 540 that rides on 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 to adjust the parallax lens.

[0212] As shown in FIG. 5E, the focus cell is shifted closer to the objective lens assembly to provide space within the main body of the observation optical device for the beam combiner (prism lens). Accordingly, a mechanism is required to connect the focus cell to the parallax knob assembly. The connection device 530 connects the focus cell to a cam pin 540 that rides in a cam groove of the parallax knob assembly 560.

[0213] As shown in FIG. 5F, the cam pin 540 rides in a cam groove 545 of the parallax knob assembly 560, enabling adjustment of the focus cell via the parallax knob assembly.

[0214] In one embodiment, the shifted focus cell within the main body having a parallax lens provides space for integrating a beam combiner in front of the first focal plane of the objective lens system.

[0215] In one embodiment, the beam combiner within the main body of the riflescope disclosed herein is positioned in the space where a focus cell is typically mounted in a conventional riflescope.

[0216] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument comprising: (a) a main tube; (b) an objective lens system coupled to a first end of the main tube; (c) an eyepiece lens system coupled to a second end of the main tube; (d) a focus cell positioned between the objective lens system and a beam combiner, the beam combiner being positioned between the focus cell and a first focal plane reticle; and (e) a rod connecting the focus cell to a parallax adjustment element. In one embodiment, the rod connects the focus cell to a cam pin of the parallax adjustment element. In some embodiments, the parallax adjustment element has a knob.

[0217] 3. Magnification Tracking System In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument and a method for tracking the magnification setting of the observation optical instrument, the components of the tracking mechanism being highly reliable, completely transparent to the operator, and protected from the environment.

[0218] When the reticle is at the first focal plane, the reticle is in front of the erecting system and thus changes in proportion to the change in the lens position, generating a magnified image. The erecting system changes position using a magnification ring positioned on the outer portion of the riflescope near the eyepiece lens housing. Generally, the magnification ring is screwed to an outer erecting sleeve, and turning the magnification ring rotates the outer erecting sleeve together with the magnification ring, and a cam groove changes the position of a zoom lens installed in the erecting system. When projecting a digital image onto the first focal plane, it is necessary to magnify and reduce this image using the scale of the reticle to make the digital image available.

[0219] The magnification adjustment mechanism is connected to a variable magnification lens or a zoom lens element and provides a function of adjusting the optical magnification of an image of a distant object.

[0220] In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 6, the wiper 610 of the potentiometer is positioned on the outer diameter of the outer erecting sleeve 620. The wiper of the potentiometer contacts a film potentiometer 710 positioned on the inner diameter of the main body 210 of the riflescope (see FIG. 7).

[0221] As shown in FIG. 8, in one embodiment, the wiper 610 of the potentiometer is a leaf spring with two contact points to ensure maintaining contact with the membrane potentiometer 710. The leaf spring is positioned between the outer upright sleeve 620 and the inner upright tube. The wiper 610 of the potentiometer is positioned on the inner wall of the opposing side of the slot screw 820 of the magnification ring on the inner diameter of the rifle scope. The wiper 610 of the potentiometer is fixed to the inner side of the side surface of the scope tube using an adhesive.

[0222] In one embodiment, the wiper of the potentiometer has the function of lying completely flat on the outer diameter of the outer electrosleeve. In one embodiment, the wiper of the potentiometer is disposed inside the outer upright sleeve.

[0223] In one embodiment, the wiper of the potentiometer is not disposed on the magnification ring 810 of FIG. 8.

[0224] The magnification tracking system disclosed herein is installed inside and no part is exposed to the environment, which provides several advantages. First, this system is inside, and as a result, no sealing is required to protect the wiper / upright system from the environment. Second, when the upright system is installed in the rifle scope, the magnification tracking system is completed. This eliminates the possibility of debris entering this system through the screw holes on the outside of the magnification ring.

[0225] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system for tracking the magnification setting of an observation optical device, and this system uses a sensor and materials with various optical reflectivities / absorbances. In one embodiment, the sensor is installed on the base of the observation optical device, the base is coupled to the main body of the observation optical device, and the material is positioned on the main body of the observation optical device.

[0226] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body with an erect tube having an erect lens system, a cam tube or sleeve surrounding or enclosing the erect tube, a material having various optical reflectivities / absorbances coupled to the cam tube, and a base coupled to the main body, the base having an integrated display system and a photosensor for detecting optical reflection / absorption from the material. In one embodiment, the base has a printed circuit board or microprocessor for communicating with the photosensor, and one or more microcontrollers or electronic controllers.

[0227] In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a main body with a magnification adjustment ring for adjusting the optical magnification of an image, and a base coupled to the main body and having an integrated display system, a microprocessor, and a system for communicating the magnification setting of the observation optical device to the microprocessor, the microprocessor communicating with the active display of the integrated display system.

[0228] 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 of the optomechanical system and the sensing device. The magnification tracking system disclosed herein is embedded in a base coupled to the main body of the observation optical device and has no mechanical link between the stationary and moving parts of the system.

[0229] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body in which an erect tube houses an erect lens assembly and a cam sleeve surrounds the erect tube and has a material with various optical reflectivities / absorbances, and a base coupled to the main body, the base having a photosensor. In one embodiment, the material with various optical absorbances / reflectivities surrounds the cam sleeve at an end of the cam sleeve near the magnification adjustment ring of the main body. In one embodiment, the photosensor is positioned under the material with various optical absorbances / reflectivities on the cam sleeve.

[0230] When the operator / user turns the magnification adjustment ring 212 of the observation optical device, the outer cam sleeve rotates and the two lens cells move, thereby changing the effective optical magnification of the rifle scope.

[0231] In one embodiment, the cam sleeve has materials with various optical absorption rates / reflection rates. In one embodiment, this material is attached to the outer diameter of the cam sleeve.

[0232] In one embodiment, the material is a strip of material. In one embodiment, the material is approximately 10 mm wide and approximately 40 mm long. In one embodiment, the first side of the material has an adhesive used for attachment to the outer cam sleeve. In another embodiment, the other side of the strip has a gray scale gradient printed thereon, so that when an LED is directed at it, different amounts of light are reflected depending on the inclined portion exposed to the LED.

[0233] In one embodiment, the PCB has an LED and a photosensor. In one embodiment, the LED and the photosensor are positioned under the inclined strip attached to the outer diameter of the outer cam sleeve. The LED illuminates the inclined strip, and the photosensor can receive a portion of the light reflected from the inclined strip and send a signal to the microcontroller. In this case, the strength of the signal changes with the amount of light detected.

[0234] When the operator turns the magnification adjustment ring, different portions of the inclined strip are exposed to the LED and the photosensor, and this time the photosensor changes the signal strength sent to the microcontroller. Therefore, the optical magnification setting of the system can be tracked by correlating this with the amount of light detected by the photosensor.

[0235] FIG. 65 shows a side view of a 1-8x rifle scope 6500 having a main body 6502 and a base 6505 coupled to the main body 6502. The magnification adjustment ring 6510 can be seen on the right side of the image.

[0236] FIG. 66 shows a side view of a rifle scope 6500 with the outer cam sleeve 6610 exposed by hiding the scope body. The outer cam sleeve 6610 rotates together with the magnification adjustment ring 6510, thereby changing the magnification setting.

[0237] FIG. 67 shows the base 6505 of the observation optical device 6500 provided with a printed circuit board 6710 including a photosensor and an LED 6720 used to measure the position of the reflective inclined material attached to the outer cam sleeve of the main body. The outer cam sleeve and the related optical system are hidden in this image.

[0238] FIG. 68 is a representative exploded view of the photosensor and the LED of the printed circuit board 6710 with a simulated visual cone drawn to explain the light-receiving angle with respect to the photosensor.

[0239] FIGS. 69 and 70 are images of a photosensor and an LED 6720 interlocked with a reflective inclined strip 6910 attached to the outer cam sleeve 6610 to measure the magnification setting value of the observation optical device. This shows the inclined strip 6910 having four specific sections with different reflectivities, but note that the reflectivity of this strip can vary infinitely. The inclined strip 6910 is coupled to the cam sleeve as a part of the cam sleeve positioned near the magnification adjustment ring. The printed circuit board 6710 is positioned within the base 6505 that is coupled to the main body of the observation optical device. The LED and the photosensor 6720 on the printed circuit board 6710 are positioned below the inclined strip 6910.

[0240] In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a main body having a first end and a second end and a central axis, an objective lens system disposed within the main body, an eyepiece lens disposed within the main body, an erecting tube disposed within the main body and having an erecting lens system (the objective lens system, the eyepiece lens, and the erecting lens system form 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 lens), and a cam sleeve surrounding the erecting tube that moves in cooperation with a magnification adjustment ring to adjust the optical magnification of an image, the cam sleeve having materials with various optical absorption rates / reflectivities coupled thereto. A base having a photosensor coupled to the main body for detecting light from the materials, a microprocessor in communication with the photosensor, and an active display in communication with the microprocessor for generating an image based on a magnification setting and projecting the generated image onto a first focal plane of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the image generated from the active display is based on a signal obtained from the photosensor.

[0241] The step of communicating the magnification setting to the microprocessor includes, but is not limited to, changing a reticle pattern based on the magnification setting and automatically changing the font size of alphanumeric information in response to a change in magnification, and has many advantages. Further, if a plurality of display "pages" are stored in the memory system, the microcontroller can automatically switch the "display" page according to the magnification setting to present the data most relevant to the operator.

[0242] 4. Additional components In one embodiment, the observation optical device can be controlled by a button integrated with the riflescope or an externally attached button.

[0243] In one embodiment, the main body of the observation optical device can have a camera system.

[0244] In one embodiment, the main body of the observation optical device can have one or more computing systems. The integrated display system described below can communicate with the computing system or be related to the computing system in another way. In some embodiments, the computing system can be housed within the first housing or the body of the observation optical device. In some embodiments, the computing system can be coupled to an outer portion of the observation optical device.

[0245] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of various electronic components of an observation optical device according to one 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.

[0246] In one embodiment, the user interface 908 can include a plurality of input devices and / or output devices such as buttons, keys, knobs, touchscreens, displays, speakers, microphones, etc. Some components of the user interface, such as buttons, for example, can be used to manually input data such as wind data, display intensity data, reticle intensity data, ballistic profile data, ballistic coefficient data, muzzle velocity data, initial zeroing data, the stationary state of the rifle scope system, GPS coordinate data, compass coordinate data, sight abab bore data, etc. This data can be received by the processor and stored in the memory. This data can also be used by the processor within an algorithm or to execute an algorithm.

[0247] The data input device 914 can include a wired or wireless communication device and / or can include any type of data transfer technology such as, for example, a USB port, a mini-USB port, a memory card slot (e.g., a microSD slot), an NFC transceiver, a Bluetooth® transceiver, Firewire, a ZigBee® transceiver, a Wi-Fi transceiver, an 802.6 device, a cellular communication device, etc. Note that although called a data input device, such a device is used in two-way communication and can equally provide data output.

[0248] In one embodiment, the processor 910 can be any type of processor known in the art that can receive inputs and execute algorithms and / or processing, including, without limitation, one or more general-purpose processors and / or one or more dedicated processors (e.g., a digital signal processing chip, a graphics acceleration chip, etc.). 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 inputs from a user interface, data input, memory, sensors (if any), a position encoder associated with the position of adjustable components (e.g., a vertical adjustment knob, a windage adjustment knob, or a parallax dial), and / or other sources.

[0249] In one embodiment, the memory 916 can include any type of digital data storage device such as random access memory ("RAM") and / or read-only memory ("ROM"), which can be programmable, flash updatable, etc. In another embodiment, the memory can include memory from an external connected device, such as, for example, a disk drive, an array of drives, an optical storage device, or a solid state storage device. In some embodiments, the memory can be configured to store ballistic information including data that can be used, for example, to correct for the amount a bullet drops over a given distance and / or the horizontal deviation of the bullet.

[0250] Data can be input from another device (e.g., a processor can receive data inputtable from another device such as a computer, laptop, GPS device, rangefinder, tablet, or smartphone via a data input device) and stored in the memory. Such data can include, for example, calibration data, rotational data, and / or a ballistic profile look-up table that cross-references linear data to a shoot-to-range value, rifle data, projectile data, user data, and the like.

[0251] One or more sensors 912 can be used to sense any of a variety of environmental conditions or characteristics associated with the use of the riflescope. For example, the sensor(s) can sense atmospheric conditions (humidity, temperature, pressure, etc.), inclination, rifle cant, and / or the aiming direction (compass direction) of the rifle. Multiple sensors can be included. Sensor data can be recorded by the processor and stored in the memory and / or used in the processing of instructions for the operation of the observation optics.

[0252] The control module 904 can also include software elements, which can be located within the working memory 916. The software elements can include other code such as an operating system and / or one or more application programs.

[0253] In one embodiment, the camera can communicate with the control module.

[0254] B. Second Housing In one embodiment, the second housing is coupled to the first housing and houses the integrated display system. In one embodiment, the second housing is a base coupled to a portion of the main body of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the base is separable from the main body of the observation optical device.

[0255] In one embodiment, the second housing is not a hand shake correction device. In one embodiment, the length of the base having the integrated display system is 35% to 70% of the length of the main body of the rifle scope to which the base is coupled. In yet another embodiment, the length of the base having the integrated display system is 40% to 65% of the length of the main body of the rifle scope to which the base is coupled. In yet another embodiment, the base having the integrated display system is 65% or less of the length of the main body of the rifle scope to which the base is coupled.

[0256] In one embodiment, the main body of the rifle scope is about 2.5 times the length of the base having the integrated display system. In yet another embodiment, the main body of the rifle scope is 1.5 to 2.5 times the length of the base having the integrated display system. In yet another embodiment, the main body of the rifle scope is at least 1.5 times the length of the base having the integrated display system.

[0257] As shown in FIG. 2, the base 220 can be bolted to the scope body 210 of the rifle scope to form a completely sealed and integrated system. In that case, the base 220 can be directly attached to the firearm without the need for a conventional rifle scope ring.

[0258] Figure 10 shows a top view of a riflescope 200 having a main body 210 and a base 220. Figure 10 demonstrates that the base 220 ensures that the riflescope does not protrude at any position or become misaligned with a conventional riflescope. The riflescope disclosed in this specification having a main body and a base maintains the traditional and smart design of the riflescope.

[0259] Figure 11 shows the base 220 attached to the main body 210 of the riflescope. The base 220 is aligned with and flush with the outer edge of the main body 210.

[0260] In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 2, the base having an integrated display system is coupled to the bottom side of the riflescope body 210, with one end of the base coupling near the magnification selection ring or magnification ring 212 of the main body 210 and the other end of the base coupling near the starting point of the objective lens assembly 214 of the main body. In one embodiment, the base 220 is coupled to the main body 210 by means of threaded fasteners, non-threaded integral and non-integral positioning and recoil transfer features, and an elastomeric seal.

[0261] In one embodiment, the base is compartmentalized with the components necessary to generate a digital display, and then the base can be bolted to the main body of the riflescope to form a completely sealed and integrated system.

[0262] In one embodiment, the base and the main body of the scope are a sealed and integrated system. In one embodiment, the base is coupled to the main body without using a clamp designed to be easily removable.

[0263] In one embodiment, an observation optical device having a main body and a base coupled to the main body can be coupled to a firearm without the need for conventional riflescope rings. In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a main body and a base coupled to the main body, and the bottom side of the base has a mounting rail.

[0264] In one embodiment, the base of the observation optical device can include a mounting rail for attachment to a desired firearm, device or apparatus, and can have an adjustment mechanism including an elevation adjustment drum for adjusting the elevation position of the optical device. A lateral adjustment mechanism may also generally be provided for lateral adjustment. These adjustment mechanisms can be covered with a protective cap.

[0265] In one embodiment, the upper side of the base is coupled to the bottom side of the main body of the observation optical device, and the bottom side of the base has a mounting rail. In one embodiment, the upper side of the base is coupled to a lateral split portion on the bottom side of the main body of the observation optical device.

[0266] In one embodiment, the base includes an integrated display system for generating an image using an active display, guiding the generated image along a display optical axis, and observing by superimposing the generated image on the image of the external scene simultaneously. The generated image is introduced into the first focal plane of the main body of the observation optical device.

[0267] In one embodiment, the base is separate and distinct from the laser rangefinder device. In one embodiment, the base is a device independent of the laser rangefinder device.

[0268] In one embodiment, the second housing or base is not an accessory. In another embodiment, the second housing or base is not coupled by an adapter as an accessory adjacent to the eyepiece of the observation optical device.

[0269] In one embodiment, the second housing or base cannot be separated from the main body by the end user. In an embodiment, the second housing or base cannot be replaced with a plurality or other observation optical devices.

[0270] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system including an observation optical device having a main body with a first optical system, a base coupled to the main body and having a second optical system such as an integrated display system, and a laser rangefinder device.

[0271] 1. Integrated display system 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, the base having the integrated display system is coupled to the main body of the rifle scope. In yet another embodiment, the base is coupled to the bottom of the main body of the rifle scope.

[0272] In one embodiment, the base has an integrated display system including an active display, a condenser optical device, and a reflective material including, but not limited to, a mirror. In one embodiment, the integrated display system has the following architecture: an active display, then a condenser optical device, then a reflective material such as a mirror.

[0273] FIG. 12 is a top cutaway view of a base 220 coupled to the main body of an observation optical device. The base 220 includes an integrated display system having a microdisplay 1210, a condenser optical device 1220, and a mirror 1230. In one embodiment, the mirror 1230 can be positioned at any suitable angle.

[0274] FIG. 13 is a cutaway side view of a base 220 including an integrated display system having a microdisplay 1210, a condenser optical device 1220, and a mirror 1230. The main body 210 has a beam combiner 320 positioned above the mirror 1230.

[0275] FIG. 14 shows a cut-away side view of a rifle scope having a main body 210 and a separable base 220. The base 220 includes a microdisplay 1210, a condenser optical device 1220, and a mirror 1230. The mirror 1230 is positioned at approximately 45 degrees. The scope body 210 has a beam combiner 320 positioned substantially above the angled mirror 1230. The beam combiner 320 is positioned substantially below the elevation adjustment knob 1410 of the scope body 210. The active display 1210 is positioned within the base on the eyepiece assembly side 1420 when the base is coupled to the main body of the observation optical device.

[0276] As shown in FIG. 15, the image generated from the microdisplay 1210 is redirected from the display optical axis A toward the observation optical axis A through the mirror 1230 toward the beam combiner 320 within the main body 210 so that the digital image can be simultaneously superimposed or overlaid on the image of the scene observed by the observer through the optical device within the first focal plane 1510. The beam combiner 320 is positioned in front of the first focal plane 1510, and since 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 introduce the image into a second focal plane.

[0277] In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 16, the active display 1210 is positioned at the portion of the base closest to the objective lens assembly 214 compared to the eyepiece assembly of the main body of the rifle scope when the base is coupled to the main body of the rifle scope. The main body of the rifle scope has an analog reticle 1610.

[0278] FIG. 17 shows a rifle scope 200 including a main body 210 with a beam combiner 320 and a base 220 coupled to the main body and having an integrated display system. As shown in FIG. 17, when the base is coupled to the main body of the rifle scope, the active display 1210 is located at the portion of the base closest to the eyepiece assembly compared to the objective lens assembly of the rifle scope body. By superimposing the image from the integrated display system on the first focal plane, the user can still use the conventional glass-etched reticle 1610 for aiming purposes.

[0279] In one embodiment, the integrated display system can direct the image generated from the active display along the display optical axis A. The generated image can be directed from the display optical axis A to a mirror within the base and then towards the beam combiner within the main body of the rifle scope so as to simultaneously superimpose or overlay the generated image on the image of the scene observed by the observer through the optical system of the main body. In this case, the combined image is introduced or focused on the first focal plane of the optical system of the main body.

[0280] In one embodiment, the image generated from the active display within the base is focused on the first focal plane of the rifle scope body, whereby the image generated from the display can maintain alignment with externally attached equipment.

[0281] In one embodiment, since the image generated from the active display within the base is focused on the first focal plane of the main body of the rifle scope, the generated image is not restricted by the movement of the upright tube. The generated image has no relation to the movement of the upright tube.

[0282] In one embodiment, light from the active microdisplay is collected by an optical lens group. The light from the display is reflected by a beam combiner within the main tube assembly of the riflescope, and an image of the display that coincides with the first focal plane of the riflescope is formed. This display image is combined with the image by the scene (target) and is perceived to be "under the surface" of a conventional wire reticle or glass etching type reticle. In one embodiment, the still utilized "conventional" reticle occludes both the image of the scene and the image of the display. When the brightness of the display rises to a sufficient brightness level, the image of the OLED display will fill the image of the scene and will also appear to occlude the scene as well.

[0283] In yet another embodiment, the integrated display system within the base can direct the generated image along the display optical axis "B" and onto the observation optical axis A within the main body of the riflescope. The generated image can be redirected from the display optical axis B within the base, which includes a mirror or similar reflective material, towards the observation optical axis A within the main body and then towards the beam combiner within the main body, thereby simultaneously superimposing or overlaying the generated image over the image of the scene that the observer observes through the optical device of the main body. The image generated from the active display within the base is directed to the mirror, which reflects the generated image to the beam combiner.

[0284] In one embodiment, the display optical axis "B" and the observation optical axis "A" are substantially parallel, but in another embodiment, they can be oriented differently as required.

[0285] A. Active Display 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 having an integrated graphics controller for outputting a video signal to the display. In one embodiment, information can be transmitted wirelessly or by a physical connection into the viewing optical device via a cable port. In yet another embodiment, a number of input sources can be input to the microcontroller and displayed on the active display.

[0286] In one embodiment, the active display and the beam combiner are not installed in the same housing. In one embodiment, the active display and the beam combiner are installed in separate housings.

[0287] In one embodiment, the active display can be a reflective, transmissive, or emissive microdisplay including, but not limited to, a microdisplay, a transmissive active matrix LCD display (AMLCD), an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, a light emitting diode (LED) display, an electronic ink display, a plasma display, a segment display, an electroluminescent display, a surface conduction electron emission display, a quantum dot display, etc.

[0288] In one embodiment, the LED array is a micro-pixelated LED array, and the LED elements are micro-pixelated LEDs (also referred to herein as micro-LEDs or μLEDs) having a small pixel size of generally less than 75 μm. In some embodiments, each of the LED elements can have a pixel size in the range of about 8 μm to about 25 μm and can have a pixel pitch (in both the vertical and horizontal directions of the micro-LED array) in the range of 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 are the same size within a small tolerance) and are arranged in the micro-LED array with a uniform pixel pitch of about 25 μm. In some embodiments, each of the LED elements can have a pixel size of about 25 μm or less and a pixel pitch of about 30 μm or less.

[0289] In some embodiments, the micro-LEDs are inorganic and can be based on gallium nitride light-emitting diodes (GaN LEDs). The micro-LED array (comprising a number of μLEDs arranged in a grid or other arrangement) can provide a high-density, light-emitting microdisplay that is not based on an external switching system or filtering system. In some embodiments, the GaN-based micro-LED array can be grown, bonded, or otherwise formed on a transparent sapphire substrate.

[0290] 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., extract more light from the surface of the micro-LEDs). In another embodiment, silver nanoparticles can be deposited / dispersed on the patterned sapphire substrate to coat the substrate before bonding the micro-LEDs, further improving the light efficiency and output power of the GaN-based micro-LEDs and micro-LED arrays.

[0291] In one embodiment, the active display can be monochrome, or can provide full color, and in some embodiments can provide multi-color. In another embodiment, other suitable designs or types of displays can be employed. The active display can be driven by an electronic device. In one embodiment, the electronic device can provide a display function, or can receive such a function from another device that communicates with the electronic device.

[0292] In one embodiment, the active display can be part of a backlight / display assembly, module, or configuration that includes a backlight illumination or light source, such as an LED backlight for illuminating the active display with light, a backlight assembly including devices, apparatuses, or components. In some embodiments, the backlight light source can be a large area LED and includes a first lens or integrated lens for collecting the generated light and guiding it to a second illumination lens or condenser lens, and can concentrate the light on the active display with good spatial and angular uniformity and guide it along the display optical axis B. The backlight assembly and the active display can provide an image with sufficient brightness to simultaneously observe a very high brightness real-world view through an optical device while being low power.

[0293] The color of the backlight can be selected to be any single color, or can be white to support a full-color microdisplay. To optimize the performance of the backlight, other backlight design elements can be included, such as other light sources, light pipes, diffuser plates, micro-optical elements, polarizer plates, birefringent components, optical coatings, and reflectors, which can be compatible with the overall size requirements of the active display, as well as the needs for brightness, output, and contrast.

[0294] Figures 16 and 17 depict representative examples of an integrated display system within a base that couples to a main body, showing a display, an optical system, and a mirror. This integrated display system functions with an optical system housed within the main body of the observation optical device depicted above it.

[0295] Representative examples of available microdisplays include, but are not limited to: those manufactured by Microoled, including the MDP01 (series) DPYM, MDP02, and MDP05; microdisplays with pixel pitches of 9.9x9.9μm and 7.8x7.8μm, manufactured by Emagin such as SVGA; and those manufactured by Kopin Corporation such as the Lightning Oled Microdisplay. Also, micro-LED displays, including but not limited to those manufactured by VueReal and Lumiode, can also be used.

[0296] In one embodiment, an electronic device that collaborates with an active display can include the ability to generate display symbols and format the output to the display, and can include battery information, a power regulation circuit, a video interface, a serial interface, and control features. Other features can be included for additional or different functions of the superimposed display unit. The electronic device can provide a display function or receive such a function from another device that communicates with the electronic device.

[0297] In one embodiment, the active display can generate an image including, but not limited to, text, alphanumerics, graphics, symbols, and / or video imagery, icons, etc., including an active target reticle, range measurement values and wind information, GPS and compass information, firearm tilt information, target detection, recognition and identification (ID) information, and / or external sensor information (sensor video and / or graphics), or an image for situation awareness, etc., and can be observed through an eyepiece along with the image of the field of view visible through the optical device. The direct observation optical device can include or maintain an etched reticle and muzzle sighting and can maintain high resolution.

[0298] In one embodiment, by using an active display, programmable electronic aiming points can be displayed at any position within the field of view. This position can be determined by the user (such as in the case of a rifle that fires both supersonic and subsonic bullets and thus has two different trajectories and "zeroing"), or can be calculated based on information received from a ballistic computer. This will provide a "drop-corrected" aiming point for long-range shooting that can be updated at intervals for each shot.

[0299] In one embodiment, the active display can be oriented to achieve maximum vertical correction. In one embodiment, the active display is positioned so that it is taller than it is wide.

[0300] In one embodiment, the active display is oriented as shown in FIG. 18, which allows for a maximum vertical adjustment range 1810 with respect to the active reticle within the riflescope. The maximum vertical adjustment is advantageous as it allows for ballistic correction in scenarios at longer distances.

[0301] In one embodiment, the integrated display system further comprises a processor that communicates electronically with the active display.

[0302] In another embodiment, the integrated display system can include a memory, at least one sensor, and / or an electronic communication device that communicates electronically with the processor.

[0303] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including a main body including an optical system for generating an image of an external scene and a main body beam combiner arranged in a line with the optical system, and a base coupled to the main body including 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 an image generated from either the first active display or the second active display is projected onto a first focal plane of the optical system so that the image generated when viewed through an eyepiece lens of the scope body and the image of the external scene can be observed simultaneously.

[0304] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including a main body including an optical system for generating an image of an external scene and a main body beam combiner arranged in a line with the optical system, and a base coupled to the main body including 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 main body beam combiner to simultaneously superimpose and observe the combined image at the first focal plane and the image of the external scene when viewed through an eyepiece lens of the scope body.

[0305] In one embodiment, the base beam combiner is positioned on the right side of the first display. In yet another embodiment, the second active display can be arranged in the system perpendicular to the first active display. Thereby, using both displays, they can be projected individually or simultaneously onto the focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0306] Usage method related to distance measurement In one embodiment, the active display can display distance measurement values obtained from a laser rangefinder. In one embodiment, the LRF can be coupled to the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the LRF is directly coupled to the outer scope body of the rifle scope. In another embodiment, a portion of the LRF is directly coupled to the outer portion of the scope body of the rifle scope.

[0307] In one embodiment, the LRF is indirectly coupled to the outer scope body of the rifle scope. In another embodiment, a portion of the LRF is indirectly coupled to the outer portion of the scope body of the rifle scope.

[0308] In yet another embodiment, the LRF is not coupled to the rifle scope but communicates with the rifle scope via either fixed wiring or wireless.

[0309] In a general operation, the LRF provides a pulse of laser light projected onto the scene via the projection optical device. This laser light illuminates the target, and a portion of the laser light is reflected back to the LRF. A portion of the reflected laser light that returns to the device is captured by the light receiving optical system and guided to the detector. This device includes a timer that starts when the laser light pulse is sent and stops when the returned laser light is detected. The computer portion of the device calculates the distance to the target using the elapsed time from the sending of the laser light pulse to the detection of the returned reflected laser light.

[0310] In one embodiment, the distance calculation value is sent to the active display, and the generated image (distance measurement value or calculated value) is redirected from the display optical axis "B" to above the observation optical axis A using a mirror and a beam combiner so that the image (distance measurement value or calculated value) is simultaneously superimposed or overlaid on the image of the scene observed by the observer through the observation optical device.

[0311] Windage range bar In another embodiment, the active display can generate a windage range. In one embodiment, the user can provide a range of wind values, and the software can generate windage data, such as a windage range variation bar. In one embodiment, the windage data is transmitted to the active display, and the generated image, such as the windage range variation bar, is redirected from the display optical axis "B" to the observation optical axis "A" using a mirror and a beam combiner, so that the image (windage range variation bar) is simultaneously superimposed or overlaid on the image of the scene observed by the observer through the observation optical device.

[0312] In one embodiment, the windage data includes from a minimum wind hold point to a maximum wind hold point.

[0313] In one embodiment, the windage data is transmitted to the active display, and the active display can generate a digital reticle within the field of view with an appropriate wind hold.

[0314] Display color for mental cues In one embodiment, the active display can generate a color display to convey to the user in a format that can quickly understand special level information. In one embodiment, the active display can generate a series of color-coded symbols indicating the completion of launch preparation.

[0315] In one embodiment, the active display can generate a series of color-coded symbols to color-code objects within the target scene. In one embodiment, the active display can distinguish friendly forces from enemy forces by color. In another embodiment, the active display can color-code the target target.

[0316] In one embodiment, the active display can generate a series of color-coded symbols that indicate the windage adjustment status. In one embodiment, red dots can indicate that the windage adjustment is not complete, while green symbols can indicate that the windage adjustment is complete.

[0317] In another embodiment, the active display can generate a colored aiming point. In one embodiment, but not limited to, the aiming point turns red if appropriate adjustments including, but not limited to, windage, distance, and elevation are not made. In another embodiment, the aiming point turns yellow if some, but not all, of the firing adjustments are complete. In yet another embodiment, the aiming point turns green and is fully corrected if all the necessary firing adjustments are complete.

[0318] In yet another embodiment, the blinking and lighting states of the symbols can be used to convey similar status information regarding the adjustment of the aiming point.

[0319] In yet another embodiment, the active display can generate text that is color-coded to represent the situation. In one embodiment, red text represents that the input parameters have not been input or calculated, and green with respect to the text represents the input or calculated parameters.

[0320] Marker for the impact zone in range finding In one embodiment, the active display can generate a circle, square, or other shape so that the user can quickly capture or surround the impact zone of the projectile.

[0321] Estimation and correction of holdover In another embodiment, the active display can generate an aiming point corrected for a moving target based on user input regarding the direction and speed of movement. For example, the user can input a movement speed of 5 miles per hour in the left direction. This will be added to the windage value if the wind and movement are in the same direction and subtracted from the windage value if they are in the opposite direction. In that case, when the aiming point and / or the windage value bar are plotted on the display, the aiming point will include an appropriate amount of holdover, and the user does not need to place the aiming point in front of the moving target to correct for the movement of the moving target, but can place the aiming point dot in the desired landing zone and fire.

[0322] Team operations with cameras and remote display operations In one embodiment, an active display in conjunction with a network interface enables an additional level of enhanced operation and use. In one embodiment, reticle images of multiple shooters can be viewed via a network. The reticle camera image of each shooter is displayed on one or more consoles, and the network process and interface enable collective-level adjustments, training, and coordination that were not previously available with individual rifle scopes.

[0323] Training and instruction In a training or instructional scenario, the instructor can see how each shooter aligned their respective reticle with their respective target. By being able to actually view the reticle alignment, the instructor or trainer can give instructions regarding adjustments and repositioning, such as verbally (e.g., over the radio or in person).

[0324] In another embodiment, the instructor's console can be provided with pointing means such as a mouse or a joystick, and control data therefor is transferred from the console to the integrated display system of the rifle via a network. In that case, this instructor's mouse or joystick controls an additional dot or pointer within the display of each shooter's scope, whereby the instructor can visually show the shooter which target to use, which range marker cover to use, and where in the reticle to position the reticle relative to the target. In one embodiment, each shooter can be given their own instructor dot so that the instructor can give individualized instructions to each shooter.

[0325] Shooting adjustment In another embodiment, the active display can be used in the adjustment and implementation of a shooting team of multiple shooters. In one embodiment, the team commander operates the instructor's console and uses the instructor dot to assist in target assignment to each shooter, transmission of reticle placement changes, and the like.

[0326] Snapshots for remote review and approval In another embodiment, the active display and network process enable a shooter provided with control means to take a "snapshot" of their reticle view. This snapshot of the user's reticle view can include an image of the target in question. When this image is received by the commander or instructor, the commander or instructor reviews the image and approves or disapproves the shot. For example, in a guidance scenario, the user can take a snapshot of an animal that they believe to be a legitimate animal (age, species, gender, etc.) to shoot. The instructor, if consenting, can indicate this by positioning or moving the instructor dot within the shooter's reticle.

[0327] Target classification by biometrics In another embodiment, a snapshot of the reticle image is received by a biometric recognition and / or classification process, such as a facial recognition system. The biometric recognition and / or classification process may be mounted on the firearm, such as being integrated into the display control logic, or may be remote from the firearm interconnected via a network. The results of the recognition and / or classification process can be provided to the reticle by transmitting the results to the control logic via the network and appropriately updating the display.

[0328] Side-by-side image display In another embodiment, an image is downloaded to an integrated display system via a network and displayed simultaneously with the observed image of the target within the reticle. Using the downloaded image, the user (shooter) can compare the currently observed target side by side with a previously taken image or photograph of a target similar to the one that was instructed to be photographed or that the user desires to photograph. For example, during deer season, novice shooters are given a reference deer image within the reticle and can compare it in real time with the actual animal observed through the scope. In an example of application to the military or law enforcement, an image of the enemy or fugitive being sought is displayed in the reticle so that the sniper can compare it in real time with the face of the person being observed through the scope.

[0329] Representative examples of active displays a. 530 - 570 nm In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an integrated display system using a 530 - 570 nm microdisplay.

[0330] FIG. 19 shows an integrated display system including a 530 - 570 nm digital display 1910.

[0331] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary image 2020 that can be displayed on a 530 - 570 nm digital display 1910. As shown in Figure 20, a glass - etched reticle 2010 can be used with the devices and systems disclosed herein. These images are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the amount or type of information that can be displayed on an active display.

[0332] In another embodiment, the incorporation of a 530 - 570 nm digital display 1910 enables a relatively higher effectiveness compared to any other color display due to the sensitivity of the human eye. This allows for less power consumption compared to powering a red or blue display of the same photometric luminance.

[0333] In yet another embodiment, the incorporation of a 530 - 570 nm digital display 1910 gives the end - user a greater ability to visually identify a digital overlay from the background created by ambient light during daytime vision.

[0334] b. AMOLED In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an integrated display system including an AMOLED microdisplay.

[0335] Figure 21 shows an integrated display system comprising an AMOLED digital display 2110.

[0336] Figure 22 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary image 2210 that can be displayed on an AMOLED digital display. As shown in Figure 22, a glass - etched reticle 2010 can be used with the devices and systems disclosed herein. These images are merely exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the amount or type of information that can be displayed on an active display.

[0337] In one embodiment, the image generated by the AMOLED 2110 is integrated / focused / imaged onto a first focal plane. In one embodiment, the use of the AMOLED display 2110 enables an increase in contrast and greater complexity within the data displayed on the riflescope.

[0338] In one embodiment, the incorporation of the AMOLED display 2110 allows for the selection of individual pixels to be illuminated and provides the ability to easily display complex data configurations on the riflescope.

[0339] In another embodiment, the incorporation of the AMOLED display 2110 enables a smaller and lighter package size within the riflescope because the need for backlighting within the system is reduced.

[0340] In another embodiment, the integrated display system does not require a backlight display assembly.

[0341] In yet another embodiment, the incorporation of the AMOLED display 2110 now enables a reduction in power consumption because a function to optimize the power usage for individual pixels has become available.

[0342] In one embodiment, the incorporation of the AMOLED display 2110 provides a contrast ratio, which enables a clean "heads-up" style display within the scope. The contrast ratio allows each floating feature to be individually targeted and represented without low glow around the pixels.

[0343] B. Condenser lens system In one embodiment, the integrated display system has an optical system based on the use of an optical lens as part of one or two or more lens cells, and the lens cell includes the lens itself and a lens cell body to which the lens is attached. In one embodiment, the lens cell includes a body formed with high precision that is generally cylindrical or disk-shaped. This body has a central aperture for attaching the lens in alignment with the optical axis of the larger optical system. Also, it can be said that the cell body has its own alignment axis, which will ultimately align with the optical axis of the larger optical system when the lens cell is attached thereto. Further, the lens cell functions as a "holder" for the lens and as a mechanism for attaching the lens to and within the larger optical system, and (ultimately) functions as a means for operating the lens by and for that optical system.

[0344] 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 cell and an outer lens cell.

[0345] FIG. 23 is a representative example of a condenser lens system 2310, having an inner lens cell 2315 and an outer lens cell 2320. In one embodiment, the outer lens cell 2320 houses at least one lens, and the inner lens cell 2315 houses at least one lens. In one embodiment, the inner lens cell 2315 rotates on the inner surface of the outer lens cell 2320. As shown in FIG. 23, the active display 1210 is coupled to a flat machined surface on the back of the inner lens cell 2315. In one embodiment, the active display 1210 can be directly coupled to the inner lens cell 2315. In yet another embodiment, the active display 1210 can be indirectly coupled to the inner lens cell 2315.

[0346] One advantage of the condenser optical system disclosed herein is that the inner lens cell coupled to the microdisplay mount provides a rigid rotational machine axis for positioning the vertical axis of the microdisplay.

[0347] FIG. 24 is a representative illustration of a base 220 that couples to the main body of the observation optical device, where in this case the base has a condenser optical system 2310 as part of an integrated display system. In FIG. 24, the main body is depicted by a beam combiner 320 and an observation optical reticle 2420.

[0348] While the outer lens cell 2320 is fixed in a fixed position within its main body relative to the observation optical system, the inner lens cell 2315 is allowed to float rotatably within the outer lens cell 2320. By applying pressure to the surface 2410 of the inner lens cell 2315 positioned below the rotation axis of the inner lens cell 2315, the vertical axis of the active display 1210 can be aligned with the vertical axis of the reticle 1610 of the observation optical system.

[0349] FIG. 25 is a representative illustration of one embodiment for aligning the tilt of the vertical axis of the active display with the vertical axis of the reticle. As shown in FIG. 25, opposing set screws 2505 can be tightened against the surface of the inner lens cell 2315 positioned below the rotation axis of the inner lens cell 2315. Using the set screws 2505, the vertical axis of the microdisplay 1210 can be aligned with the vertical axis of the reticle in the optical system within the main body of the observation optical device. The rotation of the inner lens cell 2315 can be maintained by securely tightening the set screws 2505 against the lower surface of the inner lens cell 2315, thereby locking the vertical axis of the microdisplay 1210 in position.

[0350] FIG. 26 is a representative rear cutaway view of a condenser lens system 2300 with a tilt adjustment mechanism for a microdisplay 1210 or an active display. When a microdisplay is introduced into an observation optical device using a beam combiner or a waveguide, an additional correction method is required to remove the tilt error between the vertical axis of the reticle and the introduced image of the vertical axis of the microdisplay. By tightening the set screw 2505 against the surface of the inner lens cell 2315 positioned below the rotation axis of the inner lens cell 2315, the vertical axis of the microdisplay 1210 can be aligned with the vertical axis of the reticle in the optical system within the main body of the observation optical device.

[0351] FIG. 27 is a representative illustration of a method and apparatus for removing the parallax between a microdisplay and a reticle in the optical system of the main body of an observation optical device. The outer lens cell 2320 houses at least one lens on the right side of FIG. 27, and the inner lens cell 2315 houses at least one lens on the left side of FIG. 27. The inner lens cell 2315 slides along the optical axis on the inner surface of the outer lens cell 2320. The microdisplay 1210 is coupled to the inner lens cell 2315. A spring 2710 is installed between the outer lens cell 2320 and the inner lens cell 2315 to separate these cells when not under compressive force.

[0352] FIG. 28A is a representative illustration of a base having a condenser optical system 2300 and coupled to the main body of an observation optical device. In FIG. 28A, the main body is depicted with a beam combiner 320 and an observation optical reticle 2810.

[0353] The outer lens cell 2320 is fixed in a fixed position with respect to the observation optical device, and the inner lens cell 2315 is allowed to float inside the outer lens cell 2320. By pushing the inner lens cell 2315 forward using a screw or wedge 2820 that applies a force to the back of the inner lens cell / active display mount, the axial position of the image is changed so that the focal plane of the microdisplay image is positioned on the same plane as the observation optical reticle of the main body of the observation optical device. Accordingly, the parallax between the microdisplay and the reticle is removed.

[0354] The position of the inner lens cell is maintained in a fixed position by the action of a spring pressing the screw or wedge outward. The parallax between the active display and the reticle can be removed without changing the amount of light collected from the active display and without degrading the image quality of the optical system.

[0355] By implementing the use of a spring between the inner lens cell and the outer lens cell and the use of a force on the back of the inner lens cell / microdisplay, the maximum amount of light can be collected from the microdisplay, and a quick, simple, and accurate adjustment method is provided.

[0356] In one embodiment, the inner lens cell 2315 and the outer lens cell 2320 can include two or more lenses. In yet another embodiment, the lens system can include three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or eleven or more lenses. The lenses can be obtained from various commercial manufacturers including, but not limited to, LaCroix Optics (www.lacroixoptics.com) and Diverse Optics (www.diverseoptics.com). In one embodiment, the inner lens cell and the outer lens cell include a condenser lens system.

[0357] In one embodiment, this lens system is composed of a five-lens system. In one embodiment, the five-lens system is composed of five single lenses. In another embodiment, the five-lens system is composed of two compound lenses and one single lens. In yet another embodiment, the five-lens system is composed of three single lenses and one compound lens. In one embodiment, at least one plastic aspherical lens is used as the first element.

[0358] In one embodiment, the lens system is a five-lens system with the following order: an aspherical single lens closest to the active display, then a single lens, then a compound lens, and then the last single lens.

[0359] In one embodiment, the lens system is a five-lens system with the following order: an aspherical single lens closest to the active display, then a single lens, then a single lens, and then a compound lens.

[0360] In one embodiment, the lens system is a five-lens system with the following order: an aspherical single lens closest to the active display, then a single lens, then a single lens, and then a compound lens. In one embodiment, the lens system is a five-lens system with the following configuration: Lens 1 closest to the active display has a diameter of 11 mm and a thickness of 9.3 mm, lens 2 has a diameter of 9 mm and a thickness of 1.9 mm, the compound lens has one 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 lens 5 has a diameter of 13.5 mm and a thickness of 3.3 mm.

[0361] In one embodiment, the air gap from one lens to the next lens ranges from about 1 mm to about 20 mm. In one embodiment, the air gap from one lens to the next lens ranges from about 5 mm to about 20 mm. In one embodiment, the air gap from one lens to the next lens ranges from about 10 mm to about 20 mm.

[0362] 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.

[0363] In one embodiment, the five-lens system is housed in an inner lens cell and an outer lens cell. In one embodiment, the inner lens cell is assembled by installing, from the opposite end of the location where the display pedestal is located, into the inner lens cell, an aspherical lens, then a spacer, then lens 2 (which can be a 9 mm single lens), and then a locking ring (which holds both lenses in place).

[0364] In one embodiment, the outer lens cell is assembled by inserting, from the opposite end of the cell, into the outer lens cell, lens 5 (which can be a 13.5 mm single lens), then a spacer, then doublet lens 2 (which can be lenses 3 and 4), and then a locking ring.

[0365] FIG. 28B is a representative illustration of a base having a condenser optical system or a condenser lens system. The inner lens cell 2315 is assembled by installing, from the opposite end of the location where the display pedestal is located, into the inner lens cell, an aspherical lens 2840, then a spacer, and then a glass meniscus lens 2850. In one embodiment, the glass meniscus lens can be lens 2 as described above. The outer lens cell 2320 can be assembled by inserting a glass doublet 2860 followed by a glass singlet 2870.

[0366] 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 cell 2315 includes 2840 and 2850. In one embodiment, the outer lens cell 2320 includes 2860 and 2870.

[0367] In one embodiment, when the inner lens cell moves axially along the inner diameter of the outer lens cell, the distance between lens 2 of the inner cell and lens 3 of the outer cell changes. This is used to move the focal plane of the display image and completely zero the parallax between the projected display image and the passive reticle of the main body of the observation optical device.

[0368] In one embodiment, focusing the display image on the first focal plane of the optical system within the main body is achieved by changing the air gap between lens 2 and lens 3 of the five-lens system, and that change is achieved by changing the position of the inner lens cell relative to the outer lens cell.

[0369] 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. The lens barrel is used to position the lenses axially and radially relative to each other and to provide means for aligning the lens assembly with the optical system of which the lens assembly is also a part. The lens elements are positioned radially 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 achieved by cutting the lens pedestals during assembly. The lens elements can then be constrained to the lens pedestals with epoxy, retaining rings, etc.

[0370] C. Reflective Material 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 five or more mirrors.

[0371] 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° with respect to the light emitted by the display.

[0372] 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° with respect to the light emitted by the display.

[0373] 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° with respect to the light emitted by the display.

[0374] In one embodiment, and as shown in FIG. 29, the tilt of the mirror 2910 along the vertical axis can be adjusted using a screw or a similar mechanism. By turning the screw into the base or back of the mirror 2910, the angle at which the image of the microdisplay is reflected to the beam combiner can be changed. Correspondingly, the tilt of the focal plane in the observation optical reticle 2930 of the optical system of the main body of the observation optical device changes. Using this adjustment, the parallax error between the microdisplay and the reticle along the vertical axis can be eliminated.

[0375] In one embodiment, the mirror is fixed to the base with one or more screws. In one embodiment, the mirror is fixed to the base using a compound such as epoxy, resin, or adhesive, or a combination thereof.

[0376] In one embodiment, the position of the mirror can be adjusted in relation to the beam combiner, although not limited thereto, to remove errors including parallax errors.

[0377] In one embodiment, the position of the mirror can be adjusted in relation to the active display, although not limited thereto, to remove errors including parallax errors.

[0378] 2. Power System In one embodiment, the base that couples to the main body of the observation optical device has a power system. In another embodiment, the base of the observation optical device has a cavity. The battery cavity can be incorporated into the base that couples to the main body of the observation optical device.

[0379] FIG. 30 is a representative schematic view of a base 220 having a battery compartment 3005, where in this case the base 220 is coupled to the main body 210 of a riflescope 3000. As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, the battery compartment 3005 extends from each side surface of the base for receiving a battery including a CR123 battery. The CR123 battery has an increased power capacity and discharge amount compared to smaller batteries or coin-type batteries.

[0380] In one embodiment, the battery cavity 3005 is integral with the base 220 such that only a battery cap is required to protect the battery from the environment. No additional sealing is required.

[0381] In one embodiment, the battery cavity 3005 within the base 220 is positioned closer to the objective lens assembly 3010 compared to the eyepiece lens assembly of the main body 210 of the observation optical device.

[0382] In one embodiment, the battery cavity 3005 of the base 220 is positioned closer to the eyepiece lens assembly of the main body 210 of the observation optical device compared to the objective lens assembly.

[0383] FIG. 32 is a representative view of the battery compartment 3005 integrated with the base 220. In one embodiment, the battery compartment 3005 is designed such that the positive side of the battery is first inserted into the bottom of the battery cavity with a mechanical stopper to prevent improper attachment and operation of the battery.

[0384] In one embodiment, the integrated battery cavity 3005 can use the same gasket as that used for the main body 210 of the riflescope with the base 220. This provides a more reliable seal and eliminates the need for a separate battery cavity, thus eliminating mechanical devices. Second, since the battery cavity is integrated with the base, there is no mechanical device for securing the battery cavity. This reduces the need for a mechanical interface for securing the battery compartment. Since there is no need to mechanically lock the battery cavity, the integrated battery compartment reduces the failure points related to the conventional battery compartment.

[0385] The integrated battery compartment eliminates any obstacles that would interfere with the user. The integrated battery compartment is positioned under the observation optical device and does not interfere with any adjustment means and knobs found in conventional observation optical devices. Since the integrated battery compartment allows for the space required to accommodate a large battery, it is a significant advancement.

[0386] In one embodiment, the observation optical device can be set in a manner that minimizes battery consumption and maximizes battery life. For example, an observation optical device equipped with a laser rangefinder is activated when the operator presses a button or switch. A digital indicator of the rangefinder is displayed on the screen. The output laser of the external rangefinder is matched with the digital indicator through an initial calibration step when zeroing in the observation optical device. When the operator activates the external rangefinder, information is transmitted wirelessly or through a communication port to the observation optical device, signaling the observation optical device that "the information needs to be received and displayed".

[0387] When the observation optical instrument is powered on and no data is received from an external device, the observation optical instrument will turn off after the user-set time has elapsed. After displaying the information received from the external device, the power-off timer starts, and if no more button presses are recorded, the observation optical instrument is turned off.

[0388] If more information is received from the external device, the previous information on the screen is cleared and the updated information is displayed, and the power-off timer is started. This cycle can continue for the number of times selected by the operator.

[0389] While information is being displayed on the screen, a cant indicator is displayed on the screen. This is refreshed from an accelerometer that communicates with the microcontroller at certain time intervals. When the microcontroller is in sleep mode, the integrated button on the observation optical instrument controls the brightness of the LED that illuminates the glass-etched reticle. When the observation optical instrument is operating, the control of these LEDs is suspended, and the brightness of the screen changes with the corresponding button presses.

[0390] 3. Picatinny Mount In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument having a main body and a base with a battery compartment, and a Picatinny mount that can be coupled to the battery compartment. In one embodiment, the detachable Picatinny mount is attached to a protruding battery compartment incorporated in a base coupled to a rifle scope body.

[0391] Figures 33-35 are representative schematic views of a rifle scope comprising a main body 210 and a base 220 coupled to the main body 210, the base having a battery compartment 3005 attachable to a Picatinny mount 3305. In one embodiment, the Picatinny mount 3305 is aligned with the battery compartment 3005 and fixed with a fastener.

[0392] By attaching the mount 3305 to the battery compartment 3005 of the base 220, the materials necessary to create the cavity 3005 for the battery are utilized. This eliminates the need for additional materials from the base, thereby making the observation optical device lighter and less invasive.

[0393] In one embodiment, the mount is positioned away from the turret and parallax knob towards the objective lens so as not to interfere with the user's ability to adjust the riflescope. Further, the top ring is removable, allowing for easy attachment of auxiliary devices such as a laser rangefinder. By utilizing the Picatinny mount disclosed herein, the integrated base secures the riflescope, eliminating the need for additional structural support from the upper portion of the ring.

[0394] In one embodiment, the mount incorporates a cantilevered Picatinny rail that extends forward towards the objective lens of the riflescope. This allows a laser rangefinder mounted on the weapon to seat directly above the bell of the riflescope. This mount style enables a reduction in bullet drop and an improvement in the accuracy of the ranging device. It reduces the likelihood of bullet drop because there are fewer uncertainties affecting the ranging device due to capturing the desired target.

[0395] 4. Data Port In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device comprising a main body and a base having an active microdisplay for generating an image and combining the generated image with an image of a scene at a first focal plane of the main body of the observation optical device, the base having an axially oriented data port for interfacing with auxiliary devices including, but not limited to, a remote control switch and a laser rangefinder.

[0396] FIG. 36 is a representative schematic view of a riflescope 3600 having a main body 210 and a base 220 with an axially oriented data port 3605. In one embodiment, the observation optical device can have one axially oriented data port. In another embodiment, the observation optical device can have two or more axially oriented data ports.

[0397] By utilizing the axially oriented data port 3605, the top - down profile of the entire observation optical device is minimized, thereby improving the robustness of the mounted system and its connections.

[0398] 5. External Video Source In one embodiment, an active display within the base can be used as an optical train or optical system of a clip - on device, including but not limited to, a thermal imaging system and a night vision system.

[0399] The thermal imaging system generally enables imaging various waves of the electromagnetic spectrum that are not generally perceivable by the human eye and communicating them to the user. Conventional thermal weapon sights consist of two paired systems: an infrared optical system for viewing the scene and a visible - wavelength optical system consisting of a microdisplay and a lens to reproduce this image in front of the riflescope. There are also instances of catalytic photon enhancement that create what is known as a "night vision" system. However, clip - on devices are typically attached to a rifle rail in front of the main body of the riflescope. This configuration generally blocks all ambient light that would otherwise image through the scope, allowing only the use of a digital image. To return to a conventional image, the user must remove the system from the rail. This can cause point - of - impact shifts due to alignment settings that are performed each time the aiming is changed. Also, these clip - on units tend to be large because they require an eyepiece / imaging system behind the digital display within the unit. In conventional systems, any live video feed becomes a complete digital image, including the visible - spectrum output.

[0400] Figure 37 is a representative schematic view of a riflescope 3700 having a main body 210, and a base 220 having an active display 1210 and a condenser optical device 1220 that can be used as an optical system of a thermal imaging unit 3705. The active display 1210 generates an image focused on a first focal plane of the main body of the scope, and integrates this image with a conventional daytime optical device using a beam combiner. By integrating the digital display, the user can superimpose the digital image on the surrounding daytime optical device. In the case of the digital display disclosed herein, it is not necessary to remove the clip-on unit from the front of the observation optical device to view the surrounding daytime optical device. On the contrary, the digital display can be turned on / off as needed.

[0401] By integrating the digital display, the image shift becomes zero when switching between a daytime visible optical device and a digital optical device. Since the system is fully integrated, it is not necessary to zero in each time the digital optical device is turned on. This system is synchronized by aligning the combiner optical system.

[0402] In one embodiment, by integrating the digital display, an optical train that is generally the second half of the clip-on unit is provided. Since a microdisplay already exists in the base of the observation optical device, only an infrared optical device is required for thermal aiming: the image generated by the thermal sensor is transmitted to the active display, which is already incorporated in the base of the observation optical device. By integrating thermal aiming or night vision aiming in this way, the thermal / night vision device becomes much shorter and lighter than the firearm sights currently on the market. As a result, half of the optical train is directly incorporated into the base that couples to the main body of the observation optical device, enabling a smaller and lighter system design. There is no need to integrate a rear optical system or display into the clip-on unit that houses the sensing device.

[0403] Furthermore, if the thermal optical device is attached to the side of the riflescope such that it does not block the objective lens of the riflescope, it would be possible to overlay a thermal image on the visible image observed by the user. This would have the advantage of highlighting humans, animals, or anything with thermal discrimination characteristics that would otherwise be unobtrusive in a neutral daylight scene.

[0404] In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display disclosed herein produces the advantage of providing a live video feed into the focal plane of the observation optical device without blocking the daytime visible sight.

[0405] In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display enables seamless integration of imaging overlays such as live thermal imaging views and high-pass spectral overlay systems. The visible image is analog here, rather than being on a separate digital display.

[0406] In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display disclosed herein creates the advantage that the image feed continues even if power suddenly runs out on the digital system. A true analog image will still be available, which is not the case with conventional digital output systems.

[0407] In one embodiment, the integration of the digital display allows multiple types of imaging systems to be mounted away from the front of the observation optical device. The thermal imaging system can be aligned with the bottom or side of the observation optical device and still feed this image directly onto the focal plane within the main body of the observation optical device.

[0408] 6. EMI Transmission Window In one embodiment, the main body, base, or both the main body and base of the observation optical device can have a window sealed with a material that is transparent to the electromagnetic waves used for wireless communication. The transparent material includes, but is not limited to, plastics, resins, or epoxies.

[0409] In one embodiment, this window enables electromagnetic waves to propagate from the communication device while reducing the interaction from the metal body of the observation optical device. This increases the speed at which data can be transmitted. Also, as a result, the wireless communication device can operate at a lower power level due to the reduced signal loss.

[0410] III. Additional Sensors / Devices In another embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body, a base having an integrated display system and one or more sensors. In one embodiment, the sensors include, but are not limited to, a global positioning system, an accelerometer, a magnetometer, a MEMS rate sensor, an inclinometer, a laser rangefinder.

[0411] A. Pointing Angle, Target Position, and Communication In one embodiment, the observation optical device can have an inertial MEMS rate sensor to determine the pointing angle of a weapon in inertial space. Exemplary products are the LCG-50 from Systron Donner and the SiRRS01 from Silicon Sensing. In another embodiment, an accelerometer can be incorporated into an embedded electronic device to determine the absolute tilt angle of the observation optical device and track the acceleration of the weapon due to general movement or launch events.

[0412] To assist targeting, in various embodiments, the observation optical device can have a GPS and / or a digital compass. In one embodiment, the GPS and / or the digital compass can be integrated into the observation optical device, for example, as a module at the substrate level. In another embodiment, the GPS and / or the digital compass can be associated with a separate device that communicates with the observation optical device.

[0413] Several manufacturers offer custom versions of shelf modules for GPS and digital compass functionality that have a small form factor and low power consumption characteristics. These devices are designed to be integrated into embedded components. For example, Ocean Server Technology manufactures the OS4000-T compass with an accuracy of 0.5 degrees, which has a power consumption of less than 30 mA and is smaller than 3 / 4 inch square. An example of a GPS device is the Delorme GPS2058-10 module, available in a surface mount package with a size of 16 mm x 16 mm that provides an accuracy of 2 meters.

[0414] In one embodiment, the observation optical device can have a data interface that provides one or both of wired and wireless capabilities designed to interface with systems such as BAE personal network nodes and emerging SRW radios. These interfaces provide various communication functions such as distance, sensors, and other tactical data (e.g., peer-to-peer detectors, environmental sensors, etc.). This unique functionality is used in various embodiments to acquire environmental, target, and situational awareness information and transmit it to the target community. Generally speaking, various embodiments are designed so that soldiers can quickly acquire, reacquire, process data from various passive and active sources and integrate it in other ways into ballistic firing solutions, thereby enhancing their effectiveness as shooters.

[0415] In another embodiment, the sensor provides information to an active display in order to generate real-time position data of different targets on a first focal plane of the main body of the observation optical device. In another embodiment, the sensor is part of an external device that communicates with an integrated display system.

[0416] By using such a sensor within an observation optical device, on an external device firmly connected to the observation optical device, or on a weapon equipped with the observation optical device, it is possible to obtain the exact direction in which the observation optical device is directed, together with the exact position of the observation optical device, and to calculate an external target in relation to the position and aiming direction of the observation optical device.

[0417] When the user moves the observation optical device around, or the target moves relative to the observation optical device, the position of the target is continuously updated in real time by a sensor that communicates with the integrated display system, so that the user can confirm where the target is in relation to the visible position of the target by observing through the observation optical device.

[0418] This method has strong practicality in military applications where team members may be in different locations and want to communicate specific target positions to each other. For example, in the case of close air support (CAS), the pilot operates the aircraft, and the ground forces may rely on the aircraft to drop bombs on the target. Often, it is difficult for the ground forces to convey the exact position of the target to the aircraft. The process of communicating target information between the ground forces and the aircraft is often called "talking to the target" and requires conveying what the troops or the aircraft see within their field of view, such as what landmarks are visible near the target.

[0419] This process often takes a significant amount of time and can be confusing because things often look different from the air than from the ground. Since there is a possibility that the aircraft may mistake the target and drop bombs on friendly troops or non-combatants, it is extremely important for all troops to be confident that they are all looking at the same target.

[0420] By enabling the position sensor and the attitude sensor to communicate with the active reticle display of the integrated display system, these problems are solved. The user of the observation optical device can specify a target within the scope, and the scope knows the GPS position of the scope, the exact direction it indicates, and the distance to the target, and can calculate the exact GPS coordinates of the target. This information can be supplied to a universal system such as Link 16 to which all friendly forces are connected. In this way, the aircraft only needs to look at its own display, and as soon as another force designates a new target, that target is displayed on the map.

[0421] This makes it much faster to discover targets and much easier to confirm that both forces are looking at the same target. Since accuracy is extremely important in determining the target's position, the image generated on the active display needs to be displayed on the first focal plane of the main body of the observation optical device. When the image generated from the active display is projected onto the second focal plane of the main body of the observation optical device, the target position is accurate only when the observation optical reticle is in its "zero calibration" position. If the user of the observation optical device turns the dial even slightly, for example, to adjust to a long-range target, all of the target information in the display will shift by the amount the dial is turned and will not be accurate.

[0422] By using the active display image in a state where it is introduced into the first focal plane, the displayed data is independent of the adjustments made to the reticle position and is automatically corrected. This means that the target data within the field of view is always accurate.

[0423] B. Environmental Sensors In one embodiment, the observation optical device can have one or more pressure sensors, humidity sensors, and / or temperature sensors designed to collect and use environmental data for ballistic correction. The sensors are available in a small configuration suitable for incorporation into the observation optical device. An example of a small, low-power consumption, waterproof barometric pressure sensor is the MS5540 manufactured by Intersema. The size of this component is 6.2×6.4 mm.

[0424] In one embodiment, the sensor can be coupled to the main tube of the observation optical device or the base of the observation optical device.

[0425] C. Uphill and downhill slopes In one embodiment, the observation optical device can have a z-axis accelerometer that can be used to measure the tilt angle of the scope with respect to the vertical direction. This tilt angle can be incorporated into the ballistic solution when selecting a target. When a target is selected, the system automatically incorporates the actual uphill or downhill tilt into the ballistic solution and displays the solution on the first focal plane of the observation optical device so that the digital reticle or corrected aiming point is correctly displayed. This can provide a very fast and effective aiming means in engagements at long-range uphill or downhill slopes.

[0426] IV. Observation optical device and laser rangefinder equipped with a display system In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body and a base with an integrated display system, and a laser rangefinder. 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.

[0427] In one embodiment, the laser rangefinder is coupled to the observation optical device by a mounting rail attached to the base via a battery compartment.

[0428] In one embodiment, a laser rangefinder can be used to determine the distance to a target. In various embodiments, the laser is transmitted in the near-infrared for concealment. A typical wavelength used for a laser rangefinder device operating in the near-infrared (NIR) is 905 nm.

[0429] In one embodiment, specific laser output and spectral characteristics are selected to meet the distance requirements and eye safety requirements of the observation optical instrument. The rangefinder has an output sufficient to generate accurate measurements up to, by way of example, 1500 meters, 2500 meters, or the effective distance associated with a firearm or weapon intended to be used with the observation optical instrument. With respect to the operation of the rangefinder, in some embodiments, a single button control is dedicated to performing or executing rangefinder measurements.

[0430] 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 optical instrument when observing the target scene.

[0431] In one embodiment, the observation optical instrument has a computing device with ballistic calculation capabilities. In one embodiment, the main body of the observation optical instrument has a computing device with ballistic calculation capabilities.

[0432] In one embodiment, a laser rangefinder can be used to measure the target distance, calculate the trajectory of the projectile, and transmit the corrected aiming point to an active display in an integrated display system, and then the active display superimposes an image of the corrected aiming point on the first focal plane of the observation optical instrument with a reticle attached to a movable erecting lens system.

[0433] The important thing is that the image generated by the active display is combined with the image from the target in front of the first focal plane and then focused on the first focal plane, so that the target image and the display image never move relative to each other. Therefore, no matter how the movable erecting system is adjusted, any aiming reference generated by the digital display is always accurate.

[0434] When an external laser rangefinder supplies distance information to a riflescope, it is necessary to create an aiming reference or a laser designator on the digital display so that the user knows where the LRF is aimed within the field of view in order to hit the correct target with the laser. The digital display image in the main body of the riflescope and the target image of the objective lens system do not move relative to each other. Therefore, no matter how the turret is adjusted to move the movable erecting lens system, the digital laser designator can accurately show the user the correct position of the LRF laser aiming point.

[0435] On the other hand, if the digital display image is integrated into the optical system somewhere behind the first focal plane, when the turret is adjusted and the erecting lens system moves / tilts, the image of the digital display moves relative to the target image, and the digital LRF designator moves relative to the actual laser aiming point. This can lead to inaccurate distance measurement if the user dials in some elevation or windage adjustment on the turret and forgets to return the turret to its original set position when aligning the digital reticle with the actual laser aiming point.

[0436] Furthermore, when zeroing a conventional riflescope to a rifle, the user generally selects a "zeroing" distance, often 100 yards, which is used to align the reticle of the riflescope with the point of impact of the projectile of the rifle. This is typically accomplished by adjusting the turret of the riflescope and, consequently, the tilt angle of the erect lens system to align the reticle with the point of impact of the projectile of the rifle. After the initial "zeroing" of the riflescope is set, the turret allows the user to make further adjustments to the reticle position of the riflescope to compensate for the compensation for targets at different distances and the change in the drift variable that affects where the point of impact of the projectile changes from the initial "zeroing" position.

[0437] If the digital display is integrated into the riflescope system behind the first focal plane, the correction factor for the ballistically calculated aiming point may become inaccurate if the user makes any adjustments to the turret from the initial "zeroing". For example, if the ballistic computer determines that an elevation adjustment of 10 milliradians 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 dialed 5 milliradians of elevation on the turret from the initial "zeroing" position, the digital aiming point will actually aim 15 milliradians below the initial "zeroing".

[0438] By introducing a digital display onto the first focal plane of the optical system of the main body of the rifle scope, the digital display can be made completely unaffected by any changes in the adjustment of the turret or the position of the erecting system. That is, in the above example, for a total correct ballistic drop of 10 milliradians, the digital aiming point will only appear 5 milliradians below the center of the reticle (the user had previously rotated the elevation turret by 5 milliradians from the initial "zeroing" position). In short, by introducing the digital display image onto the first focal plane of the optical system of the main body, the digital display image becomes completely independent of any changes in the turret position and thus the movement / tilt of the erecting lens system, providing the required accuracy.

[0439] In one embodiment, the performance of the laser rangefinder provides a ballistic solution that is dynamically determined based on the acquired data. The distance to the target is used by the built-in computer when processing the trajectory of the tracer and the best point can be determined along the measured trajectory path used to determine the ballistic correction for the next shot.

[0440] In one embodiment, the laser rangefinder is incorporated into the scope and has a dedicated outgoing laser transmission port. In one embodiment, the optical path of this dedicated laser axis is positioned at the corner of the housing so as not to be blocked by the main objective lens. The detection path for the incoming reflected laser signal passes through the main objective lens of the scope and the light is directed towards the photodetector by a near-infrared beam splitter. This arrangement utilizes the relatively large aperture of the main objective lens to increase the signal-to-noise ratio of the measurement.

[0441] Figures 38 to 44 provide photographs of an observation optical device 3800 having a main body 3810 with an optical system and a base 3820 having an integrated display system and coupled to the main body 3810, and a laser rangefinder 3830 is coupled to the upper part of the main body 3810. The observation optical device 3800 can have two auxiliary ports 3805 for communication with an external source. The observation optical device 3800 can have a Picatinny mount 3305 that couples to the outside of a battery cap for a battery cavity 3005 within the base 3820.

[0442] Figures 45 to 46 provide illustrations of an observation optical device 4500 having a main body 4510 with an optical system and a base 4520 having an integrated display system and coupled to the main body 4510, and a laser rangefinder 4530 is coupled to the upper part of the main body 4510. The observation optical device 4500 can have a single auxiliary port 4535 for communication with the laser rangefinder 4530.

[0443] Figures 47 and 48 provide illustrations of an observation optical device 4700 having a main body 4710 with an optical system and a base 4720 having an integrated display system and coupled to the main body 4710. In a particular embodiment, the observation optical device 4700 can have a Picatinny mount 4730. In a particular embodiment, the observation optical device can have an auxiliary port 4735.

[0444] V. Additional Embodiments 1. Digital Zero Calibration In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method of using a digital reticle for alignment and zero calibration. In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a physical reticle and a digital reticle, and the physical reticle is connected to a mount system. The user "zero calibrates" the physical reticle using a turret and moves the reticle and the mount system so that the center of the reticle coincides with the bullet impact point.

[0445] After physically zeroing the reticle, it is necessary to also zero the digital reticle. Since the digital reticle is formed by an active display or digital display with a fixed position, the only way to zero or align the digital reticle is by using digital means. The position of the digital reticle can be moved by the user so that the center of the digital reticle coincides with the center of the physical reticle.

[0446] In another embodiment, digital zeroing can also be used with a laser designator. When used in conjunction with an external laser rangefinder, the laser designator of the observation optical device needs to be aligned with the direction indicated by the laser rangefinder. Most external laser rangefinders have a visible laser and an infrared laser. The infrared laser is the laser that actually measures the distance. The visible laser can be turned on / off, and by the visible laser that coincides with the aiming of the infrared laser, the user can confirm where the laser is aimed. When the visible laser is turned on, the user can digitally adjust the laser designator so that it coincides with the aiming point of the visible laser. Then the visible laser can be turned off, and the user can use the laser designator in the observation optical device display to ensure the accurate aiming of the laser rangefinder.

[0447] 2. Holographic waveguide In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body with a first optical system, and a base with an active display and a holographic waveguide. In one embodiment, the integration of the holographic waveguide reduces the package size and weight of the conventional beam combining system. By integrating the holographic waveguide, the overall transmission luminance ratio can be increased so that a larger proportion of the light of each optical system reaches the end user.

[0448] FIG. 49 is a representative view of an observation optical device 4900 including an optical system within a main body 4910, a base having an active display 1210, and a holographic waveguide system 4925. The holographic waveguide system 4925 straddles the main body 4910 and the base 4920. The digital or active display 1210 generates an image on a collimation optical element 4930, and the collimation optical element 4930 sends this image to an incident hologram waveguide 4926. This image exits the waveguide via an output hologram 4927 and is introduced onto a first focal plane 4930 of the optical system 4940.

[0449] In one embodiment, the integration of the hologram waveguide reduces the need for a special coating to be made on the beam combiner. Further, the integration of the holographic waveguide eliminates the need for a mirror system and reduces the need for a complex mechanical alignment system.

[0450] The integration of the holographic waveguide can create a replica of a complex optical system required to image a display, eliminating the need for complex systems to be placed in all systems.

[0451] The integration of the holographic waveguide enables the use of LCOS, LCD, and OLED systems to display information within the optical system. Due to the nature of the system, various types of illumination systems can be used in conjunction with the various types of displays used within the system.

[0452] The use of the holographic waveguide enables the implementation of a non-static illumination reticle. This reticle can be changed as the image on the screen changes. The holographic waveguide does not require a conventional illumination method and enables a daylight-bright reticle system.

[0453] The integration of the holographic waveguide creates a function to generate a non-static holographic vision. The output coupling hologram can send the light defined by the master optical system and enables the change of the aiming picture of the holographic vision.

[0454] The integration of the holographic waveguide can be used with any monochromatic or polychromatic light source. By using a complex multiplexed Bragg grid, the integration of a polychromatic illumination system becomes possible.

[0455] 3. Tracking of Bullet Trajectory One of the difficulties related to long-range engagements is the ability to determine the accuracy of the first shot and make timely corrections to improve the accuracy of the next shot. The conventional techniques used to determine the impact point of that round are to attempt to detect the bullet's trace and / or the actual bullet scatter point. This can be difficult in many long-range engagements. In the case of a sniper team, for follow-up shots, feedback from the spotter is also required to send appropriate data back to the shooter. This may take several seconds using only verbal communication.

[0456] In one embodiment, the observation optical device can have an image sensor adapted to detect image frames related to the flight path of the bullet and transmit these image frames to a computing device. In that case, the computing device can calculate the trajectory of the bullet from these image frames.

[0457] In one embodiment, an observation optical device having a main body and a base with an integrated display system can detect a tracer bullet with a built-in image processing function to determine the trajectory of the bullet immediately before it lands in the target area. In one embodiment, this data is transmitted back to a ballistic computer, which can thereby quickly and efficiently generate a follow-up firing solution for the second round. This solution can be transmitted to an active display and the corrected aiming point can be superimposed on the first focal plane of the main body of the observation optical device.

[0458] Automating a feedback loop with computerized detection of trajectories and scatter points, coupling this to an active display, and superimposing electronic aiming point corrections on a first focal plane advantageously reduces the total time required for an accurate second shot. This time reduction can be a critically important point in the engagement process. After a first shot, especially if the shock wave of the first shot arrives at the intended target with a delay beyond the intended time, the opportunity for a second shot can quickly narrow.

[0459] Environmental conditions and windage drift can have a significant impact on the ballistic trajectory of a round over long distances. For example, an M193 bullet can drift approximately 4 feet at 500 yards in a moderate crosswind of 10 miles per hour. Since the velocity of the bullet decreases as the range and total time of flight increase, the effect of windage becomes even more exaggerated at greater distances.

[0460] Various tracer options are available. Standard tracers have been conventionally used by shooters to confirm the trajectory of the bullet within the flight path. With tracer ammunition, light can be emitted in the visible or IR spectrum depending on the composition of the tracer material. The latter is effective when the shooter is using night vision equipment. Additionally, some tracers may initially glow faintly and become brighter as the round progresses along the range. A fuse element can control the timing at which the tracer glows after the round is fired to delay ignition of the tracer material until the bullet has traveled far enough. The fuse delay reduces the risk of the tracer revealing the shooter's firing position.

[0461] In one embodiment, an observation optical instrument equipped with an integrated display system can use tracer bullets to detect, determine, and / or display the trajectory of a bullet just before it hits the target area. In one embodiment, a stealth tracer having a long-delay fuse and emitting light in the near-infrared region (700 - 1000 nm) of the electromagnetic spectrum can be used. The light emitted in the near-infrared region is invisible to the human eye but can be detected by an imaging sensor using conventional glass optical instruments. This type of tracer bullet can be considered particularly effective in maintaining the shooter's stealth in sniper operations while providing an important automated bullet tracking function to accurately determine the requirements for subsequent shot corrections. Thus, various embodiments are adapted to cooperate with one or more tracer bullets to implement the functions described herein.

[0462] Since the imaging sensor in the daylight embodiment is also sensitive to visible light, standard daylight tracers can also be used for bullet tracking. In both the case of visible light and near-infrared light, since the system only needs to detect the flight of the bullet at the last moment before landing, the tracer bullet can take advantage of having a long-delay fuse to enhance stealth.

[0463] In one embodiment, a camera associated with the observation optical instrument can record the trajectory of the bullet, and using a set of sensors embedded in the observation optical instrument, the exact geographical position trajectory of the bullet and the bullet impact point can be calculated.

[0464] In another embodiment, the observation optical instrument can also use a stabilized camera to compensate for the recoil from the firearm. The observation optical instrument will accurately track the movement of the stabilized camera and compensate for its movement to accurately calculate the geographical position trajectory of the bullet. With this embodiment, the shooter can accurately track their own trajectory and correct any mistakes more accurately.

[0465] In both embodiments, the geographical trajectory of the bullet can then be shared with other users, who can also activate a display on their own devices, such as another rifle scope, spotting scope, or goggles that use microdisplay or holographic technology to display the trajectory within their field of view.

[0466] In one embodiment, tracking the bullet trajectory incorporates the step of capturing video frame images of the glowing, flying tracer bullet. The spatial position of the bullet within the selected image frame is extracted by image processing techniques and then correlated with data from other video frames to establish the bullet's trajectory.

[0467] The image frames are selected for processing based on their correlation with the firing event. When the bullet is fired from the weapon, the muzzle exit time is immediately determined by processing accelerometer data obtained from a built-in weapon axis accelerometer included in various embodiments. Next, a correlation window from the muzzle exit time is initiated, whereupon frame-by-frame processing of the video image begins in various embodiments, in which a small cluster of pixels associated with the tracer bullet is identified at a specific X-Y position in space. Since the bullet passes through a small number of individual pixels within the X-Y frame, the frame image can be taken with an exposure time optimized to capture the bullet. Since the camera frame rate and muzzle exit time are known, the distance from the weapon to the bullet in each frame can be established using the known flight characteristics of the bullet. This data is included in a built-in table associated with each weapon and its related round, or alternatively, is received from tactical network communications with the weapon sight.

[0468] If the absolute distance to the target is known from the measurement value of the laser rangefinder, the position of the round at the target distance can be calculated by determining the point on the trajectory corresponding to that target distance. An advantage of this technique is that the measurement is made from in-flight data and does not rely on the impact of the projectile on a physical surface. The calculated position will correspond to the elevation and azimuth angles relative to the position of the weapon and can be used to determine the ballistic aiming corrections required to increase accuracy. As part of this next shot ballistic correction calculation, in various embodiments, inertial orientation angle data is used to calculate a relative reference point between the inertial orientation angle of the gun at muzzle exit and the orientation angle at dispersion. This allows the calculation to account for any angular motion of the gun that occurs during the flight time of the projectile to the target distance.

[0469] 4. Additional Configuration FIG. 50 shows an alternative embodiment of a rifle scope 5000 having a scope body 5005 and a section or notch 5010 at the upper portion of the scope body 5005. The section 5010 has an integrated display system comprising an active display 5015 and a condenser optical device 5020. The integrated display system is oriented such that the display 5015 and the condenser optical device 5020 are parallel to the beam combiner 5025. In this embodiment, a reflective surface such as a mirror is not required.

[0470] FIG. 51 shows an alternative embodiment of a rifle scope 5000 having a scope body 5005 and a section or notch 5010 at the upper portion of the scope body 5005. The section 5010 has an integrated display system comprising an active display 5105, a condenser optical device 5110, and a mirror 5115. The integrated display system is oriented such that the display 5115 and the condenser optical device 5110 are perpendicular to the beam combiner 5025. In FIG. 51, the active display 5105 is closer to the eyepiece system compared to the objective lens system of the observation optical device.

[0471] FIG. 52 shows an alternative embodiment of a rifle scope 5000 having a scope body 5005 and a compartment or notch 5010 at the upper portion of the scope body 5005. The compartment 5010 has an integrated display system comprising an active display 5105, a condenser optic 5110, and a mirror 5115. The integrated display system is oriented such that the display 5115 and the condenser optic 5110 are perpendicular to the beam combiner 5025. In FIG. 52, the active display 5105 is closer to the objective lens system compared to the eyepiece lens system of the observation optics.

[0472] The image generated from the active display 5105 is directed to the mirror and combined with the image of the scene being observed by the observer through the observation optics using the beam combiner 5025 within the scope body 5005, such that the generated image and the observed image can be simultaneously superimposed or overlaid, and the combined image is introduced onto the first focal plane. The beam combiner 5025 is positioned in front of the first focal plane 1510 and the combined image is focused onto the first focal plane, so that the generated image and the observed image do not move relative to each other. This represents a significant advancement compared to devices that introduce the image onto a second focal plane.

[0473] In yet another alternative embodiment, the observation optics has a separable base comprising the scope body, an active display, and a condenser optic, and the active display and the condenser optic are parallel to the beam combiner. In this embodiment, a reflective surface such as a mirror is not required. The base attaches to the bottom of the main body of the observation optics.

[0474] The image generated from the microdisplay 5105 is combined with the image of the scene observed by the observer through the observation optical device using a beam combiner within the scope body, and the generated image and the observation image can be simultaneously superimposed or overlapped, and the combined image is introduced onto the first focal plane. The beam combiner is positioned in front of the first focal plane, and since the combined image is focused on the first focal plane, the generated image and the observation image do not move relative to each other. This is a significant advancement compared to devices that introduce an image onto a second focal plane.

[0475] The optical aiming and methods disclosed herein can be a display or observation device, device, sight, or scope, and can be for a weapon, gun, rifle, laser target locator, rangefinder, or on or part of these, or an add-on accessory thereto. Embodiments can be mounted on a weapon or device, or can be handheld or helmet-mounted.

[0476] V. Observation Optical Devices with Advanced Reticle Features A. Patterns of Active Displays Based on Magnification Settings In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a base with a main body and an integrated display system, and the active display of the integrated display system generates a plurality of reticle patterns projected onto the first focal plane of the field of view.

[0477] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a base with a main body and an integrated display system, and the active display of the integrated display system generates reticle patterns based on the magnification level.

[0478] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body including one or more sensors capable of tracking or monitoring the magnification level of the observation optical device, and a base including an integrated display system, wherein an 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 various reticle patterns optimized for various optical magnification levels. In one embodiment, the active display of the integrated display system can automatically switch the reticle pattern based on the magnification level.

[0479] In one embodiment, an observation optical device including an integrated display system can project digital features or aiming points optimized for a particular magnification setting being used.

[0480] In one embodiment, the main body of the observation optical device has a sensor associated with a magnification adjustment mechanism of the aiming device to generate a signal indicating an adjustment of the optical magnification of the observation optical device. The observation optical device further includes an electronic controller that communicates with the sensor and the active display of the integrated display system. The electronic controller communicates with the active display to generate a reticle pattern in response to the signal generated by the sensor, and the reticle pattern is superimposed on the image of the distant object and observable within its field of view through the eyepiece.

[0481] In some embodiments, the electronic controller and the active display are configured to generate a first reticle pattern, such as a close combat reticle pattern, in response to a signal indicating a first magnification setting value, and in response to a signal indicating a second magnification setting value greater than the first magnification setting value, 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.

[0482] In some embodiments, the sensor can include an electromechanical or optical digital encoder (which can be rotary or linear), a potentiometer, a combination of 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 sensor is described in FIGS. 69 and 70.

[0483] In one embodiment, the active display is not within the main body of the viewing optical device.

[0484] In one embodiment, one or more reticle patterns can be selected from a number of patterns 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 21 or more patterns. In one embodiment, a viewing optical device with an integrated display system can select from at least 10, or at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50 reticle patterns.

[0485] In one embodiment, the active display of the integrated display system projects a reticle pattern based on a particular magnification setting onto a first focal plane of the field of view. When the magnification setting is changed, the reticle pattern generated from the active display switches so that the aiming point is immediately useful to the operator. The switching of the reticle can be based on the magnification setting.

[0486] By way of example, and not limitation, at a 1X magnification setting, the active display can generate a small centered dot projected onto the first focal plane. When the magnification is changed to 8X, the active display generates a crosshair pattern with a long-range holdover dot projected onto the first focal plane. The sensor determines the change in magnification and communicates this to the controller, which in turn changes the reticle pattern of the active display.

[0487] In one embodiment, an observation optical instrument with an integrated display system projects information and aiming points designed to assist an operator in engaging short-range and long-range targets. In one embodiment, multiple "pages" of information or reticle patterns can be designed and loaded into the system, and different pages can be displayed depending on the magnification setting.

[0488] In one embodiment, the reticle pattern from the active display is projected onto the etched reticle in the first focal plane. By projecting the digital reticle onto an etched or fixed reticle, protection is provided in case of system failure.

[0489] FIG. 53 is a representative view of a close combat reticle 5300 at a magnification of 1X. The arcuate thick line 5305, the main horizontal line 5307, the main vertical line 5309, the numbers and arrows are components of the etched reticle. The center dot 5310 is generated from the active display of the integrated display system. This type of reticle is used for close combat, and the center dot represents an aiming point for rapid target acquisition.

[0490] FIG. 54 is a schematic view of the reticle of FIG. 53, but with the magnification setting of the observation optical instrument set to 8x. As shown, the center dot 5310 projected from the active display is too large and conspicuous at a magnification of 8X.

[0491] FIG. 55 is a representative view of a reticle pattern 5500 that provides useful information when the observation optical instrument is set to a magnification of 8X. The arcuate thick line 5502, the main horizontal line 5504, the main vertical line 5506, the numbers and arrows represent the etched reticle. The central aiming point 5510, the six ballistic correction windage dots 5520, and the upper left square 5530 that shows a rangefinder digitizer displaying the virtual distance to the target are components generated by the active display.

[0492] FIG. 56 is a representative view of the reticle pattern 5500 at a low magnification setting.

[0493] Referring to FIGS. 53-56, when the optical magnification setting is 1X, the reticle pattern 5300 includes a first set of a plurality of marks 5310 (such as circles and / or aiming dots, etc.) generated from the active display and projected onto the first focal plane reticle along with the features 5305, 5307, and 5309 of the etched reticle. Preferably, the reticle pattern 5300 formed at least partially by the first set of marks 5310 is a type of close quarters battle reticle (CQB reticle) having a minimum number of marks to provide a visible area with less clutter as shown in FIG. 53.

[0494] As the optical magnification setting value increases, the electronic controller and the active display replace / change / exchange the first reticle pattern with a second set of a plurality of marks (in response to signals received from sensors, including but not limited to the sensors described in FIGS. 69 and 70), and the second set forms (at least partially) a second reticle pattern 5500 different from the first reticle pattern 5300 and typically includes at least some different functions.

[0495] For example, the second reticle pattern can include different aiming features and additional marks related to distance estimation, windage adjustment and elevation adjustment calculations, or other suitable marks commonly used in a ranging reticle as shown in FIG. 55.

[0496] Therefore, it can be seen that it is very useful to generate a plurality of "pages" of features and reticle patterns for the active display, store them in the memory system, and automatically switch the reticle pattern when the operator changes the magnification setting value of the observation optical device.

[0497] B. Active BDC Reticle The ballistic drop compensation (BDC) reticle is designed to place hash marks on a portion of the vertical crosshair positioned below the horizontal crosshair. These hash marks are designed for a specific distance to be tried and match exactly a specific ballistic profile or a set thereof.

[0498] However, the current design of the BDC reticle is a fixed design. This is due to the reticle being manufactured using wires, metals, or by etching glass. Once the reticle is manufactured and installed in a riflescope, this reticle cannot be changed without removing it and installing a new one, and in practice, it can only be achieved by sending the scope back to the manufacturer.

[0499] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body with an optical system and a base with an integrated display system having an active display, the active display being capable of generating a BDC reticle that can be manually changed by the user at any time or, further, automatically changed in real time by the software and sensors of the observation optical device.

[0500] To generate the BDC reticle for the observation optical device disclosed herein, the riflescope can be programmed for a specific ballistic profile of the rifle and the cartridge fired. Next, the observation optical device has sensors such as temperature, pressure, humidity, cant angle, tilt angle, etc. as described above, and these can help provide real-time updates to the BDC reticle so that the BDC reticle is as accurate as possible for all conditions. Thereby, the BDC reticle can be customized according to each rifle and specific shooting conditions.

[0501] With the BDC reticle generated in real time by the active display, the shooter can have an accurate system for shooting accurately and quickly at various distances.

[0502] As shown in FIG. 57, reticle 5700 has portions of standard etching and filling, including main horizontal line 5702, main vertical line 5704, and numerical markings and hash marks along the main vertical crosshairs. Reticle 5700 also has patterns and marks generated by an active display and projected onto a first focal plane reticle. Marks of the active display in this form of BDC reticle include numerical markings 5710 (100 - 900 on the vertical axis in the third and fourth quadrants). Since this portion is projected from a digital display, it can be updated in real time.

[0503] In addition to the active BDC reticle, the user / shooter may become aware that they are in a position to cover other team members in an area where the target may rapidly appear at various distances. For example, a sniper looking down from a building at an intersection or an alley or road with an entrance / exit can be cited. The active display can be used in conjunction with various sensors incorporated in a rifle scope such as a compass, cant angle, tilt angle, GPS, etc., and the direction indicated by the rifle scope can be accurately determined.

[0504] Using an observation optical device with environmental sensors, an integrated display system with an active display for generating and projecting a BDC reticle onto a first focal plane, and a rangefinder, the user can aim at known landmarks such as doors, windows, cars, etc., and use a controller and the active display to place distance markers on these landmarks. These distance markers are projected onto the first focal plane and can be seen through the observation optical device. With the environmental sensors, the user can move the observation optical device to observe another target, but the distance markers remain on the target.

[0505] FIG. 58 is a representative image of the BDC reticle generated by the active display and projected onto the first focal plane reticle, with the distance to the potential target being displayed. With an observation optical instrument having a main body equipped with an environmental sensor and a base having an integrated display system equipped with an active display for generating the BDC reticle, the user can attach distance displays to multiple targets within one or more regions. In this case, when a target appears near the target marker, the user will be able to quickly identify the distance to the target without having to aim at the target. Next, the user can quickly hold and align with the target using the active BDC reticle at the correct position.

[0506] C. Reticle for correcting the cant of a firearm In a conventional riflescope, when making a long-range shot, it is important that the firearm and the scope are horizontal during the shot. When the bullet travels a long distance, the bullet is affected by gravity to an extent that the shooter must take into account. Gravity pulls the bullet in a consistent direction towards the ground at all times, causing the "drop of the bullet". The shooter compensates for this drop of the bullet by aiming higher than the target so that the bullet falls to the appropriate height and hits the target by the time it reaches the target.

[0507] FIG. 59 is a representative diagram of the cant angle. It can be clearly seen that this triangle is a right triangle with an upward angle of 10° and a downward right angle. The side of 10 milliradians is the hypotenuse side of the triangle and represents the inclined vertical cross-section of the crosshair. However, gravity acts on the vertical side of the triangle.

[0508] Using trigonometry, the length of the vertical side can be solved by the following formula: Cos10° = x / 10 milliradians. Solving for x gives a result of 9.85 milliradians. That is, in this example, the user / shooter may have held or dialed in 10 milliradians, but has only corrected for a shot of 9.85 milliradians. At long distances, this is sufficient to miss the target.

[0509] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device comprising an integrated display system that uses an active display to generate a reticle capable of correcting the cant of a firearm. A user can perform seamless long-range shooting without worrying about the cant angle.

[0510] In a conventional riflescope, the reticle is a physical crosshair that is either a pattern permanently etched on metal, wire, or glass. This means that the cant of the reticle is always fixed. However, in the case of active display technology that generates a real-time reticle, the digital reticle can be changed at any time by superimposing the digital reticle on a passive image. In one embodiment, the observation optical device has an internal cant sensor that can instantaneously orient the reticle generated by the active display to correct the cant angle.

[0511] FIG. 60 is a representative diagram of a reticle 6000 in which marks and patterns are oriented for cant by an 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 corrects the cant and is projected or superimposed on the passive reticle. The pivot point 6010 is at the center of the reticle. In this case, the electronic controller / microcontroller uses the information collected from the cant angle sensor and the tilt angle sensor, applies software logic, and communicates with the active display to generate a new zero calibration position corresponding to the orientation of the firearm at this point, and adjusts the aiming point 6020 of the generated image to reflect the related geometric arrangement and hold point. The user will shoot with the digital reticle generated by the active display instead of the passive or fixed reticle.

[0512] In another embodiment, the active display of the integrated display system can generate a digital reticle that corrects for cant and corrects for shooting at an uphill or downhill angle by adjusting the aiming point on the digital reticle up and down. This eliminates the need for a cosine indicator often used to correct for shooting in this type of situation.

[0513] D. Digital Reticle with Drift Indicator In a conventional rifle scope, the reticle with a wind indicator is usually a glass-etching type reticle. In many cases, these reticles are provided with a grid pattern or a dot array, enabling the user to have a reference point for aiming and compensating for wind speed. The problem with these reticles is that since the reticle is physically and permanently etched on a glass piece, its shape and size are fixed.

[0514] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body and a base having an integrated display system with an active display for generating a digital reticle that uses a drift indicator to compensate for the distance to a target. In one embodiment, the digital reticle is superimposed on a passive reticle. By using a digital reticle superimposed on a passive reticle, the observation optical device can have a reticle capable of adapting a real-time windhold to the trajectory, distance, and environment of a specific situation.

[0515] Generally, the longer the distance, the greater the impact of the crosswind on the bullet. By using a digital reticle, the windhold can be widened as the distance increases to compensate for the wind value at a specific distance to the target.

[0516] Figure 61 is a representative view of a reticle 6100. A plurality of components or markers are provided by a passive reticle including a main horizontal crosshair 6102 and a main vertical crosshair 6104. The active display of the integrated display system generates and projects a target 6105 ranged at 500 yards and a wind hold 6110 for specific conditions. The ends of the auxiliary horizontal lines (crossing the main vertical line) are equal to a drift of 5 mph, the next dot is 10 mph, and the outermost dot is 15 mph. The images 6105 and 6110 generated from the active display are superimposed on the passive reticle.

[0517] Figure 62 is a representative view of a reticle 6200. A plurality of components or markers are provided by a passive reticle including a main horizontal crosshair 6202 and a main vertical crosshair 6204. The active display of the integrated display system generates and projects a target 6210 ranged at 1000 yards and a wind hold 6220 for specific conditions. The ends of the horizontal lines (crossing the main vertical line) are equal to a drift of 5 mph, the next dot is 10 mph, and the outermost dot is 15 mph. The images 6210 and 6220 generated from the active display are superimposed on the passive reticle. It can be seen that the auxiliary horizontal line 6220 extends wider, and the wind dots spread further to both sides compared to the solution at 500 yards (Figure 61) to compensate for the additional drift induced when the bullet travels a longer distance.

[0518] E. Reticle with Central Grid for Second Shot Correction Conventionally, passive reticles have been designed so that a shooter can have many reference points for shooting under various conditions and various trajectories. However, due to the very wide variation in the diversity of conditions and trajectories, these reticles tend to have many features on the reticle that cause the reticle to appear cluttered or cumbersome to the user, such as a grid of lines or dots.

[0519] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a reticle system including a digital reticle generated on an active display and superimposed on a passive reticle. By using the digital reticle, information can be appropriately displayed as needed, eliminating the need to display specific information on the passive reticle, thereby providing a cleaner or more distinguishable passive reticle.

[0520] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a passive reticle or an analog reticle designed to function most efficiently in conjunction with an active reticle. With active reticle technology, the observation optical device can perform complex calculations and display a ballistic solution to the user. Generally, the ballistic solution is not at the center of the field of view or the center of the crosshairs of the passive reticle. Therefore, the user is given the option of either holding the center over the ballistic solution or turning the turret until the ballistic solution is at the center of the field of view and the center of the passive crosshairs before firing.

[0521] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including an analog reticle and a digital reticle that enable a shooter to perform a second shot correction most effectively and efficiently while minimizing interference with the field of view such as that caused by previous passive reticles that use an extensive grid of lines and dots.

[0522] FIG. 63 is a representative view of a wide-angle view of a reticle 6300 at a low magnification. Below the horizontal crosshairs, a less obtrusive row of dots is used. This passive reticle can be used as a backup in the event that the active display cannot be generated due to a battery power failure or malfunction of the electronic device of the observation optical device.

[0523] FIG. 64 is a representative view of a close-up of the central portion of the reticle 6400. FIG. 64 provides a higher magnification view. This image shows a small grid 6410 generated by the active display of the integrated display system and is positioned at the center of the reticle. This allows the user to accurately measure the first shot impact position and make an accurate second shot correction.

[0524] In one embodiment, the grid 6410 generated by the active display is wider than it is tall. This is specifically designed because the calculation of the elevation angle of impact for the first shot is more accurate than the estimation of drift. In this embodiment, the small plus features of the small grid are very thin features that are not illuminated, allowing for extremely precise measurements.

[0525] With an active or digital reticle, it is necessary to acquire the first shot very close, and thus the central grid can be made much smaller than a typical passive reticle that requires a large grid that covers a significant portion of the field of view below the horizontal crosshair.

[0526] VI. Automatic Brightness Adjustment As discussed throughout this application, the integrated display system allows a digital image generated on the active display to be superimposed over the image of the external scene. This active display is introduced into the image of the external scene using the illuminated portion of the display. To make the display most user-friendly, it is desirable to increase the contrast ratio between the brightness of the passive scene and the brightness of the illuminated display so that both are easily visible. If the display is too dark, the user cannot see it. If the display is too bright, the display overwhelms the passive scene.

[0527] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body equipped with an integrated display system and an optical sensor capable of detecting and correcting the brightness of a specific target.

[0528] FIG. 71 shows a representative schematic view of an observation optical device 7000 including a main body 7005 and a base 7010 coupled to the main body. The main body 7005 has an optical system for observing an image of an external scene and a beam combiner 7020, and a photosensor 7025 and an optical filter 7030 are positioned above the beam combiner 7020. Thereby, the photosensor can directly view the target scene without creating an obstacle within the field of view. The base 7010 has an integrated display system 7015 including an active display for generating an image projected onto a first focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0529] The photosensor 7025 and the optical filter 7030 generate a high contrast ratio between the luminance of the image of the external scene and the luminance of the image generated from the active display.

[0530] In one embodiment, the transmission band of the filter in front of the photosensor can be adjusted to be sufficiently narrow so that only the luminance of the target is measured and additional light from the display system that would distort the measurement is not measured.

[0531] VII. Observation Optical Device with Automatic Ranging Performance In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including an integrated display system incorporating the use of a camera to assist with automatic ranging. In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system including an observation optical device including an integrated display system, a camera to assist with automatic ranging, and a laser rangefinder.

[0532] 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 increase the speed of obtaining a target solution and eliminate the need for button presses that could affect the aiming point. Further, the systems and methods disclosed herein integrate artificial intelligence into the system to determine the quality of the ranged target solution.

[0533] In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a camera incorporating image recognition technology. In one embodiment, the camera can be attached to either an observation optical device having an integrated display system or a firearm, and will be oriented in the direction of the aiming point of the riflescope.

[0534] In one embodiment, the camera has artificial intelligence for detecting a target and communicating 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 installed within a base coupled to the main body of the observation optical device.

[0535] In another embodiment, a thermal imaging camera lacking image recognition technology can be used. This enables the transmission of a thermal image to the active display and superimposition over the image of the external scene within the observation optical device. The observation optical device can be programmed to display only the targeted "hot spots". For example, the hot spots indicate the heat of a person or a vehicle. By eliminating artificial intelligence, the power consumed by the system is significantly reduced. Furthermore, all appropriate hot spots appear within the field of view, and the user can evaluate each hot spot to determine whether the target is valid.

[0536] After identifying a valid target, the user simply moves the observation optical device so that the LRF digitalizer within the field of view comes over the desired hot spot. As soon as the LRF digitalizer is aligned with the hot spot, the system automatically activates the LRF to obtain the distance to the hot spot. After obtaining the distance, the observation optical device can display the hold point of the target's distance or simply indicate the distance, and the user can use the active BDC mode to hold on an active BDC reticle for the appropriate measured distance to the target.

[0537] Additional functionality for the system is that it can automatically detect whether the hot spot remains in the LRF digitizer long enough to obtain a valid range. If not, before displaying the solution, the range display will wait for the hot spot to remain in the LRF digitizer for an appropriate length of time to achieve valid target capture. This eliminates the second problem with button presses.

[0538] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to techniques and methods for using an overlay camera image projected onto a first focal plane of an observation optical device and using this image in conjunction with an LRF digitizer to automatically range a target.

[0539] VIII. Observation Optical Device Equipped with a Photosensor to Save Power In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an integrated display system and a power-saving system. In one embodiment, the power-saving system can be installed within a base coupled to the main body of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the power-saving system includes a proximity sensor. In one embodiment, the proximity sensor communicates with a microcontroller.

[0540] In one embodiment, the power-saving system can be used to put the observation optical device into sleep mode or standby mode when the user / operator is not looking through the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the system and mechanism can wake up or activate the observation optical device when the user / operator is detected behind the eyepiece of the observation optical device.

[0541] Current methods of putting an electronic device into sleep or standby rely on the use of a "timeout" function. However, when an observation optical device is used for close combat missions, this is disadvantageous because the observation optical device needs to remain on for an indefinite period as long as there is an operator looking through it. An accelerometer can also be used to detect movement and turn on the system. The drawback of this method is that when the operator is observing, the firearm may enter the sleep state with little movement for an extended period, even though the operator is still looking through the observation optical device.

[0542] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system that conserves battery power by turning on an observation optical device when an operator is detected behind the eyepiece of the observation optical device.

[0543] In one embodiment, the power-saving system can be used with any electro-optical device that is compatible with mounting a proximity sensor within a few inches of the operator's face when using the observation optical device.

[0544] 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 base having a window on the back of the base facing the eyepiece.

[0545] In one embodiment, the base has a proximity sensor installed in a carrier, and the carrier is installed in a window positioned at the end of the base facing the eyepiece. The proximity sensor can transmit a signal to a microcontroller within the base or the main body when it detects a reflection within a few inches from the window. The distance at which an object activates the sensor can be adjusted at the factory, or software options can be incorporated into the user interface to allow the operator to adjust the sensitivity of the sensor or disable / enable the automatic sleep / standby function.

[0546] FIG. 72 is a representative view of an observation optical device 7200 having a base 7205. A window 7210 is installed on the base 7205 facing the eyepiece of the main body of the observation optical device. A proximity sensor and a carrier 7215 are installed within the window 7210 and positioned below the eyepiece.

[0547] FIGS. 73 and 74 are representative views of an observation optical device 7200 having a base with a power-saving system, and the observation optical device is attached to a rifle. It can be seen that the operator's face is within a few inches from the back of the observation optical device. The sensor 7215 within the base 7205 of the observation optical device 7200 detects the reflection from the operator's face, thereby waking up the observation optical device from the sleep mode. When the operator moves his head from the observation position, the sensor no longer sees the reflection, and the observation optical device will enter the sleep mode or standby mode.

[0548] IX. Observation Optical Device with Power Rails In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having a main body and a base with an integrated display system, and the observation optical device can be powered from an external power source housed in a host firearm. In one embodiment, the observation optical device has a main body and a base coupled to the main body, and electrical pins are incorporated into the base to supply power from the firearm to the observation optical device. In another embodiment, electrical pins incorporated into a remote keypad assembly can be used to supply power from the firearm to the observation optical device.

[0549] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a method and system for supplying additional power to an observation optical device over a long period of time.

[0550] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device including a main body and a base coupled to the main body, the base having a PCB used to control a display, a sensor, and a user interface of the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the base has a power input pin that protrudes through the base and contacts a power pad. In one embodiment, the power pad is incorporated into a Picatinny rail.

[0551] In one embodiment, the PCB is disposed at a position enabling interaction with the input pin. In one embodiment, the input pin is sealed with respect to the base of the riflescope to keep the inside of the riflescope protected from the environment.

[0552] FIGS. 75 and 76 are representative views of an observation optical device 7500 having a main body and a base 7510, with a power pin 7520 protruding through the base 7510.

[0553] FIG. 77 is a representative side profile of the observation optical device 7500 showing the power pin 7520 protruding through the base 7510 of the observation optical device 7500.

[0554] FIG. 78 is a representative side profile view of the observation optical device 7500 with the base of the observation optical device made transparent to show the power pin 7520 attached to the built-in PCB 7530.

[0555] In another embodiment, power supplied by a Picatinny rail on a firearm can be delivered to the observation optical device via a remote keypad used to control the observation optical device. In this scenario, the power pin is connected to a PCB within the remote keypad and protrudes through a built-in recoil lug within the remote keypad housing. In this case, the power is sent to the base of the riflescope through two dedicated wires within a cable.

[0556] FIG. 79 is a representative image of the top surface of the remote keypad 7900.

[0557] FIG. 80 is a representative side profile of the remote keypad 7900 showing the power pins 8010 protruding through the built-in coil lugs.

[0558] FIG. 81 is a representative bottom view of the remote keypad 7900 showing two power pins 8010 protruding through the built-in coil lugs.

[0559] FIG. 82 is a representative bottom view of the remote keypad 7900 with the cover made transparent to show the PCB 8205 inside the remote body.

[0560] X. Observation optical device having a single keypad with multiple functions In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a system comprising an observation optical device having an integrated display system and a remote keypad system having two or more functions per keypad button. In one embodiment, the remote keypad can control two or more aspects of the functions of the observation optical device, i.e., two or more functions per button. In one embodiment, the function of the button depends on the state of either a control signal or a software bit.

[0561] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a remote keypad that extends the control that a user / operator has over an observation optical device and / or an auxiliary device used with the observation optical device.

[0562] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a keypad for an observation optical device and / or one or more auxiliary devices used with the observation optical device. In one embodiment, two or more functions are assigned to a single button of the keypad, and the desired function can be determined by a software bit or a separate mechanical switch. This can significantly improve the functionality of the observation optical device.

[0563] In one representative embodiment, in the first mode, the button can change the brightness of the display, and in the second mode, the same button can activate an infrared pointer on the system. By using the same button for two or more functions, the number of buttons required can be minimized, keeping the remote keypad small and simple.

[0564] Figure 83 is a representative diagram of a keypad with three buttons. The remote keypad associated with the observation optical device has three 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 decrease the brightness of the display. The function of each button depends on the operating mode.

[0565] In one embodiment, the keypad can have 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11 or more operating modes. In one embodiment, the keypad can communicate with a processor that sets 10 to 50 operating modes for the keypad. As an example, a keypad that communicates with a processor having 10 operating modes for the keypad gives each button 10 functions, and these functions will be determined by the operating mode.

[0566] The functions of the buttons can be changed using several methods. In one embodiment, when the user / operator presses and holds a button on the remote keypad for a certain period of time, the microcontroller changes the functions of one or more buttons. In one embodiment, the operator can press and hold one of the three buttons for a long time, for example, for 1 second, which will send a signal to the microcontroller inside the observation optical device to change the bits that assign new functions to the buttons. In one embodiment, pressing and holding the top button 8305 for a certain period of time can set mode A, pressing and holding the middle button 8310 for a certain period of time can set mode B, and pressing and holding the bottom button 8315 for a certain period of time can set mode C. By changing the time associated with each button, additional operating modes can be activated. For example, mode A can be activated by holding button 8305 for 5 seconds, and mode F can be activated by interacting with button 8305 with 5 quick taps.

[0567] In another embodiment, the functions of the remote keypad buttons can be changed via a separate mechanical switch on the observation optical device. In one embodiment, the mechanical switch can have three different positions, which communicate with three different bits or programs in the microcontroller. These bits or programs can be used to assign various functions to the remote keypad buttons.

[0568] A representative example is shown in FIG. 84. The observation optical device has a switch 8400 that communicates with a remote keypad 8300. At a first set point 8405, the function of increasing the brightness of the display can be assigned to the top button 8305 of the remote keypad 8300, the middle button 8310 can activate the laser rangefinder, and the bottom button 8315 can decrease the brightness of the display. When the mechanical switch 8400 is set to a second set point 8410, the functions of the top button 8305 and the bottom button 8315 can be programmed to turn on / off an auxiliary pointing laser on the observation optical device, and the middle button 8310 can still be programmed to activate the laser rangefinder. When the mechanical switch 8400 is set to a third set point 8415, the functions of the three buttons can be changed again. For example, if the observation optical device is equipped with a digital magnetic compass and position and landmark data are stored in the memory of the microcontroller, information regarding the position of the object can be displayed within the field of view of the observation optical device (augmented reality data).

[0569] In one embodiment, the keypad communicates with a processor of the observation optical device that enables various operation modes to be assigned to each button or switch of the keypad. For example, in one operation mode, the buttons of the keypad have specific functions for marking a target object. The operator can measure the distance to the target using the laser rangefinder and "mark" the target object within the field of view using the azimuth data from the digital magnetic compass. Functions particularly suitable for this task can be assigned to the buttons on the keypad.

[0570] Using the central button on the keypad, the laser rangefinder can be activated to measure the distance to a target. Once the target has been measured, the top and bottom buttons can be used to select from a list of predefined descriptors, such as "landmark", "ally", "enemy", "unknown", etc., to classify the target. As soon as the operator finishes this action, the mechanical switch can be changed to quickly reassign to the remote keypad buttons a function that allows the operator to change the brightness setting value, activate the infrared laser, or obtain a ballistic solution for the target's distance range.

[0571] XII. Observation optical device equipped with a relative coordinate mapping system In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to techniques and methods for using an observation optical device equipped with an integrated display system to accurately tag and track a target using a relative coordinate mapping system and / or drone technology.

[0572] Soldiers need to be able to accurately identify the position of enemy targets, share this position with other soldiers, close air support, etc., and easily view these targets by overlaying them within the field of view of their main optical device. The most obvious way to achieve this is to use a combination of GPS, compass bearing, altitude, tilt, and distance measurement sensors. However, relying on GPS has drawbacks such as the GPS signal requiring a direct line of sight to GPS satellites, and this line of sight is not always possible. Using relative coordinate technology and / or drones can reduce the need for GPS. Relative coordinate technology becomes feasible when used in conjunction with an observation optical device having an integrated display system.

[0573] In one embodiment, the user can point an observation optical device equipped with an integrated display system at a landmark or target and “tag” it. When the user “tags” multiple targets, a relative position map can be created from the tagged targets. These tagged targets can be transmitted to the observation optical devices of other users, and the other users will see the tagged targets displayed within their field of view. Subsequently, all of this target data will be locally stored in one or more memory devices within the observation optical device.

[0574] In one embodiment, the user can also use drones instead of, or in addition to, tagged targets. This functions by launching a “cloud” of numerous small drones or micro-drones that house cameras and appropriate sensors, flying over the battlefield to initiate tagging and marking of landmarks. The drones can share this information with each other and return to the user, and the user will display this information on the active display of the observation optical device.

[0575] By using relative coordinate technology and / or a cloud of drones, the drawbacks of GPS can be overcome.

[0576] · In the case of multiple users and multiple observation optical devices, redundancy will be inherent in the stored target data. Using a cloud of drones can further enhance that redundancy. With redundancy, the likelihood of signals or data being lost is much lower. · GPS requires data to be transmitted and received over extremely long distances to satellites in orbit. By using other users in the same combat space or a cloud of drones in the same combat space, the network becomes closer to the users and targets, improving the accuracy of the coordinates of the users and targets. · Since the number of GPS satellites is limited, GPS is much easier to jam. With users and / or a cloud of drones, it becomes much more difficult to jam all signals, and redundancy increases. By eliminating the need for a GPS module, the observation optical device becomes less bulky.

[0577] XIII. Observation Optical Device with Ammunition Status Indicator During shooting in high-stress situations, the shooter may not easily know how many rounds are left in the firearm. Currently, there is no simple or conventional method to determine the number of rounds remaining in the firearm magazine while holding the firearm at the firing position. A mechanical counter can be added or integrated into the magazine, but checking the mechanical counter requires the shooter to look away from the sight and / or 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 sight of the aiming picture, physically check the magazine, or otherwise interrupt the shooter's posture or position.

[0578] Some magazines are transparent or have a transparent window to show the remaining rounds, but the shooter needs to break the firing position to observe the level. In addition, the remaining rounds may be obscured by the grip or receiver. In a military environment, some shooters load a tracer round as the last round in the magazine to indicate that the magazine in use is almost empty, but this may expose the shooter's position and requires the use of special rounds.

[0579] Other methods and systems attempt to address this problem by placing a digital readout device on the grip, but these readouts are often placed in areas that project light backward toward the shooter and require the shooter to break focus from the aiming picture in order to visually confirm the remaining ammunition. In some cases, the readout device is an attachment to an existing firearm component, and the shooter may need to replace a component such as the grip in order to attach the readout device to the weapon. Some readout devices are attached to the bottom of the magazine and may be considered disposable or semi-disposable items in some military applications, i.e., items that may be considered more expensive.

[0580] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device having an integrated display system that enables a user / shooter to monitor ammunition status. The ammunition status is projected onto a first focal plane and can be combined with an image of the external scene. By actively performing or preparing for a magazine change, the shooter can reload at a selected time rather than at a sub-optimal time determined by an empty weapon and magazine.

[0581] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a bullet counter system. In one embodiment, the bullet counter system includes one or more magnets in a magazine or another bullet loading device, and a sensor on or within the weapon for counting bullets in the magazine. In one embodiment, the sensor can be present within a remote control attached to a weapon magazine well for counting the last bullet in the magazine. Information is then displayed via an active display and projected onto the first focal plane of the optical system so that an image (bullet indicator / ammunition status) generated when viewed through the eyepiece of the observation optical device and an image of the external scene can be observed simultaneously.

[0582] In one embodiment, an observation optical device having an integrated display system and a bullet counter system can be used by military, law enforcement, competitive or civilian shooters to indicate that the user has a certain number of bullets without having to lose sight of the aiming picture through the optical device. Further, the shooter can recognize the last bullet in the magazine from the aiming picture in the optical device without interruption of concentration and continue to engage the target more continuously. Also, the shooter is provided with an opportunity to actively prepare for or perform the replacement of the magazine. By actively performing or preparing for the replacement of the magazine, the shooter can obtain an opportunity to reload at a selected time rather than potentially at a suboptimal time. As used herein, the terms bullet counter system and ammunition status indicator are used interchangeably.

[0583] In one embodiment, the bullet counter system can include a chamber status indicator, which functions as a safety notice by notifying the user that there is a bullet in the chamber. This can be particularly useful in bullpup firearms since it can be difficult to visually inspect the chamber in some firearm designs.

[0584] In addition, since the system can mostly use existing hardware and does not require significant or costly modifications to the firearm or the magazine of the firearm, minimal weight is added.

[0585] In one embodiment, the bullet counter system can be fully integrated into the firearm system or can be a minor and inexpensive modification to an existing firearm system.

[0586] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical device comprising an integrated display system having an active display and a bullet counter system that projects an ammunition status or bullet count onto a first focal plane of the observation optical device.

[0587] The bullet counter system disclosed herein is different from previously disclosed devices that use recoil impulse to determine the number of bullets leaving the magazine. Previously disclosed devices typically require the user to press a button or perform another action to notify the system that a new magazine has been loaded. Additionally, previously disclosed systems only count down from a set number. Thus, if a user loads a magazine with a 30-round capacity and the magazine only has 7 rounds, a previously disclosed device may read that the user has 30 rounds available. This can lead to extremely dangerous consequences. In contrast, the bullet counter system disclosed herein reads the number of bullets remaining in the magazine and does not rely on counting down the bullets. As a result, the user can insert a partially loaded magazine and confirm the exact number of bullets.

[0588] In one embodiment, the bullet counter disclosed herein is independent of a countdown mechanism.

[0589] In one embodiment, the bullet counter system includes one or more magnets within the ammunition supply device and a magnetic sensor on or within the firearm. When a bullet is fired, the magnet moves and interacts with the magnetic sensor. A signal is sent from the sensor to a processing unit configured to communicate with an integrated display system within the sighting optics.

[0590] The remaining bullets within the ammunition supply device are determined based on the position of the magnet relative to the sensor. The bullet counter system disclosed herein is configured to communicate with an integrated display system, which will display the number of remaining bullets to the user without the user having to break their concentration from the aiming picture.

[0591] Figure 91 shows one representative magazine follower 9110 and magazine 9130 that can be used in the bullet counter system disclosed herein. As shown in Figure 91, one or more azimuth magnets 9120 are disposed at the rear of the magazine follower 9110. The magnetic field is projected outside the magazine 9130 perpendicular to the bullets in the magazine 9130 so that the magnetic field does not interfere with the supply or loading of steel cases or armor-piercing steel, or other magnetically affected chips.

[0592] Figure 92 shows one representative sensor that can be used with the bullet counter system disclosed herein. When a bullet is supplied through the magazine 9130, the follower 9110, and thus one or more magnets 9120 contained therein, are raised by a spring when each bullet is stripped from the magazine 9130. A sensor such as the Hall effect sensor 9210 on the circuit board 9220 is disposed on the receiver 9230 of the firearm to detect the magnetic field, detect a change in the strength of the magnetic field, and detect the position where the magnetic field changes.

[0593] Next, in one embodiment, the sensor transmits a signal to a processing unit, and this signal is used to correlate the height of the follower in the magazine with the remaining number of bullets. The processing unit is configured to transmit information to the active display of the observation optical device, and the active display projects this information onto the first focal plane of the optical train in the body of the observation optical device. The remaining number of bullets is displayed within the shooter's field of view in the optical device via the active reticle display.

[0594] In one embodiment, each magnetic sensor generates an electrical signal in response to the detected magnetic field and transmits it to the processor 9260. The processor receives a plurality of electrical signals from different receptors and associates the number of bullets or cartridges corresponding to the position of the cartridge follower as a function of the signals received.

[0595] The processor executes a program from a series of instructions stored in a storage device. In one embodiment, the storage device can be present on a circuit board that houses a magnetic sensor. The instructions can be defined in different ways for each of the various types of magazines as a result of the different technical possibilities of the various types of magazines, such as the number of cartridges that can be held, the storage method (in-line, alternating arrangement, etc.), or as a result of the choice by the firearm owner.

[0596] As a result, the processor calculates the supply as a function of various types of signals, which can be associated with various numerical values, and calculates the number of cartridges still remaining in the magazine according to the received values.

[0597] Figures 93A, 93B, and 93C show cross-sectional views of a magazine follower 9110 including one or more magnets 9120, a magazine 9130, and Hall effect sensors (9310, 9330, and 9340) on a circuit board 9320 attached to the lower receiver of an M4. The follower 9110 rises in the magazine 9130, and the position of the magnetic field changes. Different sensors (9310, 9320, and 9340) are arranged to detect the changing position of the magnetic field.

[0598] Figure 93A shows the remaining approximately eight rounds with the Hall effect sensor 9310 detecting the magnetic field. Figure 93B shows the remaining approximately four rounds with the Hall effect sensor 9330 detecting the magnetic field. Figure 93C shows that the number of rounds remaining in the magazine is zero with the Hall effect sensor 9340 detecting the magnetic field. At each position, the magnet 9120 interacts with different combinations of the 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 16 or more.

[0599] In one embodiment, the combination of sensors that the magnets interact with can determine the height of the magazine and calculate the remaining number of bullets. In one embodiment, the sensors can be arranged perpendicular to each other and spaced at equal intervals. The spacing between the sensors can be correlated with the vertical distance that the follower moves each time a bullet is removed.

[0600] In one embodiment, the information can be transmitted physically via a cable or wirelessly to an observation optical device equipped with an active display. The remaining number of bullets can be displayed within the shooter's field of view in the observation optical device via an active reticle display. In one embodiment, the number of bullets can be displayed in alphabetical order, graphons, or graphics. In one embodiment, the ammunition status can be displayed in a color code. In one embodiment, the ammunition status can be displayed in green to indicate that sufficient ammunition remains. In another embodiment, the ammunition status can be displayed in red to indicate that ammunition replacement is necessary. In one embodiment, the ammunition status can be displayed in yellow to indicate that ammunition replacement will be required soon.

[0601] In one embodiment, the bullet counter system tracks or monitors the ammunition status. In one embodiment, the bullet counter system determines the remaining number of bullets. In another embodiment, the bullet counter system counts the bullets in the magazine.

[0602] Figures 94A and 94B show additional embodiments of the bullet counter system. As shown in Figures 94A and 94B, the magazine follower 9110 has one or more magnets 9120 that interact with one or more ir...

Claims

1. A system comprising: An observation optical device having a main body with a first end and a second end and a central axis, an objective lens system disposed within the main body, an eyepiece lens disposed within the main body, and an erecting lens system disposed within the main body, wherein the objective lens system, the eyepiece lens system, and the erecting lens system form an optical system having a first focal plane, the first focal plane being located between the objective lens system and the erecting lens system and having a first reticle; an active display configured to generate a digital image; and at least a first enable line interface. A thermal imaging device configured to interact with the first enable line interface and configured to transmit information to the active display, the information being projected onto the first focal plane of the observation optical device. A system comprising the above.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal imaging device has a main housing and a mounting arm configured to interact with the first enable line interface.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the mounting arm has a pogo pin and the first enable line interface has a pogo pin target header.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the mounting arm has a first portion extending diagonally from the main housing of the thermal imaging device.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the mounting arm has a second portion extending diagonally and has a pogo pin for interacting with the first enable line interface.

6. The system according to claim 2, wherein the first enable line interface is located in front of an etched reticle elevation adjustment knob of the observation optical device.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the thermal imaging device is a long-wavelength infrared (LWIR) thermal imaging device.

8. The system according to claim 2, wherein the main housing of the thermal imaging device is located to the left or right of the central axis of the observation optical device.

9. A system comprising: An observation optical device, comprising: a main body having a first end and a second end and a central axis; an objective lens system disposed within the main body; an eyepiece disposed within the main body; and an erecting lens system disposed within the main body, wherein the objective lens system, the eyepiece system, and the erecting lens system form an optical system having a first focal plane, the first focal plane being located between the objective lens system and the erecting lens system and having a first reticle; an active display configured to generate a digital image; and at least a first enabling interface. An objective display module coupled to the objective lens system of the observation optical device; An imaging device configured to interact with the first enabling interface and configured to transmit information to the objective display module, the information being projected onto the objective lens system of the observation optical device. A system comprising the above.

10. The optical system according to claim 9, wherein the first enabling interface is located in front of an etched reticle elevation adjustment knob of the observation optical device.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the imaging device is a near-infrared (NIR) imaging device, a short-wavelength infrared (SWIR) imaging device, a mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) imaging device, or a long-wavelength infrared imaging device.

12. The system according to claim 9, wherein the imaging device is a long-wavelength infrared imaging device.

13. The imaging device has a main housing and an attachment arm that interacts with the first enabling interface, the system according to claim 9.

14. The attachment arm has pogo pins, and the first enabling interface has a target pogo pin header, the system according to claim 13.

15. The main housing of the imaging device is located to the left or right of the central axis of the observation optical device, the system according to claim 13.

16. The objective display module includes an active display configured to communicate with the imaging device, the system according to claim 9.

17. The objective display module includes a set of lenses for collecting light from the active display, the system according to claim 16.

18. The objective display module has pogo pins configured to interact with a pogo pin target header on the imaging device, the system according to claim 9.

19. The imaging device is a dual imaging device having a first imaging device and a second imaging device, the system according to claim 9.

20. The first imaging device is a thermal imaging device, and the second imaging device is a CMOS near-infrared imaging device or a short-wavelength infrared imaging device, the system according to claim 19.

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