Display overlay system

Abstract

A display system for superimposing an image onto the field of view of a view-through optical instrument. The display system includes a relay optical instrument having a prism and a beam combiner. The display system also includes a mounting system that includes a display holder adjustable in three degrees of freedom.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - reference to Related Applications) This application claims the priority of Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 502,880, filed on May 17, 2023, and is the parent application thereof, and the provisional patent application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety into this specification.

[0002] (Technical Field) The present disclosure generally relates to observation optical devices. In particular, the present disclosure relates to an optical system that enables a display to be observable through the optical path of a see - through optical device.

Background Art

[0003] View - through optical devices used in the sports industry, such as riflescopes, binoculars, spotting scopes, etc., can be improved by projecting information overlaid (superimposed) on the field of view onto the user's eyes. One typical way to achieve this is to use a combination of a beam combiner within the optical path and a display outside the optical path. To align the focal planes of the display and the optical image, the optical device generally includes axial adjustment. Existing solutions can achieve only the best focus for only a part of the display because the display occupies most of the optical aperture. This leads to aberration and defocus at the edges of the projected and displayed information. Existing relay optical designs are relatively large, difficult to assemble, and expensive. Also, there is little room for using highly corrected optical surfaces such as off - axis, free - form, or aspherical surfaces.

[0004] In existing, specific solutions, information displayed outside the optical path is transferred to a beam combiner or mirror located within the optical path. The beam combiner or mirror overlays the displayed information onto the field of view of the observation optics. A specific relay optics design includes a beam combiner or mirror and all optical elements (if any) that precede it to track information outside the view-through optical path. A relay optics design may include a single beam combiner or mirror, or it may include additional optical elements.

[0005] When acquiring information displayed on a screen and relaying it to a view-through optical device (relay optical design), there are three main optical functions required in the optical design: magnification, aberration correction, and beam control.

[0006] This disclosure relates to an improved relay optical design that replaces a conventional mirror / lens arrangement with a prism / integrating element.

[0007] This disclosure also includes a mounting system for a display that adds an additional degree of freedom to adjust the display for better control over the focus of the displayed image. This also allows for correction of misalignment through adjustment of the fixture, instead of relying on manufacturing tolerances to correctly position the display. [Overview of the project]

[0008] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a display system for superimposing an image onto the field of view of a view-through optical device. This display system includes a display (such as a micropixel display) positioned outside the field of view of the view-through optical device and a relay optical device. The relay optical device includes a prism element having multiple optical surfaces that guides light generated by the display, and a beam combiner, which overlays the light generated by the display that has passed through the prism element onto the field of view of the view-through optical system.

[0009] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a display system for overlaying an image in the field of view of a view-through optical device, the display system comprising a display positioned outside the field of view of the view-through optical device, and a relay optical device, the relay optical device having a plurality of optical surfaces and including a prism element that guides light generated by the display, and a beam combiner that overlays the light generated by the display in the field of view of the view-through optical device.

[0010] In one embodiment, the prism element integrates magnification, beam control, and aberration control. In another embodiment, the prism element includes three optical surfaces.

[0011] In one embodiment, the prism element includes five optical surfaces.

[0012] In one embodiment, the display is a micropixel display.

[0013] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument, the observation optical instrument comprising: a body having a central axis and having a first end and a second end; an objective lens system disposed within the body; an eyepiece lens system disposed within the body; an erecting lens system disposed within the body, wherein the objective lens system, the eyepiece lens system and the erecting lens system form an optical system having a first focal plane adjacent to the objective lens system and a second focal plane adjacent to the eyepiece; and a display system, the display system comprising: a display positioned outside the field of view of the observation optical instrument; and a beam combiner having a plurality of optical surfaces, configured to integrate magnification, beam control and aberration control, wherein the beam combiner causes light generated by the display to be overlaid onto the field of view of the view-through optical instrument.

[0014] In one embodiment, the beam combiner includes three optical surfaces. In another embodiment, the beam combiner includes five optical surfaces.

[0015] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a mounting system, the mounting system having a holder, a display mounted to the holder, the holder being attached to a mounting assembly by a plurality of screws, each screw including a screw head, and comprising at least one bias member positioned between the mounting assembly and the holder, the at least one bias member configured to bias the holder toward the screw heads of the plurality of screws, the plurality of screws being positioned such that the position of the holder moves relative to the mounting assembly by tightening or loosening the screws.

[0016] In one embodiment, the disclosure provides a mounting system for mounting a display outside the field of view of an observation optical instrument. The display is mounted on a holder, which is attached to a mounting assembly. The holder is attached to the mounting system by a plurality of screws, each of which includes a screw head. At least one bias member is positioned between the mounting assembly and the holder. The bias member is configured to bias the holder toward the screw heads of the plurality of screws. The screws are positioned such that tightening or loosening the screws causes the holder to move relative to the mounting assembly.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the display mounted on the holder is a micropixel display.

[0018] In yet another embodiment, the mounting system assembly is attached to a rifle scope.

[0019] In one embodiment, the bias member of the mounting system is a spring. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0020] [Figure 1]Schematic perspective sectional view of a see-through optical device including an embodiment of a relay optical device according to the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] Schematic diagram of an embodiment of a relay optical device according to the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] Schematic diagram of an embodiment of a relay optical device including a beam combiner according to the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] Legend showing symbols used in FIGS. 5-7. [Figure 5] Schematic diagram of an existing embodiment of a conventional relay optical device design. [Figure 6] Schematic diagrams of some existing embodiments of the conventional relay optical device design of FIG. 5, and schematic diagrams of embodiments of a relay optical device design according to the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] Schematic diagrams of an existing embodiment of the conventional relay optical device design of FIG. 5, and schematic diagrams of embodiments of a relay optical device design according to the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] Schematic diagram of an embodiment of a relay optical prism according to the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] Another schematic diagram of the relay optical prism of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] Another schematic diagram of the relay optical prism of FIG. 8. [Figure 11] Schematic diagram of a complete optical model of information relayed to a second focal plane of a riflescope using the relay reticle prism of FIG. 8.

[0021] [Figure 12] Schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a display mounting system according to the principles of the present disclosure, shown mounted on a riflescope.

[0022] [Figure 13] Perspective view of the mounting system of FIG. 12, shown mounted to a mounting assembly. <>

[0023] [Figure 14]Figure 12 is a detailed diagram of the mounting system, showing how the yaw of the mounting system can be adjusted.

[0024] [Figure 15] Figure 12 is another detailed view of the mounting system, showing how the pitch of the mounting system can be adjusted.

[0025] [Figure 16] Figure 12 is another detailed view of the mounting system, showing how the vertical position of the mounting system can be adjusted. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0026] This disclosure should be understood to be limited in its application to the structural details and component arrangements described in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The technology of this disclosure can be implemented or carried out in other embodiments or in various ways. Furthermore, it should be understood that the expressions and terms used herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be considered as limitations.

[0027] This disclosure relates to optical systems for observation optical instruments. Specific preferred and exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described below. The present invention is not limited to these embodiments.

[0028] The apparatus and methods disclosed herein will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating several embodiments of this disclosure. However, the apparatus and methods disclosed herein can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are presented so that this disclosure may be thorough and complete and so as to convey the technical scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0029] Those skilled in the art will understand that the set of features and / or functions can be readily adapted in connection with standalone weapon sights, front-mounted or rear-mounted clip-on weapon sights, and other variations of filed optical weapon sights. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various combinations of features and capabilities can be incorporated into add-on modules for retrofitting any type of existing fixed or variable weapon sights.

[0030] When an element or layer is referred to as “sitting on,” “connected to,” or “combined with” another element or layer, it will be understood that this means it can directly sit on, connect to, or be combined with the other element or layer. Alternatively, an intervening element or layer may exist. In contrast, when an element is referred to as “directly sitting on,” “directly connected to,” or “directly combined with” another element or layer, no intervening element or layer exists.

[0031] Similar numbers refer to similar elements throughout. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any one or more of the related enumerated items and all combinations thereof.

[0032] The terms 1, 2, and others may be used herein to describe various elements, but it will be understood that these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are simply used to distinguish one element from another. Accordingly, the first elements, components, areas, or sections described below may be referred to as the second elements, components, areas, or sections without departing from this disclosure.

[0033] In this specification, spatially relative terms such as “directly below,” “downward,” “below,” “upward,” “above,” and similar terms may be used to describe the relationship between one element or feature and another, as illustrated in the figures, for the sake of clarity. It will be understood that spatially relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device in use or operation, in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figure is turned over, an element described as “below” or “directly below” another element or feature will be oriented “above” the other element or feature. Thus, the illustrative term “downward” may include both upward and downward orientations. The device may also be in other orientations (90° rotated or other orientations), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0034] (definition) Numerical ranges in this disclosure are approximations and may include values ​​outside the range unless otherwise indicated. Numerical ranges include all values ​​from the lowest to the highest in increments of one unit, provided that there is at least a two-unit gap between any lower and higher value. For example, if a compositional property, physical property, or other property such as molecular weight or viscosity is between 100 and 1000, all individual values ​​such as 100, 101, 102, etc., as well as subranges such as 100 to 144, 155 to 170, 197 to 200, etc., are explicitly listed. For ranges containing values ​​less than 1, or decimals 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 necessary. For ranges containing single-digit numbers less than 10 (e.g., 1 to 5), one unit is usually considered to be 0.1. These are merely embodiments of the specific intent, and all possible combinations of numerical values ​​between the listed minimum and maximum values ​​shall be deemed to be expressly described in this disclosure. In particular, numerical ranges for the distance from the user of the device to the target are provided within this disclosure.

[0035] In this specification, the term "and / or" as used in expressions such as "A and / or B" includes 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" includes 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).

[0036] As used herein, “display” includes image-generating pixel modulation. In one embodiment, the display is an emissive display. Emitting-emitting displays, including, but not limited to, organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and light-emitting diodes (LEDs), feature an image and light source within a single device, and therefore require no external light source. This minimizes system size and power consumption while providing excellent contrast and color space. An OLED is made from an ultrathin organic semiconductor layer that lights up when connected to a voltage (charge carriers are injected, and brightness is primarily proportional to the forward current). The main layer comprises multiple organic materials sequentially (e.g., a charge transport layer, a blocking layer, and an emissive layer, each having a thickness of several nanometers), which are inserted between the anode and cathode. The terms “display,” “digital display,” “active display,” and “microdisplay” are used interchangeably.

[0037] As used herein, "ballistics" refers to a method of accurately calculating the trajectory of a bullet based on a number of factors.

[0038] As used herein, “erecting sleeve” is a projection from an erecting lens mount that engages with a slot in the erecting tube and / or cam tube, or serves a similar purpose. It may be integrated with the mount or detachable.

[0039] As used herein, “erecting tube” refers to any structure or device having an opening for receiving an erecting lens mount.

[0040] As used herein, the term “firearm” means any device that propels an object or projectile in a controllable line of sight, line of sight, or line of fire, for example, handguns, pistols, rifles, shotguns, muzzle-loading rifles, single-shot rifles, semi-automatic rifles, and fully automatic rifles in any caliber direction through any medium. As used herein, the term “firearm” also means a remotely operated, servo-controlled firearm in which the firearm automatically senses the orientation of the barrel, both position and direction. The shooter can position the firearm in a first position and move it to a second position for target acquisition and aiming. As used herein, the term “firearm” also means a chain gun, belt-fed gun, machine gun, or Gatling gun. As used herein, the term “firearm” also means a high-altitude and above-the-horizon projectile propulsion device, for example, a cannon, mortar, cannon, tank gun, or railgun of any caliber.

[0041] As used herein, the term “lens” refers to an object onto which light rays, heat, sonar, infrared, ultraviolet, microwave, or other wavelengths of radiation are focused or projected for imaging. It is well known that lenses are manufactured from a single piece of glass or other optical material (such as transparent plastic) that has been conventionally polished and buffed to concentrate light, or from two or more elements of such materials mounted together with an optically transparent adhesive or the like to concentrate light. Accordingly, as used herein, the term “lens” is intended to cover lenses composed of a single element of optical glass or other material, or multiple elements of optical glass or other material (e.g., an achromatic lens), or two or more materials mounted together to focus light, or other materials capable of focusing light. Any lens technology currently known or to be developed in the future may be used in the present invention. For example, lenses based on digital, hydrostatic, ion, electron, magnetic energy field, component, composite, plasma, adaptive lens, or other related technologies may be used. Furthermore, movable or adjustable lenses may be used. As any person skilled in the art will understand, when a scope is mounted on, for example, a gun, rifle, or weapon, the objective lens (i.e., the lens furthest from the shooter's eye) faces the target, and the eyepiece lens (i.e., the lens closest to the shooter's eye) faces the shooter's eye.

[0042] As used herein, “reticle” is, in one embodiment, a sighting pattern for an observation optical instrument, such as a crosshair sight or other sighting pattern, but is not limited thereto.

[0043] As used herein, the term “Observation Optical Instrument” refers to a device used by a shooter or sightman to select, identify, or monitor a target. “Observation Optical Instrument” may rely on visual observation of the target, or on other images of the target, such as infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), radar, thermal, microwave, or magnet imaging, radiation including X-rays, gamma rays, isotope and particle radiation, night vision, ultrasound, sound pulses, sonar, seismic vibrations, vibration receptors including magnetic resonance, gravity receptors, radio waves, broadcast frequencies including television and cell phone receptors. The image of the target presented to the shooter by the “Observation Optical Instrument” device may not be altered, but may be enhanced by means of, for example, magnification, amplification, subtraction, superposition, filtration, stabilization, template matching, or other means. The target selected, identified, or monitored by the “Observation Optical Instrument” may be within the shooter’s line of sight, in the shooter’s line of sight, or the shooter’s line of sight may be obstructed while the target acquisition device presents the shooter with a focused image of the target. The target image acquired by the “Observation Optical Instrument” may be analog or digital, and may be shared, stored, archived, or transmitted within a network of one or more shooters and observers by means of 802.11b or other wireless transmission using protocols such as video, physical cable or wire, infrared, radio waves, Bluetooth®, serial, USB, or other suitable image transmission methods. The term “Observation Optical Instrument” is used interchangeably with “Optical Sight.”

[0044] As used herein, the term “external scene” refers to a real-world scene that includes, but is not limited to, the target.

[0045] As used herein, the term “shooter” refers to either the operator performing the firing or an individual observing the firing in conjunction with the operator performing the firing.

[0046] Next, looking at Figure 1, one embodiment of the relay optical device 100 according to the principle of this disclosure is shown incorporated into an observation optical device 150. In one embodiment, the relay optical device 100 can be used at a first focal plane located close to the objective lens system of the observation optical device, or at a second focal plane located close to the eyepiece lens system of the observation optical device. The first focal plane is located between the objective lens system and the erecting lens system.

[0047] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument comprising a beam combiner located between an erecting lens system and an eyepiece lens system, and a display configured to project information onto the beam combiner, wherein the beam combiner provides beam control and at least one of aberration control and magnification.

[0048] In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to an observation optical instrument comprising a beam combiner located between an erecting lens system and an eyepiece lens system, a prism located above the beam combiner with respect to the optical observation axis (as viewed through the eyepiece), and a display configured to project information onto the beam combiner. In one embodiment, the prism provides beam control and at least one of aberration control and magnification.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the relay optics 100 can be used to efficiently overlay information onto the field of view of any observation optics. The relay optics 100 enables the overlaying of high-resolution images within the field of view in a small, manufacturable solution. Examples of displayable information include, but are not limited to, rangefinder cards for rifle scopes, ammunition counts or sights for reflective sights, or live compasses for binoculars or spotting scopes. The principles of this disclosure support a full display that can project anything a user needs onto the field of view of a view-through optics, so the possibilities are ultimately endless. Thus, there are a wide variety of applications that can benefit from displaying information on the field of view of a view-through optics.

[0050] The relay optics 100 can be used to integrate the display 102 into any suitable optical instrument, including a rifle scope. The relay optics 100 enables the presentation of information to the user within the field of view of the optical instrument 150. As illustrated, the relay optics 100 includes a prism element 110 that directs the light generated by the display 102 into the field of view of the optical instrument 150. The relay optics 100 allows for comfortable viewing of the information displayed by the display 102 regardless of its position in the optical field of view.

[0051] This disclosure relates to any relay optical design comprising at least one element that integrates directional beam control with aberration control and / or magnification. In the relay optical device 100 shown in Figure 2, a prism element 110 is located in front of the beam combiner 112. The prism element 110, combined with the beam combiner 112, integrates magnification (refracting surfaces 114, 116) and aberration control (refracting surfaces 114, 116) with beam control (reflecting surface 118). As shown, the relay optical device of Figure 2 is for a view-through optical device 150 for a rifle scope, where information is relayed to a second focal plane.

[0052] The embodiment shown in Figure 3 has a relay optical design 200 that includes a beam combiner 212 that integrates three optical functions, namely magnification (reflecting surface 214 and refractive surface 216), beam control (reflecting surface 214 and refractive surface 218), and aberration control (reflecting surface 216), all into a single element. In certain embodiments, the relay optical design 200 can also be used in a first focal plane. The relay optical design 200 can also be used in any view-through optical instrument that relays information into an optical path, such as binoculars, spotting scopes, rangefinders, and reflective sights. In any of the above situations, the relay optical design according to the principles of this disclosure will improve the optical quality of the displayed information while reducing the overall size of the optical instrument.

[0053] Figure 4 includes a legend for the various elements used in Figures 5-7. For illustrative purposes, the prism elements are shown to have flat surfaces for simplicity, but they may have optical surfaces to which power is provided for optical aberration correction or magnification, as needed.

[0054] Figure 5 shows a conventional relay optical design for a rifle scope at a second focal plane. A subsequent embodiment of the embodiments of this disclosure that is superior to the conventional design is obtained by relaying information to the second focal plane of the rifle scope behind the eyepiece (Figures 6-7). The typical designs shown in Figures 6-7 are valid regardless of the focal plane or type of observation optical instrument. This design results in a lighter and smaller design that makes it easier to utilize aspherical / freeform surfaces for better correction. This design process is superior to known processes because, all other conditions being equal in the optical design, it reduces size and enables better optical aberration correction. By reducing the number of elements by integrating multiple functions, material costs are reduced, fewer assemblies are required, and labor costs are reduced.

[0055] Certain existing embodiments of information displays for optical instruments do not include a beam combiner and instead have only a reflective mirror within the field of view of the view-through optical instrument. This configuration obscures the field of view of the optical instrument. In the illustrated embodiment of the problem to be solved, it is possible to use a mirror instead of a beam combiner, and all the principles of this disclosure apply. Although the mirror is not strictly a beam combiner, for the purposes of this disclosure it can be considered a 100% reflective beam combiner.

[0056] In certain embodiments, the prism 110 includes beam control to reduce the total number of optical elements required for the relay optical design. Figures 8–10 show an example of a prism 110 including three optical surfaces, but it is possible to use prisms with more surfaces, including four, five, six, seven, eight, or more optical surfaces, as long as they adhere to the same principles of this disclosure. Depending on the complexity and requirements of a particular design, it may be necessary to functionally combine more elements to reduce the total number of optical elements. In certain additional embodiments, a five-faced element / prism can be used without departing from the principles of this disclosure.

[0057] Figure 11 shows a complete optical model including the eyepiece assembly of a view-through optical instrument. The design, which previously had at least two optical elements (one mirror and one lens), now uses only one optical element, reducing the overall size and complexity of the design. Furthermore, using this form of optical element allows for the utilization of the advantages of glass or plastic molding processes, making it possible to create aspherical / free-form optical surfaces with minimal impact. As a result, RMS spot sizes of less than 1 micron can be achieved across the entire field of information. Overall, the solution using an optical element integrating beam control, aberration correction, and magnification results in a smaller, lighter, easier-to-manufacture, and higher-resolution relay optical design.

[0058] (display) In one embodiment, the observation optical instrument has a display. In one embodiment, the display is controlled by a microcontroller or a computer. In one embodiment, the display is controlled by a microcontroller having an integrated graphics controller that outputs video signals to the display. In one embodiment, information can be transmitted wirelessly or via a physical connection to the observation optical instrument via a cable port. In yet another embodiment, a number of input sources can be input to the microcontroller and displayed on the display.

[0059] In one embodiment, the display may be a reflective, transmissive, or emissive microdisplay, but is 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 e-ink display, a plasma display, a segment display, an electroluminescent display, a surface conduction electron emitter display, a quantum dot display, and the like.

[0060] In one embodiment, the LED array is a micropixel LED array, and the LED elements are micropixel LEDs (hereinafter also referred to as microLEDs or μLEDs) having small pixel sizes generally less than 75 μm. In some embodiments, each LED element may have a pixel size ranging from about 8 μm to about 25 μm and a pixel pitch ranging from about 10 μm to about 30 μm (both vertically and horizontally in the microLED array). In one embodiment, the microLED elements are arranged in a microLED array having a uniform pixel size of about 14 μm (for example, all microLED elements are the same size within a small tolerance) and a uniform pixel pitch of about 25 μm. In some embodiments, each LED element may have a pixel size of 25 μm or less and a pixel pitch of about 30 μm or less.

[0061] In some embodiments, the micro-LEDs may be inorganic and based on gallium nitride (GaN) light-emitting diodes (GaN LEDs). Micro-LED arrays (including a large number of μLEDs arranged in a grid or other arrays) can provide high-density light-emitting microdisplays that do not rely on external switching or filtering systems. In some embodiments, GaN-based micro-LED arrays may be grown, bonded, or otherwise formed on a transparent sapphire substrate.

[0062] In one embodiment, the sapphire substrate is textured, etched, or otherwise patterned to increase the internal quantum efficiency and light extraction efficiency (i.e., extracting one or more lights from the surface of the microLED) of the microLED. In another embodiment, silver nanoparticles can be deposited / dispersed on the patterned sapphire substrate to coat the substrate before bonding the microLEDs, further improving the luminous efficiency and output power of GaN-based microLEDs and microLED arrays.

[0063] In one embodiment, the display may be monochrome or provide full color, and in some embodiments, provide multicolor. In other embodiments, other suitable designs or types of displays may be employed. The display may be driven by electronic circuitry. In one embodiment, the electronic circuitry may provide display functions or receive such functions from another communicating device.

[0064] In one embodiment, the display may be part of a backlight / display assembly, module, or configuration having a backlight assembly that includes a backlight illuminator or light source, device, apparatus, or component, such as an LED backlight, for illuminating the display with light. In some embodiments, the backlight light source may be a large-area LED and may include a first lens or integrating lens for collecting and guiding the light generated to a second illumination lens or focusing lens for collecting, focusing, and guiding light onto the display along a good display optical axis B with good spatial and angular uniformity. The backlight assembly and display can provide an image with low power consumption yet sufficient brightness to be viewed simultaneously with extremely high-brightness real-world view-through optical equipment.

[0065] The backlight color can be selected from any monochrome color, or it can be white to support a full-color microdisplay. Other backlight design elements may be included, such as other light sources, waveguides, diffusers, micro-optical devices, polarizers, birefringent components, optical coatings, and reflectors to optimize backlight performance, which will conform to the overall size requirements and brightness, power, and contrast needs of the display.

[0066] Examples of usable displays, though not limited to them, include Microoled;SVGA displays such as Emagin, including the MDP01 (series) DPYM, MDP02, and MDP05; microdisplays with pixel pitches of 9.9x9.9 microns and 7.8x7.8 microns; and Lightning OLED Microdisplays, such as those manufactured by Kopin Corporation. MicroLED displays, including those manufactured by VueReal and Lumiode, can also be used, though not limited to them.

[0067] In one embodiment, electronic equipment cooperating with a display may include the ability to generate display symbols, format the output of the display, and include battery information, power conditioning circuits, a video interface, a serial interface, and control features. Other features may be included for additional or different functions of the display overlay unit. The electronic equipment may provide or receive display functions from other devices.

[0068] In one embodiment, the display can generate images including text, alphanumeric characters, graphics, symbols, and / or moving images, icons, etc., as well as images for active target reticles, ballistic information, rangefinder results and wind information, GPS and compass information, firearm tilt information, target search, recognition and identification (ID) information, and / or external sensor information (sensor video and / or graphics), or for situational awareness, which can be observed through the eyepiece along with images visible through the optical instrument. The direct observation optical instrument may include or maintain an etched reticle and boresight and may maintain high resolution.

[0069] In one embodiment, the use of a display allows for the display of a programmable electronic sight at any position within the field of view. This position can be determined by the user (as in the case of a rifle that fires both supersonic and subsonic rounds, and therefore has two different trajectories and "zero"), or it can be calculated based on information received from a ballistic computer. This provides a "drop-compensated" sight for long-range shooting, and the "drop-compensated" sight can be updated after each shot.

[0070] In one embodiment, the display can be oriented to achieve maximum vertical compensation. In one embodiment, the display is positioned so that its height is greater than its width.

[0071] In one embodiment, the observation optical instrument further comprises a processor that electronically communicates with a display.

[0072] In another embodiment, the observation optical instrument may include a memory, at least one sensor, and / or an electronic communication device that electronically communicates with a processor.

[0073] (Beam combiner) In one embodiment, the relay optical instrument 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 beam combiner combines an image generated from a display with an image generated from the observation optical instrument along the observation optical axis of the observation optical instrument.

[0074] In one embodiment, a beam combiner is used to combine an image generated from a microdisplay with an image from an optical system for observing outward-facing images, and the optical system is located in the main body of the observation optical instrument.

[0075] In one embodiment, the beam combiner can be aligned with the display along the display optical axis and positioned along the observation optical axis of the observation optics of the rifle scope body, thereby directing the image from the microdisplay onto the observation optical axis in order to superimpose and combine it with the field of view of the observation optics.

[0076] In another embodiment, the beam combiner is located at a distance of approximately 150 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, 100 mm to 200 mm, 125 mm to 200 mm, 150 mm to 200 mm, or 175 mm to 200 mm.

[0077] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance of 100 mm to 175 mm, 100 mm to 150 mm, or 100 mm to 125 mm from the objective lens assembly.

[0078] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from the objective lens assembly that includes, but is not limited to, 135 mm to 165 mm, 135 mm to 160 mm, 135 mm to 155 mm, 135 mm to 150 mm, 135 mm to 145 mm, or 135 mm to 140 mm.

[0079] In one embodiment, the beam combiner is positioned at a distance from the objective lens assembly that includes, but is not limited to, 140 mm to 165 mm, 145 mm to 165 mm, 150 mm to 165 mm, 155 mm to 165 mm, or 160 mm to 165 mm.

[0080] 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 objective lens assembly.

[0081] In one embodiment, the beam combiner may have a partial reflective coating or surface that reflects the display output from the microdisplay, or at least a portion of the display output, and redirects it onto the observation axis to the observer's eye in the eyepiece, while providing good transmission see-through quality to the direct observation optical instrument path.

[0082] In one embodiment, the beam combiner may be a cube made of an optical material such as optical glass or plastic material having a partial reflective coating. The coating may be a uniform, neutral color reflective coating, or it may be adjusted with polarization, spectral selectivity, or a patterned coating to optimize both transmission and reflection properties within the eyepiece. The polarization and / or color of the coating may be matched to the display. This allows for optimization of the reflectivity and efficiency of the display optical path while minimizing the impact on the transmission path of the direct observation optical instrument.

[0083] In some embodiments, the beam combiner may have different optical path lengths along the observation optical axis A and with respect to the direct observation optical instrument. In some embodiments, the beam combiner may be in the form of a plate into which a thin reflective / transmissive plate can be inserted into the direct observation optical instrument path across the optical axis A.

[0084] (Corrector lens system) In one embodiment, the observation optical instrument may have a collector lens system that collects light from a display. In one embodiment, the observation optical instrument has an optical system based on the use of optical lenses as part of one or more lens cells, the optical system including the lens itself and the lens cell body to which the lens is mounted. In one embodiment, the lens cell includes a precisely formed body, which is generally cylindrical or disc-shaped. This body has a central aperture for mounting the lens in alignment with the optical axis of a larger optical system. It can also be said that the cell body has its own alignment axis, which will ultimately align with the optical axis of a larger optical system when the lens cell is mounted. Furthermore, the lens cell functions as a lens "holder," a mechanism that allows the lens to be mounted into a larger optical system, and a means that (ultimately) allows the lens to be manipulated by and for the purposes of that optical system.

[0085] In one embodiment, the collector lens system includes an inner lens cell and an outer lens cell.

[0086] (reflective material) In one embodiment, the observation optical instrument includes a reflective material. In one embodiment, the reflective material is a mirror. In one embodiment, the observation optical instrument includes one or more mirrors.

[0087] In one embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle of 30° to 60°, or 30° to 55°, 30° to 50°, 30° to 45°, 30° to 40°, or 30° to 35° with respect to the light emitted from the display.

[0088] 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 from the display.

[0089] In one embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle of at least 40°. In another embodiment, the mirror is positioned at an angle of 45° with respect to the light emitted from the display.

[0090] In one embodiment, the position of the mirror can be adjusted relative to the beam combiner to eliminate any error, including, but not limited to, parallax errors.

[0091] In one embodiment, the position of the mirror can be adjusted relative to the display to eliminate any error, including, but not limited to, parallax errors.

[0092] In one embodiment, a display for generating a digital image is introduced into the first focal plane of the main body so that the digital image at the first focal plane is not affected by the movement of the erecting tube.

[0093] In one embodiment, the display is configured to emit light in a direction substantially parallel to the optical axis of the observation scope.

[0094] In one embodiment, the display is configured to emit light in a direction substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the observation scope.

[0095] In one embodiment, the mirror is oriented at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the light emitted from the display.

[0096] In one embodiment, the display and mirror are located on a common side of the main body of the observation optical instrument.

[0097] In one embodiment, the display and mirror are positioned on the opposite side of the main body of the observation optical instrument.

[0098] (Display mounting system) Next, looking at Figures 12-16, one embodiment of the mounting system 500 for the display 6 is shown. The mounting system 500 includes a holder 3 that is adjustable around one or more rotational axes and one or more linear axes. In the illustrated embodiment, the display 6 is mounted on the mounting system 500, but can also be mounted on other components, including, but not limited to, a micropixel display, a light-emitting material (such as an OLED), or any other suitable device that emits information. The optical system 500 can position the display 6 relative to a beam combiner 5, a magnifying lens, or other suitable optical element. The mounting system 500 is adjustable so that the image (information) produced by the display 6 is clearly and accurately represented in the optical path of the observation optical instrument. In certain embodiments, the mounting system 500 can be used as a substitute for the prism element 110 described above. In certain other embodiments, the mounting system 500 can be used together with the prism element 110.

[0099] In the illustrated embodiment, the display 6 is a microdisplay screen mounted on a rifle scope 506 via an adjustable member for controlling the alignment of the display with respect to the rifle scope. As shown in Figure 13, the mounting system includes a display holder 3 for the display 6. As shown, the holder 3 is made of a material suitable for light stress, such as a polymer or metal. Of course, any suitable material or combination of materials can be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0100] The holder 3 is attached to an assembly 4 which includes a beam combiner 5 that attaches to the main tube 502 of the rifle scope. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 3 is attached to the assembly 4 via four screws 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, each screw having a screw head, and the screws are positioned along the side of the holder 3. A spring 2 is used to bias the holder 3 relative to the screw heads. By tightening or loosening the screws 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D, the user can adjust the position of the display 6 relative to the optical axis of the rifle scope. The adjustable degrees of freedom of this design include, but are not limited to, vertical, roll, and pitch.

[0101] As shown in Figure 14, the "roll" of the display holder 3 relative to the optical axis of the rifle scope 506 is adjusted by tightening or loosening the screws 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D on both sides of the holder 3. As shown in the figure, tightening screws 1A and 1B causes the holder 3 to rotate counterclockwise relative to the optical axis of the rifle scope 506. Similarly, tightening screws 1C and 1D causes the holder 3 to rotate clockwise. Loosening the screws 1 on both sides of the holder 3 has the opposite effect of tightening the screws as described above.

[0102] As shown in Figure 15, the "pitch" of the holder 3 can be adjusted by tightening or loosening screws 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. As shown in the figure, tightening screws 1A and 1C increases the pitch of the holder 3 relative to the optical axis of the rifle scope 506. Similarly, tightening screws 1B and 1D decreases the pitch of the holder 3 relative to the optical axis of the rifle scope 506. Also, loosening screws 1A and 1C decreases the pitch of the holder 3, and loosening screws 1B and 1D increases the pitch of the holder.

[0103] As shown in Figure 16, the vertical position of the holder 3 can be adjusted by tightening or loosening screws 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D. To adjust the vertical position of the holder 3 relative to the optical axis of the rifle scope 506, the user will loosen or tighten all screws 1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D by the same amount.

[0104] This disclosure is further explained by the following sections.

[0105] An observation optical instrument comprising at least one optical element that integrates beam direction control and aberration control and / or magnification.

[0106] An observation optical instrument comprising at least one optical element that integrates directional beam control and aberration control.

[0107] An observation optical instrument comprising at least one optical element integrating directional control and magnification.

[0108] An observation optical instrument comprising at least one optical element integrating directional beam control, aberration control, and magnification.

[0109] An observation optical instrument as described in any of the preceding items, wherein the optical element is a prism or a beam combiner.

[0110] An observation optical instrument comprising: a body having a first end and a second end and a central axis; an objective lens system disposed within the body; an eyepiece lens disposed within the body; an erecting lens system disposed within the body; the objective lens system, eyepiece lens system and erecting lens system forming an optical system having a first focal plane close to the objective lens system and a second focal plane close to the eyepiece lens; a display and a beam combiner located between the erecting lens system and the second focal plane, wherein the beam combiner is configured to provide beam, aberration and magnification control.

[0111] An observation optical instrument comprising: a body having a first end and a second end and a central axis; an objective lens system disposed within the body; an eyepiece lens disposed within the body; an erecting lens system disposed within the body; the objective lens system, the eyepiece lens system and the erecting lens system forming an optical system having a first focal plane close to the objective lens system and a second focal plane close to the eyepiece lens; a display and a beam combiner located between the erecting lens system and the second focal plane; and a prism configured to provide beam, aberration and magnification control.

[0112] Observation optical instrument comprising: a body having a first end and a second end and a central axis; an objective lens system disposed within the body; an eyepiece lens system disposed within the body; an erecting lens system disposed within the body, wherein the objective lens system, the eyepiece lens system and the erecting lens system form an optical system having a first focal plane adjacent to the objective lens system and a second focal plane adjacent to the eyepiece; and a display system, wherein the display system comprises a display positioned outside the field of view of the observation optical instrument; and a beam combiner having a plurality of optical surfaces, configured to integrate magnification, beam control and aberration control, wherein the beam combiner causes the light generated by the display to be overlaid onto the field of view of the view-through optical instrument.

[0113] The above prism is an observation optical instrument described in any of the preceding items, positioned above the beam combiner for the user viewing through the above eyepiece.

[0114] An observation optical instrument as described in any of the preceding sections, wherein the beam combiner includes three optical surfaces.

[0115] An observation optical instrument as described in any of the preceding sections, wherein the beam combiner includes five optical surfaces.

[0116] A display system for overlaying an image in the field of view of a view-through optical instrument, comprising: a display positioned outside the field of view of the view-through optical instrument; and a relay optical instrument, wherein the relay optical instrument includes a prism element having multiple optical surfaces and guiding light generated by the display; and a beam combiner that overlays the light generated by the display in the field of view of the view-through optical instrument.

[0117] A display system as described in any of the preceding sections, wherein a prism element integrates magnification, beam control, and aberration control.

[0118] A display system as described in any of the preceding sections, wherein the prism element includes three optical surfaces.

[0119] A display system as described in any of the preceding sections, wherein the prism element includes five optical surfaces.

[0120] A display system as described in any of the preceding sections, wherein the display is a micropixel display.

[0121] A mounting structure including a holder for a microdisplay as substantially illustrated and described herein.

[0122] An observation optical instrument 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 lens disposed within the main body; an erecting lens system disposed within the main body; the objective lens system, the eyepiece lens system and the erecting lens system forming an optical system having a first focal plane close to the objective lens system and a second focal plane close to the eyepiece lens; a beam combiner located between the erecting lens system and the second focal plane; a prism configured to provide beam, aberration and magnification control; and a mounting assembly housing the beam combiner, the mounting assembly having a microdisplay coupled to the upper part of the mounting assembly, the microdisplay configured to project a digital image onto the beam combiner.

[0123] A mounting system comprising: a holder; a display mounted on the holder, the holder being attached to a mounting assembly by a plurality of screws, each of which includes a screw head; and at least one bias member positioned between the mounting assembly and the holder, wherein the at least one bias member is configured to bias the holder toward the screw heads of the plurality of screws, and the plurality of screws are positioned such that the position of the holder moves relative to the mounting assembly by tightening or loosening the screws.

[0124] A mounting system as described in any of the preceding sections, wherein the display is a micropixel display.

[0125] A mounting system as described in any of the preceding sections, which is installed on a rifle scope.

[0126] A mounting system according to any of the preceding items, wherein at least one bias member is a spring.

[0127] Although this embodiment is installed on a rifle scope, the mounting system 500 can be used with any view-through optical device. In certain embodiments, the mounting system 500 can be attached to an optical device via a screw equipped with a biasing spring 2, an adjustable standoff spacer, an adjustable shim, or any other suitable adjustable fastener, without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. Similarly, the display 6 can be attached to the display holder 3 via adhesive, heat riveting, screws, a locking cap, or any other suitable means, without departing from the principles of the present disclosure.

[0128] While various embodiments have been described in detail, it will be clear that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of this disclosure. With regard to the above description, it should be understood that the optimal dimensional relationships for the components of the present invention, including variations in size, material, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly, and use, are readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and that all equivalent relationships shown in the drawings and described herein are intended to be encompassed within the present invention. Therefore, the above should be considered merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and variations will readily come to mind for those skilled in the art, it is not desirable to limit the present invention to the exact structures and operations illustrated and described, and all appropriate modifications and equivalent forms that fall appropriately within the scope of the present invention can be utilized. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0129] 100 Relay Optical Instruments 102 displays 110 Prism Elements 112 Beam Combiner 114, 116 Refractive surface 150 Observation Optical Instruments

Claims

1. A display system for overlaying an image in the field of view of a view-through optical instrument, A display positioned outside the field of view of the aforementioned view-through optical device, Relay optical equipment, Equipped with, The aforementioned relay optical device A prism element having multiple optical surfaces that guides the light generated by the display, A beam combiner that overlays the light generated by the display into the field of view of the view-through optical device, A display system including...

2. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the prism element integrates magnification, beam control, and aberration control.

3. The display according to claim 1, wherein the prism element includes three optical surfaces.

4. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the prism element includes five optical surfaces.

5. The display system according to claim 1, wherein the display is a micropixel display.

6. An observation optical instrument including the display according to claim 1.

7. Observation optical instrument, A body having a first end and a second end, and a central axis, The objective lens system arranged within the main body, The eyepiece system arranged inside the main body, 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 adjacent to the objective lens system and a second focal plane adjacent to the eyepiece lens, Display system and, Equipped with, The aforementioned display system is A display positioned outside the field of view of the aforementioned observation optical instrument, A beam combiner having multiple optical surfaces, configured to integrate magnification, beam control, and aberration control, wherein the beam combiner causes the light generated by the display to be overlaid onto the field of view of the view-through optical instrument, Observation optical instruments, including those mentioned above.

8. The observation optical instrument according to claim 7, wherein the beam combiner includes three optical surfaces.

9. The observation optical instrument according to claim 7, wherein the beam combiner includes five optical surfaces.

10. The observation optical instrument according to claim 7, wherein the display is a micropixel display.

11. With an additional mounting system, The mounting system has a holder, the display is mounted on the holder, the holder is attached to the mounting assembly by a plurality of screws, each of the screws includes a screw head, The mounting assembly and the holder are provided with at least one bias member positioned between them, The at least one bias member is configured to bias the holder toward the screw heads of the plurality of screws, The plurality of screws are positioned such that the position of the holder moves relative to the mounting assembly when the screws are tightened or loosened. The observation optical instrument according to claim 7.

12. The observation optical instrument according to claim 11, wherein the bias member is a spring.

13. It is an installation system, Holder and The display attached to the holder, A holder attached to a mounting assembly by multiple screws, wherein each of the screws includes a screw head, At least one bias member positioned between the mounting assembly and the holder, the bias member configured to bias the holder toward the screw heads of the plurality of screws, Equipped with, The plurality of screws are positioned such that the position of the holder moves relative to the mounting assembly when the screws are tightened or loosened. Mounting system.

14. The mounting system according to claim 13, wherein the display is a micropixel display.

15. The mounting system according to claim 13, wherein the mounting assembly is installed on a rifle scope.

16. The mounting system according to claim 13, wherein the at least one bias member is a spring.

17. An observation optical instrument comprising the mounting system described in claim 13.

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