Catadioptric Sight Collimating Display Image for Wide Exit Pupil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clear sights for shooting systems face challenges such as reduced image projection fields, small exit pupils, and bulkiness, which affect aiming accuracy and comfort.
Innovation Solution
The sight incorporates a catadioptric optical device with a first optical unit that collimates the displayed image and a second optical unit that compensates its power for direct vision, using a semi-reflecting Mangin mirror and a counter-form diopter assembly to achieve a larger exit pupil and compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a clear sight reflects the image from a display to infinity using classical optical assembly, then the image can be superimposed on the scene, but the image projection field is reduced and the exit pupil is small
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing a specific optical device with a first optical unit having optical power and a second optical unit compensating for this power. This allows the exit pupil to be increased to at least 30mm while maintaining a compact form factor, thereby improving both image projection field and aiming comfort simultaneously
2Area of stationary object
If the optical device uses eccentricity to increase the image projection field, then the projection field is widened, but the sight becomes bulky and optical quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a centered optical device configuration where the optical device is centered on an optical axis with the transparent screen also centered on this axis. This centered arrangement eliminates the need for eccentricity, achieving a compact form factor while maintaining a wide image projection field through the specific optical power compensation mechanism
3Ease of operation
If a small exit pupil is used in clear sights, then the device remains compact, but aiming comfort is detrimental
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the exit pupil parameter by designing an optical device that produces an exit pupil of at least 30mm in diameter. This is achieved through the specific combination of optical units with compensating powers, allowing a compact device to provide excellent aiming comfort without requiring a large overall device volume
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration allows for a wider image projection field while maintaining compactness and improving aiming comfort by increasing the exit pupil diameter, enhancing optical quality and reducing aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical unit able to collimate an incident light beam from the displayed image
Implementation Method 2
a semi-reflecting mirror able, on the one hand, to reflect and collimate the incident light beam
Implementation Method 3
a second optical unit able to compensate the power of the first optical unit for direct vision of the scene
Implementation Method 4
a semi-reflecting mirror able, on the one hand, to reflect and collimate the incident light beam from the displayed image and, on the other hand, to transmit the light beam resulting from the direct vision of the scene
Implementation Method 5
The Mangin mirror is formed by a doublet comprising a divergent lens coupled with a convergent lens
Data Source
AI summary
A sight for a shooting system, including a transparent screen able to display an image, and a catadioptric optical device able to collimate an incident light beam coming from the image displayed on the transparent screen into a sighting window superimposed on the direct view of a scene.