Electronic Direct-View Rifle Scope Parallax Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motion parallax and temperature-induced parallax errors in rifle scopes cause aiming inaccuracies, leading to missed targets, and existing solutions fail to completely and quickly eliminate these errors in all operational conditions.
Innovation Solution
A rifle scope system with light emitting devices and optical detectors, coupled with a processor and actuators, adjusts the field lens position to align the eyepoint with the optical axis, using NIR illumination and detection to dynamically correct parallax errors in real-time without requiring bulky beam splitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional rifle scope design is used, then the structure is simple, but parallax errors occur causing aiming inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a field lens as an intermediary optical element that mediates between the objective lens and the reticle. By positioning and adjusting this field lens, the system corrects parallax errors without requiring complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms or multiple optical paths, thus improving aiming accuracy while maintaining relatively simple device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical parallax adjustment mechanisms (which require manual wheel adjustments and complex internal component movements) with an optical solution using a field lens. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical adjustment systems while achieving parallax correction, thereby improving aiming accuracy without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If beam splitters are used to correct parallax errors, then aiming accuracy improves, but the device becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the parallax correction function from the traditional beam splitter configuration and implements it through a dedicated field lens positioned in the optical path. This extraction allows for more efficient optical design that achieves the same parallax correction effect without the weight penalty of bulky beam splitters and their associated mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing a field lens with specific focal length and positioning characteristics. This parameter change enables parallax correction through optical focusing properties rather than through the geometric path splitting of beam splitters, resulting in a lighter overall system while maintaining aiming accuracy.
3Productivity
If manual parallax adjustment is used, then the structure remains simple, but the correction is not quick or complete in all conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the field lens at the optimal location in the optical path where it can automatically correct parallax errors for multiple ranging conditions. This preliminary optical configuration eliminates the need for real-time manual adjustments during target acquisition, enabling quick and complete parallax correction across various operational conditions without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
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
The system effectively compensates for parallax errors in real-time, ensuring accurate aiming by aligning the eyepoint with the optical axis, regardless of eye misalignment, and eliminates the need for heavy beam splitters.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of optical detectors detects reflected light received from the distal end of the rifle scope
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
An example rifle scope includes a plurality of light emitting devices for sending illuminations directed to a distal end of the rifle scope. A plurality of optical detectors detects reflected light received from the distal end of the rifle scope. Each of the optical detectors produces data regarding the reflected light each optical detector observed. A processor device receives the data on the reflected light from the optical detectors and adjusting a position of a field lens so an eyepoint projected in a target space of the rifle scope coincides with an optical axis of the rifle scope removing parallax errors due to misalignment.