Eyepiece Guidance Array for Multi-Instrument Optical Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical instrument systems are permanently integrated and designed for specific applications, requiring multiple tools for different instruments and applications, which is costly and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system with an electronic output indicator array and controller that can be mounted to optical instruments, allowing flexible operation across various applications, storing and displaying performance data, and switching between modes without detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing systems are permanently integrated into optical instruments for specific applications, then they provide specialized functionality for that instrument, but they require additional tools for different optical instruments and applications which is costly and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The guidance system is designed as a universal platform that can be mounted on different optical instruments (firearms, bows, telescopes, cameras) and configured for various applications (hunting, competitive shooting, birding, photography) through software configuration rather than hardware changes. The system includes a controller that can execute multiple operating modes and a mounting mechanism that accommodates different instrument types, allowing one device to replace multiple specialized tools.
2Ease of operation
If a guidance system is mounted to an optical instrument, then it provides guidance functionality, but it may obstruct the field of view of the eyepiece
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic output indicator array is positioned at the perimeter of the eyepiece field of view, concentrating the guidance display in the peripheral regions rather than the central viewing area. This allows the majority of the field of view to remain unobstructed while still providing guidance information in the peripheral zones where it is least intrusive to the primary viewing experience.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guidance system executes multiple operating modes, then it increases versatility across applications, but it requires switching between modes which may require detaching the system
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic mode switching through software configuration that allows seamless transition between different operating modes (hunting, competitive shooting, birding, photography) without requiring physical detachment or reconfiguration of the mounted guidance system. The controller can be programmed to execute different operating modes by changing software parameters, enabling rapid adaptation to different applications while the system remains attached to the optical instrument.
Data Source
AI summary
A guidance system mountable to an optical instrument includes an electronic output indicator (EOI) array, the EOI array positioned at a perimeter of an eyepiece of the optical instrument upon mounting the guidance system to the optical instrument, and a controller. While the guidance system is mounted to the optical instrument, the controller includes executable instructions stored in non-transitory memory thereon to, execute a plurality of operating modes, including, for each operating mode, dividing the EOI array into a different plurality of EOI subarrays, and modulating the state of each of the EOI subarrays responsive to a different set of one or more sensor signals.