Firearm HUD Collimating Optic for Thermal-Visible Image Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing head-up display systems for firearms, particularly those using thermal imaging, face challenges with resolution differences, color interpretations, and processing errors, leading to potential delays and loss of scene information, especially when relying solely on virtual displays.
Innovation Solution
A head-up display system with a base adapted for mounting on firearms, featuring a window for observing the field of view, an illuminator generating divergent illumination light, a light valve modulating the light according to an image generator, and a collimating optic that collimates the image, allowing the user to see the image in focus without the need for powered optics, and capable of presenting thermal images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If thermal imaging systems are used to provide variable information, then target detection capability is improved, but image resolution and scene information quality deteriorate due to resolution differences and processing errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the display information into two segments: thermal imaging data for target detection and visible light imaging data for high-resolution scene information. This segmentation allows each imaging system to perform its optimal function without compromising the other's quality
Solution Approach 2:
The head-up display acts as an intermediary that combines and presents both thermal and visible light imaging information simultaneously, allowing the user to access both low-resolution target detection data and high-resolution scene context without the limitations of relying solely on thermal imaging
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual displays are used to present thermal images, then information presentation capability is improved, but response time and information accuracy worsen due to processing delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operation of both thermal and visible light imaging systems simultaneously, with the head-up display continuously presenting combined information. This eliminates processing delays by ensuring both imaging streams are actively capturing and displaying data in real-time without interruption or sequential processing
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If thermal imagers are used exclusively, then target detection in low light is improved, but scene information completeness deteriorates due to loss of visible light details
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges thermal imaging and visible light imaging into a single integrated head-up display presentation. This combination allows the user to simultaneously access thermal contrast for target detection in low-light conditions and visible light information for complete scene context, colors, and environmental details
Solution Approach 2:
The head-up display system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides thermal imaging for target detection, visible light imaging for scene context, and integrates both information streams into a unified display that delivers comprehensive situational awareness in a single interface
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
Enables the user to observe the scene and dynamic information, including thermal images, in focus and without delays, with improved resolution and accuracy, reducing reliance on virtual displays and enhancing target identification in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating optic in an optical path between the light valve and the window that substantially collimates the image modulated illumination light
Implementation Method 2
The window reflects at least a portion of the image modulated collimated light so that the observer observes the image substantially in focus
Data Source
AI summary
Head up displays are provided. A head up display may have a base adapted for mounting to a firearm; a window positioned by the base so that a user of the firearm can observe a field of view through the window; an illuminator operable to generate a divergent illumination light; a light valve configured to modulate the divergent illumination light in accordance with an image provided by an image generator; and a collimating optic in an optical path between the light valve and the window that substantially collimates the image modulated illumination light. The window reflects at least a portion of the image modulated collimated light so that the observer observes the image substantially in focus with objects in field of view. Images presented may include data and images, including but not limited to thermal images.