Optical Sight Fusion Section Wavelength Selective Beam Splitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sights face challenges in seamlessly integrating supplemental information into the user's field of view without degrading the transmission efficiency of the optical image, particularly in low light conditions and when battery power is lost.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves using a multi-layer thin-film filter to selectively transmit specific wavelengths of radiation, allowing supplemental information to be superimposed on the optical image without significant loss of brightness, achieved through a fusion section within the optical sight that includes a glass plate, a reflective coating, and a narrow passband filter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a wideband beam splitter is used to inject supplemental information into the optical field of view, then the supplemental information can be displayed within the field of view, but the transmission efficiency of the optical image is significantly degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The optical spectrum is segmented into different wavelength bands. The beam splitter is designed to reflect only specific wavelength ranges (e.g., infrared for rangefinding) while transmitting visible light wavelengths. This segmentation allows supplemental information to be injected without significantly degrading the transmission efficiency of the optical image, as most visible light passes through the beam splitter.
2Loss of energy
If a separate display is used to show supplemental information, then the transmission efficiency is maintained, but the user must take their eye off the target to observe the information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the supplemental information display with the optical field of view by using a beam splitter to superimpose alphanumeric indicia directly onto the visual scene. This allows the user to observe both the target and supplemental information simultaneously without moving their eye, combining the functions of optical viewing and information display into a single integrated system.
3Loss of information
If a digital display is used to show combined information, then supplemental information can be displayed within the field of view, but the sight becomes non-functional in direct sunlight and when battery power is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system provides self-service by using the incoming optical energy itself to illuminate the reticle and provide viewing capability. The beam splitter and optical path are designed to work passively with ambient light, eliminating the need for active illumination sources that require battery power. This ensures the sight remains functional in direct sunlight and when batteries are depleted.
4Loss of information
If the beam splitter transmits supplemental information, then the information can be superimposed on the optical image, but the brightness of the optical image is significantly lost
Solution Approach 1:
The beam splitter exhibits local quality by having different transmission and reflection properties for different wavelength ranges. It is highly reflective for infrared wavelengths (used for rangefinding) while being highly transmissive for visible light wavelengths. This wavelength-selective local quality allows supplemental information to be injected in specific spectral bands without significantly affecting the brightness of the visible optical image.
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 approach maintains the transmission efficiency of the optical image, enabling the optical sight to function effectively even in low light conditions and when the display is off, by efficiently combining supplemental information with the main image, thus enhancing usability and battery life.
Implementation Method 1
using a multi-layer thin-film filter to selectively transmit specific wavelengths of radiation
Implementation Method 2
multi-layer thin-film filter to selectively transmit specific wavelengths of radiation
Implementation Method 3
a reflective coating, and a narrow passband filter
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes first and second portions. The first portion has optics which cause first radiation within a selected waveband to travel along a path of travel and to have a selected field of view. The second portion introduces second radiation within the selected waveband into the field of view, without any significant degradation of a transmission efficiency of the first radiation along the path of travel. The second radiation then travels with the first radiation along the path of travel.