Prism Optical System for Long-Range Shooting Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current viewing optics for long-range shooting require multiple devices and complex calculations, leading to increased weight, size, and time to engagement, especially in low light conditions, and existing 1× sights are limited in utility and cluttered at distance.
Innovation Solution
A viewing optic system incorporating a free form prism and microdisplay that overlays digital images onto the scene, providing a forgiving eyebox and integrating optical elements to reduce weight and complexity, while allowing for versatile use as a 1× sight with infinite eye relief and large field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple devices (bubble level, laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, thermal/night vision devices) are used to ensure accurate shot placement and long-range target engagement, then shooting accuracy and information availability are improved, but system weight and size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate devices (bubble level, laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, thermal/night vision devices) into a single integrated viewing optic system. All these functions are merged into one optical device that the shooter looks through, eliminating the need to carry and coordinate multiple separate pieces of equipment while maintaining shooting accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing optic is designed as a universal device that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides level indication, range measurement, ballistic calculation, and thermal/night vision capabilities all in one instrument. This multi-functional design allows the shooter to access all necessary shooting information through a single device rather than switching between multiple specialized tools.
2Measurement precision
If multiple devices and complex calculations are used for long-range shooting, then shot placement accuracy is improved, but time to engagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ballistic computer within the viewing optic performs calculations in advance and displays pre-computed ballistic drop compensation data. The system has already calculated trajectory corrections based on input parameters, so the shooter does not need to perform complex mental calculations or sequential adjustments during the engagement process, reducing time to target acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the ballistic computer, rangefinder, and viewing optic into a single integrated system, the patent eliminates the time required to switch between devices and manually input data. All functions operate simultaneously within one device, allowing the shooter to acquire target information and make adjustments in a single continuous viewing process.
3Illumination intensity
If thermal and night vision devices are attached to the weapon for low light conditions, then low light visibility is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates thermal imaging and night vision capabilities directly into the viewing optic, combining these low-light detection functions with the optical magnification system. This merger allows the thermal sensor and night vision components to share the same optical path and housing as the daytime viewing optics, significantly reducing the overall size compared to having separate attached devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal sensor and night vision components are nested within the viewing optic structure. The thermal imaging device is positioned to capture infrared radiation through the optical system, and its output is displayed within the same optical path, creating a compact nested arrangement where multiple detection systems occupy the same physical envelope.
4Weight of moving object
If fixed 1× sights are used for passive aiming, then device weight and cost are reduced, but utility and target visibility at distance are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The viewing optic provides universal functionality that adapts to various shooting scenarios. It offers both 1× and magnified viewing modes, integrates ballistic compensation for long-range precision, includes level indication for accurate positioning, and provides thermal/night vision capabilities. This multi-functional design allows the same device to serve as both a close-quarters 1× sight and a precision long-range optic.
Solution Approach 2:
The viewing optic incorporates variable magnification capability, allowing the shooter to dynamically adjust between 1× and higher magnification modes depending on the engagement distance and conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the device to transform from a simple 1× sight to a precision magnified optic, providing versatility across different shooting scenarios while maintaining a relatively compact form factor.
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 minimizes optical elements, increases the exit pupil, and offers greater versatility and performance, enabling accurate shot placement with reduced weight and size, and can be integrated into various sighting systems or used standalone.
Implementation Method 1
light from the image from the microdisplay is split at the fifth surface of the primary prism into a first optical path and a second optical path, wherein light of the first optical path is reflected off the fifth surface of the primary prism to a user's eye
Implementation Method 2
light of the second optical path travels through the fifth surface of the primary prism
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to viewing optics, and more particularly to a viewing optic having an optical system with a prism and a microdisplay. The optical system can comprise a primary prism and a corrective prism.