Semi-Transparent Deflection Module for Eyepiece Camera Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing camera devices attached to telescopic sights suffer from parallax-shifted images, reduced accuracy, and complex adjustment processes, which impede target acquisition and hinder efficient documentation in hunting and security applications.

Innovation Solution

A camera device with a mounting module, deflection module, and camera module, featuring a semi-transparent image deflection system and a detachable design, allowing for precise alignment and easy reattachment, ensuring accurate image capture without obstructing the shooter's view, and accommodating various eyepiece tube diameters with adaptable clamping mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a camera device is attached to the eyepiece tube of a telescopic sight, then image capture is enabled, but the shooter's view is restricted and target acquisition is impeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage capture accuracyVSAvoidtarget acquisition
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The camera device is divided into separate modules: a mounting module that attaches to the eyepiece tube, a deflection module with the imaging device, and a camera module. This segmentation allows the imaging function to be added without permanently obstructing the optical path, as modules can be detached or adjusted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A semi-transparent deflection element (beam splitter or prism) is introduced as an intermediary between the eyepiece tube and the camera. This deflection element redirects a portion of the light to the camera while allowing the majority of light to pass through to the shooter's eye, thus enabling image capture without significantly impeding the shooter's view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If an image acquisition device is attached to a telescopic sight, then documentation is enabled, but the device shows a parallax-shifted image with insufficient accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedocumentation capabilityVSAvoidimage accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The semi-transparent deflection element positioned at the eyepiece tube creates an optical path that eliminates parallax error. By capturing the image at the same optical plane where the shooter views the target, the camera records the exact same image the shooter sees, ensuring high accuracy for documentation purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment systems with an optical solution. Instead of mechanically adjusting the camera position to match the shooter's viewpoint, the deflection element optically couples the camera to the eyepiece tube's optical path, automatically ensuring accurate image capture without mechanical adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the camera device is reassembled after removal, then the device can be stored and reused, but adjustment is required again losing repeatability

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedetachabilityVSAvoidassembly repeatability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting module incorporates self-aligning features such as tapered surfaces and positioning elements that automatically guide the deflection and camera modules back into the correct position during reattachment. This self-alignment mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment, ensuring high repeatability when the device is reassembled after storage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual adjustment mechanisms with precision-machined self-aligning features. The tapered mounting surfaces and positioning elements provide mechanical guidance that automatically restores the optimal optical alignment when modules are reattached, substituting complex adjustment procedures with simple snap-fit or screw-together assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Measurement precision

If a complex adjustment system is used for camera alignment, then image accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimage alignment accuracyVSAvoidadjustment mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system incorporates self-aligning features including tapered surfaces, positioning pins, and precision-machined interfaces that automatically guide the camera module into the correct position. This self-alignment eliminates the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms, achieving high alignment accuracy through the design of the mounting interfaces themselves rather than through adjustable mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides high accuracy and repeatability in image capture, maintaining unobstructed target acquisition while allowing for easy adjustment and use of the telescopic sight, enhancing documentation and training efficiency in hunting and security operations.

Implementation Method 1

a device arranged in a housing for deflecting the image from the axis of the optical device; wherein the device for deflection is designed and arranged semi-transparently in such a way that when the camera device is placed on the optical device, the view through the optical device is made possible

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage deflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3633451B1Camera device for fastening to an especially optical sighting device
Publication Date: 2021.12.15 KILIC MICHAEL ALI
  • EP3633451B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3633451B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3633451B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a camera device for mounting on the eyepiece tube of an optical device, in particular a riflescope, a telescope, or a riflescope, comprising a mounting module (01, 50) for mounting the camera device on the eyepiece tube, a camera module (34, 52) for capturing and/or transmitting the image, a deflection module (12, 51) with a device (28) arranged in a housing (15, 57) for deflecting the image from the axis of the optical device to the camera module, wherein the deflection device (28) is semi-transparent and arranged such that, when the camera device is mounted on the optical device, a view through the optical device is possible, wherein the mounting module (01, 50), the deflection module (12, 51), and/or the camera module (34, 52) are detachably connected to one another in such a way that the mounting module (01, 50) can remain on the eyepiece tube when the deflection and camera modules are removed. (12, 51;34, 52) are removed from the optical device, wherein the mounting module (01, 50) has a double-shell structure with two mounting shells (02, 03, 53, 54), wherein the mounting module (01, 50) has a retaining ring (07) with a fastening device for detachably fastening the deflecting module (12, 51) in the region of its end facing the deflection module (12, 51), and wherein the retaining ring (07) is integrally formed on a first of the two mounting shells (02, 03), and wherein the second of the two mounting shells (03, 02) ends at a distance from the retaining ring (07).