Sight System With Camera And Beam Combiner
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sighting devices limit situational awareness and lack flexibility, forcing users to adapt to a specific sighting method, which can be cumbersome and impractical, especially in combat situations.
Innovation Solution
A sight system that includes a camera and display for providing video images to the user, allowing dynamic imaging of a target scene with a red dot or other reticle, enabling flexible operation as a reflex or occluded sight without compromising peripheral vision, and combining zoom capabilities for a single device that replaces separate red dot and zoom sights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sighting devices are used to provide a narrow field of view for aiming, then aiming precision is improved, but situational awareness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sight system is divided into separate functional modules: a camera module for capturing wide-field images, a display module for presenting visual information, and a reticle projection module for aiming reference. This segmentation allows each module to optimize its function independently while working together to provide both precise aiming and broad situational awareness through the beam combiner optical architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate sighting devices are used to provide different sighting methods, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sight system is designed as a universal platform that can operate in multiple sighting modes including open sight, closed sight, and telescopic sight configurations. The system uses a single camera, display, and reticle projection assembly that can be configured through software control to provide different sighting methods, eliminating the need for multiple separate sighting devices while maintaining adaptability across various operational requirements.
3Measurement precision
If telescopic sights are used to provide magnified viewing, then target detail is improved, but peripheral vision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a single two-dimensional view through optical zoom to a multi-dimensional visual experience by combining the camera-captured wide-field image with an overlaid reticle projection on the display. This allows the user to access magnified target details when needed while maintaining awareness of the broader scene through the camera's wide-field capture capability, effectively adding a temporal dimension for switching between view modes.
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 sight system enhances situational awareness by allowing users to maintain peripheral vision while aiming, providing flexibility in sighting methods, and reducing the number of devices needed, as it can be configured to emulate reflex or occluded sights as desired.
Implementation Method 1
a beam combiner adapted to pass the presented images to a user of the sight system; and a light source adapted to project a reticle to the beam combiner, wherein the beam combiner is adapted to reflect the reticle to the user
Data Source
AI summary
A sight system is provided which may be selectively used in a variety of different ways. In one example, the sight system may be positioned on a rifle to provide a rifle sight system. In this example, the sight system may be positioned on the rifle barrel a substantial distance away from a user's eye. Advantageously, such an implementation may permit a user to effectively sight the rifle without compromising situational awareness. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide a reflex sight with a reticle (e.g., a dot, crosshair, mark, or other appropriate shape) superimposed on an image (e.g., a zoomed or non-zoomed image) displayed from a camera. In another example, the sight system may be used to provide an occluded sight in which a camera and/or display of the sight system is disabled. As a result, a reticle may be displayed over an opaque background.