Split Field of View Optical Sight with Beam Splitter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical sights with split fields of view have not been satisfactory in providing a clear and effective simultaneous view of a target with different magnifications, limiting their accuracy and usability for aiming firearms.

Innovation Solution

The optical sight employs a beam splitter and a combination of lenses and optical components to create a split field of view with one area providing 1× magnification and another area providing 4× magnification, using a beam splitter oriented at 45° and a glass plate with a reflective coating to superimpose reticles on the images, allowing for simultaneous viewing of a target with different magnifications without moving parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tumbler is used to change magnification, then the user can switch between different magnification levels, but the device becomes more complex and requires moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnification adjustmentVSAvoidmechanical components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The field of view is divided into multiple segments, each displaying a different magnification level simultaneously. The optical system separates the incoming light into distinct paths, with each path passing through different lens combinations to produce varying magnification levels, which are then recombined to display multiple FOV levels at once.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical tumbler mechanism is replaced with a static optical system using beam splitters and fixed lens assemblies. Instead of mechanically switching between magnification levels, the system uses optical components to simultaneously present multiple magnification levels through fixed-focus optics for each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a split field of view is provided, then simultaneous viewing of different magnifications is achieved, but the clarity and effectiveness of the view is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimultaneous magnification viewingVSAvoidtarget acquisition accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the field of view are assigned different optical characteristics. Each segment has its own dedicated lens assembly and optical path optimized for its specific magnification level, ensuring that each region displays its target information with optimal clarity and detail appropriate to its magnification level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Beam splitters and combiners act as intermediary optical elements that facilitate the simultaneous presentation of multiple magnification levels. These components carefully manage the light paths to ensure proper alignment, brightness balance, and spatial separation of the different magnification views without compromising the clarity of any individual segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 configuration provides a clear and effective split field of view with fixed-focus optics, allowing users to accurately aim targets at varying distances without the need for moving parts, enhancing the usability and accuracy of the optical sight.

Implementation Method 1

a beam splitter and a combination of lenses and optical components to create a split field of view... using a beam splitter oriented at 45°

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBeam splitting: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

a glass plate with a reflective coating to superimpose reticles on the images

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8400712B2Method and apparatus for providing a split field of view in an optical sight

Publication Date: 2013.03.19 RAYTHEON CANADA LTD

AI summary

A method and apparatus involve: admitting through objective optics of an optical sight a beam of radiation representing a scene; generating two different images of the scene; supplying the images to respective portions of a field of view at a viewing section; and superimposing a respective reticle onto each image. According to a different aspect a method and apparatus involve: causing two beams of radiation within an optical sight that represent different images of a scene to approach a reflective section in different directions, the reflective section causing a portion of each beam to reach a respective portion of a field of view at a viewing section; and superimposing a respective reticle onto each beam portion.