Thermal Weapon Sight Reticle Centering and Contrast Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal weapon sights face challenges in centering the reticle within the display, maintaining intuitive operation during zoom, and providing effective contrast enhancement, especially when used with low-cost, mass-produced thermal imaging sensors.
Innovation Solution
The thermal weapon sight incorporates a digital zoom capability that centers the reticle within the display as the image is magnified, applies contrast enhancement only to the displayed portion of the image, and includes exterior controls and an eyepiece viewer option to maintain operation without hand movement, ensuring proper battery access and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If digital zoom is applied to magnify the displayed image beyond optical magnification, then the magnification capability is improved, but the reticle centering becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The reticle position is dynamically adjusted based on the current zoom level. When digital zoom is applied, the system calculates and applies an offset to recenter the reticle on the magnified image, ensuring the aiming point remains centered regardless of the zoom level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the current zoom level and uses this feedback to adjust the reticle position accordingly. The processor receives zoom level information and automatically applies the appropriate offset to maintain reticle centering across different magnification levels.
2Manufacturing precision
If contrast enhancement is applied to the entire thermal image, then the overall image quality is improved, but the processing time and computational load increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying contrast enhancement to the entire thermal image, the system applies enhancement only to the specific region that corresponds to the current field of view after zoom operations. This localized approach maintains image quality in the visible area while significantly reducing processing time and computational resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal image is effectively segmented into the visible portion and the non-visible portions. Contrast enhancement is applied only to the visible segment that the user can currently see through the scope, rather than processing the complete image data set.
3Device complexity
If controls are integrated inside the weapon sight housing, then the device structure is simplified, but the ease of operation without hand movement is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is extended from the traditional two-dimensional plane of the housing to the three-dimensional space along the weapon barrel. Controls are positioned at multiple locations including the front and rear of the weapon, allowing the operator to adjust settings without moving their hands from the firing position.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be universally accessible at multiple positions along the weapon. The same control functions are available at different locations, allowing the operator to perform adjustments regardless of hand position or grip style.
4Reliability
If the weapon sight is sealed to maintain environmental protection, then the reliability is improved, but the battery access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery compartment is designed with a preliminary access mechanism that allows for quick opening without compromising the overall seal. The compartment includes a quick-release latch or snap-fit mechanism that enables battery removal and installation without tools or complex procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery compartment is extracted as a separate, accessible section from the main sealed housing. This allows the battery to be accessed independently while the rest of the weapon sight maintains its environmental seal for protection against dust and moisture.
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 solution enhances the operational intuitiveness and contrast resolution of the thermal weapon sight, allowing for accurate aiming and post-shot analysis while maintaining environmental sealing and easy battery access.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal imager with a processor executing an image processing chain
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal weapon sight which includes a thermal imaging sensor, associated control and image processing computational elements, and a display includes one or more of improved reticle centering, shot indication and time lapse image capture, digital zoom, contrast enhancement that acts on displayed data only, and device features such as an eyepiece viewing option and controls disposable on a weapon that allow for weapon sight control without moving hands from weapon operation position.