Variable Magnification Indicator for Zoom Sighting Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sighting zooms require operators to disengage from the target to adjust magnification, limiting their ability to receive real-time information about the magnification setting and affecting aiming accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A magnification zoom sighting system with a reticle having magnification indicia that displays the current magnification setting within the operator's field of view, allowing adjustments without losing visual contact with the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If magnification adjustment is made through a marked power ring on the exterior of the scope, then magnification can be adjusted, but the operator must remove their eye from the scope to select the appropriate magnification, thereby disengaging visual contact with the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of a magnification indicator lens, magnification indicia, and field lens that transfers magnification information from the power ring position to the operator's field of view. This intermediary system allows the operator to see the current magnification setting without removing their eye from the scope, thereby maintaining visual contact with the target while still having access to magnification information.
2Reliability
If the reticle is introduced in the second image plane, then the aiming reticle remains in focus to the eye when viewing the target, but the target changes in size during zooming while the aiming reticle does not vary in size, limiting the amount of useful information that can be provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary magnification indicator system that provides magnification information directly in the field of view. This intermediary system complements the reticle by providing additional information about the current magnification setting, thereby increasing the total useful information available to the operator without affecting the reticle's focusing properties.
3Measurement precision
If detailed grid patterns on the aiming reticle are used to estimate size of the target, correct for ballistic drop, and compensate for cross winds, then detailed aiming measurements can be made, but the operator cannot adjust magnification without removing their eye from the scope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary magnification indicator system that displays the current magnification setting within the operator's field of view. This intermediary system allows the operator to see the magnification setting while maintaining their aiming position, thereby facilitating easier magnification adjustment without compromising measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the magnification indicator provides real-time information about the current magnification setting to the operator. This feedback allows the operator to make informed magnification adjustments while maintaining visual contact with the target and continuing to use the reticle for precise aiming measurements.
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
Enables operators to maintain focus on the target while adjusting magnification, providing real-time magnification information and enhancing aiming accuracy through detailed reticle measurements and compensation for environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
An objective lens group (218) mounted at an objective end (204) of the elongated tube housing in a manner that faces a target to be sighted
Implementation Method 2
The objective lens group (218) focuses an image of the target at a first focal plane (222)
Implementation Method 3
A zoom lens group (226) positioned between the objective lens group (218) and the ocular lens group (220) that magnifies and reorients the inverted image
Implementation Method 4
The zoom lens group (226) magnifies and reorients the inverted image
Implementation Method 5
An ocular lens group (220) mounted at an ocular end (206) of the elongated tube housing in a manner that faces the operator
Implementation Method 6
a reticle (212) having magnification indicia (300) that conveys an optical magnification setting of the magnification adjustment mechanism (210)
Data Source
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AI summary
A magnification zoom sighting system is disclosed. One embodiment includes an objective lens group that produces an image of a distant object at a first focal plane, a zoom lens element that relays the image from the first focal plane to a second focal plane and varies an optical magnification of the image, an ocular lens group for viewing the image at the second focal plane, a magnification adjustment mechanism coupled to the zoom lens element for adjusting an optical magnification setting of the zoom lens element to adjust the optical magnification of the image, and a reticle having magnification indicia, disposed proximate the first focal plane and such that it is configured to be viewable through the ocular lens group in a field of view thereof and superimposed upon the image. The magnification indicia conveys the optical magnification setting of the zoom lens element.