Viewing Optic First Focal Plane Display Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current riflescopes require multiple devices and complex calculations for accurate long-range shooting, especially in low light conditions, and are limited by the second focal plane which complicates aiming point accuracy across different magnification settings.
Innovation Solution
A viewing optic with an integrated display system that projects digital information into the first focal plane, combining it with the target image, allowing for simultaneous viewing of digital overlays and the scene, and featuring a beam combiner, active display, and collector optics to maintain alignment and accuracy across adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices (laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, bubble level, thermal/night vision devices) are used for accurate long-range shooting, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates laser rangefinder, ballistic computer, bubble level, and thermal/night vision devices into a single integrated scope assembly. The housing contains all these components working together as one unified system, eliminating the need for multiple separate devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated scope serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides optical viewing, laser ranging, ballistic calculation, level indication, and thermal/night vision capabilities. This multi-functional design allows a single device to replace what previously required multiple separate tools, improving ease of operation without sacrificing accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If multiple separate devices are used for long-range shooting, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the need to attend to multiple devices and make manual adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The ballistic computer automatically calculates trajectory compensation based on input data from the laser rangefinder and other sensors. The system self-adjusts the reticle position electronically without requiring the shooter to manually compute ballistics or make mechanical turret adjustments, significantly reducing the time and cognitive load required for accurate long-range shooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system provides real-time feedback through the optical viewfinder, displaying calculated aim points and trajectory information directly in the field of view. This immediate visual feedback allows the shooter to make rapid adjustments without looking away from the target or processing information from separate devices.
3Reliability
If thermal/night vision devices are attached in front of the riflescope for low light conditions, then reliability in low light is improved, but device complexity, size, and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates thermal and night vision imaging systems directly into the scope housing, combining them with the optical viewing system in a unified design. This integration allows the different imaging modalities to work together within a single optical path, reducing the complexity of managing separate devices while maintaining reliability in low light conditions.
4Ease of operation
If electronic aiming point adjustment is used instead of mechanical turrets, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may deteriorate due to potential electronic failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adjustment capabilities through electronic control of the reticle position, allowing rapid and precise aiming point changes without manual turret manipulation. The electronic system can be adjusted in real-time based on feedback from sensors and ballistic calculations, improving ease of operation while the integrated design ensures system reliability through coordinated electronic control of all components.
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 reduces the complexity of hitting long-range targets by integrating information directly into the first focal plane, maintaining accurate aiming points regardless of magnification or adjustments, and enabling effective use in low light conditions without the need for separate devices.
Implementation Method 1
an objective system coupled to a first end of the main tube... cooperatively configured to define at least one focal plane
Implementation Method 2
a beam combiner located between the objective system and the first focal plane... the digital image and the target image from the objective lens system can be combined at the first focal plane
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a viewing optic. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having an integrated display system. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic having an integrated display system for generating images that are projected into the first focal plane of an optical system.