Virtual Graticule Projection in Telescopic Sight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic sights face challenges in replacing the sight graticule due to fouling or defects, which is an expensive and complex process requiring specialist intervention, and the variety of graticules leads to high logistic costs for manufacturers and users.
Innovation Solution
The sight graticule is replaced by a virtual image projected onto the image plane outside the light ray path, using a beam splitter and a display unit with a projection device, allowing for electronic storage and selection of graticules, and a variation device for adjusting the sight picture, including zero-point adjustment and parallax correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a physical sight graticule is placed on the image plane, then measurement and targeting tasks can be fulfilled, but the graticule is prone to fouling and defects, and replacement is expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual image of the sight graticule through optical projection instead of using a physical graticule on the image plane. This virtual copy can be generated electronically and displayed optically, eliminating the need for physical replacement while maintaining the targeting function. The projection system creates a realistic visual representation that behaves like a real graticule but can be changed instantly through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical graticule system with an optical projection system. Instead of physically mounting and replacing etched glass plates or wire graticules, the system uses a projection device to optically generate the graticule image. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear, fouling, and complex replacement procedures while enabling electronic control and instant changes between different graticule types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different sight graticules are stocked to meet market demands, then individual preferences can be satisfied, but logistic costs and storage complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal projection system that can display multiple different graticule types through a single device. The projection device can be electronically controlled to generate various graticule patterns, reticle designs, and targeting configurations. This multi-functional capability allows one physical system to replace what would traditionally require multiple different graticule inventories, satisfying diverse user preferences without increasing physical storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic changing of graticule parameters through electronic control of the projection system. Different graticule types can be selected by changing electronic parameters such as projection patterns, magnification levels, and reticle configurations. This allows instant adaptation between different graticule styles without physical replacement, reducing logistic complexity while maintaining full versatility for different shooting applications and user preferences.
3Measurement precision
If the sight graticule is viewed at higher magnification, then measurement precision improves, but fouling and defects become more visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual image of the sight graticule through optical projection, which is not subject to physical fouling. The projected graticule appears with the same magnification and clarity as a physical graticule would at the image plane, but since it is generated optically rather than being a physical object, it cannot accumulate fouling, scratches, or defects. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining measurement precision through high magnification while eliminating the harmful effect of visible fouling.
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 enables users to easily replace and customize sight graticules, reducing maintenance costs and logistical complexities, allowing for increased magnification and simplified assembly, while enabling users to perform adjustments and range-finding without mechanical intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter of the (specific) image plane is attached and is penetrated by light rays passing through from the ocular and the objective, and on which from outside the outer tube at least one sight graticule and a display unit exhibiting a projection device and the image of the (specific) sight graticule can be projected
Implementation Method 2
a projection opening sealed closed by a transparent, dust- and waterproof window
Data Source
AI summary
Telescopic sight, in particular for a handgun, comprising an optical lens system which is integrated in an essentially elongated outer tube which preferably has a circular cross section and can be fitted to the handgun or the like, which optical lens system is terminated by an eyepiece at an end facing the shooter's eye when the gun is being used, and by an objective at its opposite end, and has, between the eyepiece and the objective, at least one image plane lying in the optical beam path of light beams passing through the eyepiece and the objective, wherein a graticule structure lying in the beam path is arranged in the or at least one of the image planes, characterized in that the graticule structure comprises a virtual image of a graticule arranged outside the beam path, said virtual image being projected into the (respective) image plane.