EP3649425B1 - Aiming scope with illuminated sights and thermal imaging camera - Google Patents

Aiming scope with illuminated sights and thermal imaging camera Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3649425B1
EP3649425B1 EP18733916.3A EP18733916A EP3649425B1 EP 3649425 B1 EP3649425 B1 EP 3649425B1 EP 18733916 A EP18733916 A EP 18733916A EP 3649425 B1 EP3649425 B1 EP 3649425B1
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Prior art keywords
sighting
eyepiece
optical
spotting
camera
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3649425A1 (en
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Jean-Luc Espie
Bruno Coumert
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Thales SA
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Thales SA
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G1/00—Sighting devices
    • F41G1/32—Night sights, e.g. luminescent
    • F41G1/34—Night sights, e.g. luminescent combined with light source, e.g. spot light

Definitions

  • the field of the invention is that of shooting glasses comprising a thermal camera and a clear viewfinder.
  • a thermal camera comprising a thermal camera and a clear viewfinder.
  • a clear viewfinder Such a bezel is known from the prior art US 2014/096428 A1 .
  • the solution of the clear sight is particularly appreciated because it offers good precision, while preserving a good perception of the overall situation insofar as it allows aiming and firing with both eyes open and that it authorizes a position of the eye relatively far from the optics of the clear viewfinder, the eye should not be close to an eyepiece.
  • the shooter can keep both eyes open, as the clear viewfinder conveys the landscape without magnification.
  • Aiming by means of a laser pointer, widely used, especially at night, is very interesting because it allows rapid fire in dynamic combat, without the need to align the eye behind a sight, or even to shoulder the weapon. in an extreme situation.
  • the laser pointer remains indiscreet, especially at night. Even when it is a pointer emitting in the near infrared, it is easily detectable with night vision binoculars or even with certain equipment using a sensitive near-infrared camera.
  • Infrared or thermal riflescopes have the same disadvantages but offer some significant advantages: night vision, including in total darkness, improved vision in the mists and smoke of the battlefield and above all the ability to "decamouflage" any hot target .
  • the bezel comprises a thermal camera and a display device.
  • the thermal camera comprises a focusing lens 1 and a photosensitive receiver 2.
  • the display device comprises a micro-display 3 and an eyepiece 4.
  • the clear viewfinder comprises a light symbol 5 and collimation optics 6 and superimposition with the vision direct 7.
  • the bezel of the invention according to claim 1 does not have the above drawbacks. Indeed, several images from different sources are perceived by a single eyepiece of the clear viewfinder type. This ensures several of the requirements of this type of equipment while maintaining a small footprint.
  • the subject of the invention is a sighting or observation telescope comprising, in a single mechanical structure, a camera and a video micro-display associated with an eyepiece, characterized in that the eyepiece comprises an optical combiner arranged so as to superimpose the image of the video micro-display on the exterior landscape.
  • the bezel of the invention comprises a luminous point or symbol and an optical device arranged to superimpose the image of said luminous point or symbol on said image of the video micro-display and on the external landscape.
  • the optical chain consisting of the camera, the microdisplay and the eyepiece has a unitary magnification, the image of the microdisplay being in conformity with that of the exterior landscape.
  • the optical combiner comprises a planar semi-reflecting surface inclined at about 45 degrees on an axis of sight or observation.
  • the semi-reflecting surface is integrated into a splitter blade comprising two flat and parallel faces.
  • the semi-reflecting plate is integrated into a separator cube comprising two plane and parallel faces.
  • the normal to said faces may be parallel to the line of sight or observation.
  • the splitter prism comprises a concave reflecting mirror whose optical axis is perpendicular to the sighting or observation axis, the light rays coming from the video micro-display being transmitted by the semi-reflecting plate, reflected by the mirror concave then by the semi-reflecting blade.
  • the splitter prism comprises a convex entry face whose optical axis is perpendicular to the sighting or observation axis and opposite the concave mirror.
  • the optical combiner comprises a concave semi-reflecting surface of the “freeform” or diffractive type inclined on the line of sight or observation and the eyepiece comprises a convex mirror associated with the concave semi-reflecting surface.
  • the optical device comprises a splitter blade or a splitter cube arranged in front of the video micro-display so that the image of the point or of the luminous symbol is, by reflection or transmission by the splitter blade or by the splitter cube, confused with the video micro-display.
  • the camera is a thermal or low light level infrared camera.
  • the picture 2 shows a perspective view of a sighting and observation telescope according to the invention. It essentially comprises two main sub-assemblies which are a camera 10 and a display device 15 comprising a micro-display and an eyepiece with an optical combiner.
  • the optical combiner is mounted above the camera. All of the optical and electronic components are integrated into a sealed structure 80 which protects them from the external environment and shocks.
  • This structure includes a mechanical attachment interface 85 allowing it to be attached to a weapon equipped with a standard interface.
  • This interface is, for example, a “Picatinny” rail or its equivalent.
  • the structure also comprises a set 87 of buttons and control elements allowing in particular the On/Off controls of the various functions of the equipment, the brightness settings of the video micro-display, the electronic and mechanical settings of electronics for superimposing the various images generated on the exterior landscape. It can be arranged on one of the two lateral sides of the bezel. For example, on the picture 2 , the assembly comprises three buttons arranged on the left side of the bezel, other buttons being arranged on the left side of the bezel.
  • the picture 3 represents a first embodiment diagram of a sight or observation telescope according to the invention.
  • the optical or mechanical elements are represented in bold lines, the light rays are represented in fine lines and the optical axes in dotted lines. For reasons of clarity, only the light rays on the optical axis are shown.
  • the camera is preferably a thermal camera, consisting of an infrared lens 20 operating in the spectral band situated between 8 ⁇ m and 12 ⁇ m and an infrared sensor 25 with micro-bolometers sensitive in the same spectral band.
  • the camera can also be a low light level camera implementing a low noise “CMOS” sensor, “CMOS” being the acronym for “Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor” or an “EB-CMOS” sensor, acronym of “Electro-Bombarded CMOS”.
  • CMOS complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor
  • EB-CMOS Electro-Bombarded CMOS
  • the camera can also be a "SWIR” camera, acronym for "Short Wave InfraRed” operating in the spectral band between 1 ⁇ m and 2 ⁇ m, capturing the night light from night luminescence or "night glow” and also offering decamouflage capabilities.
  • This camera comprises electronics 30 for power supply, sensor control and image processing as well as a power supply unit 40 receiving several batteries or a block of rechargeable batteries so as to ensure its autonomy which can be disposed at the back of the telescope, on the observer's eye side.
  • the display device comprises a micro-display 50, an eyepiece 60 with an optical combiner 70 and the electronics necessary for supplying and controlling the micro-display.
  • This micro-display 50 displays an aiming video reticle, optionally enriched with elevation correction elements or symbols or stadimetric graduations. It also displays the thermal infrared image of the scene from the thermal camera.
  • This micro-display may be, for example, an "OLED” display, acronym meaning “Organic Light Emmitting Diode”, an “LCD”, acronym meaning “Liquid Crystal Display”, an “LCOS” display, acronym meaning “ Liquid Crystal On Silicon”.
  • OLED Organic Light Emmitting Diode
  • LCD Liquid Crystal Display
  • LCOS Liquid Crystal On Silicon
  • the optical chain consisting of the camera, the microdisplay and the eyepiece has a unitary magnification, the image of the microdisplay being in conformity with that of the exterior landscape.
  • the optical combiner ensures the perfect superposition of the image of the micro-display on the external landscape.
  • the optical combiner eyepiece has various possible embodiments.
  • the optical combiner has a planar semi-reflecting surface inclined at 45 degrees to an axis of sight or observation. This surface has no optical power.
  • This surface can belong to a semi-reflecting blade with flat and parallel faces of low thickness as seen in the figure 8 .
  • this blade can be advantageously integrated into a splitter cube comprising two flat and parallel faces so as not to introduce distortion into the exterior landscape.
  • the normal to these faces can be parallel to the line of sight or observation.
  • the figure 4 represents a first eyepiece 61 comprising a focusing optic and an optical combiner 71 with a separating cube.
  • the focusing optics form the micro-display 50 an image at infinity which is superimposed on the external landscape by means of the optical combiner 71. and 713.
  • the focusing optics of the figure 4 comprises three lenses 610, 611 and 612 and a plane deflection mirror 613 located between the second and the third lens. This mirror 613 makes it possible to reduce the size of the focusing optics.
  • the mirror can be replaced by a right prism.
  • the optical combiner 71 directly reflects the image of the display towards the eye Y of the observer.
  • the figure 5 represents a second eyepiece 62 comprising a focusing optic and an optical combiner 72 with a separating cube.
  • the optical combiner has optical power on the micro-display channel.
  • the optical combiner has no optical power on the direct transmission path. Thus, the number and the size of the lenses necessary for the collimation are reduced.
  • the eyepiece is simpler and less bulky.
  • the splitter cube 72 then includes a concave reflecting mirror 722 whose optical axis is perpendicular to the line of sight.
  • the collimation of the light rays coming from the display 50 is ensured by a group of three lenses 620, 621 and 622 and by the combiner 72.
  • the light rays coming from the video micro-display 50 pass through the group of lenses, are transmitted by the semi-reflecting plate 721, reflected by the concave mirror 722 then a second time by the semi-reflecting plate 721 towards the eye of the observer.
  • a plane deflection mirror 623 makes it possible to reduce the optical size of the eyepiece.
  • the splitter cube comprises a convex input face 723 whose optical axis is perpendicular to the sighting or observation axis and opposite to the concave mirror 722.
  • This convex face 723 has the function of avoid the total reflections seen by the eye which come from the scene and are reflected by total reflection on this face of the prism.
  • This convex face makes it possible to defocus these parasitic images and to push them back into an area not visible to the eye in the firing position.
  • the optical combiner 73 comprises a concave semi-reflecting surface of the “freeform” or diffractive type inclined on the line of sight or observation.
  • the term “freeform” or free-form surface means a surface which has no rotational symmetry. It can be defined in different ways.
  • the semi-reflecting surface is inclined on the optical axis by a large angle which may be close to 40 degrees.
  • the eyepiece 63 comprises a convex mirror 632 also inclined on the optical axis associated with the concave semi-reflecting surface 73 as seen in the figure 5 .
  • This mirror can also be a “freeform” or diffractive type surface.
  • the eyepiece 63 comprises a group of two lenses 630 and 631 forming a doublet, the convex mirror 632 and the concave semi-reflecting surface 73. If the group of lenses has a large focal length, it is possible to interpose between the display 50 and this group of lenses an optical device for folding the beams which can be mirrors or prisms so as to reduce the size of the eyepiece.
  • the telescope comprises a luminous point or symbol and an optical device arranged to superimpose the image of this luminous point or symbol on the image of the video micro-display and on the outside landscape.
  • the optical device then comprises a splitter blade or a splitter cube arranged in front of the video micro-display so that the image of the luminous point or symbol is, by reflection or transmission by the splitter blade or by the splitter cube, merged with the video micro-display.
  • the light point is produced by means of a light-emitting diode placed in front of a source hole, the latter being positioned in the focal plane of the eyepiece so as to be superimposed on the image of the micro-display.
  • This dot is usually red.
  • the light point is fixed on a mechanism for adjustment in translation in the focal plane so as to allow the user to make adjustments of simbleautage of the line of sight materialized by the light point with respect to the axis of fire of the weapon.
  • the display reticle and the red dot constitute two alternative solutions to materialize the aiming axis of the weapon, the red dot being a simple solution with very low consumption.
  • the video reticle makes it possible to generate patterns of various and sophisticated shapes comprising, for example, stadimetric symbols of characters or vehicles providing approximate range finding.
  • the “red” dot therefore constitutes an optional addition to the video micro-display. It also allows a degraded mode with low consumption when the micro-display and the thermal image are out of operation, for example to save the electrical energy of the bezel.
  • a first example of execution of this variant embodiment is shown in figure 7 .
  • a separator cube 90 comprising a flat semi-reflecting blade 91 is placed between the micro-display 50 and the first eyepiece lens. This one has the 60 eyepiece configuration of the picture 3 .
  • the red dot 95 is arranged so that its image, by reflection on the semi-reflecting blade 91 is confused with the micro-display.
  • the eyepiece 64 comprises an optic 640 arranged between the micro-display 50 and the splitter cube 900.
  • An identical optic 640bis is also arranged between the red dot 95 and the splitter cube 900.
  • the splitter cube is an assembly of two prisms 901 and 902 whose common face 910 comprises the semi-reflecting treatment.
  • the prism 902 operates by total reflection.
  • the ocular part therefore comprises, in this order, the optics 640 and 640 bis, the separating prism 900, a right prism 641 which ensures the folding of the beams and the semi-reflecting plate 73 and the doublet 642.
  • the sight according to the invention may comprise complementary modular optical systems making it possible to modify the perception of the external landscape.
  • a magnifying afocal optic with a magnification of 3 for example.
  • an optical module which is invariant in terms of magnification and axis deviation with a light intensifier can be arranged upstream of the combiner. The user thus perceives both an intensified image and a thermal image of the exterior landscape.
  • the first advantage of the telescope according to the invention is, for daytime aiming, to add a capacity for concealment to a clear viewfinder, while retaining the ergonomic qualities of the clear viewfinder which offers a large eye relief, does not obscure not the peripheral field of vision and allows to engage a target while keeping both eyes open.
  • the user has in the viewfinder window the direct image of the scene on which is superimposed on the one hand the luminous reticle materializing the axis of fire of his weapon, and on the other hand the video image of the hot targets present in the scene and likely to pose threats.
  • the display of only hot targets, at the temperature of human bodies by erasing the background of the scene is ensured by conventional algorithms used in thermal imaging, in particular in IL/IR fusion systems.
  • the combatant therefore benefits from a vision merged between the direct vision of the scene and the thermal infrared vision of the target, on which appears the luminous reticle figuring the axis of fire of the weapon when the combatant is aiming at this target.
  • the second advantage of this telescope is to allow infrared sighting at night, similar to what can be done with a conventional thermal riflescope, but with the ergonomics of a clear viewfinder: magnification 1, large eye draw, aiming with two eyes open.
  • the third advantage is to allow the fighter at night to look through the clear viewfinder using the light-intensifying night vision binoculars he may be equipped with, this being fixed to his head or helmet and thus held in front of his eyes. .
  • the fighter then benefits from the perception of the night scene over a wide field, that of the night vision binoculars. This field is typically 40°.
  • the fighter benefits from the infrared vision of the scene around the reticle which defines his line of sight. He then benefits from both situational awareness thanks to the night vision binoculars offering a wide field that he can use with both eyes open, and from the image of the target disguised in thermal infrared.
  • the fighter therefore has at his disposal a dual image fusion system: direct vision and thermal infrared by day, intensification of light and thermal infrared by night.
  • This is effective without adding a specific night vision binocular but simply by using the night vision binocular already provided in the armed forces.
  • This double benefit, obtained from a single, light and compact module, is added to the advantage of having, day and night, a clear viewfinder type of ergonomics which allows rapid aiming, two eyes open, maintaining a good perception of the environment at all times, beneficial for reactivity in a dynamic combat situation and allowing superiority to be obtained in a duel situation.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Optics & Photonics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Telescopes (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)

Description

Le domaine de l'invention est celui des lunettes de tir comportant une caméra thermique et un viseur clair. Une telle lunette est connue de l'art antérieur US 2014/096428 A1 .The field of the invention is that of shooting glasses comprising a thermal camera and a clear viewfinder. Such a bezel is known from the prior art US 2014/096428 A1 .

Pour accomplir ses différentes missions avec son armement, le fantassin a les besoins suivants :

  • Capacité de tir de jour et de nuit, nécessitant une visée précise permettant d'exploiter au mieux son arme, idéalement pour un tir efficace au-delà de 300 mètres ;
  • Visée rapide en situation de combat dynamique ;
  • Conservation d'une bonne conscience de la situation pour faire face à toute menace pouvant surgir sur le champ de bataille, de jour comme de nuit. Cette conscience de la situation passe notamment par la conservation d'un large champ de vision embrassant l'espace environnant ;
  • Capacité de « décamouflage » ou de perception des menaces, de jour comme de nuit ;
  • Discrétion, ce qui se traduit notamment de nuit par l'absence d'émission lumineuse des organes de visée ;
  • Absence d'opération de réglage de simbleautage pour passer de la visée de jour à la visée de nuit et inversement, de façon à gagner du temps et à assurer la fiabilité de la visée ;
  • Mobilité et endurance, ce qui nécessite un équipement aussi léger et compact que possible.
To accomplish his various missions with his armament, the infantryman has the following needs:
  • Ability to shoot day and night, requiring precise aiming to make the most of your weapon, ideally for effective shooting beyond 300 meters;
  • Quick aiming in dynamic combat situation;
  • Maintaining good situational awareness to deal with any threat that may arise on the battlefield, day or night. This awareness of the situation passes in particular by the conservation of a wide field of vision embracing the surrounding space;
  • Ability to "decamouflage" or perceive threats, day and night;
  • Discretion, which is reflected in particular at night by the absence of light emission from the sights;
  • Absence of sighting adjustment operation to switch from day sighting to night sighting and vice versa, so as to save time and ensure the reliability of sighting;
  • Mobility and endurance, which requires equipment that is as light and compact as possible.

Ces besoins se traduisent par des exigences fortes sur les organes de visée équipant le fusil d'assaut dont est doté le fantassin. Dans la pratique, ces exigences ne sont satisfaites que partiellement et ne le sont pas avec un seul équipement à la fois compact et léger.These needs result in strong requirements on the sights equipping the assault rifle with which the infantryman is equipped. In practice, these requirements are only partially met and not with a single device that is both compact and lightweight.

Les solutions courantes pour assurer la visée sur un fusil d'assaut sont les suivantes. Pour la visée de jour, l'arme comporte de base un ensemble œilleton - guidon. Cet ensemble est simple, robuste et à bas coût, mais offre peu de précision.Common solutions to ensure aiming on an assault rifle are as follows. For daytime aiming, the weapon has a basic eyepiece - front sight assembly. This set is simple, robust and low cost, but offers little precision.

L'arme peut également comporter pour la visée de jour :

  • un viseur clair, c'est-à-dire un ensemble optique permettant de superposer sur l'extérieur un symbole ou un point lumineux dans l'axe de visée. Ce viseur clair peut être associé éventuellement à une optique grossissante commutable. A titre d'exemple, le grossissement est de 3 ;
  • Un pointeur laser ;
  • Une lunette grossissante de jour ;
The weapon may also include for daytime aiming:
  • a clear viewfinder, that is to say an optical assembly making it possible to superimpose a symbol or a luminous point on the outside in the line of sight. This clear viewfinder can optionally be combined with switchable magnifying optics. By way of example, the magnification is 3;
  • A laser pointer;
  • A magnifying daytime bezel;

Pour la visée de nuit, l'arme peut comporter :

  • Un pointeur laser ;
  • Une lunette de tir à intensification de lumière dite « IL » ;
  • Une lunette de tir infrarouge dite « IR » ;
  • Un adaptateur ou « Clip-on » à intensificateur de lumière ou à infrarouge se positionnant en amont d'une lunette de tir de jour ;
  • Un dispositif de visée comportant des jumelles de vision de nuit associées à un viseur clair solidaire de l'arme.
For night sighting, the weapon may include:
  • A laser pointer;
  • A light-intensifying riflescope called "IL";
  • An infrared riflescope called "IR";
  • A light intensifier or infrared adapter or “Clip-on” positioned upstream of a daytime rifle scope;
  • A sighting device comprising night vision binoculars associated with a clear sight attached to the weapon.

Ces solutions connues présentent chacune des avantages et des inconvénients, mais aucune ne répond complètement au besoin global identifié plus haut.These known solutions each have advantages and disadvantages, but none completely meets the overall need identified above.

La solution du viseur clair est particulièrement appréciée car elle offre une bonne précision, tout en préservant une bonne perception de la situation globale dans la mesure où elle permet la visée et le tir avec les deux yeux ouverts et qu'elle autorise une position de l'œil relativement éloignée de l'optique du viseur clair, l'œil ne devant pas être proche d'un oculaire. Le tireur peut conserver les deux yeux ouverts, le viseur clair transmettant le paysage sans grossissement.The solution of the clear sight is particularly appreciated because it offers good precision, while preserving a good perception of the overall situation insofar as it allows aiming and firing with both eyes open and that it authorizes a position of the eye relatively far from the optics of the clear viewfinder, the eye should not be close to an eyepiece. The shooter can keep both eyes open, as the clear viewfinder conveys the landscape without magnification.

La visée au moyen d'un pointeur laser, largement utilisée, notamment de nuit, est très intéressante car elle permet un tir rapide en combat dynamique, sans nécessiter d'aligner l'œil derrière un viseur, ni même d'épauler l'arme en situation extrême. En revanche, le pointeur laser reste indiscret, notamment de nuit. Même lorsqu'il s'agit d'un pointeur émettant dans le proche infrarouge, il est facilement détectable avec des jumelles de vision nocturne ou même avec certains équipements utilisant une caméra sensible dans le proche infrarouge.Aiming by means of a laser pointer, widely used, especially at night, is very interesting because it allows rapid fire in dynamic combat, without the need to align the eye behind a sight, or even to shoulder the weapon. in an extreme situation. On the other hand, the laser pointer remains indiscreet, especially at night. Even when it is a pointer emitting in the near infrared, it is easily detectable with night vision binoculars or even with certain equipment using a sensitive near-infrared camera.

Les lunettes de tir en général, que ce soit des lunettes de jour ou des lunettes de nuit, à intensification de lumière ou à infrarouge thermique, présentent l'avantage de leur précision, grâce notamment à leur grossissement. Elles présentent l'inconvénient d'imposer de positionner l'œil utilisé pour la visée proche d'un oculaire ; par ailleurs, l'utilisateur ne peut pas utiliser l'autre œil pour une perception d'ensemble. Cette opération prend un certain temps, ce qui constitue une perte d'efficacité en combat dynamique. De plus, le tireur se coupe momentanément de son environnement et peut alors ignorer de nouvelles menaces. Enfin, de nuit, s'il est équipé d'une jumelle de vision nocturne, le combattant doit dégager celle-ci pour pourvoir positionner correctement un œil libre derrière la lunette de tir. Là encore, cela représente un délai supplémentaire dans l'action et une rupture par rapport à l'environnement du combattant.Shooting glasses in general, whether day or night glasses, with light intensification or thermal infrared, have the advantage of their precision, thanks in particular to their magnification. They have the disadvantage of making it necessary to position the eye used for aiming close to an eyepiece; moreover, the user cannot use the other eye for an overall perception. This operation takes some time, which is a loss of effectiveness in dynamic combat. Additionally, the shooter momentarily cuts itself off from its surroundings and can then ignore new threats. Finally, at night, if he is equipped with night vision goggles, the fighter must release it to be able to correctly position a free eye behind the rifle scope. Again, this represents an additional delay in the action and a break from the combatant's environment.

Les lunettes de tir infrarouge ou thermique présentent les mêmes inconvénients mais offrent quelques avantages significatifs : vision nocturne, y compris dans l'obscurité totale, vision améliorée dans les brumes et fumées du champ de bataille et surtout capacité de « décamouflage » de toute cible chaude.Infrared or thermal riflescopes have the same disadvantages but offer some significant advantages: night vision, including in total darkness, improved vision in the mists and smoke of the battlefield and above all the ability to "decamouflage" any hot target .

Pour tenter d'apporter une réponse adaptée, il est possible de juxtaposer dans un seul équipement plusieurs systèmes. Par exemple, comme on le voit sur la figure 1, certains équipements de visée regroupent une lunette de tir IL ou IR surmontée d'un viseur clair. Dans ce cas, la lunette comporte une caméra thermique et un dispositif de visualisation. La caméra thermique comporte un objectif de focalisation 1 et un récepteur photosensible 2. Le dispositif de visualisation comporte un micro-afficheur 3 et un oculaire 4. Le viseur clair comporte un symbole lumineux 5 et une optique de collimation 6 et de superposition avec la vision directe 7.In an attempt to provide an appropriate response, it is possible to juxtapose several systems in a single piece of equipment. For example, as seen in the figure 1 , some sighting equipment includes an IL or IR riflescope surmounted by a clear sight. In this case, the bezel comprises a thermal camera and a display device. The thermal camera comprises a focusing lens 1 and a photosensitive receiver 2. The display device comprises a micro-display 3 and an eyepiece 4. The clear viewfinder comprises a light symbol 5 and collimation optics 6 and superimposition with the vision direct 7.

Ces solutions conduisent à des équipements relativement encombrants qui offrent une juxtaposition de fonctions sans toutefois les combiner. A un instant donné, l'utilisateur doit choisir d'utiliser soit le viseur clair, soit la lunette et ne bénéficie donc jamais des avantages cumulés des deux systèmes. Dans le cas d'un système associant une lunette infrarouge thermique et un viseur clair, l'utilisateur doit choisir entre bénéficier de la visée rapide et de la conscience de la situation offerte par le viseur clair, ou bénéficier du décamouflage et de la vision nocturne offerts par la lunette thermique.These solutions lead to relatively bulky equipment which offers a juxtaposition of functions without however combining them. At a given moment, the user must choose to use either the clear viewfinder or the telescope and therefore never benefits from the combined advantages of the two systems. In the case of a system combining an infrared bezel sight and a clear sight, the user must choose between benefiting from the rapid aiming and situational awareness offered by the clear sight, or benefiting from the camouflage and night vision offered by the thermal sight.

En résumé, les solutions existantes basées sur un principe unique de type viseur clair, pointeur ou lunette ne répondent pas à l'ensemble des besoins du fantassin pour le tir en toute situation. Les solutions qui juxtaposent deux principes dans le même équipement comme, par exemple, un viseur clair et une lunette thermique permettent de cumuler certains avantages sans qu'il soit possible d'en bénéficier simultanément. Par ailleurs, ces systèmes sont encombrants et lourds. Ils ne répondent pas totalement aux besoins identifiés plus haut.In summary, the existing solutions based on a single principle of the clear sight, pointer or bezel type do not meet all of the infantryman's needs for firing in any situation. Solutions that juxtapose two principles in the same equipment such as, for example, a clear viewfinder and a thermal telescope make it possible to combine certain advantages without it being possible to benefit from them simultaneously. Furthermore, these systems are bulky and heavy. They do not fully meet the needs identified above.

La lunette de l'invention selon la revendication 1 ne présente pas les inconvénients précédents. En effet, plusieurs images issues de sources différentes sont perçues par un oculaire unique de type viseur clair. On assure ainsi plusieurs des exigences de ce type de matériel tout en conservant un encombrement réduit. Plus précisément, l'invention a pour objet une lunette de visée ou d'observation comportant, dans une structure mécanique unique, une caméra et un micro-afficheur vidéo associé à un oculaire, caractérisé en ce que l'oculaire comporte un combineur optique agencé de façon à superposer l'image du micro-afficheur vidéo sur le paysage extérieur.The bezel of the invention according to claim 1 does not have the above drawbacks. Indeed, several images from different sources are perceived by a single eyepiece of the clear viewfinder type. This ensures several of the requirements of this type of equipment while maintaining a small footprint. More specifically, the subject of the invention is a sighting or observation telescope comprising, in a single mechanical structure, a camera and a video micro-display associated with an eyepiece, characterized in that the eyepiece comprises an optical combiner arranged so as to superimpose the image of the video micro-display on the exterior landscape.

La lunette de l'invention comporte un point ou un symbole lumineux et un dispositif optique agencé à superposer l'image dudit point ou dudit symbole lumineux sur ladite image du micro-afficheur vidéo et sur le paysage extérieur.The bezel of the invention comprises a luminous point or symbol and an optical device arranged to superimpose the image of said luminous point or symbol on said image of the video micro-display and on the external landscape.

Avantageusement, la chaine optique constituée de la caméra, du microafficheur et de l'oculaire a un grossissement unitaire, l'image du micro-afficheur étant conforme à celle du paysage extérieur.Advantageously, the optical chain consisting of the camera, the microdisplay and the eyepiece has a unitary magnification, the image of the microdisplay being in conformity with that of the exterior landscape.

Avantageusement, le combineur optique comporte une surface semi-réfléchissante plane inclinée à environ 45 degrés sur un axe de visée ou d'observation.Advantageously, the optical combiner comprises a planar semi-reflecting surface inclined at about 45 degrees on an axis of sight or observation.

Avantageusement, la surface semi-réfléchissante est intégrée à une lame séparatrice comportant deux faces planes et parallèles.Advantageously, the semi-reflecting surface is integrated into a splitter blade comprising two flat and parallel faces.

Avantageusement, la lame semi-réfléchissante est intégrée à un cube séparateur comportant deux faces planes et parallèles. La normale auxdites faces peut être parallèle à l'axe de visée ou d'observation.Advantageously, the semi-reflecting plate is integrated into a separator cube comprising two plane and parallel faces. The normal to said faces may be parallel to the line of sight or observation.

Avantageusement, le prisme séparateur comporte un miroir concave réfléchissant dont l'axe optique est perpendiculaire à l'axe de visée ou d'observation, les rayons lumineux issus du micro-afficheur vidéo étant transmis par la lame semi-réfléchissante, réfléchis par le miroir concave puis par la lame semi-réfléchissante.Advantageously, the splitter prism comprises a concave reflecting mirror whose optical axis is perpendicular to the sighting or observation axis, the light rays coming from the video micro-display being transmitted by the semi-reflecting plate, reflected by the mirror concave then by the semi-reflecting blade.

Avantageusement, le prisme séparateur comporte une face d'entrée convexe dont l'axe optique est perpendiculaire à l'axe de visée ou d'observation et opposée au miroir concave.Advantageously, the splitter prism comprises a convex entry face whose optical axis is perpendicular to the sighting or observation axis and opposite the concave mirror.

Avantageusement, le combineur optique comporte une surface semi-réfléchissante concave de type « freeform » ou diffractive inclinée sur l'axe de visée ou d'observation et l'oculaire comporte un miroir convexe associé à la surface semi-réfléchissante concave.Advantageously, the optical combiner comprises a concave semi-reflecting surface of the “freeform” or diffractive type inclined on the line of sight or observation and the eyepiece comprises a convex mirror associated with the concave semi-reflecting surface.

Avantageusement, le dispositif optique comporte une lame séparatrice ou un cube séparateur disposé devant le micro-afficheur vidéo de façon que l'image du point ou du symbole lumineux soit, par réflexion ou transmission par la lame séparatrice ou par le cube séparateur, confondue avec le micro-afficheur vidéo.Advantageously, the optical device comprises a splitter blade or a splitter cube arranged in front of the video micro-display so that the image of the point or of the luminous symbol is, by reflection or transmission by the splitter blade or by the splitter cube, confused with the video micro-display.

Avantageusement, la caméra est une caméra infrarouge thermique ou à bas niveau de lumière.Advantageously, the camera is a thermal or low light level infrared camera.

L'invention sera mieux comprise et d'autres avantages apparaîtront à la lecture de la description qui va suivre donnée à titre non limitatif et grâce aux figures annexées parmi lesquelles :

  • La figure 1 déjà commentée représente un combiné lunette de tirviseur clair selon l'art antérieur ;
  • La figure 2 représente une vue en perspective d'une lunette de visée ou d'observation selon l'invention ;
  • La figure 3 représente un schéma de réalisation d'une lunette de visée ou d'observation selon l'invention ;
  • La figure 4 représente un premier mode de réalisation d'un oculaire selon l'invention ;
  • La figure 5 représente un second mode de réalisation d'un oculaire selon l'invention ;
  • La figure 6 représente un troisième mode de réalisation d'un oculaire selon l'invention ;
  • La figure 7 représente une variante de réalisation d'une lunette de visée ou d'observation selon l'invention comportant la génération d'un point lumineux collimaté ;
  • La figure 8 représente un quatrième mode de réalisation d'un oculaire selon l'invention.
The invention will be better understood and other advantages will appear on reading the description which will follow given on a non-limiting basis and thanks to the appended figures, among which:
  • The figure 1 already commented on represents a clear rifle scope combination according to the prior art;
  • The figure 2 shows a perspective view of a sight or observation telescope according to the invention;
  • The picture 3 shows an embodiment diagram of a sight or observation telescope according to the invention;
  • The figure 4 represents a first embodiment of an eyepiece according to the invention;
  • The figure 5 represents a second embodiment of an eyepiece according to the invention;
  • The figure 6 represents a third embodiment of an eyepiece according to the invention;
  • The figure 7 represents a variant embodiment of a sight or observation telescope according to the invention comprising the generation of a collimated light point;
  • The figure 8 represents a fourth embodiment of an eyepiece according to the invention.

La figure 2 représente une vue en perspective d'une lunette de visée et d'observation selon l'invention. Elle comporte essentiellement deux sous-ensembles principaux qui sont une caméra 10 et un dispositif de visualisation 15 comportant un micro-afficheur et un oculaire à combineur optique. Le combineur optique est monté au-dessus de la caméra. L'ensemble des composants optiques et électroniques est intégrée dans une structure étanche 80 qui les protège de l'environnement extérieur et des chocs.The picture 2 shows a perspective view of a sighting and observation telescope according to the invention. It essentially comprises two main sub-assemblies which are a camera 10 and a display device 15 comprising a micro-display and an eyepiece with an optical combiner. The optical combiner is mounted above the camera. All of the optical and electronic components are integrated into a sealed structure 80 which protects them from the external environment and shocks.

Cette structure comporte une interface mécanique 85 de fixation permettant de la fixer sur une arme équipée d'une interface standard. Cette interface est, par exemple, un rail « Picatinny » ou son équivalent.This structure includes a mechanical attachment interface 85 allowing it to be attached to a weapon equipped with a standard interface. This interface is, for example, a “Picatinny” rail or its equivalent.

La structure comporte également un ensemble 87 de boutons et d'organes de commandes permettant notamment les commandes Marche / Arrêt des différentes fonctions de l'équipement, les réglages de luminosité du micro-afficheur vidéo, les réglages électroniques et mécaniques de simbleautage, les réglages électroniques de superposition des différentes images générées sur le paysage extérieur. Il peut être disposé sur un des deux flancs latéraux de la lunette. A titre d'exemple, sur la figure 2, l'ensemble comporte trois boutons disposés sur le flanc latéral gauche de la lunette, d'autres boutons étant disposés sur le flanc gauche de la lunette.The structure also comprises a set 87 of buttons and control elements allowing in particular the On/Off controls of the various functions of the equipment, the brightness settings of the video micro-display, the electronic and mechanical settings of electronics for superimposing the various images generated on the exterior landscape. It can be arranged on one of the two lateral sides of the bezel. For example, on the picture 2 , the assembly comprises three buttons arranged on the left side of the bezel, other buttons being arranged on the left side of the bezel.

La figure 3 représente un premier schéma de réalisation d'une lunette de visée ou d'observation selon l'invention. Pour cette figure et les suivantes, on a adopté les conventions suivantes. Les éléments optiques ou mécaniques sont représentés en traits gras, les rayons lumineux sont représentés en traits fins et les axes optiques en traits pointillés. Pour des raisons de clarté, seuls sont représentés les rayons lumineux sur l'axe optique.The picture 3 represents a first embodiment diagram of a sight or observation telescope according to the invention. For this and subsequent figures, the following conventions have been adopted. The optical or mechanical elements are represented in bold lines, the light rays are represented in fine lines and the optical axes in dotted lines. For reasons of clarity, only the light rays on the optical axis are shown.

La caméra est préférentiellement une caméra thermique, constituée d'un objectif infrarouge 20 fonctionnant dans la bande spectrale située entre 8µm et 12µm et un capteur infrarouge 25 à micro-bolomètres sensible dans la même bande spectrale.The camera is preferably a thermal camera, consisting of an infrared lens 20 operating in the spectral band situated between 8 μm and 12 μm and an infrared sensor 25 with micro-bolometers sensitive in the same spectral band.

La caméra peut également être une caméra à bas niveau de lumière mettant en œuvre un capteur « CMOS » à bas bruit, « CMOS » étant l'acronyme de « Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor » ou un capteur « EB-CMOS », acronyme de «Electro-Bombarded CMOS ». La caméra peut également être une caméra « SWIR », acronyme de « Short Wave InfraRed » fonctionnant dans la bande spectrale entre 1µm et 2µm, captant la lumière nocturne issue de la luminescence nocturne ou « night glow » et offrant aussi des capacités de décamouflage.The camera can also be a low light level camera implementing a low noise “CMOS” sensor, “CMOS” being the acronym for “Complementary Metal Oxide Semi-conductor” or an “EB-CMOS” sensor, acronym of “Electro-Bombarded CMOS”. The camera can also be a "SWIR" camera, acronym for "Short Wave InfraRed" operating in the spectral band between 1 μm and 2 μm, capturing the night light from night luminescence or "night glow" and also offering decamouflage capabilities.

Cette caméra comporte une électronique 30 d'alimentation, de pilotage du capteur et de traitement d'image ainsi qu'un boitier d'alimentation 40 recevant plusieurs piles ou un bloc de batteries rechargeables de façon à lui assurer son autonomie qui peut être disposé à l'arrière de la lunette, côté œil de l'observateur.This camera comprises electronics 30 for power supply, sensor control and image processing as well as a power supply unit 40 receiving several batteries or a block of rechargeable batteries so as to ensure its autonomy which can be disposed at the back of the telescope, on the observer's eye side.

Le dispositif de visualisation comporte un micro-afficheur 50, un oculaire 60 à combineur optique 70 et l'électronique nécessaire à l'alimentation et au pilotage du micro-afficheur.The display device comprises a micro-display 50, an eyepiece 60 with an optical combiner 70 and the electronics necessary for supplying and controlling the micro-display.

Ce micro-afficheur 50 affiche un réticule vidéo de visée, éventuellement enrichi d'éléments de correction de hausse ou de symboles ou de graduations stadimétriques. Il affiche également l'image infrarouge thermique de la scène issue de la caméra thermique.This micro-display 50 displays an aiming video reticle, optionally enriched with elevation correction elements or symbols or stadimetric graduations. It also displays the thermal infrared image of the scene from the thermal camera.

Ce micro-afficheur peut être, à titre d'exemple, un afficheur « OLED », acronyme signifiant « Organic Light Emmitting Diode », un « LCD », acronyme signifiant « Liquid Crystal Display », un afficheur « LCOS », acronyme signifiant « Liquid Crystal On Silicon».This micro-display may be, for example, an "OLED" display, acronym meaning "Organic Light Emmitting Diode", an "LCD", acronym meaning "Liquid Crystal Display", an "LCOS" display, acronym meaning " Liquid Crystal On Silicon”.

La chaine optique constituée de la caméra, du microafficheur et de l'oculaire a un grossissement unitaire, l'image du micro-afficheur étant conforme à celle du paysage extérieur. Le combineur optique assure la parfaite superposition de l'image du micro-afficheur sur la paysage extérieur.The optical chain consisting of the camera, the microdisplay and the eyepiece has a unitary magnification, the image of the microdisplay being in conformity with that of the exterior landscape. The optical combiner ensures the perfect superposition of the image of the micro-display on the external landscape.

L'oculaire à combineur optique a différents modes de réalisation possibles.The optical combiner eyepiece has various possible embodiments.

Dans un premier mode de réalisation illustré sur les figures 4, 5 et 8 qui représentent différentes combinaisons optiques d'oculaire, le combineur optique comporte une surface semi-réfléchissante plane inclinée à 45 degrés sur un axe de visée ou d'observation. Cette surface n'a pas de puissance optique.In a first embodiment illustrated in the figure 4 , 5 and 8 which represent different eyepiece optical combinations, the optical combiner has a planar semi-reflecting surface inclined at 45 degrees to an axis of sight or observation. This surface has no optical power.

Cette surface peut appartenir à une lame semi-réfléchissante à faces planes et parallèles de faible épaisseur comme on le voit sur la figure 8.This surface can belong to a semi-reflecting blade with flat and parallel faces of low thickness as seen in the figure 8 .

Comme illustré sur les figures 4 et 5, cette lame peut être avantageusement intégrée à un cube séparateur comportant deux faces planes et parallèles de façon à ne pas introduire de distorsion sur le paysage extérieur. La normale à ces faces peut être parallèle à l'axe de visée ou d'observation.As illustrated on the figure 4 and 5 , this blade can be advantageously integrated into a splitter cube comprising two flat and parallel faces so as not to introduce distortion into the exterior landscape. The normal to these faces can be parallel to the line of sight or observation.

La figure 4 représente un premier oculaire 61 comportant une optique de focalisation et un combineur optique 71 à cube séparateur. L'optique de focalisation forme du micro-afficheur 50 une image à l'infini qui est superposée au paysage extérieur au moyen du combineur optique 71. Le combineur optique 71 comporte une lame plane 711 semi-réfléchissante inclinée et deux faces planes et parallèles 712 et 713. A titre d'exemple, l'optique de focalisation de la figure 4 comporte trois lentilles 610, 611 et 612 et un miroir de renvoi plan 613 située entre la seconde et la troisième lentille. Ce miroir 613 permet de diminuer l'encombrement de l'optique de focalisation. Dans une variante de réalisation, le miroir peut être remplacé par un prisme droit. Dans cette configuration représentée en figure 4, le combineur optique 71 réfléchit directement l'image de l'afficheur vers l'œil Y de l'observateur.The figure 4 represents a first eyepiece 61 comprising a focusing optic and an optical combiner 71 with a separating cube. The focusing optics form the micro-display 50 an image at infinity which is superimposed on the external landscape by means of the optical combiner 71. and 713. For example, the focusing optics of the figure 4 comprises three lenses 610, 611 and 612 and a plane deflection mirror 613 located between the second and the third lens. This mirror 613 makes it possible to reduce the size of the focusing optics. In a variant embodiment, the mirror can be replaced by a right prism. In this configuration represented in figure 4 , the optical combiner 71 directly reflects the image of the display towards the eye Y of the observer.

La figure 5 représente un second oculaire 62 comportant une optique de focalisation et un combineur optique 72 à cube séparateur. Dans cette configuration, le combineur optique a de la puissance optique sur la voie du micro-afficheur. Le combineur optique n'a pas de puissance optique sur la voie directe par transmission. Ainsi, on réduit le nombre et la taille des lentilles nécessaires à la collimation. L'oculaire est plus simple et moins encombrant.The figure 5 represents a second eyepiece 62 comprising a focusing optic and an optical combiner 72 with a separating cube. In this configuration, the optical combiner has optical power on the micro-display channel. The optical combiner has no optical power on the direct transmission path. Thus, the number and the size of the lenses necessary for the collimation are reduced. The eyepiece is simpler and less bulky.

Le cube séparateur 72 comporte alors un miroir concave réfléchissant 722 dont l'axe optique est perpendiculaire à l'axe de visée. La collimation des rayons lumineux issus de l'afficheur 50 est assurée par un groupe de trois lentilles 620, 621 et 622 et par le combineur 72. Les rayons lumineux issus du micro-afficheur vidéo 50 traversent le groupe de lentilles, sont transmis par la lame semi-réfléchissante 721, réfléchis par le miroir concave 722 puis une seconde fois par la lame semi-réfléchissante 721 vers l'œil de l'observateur.The splitter cube 72 then includes a concave reflecting mirror 722 whose optical axis is perpendicular to the line of sight. The collimation of the light rays coming from the display 50 is ensured by a group of three lenses 620, 621 and 622 and by the combiner 72. The light rays coming from the video micro-display 50 pass through the group of lenses, are transmitted by the semi-reflecting plate 721, reflected by the concave mirror 722 then a second time by the semi-reflecting plate 721 towards the eye of the observer.

Dans cette combinaison optique comme dans la précédente, un miroir de renvoi plan 623 permet de diminuer l'encombrement optique de l'oculaire. Dans une variante de réalisation, le cube séparateur comporte une face d'entrée 723 convexe dont l'axe optique est perpendiculaire à l'axe de visée ou d'observation et opposée au miroir concave 722. Cette face convexe 723 a pour fonction d'éviter les réflexions totales vues par l'œil qui proviennent de la scène et se réfléchissent par réflexion totale sur cette face du prisme. Cette face convexe permet de défocaliser ces images parasites et de les repousser dans une zone non visible par l'œil en position de tir.In this optical combination as in the previous one, a plane deflection mirror 623 makes it possible to reduce the optical size of the eyepiece. In a variant embodiment, the splitter cube comprises a convex input face 723 whose optical axis is perpendicular to the sighting or observation axis and opposite to the concave mirror 722. This convex face 723 has the function of avoid the total reflections seen by the eye which come from the scene and are reflected by total reflection on this face of the prism. This convex face makes it possible to defocus these parasitic images and to push them back into an area not visible to the eye in the firing position.

Dans un second mode de réalisation illustrée sur la figure 6, le combineur optique 73 comporte une surface semi-réfléchissante concave de type « freeform » ou diffractive inclinée sur l'axe de visée ou d'observation. On entend par surface « freeform » ou de forme libre, une surface qui n'a pas de symétrie de révolution. On peut la définir de différentes façons.In a second embodiment illustrated in the figure 6 , the optical combiner 73 comprises a concave semi-reflecting surface of the “freeform” or diffractive type inclined on the line of sight or observation. The term “freeform” or free-form surface means a surface which has no rotational symmetry. It can be defined in different ways.

Dans cette configuration, la surface semi-réfléchissante est inclinée sur l'axe optique d'un angle important qui peut être voisin de 40 degrés. Dans ce cas, l'oculaire 63 comporte un miroir convexe 632 également incliné sur l'axe optique associé à la surface semi-réfléchissante concave 73 comme on le voit sur la figure 5. Ce miroir peut également être une surface de type « freeform » ou diffractive. Au final, l'oculaire 63 comporte un groupe de deux lentilles 630 et 631 formant un doublet, le miroir convexe 632 et la surface semi-réfléchissante concave 73. Si le groupe de lentilles a une focale importante, il est possible d'interposer entre l'afficheur 50 et ce groupe de lentilles un dispositif optique de repliement des faisceaux qui peut être à miroirs ou à prisme de façon à diminuer l'encombrement de l'oculaire.In this configuration, the semi-reflecting surface is inclined on the optical axis by a large angle which may be close to 40 degrees. In this case, the eyepiece 63 comprises a convex mirror 632 also inclined on the optical axis associated with the concave semi-reflecting surface 73 as seen in the figure 5 . This mirror can also be a “freeform” or diffractive type surface. Finally, the eyepiece 63 comprises a group of two lenses 630 and 631 forming a doublet, the convex mirror 632 and the concave semi-reflecting surface 73. If the group of lenses has a large focal length, it is possible to interpose between the display 50 and this group of lenses an optical device for folding the beams which can be mirrors or prisms so as to reduce the size of the eyepiece.

Dans une variante importante de réalisation de la lunette de visée et d'observation selon l'invention, la lunette comporte un point ou un symbole lumineux et un dispositif optique agencé à superposer l'image de ce point ou de ce symbole lumineux sur l'image du micro-afficheur vidéo et sur le paysage extérieur. Le dispositif optique comporte alors une lame séparatrice ou un cube séparateur disposé devant le micro-afficheur vidéo de façon que l'image du point ou du symbole lumineux soit, par réflexion ou transmission par la lame séparatrice ou par le cube séparateur, confondue avec le micro-afficheur vidéo.In an important variant embodiment of the sighting and observation telescope according to the invention, the telescope comprises a luminous point or symbol and an optical device arranged to superimpose the image of this luminous point or symbol on the image of the video micro-display and on the outside landscape. The optical device then comprises a splitter blade or a splitter cube arranged in front of the video micro-display so that the image of the luminous point or symbol is, by reflection or transmission by the splitter blade or by the splitter cube, merged with the video micro-display.

Dans sa version de base, le point lumineux est réalisé au moyen d'une diode électroluminescente placée devant un trou source, ce dernier étant positionné dans le plan focal de l'oculaire de façon à se superposer à l'image du micro-afficheur. Ce point est généralement rouge. Le point lumineux est fixé sur un mécanisme de réglage en translation dans le plan focal de façon à permettre à l'utilisateur d'effectuer des réglages de simbleautage de l'axe de visée matérialisé par le point lumineux par rapport à l'axe de tir de l'arme. Le réticule de l'afficheur et le point rouge constituent deux solutions alternatives pour matérialiser l'axe de visée de l'arme, le point rouge étant une solution simple à très basse consommation. Le réticule vidéo permet de générer des mires de formes diverses et sophistiquées comportant, par exemple, des symboles stadimétriques de personnages ou de véhicules assurant une télémétrie approximative.In its basic version, the light point is produced by means of a light-emitting diode placed in front of a source hole, the latter being positioned in the focal plane of the eyepiece so as to be superimposed on the image of the micro-display. This dot is usually red. The light point is fixed on a mechanism for adjustment in translation in the focal plane so as to allow the user to make adjustments of simbleautage of the line of sight materialized by the light point with respect to the axis of fire of the weapon. The display reticle and the red dot constitute two alternative solutions to materialize the aiming axis of the weapon, the red dot being a simple solution with very low consumption. The video reticle makes it possible to generate patterns of various and sophisticated shapes comprising, for example, stadimetric symbols of characters or vehicles providing approximate range finding.

Le point « rouge » constitue donc un complément optionnel au micro-afficheur vidéo. Il permet également un mode dégradé à basse consommation lorsque que le micro-afficheur et l'image thermique sont hors fonctionnement, par exemple pour économiser l'énergie électrique de la lunette.The “red” dot therefore constitutes an optional addition to the video micro-display. It also allows a degraded mode with low consumption when the micro-display and the thermal image are out of operation, for example to save the electrical energy of the bezel.

Un premier exemple d'exécution de cette variante de réalisation est représenté en figure 7. Un cube séparateur 90 comportant une lame semi-réfléchissante plane 91 est disposé entre le micro-afficheur 50 et la première lentille de l'oculaire. Celui-ci a la configuration de l'oculaire 60 de la figure 3. Le point rouge 95 est disposé de façon que son image, par réflexion sur la lame semi-réfléchissante 91 soit confondue avec le micro-afficheur.A first example of execution of this variant embodiment is shown in figure 7 . A separator cube 90 comprising a flat semi-reflecting blade 91 is placed between the micro-display 50 and the first eyepiece lens. This one has the 60 eyepiece configuration of the picture 3 . The red dot 95 is arranged so that its image, by reflection on the semi-reflecting blade 91 is confused with the micro-display.

Un second exemple de réalisation est représenté sur la figure 8. Dans cet exemple, l'oculaire 64 comporte une optique 640 disposée entre le micro-afficheur 50 et le cube séparateur 900. Une optique identique 640bis est également disposée entre le point rouge 95 et le cube séparateur 900. Le cube séparateur est un assemblage de deux prismes 901 et 902 dont la face commune 910 comporte le traitement semi-réfléchissant. Dans le cas de la figure 7, le prisme 902 fonctionne par réflexion totale. La partie oculaire comporte donc dans cet ordre les optiques 640 et 640 bis, le prisme séparateur 900, un prisme droit 641 qui assure le repliement des faisceaux et la lame semi-réfléchissante 73 et le doublet 642.A second exemplary embodiment is shown in the figure 8 . In this example, the eyepiece 64 comprises an optic 640 arranged between the micro-display 50 and the splitter cube 900. An identical optic 640bis is also arranged between the red dot 95 and the splitter cube 900. The splitter cube is an assembly of two prisms 901 and 902 whose common face 910 comprises the semi-reflecting treatment. In the case of the figure 7 , the prism 902 operates by total reflection. The ocular part therefore comprises, in this order, the optics 640 and 640 bis, the separating prism 900, a right prism 641 which ensures the folding of the beams and the semi-reflecting plate 73 and the doublet 642.

Il est à noter que l'on peut facilement adapter l'oculaire à lame freeform de la figure 6 de façon à introduire la génération du point rouge. A cette fin, il suffit de disposer un cube séparateur ou tout autre ensemble prismatique entre le micro-afficheur et la lentille.It should be noted that one can easily adapt the eyepiece with freeform blade of the figure 6 so as to introduce the generation of the red point. To this end, it suffices to place a separating cube or any other prismatic assembly between the microdisplay and the lens.

La lunette de visée selon l'invention peut comporter des systèmes optiques modulaires complémentaires permettant de modifier la perception du paysage extérieur. Ainsi, il est possible de disposer en aval du combineur optique une optique afocale grossissante avec un grossissement de 3 par exemple. De la même façon, on peut disposer en amont du combineur un module optique invariant en terme de grossissement et de déviation d'axe à intensificateur de lumière. L'utilisateur perçoit ainsi à la fois une image intensifiée et une image thermique du paysage extérieur.The sight according to the invention may comprise complementary modular optical systems making it possible to modify the perception of the external landscape. Thus, it is possible to arrange downstream of the optical combiner a magnifying afocal optic with a magnification of 3 for example. In the same way, an optical module which is invariant in terms of magnification and axis deviation with a light intensifier can be arranged upstream of the combiner. The user thus perceives both an intensified image and a thermal image of the exterior landscape.

Le premier avantage de la lunette selon l'invention est, pour la visée de jour, d'ajouter une capacité de décamouflage à un viseur clair, en conservant les qualités ergonomiques du viseur clair qui offre un grand tirage d'œil, n'occulte pas le champ de vision périphérique et permet d'engager une cible en conservant les deux yeux ouverts. L'utilisateur dispose dans la fenêtre du viseur de l'image directe de la scène sur laquelle se superpose d'une part le réticule lumineux matérialisant l'axe de tir de son arme, et d'autre part l'image vidéo des cibles chaudes présentes dans la scène et susceptible de constituer des menaces. L'affichage uniquement des cibles chaudes, à la température des corps humains en effaçant le fond de la scène est assurée par des algorithmes classiques utilisés en imagerie thermique, notamment dans les systèmes de fusion IL/IR. Ces algorithmes sont connus de l'homme de l'art. Le combattant bénéficie donc d'une vision fusionnée entre la vision directe de la scène et la vision infrarouge thermique de la cible, sur laquelle apparait le réticule lumineux figurant l'axe de tir de l'arme lorsque le combattant vise cette cible.The first advantage of the telescope according to the invention is, for daytime aiming, to add a capacity for concealment to a clear viewfinder, while retaining the ergonomic qualities of the clear viewfinder which offers a large eye relief, does not obscure not the peripheral field of vision and allows to engage a target while keeping both eyes open. The user has in the viewfinder window the direct image of the scene on which is superimposed on the one hand the luminous reticle materializing the axis of fire of his weapon, and on the other hand the video image of the hot targets present in the scene and likely to pose threats. The display of only hot targets, at the temperature of human bodies by erasing the background of the scene, is ensured by conventional algorithms used in thermal imaging, in particular in IL/IR fusion systems. These algorithms are known to those skilled in the art. The combatant therefore benefits from a vision merged between the direct vision of the scene and the thermal infrared vision of the target, on which appears the luminous reticle figuring the axis of fire of the weapon when the combatant is aiming at this target.

Le deuxième avantage de cette lunette est de permettre, de nuit, une visée infrarouge, à l'exemple de ce qui peut être fait avec une lunette de tir thermique classique, mais avec l'ergonomie d'un viseur clair : grossissement 1, grand tirage d'œil, visée à deux yeux ouverts.The second advantage of this telescope is to allow infrared sighting at night, similar to what can be done with a conventional thermal riflescope, but with the ergonomics of a clear viewfinder: magnification 1, large eye draw, aiming with two eyes open.

Le troisième avantage est de permettre de nuit au combattant de regarder dans le viseur clair en utilisant la jumelle de vision nocturne à intensification de lumière dont il peut être doté, celle-ci étant fixée sur sa tête ou son casque et ainsi maintenue devant ses yeux. Le combattant bénéficie alors de la perception de la scène nocturne sur un champ large, celui de la jumelle de vision nocturne. Ce champ fait typiquement 40°. Par ailleurs, le combattant bénéficie de la vision infrarouge de la scène autour du réticule qui définit son axe de visée. Il bénéficie alors à la fois de la conscience de la situation grâce à la jumelle de vision nocturne offrant un champ large qu'il peut utiliser les deux yeux ouverts, et de l'image de la cible décamouflée en infrarouge thermique.The third advantage is to allow the fighter at night to look through the clear viewfinder using the light-intensifying night vision binoculars he may be equipped with, this being fixed to his head or helmet and thus held in front of his eyes. . The fighter then benefits from the perception of the night scene over a wide field, that of the night vision binoculars. This field is typically 40°. Furthermore, the fighter benefits from the infrared vision of the scene around the reticle which defines his line of sight. He then benefits from both situational awareness thanks to the night vision binoculars offering a wide field that he can use with both eyes open, and from the image of the target disguised in thermal infrared.

Le combattant a donc à sa disposition un double système de fusion d'image : vision directe et infrarouge thermique de jour, intensification de lumière et infrarouge thermique de nuit. Ceci est effectif sans ajouter une jumelle de vision nocturne spécifique mais simplement en utilisant la jumelle de vision nocturne déjà en dotation dans les forces armées. Ce double bénéfice, obtenu à partir d'un module unique, léger et compact, s'ajoute à l'avantage de disposer, de jour comme de nuit d'une ergonomie de type viseur clair qui permet la visée rapide, deux yeux ouverts, en conservant à chaque instant une bonne perception de l'environnement, profitable pour la réactivité en situation de combat dynamique et permettant d'obtenir la supériorité en situation de duel.The fighter therefore has at his disposal a dual image fusion system: direct vision and thermal infrared by day, intensification of light and thermal infrared by night. This is effective without adding a specific night vision binocular but simply by using the night vision binocular already provided in the armed forces. This double benefit, obtained from a single, light and compact module, is added to the advantage of having, day and night, a clear viewfinder type of ergonomics which allows rapid aiming, two eyes open, maintaining a good perception of the environment at all times, beneficial for reactivity in a dynamic combat situation and allowing superiority to be obtained in a duel situation.

Claims (11)

  1. A sighting or spotting scope comprising, in a single mechanical structure (80):
    - a camera (10),
    - a video microdisplay (50) displaying the camera's (10) image,
    - a luminous dot or symbol (95),
    - an optical combining device (90)
    - an eyepiece (60) associated with said microdisplay, said eyepiece comprising, in this order, at least one group of lenses and an optical combiner (70) arranged so as to superpose the image of the video microdisplay through the eyepiece on the outside landscape, said luminous dot or symbol and said optical combining device being disposed in front of the video microdisplay and arranged so that an image of the luminous dot or symbol from the eyepiece is, by reflection or transmission by said optical combining device, merged with the image from the video microdisplay.
  2. The sighting or spotting scope as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the eyepiece comprises a reflecting mirror disposed between said optical combining device (90) and said optical combiner (70).
  3. The sighting or spotting scope as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical chain composed of the camera, of the microdisplay and of the eyepiece has a magnification of one, the image of the microdisplay conforming to that of the outside landscape.
  4. The sighting or spotting scope as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the optical combiner comprises a flat semireflecting surface (711, 721) inclined at approximately 45 degrees to a sighting or spotting axis.
  5. The sighting or spotting scope as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the semireflecting surface is incorporated in a splitter plate (73) comprising two flat and parallel faces.
  6. The sighting or spotting scope as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the semireflecting surface is incorporated in a splitter cube (71, 72) comprising two flat and parallel faces.
  7. The sighting or spotting scope as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that the splitter cube comprises a reflecting concave mirror (722), the optical axis of which is at right angles to the sighting or spotting axis, the light rays from the video microdisplay being transmitted by the semireflecting plate, reflected by the concave mirror then by the semireflecting plate.
  8. The sighting or spotting scope as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that the splitter cube comprises a convex input face (723), the optical axis of which is at right angles to the sighting or spotting axis and opposite to the concave mirror.
  9. The sighting or spotting scope as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the optical combiner comprises a concave semireflecting surface (73) of "freeform" or diffractive type inclined to the sighting or spotting axis and in that the eyepiece comprises a convex mirror (632) associated with the concave semireflecting surface.
  10. The sighting or spotting scope as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the camera is a thermal infrared camera.
  11. The sighting or spotting scope as claimed in one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the camera is a low light level camera.
EP18733916.3A 2017-07-06 2018-07-03 Aiming scope with illuminated sights and thermal imaging camera Active EP3649425B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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FR1700722A FR3068776B1 (en) 2017-07-06 2017-07-06 CLEAR SCOPE AND THERMAL CAMERA
PCT/EP2018/067976 WO2019007973A1 (en) 2017-07-06 2018-07-03 Aiming scope with illuminated sights and thermal imaging camera

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EP3649425A1 EP3649425A1 (en) 2020-05-13
EP3649425B1 true EP3649425B1 (en) 2022-06-01

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JP (2) JP7393951B2 (en)
CN (1) CN110832266A (en)
AU (1) AU2018297577B2 (en)
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AU2018297577A1 (en) 2020-02-27
JP2023164827A (en) 2023-11-14
FR3068776B1 (en) 2020-10-02
CN110832266A (en) 2020-02-21
SG11202000034XA (en) 2020-02-27
CA3068772A1 (en) 2019-01-10
JP7393951B2 (en) 2023-12-07
FR3068776A1 (en) 2019-01-11
AU2018297577B2 (en) 2024-01-04
WO2019007973A1 (en) 2019-01-10
EP3649425A1 (en) 2020-05-13
JP2020525849A (en) 2020-08-27

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