JPWO2020106340A5 - - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to firearms and artillery optics, and more particularly to DEVO (Direct Enhanced View Optics).

Today's guns and ballistic missiles accelerate their projectiles to high velocities to strike distant targets, some of which are difficult or impossible to see or track with the naked eye. In order to aim such projectiles at distant targets, sights have been developed that utilize the user's vision to aim the gun at the target. Shooting sights are highly developed. Early telescopes were developed that incorporated struts and crosshairs to improve visibility and aid in aiming at distant targets. More recently, variable magnification scopes with zoom lenses have been developed that allow the user to change the magnification. Further developed were lines of sight for measuring and estimating the range to the target, and means for adjusting/compensating for the distance and drop of the projectile to the target. Scopes can be used to increase the probability of hitting targets at relatively long range (eg, 1,000 meters or more).

U.S. Patent No. 10088286

However, ambient and user factors such as lighting, distance, movement, mental fatigue, situational factors (when fired), etc. can greatly affect gun accuracy for rifles and other projectiles. . Without accurate range and sensory information, the probability of hitting a target within range of interest may be less than 10%. Also, the effects of environmental and user factors and the associated inaccuracies in targeting can be amplified exponentially at greater launch distances.

In one embodiment, a display system that extends a user's view through optics includes a holographic display element coupled to the optics. A holographic display element includes a light engine, a lens, at least one holographic optical element and an image guide. A holographic display element coupled to the optics transmits a see-through holographic image overlay to the user's view through the optics.

Direct extended view optics for firearms also include optics having a front objective lens, a rear eyepiece outlet, and a waveguide. The front objective lens and the rear eyepiece outlet are separated by a waveguide, and the optics project the far-field image onto the display. A diffraction-based holographic display system is coupled to the optical device, and the holographic display system provides a see-through IO (information overlay) to the display.

Also includes a gun with a locking mechanism, an optic coupled to the locking mechanism, a front objective lens, a rear eyepiece exit, a gun with an optic with a waveguide, and a secure trigger with direct extended view optics . A holographic gun is also provided, the front objective lens and rear eyepiece outlets are separated by a waveguide, the optical device provides a far-field image to the display, and the optical device includes a diffraction-based holographic display system. concatenated.

The holographic display system provides see-through IO to the display, the diffraction-based holographic display system includes a processor, identifies the target from the display, locks the target, and activates the locking mechanism only after target lock. It contains a processor containing a sequence of instructions to release.

Also, a gun-mounted holographic display system includes a casing having an enclosure and a receptacle, a light engine housed in the enclosure, a waveguide surrounded by the receptacle, and a coupler attached to the casing, the coupler attached to the gun. Constructed in a size that can be installed. A light engine transmits information to the waveguide, which produces a holographic image for the user of the display system.

Also, a holographic display system including direct enhanced view optics used to enhance the view of the scene receives signals from each of a number of remote source devices and a processor that prepares information based on the signals. a video processor that, in communication with the processor, receives a plurality of video inputs and information and performs low power video processing to prepare display information; receives display information from the video processor and displays this display information; It may also include a projector for projecting a representative image; and a holographic image display for receiving the image from the projector and displaying it to a user. Such images are based on information received by the processor and multiple video inputs .

1 is a plan cross-sectional view of a direct extended view optic in accordance with the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a holographic display system according to the present invention; FIG. Fig. 3 is another schematic diagram of a holographic display system including additional optical elements according to the present invention; 1 is a block diagram of a holographic display system according to the present invention; FIG. Fig. 3 is a block diagram of another holographic display system according to the invention; FIG. 4 is a block diagram of yet another holographic display system according to the present invention; 1 is a perspective view of a holographic display system according to the present invention; FIG. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of another holographic display system according to the invention; 1 is a cross-sectional view of direct extended view optics including a holographic display system according to the present invention; FIG. FIG. 3 is another cross-sectional view of direct extended view optics including a holographic display system according to the present invention; FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the direct extended view optics showing the position of the holographic display system; FIG. 4 is a graphical representation of a view through direct extended view optics according to the present invention; FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method of generating a holographic display with ballistic information; 1 is a computing system according to an embodiment of the invention;

DEVO (Direct Enhanced View Optic) according to the present invention provides users with enhanced target acquisition information such as real-time ballistic solutions, fused thermal images, extended zoom, and automatic target identification. A DEVO can include one or more of the following elements and functions: a laser rangefinder; a ballistic engine (e.g., perimeter, altitude/inclination, compass, inertial finder) coupled to multiple sensors; high-performance, low-power image processing and neural network systems; integrated external image sensors with image processing capabilities for calibrating off-axis light systems (e.g., thermal imaging cameras or extended zoom cameras on firearm siderails); Self-calibration technology for displaying images in the crosshairs of direct extended view optics (scopes); real-time display of ballistic solutions; interface to power/data rails; real-time image processing of incoming video (e.g. high dynamic range , sensor fusion, contrast enhancement, multiple spectra, low-light processing); geo-referenced augmented reality information display; neural network automatic target acquisition and enhancement (user-selectable to box people visible in the field of view) "lock" the object). DEVO can reduce target acquisition time, increase situational awareness and first-shot probability, reduce mental strain, reduce training requirements, and increase overall lethality.

DEVO 100 according to the present invention of FIG. Objective lens group 108 , erector lens group 112 , and eyepiece lens group 116 collectively comprise visual path 124 , which is the path traveled by light entering DEVO 100 near objective lens group 108 .

The housing 104 is sized to protect the internal lens while providing a basis for the visual path 124 coupled to the gun and formed by the lens groups previously described. Generally, the size and configuration of housing 104 is a function of the desired functionality of DEVO 100 . For example, adjustment controls, magnification, and objective lens diameter affect the size and configuration of housing 104 . In general, housing 104 can be constructed of a variety of materials, such as metals, plastics, and the like, and sizes. In general, DEVOs 100 (as measured at the objective end of the DEVO) for long range and/or low light applications are characterized by a larger housing 104 diameter.

Objective lens group 108 directs available ambient light into housing 104 . The objective lens group 108 in FIG. 1 consists of a number of lenses, but it is also possible to use only one lens. Each lens in objective lens group 108 can be 19-75 mm in diameter or larger, with larger objective lenses allowing more ambient light to pass into housing 104 . Long-range and/or low-light DEVO 100 generally use large objective lenses.

The erector lens group 112 determines the magnification performance of the DEVO 100 . As an example, the adjustment knob 128 can move any of the erector lenses closer or farther from the other erector lens to change the magnification. Although two erector lens groups 112 are shown in FIG. 1, more lenses can be used. In fixed magnification scopes, the erector lens group is fixed.

Eyepiece group 116 (also called an eyepiece) provides the final image to the user. The configuration of eyepiece group 116 determines the distance between the eyepiece surface and the user's eye positioned to view the entire image. The eyepiece group 116 is configured so that the diopter adjustment setting can be adjusted to focus on a crosshair (not shown). Like the objective lens group 108 and the erector lens group 112, the number of lenses in the eyepiece group 116 can be adjusted to produce the desired output for the user.

As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, holographic display system 120 provides the user with additional information overlaying the image viewed through DEVO 100 in a see-through manner, as described below. The holographic display system 120 includes a light engine 132, a lens 136, a holographic optical element HOE; See Figure 3). Holographic display system 120 produces visible information 152 that is transmitted from light engine 132 to lens 136, from the lens to HOE 140A, and propagated along image guide 144 to HOE 140B, which converts this information into a holographic display. It is reflected to the user in the form of an image display 148 . In Figures 2A-B, HOE 140A and HOE 140B are on opposite sides of image guide 144, but may be on one side (see Figure 8B).

Holographic display system 120 attenuates less than 2% of the light incident on DEVO 100 . This is notable compared to beam splitting techniques, which essentially attenuate as much as 20-30% of the incident light, limiting scope use in low-light conditions and making target sensing and acquisition difficult. The holographic display system 120 includes a camera 150 for tracking the user's eye (along the optical path 154) for various inputs such as retinal authentication and identification, or with parallax correction (the user's (determining whether the cheeks are pressed against each other consistently, or whether the user's eyes are in the same position each time) training. Alternatively, illumination such as infrared light can be provided to the camera 150 to aid in eye position analysis (infrared light can be directed to the user's eye and used to "pull" the image of the eye). Light illuminates the user's iris and retina. This light returns to the image guide (along optical path 154) where camera 150 captures and processes images. Thus, the image guide is used to present images to the user and collect images from the eye.

The holographic display system 120 communicates the position of the ammunition fired from the gun as it flies, and tracks and guides the bullet as it flies. Holographic display system 120 can provide such information, for example, utilizing a tracking camera or sensor that tracks the bullet as it descends.

Suitable cameras include thermal imaging cameras, high-speed cameras, passive wavefront cameras, or can be modified to place a "tracer" behind the bullet. The holographic display system 120 tracks the bullet, reconstructs the flight path, displays it to the user, and displays the modified geoaltered path in 3D to the user so that the user can: Allows you to correct shots. Additionally or alternatively, the holographic display system 120 can communicate with the downward-flying projectile to alter its flight pattern. An example of a weapon for tracking and correction is described in US Pat. No. 10,088,286, entitled "Target Assignment Projectile," to which this invention is referred.

The light engine 132 is capable of producing full color, sunlight readings, high resolution holographic images for transmission to the user of the DEVO 100 . The image produced by the light engine 132 can be read against the brightest scenery (eg, clouds with the sun reflected), but is dark enough to be seen with night vision goggles. Beam splitting prisms cannot handle full color without further attenuation beyond the attenuation described above and cannot produce images with the desired sharpness/readability in bright light (e.g. sunlight).

Light engine 132 includes processor 156 and receives information from one or more inputs 160 (see FIG. 3). As processor 156 , a high performance, low power processor that accelerates image processing can be used to allow light engine 132 to execute a sequence of instructions from input 160 to generate homographic image representation 148 . The processor 156 can also align the off-axis optical system to the real world viewed through the scope to mitigate parallax. For example, the processor 156 can align the input to a thermal imaging camera (not shown) mounted close to the DEVO 100 or the input of an extended optical zoom camera (not shown). Processor 156 can provide real-time image processing of the input video such as high dynamic range processing, sensor fusion, contrast enhancement and low light processing. In certain embodiments, the processor 156, in combination with the input 160, provides geo-referenced augmented reality information when linked in real-time or along with pre-loaded object location information.

Lens 136 is sized to transmit display information from light engine 132 to HOE 140 A such that the display information is transmitted through image guide 144 . HOE 140A allows the optical function of lens 136 to be included in the design, eliminating the need for other extra optics.

HOE 140 is a translucent selective wavelength grating configured to steer display information 152 relative to image guide 144 and may use total internal reflection to direct display information 152 through image guide 144 . . 2A-B, HOE 140A modifies display information 152 received from light engine 132 and directs it to HOE 140B via image guide 144. FIG. HOE 140B makes display information visible to the user through DEVO 100. FIG. The HOE 140 is prepared using laser beam interferometry techniques. For example, two laser beams can be directed at the substrate to produce a linear pattern with a sinusoidal cross-section with a grating pitch of λ/sin θ. 2A-B position HOE 140A between lens 136 and image guide 144, but HOE can also be positioned on the opposite side of the image guide.

Image guide 144 is a light-reflecting plate that propagates wavelengths therein and can have a variety of shapes, including rectangular and circular (see FIG. 6).

As previously mentioned, light engine 132 receives one or more inputs 160 . The sources of input 160 include video input, rangefinder input, GPS coordinates and related information (e.g. direction, altitude and/or tilt dots), inertial measurement units, one or more sensor inputs (e.g. temperature, pressure, humidity, wind speed). , light, etc.) and ballistic information. As shown in FIG. 4, one input 168 first generates ballistic information, such as target range and projected path, from sensed information such as wind speed, ammunition information, 3D scene information, temperature, altitude, and humidity. can be transmitted first to the ballistic engine 164 to be processed. Light engine 132 may include or be integral with a ballistic engine.

According to FIG. 2B, holographic display system 120 has additional optical elements 151A-B. Since the image guide must not interfere with the DEVO 100, additional optical elements must be used to place the image in the first or second focal plane. Optical elements 151A-B assist in alignment and focus between the world view and the content displayed to the user. Optical elements 151A-B can be refractive, diffractive or hybrid optical elements. Optical elements 151A-B, shown in a particular configuration in FIG. The optical elements (or additional elements) can be combined in many different ways, and should not be limited to such a specific shape.

Another holographic display system 200 included in DEVO 100 is shown in FIG. The holographic display system 200 provides useful information to the user of the DEVO 100 overlaying what the user can see through the optics of the DEVO 100, such useful information being provided by multiple source devices 212. collected/received from 212A-G. For example, additional information useful to the DEVO 100 user can be provided to the user via the DEVO 100 via the holographic display system 200, including peripheral information, trajectory information, situational information, and the like. As shown in FIG. 5, holographic display system 200 includes one or more ports 208; including. Processor 204 is coupled to video processor 216, which receives input from video inputs 220;

Processor 204 is preferably a microprocessor that processes large amounts of information that does not require significant power (preferably less than 0.5 watts). Processor 204 is connected to one or more ports 208 that are coupled to the processor through coupling hardware known in the art such as RS-232 serial port, micro-USB port, USB-A, B, C, ports, etc. It can be configured to transmit information. Such port 208 collects and aligns information from ancillary devices such as thermal imaging cameras, optical zooms, floodlights and communication devices that are linked to the Internet via Internet Protocol, and provides additional information to the DEVO user. can provide. Processor 204 can receive information from one or more source devices 212 such as GPS sensor 212A, temperature sensor 212B, pressure sensor 212C, humidity sensor 212D, inertial measurement units IMUs 212E-F, rangefinder 212G, etc. . Information from one or more source devices 212 can be combined by processor 204 to provide useful information to the user. For example, source devices 212B-D can be used to provide ballistic information, which is information related to the trajectory of the ammunition. The IMUs 212E-212F are capable of producing 9 degrees of pose estimation freedom (orientation, tilt and cant/roll) as well as compass orientation. As an example, processor 204 may use IMUs 212E-F to determine the geographic location coordinates of a target within the crosshairs of DEVO 100 . Processor 204 may use RFID, Bluetooth®, Wi-Fi®, ZigBee®, WiMax®, WiGig®, Ultra Wide Band, or wireless WAN (e.g., TDMA, It can also be configured to transmit information over any wireless standard or protocol, such as CDMA, GSM, UMTS, EV-DO, LTE).

Video processor 216 is specifically configured for low power video processing. As an example, video processor 216 may process information for up to six video inputs 220 . Video processor 216 also drives projector 224 and information display to holographic image display 228 . Video processor 216 can receive external power from video input 220A and an external video feed from video input 220B.

Projector 224 receives display information from video processor 216 and projects it onto holographic image display 228 . The combination of projector 224 and holographic image display 228 is similar to the setup of holographic display system 120, where projector 224 directs the image guide through the lens to the HOE before displaying the information on the display to the user. to another HOE via .

As shown in FIGS. 1, 6-9, holographic display systems can be provided in form factors that suit the needs of the user. For example, the holographic display system 120 may be a separate device (as in FIGS. 1, 6, 8A), detachable like a rifle scope, or integrated into direct extended view optics at various locations. Or it can be part (see FIG. 9). As shown in FIG. 1, holographic display system 120 is mounted in close proximity to eyepiece group 116 . Holographic display system 120 can be removably coupled to housing 104 using a clip-on style applicator. In this embodiment, the holographic display system 120 is positioned close to the eyepiece group 116 and the resolution of the display from the holographic display system is the same regardless of zooming with the erector lens group 112 . A drawback of such an arrangement, however, is that it tracks the zoom setting for obstructed crosshairs. Holographic display system 120 is shown in FIG. 1 as being mounted externally to housing 104, but may be internal to eyepiece group 116 or in the second focal plane.

Holographic display system 300, shown as a separate device in FIG. Enclosure 312 houses a light engine that performs the function. Casing 304 houses the various elements of the holographic display system and provides a light engine enclosure 312 and a receptacle 328 for waveguide 320 . Casing 304 is attached to a coupler 308 that is sized and configured to be mounted on a gun.

Another holographic display system 400 of FIG. 7 places the light engine visible from the enclosure 404 outside the direct extended view optics and at least a portion of the waveguide 406 (e.g., the image portion 412) is within the scope. It has a form factor that allows it to be positioned where desired.

The holographic display system 400 of FIG. 8A is positioned proximate to the erector lens group 112 . An advantage of such an arrangement is that the images produced by the holographic display system are easily aligned with the crosshairs and there is no need to keep track of text/graphics sizing plus zoom settings for the crosshairs. . The holographic display system 400 can be placed anywhere near the erector lens group as part of the first focal plane, aligned with the crosshairs.

FIG. 8B shows another example mounting position for the holographic display system 400 . Wherever the holographic display system 400 is inside or outside the DEVO 100, the user expects that the actual image seen through the DEVO and the displayed image coming out of the light engine 132 will be aligned and in focus. . In the DEVO of FIG. 8B, holographic display system 400 is positioned as part of second focal plane 404 and includes optical elements 408A-B, which as described in FIG. 2B are: It can assist in image alignment and focusing for the user (actual and on both sides of the display).

Optical elements 408A-B can produce a collimated section of light within DEVO 100 . Image guide 412 combines and focuses other collimated light in the form of an image before traveling through the remainder of optical DEVO path 416 to the user's eye. Alternatively, optical elements 408A-B can cooperate with each optical element providing a desired optical function to properly align and focus the actual and displayed images. In particular, various combinations of HOE, refractive, diffractive, and hybrid optical elements can be used to ensure alignment and focus between the actual view and the display content.

FIG. 9 shows four positions for placing the holographic display system 120 (120′-120'''') in the DEVO: eye position 504, second focal plane position 508, first focal plane position 508; A cross-sectional view of the direct extended view optics 500 showing the position of the plane 512, the position of the objective lens 516, although other locations are possible (may require additional optics for adjustment).

Holographic display systems are generally configured to provide enhanced target acquisition information such as real-time ballistic solutions, fused thermal images, extended zooms and automatic target acquisition. A holographic display system can perform the following functions: a laser rangefinder; a ballistic engine coupled with multiple sensors (perimeter, altitude/tilt, compass and inertial measurement, etc.); high performance, low power. Image processing, neural network systems; coupling external image sensors and co-aligning off-axis optics (e.g., thermal imaging cameras or extended zoom cameras in weapon side rails); direct extended view optics (scopes) to crosshairs self-calibration techniques for displaying images; real-time display of ballistic solutions; power/data rail interference; real-time image processing of incoming video (e.g. high dynamic range, sensor fusion, contrast enhancement, and low light processing display of geo-referenced augmented reality information; neural network automatic target acquisition and highlighting (places a box around a person visible in the scope's field of view or "locks" on user-selected objects). Holographic display systems can reduce target acquisition time, increase situational awareness and first-shot probability, reduce mental strain, reduce training requirements, and increase overall lethality.

A light engine for a holographic display system has one or more software modules that can be accessed by a processor. Software modules are useful for acquiring, correlating, processing and generating data from external sources, image processing, ballistics and display.

Image processing includes image enhancement, correction, and fusion of various external data sources coupled to the light engine, such as edge detection, aligning the overlap, and standby of the overlay of the thermal image to the display. Including time compensation. The IMU can determine scope movement, move images on the display, and align images viewed through direct extended view optics (DEVO) to reduce clutter and improve situational awareness. Image processing may also include stereo alignment for images not aligned with the DEVO to resolve parallax issues for the DEVO's view of the siderail mounted images. Image processing improves high dynamic range, improves low-light images, and improves contrast. It also corrects for camera distortions such as barrel and radial distortion. Also, local brightness adjustments can be made on a pixel-by-pixel basis. In particular, the process of overlaying thermal images can also be applied to other image enhancements and enhancements such as low-light imaging, shortwave infrared, LIDAR, enhanced visible light, ultraviolet, or a combination thereof.

As shown in FIG. 10, a graphical representation of a view 550 through direct extended view optics with a holographic display system can track the target. A target is identified and a bounding box 554; 554a-d is positioned around the target. A bound target can be tracked as long as it is in the sensor's field of view. A convolutional neural network can also be implemented so that the light engine senses the shape of a person, face, arm, vehicle, etc. and highlights it with an identifier such as "Car".

Aiming at a target without an accurate rangefinder and perimeter sensor package can result in less than a 10% hit probability. This is primarily due to the user's inability to accurately measure the distance to the target and collect peripheral data for direct input into the ballistic computer. This process is time consuming, error prone, and incompatible with real world scenarios. The holographic display system of the present invention can couple rangefinders to ambient sensors for automatic calculation of quick and accurate fire control solutions, such solutions can be directly extended view optics through the display. displayed directly in the field of view.

The holographic display system automatically fires the gun when the target is locked, and when locked to the target, uses passive range measurements by target pixel size to rapidly and continuously estimate range for augmented reality. It remembers and predicts locked target positions as well as providing information, bullet history and an overlay sniper detection system.

At step 604 of the method 600 for determining and displaying ballistic information shown in FIG. 11, the light engine and/or ballistic engine are input. Inputs may include peripheral inputs, video inputs, augmented reality inputs, motion inputs and/or other sensed inputs.

Ballistic information is generated at step 608 . For example, specific information such as wind speed, temperature, humidity, Coriolis effect along direction and GPS can be used to estimate the range to the target. Simultaneously with ballistic information generation, light enhancement, target-to-target relationships, colleague positions and similar situations may also occur. Two such pieces of information (situation and trajectory) can be combined and provided to the user.

At step 612, information is provided to the user and may be overlaid on the image viewed through the direct extended view optics .

FIG. 12 is an example of a machine/computing device 700 that can be used to implement instructions for causing a holographic display system element, such as light engine 132, to carry out the present invention. It is a block diagram. It is common for holographic display systems to be part of a direct extended view optic, attached to or worn by the user, such as an armband, wristband, wrist mount or chest mount system. Wearable systems such as HMDs (Head-mountable devices) and displays are also possible.

The apparatus 700 has a processor 704 and a memory 708 which communicate via bus 712 with each other as well as with other elements such as input 160 . Processor 704 may include a microprocessor or a digital signal processor. Bus 712 may have various types of communication structures including memory buses, memory controllers, peripheral buses, local buses, and combinations thereof.

Memory 708 may include various elements (eg, machine-readable media) including DRAM, SRAM, ROM, and combinations thereof. A BIOS 716 , containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within device 700 , such as during start-up, can be stored in memory 708 . Memory 708 also stores commands (eg, software) 720 that embody the methods of the present invention, stored, for example, on a machine-readable medium. However, memory 708 may also contain any number of program modules, including an operating system, application programs, other program modules, program data, and combinations thereof.

The device 700 also includes a storage device 724 such as a hard disk drive, flash-drive, solid-state memory device for reading from and writing to a hard disk. The storage devices are coupled to bus 712 by suitable interfaces (not shown).

Interfaces include, but are not limited to, SCSI, Advanced Technology Attachment (ATA), Serial ATA, USB, IEEE 1395, and combinations thereof. Storage device 724 can be removably interfaced with device 700 through an external port connector, for example. In particular, storage device 724 and associated machine-readable media 728 may store nonvolatile and/or volatile machine-readable commands, data structures, program modules, and/or other data for light engine 132 . . Command 720 may reside in whole or in part on machine-readable medium 728 or processor 704 .

This device 700 may include connections to one or more inputs/sensors such as inputs 160 , 168 and/or source device 212 . Sensors may interface to bus 712 through a variety of interfaces, including serial-parallel interfaces, game ports, USB interfaces, FIREWIRE® interfaces, direct coupling to bus 712, wireless, and combinations thereof. Alternatively, a user of device 700 may enter commands and/or other information via an input device (not shown). Input devices 732 include alphanumeric input devices (e.g., keyboards), pointing devices, voice input devices (e.g., microphones, voice responders, etc.), cursor control devices (e.g., mice), touch pads, optical scanners, video capture. devices (eg, still cameras, video cameras), touch screens, and combinations of these.

A user may also enter commands and/or other information into device 700 via storage device 724 (eg, removable disk drive, flash drive, etc.) and/or network interface device 736 . Such a network interface device 736 can be used to connect device 700 to network 740 and remote devices 744 connected thereto.

Network interface devices include network interface cards, modems, and combinations thereof. Networks include WANs (eg, the Internet, corporate networks), LANs (eg, offices, buildings, campuses, or other relatively small spaces), telephone networks, direct links between two computers, and combinations thereof. . Network 740 can utilize wired and wireless communication modes.

In general, all network topologies can be used. Information such as data, commands 720 can be communicated to device 700 via network interface device 736 .

The device 700 is a wireless device such as RFID, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, ZigBee, WiMax, WiGig, Ultra Wide Band, or wireless WAN (eg, TDMA, CDMA, GSM, UMTS, EV-DO, LTE). It can wirelessly receive video, sensor or other data depending on standards and protocols. On the other hand, the processing unit 330 can also receive video, sensor or other data via wired protocols such as USB protocol, Registered Jack protocol (eg RJ-25) or wired LAN protocol (eg Ethernet). Video, sensor or other data may also be received by the processing device from portable storage devices such as memory cards, flash drives, or zip drives.

Device 700 may further include a video display adapter 748 for transmitting images to display device 752 . Display device 752 may include a holographic display, a liquid crystal display (LCD), a plasma display, and combinations thereof.

In addition to display device 752, device 700 may have connections to other peripheral output devices, including audio speakers. Peripheral output devices can be coupled to bus 712 via peripheral interface 756 . Peripheral interfaces include serial ports, USB connections, FIREWIRE® connections, parallel connections, wireless connections, and combinations thereof.

Although guns and ballistics have been described above, the holographic display system of the present invention can extend the user's field of view with any optical device, including telescopes, binoculars, microscopes and cameras.

In an embodiment, a display system that uses optics to extend a user's field of vision includes a holographic display element coupled to the optics. Holographic display elements include a light engine, a lens, at least one holographic optical element and an image guide. A holographic display element coupled to the optics transmits a see-through holographic image overlay into the user's field of view through the optics.

Alternatively, at least one holographic optical element can be prepared with two laser beams directed at the substrate to form a grating having a linear pattern with a sinusoidal cross-section.

Alternatively, the direct extended view optics for the gun can include optics having a front objective lens, a rear eyepiece outlet, and a waveguide. The front objective lens and the rear eyepiece outlet are separated by a waveguide and the optics provide the far image to the display. A diffraction-based holographic display system can be coupled to the optical device to provide a see-through IO to the display.

Diffraction-based holographic display systems can also include a light engine that can improve the day/night readability of the display's see-through IO.

A diffraction-based holographic display system includes a ballistic engine coupled to multiple sensors, each of the multiple sensors providing a signal to the ballistic engine, each signal indicative of information regarding target acquisition. can also

Also, the multiple remote sensors can include any of air sensors, GPS, inertial measurement unit sensors, digital compasses, wind sensors and temperature sensors.

A diffraction-based holographic display system can be placed in front of the front objective lens and behind or between the rear eyepiece exits.

A diffraction-based holographic display system can be a clip-on style device detachably coupled to direct extended view optics .

A diffraction-based holographic display system can be at least partially within the housing of the optical device.

An external imaging device may also be included that produces an external imaging output that is overlaid on the display.

The image output can exhibit thermal properties.

The image output can be thermal images, low-light image-enhanced images, shortwave infrared images, LIDAR images, enhanced visible light images, and ultraviolet images.

IO may include geo-referenced augmented reality information, target capture or target markers.

Target markers can include lead systems or provide calculated impact points.

An IO can contain a lock target marker or multiple lock target markers, each indicating a possible target.

Direct extended view optics can have a transmitter that transmits the far-field image and/or information of the display to an external receiver.

A direct extended view optic includes a processor and multiple sensors, and the processor can receive information from the multiple sensors to determine the position of the remote image.

A holographic display system can provide a full-color image on the display.

The processor can passively estimate and update the range to the target based on the size of the captured target image.

The processor can determine whether the target is sitting, standing, kneeling, or prone, and estimate the size of the next target.

A range finder is included to determine active measurements of the target, and the processor can estimate all remaining targets in the field of view based on the active measurements.

Rangefinders, which include either LIDAR, wavefront cameras, and time of flight (ToF) cameras, determine the extent of points within a field of view.

A holographic display system can be used as the receiver aperture for the light source.

The light source can be an image sensor or a rangefinder.

A holographic display system can track the user's eyes relative to the crosshairs.

A holographic display system can determine a user's cheek-to-cheek position as well as the user's gun-wielding ability.

A holographic display system can authenticate and identify the sniper.

A holographic display system, with or without overlay information, can transmit what the user sees on the display to another location remote from the user.

The direct extended view optics includes a processor and a number of sensors that determine from information received by the sensors where the user is aiming the gun and one or more of azimuth, tilt, and GPS coordinates. can be provided to the user.

A holographic display system can convey the position of a bullet fired from a gun while the bullet flies over the display.

A holographic display system can track a bullet fired from a gun while it is in flight, and guide the bullet while it is in flight.

A gun with a locking mechanism, an optic operably connected to the locking mechanism, a front objective lens, a rear eyepiece outlet, a safety trigger gun with a waveguide optic, and direct extended view optics . can also be provided, wherein the front objective lens and the rear eyepiece outlet are separated by a waveguide, the optical device provides the far-field image to the display, and the diffraction-based holographic display system comprises the optical device connected to The holographic display system provides see-through IO to the display, and the diffraction-based holographic display system identifies and locks the target of the display, and then releases the locking mechanism only after target locking. including a processor with

It can also have a range estimator that updates the range to the target after locking the target.

The processor can also predict and display projected projectile paths on the display.

After the processor has locked onto the target, it can also predict the future position of the target.

The processor can also determine the future position of the target after movement of the safety trigger gun.

Diffraction-based holographic display systems can also include light engines to improve day/night readability.

A diffraction-based holographic display system includes a ballistic engine coupled to multiple sensors, each of the multiple sensors providing a signal to the ballistic engine, each signal providing information regarding target acquisition. can also be shown.

The safety trigger gun can further include additional optics configured to position the see-through IO at the first focal plane such that the see-through IO does not interfere with the far-field image.

On the other hand, a display system that enhances a user's view through an optic can include a diffraction-based holographic display element coupled to the optic. A holographic display element includes a light engine, a lens, a number of holographic optical elements and an image guide. A holographic display element coupled to the optics delivers a see-through holographic IO to the user's view.

It is also possible to prepare each of a number of holographic optical elements by directing two laser beams at the substrate to form a grating having a linear pattern with a sinusoidal cross-section with a grating pitch of the order of λ/sin θ.

On the other hand, a gun-mounted holographic display system includes a casing having an enclosure and a receptacle, a light engine housed in the enclosure, a waveguide surrounded by the receptacle, a coupler attached to the casing, the coupler connecting to the gun. It can be configured in a size to be worn on the A light engine sends information to the waveguide, which produces a holographic image for the user of the display system.

The system can also include multiple holographic optical elements.
A holographic image can also have thermal properties.

Holographic images can include low-light image enhancement images, shortwave infrared images, LIDAR images, enhanced visible images, and ultraviolet images.

On the other hand, a holographic display system including direct extended view optics used to extend the view receives a signal from each of a number of remote source devices and prepares information based on this signal. a video processor that receives multiple video inputs and information and performs low-power video processing to prepare display information while communicating with a projector that receives display information from the video and projects an image that represents this information; A holographic image display may be included that receives an image from the projector and displays it to the user. The image is based on the information received by the processor and multiple video inputs .

Remote source devices can include GPS sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, inertial measurement units.

The system further includes a single port and at least one ancillary device that aligns the output of the ancillary device with a scene viewed through direct extended view optics, the ancillary device comprising a thermal imaging camera, an optical zoom , and night vision devices .

The inertial measurement unit can also be used by the processor to determine the geographical coordinates of the target within the crosshairs of the direct extended view optics . The system may further include a ballistic engine that determines the distance to the target and projected projectile path.

Claims (4)

a holographic display system comprising a direct extended viewscope , said direct extended viewscope used to extend a view of a scene ;
a processor that receives signals from each of a plurality of remote source devices and prepares information based on said signals;
a video processor that, in communication with said processor, receives a plurality of video inputs and information and performs low power video processing to prepare display information;
a projector that receives display information from the video processor and projects an image indicative of the display information; and a holographic image display that receives the image from the projector and displays it to a user;
an image based on information received by said processor and said plurality of video inputs ;
A holographic display system , wherein said processor utilizes an inertial measurement unit to determine geographic coordinates of a target within a crosshair of said direct extension viewscope. The holographic display system of claim 1, wherein said plurality of remote source devices include GPS sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, humidity sensors, inertial measurement units. Further comprising a port and at least one auxiliary device, said port aligning the output of said auxiliary device with a scene viewed through said direct extended viewscope , said auxiliary device comprising a thermal imaging camera, an optical zoom, and an auxiliary device. A holographic display system according to claim 1, characterized in that it is selected from among night vision devices . 2. The holographic display system of claim 1, further comprising a ballistic engine for determining distance to target and projected projectile path.