US20050252063A1

US20050252063A1 - Imaging system for optical devices

Info

Publication number: US20050252063A1
Application number: US11/126,904
Authority: US
Inventors: Timothy Flannigan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-05-12
Filing date: 2005-05-11
Publication date: 2005-11-17

Abstract

An imaging system for use with an optical device. The system comprises a lower housing having an input portion and an output portion. An upper housing is coupled to the lower housing and has an optical port. A primary lens is disposed within the lower housing. A secondary lens is disposed within the upper housing. The imaging system also includes a recording device. Light rays from the optical device, representing a visual image, are directed to the input portion and are split by the primary lens into a first image and a second, identical image. The first image is directed to the output portion for viewing. The second image is directed to the secondary lens, deflected by the secondary lens, directed to the optical port, and coupled to the recording device. The recording device generates visual data corresponding to the second image.

Description

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application 60/570,157, filed May 12, 2004, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The present invention relates generally to an imaging system and, more particularly, to an imaging system that is coupled to an optical device and provides for recording of visual images received from the optical device while simultaneously providing the images to a user.

BACKGROUND

The sport of game hunting is a popular recreational pastime. Hunters have long prized their kills beyond their value as food and/or skin and it is common practice, for example, to mount the head of a deer or other game on a wall as a trophy to display one's past successes. Even more interest can be added to the sport, however, if a hunter has a simple, straightforward way to record a visual image of a prey proximate the discharge of a weapon. The ability to record a visual image of a target in connection with the discharge of a weapon can assist a user in practicing to improve aiming accuracy and in adjusting a scope mounted to the weapon by providing a visual record of what is viewed through the scope when the weapon is discharged, allowing for comparison of the record with where the shot strikes the target.
The ability to record a visual image of a target has potential military and law enforcement applications as well. For example, evidentiary records for court cases involving weapon discharges by law enforcement personnel may be greatly enhanced if the weapons are capable of producing visual images of the target at the time of the discharge.
A number of attempts have been made to provide a visual record of weapon discharges. For example, several prior art devices combine a rifle and rifle scope with a photographic camera. However, these devices have limitations that make them cumbersome to use and limit the flexibility of the shooter to precisely determine the timing of the photographic activity in relation to the firing of the weapon. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,020,262, issued to Pena, discloses a still picture camera mounted to a special housing which is in turn mounted onto a standard telescopic sight. The housing transfers the image of the target through the sight to the camera. The camera is a separate, conventional camera that is activated via a cable mechanism connecting the rifle trigger to the shutter release of the camera. The camera photographs a single still image when the trigger is pulled. This device requires a cumbersome modification to the rifle, since one must mount a separate camera housing as well as a camera to the rifle sight. This adds extra steps to the assembly of the rifle. In addition, the cable connection between the trigger and the shutter release of the camera adds labor to the assembly of the rifle and places the cable in a position that may interfere with the operation of the trigger. Further, a trigger-activated device such as disclosed by Pena does not enable the hunter to adjust the time at which the photograph is taken relative to the discharge of the weapon.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,309,095, issued to Buckley, discloses a camera mounting bracket that supports a camera in a substantially parallel orientation to the line of sight of a telescopic sight. As in the Pena patent, the camera is activated by means of a cable connection to the rifle trigger using a plunger-type button. This, too, makes setup cumbersome, interferes with the trigger, and limits the opportunity for a user to adjust the time at which the photograph is taken relative to the actual discharge of a weapon. By requiring a bracket separate from the sight, as well as a separate camera, the rifle setup remains more cumbersome than a conventional (i.e. camera-less) setup. Additionally, since the camera in this arrangement does not obtain its photographic image through the scope, a user must further ensure proper camera alignment with respect to the line of sight. However, this arrangement does not provide a substantially exact image of what the user sees through the scope when the weapon is discharged.
Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 5,287,644, issued to Bolduc, is a rifle simulation wherein the camera is again trigger activated. The rifle and scope, when assembled together for photography, is much more cumbersome than a conventional rifle and scope.
A number of other attempts have been made to combine an image magnification device and a camera with a weapon. Examples include U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,545,356; 3,785,261; 3,911,451; 4,936,190; 4,970,589; and 5,285,273. However, the art fails to teach a way to capture and record visual images at specified time intervals proximate the discharge of the weapon without a cumbersome link between the recording device and the weapon.
It would be desirable, therefore, to provide a way to capture visual images of a target proximate the time at which a shot is fired from an associated weapon, without a potentially-interfering link between the camera and the rifle trigger. It would further be desirable to have a rifle/scope/camera combination that is less cumbersome than is presently available in the art.

SUMMARY

The present invention provides for an imaging system that enables a user to view visual images present at a rear aperture of a conventional optical device while simultaneously allowing for recording of those same images using a recording device coupled to a separate optical port. In an optional embodiment, sound may be captured through an audio pickup, either provided with the imaging system or provided independently via an audio input from an external wired or wireless microphone. The present invention also takes into account the designed eye relief distance of an optical device and its impact on a user's ability to see a full field-of-view of an image and its surroundings.
One embodiment of the present invention is an imaging system for use with an optical device. The system comprises a lower housing having an input portion and an output portion. An upper housing is coupled to the lower housing and has an optical port. A primary lens is disposed within the lower housing. A secondary lens is disposed within the upper housing. The imaging system also includes a recording device. Light rays from an optical device, representing a visual image, are directed to the input portion and are split by the primary lens into a first image and a second, identical image. The first image is directed to the output portion for viewing. The second image is directed to the secondary lens, deflected by the secondary lens, directed to the optical port, and coupled to the recording device. The recording device generates visual data corresponding to the second image.
Another embodiment of the present invention is an imaging system for use with an optical device. The system comprises a lower housing having an input portion and an output portion. An eyepiece is attached to the output portion of the lower housing. An upper housing is coupled to the lower housing and has an optical port. The imaging system also includes an audio pickup to receive sounds proximate the imaging system and generate aural data corresponding to the sounds. A primary lens is disposed within the lower housing. A secondary lens is disposed within the upper housing. The imaging system further includes a recording device. Light rays representing a visual image are directed to the input portion and are split by the primary lens into a first image and a second, identical image. The first image is directed to the output portion for viewing. The second image is directed to the secondary lens, deflected by the secondary lens, directed to the optical port, and coupled to the recording device. The recording device generates visual data corresponding to the second image.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Further features of the inventive embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which the embodiments relate from reading the specification and claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional optical device;
FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of the imaging system of FIG. 2A showing an alternate orientation of an upper housing portion;
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an imaging system according to another alternate embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4A shows a schematic diagram of an orientation of an upper housing portion of an imaging system and a corresponding orientation of a recording device according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4B shows a schematic diagram of the of the upper housing portion and recording device of FIG. 4A showing another orientation of each;
FIG. 4C shows a schematic diagram of the of the upper housing portion and recording device of FIG. 4A showing yet another orientation of each;
FIG. 4D shows a schematic diagram of the of the upper housing portion and recording device of FIG. 4A showing still another orientation of each;
FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of an imaging system according to an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of the imaging system of FIG. 5; and
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the imaging system of FIG. 5.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the discussion that follows, like reference numerals will be used to identify components of like structure in the figures.
A simplified drawing of a conventional optical device 10 common in the art is shown in FIG. 1. Optical device 10 may be a magnifying device, such as a weapon scope, or may have unity magnification. Optical device 10 comprises a front objective lens 12, a rear aperture lens 14, ring mounts 16, an optional magnification adjustment control 18, an elevation/windage adjustment control 20, and a housing 22. Light rays from an image (not shown) enter front objective lens 12, travel through housing 22 and then exit rear aperture lens 14. Magnification adjustment control 18 increases or decreases the level of magnification of an image as viewed by the user through rear aperture lens 14. Elevation/windage adjustment control 20 is utilized to adjust a set of crosshairs (not shown) that are viewable through rear aperture lens 14, allowing a user to make fine adjustments to improve the aiming accuracy of an associated weapon or other device to which optical device 10 is attached. Ring mounts 16 are adapted to mount optical device 10 to a weapon or other device. Alternately, optical device 10 may be mounted to a stationary fixture such as a tripod (not shown) for a stabilized view of visual images of objects of interest.
With continued reference to FIG. 1, schematic diagrams of an imaging system 30 are shown in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3 according to several embodiments of the present invention. FIGS. 2A and 2B depict an embodiment of imaging system 30 wherein a primary lens 40 is generally aligned under a secondary lens 42, while FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of imaging system 30 wherein secondary lens 42 is offset laterally from primary lens 40. In these embodiments imaging system 30 is adapted to be connected to an optical device, such as scope 10. Imaging system 30 includes a lower housing 31 having an input portion 32 and an output portion 34. An upper housing 35 includes an optical port 36, discussed in greater detail below.
Light rays 38 from optical device 10, representing a visual image, pass through rear aperture lens 14 of the optical device and into input portion 32 of imaging system 30, striking primary lens 40 disposed in lower housing 31. Primary lens 40 reflects a first portion of light rays 38, designated 38A, and permits a second portion of light rays 38 to pass through it, designated 38B. Light rays 38B exit from output portion 34, allowing a user 39 to view the image formed by optical device 10. Primary lens 40 may be a conventional dichroic mirror or beamsplitter.
In the embodiments depicted in FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3, light rays 38A are reflected by primary lens 40 are directed to secondary lens 42. Light rays 38A are in turn reflected from secondary lens 42, as indicated by light rays 38C, and are directed to optical port 36. Light rays 38C are then optically coupled to a recording device 44 connected to optical port 36 by any conventional means. The recording device 44 generates an electrical signal corresponding to the visual image represented by the light rays.
With continued reference to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 3, the following equations describe the preferred relationships of various distances for these embodiments of the present invention with respect to the eye relief of imaging system 30 at output portion 34. Eye relief is well-known in the art and may be generally described as the distance from the user's eye to the rear aperture lens of an optical device such as rear aperture lens 14 wherein the visual image substantially fills the area of the lens. With regard to imaging device 30, the design eye relief is the distance from output portion 34 to the eye of a user 39. Design eye relief for imaging system 30 is defined by equation 1:
D ₁ +D ₂ <D _ER +D _{ER TOL} Equation 1
where D_ERis the design eye relief distance, D_{ER TOL}is the allowable tolerance in the design eye relief distance for a full field of view through an optical device, D₁is the distance from a relative focal point of primary lens 40 to rear aperture lens 14 of optical device 10, and D₂is the distance from a reflective focal point of primary lens 40 to output portion 34. It is preferable that equation 2, below, also be met to ensure that a full field-of-view is available to user 39 over the entire range of usable eye relief for a particular scope.
D ₁ +D ₂ <D _ER −D _{ER TOL} Equation 2
Since different optical devices 10 may have different eye reliefs for a given magnification, the smaller the sum of D₁+D₂, the more capable imaging system 30 will be in adapting to a multitude of optical devices. Additionally, since the values of D_ERand D_{ER TOL}will vary (i.e., become smaller) as the magnification of a given optical device 10 is increased, minimization of the distance D₁+D₂will allow for operation of imaging system 30 over a wider range of magnifications of optical devices.
For instances where equation 3 applies for a given optical device 10 with a predetermined magnification, a full image may be presented at output portion 34 by using a zoom lens (not shown) of variable focal length at the output portion, with a corresponding reduction in the field-of-view of optical device 10.
D ₁ +D ₂ >D _ER +D _{ER TOL} Equation 3
With regard to optical port 36, the following equation is applicable:
D _ER −D _{ER TOL} <D ₁ +D ₃ +D ₄ <D _ER +D _{ER TOL} Equation 4
where D₃is the distance from a relative focal point of primary lens 40 to a relative focal point of secondary lens 42 and D₄is the distance from a relative focal point of secondary lens 42 to recording device 44. This relationship for optical port 36 is inferred as a result of the desire to position recording device 44 such that it collects full-screen visual images while preserving the field-of-view of optical device 10 to the greatest extent possible. However, due to the inherent variables impacting D_ERand D_{ER TOL}associated with different optical devices 10 and the effects of varying magnifications as discussed above, it is preferable to utilize a recording device 44 having adjustable focal length settings or zoom functionality. This ensures that a full screen of visual images can be presented to recording device 44 with a corresponding reduction in the field-of-view of the original image and periphery as seen at output portion 34 of imaging system 30.
In some embodiments of the present invention the orientation of primary lens 40 may be varied within lower housing 31. This allows for adjustment of the overall length D₅of imaging system 30, which enables the present invention to be adapted for use with optical devices 10 having various eye relief requirements.
Upper housing 35 may be coupled to lower housing 31 with a rotatable coupling 46 such that the upper housing may be rotated about an axis “A” by up to 360 degrees, allowing for convenient positioning of recording device 44 in relation to an optical device 10 to which imaging system 30 is coupled. In rotating upper housing 35 it is necessary to re-orient recording device 44 with reference to optical port 36 so as to maintain a proper up-down orientation of the recorded visual images. For example, with reference to FIGS. 4A-4D, a typical recording device 44 has a plane “T” that is normally generally oriented with the upper portion of an image to be recorded such that the recorded image is correctly oriented with relation to viewing devices, such as a video monitor (not shown). With reference to FIG. 4A, when upper housing 35 is positioned such that secondary lens 42 is generally facing toward output portion 34 of lower housing 31 in plan view, designated as a zero-degree orientation, recording device 44 is oriented in side elevational view such that plane “T” is parallel to, and spaced apart from, the lower housing. With reference to FIG. 4B, when upper housing 35 is rotated clockwise about 90 degrees in plan view, plane “T” of recording device 44 must likewise be oriented at a generally 90 degree angle in side elevational view, generally perpendicular to lower housing 31. With reference to FIG. 4C, when upper housing 35 is rotated clockwise about 180 degrees in plan view, plane “T” of recording device 44 must likewise be oriented at a generally 180 degree angle in side elevational view, generally parallel to and proximate lower housing 31. With reference to FIG. 4D, when upper housing 35 is rotated clockwise about 270 degrees in plan view, plane “T” of recording device 44 must likewise be oriented at a generally 270 degree angle in side elevational view, generally perpendicular to lower housing 31.
With general reference again to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B and 3 in combination, an embodiment of imaging system 30 is shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 collectively. In this embodiment of the present invention imaging system 30 includes a lower housing 31 and an upper housing 35. A connector 48 is adapted to couple imaging system 30 to an eyepiece of an optical device, such as eyepiece 24 of optical device 10. In one embodiment connector 48 may include a sleeve with an inner diameter sized to physically interface with an eyepiece 24 of optical device 10 via a press-fit. An eyepiece 50, which may be resilient, allows a user to view an image provided by optical device 10 and passed through imaging system 30 as light rays 38B. Light rays 38C are coupled to a recording device 44 disposed within upper housing 35 in the manner previously discussed.
In some embodiments recording device 44 may be a digital still camera. In other embodiments recording device 44 may be a digital or analog video motion camera. Electrical signals representing any or all of still photographs and video motion pictures generated by recording device 44 are generally termed “visual data” herein.
A first electrical connector 52 provides external access to visual data generated by recording device 44, allowing for viewing and/or recording of the visual data on a conventional external visual display and/or video recorder. An associated control switch 54 selectably couples video output of recording device 44 to connector 52 and/or activates the recording device for operation. An indicator 56 illuminates when the video output to connector 52 is active.
Recording device 44 may further include an audio pickup 58 comprising a microphone and an optional audio amplifier disposed within upper housing 35. Audio pickup 58 generates an electrical audio signal corresponding to sounds generated proximate imaging system 30. Any internally or externally-generated electrical audio signal is generally termed “aural data” herein.
A second electrical connector 60 provides external access to aural data generated by audio pickup 58, allowing users to hear the sounds represented by the aural data on a speaker transducer and/or store the aural data using a conventional digital or analog audio recording device. A control switch 62 associated with audio pickup 58 selectably couples the aural data to connector 60 and/or activates the audio pickup for operation. An indicator 64 illuminates when the audio output is active. A microphone input connector 66 provides an optional input to provide aural data to recording device 44 from an external source, such as a microphone (not shown).
A detachable memory device (not shown) may optionally be coupled to imaging system 30 to store visual and/or aural data from recording device 44. Example memory devices include, but are not limited to, Compact Flash and Secure Digital (“SD”) Card, Memory Stick, XD Picture Cards, Smart Media and Multi Media Cards (MMC), and any other type of removable data storage memory device now known or developed in the future.
In another optional embodiment of imaging system 30, recording device 44 may further include a conventional wireless link 68 comprising a transmitter and/or receiver, facilitating remote-control operation and adjustment of the operational parameters of the imaging system and/or transfer of visual and/or aural data to and/or from a data storage unit, such as a laptop computer, analog video recorder digital video recorder, analog audio recorder and digital audio recorder. Wireless links and data storage units are well-known in the art and thus will not be further detailed herein.
Imaging system 30 may further include a focus wheel 70 to focus the image presented to recording device 44 at optical port 36. Focus wheel 70 may be adjusted by user 39 as needed to bring the image into focus. In other embodiments recording device 44 may include a conventional automatic focusing system to adjust the image.
In other embodiments imaging system 30 may include one or more conventional disposable or rechargeable battery power supplies 72, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. Battery 72 provides power to operate the various components of imaging system 30.
The present invention has been described with particular reference to a scope for use with a weapon. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be used to advantage with any type of conventional optical device including, without limitation, telescopes, binoculars, microscopes, monoculars and spotting scopes.
While this invention has been shown and described with respect to a detailed embodiment thereof, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes in form and detail thereof may be made without departing from the scope of the claims of the invention.

Claims

1. An imaging system, comprising:

a lower housing having an input portion and an output portion;

an upper housing coupled to the lower housing and having an optical port;

a primary lens disposed within the lower housing;

a secondary lens disposed within the upper housing; and

a recording device,

wherein light rays from an optical device, representing a visual image, are directed to the input portion and are split by the primary lens into a first image and a second, identical image,

the first image is directed to the output portion for viewing, and

the second image is directed to the secondary lens, deflected by the secondary lens, directed to the optical port, and coupled to the recording device,

wherein the recording device generates visual data corresponding to the second image.

2. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the upper housing is rotatably attached to the lower housing.

3. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the recording device is one of an analog still camera, digital still camera, analog video camera and digital video camera.

4. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the recording device is selectably activated.

5. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising an electrical connector to couple the visual data to at least one of a visual display and a recording device.

6. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising an audio pickup to receive sounds proximate the imaging system and generate aural data corresponding to the sounds.

7. The imaging system of claim 6 wherein the audio pickup device is selectably activated.

8. The imaging system of claim 6, further comprising an electrical connector to couple the aural data to at least one of an audio speaker transducer and a recording device.

9. The imaging system of claim 6, further comprising a wireless link.

10. The imaging system of claim 9, further comprising a recording device coupled to the wireless link to record the aural data.

11. The imaging system of claim 6, further comprising an audio input to couple external aural data to the recording device.

12. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the primary lens is generally aligned under the secondary lens.

13. The imaging system of claim 1 wherein the secondary lens is laterally offset from the secondary lens.

14. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a connector attached to the input portion of the lower housing such that the imaging system can be attached to an optical device.

15. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising a wireless link.

16. The imaging system of claim 15, further comprising a recording device coupled to the wireless link to record the visual data.

17. The imaging system of claim 15 wherein the imaging device is remotely controlled via the wireless link.

18. The imaging system of claim 1, further comprising an eyepiece attached to the output portion of the lower housing.

19. An imaging system, comprising:

a lower housing having an input portion and an output portion;

an eyepiece attached to the output portion of the lower housing;

an upper housing coupled to the lower housing and having an optical port;

an audio pickup to receive sounds proximate the imaging system and generate aural data corresponding to the sounds;

a primary lens disposed within the lower housing;

a secondary lens disposed within the upper housing; and

a recording device,

wherein light rays representing a visual image are directed to the input portion and are split by the primary lens into a first image and a second, identical image,

the first image is directed to the output portion for viewing, and

20. The imaging system of claim 19 wherein the upper housing is rotatably coupled to the lower housing.