Analog-Digital Hybrid Firearm Scope

Abstract

In some embodiments, a firearm system can include an optical scope. The optical scope may include a direct-view optics assembly and a switchable microdisplay element. The direct-view optics assembly can include an objective lens and a viewing lens, and may be configured to direct and focus light received by the objective lens toward the viewing lens. The switchable microdisplay element may be configured to selectively interrupt a light path between the objective lens and the viewing lens to present image data to the viewing lens.

1 . An optical scope comprising:
 a direct-view optics assembly including an objective lens and a viewing lens, the direct-view optics assembly configured to direct and focus light from a view area received by the objective lens toward the viewing lens; and   a switchable display element configured to selectively interrupt a light path between the objective lens and the viewing lens, the switchable display element to receive an electrical signal including image data and to present the image data to the viewing lens.   
     
     
         2 . The optical scope of  claim 1 , further including a user-selectable element accessible by a user to cause the switchable display element to interrupt the light path. 
     
     
         3 . The optical scope of  claim 1 , wherein the switchable display element is configured to pivot about a pivot point between a first position outside of the light path and a second position that interrupts the light path in response to one of an electrical signal and a mechanical movement of a user-selectable element on the scope. 
     
     
         4 . The optical scope of  claim 1 , wherein the switchable display element is configured to translate between a first position outside of the light path and a second position that interrupts the light path in response to one of an electrical signal and a mechanical movement of a user-selectable element on the scope. 
     
     
         5 . The optical scope of  claim 1 , wherein the optical scope further includes:
 an actuator coupled to the switchable display element and configured to move the switchable display element between a first position outside of the light path and a second position that interrupts the light path; and   a control circuit coupled to the actuator and configured to provide signals to the actuator to control movement of the switchable display element.   
     
     
         6 . The optical scope of  claim 1 , wherein the switchable display element is transmissive to light in a first mode and interrupts at least a portion of the light path in a second mode to display the image data. 
     
     
         7 . The optical scope of  claim 1 , further comprising a firearm system coupled to the optical scope, the firearm system including:
 a trigger assembly including mechanical components and an electronic circuit; and   wherein the scope includes a control circuit coupled to the electronic circuit of the trigger assembly.   
     
     
         8 . The optical scope of  claim 7 , wherein the control circuit includes:
 an optical sensor circuit configured to capture image data associated with the view area; and   a processing circuit coupled to the optical sensor circuit and to the switchable display element, the processing circuit configured to selectively provide the image data to the switchable display element.   
     
     
         9 . The optical scope of  claim 1 , wherein the switchable display element comprises:
 a micro display that is stationary; and   a movable mirror configured to move into and out of the light path.   
     
     
         10 . The optical scope of  claim 1 , further comprising a plurality of sensors including at least one infrared sensor configured to capture infrared data associated with the view area. 
     
     
         11 . A method comprising:
 in a first mode, providing light received at an objective lens of an optical scope through a first focal plane including a reticle to a viewing lens of the optical scope;   receiving an input corresponding to a change of position of a lever of the optical scope; and   in a second mode, coupling a switchable display element into the optical path, the switchable display element to receive an electrical signal including image data and to provide the image data viewable from the viewing lens.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein coupling the switchable display element comprises selectively activating a microdisplay element within the optical path to transition from a transmissive state to an active state. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein coupling the switchable display element comprises moving one of a microdisplay and a mirror element into the optical path to direct the image data from the microdisplay toward the viewing lens. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein moving one of the microdisplay and the mirror element comprises moving the one of the microdisplay and the mirror element about a pivot. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein moving one of the microdisplay and the mirror element comprises translating the one of the microdisplay and the mirror element from a first position to a second position. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein coupling the switchable display element comprises applying an electrical signal to one of a mirror, a prism, and a display element to alter a reflectivity of a surface to interrupt the optical path. 
     
     
         17 . An optical scope comprising:
 control circuitry;   a direct-view optics assembly including an objective lens and a viewing lens, the direct-view optics assembly configured to direct and focus light received by the objective lens toward the viewing lens; and   a switchable display element coupled to the control circuitry and configured to selectively interrupt a light path between the objective lens and the viewing lens, the switchable display element to receive an electrical signal including image data and to the present image data to the viewing lens.   
     
     
         18 . The optical scope of  claim 17 , further comprising a user-selectable element coupled to the optical scope and accessible by a user to control the switchable display element to selectively interrupt the light path. 
     
     
         19 . The optical scope of  claim 17 , wherein the switchable display element comprises a microdisplay configured to move into and out of the light path. 
     
     
         20 . The optical scope of  claim 17 , wherein the switchable display element comprises:
 a microdisplay that is fixed within the optical scope and outside of the light path; and   at least one of a mirror and a prism configured to move into and out of the light path.   
     
     
         21 . The optical scope of  claim 17 , wherein the switchable display element comprises at least one of a display, a mirror, and a prism that is responsive to electrical signals to selectively interrupt the light path.