Patent ID: 6123006
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An extended vision module for retrofit installation onto an existing optical sight of a weapon system, said optical sight including an eyepiece, comprising:(a) a first optical channel for receiving an input image from said optical sight at the location where said eyepiece is normally located in said optical sight;(b) an optical combining means for receiving said input image from said first optical channel;(c) a second optical channel comprising (1) a luminous display device and (2) a means for directing a luminous image displayed by said display device to said optical combining means;(d) said optical combining means combining said image from said first optical channel and said luminous image from said second optical channel to form a composite final image;(e) said optical combining means further directing said composite final image to a third optical channel, said third optical channel comprising (1) a video camera and (2) a lens assembly for forming said final image onto said video camera, said video camera generating a video signal of said final image, and said video camera coupled to an output means for enabling transmission of said video signal to a remote location; and(f) a housing for said first, second and third optical channels and said optical combining means, said housing adapted for mounting to said optical sight at the location of said eyepiece after removal of said eyepiece, said housing further comprising a means for receiving said eyepiece;(g) wherein said extended vision module simultaneously provides said final image to an operator of said weapon system at said eyepiece and a video signal of said final image for transmission to a host viewing system remote from said eyepiece, whereby the performance of said optical sight and weapon system may be extended and enhanced.