Patent Publication Number: US-2018039061-A1

Title: Apparatus and methods to generate images and display data using optical device

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods to capture, display, and share images captured by an optical device. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to capturing and sharing images captured by a scope for a rifle. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Optical devices such as telescopes, binoculars, and hunting scopes have long been used to magnify images seen at a distance. The magnification of objects at a distance allows the user of the optical device to make more informed decisions about what they are looking at. For example, Galileo used a telescope to help establish that the sun was indeed the center of the solar system. 
     Hunting scopes attached to rifles and other weapons also provide advantages to hunters and marksmen. A hunting scope may be coupled to rifle to improve the accuracy of the marksman and may effectively increase the usable range of the rifle. Because distant objects appear to be closer when looking through a hunting scope, a marksman may find it easier to precisely target an object with the hunting scope. 
     One typical drawback of optical devices is that only one user may view an object through the optical device at a time. There is a need to be able to share images captured by an optical device with others, without distorting the image observed by the user of the optical device. Another drawback of optical devices is that the user of the optical device cannot analyze any additional information while looking through optical device. The optical device tends to fill the user&#39;s entire field of view. There is a need to be able to display supplemental information to a user of the optical device through the optical device. 
     SUMMARY 
     An aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for sharing images and outputting data via an optical device. The apparatus may include an optical device having a housing with objective optics positioned at a first end of the housing and ocular optics positioned at a second end of the housing, the optical device may define a primary optical path between the objective optics and an exit pupil, a beam splitter may be positioned in the primary optical path and configured to divide a primary beam traveling along the primary optical path into a first beam traveling along the primary optical path and a second beam traveling along an auxiliary optical path different than the primary optical path, and one or more auxiliary lenses may be positioned in the auxiliary optical path to focus the second beam on a lens of a camera. 
     The apparatus may also include a camera housing positioned adjacent to an auxiliary exit pupil defined by the auxiliary optical path, the camera housing may be sized to receive the camera and configured to secure the camera in a fixed position relative to the auxiliary exit pupil. The beam splitter may be positioned in the primary optical path between the ocular optics and the exit pupil. The apparatus may also include an auxiliary housing coupled to the housing of the optical device at the second end, the one or more auxiliary lenses may be positioned within a beam splitter housing. The apparatus may also include one or more primary lenses positioned in the primary optical path between the beam splitter and the exit pupil to alter a position of the exit pupil relative to the ocular optics. The one or more primary lenses may be configured to adjust an eye relief of the optical device based at least in part on the position of the beam splitter in the primary optical path. The beam splitter may be positioned in the primary optical path between the objective optics and the ocular optics. The housing may further include an opening being positioned to allow the second beam to exit the housing at a location different from the ocular optics. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for sharing images and outputting data via an optical device. The apparatus may include an optical device having a housing with objective optics positioned at a first end of the housing and ocular optics positioned at a second end of the housing, the optical device may define a primary optical path, a beam splitter positioned in the primary optical path to divide a first objective beam traveling from the objective optics along the primary optical path into a second objective beam and third objective beam, the third objective beam traveling along an auxiliary optical path different than the primary optical path, and a display positioned to cooperate with the beam splitter to define a display optical path, the display to generate a display beam that travels along the display optical path to the beam splitter, the display optical path being different than the primary optical path, the second objective beam and the display beam cooperate to present an image at an exit pupil of the optical device. 
     The image presented at the exit pupil may include an objective represented in the first objective beam and support information represented in the display beam. The support information may include environmental information. The support information may include a targeting correction indicator. The beam splitter may combine the first objective beam and at least a portion of the display beam into an ocular beam that travels along the primary optical path to the exit pupil. The third objective beam may travel along the auxiliary optical path to an imaging device, the third objective beam presenting an auxiliary image of an objective at an auxiliary exit pupil of the optical device. The beam splitter may form the second objective beam by allowing a first portion of the objective beam to pass through the beam splitter and travel along the primary optical path. The beam splitter may form the third objective beam by reflecting a second portion of the objective beam along the auxiliary optical path. The beam splitter may divide the display beam into a second display beam traveling along the primary optical path and a third display beam traveling along the auxiliary optical path. The third objective beam and the third display beam may cooperate to define an auxiliary image at an auxiliary exit pupil that includes an objective represented in the first objective beam and support information represented in the display beam. The apparatus may also include a wireless communication device receive support information from one or more other computing devices via a communication network. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for sharing images and outputting data via an optical device. The method may include receiving, via a beam splitter of an I/O device, a beam of light traveling from objective optics of an optical device, the optical device defining an optical path, the beam splitter being positioned in the optical path and configured to intercept the beam of light, reflecting from a first surface of the beam splitter at least a portion of the beam of light to an imaging device of the I/O device, transmitting an image generated by the I/O device from the portion of the beam of light to a computing device, obtaining, by the I/O device, support data indicative of one or more conditions present around the optical device, and reflecting from a second surface of the beam splitter at least a portion of a beam of light generated by a display device, the beam of light generated by the display device including one or more indicators based at least in part on the support data, wherein the indicators are output to a user at ocular optics of the optical device. 
     The method may also include receiving a visual indicator from the computing device, the visual indicator being input by drawing on the image output by the computing device. The method may also include outputting the visual indicator at the ocular optics to the user of the optical device. The method may also include identifying one or more characteristics of an animal present in the image. The method may also include determining animal tracking data based at least in part on the one or more characteristics of the animal. The method may also include outputting animal tracking data at the ocular optics to the user of the optical device. The support data may include receiving, via a computer network, the support data from one or more other devices positioned in a proximity to the optical device. The support data may also include at least one of a wind speed, a wind direction, a range to an objective, an altitude, or a location of the optical device. The one or more other devices may include at least one of a range finder, an altimeter, a global positioning system device, an anemometer, a wind vane, or a thermal imager. 
     The method may also include determining a targeting correction based at least in part on the image and the support data. The method may also include outputting a targeting correction indicator at the ocular optics to the user of the optical device based at least in part on the targeting correction. The method may also include determining a direction that the optical device is pointed based at least in part the image received from the optical device and location data indicative of a location of the optical device. The method may also include warning the user of the optical device of any possible hazards if a weapon is discharged in the direction that the optical device is pointed. The method may also include determining a targeting skill parameter for the user based at least in part on a position of an objective in the image obtained by the optical device or based at least in part on a location of a projectile as it moves past the objective. The method may also include comparing the targeting skill parameter of the user to one or more other targeting skill parameters of other users of other optical devices. The method may also include indicating which of the users had a best targeting skill parameter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the embodiments may be realized by reference to the following drawings. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. 
         FIG. 1  shows a perspective view of an example of an optical device with a digital input/output device coupled thereto. 
         FIG. 2  shows a simplified block diagram of the digital input/output device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  shows a simplified block diagram of the digital input/output device including image capture components. 
         FIG. 4  shows a simplified diagram of an example of a networked image sharing system using the digital input/output device and a computing device. 
         FIG. 5  shows a simplified block diagram of optical paths created by the cooperation of the optical device and the digital input/output device. 
         FIG. 6  shows a simplified block diagram of the digital input/output device including data display components. 
         FIG. 7  shows examples of images seen through the optical device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 8  shows a simplified block diagram of optical paths created by the cooperation of the optical device and the digital input/output device. 
         FIG. 9  shows a simplified block diagram of an optical device and a digital input/output device positioned within the optical device. 
         FIG. 10  shows a simplified block diagram of an optical device and a digital input/output device positioned between the optical device and the user&#39;s eye. 
         FIG. 11  shows a simplified block diagram of a network for communicating images and information with an optical device. 
         FIG. 12  shows an example of a hardware environment for using a digital input/output device. 
         FIG. 13  shows a perspective view of the digital input/output device of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 14  shows a simplified block diagram of an example of a housing of the digital input/output device. 
         FIG. 15  shows a simplified block diagram of another example of a housing of a digital input/output device. 
         FIG. 16  shows a simplified flow chart for using the optical device and the digital input/output device. 
     
    
    
     While the embodiments described herein are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. However, the exemplary embodiments described herein are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the instant disclosure covers all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure is generally directed toward technologies for capturing images seen through an optical device, such as a scope, without distorting or obscuring the view of the user of the optical. The technologies may also share the images with a computing device in real-time such that another person using the computing device may view what the user sees in real-time. The technologies may also obtain and display information via the optical device to the user. The technologies described herein describe apparatus and methods that may be used to integrate an optical device with the other devices. 
     In the proposed design, a digital input/output (“I/O”) system may include a camera, a beam splitter, optics (e.g., lenses, mirrors, etc.), and a housing that encloses circuitry used to capture and communicate the image seen through the scope. The digital I/O system may also include electronic circuitry for processing the image and for communicating the image to other devices, such as a mobile computing device. A beam splitter may redirect a first portion of a beam traveling through an optical device toward the camera. The beam splitter may also allow a second portion of the beam to pass through the beam splitter and continue on to the user&#39;s eye. In this way, both the user and the camera may be configured to observe the image being presented by the optical device. 
     In the hunting context, a hunting scope may be equipped with the image capture/display device. A marksman may desire to share the image being seen through the hunting scope with another person. For example, during marksman training, a student or teacher may desire to view what the other sees through the hunting scope. 
     In this way, the teacher may be able to offer more specific advice to the help the student improve or the student may be able to observe first-hand the proper way to use the hunting scope. The marksman may desire to evaluate other information without interrupting the use of the hunting scope. For example, the marksman may desire to know the wind speed or the range to the objective without taking his or her eyes away from the hunting scope. In some instances, the situation is not well suited for audible communication. 
       FIG. 1  shows an example  100  of an optical device  110  with a digital input/output device  115  (hereinafter “I/O device  115 ”). The optical device  110  may be any type of optical device to produce or control light. For example, the optical device  110  may be embodied as a scope, a telescope, a microscope, a hunting scope, a range finder, a spy glass, binoculars, or any other type of optical device. 
     The optical device  110  may include a housing  120  with objective optics  125  positioned at a first end  130  of the optical device  110  and ocular optics  135  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ) positioned at a second end  140  of the optical device  110 , The objective optics  125  are designed to be pointed at an objective  330  and to gather light into the optical device  110 . The objective  330  (see  FIG. 3 or 7 ) may be vary depending on the type of optical device  110  being used the application of that use. For example, the objective of an astronomy telescope may be celestial objects like the moon, stars, planets, or comet. In another example, the objective of binoculars or a hunting scope may be an animal being hunted like a deer or elk. The ocular optics  135  are designed to direct the light gathered by the objective optics  125  and present that light to a user of the optical device  110 . An eye  340  of a user may be positioned near the ocular optics  135  during normal use of the optical device  110  (see  FIG. 3, 9 , or  10 ). 
     As used in this disclosure, optics may be any optical device designed to alter affect a beam of light. For example, optics may include lenses, filters, mirrors, other light redirectors, prisms, refractors, splitters, or other types of light-altering device. In some examples, the optics may be passive elements, such as lenses and mirrors. In other examples, the optics may be active elements, such as powered devices used to alter the light. Optics may also include any number of light-altering devices. For example, optics may include one or more lenses positioned to redirect light in a particular manner. A lens is a transparent optical device used to converge or diverge transmitted light and to form images. Frequently in optical devices, many different types of lenses are used to obtain the desired result. Types of lenses may include both converging lenses and diverging lenses. Converging lenses may include a convex lens, biconvex lens, plano-convex lens, or a positive meniscus lens. Diverging lenses may include a concave lens, a biconcave lens, a plano-concave lens, or a negative meniscus lens. 
     The illustrative optical device  110  is a scope configured to be mounted on a rifle or other type of firearm  410 . The objective optics  125  and the ocular optics  135  may be positioned in the housing  120 . The optical device  110  may also include mounts  145  positioned on the housing  120 . The mounts  145  may be configured to couple the optical device  110  in a fixed position relative to a firearm  410 . The optical device  110  may also include an elevation adjustor  150  and a power adjustor  155 . In some examples, the optical device  110  may also include a wind adjustor. In some examples, other optics are positioned in the housing  120  between the first end  130  and the second end  140 . These other optics, in some examples, may be included as part of the objective optics  125  or the ocular optics  135 . 
     The illustrative I/O device  115  is embodied as an attachment to the optical device  110  and is configured to be attached to the second end  140  (e.g., near the ocular optics  135 ) of the optical device  110 . In other examples, the I/O device  115  may be integrated into the optical device  110  itself, as is discussed in more detail below. The I/O device  115  may include an I/O housing  160 . Optics and electronic circuitry including an imaging device and communication circuitry may be positioned within the I/O housing  160 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a simplified block diagram of the I/O device  115 . The I/O device  115  may include image capture components  205 , data display components  210 , and communication components  215 . The components  205 ,  210 ,  215  described herein may be embodied as hardware, software, firmware, mechanical devices, or other components to perform the functions described herein. 
     The image capture components  205  may be configured to capture an image or video observed by a user through the optical device  110 . Once captured, the image or video may be stored in a storage media (e.g., memory, flash memory, film, etc.) or image or vide may be shared with another computing device. In some examples, the image or video may be transmitted to the other computing device in real-time. The I/O device  115  may use the communication components  215  to transmit the image or video to another computing device, to a data storage device, or some other type of device via a network. 
     The data display components  210  are configured to obtain support data (e.g., wind direction, wind speed, range to objective  330 , etc.) relevant to the user of the optical device  110  and present that support data to the user through the optical device  110 . The support data may be obtained from circuitry and devices integrated into the I/O device  115 , from other computing devices or from other devices (e.g., servers) connected via a network. In some examples, the data display components  210  may generate indicators that may be superimposed on the image being observed by the user through the optical scope. The I/O device  115  may use the communication components  215  to obtain or otherwise communicate the support data with other computing devices, servers, or other devices via network. 
       FIG. 3  shows a simplified block diagram  300  of an example of image capture components  205 . The image capture components  205  may be positioned in the I/O housing  160 ; however, the I/O housing  160  is not shown in block diagram  300 . The image capture components  205  may include a beam splitter  305 , auxiliary optics  310 , an imaging device  315 , and other electronics  320 . 
     The beam splitter  305  may be positioned in an optical path of the optical device  110 . The beam splitter  305  may be an optical components used to split a beam  325  of light at a designated ratio into two or more separate beams. In the illustrative example, the beam splitter  305  splits the beam  325  into two beams, into an ocular beam  335  that travels to a user&#39;s eye  340  and an auxiliary beam  345  which travels to the imaging device  315 . In addition, the beam splitter  305  may also combine two or more beams into a single beam of light. The beam splitter  305  may be a cube beam splitter or a plate beam splitter. 
     The beam splitter  305  may be configured partially transmit the beam  325  and partially reflect the beam  325 . The beam splitter  305  may allow a first portion of the beam  325  to transmit through the beam splitter  305  and continue along the same direction as the beam  325 . The beam splitter  305  may also reflect a second portion of the beam  325  in a direction different than the direction of the beam  325 . In some examples, the beam splitter  305  may transmit 50% of the beam  325  and may reflect 50% of the beam  325 . In other examples, the beam splitter  305  may split the beam  325  into unequal portions. The beam splitter  305  may be embodied as a plate beam splitter  305  made of glass having a dielectric coating on a surface facing the beam 
     The auxiliary optics  310  may be positioned in a cavity formed by the I/O housing  160 . The auxiliary optics  310  may be positioned in the path of the auxiliary beam  345  between the beam splitter  305  and an auxiliary exit pupil  350 . The auxiliary optics  310  may include one or more lenses to collect, diffract, or focus the auxiliary beam  345 . The auxiliary optics  310  may be configured to adjust a focus of the auxiliary beam  345  so that that the imaging device  315  captures an image or video observed by the user through the optical device  110 . It is important to note, that the image or video need not always be observed by a person to be captured by the imaging device  315 . Merely that the optical device  110  gathers light and the imaging device  315  captures of portion of that light and generates a video or an image. In some examples, the auxiliary optics  310  are configured to adjust a position, an orientation, or a diameter of the auxiliary exit pupil  350 . While optics  355  of the imaging device  315  are shown to be positioned away from the auxiliary exit pupil  350 , in some examples, the optics  355  of the imaging device  315  are positioned at the location of the auxiliary exit pupil  350 . 
     The imaging device  315  may be embodied as any type of suitable imaging device. For example, the imaging device  315  may be a camera, a CCD, or other type of imaging device. The imaging device  315  may be positioned in the cavity of the I/O housing  160 . The imaging device  315  may be coupled to the I/O housing  160  in a fixed position relative to the I/O housing  160 . In some examples, the imaging device  315  may be built into the I/O housing  160  such that it is permanently integrated into the I/O housing  160 . 
     The imaging device  315  may include a optics  355 , imaging circuitry  360 , and communication circuitry  365 . The optics  355  may be positioned to receive the auxiliary beam  345  into the imaging device  315 . In some examples, the optics  355  may be lenses configured to gather light into the imaging device  315  and focus it on a sensor positioned within the optical device. In other examples, the optics  355  may not exist and the sensor may be positioned at the auxiliary exit pupil  350 . The imaging circuitry  360  may include any circuity and/or components needed to capture an image. For example, the imaging circuitry  360  may include a processor, memory and a sensor (e.g., a CCD sensor) to generate a digital image of the image. The communication circuitry  365  may include any circuitry or components needed to communicate the generated image to a network, such as network  420  discussed later. 
     The other electronics  320  may include any other circuitry, components or devices used by the I/O device  115  to perform the functions described herein. For example, the other electronics  320  may include a processor, memory, a power source (e.g., a battery), a user interface, and communication circuitry to connect the I/O device  115  to a network, such as network  420 . In some examples, the I/O device  115  includes one or more user interfaces, such as a touchscreen, buttons, toggles, and/or indicators. A user may interact with one of the user interfaces to alter one or more settings of the I/ 0  device  115 . In some examples, the communication circuitry includes circuitry to communicate via both wired networks and wireless networks. For example, I/O device  115  may include a wired data port, such as a USB or mini USB port. In such examples, the communication circuitry may include components to support such a wired connection. In some examples, the other electronics  320  may be coupled to the communication circuitry  365  via a link  375 . In such an example, the imaging device may not connect directly to the network  420 , but may connect to the other electronics  320 , which in turn connect to the network  420 . In some examples, the other electronics  320  may include a solid state memory. 
     In use, the optical device  110  collects light from an objective  330  and forms the beam  325 . The objective  330  may be the object being viewed by the optical device  110 . For example, the objective  330  seen through a hunting scope may be a deer or another animal. The beam splitter  305  splits the beam  325  into the ocular beam  335  and the auxiliary beam  345 . The ocular beam  335  is transmitted through the beam splitter  305  and travels to a user&#39;s eye  340 , during normal operation of the optical device. The auxiliary beam  345  is reflected by the beam splitter  305  and travels to the imaging device  315 . In the illustrative example, a number of mirrors  370  may be positioned to redirect the auxiliary beam  445 . The auxiliary beam  445  may be redirected based on the space constraints of the I/O housing  160 . In other examples, either zero, one, two, or more mirrors  370  are used to redirect the auxiliary beam  445 . While three mirrors  370  are shown in the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 3 , some embodiments include only one mirror  370 . The auxiliary optics  310  focus and/or adjust the position, orientation, or the size of the auxiliary exit pupil  350 . The imaging device  315  may be positioned at the auxiliary exit pupil  350  and may capture an image or video of the objective  330  based at least in part on auxiliary beam  445 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the image or video may be communicated to other computing devices via a network. 
       FIG. 4  shows an example of a I/O network  400  using the optical device  110 , the I/O device  115 , and a computing device  405 . In the illustrative example, the optical device  110  is coupled in a fixed position relative to a firearm  410 . The illustrative example of  FIG. 4 , shows sharing an image  415  (or video) captured by the image capture components  205  with another computing device  405 . 
     The I/O device  115  may be configured to communicate the image  415  in real-time to the computing device  405  using a network  420  via communication links  425 . The I/O device  115  may use the communication components  215  to perform the communications. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the image  415  being observed by the user of the optical device  110  (during normal operations) may be displayed simultaneously on a display  435  of the computing device  405 . This way, multiple people may observe the image  415  simultaneously, when previously only one person could observe the image  415  gathered by the optical device  110  at a time. Using this view sharing, people may share information, tips, tricks, other judgments, or may evaluate performance. In some examples, the image  415  may also be stored in storage media to be viewed at a later date. In some examples, the image  415  may be stored as stream of images or a video. 
       FIG. 5  shows a simplified block diagram  500  of optical paths created by the cooperation of the optical device  110  and the I/O device  115 . The optical device  110  may define a primary optical path  505  between the objective optics  125  and the exit pupil  935  defined by the optical device  110 . The primary optical path  505  may be defined as the path that light takes as it traverses the optical device  110 . During normal operation, light enters the optical device  110  through the objective optics  125 , may pass through a series of other optics, exits the optical device  110  through the ocular optics  135  and is focused at the exit pupil  935 . While the illustrative example, shows that the primary optical path  505  is straight, in other examples, the primary optical path  505  may travel in many different directions. 
     The beam  325  travels along the primary optical path  505  to the user&#39;s eye  340 . While the beam  325  is shown as a single beam traveling in a straight line, the beam  325  may be a collection of beams traveling on the primary optical path  505 . 
     As described above, a beam splitter  305  may be positioned in the primary optical path  505 . The beam splitter  305  may be used to split the beam  325  into the ocular beam  335  and the auxiliary beam  345 . The ocular beam  335  may travel to the exit pupil  935  and, in normal operation, to the user&#39;s eye  340 . The auxiliary beam  345  may along an auxiliary optical path  510  to the imaging device  315 . In some examples, the primary optical path  505  may be split into an objective optical path  515 , positioned before the beam splitter  305 , and an ocular optical path  520 , positioned after the beam splitter  305 . 
     The auxiliary optical path  510  may be defined as the path that light takes as it travels from the beam splitter  305  to the auxiliary exit pupil  350  and to the imaging device  315 . The auxiliary optical path  510  may not be straight. 
       FIG. 6  shows a simplified block diagram  600  of an example of the data display components  210 , The data display components  210  may be positioned in the I/O housing  160 ; however, the I/O housing  160  is not shown in block diagram  600 . The data display components  210  may include a beam splitter  605 , display optics  610 , a display device  615 , and other electronics  620 . 
     The beam splitter  605  may be positioned in an optical path (e.g., primary optical path  505 ) of the optical device  110 . The beam splitter  605  may be an optical components used to combine a beam  625  of light into a display beam  630  of light to create an ocular beam  635  of light that travels to a user&#39;s eye  340 . In addition, the beam splitter  605  may also separate or a beam of light into multiple beams of light. In some examples, the beam splitter  605  may split and combine different beams of light. 
     The beam splitter  605  may be configured to transmit at least a portion of the beam  625  and to reflect at least a portion of the display beam  630 . In some examples, the beam splitter  305  may transmit a percentage of the beam  625  and may reflect a percentage of the display beam  630 . These percentages of beams  625 ,  630  may be combined into the ocular beam  635 . In some examples, the beam splitter  605  may combine equal portions of beam  625  and display beam  630 . In other examples, the beam splitter  605  may combine unequal portions of beam  625  and display beam  630  (e.g., 70% of one beam and 30% of the other beam). The beam splitter  605  may be embodied as a plate beam splitter made of glass having a dielectric coating on a surface facing the display beam  630 . 
     The display optics  610  may be positioned in a cavity formed by the I/O housing  160 . The display optics  610  may be positioned in the path of the display beam  630  between the beam splitter  605  and the display device  615 . The display optics  610  may include one or more lenses to collect, diffract, or focus the display beam  630 . The display optics  610  may be configured to adjust a focus of the display beam  630  so that that the information and/or images presented by the display device  615  are accurately output from the optical device  110 . 
     The display device  615  may be embodied as any type of suitable display device. For example, the display device  615  may be a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a light-emitting diode display (LED), an electroluminescent display (ELD), a plasma display panel (PDP), a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin-film transistor display (TFT), an organic light-emitting diode display (OLED), or any other type of display device. The display device  615  may be positioned in the cavity of the I/O housing  160 . The display device  615  may be coupled to the I/O housing  160  in a fixed position relative to the I/O) housing  160 . In some examples, the display device  615  may he built into the I/O) housing  160  such that it is permanently integrated into the I/O housing  160 . 
     The display device  615  may include a light source  640 , display circuitry  645 , and communication circuitry  650 . The light source  640  may be positioned to transmit the display beam  630  into the display optics  610  and the beam splitter  605 . The display circuitry  645  may include any circuity and/or components needed to generate an image based at least in part on support data obtained by the I/O device  115 . For example, the display circuitry  645  may generate one or more images indicating a wind speed and a wind direction. The display circuitry  645  may include a processor, memory and a source to generate an image based on the support data. The communication circuitry  650  may include any circuitry or components needed to communicate and/or obtain the support data from a network, such as network  420 . 
     The other electronics  620  may include any other circuitry, components or devices used by the I/O device  115  to perform the functions described herein. For example, the other electronics  620  may include a processor, memory, a power source (e.g., a battery), a user interface, and communication circuitry to connect the I/O device  115  to a network, such as network  420 . In some examples, the I/O device  115  includes one or more user interfaces, such as a touchscreen, buttons, toggles, and/ or indicators. A user may interact with one of the user interfaces to alter one or more settings of the I/O device  115 . In some examples, the communication circuitry includes circuitry to communicate via both wired networks and wireless networks. For example, I/O device  115  may include a wired data port, such as a USB or mini USB port. In such examples, the communication circuitry may include components to support such a wired connection. In some examples, the other electronics  620  may be coupled to the communication circuitry  650  via a link  660 . In such examples, the display device  615  may not connect directly to the network  420 , but may connect to the other electronics  620 , which in turn connect to the network  420 . In some examples, the other electronics  620  may include a solid state memory. The other electronics  620  may be similarly embodied as the other electronics  320 . 
     In use, the optical device  110  collects light from the objective  330  and forms the beam  625 . The display device  615  emits light (shown as the display beam  630 ) indicative of support data to be presented to a user of the optical device  100  during normal operation of the optical device  110 . The display beam  630  passes through display optics  610  and may be altered by the display optics  610 . The display beam  630  may be redirected based on the space constraints of the I/O housing  160 . In other examples, either zero, one, two, or more mirrors  655  are used to redirect the display beam  630 . While three mirrors  655  are shown in the illustrative embodiment of  FIG. 6 , some embodiments include only one mirror  655 . The beam splitter  605  may combine the beam  625  and the display beam  630  to create the ocular beam  635 . The ocular beam may present an image to the user&#39;s eye  340  that includes the objective  330  in beam  625  and the support data in display beam  630 . More specifically, the beam splitter  605  may transmit at least a portion of the beam  625  through the beam splitter  605  towards a user&#39;s eye  340  and reflect at least a portion of the display beam  630  towards a user&#39;s eye  340 . 
       FIG. 7  shows examples of views  700  that may be observed through the optical device  110  using data display components  210  of the I/O device  115 . The images may include a traditional view  710 , a digital info view  720 , and a shot correction view  730 . The traditional view  710  represents an image a user would see through the optical device  110  that does not include an I/O device  115 . The digital info view  720  includes support data superimposed on the image observed through the optical device  110 . For example, a wind speed indicator  740  and a range-to-objective indicator  750  may be superimposed on the traditional view  710 . The shot correction view  730  also includes a shot correction indicator  760  superimposed on the traditional view  710 . In some examples, the I/O device  115 , or another computing device in communication with the I/O device  115  via a network, may obtain support data and determine a shot correction parameter. For example, using a distance-to-target and a wind vector, the shot correction parameter may indicate that the firearm  410  may be pointed in a different direction than what is indicated by the reticles in order to hit the objective. In some examples, the shot correction indicator  760  may by dynamically superimposed on the traditional view  710  such that as the optical device  110  is moved, the position of the shot correction indicator  760  is adjusted. In this manner, a user of the optical device  110  may align the reticles of the optical device  110  with the shot correction indicator  760 . 
       FIG. 8  shows a simplified block diagram  800  of optical paths created by the cooperation of the optical device  110  and the I/O device  115 . The block diagram  800  shows the optical paths and beams of light created by an I/O device  115  that includes both the image capture components  205  and the data display components  210 . In other examples, an I/O device that only includes the data display components  210  may define optical paths similar to those depicted in  FIG. 5 . 
     The beam splitter(s)  805  may be positioned in a primary optical path of the optical device  110 . The primary optical path may include an objective optical path  810  positioned between the objective optics  125  and the beam splitter(s)  805  and an ocular optical path  815  positioned between the beam splitter(s)  805  and the exit pupil  935 . An objective beam  820  may travel along the objective optical path  810  from the objective optics  125  to the beam splitter(s)  805 . The objective beam  820  may be similarly embodied as beam  325  or beam  625 . An ocular beam  825  may travel along the ocular optical path  815  from the beam splitter(s)  805  to the exit pupil  935  or a user&#39;s eye  340  during normal use. The ocular beam  825  may be similarly embodied as ocular beam  335  or ocular beam  635 . 
     A display optical path  830  may be defined by the I/O device  115  between the display device  615  and the beam splitter(s)  805 . A display beam  835  may travel along the display optical path  830  from the display device  615  to the beam splitter(s)  805 . The display beam  835  may be similarly embodied as the display beam  630 . The display beam  835  may include images indicative of support data. 
     A imager optical path  840  may be defined by the I/O device  115  between the beam splitter(s)  805  and the imaging device  315 . An imager beam  845  may travel along the imager optical path  840  from the beam splitter(s)  805  to the imaging device  315 . The imager beam  845  may be similarly embodied as the auxiliary beam  345 . 
     While the illustrative example, shows that the optical paths  810 ,  815 ,  830 ,  840  as straight, in other examples, the optical paths  810 ,  815 ,  830 ,  840  may travel in many different directions. The beam splitter(s)  805  may be similarly embodied as beam splitter  305  or beam splitter  805 . 
     In some examples, a single beam splitter  805  is used to both split the objective beam  820  and to split the display beam  835 . For example, the single beam splitter  805  may be configured to transmit a first portion  850  of the objective beam  820  through the beam splitter  805  to travel along the ocular optical path  815  and reflect a second portion  855  of the objective beam  820  to travel along the imager optical path  840 . Similarly the single beam splitter  805  may be configured to reflect a first portion  860  of the display beam  835  along the ocular optical path  815  and transmit a second portion  865  of the display beam  835  through the beam splitter  805  along the imager optical path  840 . The ocular beam  825  may be a combination of the first portion  850  of the objective beam  820  and the first portion  860  of the display beam  835 . The imager beam  845  may be a combination of the second portion  855  of the objective beam  820  and the second portion  865  of the display beam  835 . 
     In some examples, two beam splitters  805  may be used. A first beam splitter  805  may be used to split the objective beam  820  into its first portion  850  and its second portion  855 . A second beam splitter  805  may be used combine the first portion  850  of the objective beam  820  and the first portion  860  of the display beam  835 . The second beam splitter  805  may also split the display beam into its first portion  860  and its second portion  865 . In some instances, one or more optics may be used to redirect and combine the second portion  855  of the objective beam  820  and the second portion  865  of the display beam  835  to create the imager beam  845 . In some instances, the imager beam  845  only includes the second portion  855  of the objective beam  820 . In some instances, another computing device may combine the support data and the indicators with the image captured by the imaging device  315  to generate a composite image. The composite image being a replica of the image presented at the exit pupil  935 . 
     As discussed above, the data display components  210  may be utilized with the image capture components  205 . In some examples, the side of the beam splitter  805  facing the user may be utilized to project information from one or more display elements to the user, such that the information is laid over part or all of the incoming image in such a manner that it allows the user to see the incoming image from the optical device  110 , but presents either visible data (e.g., digital information, such as, compass heading, range, wind speed, time, etc.) or a see-through regional overlay such that the digital image component accents the image from the optical device  110  with highlights (i.e. low light level image, thermal image, image processed components (e.g., marking of objects in motion, colorimetry data, object shape analysis, etc.). The user may have the ability to choose which display options are being used and where they are presented on the field of view. 
       FIG. 9  shows a simplified block diagram  900  of an I/O device  905  positioned in the optical device  110 . The I/O device  905  may be similarly embodied as the I/O device  115 . The I/O device  905  may include beam splitter(s)  805 , image capture components  205 , and data display components  210 . In some examples, the I/O device  905  may include either the image capture components  205  or the data display components  210 . 
     The beam splitter(s)  805  may be positioned in a primary optical path  910  of the optical device  110  between the objective optics  125  and the ocular optics  135 . The housing  120  of the optical device  110  may be modified to allow the various beams to enter and exit the housing  120 . For example, an opening  915  may be formed in the housing  120  to allow a display beam  835  from the data display components  210  to enter the housing  120  and an opening  925  may be formed in the housing  120  to allow an imager beam  845  to exit the housing  120 . Because the beam splitter(s)  805  are positioned between the objective optics  125  and the ocular optics  135 , the image of the objective  330  split by the beam splitter(s)  805  may not be in focus. In such embodiments, the optics of the image capture components  205  and the data display components  210  may modify the images such that user of the optical device  110  observes indicators that are in focus after passing through the ocular optics  135  and the user of the computing device observes a useful image. In some examples, housings are positioned in and around the image capture components  205  and the data display components  210 . 
     The optical device  110  may also define an exit pupil  935  and an eye relief  940 . The exit pupil  935  is the image-forming light the optical device  110  presents to a user&#39;s eye  340 . To use an optical device, an entrance pupil of the user&#39;s eye  340  should be aligned with and be of similar size to the exit pupil  935 . This properly couples the optical system o the eye  340  and avoids vignetting. The position of the exit pupil  935  relative to the last surface of the optical device  110  determines the eye relief  940  of the optical device  110 . The eye relief  940  is the distance between the last surface of the optical device  110  at which the user may observe a full viewing angle. An exit pupil  935  may have a diameter approximating the eye&#39;s apparent pupil diameter. If the exit pupil diameter is larger than the eye&#39;s pupil, light will be lost instead of entering the eye; if smaller, the view will be vignetted. If the exit pupil  935  is positioned too close to the last surface of the eyepiece, the eye may be uncomfortably close for viewing; if too far away, the user may have difficulty maintaining the eye&#39;s alignment with the exit pupil  935 . 
     The I/O device  905  may be positioned to within the optical device  110  and prior to the eyepiece such that it diverts an image prior to passing through the eyepiece. In this manner, the user may utilize the optical device  110  without adjusting the eye relief  940  relative to the ocular optics  135 . In this embodiment, optics for the imaging device may be modified to compensate for the optical elements that the image misses in the optical device  110  and thereby provides the imaging device with a comparatively similar viewing scene to the original optical device as viewed by the user. 
       FIG. 10  shows a simplified block diagram  1000  of an I/O device  1005  positioned outside of the optical device  110 . The I/O device  1005  may be similarly embodied as the I/O device  115 . The I/O device  1005  may include beam splitter(s)  805 , image capture components  205 , and data display components  210 . In some examples, the device  1005  may include either the image capture components  205  or the data display components  210  but not both. 
     The beam splitter(s)  805  may be positioned between in a primary optical path  1010  defined by the optical device  110  between the ocular optics  135  and the exit pupil  935 . In some examples, the I/O device  1005  is contained within an I/O housing  160 , In some examples, the I/O device  1005  may include additional optics that alter the position of the exit pupil  935 . For example, if an attachment is added to the second end  140  of the optical device  110 , the eye relief  940  may become uncomfortably small for the user. In such examples, the I/O device  1005  may include optics to move the eye relief such that it is a comfortable distance from the last optics of the I/O device  1005 . 
     The I/O device  1005  may be positioned at the second end of the optical device  110 . The I/O device  1105  may utilize the beam splitter(s)  805  placed between the eyepiece lens (e.g., ocular optics  135 ) and where the user would place their eye  340  to view the scene through the optical system (e.g., exit pupil  935 ). The beam splitter  805  may deflect part of the image light away from the observer position and direct it to an imaging device (either directly or via a folding mirror). The imaging device may be designed to accommodate the incoming image (or work with a correction lens) and bring it into focus on a digital imaging sensor. This allows a user of the optical device  110  to continue using the system in a normal manner, except for a slight increase in the distance from the eyepiece lens to their eye which provides the space needed for the beam splitter  805 . It may also allow the image that the user sees through the optical device  110  to be imaged by the imaging device sensor and recorded in a digital memory, and/or transmitted to other devices. The use of a folding mirror in the design may allow for the imaging device and electronics package to be placed along the side of the housing  120  or near to an optical axis. 
       FIG. 11  shows an example of an integrated system  1100  of devices for communicating images and information with an optical device  110  having an I/O device  115 . The I/O device  115  may be part of a larger ecosystem of connected devices to obtain and support data and to disseminate images captured by the I/O device  115 . For example, the system  1100  may include the I/O device  115 , a computing device  1110 , a spotting scope  1115 , a range finder  1120 , a anemometer, a wind vane, a position locating device (e.g., a global positioning system device), or other types of devices. Some devices may be used to collect support data (e.g., scope  1115  or range finder  1120 ). These device may be set by the user of the I/O device  115  at locations desired by the user. In other examples, the support data may be collected from other sources or servers. Some device may be used to send and receive data. For example, the computing device  1110  may receive images or videos from the I/O device  115  and may supply support data to the I/O device  115 . For example, the computing device  1110  may receive an input from a user such as drawing a circle on the image, the input (or circle) may then be displayed on the optical device  110  via the I/O device  115 . The devices may be connected using a network  1125  via one or more communication links  1130 . 
     The network  1125  may be a wired or wireless network, or any combination thereof, For example, the network  1125  may be embodied as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, cellular, LTE, Bluetooth, local area network, public network, optical network, the Internet, and/or any other type of network. The network  1125  may include more than one type of connection (e.g., wired and wireless connections) in a single implementation. In some examples, the network  1125  is an ad hoc network. 
     The network  1125  may be connected to one or more other networks  1135 , such as the internet. From these other networks  1135 , the I/O device  115  may send or receive data (e.g., the I/O device  115  may receive support data from these other networks). In some examples, the computing device  1110  acts as a gateway device for the I/O device  115 . Meaning, the I/O device  115  may not connect to the other networks  1135  directly, but sends and receives data to and from these other networks  1135  through another device such as the computing device  1110 . 
     The system  1100  may enable the I/O device  115  to be used in a number of applications. For example, by allowing the I/O device  115  to communicate through the network  1125  with other devices, images from a spotting scope, thermal imaging system, etc. may be shared, on-demand, with the I/O device  115 , such that the user can switch between the image from the spotting scope  1115  and the optical device  110  coupled to the firearm  410 . In a similar manner, support data from an electronic compass, GPS, range finder and/or other peripheral device may be shared via the network  1125 . The data may be presented to the user through the I/O device  115  incorporated into the optical device  110 . Network communication between the I/O device  115  and the peripheral products (e.g., mobile phones or other optical scopes), may be done in an encrypted format for security to prevent intrusion or interference from outside systems that could falsify or destroy the information. 
     In other examples, the I/O device  115  may incorporate image processing capabilities to utilize range, wind speed and other support data from various sensors and peripheral device to calculate an adjustment position from the crosshair point to the position of where a bullet will strike the target. The adjustment position may be presented to the user as the shot correction indicator  760  shown in  FIG. 7 . In some embodiments, the I/O device  115  may replace the physical crosshairs with an electronic crosshair presented to the user. The electronic crosshair may be configured to electronically shift from a preset/calibrated position to a new position correcting for the range, wind speed, etc. The electronic crosshairs may further allow the crosshairs preset/calibrated position to be rapidly changed to address a variety of issues, including, change of the type of bullet or load in the shells being used, compensation for the shooters habits/technique of firing a weapon, effects of altitude, etc. on the accuracy of the weapon. In some examples, another computing device (e.g., computing device  1110 ) may incorporate the image processing capabilities discussed above. 
     In other examples, the I/O device  115  and the system  1100  may be configured to perform other applications. The system  1100  may be configured to capture and record still images or video of animals, targets, scenes, etc. while hunting, or nature watching through a rifle scope, spotting scope, telescope, binoculars, or other optical devices  110 . The system  1100  may be configured to share in real-time what the user of an optical device is seeing through the optical device  110 . The system  1100  may be configured to allow a student or a teacher to view what the other sees and how they are aligning sights or centering an object of interest in the scene for image capture, shooting, etc. The system  1100  may be configured to observe animals and record identifying marks along with location and additional information via peripherals devices or the internal electronics of the I/O device  115 . The system  1100  may be configured to display information pertinent to shooting a target or animal as accurately as possible. Such information can include wind speed and direction, range, altitude, etc. The information may be selectable based on the users requirements and the peripheral devices and sensors that are linked to the I/O device  115 . 
     The system  1100  may be configured to integrate data from networked tools such as a range finder, wind speed and direction, and altitude are combine them with data on the type of weapon and shell being fired to provide corrected targeting information to accurately place a shot on target. Calculations may include the explosive type and number of grains and grain size being used in the shells being fired to provide accurate ballistic information. Some of this data may be input by a user into the system  1100 . The system  1100  may be configured to display an electronic crosshairs where the position of the displayed crosshairs has been moved to match the data from calculations based on information from networked sensors, stored data and from the scope image. The system  1100  may be configured to use of data from sensors such as GPS and eCompass to identify the direction of fire that the user is planning, and comparing that with information from a maps application to indicate and warn the user of potential safety risk from firing in that position. This can include updated information of the presence and location of other hunters and observers. 
     The system  1100  may be configured to aid in competitions. For example, the system  1100  may record the location of a shot, video and/or still image of the shot to hit a target or animal. The eCompass and range data showing the location on a map of both the user and the target may also be recorded. This data may be used in target and/or hunting competitions. The information can then be compiled for each participant in the competition to indicate who made the most accurate shot, the longest shot, the most difficult shot, the size and class of the animal, and many more items of information. This opens a wide variety of competitive applications. These competitions can be applied to a variety of nature watching as well as hunting. In some embodiments, the system  1100  may determine a targeting skill parameter for a user based at least in part on a position of the objective in the image obtained by the optical device or based at least in part on a location of a projectile as it moves past the objective, compare the targeting skill parameter of the user to one or more other targeting skill parameters of other users of other optical devices, and indicate which of the users had a best targeting skill parameter. 
       FIG. 12  shows examples of hardware implementations of the I/O device  115  and other computing device(s)  405 ,  1110 . The other computing device(s)  405 ,  1110  may be embodied as any type of computing device capable of performing the functions described herein, and may be embodied as a server, a database, a personal computer, a laptop, a smartphone, a tablet, another handheld device, or any other type of computing device. 
     The I/O device  115  illustratively includes a processor  1210 , memory,  1212 , an Input/Output controller (I/O controller)  1216 , a imaging device  1218 , a display device  1220 , a user interface  1222 , one or more sensor(s)  1224 , and communication circuitry  1226 . One or more busses  1228  facilitate communication between one or more elements of the I/O device  115  (e.g., the processor  1210 , the memory  1212 , the I/O controller  1216 , etc.). While the I/O device  115  is shown as a single unit, the elements and functions of the I/O device  115  may be distributed across multiple devices working together. 
     The processor  1210  may be embodied as any processor configured to perform the functions described herein (e.g., a controller, microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, etc.). The processor  1210  may include an intelligent hardware device, e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc. The processor  1210  is configured to execute a plurality of instructions based on the commands of the image capture components  205  and/or the data display components  210 . 
     The memory  1212  may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash RAM, and/or other types. The memory  1212  may store computer-readable, computer-executable software/firmware code  1214  including instructions that, when executed, cause the processor  1210  to perform various functions described in this disclosure (e.g., generating images of proposed products, generating proposed products based on user preference data, managing financial accounts of conditional funding, generating parameters indicative of future sales of a proposed product, and managing user feedback). 
     Although not specifically shown, it should be understood that the I/O controller  1216  typically includes, among other things, one or more I/O ports and a memory controller. The I/O controller  1216  is communicatively coupled to a number of components, including the processor  1210  and memory  1212 . 
     The imaging device  1218  may be configured to perform the functions described in more detail with regard to  FIGS. 2-5 . In some embodiments, the imaging device  1218  may be similarly embodied as the image capture components  205 . For example, the imaging device  1218  may be configured to capture and share images or video observed through an optical device  110  with the other computing devices  405 ,  1110 . 
     The display device  1220  may be configured to perform the functions described in more detail with regard to  FIGS. 2 and 6-8 . In some embodiments, the display device  1220  may be similarly embodied as the data display components  210 . For the example, the display device may be configured to obtain support data and overlay that support data on an image observed by a user through an optical device  110 . 
     The user interface  1222  may include one or more input devices (e.g., a keyboard, mouse, microphone, touchscreen, switching, toggles, etc.) and one or more output devices (e.g., visual displays, LEDs or other indicators, audio speakers, etc.). 
     The user interface  1222  is configured to allow a user of the I/O device  115  to access, execute, and manipulate functions performed by the I/O device  115 . 
     The sensors  1224  may include one or more sensors to detect current conditions of the I/O device  115  or present around the I/O device  115 . For example, the sensors  1224  may include a position detection device (e.g., a GPS sensor), an accelerometer, a compass, an eCompass, a range determiner, lidar, radar, a wind vector determiner, or other types of sensors. In some embodiments, these sensors may be incorporated directly into the I/O device  115 . In other embodiments, these sensors  1224  may be hardware in communication with the I/O device  115 . In other embodiments, these sensors are part of one or more other peripheral computing devices (e.g., see  FIG. 11 ). 
     The communication circuitry  1226  may communicatively couple the I/O device  115  to other computing devices  405 ,  1110 , databases, and/or systems by through a wired or wireless connection  1130  via the network  1125 . The communication circuitry  1226  is configured to transmit and receive information to and from the I/O device  115  using any typical communication protocol, for example, Wi-Fi, Wi-Max, cellular, LTE, Ethernet, Bluetooth, Internet Protocol, or any other type of communication protocol. Accordingly, the communication circuitry  1226  may include one or more optical, wired and/or wireless network interface subsystems, cards, adapters, a telephony subsystem, or a radio frequency transceiver and other associated hardware (e.g., amplifiers). The communication circuitry  1226  may be embodied as a modem configured to modulate packets and provide the modulated packets to other devices through the network  1125 . The communication circuitry  1226  may also enable shorter-range wireless communications using, for example, near-field communication technology. 
     Referring now to the other computing devices  405 ,  1110  of  FIG. 12 , the other computing devices  405 ,  1110  may be embodied as any type of device that is capable of performing the functions described herein. In some examples, the other computing device may also include the peripheral devices described in relation to  FIG. 11 . For example, the other computing devices  405 ,  1110  may be a desktop computer, a laptop, a tablet, a smartphone, or another type of computing device. The other computing devices  405 ,  1110  may include components similar to those of the I/O device  115 . For example, the other computing devices  405 ,  1110  may include a processor  1240 , memory  1242 , an I/O controller  1246 , a user interface  1248 , sensors  1250 , and communication circuitry  1252 , all connected via one or more busses  1254 . In general, elements of the other computing devices  405 ,  1110  having the same or similar name as the elements of the I/O device  115  may be embodied similarly, and a full description of those elements is not repeated here. While not specifically shown in  FIG. 12 , the other computing devices  405 ,  1110  may include other components as needed to perform its functions. 
       FIG. 13  shows an example of an I/O device  1300 . The I/O device  1300  may be similarly embodied as the I/O device  115 . The I/O device  1300  may include an I/O housing  1305 , which in turn may include a beam splitter housing  1310 , an electronics housing  1315 , and an optical device housing  1320 . The I/O device  1300  may be an example of the I/O device  1005 . A beam splitter and/or other optics (such as lens  1325 ) may be positioned in the beam splitter housing  1310 . The beam splitter housing  1310  may be designed to accept a beam of light traveling through the optical device  110  and allow at least a portion of that beam of light to pass through the lens(es)  1325  and travel toward the user&#39;s eye  340 . The lens(es)  1325  may be configured to maintain a comfortable eye relief  940  for the user even though the illustrative I/O device  115  effectively extends the length of the optical device  110 . The beam splitter may be configured to redirect a portion of the beam of light to an imaging device (e.g., a camera or a CCD (charge-coupled device) image sensor) positioned in the electronics housing  1315 . The electronics housing  1315  may be configured to hold a number of electronic devices and optics as described in more detail in  FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 12 . For example, the electronics housing  1315  may hold an imaging device, communication circuitry, a power source, and/or optics such as a mirror or other optics. 
     The optical device housing  1320  may be sized to receive the housing  120  of the optical device  110 . The optical device housing  1320  may also be configured to secure the I/O device  1300  in a fixed position relative to the optical device  110  using some type of fixation means. For example, the optical device housing  1320  may couple to the optical device  110  via a friction fit, a fastener such as a screw, strap, or adhesive, or some other type of fastener. In some examples, the I/O housing  1305  may include only the electronics housing  1315  because the beam splitter and the other optics may be integrated into the optical device  110  such that the beam splitter and the other optics are positioned in the housing  120  (e.g., I/O device  905 ). 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  illustrate simplified block diagrams of different examples of the I/O housings  1305 . In some examples, an imaging device  1415  may be integrated directly into the I/O device  115  such that the imaging device  1415  may be specially built and installed permanently in the I/O device  115 . In other examples, the imaging device  1415  may be any commercial available imaging device that may be selectively coupled to the I/O device  115 . 
       FIG. 14  shows a simplified block diagram  1400  of an I/O housing  1405  of the I/O device  115 . The I/O housing  1405  may be similarly embodied as the I/O housings  160 ,  1305  described above. In some examples, the I/O housing  1405  may be only a portion of the I/O housing  1305  described above. The I/O housing  1405  may include auxiliary optics  1410 , an imaging device  1415 , and other electronics  1420 . The imaging device  1415  may be integrated directly into the I/O housing  1405  such that the imaging device  1415  may be specially built and installed permanently in the I/O device  115 . 
     In use, the beam  1425  of light may be received into the I/O housing  1405  through an opening  1455  formed in the I/O housing  1405 . Once inside the cavity of the I/O housing  1405 , the beam  1425  may be redirected according to the position and configuration of the imaging device  1415  and the auxiliary optics  1410 . For example, the beam  1425  may be redirected by a folding mirror  1460 . The auxiliary optics  1410  are configured to adjust the beam  1425  on the optics  1435  of the imaging device  1415 . In some examples, this is done by altering the position and/or the diameter of the auxiliary exit pupil  1430 . The beam  1425  is then received into the imaging device  1415 . The imaging device generates an image based at least in part on the beam  1425 . The image is then communicated by communication circuitry  1445  or other electronics  1420  to another computing device  405  via a network. In some examples, the components positioned in the I/O housing  1405  (e.g.,  1410 ,  1415 ,  1420 ) may be similarly embodied as the image capture components  205 . 
     In some examples, a link  1465  may be established between the communication circuitry  1445  and the other electronics  1420 . For example, in some cases, the imaging device  1415  may not be capable of connecting to a network. In such an example, the imaging device  1415  may connect to the other electronics  1420  via a wired link or a wireless link (e.g., link  1465 ), and the other electronics  1420  may connect to the network. 
       FIG. 15  shows a simplified block diagram  1500  of another example of a I/O housing  1505  the I/O device  115 . The I/O housing  1405  may be similarly embodied as the I/O housings  160 ,  1305  described above. In some examples, the I/O housing  1505  may be only a portion of the I/O housing  1305  described above. The I/O housing  1505  may include the auxiliary optics  1510 , the imaging device  1515 , and the other electronics  1520  described above. As such, a description of the auxiliary optics  1510  and the other electronics is not repeated here. The imaging device  1515  may be embodied as any imaging device or any commercially available imaging device. In the illustrative example, the I/O housing  1505  is configured to selectively couple to any number of imaging devices  1515 . For example, I/O housing  1505  may couple to a digital camera, a camera of a smartphone, or a PCB board with imaging components attached thereto. 
     The I/O housing  1505  may include an imager housing  1530  configured to receive the imaging device  1515 . The imager housing  1530  may be designed to receive a plurality of different types of imaging devices  1515 . The imager housing  1530  may include a fixation device  1535  to couple the imaging device  1515  to the imager housing  1530  in a fixed position relative to the imager housing  1530 . The imager housing  1530  may be movably coupled to the I/O housing  1505 . For example, the imager housing  1530  may be slidably adjustable along an axis  1540  of the I/O housing  1505 . In some examples, the imager housing  1530  may be movable in three dimensions of the I/O housing  1505 . In this way, the imaging device  1515  may reposition the imaging device  1515  depending on the type of imaging device being used. In some examples, the imager housing  1530  is also configured to adjust the yaw pitch and roll of the imaging device  1515  that is coupled thereto via the fixation device  1535 . 
     In some examples, the fixation device  1535  is movable coupled to the imager housing  1530  in the manner described above and the imager housing  1530  is coupled to the I/O housing  1505  in a fixed position relative to the I/O housing  1505 . The fixation device  1535  may include any type of means of securing the imaging device  1515  to the I/O housing  1505 . For example, the fixation device  1535  may include a fasteners, a screw, a strap, velcro, adhesives, a friction fit created by the shape and orientation of the imager housing  1530  or other types of fastening means. 
     The imaging device may include optics  1550 , imaging circuitry  1555  or communication circuitry  1560 . These components  1550 ,  1555 ,  1560  may be similarly embodied as the components described in relationship to the image capture components  205 . The optics  1550  may be any type of lens or other optic used by the imaging device  1515 . The imager housing  1530  may be configured to adjust a position and orientation of the imaging device  1515  relative to the auxiliary optics  1510 . In addition, the auxiliary optics  1510  may be configured to adjust a position, orientation, and size of the auxiliary exit pupil  1545  to better align with the optics  1550  of the imaging device  1515 . 
     In some examples, a link  1565  may be established between the communication circuitry  1560  and the other electronics  1520 . For example, in some cases, the imaging device  1515  may not be capable of connecting to a network. In such an example, the imaging device  1515  may connect to the other electronics  1520  via a wired link or a wireless link (e.g., link  1565 ), and the other electronics  1520  may connect to the network. 
       FIG. 16  shows a flowchart illustrating a method  1600  for sharing and displaying data through an optical device  110 , The operations of method  1600  may be implemented by an I/O device  115  or its components as described herein. For example, the operations of method  1600  may be performed by an I/O device as described with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 15 . In some examples, an I/O device  115  may execute a set of codes to control the functional elements of the device to perform the functions described below. Additionally or alternatively, the I/O device  115  may perform aspects the functions described below using special-purpose hardware. The operations of blocks  1605 - 1625  may be performed according to the methods described with reference to  FIGS. 1 through 15 . 
     At block  1605 , the I/O device  115  may receive, via a beam splitter of an I/O device, a beam of light traveling from objective optics of an optical device, the optical device defining an optical path, the beam splitter being positioned in the optical path and configured to intercept the beam of light. 
     At block  1610 , the I/O device  115  may reflect from a first surface of the beam splitter at least a portion of the beam of light to an imaging device of the I/O device. 
     At block  1615 , the I/O device  115  may transmit an image generated by the I/O device from the portion of the beam of light to a computing device 
     At block  1620 , the I/O device  115  may obtain, by the I/O device, support data indicative of one or more conditions present around the optical device. 
     At block  1625 , the I/O device  115  may reflect from a second surface of the beam splitter at least a portion of a beam of light generated by a display device, the beam of light generated by the display device including one or more indicators based at least in part on the support data, wherein the indicators are output to a user at ocular optics of the optical device. 
     In some embodiments, method  1600  may further include receiving a visual indicator from the computing device, the visual indicator being input by drawing on the image output by the computing device, and outputting the visual indicator at the ocular optics to the user of the optical device. 
     In some embodiments, method  1600  may further include identifying one or more characteristics of an animal present in the image, determining animal tracking data based at least in part on the one or more characteristics of the animal, and outputting animal tracking data at the ocular optics to the user of the optical device. 
     In some embodiments, method  1600  may further include receiving, via a computer network, the support data from one or more other devices positioned in a proximity to the optical device. 
     In some embodiments, method  1600  may further include that the support data includes at least one of a wind speed, a wind direction, a range to an objective, an altitude, or a location of the optical device, and that the one or more other devices includes at least one of a range finder, an altimeter, a global positioning system device, an anemometer, a wind vane, or a thermal imager. 
     In some embodiments, method  1600  may further include determining a targeting correction based at least in part on the image and the support data, and outputting a targeting correction indicator at the ocular optics to the user of the optical device based at least in part on the targeting correction. 
     In some embodiments, method  1600  may further include determining direction that the optical device is pointed based at least in part the image received from the optical device and location data indicative of a location of the optical device, and warning the user of the optical device of any possible hazards if a weapon is discharged in the direction that the optical device is pointed. 
     In some embodiments, method  1600  may further include determining a targeting skill parameter for the user based at least in part on a position of an objective in the image obtained by the optical device or based at least in part on a location of a projectile as it moves past the objective, comparing the targeting skill parameter of the user to one or more other targeting skill parameters of other users of other optical devices, and indicating which of the users had a best targeting skill parameter. 
     While the foregoing disclosure sets forth various embodiments using specific block diagrams, flowcharts, and examples, each block diagram component, flowchart step, operation, and/or component described and/or illustrated herein may be implemented, individually and/or collectively, using a wide range of hardware, software, or firmware (or any combination thereof) configurations. In addition, any disclosure of components contained within other components should be considered exemplary in nature since many other architectures can be implemented to achieve the same functionality. 
     The process parameters and sequence of steps described and/or illustrated herein are given by way of example only and can be varied as desired, For example, while the steps illustrated and/or described herein may be shown or discussed in a particular order, these steps do not necessarily need to be performed in the order illustrated or discussed. The various exemplary methods described and/or illustrated herein may also omit one or more of the steps described or illustrated herein or include additional steps in addition to those disclosed. 
     Furthermore, while various embodiments have been described and/or illustrated herein in the context of fully functional computing systems, one or more of these exemplary embodiments may be distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, regardless of the particular type of computer-readable media used to actually carry out the distribution. The embodiments disclosed herein may also be implemented using software modules that perform certain tasks. These software modules may include script, batch, or other executable files that may be stored on a computer-readable storage medium or in a computing system. In some embodiments, these software modules may configure a computing system to perform one or more of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. 
     The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has been described with reference to specific embodiments. However, the illustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present systems and methods and their practical applications, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present systems and methods and various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     Unless otherwise noted, the terms “a” or “an,” as used in the specification and claims, are to be construed as meaning “at least one of.” In addition, for ease of use, the words “including” and “having,” as used in the specification and claims, are interchangeable with and have the same meaning as the word “comprising.” In addition, the term “based on” as used in the specification and the claims is to be construed as meaning “based at least upon.”