Jun 2, 2026

US12645783 - Viewing optic with software capabilities implemented by an enabler

The disclosure relates to a viewing optic. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a viewing optic with an integrated display system. In one embodiment, the disclosure relates to a enabler configured to provide or activate or unlock select software to a viewing optic having an integrated display system.

Assignee: Sheltered Wings Inc.
Inventors: Sam Hamilton, Ian Klemm, Calen Havens, Tom Cody, Garrison Bollig, William Lowry, Cory Taylor, Tim Rue, Tony Palzkill, Alexander Lewis, Keegan Jauch, Zach Sausen
Filing date: 2023-08-24

opticsoftwareviewingmilitary

The patent describes a viewing optic that integrates an active display system, allowing users to view both a target image and a digital image simultaneously. It includes an enabler that provides access to software programs, enabling updates and new functionalities for the optic.

Claim 1

1 . A method system comprising: viewing a target image of an outward scene with a viewing optic, the viewing optic having an optical system with an objective lens system that focuses the target image from the outward scene to a first focal plane located between the objective lens system and an erector lens system that inverts the target image; a beam combiner placed between the objective lens system and the erector lens system; an active display configured to generate a digital image; a collector lens system configured to collect light from the active display; a reflective material configured to direct the generated digital image from the active display to the beam combiner, wherein the generated digital image and the target image are viewed in the first focal plane; and an enabler coupled to an enabler interface located on a top portion of the viewing optic and configured to provide the viewing optic access to one or more software programs that are stored within the viewing optic, the enabler further configured to unlock the one or more software programs, and the enabler further configured to provide a new software program to the viewing optic, wherein the new software program was not present on the viewing optic. viewing a target image of an outward scene with a viewing optic, the viewing optic having an optical system with an objective lens system that focuses the target image from the outward scene to a first focal plane located between the objective lens system and an erector lens system that inverts the target image; a beam combiner placed between the objective lens system and the erector lens system; an active display configured to generate a digital image; a collector lens system configured to collect light from the active display; a reflective material configured to direct the generated digital image from the active display to the beam combiner, wherein the generated digital image and the target image are viewed in the first focal plane; and an enabler coupled to an enabler interface located on a top portion of the viewing optic and configured to provide the viewing optic access to one or more software programs that are stored within the viewing optic, the enabler further configured to unlock the one or more software programs, and the enabler further configured to provide a new software program to the viewing optic, wherein the new software program was not present on the viewing optic.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12645783

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12645783