Patent Application
20240377161
The present disclosure relates to optical aiming devices and, in particular, to reflex sights having a light sensor arrangement to provide compensation for display intensity.
Reflex sights, or reflector sights, are optical sights that are commonly used with firearms, such as handguns and small arms. Reflex sights are also used with surveying equipment, optical telescopes and camera viewfinders. Reflex sights include a partially reflecting optical element, such as a lens or flat glass element that allows the user to view a target and an illuminated aiming mark or reticle pattern superimposed on the field of view. In a reflex sight commonly referred to as a “red-dot” (or “green dot”) sight, the aiming mark is typically generated by a small light emitting diode (LED) at the focal point of the lens, which is typically treated with a dichroic coating to selectively reflect the wavelength of the illumination. In reflex sights including a flat glass element, the aiming mark is generated by an illumination source directed through collimating optics toward the flat glass element.
Some reflex sights utilize a photodetector to turn on and/or modulate the LED intensity that projects onto the lens and reflects back to the user's eye(s). While there are several types of photodetectors, commonly utilized types for this application are photoresistor/photocell, phototransistor, or a photodiode. Typically, a photodetector points up or forward or to the side. Such photodetectors are normally omnidirectional and used to detect ambient lighting conditions near the reflex sight and the user's location. Omnidirectional photodetectors are often adequate for detecting local brightness conditions. The conventional arrangement provides sufficient intensity compensation for a room with consistent/homogenous lighting or an outdoor setting made consistent by sunlight.
However, lighting conditions that include a disparity in light intensity between the user/reflex sight and the target location can pose challenges to providing proper illumination. For example, the user may be in relatively dim local conditions with bright target lighting. The user may be operating in a dimly lit indoor range having target carriage lighting or an outdoor range with a covered or shaded shooting platform, but without cover over targets fully exposed to the sun. In other circumstances, the user may be positioned within a shaded tree line and aiming out into a bright sunlit field. Further, a user may be in a dim or dark scenario where a bright tactical handheld flashlight or weapon-mounted light is deployed. When the target is brightly illuminated, the aiming point of the reticle may be washed out and thus difficult to view. Conversely, relatively bright local conditions with dim target lighting may present itself, such as a well-lit room or outdoor area when aiming into a darker environment such as a dark hallway or into a shaded tree line. Conventional reflex sights that rely on a single sensor have difficulty modulating the LED intensity in these more challenging lighting conditions. Thus, there is a need for an improved reflex sight having features that modulate LED intensity in a way that maintains acceptable user visibility of the reticle/aiming point.
An aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical aiming device for mounting on a firearm comprising: a housing defining a barrel axis; an optical element received in the housing; an illumination device being arranged to project light onto the optical element to display a reticle on the optical element, the reticle having a first light intensity; a light sensor arrangement comprising a first sensor defining a first effective detector angle of view and providing a first sensor signal and a second sensor defining a second effective detector angle of view and providing a second sensor signal, the light sensor arrangement being arranged to cooperate with the illumination device to enable adjustment of the light intensity of the reticle to a second light intensity as a function of the first and second sensor signals; and a processor configured to communicate with the light sensor arrangement to adjust the light intensity of the reticle as a function of the first and second sensor signals.
In some embodiments, the optical aiming device is an optical reflex sight, a riflescope or a prism sight.
In some embodiments, the first sensor is aimed in a first direction substantially parallel to the barrel axis and the second sensor is aimed in a second direction different from the first direction.
In some embodiments, the first effective detector angle of view is narrower than the second effective detector angle of view. In some embodiments, the first sensor is a directional sensor and the second sensor is an omnidirectional sensor. In some embodiments, the first effective detector angle of view is between 15 and 90 degrees and the second effective detector angle of view is between 120 and 180 degrees.
In some embodiments, the processor is configured to operate the light intensity of the reticle according to a first sensitivity of the first sensor signal when the second sensor signal is above a first light threshold and wherein the processor is configured to operate the light intensity of the reticle according to a second sensitivity of the first sensor signal when the second sensor signal is below a second light threshold. In some embodiments, the first sensitivity is a first factor applied to the first sensor signal. In some embodiments, the second sensitivity comprises a second factor applied to an increase in the first sensor signal and a third factor applied to a decrease in the first sensor signal.
In some embodiments, the optical aiming device further includes an IR sensor.
In some embodiments, the optical aiming device further includes a network adapter to transmit data from the optical aiming device to a remote device. In some embodiments, the optical aiming device further includes a network adapter to receive data from a remote device such as a flashlight or other external illumination device or a remote computing device. For example, the optical reflex sight can be triggered by a flashlight.
In some embodiments, the second sensor is powered by a photovoltaic cell. In some embodiments, the second sensor is a photovoltaic cell.
In some embodiments, the optical aiming device further includes an accelerometer, and wherein the accelerometer is configured to provide inclination angle of the aiming device and wherein processor suspends adjustment of the light intensity of the reticle as a function of the first and second sensor signals when the inclination angle exceeds a predetermined angle.
Another aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical aiming device for mounting on a firearm having a housing defining a barrel axis; an optical element received in the housing; an illumination device being arranged to project light onto the optical element to display a reticle on the optical element, the reticle having a first light intensity; a light sensor arrangement comprising a directional sensor providing a first sensor signal and omnidirectional sensor providing a second sensor signal, the light sensor arrangement being arranged to cooperate with the illumination device to enable adjustment of the light intensity of the reticle to a second light intensity as a function of the first and second sensor signals.
In some embodiments, the optical aiming device is an optical reflex sight, a riflescope or a prism sight.
In some embodiments, the directional sensor defines an effective detector angle of view is between 15 and 90 degrees and the omnidirectional sensor defines an effective detector angle of view is between 120 and 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the directional sensor is aimed in a first direction substantially parallel to the barrel axis and the omnidirectional sensor is aimed in a second direction different from the first direction.
In some embodiments, the light intensity of the reticle is operated according to a first sensitivity of the first sensor signal when the second sensor signal is above a first light threshold and the light intensity of the reticle is operated according to a second sensitivity of the first sensor signal when the second sensor signal is below a second light threshold.
In some embodiments, the first sensitivity is a first factor applied to the first sensor signal. In some embodiments, the second sensitivity comprises a second factor applied to an increase in the first sensor signal and a third factor applied to a decrease in the first sensor signal.
A further aspect of the present disclosure provides an optical reflex sight for mounting on a firearm having a housing defining a barrel axis; an optical element received in the housing; an illumination device being arranged to project light onto the optical element to display a reticle on the optical element, the reticle having a first light intensity; a light sensor arrangement comprising a directional sensor aimed in a direction substantially parallel to the barrel axis providing a first sensor signal and an omnidirectional sensor signal aimed in a second direction providing a second sensor signal, the light sensor arrangement being arranged to cooperate with the illumination device to enable adjustment of the light intensity of the reticle as a function of the first and second sensor signals; and a processor configured to communicate with the light sensor arrangement to operate the light intensity of the display as a function of the detected parameter, wherein the processor is configured to operate the light intensity of the reticle according to a first sensitivity of the first sensor signal when the second sensor signal is above a first light threshold and to operate the light intensity of the reticle according to a second sensitivity of the first sensor signal when the second sensor signal is below a second light threshold.
The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.
While the embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Further, one having ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the components discussed herein, may be combined, omitted or organized with other components or organized into different architectures.
In this description, the use of the singular includes the plural, the word “a” or “an” means “at least one,” and the use of “or” means “and/or,” unless specifically stated otherwise. Furthermore, the use of the term “including,” as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included” is not limiting. Also, terms such as “element” or “component” encompass both elements or components comprising one unit and elements or components that comprise more than one unit unless specifically stated otherwise. The use of the term “or” in the claims and the present disclosure is used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive.
Recitation of ranges of values herein are not intended to be limiting, referring instead individually to any and all values falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value within such a range is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The words “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” or the like, when accompanying a numerical value or direction are to be construed as indicating a deviation as would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art to operate satisfactorily for an intended purpose. Ranges of values and/or numeric values are provided herein as examples only, and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the described embodiments. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (“e.g.,” “such as,” or the like) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the embodiments and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the embodiments. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the embodiments.
A “processor”, as used herein, processes signals and performs general computing and arithmetic functions. Signals processed by the processor may include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions, processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, or other means that may be received, transmitted, and/or detected. Generally, the processor may be a variety of various processors including multiple single and multicore processors and co-processors and other multiple single and multicore processor and co-processor architectures. The processor may include various modules to execute various functions. For example, a processor is configured to receive and execute various routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on to perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types.
A “memory”, as used herein, may include volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM (read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM), and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatile memory may include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), and direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM). The memory may store an operating system that controls or allocates resources of a computing device. In one or more embodiments, memory includes any media that is accessible to the electronic circuitry in the connected device. For example, in some embodiments, memory includes computer readable media located locally in the connected device and/or media located remotely to the riflescope 100 and accessible via a network.
A “disk” or “drive”, as used herein, may be a magnetic disk drive, a solid-state disk drive, a floppy disk drive, a tape drive, a Zip drive, a flash memory card, and/or a memory stick. Furthermore, the disk may be a CD-ROM (compact disk ROM), a CD recordable drive (CD-R drive), a CD rewritable drive (CD-RW drive), and/or a digital video ROM drive (DVD-ROM). The disk may store an operating system that controls or allocates resources of a computing device.
A “database”, as used herein, may refer to a table, a set of tables, and a set of data stores (e.g., disks) and/or methods for accessing and/or manipulating those data stores.
As illustrated in
Reflex sight 10 includes a light sensor arrangement including a directional, forward-aimed sensor 30 and an omnidirectional sensor 32. Forward-aimed sensor 30 is aimed along a directional axis D that is substantially parallel to the barrel axis B, and thus is aimed/directed towards the intended target to which the firearm is aimed. In some embodiments, the forward-aimed sensor 32 is positioned on the front edge 26 of the frame 14, e.g., near the corner of the intersection of the side wall 22 and the upper wall 24. Forward-aimed sensor 30 measures lighting condition at distance from a narrower field of view, e.g., the intended target. Forward-aimed sensor 30 is typically a photodiode having a narrow sensing field. The forward-aimed sensor angle of view is 15 degrees to 90 degrees in an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the sensor angle field of view is any subset of ranges between 15 degrees to 90 degrees, including 15 degrees to 25 degrees, 25 degrees to 35 degrees, 35 degrees to 45 degrees, 45 degrees to 55 degrees, 55 degrees to 65 degrees, 65 degrees to 75 degrees, 75 degrees to 85 degrees, 85 degrees to 90 degrees, 25 degrees to 80 degrees, 30 degrees to 60 degrees, 45 degrees to 90 degrees.
As illustrated in
Omnidirectional sensor 32 is typically a photodiode that receives ambient light over a wider sensing field. The omnidirectional sensor 32 detects local, ambient light conditions. Thus, in some embodiments, the sensor 32 is positioned on the upper surface 18 of the base 16. The sensor 32 can be aimed in a different direction than the directional sensor 30. For example, sensor 32 can be aimed orthogonally to the directional axis, e.g., upwardly, downwardly, rearwardly or to the sides of the sight 10. The sensor 32 can be aimed in other non-orthogonal directions different from the directional axis. The omnidirectional sensor 32 angle of view is greater than the directional sensor 30 angle of view, e.g., 120 degrees to 180 degrees in an exemplary embodiment. In some embodiments, the omnidirectional sensor angle field of view is any subset of ranges between 120 degrees to 180 degrees, including 120 degrees to 130 degrees, 130 degrees to 140 degrees, 140 degrees to 150 degrees, 150 degrees to 160 degrees, 160 degrees to 170 degrees, 170 degrees to 180 degrees, 125 degrees to 175 degrees, 130 degrees to 170 degrees, 140 degrees to 169 degrees.
By utilizing both a forward, directional sensor 30 and an omnidirectional sensor 32, more information may be gathered. When combined with an algorithm for different scenarios of inputs, the system can operate to provide solutions for more lighting conditions. A processor (102,
A technique 200 for adjusting the intensity of the illumination device 122 is illustrated in
If the signal from the omnidirectional sensor is below the threshold of light intensity, e.g., “dim” lighting conditions (Step 203), then the adjustments are made according to a second sensitivity to changes in forward directional sensor (Step 205). Exemplary dim conditions include dim outdoors, such as deep twilight (e.g., 1.08 lx) to overcast night (e.g., 0.0001 1x); dim indoors, such as public areas with dark surroundings (e.g., 20 lx) and a basement with no light source (e.g., ≈0 lx). Subsequent signals are received from the forward-aimed sensor and compared with previous sensor readings. In some embodiments, the second sensitivity is a proportional factor applied to the forward directional sensor signal. At step 226, if the forward-aimed sensor signal remains static, e.g., unchanged or varies within a minor amount, e.g., less than 10%, the reticle sensitivity remains unchanged at step 228. The intensity of the reticle primarily relies on the omnidirectional signal.
In some embodiments, the second sensitivity depends on the change in the light level detected by the directional sensor 30. Thus the second sensitivity includes a second proportional factor applied to the directional sensor signal if an increase in the light level is detected by the directional sensor and a third proportional factor applied to the directional sensor signal if an decrease in the light level is detected by the directional sensor Thus, if the directional sensor 30 detects a slight or significant increase in forward light in dim ambient conditions, the reticle adjustment would increase brightness substantially. Examples of a “slight” increase in lighting sensed by the directional sensor include the reflection of flashlight at a relatively distant object (e.g., 25 yds. or greater) or perhaps while sensing bright outdoor light at significant distance (e.g., 100 yds. or greater). Examples of “significant” increase in lighting sensed by the directional sensor include a flashlight reflection at a short distance object (e.g., 10 yds. or less) or a bright outdoor environment such as low angle sunlight or sunlight from behind reflecting off of a bright colored object (e.g., white paint). At step 220, if the forward-aimed sensor signal increases, reticle brightness is increased by the second proportional factor, such that there is a significant increase in reticle brightness at step 222. The system behaves as if aiming from a dark local environment into a brightly lit target environment OR as if a bright flashlight has been deployed.
Conversely, if the omnidirectional sensor 32 detects conditions for a dim environment, there would be little to no reticle adjustment if it senses a decrease in forward direction light. Thus, at step 224, if the forward-aimed sensor signal decreases, reticle brightness is reduced by the third proportional factor at step 226, such that there is a minor reduction to reticle brightness.
In accordance with another embodiment, a technique 300 for adjusting the intensity of the illumination device is illustrated in
If both the signal from the omnidirectional sensor and the signal from directional sensor are below the threshold of light intensity, e.g., “dim” lighting conditions (Step 303), then the adjustments are made according to a second sensitivity to changes in forward directional sensor (Step 305). Subsequent signals are received from the forward-aimed sensor and compared with previous sensor readings. At step 326, if the forward-aimed sensor signal remains static, e.g., unchanged or varies within a minor amount, e.g., less than 10%, the reticle sensitivity remains unchanged at step 328. The intensity of the reticle primarily relies on the omnidirectional signal. The second sensitivity includes a second proportional factor if the directional sensor signal increases and a third proportional factor if the directional sensor signal decreases. Thus, if the directional sensor 30 detects a slight or significant increase in forward light in dim ambient conditions as detected by the omnidirectional sensor 32, the reticle adjustment would increase brightness substantially. At step 320, if the forward-aimed sensor signal increases, reticle brightness is increased by the second factor, such that there is a significant increase in reticle brightness at step 322. Conversely, if the omnidirectional sensor 32 detects conditions for a dim environment, there would be little to no reticle adjustment if it senses a decrease in forward direction light. Thus, at step 324, if the forward-aimed sensor signal decreases, reticle brightness is reduced by the third factor at step 326, such that there is a minor reduction to reticle brightness.
In some embodiments, the directional sensor is provided in the gun barrel. The sensor signal from the sensor 30 is provided to the processor for comparison with the omnidirectional sensor output via a wired or wireless connection.
In some embodiments, the sight includes an IR illuminator if ambient light conditions are dim. A third sensor is included on the sight to relay IR data
In some embodiments, a photovoltaic cell (not shown) is provided on the upper surface to power the omnidirectional sensor.
In some embodiments, the omnidirectional sensor can be located on a helmet or shoulder portion of a uniform. The sensor signal from the omnidirectional sensor is provided to the processor for comparison with the directional sensor output via a wired or wireless connection.
In some embodiments, if the light detected from the directional sensor and/or the omnidirectional sensor, the system may be powered down to save battery life. If the light detected by the directional sensor and/or the omnidirectional sensor is below a threshold, the processor 102 may remain powered down.
In some embodiments, aiming device 100 includes a network adapter 106 and an accelerometer 124. Network adapter 106 provides a computer connection between sight 100, a mobile device and the internet. (
Accelerometer data can also be used to determine when to sample the omnidirectional vs. forward sensors. For example, the accelerometer can determine orientation, e.g., the inclination angle, of the sight as well as detect movement of the sight. The “normal” or upright orientation of the sight is assigned a predetermined angle, e.g., 0 degrees. Non-steady or jerky movements are detected by velocity of the sight above a maximum velocity and/or repetitive or cyclic movements above a maximum frequency. When the sight is held upright in the normal orientation and exhibits acceptably steady movement, sensor readings from the directional and omnidirectional sensors are relied upon to sample lighting conditions and to adjust reticle intensity. If the accelerometer determines that the inclination angle exceeds a predetermined range, e.g., 25-90 degrees from the normal orientation, for example the sight is held downward or the sign is experiencing significant movement indicative of non-steady or jerky movements, then sensor readings are not used during those conditions, e.g., the processor suspends operation of the reticle controller and reticle illumination device to adjust reticle intensity. In some embodiments, this selective use of the sensor readings is relied upon if the averaging time of the sensor algorithm is >1 or 2 seconds.
Onboard telemetry, e.g., data generated by sensors on the sight, can be used to moderate the reticle intensity to avoid extreme increases in intensity. For example, if the firearm is holstered, and the sight is left in an automatic mode, (e.g., “litebrite” and “shake-awake” engaged), the holster may block the omnidirectional sensor but leave the forward directional exposed. Some conventional have an exposed window to allow the sight to “breathe” to reduce fogging, which blocks the omnidirectional sensor, but exposes the forward directional sensor. Under such conditions, the sight may provide a substantial increase in reticle intensity when it would be undesirable. An accelerometer can provide orientation data for the sight and prevent the increase of the reticle brightness. Other sensors, such as proximity sensors, can also be used to detect positioning of the sight in a holster.
In an exemplary embodiment, a single sensor is provided to obtain ambient light intensity and directional light intensity. For example,
The detailed description of aspects of the present disclosure set forth herein refers to the accompanying drawings, which show various embodiments by way of illustration. While these various embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments can be realized and that logical and mechanical changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions can be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, references to a singular embodiment can include plural embodiments, and references to more than one component can include a singular embodiment.
Although illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes and modifications may be made by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the disclosure.
