Patent Application
20150233675
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a display that provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot. The present invention also relates to devices such as handheld rangefinders that would comprise such a display and the methods for indicating a clear shot, some of which may be implemented as computer programs.
2. Description of Prior Art
Bows and arrows, spears, crossbows, guns, and artillery have been used for sport, hunting, and military.
An arrow is typically shot using the arms to pull back the bow string, and to aim and sight by holding the bow and arrow next to the archer's eye. More recently bow sights have been added to all types of bows. Typically a bow sight comprises a plurality of pins that may be adjusted by the archer for aiming at targets at different distances. Some bow sights have a single adjustable pin that is moved to the match the distance to the target.
Balls and/or bullets are typically shot from a gun using the arms to aim and sight by aligning the gun sights or gun scope reticle with the target.
Artillery balls and shells are typically shot by adjusting the aim mechanically.
Arrows, spears, balls, bullets, and shells when fired follow a ballistic trajectory. Such projectiles, which are not self-propelled, move through air according to a generally parabolic (ballistic) curve due primarily to the effects of gravity and air drag. The vertex form for a parabolic equation is y=a(x−h)2+k, where the vertex is the point (h, k) and a negative a (−a) is a maximum. The standard form of the parabolic equation is y=ax2+bx+c, where h=−b/(2a) and k=c−b2/(4a).
Rifle and bow scopes conventionally have been fitted with reticles of different forms. Some have horizontal and vertical cross hairs. Others reticles such as Mil Dot add evenly spaced dots for elevation and windage along the cross hairs. U.S. Design Pat. No. D522,030, issued on May 30, 2006, shows a SR reticle and graticle design for a scope. Various reticles, such as Multi Aim Point (MAP) and Dot are provided, for example, by Hawke Optics (http://hawkeoptics.com). These reticles are fixed in that the display does not change based on range information. Also, these reticles indicate the approximate hold-over position in that they are positioned under the center of the scope, i.e. below where the cross hairs intersect. They are not necessarily precise, for example, for a specific bow and archer, but are approximation for the general case.
Hunters and other firearm and bow users commonly utilize handheld rangefinders (see device 10 in
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,658,031, issued Feb. 9, 2010, discloses handheld rangefinder technology from Bushnell, Inc, and is hereby included by reference. As shown in
The range information is superimposed over the image that is seen through the optics. For example, U.S. Design Pat. No. D453,301, issued Feb. 5, 2002, shows an example of a design for a display for a Bushnell rangefinder, and is hereby included by reference.
The ideal hunting target is shown in
With convention rangefinder and a bow sight there is no correlation between the display of the rangefinder and the user's individual bow sight. To make an effective shot requires several steps. First the user operates the rangefinder to range the target. Second, the user raises the bow and uses the bow sight pins to visualize the shooting area. Third, the user lowers the bow and raises the rangefinder again to find the range to each object that may be a potential obstacle. Fourth, the user lowers the rangefinder and raises the bow to make the shot. All of the movement and time taken during these steps will likely be noticed by the target and allow the target an opportunity to move resulting in having to repeat the process or miss the shot altogether.
What is needed is an improved rangefinder with a display that provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot. Further, the improved rangefinder dynamically indicates positions along the trajectory based on ranges accurately determined by the rangefinder, such that the user is informed about the distance to specific obstacles and whether or not the obstacles would interfere with the trajectory of the projectile. Further, for bow use, the indicators on the display need to correspond to the bow sight pins.
The present invention solves the above-described problems and provides a distinct advance in the art of rangefinder display. More particularly, the invention provides a display that provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot. Such information facilitates accurate, effective, and safe firearm and bow use by providing indications regarding obstacles that are between the shooter and target and which may or may not be in the projectile trajectory.
In one embodiment, the present invention provides a rangefinder device for determining clear shot information. The device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target, a tilt sensor operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the tilt sensor, operable to determine a projectile trajectory and to provide indicators which inform the user whether or not there is a clear shot.
In another embodiment, the rangefinder device automatically scans the points along the projectile trajectory to explicitly provide an indication whether or not there is a clear shot.
In other embodiments, a display is provided having a distance indicator and one or more path indicators, such as a twenty-yard indicator and/or a forty-yard indicator.
In other embodiments, a display dynamically illuminates one or more of a plurality of selectable path indicators to provide information regarding the projectile trajectory.
In another embodiment, a method for determining a clear shot includes manually ranging the target, observing potential obstacles, ranging each obstacle, and confirming that there is a clear shot.
In another embodiment, a method for determining a clear shot includes automatically ranging the target, determining the projectile trajectory, automatically ranging any obstacles, and providing an explicit indication whether or not there is a clear shot.
In other embodiments, a display is provided for games that simulate the operation of the device in a virtual world. These embodiments could include mobile smart phones such as the Apple iPhone and Google Droid and gaming systems such as Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation, Microsoft X-Box, and similar devices.
In another embodiment, a lightweight rangefinder comprises a high-resolution display and a digital camera.
In another embodiment, a lightweight rangefinder comprises a mobile smart phone and a range sensor combined in a housing configured to receive and connect electronically to the mobile smart phone.
In another embodiment, a display is provided having virtual bow sight pins.
Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to provide a display that provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot.
Other aspects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawing figures.
Accordingly, the present invention includes the following advantages:
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is described in detail below with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein:
The drawing figures do not limit the present invention to the specific embodiments disclosed and described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention.
The following detailed description of the invention references the accompanying drawings that illustrate specific embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. The embodiments are intended to describe aspects of the invention in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments can be utilized and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
The first range preferably represents a length of an imaginary line drawn between the device 10 and the target T, as shown in
In situations where the angle is non-zero, such as when the target T is positioned above (
In the figures the symbols used for the various indicators are exemplary and other shapes or styles of indicators could be used. For example, the cross hairs 900 are shown with a center circle, but other styles such as intersecting lines, a solid center dot, and so forth could be used. Also the distance indicator 910 is shown having using seven segments for the digits, but other shapes of styles could be used. Positions are also exemplary.
The target ranges of twenty, forty, and sixty yards are exemplary and chosen to simplify the description of the figures. However, the range displayed on the distance indicator 910 is the actual line of sight 3 range to the target T. If the actual range were twenty-eight yards, then the distance indicator 910 would show twenty-eight yards and the twenty-yard indicator 920 would be shown closer to the cross hairs 900 than it is shown in
The examples herein generally use yards as the unit of measure. The invention is not limited to yards, but could also be set using feet, meters, kilometers, miles, and so forth.
In some bow embodiments the display 30 or device 10 is calibrated such that the location of the twenty-yard indicator 920 matches the relative position of the twenty-yard pin 220 on the individual user's bow and bow sight 110 (see
In other bow embodiments the display 30 or device 10 is calibrated such that both locations of the twenty-yard indicator 920 and the forty-yard indicator 940 match the relative position of the twenty-yard pin 220 and forty-yard pin 240, respectively, on the individual user's bow and bow sight 110 (see
Thus, the information from the display provides an indication to the user 100 that a clear shot can be taken. Further, the user 100 can lower the device 10 and pick up the weapon, for example, bow 102 and match the corresponding bow sight pins (e.g. twenty-yard pin 220 and forty-yard pin 240, respectively) to the same positions that were visualized relative to the optical image seen in the device 10. As discussed above in relation to
As will be discussed in greater detail later, the user 100 could user the device 10 to find the range to the branch 710 (e.g. twenty yards) and to the bush 730 (e.g. forty yards) and to the bald eagle 720 (e.g. forty yards). This would provide further confidence that a safe, effective, ethical, and legal shot could be taken.
If the range sensor 12 is a laser and is blocked by the bush 730, the user 100 can find the range of another part of the target (such as the hind quarters), the ground, or a nearby object such a rock or tree, and use the twenty-yard indicator 920 and forty-yard indicator 940 to visualize the elevation of the other potential obstacles, to reach a determination that the shot would be clear.
Thus, the information from the display provides an explicit indication to the user 100 that a clear shot can be taken. Further, the user 100 can lower the device 10 and pick up the weapon, for example, bow 102 and match the corresponding bow sight pins (e.g. twenty-yard pin 220 and forty-yard pin 240, respectively) to the same positions that were visualized relative to the optical image seen in the device 10.
The user can change the position of the device 10 until the don't shoot indicator 960 is cleared and the clear shot indicators return (such as shown in
Some method aspects of the present invention will be explained with specific reference to
Once the trajectory is known for a particular projectile, the curve is represented in the device by a mathematical formula, such that any point along the projectile trajectory may be calculated.
When
Line of departure 1c is a parabolic tangent of the projectile trajectory 2c that intersects the parabola at point P0 at (0, 0).
The projectile trajectory 2 will vary based on many parameters related to the weapon, such a bow type, the projectile, the user, and the range and angle to the target. In the example shown in
The line of departure 1c is a parabolic tangent of the projectile trajectory 2c that intersects the parabola at point P0 at (0, 0). The slope of the parabolic tangent 1c, or mc, is found by calculation the tangent, namely opposite over adjacent, in this example 45/60 or 0.75. The equation for line of departure 1c is y=m*x+b, in this example, y=0.75x. The angle of each line is found by using the inverse tangent (arctan or tan−1), function. In this example, θc=arctan(0.75)=36.9 degrees.
The tangent of the twenty-yard projection 420 line is 30/60 or 0.5 and angle is arctan(0.5) or 26.6 degrees. The tangent of the forty-yard projection 440 line is 15/60 or 0.25 and angle is arctan(0.25) or 14.0 degrees.
In this example, the values for the parabolic equations for projectile trajectory 2c are:
h=30
k=11.25
A=−0.0125
B=0.75
C=0
The standard form equation is:
y=−0.0125x2+0.75x
The vertex form equation is:
y=−0.0125(x−30)2+11.25
The true aim point is 45 yards above the target or 9 millimeters on the display (right y-axis). The maximum indicator 980 is illuminated (shown just above the calculated point, but would be more precisely displayed on a high-resolution display 31 embodiment).
Focusing now on a comparison of the two sections of the display 30 shown is
For instance, the user may look through the eyepiece 22, align the target T, view the target T, and generally simultaneously view the display 30 to determine the first range, the angle, the clear shot indications, and/or other relevant information. The generally simultaneous viewing of the target T and the relevant information enables the user to quickly and easily determine ranges and ballistic information corresponding to various targets by moving the device 10 in an appropriate direction and dynamically viewing the change in the relevant information on the display 30.
The portable handheld housing 20 houses the range sensor 12, tilt sensor 14, computing element 16, and/or other desired elements such as the display 30, one or more inputs 32, eyepiece 22, lens 24, laser emitter, laser detector, etc. The handheld housing 20 enables the device 10 be easily and safely transported and maneuvered for convenient use in a variety of locations.
For example, the portable handheld housing 20 may be easily transported in a backpack for use in the field. Additionally, the location of the components on or within the housing 20, such as the position of the eyepiece 22 on the proximate end 28 of the device 10, the position of the lens 24 on the distal end 26 of the device, and the location of the inputs 32, enables the device 10 to be easily and quickly operated by the user with one hand without a great expenditure of time or effort.
As discussed in reference to
A computer program preferably controls input and operation of the device 10. The computer program includes at least one code segment stored in or on a computer-readable medium residing on or accessible by the device 10 for instructing the range sensor 12, tilt sensor 14, computing element 16, and any other related components to operate in the manner described herein. The computer program is preferably stored within the memory 18 and comprises an ordered listing of executable instructions for implementing logical functions in the device 10. However, the computer program may comprise programs and methods for implementing functions in the device 10 which are not an ordered listing, such as hard-wired electronic components, programmable logic such as field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits, conventional methods for controlling the operation of electrical or other computing devices, etc.
Similarly, the computer program may be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, such as a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other system that can fetch the instructions from the instruction execution system, apparatus, or device, and execute the instructions.
The device 10 and computer programs described herein are merely examples of a device and programs that may be used to implement the present invention and may be replaced with other devices and programs without departing from the scope of the present invention.
The range sensor 12 may be any conventional sensor or device for determining range. The first range may correspond to a line of sight 3 between the device 10 and the target T. Preferably, the range sensor 12 is a laser range sensor which determines the first range to the target by directing a laser beam at the target T, detecting a reflection of the laser beam, measuring the time required for the laser beam to reach the target and return to the range sensor 12, and calculating the first range of the target T from the range sensor 12 based on the measured time.
The range sensor 12 may alternatively or additionally include other range sensing components, such as conventional optical, radio, sonar, or visual range sensing devices to determine the first range in a substantially conventional manner.
The tilt sensor 14 is operable to determine the angle to the target T from the device 10 relative to the horizontal. As discussed in reference to
The tilt sensor 14 preferably determines the angle by sensing the orientation of the device 10 relative to the target T and the horizontal as a user 100 of the device 10 aligns the device 10 with the target T and views the target T through an eyepiece 22 and an opposed lens 24.
For example, if the target T is above the device 10 (e.g.
The tilt sensor 14 preferably determines the angle of the target to the device 10 based on the amount of tilt, that is the amount the proximate end 28 is raised or lowered relative to the distal end 26, as described below. The tilt sensor 14 may determine the tilt of the device, and thus the angle, through various orientation determining elements. For instance, the tilt sensor 14 may utilize one or more single-axis or multiple-axis magnetic tilt sensors to detect the strength of a magnetic field around the device 10 or tilt sensor 14 and then determine the tilt of the device 10 and the angle accordingly. The tilt sensor 14 may determine the tilt of the device using other or additional conventional orientation determine elements, including mechanical, chemical, gyroscopic, and/or electronic elements, such as a resistive potentiometer.
Preferably, the tilt sensor 14 is an electronic inclinometer, such as a clinometer, operable to determine both the incline and decline of the device 10 such that the angle may be determined based on the amount of incline or decline. Thus, as the device 10 is aligned with the target T by the user, and the device 10 is tilted such that its proximate end 28 is higher or lower than its distal end 26, the tilt sensor 14 will detect the amount of tilt which is indicative of the angle.
The computing element 16 is coupled with the range sensor 12 and the tilt sensor 14 to determine ballistic information relating to the target T, including clear shot information, as is discussed herein. The computing element 16 may be a microprocessor, microcontroller, or other electrical element or combination of elements, such as a single integrated circuit housed in a single package, multiple integrated circuits housed in single or multiple packages, or any other combination. Similarly, the computing element 16 may be any element that is operable to determine clear shot information from the range and angle information as well as other information as described herein. Thus, the computing element 16 is not limited to conventional microprocessor or microcontroller elements and may include any element that is operable to perform the functions described.
The memory 18 is coupled with the computing element 16 and is operable to store the computer program and a database including ranges, projectile drop values, and configuration information. The memory 18 may be, for example, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semi-conductor system, apparatus, device, or propagation medium.
The device 10 also preferably includes a display 30 to indicate relevant information such as the cross hairs 900, distance indicator 910, selectable path indicators 930, clear shot indicator 950, don't shoot indicator 960, not clear indicator 970. The display 30 may be a conventional electronic display, such as a LED, TFT, or LCD display. Preferably, the display 30 is viewed by looking through the eyepiece 22 such that the user may align the target T and simultaneously view relevant information, as shown in
The inputs 32 are coupled with the computing element 16 to enable users or other devices to share information with the device 10. The inputs 32 are preferably positioned on the housing 20 to enable the user to simultaneously view the display 30 through the eyepiece 22 and function the inputs 32.
The inputs 32 preferably comprise one or more functionable inputs such as buttons, switches, scroll wheels, etc., a touch screen associated with the display 30, voice recognition elements, pointing devices such as mice, touchpads, trackballs, styluses, combinations thereof, etc. Further, the inputs 32 may comprise wired or wireless data transfer elements.
In operation, the user aligns the device 10 with the target T and views the target T on the display 30. The device 10 may provide generally conventional optical functionality, such as magnification or other optical modification, by utilizing the lens 24 and/or the computing element 16. Preferably, the device 10 provides an increased field of vision as compared to conventional riflescopes to facilitate conventional rangefinding functionality. The focal magnification, typically is 4×, 5×, 7×, 12× and so forth. In some embodiments the magnification factor is variable, such as with a zoom feature. This magnification value is used by the computing element 16 in performing the mapping of the various indicators on the optical image is discussed in reference to
Further, the user may function the inputs 32 to control the operation of the device 10. For example, the user may activate the device 10, provide configuration information as discussed below, and/or determine a first range, a second range, angle, and ballistic information by functioning one or more of the inputs 32.
For instance, the user may align the target T by centering the reticle over the target T and functioning at least one of the inputs 32 to cause the range sensor 12 to determine the first range. Alternatively, the range sensor 12 may dynamically determine the first range for all aligned objects such that the user is not required to function the inputs 32 to determine the first range. Similarly, the tilt sensor 14 may dynamically determine the angle for all aligned objects or the tilt sensor may determine the angle when the user functions at least one of the inputs 32. Thus, the clear shot information discussed herein may be dynamically displayed to the user.
In various embodiments, the device 10 enables the user to provide configuration information. The configuration information includes mode information to enable the user to select between various projectile modes, such as bow hunting and firearm modes. Further, the configuration information may include projectile information, such as a bullet size, caliber, grain, shape, type, etc. and firearm caliber, size, type, sight-in distance, etc.
The user may provide the configuration information to the device 10 by functioning the inputs 32.
Further, the memory 18 may include information corresponding to configuration information to enable the user-provided configuration information to be stored by the memory 18.
In various embodiments, the device 10 is operable to determine a second range to the target T and display an indication of the second range to the user. The computing element 16 determines the second range to the target T by adjusting the first range based upon the angle. Preferably, the computing element 16 determines the second range by multiplying the first range by the sine or cosine of the angle. For instance, when the hunter is positioned above the target, the first range is multiplied by the sine of the angle to determine the second range. When the hunter is positioned below the target, the first range is multiplied by the cosine of the angle to determine the second range.
Thus, the second range preferably represents a horizontal distance the projectile must travel such that the estimated trajectory of the projectile generally intersects with the target T.
The device 10 may provide clear shot indications using various methods. As discussed above, in some embodiments, a rangefinder device 10 may be operated by a user to manually determine whether or not there is a clear shot.
The user 100 operates the device 10 input 32 to determine the first range to the target T in a range target step 62. In step 62, the device 10 displays the first range in the distance indicator 910 and dynamically displays the applicable, path indicators, such as the twenty-yard indicator 920 and forty-yard indicator 940.
In observe obstacles step 64, the user 100 then observes the obstacles that appear between the top path indicator and the cross hairs 900.
In range obstacle step 66, the user 100 finds the range of the first obstacle. Then in more obstacles decision 68, more for obstacles were observed, the flow continues along redo path 60, where the user 100 finds the range of the next obstacle until all potential obstacles have been ranged.
Finally, in a confirm clear shot step 70, the user ranges the target T again and confirms that the obstacle(s) are clear of the projectile trajectory as indicated by the path indicators, such as the twenty-yard indicator 920 and forty-yard indicator 940, in relation the obstacle range(s) obtained in the range obstacle step 66.
First, in a determine range step 72, the device 10 determines the first range to the target T.
In a determine angle step 74, the device 10 determines the angle to the target T.
In a calculate trajectory step 76, the computing element 16 of the device 10 uses the first range and angle, as well as configured weapon and projectile information, to determine a computed model for the projectile trajectory (see, for example,
In a scan trajectory path step 78, the device 10 uses the range sensor 12 to scan each point along projectile trajectory to determine if an obstacle is found in the projectile trajectory. In one embodiment, the device 10 internally moves the range sensor 12 between the line of sight 3 and the line departure 1. In another embodiment, the user 100 is prompted to tilt the device 10 up slowly until the line of departure is reached. In the later embodiment, the device 10 keeps track in memory 18 each angle that is successfully ranged. If the user 100 moved the device 10 faster than the device could range each angle, the user is prompted to repeat the device tilt motion until all the necessary angles are ranged. For each angle a record is made in memory 18 of whether or not an obstacle was encountered at the distance which corresponds to the projectile trajectory.
In an obstacle-in-path decision 80, memory 18 is checked to see if any obstacle was found in the projectile trajectory.
If any obstacle was found in the projectile trajectory, flow continues along a yes path 82 to a warn not clear step 84. As discussed above, the not clear warning can be provided in various ways. In the embodiments shown in
Otherwise, if no obstacle was found in the projectile trajectory, flow continues along a no path 86 to a indicate clear shot step 88. As discussed above, the clear shot indication can be provided in various ways. In the embodiment shown in
Typically a user will use a paper target 180 at known distances to set one or more bow sight pins, such as twenty-yard pin 220, forty-yard pin 240, sixty-yard pin 260 (
The following steps may be used to calibrate the device 10 to correspond to a specific user's bow sight 110.
As shown in
Next, as shown in
Next, as shown in
Based on this calibration information the device 10 can determine the parabolic curve (projectile trajectory) applicable to the user's specific bow 102 and bow sight 110.
In a simpler embodiment, corresponding to
The method by which the path indicators, such as the twenty-yard indicator 920 and/or the forty-yard indicator 940, are used to calibrate the device 10 (by determining the corresponding projectile trajectory 2) may be understood by reference to
The calibrated locations, for example, the twenty-yard indicator 920 and/or the forty-yard indicator 940 indicate the height on the millimeter y-axis of the corresponding project lines, for example, the twenty-yard projection 420 line and optionally the forty-yard projection 440 line. The projection line(s) are modeled starting at the origin point P0 (0, 0) and ending at the projected points (e.g. 920 and/or 940) at the sixty yard x-axis. The intersection points, P20 and P40, respectively are then determined where the twenty-yard projection 420 line and optionally the forty-yard projection 440 line cross the twenty-yard line 320 and the forty-yard line 340, respectively. The origin point P0 (0, 0), and the twenty-yard intersection point P20 (20, y20) are then used to calculate the parabola. If the forty-yard intersection point P40 (40, y40) is also used, the difference between y20 and y40 will provide an indication of the air drag impact on the projectile trajectory 2. Thus, the projectile trajectory 2 that corresponds to an individual user's bow 102 and bow sight 110 is determined.
In the example shown in
Alternatively, in yet another calibration method, the user 100 can compare the bow sight pins (220, 240, 260) to a printed set of common settings and then enter associated values or code to provide the device with corresponding projectile trajectory 2 data. The code can be used to perform a lookup of the projectile trajectory 2.
In yet another calibration embodiment, the user 100 measures the distance between the twenty-yard pin 220 and the forty-yard pin 240, and the distance between the forty-yard pin 240 and the sixty-yard pin 260 and enters those values into the device 10. The device 10 uses those values, in a method similar to one described above, to calculate the corresponding projectile trajectory 2, or to lookup the projectile trajectory 2 in a table stored in memory 18.
Conventionally, it is understood that to determine a parabola three points must be known. This is because in either the standard form or the vertex form there are three variables in addition to the x and y values for the points (namely, A, B, and C in standard form or A, h, and k in vertex form). However, with the model, methods, and devices disclosed herein, only one value, specifically the y20, is needed to determine the parabola.
In reference to the model shown in
The single equation to find A based on y20 is as follows:
A=−y
20/800
Once A is known, the other equations are:
B=0.075 y20
C=0
h=−B/2A=30
k=C−B
2/4A=−B2/4A=1.125 y20
In our model, if there were no air drag, height of the projectile trajectory 2 would be the same at both the twenty-yard intersection point P20 (20, y20) and the forty-yard intersection point P40 (40, y40), y20 equals y40. If y20 does not equal y40, the difference between y20 and y40 will provide an indication of the air drag impact on the projectile trajectory 2. Thus if the user provides a second point, the device 10 can determine the affect of air drag on the projectile and adjust the projectile trajectory 2 and clear shot indications according.
Air drag calculations are very complex and a table look up is often used to apply the air drag adjustments to the true parabolic values. In a embodiment which uses a second calibration point the difference between y20 and y40 is used with other projectile data to select a table of adjustment values which are then applied to the true parabolic values to map out the adjusted projectile trajectory 2.
In a smart rangefinder embodiment described below, a dynamic table of air drag values is filled in based on analysis of an actual video of an individual projectile shot in a known environment, such as the sixty yard paper target 180 of
A novel trajectory mode indicator 996 indicates that clear shot projectile trajectory information is being calculated and/or displayed.
Other modes could be displayed with different symbols, such as a rifle symbol to indicated rifle mode indicator 994 (not shown) or a group of bushes to indicate brush mode (not shown).
As shown in
The maximum indicator 980 is also the true aim point. A bow sight comprising a single pin aligned with the bow string sight 120 (shown in
Also shown illuminated in
Also as shown illuminated in
One challenge to the adoption of the clear shot technology is the education of potential users and buyers on the use and benefits of the technology.
Yet another display aspect of the present invention is a game that simulates the operation of a device 10 having the clear shot technology. The game could operate as a computer program running on mobile device such as an Apple iPhone 11 or Google Droid; a gaming system such as a Sony PS3, Nintendo Wii, or Microsoft Xbox; or a general purpose computer such as a Apple Macintosh or a Wintel platform. The game could also be implemented as a Web based applet that would run inside a Web browser.
In one embodiment, the game would simulate the use of the device 10, by created a virtual world with a plurality of targets and obstacles at different elevations and distances from a common center point.
In an iPhone embodiment, the game uses the iPhone's motion sensors to determine a relative compass direction and tilt angle for the simulated device. As the game user moves the iPhone, different targets and obstacles come into view. When the user taps the screen over a range button (such as display input 34a in
In other platforms, the game would use buttons or game controllers to move the simulated device 10 in different compass directions and to tilt the device 10 to view different potential targets. In a Wii embodiment, the Wii nunchuk controller could be used to simulate both the device 10 and the weapon, such as a bow 102.
The game would contain data that models the virtual world, and would use that data in accordance with the methods described above related to a physical display 30 or device 10, to determine the projectile trajectory and to provide the various clear shot indications, including path indicators and clear shot indicators.
The demo version of the game could be provided in kiosks at trade shows, on the manufacturer's or retailer's Web sites, or as downloadable applications, for example via Apple's AppStore.
Thus, potential users or buyers would be educated regarding the user, operation, and value of the clear shot technology.
A professional version of the game with more sophisticated graphics and environments could also be sold in the video gaming markets. Such a game would help introduce a new generation of users to the sports of archery and shooting.
We have discovered that in our bow hunting experience, knowing which objects are forty yards away is very useful. When objects that are forty yards away are known, objects that are a little closer are about thirty yards away and objects that are a little farther are about fifty yards away. Most bow hunters are comfortable shooting in this range between thirty and fifty yards. We refer to this as the “ring of fire.” The ring of fire can be visualized in reference to
Another device aspect of the present invention is a ring of fire mode. When the device 10 is placed in ring of fire mode, the device 10 automatically, and continually, ranges objects as the device is moved. In one embodiment, when an object is about forty yards away, the cross hairs 900 and the distance indicator 910 flash. In one high-resolution display and digital camera embodiment, the objects in the ring of fire are highlighted (see discussion below regarding
One use of the ring of fire mode is, while stalking potential targets, to scan the general area until the user reaches the optimal forty yard distance from the potential targets.
Another use of the ring of fire mode is, while positioning a tree stand, to determine landmarks on the ground that can be used to determine when passing targets have entered the ring of fire.
Yet another use of the ring of fire mode is, while calling targets such as elk or moose into a shooting range, to determine landmark objects that can be used to determine when called targets have entered the ring of fire.
One advantage of a digital, high-resolution display 31 is that it is not limited to the circular optical focus area. The additional area of the rectangular display can be used for various purposes. As shown in
Another advantage of a high-resolution display 31 is that the overlay information is produced by software rather than by a hardware chip. Custom hardware chips can be expensive to design and manufacture and are less flexible. The overlay information generated by software for display on the high-resolution display 31 is higher quality, such as easier to read fonts, and move flexible, such as being able to display in different colors or locations of the screen to avoid obscuring the optical information being overlaid. The display can have more options, such as natural languages, different number systems such as Chinese, different units of measure, and so forth. Further, the software can be easily updated to incorporate new features, to improve calculations, or to support addition projectile information. Updates can be made in the field as well as in new models at a lower cost. For example, in some embodiments, new software can be downloaded over the Internet.
Other advantages of high-resolution display 31 will be discussed in references to
The embodiment shown comprises a mobile smart phone, in particular an Apple iPhone 11. Correlating
The digital rangefinder device 10 comprise a housing 20, having an eyepiece 22 at the proximate end 28, a lens 24 and range sensor 12 at the distal end 26, and inputs 32 in various places on exterior. In contrast to the conventional rangefinder, the housing 20 contains a digital camera 25 that captures and digitizes video from the optical image through the lens 24 and contains a digital, high-resolution display 31. The video comprises a series of image frames. The computing element 16 (
The eyepiece 22 may also be modified to accommodate viewing of the high-resolution display 31. In particular the eyepiece 22 may be inset and be protected by a shroud 35.
In contrast to the conventional rangefinder housing 20 as shown in
In contrast to the alternate housing 21 as shown in
In alternate embodiments (not shown), the iPhone 11 is inserted through the shroud 35 (rather than housing slot 23) and one or more holes in the alternate housing 21 provide access to the earphone jack. In these embodiments, the physical buttons on the iPhone are preferably covered and protected by flexible material.
Embodiments comprising mobile smart devices, such as iPhone 11 or Droid have several advantages over conventional rangefinders. First, the user has one less item to carry this reduces the overall weight and complexity. Second the range finding device has a lower incremental cost to manufacture, being just the alternate housing 21 and the range sensor 12. The processor (computing element 16), tilt sensor 14, digital camera 25, high-resolution display 31, and inputs 32 (including touch screen display inputs 34) of the mobile smart device is used to provide the necessary components of the digital rangefinder device 10. Third, the mobile smart device, such as iPhone 11, has other useful features such as global positioning system (GPS), virtual maps, satellite images, emergency communications, video capture, video playback, digital photographs, etc.
Advantages of mobile smart device are explained with an exemplary scenario. The user uses the GPS and satellite images to travel to a hunting spot identified on a previous trip; however the topographical maps and satellite images allowed the user to find a more direct, shorter route. A group of targets are located in thick brush. The ring of fire mode is activated to approach the group of targets until a comfortable shoot range is reached. Zoom video is taken showing the details of the targets such as which are does and bucks, number of points on the antlers, size of the animals. The dynamic clear shot trajectory mode is used to identify potential obstacles and to position the user and the weapon for a clear shot. The user notes the true aiming point (980), as well as angle and second range indicator 990. A photo is taken of a selected target. The photo is marked with the GPS coordinates and time. A second video is captured showing an animated projectile trajectory 2 path from a straight view (such as discussed in reference to
In yet another more sophisticated embodiment of a very smart rangefinder device 10, an analysis of the second video can be compared to an analysis of the fourth video and the device 10 can automatically recalibrate to match the true trajectory captured in the fourth video. The true parabola values, the air drag and the cross wind drift can be determined and used for the next shot. After a series of shots in different directions the true wind direction and speed can be determined. Thus, the smart rangefinder device 10 learns from its environment. If a significant time has passed the previous wind direction and speed can be confirmed, or forgotten and relearned.
Each frame shows a single path indicator 930 as a dot and also shows the intermediate range (as a number following an arrow) that the dot represents in the trajectory path.
Frame 50a shows a twenty-yard indicator 920 followed by an arrow and the number twenty (e.g. ←20). The number indicates the number of yards of the intermediate range (true horizontal distance) to a point in the projectile trajectory 2 (see for example,
Frame 50b shows the path indicator 930 a little lower with a twenty-one yard intermediate range indication.
Frame 50c shows the path indicator dot still lower with a twenty-two yard intermediate range indication.
Frame 50d shows the path indicator dot still lower with a twenty-three yard intermediate range indication.
Frame 50e shows the path indicator dot still lower with a twenty-four yard intermediate range indication.
Frame 50f shows the path indicator dot still lower with a twenty-five yard intermediate range indication. In one embodiment, the dot is replace with the don't shoot indicator 960 (see discussion above regarding
Skipping some frames in the full sequence, frame 50g shows the path indicator dot with a thirty-nine yard intermediate range indication. Because several frames have been skipped the dot is significantly lower.
Frame 50h shows the forty-yard indicator 940 with a forty yard intermediate range indication.
Frame 50i shows the path indicator dot with a forty-one yard intermediate range indication.
Skipping some frames again, frame 50j shows the path indicator dot with a fifty-eight yard intermediate range indication. Because several frames have been skipped the dot is significantly lower, just above the cross hairs 900.
Frame 50k shows the path indicator dot with a fifty-nine yard intermediate range indication.
Frame 50l shows the path indicator dot at the target, at 60 yards.
The full sequence from one yard (not shown) to 60 yards can be shown in an animation at one frame a second in sixty seconds, at six frames a second in ten seconds, or preferably at ten frames per second in six seconds. Such an animation provides projectile awareness for the full projectile trajectory 2 path. In the don't shoot indicator 960 embodiments, the obstacle that prevents the clear shot is clearly indicated in the animation. Alternatively, the portion of the optical image (as digitized) can be highlighted as discussed in reference to
Also in frames 50 (a-1), the mode indicators (shown like 992 and 996 of
Full Projectile Trajectory Sequence Display with Drift Adjustments
Another advantage of the high-resolution display 31 is that the path indicators 930, shown in
If a projectile is fired from a moving vehicle, such as a truck, jet, or a helicopter the projectile will have initial inertia (or acceleration) relative to the ground target. The computing element 16 (
Further, if the projectile misses the target, additional path indicators in an extended sequence could show where the projectile would be beyond the target. For example, the dots shown to the right of the cross hairs 900 could represent each yard after the target is missed. This provide projectile awareness in the case the target moves or is missed by the projectile.
In this exemplary image, the tree branch 710 is an obstacle in the trajectory path at forty yards. The portion of the branch 710 that blocks the path is highlighted with the image highlight 810. In an automatic mode, the user could move the device 10 to a different location until the obstacle is no longer highlighted, indicating that a shot from that location would be clear.
As discussed above, most bow hunters are comfortable shooting in a range between thirty and fifty yards. In ring of fire mode, any object which is at a predetermined range, such as forty yards, will be automatically highlighted with an image highlight 810 as the user moves device 10. The ring-of-fire indicator 998 is illuminated when the device 10 is in ring of fire mode.
The image highlight 810 is done in various ways. As shown in
In this exemplary image, the tree branch 710 is an object that is about forty yards away. The user is automatically informed by the image highlighting which objects are at the predetermined distances. The user is then able to use those objects as a reference for those objects that are a few yards closer (e.g. about greater than thirty yards) or a few yards farther away (e.g. about less than fifty yards). When approaching a group of targets, the user can approach until a centrally located object becomes highlighted, then each target will be at a comfortable shooting distance. Alternatively, when in a tree stand or when calling targets into a shooting area, a number of reference objects located at the predetermined distance, such as forty yards, such as a bush along a path, are automatically visualized.
As discussed above, in a digital rangefinder device 10 with a high-resolution display 31, the high-resolution display 31 does not have to display the video which currently being captured via the digital camera 25. A frame 50 of the video can be frozen and analyzed by the computing element 16, along with range data from the range sensor 12. Based on this analysis the image can be separated into a plurality of image layers 800, each image layer 800 showing only the portions of the image located at about the same distance.
In the exemplary illustration of
Once the side perspective view is displayed, the projectile trajectory 2 can be displayed, preferably shown passing through each image layer 800. In one embodiment, the projectile could leave a trail as is passes. In another embodiment, the points along the path could be illuminated as the path is animated. In some embodiments, objects that are in the trajectory path are indicated with an image highlight 810 (as in
In yet another embodiment, every frame 50, such as the sixty frames discussed in reference to
In yet another embodiment the high-resolution display 31 can be split into to panes. One pane showing the view of
In this simple embodiment, a user is able to position one or more one or more virtual bow sight pins at any position they want, forming a virtual bow sight that is consistent an individual bow.
In embodiments where the focal range (or magnification factor) of the device 10 is fixed (e.g. 5× or 7×), the virtual bow sight pins are dynamically positioned, relative to cross hairs 900, based on the current range to the target as indicated by the distance indicator 910. The example shown has a distance indication of sixty yards so the virtual sixty-yard pin 660 is aligned with the cross hairs 900, and the virtual twenty-yard pin 620 and the virtual forty-yard pin 640 are at the fixed positions relative to the virtual sixty-yard pin 660. If a target were sensed at thirty yards, the group of virtual bow sight pins would be positioned such that the virtual twenty-yard pin 620 would be just above, and the virtual forty-yard pin 640 would be just below, respectively, the cross hairs 900. Likewise, if a target were sensed at forty five yards, the group of virtual bow sight pins would be positioned such that the virtual forty-yard pin 640 would be just slightly above the cross hairs 900.
In embodiments where the focal range (or magnification factor) of the device 10 is variable (e.g. with zoom in and zoom out capabilities), the virtual bow sight pins are dynamically positioned, relative to each other, based on the current magnification factor.
Although the invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiments illustrated in the attached drawings, it is noted that equivalents may be employed and substitutions made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as recited in the claims.
The clear shot technology provides an accurate projective trajectory to a ranged target that takes into account the obstacles that may be in the trajectory.
Because the clear shot technology provides an accurate projective trajectory to a ranged target that takes into account the obstacles that may be in the trajectory, the user can adjust the position of the shot to ensure that an unexpected obstacle will not interfere with the shot. Thus, the first shot will always reach its target being more effective.
The clear shot technology gives the user confidence that despite numerous obstacles that may be near a projectile trajectory that a difficult shot can be successfully taken. This increased confidence will improve the user's performance and satisfaction.
The clear shot provides increased safety. In some embodiments any obstacle in the projectile trajectory is indicated in the display. In a situation where obstacles cannot be ranged because of intervening obstacles, the clear shot indication is not provided. Thus, the user is assured that any obstacle that may be impacted by the projectile will not be unknowingly harmed.
The embodiments of these displays and rangefinders can be adjusted to be consistent with an individual user and associated sights, for example the specific pins on a individual user's bow sight.
The enhanced features of the clear shot technology do not add weight to the convention device. Embodiments with a digital camera and a high-resolution display have lighter weight than conventional rangefinders.
Devices containing the clear shot technology are easy to transport and use. Embodiments with a digital camera and a high-resolution display are smaller.
Games containing displays simulating the clear shot technology are fun to play and help introduce a new generation of potential sportsman to the archery and shoot sports.
Accordingly, the reader will see that the enhanced displays, rangefinders, and methods provide important information regarding the projectile trajectory and importantly provide greater accuracy, effectiveness, and safety.
While the above descriptions contain several specifics these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as examples of some of the preferred embodiments thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example, the display can be manufactured in different ways and/or in different shapes to increase precision, reduce material, or simplify manufacturing. Further, the clear shot technology could be applied to military situations where the projectiles is fired from a cannon, tank, ship, or aircraft and where the obstacles could be moving objects such as helicopters or warfighters. Further, the path indicators could indicate points in the trajectory beyond the target, should the projectile miss the target. On the battlefield with three dimensional information, e.g. from satellite imaging and computer maps and charts, a computer using clear shot technology could aim an fire multiple weapons over mountains and through obstacles to continuously hit multiple targets. Additionally, the clear shot technology could be applied to golf where in a golf mode the device would indicate which club would result in a ball trajectory that would provide a clear shot through trees and branches. The variations could be used without departing from the scope and spirit of the novel features of the present invention.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the illustrated embodiments, but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents.
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/859,769 filed Aug. 19, 2010, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,493 on Oct. 9, 2012. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/599,450, filed Aug. 30, 2012, issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,500,563 on Aug. 6, 2013, is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/859,769. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/959,655, filed Aug. 5, 2013, is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/859,769 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/599,450, and is pending. This application claims priority based on U.S. patent applications Ser. Nos. 12/859,769; 13/599,450; and 13/959,655, which are included herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 13959655 | Aug 2013 | US |
| Child | 14458946 | US | |
| Parent | 13599450 | Aug 2012 | US |
| Child | 13959655 | US | |
| Parent | 12859769 | Aug 2010 | US |
| Child | 13599450 | US |
