Double-emitter micro-spot sighting device

Abstract

A dual emitter microspot sight includes a sight housing configured to be mounted to a firing device, first and second light emitters each coupled to the sight housing, a beam combiner, a collimating lens, and a diverging lens. The beam combiner is configured to receive light from each of the first light emitter and the second light emitter and to direct the light to the light path. A collimating lens is located in the light path and is configured to collimate light from each of the first light emitter and the second light emitter. A diverging lens is located in an optical path between the beam combiner and the collimator lens, and the diverging lens is configured to diffuse light from each of the first light emitter and the second light emitter. The dual emitter micropoint sight may include a windage yaw adjustment mechanism and a height adjustment mechanism that are separate and independent for each of the first light emitter and the second light emitter.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of an application with an application date of November 13, 2020, application number 202011272309.8, and invention name “Dual-launcher micro-dot sight”. Technical Field

[0002] The present subject matter relates to systems and methods for providing target acquisition information within a sight for a shooting device. Background Art

[0003] Conventional micro-dot sights project a light dot onto a sight window. A user looks through the sight window to aim the shooting device by positioning the shooting device so that the light dot visible on the sight window appears to cover the desired target. Embodiments of the disclosed technology address the shortcomings of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0004] The present application provides a dual-emitter micro-dot aimer, comprising: an aimer housing, the aimer housing being configured to be mounted to a shooting device; a first light emitter, the first light emitter being coupled to the aimer housing; a second light emitter, the second light emitter being coupled to the aimer housing; a beam combiner, the beam combiner being configured to receive light from the first light emitter and guide the light from the first light emitter to an optical path, the beam combiner being also configured to receive light from the second light emitter and guide the light from the second light emitter to the optical path; a collimating lens, the collimating lens being located in the optical path, the collimating lens being configured to collimate the light from the first light emitter and collimate the light from the second light emitter, the light from the first light emitter being incident on the collimating lens at a first position, and the light from the second light emitter being incident on the collimating lens at a second position; and a diverging lens, the diverging lens being located in the optical path between the beam combiner and the collimating lens, the diverging lens being configured to diffuse the light from the first light emitter and diffuse the light from the second light emitter.

[0005] The present application also provides a method for independently positioning each micro-dot in a dual-emitter micro-dot aimer, the method comprising: using a beam combiner to receive light from a first light emitter; guiding the light from the first light emitter to an optical path by the beam combiner; using the beam combiner to receive light from a second light emitter; guiding the light from the second light emitter to the optical path by the beam combiner; using a collimating lens in the optical path to collimate the light from the first light emitter, the light from the first light emitter being incident on the collimating lens at a first position; using the collimating lens to collimate the light from the second light emitter, the light from the second light emitter being incident on the collimating lens at a second position; using a diverging lens in the optical path between the beam combiner and the collimating lens to diffuse the light from the first light emitter; and using the diverging lens to diffuse the light from the second light emitter.

[0006] The present application also provides a dual-beam micro-dot aimer, comprising: a light emitter, which is connected to the aimer housing, and is configured to generate a first light beam of light along an optical path and a second light beam of light along the optical path; a collimating lens, which is in the optical path, and is configured to collimate the first light beam of light from the light emitter and collimate the second light beam of light from the light emitter, the first light beam of light from the light emitter is projected onto the collimating lens at a first position, and the second light beam of light from the light emitter is projected onto the collimating lens at a second position; a diverging lens, which is in the optical path between the light emitter and the collimating lens, and is configured to diffuse the first light beam of light from the light emitter and diffuse the second light beam of light from the light emitter; and a windage adjustment mechanism, which is configured to position the first position in a windage adjustment direction and to position the second position in the windage adjustment direction, the first position being separate and independent from the second position. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 is a top perspective view of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A bottom-up perspective view of the dual-emitter micro-dot sight.

[0009] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight with the protective cover removed to show additional details.

[0010] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight showing only certain optical components.

[0011] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 Side view of the front observation window.

[0012] Figure 5B yes Figure 4 Top view of the collimating lens.

[0013] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A top down reverse perspective view of a portion of a dual emitter micro-dot sight with some components removed to show additional details.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial exploded view of a portion of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight.

[0015] Figure 8 is mounted to an exemplary shooting device Figure 1 Side view of the dual-emitter micro-dot sight.

[0016] Fig. 9 An example method of independently positioning each micro-dot in a dual-emitter micro-dot sight is shown.

[0017] Fig.10 yes Figure 3 A top down reverse perspective view of a portion of a dual emitter micro-dot sight, but showing a thin film beam combiner as the beam combiner.

[0018] Fig.11 yes Figure 3 A top down reverse perspective view of a portion of a dual emitter micro-dot sight, but showing a flat plate beam combiner as the beam combiner.

[0019] Fig.12 yes Figure 3 A top down reverse perspective view of a portion of a dual emitter micro-dot sight, but including a single light emitter rather than including a first light emitter and a second light emitter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] As described herein, embodiments relate to a dual-emitter micro-dot sight.

[0021] The micro-dot sight projects a dot of light onto a viewing window, which is often referred to as a hold-over point. The user looks through the viewing window along the sight line to aim the shooting device. Specifically, the user positions the shooting device so that the hold-over point visible on the viewing window is displayed as overlaying the desired impact point on the target. Thus, the hold-over point visually indicates to the shooter where to aim the shooting device to impact the intended target based on the current elevation setting and windage setting of the sight.

[0022] The dual-emitter micro-dot sight described herein is capable of displaying multiple hold points on the viewing window, each of which is independent. To achieve these benefits, embodiments of the disclosed technology utilize separate emitters, windage adjustment mechanisms, and elevation adjustment mechanisms for each final hold point, all within the same device.

[0023] Thus, as an example, one hold point may be calibrated, or zeroed-in, for a subsonic projectile, while another hold point may be zeroed-in for a supersonic projectile. As another example, one hold point may be zeroed-in for a first range (e.g., 25 yards), while another hold point may be zeroed-in for another range (e.g., 100 yards). In an embodiment, a button or other user input device on the dual-emitter micro-dot sight allows the user to select whether to display one or two hold points.

[0024] In addition, embodiments of the disclosed technology prevent substantially all of the light from the emitters from being visible in the downrange. To achieve this benefit, embodiments of the disclosed technology utilize a substantially flat front viewing window that reflects light from the emitters to the user's eyes and refracts the unreflected portion of the light to another portion of the dual-emitter micro-dot sight, such as a shroud or cover, that is configured to absorb substantially all of the refracted light. In contrast, a curved viewing window would tend to allow a significant amount of light to be visible in the downrange.

[0025] Figure 1 is a top perspective view showing a portion of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight according to an embodiment. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A bottom-up perspective view of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight. Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, the dual-emitter micro-dot sight 100 may include a sight housing 101, a protective cover 102, a mounting interface 103, an adjustment input terminal 104, a first user-adjustable windage dial 105, a second user-adjustable windage dial 106, a first user-adjustable height dial 107, a second user-adjustable height dial 108, a front observation window 109, a rear observation window 110, a practical cover 111 and a shield 112.

[0026] In use, a user looks through rear viewing window 110 toward front viewing window 109, defining a sight line 113, with a desired target visible beyond (and through) front viewing window 109. As further described below, when looking along sight line 113, one or more holding points 114, 115 are visible to the user.

[0027] The sight housing 101 may be configured to be mounted to a shooting device, such as Figure 8 An exemplary shooting device 116 of the present invention. The mounting interface 103 can be configured to mount the dual-emitter micro-dot sight 100 to the shooting device. The mounting interface 103 can be, for example, a quick-disconnect mounting mechanism or other known mechanisms for mounting a sight to a shooting device, including using a bolt with a hexagonal or star drive pattern.

[0028] The mask 112 may be configured to absorb substantially all of the second portion 119 of light from the first light emitter 122 (at Figure 5A ) and a second portion 120 of light from a second light emitter 123 (also shown in Figure 5A ). The shield 112 may be, for example, an extension of the protective cover 102 or coupled to the protective cover 102. As another example, the shield 112 may be the lens housing 141 (shown in FIG. Figure 3 100 is an extension of or coupled to the lens housing 141. The protective cover 102, together with the sight housing 101, the front observation window 109, and the rear observation window 110, can be configured to protect the internal components and surfaces of the dual-emitter micro-dot sight 100 from debris or moisture or both.

[0029] The adjustment input 104 can be configured, for example, as an up-down button or a right-left button to sequentially go through a plurality of available settings. For example, the setting can be a night vision setting or a visual setting. As a non-limiting example, the adjustment input 104 can be configured to sequentially go through twelve available settings, including two night vision settings and ten visual settings. For example, different settings can have different brightness values ​​or dot sizes or both. As another example, the adjustment input 104 can alternatively or can also be configured to switch between a supersonic mode that displays a supersonic hold point, a subsonic mode that displays a subsonic hold point, or a simultaneous mode that displays both a supersonic hold point and a subsonic hold point. Therefore, the dual-emitter micro-dot sight 100 can include a controller that is coupled to the adjustment input 104 and configured to implement the functions of the adjustment input 104.

[0030] As also explained in patent application publications US 20190128643 and US 20190186871, the ballistic trajectory is a parabola that begins its initial rise at an angle from the rifling of the firing device. Figure 8 1 shows an exemplary rifling 121 of a shooting device 116. Due to gravity, a projectile fired from a shooting device may experience a certain amount of vertical bullet drop relative to the rifling along the path of the projectile. The ballistic trajectory of the projectile may also vary with environmental conditions (e.g., crosswind, pressure, temperature, density altitude, humidity, and inclination angle) and the characteristics of the projectile (e.g., caliber, bullet weight, ballistic coefficient, and muzzle velocity).

[0031] Through the zeroing calibration process, the sight (e.g., the dual-emitter micro-dot sight 100) can be locked in a certain position relative to the rifling of the shooting device. The zeroing calibration typically includes shooting at a fixed target from a known range (e.g., 100 yards) and adjusting the position of the reticle in the sight (for a typical rifle scope) or the launcher (for a launcher-type sight) relative to the rifling until the center aiming point of the reticle in the rifle scope or the point of the launcher coincides with the actual impact point on the target as seen by the shooter. These adjustments can be made in the horizontal and vertical directions using windage adjustment and elevation adjustment, respectively. Here, horizontal and vertical are relative to a typical shooting position, where the rifling of the shooting device is substantially tangent to the surface of the earth at the position of the shooting device. As used in this disclosure, "substantially tangent" means mostly or substantially tangent, not necessarily completely tangent.

[0032] For targets with ranges and environmental conditions that differ from the range and conditions for which the zeroing correction was made, the shooter may need to compensate for the different ranges and conditions by, for example, using an electronic ballistic calculator.

[0033] That is, for a given range, environmental conditions, selected projectile and other user input information, the electronic trajectory calculator can calculate a new trajectory distribution for the selected projectile. The electronic trajectory calculator can, for example, use a stored drag curve, an empirical measurement data table or an algorithm for the selected projectile to calculate the vertical bullet drop amount in any range. The vertical bullet drop amount can be used to determine a height correction value (i.e., the amount that the holding point should move up and down) to compensate for the vertical bullet drop. The trajectory distribution can include a windage correction value (i.e., the amount that the holding point should move left and right) to compensate for any wind component perpendicular to the projectile's expected path.

[0034] The first user adjustable windage adjustment dial 105 may be configured to adjust the first light emitter 122 relative to the beam combiner 124 ( Figure 4 ) to achieve windage adjustment of the first light emitter 122. Therefore, actuating the first user-adjustable windage adjustment dial 105 can cause the light from the first light emitter 122 to be adjusted horizontally to the left or right at point 114 on the front observation window 109 (i.e., the holding point of the first light emitter 122). The second user-adjustable windage adjustment dial 106 can be configured to adjust the position of the second light emitter 123 relative to the beam combiner 124 to achieve windage adjustment of the second light emitter 123. Therefore, actuating the second user-adjustable windage adjustment dial 106 can cause the light from the second light emitter 123 to be adjusted horizontally to the left or right at point 115 on the front observation window 109 (i.e., the holding point of the second light emitter 123). The windage adjustment feature will be discussed below with respect to Figure 3-Figure 7 Described in further detail.

[0035] The first user-adjustable height adjustment dial 107 may be configured to adjust the first light emitter 122 relative to the beam combiner 124 ( Figure 3 ) to achieve height adjustment of the first light emitter 122. Therefore, activating the first user-adjustable height adjustment dial 107 can cause the light from the first light emitter 122 to be vertically adjusted upward or downward at the point 114 where the light impinges on the front viewing window 109 (i.e., the holding point of the first light emitter 122). The second user-adjustable height adjustment dial 108 can be configured to adjust the position of the second light emitter 123 relative to the beam combiner 124 to achieve height adjustment of the second light emitter 123. Therefore, activating the second user-adjustable height adjustment dial 108 can cause the light from the second light emitter 123 to be vertically adjusted upward or downward at the point 115 where the light impinges on the front viewing window 109 (i.e., the holding point of the second light emitter 123). The height adjustment feature will be discussed below with respect to Figure 3-Figure 7 Described in further detail.

[0036] The utility cover 111 provides access to a chamber behind the utility cover 111 , which may house, for example, a battery to provide power to the dual emitter micro-dot sight 100 .

[0037] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The front viewing window 109, rear viewing window 110, and other features shown will be further described in the following discussion.

[0038] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A top perspective view of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight 100 with the protective cover 102 removed to show additional details. Figure 3 As shown, the dual-emitter micro-dot sight 100 may include a sight housing 101, a mounting interface 103, a first user-adjustable windage adjustment dial 105, a second user-adjustable windage adjustment dial 106, a first user-adjustable height adjustment dial 107, a second user-adjustable height adjustment dial 108, a front observation window 109, and a rear observation window 110, each of which is as described above with respect to Figure 1-Figure 2 The dual-emitter micro-dot aimer 100 may further include a beam combiner 124, a collimating lens 125, a windage adjustment mechanism 128 for the first light emitter 122, a windage adjustment mechanism 129 for the second light emitter 123, a height adjustment mechanism 131 for the first light emitter 122, a height adjustment mechanism 132 for the second light emitter 123, a mirror 134, and a lens housing 141.

[0039] The lens housing 141 may be configured to fix the front viewing window 109 and the rear viewing window 110 and prevent light from entering the first light emitter 122 and the second light emitter 123 (each at Figure 4 Light (shown in ) leaves the lens housing 141 through somewhere other than the front observation window 109 and the rear observation window 110.

[0040] The beam combiner 124, collimating lens 125 and mirror 134 will be described below. Figure 4 The windage adjustment mechanism 128 for the first light emitter 122, the windage adjustment mechanism 129 for the second light emitter 123, the height adjustment mechanism 131 for the first light emitter 122, and the height adjustment mechanism 132 for the second light emitter 123 will be described below. Figure 6-Figure 7 Describe in more detail.

[0041] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a dual emitter micro-dot sight 100 , with only certain optical components shown. Figure 5A yes Figure 4 A side view of the front observation window 109 is shown. Figure 5Byes Figure 4 A top view of the collimating lens. Figure 4-5B As shown, the dual-emitter micro-dot aimer 100 may include a first light emitter 122 , a second light emitter 123 , a beam combiner 124 , a diverging lens 126 , a mirror 134 , a collimating lens 125 , a rear observation window 110 , and a front observation window 109 .

[0042] Each of the first light emitter 122 and the second light emitter 123 may be coupled to the sight housing 101 ( Figure 3 Each of the first light emitter 122 and the second light emitter 123 may be, for example, an LED (light emitting diode), an OLED (organic light emitting diode), a multi-pixel array, or another light source. Figure 4 In the configuration shown, the first light emitter 122 and the second light emitter 123 each ultimately produce a light spot or a retention spot on the front viewing window 109, as explained more fully below. In an embodiment, the first light emitter 122 may, for example, emit light that appears red. In an embodiment, the second light emitter 123 may, for example, emit light that appears green.

[0043] The beam combiner 124 can be configured to receive light from the first light emitter 122 and direct the light from the first light emitter 122 to the optical path 127. The beam combiner 124 can also be configured to receive light from the second light emitter 123 and direct the light from the second light emitter 123 to the optical path 127. As a non-limiting example, the beam combiner 124 can be a cube beam combiner 124. As another non-limiting example, the beam combiner 124 can be a coated window or a flat plate that is at an angle (e.g., 45 degrees) to the light from the first light emitter 122 or the light from the second light emitter 123, or both. As another non-limiting example, the beam combiner 124 can be a pellicle beam combiner.

[0044] The collimating lens 125 is located in the optical path 127. The collimating lens 125 is configured to collimate the light from the first light emitter 122 and to collimate the light from the second light emitter 123. The light from the first light emitter 122 can strike the collimating lens 125 at a first position 135, and the light from the second light emitter 123 can strike the collimating lens 125 at a second position 136. The first position 135 and the second position 136 are used as reference points for discussing windage and altitude adjustment. Depending on the windage setting and altitude setting of each of the first light emitter 122 and the second light emitter 123, the first position 135 can be spatially separated from the second position 136. Or the first position 135 can coincide with the second position 136. In an embodiment, the first position 135 is independent of the second position 136, and the second position 136 is also independent of the first position 135. In such an embodiment, one of the first position 135 or the second position 136 may be positioned or adjusted without positioning or adjusting the other of the first position 135 or the second position 136 .

[0045] A diverging lens 126 or a negative lens is located in the optical path 127. The diverging lens 126 may be located, for example, between the beam combiner 124 and the collimating lens 125. The diverging lens 126 is configured to diverge the light from the first light emitter 122 so that it substantially fills the collimating lens 125. The diverging lens 126 is configured to diverge the light from the second light emitter 123 so that it substantially fills the collimating lens 125. As used in the present disclosure, "substantially fills" means mostly or generally throughout, but need not be completely throughout.

[0046] A substantially flat mirror surface 134 (when present) is located in the optical path 127. The mirror surface 134 is configured to reflect light from the first light emitter 122 and light from the second light emitter 123. For example, Figure 4 As shown, the mirror surface 134 can be configured to reflect the light from the first light emitter 122 and the light from the second light emitter 123 when the light passes from the diverging lens 126 to the collimating lens 125. As used in this disclosure, "substantially flat" means mostly or generally flat, and does not need to be completely flat. Therefore, as used in this disclosure, a "substantially flat" surface will exclude spherical or curved surfaces.

[0047] A substantially flat front viewing window 109 (when present) is located in the optical path 127. As an example, the collimating lens 125 may be located between the diverging lens 126 and the front viewing window 109 in the optical path 127. Figure 5A, the front viewing window 109 can be configured to reflect a first portion 117 of the light 139 from the first light emitter 122 along the sight line 113, and to reflect a first portion 118 of the light 140 from the second light emitter 123 along the sight line 113. The front viewing window 109 can also be configured to refract a second portion 119 of the light 139 from the first light emitter 122 and a second portion 120 of the light 140 from the second light emitter 123 that pass through the front viewing window 109 and diverge from the sight line 113.

[0048] As described above, the mask 112 (in Figure 1 109) (when present) can be configured to absorb substantially all of the second portion 119 of light from the first light emitter 122 and the second portion 120 of light from the second light emitter 123. Thus, the shield 112 can overhang the front viewing window 109, for example, as Figure 1 shown.

[0049] The substantially planar rear viewing window 110 , when present, may be configured to allow a first portion 117 of light from the first light emitter 122 to pass through the rear viewing window 110 along the line of sight 113 , and to allow a first portion 118 of light from the second light emitter 123 to pass through the rear viewing window 110 along the line of sight 113 .

[0050] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 A top down reverse perspective view of a portion of a dual emitter micro-dot sight with some components removed to show additional details. Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A partial exploded view of a portion of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight. Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the dual-emitter micro-dot sight 100 may include a first light emitter 122, a second light emitter 123, a beam combiner 124, a windage adjustment mechanism 128 for the first light emitter 122, and a windage adjustment mechanism 129 for the second light emitter 123, each as described above.

[0051] The windage adjustment mechanism 128 for the first light emitter 122 may be configured to locate a first position 135 (eg, Figure 5B As shown in Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the windage adjustment mechanism 128 for the first light emitter 122 can be configured to move the first light emitter 122 relative to the beam combiner 124. Therefore, the light from the first light emitter 122 can leave the beam combiner 124 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the light from the first light emitter 122 before adjustment left the beam combiner 124. Then, for Figure 4For the configuration shown, the first position 135 (the position where the light from the first light emitter 122 strikes the collimating lens 125) is moved in the windage adjustment direction 130. As a result, the point 114 where the light from the first light emitter 122 strikes the front viewing window 109 (i.e., the holding point of the first light emitter 122) is horizontally repositioned accordingly for a user viewing along the line of sight 113.

[0052] The windage adjustment mechanism 128 of the first light emitter 122 may include a first user-adjustable windage adjustment disk 105 to adjust the position of the first light emitter 122 relative to the beam combiner 124. Therefore, the user can rotate the first user-adjustable windage adjustment disk 105, and the first user-adjustable windage adjustment disk 105 can adjust the position of the first light emitter 122 relative to the beam combiner 124 by, for example, threaded connection with other components of the windage adjustment mechanism. Figure 7 Move in the direction indicated by arrow 137.

[0053] The windage adjustment mechanism 129 for the second light emitter 123 may be configured to locate a second position 136 (eg, Figure 5B As shown in Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the windage adjustment mechanism 129 for the second light emitter 123 can be configured to move the second light emitter 123 relative to the beam combiner 124. Therefore, the light from the second light emitter 123 can leave the beam combiner 124 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the light from the second light emitter 123 before adjustment leaves the beam combiner 124. Then, for Figure 4 For the configuration shown, the second position 136 (the position where the light from the second light emitter 123 strikes the collimating lens 125) is moved in the windage adjustment direction 130. As a result, the point 115 where the light from the second light emitter 123 strikes the front viewing window 109 (i.e., the holding point of the second light emitter 123) is correspondingly repositioned horizontally for a user viewing along the line of sight 113.

[0054] The windage adjustment mechanism 129 for the second light emitter 123 may include a second user-adjustable windage adjustment disk 106 to enable position adjustment of the second light emitter 123 relative to the beam combiner 124. Thus, a user may rotate the second user-adjustable windage adjustment disk 106, which, through, for example, a threaded connection with other components of the windage adjustment mechanism, causes the second light emitter 123 to move in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the windage adjustment mechanism 128 of the first light emitter 122.

[0055] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown, the windage adjustment mechanism 128 for the first light emitter 122 is separate and independent from the windage adjustment mechanism 129 for the second light emitter 123. This allows the holding point 114 of the first light emitter 122 to be adjusted independently of the holding point 115 of the second light emitter 123. As described above, as two examples, this allows each holding point to be individually zeroed for different projectiles or different ranges. This allows the user to quickly change between different shooting conditions.

[0056] The height adjustment mechanism 131 for the first light emitter 122 can be configured to position a first position 135 (eg, Figure 5B As shown). The height adjustment direction 133 is orthogonal to the windage adjustment direction 130. Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the height adjustment mechanism 131 for the first light emitter 122 can be configured to move the first light emitter 122 relative to the beam combiner 124. Therefore, the light from the first light emitter 122 can leave the beam combiner 124 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the light from the first light emitter 122 before adjustment left the beam combiner 124. Then, for Figure 4 For the configuration shown, the first position 135 (the position where the light from the first light emitter 122 strikes the collimating lens 125) is moved in the height adjustment direction 133. Thus, the point 114 where the light from the first light emitter 122 strikes the front viewing window 109 (i.e., the holding point of the first light emitter 122) is correspondingly repositioned vertically for a user viewing along the line of sight 113.

[0057] The height adjustment mechanism 131 for the first light emitter 122 may include a first user-adjustable height adjustment disk 107 to enable adjustment of the position of the first light emitter 122 relative to the beam combiner 124. Thus, a user may rotate the first user-adjustable height adjustment disk 107, which may adjust the position of the first light emitter 122 relative to the beam combiner 124 by, for example, threaded connection with other components of the height adjustment mechanism. Figure 7 Move in the direction indicated by arrow 138.

[0058] The height adjustment mechanism 132 for the second light emitter 123 may be configured to position a second position 136 (eg, Figure 5B As shown in Figure 6-Figure 7 As shown, the height adjustment mechanism 132 for the second light emitter 123 can be configured to move the second light emitter 123 relative to the beam combiner 124. Therefore, the light from the second light emitter 123 can leave the beam combiner 124 in a direction parallel to the direction in which the light from the second light emitter 123 leaves the beam combiner 124 before adjustment. Figure 4For the configuration shown, the second position 136 (the position where the light from the second light emitter 123 strikes the collimating lens 125) is moved in the height adjustment direction 133. Thus, the point 115 where the light from the second light emitter 123 strikes the front viewing window 109 (i.e., the holding point of the second light emitter 123) is correspondingly repositioned vertically for a user viewing along the line of sight 113.

[0059] The height adjustment mechanism 132 for the second light emitter 123 may include a second user-adjustable height adjustment disk 108 to enable position adjustment of the second light emitter 123 relative to the beam combiner 124. Thus, a user may rotate the second user-adjustable height adjustment disk 108, which may move the second light emitter 123 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to the height adjustment mechanism 131 of the first light emitter 122, for example, through a threaded connection with other components of the height adjustment mechanism.

[0060] like Figure 3 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the height adjustment mechanism 131 for the first light emitter 122 is separate and independent from the height adjustment mechanism 132 for the second light emitter 123. Again, this allows the holding point of the first light emitter 122 to be adjusted independently of the holding point of the second light emitter 123.

[0061] In an alternative embodiment, each of the first light emitter 122 and the second light emitter 123 is a multi-pixel array, and the windage adjustment mechanism and the height adjustment mechanism may include an electronic controller instead of a conventional controller. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In such an embodiment, the windage adjustment mechanism and the height adjustment mechanism can be implemented by, for example, lighting different pixels in the corresponding multi-pixel array to change the mean point of the beam of light emitted from the first light emitter 122 or the second light emitter 123.

[0062] In an alternative embodiment, the first light emitter 122 and the second light emitter 123 are part of a single multi-color array. In such an embodiment, the beam combiner 124 may not be necessary because the first light emitter 122 and the second light emitter 123 will be emitted from a single light emitter, i.e., a multi-color array. In such an embodiment, the windage adjustment mechanism and the height adjustment mechanism can be implemented by, for example, illuminating different pixels in the multi-color array to change the midpoint of the beam of light emitted therefrom.

[0063] Figure 8 is mounted to the example firing device 116 Figure 1A side view of the dual-emitter micro-dot sight 100 is shown with the rifling 121 shown.

[0064] Fig. 9 An example method for independently positioning each micro-dot in a dual-emitter micro-dot aimer is shown. Method 900 may include 901 receiving light from a first light emitter using a beam combiner; 902 directing the light from the first light emitter to an optical path by the beam combiner; 903 receiving light from a second light emitter using a beam combiner; 904 directing the light from the second light emitter to an optical path by the beam combiner; 905 collimating the light from the first light emitter using a collimating lens in the optical path, the light from the first light emitter being projected onto the collimating lens at a first position; 906 collimating the light from the second light emitter using the collimating lens, the light from the second light emitter being projected onto the collimating lens at a second position; 907 diffusing the light from the first light emitter using a diverging lens in the optical path between the beam combiner and the collimating lens; and 908 diffusing the light from the second light emitter using the diverging lens.

[0065] The method may also include positioning a first position in a windage adjustment direction using a windage adjustment mechanism for a first light emitter at 909, and positioning a second position in the windage adjustment direction using a windage adjustment mechanism for a second light emitter at 910, the windage adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter being separate and independent from the windage adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter. In this method, positioning the first position in the windage adjustment direction at 909 may include moving the first light emitter relative to the beam combiner, and positioning the second position in the windage adjustment direction at 910 may include moving the second light emitter relative to the beam combiner.

[0066] The method may also include positioning a first position in a height adjustment direction using a height adjustment mechanism for a first light emitter at 911, and positioning a second position in the height adjustment direction using a height adjustment mechanism for a second light emitter at 912, the height adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter being separate and independent from the height adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter. In this method, positioning the first position in the height adjustment direction at 911 may include moving the first light emitter relative to the beam combiner, and positioning the second position in the height adjustment direction at 912 may include moving the second light emitter relative to the beam combiner.

[0067] As mentioned above, the beam combiner may be a thin film beam combiner. Fig.10 yes Figure 3 A top-down reverse perspective view of a portion of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight (similar to Figure 6 ), but the version shown uses a thin film beam combiner 1024 as the beam combiner 124. Fig.10As shown, the dual-emitter micro-dot aimer 1000 may include a first light emitter 122, a second light emitter 123, a thin film beam combiner 1024, a windage adjustment mechanism 128 for the first light emitter 122, a windage adjustment mechanism 129 for the second light emitter 123, a height adjustment mechanism 131 for the first light emitter 122, and a height adjustment mechanism 132 for the second light emitter 123, each as described above.

[0068] As described above, the beam combiner may be a coated window or plate that is angled (eg, 45 degrees) to the light from the first light emitter 122 or the light from the second light emitter 123 or both. Fig.11 yes Figure 3 A top-down reverse perspective view of a portion of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight (similar to Figure 6 ), but the version shown uses a flat beam combiner 1124 as the beam combiner 124. Fig.11 As shown, the dual-emitter micro-dot aimer 1100 may include a first light emitter 122, a second light emitter 123, a flat-panel beam combiner 1124, a windage adjustment mechanism 128 for the first light emitter 122, a windage adjustment mechanism 129 for the second light emitter 123, a height adjustment mechanism 131 for the first light emitter 122, and a height adjustment mechanism 132 for the second light emitter 123, each as described above.

[0069] Fig.12 yes Figure 3 A top-down reverse perspective view of a portion of a dual-emitter micro-dot sight (similar to Figure 6 ), but includes a single light emitter 1222 instead of Figure 4 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 The first light emitter 122 and the second light emitter 123. Fig.12 As shown, the light emitter 1222 of the dual-beam micro-dot aimer 1200 is configured to generate a first light beam 139 along the light path 127 and a second light beam 140 along the light path 127. Fig.12 In the illustrated embodiment, beam combiner 124 is not required. As shown, light emitter 1222 may be a single multi-color array. Windage adjustment and altitude adjustment may be achieved by, for example, illuminating different pixels in the multi-color array to change the midpoint of the beam of light emitted therefrom. The effects of windage adjustment and altitude adjustment (in terms of positioning the holding point) are as described above. Figure 6-Figure 7 as described in the discussion of .

[0070] Example Illustrative examples of the disclosed techniques are provided below. Implementations of the techniques may include one or more of the examples described below and any combination of these examples.

[0071] Example 1 includes a dual-emitter micro-dot sight, which includes: a sight housing, which is configured to be mounted to a shooting device; a first light emitter, which is connected to the sight housing; a second light emitter, which is connected to the sight housing; a beam combiner, which is configured to receive light from the first light emitter and guide the light from the first light emitter to an optical path, and the beam combiner is also configured to receive light from the second light emitter and guide the light from the second light emitter to the optical path; a collimating lens located in the optical path, the collimating lens is configured to collimate the light from the first light emitter and collimate the light from the second light emitter, the light from the first light emitter is projected onto the collimating lens at a first position, and the light from the second light emitter is projected onto the collimating lens at a second position; and a diverging lens, which is located in the optical path between the beam combiner and the collimating lens, and the diverging lens is configured to diffuse the light from the first light emitter and diffuse the light from the second light emitter.

[0072] Example 2 includes the micro-dot sight described in Example 1, further comprising a windage adjustment mechanism for a first light emitter and a windage adjustment mechanism for a second light emitter, the windage adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter being separate and independent from the windage adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter, the windage adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter being configured to position a first position in a windage adjustment direction, and the windage adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter being configured to position a second position in the windage adjustment direction.

[0073] Example 3 includes the micro-dot sight of Example 2, wherein the windage adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter is configured to move the first light emitter relative to the beam combiner, and wherein the windage adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter is configured to move the second light emitter relative to the beam combiner.

[0074] Example 4 includes the micro-dot aimer described in any of Examples 2-3, the windage adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter also includes a first user-adjustable windage adjustment dial, the first user-adjustable windage adjustment dial is configured to adjust the position of the first light emitter relative to the beam combiner, and the windage adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter also includes a second user-adjustable windage adjustment dial, the second user-adjustable windage adjustment dial is configured to adjust the position of the second light emitter relative to the beam combiner.

[0075] Example 5 includes the micro-dot aimer described in any one of Examples 1-4, further comprising a height adjustment mechanism for a first light emitter and a height adjustment mechanism for a second light emitter, the height adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter being separate and independent from the height adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter, the height adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter being configured to position a first position in a height adjustment direction, and the height adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter being configured to position a second position in the height adjustment direction.

[0076] Example 6 includes the micro-dot aimer of Example 5, wherein the height adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter is configured to move the first light emitter relative to the beam combiner, and wherein the height adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter is configured to move the second light emitter relative to the beam combiner.

[0077] Example 7 includes the micro-dot aimer described in any of Examples 5-6, wherein the height adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter further includes a first user-adjustable height adjustment dial, the first user-adjustable height adjustment dial is configured to adjust the position of the first light emitter relative to the beam combiner, and the height adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter further includes a second user-adjustable height adjustment dial, the second user-adjustable height adjustment dial is configured to adjust the position of the second light emitter relative to the beam combiner.

[0078] Example 8 includes the micro-dot aimer of any of Examples 1-7, further comprising a substantially flat front observation window in the optical path, the collimating lens being located in the optical path between the diverging lens and the front observation window, the front observation window being configured to reflect a first portion of light from a first light emitter along a line of sight and to reflect a first portion of light from a second light emitter along the line of sight, the front observation window being further configured to refract a second portion of light from the first light emitter that passes through the front observation window and diverges from the line of sight, and refract a second portion of light from the second light emitter that passes through the front observation window and diverges from the line of sight.

[0079] Example 9 includes the micro-dot aimer of Example 8, further comprising a substantially flat rear observation window configured to allow a first portion of light from the first light emitter to pass through the rear observation window along the aiming line, and to allow a first portion of light from the second light emitter to pass through the rear observation window along the aiming line.

[0080] Example 10 includes the micro-dot aimer of Example 9, further comprising a lens housing configured to secure the front observation window and the rear observation window and prevent light from the first light emitter and the second light emitter from leaving the lens housing other than through the front observation window and the rear observation window.

[0081] Example 11 includes the micro-dot aimer of any of Examples 8-10, further comprising a mask configured to absorb substantially all of the second portion of the light from the first light emitter and the second portion of the light from the second light emitter.

[0082] Example 12 includes the micro-dot aimer of any of Examples 1-11, further comprising a substantially flat mirrored surface in the optical path, the mirrored surface being configured to reflect light from the first light emitter and to reflect light from the second light emitter.

[0083] Example 13 includes the micro-dot aimer of Example 12, wherein the mirror is located between the diverging lens and the collimating lens in the optical path.

[0084] Example 14 includes the micro-dot aimer of any of Examples 1-13, wherein the beam combiner is a cube beam combiner.

[0085] Example 15 includes the micro-dot aimer of any of Examples 1-13, wherein the beam combiner is a flat-plate beam combiner.

[0086] Example 16 includes the micro-dot aimer of any of Examples 1-13, wherein the beam combiner is a thin film beam combiner.

[0087] Example 17 includes a method for independently positioning each micro-dot in a dual-emitter micro-dot aimer, the method comprising: receiving light from a first light emitter using a beam combiner; directing the light from the first light emitter to an optical path by the beam combiner; receiving light from a second light emitter using a beam combiner; directing the light from the second light emitter to the optical path by the beam combiner; collimating the light from the first light emitter using a collimating lens in the optical path, the light from the first light emitter being incident on the collimating lens at a first position; collimating the light from the second light emitter using the collimating lens, the light from the second light emitter being incident on the collimating lens at a second position; diffusing the light from the first light emitter using a diverging lens in the optical path between the beam combiner and the collimating lens; and diffusing the light from the second light emitter using the diverging lens.

[0088] Example 18 includes the method described in Example 17, further comprising: using a windage adjustment mechanism for a first light emitter to position a first position in a windage adjustment direction; and using a windage adjustment mechanism for a second light emitter to position a second position in the windage adjustment direction, the windage adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter being separate and independent from the windage adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter.

[0089] Example 19 includes the method of Example 18, wherein positioning the first position in the windage adjustment direction comprises moving the first light emitter relative to the beam combiner, and wherein positioning the second position in the windage adjustment direction comprises moving the second light emitter relative to the beam combiner.

[0090] Example 20 includes the method described in any one of Examples 17-19, further comprising: using a height adjustment mechanism for a first light emitter to position a first position in a height adjustment direction; and using a height adjustment mechanism for a second light emitter to position a second position in the height adjustment direction, wherein the height adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter is separate and independent from the height adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter.

[0091] Example 21 includes the method of Example 20, wherein positioning the first position in the height adjustment direction comprises moving the first light emitter relative to the beam combiner, and wherein positioning the second position in the height adjustment direction comprises moving the second light emitter relative to the beam combiner.

[0092] Example 22 includes the method described in any one of Examples 20-21, further comprising: using a windage adjustment mechanism for a first light emitter to position a first position in a windage adjustment direction; and using a windage adjustment mechanism for a second light emitter to position a second position in the windage adjustment direction, the windage adjustment mechanism for the first light emitter is separate and independent from the windage adjustment mechanism for the second light emitter, and the windage adjustment direction is orthogonal to the height adjustment direction.

[0093] Example 23 includes a dual-beam micro-dot sight, comprising: a sight housing configured to be mounted to a shooting device; a light emitter connected to the sight housing, the light emitter configured to generate a first light beam of light along an optical path and a second light beam of light along the optical path; a collimating lens in the optical path, the collimating lens configured to collimate the first light beam from the light emitter and collimate the second light beam from the light emitter, the first light beam from the light emitter is projected onto the collimating lens at a first position, and the second light beam from the light emitter is projected onto the collimating lens at a second position; a diverging lens in the optical path between the light emitter and the collimating lens, the diverging lens configured to diffuse light from the first light emitter and diffuse light from the second light emitter; and a windage adjustment mechanism configured to position a first position in a windage adjustment direction and to position a second position in the windage adjustment direction, the first position being separate and independent from the second position.

[0094] Example 24 includes the micro-dot aimer of Example 23, further comprising a height adjustment mechanism configured to position a first position in a height adjustment direction and to position a second position in the height adjustment direction, the first position being separate and independent from the second position.

[0095] Example 25 includes the micro-dot aimer described in any of Examples 23-24, further comprising a substantially flat front observation window located in the optical path, the collimating lens located in the optical path between the diverging lens and the front observation window, the front observation window configured to reflect a first portion of a first light beam from a light emitter along a line of sight and a first portion of a second light beam from the light emitter along the line of sight, the front observation window further configured to refract a second portion of the first light beam from the light emitter that passes through the front observation window and diverges from the line of sight, and refract a second portion of the second light beam from the light emitter that passes through the front observation window and diverges from the line of sight.

[0096] Example 26 includes the micro-dot sight of Example 25, further comprising a substantially flat rear observation window configured to allow a first portion of a first light beam from a light emitter to pass through the rear observation window along a line of sight, and to allow a first portion of a second light beam from the light emitter to pass through the rear observation window along a line of sight.

[0097] Example 27 includes the micro-dot aimer of Example 26, further comprising a lens housing configured to secure the front observation window and the rear observation window and prevent the first light beam and the second light beam from leaving the lens housing through anywhere other than the front observation window and the rear observation window.

[0098] Example 28 includes the micro-dot aimer of any of Examples 25-27, further comprising a mask configured to absorb substantially all of a second portion of the first beam of light from the light emitter and a second portion of the second beam of light from the light emitter.

[0099] Example 29 includes the micro-dot aimer of any of Examples 23-28, further comprising a substantially flat mirrored surface in the optical path, the mirrored surface being configured to reflect the first beam of light and the second beam of light.

[0100] Example 30 includes the micro-dot aimer of Example 29, wherein the mirror is located in the optical path between the diverging lens and the collimating lens.

[0101] Example 31 includes the micro-dot aimer of any of Examples 23-30, wherein the light emitter includes a multi-color array.

[0102] Embodiments may be operated on specially created hardware, firmware, digital signal processors, or on a specially programmed general-purpose computer including a processor operating according to programming instructions. The term "controller" or "processor" used herein is intended to include microprocessors, microcomputers, ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), and dedicated hardware controllers. One or more aspects may be implemented in computer-usable data and computer-executable instructions run by one or more computers (including monitoring modules) or other devices, such as in one or more program modules. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, etc. that perform specific tasks or implement specific abstract data types when run by processors in computers or other devices. Computer executable instructions may be stored on non-temporary computer-readable media, such as hard disks, optical disks, removable storage media, solid-state memory, RAM, etc., and as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the functions of program modules may be combined or distributed as needed in various embodiments. In addition, the functions may be implemented in firmware or hardware equivalents, such as integrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc., in whole or in part. Certain data structures may be used to more efficiently implement one or more aspects of the disclosed systems and methods, and such data structures are considered within the scope of computer-executable instructions and computer-usable data described herein.

[0103] The previously described versions of the disclosed subject matter have many advantages that have either been described or are apparent to those of ordinary skill. Even so, not all of these advantages or features are required in all versions of the disclosed devices, systems, or methods.

[0104] In addition, the written description refers to specific features. It should be understood that the disclosure in this specification includes all possible combinations of these specific features. For example, where a specific feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment, the feature may also be used in the context of other aspects and embodiments to the greatest extent possible.

[0105] Additionally, when the present application refers to a method having two or more defined steps or operations, the defined steps or operations may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless the context excludes such possibilities.

[0106] In addition, the term "comprising" and its grammatical equivalents are used in this application to indicate that other components, features, steps, processes, operations, etc. may optionally exist. For example, an article "comprising" or "which includes" components A, B, and C may only include components A, B, and C, or it may include one or more other components in addition to components A, B, and C.

[0107] Additionally, directions such as "vertical," "horizontal," "right," and "left" are used for convenience and reference to the views provided in the drawings. However, in actual use, the dual-emitter micro-dot sight may have multiple orientations. Therefore, a feature that is vertical, horizontal, right, or left in the drawings may not have such an orientation or direction in actual use.

[0108] Although specific embodiments have been shown and described for purposes of illustration, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.Accordingly, the present invention should not be limited, except as by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A dual-emitter micro-dot sight, comprising: a sight housing configured to be mounted to a shooting device; a first light emitter coupled to the sight housing; a second light emitter coupled to the sight housing; a beam combiner configured to receive light from the first light emitter and direct the light from the first light emitter to an optical path, the beam combiner further configured to receive light from the second light emitter and direct the light from the second light emitter to the optical path; a collimating lens located in the optical path, the collimating lens being configured to collimate light from the first light emitter and to collimate light from the second light emitter, the light from the first light emitter striking the collimating lens at a first position and the light from the second light emitter striking the collimating lens at a second position; and A diverging lens is located in the optical path between the beam combiner and the collimating lens, the diverging lens being configured to diffuse the light from the first light emitter and to diffuse the light from the second light emitter.

2. The micro-dot aimer of claim 1 , further comprising a substantially flat front observation window in the optical path, the collimating lens being located between the diverging lens and the front observation window in the optical path, the front observation window being configured to reflect a first portion of the light from the first light emitter along a line of sight and to reflect a first portion of the light from the second light emitter along the line of sight, the front observation window being further configured to refract a second portion of the light from the first light emitter through the front observation window and to diverge from the line of sight and to refract a second portion of the light from the second light emitter through the front observation window and to diverge from the line of sight.

3. The micro-dot aimer of claim 2, further comprising a substantially flat rear observation window configured to allow the first portion of light from the first light emitter to pass through the rear observation window along the aiming line, and to allow the first portion of light from the second light emitter to pass through the rear observation window along the aiming line.

4. The micro-dot aimer of claim 3, further comprising a lens housing configured to secure the front observation window and the rear observation window and prevent light from the first light emitter and the second light emitter from leaving the lens housing through anywhere other than the front observation window and the rear observation window.

5. The micro-dot aimer of claim 2, further comprising a mask configured to absorb substantially all of the second portion of light from the first light emitter and the second portion of light from the second light emitter.

6. The micro-dot aimer of claim 1, further comprising a substantially flat mirrored surface in the optical path, the mirrored surface configured to reflect light from the first light emitter and to reflect light from the second light emitter.

7. The micro-dot aimer of claim 6, wherein the mirror is located between the diverging lens and the collimating lens in the optical path.

8. The micro-dot aimer of claim 1, wherein the beam combiner is a cube beam combiner.

9. The micro-dot aimer of claim 1, wherein the beam combiner is a flat-plate beam combiner.

10. The micro-dot aimer of claim 1, wherein the beam combiner is a pellicle beam combiner.

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