Aiming aid system and aiming system for a handgun

Abstract

An aiming aid system (6) for a handgun (1) comprises: - a first sensor (8, 10, 30) which is arranged on the handgun (1) in the intended use state, - a second sensor (8, 10, 30) which is arranged on the handgun (1) in the intended use state, and - a control device (14) which, in the intended state of use, is connected to an electronic aiming system (2) of the handgun (1) and is designed to infer from sensor signals received from both sensors (8, 10, 30) that the handgun (1) is being aimed and, in this case, to output an activation signal to the aiming system (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an aiming aid system as well as to an aiming system comprising the same for a handgun.

[0002] Aiming systems for handguns are designed to assist the handgun user in acquiring and / or engaging a target (also commonly known as aiming). For this purpose, aiming systems typically feature an optical system with an integrated reticle (e.g., a crosshair or a similar element). Optionally, the reticle can also be illuminated or comprise a red dot sight. Some aiming systems also optionally feature a (laser) rangefinder.

[0003] Thermal imaging devices or night vision devices (image intensifiers or residual light intensifiers) are often known for use in poor visibility or darkness, but they require operating power. To save energy, it is recognized that it is advantageous not to have these devices in constant operation. Furthermore, thermal imaging devices have a shutter that must be triggered repeatedly to maintain image quality. However, since this shutter is associated with a relatively clearly audible noise and a brief freezing of the image, it is advantageous, especially for hunting, to suppress the triggering of the shutter shortly before firing, or at least not to force it. There are also thermal imaging devices that do not have a shutter, so the acoustic problem or the freezing of the image does not occur. However, these thermal imaging devices usually have comparatively poor image quality.

[0004] DE 10 2007 001 261 A1 describes a weapon with a switch, in which a switch unit tests the detected operation of the switch. Only after a positive test is the operation of the switch followed by the execution of a corresponding switching request. Furthermore, the switch is integrated into the weapon in such a way that the familiar and trained operating steps for handling the weapon are unaffected by the presence of the switch and the operation of the switch. The switch unit has, for example, a capacitive sensor and a wireless transmission path, via which the switching information is sent to a consumer to switch it.

[0005] DE 10 2008 021 732 A1 describes a weapon system comprising a firearm and an associated sighting device with an electrical illumination device that can be switched on and off. A permanent magnet for generating a magnetic field is assigned to a safety element of the firearm that is movable between a first and a second position. An MME sensor for measuring the magnetic field strength of the permanent magnet in the area of ​​the sighting device is assigned to the sighting device. When a defined limit value of the magnetic field strength is passed due to a change in position of the safety element including the permanent magnet, the electrical illumination device can be actuated by means of control electronics to illuminate the illumination.

[0006] US 2010 / 0095574 A1 describes a trigger-activated switch for a firearm. The switch includes a Hall-effect sensor configured to be mounted in the receiver or frame of the firearm and a magnet disposed on a retractable member coupled to the trigger of the weapon. The trigger includes a trigger module rotatably coupled to the receiver for a range of motion relative to the receiver from a non-firing position to a firing position. The retractable member is movably connected to the trigger module and is movable between a non-engaged position and an engaged position relative to the trigger module. The Hall-effect sensor is mounted on the receiver of the firearm proximate the magnet when the retractable member is in the non-engaged position.The movement of the retractable part from the unlocked position to the locked position causes the magnet to move away from the sensor, which then activates an auxiliary device when it detects the movement of the retractable part.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of improving a target system.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a targeting assistance system having the features of claim 1. Furthermore, this object is achieved according to the invention by a targeting system having the features of claim 7. Advantageous and partly inventive further developments of the invention are set out in the subclaims and the following description.

[0009] The aiming assistance system according to the invention is designed and intended for use with, in particular on, a handgun. The aiming assistance system has a first sensor, which is arranged on the handgun in the intended state of use. Furthermore, the aiming assistance system has a second sensor, which is also arranged on the handgun in the intended state of use. In addition, the aiming assistance system has a control unit, which, in the intended state of use, is connected to an electronic aiming system of the handgun and is designed to infer from sensor signals received from both sensors, in particular based on measured variables transmitted by means of these sensor signals, whether the handgun is aimed (or "going into aim"), and in this case to output an activation signal to the aiming system.

[0010] A handgun is defined here and below as a weapon to be carried and used by a person (user). Here and below, the handgun used is preferably a long gun, in particular a (preferably hunting) rifle, optionally also a crossbow. Such a rifle – but also a crossbow – usually has a stock, which in turn is divided into a fore-end and buttstock (also: stock or shoulder rest). The shoulder rest often has a cheek rest, especially in hunting and sporting weapons.

[0011] The above-described, inventive design of the aiming aid system thus enables, in particular, automatic detection of the usage mode, at least a usage state in which the user of the handgun prepares to fire. Because an activation signal is only output to the aiming system in this case, energy-efficient use of the aiming system can advantageously be implemented, in particular by expediently activating the aiming system only when the activation signal is present.

[0012] According to an expedient embodiment, the first sensor is configured to output (in particular by means of the correspondingly assigned sensor signal) a measured value of the first measured variable assigned to the first sensor. This measured variable is preferably characteristic of a user of the handgun holding a weapon stock, in particular the fore-end (also often referred to as the grip protector), in one hand and / or the shoulder rest (e.g., the cheek rest of the shoulder rest) against one cheek. The first sensor (more precisely: its measured variable) is therefore used in particular (preferably by the control unit) to detect whether the user is holding the fore-end in their hand or placing their cheek against the shoulder rest, as is typically the case when firing a shot.

[0013] According to a further expedient embodiment, the second sensor is configured to output (in particular by means of the correspondingly assigned sensor signal) a measured value of the second measured variable assigned to the second sensor, which is characteristic of the user placing a finger on a trigger of the handgun. The second sensor (more precisely: its measured variable) is therefore used in particular (preferably by the control unit) to detect whether the user is preparing to fire, specifically whether he is about to fire a shot. Optionally, the second sensor is also configured to output a measured value that corresponds to the situation in which the user places his finger next to the trigger or on a trigger guard ("finger long next to the trigger"). For example, the second sensor is arranged for this purpose at a location where two different measured values ​​that can be clearly assigned to the respective situation (finger on the trigger or long) are output.

[0014] By combining the information obtained from both sensors, the accuracy or reliability of the conclusion that the user is ready to fire or is preparing to fire can be advantageously increased. However, if only the measurement value from one of the two sensors is considered, other situations cannot be ruled out, thus increasing the likelihood of an incorrect decision. For example, the user may pick up the handgun by the fore-end but only intend to carry it. This would not be possible to definitively rule out using only the first sensor, or only with considerable additional effort.In addition, particularly in combination with the detection of the finger on the trigger guard, a probability value can also be derived in this way as to whether the user has positioned the handgun for firing (especially if the user has their finger on the trigger guard but their cheek resting on the shoulder rest) or has prepared to fire (if the finger is on the trigger). Optionally, in the first case – especially if the aiming system includes a thermal imaging device – the aiming system can be activated, and subsequently, in the second case, a shutter on the thermal imaging device can be triggered so that the thermal imaging device image can be "updated" again before the shot is fired.

[0015] According to an advantageous embodiment, the aiming assistance system also comprises a third sensor configured to output (in particular by means of the correspondingly assigned sensor signal) a measured value of a third measured variable assigned to the third sensor, which is characteristic of the fact that the user of the handgun is holding the weapon stock (in particular the fore-end) in their hand, or the weapon stock (fore-end) is resting on a support or even resting laterally against a support surface. The third sensor (more precisely: its measured variable) is thus used in particular (preferably by the control unit) to detect whether the user is holding the fore-end in their hand (e.g., in a standing position) or has rested the fore-end (e.g., in a hide) or, possibly, has only touched it (e.g., during a driven hunt against a tree or the like), as is often the case when firing a shot during hunting.

[0016] According to a practical embodiment, the third sensor (additionally) or a fourth sensor (included in the aiming assistance system) is configured to output (again, in particular, by means of the correspondingly assigned sensor signal) a measured value of a third or fourth measured variable assigned to the third or fourth sensor, respectively, which is characteristic of the fact that the user of the handgun is carrying the handgun in a non-use position or slung position. The third or fourth sensor (more precisely: its measured variable) is thus expediently used (preferably by the control unit) to detect whether the handgun is in this non-use position or slung position.Optionally, the control unit is configured to not output the activation signal if the measured values ​​from the first and second sensors indicate that the handgun is being fired, but the measured values ​​from the third or fourth sensor indicate that the handgun is not in use. For example, this can be the case if the user carries the handgun slung over the shoulder, the shoulder rest or cheek rest is in contact with the user's body, and the trigger is also pulled.

[0017] "Characteristic" is understood here and below with reference to the measured variable in particular to mean that the measured variable, in particular its measured value, allows a certain probability to be inferred that the corresponding event has occurred. This is achieved in a simple manner using a threshold or limit value comparison. Optionally, the control unit is alternatively configured to use pattern recognition, artificial intelligence or a comparable algorithm to analyze the respective sensor signal or measured variable in order to derive an indication of the current usage state. Preferably, the control unit is configured to take all sensor signals or the corresponding measured variables into account, in particular to consider them jointly. In the case of artificial intelligence, all measured variables are used as input variables.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the first, second, and optionally present third and / or fourth sensors are selected from proximity sensors and contact sensors, in particular capacitive sensors, eddy current sensors, magnetic sensors, optical sensors, tactile switches, and positioning sensors. Position sensors can be used, for example, as position sensors (in particular formed by so-called inertial measuring units, gyroscopic sensors, and / or multi-axis acceleration sensors). Optionally, radio modules, e.g., ultra-wideband, WLAN, or Bluetooth modules, can also be used, by means of which the orientation of the handgun relative to a reference point can be determined.

[0019] In particular, a position sensor (in particular its measured value describing the position of the handgun in space; also: “position signal”) can expediently be additionally used by the control unit to determine whether the user is holding the handgun at the ready. It can usually be assumed that the weapon is at the ready if the weapon is not positioned in an approximately vertical orientation but rather approximately horizontally, e.g. up to + / - 40 degrees around the horizontal. The control unit is preferably set up to additionally use the position of the weapon in space as a prerequisite for outputting the activation signal. If the user is holding the handgun in both hands, but has it approximately vertically (e.g.approximately + / - 45 degrees to the vertical) pointing downwards or upwards, the control unit therefore conveniently assumes, based on the position signal, that the user will not immediately use the handgun to fire a shot and does not issue the activation signal.

[0020] The aiming system according to the invention is designed and intended for use on and with a handgun. The aiming system comprises the aiming aid system described above as well as electronically assisted aiming and / or observation optics. The observation optics can be, for example, a thermal imaging device, a night vision device, or an attachment that can be mounted in front of a conventional riflescope to provide a thermal or night vision image. Optionally, the electronically assisted optics can also include an illuminated reticle or a red dot sight, and optionally also a (laser) rangefinder.

[0021] The aiming system, in the embodiment according to the invention as well as in corresponding advantageous developments, therefore has the same features as the aiming assistance system and its advantageous developments. Accordingly, the aiming system also has the same resulting advantages.

[0022] According to a practical embodiment, the aiming and / or observation optics, or at least their electronic support, are configured to switch to an active mode upon the activation signal. This specifically means that the aiming system switches from a standby mode to an active mode (activating the acquisition of a thermal image or a night vision image) and / or actuates a shutter, activates the illuminated reticle and / or the rangefinder, or the like. Thus, the aiming system is advantageously only activated when it is actually needed.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the control unit of the aiming assistance system forms part of a control unit of the targeting system. In particular, the control unit of the aiming assistance system is implemented in this case by a software module that is installed and executable on the control unit of the targeting system. Both control units can comprise microcontrollers with a corresponding operating system or, alternatively, an ASIC or the like. Furthermore, the control unit can also comprise—at least partially—a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone). In this case, the entire computing power and "logic" can optionally be located in the mobile device, whereas sensors or a central part of the control unit attached to the handgun wirelessly exchange information with the smartphone.

[0024] To transmit this information (data, measured values, or similar) between the sensors and the control unit, a simple cable connection can be used; alternatively and preferably, wireless standards such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, ANT, ANT+, and the like are used. Corresponding data transmissions are also optionally used for data exchange between the control unit and the targeting assistance system.

[0025] The conjunction “and / or” is to be understood here and in the following in particular in such a way that the features linked by means of this conjunction can be formed both together and as alternatives to one another.

[0026] In the following, exemplary embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to a drawing. In the drawings: Fig. 1 in a schematic side view of a handgun with a targeting system and a targeting aid system, and Fig. 2 in view according to Fig. 1 another embodiment of the target system.

[0027] Corresponding parts are always provided with the same reference symbols in all figures.

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a handgun, specifically a hunting rifle 1 as a long weapon. To assist the user of the hunting rifle 1, the latter has a targeting system 2. The targeting system 2 is formed by an electronically assisted aiming and observation device (also: aiming and observation optics), in this case a hunting thermal imaging device 4. The targeting system 2 also has an aiming support system 6. The latter serves to ensure energy-efficient and hunting-compatible use of the targeting system 2 of the hunting rifle 1, because the hunting thermal imaging device 4 has a microbolometer array, which is known to consume power. Furthermore, a shutter is assigned to the microbolometer array. When triggered, this produces a noise that, in the worst case, could scare away game during hunting.

[0029] In order to recognize when the use of the hunting thermal imaging device 4 is appropriate and necessary, the aiming support system 6 indicates, according to a Fig. 1, a first sensor 8 and a second sensor 10, both of which are each designed as capacitive proximity sensors. Specifically, both sensors 8 and 10 have a sensor electrode 12, by means of which a capacitance to ground is measured by cyclically charging and discharging the sensor electrode 12 (specifically the capacitor formed by the sensor electrode 12 and ground). An evaluation of a sensor signal generated in this way, specifically the measured variable (capacitance), is carried out by means of a control unit 14 of the aiming assistance system 6, which is integrated as a software module into a control unit 16 of the hunting thermal imaging device 4. The control unit 16 is configured to use the measured variables supplied by both sensors 8 and 10 (i.e., transmitted by means of correspondingly assigned sensor signals) to determine whether the user (hunter) has positioned the hunting rifle 1 and prepared to fire.

[0030] For this purpose, the first sensor 8 (specifically its sensor electrode 12) is arranged on a weapon stock, namely on a shoulder rest 20 of the hunting rifle 1, which forms part of the weapon stock, specifically on a cheek rest 22. The second sensor 10, specifically its sensor electrode 12, is arranged on a trigger guard 24 of the hunting rifle 1. The control unit 16 is configured to interpret a value of the measured variable of the first sensor 8, which indicates an approach to the cheek rest 22 below a predetermined distance value, as meaning that the hunter has placed his cheek against the cheek rest 22. Furthermore, the control unit 16 is configured to conclude in a comparable manner, using the second sensor 10, that the hunter has placed his finger on a trigger 26 of the hunting rifle 1.If the control unit 16 detects, based on the two measured variables, that the hunter has his cheek resting on the cheek rest 22 and his finger on the trigger 26, the control unit 16 sends an activation signal to the hunting thermal imaging device 4, causing it to transition from standby mode to active mode and thus display a thermal image to the hunter. This allows the hunter to use the hunting thermal imaging device 4 without taking any additional action by taking aim.

[0031] In Fig. 2 shows a further developed embodiment which serves to enable a higher reliability for the activation of the hunting thermal imaging device 4. For this purpose, the aiming support system 6 has, in addition to the design according to Fig. 1 has a further sensor 30 with a further sensor electrode 32. The sensor 30, specifically its sensor electrode 32, is arranged on a fore-end 34 of the hunting rifle 1, which forms part of the weapon stock. By means of the sensor 30, specifically the measured value supplied by it, the control unit 16 determines whether a hand is gripping the fore-end 34. If this is the case and the Fig. 1 for activation (the hunter's cheek on the cheek rest 22 and the finger on the trigger 26) is present, the control unit 16 interprets this as a criterion to output the activation signal. In other words, in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 three conditions are required as prerequisites (criteria) for activating the hunting thermal imaging device 4, which are usually present in a hunting situation when the hunter wants to fire a shot. In contrast to Fig.1, due to the additional requirement, the probability that a shot is actually about to be fired or is intended can be increased.

[0032] Optionally, the sensor electrode 32 of the third sensor 30 can also be divided into two or more segments and preferably connected in such a way that each of these segments can be assigned its own measured value - in other words, the third sensor 30 can therefore comprise several sub-sensors. For example, one of the segments is arranged on each side of the fore-end 34, and optionally a third segment is arranged on the underside. This makes it possible to detect with comparatively high resolution whether the hunter is gripping the fore-end 34, whether the hunting rifle 1 is leaning against a pole, a tree, or the like, or - in the case that the third segment is present on the underside of the fore-end 34 - whether the hunting rifle 1 is resting on a surface. The testing of three conditions (prerequisites, e.g.Contact with the cheek rest 22, finger on the trigger 26 and gripping the forestock 34) enables a particularly high probability of correctly detecting whether the hunter is taking aim with the hunting rifle 1.

[0033] Optionally, the second sensor 10 can also be evaluated to determine whether the hunter has "only" a long finger on the trigger guard 24 or places the finger on the trigger 26. This can optionally be achieved by the sensor 10 outputting different capacitance values ​​for both situations, which are, for example, learned and stored as corresponding threshold values ​​in the control unit 16.

[0034] The subject matter of the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described above. Rather, further embodiments of the invention can be derived by those skilled in the art from the above description. In particular, the individual features of the invention and their design variants described with reference to the various exemplary embodiments can also be combined with one another in other ways. List of reference symbols 1 hunting rifle 2 Target system 4 hunting thermal imaging devices 6 Aiming assistance system 8 Sensor 10 Sensor 12 Sensor electrode 14 Control unit 16 Control unit 20 shoulder rest 22 Cheek rest 24 trigger guards 26 Deduction 30 sensors 32 Sensor electrode 34 fore-end QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2007 001 261 A1

[0004] DE 10 2008 021 732 A1

[0005] US 2010 / 0095574 A1

[0006]

Claims

[1] Aiming aid system (6) for a handgun (1), comprising - a first sensor (8, 10, 30) which is arranged on the handgun (1) in the intended use state, - a second sensor (8, 10, 30) which is arranged on the handgun (1) in the intended use state, and - a control device (14) which, in the intended state of use, is connected to an electronic aiming system (2) of the handgun (1) and is designed to infer from sensor signals received from both sensors (8, 10, 30) that the handgun (1) is being aimed and, in this case, to output an activation signal to the aiming system (2). [2] Aiming assistance system (6) according to claim 1, wherein the first sensor (8, 30) is configured to output a measured value of a first measured variable associated with the first sensor (8), which is characteristic of a user of the handgun (1) holding a weapon stock (34) in one hand and / or a shoulder rest (20) on one cheek. [3] Aiming assistance system (6) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second sensor (10) is configured to output a measured value of a second measured variable associated with the second sensor (10), which is characteristic of the user placing a finger on a trigger (26) of the handgun (1). [4] Aiming assistance system (6) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a third sensor (30) which is configured to output a measured value of a third measured variable assigned to the third sensor (30), which is characteristic of the fact that the user of the handgun (1) is holding a weapon stock (34) in one hand or the weapon stock (34) is placed on a base. [5] Aiming assistance system (6) according to one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the third sensor (30) or a fourth sensor is configured to output a measured value of a third or fourth measured variable associated with the third or fourth sensor (30), which is characteristic of the fact that the user of the handgun (1) carries the handgun (1) in a non-use position or slung position. [6] Aiming assistance system (6) according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first, the second, the third and / or the fourth sensor (8, 10, 30) are selected from proximity sensors and contact sensors, in particular from capacitive sensors, eddy current sensors, magnetic sensors, optical sensors, tactile switches, positioning sensors. [7] Aiming system (2) for a handgun (1), comprising an aiming aid system (6) according to one of claims 1 to 6 and an electronically assisted aiming and / or observation optics (4). [8] Target system (2) according to claim 7, wherein the targeting and / or observation optics (4) or at least their electronic support is adapted to switch to an active mode in response to the activation signal. [9] Target system (2) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control unit (14) forms part of a control unit (16) of the target system (2).

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