Addressable VCSEL Reticle Projection for Real-Time Aiming Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser optics systems, such as those used in firearms, lack the capability to provide real-time adjustments and additional information to operators, such as target movement and environmental factors, which can affect aiming accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) die with individually addressable elements, controlled by a controller to project configurable patterns, including reticle adjustments and measurement assistance, and integrated with sensors to account for target and environmental changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional laser optics system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the capability to provide real-time adjustments and additional information to operators is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The VCSEL die is divided into multiple individually addressable VCSEL elements arranged in a grid pattern, allowing selective activation of specific elements to create different reticle patterns and provide real-time adjustments without requiring complex mechanical moving parts
Solution Approach 2:
The VCSEL array serves multiple functions: it projects reticle patterns, provides aiming points, indicates target movement, displays environmental factors, and assists with measurements, all through electronic control of the same physical component
2Loss of information
If individually addressable VCSEL elements are used, then the information available to operators is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical reticle adjustment mechanisms with electronic control of VCSEL elements, using software algorithms to calculate which elements to activate based on desired reticle position and configuration, thereby increasing information display capability while managing complexity through digital rather than mechanical means
3Measurement precision
If real-time adjustments for target movement and environmental factors are implemented, then aiming accuracy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect target movement and environmental factors such as wind, and the controller uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the reticle pattern and aiming points in real-time, compensating for disturbances and maintaining aiming accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates compensation values for common environmental factors and target movements, storing lookup tables and algorithms that allow rapid adjustment without complex real-time computation, thereby improving response time while managing computational complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables real-time aiming adjustments and enhanced measurement capabilities, improving accuracy by compensating for factors like target movement, wind, and projectile trajectory.
Implementation Method 1
A laser optics system, such as for a firearm or other similar device, can utilize a vertical-cavity surface emitting-laser (VCSEL) or other laser device to project a beam
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) die that includes individually addressable VCSEL elements, the individually addressable VCSEL elements respectively including one or more lasing segments etched into the VCSEL die; a controller that designates a selected VCSEL element, of the individually addressable VCSEL elements of the VCSEL die, based on a spatial pattern to be projected from the system in a downfield direction toward a target; and a driver system that selectively applies a drive signal to the selected VCSEL element in response to the selected VCSEL element being designated by the controller.