Dynamic Reticle Illumination for Ballistic Aiming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projectile weapon aiming systems require time-consuming elevation and windage adjustments, often requiring shooters to take their eyes off the target, and ballistic compensation reticles can clutter the field of view and limit the number of discrete ranges for aiming marks, making it difficult to accurately aim at distant targets under varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-controllable illuminated reticle within a riflescope that changes color to indicate correct aim, utilizing onboard sensors like laser rangefinders, inclinometers, and digital compasses, or remote devices for calculating aiming adjustments, providing visual feedback for vertical and horizontal offsets without requiring shooters to look away from their target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ballistic compensation reticles with multiple aiming points are used, then aiming accuracy for different ranges is improved, but the field of view becomes cluttered and the number of discrete ranges is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The reticle pattern is made dynamic through color changes and illumination rather than static multiple markings. The system dynamically adapts the reticle appearance based on measured range and environmental conditions, displaying only the relevant aiming point information needed for current conditions, thus maintaining field of view clarity while providing accurate aiming data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameters of the reticle display (color, illumination intensity, pattern visibility) based on measured conditions such as range, wind, and temperature. This allows the same physical reticle to provide different aiming information dynamically, eliminating the need for multiple discrete aiming points that would clutter the view.
2Measurement precision
If elevation and windage adjustments are made using traditional adjustment mechanisms, then aiming accuracy for different ranges is improved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires shooters to take their eyes off the target
Solution Approach 1:
The aiming system performs self-adjustment through automated range finding and environmental sensing. The system independently measures distance, wind conditions, and temperature, then automatically calculates and displays the appropriate aiming point without requiring manual intervention from the shooter, eliminating time loss and maintaining target focus.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback by continuously measuring range and environmental conditions, calculating the necessary aiming adjustments, and immediately displaying the corrected aiming point on the reticle. This closed-loop feedback system eliminates the need for trial-and-error manual adjustments and keeps the shooter's eyes on the target throughout the process.
3Ease of operation
If multiple discrete aiming marks are provided for different ranges, then aiming guidance is improved, but the system becomes complex and cannot accommodate continuous range variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical complexity of multiple physical aiming marks with an electronically controlled illumination system. Instead of having multiple discrete reticle patterns or adjustable mechanical elements, the system uses a single reticle configuration with dynamically controllable illumination and color changes to provide continuous range coverage, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
According an embodiment, a projectile weapon aiming system includes a computer-controllable reticle with crosshairs or other aiming marks having a color and/or illumination that can be selectively changed to provide feedback to a shooter to indicate when the projectile weapon aiming system (and hence the projectile weapon itself) is accurately aimed to compensate for a particular range, inclination, crosswind, and/or other ballistic conditions.