Dynamic Reticle Reflex Sight Using Superluminescent Micro-Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reflex sights with static reticles are complex and inaccurate for varying target ranges and environmental conditions, requiring shooters to manually calculate and adjust for bullet drop and windage, which can lead to increased error, especially in tactical or machine gun shooting scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A reflex sight with a superluminescent micro-display and dynamic reticle that uses sensors and a microprocessor to automatically adjust the reticle pattern and position based on user inputs and environmental data, providing a ballistically compensated aiming point and metadata overlay for rapid and accurate targeting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a static reticle pattern is used to account for multiple target ranges and environmental conditions, then the sight can provide aiming points for various ranges, but the reticle becomes overly complicated and difficult to use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static reticle to a dynamic reticle that can change its pattern and position based on real-time inputs. The reticle is no longer fixed but adapts its configuration electronically based on range, wind, and other environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of the reticle dynamically based on input data. Instead of having multiple static reticle patterns for different conditions, the system adjusts the reticle's position, size, and configuration by changing its parameters in real-time based on range, wind speed, temperature, and other factors.
2Measurement precision
If a shooter manually calculates and adjusts for bullet drop and windage using static reticle markings, then accuracy can be achieved at calibrated ranges, but error increases at varying ranges and conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using sensors to continuously monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, wind speed, barometric pressure) and platform motion, then feeding this data back to the microprocessor which adjusts the reticle position and pattern accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system maintains accuracy across varying ranges and conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically calculating ballistic compensation and adjusting the reticle without requiring manual intervention from the shooter. The microprocessor autonomously processes sensor data and adjusts the display to account for bullet drop, windage, and other factors.
3Productivity
If tactical shooters use static reticles for rapid aiming, then quick target acquisition is achieved, but accuracy decreases when range or environmental conditions vary from calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains rapid target acquisition while ensuring accuracy by automatically adjusting the reticle based on real-time conditions. The shooter simply aims at the dynamic reticle without needing to manually calculate corrections, and the system handles the ballistic compensation autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The reticle parameters are dynamically changed based on environmental sensors and range data, allowing the system to maintain both speed and accuracy. The reticle position and configuration adjust in real-time to compensate for varying conditions while preserving rapid aiming capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic reticles are implemented using moving mirrors or beam splitters to position the dot image, then the reticle can adapt to range changes, but the device becomes complex to manufacture and calibrate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of moving mirrors and beam splitters with an electronic display system. Instead of physically moving optical components to adjust the reticle position, the system uses a microprocessor-controlled display that can change the reticle's position and pattern electronically, dramatically simplifying manufacturing and calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the reticle on an electronic display rather than using physical optical components. The reticle is generated as a digital image that can be positioned and configured software-controlled, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms.
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
The solution simplifies the aiming process by providing a dynamically adjusted reticle that accounts for range, wind, and platform movement, enhancing accuracy and ease of use while maintaining the simplicity of static reflex sights and the long-range performance of high-trajectory systems.
Implementation Method 1
a brightness adjustable superluminescent active matrix light emitting diode (SAMLED) array
Implementation Method 2
superluminescent active matrix light emitting diode (SAMLED) array
Implementation Method 3
collimator lens with 0 optical power and a dichroic reflective coating
Data Source
AI summary
A reflex site having a superluminescent micro-display, dynamic reticle, and metadata overlay is provided. The reflex site may include a housing; an optical collimator lens with a dichroic coating configured to reflect one or more wavelengths of light, wherein a target is viewable by a user through the optical collimator lens; a superluminescent micro-display that projects onto the optical collimator lens a reticle image for a desired point of impact of a bullet on a target and a related metadata overlay, wherein the reticle image and the related metadata overlay are superimposed on a view of the target viewable through the optical collimator lens, such that the target, the reticle image, and the related metadata overlay are all directly visible to the user, when viewing the target through the optical collimator lens; a microprocessor that calculates a ballistic solution for the target and generates the reticle image for the desired point of impact of the bullet on the target based on the calculated ballistic solution, the microprocessor providing a signal containing the reticle image and the related metadata overlay to the superluminescent micro-display; a power system that provides power to the superluminescent micro-display and the microprocessor; a rail grabber configured to couple the reflex sight to a barrel of a weapon; and a boresighting mechanism configured to align the reflex sight with the barrel.