Fire-control system with static partially reflective optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fire-control systems for high-trajectory ammunition or long-distance firing are often cumbersome, power-intensive, and distort the user's field of view, making them unsuitable for field use or handheld applications due to the need for complex optics and electronics.
Innovation Solution
A fire-control system featuring a static, partially reflective optics system with a one-dimensional or two-dimensional light-emitting array that displays a reticle at the correct position based on target distance, eliminating the need for moving parts and reducing weight, power consumption, and complexity, while allowing the user to maintain visual contact with the target.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If advanced optics and computer software are used for calculating optimal aiming, then aiming precision is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical sight systems with a digital display system. Instead of using physical moving parts, mirrors, or mechanical adjustments, the invention uses a screen to display reticle information and a processor to calculate aiming data, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fire-control system integrates multiple functions into a single device: distance measurement, trajectory calculation, reticle display, and aiming guidance. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate mechanical and optical components into one integrated system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If moving parts are incorporated inside the sight, then aiming adjustment capability is improved, but power consumption increases and response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates moving parts by using a digital display system. The reticle position and characteristics are changed through electronic control of the display screen rather than mechanical adjustment, thereby reducing power consumption and eliminating mechanical response delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic refreshing of the display screen to present updated reticle information based on calculated trajectory data. This periodic digital update replaces continuous mechanical adjustment, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If optical systems create real or imaginary images of the target, then aiming guidance is improved, but field of view is distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a digital display to create a virtual copy of the reticle and target information rather than using optical images. The display screen presents a synthesized view that combines reticle overlays with target information without the distortions inherent in optical imaging systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces optical image formation with electronic display. Instead of using lenses and mirrors to create real or virtual images that can distort the field of view, the invention uses a digital screen to present information, eliminating optical distortion while maintaining aiming guidance.
4Device complexity
If conventional iron sights with distance markings are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to various distances and conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reticle display system that automatically adjusts reticle characteristics based on calculated trajectory data for different distances. Unlike static iron sights, the digital reticle can change its appearance and position in real-time to match the specific shooting conditions, greatly enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes multiple parameters of the reticle display including size, position, and characteristics based on the calculated trajectory for the specific distance and ammunition type. This parameter adjustment allows the same physical device to adapt to a wide range of shooting conditions without increasing mechanical 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
The system enhances precision and first-shot accuracy by providing a parallax-free reticle display that is versatile and adaptable to various environmental conditions, reducing the need for external data and increasing user friendliness and ruggedness.
Implementation Method 1
partially reflective optics, through which a user may observe a target and receive visually displayed information simultaneously
Implementation Method 2
a light source, for visualization of a reticle to the user via the partially reflective optics
Data Source
AI summary
A fire-control system including a housing and a light channel, through which a user may directly observe a target and receive visually displayed information simultaneously. The light channel includes partially reflective optics. The fire-control system also includes a light source for visualization of a reticle to the user via the partially reflective optics and means for receiving a measure of the distance to the target. The fire-control system further includes a processor for determining the adequate position of the reticle based on the distance to the target and for controlling the light source to emit light so that the reticle is visualized at the adequate position. The light source is an array capable of selectively emitting light in well-defined locations on its surface.