Firearm Optic Recoil Detection for Automatic Magnification Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal rifle scopes suffer from reduced field-of-view due to digital magnification, which is manually adjustable and disrupts the user's sight picture when changing modes, complicating follow-up shots in low-light conditions.
Innovation Solution
An optic for a firearm that automatically detects recoil force and/or sound of discharge to eliminate or reduce digital magnification, allowing hands-free operation by automatically switching to a lower magnification mode post-discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If digital magnification is used to improve image quality on thermal displays, then image resolution is improved, but field-of-view is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic magnification adjustment where the display automatically transitions between different magnification levels based on detected firearm discharge events. The system switches from high magnification during discharge to low magnification afterward, allowing the field-of-view to adapt dynamically rather than remaining fixed. This resolves the contradiction by making the display parameter variable rather than static, enabling the user to benefit from both high resolution during targeting and wide field-of-view for situational awareness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual control is used to switch between magnification modes, then mode selection is possible, but user attention is diverted from the target
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting firearm discharge through sensors (acoustic, optical, or inertial) and autonomously adjusting the display magnification without requiring user intervention. The controller monitors sensor inputs and automatically switches between magnification modes, eliminating the need for the user to manually operate controls. This resolves the contradiction by removing the operational burden from the user while maintaining adaptability between different viewing modes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hands are used to operate control for magnification switching, then mode change is achieved, but shooting position is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual control system with an automated sensor-based control system. Instead of requiring physical hand operation of buttons or switches, the system uses acoustic sensors, optical sensors, or inertial measurement units to detect discharge events and automatically trigger display mode changes. This substitution eliminates the mechanical interaction that would disrupt the user's shooting position while maintaining the ability to switch between display modes.
4Measurement precision
If small image subset is displayed continuously, then targeting precision is improved, but video display utility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by displaying the small magnified image subset only during specific periods when needed (during or immediately after discharge events) and switching to the full video display during other periods. Rather than continuously displaying the restricted view, the system periodically transitions between limited and full display modes based on operational context. This resolves the contradiction by making the display utility available when needed while maintaining targeting precision during critical moments.
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 continuous target tracking without disrupting the user's shooting position, maintaining a clear sight picture for follow-up shots by automatically adjusting the display magnification.
Implementation Method 1
an environmental sensor connected to the controller and operable to generate a discharge signal in response to discharge of the firearm
Implementation Method 2
an optical image generator operable to generate an image of a target area
Data Source
AI summary
An optic for a firearm has a body configured for connection to a firearm, an optical image generator operable to generate an image of a target area, a controller connected to the optical image generator, a display connected to the controller and configured to display the image, the controller operable to generate at least one image at a magnification selected from a range of magnifications ranging between a low power limit and a high power limit, an environmental sensor connected to the controller and operable to generate a discharge signal in response to discharge of the firearm, and the controller responsive to the discharge signal to change the display of the image. Changing the display of the image may include reducing the magnification of the image. The controller may be operable to generate at least two images of different magnifications.