Optical Gunsight with Collimated Reticle and Adaptive Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gunsights, particularly iron sights and laser/holographic sights, face challenges in rapid and accurate target acquisition, especially in low light conditions and dynamic shooting scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A gunsight and sighting system that incorporates a projection window with a collimated image overlay, featuring a Cassegrain portion and a spacer portion, which overlays a reticle onto the target view, along with illuminated sight dots and light sensors to adjust illumination based on ambient light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If iron sights are used, then the sights are inexpensive and sturdy, but the shooter must switch focus between rear sight, front sight, and target which slows target acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reticle image projection function with the sight dot illumination function into a single integrated system. The projection window combines the Cassegrain optical system for reticle projection with light sensors and illumination sources for sight dot lighting, allowing both functions to operate simultaneously without requiring the shooter to switch focus between separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection window acts as an intermediary element that projects the reticle image directly onto the target area through optical reflection. This intermediary mechanism eliminates the need for the shooter to manually align separate front and rear sights, as the reticle is automatically positioned and illuminated through the integrated system.
2Productivity
If laser, holographic, or projected sights are used, then target acquisition can be rapid, but the aiming piper is difficult to acquire in low light conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs illuminated sight dots that can change their illumination state based on ambient light conditions. The light sensors detect ambient light levels and automatically adjust the illumination intensity of the sight dots, ensuring they remain visible in low light conditions while maintaining rapid target acquisition capability in brighter environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates light sensors that continuously monitor ambient light conditions and provide feedback to the illumination control system. This feedback mechanism automatically adjusts the illumination intensity of the sight dots and reticle projection to optimize visibility across varying lighting conditions, solving the problem of poor visibility in low light while maintaining rapid acquisition speed.
3Productivity
If laser, holographic, or projected sights are used, then rapid target alignment is achieved, but the system is slow to line up on target compared to optical reflection methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic or mechanical alignment systems with an optical reflection-based projection system. The Cassegrain optical system projects the reticle image directly onto the target area through light reflection, eliminating the need for electronic processing or mechanical adjustment steps, thereby achieving rapid target alignment without the time delays associated with electronic sight systems.
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
Facilitates rapid and accurate target acquisition by providing a clear, collimated reticle overlay in varying light conditions, reducing the need to switch focus between sights and target, and enhancing visibility with adjustable illumination.
Implementation Method 1
A projection window with a collimated image overlay is secured to the mount portion by the hood portion
Implementation Method 2
Cassegrain portion for overlaying a collimated image of a reticle onto the view of the target area
Implementation Method 3
Light sensors are disposed at the front of the mount portion to detect ambient light and/or light in a target area and accordingly adjust the illumination of the sight dots
Implementation Method 4
The sight dots may be illuminated by any of various desirable colors to enhance visibility in various lighting conditions
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and methods are provided for a gunsight and sighting system for use on firearms. The gunsight and sighting system comprises a mount portion coupled with a hood portion. A projection window with a collimated image overlay is secured to the mount portion by the hood portion. A front sight dot is forward of the projection window, while two rear sight dots are rearward of the mount portion. The sight dots may be illuminated by any of various desirable colors to enhance visibility in various lighting conditions. Light sensors disposed at the front of the mount portion detect ambient light and/or light in a target area and accordingly adjust the illumination of the sight dots. The light sensors may be disposed in asymmetric locations of the mounting portion to overcome interference due to light arriving at angles other than in front of the gunsight and sighting system.