Illuminating Gunsight with Collimated Overlay and Light Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gunsights, particularly iron sights and laser/holographic/projected sights, face challenges in rapid and accurate target acquisition, especially in varying light conditions and require shooters to shift focus among multiple sight elements.
Innovation Solution
A gunsight and sighting system that includes a mount portion coupled with a hood portion, a projection window with a collimated image overlay, and illuminated front and rear sight dots, with light sensors to adjust illumination based on ambient and target light conditions, facilitating rapid and accurate aiming without focus shifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If iron sights are used, then the gunsight is inexpensive, sturdy, and lightweight, but it requires the shooter to line up the rear sight with the front sight and the target, making it challenging to switch focus among multiple elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines iron sight elements with a projected sight system into a single integrated apparatus. The projected sight displays a reticle image in the projection window that aligns with the physical front and rear sight dots, allowing the shooter to acquire both sight types simultaneously without focus switching. This merging resolves the contradiction by maintaining the simplicity and low cost of iron sights while adding rapid acquisition capabilities.
2Productivity
If laser, holographic, and/or projected sights are used, then rapid target acquisition is enabled, but it can be difficult to acquire the aim piper in low light conditions and they are relatively slow to line up on a target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different properties to different parts of the sighting system. The projected reticle image provides bright, rapid acquisition in the projection window, while the physical iron sight dots provide reliable, visible reference points in low light conditions. The light sensor automatically adjusts the brightness of the projected image based on ambient light levels, ensuring the reticle remains visible across varying light conditions. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction by allowing each sight type to excel in its optimal conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a light sensor that dynamically adjusts the brightness of the projected reticle image based on detected ambient light levels. In low light conditions, the brightness is increased to ensure visibility; in bright light conditions, the brightness is reduced to prevent glare and maintain comfort. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the projected sight's performance to varying light conditions, ensuring reliable operation across the full range of environments.
3Productivity
If a projected sight is used, then rapid target acquisition is enabled, but the shooter must shift focus among the projected image and the target
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the projected reticle image with the physical iron sight elements at the same focal plane. The projection window is positioned and sized so that the virtual reticle image appears to originate from the same depth as the front and rear sight dots. This allows the shooter to focus on a single plane containing all sight elements simultaneously, eliminating the need to shift focus between the projected image and the target. The iron sight elements serve as natural focus references that align with the projected reticle, resolving the contradiction by maintaining both rapid acquisition and ease of operation.
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 enables rapid and accurate target acquisition in various lighting conditions by providing a collimated image overlay and adjustable illumination, reducing the need for focus shifting and improving performance in military, police, and hunting scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
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 2
a projection window with a collimated image overlay is secured to the mount portion by the hood portion
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods 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 disposed forward of the projection window, while two rear sight dots are disposed at a rear of the mount portion. The sight dots may be illuminated by any various desirable colors to enhance visibility in various lighting conditions. 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 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.