Optical Rangefinder Communication for On-Site Ballistic Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Shooters lack practical tools for accurately determining ballistic parameters such as muzzle velocity and drag coefficients for their firearms, relying on estimates or expensive lab data, and existing ballistics calculators often lack comprehensive ammunition data.
Innovation Solution
A laser rangefinder system integrated with sensors for atmospheric conditions and a processing unit to calculate ballistic parameters on-site, using optical communication for precise distance and impact detection, eliminating the need for external equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a chronograph or radar system is used to measure bullet velocity, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical chronograph systems or radar equipment with an optical-based laser rangefinder system. The laser rangefinder measures bullet velocity by timing the flight over a known distance using optical pulses, eliminating the need for complex mechanical or radar-based measurement apparatus while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser rangefinder system performs multiple functions simultaneously - it measures both the distance to the target and the bullet flight time, thereby calculating velocity without requiring separate measurement devices. The system serves itself by using its primary ranging capability for the secondary purpose of ballistic measurement.
2Measurement precision
If lab-based radar systems are used to determine ballistic coefficients, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables shooters to independently measure their own ballistic parameters in the field using the laser rangefinder, eliminating the need to travel to specialized laboratories or wait for manufacturer data. Each user generates their own personalized ballistic coefficients through direct measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs ballistic measurements during regular shooting activities rather than requiring separate lab sessions. By integrating velocity and distance measurement into the shooting process itself, the data collection happens preliminarily and naturally as part of normal use.
3Ease of operation
If linked database ballistics calculators are used, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability worsens due to incomplete ammunition data
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on pre-populated databases that may be incomplete or proprietary, the system allows each user to build their own personalized ballistic database by measuring their specific firearm and ammunition combinations in the field. This self-generated data ensures complete adaptability to any ammunition type while maintaining ease of use through automated calculations.
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 accurate, on-site calculation of ballistic parameters, reducing reliance on external tools and providing personalized ballistic data for shooters.
Implementation Method 1
a laser rangefinder or other mobile range finding system used to calculate a distance to a target
Implementation Method 2
the one or more operations to calculate projectile time of flight
Implementation Method 3
an optical receiver associated with the laser rangefinder or the other mobile range finding device to recover sensor data transmitted over-the-air from the remote system
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments described herein may include a laser rangefinder or another mobile optical device, the laser rangefinder or the other mobile optical device including: an integrated display, or an external interface to couple to another display; a line-of-sight communication interface capable of communication with a remote system when at least one optical receiver of the line-of-sight communication interface has line of sight to a light-transmission module of the remote system; processing circuity to, in response to the at least one optical receiver capturing light transmitted over-the-air from the light-transmission module: recover one or more values bases on the captured light; and present the one or more values, or information derived therefrom, using the integrated display, or transmit a signal representing the recovered one or more values, or the information derived therefrom, over the external interface. Other embodiments may be disclosed and/or claimed.