Optical Sight Range Estimation via Animal Dimension Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of optical sights, especially in low-light conditions or with thermal optics, face challenges in estimating distance and ballistic drop without a laser range finder, leading to difficulties in accurately aiming projectiles.
Innovation Solution
An optical sight system that includes a lens assembly, display, and controller, which determines the range and ballistic drop by correlating animal images and dimensions with stored data, providing a percentage of the display area occupied by the target animal and calculating the ballistic drop based on the range and projectile specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If thermal optics are used for low-light conditions, then visibility of target is improved, but ability to estimate range and drop deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach by using a known object (animal) as a reference standard. The controller measures the displayed area of the animal image and compares it against stored reference data for animals of known dimensions and ranges, thereby indirectly determining the target's range without requiring direct laser measurement or visual estimation skills.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the target animal through the optical system and displays it on a screen. The controller then analyzes the displayed image's area and uses this information, combined with stored reference data about animal dimensions at various ranges, to calculate the actual range. This copying process enables automated range determination that works with thermal optic images.
2Ease of operation
If conventional optical sights are used, then targeting capability is provided, but range estimation capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the optical sight system to perform multiple functions: it provides targeting capability through the optical components while simultaneously enabling range estimation through the controller's analysis of displayed animal images. The system integrates both targeting and ranging functions into a single device, eliminating the need for separate laser range finders.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to the user by displaying the calculated range information on the same screen showing the target image. This feedback loop allows the user to see both the target and the estimated range simultaneously, improving the ease of operation by providing complete targeting information without requiring additional separate devices or manual 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
The system achieves accurate range estimation and ballistic drop calculation within 5% accuracy up to approximately 300 yards, improving aiming precision by integrating animal recognition and dimension input for enhanced user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The lens assembly may be a thermal lens assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sight configured to be mounted to a weapon includes a lens assembly, a display, and a controller. The display is configured to display a target animal through the lens assembly. The controller is configured to determine a range from the optical sight to the target animal and display the range on the display. The controller is configured to determine an animal type, a known animal dimension, and a display area for the target animal, where the display area for the target animal is a percentage of the display occupied by the target image. The controller is configured to determine the range from the known animal dimension and the display area for the animal.