Viewing Optic Wind Direction Capture With Auto-Updating Circular Display

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ballistics calculators require cumbersome and inaccurate manual input of wind direction and speed, which can lead to missed shots due to time constraints and the need for multiple instruments, especially in hunting and competition shooting scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A user interface for a viewing optic that displays wind direction and speed using a circle or broken circle with marked intervals, automatically updating based on the user's orientation, incorporating a direction sensor and processor to facilitate quick and intuitive data entry.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual input of wind direction and speed is used, then the ballistics calculator can process the data, but the input process is cumbersome and highly inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind direction input accuracyVSAvoidmanual input convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the device's built-in compass and sensor to automatically determine wind direction without requiring external instruments or manual measurement, allowing the system to serve itself by capturing environmental data through its own integrated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical input methods (physical buttons, menus, and keyboard entry) with an automated electronic sensor system that uses a compass and processor to automatically capture and input wind direction data, eliminating the need for manual operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple menus are cycled through for data entry, then comprehensive data can be collected, but the time required exceeds the window for taking the shot

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveballistic calculation accuracyVSAvoidtime to input wind data

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by automatically capturing wind direction data in real-time and pre-calculating ballistic solutions before the shooter needs to take the shot, so that when the shot opportunity arises, the data is already ready and requires no additional input time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the time-consuming manual data entry process from the shooting workflow by implementing automatic sensor-based data capture, separating the data collection function from the shooting action itself, allowing the shooter to focus solely on the shot while the system handles data acquisition independently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If wind direction is updated manually when target direction changes, then accurate ballistic data can be maintained, but the process is stressful and prone to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind direction accuracyVSAvoiddata update procedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts wind direction data automatically based on real-time changes in target orientation or shooter position, using sensors to detect and respond to environmental changes without requiring manual intervention, making the system adaptable to changing conditions on the fly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors environmental conditions and automatically updates ballistic calculations based on sensor data, creating a closed-loop system that self-corrects and maintains accuracy without user intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Loss of information

If compass heading is used to display wind direction, then the data can be recorded, but it is difficult to quickly understand the direction without knowing North

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind direction informationVSAvoidwind direction interpretation

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses visual indicators such as colored arcs or highlighted segments on a circular display to represent different wind direction ranges, allowing the shooter to quickly comprehend wind direction through intuitive visual cues rather than interpreting numerical compass headings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the one-dimensional compass heading number into a two-dimensional visual representation using a circular arc or clock-face display, adding spatial dimension to the data presentation, making it easier to quickly grasp wind direction relative to the shooter's position

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS12366953B2User interface for viewing optic with wind direction capture

Publication Date: 2025.07.22 SHELTERED WINGS INC D B A VORTEX OPTICS

AI summary

A user interface for displaying and entering a wind bearing comprises a circle or broken circle with one or more markings about its perimeter. The displayed marking or markings correspond to a relative wind direction input by a user. The displayed markings are able to update automatically as the user faces a new direction.