RU2674720C2 - Optical device utilising ballistic zoom and method for sighting target (options) - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: weapons.SUBSTANCE: invention relates to the field of small arms with optical methods for automatically determining source data for opening fire. When sighting a target, the initial state of the optical device is determined, which consists in determining the interconnected dimensions of the ranging element and the distance thereto. Ballistic information is received and images are received from an image sensor. At least part of the image is displayed on a display. Ranging element is overlaid on the displayed portion of the image. First zoom input is received to set a first zoom value. First zoom value corresponds to a first distance from the optical device. First projectile position is determined based on the first distance and the ballistic information. Area of interest is also displayed based on the zoom value. Area of interest corresponds at least partially to the trajectory of the projectile. Also disclosed is a device for sighting a target, comprising a housing, a display, an image sensor, and a controller configured to control the device in a default zoom mode or a ballistic zoom mode. In the default zoom mode, increasing the zoom level changes the field of view along the optical path from the device to the target, and in ballistic scaling mode, increasing the zoom level changes the field of view along the ballistic path from the device.EFFECT: providing a fully digital, hands-free solution to the task of accurately aiming a weapon from a long distance, enabling the input of all the necessary information to fire a shot from a distance, without taking hands from the weapon by simply tilting the weapon from side to side.19 cl, 23 dwg

Description

Cross reference to related applications

[0001] This application was filed February 4, 2015 as an international patent application under the PCT and claims the priority of application for US patent No. 14/175803, filed February 7, 2014, which is a partial continuation of patent application US No. 13 / 786383, filed March 5, 2013, which in turn is a partial continuation of the usual application for US patent No. 13/412506, filed March 5, 2012, descriptions of these applications are fully incorporated into this document by reference.

Introduction

[0002] When firing a long-range shot with a firearm, the shooter must first determine the initial data for firing, based on the distance to the target (range), lowering the trajectory of the bullet due to the characteristics of the bullet’s flight and the action of gravity (lowering the trajectory) and the side component of the wind, which blows during shooting (drift by the wind).

[0003] Typically, the shooter has a table printed on the side of his weapon, or remembers the values for each of the amendments, that is, to lower the trajectory and drift by the wind at different ranges and wind speeds. The shooter must then adjust for each of the values of these components. Two methods are commonly used for this purpose. The first is to manually adjust the drums on the telescope so that the ocular reticle directs the arrow to the target position, subject to amendments. In a second embodiment, what is commonly referred to as “sight adjustment” should be used by those skilled in the art. For this purpose, there are many types of optical sights that have graded eyepiece reticles. The shooter places the target in a different position on the ocular grid based on its grading.

[0004] There are numerous "optical solutions" to the problem of "automatically detecting initial data for firing," cited in previous patents; however, few of them rarely survive on the market due to the high cost of automatically moving optical components and the difficulty of maintaining accuracy during repeated impacts from weapons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The first embodiment of the device or target sighting device in accordance with this invention comprises an image sensor and a lens for receiving television images of objects that the sight is aimed at; image processing processor; tilt sensor for measuring gravity relative to the sight; a display component for reproducing television images captured by the image sensor and processed by the image processing processor: an eyepiece lens allowing the user to view the display component; a pressure and temperature sensor for measuring atmospheric conditions and a suitable means for placing said components.

[0006] The device provides a fully “solid-state digital” and “hands-free” solution for the task of accurately targeting weapons from a long distance. The shooter is able to enter all the necessary information to make a long-range shot during the shooting, without taking his hands off the weapon, simply tilting the weapon from side to side.

[0007] A predetermined threshold angle defines a tilt function. For the purpose of explanation, let's say that it is 10 degrees. If the angle of inclination of the weapon is less than 10 degrees in any direction, that is, left or right, a calculation is made to set the correction for drift by the wind. A representation of the magnitude of the wind drift correction is superimposed, along with the corresponding crosshair symbol, to determine the aiming point on the television image represented by the arrow. If the angle of inclination is greater than 10 degrees in both directions, then the numerical value of the range superimposed on the television image continuously increases or decreases depending on the direction and magnitude of the angle of inclination of more than 10 degrees. The field of view, i.e. (increase) of the television image represented by the arrow, simultaneously increases or decreases with respect to the numerical value of the range if the field of view is within the field of view determined by the front lens and the image sensor,

[0008] The rangefinder circle is also superimposed on the television image. This circle represents a predetermined target size. The circle remains a fixed size on the display component if the field of view is greater than its minimum. If the field of view is at a minimum, the size of the range determination circle is gradually adjusted to a smaller size depending on the range setting. To find the distance to the target, the shooter adjusts the range setting by tilting the weapon more than 10 degrees to the left or right until the target matches the range definition circle.

[0009] As described above, the device provides a durable sight without a visible external control. All ballistic calculations necessary for firing at long distances are performed automatically depending on the internal sensors and settings performed by tilting the weapon; thus creating a simple and convenient sight.

[0010] Another embodiment in accordance with this invention is a digital aiming device that comprises a hollow body having a central axis and a first end, a second end and a removable digital camera module supported by a first end of the body. The camera module contains at least one focusing lens located at a distance along the axis from the image sensor mounted at right angles to the optical axis of the lens on the sensor circuit board in the camera module. The image projected by the lens focuses at a predetermined location on the sensor. The control / display module having a longitudinal axis is removably attached to the second end of the housing. The control / display module is electrically connected to the camera module through a connector on the sensor circuit board of the camera module. The connection is made when the control / display module is mounted on the second end of the housing. The control / display module has a control part including a circuit board and a display component mounted on it, and includes a display part accommodating an eyepiece lens assembly mounted on the same axis as the display component.

[0011] The control part of the control / display module preferably has a power source, an inclination sensor, an external computer connector, an image processing processor, a memory device and a pair of switches, all of which are connected by a printed circuit on a printed circuit board oriented axially in the control / display module. The camera module and the control / display module are located on the same axis in a cylindrical housing. The control / display module is configured to allow the user to choose between predefined parameters to be set when the control / display module is detached from the camera module and rotates about its longitudinal axis. The selection of one or more predetermined parameters is performed by actuating one or both of a pair of switches.

[0012] The tilt sensor in the control / display module is configured to measure the tilt angle of the device relative to the axis of the case and cause the image processor to create a trimmed image of the target in response to the measured tilt angle. The image processing processor is configured to make a change in the field of view of the image on the display after receiving from the tilt sensor a measured tilt angle exceeding the threshold angle. The angle of inclination greater than zero and less than the threshold angle causes the drift correction indicator to change position in the field of view of the image on the display.

[0013] The control / display module is configured to allow the user to choose between adjustable programmable parameters when the control / display module is separated from the camera module, held horizontally and rotated around its longitudinal axis.

[0014] In one aspect, the technology relates to a method of sighting a target, which comprises: receiving an initial state of an optical device, the initial state including the size of the rangefinder element and the distance associated with the size of the rangefinder element; ballistic information reception; image reception from the image sensor; display at least part of the image on the display; overlay of the rangefinder element on the displayed part of the image; receiving the first scaling input to set the first scaling value, the first scaling value corresponding to the first distance from the optical device; and determining the first position of the bullet based on the first distance and ballistic information. In an embodiment of the invention, the method further includes displaying a first region of interest based at least in part on the first bullet position and the first scaling value. In another embodiment of the invention, the method further includes displaying a first character corresponding to a first bullet position, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the method further includes: receiving input of maximum scaling to set the maximum scaling value, wherein the maximum scaling value is determined by the image sensor region of interest and displayed area of interest; displaying the maximum magnified image associated with the maximum zoom value; receiving a second scaling input to set a second scaling value, the second scaling value corresponding to a second distance from the optical device; calculation of the size of the adjusted rangefinder element; overlay of the adjusted rangefinder element on the displayed maximized image; determining the second position of the bullet based on the second distance and ballistic information; and displaying the second region of interest based at least in part on the second bullet position and the second scaling value. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method further includes displaying a second symbol corresponding to the second position of the bullet.

[0015] In another embodiment of the foregoing aspect, the first character is at least one of a hit point on a target and a guiding character. In an embodiment of the invention, the first operation to determine the position of the bullet is based at least in part on the input data of drift by the wind, in another embodiment of the invention, the first operation to determine the position of the bullet is based at least in part on the input data of the pool information, the input data of the ambient temperature, the input data tilt, roll input, input velocity data at the exit from the barrel, and atmospheric pressure input data. In another embodiment of the invention, the image sensor is in the form of a camera.

[0016] In another aspect, the technology relates to a method for sighting a target, which includes: receiving ballistic information; image reception from the image sensor; receiving a scaling value; calculating a bullet trajectory based at least in part on ballistic information; and displaying the region of interest based on the scaling value, wherein the region of interest corresponds at least partially to the bullet path. In an embodiment of the invention, the method further includes determining a range to the target. In another embodiment, the determining operation includes: displaying at least a portion of an image on a display and superimposing a rangefinder element on a portion of the image. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method further includes: receiving scaling input data, wherein the scaling input data has an updated scaling value; and displaying the updated region of interest based on the updated scaling value.

[0017] In yet another aspect, the technology relates to a method for targeting, including: receiving an image from an image sensor; displaying at least a portion of the received image, the displayed portion having a displayed field of view; displaying a rangefinder element with a fixed size depending on the displayed field of view; receiving input of target size; receiving scaling input to set the scaling value; calculating the range to the target based at least in part on the input data of the target size and the scaling value. In an embodiment, the target size input has a default target size input. In another embodiment of the invention, receiving target size input data includes receiving target size input data from a storage device. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the target size input is selected from a plurality of predetermined target sizes.

[0018] In another aspect, the technology relates to a device for sighting a target, which comprises: a housing; display; an image sensor and a controller configured to selectively control the device in the default zoom mode and in the ballistic zoom mode, and in the default zoom mode, the increase in the zoom level changes the field of view along the optical path from the device to the target, and in the ballistic zoom mode, the increase in the level scaling changes the field of view along the ballistic trajectory of the device. In an embodiment of the invention, in the default zoom mode, the symbol associated with the bullet hit point is displayed, the symbol position on the display changing based on the zoom level.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0019] Other features and advantages of this technology, as well as the technology itself, can be more fully understood from the following description of various forms of its implementation after reading it along with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a digital sight in accordance with this invention.

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates an overlay image in the digital scope shown in FIG. one.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of another embodiment of a digital sight in accordance with this invention.

[0023] FIG. 4 is a partial schematic cross-sectional view of the digital sight on the target shown in FIG. 3.

[0024] FIG. 5 is a separate perspective view of the control / display module of the digital sight shown in FIG. 3.

[0025] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the control / display module shown in FIG. 5.

[0026] FIG. 7 is a separate perspective view of a control part of a control / display module shown in FIG. 6.

[0027] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a control portion of a control / display module of FIG. 6, showing a sensor circuit board connected to a control part.

[0028] FIG. 9 is a separate schematic cross-sectional view of the interchangeable camera module in the form of the digital sight shown in FIG. 3.

[0029] FIG. 10 illustrates four typical display images provided by the digital sight control / display module shown in FIG. 3.

[0038] FIG. 11 is a simplified representation of the effect of gravity on a bullet flight.

[0031] FIG. 12A-12C depict comparisons between a captured field of view and a displayed view for a sight using ballistic scaling technology.

[0032] FIG. 13A depicts a region of interest for various magnifications of a conventional optical zoom system.

[0033] FIG. 13B shows an area of interest for various magnifications of a ballistic scaling system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the field of view and the rangefinder element of a fixed size.

[0035] FIG. 15-18 depict methods for targeting.

[0036] FIG. 19 illustrates an initial pointing or aiming process in the devices shown in FIG. 1 and in FIG. 3, on weapons such as a rifle.

[0037] FIG. 20 illustrates the process of determining velocity values at the exit from the barrel (Muzzle Velocity, MV) and ballistic characteristics (Ballistic Characteristic, BC) for the devices shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, on a specific weapon, such as a rifle, for various distances.

Detailed description

[0038] Reference will now be made in detail to the accompanying drawings, which at least help in illustrating suitable forms of implementing the new technology provided by this invention.

[0039] Turning now to FIG. 1, which shows one embodiment of a digital aiming system 100 for aiming at a target. In the illustrated embodiment, system 100 comprises an elongated hollow cylindrical body 101 having a front end and a rear end. The housing may be made of anodized aluminum or similar material. The front lens 102 and the image sensor 103 are mounted near the front end of the housing 101. The front lens 102 is mounted so as to focus light from a target onto the image sensor 103. The image processing processor 104, the tilt sensor 105, and the batteries 106 are installed in the cylindrical body 101. The image sensor 103 and the tilt sensor 105 are electrically connected to the image processing processor 104. The control / display module 108 and the image display component 109 are mounted near the rear end of the housing 101. The image display component 109 is electrically coupled to the image processing processor 104. The housing 101 may also include an integrated mounting system (not shown) for mounting the sight 100 on a weapon (eg, a rifle).

[0040] In this embodiment, the image sensor 103 is operable to obtain source image data of a target. The image processing processor 104 is operable to receive the original image data from the image sensor 103 and create a target image based thereon. The image display component 109 functions to receive a target image from the image processing processor 104 and display to the user an image of the target, which may facilitate pointing the weapon.

[0041] The tilt sensor 105 functions to measure the tilt angle of the sight 100 and generate angular position data based thereon. As used herein, the term "angle of inclination" means the angular orientation of the sight 100 relative to the central axis of the cylindrical body 101. The angle of inclination is expressed as the degree in degrees of the angle of rotation (that is, the angular displacement) of the device during positioning along the horizontal axis passing through the device from the original orientation (e.g. vertical). In one embodiment, the tilt sensor is an accelerometer. An eye movement sensor 110a located near the eyepiece 110 and operatively coupled to the processor 104 can also be used as described here.

[0042] The image processing processor 104 preferably includes a microprocessor and a storage device storing static information and dynamic information, along with software that operates to receive the angular position data of the tilt detector 105 and make adjustments to the target display based on them. Thus, by changing the angle of inclination, for example, by turning clockwise / counterclockwise a weapon attached to the sight 100, while the weapon is directed or aimed along an axis passing through the barrel of the weapon, it is possible to facilitate the control of one or more guidance functions, associated with the device. In alternative embodiments of the invention, this control and tilt sensor adjustment functionality may be replaced or supplemented by a button 105a, a switch, a round knob, or other body.

[0043] The static information stored in the memory of the image processing processor 104 includes the location coordinates of the optical focal point on the image sensor 103. Since the image sensor 103 is a two-dimensional matrix of photosensitive elements known as pixels, the x-coordinate of the focal point of the lens on the matrix determines the initial position of the image center for display. These coordinates program the non-volatile memory of the image sensor.

[0044] In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1 and 2, a change in the angle of inclination can control such aiming functions as the adjustment of the field of view, the correction of the decrease in the trajectory and / or the correction for drift by the wind. The threshold tilt angle may determine the individual functions of the sight 100. In one embodiment of the invention, the user can control the field of view (ie, effective magnification) of the displayed target image, giving the sight 100 a tilt angle greater than the threshold angle. When the tilt sensor 105 determines that the tilt angle is greater than the threshold angle in either direction, the image processor 104 may respond to this by adjusting the field of view. Whether the field of view increases or decreases, and the speed with which this is done may depend on the direction and magnitude of the angle of inclination.

[0045] In one embodiment, the threshold tilt angle is 10 degrees. Thus, by applying a tilt angle of 30 degrees to the right (that is, clockwise), you can make the field of view quickly decrease (that is, increase the magnification), thus quickly making objects in the target image appear large to the user. Conversely, by applying an angle of inclination of 15 degrees to the left (i.e., counterclockwise), you can make the field of view slowly increase (i.e., decrease the increase), thus slowly making the objects in the target image appear smaller to the user.

[0046] The field of view of the target image may have limits determined by the resolution of the image sensor 103 and the resolution of the image display component 109. For example, the image sensor 103 may have a resolution of 2560 × 1920 pixels, and the image display component 109 may have a resolution of 320 × 240 pixels. A minimum field of view of the target image (i.e., maximum magnification) can thus be achieved when data from one pixel on the image sensor 103 controls the output of one pixel on the image display component 109. Thus, at maximum magnification in this example, the image display component 109 may show one-eighth of the data collected by the image sensor 103. The maximum field of view of the target image (that is, the minimum magnification) can be achieved when the image display component 109 having 320 × 240 pixels shows all the data collected by the image sensor 103, which has 2560 × 1920 pixels. Thus, at the minimum magnification in this example, data from the pixel blocks collected by the image sensor 103 is combined in a process called “binning” and then sent to control one pixel on the image display component 109. In order to fulfill the function of determining range with a high degree of resolution, the field of view of the target image should gradually change between maximum and minimum small steps. Thus, the field of view of the image sensor 103 changes from 2560 × 1920 pixels to 320 × 240 pixels in small steps, and the resolution of the image displayed by the image display component 109 remains fixed at 320 × 240 pixels. Thus, in one embodiment, the scope has an adjustable magnification of 8 to 1. Again, one or more buttons I05a, knobs or switches can also perform the adjustments described above in connection with the tilt sensor 105.

[0047] Turning now to FIG. 2, which shows one embodiment of an overlay image 200. The microprocessor 104 may overlay an image 200 on a displayed image of a target. The overlay image 200 displays additional information to the user that may facilitate pointing the weapon. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 of the embodiment, the overlay image 200 comprises a crosshair 201, a rangefinder circle 202, a wind drift correction symbol 203, a digital indication 204 of the range and a mark 205. Crosshair 201 is used to determine the aiming position on the target image. Digital indication 204 range displays the distance. Range units can be user selectable yards or meters. The wind drift correction symbol 203, together with 205 marks, indicates the value for the correct wind drift in miles per hour or kilometers per hour. With arbitrary English units selected, an overlay image of 200, as shown, indicates that the drift on the right is corrected at 3 mph (4.83 km / h) and the bullet trajectory reduction calculated for the distance to the target is 525 yards (480 m).

[0048] The overlay image 200 shown comprises a rangefinder element 202. In the depicted embodiment, the rangefinder element 202 is a rangefinder circle, but other shapes may be used. The sight 100 can measure the distance to the target (that is, the range) using the "long-range method" using rangefinder circle 202. Rangefinder circle 202 represents a predetermined target size. To determine the distance to the target, the field of view can be adjusted (for example, by using an angle of inclination greater than 10 degrees), while the size of the rangefinder circle 202 is kept constant until the image of the target completely fills the rangefinder circle. Alternatively, the button 105a may be pressed if it is present on the sight 100, the drum is rotated, etc. The image processing processor 104 can then calculate the distance to the target using trigonometry. For example, three dots consisting of a visible upper boundary of a target, a visible lower boundary of a target and a front lens 120 define a right triangle. The distance from the top to the bottom of the target determines the first side of the triangle. The rangefinder circle measures the angle opposite the first side. Thus, the image processing processor 104 can calculate the length of the adjacent side of the triangle, that is, the distance to the target.

[0049] At very large distances to the target, its image may not be large enough to fill the rangefinder circle 202 even at maximum magnification (that is, a minimum field of view). Therefore, in one embodiment, when maximum magnification has been achieved, the image processing processor 104 may begin to reduce the size of the rangefinder circle 202 in response to ongoing data input to reduce the field of view (for example, while continuing to hold the sight 100 at an angle above the threshold angle). Thus, ranging can be facilitated even at distances beyond maximum magnification. This process is further described below.

[0050] The effect of gravity on the bullet (for example, lowering the trajectory of the bullet) can be calculated and the correction for it can be entered by the microprocessor 104 image processing based on variables such as range and ballistic data associated with the bullet. Ballistic data may be input to and stored in the sight 100. Examples of such input are described below with reference to further embodiments. To facilitate correcting for lowering the bullet path, the image processing processor 104 can shift the target image upward relative to the crosshair 201 based on the calculated lowering of the bullet path, thereby causing the arrow to actually aim at a point above the target, although the image will appear to the viewer centered at the crosshair. In other embodiments of the invention described below, the image processing processor 104 may display a region of interest with respect to the bullet at some distance from the shooter. The shooter would then be required to raise the weapon so as to level the crosshair on the target. This action corrects for lowering the bullet path at any point along the bullet path.

[0051] The effect of the wind on the bullet (eg, crosswind drift) can be calculated and corrected for it by the image processor 104 based on variables such as range, ballistic data and wind parameters during firing. Wind parameters can be measured or evaluated using methods known in the art. Crosswind drift can be introduced into the image processor 104 by applying an appropriate angle to the sight 100. To facilitate wind drift correction, the image processor 104 can shift the target image horizontally relative to the crosshair 201 based on the calculated or known wind drift, thereby forcing the arrow aim at a point on the side of the target from where the wind blows; in other forms of the invention described below, the image processor 104 may display a region of interest with respect to the bullet at a distance based on wind drift data. The shooter would then be required to move the weapon to level the crosshair on the target. This action corrects for wind drift at any point along the bullet path.

[0052] The user can control the drift correction function by applying a tilt angle less than the threshold angle to the sight 100. The magnitude and direction of the tilt applied to the sight 100 can control the magnitude and direction of the wind drift correction input, thereby controlling wind drift correction. For example, if the threshold angle of inclination is 10 degrees, then the angle of inclination of 5 degrees to the right (i.e., clockwise) may correspond to a drift correction by the wind, suitable to compensate for 10 mph (16.1 km / h) wind blowing from the right side of the user. In turn, an angle of inclination of 3 degrees to the left (i.e., counterclockwise) may correspond to the introduction of a suitable correction for drift by the wind in order to compensate for the wind of 7 mph (11.3 km / h) blowing from the left.

[0053] Wind drift correction symbol 203 may facilitate wind drift correction, allowing the user to more accurately enter wind drift data. The image processing processor 104 may cause the drift correction symbol 203 to be blown left and right relative to the cross hair 201 in response to the magnitude and direction of the tilt angle, thereby indicating to the user the magnitude and direction of the drift drift input data transmitted to the image processing processor 104.

[0054] In addition, the image processing processor 104 adjusts the position of the displayed target image from left to right so that the target remains centered in the crosshair even though the aiming line of the weapon is adjusted for drift by the wind indicated by the correction symbol 203. For example, in the example illustration in FIG. 2, the drift drift correction symbol 203 indicates the entry of a drift drift correction correction from right to left in 3 units (for example, mph), while the gun barrel adjustment (i.e., the real target point) is automatically adjusted to the right for this 3 mph (4.83 km / h) of crosswind, because the image displayed by the shooter is shifted accordingly. Therefore, the shooter must support these 3 units of incline when firing from a weapon in order to automatically adjust wind drift. In additional embodiments, the tilt should not be supported since the shooter can return the firearm to a vertical position before firing.

[0055] To initially calibrate the device 100 on a weapon, such as a rifle, it must first be mounted on the weapon and “shot” at a known distance. The flowchart is shown in FIG. 19. This procedure is used to compensate for the variation in the mechanical parameters of the alignment relative to the barrel of the weapon in the device. The first vertical adjustment is called mechanical “vertical correction” at the base distance. Typically for a rifle, it is carried out at a distance of 100 yards (91.4 m) from the target. The second regulation, in order to compensate for the horizontal variation of the parameters during installation, is called mechanical "horizontal adjustment". For device 100, these adjustments are performed by software located on an external device, such as a laptop, iPad, smartphone, or personal computer, which is connected to a microprocessor 104 in device 100.

[0056] Initially, the default values, assuming perfect alignment of the barrel, the expected initial velocity (Muzzle Velocity, MV) and the expected ballistic coefficient (Ballistic Coefficient, BC), are downloaded as default values to the device 100; this is shown as process step 1101 in FIG. 19. The weapon is then tied to the range of the target, where the target is placed at a known distance, for example, 100 yards (91.4 m), and the device 100 is aimed at the target during operation 1102. Preferably, this is done when there is no side wind, to affect the corrections being performed. Then, at process step 1103, a first test shot is performed with the vertical device 100 (without tilt) and aiming so that the crosshair is in the center of the target image. During operation 1104, the deviation of the bullet from the center of the target is measured and recorded. During operation 1105, a second test shot is performed and during operation 1106, the deviation of the bullet from the center of the target is recorded. These test shots are repeated several times during operation 1107. During operation 1108, all these recorded deviation values are entered into the software to obtain mechanical vertical and horizontal correction values for the device 100 on a particular weapon. Finally, during operation 1109, the software-determined vertical and horizontal correction values for the device 100 are loaded into the sighting device 100 via its Universal Serial Bus (USB) port.

[0057] In order to provide proper initial velocity (MV) and ballistic coefficient (A) data that are tied to a weapon, additional experienced firing at different distances is required. These operations are explained with reference to FIG. 20. These steps are the same as in FIG. 19 to step 1208. During operation 1209, the previous steps are repeated for several different distances to the target. Deviations are then entered into the software during operation 1210 in order to obtain better data consistency and to obtain accurate initial velocity and ballistic coefficient data for the particular cartridge used in the weapon. These values are then downloaded to the device 100 during operation 1211.

[0058] The software code used to obtain the MV and BC data is based on the Newtonian equations of physics for bullets, which are well known. Examples of equations for this purpose can be found in Modern Practical Ballistics, by Arthur J. Pejsa, Kenwood Publishing, 2nd edition. Once these MV and AF values for a particular weapon / target combination have become known and loaded into the image processing processor 104, the operation of the device 100 will not be difficult.

[0059] During operation, the user of the device 100 simply directs the weapon at the target, tilts the weapon more than 10 degrees counterclockwise to visually increase the field of view of the target, then when the appropriate size is set on the display, returns the weapon to the vertical, tilts the weapon left or right, depending on the perceived lateral wind, and fires a shot. The range is adjusted automatically by a microprocessor that moves the displayed image up or down. The crosshairs remain in the center, and a range adjustment is automatically provided and displayed. Wind drift correction is automatically performed by an arrow tilting the weapon toward its estimate of the desired offset for the target provided by the wind drift correction symbol 203 in the image display shown in FIG. 2. The target image is automatically shifted to the right or left on the display so that the crosshair remains in the center, and the shooter aims at the displayed image with the crosshair located in the center and fires while maintaining the desired tilt, thus correcting for drift by the wind.

[0060] Turning now to FIG. 3-4, in which a second embodiment of the sight 300 is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the device 300 comprises an elongated hollow cylindrical body 301 having a front end and a rear end. The housing may be made of anodized aluminum or similar material. The front lens 302 and the image sensor 303 are mounted together in a sealed unit near the front end of the housing 301. The front lens 302 is mounted so as to focus light from a target on the image sensor 303. The front lens 302 and sensor 303 are part of a sealed interchangeable camera module 319. An image sensor 303 is mounted on a circuit board and preferably comprises a sensor, an image processing processor, and non-volatile memory.

[0061] A microprocessor 304, pressure and temperature sensors (not shown), tilt sensor 305, and batteries 306 are mounted on circuit board 326 in the control / display unit 308. The image sensor 303, temperature and pressure sensors, and the tilt sensor 305 are electrically connected to the microprocessor 304, as described below.

[0062] The control / display module 308 and the image display component 309 are removably mounted near the rear end of the housing 301. The image display component 309 is electrically coupled to the microprocessor 304. The housing 301 also includes an integrated mounting system 311 for mounting the sight 300 on a weapon (eg, a rifle) .

[0063] The sight 300 may include some or all of the capabilities of the first form of implementation of the sight 100, including, for example, features such as adjusting the field of view, correction for lowering the path of the bullet (range) and / or correction for drift by the wind. In addition, the sight 300 preferably includes interchangeable camera modules 319, consisting of a front lens 302 and an image sensor 303 in the lens barrel 320. The image sensor 303 is mounted at right angles to the optical axis of the lens on a circuit board attached to the rear end of the frame 320 and preferably hermetically attached to it. The image sensor circuit board includes a coaxially rearward female connector 324 for inserting a pin knife connector protruding from the front end of the control / display module 308 described below.

[0064] The camera modules 319 are attached to the housing 301 by means of an external threaded ring 318 that guides and firmly fixes the lens barrel 320 at the exact locking and clamping positions in the housing 301 by the locking surfaces 321 (shown in FIG. 9). This feature of the interchangeable camera module allows one sight 300 or pointing device to be used in many different circumstances, such as long or short range situations, without the need to re-shoot in another camera module 319. This can be very beneficial to the user.

[0065] Turning now to FIG. 5-8, showing one embodiment of a removable control / display module 308. The control / display module 308 is removably secured by a ring 307 to the rear of the elongated cylindrical body 301. Removing the control / display module 308 from the cylindrical body 301 may facilitate battery replacement and / or facilitate configuration of device settings as described below. Ring 307 may use a bayonet mount, threaded, or any other suitable mounting system that can provide a mechanical connection between the control / display module 308 and the cylindrical body 301 during firing from a weapon.

[0066] The front opening of the ring 307 fits onto the outer surface of the rear end of the cylindrical body 301. The outer surface of the rear end of the cylindrical body 301 in this embodiment has an annular groove. The inner surface of the ring 307 has an annular girdle configured to fit into the groove so that the ring 307 is rotatably mounted on the cylindrical body 301. The inner surface of the rear opening of the ring 307 is threaded. The outer surface of the front end of the control / display module 308 is likewise threaded, so that the control / display module 308 can be threadedly attached to the cylindrical body 301 by rotating the ring 307. Thus, the ring 307 allows the control / display module 308 to attach to the cylindrical body 301 and disconnected from it without rotation of the control / display module 308 relative to the cylindrical body 301. This, in turn, allows the use of electrical connectors of a plug or bayonet Type between the control / display module 308 and the camera module 319.

[0067] The control / display module 308 comprises an eyepiece lens assembly 310. The eyepiece lens assembly 310 facilitates viewing of the image display component 309. In one embodiment, the distance from the eyepiece lens in the eyepiece lens assembly 310 to the image display component 309 may be manually adjusted to facilitate diopter adjustment. For example, the eyepiece lens assembly 310 can be threadedly mounted to the control / display unit 308 so that clockwise rotation of the eyepiece lens assembly 310 causes the distance from the eyepiece lens to the image display component 309 to decrease and vice versa.

[0068] As best shown in FIG. 8, the control / display module comprises a control part 313 comprising a circuit board 326 to which batteries 306, a tilt sensor, a pressure sensor and a temperature sensor are attached, and which is coupled to a microprocessor 304, which in turn is associated with a display element 309 in the display part 315 control / display module 308, the front end of the circuit board 326 includes a knife pin connector 322 that interfaces with a female connector 324 to securely connect the image sensor 303 to a microprocessor 304 that is mounted on the circuit board 326 to and the control unit 308 / the display is mounted into the housing 301, as described above.

[0069] Separating the control / display module 308 from the cylindrical body 301 allows the user to enter information that will be stored in the electronic memory of the microprocessor 304. Such information may include ballistic data, for example, ambient temperature, pressure, initial speed, air resistance force, and / or ballistic coefficient associated with one or more types of bullets. In an embodiment of the device 300, removing the control / display module 308 from the cylindrical body 301 opens a computer connection port 312 that electrically connects to the processor 304 via a circuit board 326. In one embodiment, the computer connection port 312 is a USB port. The control / display module 308 may thus be connected to a computer having appropriate application software capable of communicating with the processor 304 through a computer connection port 312. Ballistic data for one or more types of bullet cartridges can then be entered into the scope 300 and stored therein for use associated with field calculations of the trajectory of the bullet by the processor 304 to facilitate aiming the weapon, as described above.

[0070] Turning now to FIG. 9, which shows one embodiment of the interchangeable lens module 319. In the embodiment shown, the lens module comprises a lens barrel 320 having locking surfaces 321. The locking surfaces 321 facilitate proper centering of the interchangeable lens module 319 in the housing 301. As noted above, the image sensor 303 preferably comprises a non-volatile memory. The non-volatile storage device stores the coordinates (x, y) of the pixel in the pixel array of the image sensor 303, which is located on the optical axis of the camera module 319 (referred to herein as the "reference pixel"). When the interchangeable lens module 319 is installed in the device 300, the microprocessor 304 may function to read the coordinates of the reference pixel to establish a reference point in the target image. Thus, each of the interchangeable lens modules 319, which can be installed in the device 300, is self-contained and sealed. In addition, the adjustable characteristics described herein are independent of the change of camera modules 319.

[0071] Due to small manufacturing defects (eg, imperfections in the lenses), the optical axis of the camera module 319 may not exactly match the longitudinal center axis of the camera module 319. Preferably, the reference pixel is determined as the final step in the manufacturing process of the lens module 319. To determine the reference pixel, the interchangeable lens module 319 may be connected to a calibration device (not shown) containing surfaces that mate with the fixing surfaces 321. The calibration device further includes a calibration target located so that when the interchangeable lens module 319 is installed into the calibration device, the central axis of the lens module 319 is directed to the calibration target. The image of the calibration target can then be obtained using the sensor 303. The location of the reference pixel can then be determined by analyzing the image by determining which pixel of the sensor 303 has captured the light emanating from the center of the calibration target. The coordinates of the reference pixel can then be recorded (for example, programmed by "burning the jumpers") in the non-volatile memory of the image sensor 303 by means of a calibration device.

[0072] Turning now to FIG. 10, which shows four examples of menu images provided by the digital sight control / display module for targeting. In one embodiment of the control / display module 308, separating the control / display module 308 from the cylindrical body 301 allows the user to make choices in the field such functions as the size of the rangefinder circle 202, the maximum zoom range, and the type of bullet.

[0073] These functions are preferably organized in the menu. For example, a cartridge menu may display several cartridge types. Changing the cartridge type in the menu causes the ballistic data, MV and BC values used in calculating the trajectory by the processor 304 to change accordingly.

[0074] In one embodiment of the invention, a user can step through various menus by changing the angle of the detachable control / display unit 308. For example, the first menu appears at a tilt angle of 0 degrees, the second menu appears at a tilt angle of 90 degrees, the third menu appears at a tilt angle of 180 degrees, and the fourth menu can be displayed at a tilt angle of 270 degrees. The user can move stepwise through the various choices in each menu by using buttons 314, 316. Thus, the user can make field changes to functions such as the size of the rangefinder circle 202, maximum zoom range, and ballistic data associated with one or more types cartridge with a bullet. In other forms of carrying out the invention, the eye movement sensor described above can be used to move stepwise through the menu. An eye movement sensor can detect certain intentional eye movements and adjust menu items accordingly. For example, an eye movement sensor can detect a downward movement of the eye and send a signal to the processor to highlight a menu item below previous menu items. Moving the eye left or right can select or deselect menu items. Intentionally blinking an eye, for example, having a duration longer than a predetermined time, can also be used to select or deselect a selection. Actions taken by other eye movements are also contemplated.

[0075] The inclusion of the sight 100 or 300 is preferably achieved by removing the front lens cap (not described) from the sight. The conversion of the sight into the ready state with low power consumption is achieved by installing the front lens cover back on the sight. Of course, removing the batteries will deprive the device of the ability to store data, but it will not erase the static information stored in the non-volatile memory device.

[0076] The techniques described herein can also be used in an aiming or optical device that displays the position of a bullet on its ballistic curve when the zoom level increases or decreases. A typical setting is shown in FIG. 11. As described above, when a bullet moves from a rifle to an intended target, several forces act on the flight of the bullet. Gravity forces the bullet to drop in height when the bullet moves from a firearm to a target. If the hunter 500 is close to his target 502, the bullet drops very slightly. This short-range trajectory is close to the optical path 504. However, improvements in firearms and ammunition allowed hunters to shoot game from long distances. At these large distances, gravity forces the bullet to decrease in height more significantly, as represented by the ballistic trajectory 506 in FIG. 11. Other factors also affect bullet flight. For example, a crosswind causes the bullet to move horizontally along the bullet’s flight path. Compensation in an optical device for the effect of wind on a bullet’s flight is often referred to as a wind drift correction. Humidity, altitude, temperature, and other environmental factors can also affect bullet flight.

[0077] In order to properly target a target from a considerable distance, typical optical devices (that is, optical devices that use multiple lenses along the optical path without an image sensor) can be adjusted to increase magnification along the optical path of the device. That is, increasing the magnification increases the apparent size of the target in a straight line between the sight and the target. However, in order to compensate for the lower trajectory of the bullet, the user must adjust the position of the target in the viewfinder by raising the firearm slightly, thereby aligning another aiming element with the target based on the distance to it. This additional step is often forgotten by beginners (or even more experienced shooters) who are in a hurry or distracted, which leads to incorrect aiming. This can lead to a miss, or worse, to a non-lethal shot. In the so-called “ballistic scaling” technology described below, the scope shows an area near the position of the bullet at a predetermined distance from the shooter, thereby causing the shooter to raise, lower, or otherwise adjust the position of the firearm to compensate for the reduction in bullet path or side wind.

[0078] The ballistic scaling techniques described herein differ from the prior art in that the increase in magnification (or scaling) occurs along the ballistic trajectory 506 of the bullet. For any known ballistic information (for example, bullet caliber, exit velocity, crosswind speed, etc.), the position of the bullet is known at any distance from the firearm. The techniques described herein zoom on this ballistic trajectory 506 as shown in FIG. 11. The sight 508 captures the field of view (Field Of View, FOV) (defined by lines 510). However, the sight 508 displays to the user only part of the field of view 510. This displayed part (also called Region Of Interest (ROI)) represents the area of the field of view around the position of the bullet. Numerous regions of interest 512 are illustrated in FIG. 11. For example, the zero distance from the sight 512a is the area around the bullet at this point in space. Areas of interest are depicted at 200 yards (183 m) (512b), 400 yards (366 m) (512b), 600 yards (548.6 m) (512s) and 800 (731.5 m) yards (512d). The zoom value (described in detail below) is associated with a ballistic curve, thus allowing the sight 508 to determine the magnification for a given range and vice versa. The displayed areas of interest 512 may be any area as required or desired for a particular application. As the bullet goes down a ballistic trajectory 506, the hunter 500 is forced to raise a firearm to keep the displayed guidance element positioned properly on target 502.

[0079] FIG. 12A-12C depict comparisons between the captured field of view depending on the displayed view for the sight using ballistic zoom technology at various zoom levels. Image flips caused by lenses in the scope are not shown. In FIG. 12A, an image 600 captured by an image sensor such as a camera is shown. Typically, this image 600 is a full field FOV sensor. The ROI area 602 is represented by an arrow as a display image 604 on a display. In this figure, ROI 602 is a complete captured image 600. An aiming element 606, such as a crosshair, is superimposed on the displayed image 604. The crosshair 606 indicates where the bullet will be located at a specific distance from the sight, since this specific distance is related to the zoom level of the sight. The rangefinder element 608, in this case in the form of a rangefinder circle, is also superimposed on the displayed image 604.

[0080] At all zoom levels up to the maximum, and including it, the displayed size of the rangefinder element 608 has the same size relative to the FOV field 600 and is calibrated to a known target size. Thus, when using a rangefinder element calibrated for a six-foot (1.83 m) target, when the target “fits” to the rangefinder element (increasing magnification), the sight is able to calculate the distance to the target based on the long-range method, as described above. Unlike prior art devices that increase magnification along the optical path, ballistic scaling technology increases magnification along the ballistic trajectory. Thus, since the ballistic trajectory decreases as the distance from the firearm increases, the displayed image 604 is obtained from the ROI 602 at a lower portion of the FOV 600 when the zoom level increases. For example, FIG. 12B shows a ratio at a zoom level of 4x. Here, the captured image or FOV field 600 is invariably relative to FIG. 12A. The ROI 602 is smaller than the common FOV 600, and is located near the lower FOV 600. The ROI 602 is displayed as a displayed image 604. The size and position of the aiming element 606 and the rangefinder 608 remain unchanged on the display. FIG. 12C shows a relationship at a zoom level of 8x. Again, the captured image or FOV field 600 is unchanged with respect to FIG. 12A. The ROI 602 area is smaller than the total field of the FOV 600 and is located at the bottom of the FOV 600 field. The resolution of the sensor can be reduced to the resolution of the display by pixel binning or other technologies known in the art. When zooming increases the magnification, the smaller and smaller ROI 602 area is displayed. In addition, since the magnification follows a ballistic path, the center of the ROI 602 is always in the bullet position for this particular zoom level and its associated range. This helps ensure an accurate shot at a distance.

[0081] FIG. 13A depicts a region of interest for various magnifications of a conventional optical zoom system. In a traditional zoom system, the magnification is centered on the FOV field, and the ROI area corresponds to the centrally located part of the FOV field. Thus, at greater and greater distances, the user must align the various guidance elements in order to guarantee an accurate shot. In addition, in view of the crosswind depicted, the user should also use guidance elements adjusted for drift by the wind to compensate for drift by the crosswind. In this case, the user must aim the firearm to the left to compensate for the movement to the right due to the side wind.

[0082] In contrast to FIG. 13B shows an area of interest for various magnifications of a ballistic scaling system. Here, the center of the ROI region tracks the ballistic curve of the bullet so that at each zoom level, the position of the bullet is located in the center of the ROI region. When the zoom level increases, the center of the ROI area moves down according to the estimated decrease in the bullet path and moves horizontally according to the estimated deviation of the bullet due to the side wind. This forces the user to center the only available pointing point on the target to easily get an accurate shot.

[0083] FIG. 14 shows the relationship between the field of view and the rangefinder element of a fixed size. A sight 700 is shown having a FOV field (defined by the outermost lines 702). The extension lines 704 depict the magnitude of the ranging element as a function of the FOV field 702. The angle FOV α is known at any zoom level. Therefore, the rangefinder element 704 tightens the known angle of the rangefinder element β at any zoom level. The user can select from rangefinder elements those that are sized to fit a specific target 706. For example, the user can select a circle that matches a specific size target at a known distance (for example, a six-foot (1.83 m) target for a deer or other large an animal, or a goal of three feet (0.91 m) for wild boar or lesser game). Since there is only one range R at which the target 706 is accurately covered by the rangefinder element 704, the sight 700 is able to determine the range R based on the zoom level. The sight performs a calculation to determine the range R to target 706. This range is used to calculate ballistic data and the position of the ROI area. Range R can also be displayed along with the zoom level, side wind speed or other information.

[0084] FIG. 15-18 illustrate methods for targeting in accordance with several embodiments of the invention. FIG. 15 depicts a first method 800 for targeting with a sight or optical device. The method 800 begins with operation 802, where the initial state of the optical device is received. The initial state may include the size of the rangefinder element, as well as the range associated with the rangefinder element. For example, a rangefinder element may be based on a target of, say, six feet (1.83 m), and may be selected by the user depending on the size of the expected target. The sight processor binds a known rangefinder element with a known range, so that the range to the target that is tightly covered by the rangefinder element is known. Ballistic information such as exit velocity, weight or type of bullet, crosswind speed and direction, atmospheric pressure, roll, incline, ambient temperature and other information is received during operation 804. Typically, most of this information is programmed into the memory element of the sight before use, although the crosswind speed is usually set during use. The image, the main FOV field, is received by the image sensor during operation 806. At least a portion of this image, the ROI area, is displayed to the user during operation 810. After that, the first scaling input can be obtained during operation 812 and set the first level scaling. This zoom level corresponds to a known distance from the sight. Entering scaling data can be based on an action taken by the user, for example, actuating a button or pen, tilting a firearm, etc. When the scope increases the zoom level, the position of the bullet at that known distance (or zoom level), along with the associated ballistic information, is determined during operation 814. Based on the zoom value and the position of the bullet, the ROI area, mainly around the position of the bullet, can be displayed during operation 816. Although the displayed crosshair can be used for pointing, the scope can display a symbol, such as a pointing element, at the intersection of the crosshair to further highlight dix bullets.

[0085] FIG. 16 depicts a method for sighting a target 850 after it has reached the maximum zoom level of the image sensor. This condition can occur if the target is extremely far from the user of the sight, and the sight has reached its maximum zoom level after performing, for example, the method 800 shown in FIG. 15. The method 850 begins with operation 852 by receiving maximum scaling input that sets a maximum level of scaling. The maximum zoom level can be determined by the image sensor ROI region and the displayed image, for example, as soon as the resolution of the image sensor ROI region satisfies the resolution of the displayed image. The maximized image is displayed during operation 854. After this, the second scaling input sets a second scaling value during operation 856. Unlike the method 800 described above, further scaling input after reaching the maximum scaling value reduces the displayed size of the rangefinder. Based on the input zoom data or zoom level, the size of the rangefinder element is calculated during operation 858. This adjusted rangefinder element is then superimposed on the maximized image during operation 860. When the input zoom data of the sight increases, the position of the bullet at this known distance (or zoom level) , along with the associated ballistic information, is determined during operation 862. Based on the scaling value and the position of the pool and a region of interest, mainly around the position of the bullet, can be displayed, as during operation 864. As in method 800 of FIG. 15, the scope may display a symbol, such as a guidance element, to further highlight the position of the bullet.

[0086] FIG. 17 shows a method 900 for targeting. The method 900 includes receiving ballistic information, all or part of which can be stored in a storage device. The image is obtained from the image sensor during operation 904. A scaling value is obtained during operation 906, and the bullet path is calculated during operation 908. As with the methods described above, the ROI area based on the scaling value is displayed during operation 910. Basically, the ROI area corresponds, at least in part, to the position of the bullet. Although the displayed crosshair can be used for pointing, the scope can display a symbol, such as a pointing element, at the intersection of the crosshair to further highlight the position of the bullet. By superimposing a rangefinder element on a portion of the displayed image, the range to the target can be determined during operation 912. Other ranging methods can also be used. Once scaling input is obtained during operation 914, for example, by actuating a button by a user, aiming, etc., an updated ROI area may be displayed during operation 916.

[0087] Another target sighting method 1000 is depicted in FIG. 18. Here, the image received by the image sensor, such as a camera, is obtained during operation 1002. A field of view that is part of the received image is displayed during operation 1004. A rangefinder element having a fixed size relative to the displayed field of view is displayed or superimposed on the field view during operation 1006. Target size input is obtained during operation 1008. This target size input can be default target size data (for example, for six-foot targets (1.83 m)), or input can be obtained from a storage device. In other embodiments of the invention, the input size of the target is selected from a variety of predefined target sizes. The scaling input that sets the scaling value is obtained during operation 1010, and the range to the target is then calculated during operation 1012.

[0088] The ballistic scaling technology described herein can be used for sights that use image sensors, such as cameras. In some forms of implementation, the use of ballistic scaling may be selected as an option instead of the traditional default scaling or scaling described above (i.e., a scaling system in which the level of scaling or magnification increases along the optical path). Thus, the shooter may be able to change the scaling system (ballistic or traditional) as desired for a particular scenario, user preference, etc. Also in other forms of the invention, the installation of an optical device may be selected where the depicted crosshair, for example, in FIG. 12A-12C is not related to the position of the bullet. In such embodiments of the invention, the display may represent one or more guidance elements, separated from the crosshairs, which are associated with the position of the bullet at a given distance. In such forms of implementation, the center of the ROI area can be placed at the guidance element.

[0089] Turning now to FIG. 19 and 20, on which the sight 300 can be targeted for each of up to four types of cartridge / bullet combinations that are used in weapons. In order to initially expose the pointing device 300 on a weapon, such as a rifle, as with the first embodiment described above, it must first be mounted on the weapon and “shot” at a known distance. The flowchart is shown in FIG. 19. This procedure is used to compensate for mechanical deviations of the centering relative to the barrel of the weapon in the device. The first vertical adjustment is called a correction to the mechanical "reduction of the trajectory of the bullet" at the base distance. Typically for a rifle, this is carried out at a distance of 100 yards (91.4 m) from the target. The second regulation, to compensate for the horizontal deviation in the installation, is called mechanical "horizontal adjustment". For device 300, these adjustments are performed by software located on an external device, such as a laptop, iPad, smartphone, or personal computer, which is then downloaded to microprocessor 304 in device 300 via USB port 312 in control / display module 308 when it is removed from case 301.

[0090] Initially, the default values assuming perfect centering of the barrel, the expected initial velocity (MV) value and the expected ballistic coefficient (BC) are loaded as default values to the device 300, which is shown as process step 1101 in FIG. 19. The weapon is then tied to the range of the target, with the target located at a known distance, for example, 100 yards (91.4 m), and the device 300 is aimed at that target during operation 1102. Preferably, this is done when there is no crosswind to influence the corrections performed. Then, at process step 1103, a first test shot is made with the device 300 held vertically (without tilting) and aiming mainly horizontally so that the crosshair is centered on the target image. During operation 1104, the deviation of the bullet from the center of the target is measured and recorded. During operation 1105, a second test shot is performed and during operation 1106, the deviation of the bullet from the center of the target is recorded. These test shots are repeated several times during operation 1107. During operation 1108, all these recorded deviation values are entered into the software to obtain mechanical vertical and horizontal correction values for the weapon device 300. Finally, during operation 1109, software-determined vertical and horizontal correction values for the device are loaded into the sight 300 via its USB port.

[0091] In order to provide proper initial velocity (MV) and ballistic coefficient (A) data that are precisely tailored for the weapon, additional experienced firing at various distances is required. These operations are explained with reference to FIG. 20. These steps are the same as in FIG. 19 to step 1208, during operation 1209, the previous steps are repeated for several different distances. Deviations are then introduced into the software during operation 1210 in order to better coordinate the data and obtain accurate initial velocity and ballistic coefficient data for the particular cartridge used in the weapon. These values are then downloaded to the device 300 during operation 1211.

[0092] This process, which is described with reference to FIG. 20 should then be repeated for up to 4 different cartridge / bullet charge combinations, since the MV and BC values will be different for each combination. Once this process is completed, the device 300 will "learn" the exact initial speed and ballistic coefficients necessary for the accurate operation of the device 300 guidance. In order to perform accurate wind drift correction calculations, we must have range, tilt, MV, aircraft, and air density. The range is manually set by tilting the device 300 and arms, for example, more than 10 degrees, until the target image properly fills the circle of the image on the display. The weapon then returns to a tilt position of less than 10 degrees, possibly vertical if there is no side wind during firing. If there is a crosswind, the shooter simply tilts and re-aims accordingly according to the crosshair 201 and the drift correction symbol 203 in the displayed image and fires. Both temperature and atmospheric pressure are critical for accurate determination of air density.

[0093] It is important to note that when the control / display module 308 is installed in the housing 301, the temperature and pressure values may no longer accurately reflect environmental conditions. Therefore, the control / display module must not be installed until it arrives at the place of fire, or at least temporarily removed when the place of fire is reached, so that the proper temperature and pressure can be reflected. After reaching the firing point, the user can remove and reinstall the batteries 306 to reset and restart the control / display module 308, thereby forcing the pressure and temperature to be measured and stored before the control / display module 308 is reinserted into the housing 301. Thanks contacts 322, when the control / display module is fully installed, both the sensor 303 and its microprocessor and microprocessor 304, detects that the camera module 319 is connected, and therefore knows that it is necessary to present the television ionic image when the lens cover is removed.

[0094] During operation, the user of the device 100 or 300 simply directs the weapon at the target, tilts the weapon more than 10 degrees counterclockwise to visually enlarge the image of the target, then, when the display size is set appropriately, returns the weapon to the vertical, tilts the weapon slightly left or right, depending on the perceived crosswind, and fires a shot. The range is automatically adjusted by the microprocessor, shifting the displayed image up or down, respectively, lowering the path of the bullet. The crosshair remains in the center, and range correction is automatically provided. Correction for drift by the wind is also automatically performed by an arrow tilting the device at an angle of less than 10 degrees in accordance with an estimate of the crosswind and directing the crosshair directly to the target. This tilt causes the displayed image to shift left or right, so that the correct pointing point remains placed at the center of the crosshair. Wind drift correction is indicated by indicator 203 on the image display shown in FIG. 2.

[0095] Thus, the unique design and concept of the digital sight is shown and described. While this description is directed to specific forms of carrying out the invention, it is understood that those skilled in the art may propose modifications and / or changes to the specific forms of embodiment of the invention shown and described herein. Any such modifications or changes are intended to be included in this document. Of course, the description herein is intended to be illustrative only, and is not intended to limit the invention. On the contrary, the scope of the invention described here is limited only by the attached claims.

[0096] While what has been described here as exemplary and preferred forms of implementing this technology, other changes to the technology will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the ideas presented here. The specific operating and manufacturing methods and configurations disclosed herein are exemplary in nature and should not be construed as limiting. Therefore, the appended claims cover all such changes that fall within the spirit and scope of the technology. Accordingly, a patent for an invention protects the technology that is defined in the claims below, taking into account all equivalents.

Claims (51)

1. A method of sighting a target, including: receiving the initial state of the optical device, the initial state including the size of the rangefinder element and the range associated with this size; ballistic information reception; image reception from the image sensor; display at least part of the image on the display; overlay of the rangefinder element on the displayed part of the image; receiving the first scaling input to set the first scaling value, the first scaling value corresponding to the first distance from the optical device; and determining the first position of the bullet based on the first distance and ballistic information. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying a first region of interest based at least in part on a first bullet position and a first scaling value. 3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising displaying the first character corresponding to the first position of the bullet. 4. The method according to p. 1, further comprising: receiving input data of maximum scaling to set the maximum scaling value, wherein the maximum scaling value is determined by the region of interest of the image sensor and displayed by the region of interest; displaying the maximum magnified image associated with the maximum zoom value; receiving a second scaling input to set a second scaling value, the second scaling value corresponding to a second distance from the optical device; calculation of the size of the adjusted rangefinder element; overlay of the adjusted rangefinder element on the displayed maximized image; determining the second position of the bullet based on the second distance and ballistic information; and a display of the second region of interest based at least in part on the second position of the bullet and the second zoom value. 5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising displaying a second character corresponding to the second position of the bullet. 6. The method according to p. 3, in which the first character includes at least one of the hit points on the target and the guide character. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first operation to determine the position of the bullet is based at least in part on wind drift input. 8. The method according to claim 1, in which the first operation to determine the position of the bullet is based at least in part on the input data of the pool information, the input data of the ambient temperature, the input data of the slope, the input data of the roll, the input data of the velocity at the exit from the barrel and the input atmospheric pressure data. 9. The method according to p. 1, in which the image sensor is made in the form of a camera. 10. A method of sighting a target, including: ballistic information reception; image reception from the image sensor; receiving a scaling value; calculating a bullet trajectory based at least in part on ballistic information; and displaying the region of interest based on the scaling value, wherein the region of interest corresponds at least partially to the bullet path. 11. The method according to p. 10, further comprising determining the range to the target. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the determining operation comprises: display at least part of the image on the display and the imposition of a rangefinder element on this part of the image. 13. The method according to p. 10, further comprising: receiving scaling input data, wherein scaling input data contains an updated scaling value; and displaying an updated region of interest based on the updated scaling value. 14. A method of sighting a target, including: image reception from the image sensor; displaying at least a portion of the received image, the display portion comprising a display field of view; displaying a rangefinder element with a fixed size depending on the displayed field of view; receiving input of target size; receiving scaling input to set the scaling value; calculating the range to the target based at least in part on the input data of the target size and the scaling value. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the target size input contains default target size input. 16. The method according to p. 14, in which the reception of input data of the size of the target includes receiving input data of the size of the target from the storage device. 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the target size input is selected from a plurality of predetermined target sizes. 18. A device for sighting a target, comprising: housing; display; image sensor; and a controller configured to control the device of choice in the default zoom mode and in the ballistic zoom mode, wherein in the default zoom mode, increasing the zoom level changes the field of view along the optical path from the device to the target, and in ballistic zoom mode, increasing the zoom level changes the field of view along the ballistic trajectory from the device. 19. The device according to claim 18, in which, in the default zoom mode, the symbol associated with the bullet hit point is displayed, the symbol position on the display changing based on the zoom level.

Images