OPTOELECTRONIC GUNSIGHT

Abstract

A gunsight for aiming a firearm comprises a projector, a viewing screen, an objective window and a plurality of intermediate walls extending between the viewing screen and the objective window. The projector may be positioned to project a reticle pattern onto a forward facing surface of the viewing screen. The viewing screen may be transparent or translucent so that the reticle pattern is visible to a user located rearward of the viewing screen. The projector comprises a light source and a liquid crystal light valve. The reticle pattern may have an appearance corresponding to a user provided image.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/364,175, filed Jul. 19, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Weapon-mounted firearm accessories have become an important tool for military, police, militia, and civilian firearm users. Many firearm designs incorporate mounting rails for supporting these accessories. Using an accessory rail interface, a given accessory may be mounted to a variety of firearms or firearms platforms. Likewise, if a particular firearm includes a rail interface, a variety of accessories may be interchangeably mounted to the firearm. The interchangeability of accessories is of particular importance to military and law enforcement personnel attached to special operations units, as this allows a single firearm to be reconfigured to meet certain mission specific needs.

A number of weapon-mounted firearm accessories can be used to facilitate aiming the weapon. Examples of popular firearm accessories include targeting devices, such as LASER sighting devices, and target illuminators, such as flashlights. Firearm mounted flashlights typically attached to a mounting rail and are centered along the bore axis of the firearm. A firearm mounted flashlight is useful to light both the surrounding environment as well as possible assailants using only a single hand. This frees the other hand to call the police or fend off an attacker, or alternatively allows a user to keep both hands on the gun for a more secure grip.

Firearm-mounted lasers may be attached to an accessory rail parallel to the bore axis of a firearm. A weapon-mounted laser sighting system has several potential uses. First, a laser can aid in shooting accuracy and speed, particularly in high pressure situations. Further, lasers can aid in shooting at night or indoors in poorly lit environments. Lasers can also be used to safely practice trigger control. Finally, lasers may work as an intimidating deterrent for would-be assailants. Laser sights for weapons permit a user to aim a weapon by projecting a light beam onto a target. Laser sights permit a user to quickly aim a weapon without viewing the target through a scope or other sighting device. This also permits the user to aim and shoot from any number of other firing positions, such as permitting the user to shoot from the hip. If the laser sight is properly sighted for the distance and wind conditions involved, a projectile, such as a bullet, arrow or shot, from a weapon will strike the desired target where the light dot generated by the laser sight shines on the target.

Laser sights are not, however, without problems. For example, although laser sights work well in low light conditions, in bright light conditions laser sights occasionally perform poorly because ambient light can easily overwhelm the dot generated on the target by the laser light source, making the dot difficult or impossible for the user to see. A laser sight also uses a relatively large amount of power, so the battery life for a laser sight is typically relatively short. Also, as with other sights, a laser sight is adjusted or sighted for a particular distance and wind condition. In some combat situations, the laser beam from a laser sight may also act as a targeting beacon for an adversary.

SUMMARY

A gunsight for aiming a firearm comprises a viewing screen, an objective window and a plurality of intermediate walls extending between the viewing screen and the objective window. The viewing screen, the objective window, and the intermediate walls define a sealed cavity filled with a dry, inert gas. A projector may be positioned to project a reticle pattern onto a forward facing surface of the viewing screen. In some embodiments, the reticle pattern has an appearance corresponding to a user provided image. These embodiments allow each user to draw his or her own reticle. For example, the user can create an image file using drawing software and upload the image file to the gunsight. Examples of drawing software that may be suitable include drawing software from Adobe, Microsoft and Corel. Examples of drawing software from Microsoft include Visio, Paint, and the drawing features included in Word. Examples of drawing software from Adobe include Photoshop and Illustrator. Examples of drawing software from Corel include CorelDraw, Painter and PaintShop Pro.

The viewing screen may be transparent or translucent so that the reticle pattern is visible to a user located rearward of the viewing screen. The projector comprises a light source and a liquid crystal light valve. The liquid crystal light valve comprises a first transparent sheet, a second transparent sheet, and a layer of liquid crystal material disposed between the first transparent sheet and the second transparent sheet. A plurality of first sheet electrodes are arranged in an array of rows and columns on an inner surface of the first transparent sheet. The first sheet electrodes in each row are electrically connected to a row line and the first sheet electrodes in each column are electrically connected to a column line. The liquid crystal light valve also includes one or more second sheet electrodes that are disposed on a surface of the second transparent sheet. The liquid crystal light valve includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel comprises a portion of the liquid crystal material disposed between one of the first sheet electrodes and one of the one or more second sheet electrodes. Each pixel may be capable of selectively assuming both a transparent state in which light from the light source passes through the liquid crystal material and an opaque state in which light from the light source does not pass through the liquid crystal material.

The gunsight includes a circuit card assembly operatively coupled to the projector. In an embodiment, the circuit card assembly comprises a printed wiring board and a plurality of electronic components fixed to the printed wiring board. For example, in an embodiment, an antenna may be fixed to the printed wiring board. In an embodiment, a transceiver is operatively coupled to the antenna for receiving signals from a user input device. The gunsight includes a column driver electrically connected to the plurality of column lines of the liquid crystal light valve and a row driver electrically connected to the plurality of row lines of the liquid crystal light valve. Control circuitry of the gunsight may be operatively coupled to the column driver, the row driver and a plurality of switches including an up switch, a down switch, a left switch, and a right switch. The control circuitry may be adapted and configured so that the reticle pattern moves one step upward each time the up switch is momentarily closed, the reticle pattern moves down one step each time the down switch is momentarily closed, the reticle pattern moves one step leftward each time the left switch is momentarily closed, and the reticle pattern moves one step rightward each time the right switch is momentarily closed.

A gunsight for use in conjunction with a user input device, such as a smartphone, comprises a circuit card assembly operatively coupled to a reticle pattern projector. In an embodiment, the circuit card assembly comprises a printed wiring board and a plurality of electronic components are fixed to the printed wiring board. In an embodiment, an antenna is fixed to the printed wiring board and a transceiver is operatively coupled to the antenna for receiving signals from the user input device. The gunsight comprises a viewing screen, an objective window and a plurality of intermediate walls extending between the viewing screen and the objective window. The viewing screen, the objective window, and the intermediate walls define a sealed cavity filled with a dry, inert gas. The projector may be positioned to project a reticle pattern onto a forward facing surface of the viewing screen. The viewing screen may be transparent or translucent so that the reticle pattern is visible to a user located rearward of the viewing screen.

The projector comprises a light source and a liquid crystal light valve. The liquid crystal light valve comprises a first transparent sheet, a second transparent sheet, and a layer of liquid crystal material disposed between the first transparent sheet and the second transparent sheet. The liquid crystal light valve includes a plurality of first sheet electrodes arranged in an array of rows and columns. Each first sheet electrode being supported by an inner surface of the first transparent sheet. The first sheet electrodes in each row are electrically connected to a row line and the first sheet electrodes in each column are electrically connected to a column line. The liquid crystal light valve also includes one or more second sheet electrodes that are supported by the second transparent sheet. The liquid crystal light valve includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel comprises a portion of the liquid crystal material disposed between one of the first sheet electrodes and one of the one or more second sheet electrodes. Each pixel may be capable of selectively assuming both a transparent state in which light from the light source passes through the liquid crystal material and an opaque state in which light from the light source does not pass through the liquid crystal material. The gunsight includes a column driver electrically connected to the plurality of column lines of the liquid crystal light valve and a row driver electrically connected to the plurality of row lines of the liquid crystal light valve. Control circuitry of the gunsight may be operatively coupled to the column driver, the row driver and the transceiver. The control circuitry may be adapted and configured so that the reticle pattern moves one step to the left each time the left icon displayed on the user input device is tapped, the reticle pattern moves one step to the right each time a right icon displayed on the user input device is tapped, the reticle pattern moves up one step each time an up icon displayed on the user input device is tapped, and the reticle pattern moves down one step each time a down icon displayed on the user input device is tapped.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a gunsight displaying a reticle pattern having an appearance corresponding to a user provided image. These embodiments allow each user to draw his or her own reticle. For example, the user can create an image file using drawing software and upload the image file to the gunsight.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a gunsight that can be selectively fixed or attached to a mounting rail, such as, for example, a Weaver or Picatinny rail. The position of the gunsight on the firearm can be readily changed. The gunsight can also be readily removed from the mounting rail.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a gunsight that allows a user to keep both eyes open and focused on an identified target and the immediate surroundings of the target.

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a gunsight that allows the user to move the location of a reticle or other image upward and/or downward. The location of the reticle or other image may be moved upward and/or downward, for example when sighting in the gunsight with a particular weapon. The location of the reticle or other image may also be moved upward and/or downward, for example, to account for the downward acceleration on the projectile imparted by gravity, which is often referred to as “bullet drop.”

A feature and advantage of embodiments is a gunsight that allows the user to move the location of a reticle or other image leftward and/or rightward. The location of the reticle or other image may be moved leftward and/or rightward, for example when sighting in the gunsight with a particular weapon. The location of the reticle or other image may also be moved leftward and/or rightward, for example, to adjust for left-to-right movement due to wind (sometimes referred to as windage).

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The drawings included in the present application are incorporated into, and form part of, the specification. They illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, along with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings are only illustrative of certain embodiments and do not limit the disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a firearm and an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the firearm and the optoelectronic gunsight of FIG. 1 from a different point of view.

FIG. 3 is a front elevation view showing the firearm and the optoelectronic gunsight of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a top, rear perspective view of an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a projector for an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view illustrating a light source shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is an exploded cross-sectional view illustrating a projector for an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a liquid crystal light valve for an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 11A is a top plan view showing a portion of the liquid crystal light valve shown in FIG. 10.

FIG. 11B is a cross-sectional view of the liquid crystal light valve shown in FIG. 11A. For purposes of illustration, the liquid crystal light valve shown in FIG. 11B has been sectioned along section line B-B shown in FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a liquid crystal light valve for an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view showing a liquid crystal light valve for an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

FIG. 17A is a partially exploded front view showing a gunsight configured to be detachably attached to a mounting rail of a firearm.

FIG. 17B is a front view showing a gunsight detachably attached to a mounting rail of a firearm.

FIG. 18 is a reproduction of a mounting rail drawing from Military Standard MIL-STD-1913 dated 3 Feb. 1995.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with the detailed description.

While the embodiments of the disclosure are amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-19, a gunsight 100 for aiming a firearm comprises a viewing screen 102, an objective window 104 and a plurality of intermediate walls 106 extending between the viewing screen 102 and the objective window 104. The viewing screen 102, the objective window 104, and the intermediate walls 106 define a sealed cavity 108 filled with a dry, inert gas 110. A projector 120 is positioned to project a reticle pattern 122 onto a forward facing surface of the viewing screen 102. In some embodiments, the reticle pattern 122 has an appearance corresponding to a user provided image. These embodiments allow each user to draw his or her own reticle. For example, the user can create an image file using drawing software and upload the image file to the gunsight. Examples of drawing software that may be suitable include drawing software from Adobe, Microsoft and Corel. Examples of drawing software from Microsoft include Visio, Paint, and the drawing features included in Word. Examples of drawing software from Adobe include Photoshop and Illustrator. Examples of drawing software from Corel include CorelDraw, Painter and PaintShop Pro.

In an embodiment, the viewing screen 102 is transparent or translucent so that the reticle pattern 122 is visible to a user located rearward of the viewing screen 102. The projector 120 comprises a light source 130 and a liquid crystal light valve 124. The liquid crystal light valve 124 comprises a first transparent sheet 136, a second transparent sheet 138, and a layer of liquid crystal material 140 disposed between the first transparent sheet 136 and the second transparent sheet 138. A plurality of first sheet electrodes 142 are arranged in an array of rows and columns on an inner surface of the first transparent sheet 136. The first sheet electrodes 142 in each row are electrically connected to a row line 146 and the first sheet electrodes 142 in each column are electrically connected to a column line 148. The liquid crystal light valve 124 also includes one or more second sheet electrodes 144 that are disposed on a surface of the second transparent sheet 138. The liquid crystal light valve 124 includes a plurality of pixels 150. Each pixel 150 comprises a portion of the liquid crystal material 140 disposed between one of the first sheet electrodes 142 and one of the one or more second sheet electrodes 144. Each pixel 150 is capable of selectively assuming both a transparent state in which light from the light source 130 passes through the liquid crystal material 140 and an opaque state in which light from the light source 130 does not pass through the liquid crystal material 140.

The gunsight 100 includes a circuit card assembly 150 operatively coupled to the projector 120. In an embodiment, the circuit card assembly 150 comprises a printed wiring board 154 and a plurality of electronic components fixed to the printed wiring board 154. For example, in an embodiment, an antenna 156 is fixed to the printed wiring board 154. In an embodiment, a transceiver 158 is operatively coupled to the antenna 156 for receiving signals from a user input device 190.

The gunsight 100 includes a column line driver 188 electrically connected to the plurality of column lines 148 of the liquid crystal light valve 124 and a row line driver 186 electrically connected to the plurality of row lines 146 of the liquid crystal light valve 124. Control circuitry 160 of the gunsight 100 is operatively coupled to the column line driver 188, the row line driver 186 and a switch panel 164 including an up switch 170, a down switch 172, a left switch 166, and a right switch 168. The control circuitry 160 is adapted and configured so that the reticle pattern 122 moves one step upward each time the up switch 170 is momentarily closed, the reticle pattern 122 moves down one step each time the down switch 172 is momentarily closed, the reticle pattern 122 moves one step leftward each time the left switch 166 is momentarily closed, and the reticle pattern 122 moves one step rightward each time the right switch 168 is momentarily closed.

Referring to FIGS. 7-9, in an embodiment, the light source 130 of the projector 120 comprises a plurality of semiconductor chips 132, each semiconductor chip 132 comprising a light emitting diode 134. The liquid crystal light valve 124 comprises a first transparent sheet 136, a second transparent sheet 138, and a layer of liquid crystal material 140 disposed between the first transparent sheet 136 and the second transparent sheet 138. The liquid crystal light valve 124 includes a plurality of pixels. Each pixel of the liquid crystal light valve 124 is capable of selectively assuming both a transparent state in which light from the light source 130 passes through the liquid crystal material 140 and an opaque state in which light from the light source 130 does not pass through the liquid crystal material 140. Light from the light source 130 passes through a third lens 126C, a second lens 126B, the transparent pixels of the liquid crystal light valve 124, and a first lens 126A. The liquid crystal light valve 124 is disposed between the first lens 126A and the second lens 126B. The second lens 126B and the third lens 126C are disposed between the light source 130 and the liquid crystal light valve 124.

Referring to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, the projector 120 is positioned to emit light in an upward and rearward direction so that a reticle pattern is projected onto a forward facing surface of the viewing screen 102. The reticle pattern may comprise, for example, a reticle and/or an aiming mark. In an embodiment, the viewing screen 102 is transparent or translucent so that the reticle pattern 122 is visible to a user located rearward of the viewing screen 102. Referring to FIG. 6, in an embodiment, the projector 120 is positioned to emit light in a forward direction so that the light emitted by the projector 120 illuminates a mirror 128. The mirror 128 is positioned and dimensioned so that light from the projector 120 that is reflected by the mirror 128 illuminates a forward facing surface of the viewing screen 102. The light that illuminates the forward facing surface of the viewing screen 102 forms a reticle pattern. In an embodiment, the viewing screen 102 is transparent or translucent so that the reticle pattern 122 is visible to a user located rearward of the viewing screen 102.

Referring to FIGS. 1-19, a gunsight 100 for use in conjunction with a user input device 190, such as a smartphone, comprises a circuit card assembly 150 operatively coupled to an projector 120 the projects a reticle pattern 122 onto a viewing screen 102. In an embodiment, the circuit card assembly 150 comprises a printed wiring board 154 and a plurality of electronic components fixed to the printed wiring board 154. In an embodiment, an antenna 156 is fixed to the printed wiring board 154 and a transceiver 158 is operatively coupled to the antenna 156 for receiving signals from the user input device 190. The gunsight 100 comprises the viewing screen 102, an objective window 104 and a plurality of intermediate walls 106 extending between the viewing screen 102 and the objective window 104. The viewing screen 102, the objective window 104, and the intermediate walls 106 define a sealed cavity 108 filled with a dry, inert gas 110. The projector 120 is positioned to project the reticle pattern 122 onto a forward facing surface of the viewing screen 102. In an embodiment, the viewing screen 102 is transparent or translucent so that the reticle pattern 122 is visible to a user located rearward of the viewing screen 102.

The projector 120 comprises a light source 130 and a liquid crystal light valve 124. The liquid crystal light valve 124 comprises a first transparent sheet 136, a second transparent sheet 138, and a layer of liquid crystal material 140 disposed between the first transparent sheet 136 and the second transparent sheet 138. The liquid crystal light valve 124 includes a plurality of first sheet electrodes 142 arranged in an array of rows and columns. Each first sheet electrode 142 may be supported by an inner surface of the first transparent sheet 136. The first sheet electrodes 142 in each row are electrically connected to a row line 146 and the first sheet electrodes 142 in each column are electrically connected to a column line 148. The liquid crystal light valve 124 also includes one or more second sheet electrodes 144 that are supported by the second transparent sheet 138. The liquid crystal light valve 124 includes a plurality of pixels 150. Each pixel 150 comprises a portion of the liquid crystal material 140 disposed between one of the first sheet electrodes 142 and one of the one or more second sheet electrodes 144. Each pixel 150 is capable of selectively assuming both a transparent state in which light from the light source 130 passes through the liquid crystal material 140 and an opaque state in which light from the light source 130 does not pass through the liquid crystal material 140. The gunsight 100 includes a column line driver 188 electrically connected to the plurality of column lines 148 of the liquid crystal light valve 124 and a row line driver 186 electrically connected to the plurality of row lines 146 of the liquid crystal light valve 124. Control circuitry 160 of the gunsight 100 is operatively coupled to the column line driver 188, the row line driver 186 and the transceiver 158. The control circuitry 160 is adapted and configured so that the reticle pattern 122 moves one step to the left each time a left icon 176 shown on the display 174 of the user input device 190 is tapped, the reticle pattern 122 moves one step to the right each time a right icon 178 displayed on the user input device 190 is tapped, the reticle pattern 122 moves up one step each time an up icon 180 displayed on the user input device 190 is tapped, and the reticle pattern 122 moves down one step each time a down icon 182 displayed on the user input device 190 is tapped.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, an upward direction U and a downward direction D are illustrated using arrows labeled “U” and “D.” A forward direction F and a rearward direction R are illustrated using arrows labeled “F” and “R,” respectively, in FIGS. 1 through 6. A right or starboard direction S and a left or port direction P are illustrated using arrows labeled “S” and “P,” respectively, in FIGS. 1 and 4. These directions may be conceptualized, for example, from the point of view of a user who is holding a firearm and viewing a gunsight fixed to the firearm. In FIG. 1, a Y-axis is shown extending in the upward and downward directions and an X-axis is shown extending in the starboard and portward directions. A Z-axis is shown extending in forward and rearward directions in FIG. 1. The directions illustrated using these arrows and axes are applicable to the apparatus throughout this application. The port direction may also be referred to as the portward direction. In one or more embodiments, the upward direction is generally opposite the downward direction. In one or more embodiments, the upward direction and the downward direction are both generally orthogonal to an XZ plane defined by the forward direction and the starboard direction. In one or more embodiments, the forward direction is generally opposite the rearward direction. In one or more embodiments, the forward direction and the rearward direction are both generally orthogonal to an XY plane defined by the upward direction and the starboard direction. In one or more embodiments, the starboard direction is generally opposite the port direction. In one or more embodiments, starboard direction and the port direction are both generally orthogonal to a ZY plane defined by the upward direction and the forward direction. Various direction-indicating terms are used herein as a convenient way to discuss the objects shown in the figures. It will be appreciated that many direction indicating terms are related to the instant orientation of the object being described. It will also be appreciated that the objects described herein may assume various orientations without deviating from the spirit and scope of this detailed description. Accordingly, direction-indicating terms such as “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “forwardly,” “backwardly,” “portwardly,” and “starboard,” should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention recited in the attached claims.

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, 13-15, and 19 in an embodiment, the circuit card assembly 152 may comprise a printed wire board 154 electrically connected to a plurality of electronic components to form control circuitry 160. The control circuitry may comprise various elements without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, the control circuitry may comprise combinational logic, a plurality of state machines and a clock that provides a clock signal to the combinational logic and the plurality of state machines. Each state machine may comprise state logic circuitry and a state memory. The state memory may comprise a plurality of memory elements such as flip-flops. The state logic circuitry of the state machine determines the conditions for changing the logical values of bits stored in the state memory. More particularly, the state logic circuitry of the state machine logically combines the binary values of a plurality of inputs with the binary values in the state memory representing the current state to generate a binary number representing the next state. The combinational logic circuitry may comprise various elements without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present description. For example, the combinational logic circuitry may comprise a plurality of discrete electronic components. By way of a second example, combinational logic circuitry may comprise a plurality of electronic components in the form of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Examples of electronic components that may be suitable in some applications include logic gates. Examples of logic gates include, AND gates, NAND gates, OR gates, XOR gates, NOR gates, NOT gates, and the like. These logic gates may comprise a plurality of transistors (e.g., transistor-transistor logic (TTL)).

Referring to FIG. 16, in an embodiment, a liquid crystal light valve 124 comprises a first transparent sheet 136, a second transparent sheet 138, and a layer of liquid crystal material 140 disposed between the first transparent sheet 136 and the second transparent sheet 138. The liquid crystal light valve 124 includes a plurality of first sheet electrodes 142 arranged in an array of rows and columns. Each first sheet electrode 142 may be supported by an inner surface of the first transparent sheet 136. The first sheet electrodes 142 in each row are electrically connected to a row line and the first sheet electrodes 142 in each column are electrically connected to a column line. The liquid crystal light valve 124 also includes one or more second sheet electrodes 144 that are supported by the second transparent sheet 138. In an embodiment, the one or more second sheet electrodes 144 comprise a ground plane electrode.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 13-15, in an embodiment, the circuit card assembly 152 may comprise a printed wire board 154 electrically connected to a plurality of electronic components to form control circuitry 160. The control circuitry may comprise various elements without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present invention. In an embodiment, for example, the control circuitry may comprise a processor, a memory, an input/output interface, a display, and a bus that communicatively couples the various control circuitry elements together, including the processor, memory, the display, and the input/output interface.

In various embodiments, bus represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a processor or local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, and not limitation, such architectures can include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

In one or more embodiments, the memory of the control circuitry includes a variety of computer readable media. Such media is any available media that is accessible by the control circuitry, including both volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

For example, in certain embodiments, memory can include computer readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) and/or cache memory. In various embodiments, memory includes at least one program product having one or more program modules or instructions that are configured to carry out the functions of embodiments of the disclosure as described herein. As used herein, memory or other computer readable storage mediums are not to be construed as being transitory. As such, a computer readable storage medium refers to a physical non-transitory device.

Referring to FIG. 14, a system for configuring an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with this detailed description may be used in conjunction with a user input device 190. In one or more embodiments, the system includes the user input device 190 and control circuitry 160 interconnected via a network. In one or more embodiments, control circuitry 160 is substantially the same as described above with reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 13-15 and described further below with reference to FIG. 19. Accordingly, in various embodiments, control circuitry 160 includes one or more processing elements and memory for storing and/or executing instructions or program modules (e.g. software).

For example, in one or more embodiments, control circuitry 160 includes client software. In various embodiments client software comprises a set of logical instructions that are stored in memory accessible to the control circuitry 160 for execution by its processing elements. In various embodiments, client software is a reticle configuration software configured to perform one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, in certain embodiments, control circuitry 160 includes access to input/output devices for interfacing with a user. For example, control circuitry 160 could be communicatively connected to a display, keyboard, touchscreen, or other suitable user interface for receiving commands and outputting data to users.

User input device 190 is a physical computing device, usable by a consumer or other user, including memory and one or more processing elements for storing and/or executing instructions or software. For example, in one or more embodiments user input device 190 is a mobile computing device such as a tablet, smart phone, wearable computer, or other suitable mobile device. In some embodiments, user input device 190 is a more general computing device such as, for example, a laptop computer, desktop computer, or other computing device.

In one or more embodiments, user input device 190 includes input/output devices for interfacing with a user. For example, user input device 190 can include a display and/or touchscreen and a graphical user interface (GUI) for receiving commands and outputting data to users.

The user input device 190 includes client software. Client software is a set of logical instructions that are stored in memory accessible to user input device 190 for execution by processing elements. In certain embodiments, client software is stored locally on the user input device 190. In some embodiments, client software is stored remotely and is accessible to the user input device 190 via a network.

In one or more embodiments client software allows a user to configure various settings for the system via the input/output devices. For example, in one or more embodiment client software allows a user to select or configure the reticle displayed by the optoelectronic gunsight. In certain embodiments client software allows the user to create custom, user designed reticles for display in the optoelectronic gunsight. For example, in certain embodiments, client software includes various design tools such that a user can interface with the software via input/output devices to create, design, or modify various reticle patterns. In one or more embodiments the user input device 190 includes a library or database of stored reticle patterns in local memory or stored remotely in memory accessible to the user input device 190 via the network or another network, such as for example a public network (e.g. the internet).

In one or more embodiments, user input device 190 and the control circuitry 160, are interconnected via a network through transceiver 158 for communication of data between the elements in the system. In one or more embodiments, the network may be, for example, a local area network, a wide area network, a cloud computing environment, a public network (e.g. the internet), or other suitable network for communication between the elements in the system. In certain embodiments, control circuitry 160 and user input device 190 are directly connected via a wireless connection. For example, in certain embodiments a network adapter can communicate using Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH®, or other suitable type of wireless communication. In some embodiments, control circuitry 160 and user input device 190 are directly connected via a wired connection.

In operation, system 500 is configured to perform one or more embodiments of the disclosure. For example, in certain embodiments the user input device 190 is configured to display a left icon, a right icon, an up icon and a down icon for receiving inputs from a user for configuring the reticle displayed on the optoelectronic gunsight as described herein. \

FIG. 17A is a partially exploded front view showing a gunsight 100 configured to be detachably attached to a mounting rail of a firearm. FIG. 17B is a front view showing a gunsight detachably attached to a mounting rail of a firearm. An example mounting rail is shown in FIG. 18 which is a reproduction of a mounting rail drawing from Military Standard MIL-STD-1913 dated 3 Feb. 1995. As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the gunsight 100 includes a downward facing surface disposed adjacent to a downwardly extending leg. The downward facing surface and the downwardly extending leg partially defined a mounting channel for receiving a dovetail shaped rail. The gunsight 100 also includes a mounting block and a mounting screw. The mounting screw may extending through a hole in the mounting block and threadingly engage a base portion of the gunsight 100. Upon tightening of the mounting screw, the mounting block and the downwardly extending leg may cooperate to trap a fix the position of the gunsight along a mounting rail received in the mounting channel.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating an optoelectronic gunsight 100 including control circuitry 160. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the control circuitry 160 includes an I/O interface 192 coupled to a processor 194. The I/O interface 192 may facilitate communication between the various components of the control circuitry 160. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, for example, the I/O interface may be communicatively coupled with the projector 120, the processor 194 and the memory 196 for emitting an output image via the projector 120. For example, in certain embodiments, the processor 194 generates an output that corresponds to a particular pattern. The processor 194 can transmit this output to the I/O interface 192 which can then translate the processor output into instructions which are compatible with the projector 120 and which result in the projector 120 emitting light corresponding to the pattern.

In certain embodiments the I/O interface 192 facilitates communication with input and output devices for interacting with a user. For example, the I/O interface 192 may communicate with one or more devices such, as a user-input device and/or an external display, which enable a user to interact directly with the control circuitry. In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the I/O interface 192 of the control circuitry 160 is operatively coupled to an up switch 170, a down switch 172, a left switch 166, and a right switch 168.

In one or more embodiments control circuitry 16 also communicates with one or more external devices such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display, etc. In certain embodiments, control circuitry communicates with one or more devices that enable control circuitry 160 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., network card, modem, etc.). In various embodiments such communication occurs via the I/O interface 192. Additionally, in various embodiments, control circuitry 160 can communicate with one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via a network adapter.

The processor 192 is operatively coupled to a memory 196. In an embodiment, the processor 192 may comprise a collection of one or more logical cores or units for receiving and executing instructions or programs. For example, in one or more embodiments, the processor may be configured to receive and execute various routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on to perform particular tasks. In an embodiment, the memory 196 is a collection of various computer-readable media in the system architecture. In various embodiments, memory can include, but is not limited to volatile media, non-volatile media, removable media, and non-removable media. For example, in one or more embodiments, the memory can include random access memory (RAM), cache memory, read only memory (ROM), flash memory, solid state memory, or other suitable type of memory. In one or more embodiments, the memory includes media that is accessible to the electronic control circuitry. For example, in some embodiments, the memory includes computer readable media located locally in the control circuitry and/or media located remotely to the control circuitry and accessible via a network. In some embodiments, the memory includes a program product having a group of one or more logical instructions that are executable by the processor to carry out the functions of the various embodiments of the disclosure.

In one or more embodiments, a gunsight 100 includes control circuitry 160 comprising one or more processors 194, a memory 196, and one or more programs, wherein the one or more programs are stored in the memory 196 and configured to be executed by the one or more processors 194, the one or more instruction steps including instructions to direct each pixel of a liquid crystal light valve to assume either the transparent state or the opaque state based on a user provided image to produce the reticle pattern so that the reticle pattern has an appearance corresponding to the user provided image.

As described herein, control circuitry 160 is operational with numerous other general purpose or special purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well-known computing systems, environments, and/or configurations that may be suitable for use with control circuitry 160 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, handheld, mobile, or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor-based systems, distributed computing environments, or other suitable computing system.

In addition, control circuitry can be described in the general context of computer system, including executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules can include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. In some embodiments, control circuitry 160 is practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules are located in local and/or remote computer system storage media. The gunsight 100 of FIG. 19 includes a transceiver 158. In one or more embodiments, the transceiver 158 enables communication with one or more external computing devices via one or more network protocols. For example, in various embodiments, control circuitry can communicate using one or more networks such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and/or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via the transceiver. In certain embodiments, the transceiver communicates wirelessly, transmitting and receiving data over air. For example, in certain embodiments the transceiver can communicate using Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH®, ZigBee, Z-Wave, or other suitable form of wireless communication.

In some embodiments, the control circuitry comprises one or more processors, a memory, and one or more instruction sets, wherein the one or more instruction sets are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more instruction sets including instructions to cause the processor to direct each pixel of the liquid crystal light valve to assume either the transparent state or the opaque state based on a user provided image to produce the reticle pattern so that the reticle pattern has an appearance corresponding to the user provided image.

In some embodiments, the control circuitry comprises one or more processors, a memory, and one or more instruction sets, wherein the one or more instruction sets are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more instruction sets including instructions to cause the processor to move the reticle pattern one step upward each time the up switch is momentarily closed, move the reticle pattern one step downward each time the down switch is momentarily closed, move the reticle pattern one step leftward each time the left switch is momentarily closed, and move the reticle pattern one step rightward each time the right switch is momentarily closed.

Referring to FIGS. 5, 6 and 19, an optoelectronic gunsight in accordance with this detailed description may include an activity sensor 162 that is fixed to a printed wiring board 154 of a circuit card assembly 152. The activity sensor 162 may comprise various transducers without deviating from the spirit and scope of the present detailed description. Examples of transducers that may be suitable in some applications include accelerometers and piezoelectric elements. Piezoelectricity is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric potential in response to applied mechanical stress. Examples of piezoelectric materials include crystals (e.g., quartz), ceramics (e.g., barium titanate) and polymers (e.g., polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)). An activity sensor comprising a piezoelectric material may be fixed to a portion of the gunsight. The piezoelectric material will produce varying electrical potentials as user activity causes movements and/or small vibrations. These varying electrical potentials can be processed by appropriate interface circuitry to produce an activity signal. An accelerometer typically comprises a mass that is movably mounted inside a housing. A force transducer is interposed between the mass and the housing. When the accelerometer is accelerated through space, the mass applies a force to the force transducer in accordance with Newton's second law (i.e., Force=Mass×Acceleration). The output produced by the force transducer is proportional to the acceleration experienced by the accelerometer. This output can be processed by appropriate interface circuitry to produce an activity signal. Accelerometers that may be suitable in some applications are commercially available from STMicroelectronics and Freescale Semiconductor. In an embodiment, the control circuitry enters a sleep mode after a period of inactivity detected using the activity sensor. In an embodiment, a length of the period of inactivity is selected using a user input device. In some embodiments, the control circuitry comprises one or more processors, a memory, and one or more instruction sets, wherein the one or more instruction sets are stored in the memory and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more instruction sets including instructions to cause the processor to detect activity events based on signals from the activity sensor, measure time since the last activity event was detected to determine a measured time, compare the measured time to a predetermined threshold value, and change an operating state of the gunsight from a normal operating mode to a sleep mode if the measured time is greater than the predetermined threshold value. In one or more embodiments, the normal operating mode has a first level of power consumption, the sleep mode has a second level of power consumption, and the first level of power consumption is greater than the second level of power consumption.

With reference to FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the viewing screen 102 has a polygon shape when viewed from a location forward of the viewing screen 102. In some embodiments, the polygon shape corresponding to the shape of a four sided polygon. In some embodiments, the polygon shape corresponding to the shape of a four sided polygon with fillets where each pair of sides meet one another. A maximum width W of the viewing screen 102 is illustrated using dimension lines in FIG. 2. A maximum height H of the viewing screen 102 is also illustrated using dimension lines in FIG. 2. With reference to FIG. 2, it will be appreciated that the maximum width W of the viewing screen 102 is greater than the maximum height H of the viewing screen 102 in the embodiment shown.

With reference to FIG. 3, it will be appreciated that the objective window 104 has a polygon shape when viewed from a location forward of the objective window 104. In some embodiments, the polygon shape corresponding to the shape of a four sided polygon. In some embodiments, the polygon shape corresponding to the shape of a four sided polygon with fillets where each pair of sides meet one another.

With reference to FIG. 5, it will be appreciated that the cavity 104 has a polygon shape when in a cross-sectional view with the cross-sectional plane extending in upward/downward and forward/rearward directions. In some embodiments, the polygon shape corresponding to the shape of a four sided polygon. In some embodiments, the cavity has a three dimensional shape generally corresponding to a parallelepiped three dimensional shape. In some embodiments, the cavity has a shape generally corresponding to a parallelepiped shape. A maximum length LC of the cavity 102 is illustrated using dimension lines in FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the maximum length LC extends in forward and rearward directions. A maximum height HC of the cavity 102 is also illustrated using dimension lines in FIG. 5. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the maximum height HC extends in upward and downward directions. In some embodiments, a ratio of the maximum length LC of the cavity 108 to the maximum height HC of the cavity 108 is less than 3. In some embodiments, a ratio of the maximum length LC of the cavity 108 to the maximum height HC of the cavity 108 is less than 2.5. In some embodiments, a ratio of the maximum length LC of the cavity 108 to the maximum height HC of the cavity 108 is less than 2. In some embodiments, a ratio of the maximum length LC of the cavity 108 to the maximum height HC of the cavity 108 is less than 1.7.

The following United States patents are hereby incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,012,150, 4,239,346, 4,448,191, 4,678,282, 4,678,282, 4,804,953, 4,804,953, 4,820,024, 4,938,567, 5,056,895, 5,056,895, 5,095,304, 5,212,574, 5,424,857, 5,467,154, 5,477,351, 5,477,351, 5,483,362, 5,499,123, 5,532,850, 5,532,850, 5,550,604, 5,661,371, 5,664,859, 5,757,445, 5,781,164, 5,781,262, 5,784,182, 5,815,936, 5,889,567, 5,959,706, 6,043,800, 6,072,445, 6,073,034, 6,097,352, 6,115,097, 6,140,980, 6,160,601, 6,163,357, 6,256,082, 6,256,082, 6,259,502, 6,310,670, 6,317,175, 6,326,641, 6,335,776, 6,384,889, 6,384,889, 6,452,572, 6,486,862, 6,490,060, 6,545,654, 6,558,008, 6,559,825, 6,636,185, 6,671,019, 6,677,936, 6,683,584, 6,909,419, 7,075,501, 7,257,920, 7,310,072, 7,321,354, 7,421,816, 9,163,903, 9,243,868, 9,303,951, 9,303,952. Components illustrated in such patents may be utilized with embodiments herein. Incorporation by reference is discussed, for example, in MPEP section 2163.07(B).

The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including the references incorporated by reference, including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including references incorporated by reference, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any incorporated by reference references, any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed The above references in all sections of this application are herein incorporated by references in their entirety for all purposes.

Although specific examples have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose could be substituted for the specific examples shown. This application is intended to cover adaptations or variations of the present subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that the invention be defined by the attached claims and their legal equivalents, as well as the following illustrative aspects. The above described aspects embodiments of the invention are merely descriptive of its principles and are not to be considered limiting. Further modifications of the invention herein disclosed will occur to those skilled in the respective arts and all such modifications are deemed to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A gunsight for aiming a firearm, the firearm having a barrel defining a bore, the bore extending along a bore axis, the bore axis extending in a forward direction and a rearward direction, the gunsight comprising:

a viewing screen, an objective window and a plurality of intermediate walls extending between the viewing screen and the objective window, the viewing screen, the objective window, and the intermediate walls defining a sealed cavity filled with a dry, inert gas;

a projector positioned and configured to project a reticle pattern onto a forward facing surface of the viewing screen, the projector comprising a light source and a liquid crystal light valve, the liquid crystal light valve comprising a first transparent sheet, a second transparent sheet, and a layer of liquid crystal material disposed between the first transparent sheet and the second transparent sheet, the liquid crystal light valve comprising a plurality of first sheet electrodes arranged in an array of rows and columns, each first sheet electrode being supported by an inner surface of the first transparent sheet, the first sheet electrodes in each row being electrically connected to a row line, the first sheet electrodes in each column being electrically connected to a column line, the liquid crystal light valve comprising one or more second sheet electrodes supported by the second transparent sheet;

the liquid crystal light valve comprising a plurality of pixels, each pixel comprising a portion of the liquid crystal material disposed between one of the first sheet electrodes and one of the one or more second sheet electrodes, each pixel being capable of selectively assuming either a transparent state in which light from the light source passes through the liquid crystal material or an opaque state in which light from the light source does not pass through the liquid crystal material;

a circuit card assembly operatively coupled to the projector, the circuit card assembly comprising a printed wiring board;

an antenna fixed to the printed wiring board;

a transceiver operatively coupled to the antenna for receiving signals from the user input device;

a column driver electrically connected to the plurality of column lines of the liquid crystal light valve;

a row driver electrically connected to the plurality of row lines of the liquid crystal light valve;

control circuitry operatively coupled to the column driver, the row driver and one or more switches.

2. The gunsight of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry directs each pixel of the liquid crystal light valve to assume either the transparent state or the opaque state to produce the reticle pattern.

3. The gunsight of claim 1, wherein:

the control circuitry includes a non-transitory computer readable medium;

a user-provided image is stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium; and

the control circuitry directs each pixel of the liquid crystal light valve to assume either the transparent state or the opaque state based on the user provided image to produce the reticle pattern so that the reticle pattern has an appearance corresponding to the user provided image.

4. The gunsight of claim 1, wherein the viewing screen has a polygon shape when viewed from a location rearward of the viewing screen, the polygon shape corresponding the shape of a four sided polygon with fillets where each pair of sides meet one another.

5. The gunsight of claim 1, wherein the control circuitry comprises one or more processors, a non-transitory computer readable medium, and one or more instruction sets, wherein the one or more instruction sets are stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium and configured to be executed by the one or more processors, the one or more instruction sets including instructions for directing each pixel of the liquid crystal light valve to assume either the transparent state or the opaque state based on a user provided image to produce the reticle pattern so that the reticle pattern has an appearance corresponding to the user provided image.

6. The gunsight of claim 5, wherein the user provided image is stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium.

7. The gunsight of claim 5, wherein the user-provided image comprises a raster image file.

8. The gunsight of claim 8, wherein the raster image file comprises one of a JPG file, a BMP file, and a PNG file.

9. The gunsight of claim 1, wherein the objective window has a polygon shape when viewed from a location forward of the objective window, the polygon shape corresponding to the shape of a four sided polygon with fillets where each pair of sides meet one another.

10. The gunsight of claim 1, wherein the one or more switches include an up switch, a down switch, a left switch, and a right switch.

11. The gunsight of claim 10, wherein:

the reticle pattern moves one step upward each time the up switch is momentarily closed;

the reticle pattern moves one step downward each time the down switch is momentarily closed;

the reticle pattern moves one step leftward each time the left switch is momentarily closed; and

the reticle pattern moves one step rightward each time the right switch is momentarily closed.

12. The gunsight of claim 10, wherein the control circuitry comprises one or more processors, a non-transitory computer readable medium, and one or more instruction sets, wherein the one or more instruction sets are stored in the non-transitory computer readable medium and configured to be executed by the one or more processors to cause the processor to:

move the reticle pattern one step upward each time the up switch is momentarily closed;

move the reticle pattern one step downward each time the down switch is momentarily closed;

move the reticle pattern one step leftward each time the left switch is momentarily closed; and

move the reticle pattern one step rightward each time the right switch is momentarily closed.

13. The gunsight of claim 12, wherein the reticle pattern moves a distance corresponding to a width of one pixel of the liquid crystal light valve when the reticle pattern moves one step.

14. The gunsight of claim 12, wherein the reticle pattern moves a distance corresponding to a width of a plurality of pixels of the liquid crystal light valve when the reticle pattern moves one step.

15. The gunsight of claim 1, wherein the projector is positioned to emit light in an upward and rearward direction for directing projecting the reticle pattern onto the forward facing surface of the viewing screen.

16. The gunsight of claim 1, further comprising a mirror positioned below the objective window, wherein the projector is positioned to emit light in a forward direction so that the light emitted by the projector illuminates the mirror.

17. The gunsight of claim 16, wherein the mirror is positioned and dimensioned so that light from the projector that is reflected by the mirror illuminates the forward facing surface of the viewing screen to form the reticle pattern on the forward facing surface of the viewing screen.

18. The gunsight of claim 1, wherein the viewing screen is transparent so that the reticle pattern is visible to a user located rearward of the viewing screen.

19. The gunsight of claim 1, wherein both the objective window and the viewing screen are transparent so that a target scene may be viewed through the objective window and the viewing screen by a user located rearward of the viewing screen.

20. The gunsight of claim 1, wherein the light source comprises a plurality of semiconductor chips, each semiconductor chip comprising a light emitting diode.

21. The gunsight of 1, further comprising an activity sensor operatively coupled to the control circuitry.

22. The gunsight of claim 21, wherein the control circuitry comprises one or more processors and a non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein the non-transitory computer readable medium includes one or more instruction sets stored therein and configured to be executed by the one or more processors to cause the one or more processors to:

detect activity events based on signals from the activity sensor;

measure time since the last activity event was detected to determine a measured time;

compare the measured time to a predetermined threshold value;

change an operating state of the gunsight from a normal operating mode to a sleep mode if the measured time is greater than the predetermined threshold value;

wherein the normal operating mode has a first level of power consumption, the sleep mode has a second level of power consumption, and the first level of power consumption is greater than the second level of power consumption.

23. The gunsight of 1, wherein the cavity having a shape generally corresponding to a parallelepiped shape.

24. The gunsight of 1, wherein:

the cavity has a maximum length extending in forward and rearward directions;

the cavity has maximum height extending in upward and downward directions; and

a ratio of the maximum length to the maximum height is less than 3.