Abstract:
This invention relates to a method, system and computer program product that calculates a real-time, accurate, firing solution for man carried weapon system; specifically a transparent display to be located in-line with a weapon mounted optic and a device to adjust the aim point through real-time data collection, analysis and real-time visual feedback to the operator. A firing solution system mounted on a projectile weapon comprising: A Sensor and CPU Unit (SCU) and a Sight Adjusted Reticule (SAR) and a PC Dongle which configured to facilitate communication between the SCU and a personal computer (PC), or similar computing device, enabling management of the SCU configuration and offloading of sensor obtained and system determined data values.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application is a non-provisional application of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/378363, filed Aug. 30, 2010, entitled “System for the real time adjustment of the aim point for a designated target and display of secondary data”, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0003]    This invention relates to a method, system and computer program product that allows for the real-time adjustment of the sight reticule of a firearm by using a transparent display; optionally in combination with a magnified or non-magnified optic. 
         [0004]    2. Background of Related Art 
         [0005]    A concern, which many law enforcement, armed forces, or security personnel may encounter during a firearm confrontation, is the inability to determine with certainty where to aim/orient the weapon system in order to guarantee a fit on the target with the first shot. 
         [0006]    At the lack of an adequate automatic weapon sighting system that would provide firing solution information to the user, currently adopted procedures in place, if any, are acquired by training relying mostly on the user&#39;s state of mind It is widely known and accepted that human beings under stressful situations react more consistently when conditioned to respond to a sensorial reference than to an adopted routine that implies analytical thought and comparison to memorized data. 
         [0007]    Several prior art disclosures describe claims with similar intent to provide real-time firing solutions. None of the indicated related art describes the usage of an in-line, transparent, display that displays the data to the operator without impeding the usage of traditional optics or iron sights while in a non-powered state.(Staley &amp; John R. (Dallas, Dec. 23, 2004): A device includes structure that can support the device on a weapon. One version of the device includes a first sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire a first munition, and a second sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire a second munition different from the first munition. A different version includes first and second sights that each facilitate weapon orientation, and an electronic control portion that is operatively coupled to and simultaneously exerts control with respect to each of the first and second sights, the first and second sights each displaying targeting information generated electronically by the electronic control portion. 
         [0008]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,292,262 discloses that a firearm sight can detect engagement of a firing pin with a cartridge, and can respond to this event by saving an image which shows a target and reticle at a point in time just prior to the detected event. An electronic reticle can be downloaded into the sight. The effective position of the reticle within the sight can be adjusted electronically, and a zoom factor of the sight can be adjusted electronically as well. The sight can sense approximately transverse movement thereof, and can provide a user with an indication of the amount of transverse movement. With the use of an additional device, the sight can automatically align its reticle to the bore of a firearm on which the sight is mounted. 
         [0009]    U.S. Pat. No: 7,490,430 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,490,430 disclose a device can be supported on a weapon, and has a range portion that specifies a range to a target, a sensor portion that provides sensor information representing an orientation of the device; and a sight that facilitates weapon orientation in preparation to fire the munition. The device has an electronic control portion responsive to sensor information from the sensor portion and a range from the range portion for calculating how to hit a target with a munition, and for causing the sight to present a visual indication of how to orient the weapon so that the munition will hit the target, the electronic control portion terminating the presentation of the visual indication by the sight in response to a lack of user activity for a selected time interval during the presentation of the visual indication. 
         [0010]    U.S. Pat. No. 7,421,816 discloses an invention that includes a sighting system for use with a firearm that has a telescopic sight, a laser rangefinder for providing the distance to the target, device(s) for receiving various inputs, a computing system that calculates the point of aim of the firearm&#39;s projectile based upon the input(s) and the calculated distance to the target, and a display means that provides an image of the computed point of aim within the telescopic sight&#39;s field of view. 
         [0011]    Ballistic trajectory calculators of convention art rely on the manual input of data, or acquisition of data via attached sensors. Once a firing solution is calculated, the operator needs to manually act upon that data with their scope/firearm orientation. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    The presented invention is related to a system, method and computer program product that provides a real-time, accurate firing solution for the specific weapon system and sighting optic that the invention is attached to. The invention provides this functionality without impeding the function of the weapon system or scope. Secondary functionality may be found in data logging of weapon system usage, environmental data and any and all other functions not yet determined but associated either directly or indirectly with the operating of a weapon system equipped with the system as described in the claim. 
         [0013]    The system consists of a transparent display and a method for processing a variety of sensor inputs including, but not limited to: GPS, Barometric pressure meter, (Laser) range finder, Optic Magnification Factor, Wind direction, Wind Speed and Configuration data including, but not limited to: Caliber, Load (powder grains), Barrel length, weapon system orientation along  3  axis. 
         [0014]    The system is designed to predominantly function within an environment with an ambient operating temperature between −40° C. and +85° C.; more extreme conditions may be possible to be serviced with specific configurations of the system described in the claim. The system is designed to be moisture resistant and possibly submersible under certain configurations of the system described in the claim. 
         [0015]    Configuration data is combined with sensory input in order to adjust the position of the reticule so the fired projectile will impact the target at the place of measurement as determined by the range measurement data. 
         [0016]    The transparent display is located between the eye of the operator and the optic on the top of the weapon system. When the system is not activated, the operator can use the optic by looking through the transparent display and using the optic in a traditional fashion. 
         [0017]    The transparent display unit is mounted using a solid semi-permanent or quick release mounting solution to a standard MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail or other attachment means as specific to the top of the intended host weapon system. 
         [0018]    The configuration of the display and central processor consists of small size printed circuit board(s) (PCB) with amongst it various electronics components and sensors, a power source and a low-power consumption transparent display means. The electronics will be located inside a housing (polymer or other suitable material), providing protection from environmental elements and providing a means of attachment to the mounting solution. 
         [0019]    The system operates at low voltage, conserving energy for a long duration operational time. 
         [0020]    Additional features and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will be apparent from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings. 
         [0021]    It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are intended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ATTACHED FIGURES 
         [0022]    The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. 
           [0023]    In the drawings: 
           [0024]      FIG. 1  shows one exemplary Ballistic Trajectory Aiming Adjustment system in accordance with a preferred embodiment as positioned in relation to the optic. 
           [0025]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart of method for processing sensor input resulting in the display of an adjusted sight reticule and/or other processed information. 
           [0026]      FIG. 3  shows one exemplary Ballistic Trajectory Aiming Adjustment system with adjusting reticule in accordance with the preferred embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 4  is an example of the computing system where the preferred embodiment may be implemented. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. 
         [0029]    The Sight Adjusted Reticule (SAR) consists of a mounting solution and frame to house the transparent display. The housing and display are provided with power and a display signal either via a physical connection to the Sensor and CPU Unit (SCU) or an independent (integrated) power source and wireless data-display connection. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  shows one exemplary Sight Adjusted Reticule (SAR)  100  in accordance with the preferred embodiment. The SAR is attached to the top ( 12  o′clock) Picatinny/accessory rail, in front of any glass optic  103  that might be attached to the weapon system. In one exemplary configuration, data and power are provided to the SAR  100  via a wired connection  101  between the SAR and the Sensor and CPU Unit (SCU)  102 . The SCU  102  also contains configuration information for the system and processes inputs from either integrated (or external) sensor suites  105  and current optic magnification levels  104  in order to provide the most accurate reticule adjustment for the specific weapon system and environmental conditions/variables. Depending on the initiating actions and provided data, the SAR  100  calculates the Firing Solution (FS) 
         [0031]    In the SCU  102 , a power source, best suited to the system configuration and client mission requirements, is located. This may either be a disposable power source or a power source with wireless charging capability. 
         [0032]    The Sensor Array  105  illustratively shown in  FIG. 1  may contain a multitude of sensory input similar to the sensor suite as described in patent application Ser. No. 12/719,839 entitled “System and Method for the Remote Measurement of the Ammunition Level, Recording and Display of the Current Level”. The Sensor Array  105  may include, but is not limited to, longitude/latitude, ambient temperature, cardinal location, humidity, barometric pressure, g-load shocks and any other environmental data to the weapon system. 
         [0033]    Initially the SAR  100  and the SCU  102  are in deep sleep mode. After manually, or automatically via sensory input, turning on the SCU  102 , the SCU  102  boots up and collects sensory inputs. Upon successful completion of the data collection, the SCU transfers the firing solution (FS) to be displayed on the SAR  100  via either a physical connection or a wireless connection  101  between the SCU  102  and the SAR. 100   
         [0034]    In order to calculate the Firing Solution, the following data may be collected (other data may be required depending on the weapon system and/or ammunition used) for example, the Scope (3-12×42) with magnification minimum and maximum (i.e. 3-12) with bell housing size front (i.e. 42), with bell housing size rear (i.e. 15) and current magnification setting (i.e. 5). The weapon information such as a barrel length (i.e. 16 inches) and a barrel twist (i.e. 1 in 9). The ammunition information such as a caliber (i.e. 5.56), a bullet type (i.e. Full Metal Jacket), a bullet weight (i.e. 62 gr), a ballistic coefficient (i.e. 0.255), a powder charge (i.e. 58.5 gr) and a muzzle velocity (i.e. 3240 fps). And environment information such as a cross wind (i.e. 10 mph), a wind direction (i.e. as relative to the orientation of the weapon system), a barometric pressure (i.e. 29.10 inHg), an altitude (i.e. 1500 ft) and a temperature (i.e. 75F). The weapon orientation such as a cardinal direction (i.e. 48 degrees), an incline (i.e. 56 degrees), a cant (i.e. 20 degrees), and a GPS location (i.e. Longitude: 23.45833° E., Latitude: 48.8583° N.). The target data such as for example distance to target (i.e. 352 yards). 
         [0035]    The process of determining a firing solution is started by the action of taking a laser range finding reading to determine the distance to target or by manually entering the distance to target. The collection/entry of this data starts the collection cycle of both environment and weapon-orientation data. Environment data could be pulled from a repository of historic data based upon the GSP location of the weapon system. Historic data includes, but is not limited to, prior readings as taken by the system. Utilizing prior collected data for limited-variability data (like temperature, barometric pressure etc) will cause minimal negative impact on the firing solution (FS) because the data does not change from shot-to-shot. The utilization of historic data for temperature, barometric pressure etc also allows for a faster turnaround time of the FS calculation due to the reduced time of sensor data collection. A software configurable interval for environmental data collection is used by the system and can be changed by the user. 
         [0036]    Based on the collected and retrieved data regarding the target, environment, weapon and scope, a calculation is performed that adjusts the aim-point  301  ( FIG. 3 ) in the SAR  100  from the calibrated center, to the correct aim-point in order ensure a direct hit on the intended target at the measured range under the environmental conditions and weapon orientation as determined by the data collection cycle. 
         [0037]    Upon the recorded discharge of the weapon, based on either a recorded g-load shock and/or in combination with a recorded sound wave, the aim-point  301  will return to the calibrated center of the SAR once either a configured interval expires  220  ( FIG. 2 ) , or a new distance to target is recorded/entered  202  ( FIG. 2 ). During the interval, the aim-point will be adjusted to compensate for the movement of the weapon system, allowing for fast and accurate follow-up shots. 
         [0038]    The calibrated center of the SAR  100  is in line with the center crosshair of the scope that is sits in front of. The center of the SAR  100  can also be the calibrated zero for the weapon system if the SAR  100  is used as the stand-alone sighting system for the weapon. 
         [0039]    The FS process is repeated when a new laser range finding is taken, or a new distance to target is entered. 
         [0040]    Depending on the implementation of the system, the SAR  100  can also display additional data including (but not limited to): battery status, ammunition left in the magazine attached to the weapon system, environment data as collected by the system (temperature, altitude, etc), and system configuration settings. 
         [0041]    After a configured interval  220  of inactivity from either user- or sensor input or a CPU  21  command, the SCU  102  goes back to deep sleep mode  221 . When the SCU  102  receives a sensory value, it uses the provided information and calculates the correct aim-point for the current firing solution and updates the reticule on the display  100 . Upon completion of this process the SCU goes to sleep mode waiting for a timer interrupt, or any other input method restarting the sensory data analysis process. 
         [0042]    SCU/SAR uses a removable (disposable/rechargeable) power source consisting of commercially available or equivalent batteries. 
         [0043]    The display  100  is mounted facing towards the operator and in line with the optics mounted on the weapon system 
         [0044]    Mounting solution that allows the SCU and SAR to be mounted on a MIL-STD 1913A Picatinny rail or other weapon system standard accessory rail. 
         [0045]    External to the SCU housing, a Human interface to manipulate SCU settings and manual trigger sensory data collection cycle. 
         [0046]    Within the SCU, a Multi-axis MEMS sensor is used to determine the orientation of the host weapon system along 3 dimensions. 
         [0047]    Optional within the SCU, a multi-antenna array used to facilitate wireless communication between the SCU and the SAR and/or SCU and optional sensor array  105 . 
         [0048]    Depending on the optic used on the host weapon system, magnification setting  104 / 204  is transferred to the SCU as a variable in the firing solution calculation. 
         [0049]    Within the SCU, additional data analysis, processing and storage may be added to provide additional functionality in specific configurations. 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  is a flowchart of method for determining the appropriate aim-point based upon configuration and sensory data as collected by the system. 
         [0051]    The SCU  102  is woken up from a deep sleep mode by either an automated trigger or manual trigger as indicated in Steps  200 ,  201 , or  202 . 
         [0052]    The SCU system polls the various input sensors and collects their readings in parallel in Step  203 . 
         [0053]    The (optional) sensor array within the SCU  102 , or integrated into third party support devices, might provide sensory data as indicated in Steps  204 ,  205 ,  206 ,  207 ,  208 ,  209 ,  210  and  211 . 
         [0054]    In Step  212  data is analyzed and prepared for utilization in the calculation of the position of the sight reticule within the SAR  100 . 
         [0055]    In Step  213  the SCU  102  calculates the adjusted sight reticule based upon the provided sensor data and system configuration data  214 . 
         [0056]    In Step  214  SCU  102  provides system configuration information (for example the caliber or barrel length as used in the host weapon) to the firing solution calculation process  213 . 
         [0057]    In Step  215  the results of the firing solution calculation are displayed on the display of the SAR  100 . 
         [0058]    In Step  218  all prepared sensory data and the results of the firing solution calculation are stored in the SCU  102  upon the detection of a shot fired. 
         [0059]    The SCU continues to adjust the SAR aim-point  301  until either a predefined interval expires or a new distance-to-target reading is obtained/entered. 
         [0060]    If the predefined interval expires  219 , the system places itself in sleep mode to conserve power until a new cycle is triggered. 
         [0061]      FIG. 3  shows an exemplary sight adjusted reticule (SAR)  300  in accordance with the preferred embodiment. The transparent display  300  is attached to a mounting solution  302  that allows the SAR  300  to be attached to a MIL-STD 1913A Picatinny rail or other weapon system standard accessory rail. 
         [0062]    From the configured center (zeroed) point, the Reticule Aim Point  301  adjusts its position within the display  300  based upon the firing solution (FS)  213  as calculated by the system. 
         [0063]    The SAR  300  and SAR based mounting solution  302  are positioned in line with a traditional optic  303 . The SAR  300  is positioned on the operator&#39;s side of the optic. 
         [0064]    If the optic is a magnified optic, the magnification setting can be incorporated into the firing solution either via manual input or via a sensor attached to the scope magnification dial. 
         [0065]    With reference to  FIG. 4 , an exemplary system for implementing the preferred embodiment includes a general purpose computing device in the form of a personal computer or server  20  or the like, including a processing unit  21 , a system memory  22 , and a system bus  23  that couples various system components including the system memory to the processing unit  21 . The system bus  23  may be any of several types of bus structures including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. The system memory includes read-only memory (ROM)  24  and random access memory (RAM)  25 . A basic input/output system  26  (BIOS), containing the basic routines that help to transfer information between elements within the personal computer  20 , such as during start-up, is stored in ROM  24 . The personal computer  20  may further include a hard disk drive  27  for reading from and writing to a hard disk, not shown, a magnetic disk drive  28  for reading from or writing to a removable magnetic disk  29 , and an optical disk drive  30  for reading from or writing to a removable optical disk  31  such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media. The hard disk drive  27 , magnetic disk drive  28 , and optical disk drive  30  are connected to the system bus  23  by a hard disk drive interface  32 , a magnetic disk drive interface  33 , and an optical drive interface  34 , respectively. The drives and their associated computer-readable media provide non-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules and other data for the personal computer  20 . Although the exemplary environment described herein employs a hard disk, a removable magnetic disk  29  and a removable optical disk  31 , it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other types of computer readable media that can store data that is accessible by a computer, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital video disks, Bernoulli cartridges, random access memories (RAMs), read-only memories (ROMs) and the like may also be used in the exemplary operating environment. 
         [0066]    A number of program modules may be stored on the hard disk, magnetic disk  29 , optical disk  31 , ROM  24  or RAM  25 , including an operating system  35  The computer  20  includes a file system  36  associated with or included within the operating system  35 , such as the Windows NT™ File System (NTFS), one or more application programs  37 , other program modules  38  and program data  39 . A user may enter commands and information into the personal computer  20  through input devices such as a keyboard  40  and pointing device  42 . Other input devices (not shown) may include a microphone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, scanner or the like. These and other input devices are often connected to the processing unit  21  through a serial port interface  46  that is coupled to the system bus, but may be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, game port or universal serial bus (USB). A monitor  47  or other type of display device is also connected to the system bus  23  via an interface, such as a video adapter  48 . In addition to the monitor  47 , personal computers typically include other peripheral output devices (not shown), such as speakers and printers. 
         [0067]    The personal computer  20  may operate in a networked environment using logical connections to one or more remote computers  49 . The remote computer (or computers)  49  may be another personal computer, a server, a router, a network PC, a peer device or other common network node, and typically includes many or all of the elements described above relative to the personal computer  20 , although only a memory storage device  50  has been illustrated. The logical connections include a local area network (LAN)  51  and a wide area network (WAN)  52 . Such networking environments are commonplace in offices, enterprise-wide computer networks, Intranets and the Internet. 
         [0068]    When used in a LAN networking environment, the personal computer  20  is connected to the local network  51  through a network interface or adapter  53 . When used in a WAN networking environment, the personal computer  20  typically includes a modem  54  or other means for establishing communications over the wide area network  52 , such as the Internet. The modem  54 , which may be internal or external, is connected to the system bus  23  via the serial port interface  46 . In a networked environment, program modules depicted relative to the personal computer  20 , or portions thereof, may be stored in the remote memory storage device. It will be appreciated that the network connections shown are exemplary and other means of establishing a communications link between the computers may be used. 
         [0069]    Having thus described a preferred embodiment, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that certain advantages of the described method and apparatus have been achieved. It should also be appreciated that various modifications, adaptations, and alternative embodiments thereof may be made within the scope and spirit of the present invention. The invention is further defined by the following claims.