System and method for producing a DOPE chart

A cover for use with an optic device to hold and display shooting information. The cover may have resilient retention members that allow a display to be releasably attached and detached from the cover. The display may be made from a single substrate or multiple substrates in order to make the shooting information contained thereon highly visible in a variety of conditions and shooting preferences. The display may further be customized by a user to include desired DOPE information and then printed onto the single or multiple substrates. A system and method for creating custom DOPE charts is also provided.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the field of optic sighting devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to a system and method for producing custom DOPE charts.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Avid shooters, e.g. hunters, competition shooters, military personnel, law enforcement officers, etc., rely on many different pieces of information in order to make accurate and precise shots. Some of the information relied upon by shooters is based upon environmental factors such as distance, minute of angle, elevation hold value, wind hold value, pressure, temperature, or elevation. Some information is based upon the equipment being used, for example scope height, muzzle velocity, and/or the ballistic being used, for example bullet class, bullet speed, bullet's ballistic coefficient and bullet drag model, or a combination of these parameters, such as observed bullet drop. This information is commonly referred to in the shooting industry as Data On Personal Equipment, Data On Previous Engagements, or “DOPE.”

Due to the amount of different DOPE values that can affect the precision and accuracy of a shot and the variability of the same, keeping track of such DOPE values can be challenging for shooters. Some shooters use hand-written log books to enter the information themselves. Other shooters may use a number of pre-calculated DOPE charts from which a shooter can look up the information needed, however many shooters do not use such pre-calculated charts because they are tied to what a particular gun/ammo combination should produce, but every gun shoots slightly differently. Furthermore, if the user changes either the gun or ammo being used, the chart is useless. Furthermore, shooters often cut portions of their hand-written logs or books into a circular or disc shape and taping or gluing them to the inside of their optic covers. Such hand-written logs suffer from diminished legibility and information density limitations, which often prove problematic, particularly if a shooter needs to use the DOPE information in less than ideal conditions, such as at night, in inclement weather, or in high stress military or hunting environments. Humans simply cannot hand-write legible characters as small as a printer can print.

Many shooters use an optical device such as, but not limited to a scope, when shooting. In order to protect the lenses of the optical device from scratches, shooters will often use covers. Some covers, called flip cap or flip open covers, fit on the end(s) of the optical device and have a cap that can be closed when the optical device is not in use or opened when the shooter intends on using the optical device. When the flip cap is open, the eyepiece of the optical device is available for use by the shooter with the cover's cap off to the side or above the optical device. Since the inside of the cover's cap is available for use and faces the shooter when the cover is open, the inside of the cap is a convenient place to hold a shooter's DOPE chart.

One company called Scope Dope states that it offers “a quick reference ballistic data disc designed to fit inside the cover of a ‘flip-open’ riflescope cap . . . made from heavy die cut vinyl.” Scope Dope also states that a shooter can then “pre-record critical data using the waterproof permanent pen onto the data disc.” The discs offered by Scope Dope can be attached to a cap by using glue or tape. While Scope Dope's products provide a circular form factor that fits inside a riflescope cap, the shooter must still hand write the DOPE values into the chart, so legibility and information density remains a concern.

As such, there is a need for a system and method that allows a shooter to input certain information or parameters, such as environmental information, gun information, and ammunition information (including custom ammunition), or a combination of such information or parameters, which the system processes to generate a custom DOPE chart in an identified format. That DOPE chart may then be produced in a highly legible, durable, and waterproof DOPE chart display that is removable and replaceable in a scope cap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system for producing a DOPE chart for use with an optical device such as a rifle scope. The system includes a user computer displaying a configuration interface. The configuration interface may be accessed via a website or alternatively via software stored locally on the user computer. The configuration interface provides a user with a plurality of options from which to choose. The options provided to the user are controlled by a DOPE chart configuration database to which the configuration interface is connected either via the internet, local network, or the database may also be stored locally on the user computer. Finally, the system includes a printer or engraver that allows the user to convert the DOPE chart from a configuration shown on the configuration interface to a physical DOPE chart that he or she can take shooting.

The present invention also relates to a method for using the system described above. The method includes the step of providing a user with a configuration interface. At least one server is provided that stores and processes data related to the DOPE chart configuration system. The user selects from a plurality of options presented to him or her on the configuration interface. The plurality of options may include items such as, but not limited to, DOPE chart style, DOPE values, graphics, custom text, etc. The user may also enter at least one desired DOPE value into a DOPE chart configuration table displayed on the DOPE chart configurator display. The DOPE chart configurator display may also include a real-time preview of the DOPE chart configuration. Once the user has completed his or her DOPE chart configuration, he or she can order the production of the DOPE chart configuration.

It will be understood by those skilled in the art that one or more aspects of this invention can meet certain objectives, while one or more other aspects can lead to certain other objectives. Other objects, features, benefits and advantages of the present invention will be apparent in this summary and descriptions of the disclosed embodiment, and will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Such objects, features, benefits and advantages will be apparent from the above as taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures and all reasonable inferences to be drawn therefrom.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A cover for an optic device in accordance with the present invention helps shooters conveniently and securely releasably retain shooting information on a cap of the optic cover. A display in accordance with the present invention can be securely attached to and detached from the cap of an optic cover to readily display shooting information. The present invention also provides a system and method for creating and producing displays using a computer.

Referring now toFIG. 1, one aspect of the present invention provides a flip cap style cover10for an optic device11such as a scope or other sighting device. As seen inFIG. 2, a cover10can be used on each end of the optic device11. The cover10includes a cap12attached to the cover, such as, for example, by a hinge13such that the cover can be opened and closed as seen inFIGS. 2 and 3. Other constructions for attaching a cap12to a cover10are known in the industry, the use of which would not defeat the spirit of the invention. The cover10can also include a body14for attaching the cover to an optic device11.

Another embodiment of the invention is a cap12as will be described, for attaching to an existing cover body14so as to retrofit the cap12or cover10to any aftermarket optic cover or optic device available.

The cap12has an interior portion16, seen inFIG. 3, and an exterior portion18, seen inFIG. 4. When the cap12is in the closed configuration, such as, when the optic device11is not being used, the exterior portion18of the cap12is exposed to the environment and the interior portion16of the cap faces the optic device11as seen inFIG. 5.

When the cap12is in the open configuration as seen inFIG. 3, such as, when a shooter desires to use the optic device11, the interior portion16of the cap12faces the shooter. When using two covers10, such as shown inFIG. 2, the exterior portion18of the cap12of the second cover will also face the shooter when open. If the cap of each cover is set up to open in a different direction, both the interior portion16of the first cap and the exterior portion18of the second cap will be visible to the shooter.

As shown inFIG. 3, the interior portion16of the cap12is capable of holding a display20which can show information such as DOPE. In one embodiment, the display20is round in shape and held by the interior portion16of the cap12by tabs22permanently attached thereto, such as by integrally forming the cap and tabs, which resiliently hold the display20in place. (SeeFIG. 6). For example, the tabs22can be made of a resilient plastic that will temporarily deform when sufficient force is applied. To further encourage deformation upon application of pressure, the tops of the tabs22could also be angled. Thus, when the display20is pushed on the tabs22, such as by a shooter, the tabs deform to receive the display and allow the display to slide past the deformed tabs and to be seated. Once the display20is seated, the tabs22retake their original shape and thereby securely hold and firmly retain the display20in place. This embodiment provides a balance between ease of removal of the display20and securement of display while shooting.

Although the embodiment described above discloses that the interior portion16of the cap12releasably retains a display20, the exterior portion18of the cap or both the interior portion and the exterior portion could be capable of retaining displays. For example, when a cover10is used on each end of an optic device11, it may be desirable to have the cap12from the first cover releasably retain a display20on the interior portion16and the cap12from the second cover releasably retain a display20on the exterior portion18such that two displays are visible to the shooter when using the optic device.

In another embodiment, the display20is held by a resilient annular ridge, ring or flange of the cap12. As seen inFIG. 7, the annular flange23extends along the perimeter of the interior portion16of the cap12. Although the annular flange23is shown as a continuous flange, the flange could also be intermittent along the interior portion16. Similar to the tabs22above, the annual flange23can be made of a resilient material such that the annular flange will deform when the display20is being seated and thereafter retake its original shape to hold the display in place.

In another embodiment, the display is held by at least one post24of the cap12. The one or more post(s)24could be made from a resilient material and located at the center of the interior portion16of the cap12as seen inFIG. 8, or located around the circumference of the interior portion16of the cap12similar to the tabs22. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 8, the post24is slotted and has a top portion with a diameter bigger than the corresponding hole26in the display20. When the display20is placed onto the post24, such that the hole26is above the post, and downward pressure is applied, the slot allows the top portion of the post to compress and thereby fit through the hole. After the display20is past the top portion, the top portion of the post24returns to its original size to thereby hold the display in place. When the display20is removed, the upward force applied to the post24by the display, causes the top portion of the post to compress to fit back through the hole26such that the display is removed.

In yet another embodiment, the display is held by a magnet28, or magnets, permanently attached to the cap12as seen inFIG. 9. The display20could be made from a material that is attracted to the magnet(s)28or have such a material attached to it.

The retention configurations described above allow the display20to be rotated up to 360 degrees while being held by the cap12. Although such rotation is not necessary, it allows the information shown on the display20to be right side up and readable regardless of the shooter's preferred orientation for the cap12, for example, above the optic device11or to the side such as shown inFIG. 3. The resilient retention member configurations described above are also economical to manufacture.

The display20includes a means for removing the display from the cap12. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 10, the display20has a number of indents30formed in the perimeter of the display. The indents30are sized and positioned in the display20such that the indents allow the shooter to selectively remove the display from the tabs22of the cap12. In the embodiment shown inFIG. 6, the indents30allow the display20to be removed by use of a fingernail or the bullet, such as the tip or rim of the casing. Although the embodiment shown inFIG. 6allows the display20to be removed without the use of tools, configurations requiring the use of a tool to release and remove the display20from the cap12would not defeat the spirit of the invention.

The display20may be made of a material that is resistant to environmental conditions such as water, ultraviolet light, heat, cold, etc., as may be experienced while shooting. For example, the display20when exposed to moisture, ultraviolet light and/or temperatures in the range from about −20° F. to 120° F. does not substantially deform in its shape or substantially change color so as to affect the performance of the display. The display20can also have information permanently affixed thereto or therein as seen inFIG. 10or have permanent spaces for a shooter to fill in such information or DOPE.

In one embodiment, the display20can be made or formed from layers of plastic coupled or fixed together. As seen inFIG. 11, the display20is made from coupling or fixing a top substrate32to one side of a middle substrate34and coupling or fixing a bottom substrate36to another side of the middle substrate. The top and bottom substrates32,36can be thinner than the middle substrate34and of a color different than the middle substrate. The top and bottom layers or substrates32,36can be laser engraved so as to remove portions of the top and bottom layers thereby exposing the middle layer or substrate34of a different color. Such engravings can also be used to cut the display20to the desired size and shape from a larger sheet or sheets of material. Using three layers allows both sides of the display20to contain information such as DOPE.

One example of such a display20entails using bright yellow outer layers and a black middle layer. The contrast of the yellow and black allows the information, such as shooting information, to be easily conveyed or seen at night as would the use of photo-chromatic material. Other applications or user preferences could suggest different color combinations.

Other numbers of layers can also be used without departing from the invention. For example, a two layered display could be made with just the top layer32and the middle layer34, in which case the middle layer34would also be the bottom layer. Further, the display20could be made from one substrate such as, for example, if the display is made from a material that is attracted to the magnet28as seen inFIG. 9.

Other methods of adding information such as DOPE to a display20include, but are not limited to printing on the display, attaching stickers to the display with information printed on the stickers or allowing such information to be written on the stickers by a shooter or allowing a shooter to write directly on the substrate. The use of such methods would not defeat the spirit of the invention.

It is anticipated that a shooter could be carrying multiple displays20with different types of information during an activity, for example long range target practice. The shooter could quickly and easily change to a display20with the appropriate information for the firearm, bullet and/or environmental conditions being faced at that time.

A system for configuring a DOPE chart90may include a user computer100and a server102. In one embodiment, user computer100and server102are connected to each other via the internet. Although the embodiments shown in the drawings suggest that the user computer100and the server102are separate, in other embodiments, the functions of the user computer and server may be combined into a single computer. Furthermore, the functions shown as occurring on a single server102may alternatively be performed by a plurality of servers, with each server performing some or all of the functions of server102.

FIG. 12shows one embodiment of system architecture that may be used to configure a DOPE chart according to the systems90described herein. A user103begins the configuration process by submitting an initial request112from the user computer100to server102. In one embodiment, the initial request112is made by logging onto a website104. In some embodiments, the initial request112may also cause the server102to query114a database106to determine whether user103has a previously saved user profile150on the system. If the database106includes a user profile150, the database answers the user profile query116by providing user profile data to server102, which incorporates the data when it answers118the initial request112. User interactions with the system90are primarily through the use of a configuration interface200, which may be a computer based graphical user interface displayed on a screen on a computing device. As shown in the figures, configuration interface200may be a web-based display, which may be accessed on a computer screen but could also be a digital interface accessed through a smartphone, tablet, or any other computing device.

User profile150is particularly useful for a user103who has multiple gun/ammunition combinations, which could be stored in the user profile that the user could access at any time. User profile150could include a multitude of information including not only user's103gun/ammunition combinations, but locational and/or environmental data as well. For example, as discussed above, a shooter could carry multiple displays20with different types of information during an activity, such as an annual hunting trip. User profile150provides a virtual storage location for DOPE information, including, for example multiple DOPE charts250or DOPE values for multiple displays20. Furthermore, the system could allow user103to create highly tailored DOPE charts250that include not only locational information such as elevation, but could also include current or forecast weather information or any other information user103would find useful. Such weather information could be pulled from any of the available internet weather databases. For the shooter who takes an annual hunting trip, his or her user profile150could include a particular gun/ammunition combination he or she likes to use on the trip. A couple of days before, or even the day of the hunt, the shooter could either manually input weather data for the location, or use data gathered from the internet to create a display20for that year's hunt. The shooter could also include location, date, or weather information in a “title” section of the border202, or any other location made available to the shooter.

FIG. 13shows how data may be managed between a configuration interface200and server102. As shown, server102sends website data back128to user computer100upon receiving the initial request112. After the website104is displayed to user103, he or she may choose from a plurality of options to create their desired display20configuration. Although user103logs onto website104in the embodiment shown, in alternative embodiments, user103may configure a display20using a program stored locally on user computer100. As user103interacts with the system90, data is sent130from the user computer100to server102where it is processed. Server102then generates132an image108based on the user's103selections. In the embodiment shown, this data transfer happens in real time so user103can instantly view the current configuration via real-tine preview218(as shown inFIGS. 20-24).

The following Coffeescript, which is compiled into Javascript, is a simplified example of how the real-time preview218may be updated in accordance with the invention. Although Coffeescript is used herein, any suitable programming language may also be used without departing from the invention.

The script shown above is pseudo code of one of a plurality of layers of checks performed by the system to determine whether user103has updated any of the parameters of the customized DOPE chart250. As an example, the script above determines the line width for a DOPE chart border. The script writes to an “ImageBorder” file that is an image of the border section of a DOPE chart. In the script above, line width may be either 200 pixels or 100 pixels depending on the user's selection of a “thick” or “thin” line. After user103selects a desired width, the script writes a path of an arc having the selected thickness and stores it as the ImageBorder file.

Several scripts similar to the one above may be run sequentially, one for each parameter presented to the user103, and one for a data entry chart212(as shown, e.g., in FIG.20). The system then compiles the image files generated by each section of script into one file, which is real-time preview218. If any of the parameters has a changed value, the system generates a new real-time preview218file that is displayed to user103. One way the system may run its check is to run a debounce code that monitors multiple keys, debounces them, and detects key hold and release. Using a debounce code will allow the system to only run the update script when user103has not pressed a key for a period of time, or if the user presses a particular key or set of keys. Only running the update script if a period of time passes between presses of a key frees up system resources, which allows the system to use less internet bandwidth and less memory on the server102and on the user computer100. For example, the debounce code may look for a time X during which no buttons are pressed. Then, if no button is pressed during time X, the debounce code initiates the update script. Of course, other methods may also be used to initiate the update script without departing from the invention, but a debounce code is one exemplary way of efficiently determining when to initiate the update script.

Following is one example of a pseudo debounce code in accordance with the invention but other debounce codes may alternatively be used. Two scripts are included below, the first script on the user side, and the second script on the server side. As with the script above, the scripts below are written in Coffeescript, which compiles in to Javascript, but any suitable programming language may also be used without departing from the invention.

The script shown above is pseudo code that renders the real-time preview218, monitors for user typing, and sends information to the server. The script as shown first renders a table or “Array” having three columns and ten rows. Next, the debounce code runs, which looks for image updates two seconds (2000 milliseconds) after the last keystroke. After two seconds have elapsed, and if a change has been made, the system saves the table data to the server102and updates the real-time preview218that includes a timestamp so the system knows when it receives a new image.

The next script is shown below and may be on the server side, where the server102accepts information from the user computer100, and saves the data. The server may receive a request for an image, which it will render and serve back to the user computer as real-time preview218.

FIG. 14shows how the system90may communicate with or include a printer or an engraver, which may be used to produce a display20. As shown inFIG. 14, a user103may purchase a display20when user has finished configuring the display20using a configuration interface200displayed on user computer100. In the embodiment shown, to start the purchasing process, user103initiates a purchase request134. When the purchase request134is initiated, the display20configuration data is copied to a production file133. One way of keeping track of production files133is through the use of a unique IDs135. For example, when the production file133is transferred136to server102, a unique ID135may be generated that is associated with the production file. The production file133(as identified by unique ID135) is saved137in the user's103cart, which is stored on server102. When the system has multiple production files133, they may be managed, stored, identified and recalled using unique IDs135. When user103is ready to purchase a display20, he or she pays for the display using a typical e-commerce system. Once user103has paid for the display20, a request138is sent to a production server110that causes139printer105to print or engrave the image108of the display20onto a blank disc, and confirmation of the purchase is sent140back to the configuration interface200. In one embodiment, a laser engraver, such as but not limited to an Epilog Mini, may be used to remove a layer of material from the blank disk to reveal a complimentary color. Of course, any other suitable printer or engraver may be used without departing from the invention. Finally, the now completed display20is ready to be delivered to user103. Such delivery may be accomplished by any suitable means, including but not limited to mailing or picking up in a store.

FIG. 15shows how data from a ballistics calculator may be used to create a DOPE chart250. As shown, the system90may also include accessing a ballistic calculator server101. In such an embodiment, user103may access information stored on the ballistic calculator server101by submitting a request142through the configuration interface200. Such a request142may include a variety of variables including but not limited to gun model, ammunition type, weather data, elevation data or any other type of relevant information. Ballistic calculators are known in the art and quickly and easily provide shooters with bullet flight path information that traditionally would take a great deal of manual calculations. To use a typical ballistic calculator, user103selects the gun, ammunition, and other environmental factors into a form. The calculator then generates DOPE data that can be used to create a DOPE chart250. After accessing144the information from the ballistic calculator server101, the system90fills in relevant portions of the configuration screen200. Using such a ballistic calculator saves the shooter a great deal of time and produces error free DOPE charts250.

FIG. 16shows an alternative embodiment of a system for creating a DOPE chart that comprises a completely local system92that is not connected to the internet. For example, a point of sale kiosk120could be provided in a store that could provide most of the functions of the system. Of course, such a “local” embodiment may include at least one locally networked server122to store database106and perform some of the other functions of the system as well. For example, a plurality of sales kiosks120could be provided at one or more store locations, all of which are connected to one or more local servers122that provide all of the data necessary to operate the system, not unlike a typical server/workstation arrangement in a local area network. Furthermore, one or more local printers124may also be provided as part of the point of sale kiosk120, or provided elsewhere in the store, which would produce the displays20while user103waits. As noted previously, printer124may also be an engraver or any other suitable type of production or reproduction device.

FIG. 17illustrates one method of configuring and producing one or more DOPE charts250for use on a display20or otherwise in connection with an optic device11. At step300, the user of the system conducts certain profile set-up activities, and the system interacts with system components such as user computer100and server102, which receive and provide information for the profile set-up activities. Profile set-up activities may include, for example, logging in to the system, providing username and/or password credentials, or other identifying information. Step300may also include creating a user profile150, navigating to the appropriate configuration interface, or other preliminary data entry, security clearance, or navigation activities before engaging in further steps in the process.

At step310, server102may query from database106any saved data that may be pertinent or available for use in the method. For example, saved data may be data saved from prior uses of the system, or may be data files from other sources, such as ballistic calculators or user generated data files stored outside of the system. If relevant saved data exists, the server may access and retrieve such data at step320. In one embodiment, the query at step310would allow a user to import data files or access data files from outside systems into database106. In other embodiments, the query at step310simply allows the user to specify instructions to retrieve data files already stored in database106. Although step310is depicted inFIG. 17in an early step of the disclosed method, in other embodiments, the system may query saved data at any point in the process, or at multiple points in the process, including during step330, which is discussed in more detail below.

At step330, configuration interface200is provided for use in allowing a system user to provide and receive instructions to server102and database106to allow user to design a customized DOPE chart, which is further illustrated and described inFIGS. 18-24and related descriptions. Configuration interface200may provide an image108and/or real-time preview218showing a depiction of the customized DOPE chart250and display20, which image is updated to reflect changes or instructions provided into the configuration interface200at step340. The real-time preview218may be a 3D rendering showing an image of a display20. User103can manipulate the real-time preview218in real time, which allows the user to rotate, zoom in or out, and open or close the cap12. The real-time preview218may be a 3D rendering in the three.js file format, but any other suitable file format may be used without departing from the invention. Image108may comprise the customized DOPE chart250, which is mapped onto the real-time preview218. In an alternative embodiment, the real-time preview218could be omitted, with only a final image108shown to user103. Omitting the real-time preview218may be advantageous in situations where there is limited internet bandwidth or limited graphics performance on a device used to access the configuration interface200such as if a user were to access the configuration interface200from a mobile device.

After the customized DOPE chart250is prepared through configuration interface200, at step350, server102provides user103the option to save the DOPE chart250as configured. If user103instructs the system to save the chart, server102assigns a unique identifier to the chart and stores or saves the chart at step360. Prepared DOPE charts250may be stored in the system at database106, or may be stored or saved externally in other databases, memory, or storage media.

At step370, server102provides user103an option to design another DOPE chart250, or multiple charts. If user103instructs the system to run the steps to design any additional charts, step380depicts the system operation that provides for designing and saving additional charts, for example by repeating steps310through370, as described above.

At step390, server102may provide user103an option to generate a production file containing the DOPE chart250for use in printed DOPE charts, for exporting, or for other purposes. A production file may be of any suitable file format, for example, a .png image. If user instructs the system to generate a production file, at step410, the system may provide instructions for generating the production file in the desired file format or on the desired media or through the desired channels, such as via email, file download, or file transfer protocol (FTP).

At step400, server102may provide user103an option to print one or more DOPE charts250. DOPE charts250may be printed on a variety of materials for a variety of purposes. For example, DOPE chart250may be printed or engraved on a substrate for use as a removable display20in an optic cover or flip cap. Alternatively, DOPE charts250may be printed on paper, or other substrates for reference materials, or flip books. Although the terms “print,” “printer,” or “printing” are used herein, it should be understood that the print option step400, printer105, and the like may include other known production and reproduction methods and devices, such as engraving using a laser engraver, etching and other marking techniques. Printing may occur in the same location as user computer100, or may occur at offsite locations, as noted in step420inFIG. 17. Several different configurations are possible within the spirit of the invention. For example, a user may use the configuration interface200at their home and then go to a retail location for printing of the DOPE charts onto substrates or displays20. Alternatively, user may use the configuration interface200at home and then place orders for displays20via internet, email, or phone, and such displays20may be shipped to user103at a specified location. As another example, the system may be located entirely at a retail location, such as a retailer of sport optics and other sporting goods, such that sportsmen may customize DOPE charts at the retail location, purchase, and have them printed onto displays all at a single retail location as an additional service provided by such retailer. DOPE charts250and displays20may also be viewed or shown digitally such as on a smartphone, tablet, smart watch, or other wearable or digital device.

It should be noted that the steps illustrated inFIG. 17are exemplary and illustrative only; there may be more or less steps in the method, ands steps may be performed in an order different than described here.

FIG. 18illustrates one method of designing a customized DOPE chart250; the steps identified inFIG. 18may all be performed as sub-steps of step330as shown inFIG. 17. In one embodiment, user103provides instructions to server102through configuration interface200, which is shown in exemplary drawings inFIGS. 19-24.

In step500, user103selects the format of the DOPE chart250, including selection of options or preferences for chart format, such as a disk, table, card, or other display format. Although several of the Figures show displays20as substantially circular inserts, DOPE charts250and displays20do not need to be limited to such shapes, and may be provided in a square, rectangular, octagonal, or any other suitable shape. One embodiment of a configuration interface200showing selections options for this step is shown inFIG. 20. Once user selects format choices in step500, server102, at step510, updates the image108and/or real-time preview218to reflect the current selections.

In step520, user103selects graphic preference and customizations for the DOPE chart250, such as selection of borders, shadings, side markings, or logo markings. It may be possible to provide both textual and ornamental options. One embodiment of a configuration interface200showing options for graphic selections is shown inFIG. 19, specifically, showing options for selecting border202, and other graphics204. Once user103selects graphic preferences in this step520, server102, at step530, causes the image108and/or real-time preview218to reflect the user's103current selections.

In step540, user103may select the DOPE display format. For example, display options may include a dropchart format (in either light or dark colors), or a reticle view format (in either light or dark colors). A variety of other display options may be included as well within the spirit of the invention. One embodiment of a configuration interface200showing these options is shown inFIGS. 19 and 20. For example,FIGS. 19 and 20show options for selecting a drop chart style DOPE chart208(with light or dark background) or a reticle style chart210(with light or dark background). Once user103selects the DOPE display format, server102, at step550, causes the image108and/or real-time preview218to reflect the user's103current selections.

At step560, user103may enter naming information to describe or name the DOPE chart250being created, and/or enter custom text to be associated with the DOPE chart250. This is also shown inFIG. 20, which shows the display of such naming information or custom text at205. Server102, at step570, similarly updates image108and/or real-time preview218to reflect current text or naming entered.

At step580, user103enters, imports, or causes DOPE data to be populated on the DOPE chart250. As shown inFIG. 20, this data may include minutes of angle (MOA), range, bullet drop, and wind data, but may include other combinations of DOPE data as well. Several methods may be used to provide DOPE data in step580, including simple manual entry590of data, partial data entry and partial program calculations600performed by instructions on the server102, or by importing data from outside the program610, such as from a file saved outside of the system, or from a ballistic calculator that is integral with the system or external to it. Server102, at step620, updates image108and/or real-time preview218to reflect such data entry, import, or population so user103can see what the DOPE chart may look like when finished.

At step630, user103is offered a choice to finalize the DOPE chart250or to make further edits. As will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art, the steps shown inFIG. 18need not be performed in this order; this is simply one example of the steps for designing a customized DOPE chart250. More or less steps may be provided, and in different order. Additionally, different parameters, choices, or options may be provided. Some non-limiting examples of other options may be the ability to choose the placement of the DOPE chart on the disk and allowing user103to add photos or other graphics.

FIGS. 19-24show multiple screen views of one embodiment of a configuration interface200in accordance with the invention. The configuration interface200presents user103with numerous options from which to pick to create his or her display20. The embodiment shown allows a user103to create displays20to be produced as previously described, i.e., discs to be inserted into a cap for a riflescope, but on a piece by piece basis. The invention may also allow users103to configure and produce DOPE charts of other shapes and sizes as well. For example, the system90could be used to configure and produce traditional DOPE log book pages, rectangular DOPE charts, or any other suitable shape. In other words, the shape or material of the media on which the display20produced may be any suitable shape or size without departing from the invention. Selecting displays20of other shapes or sizes could be offered as one of the options presented to user103on the configuration interface200.

As shown inFIG. 19, user103may choose from a number of options including but not limited to whether a border202should be included on the display20or whether a user103would like to include additional graphics204around the DOPE chart itself. Additionally, user103may include custom text205that is placed at the top of the display20. Such custom text could be anything user103wants to include on the display20, including but not limited to the gun/ammunition combination associated with the display, a nickname, or any other identifying information. Although the embodiment shown includes a number of options from which a user103may select, more or fewer options may be offered to user103without departing from the invention.

Also as shown inFIGS. 19 and 20, user103is given the option of creating two common styles206of DOPE charts for the display20: dropchart208and reticle210. Of course, any other style options may be included without departing from the invention. After user103selects which style206of DOPE chart he or she prefers, a data entry chart212is presented to user103that corresponds to the selected style206, which allows user103to input the DOPE information as he or she desires. As shown inFIG. 20, the data entry step may be done manually or the data entry chart212may be automatically populated using presently available ballistics calculators that may be stored on a ballistic calculator server101(seeFIG. 15). In other embodiments, additional functionality may be included such as, but not limited to, generating certain environmental data such as coriolis, spin drift, temperature, barometric pressure, altitude, and relative humidity based on GPS coordinates or current weather data. Such data may be available from internet based providers, may be manually entered, or may also be generated by any other suitable means. In such an embodiment, a shooter could foreseeably configure, order, and pick up a custom DOPE display20just before going out to shoot.

The data entry chart212is highly customizable as well. As shown inFIG. 20, user103can add and/or delete columns214and/or rows216to configure the DOPE chart exactly how he or she desires. As user103customizes the data entry chart212, a real-time preview218of the display20is shown to user103. If user103has selected the reticle210style DOPE chart, the MOA data included in the chart is shown so that the values are proportional to each other. For example, as shown inFIG. 21, the MOA column is shown having values from 0-11, with markings at 1, 4.5, and 7.5 spaced in between. As shown inFIG. 22, user103has added a row216with an MOA value of 3, which is now displayed on the real-time preview218. As shown inFIG. 23, user103has now replaced the top MOA value of 11 with a value of 20, but left the other markings the same. What has happened is the existing markings at 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 7.5 have moved up so that the new top MOA value of 20 can be shown proportionally. Existing reticle charts and other DOPE charts do not easily allow for a proportional display of MOA values. As shown inFIG. 24, an “add to cart” button220is included at the bottom of the configuration interface200that allows user103to initiate the purchase process described above.

Once user103orders display20, the producer prints the DOPE chart configuration on the DOPE chart250onto a blank DOPE disk. In the embodiment shown, a printer105prints directly onto the blank disk using an Epilog Mini, Helix, or other suitable printer. In alternative embodiments, the producer could provide blank disks and label sheets that user103could use to print the display20on their home printer, which he or she could then stick to the blank disk.

FIGS. 25-27show embodiments of DOPE charts250shown separate from and inserted into covers10and specifically caps12. As shown inFIG. 25, display20includes one recess45that allows user103to selectively remove the display from cap12, for example by using the tip of a pen or other small tool. Exemplary displays are shown inFIGS. 26-27. The display20shown inFIGS. 25 and 26are reticle style DOPE charts210, whileFIG. 27shows a dropchart style DOPE chart208.

Although the invention has been herein described in what is perceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments set forth above. Rather, it is recognized that modifications may be made by one of skill in the art of the invention without departing from the spirit or intent of the invention and, therefore, the invention is to be taken as including all reasonable equivalents to the subject matter of the appended claims and the description of the invention herein.