U.S. patent application number 12/352355 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-03 for splatter indicator sight for firearms.
Invention is credited to TIMOTHY D.F. FORD.
Application Number | 20090217565 12/352355 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40848356 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090217565 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
FORD; TIMOTHY D.F. |
September 3, 2009 |
SPLATTER INDICATOR SIGHT FOR FIREARMS
Abstract
A splatter indicator sight for use with a firearm taking one or
more variables affecting the bullet trajectory under consideration
to create a risk zone map of the different zones which can be hit
after the user has aimed the firearm at a target. In embodiments of
the invention, the boundaries of the most probable hit zones can be
quickly indicated to the user by the risk zone map. The risk zone
map is illustratively created by projecting a laser beam directly
on the target.
Inventors: |
FORD; TIMOTHY D.F.;
(Beaconsfield, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GOUDREAU GAGE DUBUC
2000 MCGILL COLLEGE, SUITE 2200
MONTREAL
QC
H3A 3H3
CA
|
Family ID: |
40848356 |
Appl. No.: |
12/352355 |
Filed: |
January 12, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61020515 |
Jan 11, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
42/114 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/35 20130101; F41G
1/473 20130101; F41A 17/08 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/114 |
International
Class: |
F41G 1/00 20060101
F41G001/00 |
Claims
1. A splatter indicator sight for attachment to a firearm, the
sight comprising: a risk zone map; and a laser for displaying at
least a portion of said risk zone map on a target; wherein said
risk zone map defines a first region within which a projectile
issued from the firearm will strike with a first predetermined
probability.
2. The sight of claim 1, wherein said risk zone map comprises a
reticule defining said first region.
3. The sight of claim 2, wherein said reticule comprises a pair of
crosshairs, each of said crosshairs further comprising a pair of
cross hatches, said pairs of cross hatches defining said first
region.
4. The sight of claim 3, wherein the firearm has a Minute of Arc
(MOA) and further wherein said first region is determined by one
(1) MOA.
5. The sight of claim 1, wherein said risk zone map comprises a
circle defining said first region.
6. The sight of claim 5, wherein said circle is an oval.
7. The sight of claim 1, wherein said risk zone map defines a
second of region concentric with said first region within which a
projectile issued from the firearm will strike with a second
predetermined probability.
8. The sight of claim 7, wherein the firearm has a Minute of Arc
(MOA) and further wherein said first region is determined by one
(1) MOA and said second region is determined by two (2) MOA.
9. The sight of claim 7, wherein said risk zone map comprises a
pair of concentric circles, an inner circle defining said first
region and an outer circle and said inner circle defining said
second region.
10. The sight of claim 1, wherein the firearm has a maximum effect
range and further wherein said first region is determined by the
maximum effect range.
11. The sight of claim 1, wherein said laser further displays a
readable character symbolic of said first predetermined probability
adjacent said first region.
12. The sight of claim 1, wherein said risk zone map comprises a
circle defining said first region.
13. The sight of claim 1, wherein said first region is determined
based on a parameter selected from a group of parameters consisting
of MOA, maximum effect range, target data, meteorological data,
spatial data, ammunition data, weapon data and combinations
thereof.
14. A method for supporting a decision to fire a projectile from a
firearm pointed at a target, the method comprising: providing a
risk zone map, said risk zone map defining a region within which a
projectile issued from the firearm will strike with a predetermined
probability; providing a laser for emitting said risk zone map; and
displaying said risk zone map on the target.
15. A firearm comprising: a barrel arranged along an axis; and a
laser aligned with said axis, said laser emitting a risk zone map;
wherein when displayed on a surface, said risk zone map defines a
region within which a bullet issued from said barrel will strike
with a predetermined probability.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority, under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e), of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/020,515, filed
on Jan. 11, 2008 and is incorporated herein in its entirety by
reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a splatter indicator sight
for firearms. More specifically, the present invention is concerned
with an indicator device for processing data regarding variables
affecting the bullet trajectory and creating a visual map of all of
the probable hit zones after the user has aimed the firearm at the
target, thereby allowing the user to evaluate the risk of hitting
the wrong target before shooting.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Firearms, such as handguns (single-shot pistols, revolvers,
and semi-automatic pistols), long guns (rifles, carbines or
shotguns) and machine guns or the like are aimed at their targets
with greater accuracy by using sights. Many sights can be mounted
onto firearms, for example, telescopic sights (or scopes), iron
sights, red dot sights, and laser sights.
[0004] Despite these existing sighting systems, aiming errors still
occur. Those errors depend to some degree on the skill of shooter,
but also the quality and caliber of the firearm and other exterior
conditions such as the range to the target, the movement of the
target, the ambient light, and the wind. The aiming error becomes a
considerable issue when the firearm is used by security forces in
civilian zones where there exists a risk of hitting an innocent
bystander or other friendly by accident.
[0005] The prior art reveals processing of data affecting the
bullet trajectory in order to correct the aim or provide warnings
to the user (where data received from sensors mounted onto the
firearm or entered by the user is processed and provides for the
automatic adjustment of aim, stabilization as well as the display
of data related to aiming error) these existing aids focus on
perfecting the aim. Potential for error still exists, however, and
a shot fired might fall within an area surrounding the point of
aim. Therefore, there is a need for a device that will clearly and
quickly indicate the probable hit zones around the aiming point to
let the user better decide whether or not to shoot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide firearms
with a splatter indicator sight which will take many important
variables affecting the bullet trajectory into consideration to
create a risk zone map of the different zones which can be hit
after the user has aimed the firearm at a target. In embodiments of
the invention, the boundaries of the most probable hit zones can be
quickly indicated to the user by the risk zone map. The risk zone
map is illustratively created by projecting a laser beam directly
on the target.
[0007] There is also provided a splatter indicator sight for
attachment to a firearm. The sight comprises a risk zone map and a
laser for displaying at least a portion of the risk zone map on a
target. The risk zone map defines a first region within which a
projectile issued from the firearm will strike with a first
predetermined probability.
[0008] There is additionally disclosed a method for supporting a
decision to fire a projectile from a firearm pointed at a target.
The method comprises providing a risk zone map, the risk zone map
defining a region within which a projectile issued from the firearm
will strike with a predetermined probability, providing a laser for
emitting the risk zone map and displaying the risk zone map on the
target.
[0009] There is furthermore provided a firearm comprising a barrel
arranged along an axis and a laser aligned with said axis, said
laser emitting a risk zone map. When displayed on a surface, the
risk zone map defines a region within which a bullet issued from
said barrel will strike with a predetermined probability.
[0010] Additionally, the splatter indicator sight will allow the
user to evaluate the risk of hitting an innocent or other friendly
instead of the intended target before shooting and could also be
used to provide a visual indication to a target that he has been
targeted when the luminous risk zone map is projected on him.
[0011] Other objects, advantages and features of the present
invention will become more apparent upon reading of the following
non-restrictive description of specific embodiments thereof, given
by way of example only with reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] In the appended drawings:
[0013] FIG. 1 discloses a laser sight mounted on a firearm and used
to project the risk zone map on the target in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2A discloses a risk zone map projected on a flat
surface by the splatter indicator sight in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 2B discloses the risk zone map of FIG. 2A projected on
a target;
[0016] FIG. 2C discloses the risk zone map of FIG. 2A projected on
a target located in a crowd of innocents or friendlies;
[0017] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B disclose a risk zone map in accordance
with a first alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B disclose a risk zone map in accordance
with a second alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B disclose a risk zone map in accordance
with a third alternative embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B disclose a risk zone map in accordance
with a fourth alternative embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0021] FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the splatter indicator sight
components in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the
present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0022] The present invention is illustrated in further details by
the following non-limiting examples.
[0023] Referring now to FIG. 1, and in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a firearm
comprising a splatter indicator sight, and generally referred to
using the reference numeral 10, will now be described. The firearm
10 comprises a splatter indicator sight 12 comprising a laser (not
shown) emitting a laser beam 14 co-aligned with the muzzle 16. The
indicator sight 12 is illustratively mounted within the chamber 18
which also houses the recoil spring (not shown). Alternatively, the
indicator sight 12 could be positioned on top of a firearm 10 or
below the barrel on a dovetail, MIL-STD-1913 Picatinny rail or
similar mount.
[0024] Still referring to FIG. 1, many aiming errors are directly
caused by the user. For example, parallax is created when the user
moves in relation to the sight 12. Additionally, normal shaking of
the hand holding the firearm 10 can be amplified when the user
finds himself within a stressful situation. Also, when a shot is
fired, recoil can further amplify the movement of the hand holding
the firearm 10.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 2A in addition to FIG. 1, in an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the laser beam 14
emitted or projected by the indicator sight 12 forms a pattern 20,
or risk zone map, when projected on a surface located in front of
the firearm 10 and surrounding the point being aimed at 22. The
contour(s) 24 defined by the risk zone map 20 can adopt various
shapes according to the values of the different data taken into
account. In the present illustrative embodiment the contour(s) 24
are represented by an oval shape since the aiming error will
presumably be greater relative to the upper/lower axis A of the
firearm 10. The risk zone map 20 defines the limits of the most
probable hit zones (in other words, a predetermined level of
probability that a projectile issued from the firearm will strike
within a defined region) according to calculations which will be
described in more detail hereinbelow.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 2B, when the firearm 10 is aimed at a
target 26, the risk zone map 20 is projected onto the target 26
surrounding the point being aimed at 22. In the context of FIG. 2B,
the risk zone map 20 indicates that there is less risk of shooting
an innocent or other friendly as only the target 26 is found within
the risk zone map 20.
[0027] On the other hand, and referring now to FIG. 2C, the risk of
hitting an innocent or other friendly by accident is increased as,
although the point being aimed at 22 falls on a target 26,
innocents or other friendlies as in 28 also fall within the risk
zone map 20.
[0028] Referring now to FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B, in a first alternative
illustrative embodiment the risk zone map 20 is characterized by a
central point 30 surrounded by a circle 32 indicating a region
within which the risk of accidentally shooting an innocent is high.
In this regard, and as will now be understood by a person of
ordinary skill in the art, the circle 32 is projected as a cone
such that the diameter of the circle 32 increases with an increase
in distance between the indicator sight (reference 12 in FIG. 1)
and the target 26.
[0029] Referring now to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, in a second
alternative illustrative embodiment the risk zone map 20 is
characterized by a target-like series of concentric circles as in
34. The risk of accidentally hitting an innocent decreases with an
increase in the relative diameter of a given circle as in 34. Each
of the increasing circles as in 34, for example, could represent an
incremental increase of the Minute of Arc (MOA).
[0030] Referring now to FIG. 5A and FIG. 5B, in a third alternative
illustrative embodiment the risk zone map 20 is characterized by a
cross-hair comprising a pair of crossing elements as in 36 arranged
at right angles to one another.
[0031] Referring now to FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B, in a fourth
alternative illustrative embodiment the risk zone map 20 is
characterized by a cross-hair reticule comprising a pair of
crossing elements as in 36 arranged at right angles to one another
and with the addition of cross-hatch as in 38 on each of the pair
of crossing elements as in 36. Illustratively, and similar to that
as described above in regards to FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B, the relative
distance of the cross-hatch as in 38 from the point of crossing 40
of the crossing elements as in 36 could represent a relative
increase or decrease in the MOA.
[0032] A variety of approaches may be used for generating and
projecting the risk zone map 20 on a target 26 using a laser
14.
[0033] For example, in a first illustrative embodiment of same, the
actual lasing action can be used to set the desired beam
divergence. In other configurations a laser will generate a beam
with a given divergence (typically on the order of 0.5-10 mrad) and
then the desired spread angle will be set with external collimating
optics. Lasing action in the laser cavity can be controlled to some
degree with the configuration of the laser cavity, adjusting
parameters such as mirror curvature, spacing, selection of location
of the beam waist, inter-cavity apertures, bore diameter, etc.
Specifically, in semiconductor (diode) lasers, an apparent point
source can be generated by ion milling (or similar) a convex high
reflector mirror into the diode laser's cavity.
[0034] In a second illustrative embodiment divergence of the laser
can be introduced using a collimating telescope. In this regard, a
single, solid cone of light is generated from a single laser source
and a Galilean or Keplerian telescope is placed in the beam to
collimate, or decollimate, the emitted laser beam. These telescopes
may use two or more optics. Adjustment between the separation
distance of these two optics in either telescope (focus) can
provide for a change in the divergence angle of the emitted
beams.
[0035] In the above two embodiments, it may also be desirable to
utilize a beam diffuser, of which a number of known types exist, to
generate a more uniform beam profile (top hat), prior to adjusting
the beam divergence. This provides for much more uniform laser spot
illumination assisting visibility and more carefully defining the
edge of the desired spot.
[0036] In a third illustrative embodiment a diffuser may be used in
conjunction with the laser 14 to generate a cone angle. Rather than
using a telescope to change the natural divergence of the generated
beam, a diffuser may be designed and used to generate a cone of
light of the desired angle. Although "opal glass" or rough surface
glass diffusers are common and could potentially be used, a
Holographic Optical Element (HOE) diffuser is preferable.
[0037] In a fourth illustrative embodiment, HOEs are designed and
used to shape light to precise shapes and patterns as they provide
a low cost and optically efficient means to make complex projection
patterns. In particular, both binary and diffractive optics, which
are closely related, are included here. Employment of a custom
pattern/angle HOE or other phase mask may be used for some
implementations.
[0038] In a fifth illustrative embodiment, rear illumination and
subsequent collimation of a window or mask pattern can be used.
This would typically be a glass or plastic window with a pattern
applied opaquely, such as chrome on glass, a chemically etched or
laser cut stainless steel stencil or similar. A lens or lens system
is used downstream of the window to gather light and collimate to
the desired angle of divergence. The pattern disc may be somewhat
diffuse in nature.
[0039] In a sixth illustrative embodiment, the risk zone map 20 is
the result of a vector scan which traces the desired image or
pattern using a rapidly moving spot. Scanning of simple patterns
such as circles can be achieved with a spinning off axis mirror,
wedge cut refractive optic or the like. Complex patterns can be
achieve by spinning HOE scanner optics, or more conventionally with
XY galvanometer scanners. The same result might also be achieved
with MEMs scanning devices such a DLPs, GLVs and related
technologies.
[0040] In a seventh illustrative embodiment, areas can be
delineated with the use of multiple static spots rather than full
vector or filled patterns. This is discussed more below as an
additional claim as a way to increase the image brightness.
[0041] The visibility of the laser light on a target is determined
by the energy density at the target location reflected back to the
viewer's location. Even low power laser light may be quite visible
when viewed at a significant distance if it remains in a small
spot. However, if the angle of divergence is significant, and/or
the spot is large, as it may be at long distances, practical and/or
safe levels of laser light may not be as visible as would be
desirable when the spot spreads to a large diameter. In order to
address this problem, one solution is to delineate the diameter of
an imaginary circle or box with two or more individual low
divergence (small diameter) beams to maintain brightness with low
levels of power. These multiple beams could be generated with
multiple lasers, or with discrete optics or HOE, diffractive or
binary optics to generate multiple beams from a single input beam
(single laser).
[0042] As discussed above, the effect of the offset and/or parallax
between the path of the bullet and the path of the laser light can
affect can vary from moderate to insignificant depending on the
distance from the firearm to the target. Indeed, if the laser is
simply a cone of light being emitted from a device mounted, for
example, to the top of the barrel of the firearm, for example like
a riffle scope, there is offset between the origin of the path of
the laser light and the path of the projectile (bullet). If the
natural fall of the bullet is not taken into account, both the
laser light and the bullet will travel a straight path, separated
by 1-2 inches. If the target is at a significant distance, this
offset is likely insignificant due to the inherent spread pattern
or error in the bullets flight path. However, if the target is
close to the weapon there will be offset, or alternately
parallax.
[0043] In order to address this problem, the end of the barrel can
be fitted with a mechanism such that the beam or beams are emitted
uniformly around or directly down the axis of the barrel. This can
be achieved in a couple of different manners.
[0044] Firstly, a reflector can be placed at some angle at the end
of the barrel (typically 45 degrees). This reflective optic, such
as a flat mirror will have a hole in the center to allow the
passage of the projectile, while still allowing reflection of the
light in a path concentric with the projectile.
[0045] Secondly, an optic can be used to collimate the light around
the path of the projectile which is not a planar (flat) mirror, but
may be a concave optic such as an off axis parabola. These
approaches would also have a hole in the center, through which the
projectile can pass.
[0046] Thirdly, a diffractive, holographic, binary or phase grating
can be used to shape the light into the desired collimated pattern
without a concave shape/curved surface.
[0047] Depending on the use environment, front surface mirrors may
be desired.
[0048] Alternatively, one beam could be emitted above or below the
barrel and one to the right or left of the barrel. In this way, the
user imagines the intersection of a horizontal and vertical line as
the center of emission, and then uses the location of the two beam
spots to construct a square or circle which represents the risk
zone map.
[0049] Also, for special single use conditions, a pellicle beam
splitter can be placed directly over the end of the barrel at some
angle, typically 45 degrees. The pellicle beams splitter is made
from a very thin optically reflective layer of cellulous, mylar or
similar material. The thickness of this material can be just a few
microns such that it is an extremely thin weak film which will be
pierced with milligrams of force and thus not affect the
projectile, thereby allowing the emitted laser light to be aligned
precisely with the bore of the weapon with zero offset or parallax.
It can be noted that the pellicle beam splitter is effectively a
tympanic membrane and will respond to acoustic vibrations (sound),
this may limit its use in some situations. Alternately, a solid but
very thin glass beam splitter could be used and shatter upon
use.
[0050] Referring now to FIG. 7, an illustrative embodiment of the
electronics 42 used to drive the laser beam 14 will now be
described. The electronics 42 comprises a CPU 44 which receives
data from one or more sensors as in 46, processes the data
according to a program (not shown) stored in a Read Only Memory
(ROM) 48 and/or Random Access Memory (RAM) 50 as well as user
inputs (also now shown) received via a user interface (I/O) 52 and
illustratively stored in the RAM 50. In this regard the user
interface 52 could be provided by one of a number of means
including user selectable buttons (not shown), infrared, USB or the
like. The CPU 44 provides control signals to a laser driver 54
which drives the laser beam 14 to project the risk zone map
(reference 20 in FIG. 1). Additionally, a source of power 56, such
as a battery or the like, is provided to power the electronics 42
and the laser beam 14. Referring back to FIG. 1 in addition to FIG.
7, control of power supplied by the source of power 56 to the
electronics 42 and the laser beam 14 can be controlled, for
example, by slightly depressing the trigger 58 or through provision
of a switch (not shown) or the like.
[0051] Still referring to FIG. 7, the sensors as in 46 may comprise
one or more of a variety commercially-available electronic sensors
such as accelerometers or the like. Listed below are examples of
data that can be taken into consideration for calculating the risk
zone map 20: [0052] target data: distance, height, speed; [0053]
meteorological data: wind direction and speed, temperature,
pressure, humidity; [0054] spatial data: movement of firearm
(banking, rotation, lateral, up-down); [0055] ammunition data:
cartridge info, bullet weight, ballistic coefficient; [0056] weapon
data: weapon length (farthest distance to which an
averagely-trained soldier can hit a man-sized target).
[0057] Still referring to FIG. 7, one parameter of interest which
can be used as a basis for determining the proportions of the risk
zone map 20 is the maximum effect range. In this regard, firearm
manufacturers typically determine for each firearm a distance at
which an averagely trained soldier using the particular firearm is
able to hit a man-sized target (typically 46 cm.times.91 cm or
18''.times.36). Some typical values for some known firearms are
provided below: [0058] M9 9 mm Glock/Berrette 50 m [0059] M4 5.56
mm Carbine 200 m
[0060] Another parameter of interest (discussed briefly above) and
which may also be used to determine the proportions of the risk
zone map 20 is the MOA. MOA is a unit of angular measurement equal
to one sixtieth ( 1/60) of one degree. One (1) MOA is one inch at
100 yards (91 meters). MOA is often used when characterizing the
accuracy of rifles and indicates that, under ideal conditions, the
firearm in question is capable of repeatedly producing a group of
shots whose center points (center-to-center) fit within a circle,
the diameter of which can be subtended by that amount of arc.
[0061] Although the present invention has been described
hereinabove by way of specific embodiments thereof, it can be
modified, without departing from the spirit and nature of the
subject invention as defined in the appended claims.
* * * * *