WO2018154369A1

WO2018154369A1 - A sighting system for military applications

Info

Publication number: WO2018154369A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/056269
Authority: WO
Inventors: Abhishek Sinha
Original assignee: Abhishek Sinha
Priority date: 2017-02-27
Filing date: 2017-10-11
Publication date: 2018-08-30

Abstract

The present invention provides a sighting system for a handheld firearm or rifle 101 to see behind any other obstruction without exposing a user. The sighting system for a handheld firearm comprising, a camera unit 108 is provided at a front grip 109 of said handheld firearm for capturing video frames of a target; wherein the camera unit 108 is panned by a rotating means provided at the front grip 109 of the handheld firearm 101; a display 105 and computing unit 107 for displaying and viewing the video frames of the camera unit 108; and a control mechanism 106 for adjusting the rotating means thereby controlling rotation of said camera unit 108. The control mechanism 106 may be a secure mobile app or a minatory tactile joystick that is provided at a pistol grip 208 of the rifle 101.

Description

A SIGHTING SYSTEM FOR MILITARY APPLICATIONS

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The embodiment herein generally relates to a sighting apparatus. Particularly, the invention discloses a sighting system to provide an orthogonal view to a user, such as the ability to see behind any other obstruction without exposing himself.

BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0002] Many firearms such as rifle are incorporated with optical rifle scope for providing accurate focus of the point of interest/aim. Mostly, the sighting system already present in the market is having a camera that can capture a situation that is directly opposite to the firearm. The firearm does not have the option of sighting system that can display the situation next to the wall that is orthogonal view. For a user, firing a target at corner next to a wall is difficult without exposing himself/herself to the target.

[0003] In some prior art, the sighting system can super impose an image from a rifle- mounted video source on to an image seen through a pair of goggles. Sensors coupled to the rifle and to the goggles provide data indicating movement of the goggles and rifle. An image from the rifle-mounted source shows an external region within the source's point of interest. But the user has to hold the rifle in an unconventional way to take a view. That is, the view provided by the sighting system is not an orthogonal view.

[0004] Currently available techniques for firearm sighting systems are very costly and that reduce the provision of incorporating the sighting system in all armed man rifles. In some other cases, the user may not get the pistol grip in correct position while firing on the target. Conventionally, in most of the sighting system implemented in the firearm may not have a night sighting ability. The user has to carry a thermal module to enable night vision. [0005] Therefore, there is a need to develop a sighting system that provides an orthogonal view to a user, such as the ability to see behind any other obstruction without exposing himself. Further, there is a need in the prior art to develop a sighting system which has night sighting ability and also provides safety while focusing target near corner.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:

[0007] A main object of the present invention is to provide a sighting system for a handheld firearm or rifle to see behind any other obstruction without exposing a user. That is the system can provide orthogonal view to the user.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sighting system that can provide 360 degree field of regard by panning a camera attached to the system.

[0009] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a sighting system for making the rifle into a sniper by providing accurate aiming.

[00010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a sighting system that is incorporated with a thermal camera module to provide night vision for the user.

[00011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sighting system that can keep the user in safe position while setting the view for a target.

[00012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sighting system that can provide a pistol grip to the user in correct position while firing the target.

[00013] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [00014] In view of the foregoing, an embodiment herein provides a sighting system for a handheld firearm or rifle to see behind any other obstruction without exposing a user. According to an embodiment, the sighting system for a handheld firearm comprising, a camera unit is provided at a front grip of said handheld firearm for capturing video frames of a target; wherein the camera unit is panned by a rotating means provided at the front grip of said handheld firearm; a display and computing unit for displaying and viewing the video frames of the camera unit; and a control mechanism for adjusting the rotating means thereby controlling rotation of said camera unit.

[00015] According to an embodiment, the user can pan the camera unit in such a way that to provide orthogonal view for a user. In addition to that, the camera unit can also be panned in such a way that to provide 360 degree field of regard. Further, the camera unit comprises of a thermal module that allows the user to visualize the target even at night. Initially, before pressing forward and rear button of said control mechanism the camera unit is at zero position. The zero position can be achieved by feeding in the elevation and azimuth correction in the computing unit for display through said control mechanism for harmonization thereby eliminating the need of mechanical zeroing. Further, the user can adjust the camera unit configuration through the controller mechanism. The rotating means for controlling the rotation of the camera unit comprises a servomotor, swivel mechanism and so on.

[00016] According to an embodiment, the display and computing unit can be positioned above a normal sight line to enable normal sighting; usually, the display and computing unit is mounted above a rear mount. However, the rear mount is positioned on the left of the rifle as seen from behind due to the presence of a selector switch on the right of said handheld firearm. The display and computing unit also positioned out from the said handheld firearm. The user can adjust the display and computing unit configuration through the controller mechanism. [00017] According to an embodiment, the control mechanism is provided at a pistol grip of said handheld firearm. The control mechanism may be a miniature tactile thumb joystick or a secure mobile App. The sighting system is turned on by pressing a center button of a control mechanism provided on a pistol grip. Then, the camera unit adjusted in left and right side direction by pushing a forward button and rear button of the control mechanism. Further, the sighting system has the provision of recording the video on a removable media; and the sighting system also stream said video frame wirelessly through a communication module. Further, the sighting system allows the user to see a cross on the display indicating the boresight by computing an angular position from a zero position of the rotating means.

[00018] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[00019] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[00020] Fig.1 illustrates the functional block diagram of a sighting system for handheld firearm, according to an embodiment herein; [00021] Fig.2.1 illustrates the side view of a rifle without physical attachment of the sighting system, according to an embodiment herein;

[00022] Fig.2.2 illustrates the perspective side view of the front attachment of the sighting system, according to an embodiment herein;

[00023] Fig.2.3 illustrates the side view of the display attachment of the sighting system, according to an embodiment herein; and

[00024] Fig.2.4 illustrates the front perspective view of the control mechanism of the sighting system, according to an embodiment herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[00025] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[00026] As mentioned above, there is a need to develop a sighting system that provides an orthogonal view to a user, such as the ability to see behind any other obstruction without exposing himself. Further, there is a need in the prior art to develop a sighting system which has night sighting ability and also provides safety while focusing target near corner. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing a sighting system that has a camera unit that can be panned in 360 degree of rotation using a rotating means and a control mechanism. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 2.4, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments. [00027] According to an embodiment, the sighting system for a handheld firearm comprising, a camera unit is provided at a front grip of said handheld firearm for capturing video frames of a target; wherein the camera unit is panned by a rotating means provided at the front grip of said handheld firearm; a display and computing unit for displaying and viewing the video frames of the camera unit; and a control mechanism for adjusting the rotating means thereby controlling rotation of said camera unit.

[00028] According to an embodiment, the user can pan the camera unit in such a way that to provide orthogonal view for a user. In addition to that, the camera unit can also be panned in such a way that to provide 360 degree field of regard. Further, the camera unit comprises of a thermal module that allows the user to visualize the target even at night. Initially, before pressing forward and rear button of said control mechanism the camera unit is at zero position. The zero position can be achieved by feeding in the elevation and azimuth correction through said control mechanism. Further, the user can adjust the camera unit configuration through the controller mechanism. The rotating means for controlling the rotation of the camera unit comprises a servomotor, swivel mechanism and so on.

[00029] According to an embodiment, the display and computing unit can be positioned above a normal sight line to enable normal sighting; usually, the display and computing unit is mounted above a rear mount. However, the rear mount is positioned on the left of the rifle as seen from behind due to the presence of a selector switch on the right of said handheld firearm. The display and computing unit also positioned out from said handheld firearm. The user can adjust the display and computing unit configuration through the controller mechanism. A power pack is provided with the computing unit for supplying charge to the sighting system. The power pack can also be located at a suitable alternate location for control of center of gravity. [00030] According to an embodiment, the control mechanism is provided at a pistol grip of said handheld firearm. The control mechanism may be a miniature tactile thumb joystick or a secure mobile App. The sighting system turned on by pressing a center button of a control mechanism provided on a pistol grip. Then, the camera unit adjusted in left and right side direction by pushing a forward button and rear button of the control mechanism. Further, the sighting system has the provision of recording the video on a removable media; and the sighting system also stream said video frame wirelessly through a communication module. Further, the sighting system allows the user to see a cross on the display indicating the boresight by computing an angular position from a zero position of the rotating means.

[00031] Fig. l illustrates the functional block diagram 100 of a sighting system for handheld firearm, according to an embodiment. The sighting system for a handheld firearm or a rifle 101 comprises of a display attachment 102, a control mechanism 106, a power pack and a front attachment 103. The display attachment 102 includes a rear mount 104, a display 105 and computing unit 107. The front attachment 103 includes a camera unit 108 and a front grip 109. The camera unit 108 is provided at the front grip 109 of said handheld firearm for capturing video frames of a target. The user can pan the camera unit 108 using a rotating means (not shown in figure) provided at the front grip of the handheld firearm or rifle 101. The display 105 and computing unit 107 is provided for displaying and viewing the video frames of the camera unit 108. The control mechanism 106 is provided for adjusting the rotating means thereby controlling rotation of the camera unit 108.

[00032] Fig.2.1 illustrates the side view of a rifle 101 without physical attachment of the sighting system, according to an embodiment. The rifle includes but is not limited to components such as a rifle butt 201, a selector switch 202, a rear sight 203, a cleaning rod or accessories 204, a front grip 205, a magazine 206, a magazine release 207, a pistol grip 208 and so on. The illustration of FIG 2.1 also depicts the position of attachments of the sighting system that includes the display attachment 102, the front attachment 103 and the control mechanism 106.

[00033] Fig.2.2 illustrates the perspective side view 103 of the front attachment of the sighting system, according to an embodiment. The front attachment 103 includes a camera unit 108 and a front grip 109. The camera unit 108 is provided at a front grip 109 of the handheld firearm for capturing video frames of a target. The camera unit 108 is panned by the rotating means provided at the front grip 109 of the handheld firearm.

[00034] According to an embodiment, the user can pan the camera unit in such a way that to provide orthogonal view for a user. In addition to that, the camera unit 108 can also be panned in such a way that to provide 360 degree field of regard. Further, the camera unit comprises of a thermal module that allows the user to visualize the target even at night. Initially, before pressing forward and rear button of said control mechanism 106 the camera unit 108 is at zero position. The zero position can be achieved by feeding in the elevation and azimuth correction through said control mechanism. Further, the user can adjust the camera unit configuration through the controller mechanism. The rotating means for controlling the rotation of the camera unit 108 comprises a servomotor, swivel mechanism and so on.

[00035] Fig.2.3 illustrates the side view of the display attachment 102 of the sighting system, according to an embodiment. The display attachment comprises of a rear mount and a display and computing unit. The display 105 and computing unit 107 for displaying and viewing the video frames of the camera unit 108. The display unit 105 and computing unit 107 can be positioned above a normal sight line to enable normal sighting. Usually, the display 105 and computing unit 107 is mounted above the rear mount 106. Conventionally, the rear mount 106 is positioned on the left of the rifle as seen from behind due to the presence of a selector switch 202 on the right of said handheld firearm 101. But, the display unit 105 and computing unit 107 can also be positioned out from the handheld firearm 101. The user can adjust the display unit 105 and computing unit 107 configuration through the controller mechanism 106.

[00036] Fig.2.4 illustrates the front perspective view of the control mechanism 106 of the sighting system, according to an embodiment. The control mechanism 106 is provided for adjusting the rotating means thereby controlling rotation of the camera unit 108. The control mechanism 106 is provided at the pistol grip 208 of the handheld firearm. The control mechanism 106 may be a miniature tactile thumb joystick or a secure mobile App. The user can control the rotating means even through a secure mobile App. Initially, the sighting system can be turned on by pressing a center button of a control mechanism 106 provided at the pistol grip 208. Then, the camera unit 106 adjusted in left and right side direction by pushing a forward button and rear button of the control mechanism 106. Further, the sighting system has the provision of recording the video on a removable media and the sighting system can also stream said video frame wirelessly through a communication module. Further, the sighting system allows the user to see a cross on the display indicating the boresight by computing an angular position from a zero position of the rotating means.

[00037] According to an embodiment, the functionality of the sighting system to get a orthogonal view for the user comprising the step of, turning on the sighting system by pushing a center button of the control mechanism 106 provided at the pistol grip 208; adjusting a display 105 and computing unit 107 of the sighting system according to a user's convenience; pushing of a forward button of the control mechanism 106 to drive a rotating means so as to move the camera unit 108 to left side; pushing of a rear button of the control mechanism 106 to drive the rotating means so as to move the camera unit 108 to right side; positioning a cross on the display by computing unit 107 by calculating the angular position of the rotating means from the zero position of the rotating means; allowing the user to view the target present in the orthogonal direction to the user; and allowing the user to take a shot, once the cross is aligned with the target on the display unit 105.

[00038] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

I Claim:

1. A sighting system for a handheld firearm comprising,

a camera unit 108 is provided at a front grip 109 of said handheld firearm 101 for capturing video frames of a target;

wherein said camera unit 108 is panned by a rotating means provided at said front grip 109 of said handheld firearm 101 ;

a display 105 and computing unit 107 for displaying and viewing the video frames of said camera unit 108; and

a control mechanism 106 for adjusting the rotating means thereby controlling rotation of said camera unit 108.

2. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said camera unit 108 panned in such a way that to provide orthogonal view for a user; and

wherein said camera unit 108 also panned in such a way that to provide 360 degree field of regard.

3. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said camera unit 108 comprises of a thermal module to provide night vision to the user.

4. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said camera unit 108 is at zero position initially before pressing forward and rear button of said control mechanism 106.

5. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said zero position achieved by feeding in the elevation and azimuth correction through said control mechanism.

6. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said camera unit 108 configuration adjusted through said controller mechanism 106.

7. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rotating means comprises a servomotor, swivel mechanism and so on.

8. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display 105 and computing unit 107 is positioned above a normal sight line to enable normal sighting; and

wherein said display 105 and computing unit 107 is mounted above a rear mount 104.

9. The sighting system as claimed in claim 8, wherein said rear mount 104 positioned on the left of said handheld firearm 101 as seen from behind due to presence of a selector switch 202 on the right of said handheld firearm 101.

10. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display 105 and computing unit 107 also positioned out from said handheld firearm 101.

11. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said display 105 and computing unit 107 configuration adjusted through said controller mechanism 106.

12. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control mechanism 106 is provided at a pistol grip 208 of said handheld firearm 101.

13. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said control mechanism 106 is a miniature tactile thumb joystick or a secure mobile App.

14. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sighting system turned on by pressing a center button of a control mechanism 106 provided at said pistol grip 208; and wherein said camera unit 108 adjusted in left and right side direction by pushing a forward button and rear button of the control mechanism 106.

15. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sighting system has the provision of recording the video on a removable media; and

wherein said sighting system also stream said video frame wirelessly through a communication module.

16. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sighting system comprises of a power pack provided at a rifle butt 201 or front attachment 103 for maintaining a centre of gravity of said handheld firearm 101.

17. The sighting system as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sighting system positioned a cross on said display 105 and computing unit 107 by computing an angular position from a zero position of the rotating means.