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WO2025054659A1 - Système électronique pour arme à feu - Google Patents

Système électronique pour arme à feu Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2025054659A1
WO2025054659A1 PCT/AU2024/050973 AU2024050973W WO2025054659A1 WO 2025054659 A1 WO2025054659 A1 WO 2025054659A1 AU 2024050973 W AU2024050973 W AU 2024050973W WO 2025054659 A1 WO2025054659 A1 WO 2025054659A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electronic system
optical sight
target object
module
firearm
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/AU2024/050973
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Zachary STOCK
Maciej MASTALARCZUK
Harry VEIVERS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Thales Australia Ltd
Original Assignee
Thales Australia Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2023902920A external-priority patent/AU2023902920A0/en
Application filed by Thales Australia Ltd filed Critical Thales Australia Ltd
Publication of WO2025054659A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025054659A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/06—Aiming or laying means with rangefinder
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G1/00—Sighting devices
    • F41G1/30—Reflecting-sights specially adapted for smallarms or ordnance
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G11/00—Details of sighting or aiming apparatus; Accessories
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/02—Aiming or laying means using an independent line of sight
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/06—Aiming or laying means with rangefinder
    • F41G3/065—Structural association of sighting-devices with laser telemeters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/08—Aiming or laying means with means for compensating for speed, direction, temperature, pressure, or humidity of the atmosphere
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/14—Indirect aiming means
    • F41G3/16—Sighting devices adapted for indirect laying of fire
    • F41G3/165—Sighting devices adapted for indirect laying of fire using a TV-monitor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/88—Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
    • H04L63/02—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for separating internal from external traffic, e.g. firewalls
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/01—Protocols
    • H04L67/12—Protocols specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
    • H04L67/00—Network arrangements or protocols for supporting network services or applications
    • H04L67/50—Network services
    • H04L67/52—Network services specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/02—Services making use of location information
    • H04W4/029—Location-based management or tracking services
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W4/00—Services specially adapted for wireless communication networks; Facilities therefor
    • H04W4/70—Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
    • F41A17/00—Safety arrangements, e.g. safeties
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G1/00—Sighting devices
    • F41G1/46—Sighting devices for particular applications
    • F41G1/473—Sighting devices for particular applications for lead-indicating or range-finding, e.g. for use with rifles or shotguns
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01D—MEASURING NOT SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR A SPECIFIC VARIABLE; ARRANGEMENTS FOR MEASURING TWO OR MORE VARIABLES NOT COVERED IN A SINGLE OTHER SUBCLASS; TARIFF METERING APPARATUS; MEASURING OR TESTING NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G01D7/00—Indicating measured values
    • G01D7/02—Indicating value of two or more variables simultaneously
    • G01D7/08—Indicating value of two or more variables simultaneously using a common indicating element for two or more variables
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/02—Systems using the reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
    • G01S17/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S17/42—Simultaneous measurement of distance and other co-ordinates
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/02—Systems using the reflection of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
    • G01S17/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S17/46—Indirect determination of position data
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S17/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of electromagnetic waves other than radio waves, e.g. lidar systems
    • G01S17/86—Combinations of lidar systems with systems other than lidar, radar or sonar, e.g. with direction finders
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S19/00—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems; Determining position, velocity or attitude using signals transmitted by such systems
    • G01S19/01—Satellite radio beacon positioning systems transmitting time-stamped messages, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System], GLONASS [Global Orbiting Navigation Satellite System] or GALILEO
    • G01S19/13—Receivers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01—Head-up displays
    • G02B27/0101—Head-up displays characterised by optical features
    • G02B2027/0141—Head-up displays characterised by optical features characterised by the informative content of the display
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
    • G02B27/00—Optical systems or apparatus not provided for by any of the groups G02B1/00 - G02B26/00, G02B30/00
    • G02B27/01—Head-up displays
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
    • H04W12/00—Security arrangements; Authentication; Protecting privacy or anonymity
    • H04W12/03—Protecting confidentiality, e.g. by encryption

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an electronic system for a firearm.
  • the invention also relates to a method of intercommunication between electronic systems.
  • the invention also relates to a firearm comprising an electronic system.
  • the kit may comprise combat fatigues, armour (e.g., helmet), sleeping gear, a weapon system (e.g., rifle), a communication system (e.g., radio), rations, an aiming device and a weapon service kit.
  • the weight of the kit is a key constraint on the mobility of soldiers on a battlefield.
  • Gestures such as hand signals, may be performed when silence is necessitated.
  • soldiers are required to be visible to each other for this means of communication to be effective and may not be possible at night or in some battlefield conditions, i.e. under smoke or fog.
  • limited information may be conveyed in this manner, and the information that is conveyed may be easily miscommunicated or misinterpreted.
  • the invention provides an electronic system for a firearm that provides a means of intercommunication between like electronic systems.
  • the electronic system can be used to communicate information between users in the field. This can have advantages for situational awareness, and field communications.
  • the system can be used as field communication system enabling sharing of information between users of respective firearms, thus enabling reducing reliance on other forms of communication such as hand signals or verbal communications.
  • firearm is understood to mean any handheld or man portable weapon or countermeasure, including pistols, sub-machine guns, light machine guns, assault rifles, shotguns, grenade launchers rocket launchers, and projectile-less systems, for example, an unmanned aerial system UAS (e.g. drone) countermeasure.
  • UAS unmanned aerial system
  • the invention provides an electronic system for a firearm comprising a plurality of modules that are mechanically couplable to the firearm, the modules including: a wireless communication module comprising a transmitter and receiver configured for intercommunication of digital information with another electronic system, an optical sight module comprising an optical sight defining an optical view pathway for viewing a first target object in a field of view, an electronic display located outside of the optical view pathway, the electronic display arranged to display digital information, and an optical combiner which is configured to overlay the digital information onto the field of view in the optical sight, a range finder module comprising a range finder that is configured to output data indicative of a distance between the optical sight and the first target object when the first target object is viewed through the optical sight, a position and orientation module comprising one or more sensors configured to output data indicative of an orientation and location of the optical sight, a processing module comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the processing module being configured to: i.
  • a power module comprising a power source configured to provide power to at least one of the electronic display, range finder, transmitter, receiver, and processor, wherein the electronic system operates independently of mechanical operation of the firearm.
  • An advantage of the present invention is that the firearm is independently mechanically operable of the electronic system and therefore the firearm can still be functional even in the event of a power failure of the electronic system.
  • a further advantage of the present invention is that the electronic system can replace a soldier’s aiming device and communication system thereby significantly reducing the overall weight of the soldier’s kit.
  • the optical sight may be usable without interference from the electronic system because the electronic display does not obstruct the optical view pathway, i.e. it is located outside of the optical view pathway. As such, the user can use the optical sight even if the electronic display is not powered.
  • the modules may be mechanically couplable to the firearm. This may be achieved by any suitable means, for example: using a resilient connector, using fasteners, such as rivets, screws or bolts, using hook and loop fasteners, or using adhesives.
  • the modules may be permanently couplable to the firearm.
  • the modules may be releasably couplable to the firearm.
  • the modules may be adjustably couplable to the firearm. This may be achieved by any suitable means, for example by movably mounting the modules on a rail or by pivotably mounting the modules to the firearm.
  • the electronic system may further comprise a Human Machine Interface (HMI) module that is configured to receive an input from the user and in response to the input, instruct the range finder to output data indicative of the distance between the optical sight and the first target object when the first target object is viewed through the optical sight.
  • HMI Human Machine Interface
  • the Human Machine Interface may comprise a controller with at least one input actuator, and wherein the controller is configured to instruct the range finder to output data indicative of the distance between the optical sight and the first target object when the at least one input actuator is actuated by the user.
  • the at least one input actuator is a pushbutton, which is pressed by the user to trigger the rangefinder.
  • the range finder may be any suitable range finder capable of outputting data indicative of the distance between the optical sight and the first target object.
  • Suitable range finders include laser range finders, infrared range finders, and LiDAR range finders.
  • the one or more sensors may include at least one of accelerometers, gyroscope, and magnetometer.
  • the processor may be configured to use a quaternion-based fusion algorithm (e.g., Madgwick filter) to determine coordinates of the first target object in three-dimensions based on distance between the target object and output data from the one or more sensors.
  • a quaternion-based fusion algorithm e.g., Madgwick filter
  • the quaternionbased fusion algorithm may also be used to calculate the relative positions of the optical sight and the second target object based on the received coordinates and the location and orientation of the optical sight in space.
  • the wireless communication module may comprise any suitable wireless transmitter and receiver.
  • the wireless transmitter is configured to transmit secured, e.g. encrypted, digital information to be received by the receiver.
  • the processor may be configured to decrypt the encrypted digital information.
  • the wireless communication module may comprise one or more of a radio transmitter and receiver, a Bluetooth low energy transmitter and receiver, and a Universal Asynchronous receiver and transmitter (UART) with 48 bits overhead.
  • a radio transmitter and receiver may comprise one or more of a radio transmitter and receiver, a Bluetooth low energy transmitter and receiver, and a Universal Asynchronous receiver and transmitter (UART) with 48 bits overhead.
  • UART Universal Asynchronous receiver and transmitter
  • the wireless communication module may be configured to transmit and/or receive coordinates of the first or second target object.
  • the electronic display may be configured to display digital information containing movement directions in the form of directional indicators that indicate to the user of the electronic system the direction to move the optical sight to move the second target object into the field of view.
  • the electronic display may be configured to display icons that indicate the first or second target object as one or more of friendly combatant, foe (i.e. non-friendly/enemy) combatant and object of interest.
  • Each target object may have its status identified, and the possible object status can be selected from at least: friendly combatant, foe (i.e. non-friendly/enemy) combatant, neutral, and object of interest.
  • the invention provides a method of intercommunication between a first electronic system, as previously described, and a second electronic system, as previously described, the method comprising: identifying the first target object in the field of view of the optical sight of the first electronic system; generating output data from the range finder of the first electronic system, indicative of the distance between the optical sight of the first electronic system and the target object when the target object is viewed through the optical sight of the first electronic system; generating output data from the one or more sensors of the first electronic system, indicative of the orientation and location of the optical sight of the first electronic system; determining, in the processor of the first electronic system, coordinates of the first target object in three -dimensions based on the distance between the first target object and the location and orientation of the optical sight of the first electronic system in space; transmitting the coordinates of the first target object from the transmitter of the first electronic system to the receiver of the second electronic system; receiving the coordinates of the first target object at the receiver of the second electronic system; generating output data from the one or more sensors of the second electronic system that
  • the invention provides a firearm having an electronic system comprising a plurality of modules that are mechanically and releasably coupled to the firearm, the modules including: a wireless communication module comprising a transmitter and receiver configured for intercommunication of digital information with another electronic system, an optical sight module comprising an optical sight defining an optical view pathway for viewing a first target object in a field of view, an electronic display located outside of the optical view pathway, the electronic display arranged to display digital information and an optical combiner which is configured to overlay the digital information onto the field of view in the optical sight, a range finder module comprising a range finder that is configured to output data indicative of a distance between the optical sight and the first target object when the first target object is viewed through the optical sight, a position and orientation module comprising one or more sensors configured to output data indicative of an orientation and location of the optical sight, a processing module comprising at least one processor and at least one memory, the processing module being configured to: i.
  • a power module comprising a power source configured to provide power to at least one of the electronic display, range finder, transmitter, receiver, and processor, wherein the electronic system operates independently of mechanical operation of the firearm.
  • one or more of the one or more of the modules may be at least partially received within the firearm.
  • one or more of one or more of the following modules may be at least partially received within the firearm.
  • the power module, the processing module, the position and orientation module, and the wireless communication module are all at least partially received within the firearm.
  • the firearm may comprise one or more of a grip, a barrel, a breech, and a buttstock.
  • the firearm may removably receive a magazine comprising rounds of ammunition.
  • the magazine may be received by the firearm proximal the breech.
  • Each round of ammunition may comprise a bullet and a cartridge.
  • the cartridge may comprise a propellant and an ignition source.
  • the firearm may comprise a firing mechanism for discharging the firearm.
  • the firing mechanism may be located in the breech.
  • the breech may be connected to the start of the barrel.
  • the grip may comprise a trigger that actuates the firing mechanism for discharging the firearm.
  • the buttstock may have a cavity that is configured to receive one or more of the following modules: power, processing, wireless communication, and position and orientation.
  • the firearm may comprise a butt assembly that is removably receivable within the buttstock, the butt assembly supporting one or more of the following modules: power, processing, wireless communication, and position and orientation.
  • the firearm may comprise a plurality of rails arranged around the barrel.
  • the plurality of rails may include one or more of a top rail, a bottom rail, and a side rail.
  • the top rail, bottom rail and side rail may be picatinny rails.
  • the optical sight module may be mechanically and releasably coupled to the top rail.
  • the optical sight module When the optical sight module is coupled to the top rail of the firearm, there is a fixed orientation of the optical view pathway relative to the firearm.
  • the range finder module may be mechanically and releasably coupled to any one of the top rail, the bottom rail, and the side rail.
  • the firearm may further comprise a Human Machine Interface (HMI) module that is configured to receive an input from a user and in response to the input, instruct the range finder to output data indicative of the distance between the optical sight and the first target object when the target object is viewed through the optical sight.
  • HMI Human Machine Interface
  • the Human Machine Interface may be mechanically and releasably coupled to the firearm via a mounting arrangement.
  • the mounting arrangement may be securable to the barrel of the firearm.
  • the mounting arrangement may comprise a sleeve that is securable to the barrel of the firearm.
  • the Human Machine Interface may be mechanically and releasably coupled to any one of the top rail, the bottom rail, and the side rail.
  • the firearm may have electrical wiring embedded therein.
  • the buttstock may have electrical wiring embedded therein.
  • the electrical wiring may be configured to form at least part of an electrical connection between the modules. Embedding the wires improves reliability of the electronic system by shielding the wires from external elements, such as impact and weather.
  • the electrical wiring forms at least part of an electrical connection between the optical sight module, the power module and the processing module.
  • the firearm may be a rifle.
  • the firearm may be a bullpup configuration rifle.
  • the firearm may be any suitable firearm including pistols, sub-machine guns, light machine guns, assault rifles, shotguns, grenade launchers and rocket launchers.
  • the firearm may also be a projectile-less system, for example, an unmanned aerial system UAS (e.g. drone) countermeasure.
  • UAS unmanned aerial system
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electronic system according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic system comprising, an electronic component module, an optical sight module, a range finder module, and a Human Machine Interface (HMI) module.
  • the electronic component module comprising a wireless communication module, a position and orientation module, a processing module and a power module.
  • Figure 2 shows a firearm having the electronic system according to another embodiment of the present invention, the firearm comprising a butt assembly that houses the electronic component module.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic representation of the optical sight module shown in Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 is a perspective view of the range finder module shown in Figure 2.
  • FIG 5 is a side view of the firearm of Figure 2 showing the Human Machine Interface (HMI) module shown in Figure 2 comprising a mounting arrangement and a controller.
  • HMI Human Machine Interface
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view of the mounting arrangement shown in Figure 5.
  • Figure 7 is an end view of the mounting arrangement shown in Figure 5.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic representation of the controller shown in Figure 5.
  • Figure 9 is a side view of the butt assembly shown in Figure 2.
  • Figure 10 is a perspective view of the butt assembly shown in Figure 9.
  • Figure 11 is another perspective view of the butt assembly shown in Figure 9 showing internal components.
  • Figure 12 is a side view of the butt assembly received within a buttstock of the firearm shown in Figure 2 showing internal components.
  • Figure 13 is a perspective view of internal components of the electronic component module in relation to the firearm shown in Figure 2, components of the firearm not shown.
  • Figure 14 is a schematic representation of intercommunication between first and second friendly combatants to communicate a position of a foe combatant, the first and second friendly combatant each having a firearm with an electronic targeting system, according to an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 15 is a diagram showing the steps involved in the first and second friendly combatants using the electronic targeting systems to communicate the position of the foe combatant as shown in Figure 14.
  • Figure 16 is a schematic representation of digital information that is displayed to a user (e.g., a second friendly combatant) in an electronic display of the optical sight module.
  • Figure 17 is another schematic representation of digital information that is displayed to a user in an electronic display in a field of view of the optical sight module.
  • Figure 18 is yet another schematic representation of digital information that is displayed to a user in an electronic display in a field of view of the optical sight module.
  • Figure 19 is a process flow diagram showing the method steps conducted by a user and a processor, in the processing module, to generate a target instance displayed in the electronic display in a field of view of the optical sight module.
  • Figure 20 is a process flow diagram showing the method steps conducted by a user and a processor, in the processing module, to update a target instance displayed in the electronic display in a field of view of the optical sight module.
  • Figure 21 is an illustrative example of displayed information for use in a stadiametric method for determining distance to an object of interest.
  • FIG. 1 shows an electronic system 10 comprising: an electronic component module 20, an optical sight module 30, a range finder module 40, and a Human Machine Interface (HMI) module 50.
  • HMI Human Machine Interface
  • the electronic component module 20 comprises a wireless communication module 60, a position and orientation module 70, a processing module 80 and a power module 90.
  • the electronic component module 20 is in wired electrical connection with the optical sight module 30, the range finder module 40 and the HMI module 50.
  • the wired electrical connections provide power and data transmission between the electronic component module 20 and the respective modules 30, 40, 50.
  • FIG. 2 shows a firearm 100 having the electronic system 10.
  • the firearm 100 comprises a grip 110, a barrel 120, a breech 130, and a buttstock 140.
  • a magazine 150 comprising rounds of ammunition is received in the firearm 100 beneath the breech 130.
  • Each round of ammunition comprises a bullet and a cartridge.
  • the cartridge comprises a propellant and an ignition source.
  • the grip 110 comprises a trigger 112 that actuates a firing mechanism in the breech 130 for discharging the firearm 100.
  • the breech 130 is connected to the start of the barrel 120.
  • a round of ammunition is first loaded into the breech 130 from the magazine 150 and then the trigger 112 is pulled to actuate the firing mechanism to discharge the firearm 100.
  • the ignition source ignites the propellent in the cartridge which results in rapid expansion of gas that propels the bullet through the barrel 120.
  • the spent cartridge is then ejected from the breech 130 and excess gas from the cartridge is used to reset the firing mechanism.
  • the firearm 100 of the embodiment shown is a bullpup rifle configuration, i.e., it has a grip 110 located forward of the breech 130.
  • This arrangement can provide a more compact design over conventional rifles in which the entire barrel 120 is forward of the grip 110 because, in a bullpup rifle, the barrel 120 extends from behind the grip 110.
  • a bullpup rifle may be shorter than a conventional rifle of the same barrel length. For this reason, bullpup rifles are generally more easily manoeuvred and concealed. Bullpup rifles may also have reduced recoil and muzzle rise over conventional rifles because the breech 130 is more posterior and therefore closer to a user operating the rifle.
  • the firearm 100 comprises a butt assembly 21 that houses the electronic component module 20.
  • the butt assembly 21 is partially received within the buttstock 140 of the firearm 100. This configuration provides two advantages:
  • the firearm comprises a plurality of picatinny rails 122, 124, 126 arranged around the barrel 120.
  • the plurality of picatinny rails include atop rail 122, left side rail, 124, right side rail 124, and a bottom rail 126.
  • Each of the picatinny rails provides a mounting platform for firearm accessories.
  • the optical sight module 30 is shown mechanically and releasably coupled to the top rail 122.
  • the optical sight module 30 defines a fixed orientation of an optical view pathway relative to the firearm 100 when coupled to the top rail 122.
  • the optical sight module 30 is adjustable along an extent of the top rail 122.
  • the range finder module 40 is shown to be mechanically and releasably coupled to the top rail 122 in front of the optical sight module 30.
  • the range finder module 40 may be mechanically and releasably coupled to any of the other rails, for example the left or right side rails 124 or botom rail 126.
  • the range finder module 40 is adjustable along an extent of the rail that it is mounted to.
  • HMI Human Machine Interface
  • the HMI module 50 may alternatively be mechanically and releasably coupled to any of the rails.
  • optical sight module 30 will now be described with reference to Figure 3.
  • the optical sight module 30 comprises a housing 31 that houses an optical sight 32, an electronic display 34, and an optical combiner 36.
  • the optical sight 32 defines an optical view pathway 38 for viewing a target object in a field of view (as shown with reference to Figures 16-18).
  • the electronic display 34 is located outside of the field of view and is arranged to display digital information.
  • the electronic display 34 comprises an interface 37 for receiving power from the power module 90 (for example an electrical connection, or connector capable of providing both power and data such as a universal serial bus (USB) type connector, for example USB C) and a data linkage 39 (for example an M5 connector) for receiving data from the processing module 80. Any suitable data connection may be used.
  • the power module 90 for example an electrical connection, or connector capable of providing both power and data
  • USB universal serial bus
  • M5 connector for example an M5 connector
  • the electronic display 34 further comprises a display interface board 35 including a processor and display driver for translating the data into digital information rendered to be displayed in the electronic display 34.
  • the electronic display 34 comprises a first monochrome UED display unit 34a and a second monochrome UED display unit 34b.
  • the first monochrome LED display unit 34a displays images in shades of yellow.
  • the second monochrome LED display unit 34b displays images in shades of red.
  • the images from the first and second monochrome LED display units 34a, 34b are interlaced to appear as one.
  • the optical sight module 30 has the following specifications:
  • the range finder module 40 comprises a laser range finder 42 having the following specifications:
  • Width 34 mm millimetres
  • the laser range finder 42 has the following performance characteristics:
  • HMI Human Machine Interface
  • the Human Machine Interface (HMI) module 50 comprises a user input device, in the form of a controller 51 having pushbuttons, that is releasably secured to a mounting arrangement, in the form of a sleeve 55, that is releasably secured to the barrel 120 of the firearm 100.
  • a user input device in the form of a controller 51 having pushbuttons, that is releasably secured to a mounting arrangement, in the form of a sleeve 55, that is releasably secured to the barrel 120 of the firearm 100.
  • Figures 6 and 7 show the sleeve 55 of the HMI module 50.
  • the sleeve 55 defines a front grip for the firearm 100 and is arranged such that a user’s non -trigger hand forms a C-grip around a lower surface of the barrel 120 with the pushbuttons being accessible by the user’s non-trigger hand fingers.
  • the sleeve 55 has a tubular wall 56 that defines an elongate opening 57 for receiving the barrel 120 of the firearm 100 therein.
  • the sleeve 55 comprises a front portion 55a and a rear portion 55b.
  • the wall 56 in the rear portion 55a is bowed outwardly relative to the wall in the front portion 55b to provide a gap 58 between the barrel 120 and the sleeve 55 when the sleeve 55 is secured to the barrel 120.
  • the gap 58 allows for cables to be routed therethrough, for example a wired connection between the controller 51 and the laser range finder 42.
  • the sleeve 55 is made from titanium and manufactured using direct metal laser sintering 3d- printing.
  • Figure 8 shows the user input device 51.
  • the controller 51 comprises a housing 52 and a plurality of pushbuttons 54a, 54b, 54c.
  • Each pushbutton 54a, 54b, 54c is independently movable relative to the housing 52.
  • the pushbuttons 54a, 54b, 54c are pressable.
  • Pushbuttons are a preferred option for the interface as these require positive actuation and provide tactile indication of actuation (i.e. a soldier can feel the button press, even if wearing gloves).
  • Pushbuttons may also be less prone to accidental actuation compared to other potential interfaces, such as levers, switches, touch panels, capacitive, inductive or optical sensors.
  • the controller 51 is configured receive an input in response to a pushbutton being pressed, and in response, generate an electrical signal.
  • the controller 51 is configured to generate different electrical signals for each pushbutton that is pressed. In some embodiments, the controller 51 may also be configured to generate additional signals based on combinations of pushbuttons pressed and/or pushbutton press patterns.
  • the controller 51 communicates the generated electrical signals to the processing module 80 in the electronic component module 20 via a wired electrical connection.
  • the controller 51 can also be configured for wireless (i.e. Bluetooth®) communication with any of the other modules.
  • the processing module 80 relays the electrical signal to the laser range finder 42 in the range finder module 40 via a wired electrical connection.
  • the controller 51 is configured to produce different electrical signals based on the way in which each pushbutton 54a, 54b, 54c is pressed.
  • the controller 51 is configured to differentiate between a “press and release” of each pushbutton versus a “press and hold” of each pushbutton. This doubles the number of types of electrical signals that can be generated.
  • the table below shows an example of a configuration of the controller 51 with respect to how each of the pushbuttons are pressed.
  • the processing module 80 is configured to determine which of the assigned pushbuttons has been pressed based on the received electrical signal.
  • the processing module 80 is also configured to associate the received signal indicating friendly, foe or OOI with concurrent input received from the laser range finder 42.
  • the processing module 80 can store in memory a distance from the firearm 100 to the friendly, foe, or OOI.
  • the embodiment shown and discussed above has three pushbuttons, however alternative numbers of pushbuttons are also contemplated (for example 2, 4, 5 or more buttons).
  • the number of pushbuttons may be chosen based on what is practical for a battlefield environment for ease of use. Likelihood of errors may also be a consideration. For example, the number of pushbuttons may be chosen not to exceed the number of digits on a user’s hand, such that each finger and potentially also thumb need only operate one pushbutton. Other embodiments may provide more than one pushbutton for one or more digits.
  • the pushbuttons may be arranged ergonomically to be easily operated while using the firearm 100. The number of pushbuttons is limited to avoid operation complexity, and therefore risk of erroneous operation. Simplicity of operation is advantageous in a potentially high cognitive load battlefield environment.
  • Figures 9-12 show the butt assembly 21 that houses the electronic component module 20.
  • the butt assembly 21 comprises a housing 22 having an insertable portion 22a, a non-insertable portion 22b, and a fastening portion 23.
  • the non-insertable portion 22b has a base 24 from which the insertable portion 22a extends.
  • the insertable portion 22a houses the wireless communication module 60, position and orientation module 70, the processing module 80, and a first part of the power module 90a.
  • the non-insertable portion 22b houses a second part of the power module 90b.
  • the insertable portion 22a is insertably received within a cavity in the buttstock 140 of the firearm 100.
  • the base 24 abuts an end of the buttstock 140 to limit further insertion.
  • the non-insertable portion 22b projects from the end of the buttstock 140 of the firearm 100.
  • the fastening portion 23 releasably secures the butt assembly 21 to the firearm 100.
  • the fastening portion 23 is in the form of a resilient circlip that is dimensioned to receive and resiliently engage with a pin 142 that inwardly projects into the cavity from an inner surface of the buttstock 140.
  • any suitable alternative means of releasably securing the butt assembly 21 to the firearm may be employed, for example connectors (e.g. screws), clips or latching mechanism.
  • FIG 13 shows the electronic component module 20 which include the following modules:
  • processing module 80 • processing module 80;
  • the wireless communication module 60 comprises:
  • the position and orientation module 70 is configured to output data indicative of an orientation and location of the optical sight.
  • the position and orientation module 70 comprises a plurality of sensors including accelerometers, gyroscope and magnetometer.
  • the position and orientation module 70 also receives Global Positioning System (GPS) data.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • the processing module 80 comprises at least one processor and at least one memory.
  • the processing module 80 is configured to receive output data from:
  • the processing module 80 is also configured to:
  • the processing module 80 is also configured to calculate relative positions of the optical sight 32 and a second, out of field of view, target object, that is located outside the field of view of the optical sight 32, based on received coordinates and the location and orientation of the optical sight 32 in space.
  • the processor is configured to use a quaternion-based fusion algorithm (e.g., Madgwick filter) to determine coordinates of the first or second target object in three- dimensions based on distance between the target object (e.g. first or second target object) and output data from the one or more sensors.
  • a quaternion-based fusion algorithm e.g., Madgwick filter
  • the processing module 80 also determines digital information containing movement directions to be displayed in the electronic display 32 to instruct a user to orient the optical sight 32 to view the target object (e.g. first or second target object) in the field of view.
  • target object e.g. first or second target object
  • the power module 90 comprises five lithium polymer batteries giving 55.88Wh (Watt-hour) of storage.
  • the power module 90 comprises first part 90a and second part 90b as previously discussed with reference to the butt assembly 21.
  • the first part 90a comprise one 21700 battery 92 and one 14500 battery 94.
  • the second part 90b comprise three 18650 batteries 96.
  • the batteries 92, 94, 96 in the butt assembly 21 are arranged so as to optimise the power capacity of the power module 90 within the size limitations imposed by the butt assembly 21 and buttstock 140 of the firearm 100.
  • the batteries 92, 94 of the first part 90a are oriented such that they extend substantially parallel to a longitudinal extent of the firearm 100
  • the batteries 96 of the second part 90b are oriented such that they extend substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal extent of the firearm 100.
  • the power module 90 also comprises an M8 waterproof connector 98 configured to provide the following power input for charging the batteries:
  • USB input power 0.5A, 5V DC, 2.5W
  • Wires or busses providing power and data connectivity between system elements can be embedded with the frame of the firearm. For example, to provide an internal wired transmission network for power and data within the firearm. Connectors to enable plug in connection to this internal network can be provided for each module. Embedding the wires improves reliability of the electronic system by shielding the wires from external elements, such as impact and weather. Intercommunication between electronic systems
  • Figure 14 shows a first friendly combatant la, a second friendly combatant lb, and a foe combatant 2.
  • the first friendly combatant la has a firearm 100a with a first electronic system 10a, of the kind described in this specification
  • the second friendly combatant lb has a firearm 100b with a second electronic system 10b, of the kind described in this specification.
  • the first and second electronic systems 10a, 10b are configured to enable silent intercommunication between first and second friendly combatants la, lb.
  • the first electronic system 10a is configured such that the first friendly combatant la can identify a position of the foe combatant 2 and wirelessly communicate the position to the second friendly combatant lb via the second electronic system 10b.
  • the wireless communication is performed via the wireless communication modules 60 of the respective electronic systems 10a, 10b.
  • the second electronic system 10b communicates the position to the second friendly combatant lb via digital information containing movement directions to be displayed in the electronic display 34b of the second electronic system 10b.
  • the intercommunication between first and second friendly combatants la, lb is possible without verbal or gestural communication, i.e., it is silent.
  • Figure 15 shows the steps involved in the first and second friendly combatants la, lb using first and second electronic systems 10a, 10b to communicate the position of the foe combatant 2.
  • the steps include: i.
  • the first friendly combatant la identifying the foe combatant 2 in the field of view of the optical sight 32 of the first electronic system 10a.
  • the first friendly combatant la presses the first pushbutton 54a or second pushbutton 54b on the controller 51 of the HMI module 50 which generates an electrical signal that is transmitted via wired connections to the range finder module 40 and the position and orientation module 70.
  • the electrical signal is received and instructs laser range finder 42 to output data indicative of a distance between the optical sight 32 and the foe combatant 2 when the foe combatant 2 is viewed through the optical sight 32.
  • the laser range finder 42 is activated to measure the distance to the target.
  • the distance may be acquired by a stadiametric method, where the distance to the object is estimated based on a known or assumed height of the object (for example assumed height of 1.7m for a person or known height of a vehicle) by measuring the angle between the top and bottom of the object.
  • the stadiametric method may use an optical stadimeter.
  • the stadiametric method may be based on an angle determined based on an arc movement of the firearm from the top to the bottom of the target, measured using sensors of an inertial movement unit, along with the known or assumed height. For example, movement of the firearm to align targeting crosshairs of the optical sight with the top of the target and move to the bottom of the target while the button is held.
  • a reference is displayed to enable an estimate of distance from the sight to a target using a stadiametric method.
  • the stadiametric method involves using a reticle with marks of a known angular spacing.
  • the trigonometric principle of similar triangles can then be used to find either the distance to objects of known height or the size of objects at a known distance.
  • the known parameter is used, in conjunction with the angular measurement, to derive the distance to the object or the height of the object.
  • a reference may be an image of a person 230 (or line or box 240 to fit an object) of known (or assumed) height at a given range displayed so that the user can place/match this image to the target to thereby determine an approximate distance.
  • the reference may simply be a pair of lines 210, 220, within which to object is fit. This matching can be indicated to the processor (for example by pressing a pushbutton) to provide the approximate distance.
  • angle of movement of the optical sight reticule between top and bottom of an object of known height can be used to determine the distance.
  • difference in heading side to side for an object of known width (i.e. a building) and position of the optical sight can be used to calculate distance. Where the heading and distance to the target is known, the stadiometric fit can also be sued to determine the size of the object.
  • variation to that heading for a second electronic system and known positions of the two optical systems can also be used to triangulate the distance to the target.
  • variation to that heading as the target moves may give the position of the optical sight relative to the target and therefore the reference relative to that heading and therefore the distance measure.
  • a target is fitted between the pair of lines 210, 220 to estimate the distance from the target.
  • the top line 220 decreases in gradient from right to left so as to estimate distances from 200 m (item 2 to the right) to 1,000 m (item 10 to the left). This estimate is possible based on the assumption that the target is 1.70-meter (5 ft 7 in) tall.
  • the reference may be a box (or line or other appropriate shape) to place on the target (lets presume a person) may be displayed on the sight and the displayed height variable by the user to match the height of the target as viewed. Based on the input height for the reference and an assumed height of 1.7m for a person, the distance to the target can be calculated.
  • the stadiametric method may be less accurate than a laser range finder but may be used in circumstances where use of a laser range finder is ill advised, for example if the laser emitted can be detected by foe combatants, or is unavailable, for example due to power failure.
  • the electrical signal is received and generates output data (via the plurality of sensors and/or GPS) indicative of an orientation and location of the optical sight 32.
  • the output data is sent to the processing module 80 of the first electronic system 10a.
  • the latitude and longitude coordinates of the firearm can be obtained via GPS.
  • output form sensors for example Gyroscope, accelerometers, magnetometer, altimeter etc.
  • IMU inertial sensing unit
  • dead reckoning methods may be used to determine the location (latitude and longitude) of the firearm 100a, 100b.
  • An altimeter to measure altitude of the firearm 100a, 100b may also be included in some embodiments.
  • the orientation, otherwise known as heading, of the optical sight 32 (and firearm 100a, 100b) can be calculated from sensor output from the IMU.
  • gyroscope and accelerometer sensor outputs provide an orientation reference and measure of movement of the firearm 100a, 100b relative to the reference orientation and a previously known position, from which the orientation, otherwise referred to as the heading, of the firearm 100a, 100b can be determined.
  • a magnetometer can sense the earth’s magnetic field to also provide reference orientation reference information.
  • the position and orientation module 70 may also provide movement data, for example movement arc data, or angle for stadiametric distance calculation by the processor module 80. Alternatively, the position and orientation module 70 may be adapted to perform stadiametric distance calculation and output a distance estimation. v.
  • the processing module 80 of the first electronic system 10a determines, via the processor, coordinates of the foe combatant 2 in three -dimensions based on the distance between the foe combatant 2 and the location and orientation of the optical sight 32 in space.
  • the coordinates of the target can be determined based on the latitude and longitude coordinates of the firearm 100a, heading of the firearm 100a, and distance to the target. From this data the latitude and longitude coordinates of the target can be calculated by the processing module, based on the projected distance to the target from the firearm. vi.
  • the processing module 80 then instructs the wireless communication module 60 of the first electronic system 10a to transmit the coordinates of foe combatant 2 via the transmitter of the wireless communication module 60 to the receiver of the wireless communication module 60 of the second electronic system 10b.
  • This transmission may be a broadcast transmission receivable by receivers of all other compatible networked firearms within range.
  • the transmitted data can include classification data identifying combatant 2 as “foe”.
  • the transmitted data may also include additional data, such as the coordinates and identification of the transmitting firearm, i.e. firearm 100a.
  • At least the calculated target latitude and longitude coordinates are transmitted to other firearms.
  • Some embodiments may include altimeter data and coordinates of the first firearm in the data provided by the processing module 80.
  • the wireless communication module 60 of the second electronic system 10b receives the coordinates of the foe combatant 2 via its receiver. The coordinates are sent to the processing module 80 of the second electronic system 10.
  • the processing module 80 may also perform a validity check on the received data, to determine whether the data is received from a trusted source. For example, this may be via an encrypted codeword or other identification data included in the message. Alternatively, a handshaking protocol prior to receiving the target data message may be used to validate the source. viii.
  • the processing module 80 of the second electronic system 10b receives the coordinates and instructs, via its processor, the position and orientation module 70 of the second electronic system 10b to generate output data (via the plurality of sensors and/or GPS) indicative of an orientation and location of the optical sight 32 of the second electronic system 10b. ix.
  • the processing module 80 of the second electronic system 10b determines, via its processor, the relative positions of the optical sight 32 of the second electronic system 10b and the foe combatant 2 based on the received coordinates and the location and orientation of the optical sight 32 of the second electronic system 10b in space.
  • the received coordinates of the foe combatant 2 and the orientation and location of the optical sight of the second electronic system 10b are used to calculate a relative heading and distance from the optical sight 32 of the second electronic system 10b to the foe combatant 2.
  • the difference between a heading of the firearm 100b and the calculated heading to the foe combatant 2 is used to determine required movement to acquire the target. x.
  • the processing module 80b of the second electronic system 10b determines, via its processor, digital information containing movement directions to be displayed in the electronic display 34 of the second electronic system 10b to instruct the second friendly combatant lb to orient the optical sight 32 to view the foe combatant 2 in the field of view.
  • Figure 16 illustrates the digital information that is displayed in the electronic display 32 to a user (i.e., the second friendly combatant lb) when looking through the optical sight 32.
  • the digital information includes movement instruction.
  • These movement instructions also referred to as field of view cueing, are represented by arrows L, R that indicate a direction to move, i.e., rotate or translate, the optical sight 32 relative to an axis defined by the user’s body (i.e., the body of the second friendly combatant lb).
  • Left and right arrows L, R are used to indicate which direction to move in, i.e., left/anticlockwise or right/clockwise.
  • the arrows are visible in two states: a hollow state in which the arrow has a non-illuminated central portion bounded by an illuminated perimeter portion; and a solid state in which both the central portion and the perimeter portion are illuminated.
  • the solid state indicates the most efficient direction to move the optical sight 32 to view the foe combatant 2 in the field of view.
  • the location of the foe combatant 2 is represented by an indica (for example a dashed box).
  • the digital information also includes a bar B that represents one dimensional 360-degree compass that extends across the field of view.
  • Bar B includes indica II, 12 which indicate the relative distances of other foe combatants, that are not presently in the field of view, from the user (i.e., the second friendly combatant lb). The relative distances are indicated by relative sizes of the indica II, 12. For example, a first diamond II indicates a foe combatant at a first distance from the user and a second diamond 12 indicates a foe combatant at a second distance from the user, wherein the first distance is smaller than the second distance as indicated by the relative sizes of the diamonds 11,12.
  • the digital information also includes positional information of friendly combatants and objects of interest via different indica.
  • the indica is as follows:
  • the digital information also includes a reticle RC that is used for aiming the firearm 100 at a target.
  • Types of digital information that are displayed in the electronic display 34 are found in the table below. Each type of information is user configurable, i.e., can be selected to be displayed or not displayed depending on the user’s preference.
  • Figure 17 is an arrangement for displaying digital information in the electronic display 34.
  • Diamonds II, 12, bar B and retical RC function in the same manner as previously described in relation to Figure 16.
  • Arrow A functions in a similar manner to the right arrow R in Figure 16, however the Arrow A comprises a number of segments which indicate how far is needed to rotate in order for the target to be shown in the field of view. In one example, each segment equals 10 degrees of rotation. In accordance with this example, the arrow A in Figure 16 has five segments and therefore the user must rotate 50 degrees in the direction of the arrow A in order for the target to enter the field of view. It is envisaged that a similar principle can be used to assist with rotation about a horizontal axis, i.e., elevation change.
  • FIG. 17 shows the target T is 200m from the user.
  • Stored electrical power of the power module 90 is displayed in the electronic display 34 as a percentage of a fully charged (100%).
  • the electronic display 34 shows that the power module is 58% charged.
  • the electronic display 34 also displays navigation data, specifically bearing of the user in mils.
  • the electronic display 34 shows that the user has a bearing of 3,800 mils.
  • no digital information is displayed within the area bounded by the dashed circle C surrounding the reticle RC.
  • Figure 18 another arrangement for displaying digital information in the electronic display 34.
  • the arrangement shown in Figure 18 differs from Figure 17 in that active target instances for foe combatants El, E2, E3 are displayed on the right-hand side of the display; the active target instances are ranked in order of priority; with the top-most target instance El being the highest priority and the lowest target instance E3 being the least high priority.
  • the ranking of target instances is determined based on proximity of the foe combatant to the user, and therefore most pressing threat to the user.
  • the electronic display 34 only displays information related to a selected target instance at any one time.
  • target instance El is currently selected, as indicated by the dashed box around ‘El’.
  • the processor in the processing module 80 is configured to remove target instances if communications are received regarding the target being extinguished (e.g., killed, captured or otherwise incapacitated) or the mission directive changing.
  • Figure 19 shows method steps ‘a’ to ‘f’ involved in generating a target instance displayed in the electronic display 34 of the optical sight module 30.
  • step ‘a’ The user locates a target in the field of view of the optical sight 32.
  • the user considers whether the target is one of: foe combatant; friendly combatant; or object of interest. If the user decides that the target is a foe combatant, the method moves to Figure 19, step ‘bl’. If the user decides that the target is an object of interest the method moves to Figure 19, step ‘b2’.
  • step ‘bl’ The user presses and holds button 54a of the controller 51 to generate an input which corresponds to the target being flagged as a foe combatant.
  • step ‘c’ The controller 51 receives the input in response to the button 54a being pressed and held, and in response, generates an electrical signal.
  • the electrical signal is sent to the processor in the processing module 80.
  • step ‘d’ At the processor in the processing module 80, the electrical signal is received and processed to generate digital information relating to a foe combatant target instance to be displayed in the electronic display 34.
  • step ‘b2’ The user presses and releases button 54b of the user input device 51 to generate an input which corresponds to the target being flagged as an object of interest.
  • the user may hold the button 54b for a threshold period of time (for example within the range of .5 to 2 seconds) before release to generate the input which flags the target as an object of interest, the threshold being set to avoid an accidental bump of the button causing flagging of an object.
  • a hold threshold means an input is more likely generated in response to a deliberate button press.
  • step ‘e’ The controller 51 receives the input in response to the button 54b being pressed and released, and in response, generates an electrical signal.
  • the electrical signal is sent to the processor in the processing module 80.
  • step ‘b’ The user decides whether the foe combatant has moved from their initial location to a new location. If the user decides that the foe combatant has moved location, the method moves to Figure 20, step ‘cl’. If the user decides that the foe combatant has not moved location, the method moves to Figure 20, c2.
  • step ‘e’ The controller receives the input in response to the button 54a being pressed and released, and in response, generates an electrical signal.
  • the electrical signal is sent to the processor in the processing module 80.
  • step ‘c2’ The processor in the processing module 80 instructs the electronic display 34 to display the same digital information as previously displayed, as the foe combatant has not moved location.
  • the above-described visualisation of direction, location, distance and status for identified objects, friendly and foe combatants provide a simple and intuitive interface for communication of target information via the electronic system on the firearm. In a potentially very busy and stressful combat environment this can be advantageous as a soldier can easily interpret the displayed information and respond accordingly.

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Abstract

Est divulgué un système électronique (10) pour une arme à feu (100), comprenant une pluralité de modules pouvant être couplés mécaniquement à ladite arme (100), les modules comprenant : un module de communication sans fil (60) ; un module de visée optique (30) comprenant un viseur optique (32) et un affichage électronique (34) ; un module de télémètre (40) ; un module de position et d'orientation (70) ; un module de traitement (80) ; et un module d'alimentation (90). Le système électronique (10) est configuré pour déterminer les coordonnées d'un premier objet cible, dans le champ de vision, et communiquer sans fil les coordonnées à un autre système électronique (10). Le système électronique (10) est également configuré pour calculer, en fonction de coordonnées reçues d'un autre système électronique (10), la position d'un deuxième objet cible, hors du champ de vision, et afficher sur l'affichage électronique (34) des informations numériques contenant des directions de déplacement afin de fournir l'instruction à un utilisateur d'orienter le viseur optique (32) pour visualiser le deuxième objet cible dans le champ de vision. Le système électronique (10) fonctionne indépendamment du fonctionnement mécanique de l'arme à feu (100).
PCT/AU2024/050973 2023-09-11 2024-09-11 Système électronique pour arme à feu Pending WO2025054659A1 (fr)

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