RANGE COMPENSATING SCOPE WITH BALLISTIC EFFECT COMPENSATING RETICLE, AIM COMPENSATION METHOD AND ADAPTIVE METHOD FOR COMPENSATING FOR VARIATIONS IN AMMUNITION OR VARIATIONS IN ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS

Abstract

A range-finding and ballistics effect compensating scope 804 with a ballistic effect compensating reticle aim point field 650 and ammunition adaptive aim compensation method for rifle sights or projectile weapon aiming systems includes (a) a primary aiming point 658 adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range and (b) the locus of the RF beam for sensing range 29 to a selected target 28. When firing, the reticle's aim point field also includes a sloped array of wind dots (e.g., 660) illustrating aim points for a range of crosswind conditions. The method for compensating for a projectile's ballistic behavior permits the shooter to sense or measure the LOS range to target 29 and sense or input the slope angle 27 and local or nominal air density ballistic characteristics (e.g., air density), and then display corrected hold points.

Claims

1. A range compensating scope with a ballistic effect compensating reticle and system to adjust the point of aim of a projectile firing weapon or instrument firing a projectile under varying atmospheric and wind conditions, comprising: a rifle scope assembly configured to be associated with a rifle or projectile firing weapon or instrument, the rifle scope assembly including a ballistics effect compensating reticle display field representing a corrected Effective Hold Point range to a selected target, the ballistics effect compensating reticle display field being viewable through the scope assembly and including a plurality of aiming points, the plurality of aiming points being positioned for proper aim at the corrected Effective Hold Point range and wind conditions and including at least a first array of windage aiming marks spaced apart along a non-horizontal axis, the first array of windage aiming marks defining a sloped row of windage aiming points having a slope which is a function of the direction and velocity of a stabilizing spin of the projectile or a rifling twist rate and direction of the projectile firing weapon or instrument, the windage aiming points being configured to compensate for crosswind jump.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. A range-finding and compensating scope assembly operable in a sensing display mode and a shoot display mode, comprising: a reticle comprising a ballistic effect compensating reticle display field disposed or projected along an optical path viewable through the scope assembly, the ballistic effect compensating reticle display field comprising a main aiming point above a plurality of downrange aiming points positioned for proper aim and a variety of wind conditions, the ballistic effect compensating reticle display field further comprising a plurality of sloped rows of windage aiming marks spaced apart along a non-horizontal axis; a laser range finder configured to, when the range-finding and compensating scope assembly is in the sensing display mode and the primary aiming mark is aimed or aligned with a target, sense a line-of-site range to a target; a microprocessor and non-transitory program code executable by the microprocessor to calculate an effective hold point (EHP) range from at least the line-of-sight range and, in the shoot display mode, cause a representation of the EHP range to be displayed on the reticle.

5. The range-finding and compensating scope assembly of claim 4, wherein the range-finding and compensating scope assembly is switchable between the aiming display mode and the shoot display mode.

6. The range-finding and compensating scope assembly of claim 4, wherein the ballistic effect compensating reticle display field further comprises a substantially vertical, skewed crosshair, and wherein the downrange aiming points on opposite first and second sides of the substantially vertical, skewed crosshair are asymmetrical to each other.

7. The range-finding and compensating scope assembly of claim 6, wherein lateral distances between the downrange aiming points on the first side of the substantially vertical, skewed crosshair are spaced apart from one another by different lateral distances than the corresponding downrange aiming points on the opposite second side of the substantially vertical, skewed crosshair.

8. The range-finding and compensating scope assembly of claim 7, wherein the differences in lateral distances between the downrange aiming points on the first side of the substantially vertical, skewed crosshair and the corresponding downrange aiming points on the opposite second side of the substantially vertical, skewed crosshair increase for downrange aiming points representing higher wind speeds.

9. The range-finding and compensating scope assembly of claim 4, wherein the representation of the EHP range comprises a numerical distance displayed on the reticle.

10. The range-finding and compensating scope assembly of claim 4, wherein the representation of the EHP range comprises illumination of a selected sloped row of the plurality of sloped rows of the windage aiming marks.

11. The range-finding and compensating scope assembly of claim 4, wherein the representation of the EHP range comprises highlighting of a selected sloped row of the plurality of sloped rows of the windage aiming marks.

12. The range-finding and compensating scope assembly of claim 4, wherein the EHP range corresponds to a wind speed between adjacent first and second sloped rows of the plurality of sloped rows, and wherein the representation of the EHP range comprises illumination or highlighting of the adjacent first and second sloped rows.

13. The range-finding and compensating scope assembly of claim 4, wherein the ballistic effect compensating reticle display field and the laser range finder are housed in separate housings.

14. The range-finding and compensating scope assembly of claim 4, wherein the non-transitory program code is executable by the microprocessor to calculate the EHP range based upon the line-of-sight range and slope angle, air density, ammunition ballistics information, or a combination thereof.

15. A method of operating a range-finding and compensating scope assembly, comprising: providing a reticle comprising a ballistic effect compensating reticle display field disposed or projected along an optical path viewable through the scope assembly, the ballistic effect compensating reticle display field comprising a main aiming point above a plurality of downrange aiming points positioned for proper aim and a variety of wind conditions, the ballistic effect compensating reticle display field further comprising a plurality of sloped rows of windage aiming marks spaced apart along a non-horizontal axis; sensing a line-of-site range to a target while the primary aiming mark is aimed or aligned with the target; calculate an effective hold point (EHP) range from at least the line-of-sight range; and display a representation of the EHP range on the reticle.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the ballistic effect compensating reticle display field further comprises a substantially vertical, skewed crosshair, and wherein the downrange aiming points on opposite first and second sides of the substantially vertical, skewed crosshair are asymmetrical to each other.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein lateral distances between the downrange aiming points on the first side of the substantially vertical, skewed crosshair are spaced apart from one another by different lateral distances than the corresponding downrange aiming points on the opposite second side of the substantially vertical, skewed crosshair.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the differences in lateral distances between the downrange aiming points on the first side of the substantially vertical, skewed crosshair and the corresponding downrange aiming points on the opposite second side of the substantially vertical, skewed crosshair increase for downrange aiming points representing higher wind speeds.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the representation of the EHP range comprises a numerical distance displayed on the reticle.

20. The method of claim 15, wherein the representation of the EHP range comprises illumination of a selected sloped row of the plurality of sloped rows of the windage aiming marks.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein the representation of the EHP range comprises highlighting of a selected sloped row of the plurality of sloped rows of the windage aiming marks.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] FIG. 1A illustrates a typical rifle 6 with a rifle scope 10, or more generally, a sight or projectile weapon aiming system 4, in accordance with the prior art.

[0059] FIG. 1B illustrates a schematic view in cross section of the basic internal elements of a typical rifle scope such as the rifle scope 10 of FIG. 1A, in accordance with the prior art.

[0060] FIG. 1C illustrates a rifle scope reticle for use in the rifle scope 10 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and having an earlier revision of applicant's DTAC™ reticle elevation and windage aim point field, as seen in the prior art.

[0061] FIG. 1D illustrates a rifle scope reticle for use in the rifle scope of FIGS. 1A and 1B, and applicant's previous DTAC™ Reticle, as described and illustrated in applicant's own U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,353, in the prior art.

[0062] FIG. 1E is a chart taken from a U.S. Gov't publication which illustrates the trajectory of a selected 7.62×51 (or 7.62 NATO) projectile for sight adjustment or “zero” settings from 300 meters to 1000 meters, as found in the prior art.

[0063] FIGS. 1G-1M illustrate Scrogin's LRF rifle scope system, as described and illustrated in prior art U.S. Pat. No. 7,516,571, which provide useful background and nomenclature for the components used in prior art LRF rifle scopes.

[0064] FIG. 2A is a perspective view, in elevation, illustrating an exemplary external configuration for a range finding and aim compensating rifle scope system including a LRF sensing and ballistic effect compensating reticle, in accordance with the present invention.

[0065] FIG. 2B is a distal or objective lens and view, in elevation, illustrating an exemplary external configuration for the range finding and aim compensating rifle scope system including the LRF sensing and ballistic effect compensating reticle of FIG. 2A, in accordance with the present invention.

[0066] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary system element configuration for the range finding and aim compensating rifle scope system including the LRF sensing and ballistic effect compensating reticle of FIGS. 2A and 2B, in accordance with the present invention.

[0067] FIG. 2D illustrates a first exemplary embodiment of the ballistic effect compensating reticle configuration for use with the range finding and aim compensating rifle scope system of FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C, for use in the target range sensing and aiming method of the present invention.

[0068] FIG. 3 illustrates the range finding and aim compensating system of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and 2D in use, when aiming at a selected target using the sensing and aim compensation method, in accordance with the present invention.

[0069] FIG. 4 illustrates the reticle of FIG. 2D of the range finding and aim compensating system of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C and FIG. 3, when designating an optimal Effective Hold Point's sloped row of wind dots for a selected target 28 using the sensing and aim compensation method, in accordance with the present invention.

[0070] FIG. 5 illustrates a multi-nomograph reticle embodiment of the range finding and aim compensating system and aim compensation method of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3 & 4, in accordance with the present invention.

[0071] FIG. 6 illustrates another multiple nomograph reticle embodiment for use with the range finding and aim compensating system and aim compensation method of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3 & 4, in accordance with the present invention. The multiple nomograph reticle of FIG. 6 is readily adapted for use with any projectile weapon, and especially with a rifle scope, when firing a selected ammunition such as USGI M118LR long range ammunition, in accordance with the present invention.

[0072] FIG. 7 illustrates a more detailed view of the aim point field and horizontal crosshair aiming indicia array for the range-finding and ballistic effect compensating reticle of FIG. 6, in accordance with the present invention.

[0073] FIG. 8A illustrates the position and orientation and graphic details of the Density Altitude calculation nomograph included as part of reticle system of FIGS. 6 and 7, when viewed at the variable power scope's lowest magnification setting, in accordance with the present invention.

[0074] FIG. 8B illustrates the orientation and graphic details of the Density Altitude calculation nomograph of FIGS. 7, and 8A, in accordance with the present invention.

[0075] FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D illustrate another ballistic effects compensated reticle embodiment for use with the range finding and aim compensating system 810 and aim compensation method of FIGS. 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 3 & 4, in accordance with the present invention.

[0076] FIGS. 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D and 10E illustrate tabular data on exemplary transportable placards summarizing ballistics information about a selected projectile for use in finding Density Altitude (“DA”) adaptability factors which are preferably also programmed into the Micro Processor of the range finding and aim compensating system scope of FIG. 2C as part of the aim compensation method of the present invention.

[0077] FIG. 11 illustrates tabular data on an exemplary transportable placard summarizing ballistics information about a second selected projectile which allows use of the Density Altitude (“DA”) adaptability factors which are preferably also programmed into the Micro Processor of the range finding and aim compensating system scope of FIG. 2C as part of the aim compensation method of the present invention. These ammunition dependent ballistic factors are part of the adaptive variation in the aim compensation method allowing a shooter in the field to adapt to changes in available ammunition and compensate for those variations as if they were variations in atmospheric conditions, in accordance with the present invention.

[0078] FIG. 12 is a process flow diagram illustrating the range finding and aim compensation method programmed into the Micro Processor of the range finding and aim compensating system scope of FIG. 2C as part of the aim compensation method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0079] In order to provide context for the present invention, please refer again to Prior Art FIGS. 1A-1M. FIG. 1A's projectile weapon system 4 including a rifle 6 with a barrel 7 and a telescopic rifle sight or projectile weapon aiming system 10 are illustrated in the standard configuration where the rifle's barrel 7 terminates distally in an open lumen or muzzle and rifle scope 10 is mounted upon rifle 6 in a configuration which allows the rifle system 4 to be adjusted such that a user or shooter sees a Point of Aim (“POA”) in substantial alignment with the rifle's Center of Impact (“COI”) when shooting or firing selected ammunition (not shown) at a selected target (e.g., 28). FIG. 1B schematically illustrates exemplary internal components for telescopic rifle sight or projectile weapon aiming system 10. As noted above, rifle scope 10 generally includes a distal objective lens 12 aligned with a proximal ocular or eyepiece lens 14 at the ends of a rigid and substantially tubular body or housing, with a reticle screen or glass 16 disposed there-between. Variable power (e.g., 5-15 magnification) scopes also include an erector lens 18 and an axially adjustable magnification power adjustment (or “zoom”) lens 20, with some means for adjusting the relative position of the zoom lens 20 to adjust the magnification power as desired (e.g., a circumferential adjustment ring 22 which moves zoom lens 20 toward or away from the erector lens 18). Variable power scopes, as well as other types of telescopic sight devices, also often include a transverse position control 24 for transversely adjusting the reticle screen 16 to position an aiming point or center of the aim point field thereon (or adjusting the alignment of the scope 10 with the firearm 6), to adjust vertically for elevation (or bullet drop) as desired. Scopes also conventionally include a transverse windage adjustment for horizontal reticle screen control as well (not shown).

[0080] While an exemplary variable power LRF equipped scope 804 (see, e.g., FIG. 2A) is used in the illustrations, it will be understood that the range-finding and compensating scope with a ballistic effect compensating reticle and system of the present invention may be used with other types of sighting systems or scopes in lieu of the variable power scope shown. For example, a LRF scope system such as L10 (illustrated in FIG. 1G) may be modified to include the reticle of the present invention (e.g., 150, 350 or 650). Alternatively, an LRF subassembly and microprocessor may be incorporated into a digital electronic scope which operates using the same general principles as digital electronic cameras, with an electronic display providing the reticle image for the shooter. The range finding and aim compensating system and aim compensation method for rifle sights or projectile weapon aiming systems of the present invention (and as set forth below and in the appended claims) may be employed with these other types of sighting systems or scopes, using a modified version of the variable power LRF scope L12 of FIG. 1H (e.g., 804 as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2D). The modification includes incorporating the applicant's reticles (e.g., with applicant's DTR™ aim point fields 150, 350 or 650) or 350) which are configured to be selectively actuable to illuminate or designate two new features, namely, a LRF aim point (for ranging) and one or more selected slanted rows of downrange wind dot lines (e.g., for 800 yds, as illustrated in FIGS. 2D and 4).

[0081] Turning next to FIGS. 2A-2C, an exemplary embodiment for a range finding and aim compensating rifle scope 804 includes LRF sensing and the ballistic effect compensating reticle of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a distal or objective lens and view of range finding and aim compensating rifle scope 804 and FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating an exemplary system element configuration 811 for the range finding and aim compensating rifle scope 804, in the illustrated example. Range finding and ballistic effect compensating rifle scope 804 includes eyepiece lenses 820, an intermediately disposed erector lens 822 (either fixed or zoom), a DTR™ reticle 824 and field lens 826 disposed between the erector lens 822 and a prism 828, all aligned axially with an objective lens 830. Prism 828 performs the functions of tapping off the infrared light to a detector (not shown) and bringing the light from the display 848 into the optical field visible by the user behind the ocular lenses 820. Objective lens 830 is aligned along an axis which is parallel to the central or aiming axis of laser range-finding scope sensor subassembly 816 which includes a collimating lens 832 in substantially collinear position relative to the objective lens 830 and rifle barrel 7 (as best seen in FIG. 2B).

[0082] Range-finding component subassembly 816 may be a near infrared laser projector consisting of a pulsed laser diode 834 in communication with the collimating lens 832, again mounted in an aligned or adjacent fashion relative to the objective lens 830 of the erect image telescope 804 to produce a small spot of light (e.g., at a range of 1000 yards or more). Range-finding component subassembly 816 is aligned or connected to scope body 814 and is shown in dashed lines in FIG. 2B because it may be housed in a separate housing which is mounted elsewhere on the rifle. The operating requirement for the range finding and aim compensating system 810 and method of the present invention is that Objective lens 830 is aligned along an axis which is parallel to the central or aiming axis of laser range-finding scope sensor subassembly 816 (which may be housed with or separate from scope housing 814) so long as collimating lens 832 is in substantially collinear position relative to the objective lens 830 and rifle barrel 7 (as best seen in FIG. 28).

[0083] Returning to the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2C, a pulse generator 836 operates the laser diode 834 and is in communication with a pre-programmed microprocessor 838 and control circuit 840. Microprocessor 838 is preferably activated upon closing a switch 841, also referenced by pushbutton 842 located upon the riflescope housing 814 in FIG. 2A, to engage and actuate control circuit 840 and laser generator 836, where a suitable switch or pushbutton can optionally be located upon a forestock portion associated with the projectile firing device (e.g., similar to rifle 6) or another user accessible location. Following the steps of laser projection, detection and timer measurement, information is input to microprocessor 838. A data interface 843 is configured to receive commands and data by physical connection or wirelessly from user provided tablet or smart phone devices (not shown) and is also in operative communication with the microprocessor 838 which permits the downloading of external ballistic and environmental data for access by microprocessor 838.

[0084] In the illustrated example, LRF scope system 811 includes circuitry connected and responsive to a laser or IR detector (not shown) located in proximity to the prism 828 and communicating with control circuit 840. The laser or IR detector (not shown) is preferably capable of being illuminated through the scope's objective lens 830, so both the laser projector and the laser or IR detector are “zeroed” in relationship to the DTR™ reticle 824. The laser generator 836 and control circuit 840, in operation, progress through a number of pulse timing iterations until a constant time delay value is obtained and which is indicative of a valid range measurement (in a known manner). Upon communicating this range measurement information to the microprocessor 838, an output thereof is communicated to a display driver 847 and which is in turn communicated to a light emitting display 848. Angled mirror 850 redirects the projected light or image from display 848, which is then passed through a display lens 852 and into prism 828 in response to an Effective Hold Point (“EHP”) range calculation undertaken in response to a program which controls microprocessor 838. In a preferred embodiment, the EHP range is displayed numerically in the reticle image for the user (e.g., “800 YDS” as seen in FIG. 2D). Display 848 is preferably configured to display an illuminated or highlighted sloped row of wind dot indicia (e.g., aligned along the sloped axis near the numeral “8”, as shown in FIG. 2D) corresponding to the calculated, adjusted or optimal EHP range to be used by the shooter when actually aiming at the target.

[0085] While variable power scopes typically include two focal planes, the reticle screen or glass (e.g. 16 or 824) used in connection with the reticles of the present invention (e.g., with aim point fields 150, 350 or 650) is preferably positioned at the first or front focal plane (“FP1”) between the distal objective lens (e.g. 12 or 830) and the erector lens (e.g. 18 (or 822 as seen in FIG. 2C)), in order that the reticle thereon will change scale correspondingly with changes in magnification as the power of the scope is adjusted. This results in reticle divisions subtending the same apparent target size or angle, regardless of the magnification of the scope. In other words, a target subtending two reticle divisions at a relatively low magnification adjustment, will still subtend two reticle divisions when the power is adjusted, to a higher magnification, at a given distance from the target. This reticle location is preferred for the present system when used in combination with a variable power firearm scope. Alternatively, the reticle screen (e.g. 16 or 824) may be placed at a second or rear focal plane between the zoom lens 20 and proximal eyepiece 14, if so desired, since the stadia lines usually used for range estimation become less important with the addition of the LRF feature in the range finding and aim compensating system of the present invention. Such a second focal plane reticle will remain at the same apparent size regardless of the magnification adjustment to the scope, which has the advantage of providing a full field of view to the reticle at all times. However, the reticle divisions will not consistently subtend the same apparent target size with changes in magnification, when the reticle is positioned at the second focal plane in a variable power scope.

[0086] As noted above, the applicant's prior art DTAC™ reticles (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 1C and 1D) provided improved aids to precision shooting over long ranges, such as the ranges depicted in FIG. 1E. But more was needed, because applicant observed that crosswinds at elevations so far above the line of sight varied significantly from the winds closer to the line of sight (and thus closer to the earth's surface). In the study of fluid dynamics, scientists, engineers and technicians differentiate between fluid flow near “boundary layers” (such as the earth) and fluid flow which is unaffected by static boundaries and thus provides “laminar” or non-turbulent flow. The LRF ballistic effect compensating system 810 and the reticle of FIGS. 2A-9D is configured to aid the shooter by provided long-range aim points which more accurately predict the effects of recently studied combined ballistic and atmospheric effects, and the inter-relationship of these external ballistic effects as observed and recorded by the applicant have been plotted as part of the development work for the new range-finding (e.g., LRF) and compensating scope 804 used in the system of the present invention.

[0087] Referring next to FIGS. 2A-4, range-finding and ballistic effect compensating reticle and system 810 includes a LRF Rifle Scope 804 with a reticle (e.g., 200, 300 or 600) with a multiple point elevation and windage aim point field (e.g., 150, 350 or 650) including a primary aiming mark (e.g., 158, 358 or 658) indicating (a) a primary aiming point adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range and (b) the locus of the LRF beam for sensing range during the LRF sensing display mode operation, as will be described below. The aim point field (e.g., 150, 350 or 650) also includes a plurality of secondary aiming points arrayed beneath the primary aiming mark aligned as the sloped row of downrange wind dots illustrating aim points for a range of crosswind conditions at the measured and adjusted (calculated) range (e.g., 29). The method for compensating for a projectile's ballistic behavior while developing a field expedient firing solution permits the shooter to sense or measure the LOS range to target 29, and then use slope angle 27, other environmental data such as actual Density Altitude (“DA”) and, if necessary changed ammunition ballistics data to calculate an adjusted range call or Effective Hold Point (“EHP”) range, as described below, to determine the EHP range to display (e.g., 800 yards). The method optionally (preferably) includes sensing or inputting the slope angle 27, the local or nominal air density ballistic characteristics (e.g., as a DA value) and the crosswind velocity (e.g., mph or kph), for windage hold points. The adaptive method of the present invention allows a shooter in the field to adapt to changes in available ammunition (e.g., from M118LR to M80 ammunition) and compensate for variations in ammunition as well as changes in atmospheric conditions.

[0088] The system 810, reticle (e.g., with aim point fields 150, 350 or 650) and method of present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 2-90 is adapted particularly for use with hand held firearms (e.g., Rifle system 810) having magnifying rifle scope sights (e.g., incorporated in LRF equipped scope assembly 804). The DTR™ reticle system as illustrated in FIGS. 2D, 4 and 5 includes an aim point field 150 with a main horizontal crosshair 152 comprising a linear horizontal array of aiming indicia. The range finding and aim compensating system and reticle of FIGS. 2-9D is configured for use with any projectile weapon, and especially with a sight such as rifle scope configured for developing rapid and accurate firing solutions in the field for long Time of Flight (“TOF”) and long trajectory shots, especially in cross winds. The aiming method and system 810 of the present invention are usable with or without Range Cards (described below) or pre-programmed transportable computing devices. The system and aiming method of the embodiment of FIGS. 2A-9D is adapted to predict the effects of combined ballistic and atmospheric effects that have an inter-relationship observed by the applicant and plotted in reticle aim point field (e.g., 150, 350 or 650), in accordance with the present invention.

[0089] The range finding and aim compensating system 810 and method of present invention as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-9D differs from prior art LRF scopes in that the sloped windage adjustment axes (e.g., 160A) are not horizontal, meaning that they are not simply range compensated horizontal aiming aids which are parallel to the main horizontal crosshair indicia array 152 and so are not perpendicular to either vertical reference crosshair 156 or substantially vertical central aiming dot line 154. For purposes of nomenclature, the phrases “sloped wind dot line” and “sloped wind dot array” mean an array of aiming indicia which are (a) below the main horizontal crosshair and (b) laterally spaced for different wind compensation holds in an array which is sloped and not horizontal, and so is clearly NOT parallel with a main horizontal crosshair, and is instead arrayed along a line which defines an acute angle with the main horizontal crosshair.

[0090] The sloped downrange wind dots in aim point field 150 (e.g., for 800 yards, along sloped row 160A) have been configured or plotted to aid the shooter by illustrating the inter-relationship of the external ballistic effects observed and recorded by the applicant as part of the development work for the system and method of the present invention. In reticle aim point field 150, the windage aim point indicia or laterally offset wind dots on each sloped array of wind dots are not symmetrical about the vertical reference line 156, meaning that a full value windage offset indicator (e.g. 5 mph) on the left side of vertical crosshair 156 is not spaced from vertical crosshair 156 at the same distance as the corresponding full value windage offset indicator (e.g. 5 mph) on the right side of the vertical crosshair, for a given wind velocity offset.

[0091] As noted above, the LRF scope reticles of the prior art (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1J-12M) include a vertical crosshair intended to be seen (through the riflescope) as being precisely perpendicular to a horizontal crosshair that is parallel to the horizon when the rifle is held level to the horizon with no angular variance from vertical (or “rifle cant”). Those prior art LRF scope range-indicating reticles indicate range with horizontal “sight lines” (e.g., L60, L64, L68 and L72) which are divided with evenly spaced indicia on both sides of the vertical crosshair. These prior art LRF range-compensating or bullet drop compensating reticles effectively represent a prediction of where a bullet will strike a target, and that prior art prediction includes an assumption that any windage aiming offset to the left (for left wind) is going to be identical to and symmetrical with a windage aiming offset to the right (for right wind). Another assumption built into the prior art LRF scope reticles pertains to the predicted effect on elevation arising from increasing windage adjustments, because the prior art reticles predict that no change in elevation (i.e., holdover) should be made, no matter how much windage adjustment is needed. This second assumption is demonstrated by the fact that the prior art reticles all have straight and parallel secondary horizontal crosshairs (e.g., as illustrated in FIGS. 1J-12M). These assumptions are wrong, which led to the development of the present invention.

[0092] The applicant of the present invention re-examined these assumptions and empirically observed, recorded and plotted the actual ballistic performance for a series of carefully controlled shots at selected ranges, and the plotted observations have been used to develop improved reticle aim point field (e.g., 150) which has been demonstrated to be a more accurate predictor of the effects of atmospheric and environmental conditions on a bullet's flight,

Experimental Approach and Prototype Development:

[0093] As noted above the reticle systems (e.g., 200, 300 and 600) and the method of the present invention are useful to predict the performance of specific ammunition fired from a specific rifle system (e.g., 6), but can be used with a range of other ammunition by using pre-defined correction criteria. The data for the reticle aim point field 150 shown in FIGS. 2D, 4 and 5 was generated using a Tubb 2000™ rifle with ammunition specially prepared for long distance precision shooting. The rifle was fitted with a RH twist barrel (1:9) for the results illustrated in FIGS. 2D-5. A second set of experiments conducted with a LH twist barrel (also 1:9) confirmed that the slope of the windage axes was equal magnitude but reversed when using a LH twist barrel, meaning that the windage axes rise (from right to left) at about a 5 degree angle and the substantially vertical central aiming dot line or elevation axis (illustrating the effect of spin drift) diverges to the left of a vertical crosshair (e.g., 156).

[0094] The range finding and aim compensating system of the present invention (e.g., 804) preferably includes an aim point field (e.g., 150) with a vertical crosshair 156 and a horizontal crosshair 152 which intersect at a right angle and also includes a plurality of windage adjustment axes (e.g., 160A) arrayed beneath horizontal crosshair 152. The windage adjustment axes (e.g., 160A) are angled downwardly at a shallow angle (e.g., five degrees, for RH twist), meaning that they are not secondary horizontal crosshairs each being perpendicular to the vertical crosshair 156. Instead, each windage axis defines an angled or sloped array of windage offset adjustment indicia. If a windage axis line were drawn through all of the windage offset adjustment indicia corresponding to a selected range (e.g., 800 yards), that windage axis line would slope downwardly from horizontal at a small angle (e.g., five degrees), as illustrated in FIGS. 2D, 4 and 5). In aim point field 150, at the 800 yard reference windage axis 160A, the right-most windage offset adjustment indicator (adjacent the “8” on the right) is one MOA below a true horizontal crosshair line and the left-most windage offset adjustment indicator (adjacent the “8” on the left) is one MOA above that true horizontal crosshair line.

[0095] As noted above, the windage offset adjustment indicia on each windage adjustment axis are not symmetrical about the vertical crosshair 156 or symmetrical around the array of elevation indicia or nearly vertical central aiming dot line 154. The nearly vertical central aiming dot line 154 provides a “no wind zero” for selected ranges (e.g., 100 to more than 1500 yards, as seen in FIGS. 2D and 5), and 10 mph windage offset adjustment indicator on the left side of substantially vertical central aiming dot line 154 is not spaced from central aiming dot line 154 at the same lateral distance as the corresponding (i.e., 10 mph) windage offset adjustment indicator on the right side of the vertical crosshair. Instead, the reticle and method of the present invention define differing windage offsets for (a) wind from the left and (b) wind from the right. Again, those windage offsets refer to elevation adjustment axis 154 which diverges laterally from vertical crosshair 156. The elevation adjustment axis or central aiming dot line 154 defines the diverging array of elevation offset adjustment indicia for selected ranges (e.g., in 100 yard increments).

[0096] The phenomena or external ballistic effects observed by the applicant are not anticipated in the prior art for rifle scopes, but applicant's research into the scientific literature has provided some interesting insights. A scientific text entitled “Rifle Accuracy Facts” by H. R. Vaughn, and at pages 195-197, describes a correlation between gyroscopic stability and wind drift. An excerpt from another scientific text entitled “Modem Exterior Ballistics” by R. L. McCoy (with appended errata published after the author's death), at pages 267-272, describes a USAF scientific inquiry into what was called “Aerodynamic Jump” due to crosswind and experiments in aircraft. Applicant's experiments have been evaluated in light of this literature and, as a result, applicant has developed a model for two external ballistics mechanisms which appear to be at work. The first mechanism is now characterized, for purposes of the system and method of the present invention, as “Crosswind Jump” wherein the elevation-hold or adjustment direction (up or down) varies, depending on whether the shooter is compensating for left crosswind (270°) or right crosswind (90°), and the present invention's adaptation to these effects is illustrated in FIGS. 2D-9B.

[0097] The second mechanism (dubbed “Dissimilar Wind Drift” for purposes of the system and method of the present invention) was observed as notably distinct lateral offsets for windage, depending on whether a cross-wind was observed as left wind (270°) or right wind (90°). Referring again to FIG. 4, the lateral offset for the wind dots or aimpoint indicia that corresponds to a left wind (270°, meaning the dots on the right side, because one holds “into the wind”) at 5 mph are spaced laterally closer to one another than the lateral offset for aimpoint indicia which corresponds to a right wind (90°) at 5 mph. The dissimilarity extends farther as wind speed increases, in that the lateral spacings between the 5 and 10 mph wind dots on the left side of the reticle are spaced farther apart than the lateral spacings between the 5 and 10 mph wind dots on the right side of the reticle.

[0098] Applicant's reticle system (e.g., 200, 300 or 600) permits the user or shooter to quickly align range finding and aim compensating system 810 toward a target of interest 28 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3) and center that target in the reticle so that it appears in alignment with LRF aiming dot (e.g., central aiming indicia 158), whereupon the user actuates the LRF (e.g., closing switch 841 and energizing Laser generator 836), to obtain a LOS range measurement 29, which is preferably displayed in the reticle using a numerical indicia (e.g. 862) and at least one (nearest) sloped row of wind dot lines (e.g., 160A, in FIG. 4, indicating 800 yds). This allows the shooter to see and then choose a crosswind dependent aim point and the express a firing solution in EHP range (e.g., in yards) and crosswind velocity (e.g., in MPH) rather than angles (minutes of angle or MILS). Additionally the reticle aim point field (e.g., 150, 350 or 650) provides automatic correction for spin drift, crosswind jump and dissimilar crosswind drift, none of which are provided by any other LRF scope reticle. As a direct result of these unique capabilities, the shooter can develop precise long range firing solutions faster than with any other LRF scope reticle.

[0099] The range finding and aim compensating scope 804 and reticle of the present invention can be used with the popular M118LR .308 (or 7.62NATO) caliber ammunition which is typically provides a muzzle velocity of 2565 FPS. Turning now to FIGS. 6 and 7, another embodiment of the system 810 and method of the present invention includes a LRF DTR rifle scope system 804 with a reticle aim point field 300 which is configured to predict the performance of that specific ammunition fired from a specific rifle system (e.g., rifle 6 which, apart from scope system 804 is readily configured as a standard US Army M24 or a USMC M40 variant rifle), but can be used with a range of other ammunition by using pre-defined correction criteria, as set forth below. The data for the reticle aim point field 350 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 was generated using a rifle was fitted with a RH twist barrel. FIG. 6 illustrates a multiple nomograph ballistic effect compensating system or reticle system 300 for use with an aim compensation method for rifle sights or projectile weapon aiming systems which is readily adapted for use with any projectile weapon, when firing a selected ammunition such as USGI M118LR long range ammunition, in accordance with the present invention. FIG. 7 illustrates the aim point field 350 and horizontal crosshair aiming indicia array for the ballistic effect compensating system and reticle of FIG. 6.

[0100] FIGS. 6 and 7 illustrate a range finding and aim compensating rifle scope reticle 300 which is similar in some respects to the reticle of FIG. 1C and applicant's previous DTAC™ Reticle, as described and illustrated in applicant's own U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,353, in the prior art, but with important differences. FIG. 6 illustrates a reticle system having a scope legend 326 which preferably provides easily perceived indicia with information on the weapon system and ammunition as well as other data for application when practicing the range finding and aiming method of the present invention. Reticle system 300 preferably also includes a “backup” range calculation nomograph 450 as well as an air density or density altitude calculation nomograph 550, for use in checking the accuracy of sensed range or for use as a backup in the event something in the LRF system (e.g., Laser 834) fails.

[0101] FIG. 7 provides a detailed view of an exemplary elevation and windage aim point field 350, with the accompanying (backup) horizontal and vertical angular measurement stadia 400 included proximate the horizontal crosshair aiming indicia array 352. The aim point field 350 is preferably incorporated in an adjustable scope reticle screen (e.g., 16 or 824) but in a LRF equipped rifle scope assembly (e.g., 804) which is otherwise similar to L10 or L12 (as illustrated in FIGS. 1G and 1H). When using range finding and aim compensating scope 804, the marksman uses the aim point field 350 for aiming at the target as viewed through the scope and its reticle. The aim point field 350 comprises at least the first horizontal line or crosshair 352 and a substantially vertical central aiming dot line or crosshair 354, which in the case of the field 350 is represented by a line of substantially or nearly vertical dots. A true vertical reference line 356 is shown on the aim point field 350 of FIG. 7, and may optionally comprise the vertical crosshair of the reticle aim point field 350, if so desired. In the method of the present invention, range-finding (e.g., LRF) and compensating scope (e.g., 804) with ballistic effect compensating system and reticle aim point field 350 includes primary aiming mark 358 indicating (a) a primary aiming point adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range and (b) the locus of the LRF beam (e.g., projected from laser subsystem 816) for sensing range 29 to a selected target 28. The aim point field also includes a plurality of secondary aiming points arrayed beneath the primary aiming mark (e.g., 510-522) illustrating aim points at the sensed range to target (e.g., 800 yds) for several indicated crosswind conditions (e.g., 510, for a wind from the right having a crosswind component of 15 mph and 510 for a wind from the left having a crosswind component of 15 mph). The method for compensating for a projectile's ballistic behavior while developing a field expedient firing solution permits the shooter to sense or measure the LOS range to target, (29, e.g., corresponding to an adjusted range call of 800 yards), and sense or input the slope angle, local or nominal air density ballistic characteristics and velocity (e.g., mph or kph), for windage hold points. The adaptive method allows a shooter in the field to adapt to changes in available ammunition (e.g., from M118LR to M80) and compensate for variations in ammunition as well as changes in atmospheric conditions.

[0102] As noted above, the nearly but not exactly vertical central aiming dot line 354 is curved or skewed somewhat to the right of the true vertical reference line 356 to compensate for “spin drift” of a spin-stabilized bullet or projectile in its trajectory when there is no significant crosswind. The exemplary M24 or M40 variant rifle barrels (e.g., 7) have “right twist” inwardly projecting rifling which spirals to the right, or clockwise, from the proximal chamber to the distal muzzle of the barrel. The rifling (e.g., in barrel 7) engraves and imparts a corresponding clockwise stabilizing spin to the M118LR bullet (not shown). As the projectile or bullet travels an arcuate trajectory in its distal or down range ballistic flight between the muzzle and the target, the longitudinal axis of the bullet will deflect angularly to follow that arcuate trajectory. As noted above, the flying bullet's clockwise spin results in gyroscopic precession which generates a force that is transverse or normal (i.e., ninety degrees) to the arcuate trajectory, causing the bullet to deflect to the right. This effect is seen most clearly at relatively long ranges, where there is substantial arc to the trajectory of the bullet (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 1E). The lateral offset or skewing of substantially vertical central aiming dot line 354 to the right causes the user, shooter or marksman to aim or moving the alignment slightly to the left in order to position one of the aiming dots of the nearly central line 354 on the target (assuming no windage correction). This has the effect of more nearly correcting for the rightward deflection of the bullet due to gyroscopic precession.

[0103] FIG. 7 shows how main horizontal crosshair aiming mark indicia array 352 and substantially vertical central aiming dot line 354 define a primary aim point 358 at their intersection. Primary aiming mark 358 indicates (a) a primary aiming point adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range and (b) the locus of the LRF beam for sensing LOS range 29 to a selected target 28 (during LRF display mode, as will be described below). The multiple aim point field 350, as shown, is formed of a series of sloped and non-horizontal rows of windage aiming indicia which are not parallel to horizontal crosshair 352 (e.g., 360A, 360B, etc.) and which are spaced at substantially lateral intervals to provide aim points corresponding to selected crosswind velocities (e.g., 5 mph, 10 mph, 15 mph, 20 mph and 25 mph) The windage aiming indicia for each selected crosswind velocity are aligned along axes which are inwardly angled but generally vertical (spreading as they descend) to provide left side columns 362A, 362B, 362C, etc. and right side columns 364A, 364B, 364C, etc. The left side columns and right side columns comprise aiming indicia or aiming dots (which may be small circles or other shapes, in order to minimize the obscuration of the target). It will be noted that the uppermost horizontal row 360A actually comprises only a single dot each, and provides a relatively close aiming points at only one hundred yards. The aim point field 350 is configured for a rifle and scope system (e.g., 810) which has been “zeroed” (i.e., adjusted to exactly compensate for the drop of the bullet during its flight) at aim point 358, corresponding to a distance of two hundred yards, as evidenced by the primary horizontal crosshair array 352. Thus, a marksman aiming at a closer target must lower his aim point to an aim point or dot slightly above the horizontal crosshair 352 (e.g., 360A or 360B), as relatively little drop occurs to the bullet in such a relatively short flight.

[0104] In FIG. 7, most of the horizontal rows, (e.g. rows 360E, 360F, 360G, down to row 360U, are numbered to indicate the range in hundreds of yards for an accurate shot using the dots of that particular row, designating ranges of 100 yards, 150 yards (for row 360B), 200 yards, 250 yards, 300 yards (row 360E), etc. The row 360S has a mark “10” to indicate a range of one thousand yards. It will be noted that the spacing between each horizontal row (e.g., 360A, 360B . . . 360S, 360U), gradually increases as the range to the target becomes longer and longer. This is due to the slowing of the bullet and increase in vertical speed due to the acceleration of gravity during its flight. The alignment and spacing of the horizontal rows more effectively compensates for these factors, such that the vertical impact point of the bullet will be more accurate at any selected range. After row 360U, for 1100 yards, the rows are no longer numbered, as a reminder that beyond that range, it is estimated that the projectile has slowed into the transonic or subsonic speed range, where accuracy is likely to diminish in an unpredictable manner.

[0105] The nearly vertical columns 362A, 362B, 364A, 364B, etc., spread as they extend downwardly to greater and greater ranges, but not symmetrically, due to the external ballistics factors including Crosswind Jump and Dissimilar Crosswind Drift, as discussed above. These nearly vertical columns define aligned angled columns or axes of aim points configured to provide an aiming aid permitting the shooter to compensate for windage, i.e. the lateral drift of a bullet due to any crosswind component. As noted above, downrange crosswinds will have an ever greater effect upon the path of a bullet with longer ranges. Accordingly, the vertical columns spread wider, laterally, at greater ranges or distances, with the two inner columns 362A and 364A being closest to the column of central aiming dots 354 and being spaced to provide correction for a five mile per hour crosswind component, the next two adjacent columns 362B, 364B providing correction for a ten mile per hour crosswind component, etc.

[0106] In addition, a moving target must be provided with a “lead,” somewhat analogous to the lateral correction required for windage. The present scope reticle includes approximate lead indicators 366B (for slower walking speed, indicated by the W) and 366A (farther from the central aim point 358 for running targets, indicated by the “R”). These lead indicators 366A and 366B are approximate, with the exact lead depending upon the velocity component of the target normal to the bullet trajectory and the distance of the target from the shooter's position.

[0107] As noted above, in order to use the elevation and windage aim point field 350 of FIGS. 6 and 7, the marksman must have a reasonably close estimate of the range to the target. If the laser range finding circuitry in range finding and aim compensating scope 804 fails, the backup range estimating reticle features are provided by means of the evenly spaced horizontal and vertical angular measurement stadia 400 disposed upon aim point field 350. The stadia 400 comprise a vertical row of stadia alignment markings 402A, 402B, etc., and a horizontal row of such markings 404A, 404B, etc. It will be noted that the horizontal markings 404A, etc. are proximate to and disposed along the horizontal reference line or crosshair 352, but this is not required; the horizontal marks could be placed at any convenient location on reticle 300. Each adjacent mark, e.g. vertical marks 402A, 402B, etc. and horizontal marks 404A, 404B, etc., are evenly spaced from one another and subtend precisely the same angle therebetween, e.g. one mil, or a tangent of 0.001. Other angular definition may be used as desired, e.g. the minute of angle or MOA system discussed in the Related Art further above. Any system for defining relatively small angles may be used, so long as the same system is used consistently for both the stadia 400 and the distance v. angular measurement nomograph 450.

[0108] It should be noted that each of the stadia markings 402 and 404 comprises a small triangular shape, rather than a circular dot or the like, as is conventional in scope reticle markings. The polygonal stadia markings of the present system place one linear side of the polygon (preferably a relatively flat triangle) normal to the axis of the stadia markings, e.g. the horizontal crosshair 352. This provides a precise, specific alignment line. i.e. the base of the triangular mark, for alignment with the right end or the bottom of the target or adjacent object, depending upon whether the length or the height of the object is being ranged. Conventional round circles or dots are subject to different procedures by different shooters, with some shooters aligning the base or end of the object with the center of the dot, as they would with the sighting field, and others aligning the edge of the object with one side of the dot. It will be apparent that this can lead to errors in subtended angle estimation, and therefore in estimating the distance to the target.

[0109] Referring back to FIG. 6, the bottom of aim point field 350 includes a density correction graphic indicia array 500 comprising a plurality of density altitude adjustment change factors (e.g., “−2” for column 362A, “−4” for column 362B, “−6” for column 362C, “+2” for column 364A, and “+4” for column 3648, and these are for use with the tear-drop shaped Correction Drop Pointers (e.g., 510, 512, 514, 516, 518, 520, 522, as seen aligned along the 800 Yard array of windage aiming points 360-0). Each of the density correction drop pointers (e.g., 510, 512, etc) provides a clock-hour-hand like pointer which corresponds to an imaginary clock face on the aim point field 350 to designate whole numbers of MOA correction values. Aim point field 350 also includes aim points having correction pointers with an interior triangle graphic inside the correction drop pointer (e.g., 518) indicating the direction for an added ½ or 0.5 MOA correction on the hold (e.g., when pointing down, dial down or hold low by ½ MOA).

[0110] Range finding and aim compensating rifle scope 804 when equipped with aim compensating reticle 300 of FIG. 7 represents a much improved aid to precision shooting over long ranges, such as the ranges depicted in FIG. 1E, where air density plays an increasingly significant role in accurate aiming. Air density affects drag on the projectile, and lower altitudes have denser atmosphere. At a given altitude or elevation above sea level, the atmosphere's density decreases with increasing temperature. FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate the position, orientation and graphic details of the Density Altitude calculation nomograph 550 included as part of reticle system 300 (and preferably programmed into a memory (not shown) within scope assembly 804). The crosswind (XW) values to the left of the DA graph indicate the wind hold (dot or triangle) value at the corresponding DA for the shooter's location. For example, X/W value “5” is 5 mph at 4000 DA or 4K DA. X/W value “5.5” is 5.5 mph at 8000 DA or 8K DA (adding ½ mph to the wind hold). X/W value “4.5” is 4.5 mph at 2000 DA or 2K DA (subtracting 7 mph from the wind hold). The mph rows of correction drop pointers in aim point field 350 are used to find corresponding corrections for varying rifle and ammunition velocities. Velocity variations for selected types of ammunition is preferably accounted for by selecting and inputting an appropriate DA number into the range calculation used to determine and display the optimum EHP.

[0111] DA represents “Density Altitude” and variations in ammunition velocity can be integrated into the aim point correction method (preprogrammed into memory accessible by microprocessor 838) by selecting a lower or higher DA correction number, and this part of the applicant's method referred to as “DA Adaptability”. This means that a family of reticles is readily made available for a number of different bullets for use with range finding and aim compensating scope 804. This particular example is for the USGI M118LR ammunition, which is a .308, 175 gr. Sierra™ Match King™ bullet, modeled for use with a rifle having scope 2.5 inches over bore centerline and a 100 yard zero. In computing the optimum EHP range, the bullet's flight path is defined to match the reticle at the following combinations of muzzle velocities and air densities:

[0112] 2k DA=2625 FPS and 43.8 MOA at 1100 yards

[0113] 3k DA=2600 FPS and 43.8 MOA at 1100 yards

[0114] 4k DA=2565 FPS and 43.6 MOA at 1100 yards

[0115] 5k DA=2550 FPS and 43.7 MOA at 1100 yards

[0116] 6k DA=2525 FPS and 43.7 MOA at 1100 yards

where 1100 yard come-ups were used since this bullet is still above the transonic region. Thus, the reticle's density correction graphic indicia array 500 can be used with Density Altitude Graph 550 (or a corresponding Look Up Table programmed into scope 804) to provide the user with a convenient method to adjust or correct the selected aim point for a given firing solution when firing using different types of ammunition or in varying atmospheric conditions with varying air densities.

[0117] In accordance with the method and system (e.g., 810) of the present invention, each user is preferably provided with information (e.g., a placard or card for each scope 804 which defines the bullet path values (come-ups) at selected (e.g., 100 yard) intervals. When the user sets up their rifle system (and programs scope 804), they chronograph their rifle and pick the Density Altitude which matches the system's (i.e., rifle+ammunition) velocity. Handloaders have the option of loading to that velocity to match the main reticle value. The conditions which result in a bullet path that matches the reticle is referred to throughout this as the “nominal” or “main” conditions. The scope legend (e.g., 326), viewed by zooming back to the minimum magnification, shows the model and revision number of the reticle from which can be determined the main conditions which match the reticle. FIGS. 9A-9D illustrate an alternate reticle (650) and FIGS. 10A-10E and 11 illustrate information (e.g., printable on transportable placards and programmable into scope 804) summarizing ballistics information about a selected projectile (e.g., the M118LR) for use in finding Density Altitude (“DA”) adaptability factors as part of the range finding and aim compensating method of the present invention.

[0118] Experienced long range marksmen and persons having skill in the art of external ballistics as applied to long range precision shooting will recognize that the present invention makes available a novel range finding and aim compensating system (e.g., 810) and ballistic effect compensating reticle system (e.g., 200, 300 or 600) for use in a projectile weapon aiming system adapted to provide a field expedient firing solution for a selected projectile, comprising: (a) a multiple point elevation and windage aim point field (e.g., 150, 350 or 650) including a primary aiming mark (e.g., 158, 358 or 658) indicating a primary aiming point adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range (e.g., 200 yards); (b) the aim point field including a nearly vertical array of secondary aiming marks (e.g., 154, 354 or 654) spaced progressively increasing incremental distances below the primary aiming point and indicating corresponding secondary aiming points along a curving, nearly vertical axis intersecting the primary aiming mark, the secondary aiming points positioned to compensate for ballistic drop at preselected regular incremental ranges beyond the first selected range for the selected projectile having pre-defined ballistic characteristics where the aim point field, as displayed, also includes a sloped wind dot array or downrange array of windage aiming marks spaced apart along a secondary non-horizontal axes (e.g., 160A) intersecting a first selected secondary aiming point (e.g., corresponding to a selected EHP range). The first array of windage aiming marks includes a first windage aiming mark spaced apart to the left of the vertical axis at a first windage offset distance from the vertical axis selected to compensate for right-to-left crosswind of a preselected first incremental velocity (e.g., 5 mph) at the range of said first selected secondary aiming point, and a second windage aiming mark spaced apart to the right of the vertical axis at a second windage offset distance from the vertical axis selected to compensate for left-to-right crosswind of that same preselected first incremental velocity (e.g., 5 mph) at said range of said first selected secondary aiming point. The first array of windage aiming marks defining the highlighted or displayed sloped row of windage aiming points (e.g., as best seen in FIG. 2D) have a slope which is a function of the direction and velocity of said projectile's stabilizing spin or a rifle barrel's rifling twist rate and direction, thus compensating for said projectile's crosswind jump, and the reticle thereby facilitates aiming with accurate compensation for ballistics and windage for two crosswind directions at a first preselected incremental crosswind velocities, at a first preselected incremental range corresponding to the first selected secondary aiming point.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiments, the range finding and aim compensating scope 804 has a ballistic effect compensating reticle (e.g., 200, 300 or 600) with several sloped arrays of windage aiming marks which define sloped rows of windage aiming points having a negative slope which is a function of the right-hand spin direction for the projectile's stabilizing spin or a rifle barrel's right-hand twist rifling, thus compensating for the projectile's gyroscopic precession effects (including crosswind jump and dissimilar wind drift) and providing a more accurate compensated aim point for any range for which the projectile remains supersonic.

[0120] The ballistic effect compensating reticle (e.g., 200, 300 or 600) has each secondary aiming point intersected by a secondary array of windage aiming marks (e.g., 360E, for 300 yds) defining the sloped row of windage aiming points having a slope which is a function of the direction and velocity of the projectile's stabilizing spin or a rifle barrel's rifling twist rate and direction, and that sloped row of windage aiming points are spaced laterally in increments selected to indicate crosswind speed intervals (e.g., 5 mph). In the range finding and aim compensating system 810 and the method of the present invention, aiming compensation for ballistics and windage for multiple preselected incremental crosswind velocities (e.g., 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 mph) is sensed during a first LRF display mode, and then calculated and displayed during a second shooting display mode. In the illustrated embodiments, each sloped row of windage aiming points includes windage aiming marks positioned to compensate for leftward and rightward crosswinds of 10 miles per hour and 20 miles per hour at the range of the secondary aiming point corresponding to the sloped row of windage aiming points, and at least one of the sloped row of windage aiming points is bounded by laterally spaced distance indicators which, in the method of the present invention, are illuminated or designated in the reticle to show the shooter the closest row to that indicated from the LRF sensing step. So, for example, if the range to target 29 is for a range which corresponds to an EHP that falls between two sloped rows (e.g., if EHP is calculated to be between 800 yds and 850 yds, e.g., 825 yds, as shown in FIG. 6) then the two closest sloped rows of wind dot lines (e.g. for 800 yds and 850 yds) are be illuminated or designated so the shooter may interpolate and visually aim or align the range finding and aim compensating rifle system 810 so that when aiming, the target appears between the most relevant wind dots or aiming indicia. FIG. 9C illustrates another embodiment where only the two closest sloped wind dot lines are displayed for a given EHP, effectively visually bracketing the target during aiming. In the example of FIG. 9C, for an EHP of 807 yards, only the sloped wind dot array for 800 yards (660) and the sloped wind dot array for 825 yards (662) are illuminated (or displayed at all) during the shooting display mode operation. In an alternative embodiment (illustrated in FIG. 9D), if the EHP is very close in value to the range corresponding to one sloped wind dot array (e.g., for an EHP range of 802 yards) only that closest sloped wind dot line (e.g., sloped wind dot line 660 for 800 yds), is displayed or highlighted during the shooting display mode operation.

[0121] Using the DA adaptability numbers illustrated in FIG. 9B for reticle aim point field 650, the sideways (or “lazy”) DA adaptability (or “ADC”) numbers vary with range and are be used to calculate changes in optimum Effective Hold Point (“EHP”) range from LRF sensed LOS range 29. For DTR V2D reticle 600, with aim point field 650, the ADC number for 800 yds is shown as a sideways “7”. DA atmospheric condition data may be obtained from portable weather sensors (e.g., such as Kestrel brand hand-held sensors) or may be obtained from other sources online and transmitted (e.g., by Bluetooth from a user's smart phone (not shown)). Alternatively, Using the DA data in FIG. 8B and the tabular data in FIGS. 10A-11, the optimum EHP is calculated (e.g., using Microprocessor 838) as follows: First, the LOS range 29 is sensed and if LOS range is greater than 300 yds and Slope Angle 27 is greater than 10 degrees, the Cosine or “X yards horizontal range is used. Next ammunition and air density effects (i.e. variation from nominal DA conditions (or “NAV”) for rifle system 810 which might be 4KDA for a given rifle and ammunition combination) are used to make a further adjustment; in this step, the adjustment (“Delta Yard”) is calculated as:

NAV−Current DA×ADC #=Delta Yard  (Eq. 1)

And EHP is then calculated as:

EHP=LOS range−Delta Yard  (Eq. 2)

So referring again to FIG. 9B, if the NAV for rifle system 810 is 4KDA and the Current DA (when aiming at the target) is 1KDA, then for an LOS range of 800 yds, the Delta Yard adjustment is ((4-1)×7) yards or 21 yards so EHP becomes 800 yds-21 yds or 779 yds. When using ammunition with bullets having the same ballistic coefficient as the Nominal bullet, but travelling at a different muzzle velocity than was used to assign the NAV value for a given rifle/ammo/scope system (e.g., 810), each added 25 foot per second change in muzzle velocity (e.g., as measured by a chronograph) subtracts 1 KDA in NAV (and if the ammunition is 25 fps slower, it adds 1 KDA to NAV). All of these calculations and ballistics effect estimating rules are programmed into each Micro Processor of the range finding and aim compensating system scope 804 (e.g., of FIG. 2C) as part of the aim compensation method of the present invention.

[0122] The method for calculating the adjusted optimum Effective Hold Point (“EHP”) for display in EHP display window 862 and for choosing which sloped row of wind dot lines to illuminate (when in shooting display mode) is illustrated in the process flow diagram of FIG. 12. Initially, in step 900, the shooter or user actuates range finding and aim compensating rifle system 810 preferably by actuating control input 842 or optionally by simply moving scope assembly 804, where such movement is sensed by an internal solid state accelerometer (not shown), thereby energizing laser generator 836. This initialization step may optionally be delayed until the user indicates that range finding and aim compensating rifle system 810 is aimed at the target, with LRF targeting indicator or main crosshair dot 158 aligned with and visibly held over the target 28. Next, in step 902, the LOS range 29 is sensed and stored. Optionally, slope angle 27 is sensed or input from a remote source (e.g., through data interface 843). Next, in optional step 903, the user may elect to either adjust EHP with slope angle or not. Optionally, if slope angle is greater or equal to 10 degrees and LOS range is greater than 300 yards, the EHP range may be adjusted to be equal to the “Horizontal” range by subtracting a “hold closer distance” or calculating the smaller “cosine” range (e.g., as shown in step 904. Steps 906 and 907 use the calculations and data described above (with respect to determining whether current atmospheric (e.g., air density measured as kDA or DU units) to determine whether the current air density (e.g., kDA) differs significantly enough from the Nominal Assigned Value (“NAV”) for the rifle system 810 when actually aiming to merit correction. If so, then, in accordance with the system and method of the present invention, a DA adaptive correction (“Delta Yard”) value is calculated (e.g., using the information and method described above and Equations 1 and 2) to calculate an air density corrected EHP. Optionally, in step 907, for different ammunition than the specified ammunition used in assigning the NAV for rifle system 810, a DA adaptive adjustment is calculated for an adjusted NAV for the rifle system with the new or non-spec ammunition and the calculation is iteratively repeated to obtain a new optimum EHP for the then-in-use ammunition/rifle scope system. Optionally, the optimum EHP is displayed in a reticle numerical display area (e.g., 862). In the method of the present invention, the next and final step (e.g., 908) is displaying (e.g., illuminating or indicating in a conspicuous manner) at least one sloped wind dot line which shows the effective hold points for the sensed and corrected EHP range with ballistically compensated wind dots corresponding to multiple crosswind velocities for left wind or right wind.

[0123] For reticles with aim point fields such as 150, 350 or 650, the reticle's permanently inscribed pattern of wind dots is always visible, and in scope 804 microprocessor 838 is programmed to illuminate or designate the one sloped wind dot line array which most closely matches the stored EHP value. Optionally, as illustrated in diagram block 910, Optional if LOS range is under a first selected threshold range (e.g., 500 yds) and optimum EHP range is within a selected percentage (e.g. 10%) or a selected distance (e.g., 10 yards) of the one closest sloped row of wind dots illuminated, the controller can be programmed to illuminate ONLY the closest sloped row; however, If this condition is NOT true, then the scope 804 is programmed to surround or bracket the true aim point EHP by illuminating both the closest row of sloped wind dots AND the second closest sloped row. Alternatively, where the reticles (200, 300 or 600) exist only in software within scope 804, and are NOT permanently etched on a reticle surface 824, the microprocessor is programmed to display only one sloped row at exactly the EHP.

[0124] Preferably, at least one of the sloped arrays windage aiming points is proximate an air density or projectile ballistic characteristic adjustment indicator such as the “Lazy” DA adjustment factors arrayed in density correction indicia array 670, and the air density or projectile ballistic characteristic adjustment indicator is preferably a Density Altitude (DA) correction indicator, but could also be expressed in air density units known with the acronym “DU.” Those density correction factors can also be used by the shooter “on the fly”, in case it is not possible to input current DA information to microprocessor 838.

[0125] Generally, when using the range-finding and compensating scope 804 with a ballistic effect compensating reticle aimpoint field (e.g., 150, 350 or 650), if there is actually no crosswind, the nearly vertical array of secondary aiming marks (e.g., 154, 354 or 654) provide very clearly defined secondary aiming points along a curving, nearly vertical axis and are curved in a direction that is a function of the direction of the projectile's stabilizing spin from rifle the barrel (e.g., 7) rifling direction, thus compensating for spin drift at any sensed EHP range. The primary aiming mark (e.g., 358) formed by the intersection of the primary horizontal sight line (e.g., 352) and the nearly vertical array of secondary aiming marks provide a conspicuous indicator or “dot” which may be illuminated or highlighted during the LRF sensing step, while LRF-DTR scope 804 is operating in the LRF display mode, during which the shooter aims rifle system 810 so that the primary aiming mark (e.g., 158, 358 or 658) is aligned directly over or at the target surface. The main horizontal crosshair array (e.g., 152, 352 or 652) preferably includes a bold, widened portion (370L and 370R) located radially outward from the primary aiming point, the widened portion having an innermost pointed end located proximal of the primary aiming point which provides an aid when aiming the LRF for LOS range detection.

[0126] The range-finding and ballistic effect compensating system 810 is shown with exemplary reticle aim point field (e.g., 150, 350 or 650) which preferably also includes at least a second array of windage aiming marks spaced apart along a second non-horizontal axis intersecting a second selected secondary aiming point; and the second array of windage aiming marks includes a third windage aiming mark spaced apart to the left of the vertical axis at a third windage offset distance from the vertical axis selected to compensate for right-to-left crosswind of the preselected first incremental velocity (e.g., 10 mph) at the range of said second selected secondary aiming point (e.g., 800 yards), and a fourth windage aiming mark spaced apart to the right of the vertical axis at a fourth windage offset distance from the vertical axis selected to compensate for left-to-right crosswind of the same preselected first incremental velocity at the same range, and the second array of windage aiming marks define another sloped row of windage aiming points having a slope which is also a function of the direction and velocity of said projectile's stabilizing spin or a rifle barrel's rifling twist rate and direction, thus compensating for the projectile's crosswind jump. In addition, the ballistic effect compensating reticle's aim point field also includes a third array of windage aiming marks spaced apart along a third non-horizontal axis intersecting a third selected secondary aiming point, where the third array of windage aiming marks includes a fifth windage aiming mark spaced apart to the left of the vertical axis at a fifth windage offset distance from the vertical axis selected to compensate for right-to-left crosswind of the preselected first incremental velocity at the range of said third selected secondary aiming point, and a sixth windage aiming mark spaced apart to the right of the vertical axis at a sixth windage offset distance from the vertical axis selected to compensate for left-to-right crosswind of said preselected first incremental velocity at said range of said third selected secondary aiming point; herein said second array of windage aiming marks define another sloped row of windage aiming points having a slope which is also a function of the direction and velocity of said projectile's stabilizing spin or a rifle barrel's rifling twist rate and direction, thus compensating for crosswind jump.

[0127] The range-finding and ballistic effect compensating system 810 reticle (e.g., 200, 300 or 600) may also have the aim point field's first array of windage aiming marks spaced apart along the second non-horizontal axis to include a third windage aiming mark spaced apart to the left of the vertical axis at a third windage offset distance from the first windage aiming mark selected to compensate for right-to-left crosswind of twice the preselected first incremental velocity at the range of said second selected secondary aiming point, and have a fourth windage aiming mark spaced apart to the right of the vertical axis at a fourth windage offset distance from the second windage aiming mark selected to compensate for left-to-right crosswind of twice said preselected first incremental velocity at said range of said selected secondary aiming point. Thus the third windage offset distance is greater than or lesser than the fourth windage offset distance, where the windage offset distances are a function of or are determined by the direction and velocity of the projectile's stabilizing spin or a rifle barrel's rifling twist rate and direction, thus compensating for the projectile's Dissimilar Wind Drift. The ballistic effect compensating reticle has the third windage offset distance configured to be greater than the fourth windage offset distance, and the windage offset distances are a function of or are determined by the projectile's right hand stabilizing spin or a rifle barrel's rifling right-twist direction, thus compensating for said projectile's Dissimilar Wind Drift.

[0128] Broadly speaking, the range finding and aim compensating system's reticle (e.g., 200, 300 or 600) has an aim point field configured to compensate for the selected projectile's ballistic behavior while developing a field expedient firing solution expressed two-dimensional terms of:

[0129] (a) EHP range or distance, used to orient a field expedient aim point vertically among the secondary aiming marks in said vertical array, and

[0130] (b) crosswind relative velocity, used to orient the aim point laterally among a selected array of windage hold points.

[0131] The range-finding and ballistic effect compensating method for use when firing a selected projectile from a selected rifle or projectile weapon (e.g., 6 or 810) and developing a field expedient firing solution, comprises: (a) providing a range-finding and ballistic effect compensating system 810 with a ballistic effect compensating reticle system (e.g., 200, 300 or 600) comprising a multiple point elevation and windage aim point field (e.g., 150, 350 or 650) including a primary aiming mark (e.g., 158, 358 or 658) intersecting a nearly vertical array of secondary aiming marks spaced along a curving, nearly vertical axis, where the secondary aiming points are positioned to compensate for ballistic drop at preselected regular incremental ranges (e.g., every 25 yards or every 50 yards) beyond the first selected range for the selected projectile having pre-defined ballistic characteristics; and where the aim point field also includes a sloped row of wind dots or array of windage aiming marks spaced apart along a secondary non-horizontal axis intersecting that first selected secondary aiming point; wherein the sloped row of wind dots define a sloped row of windage aiming points having a slope which is a function of the direction and velocity of said projectile's stabilizing spin or a rifle barrel's rifling twist rate and direction, thus compensating for said projectile's crosswind jump; (b) based on at least the selected projectile, identifying said projectile's associated nominal Air Density ballistic characteristics; (c) sensing a LOS range to a target, based on the range to the target and the nominal air density ballistic characteristics of the selected projectile, determining a yardage equivalent aiming adjustment (or EHP) for the projectile weapon 810; (d) illuminating or displaying at least one sloped row of wind dots arrayed at a range corresponding to the sensed EHP and then evaluating the actual wind between the shooter and the target to then determine a windage hold point along that illuminated sloped row (based on any crosswind sensed or perceived), and then aiming the rifle or projectile weapon 810 using the yardage equivalent EHP aiming adjustment for elevation hold-off and holding laterally for the selected windage hold point.

[0132] The range-finding and ballistic effect aim compensation method of the present invention includes providing ballistic compensation information as a function of and indexed according to an atmospheric condition such as density altitude (“DA”) for presentation to the shooter or user, and then associating that ballistic compensation information with the firearm scope reticle feature (e.g., the “lazy 7” at 800 yds from indicia array 670 in FIG. 9B) to enable a user to compensate for then existing density altitude levels to select one or more aiming points displayed on the scope reticle (e.g., 600). The ballistic compensation information is preferably encoded into markings (e.g., indicia array 670) disposed on the reticle of the scope via an encoding scheme AND programmed into scope assembly 804, and the ballistic compensation information is preferably graphed, or tabulated into those markings disposed on the reticle of the scope.

[0133] The range-finding and ballistic effect compensating system 810 is readily configured to adjust the point of aim of a projectile firing weapon or instrument firing a selected projectile under varying atmospheric and wind conditions (e.g. with a reticle such as 200, 300 or 600) and preferably includes a plurality of aiming points disposed upon that reticle, where a plurality of aiming points positioned for proper aim at various predetermined range-distances and wind conditions include at least a first array of windage aiming marks spaced apart along a non-horizontal axis (e.g., array 360-0 for 800 yards) to define the sloped row of windage aiming points having a slope which is a function of the direction and velocity of the selected projectile's stabilizing spin or a rifle barrel's rifling twist rate and direction, thus compensating for said selected projectile's crosswind jump; and where all of said predetermined range-distances and wind conditions are based upon a baseline atmospheric condition such as an expected air density. The range-finding and ballistic effect compensating system 810 optionally includes a means for determining existing density altitude characteristics (such as DA graph 550 in FIG. 6) either disposed on the reticle, external to the reticle or programmed into scope 804; and also includes ballistic compensation information indexed by density altitude criteria configured to be provided to the user or marksman such that the user can compensate or adjust an EHP aim point to account for an atmospheric difference between the baseline atmospheric condition and an actual atmospheric condition, as described above.

[0134] Preferably, the range-finding and ballistic effect compensating system's information is pre-programmed into the scope's memory, but may also be input via data interface 843 in a manner which mirrors or is consistent with the data encoded into the plurality of aiming points disposed upon the reticle (e.g. 200, 300 or 600), as best seen in FIGS. 7, 8, and 9A-9D. Preferably, the reticle also includes ballistic compensation indicia disposed upon the reticle and ballistic compensation information is encoded into the indicia (as shown in FIGS. 9A-9D, or alternatively, the ballistic compensation information can be positioned external to the reticle, on transportable placards such as placard 600 of FIGS. 10A-11. The ballistic compensation information may also be encoded into the plurality of aiming points disposed upon said reticle (e.g., such as Correction Drop Pointers 510, 512, best seen in FIG. 7), where the encoding is done via display of an density correction encoding scheme that comprises an array of range-specific density correction pointers being displayed on the reticle at selected ranges.

[0135] As noted above, The applicant's initial work was directed to determining an aim point for one specific type of ammunition, and the invention now includes a range-finding and ballistic effect compensating system 810 for using an adaptive method allowing a shooter in the field to adapt to changes in available ammunition and compensate for variations in ammunition or atmospheric conditions. Illustrative examples are provided in FIGS. 10A-11 summarize ballistics information about a selected projectile (e.g., a .308 dia. 175 gr Sierra™ Matchking™ HPBT projectile). As described in FIG. 11, the shooter or user may use Density Altitude (“DA”) adaptability factors as part of the aim compensation method (described above) when changing ammunition types, in accordance with the method of the present invention.

[0136] So, for example, if a shooter's rifle (e.g., 6 or 810) is set up to shoot M118LR ammunition (i.e., with the .308 dia. 175 gr Sierra™ Match King™ HPBT projectile) at an initial muzzle velocity of 2565 Ft./Sec., the rifle may be assigned a nominal DA baseline or index value of 4KDA (e.g., as shown and described in FIG. 11). The rifle, with that ammunition, is thus referred to as a “4KDA” baseline rifle/ammunition system (meaning the rifle's NAV is 4kDA). Turning now to FIG. 11, if the shooter or user is forced to use a different type of ammunition (e.g., M80 ammunition, with the .308 dia. 147 gr FMJ ball projectile) at an initial muzzle velocity of 2740 Ft./Sec., the rifle may be still be used as a 4KDA baseline or index rifle/ammunition system out to 900 yards, and that information is pre-programmed into scope 804.

[0137] The ammunition-change adaptive range-finding and ballistic effect aim compensation method for use when firing first and second selected projectiles from a selected rifle or projectile weapon (e.g., 4 or 810) and developing a displayed field expedient firing solution (as a selected sloped row of windage dots) thus comprises: (a) providing a range-finding and ballistic effect compensating system 810 with a ballistic effect compensating reticle system (e.g., 200, 300 or 600) comprising a multiple point elevation and windage aim point field (e.g., 150, 350 or 650) including a primary aiming mark (e.g., 158, 358 or 658) intersecting a nearly vertical array of secondary aiming marks spaced along a curving, nearly vertical axis, the secondary aiming points positioned to compensate for ballistic drop at preselected regular incremental ranges beyond the first selected range for the selected projectile having pre-defined ballistic characteristics; and said aim point field also including a first array of windage aiming marks spaced apart along a secondary non-horizontal axis intersecting a first selected secondary aiming point; wherein said first array of windage aiming marks define a sloped row of windage aiming points having a slope which is a function of the direction and velocity of said first or second projectile's stabilizing spin or the rifle barrel's rifling twist rate and direction, thus compensating for said first or second projectile's crosswind jump; (b) based on at least the first selected projectile (e.g., M118LR ammunition (i.e., with the .308 dia. 175 gr Sierra™ Matchking™ HPBT projectile at an initial muzzle velocity of 2565 Ft./Sec.), identifying said first or projectile's associated nominal Air Density ballistic characteristics (e.g., 4kDA); (c) sensing a LOS range to a target, based on the range to the target and the nominal air density ballistic characteristics of the first or second selected projectile, determining a yardage equivalent aiming adjustment or EHP for the projectile weapon and displaying, illuminating of highlighting one or two sloped wind dot lines corresponding to or bracketing the EHP range (d) determining a windage hold point, based on any crosswind sensed or perceived, and (e) aiming the rifle or projectile weapon using the displayed EHP yardage equivalent derived sloped row of windage aiming dots (e.g., for 800 yds when EHP is 800 yds) for elevation hold-off and choosing one or more of the wind dots in the sloped wind dot array to estimate the optimum windage hold point.

[0138] Having described preferred embodiments of a new and improved reticle and method, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the following claims.