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United States Patent Application	20070234626
Kind Code	A1
Murdock; Steven G. ;   et al.	October 11, 2007

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Claims

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1. A device for facilitating adjustments to a scope, the device comprising: a range module capable of receiving distance data indicative of a distance to a target; a windage module capable of receiving windage data indicative of at least one wind parameter; and a processing module in communication with the range module and the windage module, the processing module capable of processing the distance data and the windage data to determine at least one adjustment to be made to a scope, the processing module further capable of outputting adjustment data indicative of the at least one scope adjustment.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a wind sensor capable of communication with the windage module and capable of determining the at least one wind parameter.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the wind sensor comprises an anemometer.

4. The device of claim 1, wherein the windage module is capable of receiving ammunition data from a user.

5. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one wind parameter comprises at least one of a wind velocity and a wind direction.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising an ammunition module capable of receiving ammunition data indicative of at least one type of ammunition, wherein the processing module is further capable of determining the at least one scope adjustment based at least in part on the ammunition data.

7. The device of claim 6, wherein the ammunition module is capable of receiving the ammunition data from a user.

8. The device of claim 1, further including a handheld rangefinder that houses the range module, the windage module and the processing module.

9. A device for facilitating scope adjustments based on effects of wind on a trajectory of a projectile, the device comprising: a wind sensor capable of sensing at least one wind parameter and capable of outputting a wind signal indicative of the at least one wind parameter; and a processor in communication with the wind sensor and capable of receiving the wind signal, the processor further capable of outputting an adjustment signal based at least in part on the wind signal and indicative of at least one adjustment to be made to a scope.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein the wind sensor comprises an anemometer.

11. The device of claim 9, wherein the wind sensor comprises an array of heated thermisters.

12. The device of claim 9, wherein the at least one wind parameter comprises at least one of a wind velocity and a wind direction.

13. The device of claim 9, further comprising a rangefinder capable of sensing at least one distance parameter and capable of outputting a distance signal indicative of the distance parameter.

14. The device of claim 9, further comprising an input to a rangefinder.

15. The device of claim 9, wherein the processor is capable of receiving distance data from a rangefinder.

16. A method of providing a system for facilitating the adjustment of a sighting device, the method comprising: providing an environmental module configured to receive environmental data indicative of at least one environmental variable capable of affecting a trajectory of a projectile; providing a range module configured to receive distance data indicative of a distance to a target; and providing a processor capable of processing the environmental data and the distance data to calculate at least one adjustment to be made to a sighting device for aiming at the target, the processor further capable of outputting adjustment data indicative of the at least one adjustment.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a wind sensor capable of generating the wind data, wherein the wind data is indicative of at least one wind parameter.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a rangefinder capable of generating the distance data.

19. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a humidity sensor capable of generating the environmental data, wherein the environmental data is indicative of a moisture content.

20. The method of claim 16, further comprising providing a projectile module configured to receive projectile data indicative of at least one property of the projectile.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the projectile comprises ammunition.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein at least one of the environmental module, the range module and the projectile module is configured to receive information manually entered by the user.

23. A system for facilitating adjustment of a scope, the system comprising: means for receiving distance data indicative of a distance to a target; means for receiving wind data indicative of at least one wind parameter; and means for processing the distance data and the wind data to determine at least one adjustment to be made to a scope, the means for processing further capable of outputting adjustment data indicative of the at least one scope adjustment.

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Description

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present disclosure relates to sighting devices, such as scopes. In particular, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for adjusting a rifle scope.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] Sighting devices are of interest for practical applications in various fields. For example, sighting devices are used in survey equipment, imaging equipment, other optical devices such as telescopes, and the like. In addition sighting devices, such as scopes, are often used to assist in aiming firearm devices, such as, for example, rifles or handguns. Scopes can be mounted to the firearm so that the user can peer through the scope to view a magnified image of a target.

[0005] Many conventional rifle scopes include a set of manual controls, such as knobs or turrets, that a user adjusts to compensate for variables affecting the trajectory of ammunition projected from the rifle. For example, a knob on the top of the scope generally allows a user to adjust his or her aim for a particular distance to a target (elevation) and accounting for, for example, the effects of gravity and humidity on a projectile. A knob on the side of the scope allows the user to adjust for other variables, such as wind, that may affect the lateral movement of the projectile. These adjustments are generally made in "click" increments, wherein one click equals, for example, moving the point of impact approximately 1/4 inch at a 100-yard distance (i.e., 1/4 minute of angle or "MOA") or 1/2 inch at a 100-yard distance (i.e., 1/2 MOA).

[0006] Determining correct adjustments of a rifle scope can be a complicated process, especially for a novice user or for a user who is not familiar with the particular rifle scope or firearm. Furthermore, the user may need to consider a wide variety of variables that can affect shooting precision, especially when shooting long ranges.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] In view of the foregoing, conventional rifle scopes do not provide the user with a straightforward way of determining the adjustments to be made to the scope. Furthermore, conventional rifle scopes do not provide a system for recommending scope adjustments to a user based at least on environmental variables that may affect the trajectory of ammunition.

[0008] In certain embodiments, a rangefinder includes a wind sensor capable of determining the velocity and/or direction of wind. A processor uses the range and wind data to determine recommended adjustments to be made to a specified rifle scope to compensate for the effects of distance and wind. For example, the processor may display to the user, such as through an electronic display of the rangefinder or the rifle scope, the number of "clicks" to be made to the rifle scope. In further embodiments, the processor may also take into account the humidity of the environment, the properties of the ammunition, combinations of the same or the like.

[0009] In certain embodiments, a processing module receives environmental data input by a user. For example, the user may input data relating to environmental factors that may affect the trajectory of a projectile. The processing module uses the environmental data to calculate a recommended adjustment to be made to a specified rifle scope to compensate for such factors. Furthermore, the processing module may access a database, such as a memory device, for storing information relating to different types of ammunition, which information may also be used to calculate a recommended scope adjustment.

[0010] For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a scope adjustment system according to certain embodiments of the invention.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a rifle scope usable with the scope adjustment system of FIG. 1.

[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustment calculator usable with the scope adjustment system of FIG. 1.

[0014] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of an adjustment calculation process.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Various embodiments described herein include, but are not limited to, sighting devices and systems and methods for adjusting scopes. In certain embodiments, systems and methods are disclosed for calculating recommended scope adjustments to compensate for environmental variables that may affect the trajectory of a projectile, such as ammunition fired from a rifle.

[0016] In certain embodiments, a wind sensor is capable of determining the velocity and/or direction of wind in the vicinity of the rifle scope. A processor then uses the wind data to determine recommended adjustments to be made to the rifle scope to compensate for the effects of wind. According to certain embodiments, the wind sensor may advantageously be a component of a rangefinder system, may be an input to a rangefinder system, or the like. In such embodiments, the rangefinder system and/or the wind sensor advantageously convey to a user adjustments to be made to a rifle scope. For example, the system may display to the user, such as through an electronic display, through the rangefinder, the rifle scope, the wind sensor, or combinations of the same, the number of "clicks" to be made to be made to the rifle scope. In further embodiments, the processor may also take into account the humidity of the environment, the type of ammunition, combinations of the same or the like.

[0017] In certain embodiments, a processing module receives environmental data input by a user. For example, the user may input data relating to environmental factors that may affect the trajectory of a projectile. The processing module then uses the environmental data to calculate a recommended adjustment to be made to a rifle scope to compensate for such factors. Furthermore, the processing module may access a database, such as a memory device, for storing information relating to different types of ammunition, which information may be used to calculate a recommended scope adjustment.

[0018] In certain embodiments, a method is disclosed for adjusting a scope. The method includes receiving first data indicative of at least one environmental variable capable of affecting a trajectory of ammunition, receiving second data indicative of an ammunition type, and receiving third data indicative of a distance to a target. The method further includes processing the first data, the second data and the third data to calculate at least one of a vertical adjustment and a horizontal adjustment to be made to a scope and outputting fourth data indicative of the at least one adjustment. In certain embodiments, the method further includes displaying on a user interface the fourth data indicative of the at least one adjustment. In certain embodiments the environmental variable includes at least one of a wind parameter (e.g., direction and/or velocity) and a humidity parameter.

[0019] In other embodiments of the invention, a system is disclosed for facilitating scope adjustments. The system comprises an environmental module capable of receiving environmental data regarding at least one environmental variable capable of affecting a travel path of ammunition. The system also includes an ammunition module capable of receiving ammunition data regarding at least one type of ammunition and a range module capable of receiving distance data indicative of a distance to a target. The system further includes a processing module in communication with the environmental module, the ammunition module and the range module. The processing module is capable of processing the environmental, ammunition and distance data to determine at least one adjustment to be made to a scope. The processing module is further configured to output, to a user interface, compensation data indicative of the at least one scope adjustment. In certain embodiments, the foregoing system comprises a machine executable software program.

[0020] The features of the system and method will now be described with reference to the drawings summarized above. The drawings, associated descriptions, and specific implementation are provided to illustrate embodiments and do not limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0021] The term "scope" as used herein includes its ordinary broad meaning, which includes, without limitation, any device or system usable to magnify images of distant objects. For example, the term "scope" includes, but is not limited to, optical scopes used with rifles or other firearms to assist a user in aiming at a target.

[0022] The term "environmental variable" as used herein includes its ordinary broad meaning, which includes, without limitation, factors that may affect the trajectory (e.g., travel path) of a projectile, such as ammunition fired from a firearm. For example, environmental variables may include, but are not limited to, wind direction and/or velocity, humidity, temperature, altitude, combinations of the same, or the like.

[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a rifle scope adjustment system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The adjustment system 100 includes a rifle scope 110 and an electronic adjustment calculator 120. The rifle scope 110 further includes a positioning system 114, an example of which is described in more detail with respect to FIG. 2, that enables a user to adjust the aim of the scope 110.

[0024] The electronic adjustment calculator 120 advantageously comprises a system that receives input with respect to at least one environmental variable and recommends adjustments to be made to the positioning system 114 of the scope 110. For example, in an embodiment, the adjustment calculator 120 recommends to the user the number of adjustment clicks to be made to the positioning system 114.

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an exemplary rifle scope 210 usable with embodiments of the invention. As shown, the scope 210 includes a main body 212 and a positioning system 214 for manipulating optics contained within the scope 210 to account for variables discussed above. In particular, the scope 210 includes a first dial 216 and a second dial 218. The first dial 216 provides for horizontal (e.g., lateral) adjustment of the scope 210. The second dial 218 provides for vertical adjustment of the scope 210.

[0026] In certain embodiments, adjustment of the scope 210 occurs in "click" increments. In such embodiments, one click is equivalent to moving a point of impact approximately 1/4 inch at a 100-yard distance (i.e., 1/4 minute of angle or "MOA"). Thus, adjusting the first dial 216 one click, moves the point of impact approximately 1/4 inch either to the right or left at a 100-yard distance. In other embodiments, one click is equal to 1/2 MOA. In yet other embodiments, the scope 210 may include other means generally used to adjust the operation of a rifle scope.

[0027] Although not illustrated, the scope 210 can be mounted to a firearm (e.g., a rifle, a handgun, or the like) or any other device (e.g., a crossbow or a bow) that a user aims during operation. In still other embodiments, the scope 210 or its equivalent may be mounted to a wide variety of devices, including survey equipment, optical devices or the like.

[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram of an adjustment calculator 320, such as is usable with the rifle scope adjustment system 100 depicted in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 also illustrates the adjustment calculator 320 communicating with a wind sensor 334, a rangefinder 336, an optional humidity sensor 338, and a user interface 340. In certain embodiments, the adjustment calculator 320 advantageously comprises a software program capable of receiving a plurality of inputs regarding particular variables capable of affecting the trajectory of ammunition. In such embodiments, the software program may also be capable of outputting data indicative as to what adjustment(s) should be made to the rifle scope to compensate for at least one of such variables.

[0029] An artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein that the adjustment calculator 320 and the user interface 340 may be physically incorporated, in whole or in part, into any of the wind sensor 334, the rangefinder 336, and the humidity sensor 338. In such embodiments, the remaining devices may advantageously produce inputs to the adjustment calculator 320.

[0030] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the adjustment calculator 320 further includes an adjustment calculation module 322 that communicates with a windage module 324, a range module 326, a humidity module 328, and an ammunition module 330. The adjustment calculation module 322 advantageously receives input data from the various modules and outputs data to a user interface 340, which data indicates a suggested adjustment (e.g., number of clicks) to be made to a corresponding scope.

[0031] The windage module 324 is configured to receive data from a wind sensor 334 regarding the direction and/or velocity of wind, such as a wind in the vicinity of the scope. In a preferred embodiment, the wind sensor 334 is capable of being placed in or near a prevailing wind flow between the user and the target, which positioning may reduce interference from surrounding objects. For example, the wind sensor 334 may be mounted on a pole set in the ground, such as in front of a user's blind or in an open space between the user and the target. In such embodiments, the wind sensor 334 may communicate with the windage module 324 through wired or wireless transmissions, such as, for example, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and cable communications.

[0032] In yet other embodiments, the wind sensor 334 may be mounted on the scope, the user, or the rifle. In certain embodiments, the wind sensor 334 removably attaches to or is integrated with the rangefinder 336.

[0033] In certain embodiments, the wind sensor 334 advantageously operates so as to not frighten or alert live targets, such as, for example, game animals. For instance, the wind sensor 334 may operate without substantial motion by external components and/or without emitting audible tones. Furthermore, the wind sensor 334 advantageously operates on a portable power source, such as batteries and/or solar power.

[0034] A skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of devices or systems usable for the wind sensor 334. In certain embodiments, the wind sensor 334 comprises an anemometer usable to detect wind velocity and/or direction. For example, the wind sensor 334 may comprise a vane anemometer capable of detecting deflections caused by wind. In such an embodiment, an encoder, such as an optical encoder, may be used to monitor a number of the vane deflections, which may be used to calculate a specific wind parameter. In certain embodiments, the vane anemometer may be directly attached to a rangefinder, to a scope, or other device described herein.

[0035] In yet other embodiments, the wind sensor 334 may comprise a two-dimensional wind speed and/or direction measurement system. Such embodiments may advantageously be used on substantially level ground. For example, the wind sensor 334 may comprise a 2-D ultrasonic anemometer provided by Campbell Scientific, Inc., of Logan, Utah.

[0036] In yet other embodiments, the wind sensor 334 may comprise a three-dimensional wind speed and/or direction measurement system. Such embodiments may advantageously be used on non-level (e.g., hillside) ground conditions. For example, the wind sensor 334 may comprise a 3-D sonic anemometer provided by Campbell Scientific, Inc., of Logan, Utah.

[0037] In yet other embodiments, the wind sensor 334 includes an array of heated thermisters capable of sensing the amount of cooling due to wind velocity. For example, the wind sensor 334 may be mounted on a small platform that is advantageously located away from the user (e.g., above the head of the user) to avoid false readings due to air turbulence around the user and/or the rifle. In certain embodiments, the heated thermisters may be arranged in a baffled configuration to improve detection of wind direction.

[0038] A skilled artisan will also recognize from the disclosure herein other advantageous positioning factors capable of improving the accuracy of the wind sensor 334 depending on the particular conditions of use of the wind sensor 334. For example, the wind sensor 334 may advantageously be positioned near the front of a rangefinder to improve detection of a crosswind.

[0039] With continued reference to FIG. 3, the illustrated windage module 324 advantageously processes the data received from the wind sensor 334 and outputs the processed data to the adjustment calculation module 322. For example, for a 0.30-06 factory bullet, if the wind sensor 334 communicates data to the windage module 324 that a 15 MPH wind is blowing from the downrange left of the scope, the windage module may determine that, to account for the wind, the scope should be adjusted 11/2 MOA (e.g., six clicks) to the right.

[0040] Although disclosed with reference to particular embodiments, a skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of devices and/or systems usable to measure the velocity and/or direction of wind. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the windage module 324 may communicate with multiple wind sensors 334 located at different locations. In such embodiments, the wind sensors 334 may be of the same or different types and, when used jointly, may provide increased accuracy in the measurement of wind parameters.

[0041] The illustrated range module 326 is configured to receive data from a rangefinder 336 regarding the distance between the rangefinder 336 (and associated scope) and the designated target. The rangefinder 336 may comprise a laser rangefinder or any other system or device that is generally used in the art to determine a distance to a particular target. In other embodiments, the user may input the range directly into the rangefinder 336 or the adjustment calculator 320.

[0042] The range module 326 processes the data received from the rangefinder 336 and outputs the processed data to the adjustment calculation module 322. This data is then used in determining the proper adjustments to be made to the scope. For example, the processed data may include a multiplier that is used to reduce and/or increase the amount of adjustment needed to compensate for the environmental variable(s).

[0043] In certain embodiments, the number of scope adjustments is linearly related to the distance between the scope and the designated target. That is, range adjustments made for a 25-yard distance to a target will generally be approximately four times the range adjustments made for a 100-yard distance. In yet other embodiments, the number of scope adjustments may have a non-linear relationship to the distance between the scope and the designated target.

[0044] The humidity module 328 is configured to receive data from a humidity sensor 338 regarding the moisture of the surrounding environment. In certain embodiments, the humidity sensor 338 comprises a hygrometer. In other embodiments, the humidity sensor 338 comprises any other system or device generally used to measure air moisture.

[0045] The humidity module 328 processes the data received from the humidity sensor 338 and outputs the processed data to the adjustment calculation module 322. This data is then used in determining the proper adjustments to be made to the scope.

[0046] The ammunition module 330 communicates with an ammunition database 332 that includes data relating to the specifications (i.e., type, weight, and/or the like) of various forms of ammunition. In certain embodiments, the ammunition database 332 is dynamic and is advantageously updatable. For example, the ammunition database 332 may receive updated ammunition information from the user, through a wired or wireless network (e.g., downloaded through the Internet via, for example, a cellular phone, a personal computer or a computing device), through a portable memory device (e.g., smart card), combinations of the same, or the like. In yet other embodiments, the ammunition database 332 is external to the adjustment calculator 320. For example, the ammunition database 332 may comprise a portable memory device, such as, for example, a memory stick or a memory card, that is capable of communication with the ammunition module 330.

[0047] The illustrated ammunition module 330 communicates the appropriate ammunition data to the adjustment calculation module 322 for determining suggested adjustments to be made to the scope.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 3, the adjustment calculation module 322 communicates with the user interface 340, which communicates to the user the suggested scope adjustments based on the calculations of the adjustment calculator 320. The user interface 340 comprises any means usable to communicate information to a user. In certain embodiments, the user interface 340 comprises a display. For example, the user interface 340 may be a stand-alone display or may utilize the display of an already existing device, such as the display of the rangefinder 336 or the display of the scope.

[0049] In certain embodiments, the adjustment calculator 320 is a stand-alone device, such as an electronic system. In other embodiments, the adjustment calculator 320 may be coupled to, or integrated in, the rangefinder 336 or the scope.

[0050] Although described with reference to particular embodiments, a skilled artisan will recognize from the disclosure herein a wide variety of alternative configurations for the adjustment calculator 320. In certain embodiments, the adjustment calculator 320 may comprise more or fewer modules than those depicted in FIG. 3. For example, the adjustment calculator 320 may comprise only the windage module 324 and the range module 326 to calculate scope adjustments based on wind and distance. In other embodiments, the adjustment calculator 320 may also comprise, or communicate with, a temperature module that receives temperature measurements of the environment and/or a firearm to which the scope is attached. In certain embodiments, the adjustment calculator 320 may also comprise, or communicate with, an inclinometer capable of measuring a slope of a ground surface or of a component of the adjustment calculator 320. In such embodiments, the adjustment calculator 320 may also process slope information in determining the one or more suggest click adjustments.

[0051] Furthermore, the block diagram illustrated in FIG. 3 partitions the functionality of the adjustment calculator 320 into multiple modules for ease of explanation. It is to be understood, however, that one or more modules may operate as a single unit. Conversely, a single module may comprise one or more subcomponents that are distributed throughout one or more locations. Furthermore, the communication between the modules may occur in a variety of ways, such as hardware implementations (e.g., over a network, serial interface, parallel interface, or internal bus), software implementations (e.g., database, DDE, passing variables), or a combination of hardware and software.

[0052] In certain embodiments, the adjustment calculator 320 described herein can advantageously be implemented using computer software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of software, hardware, and firmware. In one embodiment, the adjustment calculator 320 is implemented as a number of software modules that comprise computer executable code for performing the functions described herein. In certain embodiments, the computer-executable code is executed on one or more general purpose computers. However, a skilled artisan will appreciate from the disclosure herein that at least one of the foregoing modules can also be implemented using a different combination of hardware, software, or firmware. For example, such a module can be implemented completely in hardware using a combination of integrated circuits. Alternatively or additionally, such a module can be implemented completely or partially using customized processors designed to perform the particular functions described herein rather than by general purpose processors.

[0053] In yet further embodiments, at least one of the wind sensor 334, rangefinder 336, humidity sensor 338, and user interface 340 may be incorporated into the adjustment calculator 320. In other embodiments, the windage module 324 may be incorporated into the wind sensor 334, the range module 326 may be incorporated into the rangefinder 336, and/or the humidity module 328 may be incorporated into the humidity sensor 338.

[0054] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the adjustment calculator 320 may include and/or may communicate with a scope adjustment module capable of automating one or more adjustments of a scope, such as the scope 210. For example, the scope adjustment module may automate the number of "click" adjustments of the scope. In certain embodiments, the scope adjustment module may include small motors, gears, combinations of the same or the like to automatically adjust the scope based on the one or more values calculated by the adjustment calculator 320. In such embodiments, a user interface may or may not be used to inform the user of the calculated scope adjustments.

[0055] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of an adjustment calculation process 400 usable by the adjustment system 100 of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment, the adjustment calculator 320 depicted in FIG. 3 executes the process 400 to determine appropriate adjustment(s) to be made to a rifle scope, and for exemplary purposes, the process 400 will be described herein with reference to components of the adjustment calculator 320 of FIG. 3.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the process 400 begins with Block 402, wherein the ammunition module 330 of the adjustment calculator 320 receives input regarding the type of ammunition being used. For example, the ammunition module 330 may receive input regarding the ammunition type from the user, through radio frequency identification tags, or the like.

[0057] The process 400 then proceeds to Block 404, wherein the ammunition module 330 accesses the ammunition database 332 to retrieve data relating to the particular type of ammunition being used and to pass such data to the adjustment calculation module 322.

[0058] At Block 406, the adjustment calculation module 322 receives input indicative of windage parameters (e.g., direction and/or velocity of wind). For example, the adjustment calculation module 322 may receive windage information from the windage module 324 and/or the wind sensor 334.

[0059] The process 400 then proceeds with Block 408, wherein the adjustment calculation module 322 receives input indicative of humidity parameters. For example, the adjustment calculation module 322 may receive humidity information from the humidity module 328 and/or the humidity sensor 338.

[0060] At Block 410, the adjustment calculation module 322 receives input indicative of range parameters. For example, the adjustment calculation module 322 may receive range information from the range module 326 and/or the rangefinder 336. In certain embodiments, the range information is in the form of a multiplier, as is discussed in more detail above.

[0061] The process 400 then proceeds with Block 412, wherein the adjustment calculator 322 calculates the suggested vertical adjustment to be made to the scope. In certain embodiments, the adjustment calculation module 322 determines how many "clicks" the user should adjust a vertical scope adjustment device, such as, for example, the second dial 218 of the scope 210 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0062] The process 400 then proceeds with Block 414, wherein the adjustment calculator 322 calculates the suggested horizontal (lateral) adjustment to be made to the scope. In certain embodiments, the adjustment calculation module 322 determines how many "clicks" the user should adjust a horizontal scope adjustment device, such as, for example, the first dial 216 of the scope 210 illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0063] The adjustment calculation module 322 then outputs data indicative of the suggested adjustments to be made to the scope, as is shown in Block 416. In certain embodiments, the adjustment calculation module 322 outputs data to the user interface 340, such as for example a display, as is discussed in more detail above.

[0064] In certain embodiments, the adjustment calculator 320 advantageously executes the process 400 as a collection of software instructions written in a programming language. In other embodiments of the invention, the adjustment calculator 320 implements the process 400 as logic and/or software instructions embodied in firmware or hardware, such as, for example, gates, flip-flops, programmable gate arrays, processors, combinations of the same or the like. Furthermore, the adjustment calculator 320 may also implement the process 400 as an executable program, installed in a dynamic link library, or as an interpretive language such as BASIC. The process 400 may be callable from other modules or from themselves, and/or may be invoked in response to detected events or interrupts.

[0065] A skilled artisan will also recognize from the disclosure herein that the blocks described with respect to the foregoing process 400 are not limited to any particular sequence, and the blocks relating thereto can be performed in other sequences that are appropriate. For example, described blocks may be performed in an order other than that specifically disclosed or may be executed in parallel, or multiple blocks may be combined in a single block. For instance, the adjustment calculation module 322 may execute at least two of Blocks 406, 408 and 410 in parallel.

[0066] In addition, not all blocks need to be executed or additional blocks may be included without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For example, the adjustment calculation module 322 may process only wind and range parameters (i.e., Blocks 406 and 410) to calculate the recommended scope adjustment(s). In yet other embodiments, instead of or in addition to informing the user of the at least one suggested scope adjustment, the adjustment calculator 320 may automatically adjust the scope 210, such as through small motors or gears, or may communicate with one or more devices to automatically adjust the scope based at least on the calculated scope adjustments.

[0067] Although the foregoing has been described in terms of certain preferred embodiments, other embodiments will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the disclosure herein. In addition, while certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and do not limit the scope of the disclosure. Indeed, the novel methods and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosure.

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