Spotter scope

Abstract

Systems and methods for automatically generating an aim point correction for sniper operations. The present invention reduces spotter/sniper workload and improves trace spotting analysis. An example system includes a scope, a video capture component, an output device, and a processor in signal communication with the video capture component and the output device. The video capture component captures video of a bullet from when the bullet left a weapon to at least when the bullet crossed a previously determined target range. The processor determines from the captured video where the bullet was located relative to an intended target when the bullet was at the target range, generates a new aim point if the bullet was determined to have missed an intended hit point, and outputs the generated new aim point to the output device.

1 . A method for automatically generating an aim point correction, the method comprising: 
 capturing video of a bullet from when the bullet left a weapon to at least when the bullet crossed a previously determined target range;    automatically determining from the captured video where the bullet was located relative to an intended target when the bullet was at the target range;    automatically generating a new aim point if the bullet was determined to have missed an intended hit point; and    outputting the generated new aim point.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the intended hit point is the intended target.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein capturing includes capturing daytime video images.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein capturing includes capturing infrared video images.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising automatically determining range of the target.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein outputting includes displaying the generated new aim point in a field of view of a scope.  
   
   
       7 . A system for automatically generating an aim point correction, the system comprising: 
 a scope;    a video capture component configured to capture video of a bullet from when the bullet left a weapon to at least when the bullet crossed a previously determined target range;    an output device;    a processor in signal communication with the video capture component and the output device, the processor comprising: 
 a first component configured to determine from the captured video where the bullet was located relative to an intended target when the bullet was at the target range;  
 a second component configured to generate a new aim point if the bullet was determined to have missed an intended hit point; and  
 a third component configured to output the generated new aim point to the output device.  
   
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the intended hit point is the intended target.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the video capture component includes a digital video camera.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the video capture component includes an infrared video camera.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the processor comprises a fourth component configured to determine range of the target.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the output device includes a component for outputting the generated new aim point in a field of view of the scope.