A system for generating, communicating, and displaying targeting data

Abstract

There is disclosed a system (100) for generating, communicating, and displaying targeting data, the system comprising: a designator (102) configured to generate and transmit original targeting data comprising tag data identifying an entity measurement data for locating the entity from the designator; an augmented reality or mixed reality display system (110) operable to present, by a display screen (106), symbology (107, 108) to an operator; and a targeting processor unit (104), operable to receive and process the original targeting data and positional data relating the position of the display unit to the position of the designator, and thereby generate display-side targeting data for locating the entity from the display system, and transmit the display-side targeting data, and wherein the display system further comprises a communications and processing unit (112) configured to receive the display-side targeting data, and from the display-side targeting data generate symbology (107, 108) at the display screen (106) indicating the position of the entity.

Description

[0001] XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

[0002] - 1 -

[0003] A SYSTEM FOR GENERATING, COMMUNICATING, AND DISPLAYING TARGETING DATA

[0004] FIELD

[0005] The present invention relates to a system for generating, communicating, and displaying targeting data. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a display unit for use in a system for generating, communicating, and displaying targeting data.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] Laser range finders (LRFs) are known where an operator can, after surveying a scene and seeing an entity, aim the LRF at the entity and record a measurement of the entity’s position. Such a measurement can help the operator assess the entity and how to respond to such.

[0008] However, the entity may be difficult to observe or measure. It may be hidden or obscured. It may be moving.

[0009] SUMMARY

[0010] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for generating, communicating, and displaying targeting data, the system comprising: a designator configured to generate and transmit original targeting data comprising tag data identifying an entity measurement data for locating the entity from the designator; an augmented reality or mixed reality display system operable to present, by a display screen, symbology to an operator; and a targeting processor unit, operable to receive and process the original targeting data and positional data relating the position of the display unit to the position of the designator, and thereby generate display-side targeting data for locating the entity from the display system, and transmit the display-side targeting data, and wherein the display system further comprises a communications and processing unit configured to receive the display-side targeting data, and from the display-XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

[0011] - 2 -

[0012] side targeting data generate symbology at the display screen indicating the position of the entity.

[0013] The system may comprise a plurality of designators and a plurality of display units.

[0014] The designator may be remote from the display system in order to obtain an alternative perspective on an environment or scene.

[0015] There may be provided a plurality of combined designator and display units, each combined unit comprising both a designator and a display system, where in a certain scenario, a particular combined unit was performing as a designator, and a further combined unit was performing as the display system.

[0016] The targeting processor unit may be housed at the designator, at the display system, or may be housed in a separate unit which may in turn be remote from both the designator and the display system.

[0017] The tag data may be a unique identifier or reference for association with the measurement data, such that the measurement data can be processed and the results of the processing traced back to that particular entity reference.

[0018] The symbology may comprise a representation of the range, from the display system, to the entity. Such information could be presented at a fixed point on the display screen. Such information could be shown as the numerical range in metres.

[0019] The designator may comprise a directional ranging sensor, e.g. a laser ranging sensor, for generating the original targeting data.

[0020] The symbology may comprise a targeting symbol configured to be conformal to the entity. As such the targeting symbol could be a ring or a polygonal border.

[0021] The targeting symbol may comprises an indicator line, the indicator line extending between a reference point at the operator and the targeting symbol, the reference point being fixed relative to a frame of reference at the operator.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

[0022] - 3 -

[0023] The display system may be configured to have a predetermined position and orientation and be for use by an operator with their head in a predetermined position relative to the display screen. As such the system may use a predetermined position and orientation of a display screen, and the display screen could be part of a ballistic glass barrier, such barriers may be used in a FOB observation tower for example.

[0024] The display system may comprise a head tracking unit operable to present the targeting symbol or other symbology as conformal to the entity irrespective of the operators head position. Such a display system may be provided as a helmet worn or head worn display. Alternatively, such a system may be provided as a head up display on board a vehicle.

[0025] The symbology may comprise a representation of the range to the entity. In particular the representation may comprise a numerical value, e.g. quantifying the range in metres.

[0026] The designator may comprise an operator interface such that local or manual interactions between the operator and the designator prompt the generation of the original targeting data.

[0027] The measurement data may comprises: a distance (a’) between the designator and the entity; an azimuthal bearing (a) from the designator to the entity; and an elevation bearing (o’) from the designator to the entity.

[0028] Processing the targeting data and further targeting data may comprise: determining the altitude (h) of the entity, and the ground distance to the entity from the designator (a) using the distance (a’) to the entity and the elevation bearing (o’); determining the ground distance between the entity and the display system (c) from the azimuthal bearing of the entity from the designator (a), the distance (b) between the display screen and the designator, and the ground distance to the entity from the designator (a); determining the azimuthal bearing (P) of the entity from the display from the ground distance to the entity from the designator (a), the azimuthal bearing of the entity from the designator (a) and the ground distance between the entity and the display system (c); determining the distance between the entity and the display system (c’) using the altitude of the entity (h) and the ground distance between the entity and the display system (c);XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

[0029] - 4 -

[0030] and determining the elevation bearing ( ’) of the entity from the display system using the distance between the entity and the display system (o’), and the altitude of the entity (h).

[0031] Processing the targeting data may further comprise correcting for a difference (h’) in designator and display system altitude by: determining a corrected distance between the entity and the display system (c”) using the ground distance (c) and the altitude difference (h’) and the entity altitude (h); and determining a corrected elevation bearing ( ”) of the entity from the display system using the corrected distance between the entity and the display system (c”), the altitude difference (h’) and the entity altitude (h).

[0032] The designator may comprise a laser range finder.

[0033] The measurement data comprises absolute coordinates of the designator. For example the designator can comprise a global navigation satellite system unit for positioning the designator in absolute coordinates.

[0034] The display system may comprise a positional unit for generating positional data, and communicating such to the target processing unit.

[0035] Indeed both the display unit and the designator may be provided with a respective GNSS unit, the outputs from which could be fed into the targeting processor unit for generating the positional data.

[0036] According to a further aspect there is provided a display unit for use in the system of the first aspect.

[0037] Hence there tends to be provided for:

[0038] - Sharing of measurement data between operators in a quick and convenient manner;

[0039] - The visualisation of entities which would otherwise be obstructed or hidden;

[0040] - Presentation of targeting data in a responsive and quickly understandable manner;

[0041] - The reduction of operator workload once an entity has been confidently recognised; andXA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

[0042] - 5 -

[0043] - The ability for the operator to feedback into the system where entities are not confidently recognised.

[0044] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0045] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the figures, in which:

[0046] Figure 1 shows a system for generating, communicating, and displaying targeting data;

[0047] Figure 2 shows an operator’s view of a displayed targeting data;

[0048] Figure 3 shows schematically a flow diagram for a system for generating, communicating, and displaying targeting data;

[0049] Figures 4a and 4b show units which may implement the system of Figure 1, and additionally implement a tracking process;

[0050] Figures 5a, 5b and 5c show how a set of target data from a first platform may be adapted for use by a second platform, at a different position;

[0051] Figures 6a and 6b show a further transformation of the target data of Figures 5a-c, accounting additionally for a different altitude between the first and second platforms.

[0052] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] With reference to Figure 1 there is shown a system 100 for generating, communicating and displaying targeting data.

[0054] The system 100 comprises a designator 102, a display system 110, and a targeting processor unit 104.

[0055] The designator 102 comprises a directional ranging sensor 105 for assessing characteristics of an entity. In particular the directional ranging sensor 105 generates measurement data (MD) relating to an entity.

[0056] The measurement data (MD) is for locating an entity from the designator 102, and in this example comprises a range measurement, an azimuthal measurement (e.g. a bearing relative to magnetic North), and an elevation measurement. Thus the measurement data provides a position of the entity relative to the ranging sensor 105.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

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[0058] Tag data (TD) is combined with measurement data (MD) at the designator 102. The tag data comprises an identifier reference which would typically be unique. Other information may be provided as tag data alongside the identifier reference, for example hostility data, and / or a timestamp for when the MD was generated.

[0059] The combined MD and TD can be output from the designator 102 as Original Targeting Data (OTD).

[0060] The directional ranging sensor 105 in the present example is a laser ranging sensor.

[0061] The designator 102 further comprises a positional unit 101 for generating designator positional data that defines the position of the designator 102 in absolute coordinates and / or in an absolute frame of reference. The positional unit 101 may be operable to generate the position by receiving signals from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) such as GPS.

[0062] The designator 102 further comprises an operator interface 103 whereby the operator may direct the designator 102 towards particular entities and initiate the generation of measurement data.

[0063] In some examples the designator 102 is a manually operable unit and in such examples the operator interface 103 could include one or more of buttons, switches and dials. The unit 102 may be portable. In some examples the designator 102 has a form suitable for being gripped either side by the user and held in the user’s line of sight at the point of the generation of measurement data.

[0064] The display system 110 comprises a display screen 106 for presenting symbology 107, 108, and 109 to an operator.

[0065] In the present example the display screen 106 is a transparent screen such that the operator can maintain a view OFOV of the real world through the screen, whilst also seeing the symbology 107, 108 and 109. As such the symbology tends to augment the view of the user and the display can be considered an augmented reality display.

[0066] In the present example the display system 110 further comprises a headtracking unit 113 operable to facilitate that the symbology may appear to the operator to be conformal with certain entities within the real world.

[0067] In other examples, the display screen 106 may present live video imagery of the real world, into which is mixed the symbology 107, 108, and 109, such thatXA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

[0068] - 7 -

[0069] the operator can simultaneously see the video feed of the real world and the symbology. The display screen thereby may represent a mixed reality system. Mixed reality examples may not require the presence of the head tracking unit 113.

[0070] The display system 110 further comprises a communications and processing module 112 and a positional unit 101.

[0071] The communications and processing module 112 is configured to receive data from the targeting data processing unit 104 and generate therefrom the symbology. The communications and processing module 112 is operable to receive data from the head tracking unit 113 and use such data in generating symbology that would appear, to the operator, to be conformal to real world objects. In certain alternative examples, there may be no head tracking unit 113 present, or its data may be disregarded by the module 112 on the basis that the display screen 106 is at a fixed position, and will be viewed by a user at a fixed position and orientation, and therefore the OFOV should not vary.

[0072] The positional unit 101 generates display positional data that defines the position of the display system 110 in absolute coordinates and / or in an absolute frame of reference. The positional unit 101 may be operable to generate the position by receiving signals from a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) such as GPS.

[0073] The targeting processor unit 104 is operably connected to the designator 102, and the display system 110.

[0074] The targeting processor unit 104 is configured to receive the OTD and relative positional data, RPD. The RPD establishes the displacement and orientation change of the display unit 110 relative to the designator 102. Further, the target processing unit 104 is configured to generate for a particular entity, using the OTD and RPD, display-side targeting data (DTD). The DTD effectively provides a conversion of the measurement data (MD) from the designator perspective, into measurement data from the display unit’s perspective, and is accompanied by the tag data (TD) from the designator.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

[0075] - 8 -

[0076] With additional reference to Figure 2, which shows the operator’s field of view (OFOV) of the display 106, the symbology comprises a targeting symbol 107, an indicator line 108, and a reference point 109.

[0077] The targeting symbol 107 is configured to appear conformal with a designated entity; the targeting symbol 107 should appear to the operator as superimposed on the entity irrespective of where the entity or the operator moves (provided it remains in the OFOV and the display).

[0078] The indicator line 108 extends from the targeting symbol back to a reference point 109. The reference point 109 is located at a fixed point in the display screen, which in this example is at a mid-point of a lower section of the display.

[0079] There may be provided further a targeting symbol 127 for a further designated entity. Accordingly, there may be associated with the targeting symbol 127 a further indicator line 128 which may track back to a further reference point 129. Here the further reference point 129 is at a lower left and lower section of the display.

[0080] In operation, and with reference to Figure 3, the system may be operated by manual operation of the designator, according to a target acquisition process 30.

[0081] A designator operator, deployed in the field with the designator 102, may survey an area, visually spot an entity of interest and determine that the entity should be designated for further awareness within the system.

[0082] On determining such, the designator operator can aim the designator 102 (e.g. using sights) at the entity, and activate (or in other words trigger 301 ) by the interface 103 the directional ranging sensor 105.

[0083] Such activation generates 302 a set of data, in particular OTD (i.e. MD and TD), and designator positional data. These data are sent 303 to the targeting data processor 104.

[0084] At the targeting data processor 104, the targeting data processor 104 (requests and) receives display positional data from the display system 110. This display positional data is selected so as to have an identical or substantially identical timestamp to the MD. The display positional data and the designator positional data, having matched timestamps, are then processed to generate the relative positional data RPD.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

[0085] - 9 -

[0086] The target data processor 110 then proceeds to calculate from the OTD and RPD the DTD, this effectively calculates 304 the position of the designated entity from the display system 110. The DTD is then transmitted to the display system 110. The display system 110 is collocated with a display system operator or operators, often referred to as friendly forces or FF.

[0087] The DTD is received at the communications and processing module 112 where it is used to generate 305 appropriate symbology for the display screen 106. Once generated, symbology is then sent and displayed 306 at the display screen 106. Where the display screen 106 is an augmented reality display, and the head tracking module 113 is active, data relating the display operators head position will be relayed to the communications and processing module 112 in order to facilitate any conformal symbology.

[0088] Further, the display system 110 displays not only the symbology relating to target position, range and ID, but also provides 307 a visual or aural indication that such are newly introduced to the display.

[0089] As an optional further step, the system may, recall (or determine) 362 that the entity has been recognised by a human, determine that the entity is valid and so the associated data can be used to provide 308 confirmation to the target profile bank. Such confirmation could be used to facilitate future matching / identification operations.

[0090] As an optional further step, the symbology may eventually cease to be displayed 309 at the display; for example after an input from the operator requesting such. Alternatively, and when movement of the entity is being monitored 364, the symbology may be configured to be removed after a period of time in which no movement of the entity is detected.

[0091] Accordingly, the display operator (aka friendly forces FF) may view the display and see symbology relating to the designated entity.

[0092] Accordingly, the operator may be made aware of an entity which is hidden behind an obstruction.

[0093] The designator operator and the display operator may separate, for example they may be kilometres apart. Alternatively, a single operator may fulfil the role of designator operator and display operator. The designator and display system may be provided within the same housing.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

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[0095] The designator may be a laser range finder.

[0096] The display screen may generate the symbology using known optical architectures including: waveguide-based systems where imagery from an image source is transferred into an optical waveguide using optical gratings, transported through the waveguide by total internal reflection, and then output to the operator through an output optical grating; and projection based systems where imagery from an image source propagates to the display screen and is reflected therefrom into the user’s eye.

[0097] The display screen may be wearable by the user, for example as part of a helmet. Alternatively, the display screen may be fixed to a building structure or vehicle, especially a vehicle turret.

[0098] The display screen may be formed from a rugged transparent material such as ballistic glass.

[0099] The targeting data processor 104 may be housed within a separate unit, and remote from both the designator and the display system. Data may be relayed by any of various wireless communication protocols.

[0100] Alternately the targeting data processor 104 may be housed at one of the display system 110 or the designator 102.

[0101] In an alternative arrangement, the designator 102 can be provided with components for autonomous targeting, these are shown in dashed lines in Figure 1. In particular the autonomous targeting components comprise: an autonomous targeting module 200, with an additional sensor, scanning sensor 205, and with an aiming device 210 for aiming the designator 102 or at least the directional range sensor 105.

[0102] The scanning sensor 205 is a camera or set of cameras for constant or at least intermittent surveying of an environment. The scanning sensor 205 has a wide field of regard and substantially larger than the directional range sensor 105.

[0103] The scanning sensor 205 comprises a digital imaging camera for continuously or intermittently generating scan data (which may be alternatively be referred to as image data).

[0104] The scanning sensor 205 is operably connected to the auto-targeting module 200 and can relay scan data thereto.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

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[0106] The aiming device 210 mechanically connects the directional range sensor 105 to the main body of the designator 102. The aiming device 210 is provided with actuators for pivoting the direction range sensor 105 relative to the main body in at least one axis. The aiming devices 210 is operably connected to the auto-targeting module 200 such that it may receive aim commands from the targeting module 200. The aim commands facilitate the direction or redirection of the range sensor 105.

[0107] The auto-targeting module 200 comprises a data processor for analysing the scan data and a memory for storing a set of predefined profiles for a set of entities and comprises circuity for comparing post-analysis scan data with profiles from the memory.

[0108] The predefined profiles comprise tag data including hostility data (such as could classify entities as ‘hostile’, ‘non-hostile’ or ‘undetermined’).

[0109] The auto-targeting module 200 may be housed entirely at the designator 120 and operable to transmit data to the targeting processor unit 104, or may be housed entirely at the targeting processor unit 104, or may be distributed between the designator 102 and the targeting processor unit 104.

[0110] In operation and with reference to Figure 3 the scan sensor 205 (which may be for example an Al camera) is configured to survey a scene and thereby generate scan data (which may be referred to as image data), according to a threat detection process 31. The threat detection process 31 is a process within a general auto-targeting process 34.

[0111] As a first step 311 of the threat detection process 31 the scan sensor 205 is operated continuously or intermittently, and the scan data it generates is fed to the auto-targeting module 200.

[0112] At the auto-targeting module 200 the scan data is processed to generate scan data profiles. Scan data profiles include address data identifying the region in the scene with which they are associated.

[0113] These scan data profiles are compared to predefined profiles stored at the memory (also known as the profile bank).

[0114] The comparison assesses similarity between the scan data and the predefined profiles by generating a match confidence score. If the match confidence score is above a first threshold then the entity associated with the predefined entity profile is identified as ‘recognised’.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

[0115] - 12 -

[0116] Once an entity is recognised 312 (or a potential match is detected by the Al), the auto-targeting module 200 proceeds with the activation 314 of the directional range sensor 105. Such activation includes the issuance of a command to the aiming device 210 whereby the range sensor 105 is aimed towards the region in the scene where the recognised entity is present. Once the range sensor 105 is appropriately aimed, the sensor 105 is caused 302 to generate original tracking data comprising measurement data and tag data.

[0117] The operation then proceeds through the steps 303, 304, 305, 306 and 307 in a generally equivalent manner to the human operated designation of a target. However, in the threat detection I auto-targeting process the symbology presented at the display at step 307 has first characteristics distinct from the symbology that has been generated by human operators.

[0118] Thus a display operator can be aware of the symbology that has been auto-generated.

[0119] Moreover, with the symbology being known (or assessed) 362 as derived autonomously (e.g. from the Al camera), the threat detection process 31 prompts 366 a further input as to whether the auto-generated symbology is correct.

[0120] The operator at the display may then input that the symbology is incorrect and the display can be updated 315. For example if the auto-recognised entity is known by the display operator not to be present in the real world view, the symbology should be removed.

[0121] Likewise, the operator at the display may then input that the symbology is correct, relating to what the operator identifies as a genuine target. In such cases, the display operator if provided with a designator (e.g. LRF) may proceed to apply 316 their LRF to the target / entity that has been auto-recognised. Such application generates 317 further targeting data which can replace the auto-generated targeting data, and accordingly a refresh 318 of the symbology at the display is made to indicate that the symbology has been derived from a human-operated designator. Consequently, the process can move to step 308 where data is be used to confirm the target profile bank.

[0122] To facilitate the display operator’s review 366 of the auto-recognised entities, the display screen 106 comprises an input device, e.g. the display screen 106 is a touchscreen, whereby the display operator may input 366 into the system a signal correcting, confirming or denying the relevant auto-recognised data.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

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[0124] The symbology from the auto-targeting module may be provided with second characteristics so as to present the display operator with further information. Such second characteristics could relate to the confidence of the match, or could relate to the expected hostility level of the entity. Accordingly, where second characteristics are presented, as a result of auto-recognition, these could be partially valid.

[0125] Where the auto-recognised entity is partially valid, for example the location of the entity is correct, but its identity or threat level is incorrect, this may be input at step 315. Alternatively, the display operator if provided with their own designator (e.g. LRF) could proceed to manually re-designate the entity as per steps 316, 317 and 318.

[0126] The auto-targeting module 200 may be configured to trigger the range sensor 205 in response to not only a ‘recognised’ entity but also a ‘likely match’, i.e. a predefined entity that generates a match with a confidence score above a second threshold but below the first threshold (the second threshold being lower than the first). In particular this lower threshold triggering could be initiated if the tag data associated with the ‘likely match’ predefined entity indicates that the predefined entity would be ‘hostile’. Such ‘likely match’ and ‘hostile’ entities are represented by symbology having the second characteristics.

[0127] The display screen 106 input device may provide for the input, as part of assessment 366, into the system a signal correcting the second characteristics. For example the operator could input that the entity was incorrectly classified as ‘hostile’ and should hence be classified as ‘non-hostile’.

[0128] The entity recognition I threat detection 31 capability of the auto-targeting module 200, combined with the continuous or intermittent operation of the scan sensor 205, provides a capability to track a recognised entity according to an auto-tracking process 32. The auto-tracking process 32 sits within the general auto-targeting process 34.

[0129] The auto-tracking process 32 can be effected once the initial OTD is generated 303. Alternatively it may be effected once it is determined 364 that the target has moved 323.

[0130] In particular, once an entity is recognised and its OTD is generated, this can be fed back into the auto-targeting module 200, as a predefined entity profile, and recorded or rerecorded in the profile bank (memory).XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

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[0132] Accordingly, a monitoring or auto-tracking process 32 can then be initiated by the auto-targeting module 200 whereupon if the recognised target moves 323, this is automatically detected 324 (e.g. using image processing techniques comparing frame to frame imagery) whereupon the process re-initiates the threat detection and target acquisition process from the designator (LRF) initiation step 314.

[0133] The display of symbology at the display unit, particularly updates in symbology at the display unit, can be accompanied by aural prompts 307.

[0134] Figure 4a and 4b show how the autonomous system may be deployed in the field as an integral part of a network of designators 102a, b, t and display systems 110a and 101 b.

[0135] A designator 102t may be provided at or towards the top of a tower structure 402 and arranged to survey a scene. The tower designator 102t comprises an auto-targeting module.

[0136] An operator at a watch position A is provided with a manually operated laser range finding designator 102a and a display 110a. The manually operated designator 102a does not comprise an auto-targeting module. The display 110a regards the scene from a different position and orientation to the tower designator 102t.

[0137] A further operator is at a watch position B and is provided with a further display 110b, which regards the scene from a third position and orientation. The further display 110b is in the form of a transparent ballistic screen having a fixed field of regard, with the used expected to look through the screen from a predetermined position.

[0138] In operation the tower designator 102t and the position A designator 102a can generate measurement data and other original targeting data. Here, an entity is detected and recognised as hostile. Accordingly the tag data defines the entity as entity#2 with a hostility level of ‘high’, which has been determined with a ‘high’ confidence.

[0139] The original targeting data is then provided to a central target data processing unit (not shown in Figures 4a, b). The central target data processing unit can perform a translation of the original targeting data into display-side targeting data for the display 110b at position B.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

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[0141] Meanwhile, the original targeting data generated by the operator at position A can be translated (with or without the OTD from the tower designator 102t) into display-side target data for the display 110a.

[0142] For each display system 110a, 110b, the symbology for the display screens 106 can be generated as discussed above.

[0143] Accordingly, operators at positions A and B will be alerted, by symbology on their respective displays 110a and 110b to the hostile entity, and can respond as appropriate.

[0144] As shown particularly at Figure 4a, once the tower designator 102t and the auto-targeting module therein can perform subsequent a tracking operation on entity#2 whereby the tower designator 102t continuously or repeatedly monitors the scene, and processes as a priority any profile data relating to entity#2, and provides updates on the position of entity#2 to the operators at positions A and B. Thus the operators in position A and B can be relieved of some amount of tracking of the entity, and focus on other tasks.

[0145] With reference to Figures 5a - 5c, a process for converting original targeting data to display-side targeting data is discussed, where it can be taken or assumed that the designator and display units are at the same altitude.

[0146] A designator 102 is at point P1 and an entity is at point P3. The designator has generated measurement data for the entity as follows: range a’ is 2.21km, elevation a’ is 25deg above ground level, and azimuthal bearing a is 30deg clockwise from a datum line.

[0147] It is given that the display unit 110 lies on the datum line at point P2 and is a known distance of 3km.

[0148] With the range a’ and the elevation a’ measurement data, the ground distance a and the altitude h of the entity can be calculated (i.e. h = a’Sin a’; a = a’Cos a’).

[0149] Referring to figure 5b, with the azimuthal bearing a, the ground distance to entity a, and the distance between the display screen and the designator b, the ground distance c between the entity and the display screen can be determined (i.e. using the cosine rule: c = sqrt( a2+b2- 2abcos a) ).

[0150] Further, knowing the ground distance to the entity from the designator (a), the azimuthal bearing of the entity from the designator (a), and the groundXA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing

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[0152] distance between the entity and the display system (c), the azimuthal bearing [3 of the entity from the display unit can be determined (i.e. [3 = Sin-1 ((2Sin30deg) / 1.61) ).

[0153] Finally, the elevation (3’ from the display unit to the entity can be calculated from the now known values of the ground range c and the height of the entity h.

[0154] Figure 6a and 6b set out how the conversion can be adapted for scenarios where the designator and display are not or cannot be assumed to be at the same altitude but the altitude of the display relative to the designator h’ is known.

[0155] Accordingly, in such scenarios the range to target c” can be determined by Pythagoras theorem, and the elevation [3” of the entity from the different-altitude display can be determined from the Sin rule.

Claims

1. XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing- 17 -CLAIMS1. A system (100) for generating, communicating, and displaying targeting data, the system comprising:A designator (102) configured togenerate and transmit original targeting data comprising tag data identifying an entitymeasurement data for locating the entity from the designator;An augmented reality or mixed reality display system (110) operable to present, by a display screen (106), symbology (107, 108) to an operator; andA targeting processor unit (104), operable toreceive and processthe original targeting data andpositional data relating the position of the display unit to the position of the designator,and thereby generate display-side targeting data for locating the entity from the display system, andtransmit the display-side targeting data, andWherein the display system further comprises a communications and processing unit (112) configured to receive the display-side targeting data, and from the display-side targeting data generate symbology (107, 108) at the display screen (106) indicating the position of the entity.

2. A system according to claim 1 wherein the symbology comprises a targeting symbol (107) configured to be conformal to the entity.

3. A system according to claim 2 wherein the targeting symbol comprises an indicator line (108), the indicator line extending between a reference point (109) at the operator and the targeting symbol (107), the reference point being fixed relative to a frame of reference at the operator.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing- 18 -4. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the display system is configured to have a predetermined position and orientation and is for use by an operator with their head in a predetermined position relative to the display screen.

5. A system according to any of claims 1 to 3 wherein the display system comprises a head tracking unit (113) operable to present the targeting symbol or other symbology as conformal to the entity irrespective of the operators head position.

6. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the symbology comprises a representation of the range to the entity.

7. A system according to claim 6 wherein the representation of range to the entity comprises a numerical value.

8. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the designator (102) comprises an operator interface (103) such that local or manual interactions between the operator and the designator prompt the generation of the original targeting data.

9. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the measurement data comprises:a distance (a’) between the designator and the entity an azimuthal bearing (a) from the designator to the entity, an elevation bearing (o’) from the designator to the entity.

10. A system according to claim 9 wherein processing the targeting data and further targeting data comprises:Determining the altitude (h) of the entity, and the ground distance to the entity from the designator (a) using the distance (a’) to the entity and the elevation bearing (o’);XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing- 19 -Determining the ground distance between the entity and the display system (c) from the azimuthal bearing of the entity from the designator (a), the distance (b) between the display screen and the designator, and the ground distance to the entity from the designator (a);Determining the azimuthal bearing (P) of the entity from the display from the ground distance to the entity from the designator (a), the azimuthal bearing of the entity from the designator (a) and the ground distance between the entity and the display system (c);Determining the distance between the entity and the display system (c’) using the altitude of the entity (h) and the ground distance between the entity and the display system (c); andDetermining the elevation bearing (P’) of the entity from the display system using the distance between the entity and the display system (c’), and the altitude of the entity (h).

11. A system according to claim 10 wherein processing the targeting data further comprises correcting for a difference (h’) in designator and display system altitude by:determining a corrected distance between the entity and the display system (c”) using the ground distance (c) and the altitude difference (h’) and the entity altitude (h); anddetermining a corrected elevation bearing (P”) of the entity from the display system using the corrected distance between the entity and the display system (c”), the altitude difference (h’) and the entity altitude (h).

12. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the designator comprises a laser range finder.

13. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the measurement data comprises absolute coordinates of the designator.XA24083GB-PRI Spec for filing-20 -14. A system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the display system comprises a positional unit (101) for generating positional data, and communicating such to the target processing unit.

15. A display unit for use in the system of any one of the preceding claims.

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