Active Beam Tracking System for Agile Target Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in achieving high pointing accuracy for fast-moving or trajectory-changing target objects, especially when requiring a large angular range, as they often necessitate complex and costly cascaded control systems to maintain precise tracking.
Innovation Solution
An active system comprising multiple control systems and sensor planes, including a first positioning system for fine adjustments, a second for medium adjustments, and a third for coarse alignment, coupled with sensor feedback for continuous tracking, allowing for efficient and accurate detection and tracking of target objects across a wide range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single positioning system is used to track fast-moving or agile target objects, then the system construction remains simple, but the required pointing accuracy of a few microrads cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning system is divided into three independent control levels: a first control system for coarse positioning, a second control system for intermediate positioning, and a third control system for fine positioning. Each level operates with its own sensor and actuator, collectively achieving the required microrad accuracy while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the control system, organizing positioning tasks across three levels of precision rather than using a single complex system. This dimensional organization allows each subsystem to be optimized independently, achieving overall high accuracy without proportionally increasing total system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If cascaded control system levels are used to achieve high pointing accuracy, then the required accuracy can be achieved, but the device complexity and cost increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the positioning function into three distinct control levels with clearly defined responsibilities. The first control system handles coarse adjustments, the second handles intermediate adjustments, and the third handles fine adjustments. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be manufactured and tested independently, simplifying the overall manufacturing process despite the multi-level architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges three positioning systems into a unified cascaded control architecture where each level supports the others. The sensor information from all levels is integrated through a sensor fusion algorithm, and the control commands are coordinated to achieve seamless operation, reducing the overall complexity compared to three independent systems.
3Reliability
If the pointing accuracy is increased to track agile target objects, then the tracking precision improves, but the maintenance requirements and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cascaded control system operates autonomously with built-in feedback loops at each level. The sensor systems continuously monitor target position and beam alignment, and the control systems automatically adjust positioning without operator intervention. This self-service capability ensures reliable tracking of agile targets while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each control level incorporates feedback from dedicated sensor systems that monitor both target position and beam alignment. The feedback information is processed through sensor fusion algorithms that continuously optimize the positioning commands, ensuring reliable tracking while automating the operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an active system (1), comprising at least one transmission/sensing apparatus (2), having a detection apparatus (14) for sensing a target object (8), at least one first control system (10) for actuating a first actuating system (7) for orienting a beam path (9) between transmission/sensing apparatus (2) and target object (8), a second control system (20) for actuating a second actuating system (6) for orienting the beam path (9) and a third control system for actuating a third actuating system (3) for orienting the transmission/sensing apparatus (2), wherein the third control system comprises a supplementary sensing apparatus (4) and the third actuating system (3) can be actuated on the basis of the data from the supplementary sensing apparatus (4).