Artillery Registration via Dual Optical Imaging and Trajectory Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current artillery target registration methods are labor-intensive, require direct human observation, and are not feasible for multiple artillery pieces firing simultaneously, as they depend on close human coordination and can be ambiguous.
Innovation Solution
A shell monitoring system using dual optical imaging systems and a processing system to detect and correlate shell trajectory events, determining registration corrections based on predicted trajectory data, enabling automated and simultaneous registration for multiple artillery pieces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a human observer with rangefinder and GPS is deployed to directly observe shell impacts, then target registration can be performed, but personnel safety is endangered and the process becomes labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated observation system consisting of imaging devices and processing systems that mediate between the artillery firing and the registration correction. This intermediary system captures shell trajectory events automatically and processes the data to determine impact locations, eliminating the need for human observers in dangerous positions while maintaining registration accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical human observation process with an automated electronic system. Instead of human observers using rangefinders and GPS to manually record impact locations, the system uses imaging devices to capture visual data of shell trajectories and employs processing systems with algorithms to automatically determine impact coordinates, substituting mechanical human operations with automated electronic measurement and computation
2Productivity
If multiple artillery pieces fire simultaneously at a common target, then firepower is increased, but shell trajectory identification becomes ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the automated observation system continuously monitors and records shell trajectory events with precise timing and location data. Each shell's flight path and impact are captured and fed back to the artillery control system, allowing operators to identify which shell hit which target even when multiple pieces are firing simultaneously, thus maintaining clear identification while enabling coordinated firepower
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates detailed visual copies or records of each shell's trajectory through imaging devices. By capturing images or video of each shell's flight path and impact point, the system creates a permanent record that can be analyzed to identify which specific shell from which specific artillery piece hit which target, eliminating ambiguity even during simultaneous multi-piece firing
3Adaptability or versatility
If beyond visible targets are engaged, then target engagement capability is extended, but intuitive hit-and-miss approaches become infeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends detection capability by transitioning from direct visual observation to remote imaging detection. By using imaging devices positioned at different locations and angles to capture shell trajectories, the system can detect and measure impacts on targets that are beyond direct visual range, adding spatial dimensions to the observation capability and enabling engagement of distant targets with precise measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for providing information for performing a registration correction for artillery employs two spaced apart optical imaging systems associated with a processing system. Outputs from the two imaging systems are monitored to detect potential shell trajectory events and then correlated to eliminate potential shell trajectory events not viewed by both optical imaging systems. Locations are determined for potential shell trajectory events viewed by both optical imaging systems. Shell firing data relating to firing of at least one shell is provided to determine at least one predicted trajectory time point for the shell, and this is used to identify a corresponding detected shell trajectory event. The time and location of the detected shell trajectory event can then be used in determining a registration correction for the artillery