Automated Weapon System Targeting Accuracy via Computational Subsystem
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional human transported weapons rely heavily on the skill and training of the operator, leading to inaccuracies and a high miss rate, especially in adverse environmental conditions, which increases the burden of munitions supply and weight for warfighters.
Innovation Solution
An automated weapon system comprising a barrel, targeting subsystem, computational subsystem, and positioning subsystem that identifies and adjusts aim to ensure accurate targeting, reducing the need for skilled operators and minimizing environmental interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If human operators use traditional weapons, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the accuracy and hit rate are limited by operator skill and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computational subsystem as an intermediary between the human operator and the weapon system. This subsystem processes targeting data, calculates firing solutions, and determines optimal munition selection, acting as a mediator that enhances accuracy without requiring the human operator to directly perform these complex functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical aiming and calculation processes with an automated computational system. The computational subsystem uses sensors, processors, and algorithms to determine target positioning and firing parameters, substituting the mechanical skill-based process with an electronic computation-based process.
2Reliability
If more munitions are carried to compensate for high miss rate, then the hit rate improves, but the weight and supply burden on warfighters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the computational subsystem continuously monitors targeting data, environmental conditions, and previous shot outcomes. This feedback loop allows the system to adjust aiming and firing parameters in real-time, improving hit accuracy and reducing the number of munitions needed to achieve the desired effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The weapon system performs self-correction and self-optimization through the computational subsystem, which automatically adjusts targeting parameters and selects appropriate munitions based on real-time conditions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for human operators to carry excess munitions as a buffer against poor performance.
3Productivity
If manual target selection and munition loading is used, then the system is simple to operate, but the process is time-consuming and may miss time-critical opportunities
Solution Approach 1:
The computational subsystem performs preliminary calculations and preparations for target engagement before the actual firing occurs. It pre-processes targeting data, pre-calculates firing solutions, and pre-selects appropriate munitions, so that when engagement is required, the system can execute immediately without time-consuming manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by automatically processing targeting data and preparing firing solutions without interruption. The computational subsystem works continuously to track targets and update firing parameters, eliminating the discontinuous manual processes of target selection and munition loading.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated weapon system is comprised of a human transported weapon comprising a barrel and munitions; sensing means; targeting means; computational logic for determining where to aim the human transported weapon; aim computational logic; firing activation means; and, firing means. The munitions can be aimed towards a targeting area to be propelled through the barrel. The sensing means senses which of up to a plurality of targets are within firing range of the automated weapon system. The targeting means selects a selected target from the targets in the targeting area that are within the firing range, responsive to the sensing. The computational logic determines where to aim the human transported weapon so that the munitions will hit the selected target if fired at a firing time. The aim computational logic adjusts the aim of the munitions through the human transported weapon, to compensate as needed for where the selected target is at the firing time, responsive to the determining where to aim. The firing activation means initiating firing of the munitions at the firing time. The firing means fires the munitions responsive to the adjusting the aim and the initiating firing.