Automated Weapon System Target Selection and Barrel Positioning
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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 transported weapons rely on operator skill and training to achieve accurate shots, then the weapon system remains simple and manually controllable, but the accuracy and hit rate are limited by the operator's ability and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual aiming and firing control mechanism with an automated optical-mechanical system. The optical system captures target images, the processor analyzes the images to determine target coordinates, and the mechanical positioning system adjusts the barrel angle automatically. This substitution eliminates dependence on operator skill while maintaining system controllability through automated feedback loops.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an image processor and positioning subsystem as intermediaries between the operator's intent and the weapon's firing action. The processor acts as a cognitive intermediary that analyzes target data and computes firing parameters, while the positioning subsystem serves as a mechanical intermediary that translates computational results into precise barrel positioning. This intermediary layer bridges the gap between simple manual control and complex automated accuracy.
2Quantity of substance
If warfighters carry more munitions to compensate for high miss rates, then the supply of ammunition is sufficient for extended operations, but the weight and burden on the warfighter increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weapon system performs self-service by automatically selecting targets and computing optimal firing solutions without requiring the operator to manually aim or estimate distances. The system uses its own sensors to gather target data, processes this information internally to determine precise coordinates, and automatically positions the barrel for accurate shots. This self-service capability dramatically improves hit rates, reducing the need for excessive ammunition reserves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection and loading of munitions is performed to match target types, then the weapon can use appropriate ammunition, but the process is time-consuming and delays engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous target engagement by eliminating the interruptive manual process of identifying targets and selecting ammunition. The optical system continuously captures images, the processor continuously analyzes target data in real-time, and the positioning system continuously adjusts barrel position. This continuous automated operation allows the weapon to engage multiple targets in rapid succession without the time losses associated with manual munition selection and reloading procedures.
4Measurement precision
If automated weapon system with computational subsystem is implemented to determine precise aiming, then the accuracy and hit rate improve significantly, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the automated weapon system into distinct functional segments: an optical subsystem for image capture, a processing subsystem for coordinate determination, and a positioning subsystem for barrel adjustment. Each segment performs a specific function and can be independently optimized or replaced. This segmentation manages overall system complexity by creating modular, manageable components rather than a monolithic complex system.
Data Source
AI summary
A human transported weapon is comprised of a barrel, computational logic, selection logic, targeting location logic, positioning logic, and, trigger activation logic. The barrel fires munitions therefrom. The computational logic, identifies targets within range of an area of sighting of the human transported weapon as available target. The selection logic determines a selected target from the available targets, responsive to computational logic. The targeting location logic determines a target location of the selected target at a firing time. The positioning logic, positions the aim of the human transported weapon, responsive to computational logic, so that the munitions will strike the selected target when fired at the firing time. The trigger activation logic provides a trigger signal to activate firing of the munitions at the firing time. In one embodiment, the trigger signal is responsive to a user input. In one embodiment, there are a plurality of types of said targets, such as comprised of human, non-human, animal, friend, and foe. The selection logic identifies one said type of target as a selected type, and, one of the available targets of the selected type is chosen to be the selected target.