Ballistic Camera Tracking for Non-Contact Projectile Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring ballistic parameters of munitions require physical contact with the target, which can interfere with the training exercises and limit the accuracy of trajectory, caliber, and velocity measurements.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact method using a radar system and electromagnetic radiation detection equipment with multiple cameras and a ballistics analysis computer to determine the trajectory and point of impact of projectiles by analyzing image data and radar data, allowing for precise measurements without physical contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical contact with the target is used for measurement, then measurement can be made, but it interferes with training exercises and limits accuracy of trajectory, caliber, and velocity measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based measurement systems with an optical measurement system using cameras and image analysis. The ballistic parameter measurement device uses multiple cameras to capture images of the projectile's flight path and analyzes these images to determine trajectory, caliber, and velocity without any physical contact with the target or projectile, thereby eliminating interference with training exercises while maintaining high measurement accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If non-contact measurement method is used, then interference with training is eliminated, but system complexity increases with multiple cameras and analysis equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple cameras that serve both as detection devices for capturing projectile images and as measurement tools for determining ballistic parameters. The same optical system is used to detect the projectile's position and to measure its trajectory, caliber, and velocity, eliminating the need for separate measurement equipment and reducing overall system complexity despite the non-contact requirement.
Solution Approach 2:
The ballistic parameter measurement device processes and analyzes the image data captured by its own cameras using an integrated analysis computer. The system is self-sufficient, converting the detected image information directly into ballistic parameters (trajectory, caliber, velocity) without requiring external measurement equipment or additional sensors, thereby managing complexity through self-integration.
3Measurement precision
If high speed cameras are used to capture projectile motion, then trajectory precision is improved, but data processing time and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses high-speed cameras to capture multiple images of the projectile during its flight through the target volume before the projectile exits. By capturing the trajectory data points in advance during the projectile's flight, the system enables subsequent rapid processing and analysis of the already-captured images to determine the complete trajectory, caliber, and velocity parameters without time loss during the measurement process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides high detection rates and precision in determining the point of impact and trajectory with low false positives, enabling real-time feedback and automated reactions in training scenarios, suitable for various target sizes and projectile velocities.
Implementation Method 1
a radar system
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic radiation detection equipment positioned on only a single side of a target volume
Data Source
AI summary
A ballistic detection system includes a projectile detector; electromagnetic radiation detection equipment; and a ballistics analysis computer configured to obtain image data captured by first and second cameras in accordance with timing specified by the projectile detector, determine points in three-dimensional space, which correspond to image artifacts of a projectile, using intrinsic and extrinsic parameters of the first and second cameras, define a trajectory of the projectile within a target volume using the points in three-dimensional space, and optionally find a point of intersection of the trajectory of the projectile with an object associated with the target volume.