Bullet Tracking System for Aiming Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Military patrols operating in remote areas face challenges in engaging targets at long ranges due to the lack of trained snipers and the need for accurate bullet tracking, as current systems fail to provide effective feedback for correcting missed shots, leading to low probability of hits and increased barrel overheating.
Innovation Solution
A system that determines the time of flight and location of a bullet using a processor, a retroreflector array on the bullet, and laser light, allowing for real-time tracking and correction of aiming errors, enabling accurate second shots to impact the target by updating the reticle location based on ballistic calculations and environmental factors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If snipers are deployed to engage targets at long ranges, then accuracy and hit probability improve, but deployment flexibility and response time deteriorate due to limited availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables squad designated marksmen to self-correct their aiming errors through automated bullet tracking and feedback. The processor determines bullet location relative to the target and updates the reticle position automatically, allowing the shooter to adjust and engage targets independently without requiring sniper-level training or specialized deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback by tracking the first bullet's trajectory and impact location, then using this information to update the reticle position for subsequent shots. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables marksmen to correct aiming errors dynamically, achieving improved accuracy without requiring extensive marksmanship training
2Reliability
If multiple bullets are fired to engage targets, then hit probability increases, but barrel overheating and system wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system tracks the first bullet's actual trajectory and impact point, then uses this feedback to calculate and display the corrected reticle position for the second shot. This enables the shooter to adjust aim based on actual bullet performance rather than firing multiple rounds blindly, reducing barrel heating while maintaining hit probability
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the first bullet's trajectory and impact location before the second shot is fired. By determining the bullet location at time of flight and calculating the updated reticle position in advance, the system prepares the corrected aiming point ready for the next shot, minimizing the need for trial-and-error firing
3Length of stationary object
If squad designated marksmen use longer range rifles, then engagement range increases, but marksmanship accuracy deteriorates due to insufficient training
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides automated feedback by tracking bullet trajectory and impact location, then updating the reticle position to reflect the actual bullet performance. This closed-loop system compensates for the marksmen's lack of extensive training by using measured data to guide subsequent shots, enabling accurate long-range engagement without requiring sniper-level marksmanship
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the need for human marksmanship skill with an automated optical tracking and calculation system. The processor determines bullet location, calculates trajectory corrections, and updates the reticle position automatically, substituting mechanical/optical measurement and computation for human judgment and skill
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
The system significantly improves the probability of hitting targets by providing accurate feedback for correcting aiming errors, reducing the number of bullets fired and minimizing barrel overheating, thus enhancing the effectiveness of small arms fire at long ranges.
Implementation Method 1
tracking the location of the aimpoint on the target in the imager field of view (FOV) relative to a disturbed reticle at a time the first bullet is fired by the gun
Implementation Method 2
determining the location of the first bullet at the TOF may further include: decreasing the laser divergence; and tracking the first bullet at the TOF via laser light reflected by a retroreflector array
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for determining a time of flight (TOF) of a first bullet fired from a gun to pass a target plane of a target; determining a location of an aimpoint on the target in an imager field of view (FOV) relative to a disturbed reticle at a time the first bullet is fired by the gun; determining a location of the first bullet relative to the location of the aimpoint on the target at the TOF in the imager FOV; and determining an updated location of the disturbed reticle based on a difference between the location of the first bullet and the location of the aimpoint on the target at the time the first bullet crosses the target plane and a difference between the location of the disturbed reticle and the location of the aimpoint on the target at the time the first bullet was fired.