Digital Twin Target Pointing for Faster Weapon Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing pace of technological advancements on the battlefield reduces the available time to fire a shot at a target, necessitating a method to expedite the targeting process.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the creation of a digital twin of a target object based on sensor signals, which automatically generates a target point for weapons systems, potentially eliminating manual aiming and allowing for rapid weapon alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual aiming and target point determination is used, then the weapon system can be operated with human judgment and flexibility, but the time required to engage a target increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital twin - a virtual copy of the target object - that replicates the target's geometric model, material properties, and structural characteristics. This digital replica enables automated analysis and target point determination without requiring manual visual assessment, thereby reducing engagement time while maintaining accuracy through the copied target characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual aiming process with an automated computational system that processes sensor data, generates digital twins, and calculates optimal target points algorithmically. This substitution eliminates human intervention in the critical targeting calculation phase, significantly reducing the time from target detection to weapon engagement
2Productivity
If a digital twin of the target object is generated automatically, then the targeting process becomes automated and time-efficient, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the complex targeting system into distinct functional modules: sensor data acquisition, digital twin generation, target point calculation, and weapon guidance. Each module handles a specific aspect of the targeting process independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and easier to implement through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The digital twin serves as an intermediary between the raw sensor data and the final target point determination. This intermediate representation simplifies the processing chain by converting complex sensor inputs into a standardized virtual model that can be easily analyzed to derive target points, thereby managing system complexity through a bridging concept
3Measurement precision
If the weapon system automatically aligns with the target point, then the firing process becomes faster and more precise, but the need for user authorization and control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors target data, updates the digital twin in real-time, and adjusts target point calculations based on changing conditions. This feedback loop ensures high precision in target engagement while maintaining system adaptability to dynamic battlefield conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calculations and target point determinations automatically in advance of the actual firing decision. By pre-processing sensor data and generating optimal target points before the user makes the final authorization decision, the system prepares all necessary alignment and guidance information, enabling rapid and precise engagement when the user authorizes fire
Data Source
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AI summary
Method (M) for generating a target point (ZP) on a target object (102), comprising the steps: a) providing (S18) a sensor signal containing a representation of the target object (102); b) providing (S26) a digital twin of the target object (102) depending on the sensor signal; and c) providing (S40) a target point (ZP) for an agent (116) depending on the digital twin.