Flight-path determination using pre-computed approach paths

Solution Overview

Problem

Current flight-path determination systems rely solely on the current position and flight direction of flying objects, failing to account for advantageous detours that could prevent detection or interception, especially in conflict situations where stealth is desired.

Innovation Solution

A flight-path determination device and method that utilize a database of pre-identified approach paths, which are manually or automatically generated based on topographic analysis, to determine the most likely flight path of a flying object, considering potential destinations and terrain features for protection, and calculating detours to assess the feasibility of using these paths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If linear extrapolation based on current position and flight direction is used, then the determination method is simple, but it fails to account for advantageous detours that flying objects may take for protection or stealth

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to account for detoursVSAvoidcomplexity of determination method

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores multiple possible approach paths to potential destinations before they are needed for prediction. These paths are computed in advance based on destination coordinates and stored in memory, so that during actual flight-path determination, the system only needs to compare the flying object's position against the pre-computed paths rather than calculating all possible routes in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The flight-path determination is divided into separate functional modules: a position determination apparatus that detects current position, an alignment apparatus that compares position against pre-computed approach paths, and a path determination apparatus that outputs the matched path. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently without unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a database of pre-identified approach paths is used, then flight-path determination accuracy is improved, but computing effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflight-path determination accuracyVSAvoidcomputing effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores multiple possible approach paths to potential destinations before they are needed for prediction. These paths are computed in advance based on destination coordinates and stored in memory, so that during actual flight-path determination, the system only needs to compare the flying object's position against the pre-computed paths rather than calculating all possible routes in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses simple geometric comparisons (point-in-path calculations) rather than complex computational models. Each approach path is represented in a computationally efficient format that allows for rapid determination of whether the flying object's current position lies on that path, minimizing the computational resources required for each prediction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If only current position and flight direction are considered, then the determination process is fast, but it cannot predict stealth-oriented routes through terrain features

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprediction reliability for stealth routesVSAvoidtime for path analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-calculates and stores multiple possible approach paths to potential destinations before they are needed for prediction. These paths are computed in advance based on destination coordinates and stored in memory, so that during actual flight-path determination, the system only needs to compare the flying object's position against the pre-computed paths rather than calculating all possible routes in real-time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts to the flying object's actual behavior by continuously monitoring its position and comparing it against the database of pre-computed approach paths. When the object deviates from expected paths or enters a new area, the system can recalculate or select from alternative pre-computed paths, allowing it to adapt to stealth-oriented routing decisions while maintaining computational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10697794B2Flight-path determination device and flight-path determination method

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 MBDA DEUTSCHIAND GMBH

AI summary

A flight-path determination device for determining a flight path of a flying object has a position determination apparatus to detect a position of the flying object, an alignment apparatus that to verify whether the position of the flying object is within one specified approach path of a number of specified approach paths, and a path determination apparatus to output the relevant approach path as the flight path of the flying object if the position of the flying object is within one of the specified approach paths.