Field of View Coordination Using Sensor Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for determining and coordinating an individual's field of view and field of fire are time-consuming, prone to errors, and impractical in dynamic or hazardous situations, especially when soldiers are moving or under fire.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize sensor data from motion, azimuth, and location sensors to automatically determine and display an individual's field of view and field of fire, allowing for real-time coordination and optimization of collective coverage among deployed individuals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual estimation and reporting methods are used to determine field of view and field of fire, then the process can be performed with simple equipment, but the determination is time-consuming and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefield of view determination accuracyVSAvoidtime required for field of view determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual estimation and reporting mechanisms with an automated electronic system that uses sensors (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) and processing electronics to automatically calculate field of view and field of fire. This substitution eliminates human error and time consumption while maintaining or improving measurement precision through computational algorithms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by having the electronic device automatically determine field of view and field of fire without requiring manual input or commander intervention. The device autonomously processes sensor data, calculates boundaries, and provides positioning recommendations, freeing the soldier from manual reporting tasks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual reporting to commander is used, then the system remains simple, but the process becomes impractical in dynamic or hazardous situations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to dynamic situationsVSAvoidcomplexity of field of view determination system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamics by enabling real-time, automatic field of view determination that updates as the soldier moves or repositions. The system continuously processes sensor data to maintain current field of view and field of fire information, making it adaptable to dynamic combat situations without requiring manual re-reporting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The automated electronic system replaces manual communication processes with electronic sensing and computation, enabling operation in hazardous environments where manual reporting is unsafe or impossible. The system functions autonomously without requiring soldier involvement in the measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If soldiers manually determine and report their field of fire, then the equipment remains simple, but errors occur in estimation and coordination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of field of fire coordinationVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor and processing system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the electronic device continuously monitors sensor data, calculates field of view and field of fire, and provides real-time positioning recommendations. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate and reliable field of fire coordination by continuously adjusting based on actual sensor measurements rather than relying on manual estimation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces human estimation and coordination with automated electronic processing that objectively measures and calculates field boundaries. This substitution eliminates human error in estimation while the multi-sensor system (accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer) provides comprehensive and reliable data for accurate field of fire determination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If automated sensor-based determination is used, then the speed and accuracy of field of view determination improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of field of view determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of sensor array and processing electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a multi-functional electronic device that performs multiple tasks: determining field of view, calculating field of fire, providing positioning recommendations, and displaying information. This consolidation of functions into a single device reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate systems for each function, while maintaining high productivity through automated processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8739672B1Field of view system and method

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for coordinating fields of view are provided. Sensor data may be generated regarding movement in one or more planes and used as boundaries for the field of view. A geographic location may also be associated with the field of view. Fields of view from two or more geographic locations may be aggregated to determine a collective field of view. The collective field of view may be provided to an electronic display. In some cases, the field of view may be a field of fire associated with a ballistic weapon.