Gunshot Detection Using Wake and Shockwave Acoustic Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gunshot detection techniques face ambiguity in determining the source of a supersonic projectile due to the unreliable detection of muzzle blasts and the insufficient information provided by shockwave analysis, which often results in two possible candidate estimates, making it difficult to determine the correct trajectory with certainty.
Innovation Solution
A gunshot sensor system using an array of acoustic sensors to process both shockwave and wake signatures, allowing for the discrimination between gunshot and other events, and integrating navigation data to provide a strong indication of the projectile's origin by determining the trajectory without ambiguity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shockwave monitoring is used for gunshot detection, then detection reliability is improved, but trajectory estimation accuracy deteriorates due to ambiguous answers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the acoustic signal analysis into two distinct components: shockwave detection for reliable gunshot confirmation and wake signature analysis for precise trajectory estimation. By separating these functions and analyzing them independently, the system resolves the ambiguity inherent in shockwave-only monitoring while maintaining detection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wake signature detection as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between shockwave detection and accurate trajectory estimation. The wake information serves as additional evidence that disambiguates the two possible trajectory solutions provided by shockwave analysis alone, enabling precise source localization.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic sensor array spacing is increased to detect wave-front curvature, then trajectory measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational convenience worsen due to inconveniently large spacing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trajectory estimation function from the shockwave analysis and implements it through separate wake signature detection. This extraction eliminates the need for complex large-scale sensor arrays required for wave-front curvature measurement, as wake information can be effectively detected with more compact sensor configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from wave-front curvature (requiring large sensor spacing) to wake signature characteristics (detectable with smaller spacing). By monitoring the acoustic signature of the projectile wake rather than the geometric curvature of shockwaves, the system achieves precise trajectory measurement with more practical sensor array dimensions.
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 effectively removes ambiguity in gunshot trajectory estimation by using wake information to distinguish between shockwave measurements, providing a clear direction of the projectile's origin with reduced uncertainty, even in noisy environments, and can detect target strikes and bullet characteristics like spin rate and tumbling motion.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic sensor, operable to convert received acoustic oscillations into electrical signals
Implementation Method 2
a shockwave, produced by the motion of the projectile at a supersonic speed
Data Source
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AI summary
Detection of a trajectory of a supersonic projectile is carried out derived from a plurality of acoustic detection signals. From these acoustic detection signals, two or more shockwave-derived trajectory estimates can be derived. Further, a wake derived trajectory bearing estimate can be derived, from which disambiguation of the shockwave-derived trajectory estimates can be effected.