Handheld Target Acquisition System Using Integrated Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current target acquisition systems for air-to-ground weapons require excessive time for warriors to calculate and transmit target coordinates, leaving them at risk of detection or exposure to enemy fire.
Innovation Solution
A portable target acquisition system integrating a GPS receiver, digital compass, laser rangefinder, and control circuit to quickly calculate and transmit target coordinates, allowing for automated target location and reduced exposure time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the warrior uses manual calculation methods (map, GPS receiver, laser rangefinder, and calculator) to determine target coordinates, then the target position can be calculated, but the time required for target acquisition becomes excessive (several minutes)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines GPS receiver, laser rangefinder, digital compass, and inclinometer into a single integrated handheld device. These separate measurement tools are merged into one unit that automatically processes data through a microprocessor to calculate target coordinates, eliminating the need for manual calculations and reducing acquisition time from several minutes to seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical calculation methods with an automated electronic system. The microprocessor automatically computes target coordinates using electronic sensors (GPS, laser rangefinder, digital compass, inclinometer) instead of requiring the warrior to manually use maps, calculators, and other equipment, thereby dramatically reducing the time required.
2Reliability
If the warrior constantly illuminates the target with a laser designator, then the target can be locked onto, but the warrior is placed at risk of detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the continuous laser illumination method with an automated coordinate calculation and transmission system. The handheld device with integrated sensors and microprocessor calculates target coordinates and transmits them electronically to the missile system, eliminating the need for continuous laser designation and thereby reducing the warrior's detection risk while maintaining reliable target acquisition.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate pieces of equipment are used for target acquisition (GPS receiver, laser rangefinder, calculator), then comprehensive measurements can be obtained, but the setup time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges GPS receiver, laser rangefinder, digital compass, and inclinometer into a single handheld device. This integration maintains comprehensive measurement capabilities while eliminating the need to set up and coordinate multiple separate pieces of equipment, thereby reducing operational complexity and setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device is designed as a multi-functional universal tool that performs GPS positioning, laser ranging, compass direction finding, and inclinometer angle measurement all in one unit. This universal device replaces multiple specialized tools, maintaining adaptability and versatility while simplifying the overall system and reducing setup complexity.
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 enables rapid and accurate target acquisition, reducing the time warriors spend on calculations and minimizing exposure to enemy fire, with the ability to dispatch missiles quickly upon button activation.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver for obtaining position coordinates of the device housing
Implementation Method 2
a laser rangefinder for measuring a distance to the target
Implementation Method 3
a digital compass for measuring a pointing angle from the device housing toward a target
Implementation Method 4
an inclinometer for measuring a pointing angle from the device housing toward a target
Data Source
AI summary
A target acquisition system. The novel system includes a housing, a first mechanism for obtaining position coordinates of the housing, a second mechanism for measuring a pointing angle from the housing toward a target, and a third mechanism for calculating coordinates of the target using the pointing angle and housing coordinates. The system may also include a fourth mechanism for determining a distance between the housing and the target, and a control circuit for receiving a user signal and in response thereto acquiring the housing coordinates, pointing angle, and distance data. The target coordinates may be calculated from the housing coordinates, pointing angle, and distance data, or from two or more sets of position coordinates and corresponding pointing angle data. The system may also include a transmitter for automatically transmitting the target coordinates to a remote weapons system or network.