Hybrid Shot Impact Localization for Live-Fire Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shot analysis systems for live-fire training, particularly with small arms, face challenges in achieving high accuracy, minimal intrusion, and reliability due to limitations in laser technology, such as attenuation over distance, obscured sensors, and inadequate target hit identification.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid solution combining radio and video information from multiple sensors, including GNSS, RTLS, UWB, and AOA Bluetooth, with optical data from a camera and inertial measurement units, to determine the point of impact on a target by triangulation and ballistic calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser technology is used for simulating shot impacts, then real-time feedback capability is achieved, but reliability deteriorates due to laser attenuation over distance and sensor obscuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent measurement systems (optical camera, inertial sensors, radio frequency localization, ballistic computer) into a hybrid system. Each system compensates for the weaknesses of others: optical provides visual confirmation, inertial sensors track weapon movement, RF handles long-range localization, and ballistic computation integrates all data to determine impact points reliably under various conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs multi-functional sensors and processing units that perform multiple roles. The optical sensor both captures target images and detects laser illumination. The inertial measurement unit tracks both weapon recoil and barrel orientation. The localization means provides both angular position and distance information. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while maintaining reliability across different operational scenarios
2Measurement precision
If additional equipment is mounted on the weapon for shot analysis, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multi-functional sensors and processing units that perform multiple roles. The optical sensor both captures target images and detects laser illumination. The inertial measurement unit tracks both weapon recoil and barrel orientation. The localization means provides both angular position and distance information. This multi-functionality reduces system complexity while maintaining accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the weapon's own operational data (recoil, muzzle velocity, ballistics) combined with sensor measurements to self-determine impact points. The ballistic computer uses pre-programmed ballistics data specific to the ammunition and weapon combination, eliminating the need for external calibration equipment or complex adjustment mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If laser technology is used for shot simulation, then real-time feedback is achieved, but accuracy deteriorates due to environmental obstacles and sensor limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent measurement systems (optical camera, inertial sensors, radio frequency localization, ballistic computer) into a hybrid system. Each system compensates for the weaknesses of others: optical provides visual confirmation, inertial sensors track weapon movement, RF handles long-range localization, and ballistic computation integrates all data to determine impact points reliably under various conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The ballistic computer acts as an intermediary that processes and reconciles data from multiple sensors with pre-programmed ballistics information. It computes the trajectory correction needed to account for environmental factors like wind, distance, and target movement, translating raw sensor data into accurate impact point predictions that compensate for environmental obstacles
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
Provides precise and reliable identification of target hits, overcoming distance and environmental obstacles, ensuring minimal additional equipment and improved accuracy in real-world scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor configured to take an image seen from the barrel of the weapon
Implementation Method 2
an inertial measurement unit mounted on the weapon
Implementation Method 3
a precise ballistic calculation which takes into account the kinematics of the round, the kinematics and distance of the target, as well as the kinematics of the weapon
Implementation Method 4
The identification of participants (potential targets) as well as their angular positions in the frame of reference of the weapon that fired, by a localization means with limited precision
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for determining the point of impact on a target during a training exercise. The device comprises: - firing detection means configured to determine the moment a round is fired from a weapon; - first computing means configured to determine the angular position information of targets located in front of the weapon, by implementing a radio beacon location technology; - second computing means configured to determine if at least one object present in an image viewed from the weapon is hit by the round and, if so, to characterize said at least one object by optical information relating to the type of object and its position; and - impact determination means configured to combine the information calculated by the first computing means and the information calculated by the second computing means and to determine the target hit by the round and the point of impact.