Indirect Fire Targeting Correction Using Conditional Error Covariance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current registration and fire calibration techniques for indirect fire in military operations are limited by accuracy and availability, and close registration firings reduce the element of surprise, with corrections valid only within certain range and deflection limits.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes acquiring location coordinates and firing conditions, estimating firing condition errors, generating covariance matrices, and calculating a conditional correction matrix to improve targeting accuracy by considering changing firing conditions and correlations between registration and fire-for-effect errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If close registration firings are conducted to determine correction factors, then targeting accuracy is improved, but the element of surprise is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational model (error covariance matrix and conditional correction matrix) that mediates between registration data and FFE targeting. This allows accurate correction factor determination without requiring close registration firings, as the mathematical model can extrapolate corrections to distant targets while accounting for firing condition variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter representation by using correlation terms and covariance matrices to describe the relationship between registration and FFE conditions. This mathematical transformation allows the system to account for varying firing conditions (range, deflection, environmental factors) without conducting additional close-range registration firings.
2Adaptability or versatility
If registration corrections are applied beyond certain range and deflection limits, then operational flexibility is improved, but accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the correction system dynamic by introducing correlation terms that adapt to different firing conditions. The error covariance matrix dynamically adjusts the relationship between registration and FFE parameters based on range, deflection, and environmental conditions, allowing accurate extrapolation beyond traditional limits while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds dimensional complexity by incorporating multiple firing condition parameters (range, deflection, environmental factors) into a multidimensional error covariance framework. This allows the system to accurately predict corrections in previously untested condition spaces, extending operational flexibility while maintaining accuracy through comprehensive error modeling.
3Device complexity
If traditional registration methods are used without considering firing condition correlations, then system complexity is reduced, but targeting accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary computational action by pre-calculating error covariance matrices and correlation terms based on firing condition relationships. This preliminary mathematical modeling captures the complex interactions between different firing conditions, enabling accurate corrections without requiring complex real-time computational systems during actual firing operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for correcting targeting of indirect fire, including: acquiring values for a set of firing conditions, for each of the firing conditions determining statistical parameters of a covariance matrix of the firing conditions, including estimates of unit effects, standard deviations, and error correlations between registration and fire-for-effect (FFE) firing condition errors, wherein at least one correlation is less than one and greater than zero, acquiring a registration miss vector, generating from the statistical parameters a conditional correction matrix; and multiplying the conditional correction matrix by the registration miss vector to calculate a correction vector for FFE targeting.