Laser Aim Point Extrapolation for Recoil-Induced Measurement Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current weapon training systems face challenges in accurately detecting the shot firing event due to recoil motion, leading to inaccuracy in aim-point measurement, especially when using recoil simulation systems or retrofitting firearms for training purposes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that continuously pulses a laser bore-sighted with the firearm's barrel at high frequencies, combined with sensors like accelerometers or ultrasonic sensors, to detect the shot firing event and extrapolate the aim point from previous laser pulse locations, allowing for precise calculation of the aim point at the time of firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an accelerometer is used to detect the shot firing event by sensing recoil motion, then the firing event can be detected, but the aim point measurement becomes inaccurate because the gun has already moved by the time the detection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously pulsing the laser at high frequency (e.g., 1000 Hz or higher) before the shot firing event occurs. This creates a sequence of laser spots on the target that represent the gun's aim point at different moments in time. When the shot is fired, the system can identify the specific laser spot corresponding to the aim point at the moment of firing, rather than relying on detection after recoil motion has already moved the gun. This preliminary continuous measurement allows accurate reconstruction of the aim point at the exact firing moment.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a laser is pulsed only when the gun moves above a threshold acceleration, then the firing event can be detected with minimal energy use, but the aim point is recorded at a different location than where the shot was actually fired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuity of useful action by continuously pulsing the laser at high frequency throughout the period before and during the shot firing event, rather than only pulsing when motion thresholds are exceeded. This continuous high-frequency pulsing ensures that the aim point is captured at the exact moment of firing with high temporal resolution, eliminating the timing error that occurs when pulsing is triggered only by motion detection. The energy consumption is acceptable because the continuous pulsing is confined to a brief window around the firing event.
3Measurement precision
If the laser is mounted on the firearm and bore sighted with the barrel, then the aim point can be tracked, but the system requires modification to the firearm which may not be desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the laser mounting system to interface with standard firearm accessories rails (such as Picatinny rails), which are commonly found on modern firearms. This allows the laser to be mounted without permanent modification to the firearm's core structure. The laser unit itself serves multiple functions: it provides aim point tracking, generates the laser spots on the target for analysis, and can potentially serve as a sighting device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems and minimizes overall complexity.
4Reliability
If the shot firing event detection waits for recoil motion to occur, then the sensor can reliably detect the event, but the recorded shot location is below the actual aim point due to gun movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by continuously pulsing the laser at high frequency before the shot firing event occurs. This creates a sequence of laser spots on the target that represent the gun's aim point at different moments in time. When the shot is fired, the system can identify the specific laser spot corresponding to the aim point at the moment of firing, rather than relying on detection after recoil motion has already moved the gun. This preliminary continuous measurement allows accurate reconstruction of the aim point at the exact firing moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the continuous stream of laser spot positions to reconstruct the gun's aim point trajectory. When a shot firing event is detected (through accelerometer or other sensors), the system uses the previously captured laser spot data to determine the exact aim point at the moment of firing. This feedback loop allows the system to compensate for recoil motion effects and accurately identify the shot location based on the aim point before and during the firing event, rather than relying solely on post-firing motion detection.
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
This approach enables more accurate detection of the shot firing event with minimal modification to the firearm, providing timely and precise aim-point measurement, which improves training feedback and reduces inaccuracy caused by recoil motion.
Implementation Method 1
a laser mounted on the firearm and bore sighted with the barrel is pulsed
Implementation Method 2
the most commonly used sensor to measure firing events is an accelerometer
Implementation Method 3
combined with sensors like accelerometers or ultrasonic sensors, to detect the shot firing event
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining an aim point of a firearm or simulated firearm at a time of firing by continuously pulsing a laser coaxially aligned with a barrel of the firearm or simulated firearm. The aim point is then continuously detected by a camera system observing the target. A shot firing event is detected and the last detected laser pulse location on the target prior to the shot firing event is determined. The aim point of the firearm or simulated firearm at the time of firing is extrapolated from the last detected laser pulse location and at least one laser pulse location prior to the last laser pulse location.