Magnetic Stabilized Forward Observation Platform
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current target location devices are heavy, cumbersome, and unable to provide accurate azimuth and elevation angles or communicate target information effectively, making them unsuitable for integration with light weapons like shoulder-launched missiles or operation from a free-standing position.
Innovation Solution
A compact system combining a low-cost Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with a three-axis magnetic sensor and GPS receiver, utilizing state estimation processes like Kalman filters to determine platform position and orientation, and providing redundant data for accurate target positioning and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If heavy tripod-mounted target location devices are used, then measurement precision is improved, but weight increases making them unsuitable for light weapons integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (target location, azimuth/elevation measurement, GPS positioning, magnetic sensing) into a single integrated device that can be mounted on light weapons. This merging of previously separate heavy components enables accurate target positioning without requiring tripod mounting or vehicle support.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs modern sensing technologies with improved parameters including three-axis accelerometers, three-axis magnetometers, and GPS receivers that provide accurate measurements in a compact, lightweight form factor. These parameter improvements in sensor technology enable the device to achieve previously unattainable accuracy without the weight penalty.
2Weight of moving object
If simple range finders are used, then weight is reduced, but ability to determine accurate azimuth and elevation angles is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a range finder with azimuth and elevation measurement capabilities in a single integrated device. The three-axis accelerometer and three-axis magnetometer work together with the range finder to provide both distance and angular information, eliminating the need for separate heavy targeting systems while maintaining light weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs multiple functions simultaneously: ranging, azimuth measurement, elevation measurement, and GPS positioning. This multi-functionality allows a single lightweight device to replace multiple specialized instruments, providing accurate angular measurements without the weight of traditional heavy-duty targeting equipment.
3Ease of operation
If command fire units are used, then target acquisition capability is improved, but ability to communicate target information and develop coordinate data is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device serves as a universal target information system that not only acquires targets but also calculates precise coordinate information (range, azimuth, elevation) and communicates this data. The integrated GPS receiver and multi-axis sensors enable the device to generate complete target coordinate data that can be shared with other units, eliminating the information communication limitations of traditional command fire units.
4Weight of moving object
If low-cost MEMS IMU is used, then device weight and cost are reduced, but bias errors in gyro and accelerometer increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback from the three-axis magnetometer and three-axis accelerometer to continuously monitor and correct bias errors in the MEMS IMU. By comparing the magnetic field orientation and gravitational acceleration with IMU measurements, the system can detect and compensate for gyro and accelerometer bias drift, maintaining accuracy despite using low-cost sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The three-axis magnetometer and three-axis accelerometer serve as intermediary sensors that provide reference measurements independent of the MEMS IMU. These intermediary sensors enable the system to detect and correct IMU errors without requiring expensive high-precision inertial sensors, thus maintaining accuracy while using low-cost components.
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
Enables lightweight, accurate remote target position determination, allowing integration into small weapons and handheld devices, with improved gyro and accelerometer bias correction, and reduced errors due to lateral accelerations, facilitating coordinated firing and surveillance.
Implementation Method 1
The three axis magnetic sensor provides both magnetic north and attitude information for improved rapid initialization and operation while the observation platform is in motion
Implementation Method 2
GPS receiver for determining an observation platform position and orientation
Implementation Method 3
low cost Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) comprising a three axis MEMS rate gyro triad and a three axis MEMS accelerometer triad
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for determining a position of a remote object comprising inertial sensors and three axis magnetic sensor, together with a target sighting device aligned with the observation platform to determine a target line of sight and a target range finder to determine a distance to the target along the line of sight. A GPS receiver may be included for determining an observation platform position and orientation, The three axis magnetic sensor provides both magnetic north and vertical attitude information for improved rapid initialization and operation in motion. Magnetic anomaly information is detected by comparing IMU and magnetic navigation information and by other methods. Target identification may be determined by a human operator and/or by computer. The system may be integrated with a weapon system to use weapon system sights. The system may be networked to provide target location and/or location error information to another identical unit or a command information system.