Networked Firearm Accessory with Integrated Sensor Fusion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current battlefield communication systems lack efficient methods to share real-time positional and orientation data between different battlefield participants, such as soldiers, which can hinder effective battle planning and execution.
Innovation Solution
A networked battle system that includes a communication network, sensors on firearms to determine bearing, inclination, and distance to targets, and a battle management system that updates battle plans based on this data, allowing for improved coordination and strategy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If sensors and communication elements are integrated into firearms, then real-time positional and orientation data sharing is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensors (inclinometer, roll sensor, bearing sensor) and communication elements into an integrated accessory system that attaches to the firearm. This merging approach enables comprehensive data collection and sharing while managing complexity through modular integration rather than separate distributed components.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory system is designed to perform multiple functions: determining bearing, measuring inclination, detecting roll, and communicating data simultaneously. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby improving information sharing efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated into the firearm accessory, then measurement precision of positional and orientation data is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensing function into specialized segments: an inclinometer for vertical angle measurement, a roll sensor for horizontal rotation measurement, and a bearing sensor for directional measurement. Each sensor segment is optimized for its specific measurement task, improving overall precision while allowing independent calibration and maintenance of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple specialized sensors are merged into a single integrated accessory unit that interfaces with the firearm system through a unified communication protocol. This consolidation manages complexity by providing a single point of integration while maintaining the precision benefits of multiple specialized measurement elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm includes one or more rails to which accessories may be mounted. The rails provide a communication path over which data may be transferred between the accessories and a processor located in the rails or in the firearm. The processor may cause the data to be sent to another location and may receive other data from other locations to provide a network of intercommunicating firearms that may deployed in a battlefield environment.