Networked Scope Tracking with Mesh Data Fusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for tracking a target with multiple devices lack efficient methods for synchronizing and refining target location data across networked scopes, particularly in scenarios involving moving targets or limited connectivity.

Innovation Solution

A network of scopes, including lead and follower scopes, communicates target position data wirelessly, using GPS/INS, rangefinders, and compasses to guide follower scopes to the target, with a network server amalgamating data for precision, and incorporating mesh networking for redundancy and connectivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple scopes independently track a target using separate GPS/INS systems, then each scope can operate autonomously, but target location accuracy deteriorates due to cumulative errors in each independent system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautonomous operationVSAvoidtarget location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines GPS/INS data from multiple scopes into a networked system where target position information is shared and collectively refined. The network server aggregates position data from lead and follower scopes, using the combined information to achieve higher measurement precision than any single scope could attain independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where follower scopes receive target position data from the network server and use this information to adjust their tracking. The continuous exchange of position data and correction information among scopes creates a feedback loop that maintains and improves target location accuracy over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If follower scopes continuously adjust position to track a moving target, then target tracking accuracy improves, but response time deteriorates due to calculation and communication delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetarget tracking accuracyVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary calculations of target position and follower scope adjustments in advance, using prediction algorithms that anticipate target movement. By pre-computing correction data and making it available through the network server before actual tracking deviations occur, the system reduces real-time response delays while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The networked scope system maintains continuous data exchange and position refinement, eliminating idle periods between discrete tracking adjustments. The continuous flow of position information from lead to follower scopes ensures that tracking corrections are constantly being applied without interruption, improving both accuracy and response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Adaptability or versatility

If scopes operate in remote areas with limited cellular service, then operational versatility improves, but network connectivity and data reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational capability in remote areasVSAvoidnetwork connectivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network architecture into local mesh network components that can operate independently of external cellular infrastructure. Each scope acts as a node in the mesh network, capable of local data exchange without requiring continuous connection to remote servers or cellular networks, thereby maintaining operational capability in isolated environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for connectivity loss by implementing redundant communication paths and offline operational modes in advance. The mesh network topology provides alternative routing options that cushion against individual link failures, and the system can maintain target tracking functionality using stored position data even when external network connectivity is unavailable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP3665618B1Method for network-connected scopes for allowing a target to be simultaneously tracked by multiple devices

Publication Date: 2025.10.15 FOUGNIES DOUGLAS

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AI summary

A network of scopes, including one or more lead scopes and one or more follower scopes, is provided to allow scope operators of the respective scopes to track the same presumed target. A lead scope locates a target and communicates target position data of the presumed target to the follower scope. The follower scope uses the target position data and its own position data to electronically generate indicators for use to prompt the operator of the follower scope to make position movements so as to re-position the follower scope from its current target position to move towards the target position defined by the target position data received from the lead scope.