Optical Barrel Elevation Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon measurement systems for armored vehicles lack accurate and cost-effective methods to determine gun barrel elevation, particularly in smaller vehicles that do not have sophisticated devices like differential resolvers, leading to challenges in hitting distant targets.
Innovation Solution
A weapon measurement system that includes a reference light generator on the gun barrel to produce a diffused reference light at a single wavelength, which is detected by an image sensor on the vehicle body, using a filter to block other wavelengths and enhance contrast, allowing for accurate determination of the barrel elevation angle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sophisticated electronic measurement devices like differential resolvers are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic mechanical measurement devices (differential resolvers) with a simple optical system consisting of a light source, diffuser, and image sensor. The light source is mounted on the gun barrel and projects light onto a diffuser, with the reflected light detected by an image sensor mounted on the vehicle body to determine barrel elevation angle, thereby eliminating complex mechanical encoders while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the barrel's angular position by projecting light from the barrel-mounted light source onto a diffuser and capturing the reflected light pattern with an image sensor. This optical copying mechanism provides a simplified way to measure elevation angles without direct mechanical contact or complex electronic sensors on the moving barrel
2Device complexity
If mechanical linkage to mirror is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and targeting accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror linkage system with an optical projection-detection system. Instead of mechanically linking the barrel to a mirror and using manual reticle adjustment, the system uses a light source mounted on the barrel that projects light onto a diffuser, with the reflected light pattern detected by an image sensor to automatically determine precise elevation angles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffuser as an intermediary element between the light source and the image sensor. The diffuser scatters the light in a controlled manner, creating a visible light pattern that encodes the barrel's angular position information, which is then captured by the image sensor to determine elevation without direct mechanical linkage
3Measurement precision
If optical filter is used to block other wavelengths, then measurement precision is improved by enhancing contrast, but loss of energy occurs due to blocking light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using an optical filter with specific wavelength selectivity. The filter is designed to transmit only the specific wavelength emitted by the light source while blocking other wavelengths, thereby enhancing the contrast of the reference light signal against background light without requiring excessive light energy from the source
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 system provides accurate barrel elevation angle measurements over a wide range of angles and positions, enhancing targeting precision while being more cost-effective than conventional electronic or computed ballistic solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a reference light generator arrangement that is mounted to the barrel and that is configured to generate a reference light at a single wavelength or within a narrow wavelength band
Implementation Method 2
A filter is configured to substantially block light that is at a different wavelength than the distributed reference light while allowing the distributed reference light to pass through to the image sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Armored vehicles, weapon measurement system, and methods for determining barrel elevation of a gun, are provided. In one example, an armored vehicle includes a vehicle body portion and a gun having a barrel extending away from the vehicle body portion at a barrel elevation angle. A weapon measurement system includes a reference light generator arrangement configured to generate a reference light at a single wavelength or within a narrow wavelength band and to diffuse the reference light, thereby defining a distributed reference light. An image sensor arrangement includes an image sensor and a filter. The filter is configured to substantially block light that is at a different wavelength than the distributed reference light while allowing the distributed reference light to pass through to the image sensor for determining the barrel elevation angle.