Optical Guidance System for Multiple Objects
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon guidance systems face challenges such as high collateral damage, difficulty in hitting maneuvering targets, and high costs due to the need for internal sensors like radar systems in guided projectiles, as well as inefficiencies in unguided projectile systems.
Innovation Solution
A guidance system that uses an optical imaging system with an image sensor to detect infrared light, combined with optical transmitters and receivers for communication and range finding, allowing for accurate tracking and guidance of multiple objects to individual end positions, reducing system costs and improving hit probability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guided weapons with internal sensor means (radar system) are used, then target hit probability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor means from the weapon itself and relocates it to a separate base station. The base station equipped with optical imaging system and sensor means performs target detection and tracking, while the weapon becomes a simpler platform that only needs to execute guidance commands received via optical communication link.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical communication link as an intermediary between the base station and the weapon. This laser-based communication channel transmits guidance commands from the base station to the weapon, enabling centralized control without requiring expensive internal sensors in the weapon.
2Reliability
If unguided projectiles are fired in large quantities, then hit probability is improved, but collateral damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the base station continuously tracks both the target and the weapon position using optical imaging. Based on this real-time feedback, the system calculates and transmits guidance commands to adjust the weapon's trajectory, enabling precise hitting with fewer projectiles and reduced collateral damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If guided weapons with internal sensors are used, then maneuvering target tracking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor means from the weapon itself and relocates it to a separate base station. The base station equipped with optical imaging system and sensor means performs target detection and tracking, while the weapon becomes a simpler platform that only needs to execute guidance commands received via optical communication link.
Solution Approach 2:
The base station's optical imaging system serves multiple functions: it detects the target position, tracks the weapon position, and provides feedback for guidance calculations. This multi-functional approach enables maneuvering target tracking without adding complexity to the weapon system.
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
The system effectively guides projectiles to their targets with reduced collateral damage and lower costs by using shared optical components for imaging and communication, enabling precise tracking and control of multiple objects simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
an optical imaging system with an image sensor to detect infrared light
Implementation Method 2
an optical communication link, which comprises an optical uplink transmitter provided on the base station
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The object of the present invention is to provide an inventive guidance system for tracking and guiding at least one object, wherein said guidance system comprises a base station (1) including an optical imaging system (3) configured to determine the angular position vector of said at least one object (5, 15), an optical communication link for transmitting guidance control commands from said base station (1) to said at least one object (5, 15), and steering means provided on said at least one object {5, 15) for adjusting the direction of said at least one object (5, 15) in response to said guidance control commands. The invention also provides a corresponding guiding method.