Optical Radar Hybrid Weapon Locator Low Angle Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional weapon locating systems fail to accurately determine the location of weapons firing projectiles with low elevation angles due to exaggerated errors in state vector estimates, impaired lines of sight, and clutter, which limits precision counterfire and rocket launches.
Innovation Solution
A system combining an optical sensor and a radar system to detect weapon firing events and projectiles, calculating state vectors, and backtracking to determine the weapon's location, with the optical sensor providing accurate timing and positioning data to improve location determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional radar systems are used to detect projectiles with low elevation angles, then the system can operate with simple equipment, but the measurement precision of weapon location deteriorates due to exaggerated errors in state vector estimates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines radar detection with optical sensor detection to create a hybrid system. The optical sensor detects the weapon firing event and provides accurate timing information, while the radar tracks the projectile. By merging these two detection methods, the system overcomes the limitations of radar alone at low elevation angles and achieves precise weapon location determination through correlated processing of both data sources.
2Length of stationary object
If radar systems track projectiles at low angle trajectories, then the system can detect distant targets, but the reliability of detection deteriorates due to impaired lines of sight, radar multipath echoes, and clutter
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor acts as an intermediary that detects the weapon firing event and provides accurate timing information. This timing data serves as a reference that helps distinguish true projectile detections from false targets caused by multipath echoes and clutter. By using the optical detection as an intermediary reference, the system improves reliability while maintaining long-range detection capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional radar systems are used for low angle trajectory detection, then the system can operate with existing technology, but the measurement precision deteriorates because the intersection point on terrain becomes indeterminate
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor performs preliminary detection of the weapon firing event and provides accurate timing information before the radar tracking begins. This preliminary action establishes a known reference point in time and space, allowing the subsequent radar tracking to be anchored to a precise starting point. This eliminates the indeterminacy problem at low angles by providing a predetermined reference for the trajectory calculation.
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 enhances the accuracy of weapon location determination, especially at low elevation angles, by correlating optical and radar data, reducing down range errors and improving precision in identifying firing locations.
Implementation Method 1
detecting a weapon firing event with an optical sensor, the detected weapon firing event indicative of a detected firing of the weapon and indicative of a detected time of the weapon firing event
Implementation Method 2
detecting a projectile fired from the weapon with a radar system
Data Source
AI summary
A method of locating a weapon includes detecting a weapon firing event with an optical sensor, the detected weapon firing event indicative of a detected firing of the weapon and indicative of a detected time of the weapon firing event. The method also includes detecting a projectile fired from the weapon with a radar system. The method also includes calculating a state vector associated with the projectile detection. The method also includes identifying a location of the weapon by backtracking the state vector to the detected time of the weapon firing event time. The method also includes communicating the location of the weapon. A system that implements the method is also described.