Projectile Origin Localization via Acoustic Array and Image Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for hostile fire detection and shooter location, such as muzzle flash sensing, acoustic sensing, and infrared radiation imaging, face limitations including the need for line of sight, close proximity, and complex setup, which can result in inaccurate or delayed detection of projectile origins, especially when shooters hide or use flash suppression.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses image detection systems to translate projectile tracks into three-dimensional traceback paths, allowing for the determination of a projectile's origin without requiring the shooter to be in line of sight or close proximity, using cascaded averaging circuits and charge skimming in infrared detection systems to enhance signal-to-noise ratios and improve detection accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If muzzle flash detection is used, then shooter location can be detected, but the shooter must be in line of sight and not using flash suppression
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional optical detection (muzzle flash sensing) with acoustic detection using microphone arrays. This substitution allows detection of shooters who are hidden or using flash suppression, as acoustic waves can penetrate obstacles and are not blocked by flash suppression devices. The mechanical acoustic field replaces the optical field for shooter localization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves as an intermediary medium to detect shooter locations. Instead of directly observing visual cues like muzzle flashes, the system uses sound waves from the gunshot to locate the shooter. This intermediary approach enables detection when direct visual observation is blocked or suppressed.
2Measurement precision
If acoustic detection methods are used, then shooter location can be detected, but numerous microphone sensors with precise relative alignment and complex processing are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acoustic detection task into segments handled by multiple microphone sensors arranged in an array. Each microphone captures acoustic signals from different positions, and the system processes these segmented signals to determine the shooter location through triangulation or time difference of arrival calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements signal processing feedback mechanisms where the acoustic signals captured by the microphone array are continuously processed to refine shooter location estimates. The system uses the acoustic feedback from the environment to adjust and improve detection accuracy, filtering out noise and enhancing the gunshot signal.
3Measurement precision
If acoustic detection is used, then shooter location can be detected, but the shooter must be relatively close or the projectile must pass close to sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional acoustic detection to three-dimensional shooter localization by using multiple microphone sensors positioned at different spatial coordinates. This dimensional expansion allows the system to calculate the shooter's position in 3D space, significantly increasing the detection coverage area and enabling detection of shooters at various distances and locations.
4Measurement precision
If infrared radiation cameras with narrow field of view are used, then bullets can be detected, but the detection cone is limited to two-dimensional localization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical detection system (infrared cameras with narrow field of view) with an acoustic detection system using microphone arrays. This substitution enables three-dimensional shooter localization instead of being limited to two-dimensional localization within the camera's narrow field of view, while maintaining the ability to detect projectiles.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for tracing back a projectile to the projectile origin are described. A method includes detecting projectile track(s) in image(s). Each projectile track crosses multiple pixels in each image. The projectile track(s) correspond to projectile(s). The projectile track(s) in the image(s) are translated to traceback path(s). The traceback path includes a known location and a projectile origin (e.g. the location at which the projectile originated, also termed the shooter's location).