Multi-Projectile Radar Tracking Across Overlapping Launch Areas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tracking multiple projectiles launched from multiple launch areas into a common target area is challenging due to intersecting trajectories and the high cost of dedicated tracking systems, especially when projectiles are launched at unpredictable intervals.
Innovation Solution
A radar system with multiple radar devices covering overlapping fields of view and a central processor to identify launch locations and track trajectories, using Doppler radar to distinguish and associate projectile data across different radar views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated tracking system is provided for each launch area, then tracking accuracy for each projectile is improved, but the cost of the system becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple tracking functions into a single radar system that can handle multiple projectiles simultaneously. Instead of having separate tracking systems for each launch area, one radar system processes data from multiple launch locations and distinguishes between intersecting trajectories through algorithmic analysis of radar returns over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The radar system is designed to perform multiple functions: it tracks projectiles from various launch areas, identifies intersecting trajectories, associates each trajectory with its correct launch location, and provides comprehensive tracking data. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for multiple dedicated systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple radar devices are used to cover broader area, then the ability to track intersecting trajectories is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the tracking task into distinct functional components: radar data collection, trajectory identification, intersection detection, launch location association, and data provision. This segmentation allows a single radar system to handle complex multi-projectile scenarios through algorithmic division of the tracking problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds temporal dimension to the tracking problem by analyzing radar returns over multiple time frames. By examining trajectories in both spatial and temporal dimensions, the system can distinguish between intersecting paths and correctly associate each projectile with its launch location, effectively adding a dimension to the tracking capability.
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
Accurately tracks multiple projectiles from multiple launch locations by correlating trajectory data across overlapping radar fields, ensuring precise association with launch points, even in complex environments.
Implementation Method 1
continuous wave Doppler radar
Implementation Method 2
a first radar device aimed so that a field of view of the first radar device covers at least a portion of a target area
Data Source
AI summary
A system for tracking multiple projectiles includes a first radar device aimed so that a field of view of the first radar device covers at least a portion of a target area into which projectiles are to be launched from a plurality of launch locations and a processor receiving data from the radar and identifying from the data tracks of a plurality of projectiles. The processor determines for each projectile track identified a specific one of the launch locations from which the projectile was launched and provides to the launch location associated with each projectile data corresponding to a trajectory of the projectile.