Projectile Spin Rate Analysis via Stripe Pixel History
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring the spin-rate of artillery projectiles are either costly, require extensive post-processing, or are limited in accuracy due to human error and operational constraints, making them unsuitable for small weapons programs and precise spin-rate determination.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that uses high-speed video analysis to segment and process images of projectiles with markings, generating a stripe pixel column history image to calculate the spin-rate using techniques such as Fast Fourier Transform and Hough Transform, reducing human intervention and increasing accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If on-board instrumentation systems with solar-sensing photodiodes or inertial sensors are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a visual copy of the projectile's rotation by painting stripes on its surface and capturing these stripes via video camera. Instead of using complex on-board sensors, the system copies the rotational information onto the projectile's exterior as visual markings that can be observed and measured remotely, thereby achieving accurate spin-rate measurement without increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical instrumentation system (photodiodes, gyroscopes, accelerometers) with an optical system. By substituting physical sensors with visual markings and optical detection, the system achieves the same measurement function with significantly reduced complexity and cost
2Ease of operation
If manual analysis of video frames is performed, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision decreases due to human error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by creating an automated system that performs the analysis itself without requiring human intervention. The computer vision algorithm automatically detects stripe positions, calculates rotation angles, and determines spin-rate from video frames, eliminating human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational system that acts as a bridge between the visual markings on the projectile and the final spin-rate measurement. This computer vision software intermediary automatically processes the video data, extracting precise rotational information without requiring manual analysis, thereby improving accuracy while keeping the system easy to operate
3Measurement precision
If extensive post-processing operations are performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the video data through automated detection and tracking algorithms that identify stripe patterns and calculate rotation angles in real-time as video frames are captured. This preliminary automated processing reduces the need for extensive post-processing operations, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while significantly reducing the time required for spin-rate determination
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for determining a spin rate of a projectile are provided. A receiving module receives a video of a launch of a projectile in which the projectile having at least one marking disposed thereon. A segmenting module segments a plurality of shapes of the projectile from the video. The segmenting module includes a sensitivity module configured to increase a sensitivity of the video to find the projectile in the video. An extraction module extracts at least one column of pixels of the at least one marking from the shapes. A generating module generates a stripe pixel column history image from the at least one column of pixels. A calculating module calculates a spin rate of the projectile from the stripe pixel column history image.