Sonar Target Motion Analysis Interface Using 2D Parameter Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional user-interface target motion analysis methods for passive sonar systems require skilled users to individually input three-dimensional parameters, leading to prolonged operating times and reduced efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A user-interface target motion analysis system using two-dimensional parameter control, where values for initial range, speed, and course are inputted by handling two parameters using cursor position information in a Cartesian or polar coordinate system, allowing simultaneous calculation and input of parameters through methods like speed zooming, simultaneous speed and course calculation, or simultaneous initial range and speed calculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional slide button input method or keyboard input method is used to input three-dimensional parameters (initial range, speed, and course) individually, then the system can obtain target motion analysis results, but the operating time is prolonged and analysis efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis efficiencyVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines three separate parameter inputs (initial range, speed, and course) into a single integrated input operation. By using a unified interface where users input one parameter at a time but receive simultaneous updates of all three parameters through coordinate system transformations, the system merges multiple input steps into fewer operations, directly reducing operating time while maintaining analysis efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the input method from three independent one-dimensional parameter inputs to a two-dimensional coordinate system approach. Users input parameters in a unified coordinate space (either Cartesian or polar coordinates), and the system automatically converts these inputs into the required three-dimensional parameter set through mathematical transformations, thereby reducing the dimensionality of the input operation while preserving all necessary information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If three-dimensional parameters are inputted by handling three parameters individually, then the system can calculate estimated target bearing, but the operation complexity increases and user burden is heightened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinput method simplicityVSAvoidparameter handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal input interface that can handle all three parameters (initial range, speed, and course) through a single unified coordinate system. This multi-functional interface allows users to input any combination of parameters in a consistent manner, and the system automatically processes them accordingly, eliminating the need for different input methods for different parameter types and significantly simplifying the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a coordinate system transformation mechanism as an intermediary between user input and parameter calculation. Instead of directly handling three separate parameters, the system uses coordinate transformations (between Cartesian and polar coordinates) as a mediating layer that automatically converts user-friendly inputs into the required parameter format, reducing the complexity of direct parameter manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If skilled users handle three-dimensional parameters to minimize bearing error, then accurate target motion analysis can be obtained, but the requirement for skilled operation increases the learning curve and training time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing error minimizationVSAvoiduser skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically performs parameter coordination and transformation without requiring user expertise. The unified input interface and automatic coordinate transformations enable the system to maintain measurement precision while eliminating the need for users to manually coordinate multiple parameters, allowing even novice users to achieve accurate results through simplified operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS8958268B2User-interface target motion analysis method using two-dimensional parameter control and speed zoom
Publication Date: 2015.02.17 AGENCY FOR DEFENSE DEV
  • US8958268B2 patent drawing
  • US8958268B2 patent drawing
  • US8958268B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed is a user-interface target motion analysis (TMA) method using two-dimensional parameter control and speed zoom, and the method includes a first step of displaying a user-interface target motion analysis screen capable of selecting an input method; a second step of receiving the input method of a user; a third step of simultaneously calculating a speed and a course by speed zoom or simultaneously calculating a course and an initial range; a fourth step of calculating an initial range or a speed by speed zoom that is not calculated in the third step; and a step of generating a result of the target motion analysis using the parameters inputted through the first to fourth steps.