Target Tracking Jitter Reduction for Directed Energy Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Directed energy systems face challenges in accurately and efficiently deterring moving targets with high-power energy beams, as target movement and jitter spread the beam over a larger area, increasing energy and time requirements, and conventional systems are costly and less effective.
Innovation Solution
A target tracking system that identifies and tracks smaller 'track points' on a target using a combination of video signals, rate sensors, and optical tracking, allowing the directed energy beam to be maintained on these points for a precise and shorter duration, reducing energy and time needed for a deterring effect, and enabling the use of cost-effective solid-state components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-power energy beam is used to counter threats, then the ability to deter threats is improved, but the amount of energy and time required increases significantly when targeting moving objects
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking and prediction of target position and motion characteristics before delivering the high-power energy beam. By pre-acquiring target data through video signals and rate sensors, the system can anticipate target movement and prepare the beam delivery timing, reducing the need for excessive energy compensation during actual engagement
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors target position, velocity, and acceleration through video signals and rate sensors, feeding this information back to adjust beam aiming and timing. This closed-loop feedback allows the system to compensate for target movement dynamically, maintaining effective energy delivery without requiring excessive power margins
2Adaptability or versatility
If the energy beam is spread over a larger target area to account for target movement, then the ability to track moving targets is improved, but the amount of energy required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts beam aiming based on real-time target motion data from video signals and rate sensors. Rather than using a static large-area beam pattern, the system continuously updates beam position and focus to track moving targets, maintaining concentrated energy delivery while adapting to target movement
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes beam parameters (position, timing, focus) based on target motion characteristics. By adjusting these parameters dynamically according to measured target velocity and acceleration, the system maintains effective energy concentration on moving targets without requiring beam spreading
3Reliability
If higher power levels are used to compensate for target jitter, then the effectiveness against moving targets is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex high-power mechanical stabilization mechanisms with a combination of video signal processing and rate sensor feedback. Instead of using heavy mechanical gimbals or active stabilization hardware to counter jitter, the system uses electronic tracking and timing adjustments based on sensed motion data
4Stability of the object's composition
If the beam is maintained on a larger area to account for jitter, then the ability to maintain continuous contact with the target is improved, but the time required to achieve a deterring effect increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary tracking and prediction of target position before beam delivery, allowing it to pre-position the beam for optimal contact. This advance preparation enables shorter, more concentrated energy delivery intervals that achieve deterring effects faster
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic pulse delivery synchronized with target motion cycles detected by video signals and rate sensors. By timing beam pulses to coincide with favorable target positions in their motion cycle, the system achieves cumulative deterring effects through repeated short exposures rather than requiring continuous long-duration exposure
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of a target tracking system and method with jitter reduction suitable for directed energy systems are generally described herein. In some embodiments, the directed energy system includes a target tracking system to track one or more track points on a moving target, and a beam transmission unit to maintain a directed energy beam on a selected one of the track points in response to tracking control signals provided by the target tracking system. The track points may be smaller than a spot size of the directed energy beam maintained on the target.