Target Location System Angular Error Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ground-based target location systems suffer from significant angular errors, particularly with magnetometers and inclinometers, leading to large target position errors, especially at long ranges, and are inadequate for precision attacks on moving targets, requiring complex and expensive terminal seekers and causing collateral damage.
Innovation Solution
A Target Location System (TLS) configured with a computing device, GPS receiver, mapping software, and digital filtering software, which includes operational targeting procedures for instrument error calibration and target velocity estimation, improving the accuracy of range finders, magnetometers, and inclinometers, and predicting moving target positions with reduced calibration needs and collateral damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional magnetometers and inclinometers are used in target location systems, then the system can measure azimuth and inclination, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to significant angular errors leading to large target position errors at long ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensing systems (magnetometers and inclinometers) with an optical-mechanical integration system. The TLS uses a camera to capture images of the target, and a computer vision algorithm automatically identifies target coordinates in the image. This optical approach substitutes the unreliable magnetic and mechanical tilt sensing, eliminating angular measurement errors from magnetometers and inclinometers while maintaining the ability to determine target position.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the target scene through camera imaging. Instead of relying on direct angular measurements from magnetometers and inclinometers, the system captures an optical copy (image) of the target and extracts position information from this copy. The computer vision algorithm processes the image to determine target coordinates, effectively using the visual copy as the primary measurement source rather than mechanical sensors.
2Measurement precision
If elaborate calibration procedures are performed for magnetometers and inclinometers, then angular measurement accuracy may improve slightly, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to tedious and time-consuming calibration processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the calibration requirement entirely from the system by eliminating the magnetometer and inclinometer components. Since these sensors are removed, their associated calibration procedures are also eliminated. The system achieves angular measurement capability through optical imaging and computer vision, which do not require the elaborate magnetic and mechanical calibration that plagues conventional TLS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs automatic target identification and coordinate extraction through computer vision algorithms that process camera images. This self-service capability eliminates the need for manual calibration procedures. The algorithm automatically adapts to the optical characteristics of the camera and extracts target positions without requiring operator intervention for calibration, making the system easy to operate from power-on.
3Reliability
If weapons with terminal seekers are employed to accommodate targeting errors, then target acquisition capability improves, but the device complexity and cost worsen due to expensive seeker systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by accurately determining target coordinates before weapon launch using the calibrated TLS system with computer vision. By obtaining precise target positioning data in advance through optical imaging and algorithmic processing, the system eliminates the need for terminal seekers on the weapon. The targeting information is prepared and transmitted to the weapon prior to engagement, allowing simple guidance systems to achieve precision without complex terminal guidance packages.
4Reliability
If weapons with large warheads are used to accommodate targeting errors, then target engagement capability improves, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to unnecessary collateral damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary target location and coordinate determination with high accuracy using the camera-based TLS system. By establishing precise target coordinates before weapon engagement, the system enables the use of smaller, more precision-oriented warheads. The accurate preliminary positioning eliminates the need to overcompensate with large warheads, thereby reducing collateral damage while maintaining reliable target engagement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system, device and method for targeting and measurement of stationary target locations in addition to prediction of moving target positions for given weapon intercept times generally includes: a target location system (TLS) configured with a computing device, a GPS receiver, mapping software, calibration software and digital filtering software. Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve target acquisition and engagement. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide for improved accuracy of range finders, magnetometers and inclinometers as well as for improved prediction of moving target positions.