UAS Video Targeting Coordination for Positive ID Through Impact
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) face challenges in maintaining positive identification of targets from initial identification to final impact, especially when multiple aircraft are involved, as existing methods lack efficient coordination and confirmation mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a first UAS captures and transmits video streams with geographic coordinates, allowing a second operator to select targeting coordinates, launch a second aircraft, and maintain positive identification while guiding it to the target, with video stream confirmation of the hit, enabling continuous target identification and elimination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple aircraft are used for targeting, then the capability to maintain positive identification is improved, but the coordination complexity between aircraft increases
Solution Approach 1:
A centralized ground control system acts as an intermediary to coordinate multiple aircraft. The system receives video streams from multiple aircraft, processes targeting information centrally, and distributes coordinated commands to maintain positive identification across all platforms without requiring direct peer-to-peer coordination between aircraft.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where video streams from multiple aircraft are constantly monitored, and targeting status is tracked and communicated back to all platforms. This real-time feedback ensures all aircraft maintain awareness of target identification status and coordinate their actions accordingly.
2Measurement precision
If video stream transmission with geographic coordinates is implemented, then target identification accuracy is improved, but data transmission requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts only the essential geographic coordinate data from video streams and transmits this condensed information separately. Rather than transmitting entire video streams with embedded coordinates, the system extracts key targeting coordinates and transmits them as discrete data packets, reducing overall data volume while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified digital representations of target locations using geographic coordinates that can be transmitted efficiently. Instead of transmitting complex video data, the system generates coordinate copies that reference target positions, allowing multiple platforms to access the same precise location information with minimal data transmission.
3Reliability
If continuous target monitoring is maintained from identification to impact, then targeting reliability is improved, but the time required for target engagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-coordinating multiple aircraft positions and targeting parameters before engagement. Targeting solutions are calculated in advance, and aircraft are positioned and prepared with targeting data before the actual engagement sequence begins, allowing rapid execution once initiated.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous monitoring process is segmented into discrete phases: identification phase, coordination phase, engagement phase, and confirmation phase. Each phase has specific objectives and can be executed efficiently with clear transition points, reducing overall engagement time while maintaining reliability through structured progression through each segment.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A method of targeting, which involves capturing a first video of a scene about a potential targeting coordinate by a first video sensor (102) on a first aircraft (100); transmitting the first video (232) and associated potential targeting coordinate by the first aircraft; receiving the first video on a first display in communication with a processor, the processor also receiving the potential targeting coordinate; selecting the potential targeting coordinate to be an actual targeting coordinate (226) for a second aircraft (116) in response to viewing the first video on the first display; and guiding a second aircraft toward the actual targeting coordinate; where positive identification of a target (114) corresponding to the actual targeting coordinate is maintained from selection of the actual targeting coordinate.