Ultrasonic Tracking for Weapon Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-based training systems for military simulations face inaccuracies in tracking the trajectory and landing position of ammunition due to beam divergence, inability to account for obstacles, and weather conditions, and require expensive Location of Misses and Hits (LOMAH) bars.
Innovation Solution
A system using inertial measurement units (IMUs) and ultrasonic technology to track the position and orientation of entities and objects, integrating a single real-time kinematics (RTK) GPS receiver for accurate location determination and accounting for environmental factors, with processors determining relative positions and orientations using time-of-flight data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If laser-based tracking systems are used, then real-time tracking capability is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to beam divergence and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical laser-based tracking system with an acoustic ultrasonic tracking system. The ultrasonic transmitter and receiver array detect sound waves to determine weapon position and trajectory, eliminating beam divergence issues inherent in laser systems. This substitution maintains real-time tracking capability while significantly improving measurement precision in various environmental conditions.
2Measurement precision
If expensive LOMAH bars are deployed, then measurement precision improves for hit detection, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic receiver array mounted on the entity serves multiple functions: it detects weapon trajectory, determines hit/miss events, and tracks entity position. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate LOMAH bars while maintaining hit detection accuracy, thereby reducing device complexity and overall system cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If laser systems operate in various weather conditions, then adaptability is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to weather interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic wave propagation for optical laser propagation. Acoustic waves are less affected by weather conditions such as fog, rain, and dust compared to laser beams. The ultrasonic transmitter and receiver system maintains consistent tracking accuracy across diverse environmental conditions while preserving adaptability to various operational settings.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides accurate, cost-effective, and real-time tracking of entities and objects in various environments, including physical and virtual training settings, improving the simulation's accuracy and reducing equipment costs compared to traditional laser-based systems.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic transmitter mounted on the object to transmit an ultrasonic signal... an array of ultrasonic receivers mounted on the entity to receive a plurality of versions of the ultrasonic signal
Implementation Method 2
The array of ultrasonic receivers can be synchronized with the ultrasonic transmitter mounted on the object... determine a relative position of the object with respect to the entity using the plurality of versions of the ultrasonic signal received
Implementation Method 3
a first inertial measurement unit (IMU) array mounted on an object carried by an entity to detect an orientation of the object... a second IMU array mounted on the entity to detect an orientation of the entity
Implementation Method 4
a real-time kinematics (RTK) global positioning system (GPS) receiver mounted on the entity... determine a position and orientation of the entity in the environment using positioning data received from the RTK GPS receiver
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for tracking entities and objects in an environment can include an entity-mounted instrumentation (EMI) and an object-mounted instrumentation (OMI). The OMI can include a first IMU array to detect the object orientation, and a TOF pulse transmitter to transmit a TOF pulse. The EMI can include a second IMU array to detect the entity orientation, a GPS receiver, and an array of TOF sensors to receive various versions of the TOF pulse. The EMI can determine a location and orientation of the entity using GPS data and orientation data generated by the second IMU array. The EMI can determine a relative location of the object using the various versions of the TOF pulse, and can determine a location of the object using the relative location of the object and the location of the entity. The EMI can determine the object orientation using data provided by the first IMU array.