Viewpoint Guided Weapon System Passive Target Designation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon guidance systems face limitations due to the need for active laser designation until impact, which poses risks to operators and requires complex, costly systems with high-resolution lenses and extensive target signature databases, and lacks real-time assessment of lock acquisition and maneuverability.
Innovation Solution
A viewpoint capture system that records and transmits video sequences of target views, allowing passive guidance and reducing the need for high-resolution lenses, enabling 'designate-and-forget' capability, direct lock assessment, and flexible engagement modes using SWIR imagers and radio links, with optional active laser designation for re-targeting and obstacle avoidance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If active laser designation until impact is used, then guidance accuracy is improved, but operator safety deteriorates and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing images of the target and surrounding environment before the weapon is launched and storing them in a database. This allows the guidance system to have advance knowledge of the target's appearance and location, eliminating the need for continuous laser designation during flight and enabling the operator to disengage from the target area before impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a database of pre-captured target images and using these copies during guidance instead of requiring real-time active designation. The guidance system correlates current sensor data with the stored image copies to maintain lock on the target without continuous operator involvement.
2Measurement precision
If high-resolution variable magnification lens system is used, then target acquisition capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs copying by using pre-captured images stored in a database instead of requiring complex real-time image processing. The guidance system correlates current sensor measurements with stored reference images, eliminating the need for high-resolution variable magnification lenses during flight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by capturing and storing target images before launch, so that the guidance system does not need to process complex real-time images during flight. This shifts the computational burden to the ground station before launch rather than requiring sophisticated onboard optical systems.
3Extent of automation
If preloaded images with target models are used, then autonomous target acquisition is improved, but adaptability to various closure geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses feedback by continuously comparing current sensor measurements with stored reference images during flight. The system adjusts guidance commands based on the correlation between current and reference data, providing adaptive tracking that works across various closure geometries without requiring pre-programmed models for each scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing the guidance system to dynamically adjust its correlation parameters and search criteria based on real-time conditions. This enables the system to adapt to different closure geometries and environmental conditions while maintaining autonomous operation through feedback-driven parameter optimization.
4Measurement precision
If designate-until-impact is required, then guidance precision is improved, but operational flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by completing target designation and image capture before launch, allowing the weapon system to be launched without continuous operator involvement. This provides guidance precision through pre-planned targeting while enabling operational flexibility by allowing the operator to disengage from the target area before impact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses self-service by enabling the guidance system to automatically maintain lock on the target using stored reference images and real-time sensor correlation, without requiring continuous active designation from the operator. The system serves itself by autonomously tracking and guiding to the target based on pre-established reference data.
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
This solution minimizes operator risk, reduces system complexity and cost, and enhances the weapon's ability to acquire and maintain lock on targets under various conditions, providing robust and efficient guidance with flexible engagement options.
Implementation Method 1
a first processor in communication with a first memory unit and a first Shortwave Infrared (SWIR) imager for creating a viewpoint image database
Implementation Method 2
a semi active laser (SAL) target designator (LTD) is used to illuminate an intended target
Data Source
AI summary
A passive guidance system including a viewpoint capture system (VCS) including a first processor in communication with first memory and a first SWIR imager for creating a viewpoint image database having a plurality of images, at least one of the images having a target point. A weapon guidance module is in communication with the VCS and coupled to a weapon. The weapon guidance module includes a second processor in communication with second memory and a second SWIR imager for storing the viewpoint image database and correlating in-flight images from the second SWIR imager to provide guidance commands directing the weapon to the target point.