Virtual Projectile Compass Bearing via Landmark Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing simulation systems for virtual projectile/missile firing devices cannot accurately determine the compass bearing when the target is hidden behind obstacles or beyond the horizon, limiting the calculation of ballistic trajectories.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a terrain database with marked landmarks, image processing to identify these landmarks in captured images, and using GPS or DGPS for accurate positioning of the virtual projectile/missile firing device, along with laser range finders for distance measurement to enhance compass bearing determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the target is used as the reference object for determining compass bearing, then the compass bearing can be directly determined when the target is visible, but the determination fails when the target is hidden behind obstacles or beyond the horizon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces landmarks as intermediary reference objects that are always visible in the terrain. These landmarks serve as mediators between the firing device and the target, allowing the system to determine compass bearing indirectly when the target is not visible. The image processing unit identifies landmarks in captured images, and the compass bearing is calculated based on the positions of these intermediary landmarks rather than requiring direct line-of-sight to the target.
2Ease of operation
If the system requires the target to be visible in the captured image for bearing determination, then the calculation is straightforward, but the system cannot operate when obstacles block the view or the target is beyond the horizon
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-storing the geographical positions of multiple landmarks in the terrain database before the simulation exercise begins. This preparatory step ensures that reference objects are already identified and their coordinates are available, allowing the system to quickly and reliably determine compass bearing by matching detected landmarks against the pre-stored database, maintaining operational simplicity while ensuring reliability in all visibility conditions.
3Device complexity
If only the position of the firing device is used for bearing determination, then the system is simple, but the accuracy of compass bearing and ballistic trajectory calculation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds another dimension to the bearing determination system by incorporating the geographical positions of multiple landmarks in addition to the firing device position. Instead of relying solely on the single-point position of the firing device, the system uses the spatial relationships between the firing device and multiple distributed landmarks, creating a multi-dimensional reference framework that significantly improves the precision of compass bearing and ballistic trajectory calculations.
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
Enables accurate compass bearing determination and improved ballistic trajectory calculation even without visual contact with the target, enhancing simulation realism and effectiveness with high accuracy and minimal equipment requirements.
Implementation Method 1
means arranged to capture at least one image of the scene in front of the directing means
Implementation Method 2
processing means arranged to process the image of the scene so as to identify at least one landmark of the terrain database in the image
Data Source
AI summary
A simulation system including at least one virtual projectile/missile firing device associated to a determined position and having a movable director arranged to direct a virtual projectile/missile towards a target and an image capturer arranged to capture at least one image of a scene in front of the director. The simulation system includes a terrain database with the positions of landmarks marked, a processor arranged to process the image of the scene so as to identify at least one landmark of the terrain database in the image and the processor is further arranged to determine a compass bearing of the director based on at least the position of the virtual projectile/missile and the position of the identified at least one landmark.