Automated Weapon Targeting and Munition Selection for First-Shot Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional human-operated weapons rely heavily on individual skill and are limited by environmental factors, leading to inaccurate shots and the need for a large supply of munitions, which increases weight and cost, and the selection of munitions is a time-consuming manual process.
Innovation Solution
An automated weapon system with sensors, targeting, and computational logic that automatically selects and adjusts aim to hit targets, compensates for environmental factors, and chooses appropriate munitions based on target type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional human transported weapons are used, then the warfighter can carry and operate the weapon, but the accuracy is limited by operator skill and environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical aiming system (manual alignment of sights and barrel) with an automated optical/electronic targeting subsystem that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to automatically calculate and adjust aim points, eliminating dependence on human operator skill for precision aiming
Solution Approach 2:
The weapon system performs self-correction by automatically detecting environmental factors (wind, distance, temperature) and compensating for them through computational algorithms that adjust the aim point without human intervention, allowing the system to service itself rather than relying on operator expertise
2Reliability
If more munitions are carried to compensate for high miss rate, then the supply of ammunition is sufficient, but the weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the human operator's mechanical aiming process with an automated fire control system that uses computational ballistics and sensor data to precisely calculate lead points and trajectory compensation, dramatically improving first-shot probability and reducing the number of rounds required
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensor data from the environment and target motion are continuously processed to adjust aim points in real-time, and may include feedback from shot results to further refine accuracy, ensuring high hit rates with minimal ammunition consumption
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual selection and loading of munitions is performed, then the warfighter can choose appropriate ammunition, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The weapon system automatically detects target characteristics (type, distance, movement, armor) and self-selects the appropriate munition type without human intervention, using onboard processors to match target profiles with optimal ammunition choices and automatically loading the selected round
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and pre-selects the optimal munition type based on initial target detection and environmental sensing, having the appropriate ammunition ready before the firing decision is made, eliminating the time required for manual selection and loading during critical engagement moments
4Measurement precision
If environmental factors are not compensated for, then the weapon system is simpler, but accuracy is reduced in adverse conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical sights with complex optical/electronic sensor systems that actively measure environmental parameters (wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure) and use computational ballistics to calculate compensation factors, maintaining accuracy in adverse conditions through automated environmental compensation
Data Source
AI summary
An automated weapon system is comprised of a human transported weapon comprising a barrel and munitions; sensing means; targeting means; computational logic for determining where to aim the human transported weapon; aim computational logic; firing activation means; and, firing means. The munitions can be aimed towards a targeting area to be propelled through the barrel. The sensing means senses which of up to a plurality of targets are within firing range of the automated weapon system. The targeting means selects a selected target from the targets in the targeting area that are within the firing range, responsive to the sensing. The computational logic determines where to aim the human transported weapon so that the munitions will hit the selected target if fired at a firing time. The aim computational logic adjusts the aim of the munitions through the human transported weapon, to compensate as needed for where the selected target is at the firing time, responsive to the determining where to aim. The firing activation means initiating firing of the munitions at the firing time. The firing means fires the munitions responsive to the adjusting the aim and the initiating firing.