Weapon-Mounted Vision Aiming for Obstructed Infantry Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser-based infantry training systems require an unobstructed line of sight, are easily defeated by obstructions and weather, and lack a transition path to live combat operations, providing unrealistic lethality ranges and interfering with combat equipment.
Innovation Solution
A high-precision Infantry Training System (HITS) using computer vision techniques to determine weapon pointing angles by matching imagery from a weapon sight camera to a geo-located reference site model, incorporating EO and IR camera optics, and leveraging inertial sensors for accurate projectile trajectory modeling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser-based detection systems are used, then target hit detection capability is provided, but the system requires unobstructed line of sight and is easily defeated by smoke and obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the active laser-based detection system with a passive optical detection system using electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) cameras. Instead of using laser beams that can be blocked, the system captures images through obscurants and uses computer vision algorithms to detect target hits by analyzing pixel-level changes in the captured imagery, thereby overcoming the limitation of line-of-sight requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a digital copy of the training environment by capturing images through EO/IR cameras and processing them via computer vision algorithms. This digital representation allows the system to detect target hits by comparing captured imagery with reference models, enabling reliable detection even when direct optical paths are obstructed by smoke or other obscurants.
2Reliability
If laser detectors are mounted on soldier equipment, then target hit declaration is enabled, but hardware attachments interfere with combat equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for physical laser detector attachments on weapons and soldier equipment by replacing them with remote EO/IR camera systems and computer vision processing. The detection function is transferred from contact-based laser detectors to remote optical imaging, removing the interference with combat equipment while maintaining target hit declaration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary detection mechanism where EO/IR cameras capture images of the training environment, and computer vision algorithms process these images to detect target hits. This intermediary approach eliminates the need for direct contact between detection hardware and combat equipment, thereby removing interference while preserving detection functionality.
3Measurement precision
If laser-based systems are used, then training evaluation is provided, but the systems provide unrealistic trajectory paths and lethality ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameters from laser-based line-of-sight measurement to passive optical imaging through EO/IR cameras. By capturing actual images through the same media that affect real projectiles (smoke, obscurants, terrain), the system achieves realistic trajectory modeling and lethality range assessment that accurately reflects combat conditions, thereby improving both measurement precision and adaptability.
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 realistic training in obstructed environments, provides accurate projectile trajectories, and transitions seamlessly to live combat operations, enhancing training and combat effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
HITS embodiments can be configured to leverage standardized EO and/or IR (Electro-Optical/Infra-Red) camera optic systems
Implementation Method 2
a weapon-mounted long-range infrared sensor that provides imagery
Implementation Method 3
weapon pointing angle is determined by matching imagery collected from a weapon sight camera to a view from a pre-generated, geo-located reference site model
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a point-of-impact of a ballistic projectile comprising: within a predetermined site using a weapon comprising a barrel, a camera, and an IMU configured to provide data concerning barrel attitude: detecting a firing event associated with the weapon; obtaining metadata associated with the weapon; determining estimated pointing angles of the weapon; obtaining a reference image of the site; culling portions of the reference image not associated with the estimated pointing angles, creating a culled reference image; projecting the culled reference image onto an image plane; obtaining an image from the weapon-mounted camera, the image being centered on the pointing direction weapon at the time of firing; registering the image from the weapon-mounted camera with the culled reference image; and calculating the true pointing angles of the weapon based on the alignment of the image obtained by the weapon-mounted camera with the culled reference image.