초록 ▼

A method of determining a target location from a vehicle is described. The method includes identifying the target utilizing a video system, determining an angular location vector to the target with respect to the vehicle, determining a position of the vehicle utilizing a digital terrain elevation ma

A method of determining a target location from a vehicle is described. The method includes identifying the target utilizing a video system, determining an angular location vector to the target with respect to the vehicle, determining a position of the vehicle utilizing a digital terrain elevation map and precision radar altimeter, calculating a location where the angular location vector would intersect with the digital terrain elevation map, and generating a target position based on vehicle position and the location of the intersection of the angular location vector and digital terrain elevation map.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of determining a target location from a vehicle, said method comprising: identifying the target utilizing a video system; determining an angular location vector to the target with respect to the vehicle; determining a position of the vehicle utilizing a digital terrain elevation

1. A method of determining a target location from a vehicle, said method comprising: identifying the target utilizing a video system; determining an angular location vector to the target with respect to the vehicle; determining a position of the vehicle utilizing a digital terrain elevation map; calculating a location where the angular location vector would intersect with the digital terrain elevation map; and generating a target position based on vehicle position and the location of the intersection of the angular location vector and digital terrain elevation map. 2. A method according to claim 1 wherein determining a position of the vehicle comprises determining a latitude, longitude and elevation of the vehicle.3. A method according to claim 1 wherein determining a position of the vehicle comprises determining a position of the vehicle utilizing a radar altimeter and the digital terrain elevation map.4. A method according to claim 1 wherein determining an angular location vector to the target comprises determining an angular location vector to the target in vehicle body coordinates.5. A method according to claim 4 further comprising converting the angular location vector to local coordinates.6. A method according to claim 1 further comprising transmitting the angular location vector and the position of the vehicle to a remote base station, the base station including a digital terrain elevation map.7. A method according to claim 6 wherein providing a target position comprises transmitting the target position from the remote base station to the vehicle.8. A method according to claim 1 wherein determining an angular location vector to the target with respect to the vehicle comprises controlling a field of view of the video system from the remote base station.9. A method according to claim 8 wherein controlling a field of view comprises: zooming in on the target, narrowing a field of view of the video system; and adjusting a pointing azimuth and elevation angles of the video system to keep the target within the narrowing field of view. 10. A target location system for use with a vehicle, said system comprising: a telemetry transmitter/receiver; a radar altimeter communicatively coupled to said telemetry transmitter/receiver, said radar altimeter determining a position of the vehicle utilizing digital terrain elevation maps and providing the position of the vehicle to said telemetry transmitter/receiver; and a video system communicatively coupled to said telemetry transmitter/receiver, said video system identifying targets and providing an angular location vector of the targets to said telemetry transmitter/receiver, said target location system determining a position of the target utilizing the angular location vector, the vehicle position, and a digital terrain elevation map for a vicinity of the target. 11. A target location system according to claim 10 wherein said radar altimeter determines a position of the vehicle in terms of latitude, longitude, and elevation utilizing a digital terrain elevation map.12. A target location system according to claim 10 wherein a position of the target is given in terms of latitude, longitude, and elevation.13. A target location system according to claim 10 wherein said video system provides the angular location vectors for targets in vehicle body coordinates.14. A target location system according to claim 10 comprising a remote base station communicatively coupled to said telemetry transmitter/receiver, said base station comprising a digital terrain elevation map.15. A target location system according to claim 14 wherein said telemetry transmitter/receiver transmits the angular location vector and the position of the vehicle to said remote base station.16. A target location system according to claim 14 wherein said remote base station transmits a target position to said telemetry transmitter/receiver.17. A target location system according to claim 14 wherein a f ield of view of said video system is controlled from said remote base station.18. A target location system according to claim 14 wherein said video system adjusts pointing azimuth angles and elevation angles to keep the target within a field of view.