Method and apparatus for alignment harmonization

摘要

Techniques and architecture are disclosed for performing alignment harmonization of a collection of electro-optical and/or gimbaled componentry that is to operate within a common coordinate frame. In some cases, the techniques and architecture can provide a cost- and time-efficient approach to achieving alignment harmonization that is compatible, for example, with field-test and/or operational environments. In some instances, the techniques and architecture can be used in concert with error calibration techniques to further improve the accuracy of the alignment harmonization. The techniques and architecture can be utilized with a wide range of components (e.g., sensors, armaments, targeting systems, weapons systems, countermeasure systems, navigational systems, surveillance systems, etc.) on a wide variety of platforms. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

主权项

1. An alignment harmonization system comprising:
an inertial measurement unit (IMU) configured to output angular rate data relating to an attitude of a common reference surface of a platform and an attitude of a reference surface of a unit under alignment (UUA), wherein the common reference surface and the UUA reference surface operate within a common coordinate frame; and a processor operatively coupled with the IMU and configured to interpret the angular rate data to determine a difference in attitude between the common reference surface and the UUA reference surface.