The invention relates to an optical gate (100) for determining a velocity vector (V) of a spherical projectile (10), which comprises a sensor array (20) defined by a row of light detecting sensors (22) arranged next to each other, and an illuminating array (30) defined by a row of point light sources (32) arranged next to each other and illuminating towards the sensors (22), wherein the illuminating array (30) is arranged opposite the sensor array (20). The illuminating array (30) and said sensor array (20) being arranged in a common plane (S), and an optical diffuser plate (40) being arranged between said illuminating array (30) and said sensor array (20). said light detecting sensors (22) defining a detection area (42) on said diffuser plate (40) parallel to said sensor array (20), and the optical gate (100) comprises an electronic control unit (36) configured to consecutively flash the point light sources (32) at predetermined time instants at high frequency. and an electronic measuring unit (26) for processing the signals generated by the light detecting sensors (22). The measuring unit (26) being configured to determine the brightness distribution and total brightness along the detection area (42) based on the data generated by the sensors (22) of the sensor array (20). The invention also relates to methods for determining the velocity vector (V) of a spherical projectile (10).

The image capturing part 201 captures a ball in flight with a camera continuously. The image corresponding part 203 generates a first registered ball image obtained by making a size of a first ball image in a first capturing image captured first correspond to a size of a second ball image in a second capturing image captured second. The 3D model constructing part 204 constructs a 3D model of the first registered ball image obtained by converting a camera coordinate system of the generated first registered ball image into a world coordinate system. The virtual rotating part 205 rotates virtually the constructed 3D model of the first registered ball image by using a rotation parameter estimated in advance and rotation matrix information. The registered image generating part 206 generates a second registered ball image in the camera coordinate system obtained by converting the world coordinate system of a visible surface to see from the camera in the 3D model of the first registered ball image after the rotation into the camera coordinate system. The difference calculating part 207 extracts a second compared ball image corresponding to the second registered ball image in the second ball image, and calculates a difference between the second registered ball image and the second compared ball image. The rotation parameter determining part 208 repeats the virtual rotation of the 3D model, the generation of the second registered ball image and the calculation of the difference, and determines a rotation parameter to minimize the difference as a real rotation parameter.

A flying object position measuring apparatus includes an optical sensor, a storage, an orientation calculator, and a position calculator. The optical sensor obtains an image of a flying object. The flying object performs flight along a ballistic trajectory. The storage stores, in advance, basic trajectory information regarding a basic trajectory of the flying object. The basic trajectory information includes position information of a start point at which the flying object starts the flight. The orientation calculator calculates an orientation of the flying object as viewed from the optical sensor on the basis of the image obtained by the optical sensor. The position calculator calculates, as a position of the flying object, an intersection of a plane of rotation with the orientation of the flying object. The plane of rotation is a plane based on a rotation of the basic trajectory around a vertical axis that travels through the start point.

A system for measuring velocities and densities of a particle-free flow of molecules is provided. In various embodiments of the disclosure, the system may include a laser configured to form a two-dimensional light sheet for interrogating a flow of molecules at a measurement region with the two-dimensional light sheet. The system may include a first camera coupled with a first filter and a second camera coupled to a second filter. The cameras can be oriented toward the measurement region at a first angle and a second angle, respectively, with respect to a direction of the two-dimensional light sheet. The cameras are configured to capture images of scattered light from the measurement region through the filters. The two-dimensional spatial distribution of density and velocity values of the flow of molecules can be determined based on the images acquired via the first camera and the second camera.

Kits or sub-systems that include sensors to measure a projectile's condition at muzzle exit. The kits or sub-systems are coupled to ballistic calculators or fire control systems that calculate aiming and programming solutions to improve shot placement, reduced dispersion and improve terminal performance. Where airburst munitions are used, the projectile is programmed when reaching a programming station beyond the barrel and the projectile is programmed with a solution that adjusts the burst location based on the measured muzzle velocity. Sub-systems, processes and sub-routines optimize post-shot programming using certain non-linear methods that are incorporated into fire control systems and ballistic calculators. These non-linear sub-routines are useful in establishing the optimum terminal effect of such airburst projectiles. The sub-systems are used separately or are incorporated into the weapons, to reduce dispersion and improve the terminal effects of the projectiles.

An apparatus and method for detecting a moving object as it passes through a light curtain generated by one or more emitters, by the means for detecting the light of the light curtain reflected by the passing object onto a photoelectric detector. The object sensing area is not constrained by mechanical means and is limited only by the light curtain shape. Velocity of the object is determined primarily by dividing the known distance between two or more parallel light curtains by the time of passage between the light curtains. Additional velocity measurement obtained from the known object length divided by the time of its passage through the light curtain allows verification of the primary velocity measurement. Direction of the object motion across the sensitive area is determined by implementing two or more uniquely identifiable, closely spaced parallel light curtains, and corresponding uniquely identifiable detectors.

Kits or sub-systems that include sensors to measure a projectile's condition at muzzle exit. The kits or sub-systems are coupled to ballistic calculators or fire control systems that calculate aiming and programming solutions to improve shot placement, reduced dispersion and improve terminal performance. Where airburst munitions are used, the projectile is programmed when reaching a programming station beyond the barrel and the projectile is programmed with a solution that adjusts the burst location based on the measured muzzle velocity. Sub-systems, processes and sub-routines optimize post-shot programming using certain non-linear methods that are incorporated into fire control systems and ballistic calculators. These non-linear sub-routines are useful in establishing the optimum terminal effect of such airburst projectiles. The sub-systems are used separately or are incorporated into the weapons, to reduce dispersion and improve the terminal effects of the projectiles.

Systems to measure muzzle exit conditions of for ammunition improve fire control solutions and reduce shot-to-shot dispersion in both conventional and air-burst programmable ammunition. A first system measures muzzle velocity and, when firing post-shot programmable ammunition, the system calculates a unique time-of-flight optimized for the actual muzzle velocity and transmits the time to detonate signal by using either optically or radio-frequency signals that represent an optimized time of burst to a projectile. A second system measures muzzle velocity coupled to a ballistic calculator and, when used with ammunition having ferrous characteristics, the force is applied to exiting ammunition to slow or increase the muzzle velocity to a consistent, standardized target velocity. The systems are separately or in combination incorporated into kits that readily improve the performance of weapon systems.

Systems and techniques for facilitating archery implemented in conjunction with a bow mountable laser-based speed measurement instrument or a speed sensor bar as well as a bow movement sensor system which may be affixed to any of the available mounting positions on a conventional bow.

An archery tuning apparatus includes two light detection units, each comprising a line laser source emitting a planar fan of laser light and a curved array of spaced-apart light sensors. The units are configured with parallel laser fans, creating an overlap target region when viewed along a normal axis. The curved sensor arrays, with radii of curvature approximating their irradiation distances, optimize detection accuracy. Integrated circuitry and software collect and analyze data from arrows shot through the target region during tuning sessions. The apparatus connects to a mobile device, which stores and displays tuning session information through a dedicated app. This system provides archers with precise measurements of arrow speed and skew, offering advantages over traditional paper tuning methods. The mobile interface allows for easy data management, equipment tracking, and remote technical assistance, enhancing the overall archery tuning experience.