Research on the Development of a Miniature, Low Power Global Positioning System (GPS)/Inertial Registration Device For Use As A Weapon Orientation Sen

A solution is needed to support training operations in both an outdoor and indoor environment with precise 3-D positioning and weapon orientation to allow geometric pairing. Research solutions are needed to provide a cost effective approach for dealing with this tough problem. Our proposed solution is to leverage an ultra-low power military GPS tracking capability integrated with a low power inertial sensor that can be mounted on a dismounted soldier's small arms weapon. This small, lightweight, low power sensor assembly can be used as an absolute positioning and angular reference for tactical engagement simulation systems during live training exercises and during operational and developmental testing casualty assessment events. Under the Phase II effort, we will develop a fully functional prototype GPS/Inertial-Wireless Orientation Sensor (GI-WOS) assembly and integrate and test the unit with an emulated player unit Software Defined Radio (SDR). The GI-WOS assembly will be suitable for mounting to a dismounted soldier’s weapon to provide real-time weapon orientation information to the player unit. The player unit will leverage our existing SDR technology. The performance capabilities will be demonstrated with the proposed approach in a representative environment for test and training.