Jun 30, 2026

US12669308 - Target tracking apparatus and associated systems methods

A target tracking apparatus includes a housing that defines an exterior surface and comprises an interior cavity, a distal opening, and an intermediate opening. The target tracking apparatus also includes a distal-end window attached to the housing over the distal opening and defining a distal end of the target tracking apparatus. The target tracking apparatus further includes an intermediate window attached to the housing over the intermediate opening. The target tracking apparatus additionally includes a first camera within the interior cavity, configured to capture images through the distal-end window, and fixed, relative to the housing, such that the first camera does not move relative to the housing. The target tracking apparatus also includes a second camera within the interior cavity, configured to capture images through the intermediate window, and fixed, relative to the housing, such that the second camera does not move relative to the housing.

Assignee: The Boeing Company
Inventors: Steven Wright, Les Palmer, Hunter Banks, Andrew Willis
Filing date: 2024-03-18

targettrackingcamerasmilitarydefense

The patent describes a target tracking apparatus featuring a housing with two openings for cameras, allowing for fixed image capture through a distal-end window and an intermediate window. This design enhances tracking capabilities by utilizing two stationary cameras positioned within an interior cavity of the housing.

Claim 1

1 . A target tracking apparatus, comprising: a housing defining an exterior surface of the target tracking apparatus, and comprising an interior cavity, a distal opening formed in the exterior surface, at a distal end portion of the target tracking apparatus, and open to the interior cavity, and an intermediate opening formed in the exterior surface, at a location between the distal end portion and a proximal end portion of the target tracking apparatus; a distal-end window attached to the housing over the distal opening and defining a distal end of the target tracking apparatus; an intermediate window attached to the housing over the intermediate opening; a first camera within the interior cavity, configured to capture images through the distal-end window, and fixed, relative to the housing, such that the first camera does not move relative to the housing; and a second camera within the interior cavity, configured to capture images through the intermediate window, and fixed, relative to the housing, such that the second camera does not move relative to the housing. a housing defining an exterior surface of the target tracking apparatus, and comprising an interior cavity, a distal opening formed in the exterior surface, at a distal end portion of the target tracking apparatus, and open to the interior cavity, and an intermediate opening formed in the exterior surface, at a location between the distal end portion and a proximal end portion of the target tracking apparatus; a distal-end window attached to the housing over the distal opening and defining a distal end of the target tracking apparatus; an intermediate window attached to the housing over the intermediate opening; a first camera within the interior cavity, configured to capture images through the distal-end window, and fixed, relative to the housing, such that the first camera does not move relative to the housing; and a second camera within the interior cavity, configured to capture images through the intermediate window, and fixed, relative to the housing, such that the second camera does not move relative to the housing.

Google Patents

https://patents.google.com/patent/US12669308

USPTO PDF

https://image-ppubs.uspto.gov/dirsearch-public/print/downloadPdf/12669308