A Computer Vision Approach to Automatically Measure the Initial Spin-Rate of Artillery Projectiles Painted With Stripes

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Authors
Decker, Ryan J.
Kölsch, Mathias
Yakimenko, Oleg A.
Subjects
ballistics
artillery
image processing
Advisors
Date of Issue
2014-07
Date
July 2014
Publisher
ASTM International
Language
Abstract
High-speed video has been used by ballistics engineers as a cost-effective technique to measure the spin-rates of both spin-stabilized and fin-stabilized artillery projectiles. Often at test ranges, state-of-the-art video systems are used to verify critical launch events following muzzle exit. From manual analysis of these videos, important performance metrics such as velocity, pitch angle, and spin-rate can be estimated. To do this, operators step through the video frames and record the time at which certain fiducial markings or numbered stripes are observed on the projectile as it rotates. The different methods evaluated in this paper are automated processes for calculating the muzzle-exit spin-rate from launch videos of spin-stabilized artillery projectiles painted with stripes. Image processing and computer vision techniques are employed to segment the shape of the projectile and extract the stripe pattern in each video frame. The most accurate algorithm estimates are validated to within 0.02 % for both laboratory and computer-simulated flight video and within 0.13 % for manual analysis of real flight video. The sensitivities of the methods to image resolution, video frame-rate, and the length of flight captured are evaluated. Areas of continued research and recommendations for increasing the accuracy of measurements in future tests are also identified.
Type
Article
Description
The article of record as published may be found at http://dx.doi.org/10.1520/JTE20130136
Series/Report No
Department
Organization
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
15 p.
Citation
Decker, Ryan J., Mathias Kölsch, and Oleg A. Yakimenko. "A computer vision approach to automatically measure the initial spin-rate of artillery projectiles painted with stripes." Journal of Testing and Evaluation 42.4 (2014): 828-841.
Distribution Statement
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.
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