Abstract:
A software and related software operational system has both military and civilian uses and that can be operated as a light weight, hand-held, commercial, off-the-shelf computer device. The ballistic computer utilizes a display format that permits entry and display of both graphical and alphanumeric data simultaneously. This display and data entry format is especially applicable to the firing of mortars, allowing a representation of both where the mortar currently is and where it is projected to land.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0002]    The present invention relates to a hand-held computational device configured for managing artillery fire tasks for a light infantry solider and, more specifically, for the quick input of firing mission data, the performance of calculations for each entered mortar or artillery piece, and the management of the various firing mission data.  
           [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art  
           [0004]    In order for the soldier to effectively target mortar fire, it has typically been necessary either to manually compute the launch data required or to use a full service computer to do so. Doing the targeting work manually typically requires the use of plotting and/or charting boards along with various data tables (generally referred to as the M-19 system). The manual use of these boards and data tables can be time-consuming, creating a certain time lag between firings and can provide the opportunity for human error during the process. Additionally, this manual system does not promote quick adjustments for such factors as changes in weather conditions (e.g., temperature, wind speed, humidity) and/or artillery weapon characteristics (e.g., change in barrel temperature; change in weapon used for launch; change in mortar type used). Moreover, the plotting/charting boards are relatively big, making handling and transport thereof difficult. Further, as the data is manually generated, associated record keeping must be physically performed.  
           [0005]    Computers have been used in an attempt to overcome the limitations associated with the manual system. Such computers have been hardened computers designed specifically for military use and provided with a lot of expensive software, making them relatively expensive (i.e., on the order of thousands of dollars). Additionally, these computers are bigger than a laptop, making them somewhat large for field use and transport. Furthermore, such computers tend to use an LCD or LED display, displaying numerical data and being non-graphically oriented. This computerized system is known militarily as the M23 system.  
           [0006]    For which ever system is employed to determine firing settings, it is important that it be able to incorporate a NATO ballistic kernel. This ballistic kernel works for a wide variety of rounds and types of armor. It not only works for just U.S. military weaponry but for all NATO-country-employed armament.  
           [0007]    A further problem associated with each of the current M-19 and M-23 systems is that they are not conducive to rapid communication of artillery data between military units, including any forward observer(s) and any proximate friendly unit(s). Typically when using such systems, the operation orders and/or other mission data are hand-written, and runners are used for delivery thereof between such units. This mode of communication involves the risk of capture and/or injury of such runners and presents the opportunity to possibly improperly transcribe the firing settings for the given mission.  
           [0008]    The alternative use of radio communications to instead relay the information is not without its potential drawbacks. Establishing a secure radio link is necessary. Further, the transmission system used must be resistant to signal jamming.  
           [0009]    What is needed in the art is a readily portable system that facilitates the calculation of artillery firing settings in an accurate and timely fashion, the storage and manipulation of artillery fire data (including the calculated firing settings), and the secure communication of such data with other chosen units.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0010]    The present invention relates to a Windows CE-based piece of software and related software operational system that potentially has both military and civilian uses and that can be operated as a light weight, hand-held, commercial, off-the-shelf computer device. Militarily, Mortar Ballistic Computer Easy (i.e., MBCE) utilizes a display format that permits entry and display of both graphical and alphanumeric data simultaneously. This display and data entry format is especially applicable to the firing of mortars, allowing a representation of both where the mortar currently is and where it is projected to land. A variety of useful features may be derived from such an MBCE.  
           [0011]    The present invention, in one form thereof, comprises a computational device, including: a central processor unit; at least one data entry mechanism communicatively connected with the processor unit; and a display screen configured as a split screen contextual interface. The display screen includes at least a graphical field and an alphanumeric field. The graphical field displays graphically plotted data, and the alphanumeric field depicts alphanumeric data. At least a portion of the graphically plotted data correlates contextually with the alphanumeric data.  
           [0012]    The present invention comprises, in another form thereof, a target map display generated on a visual display device. The target map display includes a graphical field, a plurality of map coordinates, and at least one target location. The graphical field of the visual display device is configured for displaying at least one of mapped and plotted data. The plurality of map coordinates are designated within the graphical field. The plurality of map coordinates permit definition of the plurality of positions upon the geographical field. At least one target location is visually indicated within the graphical field. Each target location has a position definable using the map coordinates.  
           [0013]    The present invention comprises, in yet another form thereof, a method of generating a firing setting of a munitions launch unit using a portable computation unit. The method includes the steps of inputting target data for a desired target, inputting munitions launch unit set-up data, inputting ammunition data, calculating firing data, generating a firing setting, and outputting the firing data and the firing setting. The step of inputting munitions launch unit set-up data is in regard to the munitions launch unit being employed. The step of inputting ammunition data is for the ammunition being used in the ammunition launch unit. The step of calculating firing data is based upon the target data, the munition launch unit set-up data, and the ammunition data. The step of calculating is performed using a ballistic kernel, the ballistic kernel employing at least one look-up table and triangulation to calculate the firing data. The step of generating a firing setting for the munitions launch unit is based upon the firing data. The step of outputting the firing data and the firing setting includes outputting this information to at least one of a display unit and a data link.  
           [0014]    The invention, in yet another form thereof, comprises a method of selectively contacting at least one contactable entity. The method includes a plurality of steps, the first step being providing a computer system having a central processing unit, at least one data entry mechanism, and a display screen. The display screen has a graphical field associated therewith, the graphical field having at least one contactable entity plotted thereon. The method further includes a step of activating an area of the graphical field to thereby create an active field area. The active field area is chosen so as to activate each contactable entity located in the active field area. Each contactable entity located in the active field area thereby becomes an active contactable entity. The next step in the method is the step of contacting of each active contactable entity.  
           [0015]    The present invention comprises, in an even further form, a display format for a display mechanism of a portable computational device. The display format includes a data entry field viewable on the display device and a plurality of tabs visible within the data entry field. Each tab is associated with a related data page, and each tab is configured for activation using at least one data entity mechanism associated with the portable computational device. One tab is activated as an active tab at any given time, and the data page related to the active tab is the only currently displayed data page. At least one data entry mechanism is configured for facilitating entry of data in the currently displayed data page.  
           [0016]    The present invention, in yet another form thereof, comprises a computational device including a central processing unit, at least one data entry mechanism communicatively connected with the processor unit and a display screen including a graphical field. The graphical field displays graphically plotted data and the graphically plotted data is divisible into a plurality of graphical data subsets. At least one data entry mechanism is configured for facilitating a choice of which of the graphical data subsets are to be displayed at any given instant.  
           [0017]    One advantage of the present invention is that the MBCE software facilitates the input, calculation, and graphical display of mortar firing data using a light weight, hand-held “cots” (i.e., commercial-off-the-shelf) computer device.  
           [0018]    Another advantage of the present invention is that MBCE can be operated in a variety of mission modes including polar, shift, grid, adjustment, final protective fire (i.e., FPF), time on target (i.e., TOT), and GPS (i.e., Global Positioning System) modes. In adjustment mode, subsequent adjustments to initial rounds can be calculated. In FPF mode, final protective fire and other linear missions could be preformed. In TOT mode, time on target could use the MBCE&#39;s internal clock to signal the command to fire. In GPS mode, the MBCE could use data from a connected GPS to a firing position by updating the base gun&#39;s grid as the mortar firing unit travels.  
           [0019]    Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it supports paperwork, records keeping, and planning in a variety of ways. The MBCE could fill out and store a series of data sheets for review or upload to a data server. The MBCE could fill out and store, via a computer, a record on each mission for review with the possibility of a series of computer records being stored by target number for a later upload to a data server. Further, the system can calculate and display safety cards to copy for the gunners. The system can also display and store a safety fan for each mission firing plan and ammo type. The system can display and store firing plans and target list worksheets. Furthermore, the MBCE could aid logistics by tracking rounds, signal to request rounds, request rounds itself automatically, and trend round consumption to predict logistics needs and the number of missions that can be fired on the remaining ammunition.  
           [0020]    Another advantage of the MBCE system is the extreme mobility thereof, the system weighing approximately one pound with spare double AA batteries and a solar recharging unit and being compact enough to fit in a fanny/butt pack, in a small carrying pouch, or in a cargo pocket of a BDU uniform.  
           [0021]    Another advantage of the MBCE is that it can be quickly setup. Manually, the MBCE can be set-up from blank in 30 seconds to 1 minute. From defaults, the previous settings can be stored as defaults, enabling set-up review in less than 30 seconds. Automatically, as in GPS mode, the map grid and any forward observers could be set-up automatically.  
           [0022]    Another advantage of the MBCE system is that a munitions launch mission can be quickly initiated. Manually, a mission can be entered in 5 to 20 seconds, with firing data calculated immediately. Using a combination of a touch screen and accompanying stylus, a mission can be initiated and firing data calculated in less than 2 seconds by directly inputting the target grid on the situation map shown on this screen. Automatically, the mission can be initiated instantaneously when the MBCE unit is in communication with a hand-held Forward Observer Command Unit (FOCU).  
           [0023]    Another advantage of the MBCE system is that round adjustments can be made in a similar manner as when using those techniques for initiating a mission and done so in a similar time frame. Another advantage is that any accuracy that might be lost against a six-degree of freedom calculation used to make the MBCE tabulations is gained in speed and targeting validity through the ability of getting round down range much faster than possible using other targeting methods.  
           [0024]    Another advantage of the MBCE system is that it is relatively inexpensive to produce since commercially-available hand-held device platforms can be used to run the software, immediately reducing the cost per unit.  
           [0025]    Another advantage of the hand-held MBCE platform is that it can be made to be relatively secure through use of password protection and through anticipation that the EPRON could be setup to erase upon external tampering with the device&#39;s container, for around a hundred dollars per unit.  
           [0026]    Another advantage is multiple positions within a specific area map field can be designated simultaneously for receipt of a given message, warning and/or alert (e.g., via e-mail, phone, pager, and/or radio).  
           [0027]    Another advantage of the invention is that it can provide for auto-fill of selected data and/or meteorological information, either from memory or a data link, as appropriate.  
           [0028]    Another advantage of the invention is that the graphically plotted data shown on the display screen is divisible into a plurality into graphical data subsets, facilitating a choice of which graphical data subsets are to be displayed at any given moment. Such division permits layers of data (e.g., weapon units, friendly units, enemy units, reference points, and combinations/sub-combinations thereof) to be shown at any given instant.  
           [0029]    Another advantage of the MBCE system is that tabbing of displayed data pages is used to minimize the amount of data displayed at any given time while permitting quick access to all the data/data entry positions, thereby allowing each data page to be displayed at a size that is easily viewed/read yet allow quick and ready access to the entirety of the available data.  
           [0030]    Another advantage of the MBCE system is that it permits for a split screen contextual interface between a map field and an alphanumeric/data entry field of a display screen wherein entry of data in one of these two fields will effect, at least in part, the other field.  
           [0031]    Another advantage is that the MBCE system is flexible in that it can be used while implementing various weapons data/lookup tables, including a standard NATO ballistic kernel that works for a variety of rounds in types of NATO artillery ammunition.  
           [0032]    Another advantage is that the ballistic kernel used in the MBCE system is stripped-down relative to the ballistic kernels used in prior systems, the present invention using a program in C++ that is table-based and uses interpellation and trigonometry to arrive at the firing settings.  
           [0033]    Another advantage is that the MBCE system permits the saving of mission data/calculations and possible use thereof for subsequent missions.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0034]    The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and the invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a computational device of the present invention having a display screen configured as a split screen contextual interface;  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 2 is a split screen view of display unit of the present invention in which the general set-up data page is tab-activated;  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 3 is a split screen view of display unit of the present invention in which the weapon set-up data page is tab-activated;  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 4 is a split screen view of display unit of the present invention in which the forward observer set-up page is tab-activated;  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 5 is a split screen view of display unit of the present invention in which the ammunition set-up data page is tab-activated;  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 6 is a split screen view of display unit of the present invention in which the safety set-up data page is tab-activated and at which point in the data entry sequence a safety fan is displayed;  
         [0041]    [0041]FIG. 7 is a split screen view of display unit of the present invention in which the mission data screen is tab-activated and at which location adjustment(s) to a mission may be initiated;  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 8 is a schematic representation of the types of mission data with respect to the present invention that can be entered by an MBCE user;  
         [0043]    [0043]FIG. 9 is a schematic presentation of the mission data with respect to the present invention that is displayed to an MBCE user;  
         [0044]    [0044]FIG. 10 is a schematic presentation of a user of the MBCE initiating a firing mission according to the present invention; and  
         [0045]    [0045]FIG. 11 is a schematic view of a split screen view of a display unit of the present invention in which an area of the map field and/or a group of map entities has been selected and a directional movement assigned thereto. 
     
    
       [0046]    Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplification set out herein illustrates one preferred embodiment of the invention, in one form, and such exemplification is not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0047]    The present invention, in one form thereof, as shown in FIG. 1, is a Mortar Ballistic Computer-Easy (MBCE  10 ) that includes a central processing unit  12 , at least one data entry mechanism  14  (i.e., keyboard  14   a  and stylus  14   b , as shown), a data link mechanism  16  (shown schematically), and a display screen  18 . Display screen  18  includes an alphanumeric (data entry) field and a graphical (map) field.  
         [0048]    MBCE (Mortar Ballistic Computer-Easy)  10  is a Windows CE-based, hand-held device used for the managing of artillery Fire Direction Center (FDC) tasks for the light infantry soldier. The MBCE  10  quickly receives fire mission data and performs calculations for each entered mortar or artillery piece. The MBCE set-up and mission gun data can be stored for later retrieval or discarded. Much of the paper work associated with operating the FDC in the past can be automated within the MBCE  10 . The location of the Firing Point can be located on the ground automatically using the MBCE&#39;s built in GPS (global positioning system) connectivity. The weight, size, and cost of the CE device  10  makes it a real value for combat operations where speed and pack weight are an issue. The open systems architecture of the CE device  10  further enhances battlefield operations through its support of better communications and records keeping.  
         [0049]    In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one data entry mechanism  14  includes keyboard  14   a  and stylus  14   b . Keyboard  14   a  facilitates entry of alphanumeric data, while stylus  14   b  is configured to enter data via activation of points and/or locations on display screen  18 . One other potential data entry mechanism  14  is a mouse mechanism (not shown).  
         [0050]    Data link mechanism  16  can be any one of a radio transceiver, a wireless/cellular transceiver, a satellite dish, and a modem. Given that it is a military device, one requisite of data link mechanism  16 , when employed in a military context, is that it be capable of providing a secure communication link.  
         [0051]    The display screen  18  of a preferred embodiment of the present invention has a variety of features associated therewith. Display screen  18  is configured as a split screen contextual interface such that at least a portion of graphically plotted data in graphical field  22  has a contextual relation with alphanumeric data presented in alphanumeric field  20 . Display screen  18  is configured as a touch screen mechanism, permitting entry of data and/or selective activation of locations and/or portions of alphanumeric field  20  and/or graphical field  22  via, e.g., the use of stylus  14   b . Furthermore, alphanumeric field  20  includes a plurality of field tabs  24   a - 24   f  (FIGS.  2 - 7 ) associated with data pages  26   a - 26   f , respectively. Each of data pages  26   a - 26   f  have one or more data input boxes  28  associated therewith.  
         [0052]    Graphical field  22  has at least one set of map coordinates  30  associated with a corresponding map grid  32 . It is typical to use map coordinates  30  to indicate each of a grid east and grid north location. However, a grid west coordinate and/or a grid south coordinate could instead be used, as long as one using the map of graphical field  22  were informed of the use of such a grid basis. Map  22  has at least one mapped entity  34  plotted in thereby located thereon. Each mapped entity  34  represents one of, e.g., a person, a group of people, a particular location, and a person or group of people who can be found at a particular location (e.g., town, building, floor of a building, particular area). In military terms a person would be a soldier, while a group of people could be any one of a troop, a platoon, a company, and a battalion, as well as any other military unit designation. A particular location indicated by one mapped entity  34  could be one of, e.g., a landmark, a physical structure, a building, a geographical location, and a military target. Even more specifically, mapped entity  34  could represent a particular floor or group of floors in a building.  
         [0053]    The touch-screen mechanism (i.e., combination of stylus  14   b  and display screen  18 ) is integrated for activation of a selected portion or portions of alphanumeric/data entry field  20  and/or graphical/map field  22 , thereby effectively permitting data entry directly via display screen  18 . Consequently, one or more mapped entities  34  can be actively chosen on graphical/map field via use of the touch-screen mechanism. Specifically, to choose a single entity  34 , stylus  14   b  can be touched directly to that location upon display screen  18  or can be used to form a trace around the perimeter thereof (e.g., encircle). Likewise, to actively choose a plurality of mapped entities  34 , an encompassing trace can be drawn around that entire group. The use of an encompassing trace can also be used to select an area of map field  22  as an active field region, with all mapped entities  34  which are encompassed by the chosen area thereby becoming activated. Activation of a given mapped entity or entities  34  can be used to choose, e.g., a target or a receiver of a message being sent.  
         [0054]    Data link mechanism  16  is communicatively linked with display screen  18 , including graphical/map field  22 . Thus, data link mechanism  16  is configured for commutatively contacting each actively chosen one of a person and a group of people, as shown on display screen  18 . The step of actively choosing can be done one of graphically via the touch-screen mechanism via graphical/map field  22  or by choosing or entering their name or names via alphanumeric/data entry field  20 .  
         [0055]    The graphically plotted data (e.g., mapped entities  34 ) is divisible into a plurality of graphical data subsets. At least one data entry mechanism  14  is configured for facilitating a choice of which of the graphical data subsets are to be displayed at any given instant. This feature effectively allows layers of map data to be displayed within graphical/map field  22 , thereby avoiding cluttering map field  22  with information that need not be currently viewed.  
         [0056]    Each mapped entity  34  having an associated communication device (e.g., a person or group of people with a radio or cell phone) can be considered a contactable entity. Each contactable entity located in the active field area (i.e., within the perimeter trace created using stylus  14   b ) becomes an active contactable entity, thereby chosen to be contacted, e.g., via at least one of a radio transceiver, a wireless transceiver, a pager unit, a telephone, and an e-mail messaging device. Contact via one of such units can include transmitting data in at least one of graphical, alphanumeric, and audilbe form. The message delivered may be, e.g., a warning, an alert, and/or an information release.  
         [0057]    The touch screen mechanism has a whiteboard feature associated therewith that can be used in conjunction therewith graphical field  22 . The whiteboard feature enables stylus  14   b  to indicate a directional movement for an active portion of the graphical field  22 . In a preferred embodiment this feature can be used to indicate both military unit movement that has occurred and to order new military unit movement. Via use of a data link, it would then be possible to inform one or more military units of movements that are occurring around them and to forward movement orders to each of these such units in a manner that could be readily and quickly understood.  
         [0058]    In this embodiment, graphical/map field  22  represents a geographically-based map, and each contactable (mapped) entity  34  has an associated entity geographical location. The associated geographical map location determines a related entity plot location in graphical field  22 .  
         [0059]    With respect to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, alphanumeric/data entry field  20  is configured for entry of military mission data, and the graphical/map data field  22  is a military map field. At least a portion of the military mission data is graphically represented on the military map field.  
         [0060]    Keyboard  14   a  and/or stylus  14   b  of MBCE unit  10  can be used to facilitate movement between data input boxes  28  in the currently displayed one of the data pages  26   a - 26   f . Specifically with relation to keyboard  14   a , a tab key (not labeled) can be used to move between a given adjacent pair of data input boxes  28 . As appropriate, one or more data input boxes  28  may be enabled with an auto-fill capability, providing the option of automatic data entry one of via the computer memory and via a data link. Automatic data entry from the computer memory would permit entry of a particular alphanumeric string upon recognition of the entry of a first few characters within that string. Some examples of data that could be auto-filled via a data link are up-to-date satellite weather information downloaded from the internet and data transmitted from a mainframe computer.  
         [0061]    The general steps involved in using MBCE system  10  to fire missions of mortar shells are generally illustrated in FIGS.  2 - 10 . A general set-up step  36 , a weapon set-up step  38 , an ammunition recording/set-up step  40 , a forward observer step  42 , a step of displaying a safety fan  44 , a step of displaying a forward observer location  46 , a step of displaying a mission/mortar firing position  48 , a step of displaying a target  50 , a step of initiating a fire mission  52 , a step of preforming adjustments to a mission  54 , and a step of completing the mission  56 .  
         [0062]    General set-up step  36  (FIG. 2) sets up data that does not change between various missions and other operations. The user selects set-up data tab  24   a , causing set-up data page  26   a  to appear on display screen  18 . Input boxes  28  are displayed for entering target prefix, minimum east grid, minimum north grid, grid magnetic angle and owner I.D. (identification). Through the use of input boxes  28  on set-up data page  26   a , a set of target grid coordinates are created. The user enters data into each data input box  28  using one or more of keyboard  14   a , stylus  14   b , and an auto-fill feature which may be associated with a given data input box  28 . To move between input boxes  28 , the tab key (not labeled on keyboard  14   a ) or stylus  14   b  can be used. The various mechanisms for data entry and movement between input boxes  28  discussed with respect to set-up data page  26   a  will hold true for each of data pages  26   a - 26   f.    
         [0063]    Weapon set-up step  38  sets up the gun/artillery piece with its location and direction of fire. The user selects weapon tab  24   b  to effect the display of weapon data page  26   b . Input boxes  28  are displayed for entering weapon type, weapon I.D., military unit I.D., grid east/north location, altitude, gun mounting, aszimuth, referred deflection, and mounting elevation, thereby establishing a full set of map coordinates for a given particular weapon. In addition to using keyboard  14   a  and stylus  14   b  to enter data within alphanumeric field  20 , the user can also tap the situation map/map field  22  in the location thereupon that the weapon is to be located. Through weapon set-up step  38 , an entry for a weapon of specified type is created and plotted on map  20  in its appropriate location  58 , designated as a set of cross hairs with the label M.P. next to it.  
         [0064]    Forward observer (FO) set-up step (FIG. 4) sets up data for the FO, who orders the adjustment of fire via radio communications. The user selects FO tab  24   c  to view FO page  26   c . Input boxes  28  are displayed for entering FO I.D., grid East/North map coordinates, and altitude. The user enters data in alphanumeric field  20  and/or map field  22  and moves between data input boxes  28  in the same manner as previously discussed. An entry for a FO of specified I.D. is thereby created and plotted on the map at FO location  60 .  
         [0065]    Ammunition set-up step  40  sets up data (as shown in FIG. 5) for the ammunition type and count on hand to help with paperwork and records tracking. The user selects ammo tab  24   d  to gain access to ammo data page  26   d . Input boxes  28  are displayed for entering ammo type, count, lot number, and temperature. The ammo records are stored and tracked by lot number and ammo type for ammo count.  
         [0066]    The step of setting up and displaying safety fan  44  (FIG. 6) allows the user to enter the safety information for his area of fire. Firings outside this fan will be warned against on map field  22  as being outside the boundaries of this fan. The user selects safety fan tab  24   e  to permit viewing of safety fan data page  26   e . Input boxes  28  are displayed for entering a left limit, a right limit, a minimum range, and a maximum range. Upon entering the appropriate data, the user clicks a “display safety fan” button  62  to generate safety fan  64 . Safety fan  64  is typically outlined in red or another distinct color (color not shown) on target map display field  22  along with other data such as weapon location  58 , FO location  60 , and target location  66  (FIG. 7). The user initiates fire mission step  52  by selecting mission tab  24   f  to enable mission data page  26   f . The user selects the user type of grid, shift, or polar. Input for entering a 10-digit grid coordinate is displayed along with a combo box for target description. The user enters a mission grid coordinate and optional Observer Target Line (OT) direction if given. The user can tap the stylus to the situation map  22  in the location that the grid mission/grid coordinate is to be entered. The user selects, e.g., “infantry” from a first combo box and then selects, e.g., “in open” from a next box to make a complete target description of “infantry in open”. The user is then directed to select a weapon from a weapon list box, 160 milometer mortar being the default in this instance. The user is directed to select a method of engagement including the number of rounds to fire (default being one) and shell/fuse type, with the list box defaulting to the type previously chosen. Upon entering all the appropriate information, the user clicks “calculate” button  68 .  
         [0067]    While this invention has been described as having a preferred design, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles.