This product is still in the development stage. During field testing, it was apparent that the capabilities of the sight would be improved if the users could scan their entire surroundings. Hughes asked our design team to develop a pan and tilt mechanism for their sight that was low cost, rugged, and accurate. Our team used a three phase design process cycle consisting of Prediction, Design and Reflection.
During the Prediction phase, we defined requirements, interviewed users, and developed different design alternatives. We visited Hughes in Los Angeles in January 1994 and contacted our sponsor frequently to insure we fulfilled their expectations. In February, we met with officers from the local sheriff department in order to fully understand the user's needs. Based on these inputs, we generated several design alternatives through morphological analysis. We prototyped each of these alternatives during the Design phase. Using rapid prototyping techniques, we narrowed many alternatives to five feasible solutions. During the final phase, Reflection, we weighted the five alternatives and tested the best designs more rigorously.
This design process enabled us to create, test, and select a design that was conclusively superior to the alternatives. Our design is a double axis gimbal that cradles the NIGHTSIGHT by its base. The advantages are that it is low cost, low profile, and aesthetically pleasing. The design has several disadvantages that will be minimized during the upcoming quarter. The result will be a superior mechanism that meets or surpasses the expectations of our sponsor and all potential users delivered by May 19, 1994.
Jim Smith, Steve Vassallo, Joe Wagner