DESC:4. DESCRIPTION

Technical Field of Invention

The present invention relates to an indoor training system. More particularly, the present invention is an interactive training environment for teaching ‘techniques of engagement’ and ‘tactical employment’ using a replica of a weapon.

Background of the Invention

To improve the realism of the weapons familiarization process and to provide a more "lifelike" experience, a variety of approaches have been suggested to make the weapons range more realistic. For example, some weapons ranges provide paper targets with threatening images, rather than bull's-eye targets.

In attempts to present a more realistic scenario and realistic feel of weapon operation & shape to the participant to provide an interactive and immersive experience, some weapons ranges have replaced such fixed targets with animated video images, typically projected onto a display screen. The animated images present moving targets and/or simulated return threats toward which the participant fires.

Brief Summary of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide an indoor training system to crews with near real environment of terrain, situation and realistic feel of weapon using pneumatic recoil system.

According to an aspect of the present invention, an interactive indoor training system to train detached numbers is disclosed. The training system comprises of a replica/modified service weapon with a tripod and have azimuth & elevation movements. The training system also comprises a recoil unit with an air compressor for weapon recoil; a leaser unit; a knob sensor; an elevation sensor; a trigger sensor; and an optical sighting system based on micro display.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the training system also comprises a laser sensitive display screen for projected visuals; at least one input/output box for each lane; a plurality of intercommunication devices; one or more speakers for sound output; and an instructor console equipped with sub modules enables an instructor perform a training session with targets projected on in different types of terrain under varying light and environmental conditions.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system comprises of a computer simulation wherein, the software incorporates a range table to simulate, to correct trajectory, to determine time of flight and dimension of beaten zone at various ranges/angles of fire.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the computer simulation comprises of a scenario builder contains responsive 3D human targets and vehicles; the scenario builder enables creation of specific scenarios and targets as required by a user.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the scenario builder generates terrains, deserts, semi deserts, jungles, mountains and other conventional scenarios with natural obstacles and built-up-area.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the scenario builder allows integration of videos filmed by end-users to be integrated into video scenarios.
In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system incorporates computer based tutorials.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system provides environmental effects like different modes of sky and day, wind velocity and fog intensity.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system is incorporated with a Crew Served Weapon Sight (CSWS) module for night firing.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system includes annual range course with a point target, traverse target, a depth target, a moving target with lead calculation, a wide target, a controlled correction direct fire, engagement of target using an aiming mark, rapid engagement of target and night firing with/without the sighting unit.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system simulates weapon recoil as well as effects of fire.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system enables individual as well as collective target firing.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system calculates and displays a Fire Planning Table (Fire Control Chart).

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the replica/modified service weapon used with the interactive indoor training system requires loading, cocking, aiming and firing as in the original weapon.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the replica/modified service weapon used with the interactive indoor training system cannot fire nor can it be modified to fire a real bullet.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the replica/modified service weapon used with the interactive indoor training system need not be secured in the armoury every day, and instead can remain at the training facility.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the replica/modified service weapon used with the interactive indoor training system performs all firing characteristics like vibrations and recoil, types of fire, rate of fire, sound, trajectory and beaten zone of the original weapon are simulated.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the system is used to train detachment numbers in techniques of engagement of various targets, fire control and tactical employment of the weapon system.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the system is enabled to perform drills for point, wide and/or traverse targets with variations in depth, obscured target and visualizing for night firing practice.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the easy-to-operate instructor console comprises of an instructor station, an input-output station, a visual station, and diagnostic and calibration software and enables the instructor to create fresh exercises and to start, pause, resume, monitor and stop an exercise.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the easy-to-operate instructor console includes features to record the exercises and replay them for After Action Review and print the performance reports, which are customizable.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the system utilizes a sighting sub system which is visualized through high resolution (600x800 to 1080x1920) micro display with optics in the weapon and also terrain and target projection system to provide an open sight firing practice.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the system enables the participants to practice in different targets points such as single target, group targets, group depth targets and moving targets for firing.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the system enables the crew members to directly fire a target aiming the mark; and firing by group targets with limiters.

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the system enables to practice in aerial targets Anti Aircraft role (AA role).

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, the replica/modified service weapon includes ball and tracer ammunition.

From a reading of the description above of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, modifications and variations thereto may occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the claims of this invention.

Brief Description of the Drawings

FIG. 1a is a diagram illustrating the minimum system configuration of the interactive indoor training system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1b is a diagram illustrating a typical block diagram of the interactive indoor training system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1c is a diagram illustrating broad block diagram of the interactive indoor training system, in accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. 1a and 1b;

FIG. 2a is a diagram showing the top view of the replica/modified service weapon used with the interactive indoor training system, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2b is a diagram showing the side view of the replica/modified service weapon used with the interactive indoor training system, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2c is a diagram showing the side cross section view of the replica/modified service weapon used with the interactive indoor training system, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3a is the diagram showing a night fire target in its landscape mode on the laser sensitive display screen for the users to target with the replica/modified service weapon in accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. 1, and 2; and

FIG. 3b is the diagram showing a point target on the laser sensitive display screen for the users to target with the replica/modified service weapon in accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. 1, and 2;

Detailed Description of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention are discussed in detail below. In describing embodiments, specific terminology is employed for the sake of clarity. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so-selected. While specific exemplary embodiments are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and configurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

FIG. 1a, 1b and 1c illustrates an interactive indoor training system in an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The interactive indoor training system (100a) comprised a replica/modified service weapon (104) with a tripod and have azimuth & elevation movements. A user (102) is shown in the diagram using the replica/modified service weapon (104). As illustrated in the block diagrams FIG. 1b & 1c, the interactive indoor training system (100b/100c) also comprises a recoil unit (106) with an air compressor for weapon recoil; a leaser unit (108); a knob sensor (110); an elevation sensor (112); a trigger sensor (114); an optical sighting system based on micro display (116); and a laser sensitive display screen for projected visuals (118).

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system (100c) also comprises of at least one input/output box for each lane (not shown); a plurality of intercommunication devices (not shown); one or more speakers for sound output (not shown).

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system (100c) also comprises of an instructor console (120) equipped with sub modules enables an instructor perform a training session with targets projected on in different types of terrain under varying light and environmental conditions.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system (100c) also comprises of a computer simulation wherein, the software incorporates a range table to simulate, to correct trajectory, to determine time of flight and dimension of beaten zone at various ranges/angles of fire.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the computer simulation comprises of a scenario builder contains responsive 3D human targets and vehicles.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the scenario builder enables creation of specific scenarios and targets as required by the user (102).

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the scenario builder generates terrains, deserts, semi deserts, jungles, mountains and other conventional scenarios with natural obstacles and built-up-area; the scenario builder allows integration of videos filmed by end-users to be integrated into video scenarios.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system (100c) incorporates computer based tutorials.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system (100c) provides environmental effects like different modes of sky and day, wind velocity and fog intensity.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system (100c) incorporates a Crew Served Weapon Sight (CSWS) module for night firing.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system (100c) includes annual range course with a point target, traverse target, a depth target, a moving target with lead calculation, a wide target, a controlled correction direct fire, engagement of target using an aiming mark, rapid engagement of target and night firing with/without the sighting unit.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system (100c) simulates weapon recoil as well as effects of fire.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system (100c) enables individual as well as collective target firing.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the interactive indoor training system (100c) calculates and displays a Fire Planning Table (Fire Control Chart).

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the replica/modified service weapon (104) used with the interactive indoor training system requires loading, cocking, aiming and firing as in the original weapon.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the replica/modified service weapon (104) used with the interactive indoor training system cannot fire nor can it be modified to fire a real bullet.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the replica/modified service weapon (104) used with the interactive indoor training system need not be secured in the armoury every day, and instead can remain at the training facility

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the replica/modified service weapon (104) used with the interactive indoor training system performs all firing characteristics like vibrations and recoil, types of fire, rate of fire, sound, trajectory and beaten zone of the original weapon are simulated.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system (100c) is used to train detachment numbers in techniques of engagement of various targets, fire control and tactical employment of the weapon system.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system (100c) is enabled to perform drills for point, wide and/or traverse targets with variations in depth, obscured target and visualizing for night firing practice.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the easy-to-operate instructor console (120) comprises an instructor station, an input-output, a visual station, a diagnostic and a calibration software and enables the instructor to create fresh exercises and to start, pause, resume, monitor and stop an exercise.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the easy-to-operate instructor console (120) includes features to record the exercises and replay them for After Action Review and print the performance reports, which are customizable.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system (100b) utilizes a sighting sub system (116) which is visualized through high resolution (600x800 to 1080x1920) micro display with optics in the weapon and also terrain and target projection system to provide an open sight firing practice.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system (100b) enables the participants to practice in different targets points such as single target, group targets, group depth targets and moving targets for firing.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system (100b) enables the crew members to directly fire a target aiming the mark; and firing by group targets with limiters.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the system enables (100b) to practice in aerial targets Anti Aircraft role (AA role).

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, wherein the replica/modified service weapon (104) includes ball and tracer ammunition.

FIG. 2a, 2b & 2c are diagrams showing the replica/modified service weapon used with the interactive indoor training system, in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention. The replica/modified service weapon (200a/200b/200c) with a tripod and have azimuth & elevation movements comprises a recoil unit with an air compressor (not shown) for weapon recoil; a leaser unit (208); a knob sensor (not shown); an elevation sensor (212); a trigger sensor; and an optical sighting system based on micro display (not shown).

FIG. 3a is the diagram showing a night fire target in its landscape mode on the laser sensitive display screen for the users to target with the replica/modified service weapon in accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. 1, and 2.

FIG. 3b is the diagram showing a point target on the laser sensitive display screen for the users to target with the replica/modified service weapon in accordance with the embodiments of FIGS. 1, and 2.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention.
,CLAIMS:5. CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. An interactive indoor training system (100c) to train detached numbers, wherein the training system comprises of:
a. a replica/modified service weapon (104) with a tripod and have azimuth & elevation movements;
b. a recoil unit (106) with an air compressor for weapon recoil;
c. a leaser unit (108);
d. a knob sensor (110);
e. an elevation sensor (112);
f. a trigger sensor (114);
g. an optical sighting system based on micro display (116);
h. a laser sensitive display screen for projected visuals (118);
i. at least one input/output box for each lane;
j. a plurality of intercommunication devices;
k. one or more speakers for sound output;
l. an instructor console (120) equipped with sub modules enables an instructor perform a training session with targets projected on in different types of terrain under varying light and environmental conditions;
m. the interactive indoor training system (100c) comprises of a computer simulation wherein, the software incorporates a range table:
i. to simulate;
ii. to correct trajectory; and
iii. to determine time of flight and dimension of beaten zone at various ranges/angles of fire;
n. the computer simulation comprises of a scenario builder contains responsive 3D human targets and vehicles;
o. the scenario builder enables creation of specific scenarios and targets as required by a user (102);
p. the scenario builder generates terrains, deserts, semi deserts, jungles, mountains and other conventional scenarios with natural obstacles and built-up-area;
q. the scenario builder allows integration of videos filmed by end-users to be integrated into video scenarios;
r. the interactive indoor training system (100c), incorporates computer based tutorials;
s. the interactive indoor training system (100c) provides environmental effects like different modes of sky and day, wind velocity and fog intensity;
t. a Crew Served Weapon Sight (CSWS) module for night firing;
u. the interactive indoor training system (100c) includes annual range course with a point target, traverse target, a depth target, a moving target with lead calculation, a wide target, a controlled correction direct fire, engagement of target using an aiming mark, rapid engagement of target and night firing with/without the sighting unit;
v. the interactive indoor training system (100c) simulates weapon recoil as well as effects of fire;
w. the interactive indoor training system (100c) enables individual as well as collective target firing;
x. the interactive indoor training system (100c) calculates and displays a Fire Planning Table (Fire Control Chart);
y. the replica/modified service weapon (104) used with the interactive indoor training system requires loading, cocking, aiming and firing as in the original weapon;
z. the replica/modified service weapon (104) used with the interactive indoor training system cannot fire nor can it be modified to fire a real bullet;
aa. the replica/modified service weapon (104) used with the interactive indoor training system need not be secured in the armoury every day, and instead can remain at the training facility; and
bb. the replica/modified service weapon (104) used with the interactive indoor training system performs all firing characteristics like vibrations and recoil, types of fire, rate of fire, sound, trajectory and beaten zone of the original weapon are simulated.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system (100c) is used to train detachment numbers/users (102) in techniques of engagement of various targets, fire control and tactical employment of the weapon system.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system (100c) is enabled to perform drills for point, wide and/or traverse targets with variations in depth, obscured target and visualizing for night firing practice.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the easy-to-operate instructor console (120) comprises an instructor station, an input-output, a visual station, a diagnostic and a calibration software and enables the instructor to create fresh exercises and to start, pause, resume, monitor and stop an exercise.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the easy-to-operate instructor console (120) includes features to record the exercises and replay them for After Action Review and print the performance reports, which are customizable.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system (100b) utilizes a sighting sub system (116) which is visualized through high resolution (600x800 to 1080x1920) micro display with optics in the weapon and also terrain and target projection system to provide an open sight firing practice.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system (100b) enables the participants to practice in different targets points such as single target, group targets, group depth targets and moving targets for firing.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system (100b) enables the crew members to directly fire a target aiming the mark; and firing by group targets with limiters.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system enables (100b) to practice in aerial targets Anti Aircraft role (AA role).

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the replica/modified service weapon (104) includes ball and tracer ammunition.