4. DESCRIPTION;

Technical Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a training simulator. More specifically the present invention pertains to a containerized simulation system that helps enhance tactical and strategic warfare skills among military personnel, and is easily portable to various geographical locations.

Background of the Invention

[0002] Simulation technology is no longer confined only to the field of aircraft simulation, although the aviation sector continues to play a major role in the simulation industry. Simulations linked to combat operations, medical treatment, maintenance, modelling, and unmanned systems are gaining popularity where virtual training is provided through multiple scenarios on multiple platforms.

[0003] Additionally, militaries worldwide have realized simulator training is very cost effective and safe to provide first-class training for troops. Lots of attempts are made to invent easy-to-use driving simulators, firearm simulators and the like. However, fewer efforts have been made to develop simulators for heavy armored vehicles like tanks. Hitherto, most training is carried out on live tanks. Training on live tanks leads to waste of resources.

[0004] In the past, computer-based training simulators for heavy armored vehicles were typically installed in conventional buildings to provide environmental controls and electrical power for the simulator subsystems and also to provide access to the computer subsystem which typically occupied large volume of space. A drawback to this sort of computer-based simulator was that these simulators were fixed and could not be transported to new locations without dismantling them. In addition, the number of computer-based simulators was limited as they were expensive. Hence there is a need to develop simulators accessible to large number of users in diverse geographical locations.

[0005] In many modern tank simulators and vertical crew training simulators, desktop training has emerged as the most capable to train individuals and crews of military combat vehicles with less fidelity and lower cost. Such simulators, however, either trained individuals or crews, but not both.

[0006] Tank simulators have been a long-standing need of the military especially Indian Army where users can 'plug-in' to a virtual system which would then create multiple opportunities for military users. Within this format, both troops and commanders can utilize a virtual environment to train forces to face new threats.

[0007] There accordingly remains a need for a containerized tactical training simulation system which would be easier and less expensive to use and is fully portable.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a containerized simulation system that is fully portable to any geographical location without dismantling.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide the containerized simulation system that effectively provides tactical and firing training to individuals and/or crew members.

[0010] Further objective of the present invention is to provide the simulation system which is easier to use and less expensive..

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide varying levels of training exercises to the individuals and/or the crew members enrolled for training.

[0012] Another objective of the present invention is to address or at least ameliorate the shortcomings or disadvantages of the conventional simulation system.

[0013] Yet another objective of the present invention is to ensure durability of roof assembly associated with the container.

[0014] According to an aspect of the present invention, a containerized simulation system includes a container assembly constructed from a plurality of machine welded components, the container assembly having at least one compartment for housing one or more air conditioning means, and a roof assembly movable in vertical direction on actuating displacement drive arrangement.

[0015] According to the same aspect, the container assembly housing a replicated compartment releasably attached to a motion base, wherein the replicated compartment comprising at least one cabin having a set of means accessible by a crew member.

[0016] According to the same aspect, the container assembly further housing an instructor terminal having a customizable application program, the customizable application program enabling the instructor to perform an exercise control function, monitor the first crew member and the second crew member's actions, monitor a plurality of training data and the like.

[0017] According to the same aspect, the container assembly further housing a visual terminal having a graphical application program, the graphical application program generating a dynamically changing simulated scenic imagery of a predefined battlefield for the crew member.

[0018] According to the same aspect, the container assembly further housing an input output module interfaced with the instructor terminal, and the visual terminal for defining one or more input output operations to/from the set of means, and the motion base thereof.

[0019] These and other objectives, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided just to introduce the concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0020] The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

[0021] FIG. 1 shows a general block diagram of the present invention, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an isometric view of the present invention, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 3a shows front left perspective view of a container assembly with opened roof assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 3b shows an inside view of a container assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 3c shows a displacement drive arrangement of a container assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment

[0026] FIG. 4 shows front view of an instructor/visual terminal console, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 5 shows front view of a mechanical framework associated with an instructor/visual terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] FIG. 6 shows top view of a replicated compartment with multiple cabins, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 7a shows top view of a cabin with a set of means accessible by a crew member, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0030] FIG. 7b shows top view of a cabin with a set of means accessible by a crew member, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 8 shows front right perspective view of a container assembly with a projection screen, according to an exemplary embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0032] Reference will now be made in detail to the described embodiment of the invention, so as to enable a person skilled in the art to make and use the invention in the context of a particular application, namely that of securely housing basic constituents of a simulation system inside a container assembly such as to provide portability. It is understood that this example is not intended to limit the invention to one preferred embodiment or application.

[0033] On the contrary, it is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. Various modifications to the present invention will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art, and can be made to the described embodiment within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0034] The use of "including", "comprising" or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.
[0035] For a better understanding, components of the described embodiment are labeled with three digit component numbers. In general, the same first digit is used throughout the entire component numbers numbered and labeled within a figure. Like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are directed towards a containerized simulation system. According to an aspect of the present invention, a containerized simulation system includes a container assembly constructed from a plurality of machine welded components. The container assembly comprising at least one compartment for housing one or more air conditioning means, and a roof assembly movable in vertical direction on actuating displacement drive arrangement. The displacement drive arrangement includes a roof displacement control unit, and an electromechanical assemblage for displacing the roof in the vertical direction. The electromechanical assemblage for displacing the roof in the vertical direction includes one or more motor, one or more stopper means, and one or more roof lifting shafts.

[0037] According to the same aspect, the container assembly housing a replicated compartment releasably attached to a motion base, wherein the replicated compartment comprising at least one cabin having a set of means accessible by a crew member. The set of means includes vision equipment, a plurality of controls, a plurality of indicators and the like. The motion base provides motion in at least one degree of freedom along and/or about the three axes to the replicated compartment.

[0038] According to the same aspect, the container assembly housing an instructor terminal having a customizable application program, the customizable application program enabling an instructor to perform an exercise control function, monitor the crew member's actions, monitor a plurality of training data and the like. The instructor terminal comprising a set of input means and a set of output means for enabling the instructor to manage the training exercises. The set of input means, and the set of output means are detachably secured in a console. The instructor terminal further includes a mechanical framework for holding a plurality of computer hardware devices, an audio system and the like.

[0039] According to the same aspect, the container assembly housing a visual terminal having a graphical application program, the graphical application program generates a dynamically changing simulated scenic imagery of a predefined battlefield for the crew member. The visual terminal in synchronization with the input output module generates a plurality of faithful audio cues through the audio system housed in the mechanical framework. The motion base, the dynamically changing simulated scenic imagery and the plurality of audio cues collectively provide a sense of simulation to the crew member.

[0040] According to the same aspect, the container assembly housing an input output module interfaced with the instructor terminal, and the visual terminal for defining one or more input output operations to/from the set of means, and the motion base thereof.

[0041] According to the same aspect, the container assembly further comprising a projection screen of a predetermined size suspended on an outer side wall.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 1 is a block diagram 100 of the present invention, according to an exemplary embodiment. The block diagram 100 depicts basic constituents forming essential part of most of the simulation systems preferably but not limited to a tank simulator. Further, the block diagram 100 also depicts configuration of the constituents as a single functional unit housed in a container assembly 102.

[0043] The basic constituents forming essential part of the simulation system includes a replicated compartment 104 releasably attached to a motion base 106. The compartment 104 includes one or more cabins with a set of means accessible by a crew member involved in training. By the way of an example, the compartment 104 may have a single cabin if used for training only a single crew member. By the way of another example, the compartment 104 may have multiple cabins if used for training multiple crew members simultaneously. The motion base 106 detachably coupled to the compartment 104 provides motion in at least one degree of freedom along and/or about the three axes to the compartment 104 and/or the crew members.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, another basic constituent forming essential part of the simulation system includes an instructor terminal 110 facilitating an instructor based training for the crew members. The instructor terminal 110 enables an instructor to control training exercises presented to the crew member. Further, the instructor terminal 110 enables the instructor to monitor the crew member's action, and the training related information based on which the performance of the crew member is evaluated. The instructor terminal 110 includes a set of input means, and a set of output means for the instructor to manage the training exercises presentable to the crew member. The instructor terminal 110 is also equipped with a customizable application program. The customizable application program enables the instructor to set up, initiate, record and terminate training exercise. The customizable application program provides intuitive user interface to the instructor for ease of use. The instructor at the instructor terminal 110 is also enabled to record and replay the training exercises.

[0045] Furthermore, another basic constituent forming essential part of the simulation system includes a visual terminal 112. The visual terminal 112 generates a dynamically changing simulated scenic imagery of a predefined battlefield for the crew member. The visual terminal 112 includes a graphical application program for generating the dynamically changing simulated scenic imagery of the predefined battlefield.

[0046] Another basic constituent forming essential part of the simulation system includes an input output module 108. The input output module 108 is interfaced with the instructor terminal 110 and the visual terminal 112 for defining one or more input output operations to/from the set of means housed in the compartment 104, and the motion base 106. The set of means housed in the compartment 104 includes but not limited to multiple vision equipments, multiple controls and multiple indicators. The input output module 108 in synchronization with the visual terminal 112 generates a plurality of faithful audio cues through an audio system (not shown) housed in a mechanical framework.

[0047] The basic components the compartment 104, the motion base 106, the instructor terminal 110, the visual terminal 112 and the input output module 108 are all housed in the container assembly 102. However, the basic components depicted in the block diagram 100 are not limited to only these components. In some alternative embodiments some other components could also be housed inside the container.

[0048] FIG. 2 is a diagram 200 illustrating an isometric view of the present invention, according to an exemplary embodiment. The isometric view of the present invention 200 includes a container assembly 202 housing at least basic constituents a replicated compartment 204, a motion base 206, and instructor/visual terminal 208 forming essential part of a simulation system preferably but not by the way of any limitation a tank simulation system.

[0049] The container assembly 202 includes a roof assembly movable in vertical direction. The roof assembly moves in the vertical direction on actuation of a displacement drive arrangement. The mechanism of such movement will be discussed in conjunction with FIG. 3c. The opened roof assembly provides an appropriate spatial distance between the top of the compartment 204 and top of the roof assembly such as to enable a crew member to easily get into the compartment 204.

[0050] The compartment 204 is releasably mounted on the motion base 206. The compartment 204 as described in FIG. 1 includes one or more cabin with a set of means accessible by the crew member involved in training.

[0051] The motion base 206 releasably coupling the compartment 204 provides a sense of motion to the crew member inside the cabin in at least one degree of freedom along and/or about the three axes. By the way of an example, if the motion base 206 with three degree of motion is employed then it provides sense of pitch, roll and surge. The motion base 206 is interfaced with a motion control unit (M CU) 210 for controlling sense of motion generated by the motion base 206 in response to the crew member's actions.

[0052] The instructor/visual terminal 208 housed in the container assembly 202 helps an instructor to control the training exercises presentable to the crew member, monitor the crew member's actions and associated training data. The instructor/visual terminal 208 also includes a mechanical framework 212 which houses multiple computer hardware devices. The multiple computer hardware devices includes central processing unit (CPU), battery, Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and the like.

[0053] Referring now to FIG. 3a illustrating front left perspective view of the container assembly 300 with opened roof assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The container assembly 300 is constructed with multiple machine welded components. The container assembly 300 includes a roof assembly 302a mounted on the top. The roof assembly 302 is selectively opened and closed by means of a displacement drive arrangement (not shown). The opened roof assembly 302a provides an appropriate spatial distance between top of the compartment and the top of the roof assembly 302a enabling a crew member to easily get into the compartment (not shown).

[0054] The container assembly 300 is of appropriate dimension for housing basic constituents forming essential part of the simulation system preferably but not by the way of any limitation a tank simulator. The basic constituents includes but not limited to the replicated compartment releasably coupled to the motion base, instructor/visual terminal, a mechanical framework housing multiple computer hardware devices and the like.

[0055] Referring now to FIG. 3b illustrating an inside view of a container assembly 300, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The inside view of the container assembly 300 shows two major components namely a compartment for housing one or more air conditioning means 302b, and a displacement drive arrangement 304b for selectively moving roof assembly of the container assembly 300 in vertical direction.

[0056] The displacement drive arrangement 304b includes two major parts a roof displacement control unit, and an electromechanical assemblage which will be explained in the later part of description in conjunction to FIG. 3c. The air conditioning arrangement maintains an appropriate temperature inside the container assembly 300. Alternatively, in some embodiments various exhaust fans and the like cooling arrangements can be housed inside the container assembly 300.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 3c illustrates functionality of displacement drive arrangement 300, according to an exemplary embodiment. The displacement drive arrangement 300 includes a roof displacement control unit 302c, and an electromechanical assemblage 304c. The roof displacement control unit 302c includes a lever handle which when moved away from the equilibrium position actuates a motor associated to the electromechanical assemblage 304c which then moves the roof assembly in vertical direction.

[0058] The electromechanical assemblage 304c further includes one or more mechanical stoppers (not shown) for restricting the movement of the roof assembly in vertical direction, which significantly reduces load on the motor. The mechanical stoppers prevent jamming of the moving shaft associated with the motor. By the way of an example, the roof assembly moves in vertically upward direction when the lever handle associated with the roof displacement control unit 302c is moved in the right side and moves in vertically downward direction when the lever handle is moved in the left side from the equilibrium position.

[0059] Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment, the roof assembly can also be moved in vertical upward or vertical downward direction without using the roof displacement control unit 302c by manually rotating a lever handle associated with the electromechanical assemblage 304c.

[0060] FIG. 4 shows front view of an instructor/visual terminal console 400, according to an exemplary embodiment. The instructor/visual terminal 400 includes a set of input means 402 and a set of output means 404. The set of input means 402 preferably includes a keyboard, a mouse, a joystick and the like. The set of output means 404 preferably includes display means like LCDs and the like. The set of input means 402, and the set of output means 404 are detachably secured in a console as depicted in FIG. 4. The set of input means 402 and the set of output means 404 helps the instructor the monitor a crew member's action and evaluate training performance thereof.

[0061] FIG. 5 shows front view of a mechanical framework 500 associated with an instructor/visual terminal, according to an exemplary embodiment. The mechanical framework 500 houses multiple computer hardware devices 502a, 502b, 502c, 502d, 502e, 502f. The multiple computer hardware devices preferably include but not limited to central processing units (CPUs) 502a, Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) 502b, multipliers 502c, batteries 502d, amplifiers 502e, ethernet switches 502f and the like.

[0062] FIG. 6 shows top view of replicated compartment 600 with multiple cabins, according to an exemplary embodiment. The multiple cabins 602a, 602b are used for training multiple crew members simultaneously. By the way of an example, the compartment 600 with multiple cabins 602a, and 602b can be used for training a gunner and a commander simultaneously on a tank simulator. The compartment 600 includes hatches (not shown) for enabling the crew members to get into the cabins 602a, 602b. The hatched further includes sensing means for ensuring durability of roof assembly associated with the container. By the way of an example, the hatches while opened, restricts movement of the roof assembly in vertical direction thereby ensuring durability of the roof assembly. According to some embodiments, conventional alarming means like buzzer can also be employed to present indication of roof movement while the hatches are opened.

[0063] Alternatively, according to an exemplary embodiment, the replicated compartment 600 may have a single cabin if the simulation system is used for training a single crew member. By the way of an example, the compartment 600 may have a single cabin if it's used for training only a gunner on a tank simulator.

[0064] FIG. 7a - FIG. 7b shows top view of a cabin 700 with a set of means accessible by a crew member, according to an exemplary embodiment. The cabin generally includes a sitting arrangement 702 for the crew member and the set of means 704 accessible by the crew member. The set of means 704 accessible by the crew member for a predefined purpose includes multiple vision equipments, multiple controls, multiple indicators and the like.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 7a - FIG. 7b, the appearance of the cabin 700 and the set of means 704 accessible by the crew member may differ depending upon the crew member being trained. By the way of an example, the cabin 700 and the set of means 704 accessible by a gunner would differ from the cabin and the set of means accessible by the commander when trained on a tank simulator.

[0066] FIG. 8 shows front right perspective view of a container assembly 800 with a projection screen, according to an exemplary embodiment. The crew members are facilitated with the projection screen 802 suspended on an outer sidewall of the container assembly 800. A dynamically changing simulated scenic imagery of a predefined battlefield is projected on the projection screen 802. This arrangement is helpful for classroom training of the crew members.

[0067] The invention described herein is not limited to utilization of a particular length or material of the machine welded components forming the container assembly. Further size, and shape of the container assembly housing a predefined simulation system can be varied depending upon the requirement without affecting the accuracy of the simulation system. Additionally, the container assembly housing the predefined simulation system can be of any appropriate material for providing the portability to the simulation system for transportation to various geographical locations.

[0068] The containerized simulation system discussed above is with respect to the heavy armored vehicles like tanks, BMPs etc, however the simulation system for other simulators like driving can also be containerized to provide portability for transportation as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.
[0069] Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein with reference to accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these precise embodiments and that various changes and modifications can be effective therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

5. CLAIMS

What is claimed is:

1. A containerized simulation system, comprising:

a container assembly constructed from a plurality of machine welded components, the container assembly comprising

at least one compartment for housing one or more air conditioning means, and

a roof assembly movable in vertical direction on actuating displacement drive arrangement, wherein the container assembly housing

a replicated compartment releasably attached to a motion base, wherein the replicated compartment comprising at least one cabin having a set of means accessible by a crew member;

an instructor terminal having a customizable application program, the customizable application program enabling an instructor to perform at least one of:

an exercise control function;

monitor the crew member's actions;and

monitor a plurality of training data;

a visual terminal having a graphical application program, the graphical application program generating a dynamically changing simulated scenic imagery of a predefined battlefield for the crew member; and

an input output module interfaced with the instructor terminal, and the visual terminal for defining one or more input output operations to/from the set of means, and the motion base thereof.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the set of means comprising at least one of: vision equipment; a plurality of controls; and a plurality of indicators.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the displacement drive arrangement comprising a roof displacement control unit, and an electromechanical assemblage for displacing the roof in the vertical direction.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the electromechanical assemblage for displacing the roof in the vertical direction comprising one or more motor; one or more stopper means; and one or more roof lifting shafts.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructor terminal comprising a set of input means; and a set of output means for enabling the instructor to manage the training exercises.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the set of input means; and the set of output means are detachably secured in a console.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the instructor terminal further comprising a mechanical framework for holding a plurality of computer hardware devices, and an audio system.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the motion base providing motion in at least one degree of freedom along and/or about the three axes to the replicated compartment.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the visual terminal in synchronization with the input output module generating a plurality of faithful audio cues through the audio system housed in the mechanical framework.

10. The system of claim 1 and 9, wherein the motion base, the dynamically changing simulated scenic imagery and the plurality of audio cues collectively providing a sense of simulation to the crew member.

11. The system of claim 1, wherein the container assembly further comprising a projection screen of a predetermined size suspended on an outer side wall.