Technical Field of Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of simulation systems. In particular  the present invention relates to a firearm training simulation system and method that would impart more realistic situational responses  weapon handling  aiming  and firing training to a trainee or a group of trainees simultaneously.

Background of the Invention

[0002] A firearm training simulator is a device used to train police and military personnel in proper use and handling of weapons without having to use actual ammunitions. The firearm training simulator is basically designed for indoor training in a safe environment. An effective firearm training simulator duplicates the actual environment as much as possible by using a modified original weapon  and providing training situations as in real life. In firearm training simulators an instructor can effectively educate a trainee on the correct responses  actions and behaviors based on various situations in the safe environment.

[0003] Under such situations  in most of the firearm training systems  some form of safe projectiles are fired at targets. One of most common example is firing of a laser or other electromagnetic radiations towards a bull’s eye paper target.

[0004] In various attempts to present a more realistic scenario to the trainees  some firearm training simulators have replaced such fixed target with animated video images projected on a display screen. In such firearm training systems  the trainees fire at the display screen on which image is projected. A position detector then identifies the “hit” location and compares the hit location to the target area to evaluate the response of the trainee. Such simulators are not very realistic as they just rely on prerecorded scenarios and lack capability of presenting user defined background scenarios with various environmental factors. Moreover  such simulators have not proven to be accurate in terms of evaluating the responses of the trainee  weapon handling and firing capability of trainees under various situations.

[0005] In some known systems the laser transmitter equipped in the weapon is triggered by acoustical energy developed by the firing mechanism of the firearm. The triggering means includes a sound energy to electrical energy transducer. Such simulators have a drawback of “false triggering” with respect to their operations which occurs when extraneous sounds remain unfiltered.

[0006] In the light of foregoing discussion on conventional firearm training simulation systems  the need to provide cost effective  yet highly realistic firearm training simulation system for situational responses  handling  and firing training has presented additional challenges to the simulation industry.

[0007] Accordingly  what is needed is a firearm training simulation system and method having ability to impart more realistic training on situational responses  handling  and firing of the weapons to the trainees  and that would have high accuracy towards trainee performance measurements. In addition  what is needed is a weapon training simulation system that would support a number of user defined configurations and would yet be very cost effective.

Brief Summary of the Invention

[0008] Accordingly  it is an objective of the present invention to provide a firearm training simulation system and method which will provide a more realistic simulation of the various unknown situations  and train the trainees on various situational responses  handling  aiming and firing of the weapons.

[0009] Another objective of the present invention is to provide the firearm training simulation system and method that would support any of a wireless communication  a wired communication  and a hybrid wired and wireless communication.

[0010] Further objective of the present invention is to maximize freedom of movement for the trainees by providing an untethered simulation training system.

[0011] Another objective of the present invention is to provide the training simulation system that could be configured as an instructor or a trainee driven firearm training simulation system based on an application.

[0012] Yet another objective of the present invention is to provide the training simulation system and method that would provide high accuracy towards trainee’s performance measurements.

[0013] Further objective of the present invention is to provide a cost effective weapon training simulation system configurable to enable situational responses  marksmanship  and weapon handling training based on multiple software applications interacting with the firearms  display system  projection system and the like.

[0014] These and other objectives and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This short summary is provided just to introduce the objectives and advantages 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.

Description of the Drawings

[0015] FIG. 1a - FIG.1b shows a simulated training scenario according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2a - FIG. 2b shows a simulated training scenario according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3 shows a flow diagram depicting a methodology adapted for simulated training.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram depicting activities performed by an instructor console.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a signal diagram of a 3 lane system for identifying laser points emitted from different stations.

[0020] FIG. 6a shows a target as projected by the projector unit.

[0021] FIG. 6b shows the image as seen by the aimer sensing unit.

[0022] FIG. 7 shows connection between a master control unit  and an instructor console according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] FIG.8 shows connection between a projection system and an instructor console in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a trigger detection unit.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0025] Technologies are being developed to support defense and civilian security forces. Specific training areas addressed by these technologies can include  but not limited to  small arm firing training  situation based decision making skills  driving training  and convoy protection skills training. Although the exemplary embodiments described below addresses the software and hardware technologies as they exist today in the context of military and law enforcement training systems  it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that such system can be readily adapted for alternative use contexts  such as  without limitation video games  civilian weapon training and the like. The technology building blocks explained in the exemplary embodiments can be enhanced  combined and configured in various ways as a solution to various sets of training needs.

[0026] The system is preferably scalable to have a wired communication including one or more lane units to simultaneously interoperate with the simulation  allowing one or more trainees to practice tactics  techniques and procedures individually and as a team. Further the system can also be scaled to have a wireless communication or a hybrid including both wired and wireless communication.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 1a- FIG. 1b  there is shown a simulated training scenario according to an exemplary embodiment. The scenario shows capability of the system to support a wireless communication mode. The system includes a one or more projection surface 1 for projecting one or more simulated targets 2a  2b  and 2c. The projection surface 1 preferably includes one or more screen  one or more computer display and the like. The simulated targets 2a  2b  2c preferably include a static imagery or a dynamically changing scenic imagery of a default or a user defined targets like humans  vehicles and the like.

[0028] As shown  the system includes a projection system 3 housing a projector unit 3a and an aimer sensing unit 3b. The projector unit 3a projects the simulated targets 2a  2b  and 2c onto the projection surface 1 as best shown in FIG. 6a. Further shown are untethered firearms 4a  4b  4c each of which includes a laser module 5a  5b  5c respectively for emitting a continuous laser beam  or a pulse of laser (indicated by dotted lines) onto the simulated targets 2a  2b  and 2c respectively. The firearms 4a  4b  and 4c used are preferably in-service weapons  mock up weapons  or modified firearms like rifles  or pistols  or the like. Modified firearms 4a  4b  and 4c used are exact replicas of original firearm weapons  designed without modifying any structural dimensions and look of original firearm weapons.

[0029] In addition to above  the aimer sensing unit 3b housed in the projection system 3 captures an image of the projection surface 1. The aimer sensing unit 3b detects location of laser impact points as best shown in FIG. 6b. The aimer sensing unit 3b preferably a camera captures the image of the laser impact points upon detecting an actuation signal generated by a trigger detection unit 6a  6b  6c affixed to each of the firearms 4a  4b and 4c respectively. Each of the trigger detection unit 6a  6b  and 6c detects the trigger event arising thereof whenever trainees 7a  7b  7c fire at the simulated targets 2a  2b and 2c.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 9  each of the trigger detection unit 6a  6b  and 6c comprises one or more sensors 8 for detecting the triggering event i.e. various recoil effects like vibration  shock  and sound  and a controller 9 for assessing  processing and comparing the values received from the sensors 8 against a default value stored therein in the memory to determine whether an actuation signal has to be generated or not. The controller 9 is preferably battery 10 powered. Each of the trigger detection unit 6a  6b  and 6c further includes a wireless module 11 for establishing a wireless communication link with the aimer sensing unit 3b via a master control unit 12. The embodiment for the trigger detection unit 6a  6b  or 6c shown in FIG.9 is exemplary and includes laser module 13 embodied therein. However it should be understood by those skilled in the art that separate existence of laser module 13 and the trigger detection unit 6a  6b or 6c is equally possible wherein both will then be affixed onto the firearms 4a  4b  and 4c separately.

[0031] As shown  there exists an instructor controlled console 14 including a computer system 14a and an instructor 14b for setting up various exercises and evaluating the performance of the trainees 7a  7b and 7c. The computer 14a forms an essential part of the present invention and is operatively coupled with the projection system 3 and the firearms 4a  4b  4c via the master control unit 12 using a wireless communication link preferably an RF link  and the like. The master control unit 12 is powered by an appropriate power source 15. According to the preferred embodiment  the computer 14a is typically implemented by conventional IBM compatible or other types (laptop  notebook etc)  the computer 14a preferably works on any one of the major platforms windows 95/98  NT/2000  Linux  UNIX and the like. The computer system 14a includes one or more monitors 16a  16b for display  a keyboard and a mouse (not shown) for inputting information by the instructor 14b  and one or more loud speakers 17a  17b for sound effects.

[0032] The master control unit 12 is communicatively coupled with the computer 14a using a predefined communication protocol for transmission of the laser impact points and trigger events as shown in FIG. 7. The current embodiment uses serial/parallel communication protocol  but optionally the computer 14a and the master control unit 12 may employ wireless transceiver  ethernet available in the market for establishment of the wireless communication link. The master control unit 12 is further coupled with the projection system 3 for receiving the laser impact points captured by the aimer sensing unit 3b. The master control unit 12 upon reception of the laser impact points superimposes the laser impact points onto the projected simulated targets 2a  2b  and 2c  and then transmits the laser impact points to the instructor console 14 for further processing.

[0033] The computer 14a at the instructor console 14 is enabled to process the laser impact points relative to the projected simulated targets 2a  2b  and 2c and generate impact co-ordinates which are transmitted to the projection system 3 via the master control unit 12 and/or to the instructor’s computer monitors 16a  16b for display. According to the embodiment  the computer 14a is further enabled to generate the simulated targets 2a  2b and 2c to be projected on the projection surface 1 upon execution of a set of instruction stored therein as software. The computer 14a also calibrates the projection system 3 to match the resolution of the aimer sensing unit 3b with the simulated targets 2a  2b and 2c projected on the projection surface 1. In addition to this  the computer 14a performs the calibration of the firearms 4a  4b  4c  or optionally the service weapons  or the mock up weapons to align the laser sensor and aim of the firearms 4a  4b  and 4c. The computer 14a is further enabled to compute a grouping value from the projected impact coordinates  assess and analyze the grouping value to evaluate performance of trainees 7a  7b and 7c  and generate a performance report using conventional printing means preferably a laser printer.

[0034] According to the embodiment  the firearm simulation system further includes a recoil generation means 19a  19b  19c retrofitted on each of the firearms 4a  4b  and 4c for providing simulated recoil effects while firing. By the way of an example the recoil generation means 19a  19b  19c may be in the form of a magazine. The simulated recoil effects preferably include a vibration  a shock and a sound.

[0035] Additionally  a sensor means (not shown) either integrated in the projection system 3 or mounted on each of the firearms 4a  4b  4c is used for assessing and recording positional information associated with movement of the firearms 4a  4b  4c. The positional information preferably including positional information associated with the firearms 4a  4b  4c while aiming and re-aiming the simulated targets 2a  2b  2c and positional information associated with the firearms 4a  4b  and 4c while holding or squeezing the trigger provided thereon.

[0036] According to the same embodiment  the connection between the projection system 3 and the instructor console 14 is implemented as shown in FIG. 8. As shown  the output of the instructor console 14 (or the computer 14a) is split by means of VGA splitter 18 which produces two identical copies of the input. The generated outputs are given to the projector unit 3a for projection on the projection surface 1 and to the instructor’s computer monitor 16a  or 16b for display.

[0037] As was seen in simulated training scenario in FIG. 1a – FIG. 1b  the simulated training scenario further has capability to support a wired communication shown in FIG. 2a and FIG. 2b. The scenario shows each of the firearms 4a  4b and 4c being tethered firearms unlike the firearms 4a  4b and 4c of FIG. 1a. Each of the firearms 4a  4b and 4c is connected to the computer 14a using lane units 20a  20b  20c respectively via the master control unit 12. By the way of an example a three lane system is shown (FIG. 5). However  it would be apparent to those skilled in the art that any number of lane units can be used. The master control unit 12 gets reference pulse from the aimer sensing unit’s V-sync frequency. On each pulse of the frequency each of the lane unit 20a  20b  20c is polled by the master control unit 12. This process of polling is repeated when the last lane unit is polled as shown in FIG. 5. Alternatively  use of V-sync frequency from the aimer sensing unit 3b can be eliminated by means of an application program which would receive captured laser impact points corresponding to each of the firearms 4a  4b  4c  before receiving another set of captured laser impact points  and processing thereof.

[0038] Further  the scenario also depicts that each of the firearm 4a  4b and 4c being connected to an air compressor 21 using convention connecting means 22 for generating recoil effects while firing the firearms 4a  4b  and 4c. The conventional connecting means 22 include cables  tubes and the like. Other components like the laser module 5a  5b and 5c  the projection surface 1  the projection system 3 including the projector unit 3a and the aimer sensing unit 3b  the master control unit 12  the sensor means  instructor or trainee controllable computer 14a  are similar to  and provide similar functionality as  the corresponding components depicted in FIG. 1a- FIG. 1b  however the mode of communication used is wired instead of wireless. As shown in FIG. 1a and FIG. 2a  the simulation scenarios show the capability of training the group of trainees 7a  7b and 7c simultaneously.

[0039] According to another alternative embodiment  the simulated scenarios in FIG.1a and FIG. 2a can be reconfigured into a more compact and cost effective system to provide self training to a single trainee 7a without requiring any instructor 14b. The simulated scenario in this case would include the projection surface 1 preferably a computer display screen and a single firearm 4a connected to a lane unit 20a. Further  the computer 14a would be controllable by the trainee 7a himself/herself for setting up various levels of exercises. Other components used would be similar and provide same functionality as  the corresponding components depicted in embodiments shown in FIG. 1a- FIG. 1b  and FIG. 2a- FIG. 2b. It should also be apparent to those skilled in the art the system can selectively employ a wireless communication or a wired communication as seen above with respect to FIG. 1a and FIG. 2a.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 3 which shows a flow diagram depicting a methodology adapted for simulated training. The flow starts at block 31 describing projection of one or more simulated targets on one or more projection surface using a projector unit included in a projection system. The projection surface preferably includes one or more screen  one or more computer display and the like. The simulated targets preferably include a static imagery or a dynamically changing scenic imagery of a default or user defined targets like humans  vehicles and the like. Flow then proceeds towards block 32.

[0041] The block 32 describes about emission of a continuous laser beam or a pulse of laser on the simulated targets using a laser module coupled to each of an independent firearm. The laser module includes a laser source of predefined wavelength. Flow then proceeds towards block 33.

[0042] The block 33 describes about detection of a triggering event associated with the firearm using a trigger detection unit affixed thereon. The trigger detection unit upon detecting said triggering event generates an actuation signal. The trigger detection unit comprises one or more sensors for detecting a triggering event i.e. various recoil effects like vibration  shock  and sound  and a controller for assessing  processing and comparing the values received from the sensors against a default value stored therein to determine whether an actuation signal has to be generated or not. The microcontroller is preferably battery powered. The trigger detection unit further including a wireless module for establishing a wireless communication links with projection system. The flow then proceeds towards block 34.

[0043] The block 34 describes about capturing an image of the projection surface upon detecting the actuation signal by an aimer sensing unit included in the projection system. The aimer sensing unit detects location of the laser impact points. The flow then proceeds towards block 35.

[0044] The block 35 indicates about reception of the laser impact points by a master control unit operatively coupling the projection system and the firearms with an instructor console. The current embodiment uses serial/parallel communication protocol  but optionally the computer  the master control unit may employ wireless transceivers available in the market for establishment of the wireless communication link. The instructor console preferably includes a computer. The flow then proceeds towards block 36 and block 37.

[0045] The block 36 and the block 37 indicates about superimposition of the laser impact points onto simulated targets projected on the projection surface  and transmission of the laser impact points to the computer by the master control unit.

[0046] Now  as best shown in the FIG. 4  the computer being configured to process the laser impact points relative to projected simulated targets (block 41) to generate impact co-ordinates (block 42) which are then transmitted to the projection system via the master control unit for display (block 43).

[0047] The computer further being enabled to generate the simulated targets to be projected on the projection surface (44)  calibrate the projection system and each of the firearms (45)  compute a grouping value from the projected impact coordinates (46)  assess and analyze the grouping value to evaluate performance of a trainee (47)  and generate a performance report (48) using conventional printing means like a laser printer.

[0048] Turning back to FIG. 3  the flow after block 37 proceeds towards the block 38 which describes about providing multiple simulated recoil effects by a recoil generation means while firing the firearms. The simulated recoil effects preferably include a vibration  a shock and a sound. According to the embodiment  the recoil generation means is connected to or retrofitted to each of the firearms. Finally the block 39 describes about assessing and recording of positional information associated with movement of the firearms. The positional information including positional information associated with the firearms while aiming and re-aiming the simulated targets  and positional information associated with the firearms while holding or squeezing the trigger.

[0049] The methodology adapted for simulated training as depicted in the flow diagrams FIG. 3- FIG.4 above is for exemplary purpose only. The methodology has capability of being implemented not only by using a wireless communication  but can equally be implemented using a wired communication  or even a hybrid wired and wireless communication.

[0050] While the invention has been described with respect to limited number of embodiments  those skilled in the art will appreciate numerous modifications and variations therefrom. It is intended that the appended claims cover all such modifications and variations that fall within the true script and scope of the invention.

CLAIMS

We claim:

1.A firearm simulation system configured to enhance weapon handling  aiming  and triggering skills in a trainee  comprising:

at least one projection surface (1) for projecting one or more simulated targets (2a  2b  2c) by a projector unit (3a);
at least one laser module (5a  5b  5c) for emitting at least one of: a continuous laser beam; and a pulse of laser on said one or more simulated targets (2a  2b  2c);
a trigger detection unit (6a  6b  6c) affixed on each of firearms (4a  4b  4c) for detecting a triggering event arising thereof  the said firearms (4a  4b  4c) including at least one of: an in-service firearm  a mock up firearm  and a modified firearm  and the said trigger detection unit (6a  6b  6c) further generating an actuation signal upon detecting said triggering event;
an aimer sensing unit (3b) for capturing an image of a plurality of laser impact points emanating from said laser module (5a  5b  5c) upon detecting said actuation signal;
a master control unit (12) in communication with a projection system (3) housing said projector unit (3a)  and said aimer sensing unit (3b)  said master control unit (12) receiving said laser impact points  superimposing said laser impact points onto said one or more simulated targets (2a  2b  2c)  and transmitting said laser impact points to an instructor controlled console (14)  said console comprising at least one computer (14a) for further processing 
Wherein said computer (14a) being enabled to process said laser impact points relative to said projected simulated targets (2a  2b  2c) to generate a plurality of impact co-ordinates  said plurality of impact co-ordinates being transmitted to said projection system (3) via said master control unit (12) for display;

a recoil generation means (19a  19b  19c) or (21) connected to  or retrofitted to each of said firearms (4a  4b  4c) for providing a plurality of simulated recoil effects while firing; and
a sensor means for assessing and recording a plurality of positional information associated with movement of each of said firearms (4a 4b 4c).

2.The system of claim 1 having capability of supporting at least one communication mode from a group consisting of a wireless communication  a wired communication  and a hybrid wired and wireless communication.

3.The system of claim 1 further comprising at least one firing lane unit (20a  20b  20c)  each of said lane unit (20a  20b  20c) having connected said firearms (4a  4b  4c) when configured to support said wired communication.

4.The system of claim 1  wherein said plurality of positional information including positional information associated with each of said firearms (4a  4b  4c) while aiming and re-aiming said one or more simulated targets (2a  2b  2c)   and positional information associated with each of said firearms (4a  4b  4c) while holding or squeezing a trigger.

5.The system of claim 1  wherein said computer (14a) further being enabled to generate said one or more simulated targets (2a  2b  2c) to be projected on said projection surface (1)  calibrate said projection system (3)  and said firearms (4a  4b  4c)  compute a grouping value from said projected impact coordinates  assess and analyze said grouping value to evaluate performance of said trainee (7a  7b  7c)  and generate a performance report.

6.The system of claim 1  wherein said plurality of simulated recoil effects including a vibration  a shock and a sound.

7.The system of claim 1 further comprising an image processing application for receiving  superimposing  and processing said laser impact points  and then transmitting said laser impact points to said instructor controlled console (14) for generation of said plurality of impact co-ordinates for display.

8.A method for realistically simulating weapon handling  aiming  and triggering skills in a trainee  the method comprising steps of:

projecting  one or more simulated targets (2a  2b  2c) on at least one projection surface (1) using a projector unit (3a);
emitting  at least one of: a continuous laser beam; and a pulse of laser on said one or more simulated targets (2a  2b  2c) using a laser module (5a  5b  5c) coupled to each of firearms (4a  4b  4c)  the said firearms including at least one of: a mock up firearm  an in-service firearm  and a modified firearm;
detecting  a triggering event associated with each of said firearm (4a  4b  4c) using a trigger detection unit affixed thereon  said trigger detection unit upon detecting said triggering event generating an actuation signal;
capturing  an image of a plurality of laser impact points emanating from said laser module (5a  5b  5c) upon detecting said actuation signal by an aimer sensing unit (3b);
receiving  said laser impact points;

superimposing  said laser impact points onto said one or more simulated targets
(2a  2b  2c);

transmitting  said laser impact points to an instructor controlled console (14) comprising at least one computer (14a) for further processing  wherein said steps of receiving  superimposing  and transmitting being rendered by a master control unit (12) communicatively coupled to a projection system (3) housing said projector unit (3a)  and said aimer sensing unit (3b)  and said firearms (4a  4b  4c) to said computer (14a); and

Wherein said computer (14a) being enabled to process said laser impact points relative to said projected simulated targets (2a  2b  2c) to generate a plurality of impact co-ordinates  said plurality of impact co-ordinates being transmitted to said projection system (1) via said master control unit (12) for display.

9.The method of claim 8 further comprising the steps of:
providing  a plurality of simulated recoil effects while firing said firearm (4a  4b  4c) using a recoil generation means (21) or (19a  19b  19c) connected to or retrofitted to said firearms (4a  4b  4c); and
assessing and recording  a plurality of positional information associated with movement of said firearms (4a  4b  4c) using a sensor means.

10.The method of claim 8 having capability of being implemented using at least one communication mode from a group consisting of a wireless communication  a wired communication  and a hybrid wired and wireless communication.

11.The method of claim 8  wherein said computer (14a) further being enabled to generate said one or more simulated target (2a  2b  2c) to be projected on said projection surface (1)  calibrate said projection system (3)  and said firearms (4a  4b  4c)  compute a grouping value from said projected impact coordinates  assess and analyze said grouping value to evaluate performance of a trainee (7a  7b  7c)  and generate a performance report.

12.The method of claim 8  wherein said plurality of positional information including positional information associated with said firearms (4a  4b  4c) while aiming and re-aiming said one or more targets (2a  2b  2c)  and positional information associated with said firearms (4a  4b  4c) while holding or squeezing a trigger.

13.The method of claim 8  wherein the steps of receiving  superimposing  and transmitting can also be rendered using an image processing application.