Wireless target system
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to the field of military laser simulation systems
between a wireless target system and attacking system.
The present invention relates to a wireless target system unit for a weapon
effect simulation system, comprising a radio transmitter and receiver
arranged for communication with a control system, the wireless target system
unit further comprising a laser receiver arranged for receiving laser light from
an attacking system.
The present invention further relates to a wireless target system for a weapon
effect simulation, comprising at least one wireless target system unit, the
wireless target system unit in turn comprising a radio transmitter and receiver
arranged for communication with a control system, the wireless target system
unit further comprising a laser receiver arranged to be receiving laser light
from an attacking system, said wireless target system further comprising a
wireless control unit.
BACKGROUND ART
Today, there exist various examples of wireless detector units detecting and
receiving laser light from an attacking system. These wireless detector units
are arranged to be able to detect laser light from an attacking system. The
purpose is to create a laser weapon effect one-way simulation between the
target system and the attacking system where the target system receives and
detects laser light. These present solutions are restricted to one-way laser
simulation which is restricted to a straight projectile path laser simulation
without taking care of the target range, the projectile time of flight, the aiming
off allowance and the ballistics data for the simulated projectile. Further,
these present solutions are restricted to a low fidelity usage having a
restricted power supply.
Today, there exist reference detector units which are connected with cables
and wires. These reference detector units are arranged to be able to receive
and detect laser light from an attacking system and to retro-reflect the laser
light back to the attacking system for hit evaluation, i.e. two-way laser
simulation. These present solutions are restricted to advanced and expensive
equipments, and have a limited multi-purpose flexibility. Further, these
present solutions are restricted to a time-consuming assembly, installation
and configuration procedure.
There is thus a need for an improved and multi-purpose wireless target
system unit and target system for a weapon effect simulation removing the
above-mentioned disadvantages.
SUMMARY
The present invention is defined by the appended independent claims.
Various examples of the invention are set forth by the appended dependent
claims as well as by the following description and the accompanying
drawings.
With the above description in mind, an aspect of the present invention is to
provide a simplified and more accurate solution of the transfer of information
during a two-way laser simulation between a wireless attacking and target
system which seeks to mitigate, alleviate, or eliminate one or more of the
above-identified deficiencies in the art and disadvantages separately or in
any combination.
The object of the present invention is to provide an inventive, simplified and
multi-purpose wireless target system unit detecting laser light and enabling a
correct laser light transfer of information and avoiding a mismatch of
information during a two-way laser simulation between a wireless target and
attacking system. This object is achieved by the features of claim 1 which
discloses a wireless target system unit for a weapon effect simulation
system, comprising a radio transmitter and receiver for communication with a
control system, the wireless target system unit further comprising a laser
receiver arranged for receiving laser light from an attacking system, said
laser light have a laser pulse pattern comprising of a first laser lobe, a second
laser lobe and a third laser lobe. The wireless target system unit comprises
two retro-reflecting prisms arranged to retro-reflect an incident laser light from
an attacking system, wherein each reflecting centre of said retro-reflecting
prisms and a sensor centre of said laser receiver are mounted such that they
form an isosceles triangle. The distance between the reflecting centre of
each said retro-reflecting prism and the sensor centre of said laser receiver
are equal, wherein said isosceles triangle form of said reflecting centres of
said retro-reflecting prisms and said sensor centre of said laser receiver is
arranged to correspond with said laser pulse pattern. This allows the wireless
target system unit to be used in a more efficient and multi-purpose way with a
high accuracy,high stability and also a more accurate transfer of information
and avoiding a mismatch of information, between the wireless target and the
attacking system
Said object is further achieved by the features of claim 16 which discloses a
wireless target system for a weapon effect simulation, comprising at least
one wireless target system unit, the wireless target system unit in turn
comprising a radio transmitter and receiver for communication with a control
system, the wireless target system unit further comprising a laser receiver
arranged to be receiving laser light from an attacking system. The wireless
target system further comprises a wireless control unit where the wireless
target system unit comprises two retro-reflecting prisms arranged to retroreflect
an incident laser light from an attacking system, said laser light have a
laser pulse pattern comprising of a first laser lobe , a second laser lobe and a
third laser lobe , wherein each reflecting centre of said retro-reflecting prisms
and a sensor centre of said laser receiver are mounted such that they form
an isosceles triangle, and that the distance between the reflecting centre of
each said retro-reflecting prism and the sensor centre of said laser receiver
are equal, wherein said isosceles triangle form of said reflecting centres of
said retro-reflecting prisms and said sensor centre of said laser receiver is
arranged to correspond with said laser pulse pattern , and where wireless
communication means are arranged for communication between the wireless
target system unit and the wireless control unit. This gives a higher accuracy
and stability to the wireless target system.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said retroreflecting
prisms are adapted to be easily replaceable with another set of
prisms. According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said
retro-reflecting prisms are of a different size. The retro-reflecting prisms are
adapted to be changed to another set of prisms allowing the wireless target
system unit to be flexible and to use retro-reflecting prism of different size
and shape. This also simplifies maintenance and replacement of broken
retro-reflecting prisms.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said wireless
target system unit comprises a base unit and a casing.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said base unit
comprises a radio transmitter and receiver, a sensor display with a laser
receiver, a configuration button, a configuration number, a visual flash
indicator and power supply means.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said power
supply means for said wireless target system unit is a battery.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said casing
comprises a first retro-reflecting prism, a second retro-reflecting prism, a
configuration button cover, holders and casing openers.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said casing
covers at least a part of the base unit. This gives a protection for the wireless
target system unit and allows the wireless target system unit to be more
robust, since the casing protects the base unit from impacts.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said casing is
adapted to be changed to another casing. This is advantageous in that a
worn and torn casing easily may be replaced. This is advantageous in that it
allows for replacing the casing with another casing with different colour.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said distance
between said reflecting centre of each said retro-reflecting prism and said
sensor centre of the laser receiver is less than 300 mm, preferably in the
range of 10 to 100 mm, more preferably in the range of 30 to 80 mm, most
preferably in the range of 50 to 60 mm.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said retroreflecting
prisms are arranged to cover an angle of incident laser light, where
the field of reflection for said wireless target system unit comprises a first
angle coverage in horizontal direction and a second angle of coverage in
vertical direction. The first angle of coverage in horizontal direction and the
second angle of coverage in vertical direction both match the horizontal and
vertical laser receiver coverage of the incident laser light.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said first angle
of coverage is equal to or less than 180 degrees and preferably at least 110
degrees.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said second
angle of coverage is equal to or less than 180 degrees and preferably at least
60 degrees.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said wireless
target system unit further comprises a third retro-reflecting prism and a fourth
retro-reflecting prism, each reflecting centre of the third retro-reflecting prism
and a fourth retro-reflecting prism are also mounted in an isosceles triangle
together with said laser receiver sensor centre. This gives flexibility and
allows the wireless target system unit to increase the field of reflection and/or
the range to the attacking system.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said radio
transmitter and receiver with a radio antenna is mounted on the opposite side
of the casing in relation to said retro-reflecting prisms. This allows for a low
point of gravity for the wireless target system unit and an optimal stability for
the wireless target system unit and also for a minimal interference with the
radio communication. A further advantage of this is that it allows for minimal
interference of the retro-reflecting prism from the sun light.
According to a further advantageous aspect of the invention, said wireless
target system units are adapted to be removably attached.
A number of advantages are provided by means of the present invention, for
example:
· a complete wireless target system is obtained having wireless
communication allowing for two-way laser simulation;
• a multi-purpose wireless target system allowing for both one
way and two-way laser simulation together with flash
indication;
· a plurality of different power sources is allowed for the
wireless target system unit;
• a robust, flexible and simplified wireless target system unit is
obtained;
• simplified assembly, installation, configuration and
maintenance are allowed;
• a more accurate transfer of information and avoiding a
mismatch of information, between the wireless target and
attacking system, during a two-way laser simulation are
allowed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the
figures, wherein:
Fig. 1 schematically shows a front view pictorial representation of a wireless
target system unit in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 2 schematically shows a front view pictorial representation of a wireless
target system unit in accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 3a schematically shows a laser light of an attacking system, where the
laser light have a laser pulse pattern.
Fig. 3b schematically shows a laser light of an attacking system, where the
laser light have a laser pulse pattern.
Fig. 3c schematically shows a laser light of an attacking system, where the
laser light have a laser pulse pattern.
Fig. 4 schematically shows a front view pictorial representation of a wireless
target system unit with an additional set of retro-reflecting prisms in
accordance with the present invention.
Fig. 5 schematically shows a pictorial representation of a tank comprising a
wireless target system.
Fig. 6 schematically shows a top plan view of a tank comprising a wireless
target system unit.
It should be added that the following description of the examples is for
illustration purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting the
invention exclusively to these examples/aspects.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Examples of the present invention relate, in general, to the field of weapon
effect simulation systems, and in particular, to military simulation systems
receiving laser light and reflecting laser light between wireless target systems
and attacking systems while enabling an accurate transfer of information
during a two-way laser simulation. The attacking system includes a laser
pulse transceiver arranged to transmit and receive laser light, and the
wireless target system are arranged to be retro-reflecting the laser light back
to the attacking system. The laser light may be a simulated projectile. The
laser pulses emitted from the attacking system are reflected back from the
target. This indicates the precise range to the target to be determined and
used in ballistic calculations that assesses whether a hit has been achieved.
The attacking system, when used in two-way laser simulation, is measuring
and calculating the target range, the projectile time of flight and performs a
simplified hit evaluation in order to be able to transmit high precision
coordinates for the projectile position in relation to the target system. The
target system performs a detailed hit effect evaluation with the information
from the received coded laser pulses from the attacking system, and also
taking care of aiming off allowance, type of projectile and the ballistics data
for the simulated projectile processed with the pre-programmed target
vulnerability data.
Examples of the present invention will be described more fully hereinafter
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which examples of the
invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set
forth herein. Rather, these examples are provided so that this disclosure will
be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to
those skilled in the art. Like reference signs refer to like elements throughout.
All the figures 1 to 6 are schematically illustrated. Figure 1 shows an example
of the wireless target system unit 1 according to the invention for detecting
and receiving laser light and enabling a correct laser light transfer of
information and avoiding a mismatch of information during a two-way laser
simulation between a wireless target and attacking system. The wireless
target system unit 1 is a flexible target system unit comprising a radio
transmitter and receiver 2 with an antenna, a laser receiver 6 for receiving
and detecting laser light, a first retro-reflecting prism 3 and a second retroreflecting
prism 4, each retro-reflecting prism being arranged for reflecting
laser light back to the attacking system. The horizontal direction is
represented by the X-axis 15 and the vertical direction is represented by the
Y-axis 14. When in optimal use, the X-axis 15 of the wireless target system
unit 1 is parallel with the horizontal direction and the Y-axis 14 of the wireless
target system unit 1 is parallel with the vertical direction. However, the
wireless target system unit may also be used when the X- and Y-axis are not
parallel to the horizontal and vertical direction.
The wireless target system unit 1 is arranged to be mounted to a target. The
target can constitute any type of land-, sea or air based object. The target
can constitute a vehicle in the form of, for example, a helicopter, a tank, a
track-mounted vehicle, a truck or other wheeled vehicle. The target can, for
example, further constitute a building or an infantry training participant.
Referring to figure 1, the wireless target system unit 1 comprises a base unit
13 and a casing 12 . The base unit 13 comprises a radio transmitter and
receiver 2 with an antenna, a sensor display 5 with a laser receiver 6, a
configuration button, a configuration number 8, a visual flash indicator, for
example comprising light emitting diodes and power supply means, such as a
battery 9 . The casing 12 comprises a first retro-reflecting prism 3, a second
retro-reflecting prism 4, a configuration button cover 7, holders 10a, 10b, 10c
and casing openers 11a, 11b.
The casing 12 is adapted to be easily fitted around the base unit 13 and to be
changed to another casing allowing different prisms to be used. The retroreflecting-
prisms 3, 4 are attached to the casing 12 . The retro-reflecting
prisms may be of different size and shape. The retro-reflecting prisms may
constitute prism for short range or long range. The retro-reflecting prisms
may constitute any appropriate type of retro-reflecting prism. The wireless
target system unit 1 has functionality in both one-way laser and two-way
laser simulations, since the casing 12 with the retro-reflecting prisms is easily
removable and attachable. When the casing 12 comprising the retroreflecting
prisms is fitted to the base unit 13, the wireless target system unit 1
allows for both one-way laser simulation and two-way laser simulation
depending of the capability of the attacking system. When the casing 12 is
not fitted to the base unit 13, the base unit 13 allows for one-way laser
simulation. It is also possible to integrate the retro-reflecting units together
with the base unit 13 if there is no need to remove, replace or exchange
them. It is also possible to design a casing without retro-reflecting prisms 3, 4
which may provide robustness during one-way laser simulation.
The casing 12 is an easily removable covering further comprising openings
for the sensor display 5, the configuration identification number 8 and for the
rear side (not shown). The casing 12 is preferably made from a light and
elastic material, such as a polymer, elastomer or rubber. However, the casing
may be made of any suitable material. The casing 12 is attached to the base
unit 13 via a flange construction around the rim of the base unit 13 . The
casing 12 can easily be snapped on and off the base unit 13 by using the
flange construction of the base unit 13 and the corresponding track
construction of the casing 12 . The holders 10a, 10b, 10c may be used for
fastening the wireless target unit 1 to a target, by using straps, catch wires or
the like. The holders 10a, 10b, 10c constitutes through holes in the casing
12 . The casing openers 11a, 11b protrudes from the casing 12 in such a way
as to facilitate the removal and attachment of the casing 12, from and to the
base unit 13 . Referring to figure 1, the casing openers 11a, 11b are
positioned on the casing 12 at the end of the battery 9.
The casing 12 is environmentally tight, and when it is fitted to the base unit
13 it constitutes a robust protection for the base unit 13; the casing 12 thus
protects the base unit 13 from impact forces. When the casing 12 is fitted to
the base unit 13, the casing 12 functions as a lid to the battery 9 . In order to
get access to change the battery 9, the casing 12, functioning as a lid, may
only be partly opened and removed by using the casing openers 11a and
11b. Further, the casing 12 comprises a configuration button cover 7
protecting the configuration button of the base unit 13. The configuration
button cover 7 is formed such that it is possible to press down on the
configuration button while having the casing 12 attached to the base unit 13.
The configuration number 8 shows the configuration number of the wireless
target system unit 1 in a wireless target system. The configuration number 8
is a unique identification number for the wireless target system unit 1. This
configuration number may be a fixed number or a changeable number
showing in a display. The casing 12 may be constituted by any appropriate
material or colour.
The sensor display 5 may be formed in an elliptic shape. The elliptic sensor
display 5 comprises the laser receiver 6, the visual flash indicator and a
visual configuration set-up display. The laser receiver 6 may comprise one or
several PIN diodes arranged to detect the incoming laser light from an
attacking system. The visual flash indicator may comprise high intensive light
emitting diodes signalling elimination of the wireless target system unit 1. The
visual configuration set-up display presents the configuration of the wireless
target system units 1 in a wireless target system. The visual configuration
set-up display presents how the wireless target system unit 1 is configured
and where to be positioned on the front, rear, left or right side of a target. The
sensor display 5 may comprise an IR-interface. The visual configuration set
up display may also present a result of a built-in test function and support the
user in case of reconfiguration.
Normally a Velcro attachment (not shown) on the rear side of the wireless
target system unit 1 is used to attach the wireless target system unit 1 to a
target. This reduces the cost by simplifying the assembly, installation,
configuration and maintenance of the wireless target system unit. However,
the wireless target system unit 1 can be mounted to a target by any
conventional fastening means such as for example wire means, screws or
bolts. Further, the wireless target system unit 1 may signal if the power
supply is not sufficient.
The wireless target system unit 1 is arranged to cover an angle of incident
laser light, where the field of reflection for the wireless target system unit 1
comprises a first angle coverage in the horizontal direction and a second
angle of coverage in the vertical direction in relation to the positioning of the
wireless target system unit. The first angle of coverage in horizontal direction
and the second angle of coverage in vertical direction both match the
horizontal and vertical laser receiver coverage of the incident laser light. The
first angle of coverage is equal or less than 180 degrees and preferably at
least 110 degrees. The second angle of coverage is equal or less than 180
degrees, preferably at least 60 degrees. Referring to figure 1, the retroreflecting
prism 3, 4 are normally directed at an outward angle of 22,5
degrees in each direction and in relation to the normal vector direction of the
laser receiver 6 . The field of reflection for the wireless target system unit 1
match the field of the laser receiver coverage for the wireless target system
unit 1.
Figure 2 shows a front view of the example of figure 1. Figure 2 shows the
sensor centre 6a of the laser receiver 6, the reflecting centre 3a of the first
retro-reflecting prism 3 and the reflecting centre 4a of the second retroreflecting
prism 4 . The reflecting centres 3a, 4a of the retro-reflecting prisms
3, 4 and the sensor centre 6a of the laser receiver 6 are mounted such that
they form an isosceles triangle. The distance to the reflecting centre of each
said retro-reflecting prism 3, 4 and the sensor centre 6a of the laser receiver
6 are equal. The first distance D 1, between the reflecting centre 3a of the first
retro-reflecting prism 3 and the sensor centre 6a of the laser receiver 6, is
equal to the second distance D2, between the reflecting centre 4a of the
second retro-reflecting prism 4a and the sensor centre 6a of the laser
receiver 6 .
The geometrical shape of an isosceles triangle constitutes of two sides which
are equal in length. An isosceles triangle also has two angles of the same
measure; namely, the angles opposite to the two sides of the same length.
By having the reflecting centres 3a, 4a of the retro-reflecting prisms 3, 4 and
the sensor centre 6a of the laser receiver 6 in a geometrical shape of an
isosceles triangle, a more accurate transfer of information and avoiding a
mismatch of information during a two-way laser simulation with high fidelity is
obtained. Each reflecting centre of the retro-reflecting prisms and the sensor
centre of said laser receiver are mounted such that they constitute the
corners of an isosceles triangle. The isosceles triangle which is created
between the reflecting centres 3a, 4a of said retro-reflecting prisms 3, 4 and
the sensor centre 6a of the laser receiver 6 enables a simultaneous
detection, by the laser receiver 6, and reflection, by the retro-reflecting prism
3, 4, of the passing laser light from an attacking system.
The accuracy of transferring information between a wireless target system
unit 1 and an attacking system with laser light is depending on the
simultaneous detection and reflection of the laser light at the wireless target
system unit 1. When determining the range and position between the
attacking system and the target system during a two-way laser simulation,
the laser light from an attacking system is reflected back to the attacking
system and analysed in the attacking system before the projectile position
coordinates, the type of projectile and the ballistic data are transmitted to the
target system by coded laser pulses allowing the target system to calculate
an accurate hit effect evaluation. The attacking system, when used in twoway
laser simulation, is measuring and calculating the target range, the
projectile time of flight and performs a simplified hit evaluation in order to be
able to transmit high precision coordinates for the projectile position in
relation to the target system. The target system performs a detailed hit effect
evaluation with the information from the received coded laser pulses from the
attacking system, and also taking care of aiming off allowance, type of
projectile and the ballistics data for the simulated projectile processed with
the pre-programmed target vulnerability data. This indicates the range to the
target to be determined and used in ballistic calculations that assesses
whether a hit has been achieved and results are presented in both the
attacking system and in the target system.
Figure 3a shows a laser light of an attacking system, where the laser light
have a laser pulse pattern 16 and where the reflecting centres 3a, 4a of the
retro-reflecting prisms and the sensor centre 6a of the laser receiver are
mounted such that they constitute the corners of an isosceles triangle. Figure
3a shows an example of the laser pulse pattern 16 comprising of a first laser
lobe 16a, a second laser lobe 16b and a third laser lobe 16c. This laser pulse
pattern 16 of the attacking system is preferred to enable an accurate transfer
of information for all ranges between the wireless target system unit 1 and
the attacking system.
The laser pattern 16 from the attacking system and the geometrical shape of
the isosceles triangle between the reflecting centres 3a, 4a and the sensor
centre 6a of the wireless target system unit guarantees symmetrical
characteristics independent of the direction of the laser light from the
attacking system. The angle between the first laser lobe 16a and the second
laser lobe 16b is 45 degrees and the angle between the second laser lobe
16b and the third laser lobe 16c is 45 degrees. The first laser lobe 16a, the
second laser lobe 16b and the third laser lobe 16c constitute a fixed laser
pulse pattern 16 in relation to each other which is simultaneously transmitted
from the attacking system. The width of the first laser lobe 16a, the second
laser lobe 16b and the third laser lobe 16c at impact of incoming laser light
on the wireless target system unit varies with the distance between the
attacking system and the wireless target system unit. The width of the laser
lobes becomes narrower as the distance between the attacking system and
the wireless target system unit becomes shorter
During operation of the attacking system, the laser pulse pattern 16 sweeps
from left to right and from right to left which is schematically shown in figure
3b and figure 3c. Figure 3b shows a simultaneous laser light impact on the
second retro-reflecting prism 4 and the laser receiver 6 with the first laser
lobe 16a which enables a simultaneous retro-reflection and laser receiver
detection of incoming laser light. Figure 3c shows a simultaneous laser light
impact on the first retro-reflecting prism 3 and the laser receiver 6 with the
third laser lobe 16c which enables a simultaneous retro-reflection and laser
receiver detection of incoming laser light. Thus, due to the geometrical shape
of the isosceles triangle between the reflecting centres 3a, 4a and the sensor
centre 6a of the wireless target system unit and due to the laser pulse pattern
16 symmetrical characteristics independent of the direction of the laser light
from the attacking system are provided with the present invention. Any other
geometrical form between the reflecting centres 3a, 4a and the sensor centre
6a will not provide such symmetrical characteristics and such simultaneous
detection and reflection and accurate transfer of information for all ranges
between the wireless target system unit and the attacking system.
The need for simultaneous detection and reflection and accurate transfer of
information are required to get corresponding results in both the target and
attacking system. The geometrical shape and relation of an isosceles triangle
between the laser receiver 6 and the retro-reflecting prisms 3, 4 is preferred
to enable an accurate transfer of information for all ranges between the
wireless target system unit 1 and the attacking system. The laser pulse
pattern 16 comprising of the first laser lobe 16a, the second laser lobe 16b
and the third laser lobe 16c is also preferred to enable an accurate transfer of
information for all ranges between the wireless target system unit 1 and the
attacking system. When the distance between the wireless target system unit
1 and the attacking system is less than 100 meters, the geometrical shape
and relation of an isosceles triangle between the laser receiver 6 and the
retro-reflecting prisms 3, 4 is even more preferred, in order to achieve an
accurate transfer of information. This is due to the narrow laser lobes which
are transmitted from the attacking systems at short ranges.
During optimal function of the wireless target system unit, the same
information is received from the laser light, independent of the direction of the
attacking system, this since the wireless target system unit 1 has the
geometrical shape and relation of an isosceles triangle between the laser
receiver 6 and the retro-reflecting prisms 3, 4 which guarantees symmetrical
characteristics independent of the direction of the simulated projectile from
the attacking system. Optimal geometrical position of the wireless target
system unit 1 is when the retro-reflecting prisms 3, 4 are parallel to the Xaxis.
The distance D 1, D2 between said reflecting centre 3a, 4a of each said retroreflecting
prism 3, 4 and said sensor centre 6a of the laser receiver 6 are
normally less than 300 mm, preferably in the range of 10 to 100 mm, more
preferably in the range of 30 to 80 mm, most preferably in the range of 50 to
60 mm.
The radio transmitter and receiver 2 with the radio antenna is mounted on the
opposite side of said retro-reflecting prisms 3, 4 . The retro-reflecting prisms
3, 4 are also mounted below both the radio transmitter and receiver 2 and the
laser receiver 6 . This results in minimal interference to the radio transmitter
and receiver 2 with the radio antenna and increases the range of the radio
transmitter and receiver 2 with the radio antenna. The wireless target system
unit 1 with the relation of an isosceles triangle between the laser receiver 6
and the retro-reflecting prisms 3, 4 on the opposite side of the radio
transmitter and receiver 2 with the radio antenna, further achieves a low
centre of gravity increasing the stability of the wireless target system unit 1
and simplifies installation of the wireless target system unit 1 to a target.
Figure 4 shows a front view of a further example of the wireless target
system unit 1. Figure 4 shows an example of a wireless target system unit 1
comprising an additional set of retro-reflecting prisms 23, 24. These
additional retro-reflecting prisms, at an angle between each other, may
increase both the first and second angle of coverage for the inclining laser
light and/or increase the effective range to the attacking system when it
performs two-way laser simulation. The reflecting centres (not shown) of the
additional retro-reflecting prisms 23, 24 are also mounted in an isosceles
triangle together with the sensor centre 6a of the laser receiver 6 .
Figure 5 shows a side view of a tank 30 comprising a wireless target system
3 1. Figure 5 shows a side view of a tank 30, two wireless target system units
1 mounted on a first side 36 of the tank 30 and a wireless control unit 32
mounted on the upper part 37 of the tank 30. The wireless control unit 32 is
arranged to register and analyse the data information received from the
wireless target system units 1 in the wireless target system.
Figure 6 shows a top plan view of a tank 30 comprising a wireless target
system 3 1. In the example of figure 5 and 6, two wireless target system units
1 are mounted on a first side 36 of the tank 30, two wireless target system
units are mounted on a second side 35 of the tank 30, one wireless target
system unit 1 is mounted on the front side 33 of the tank 30, one wireless
target system unit 1 is mounted on the rear side 34 of the tank 30 and a
wireless control unit 32 is mounted on the upper part 37 of the tank 30.
In a wireless target system 3 1, the wireless target system unit or units
together with a wireless control unit 32 creates a radio network. This radio
network may also be defined as a wireless detector network or a wireless
network. The radio network is created with the wireless network transceiver
function which is built in to all radio communicating units in the radio network.
The wireless target system unit 1 and the wireless control unit comprise a
wireless network transceiver function. The wireless target system units 1 may
comprise one or several control process units which enable calculations to be
done directly in the wireless target system unit 1. The wireless control unit 32
comprises one or several control process units allowing for calculations to be
done in the wireless control unit 32.
The wireless target system unit 1 is arranged to receive and detect laser light
from an attacking system and to transfers this laser light information via a
radio transmitter and receiver 2 to the wireless control unit 32. The wireless
control unit 32 comprises a radio transmitter and receiver in order to receive
the information transmitted from the wireless target system unit 1. The
wireless control unit 32 is arranged to calculate the resulting effect of the
laser light detected by the wireless target system units 1 and to inform this
result. For example, if the target is eliminated the resulting effect is kill, if the
target is partly eliminated the resulting effect is mobility kill and if the target is
hit but no damage was done to the target the resulting effect is hit with no
effect.
The wireless control unit 32 further comprises a storage unit. The wireless
control unit 32 may calculate and store the hit aspect angle of the laser
simulated projectile from the attacking system. For example, a wireless target
system 3 1 comprising several position defining wireless target system units 1
can determine which of the wireless target system units 1 that are hit with
high intensity laser light and thus determine from what direction the wireless
target system was hit. This information is presented by the aspect angle for
the system. During a two-way laser simulation, the wireless control unit 32
may calculate and store the hit position and the aspect angle of the laser
simulated projectile from the attacking system.
The wireless control unit 32 may store geographical positions from a GPS
and may identify all positions and timings for each event during the
simulation.
The wireless control unit 32 may identify the attacking simulation system and
the ammunition used by the attacking system. The wireless control unit may
signal if the power supply is not sufficient. Further, the wireless control unit
32 may communicate and instruct the wireless target system units to signal
elimination with visual flash indication comprising of high intensive light
emitting diodes.
The wireless target system unit 1 can receive, detect and decode laser
pulses. For example, the wireless target system unit 1 may operate together
with both laser code systems OSAG (Optische Schnittstelle fur AGDUS und
GefLlbZ) and MILES (Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System). The
wireless target system unit 1 may decode the received laser pulses and
further transmit information to the wireless control unit 32. The wireless target
system unit 1 comprises a repeater function and may receive information
from other wireless target units and transmit this information to the control
unit 32.
The wireless target system unit 1 may comprise an IR-interface and may
communicate with other IR-interface units, for example other simulation
systems. The IR-interface may be used for software loading. The wireless
target system may comprise an IR-interface and may communicate with
other IR-interface units, for example other simulation systems. The wireless
target system may be configured by using the IR-interface in both the
wireless target system and the wireless target system unit 1. A configuration
of the wireless target system may be done by holding the IR-interface in the
wireless target system unit 1 in front of the IR-interface of the wireless control
unit and adjusting the configuration with the configuration button and the
visual configuration set-up display where the position of the wireless target
system unit 1 is presented. However, the configuration may be done by using
radio communication or a programmable laser control gun.
A vehicle target is normally provided with a total of six wireless system units
1, two on each side of the vehicle target, one at the front side 33 of the
vehicle target and one at the rear side 34 of the vehicle target. However, a
system set-up with four wireless target system units 1 in an orthogonal
direction with each other is sufficient to cover 360 degrees in azimuth
direction around the vehicle target. A wireless target system may comprise of
any appropriate number of wireless target system units 1 and one wireless
control unit 32.
Further, the wireless control unit 32 is not needed when the target is a fixed
object, such as a building.
Further, the wireless target system units 1 for two-way laser simulation may
be combined with base units 13 for one-way laser simulation in a wireless
target system.
Any type of appropriate laser having any type of appropriate laser pattern,
pulse or code may be used in the simulation systems.
The invention is not limited to the example described above, but may be
modified without departing from the scope of the claims below.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular
examples only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used
herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the
plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be
further understood that the terms "comprises" "comprising," "includes" and/or
"including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features,
integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not
preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers,
steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms)
used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of
ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further
understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a
meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of this
specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or
overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The foregoing has described the principles, preferred examples and modes
of operation of the present invention. However, the invention should be
regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and not as being limited to the
particular examples discussed above. The different features of the various
examples of the invention can be combined in other combinations than those
explicitly described. It should therefore be appreciated that variations may be
made in those examples by those skilled in the art without departing from the
scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.
REFERENCE SIGNS
1: Wireless target system unit
2 : Radio receiver and transmitter
3 : First retro-reflecting prism
3a: Reflecting centre of the first retro-reflector
4 : Second retro-reflecting prism
4a: Reflecting centre of the second retro-reflector
5 : Sensor display
6 : Laser receiver
6a: Sensor centre of the laser receiver
7 : Configuration button cover
8 : Configuration number
9 : Power supply means
10a, b, c : Holders
11a, b: Casing opener
12 : Casing
13 : Base unit
14: Y-axis
15 : X-axis
16 : Laser pulse pattern
16a: First laser lobe
16b: Second laser lobe
16c: Third laser lobe
23: Third retro-reflector
24: Fourth retro-reflector
30: Tank
3 1: Tank comprising a wireless target system
32: Wireless control unit
33: Front side
34: Rear side
35: Second side
36: First side
37: Upper part
D 1 : First distance (distance from centre of first retro-reflector to
centre of laser receiver)
Second distance (distance from centre of second retro-reflector
to centre of laser receiver)

CLAIMS
1. A wireless target system unit ( 1) for a weapon effect simulation system,
comprising a radio transmitter and receiver (2) arranged for communication
with a control system, the wireless target system unit ( 1 ) further comprising a
laser receiver (6) arranged for receiving laser light from an attacking system,
characterized in that said wireless target system unit ( 1 ) comprises two
retro-reflecting prisms (3, 4) arranged to retro-reflect an incident laser light
from an attacking system, said laser light have a laser pulse pattern (16)
comprising of a first laser lobe 16a, a second laser lobe 16b and a third laser
lobe 16c, wherein each reflecting centre (3a, 4a) of said retro-reflecting
prisms (3, 4) and a sensor centre (6a) of said laser receiver (6) are mounted
such that they form an isosceles triangle, and that the distance (D1 , D2)
between the reflecting centre (3a, 4a) of each said retro-reflecting prism (3,
4) and the sensor centre (6a) of said laser receiver (6) are equal, wherein
said isosceles triangle form of said reflecting centres (3a, 4a) of said retroreflecting
prisms (3, 4) and said sensor centre (6a) of said laser receiver is
arranged to correspond with said laser pulse pattern ( 16).
2 . The wireless target system unit ( 1) according to claim 1, characterized in
that said retro-reflecting prisms (3, 4) are adapted to be replaceable to
another set of prisms by a user.
3 . The wireless target system unit ( 1) according to claim 2, characterized in
that said retro-reflecting prisms (3, 4) are of a different size.
4 . The wireless target system unit ( 1) according to anyone of the preceding
claims, characterized in that said wireless target system unit ( 1 ) comprises
a base unit (13) and a casing ( 12).
5 . The wireless target system unit ( 1 ) according to anyone of the preceding
claims, characterized in that said base unit (13) comprises the radio
transmitter and receiver (2), the sensor display (5) with the laser receiver (6),
a configuration button, a configuration number (8), a visual flash indicator and
power supply means.
6 . The wireless target system unit ( 1) according to claim 5, characterized in
that said power supply means for said wireless target system unit ( 1 ) is a
battery (9).
7 . The wireless target system unit ( 1) according to anyone of the preceding
claims, characterized in that said casing ( 12) comprises the first retroreflecting
prism (3), the second retro-reflecting prism (4), a configuration
button cover (7), holders ( 10a, 10b, 10c) and casing openers ( 1 1a, 11b).
8 . The wireless target system unit ( 1) according to anyone of the preceding
claims, characterized in that said casing ( 12) covers at least a part of the
base unit ( 13).
9 . The wireless target system unit ( 1 ) according to anyone of the preceding
claims, characterized in that said casing ( 12) is adapted to be replaceable
with at least one other casing.
10 . The wireless target system unit ( 1 ) according to anyone of the preceding
claims, characterized in that each distance (D1 , D2) between said reflecting
centre (3a, 4a) of each said retro-reflecting prism (3, 4) and said sensor
centre (6a) of the laser receiver (6) is less than 300 mm, preferably in the
range of 10 to 100 mm, more preferably in the range of 30 to 80 mm, most
preferably in the range of 50 to 60 mm.
11. The wireless target system unit ( 1 ) according to anyone of the preceding
claims, characterized in that said retro-reflecting prisms (3, 4) are arranged
to cover an angle of incident laser light, where the field of reflection for said
wireless target system unit ( 1) comprises a first angle of coverage in
horizontal direction and a second angle of coverage in vertical direction both
matching the laser receiver coverage of incident laser light.
12 . The wireless target system unit ( 1 ) according to claim 11, characterized
in that said first angle of coverage is equal to or less than 180 degrees and
preferably at least 110 degrees.
13 . The wireless target system unit ( 1 ) according to claim 11, characterized
in that said second angle of coverage is equal to or less than 180 degrees
and preferably at least 60 degrees.
14. The wireless target system unit ( 1 ) according to anyone of the preceding
claims, characterized in that said wireless target system unit ( 1 ) further
comprises a third retro-reflecting prism (23) and a fourth retro-reflecting prism
(24), each reflecting centre of the third retro-reflecting prism (23) and the
fourth retro-reflecting prism (24) being mounted such that they form an
isosceles triangle together with said laser receiver sensor centre (6a).
15 . The wireless target system unit ( 1 ) according to anyone of the preceding
claims, characterized in that said radio transmitter and receiver (2) is
mounted on the opposite side of the casing ( 12) in relation to said retroreflecting
prisms (3, 4, 23, 24).
16 . A wireless target system for a weapon effect simulation, comprising at
least one wireless target system unit ( 1 ) , the wireless target system unit ( 1 ) in
turn comprising a radio transmitter and receiver (2) arranged for
communication with a control system, the wireless target system unit ( 1 )
further comprising a laser receiver (6) arranged to be receiving laser light
from an attacking system, said wireless target system further comprising a
wireless control unit (32), characterized in that said wireless target system
unit ( 1 ) comprises two retro-reflecting prisms (3, 4) arranged to retro-reflect
an incident laser light from an attacking system, said laser light have a laser
pulse pattern ( 16) comprising of a first laser lobe 16a, a second laser lobe
16b and a third laser lobe 16c, wherein each reflecting centre (3a, 4a) of said
retro-reflecting prisms (3, 4) and a sensor centre (6a) of said laser receiver
(6) are mounted such that they form an isosceles triangle, and that the
distance (D1 , D2) between the reflecting centre (3a, 4a) of each said retroreflecting
prism (3, 4) and the sensor centre (6a) of said laser receiver (6) are
equal, wherein said isosceles triangle form of said reflecting centres (3a, 4a)
of said retro-reflecting prisms (3, 4) and said sensor centre (6a) of said laser
receiver is arranged to correspond with said laser pulse pattern ( 16), and
where wireless communication means are arranged for communication
between said wireless target system unit ( 1 ) and said wireless control unit
(32).
17 . The wireless target system according to claim 16 characterized in that
said wireless target system units ( 1 ) are adapted to be removably attached.
18 . Vehicle comprising a wireless target system unit ( 1 ) according to claim 1.