AU2022200355A1

AU2022200355A1 - Target device for use in firearm training

Info

Publication number: AU2022200355A1
Application number: AU2022200355A
Authority: AU
Inventors: David Baird
Original assignee: Baird Tech Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Baird Technology Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2022-01-19
Filing date: 2022-01-19
Publication date: 2023-08-03

Abstract

A target device (1) comprises an electric-powered 4-wheel drive zero-turn base (2). A mannequin (3) simulating a human-like torso is mounted on a pivotable shaft (4). A paintball rifle firearm (5) is attached to the upper end of the shaft (4) for firing dye-filled gel capsules (6). A thermal imaging day/night camera (7) is fixed to the firearm (5). Force sensors (8) are positioned on the mannequin (3) at positions simulating the head, heart, throat and left and right lung regions of a human. A fused LiDAR depth camera (9) is fitted to the base (2). Control of the base (2), the mannequin (3), the firearm (5) and cameras (7,9) is by software uploaded to one or more CPUs (10) housed within the base (2). All components of the target device (1) are manufactured from, or covered by a layer of, any suitable ballistic-resistant steel with the exposed surfaces of the force sensors (8) and the lens of the cameras (7,9) being covered by bullet-proof glass. 0 7 S I- 8 10O 2 FI

Description

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TITLE: TARGET DEVICE FOR USE IN FIREARM TRAINING

Technical Field

THIS INVENTION relates to firearm training for armed personnel. In particular, but not limiting, it is directed to a robotic-type device for use in training exercises for firearm carrying individuals such as members of the armed forces, law enforcement officers and the like.

Statements

It should be noted that, throughout this specification, unless the contrary is expressly stated, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was, at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of the common general knowledge, or known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned.

Unless the contrary is expressly stated, the use of ordinal adjectives such as "first", "second", "third" and the like, to describe objects or operations is not intended to imply that the objects or operations are in any particular sequence, either temporally, spatially, or in any other manner.

The terms "comprising" or "comprises" as used throughout this specification and claims are taken to specify the presence of the stated features, integers and components referred to but not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other feature/s, integer/s, component/s or group thereof.

Background Art

Individuals that routinely carry firearms such as members of the armed forces, law enforcement officers and the like typically receive training to assist them in dealing with armed situations that might be encountered during their active duties. This training is crucial to the individuals' performance and safety in real life situations. These exercises can include using live ammunition to shoot at targets. Various prior art targets for these exercises have been developed which include static targets, pop-up targets, targets moving on fixed tracks and, more recently, mobile targets which comprise a mannequin or the like mounted on a moveable wheeled platform. These mobile targets were essentially developed to overcome the deficiencies of targets that were static, pop-up or moveable on fixed tracks, these deficiencies including that the target image was either stationary and/or visible at all times to the individual undergoing the training. However, deficiencies remain with these prior art moveable targets which include that no dynamic indication is given regarding the accuracy of shot placement by the individual other than by physical examination; the path taken by the target during the exercise is either determined by radio-control of the target by its human operator or, if the target is somewhat autonomous, a fixed path of waypoints is pre-programmed by software embedded in an onboard computer, but, irrespective of how the path of the target is selected or controlled, the target does not mimic the actions and/or motions of an actual human person would take if they were actually under fire; they lack any protective features to resist damage from being hit by live ammunition fired by the individual; they lack any active firearm to return fire to the individual; and when multiple targets are used simultaneously, they operate independently of each other precluding an accurate simulation of target devices acting in a military formation. These deficiencies in the prior art mobile targets enable an individual undergoing training to more readily predict the likely actions of the targets thereby reducing the key skills of tactical development and immediate-action requirements that might be necessary during an individual's active duties in the face of an actual armed situation.

It is therefore a general object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a target device for use in training of an individual firing ammunition at the target device, the target device comprising:

a base portion including a motive power means for movement of the target device in a designated area;

a humanoid-like mannequin or the like mounted on the base portion;

an implement associated with the humanoid-like mannequin adapted to simulate a means capable of inflicting damage or harm to the individual;

at least one sensor associated with the humanoid-like mannequin adapted to detect a hit on at least one designated region of the humanoid-like mannequin by the ammunition fired by the individual;

at least one detection means associated with the target device to detect the individual in the designated area; and

at least one onboard central processing unit to control the target device.

Preferably, the motive power means is an electric 4-wheel drive zero-turn system.

The implement may be selected from the group comprising a cultivation means such as a spade, shovel, fork, pick, mattock, or the like, a timber plank or the like, or a firing means.

In those embodiments where the implement is a firing means, the firing means may be any suitable in-service or replica barrelled-range weapon selected from the group comprising revolver, pistol, derringer, rifle, shotgun and submachine gun, or may be a simulated "explosive vest."

Preferably, the firing means is adapted to fire at least one marker towards the individual when detected by the detection means.

In an embodiment of the target device of the present invention, the marker is a Man Marker Round.

Preferably, the Man Marker Round is selected from the group comprising a Simunition, Airsoft or similar military munition, and gel capsule ammunition.

More preferably, the Man Marker Round is at least one dye-filled gel capsule such as a paintball marker.

In those embodiments of the present invention where the firing means is a simulated "explosive vest", the vest is adapted to fire a multiple of the paintball marker simultaneously.

Preferably, the humanoid-like mannequin includes sensors to detect a lethal hit on its simulated head, heart, throat and left and right lung regions by the ammunition fired by the individual.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the humanoid-like mannequin may also include sensors which detect a non-lethal hit on its regions by the ammunition fired by the individual.

Each of the detection means may be selected from one or more of the group comprising thermal imaging sensor, laser scanner, camera, microphone and radar.

Preferably, the detection means is at least one camera.

More preferably, the detection means is a first camera adapted to at least capture one or more images of the individual and a second camera adapted to at least capture one or more images of the designated area.

Preferably, the first camera is mounted on an upper region of the target device and the second camera is spaced from the first camera and mounted on a lower region of the target device.

Preferably, the first camera is a thermal imaging day/night camera.

Preferably, the second camera is a fused LiDAR depth camera.

Operational software uploaded to the appropriate onboard central processing unit/s includes application software (1) to control the positioning and navigation of the target device, (2) obstacle detection and avoidance, (3) operation of the sensor/s, the mannequin and the implement and, where appropriate, the firearm - including activating the discharge of the firearm, and (4) communication of data, video and audio feeds between any participating target device and to any outside party.

In all embodiments of the present invention, the target device may be manufactured from, or covered by, armoured materials which are resistant to damage when struck by the ammunition.

The armoured materials may include ballistic steel and bullet-proof glass.

In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of training of at least one individual firing ammunition at at least one target device as hereinbefore described, the method comprising:

establishing a designated area for the training; establishing a disposition in the designated area for each of the target device and each individual to simulate armed conflict between each of the target device and each individual; and activating each target device according to commands programmed into the relevant onboard central processing unit of each target device.

In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, there are at least two of the target device.

In one of the embodiments of the method of the present invention where there are at least two of the target device, each target device acts in a military formation.

In another of the embodiments of the method of the present invention where there are at least two of the target device, each target device acts autonomously.

In another of the embodiments of the method of the present invention where there are at least two of the target device, at least one target device acts under the direct control of the outside party monitoring the training exercise.

In those embodiments of the method of the present invention where each target device acts in a military formation, one target device may be designated to transmit information to another of the remaining target devices.

In those embodiments of the method of the present invention where one target device has been designated to transmit information to another of the remaining target devices, optionally, another of the remaining target devices may be designated to transmit the information should the one target device become deactivated during the method of training.

Optionally, real-time information identifying the disposition and status of each target device and each individual is transmitted to the party controlling the method of training.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the party controlling the method of training may be remote from the designated area.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is schematic front and side views of a first target device constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a component of the target device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of a second target device constructed in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 4-7 are schematic illustrations of a firearm training exercise undertaken in accordance with the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Referring to FIG. 1, a target device (1) comprises an electric-powered 4-wheel drive zero-turn base (2). A mannequin (3) simulating a human-like torso is mounted on a pivotable shaft (4) adapted to allow the mannequin (3) to be pivoted from a substantially vertical position to a substantially backwards substantially horizontal position. Power for this movement of the mannequin (3) is provided either by any suitable power take-off from the 4-wheel drive system or by any suitable direct-drive mechanism known in the art. A paintball rifle firearm (5) (FIGS. 1 & 2) is attached to the upper end of the shaft (4) for firing dye-filled gel capsules (6). Discharge of the capsules (6) is activated using a software-controlled electronic firing solenoid (20). A thermal imaging day/night camera (7) is fixed to the firearm (5). Force sensors (8) known in the art of the type that convert the magnitude of a force into a related output signal are positioned on the mannequin (3) at positions simulating the head, heart, throat and left and right lung regions of a human. Additional force sensors (not illustrated) may be fitted on other regions of the mannequin (3) such as its arms or hands. A fused LiDAR depth camera (9) is fitted to the base (2). Control of the base (2), pivoting of the mannequin (3), the firearm (5) and cameras (7,9) is by software uploaded to one or more CPUs (10) housed within the base (2). All components of the target device (1) are manufactured from, or covered by a layer of, any suitable ballistic-resistant steel with the exposed surfaces of the force sensors (8) and the lens of the cameras (7,9) being covered by bullet-proof glass.

In another embodiment of the target device illustrated in FIG. 3, the target device (1a) is substantially identical with, and operates substantially identically as, the embodiment described above with reference to FIG. 1, except that the mannequin (3) simulates a sniper (11), initially positioned substantially horizontally and adapted to be pivoted downwards by approximately 45 degrees.

In use, the mapping of the proposed designated area is determined by any suitable available mapping mechanisms such as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM), Google Maps, Bing Maps, Open Street Maps and existing Military Maps. The subsequent map is converted to an image and the x-y pixel coordinates establishing the position of each target device (1) and any topographical or other known obstacles in the designated area are recorded. This data enables the party controlling the exercise to program a pre-assigned path for each target device (1), avoiding any terrain features that may pose a safety risk to the target device (1) and/or which allow the target device (1) to take advantage of any terrain features that could limit the visibility of the target device (1) to an individual undertaking the training exercise. This pre-assigned path information is uploaded to the relevant CPU (10) of each target device (1). Additional application software uploaded to the relevant CPU (10) includes algorithms for (a) obstacle detection and avoidance for manoeuvring each target device (1) through the designated area, (b) for head- and face-detection specific for detecting a human participant, (c) for locating and identifying specific characteristics of the human participant once identified, (d) for tracking a human participant once identified, (e) for stochastic dynamic modelling for each target device (1) to determine the action to be taken by each target device (1) after a human participant has been identified, and (f) for video and/or audio communication between each target device (1) and/or the party controlling the exercise. This application software is based on any suitable appropriate prior algorithms described in the literature, modified as necessary for any particular training exercise.

At the commencement of the training exercise, each target device (1) follows its pre assigned path until the party controlling the exercise edits the path, or the target device (1) detects an obstacle, or the target device (1) senses a "hit" on the mannequin from ammunition fired by an individual.

The fused LiDAR depth camera (9) primarily monitors the terrain of the designated area for obstacle detection; the thermal imaging camera (7) also monitors the terrain of the designated area for obstacle detection but also detects human individuals and weapons. If the LiDAR camera (9) detects an obstacle, data comparison is made with the current terrain view of the thermal imaging camera (7) to establish that they are substantially identical. This interdependent operation of the cameras (7,9) reduces any false detections of an obstacle thereby eliminating any unnecessary deviation by the target device (1) from its pre-assigned path.

If the obstacle detected is not an individual, the target device (1) determines and acts on any deviation from the pre-assigned path that may be required to avoid that obstacle.

If the obstacle is an individual, the target device (1) determines whether the individual is bearing a weapon and whether the individual is making a "surrender gesture" (such as dropping the firearm and/or raising hands). If the individual is not bearing a weapon or is making a surrender gesture, the target device (1) transmits a "captured" signal to the party controlling the exercise and to any other target device (1) participating in the training exercise and continues its participation in the training exercise. If the individual is bearing a weapon and is not making a surrender gesture, the target device (1) determines any deviation from the pre-assigned path that may be required to close in on the individual and/or commences firing the dye-filled gel capsules (6) at the individual. If the individual is making, or subsequently makes after ceasing fire towards the target device (1), a surrender gesture, the target device (1) ceases firing and transmits a "captured" signal to the party controlling the exercise and to any other target device (1) participating in the training exercise.

If a sensor on the mannequin (3) of a target device (1) detects a non-lethal hit on its regions by the ammunition fired by the individual, the target device (1) transmits a "non lethal hit" signal to the party controlling the exercise and to any other target device (1) participating in the training exercise.

If a sensor on the mannequin (3) of a target device (1) detects a lethal hit on its regions by the ammunition fired by the individual, the target device (1) ceases firing, the mannequin (3) pivots backwards to a horizontal position, halts and transmits a "lethal hit" signal to the party controlling the exercise and to any other target device (1) participating in the training exercise. If required, the initial programming of each target device (1) can include a re-activate command for the target device (1) to resume its participation in the training exercise after a pre-determined period following a lethal hit.

If one of the target device (1) is a target device (1a) simulating a sniper (11), its operation is substantially independent from the operation of any other target device (1) participating in the training exercise and its movements and actions are determined by the party controlling the training exercise based on the video and/or audio feeds received from the target device (1a).

With particular reference to FIGS. 4-6, the designated area (12) for a training exercise includes buildings (13,14), a wall (15) of sufficient height to conceal four individuals (16,17,18,19) carrying riflesforfiring live ammunition and fourtarget devices (1, 1', 1", 1"') each fitted with a paintball firearm (5). Each target device (1, 1', 1", 1') is loaded with a SLAM map of the designated area (12) and is programmed to initially follow the path (20) at the commencement of the training exercise (FIG.4). As the target devices

(1, 1', 1", 1') continue along the path (20), individual (19) sights the target devices (1) and (1') (FIG. 5) and fires hitting target (1) in its simulated heart region and target (1') in its simulated shoulder region. As target device (1) has suffered a lethal hit, the mannequin (3) rotates to a vertical position, halts, and transmits data such as direction of the hit and its current non-active status to the remaining target devices (1', 1", 1') and the remaining target devices (1', 1", 1"') rotate towards the direction identified by the now non-active target device (1) (FIG. 6). As target device (1') has suffered a non lethal hit, it continues its participation in the training exercise and locates the individual (19), determines that the individual (19) is armed and not in a surrender gesture and commences firing paintball markers (6) towards the individual (19). The target devices (1", 1.') locate an obstacle - the wall (15), the modelling suggesting that the individuals (16-19) are behind this wall (15), and the target devices (1", 1"') deviate from the initial path (20) to try and locate the individuals (16-19) (FIG. 7) and discharge paintball markers (6) towards the individuals (16-19).

The current status of each target device (1, 1', 1", 1"') is transmitted in real time to the party controlling the training exercise, who may be stationed remote from the designated area, and who may be wearing a mixed reality headset providing a complete overview of the training exercise and having the ability to amend the training exercise in real time.

The exercise continues until either all target devices (1, 1', 1", 1.') have received alethal hit, or all individuals (16-19) have surrendered, or otherwise determined by any party controlling the training exercise.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the target device (1) is as described with reference to FIG. 1, and operated substantially as described with reference to FIGS. 4-7, except the rifle firearm (5) is replaced with a simulated "explosive vest" (not illustrated) adapted to fire a multiple of the dye-filled gel capsules (6) simultaneously when any target device (1) detects two or more individuals (16-19) in close proximity to the target device (1).

Summary of Advantages

The advantages offered by the present invention include:

is operable in all environs from closed areas to open terrain environments;

is not limited to one-on-one training and can operate with an unlimited number of participants and target devices;

participants undergoing firearm training are not required to wear GPS trackers or sensors, thereby retaining a more realistic environment;

any live ammunition used by the participants does not damage the target device;

eliminates predictable reactions of the target device;

better simulates real-world armed conflict situations; and

allows past real-world armed conflict situations to be recreated and assessed for effectiveness of actual actions taken and any improvements that could have been undertaken.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are only exemplifications of the various aspects of the present invention and that modifications and alterations can be made thereto without departing from the inventive concept as defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A target device for use in training of an individual firing ammunition at said target device, said target device comprising:

a base portion including a motive power means for movement of said target device in a designated area;

a humanoid-like mannequin or the like mounted on said base portion;

an implement associated with said humanoid-like mannequin adapted to simulate a means capable of inflicting damage or harm to said individual;

at least one sensor associated with said humanoid-like mannequin adapted to detect a hit on at least one designated region of said humanoid-like mannequin by said ammunition fired by said individual;

at least one detection means associated with said target device to detect said individual in said designated area; and

at least one onboard central processing unit to control said target device.

2. A target device as defined in Claim 1 wherein, said motive power means is an electric 4-wheel drive zero-turn system.

3. A target device as defined in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein, said implement is selected from the group comprising a cultivation means such as a spade, shovel, fork, pick, mattock, or the like, a timber plank or the like, or a firing means.

4. A target device as defined in Claim 3 wherein, said firing means is an in-service or replica barrelled-range weapon selected from the group comprising revolver, pistol, derringer, rifle, shotgun and submachine gun, or is a simulated "explosive vest."

5. A target device as defined in Claim 4 wherein, said firing means is adapted to fire at least one marker towards said individual when detected by said detection means.

6. A target device as defined in Claim 5 wherein, said marker is a Man Marker Round.

7. A target device as defined in Claim 6 wherein, said Man Marker Round is selected from the group comprising a Simunition, Airsoft or the like, and gel capsule ammunition.

8. A target device as defined in Claim 7 wherein, said Man Marker Round is at least one dye-filled gel capsule.

9. A target device as defined in Claim 8 wherein, said dye-filled gel capsule is a paintball marker.

10. A target device as defined in Claim 5 wherein, said firing means is a simulated "explosive vest", said vest being adapted to fire a multiple of said marker simultaneously.

11. A target device as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 10 wherein, said humanoid like mannequin includes sensors to detect a lethal hit on its simulated head, heart, throat and left and right lung regions by said ammunition fired by said individual.

12. A target device as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 11 wherein, said humanoid like mannequin includes sensors which detect a non-lethal hit on its regions by said ammunition fired by said individual.

13. A target device as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 12 wherein, each of said detection means is selected from one or more of the group comprising thermal imaging sensor, laser scanner, camera, microphone and radar.

14. A target device as defined in Claim 13 wherein, said detection means is at least one camera.

15. A target device as defined in Claim 14 wherein, said detection means is a first camera adapted to at least capture one or more images of said designated area and of said individual and a second camera adapted to at least capture one or more images of said designated area.

16. A target device as defined in Claim 15 wherein, said first camera is mounted on an upper region of said target device and said second camera is spaced from said first camera and mounted on a lower region of said target device.

17. A target device as defined in Claim 15 or Claim 16 wherein, said first camera is a thermal imaging day/night camera.

18. A target device as defined in any one of Claims 15 to 17 wherein, said second camera is a fused LiDAR depth camera.

19. A target device as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 18 wherein, said at least one onboard central processing unit includes application software (1) to control the positioning and navigation of said target device, (2) for obstacle detection and avoidance, (3) for operation of said at least one sensor, said mannequin and said implement and (4) for communication of data, video and audio feeds between any participating said target device and to any outside party.

20. A target device as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 18 wherein, said at least one onboard central processing unit includes application software to control said firing means.

21. A target device as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 20 wherein, said target device is manufactured from, or covered by, armoured materials which are resistant to damage when struck by said ammunition.

22. A target device as defined in Claim 21 wherein, said armoured materials are ballistic steel and bullet-proof glass.

23. A method of training of at least one individual firing ammunition at at least one target device as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 22, said method comprising:

establishing a designated area for said training;

establishing a disposition in said designated area for each of said target device and each said individual to simulate armed conflict between each of said target device and each said individual; and

activating each target device according to commands programmed into said at least one onboard central processing unit of each said target device.

24. A method of training as defined in Claim 23 wherein, there are at least two of said target device.

25. A method of training as defined in Claim 24 wherein, each said target device acts in a military formation.

26. A method of training as defined in Claim 24 wherein, each said target device acts autonomously.

27. A method of training as defined in Claim 24 wherein, at least one said target device substantially acts under the direct control of the outside party monitoring said training.

28. A method of training as defined in Claim 25 wherein, one said target device is designated to transmit information to at least one other said target device.

29. A method of training as defined in Claim 28 wherein, said one other target device transmits said information to a further said target device when said one device is deactivated during said method of training.

30. A method of training as defined in any one of Claims 23 to 29 wherein, real-time information identifying the disposition and status of each said target device and each said individual is transmitted to the party controlling said method of training.

31. A method of training as defined in Claim 30 wherein, said party is remote from said designated area.