DE10042982A1 - Virtual-reality multimedia shooting-range system has light spots generated by laser to simulate shot or bullet - Google Patents

Abstract

A projector displays fixed and moving targets on a wall or in a space. A small shot or bullet is simulated by a laser pulse generator in the form of a modulated or unmodulated light spot on the target. These light spots ('laser shots') are picked up by one or more video cameras and supplied to an image store for processing in a computer. Independent claims are also included for: (a) calibration of the optical system (b) simulation of outdoor ballistics (c) production of light spots (d) production of a time reference (e) taking account of shot changes with time (f) optical marking of a hit (g) a geometrical display (h) diactic expansion of the geometric display (i) evaluation of multiple sequential shots (j) simuation of the shot sound (k) target aid (l) interactive operation of computer-assisted multimedia systems using laser targets

Description

Problem and state of the art

For the hunt-appropriate practice of hunting, for the professional fair training in police and security services and in the military is the ongoing practice with the shot weapon essential.

Shooting ranges on which with live ammunition realistic distances can be practiced costly and make a considerable noise and Environmental pollution that v. a. in the first Ab cut the training in no reasonable Relationship to the desired exercise goal. True practice can be done with sharp Ammunition cannot be entirely dispensed with, however the exercise goal can be largely with a Reach "virtual shooting range" in one larger room or usual meeting space can be built.

The prerequisite for this is the most realistic one Replication of the conditions of a common shooting befitting, or even better, the reality of hunting or service situations while avoiding any Noise and environmental pollution.

Practice shooting is of particular importance towards moving targets.

The well-known indoor shooting ranges, in which air or CO ₂ weapons are used, small-bore rooms are used, or more recently LASER is used, do not meet the requirements of the various shooting disciplines or the flexibility of moving targets, especially for the fast (dynamic) ) Bullet or shot:
Above all, the presentation of the goals is too complex and often requires a special background.

This is how shooting with low-energy weapons is Target wall to catch bullets and shot required.

In simulated shooting with light sources, especially with LASER, you need a target wall that with special sensors or a special one reflective structure is provided.

In the latter cases in particular, it is the actively usable one Target area, e.g. B. for the representation of moving targets, highly limited.

It also requires the complexity of the LASER head (LASER pulse generator) often a cable connection too the computer that performs the shot evaluation.

Movable targets are now being displayed using elaborate LASER projections or physically moving targets with sensors or are provided with special, reflective structures. The representation of moving targets is also known a film projection (shooting cinema), which when the Shot to determine the hit position is stopped. The film projection can also be done by a (computer-aided) Video projection to be replaced.

When shooting with low-energy weapons, so are complex video camera arrangements required, around the impact of bullets or shot on the target wall to register.  

description

The virtual multi-media real-time shooting range developed for operation in the room or in a hall opens up a new dimension in realistic target shooting for hunters, police, security services and the military through the combination of several, partly completely new concepts according to the invention:

• - Become moving or standing goals using a 2D or 3D multi-media projector computer simulated or computer supported on a white Room wall or projection screen or 3-dimensional represented in space.
• - Moving targets are called up at the push of a button or, according to the invention, by an acoustic signal (call of the shooter).
  This allows the shooting range to be operated by an instructor or by the shooter himself.
• - To achieve these goals with your own weapon a shot-triggered LASER head "shot", which is permanently mounted on the barrel or in the barrel of the weapon, according to the invention by the tee of the unloaded weapon via a switch (electromechanical), microphone sensor (acoustic) or magnetic sensor (electrodynamic) actuated and has its own power supply (battery).
• - If necessary, this LASER pulse generator according to the invention also a suitable electrical pulse or a suitable sound, radio frequency or infrared light Pulse as a time reference.
• - The LASER head can by the available Technologies run very small, so the Handling of the weapon is not affected.
• - A camera takes it from the projection screen reflected LASER impulses and leads the Hit coordinates to a computer that the geometric assignment of the "shots" to the Targets calculated.  
• - The hit position of the simulated "shots" refer The goals are achieved according to the invention by special Optical calibration and evaluation algorithms determined precisely, contactlessly and wirelessly.
• - With the help of the computer that the target projection supported and the hit situation is determined according to the movement sequence of the target and the external ballistics of the projectiles (bullet or shot) is simulated and when determining the Hit position fully taken into account.
• - In addition, according to the invention Calculator the development of a shot and their effective spread circle when shot for the meeting of the moving target determines.
• - According to the invention, the bombarded target reacts with an optical "marking" in the event of a hit:
  For example, a throwing disc shatters or the part of a tipping rabbit falls over.
• - A short time after the delivery of the "shot"'according to the invention, the hit position together with the target object on the projection wall is optically displayed.
  According to the invention, the target object can be represented twice, namely once at the time the shot is fired and the other at the time the bullet or shot hits the target.
• - The computer creates automatically according to the invention statistics for individual series of shots and for Groups of shooters.  
• - According to the shooting range allows the delivery and optical evaluation of two or more "shots" in succession to the same (movable) target.
  This will make the double shot z. B. possible on targets or on big game targets.
• - The computerized shooting range allowed also the simulation of the invention Gunshot and physical sensation a recoil of the weapon should this happen psychological reasons may be desirable.
• - Due to the physical arrangement of the data projector (s), camera (s) and high-frequency or infrared sensor (s) according to the invention in a small space in front of the projection screen, the active part of the shooting range can be constructed extremely compactly, see Figure 1. This means that Transport and assembly easy to do.

Accordingly, the virtual multi-media real-time shooting range described essentially consists, as shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2:

• - one or more 2D or 3D data projectors to represent fixed or moving targets and an appropriate target environment as well as calibration Structures on a projection screen or in space,
• - one or more analog or digital video Cameras that give off the gun Record LASER impulses,
• - if necessary, a radio frequency or infrared Trigger receiver that provides a time reference
• - A multi-media capable computer with special Programs (software) that connect the projectors with the Control video data of the targets and the target environment, the geometric position of the cameras taken calibration structures and the LASER impulses record and their geometric assignment to the goals calculate as well as the numerical and geometric data prepare for the hit evaluation and over the Display projectors on the projection screen. If necessary, the computer can also one or multiple speakers to simulate the shot bang and a so-called "body shaker" for physical Trigger sensation of the recoil of the weapon,
• - A tee-triggered LASER pulse generator, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 show, which is set up on the weapon and which simulates the shot or bullet shot at the target. If necessary, the LASER pulse generator also emits a suitable electrical pulse or a suitable sound, radio frequency or infrared light pulse as a time reference.

If necessary, the LASER pulse generator emitted trigger pulses also in or on the weapon-mounted "recoil device" Trigger (recoil cartridge).

• - Application and evaluation programs (software) for precise calibration of the optical system projector (s) - Camera (s) in the active area of the target environment, taking into account optical parallaxes and trapezoidal distortions, as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7,
  to represent a dynamic target environment and fixed or moving targets in real time and can be interrupted by the "shots",
  for the transmission and storage of the images recorded by the video camera (s) in real time, in particular the light spots emitted by the LASER pulse generator,
  to calculate the geometric position of the LASER impulses, in particular their geometric focus,
  to generate numerical and geometric data for hit evaluation, especially taking into account the external ballistic properties of the simulated projectiles and shot sheaves,
  for controlling loudspeakers and "body shakers", in particular for simulating the firing bang and the recoil of the weapon,
  for easy operation by IT laymen z. B. with a simple control console (keyboard) without using the mouse function, see Figure 5.

The virtual multi-media real-time shooting range system is based on an inventive idea with three essential elements:

• - Representation of fixed and moving targets in real time and of a suitable target environment by multi-media projection on a projection screen or in space.
  (A single multi-media data projector can be used for this in the simplest (least expensive) form.)
• - Recording of "LASER shots" by video camera (s) with downstream image memory (frame grabber).
  (Again, in the simplest (least expensive) form, a single analog or digital video camera can be used.)
• - Pixel-precise calibration of the optical Systems consisting of projector (s) camera (s) with the help of new algorithms by a computer-aided, fully automatic calibration Process.
• - Generation of a time reference at the "LASER shot" - Delivery and simulation of the external ballistics of the virtual floor or the virtual shotgun as well as calculation of the virtual hit point in the virtual target level.
• - Decision on hits or errors from these results in real time.
  Taking into account the variable expansion of the core diameter of the developed shot sheaf in the virtual target level in the simulated shot shot.
• - Allowing multiple "shots" (in general double shot) on the moving target.  
• - Geometric representation of the hit or error result immediately after the "shot" (the "shots") by projection z. B. in the virtual target environment.
  The virtual target is shown in its position when the "shot is fired" and when the bullet or shot is received in the virtual hit plane together with the position of the bullet or the core diameter of the shot in the virtual hit plane.
• - Automatic, statistical evaluation of Shot series also with multiple shooters.

Other elements of the inventive concept are:

• - Virtual 2D or 3D representation of real hunting or service situations ("shooting cinema") instead of simulated shooting ranges.
• - Acoustic simulation of the shot bang.
• - Simulation of the recoil by body vibration or by one attached to or on the weapon Recoil device (recoil cartridge).
• - Acoustic call of the moving targets at the "One-man operation".

With suitable dimensioning of the individual components the multi-media real-time shooting range system, especially the optical paths of the projector (s), Camera (s), LASER pulse generator and trigger receiver it is possible according to the invention to build such a plant in in its simplest form so compact that it is easily transportable and easily pre-adjusted to be set up and set up.

The only cable required is a connection to the mains socket ( Fig. 1).

Exemplary embodiment - shooting ranges

The idea of the invention should be based on the execution from two virtual real-time shooting ranges closer are explained:

Shotgun trap clay target Virtual throwing target (clay pigeon) shooting range

Figure 8 shows an example of a target environment for shot shooting on throwing discs. In the foreground you can see the so-called target house, from which the targets emerge at a virtual distance of approx. 15 m from the shooter. The virtual distance from the shooter to the trees shown in the background is approx. 60 m.

Figure 9 shows virtual, projected trajectories of a throwing disc on the projection screen, namely e.g. B. left 45 °, straight ahead and right 45 °. The flight path is measured in an adjustable time of 1.5 to 3 seconds, which corresponds to a virtual speed of the spreading disc of approx. 40 to 20 m / sec. After triggering the spreading disc by pushing a button z. B. "Start" or optionally acoustically by a command from the shooter "Go" or "Ho", the shooter goes to the stop, vibrates with the virtual target, stops and "shoots" the virtual clay disk. The shot yarrow has z. B. a virtual, average speed of 300 m / sec.

Figure 10 shows a hit, virtual throwing disc that has broken down into individual parts.

Figure 11 shows the hit image projected shortly thereafter with the calculated, effective core diameter of the virtual shot at the distance of the hit, with the position of the throwing disc at the time the shot was fired (time of the "agreement") and its position at the time of the hit.

This didactically very important information is by taking into account the external ballistics of the Shotgun is only possible.

Figure 12 shows a projected hit image with the two positions of the target in the event of a miss: The "shot" is too deep; the shooter did not hold up enough.

With this display concept, the shooter can accurately recognize how he set up his target process and the Estimate the lead point and if necessary can correct.

In it the virtual shooting range is a real trap Shooting range even far superior.

Figures 11 and 12 also show an evaluation table that can be shown after each "shot" or at the end of a series of shots.

Figure 13 shows the projected hit image when the shooter fired two "shots" at the target and the target was only hit on the second "shot".

Bullet shot-gun shooting Virtual duel pistol turntable

In the pistol shooting discipline "Duel Target" will be a series of shots on a silhouette Disc delivered periodically (e.g. for 3 seconds) is shown to the shooter and then for some time (e.g. for 7 seconds) disappears by turning away.

Figure 14 shows an example of a target area for the shot on the dueling target. The virtual distance from the shooter to the target is 25 m.

Figure 15 shows the "turned away" dueling disc.

Figure 16 shows an enlarged target and a table with the numerical evaluation of the shooting result.

Further examples of virtual shooting ranges which are particularly suitable for being programmed for the arrangement proposed according to the invention are:
Shot on the running tipping hare at a virtual distance of z. B. 35 m,
Shot on the tapered or away running rabbit (rolling disc),
Shot on the running defector (wild boar) or boar at a virtual distance of z. B. 60 m,
Bullet shot (double shot) at the attacking buffalo at a virtual distance of e.g. B. 40 m.
Practice scenes for the police and security service:
in streets,
in buildings,
outdoors,
Exercise scenes for military service.

Virtual multi-media real-time shooting range system Directory of images

Figure 1 Basic arrangement of the shooting range system,

Figure 2 Geometric arrangement of the shooting range system (simplest version - example),

Figure 3 LASER pulse generator with infrared light source - example,

Figure 4 Fastening the LASER pulse generator to a shotgun - example,

Figure 5 Simple control panel - example,

Figure 6 Projected line structure for calibration of the optical system projector (s) - camera (s),

Figure 7 System response after successful, automatic calibration of the optical system,

Fig. 8 Virtual target shooting range,
Target environment - example,

Fig. 9 Virtual target shooting range,
Virtual, projected trajectories of a spreading disc (left 45 °, 0 °, right 45 °),

Fig. 10 Virtual target shooting range,
Hit virtual target,

Fig. 11 Virtual target shooting range,
Projected hit image - hits,

Fig. 12 Virtual target shooting range,
Projected hit image - errors,

Fig. 13 Virtual target shooting range,
Hit picture with two shots fired in a row - the target was hit on the second shot,

Fig. 14 Virtual duel pistol shooting range,
Target environment and target - example,

Fig. 15 Virtual duel pistol shooting range,
Disc turned away

Fig. 16 Virtual duel pistol shooting range,
Result slice and evaluation table.

Claims (13)

1. Virtual multi-media real-time shooting range system, characterized in that
that multi-media projectors on a projection screen or in space represent a fixed or dynamically changing target environment as well as fixed and moving targets in real time,
that a shot or bullet shot is simulated on the optically projected, fixed or movable targets by a preferably wireless LASER pulse generator mounted on a hunting, sporting, service or training weapon by means of a pulse-like, modulated or unmodulated light spot, and
that these light spots ("LASER shots") are recorded by one or more video cameras and kept in a downstream image memory for processing by a computer. 2. pixel-precise calibration of the optical system, consisting of projector (s) and camera (s) for clear Assignment of the "LASER shots" to the fixed or moving goals, characterized in that by a computer-aided, fully automatic calibration process Mapping factors are determined, taking into account optical parallax and trapezoidal distortion exact, virtual congruence between the projected and Allow pictures taken by the camera (s). 3. Simulation of the external ballistics of the virtual floor or the virtual shot and calculation of the virtual hit point in the virtual target level, characterized in that the "LASER shot" - Delivery creates a time reference and with the real-time Mapping moving targets in such a way that the temporal movement of the target and the temporal Movement of the ball or shot to determine a hit or miss a real shot is taken into account.   4. Generation of pulse-like, modulated or unmodu Bullet or shot shot simulating light stains through a (preferably wireless) LASER Pulse generator in the barrel (s) of the weapon or otherwise attached to the weapon, and its optical axis to the target axis of the target device the gun is aimed, characterized in that by the discount the unloaded weapon from a battery (or LASER fed via a cable) Microphone sensor or otherwise electromechanical or is activated electrodynamically in a pulsed manner. 5. Generation of a time reference (trigger pulse) in the "LASER shot" delivery, characterized in that
that either the LASER pulse generator emits a suitable, modulated or unmodulated, audible or inaudible sound, radio frequency or visible or invisible light pulse in addition to the "LASER shot", which is registered by a suitable receiver and fed to the computer for evaluation , or
that one or more very fast real-time video camera (s) are used, which in turn inform the evaluating computer system of the registration of the light spot immediately (ie with a time delay of less than 1 millisecond), or
that the LASER pulse generator supplies the computer system with an electrical trigger pulse via a cable. 6. Taking into account the special, external ballistic Properties of a shot sheaf, namely its temporal Development and its time-changing, more effective Scatter circle in the hit evaluation, characterized in that when the Shot in the target level a target that is within of the effective scattering circle lies from the Program is determined to be hit.   7. Optical "marking" of a hit, characterized in that the reality-like bombarded target itself visually at and from that point in time of the hit changed significantly (i.e. "draws"). (A hit, simulated clay disk shatters, a hit, simulated sheet metal falls over.) 8. Geometric display of the hit situation for a short time after firing the shot, characterized in that the position of the simulated sphere or the simulated scattering circle the shotgun along with the target object the projection screen is visually displayed. 9. Didactic extension of the geometric display the hit position after firing the shot, characterized in that the target object is shown twice, namely once at the time the firing of the shot and the other at the time point of impact of the projectile or the Shot on the target, along with the position the simulated sphere or the simulated scattering circle the shotgun. 10. Evaluation of several, in quick succession following "shots" standing on the same or moving target, characterized in that the Evaluation program (evaluation software) can be interrupted multiple times in real time and in time It is the position of several, pulse-like light spots successively in different, virtual target levels determine and the simulated shot result as in Claim 8 and 9 described to bring to the display.   11. Simulation of the shot bang as well as the physical Sensation of a recoil of the weapon, characterized in that the calculator immediately after firing a simulated shot in a suitable Way controls electroacoustic transducers, d. H. speaker to deliver a simulated shot bang, and electro controls mechanical or electropneumatic transducers, d. H. Recoil devices or "body shakers" for physically palpable simulation of the recoil. 12. Aid for beginners training, characterized in that the LASER pulse generator in addition to the tee-triggered LASER light pulse switchable from the same LASER or a different one same or different colored LASER source Emits continuous light beam, which is optically with the LASER Impulse is congruent and generally one has much lower intensity. 13. Interactive operation of computer-supported multi Media systems and equipment, controllable machines and devices with the help of LASER pointers, characterized in that by the impulsive or longer, modulated or unmodulated LASER lighting of a specific, fixed or (virtual) moving point or a specific, fixed or (virtually) movable image area a (projection) surface or a specific, fixed or (virtually) movable point in one simulated room functions.