EP1972881B1 - Optical system and method for constructing projectile path by means of a laser ray - Google Patents

Abstract

The system has several transmission channels for outputting laser beams and a reception channel for receiving radiation reflected at a target. Different transmission channels are provided for different target distance ranges with different defined radiation directions in a vertical plane adapted to the different target distance ranges. An independent claim is also included for a method of reproducing a shell path with a laser beam.

Description

The invention relates to an optical system for reproducing the trajectory by means of a laser beam with a plurality of transmission channels for emitting laser beams and a receiving channel for receiving radiation reflected at a target.

The invention further relates to a method for trajectory simulation by means of laser beam.

Duel simulators are training devices that can be used to demonstrate the effect of your own weapon on targets.
Here are used to simulate the sharp shot systems consisting of a laser transmitter, the weft simulator as an active and a receiver system as a passive part, the active part of the weapon and the passive part of the enemy weapon system or infantrymen attached to the equipment.

Known technical solutions with which a shot and hit simulation can be carried out with consideration of projectile ballistics have disadvantages in that scanning systems with mechanically moving parts are used, which are susceptible to faults and less shock-resistant.

From the DE 100 50 691 A1 It is known to achieve greater ranges, emit a composite of laser pulses first laser beam and the trajectory of the fired To calculate virtual shot and continuously determine the deviations of the trajectory of the target direction at the time of shooting. The first laser beam is swiveled in accordance with the flight path deviations, the transit time of the laser pulses of the first laser beam reflected from the target is measured, and the target distance is determined therefrom.
If the calculated flight time of a fired virtual projectile coincides with the time elapsed from the time of shooting until the reception of the reflected laser pulses within a tolerance range, a second coded laser beam is emitted in the transmission direction last occupied by the first laser beam. The hit damage is calculated from the position of the detector received at the laser beam at the target and from the information transmitted by the coding.

The US 4 959 016 A describes a simulator in which a pulsed laser beam is scanned vertically, during which the pulse repetition rate is varied as a function of the scan angle.

A beam tracking is also at the DE 31 08 562 A1 and the DE 35 43 698 A1 intended. The DE 35 43 698 A1 describes a device with a light scanning system and a distance measuring electronics for measuring the reflector equipped with objectives in conjunction with at least one, on all points in the scanning range alignable information light transmitter for information transmission. Further measures are taken to enable target tracking.

Is known from the DE 2846962 B1 a laser light shot simulator for guided missiles, are used in the individually controllable laser diodes, which are aligned to different parts of the target field. This is it However, it is not possible to observe the ballistic curve of the projectile trajectory, and thus to carry out a continuous simulation during the flight time of the projectile. The weft simulator evaluates no angular deviation to the line of sight and makes a shot evaluation unit necessary.

According to the EP 1 159 578 B1 the transmission beam is pivoted in one plane after triggering a simulated shot. The transmit beam is modulated with information about the position and vertical alignment of the weapon as well as the weapon and bullet type. In the target, the virtual bullet throw and the distance between target and weapon are determined from the weapon information transferred to the target and the known target position. If the target position and the calculated projectile strike match, a hit will be displayed.
A disadvantage is the high technical complexity that must be operated for the equipment of the transmitter and the target in order to display the effect of the shot at the target can.

The object of the invention is to provide a robust optical-mechanical system for shot and hit simulation, which has a lower susceptibility to mechanical disturbances, is lightweight and simple in construction and the projectile ballistics considered in the simulation and ensures a continuous simulation.

This object is achieved in an optical system for trajectory simulation by means of laser beam of the type mentioned in that different transmission channels are provided for different Zielentfernungsbereiche having different in a vertical plane, the different Zielentfernungsbereichen, fixed predetermined emission directions.

As a result, moving parts are avoided, so that a high stability of the optical system is achieved with which can be simulated in a simple manner for different target distances, the ballistic trajectory.

The transmission channels are preferably equipped with transmission heads, wherein in each of the transmission heads at least one, connected to a laser radiation source optical fiber is guided and each of the transmission heads is provided on the beam output side with a transmission optics.
An intended for direct straightening first transmitting head, in which a single, connected to a laser radiation source optical fiber is guided, has a beam-expanding optics as a transmitting optics.

To account for the projectile ballistics at more distant targets at least two of the optical fibers are guided in at least one further transmitting head and fixed with fixed mutual alignment in the transmitting head, wherein emanating from the optical fibers laser beams are directed vertically differently by the transmitting optics.

Since, in particular, the optical fibers in the transmitting head are encapsulated or bonded to one another, the transmitting heads form easily adjustable, compact system components which are stably mounted together with a receiver on a common carrier and do not change their position even at the high accelerations of the weapon.

Advantageously, the transmitting heads are mounted differently inclined on the common carrier in the vertical direction, whereby the laser beams have at least in the target area defined overlapping areas.

• Anvisieren des Ziels und Aussenden von Laserentfernungsmessimpulsen aus mehreren, unterschiedlichen Zielentfernungsbereichen zugeordneten Sendekanälen, Empfangen der vom Ziel reflektierten Strahlung und Ermittlung der Entfernung zum Ziel durch Laufzeitmessung,
• Auswahl und Aktivierung mindestens eines des Sendekanals, der dem Zielentfernungsbereich zugeordnet ist, in dem die ermittelte Zielentfernung liegt.

The invention furthermore relates to a method for the trajectory simulation by means of a laser beam, comprising the following method steps:

• Targeting the target and emitting laser ranging pulses from multiple transmit channels associated with different target range ranges, receiving the radiation reflected from the target, and determining distance to the target by transit time measurement;
• Selecting and activating at least one of the transmission channel associated with the target range in which the determined target distance is located.

In particular, in the case of a very steep course of the ballistic curve, it is advantageous if a plurality of channels for transmitting an optical hit code are selected for a determined target distance.

Preferably, in each simulated shot in the entire range of action of the weapon system-internal distance distance determination of the target with all transmission channels.

By using different transmission channels with differently directed laser beams and being switched on as a function of the determined target distance, the projectile ballistics can be easily taken into account in the simulation, so that not only in the near field, but also in the far field, a reliable reproduction of the original hit probability with an optimum Laser beam profile is guaranteed.
By using different transmission channels with differently directed laser beams and being switched on as a function of the known target distance, the transmission channel with the optimum can be used for different target range ranges, both in the near field and in the far field Select laser beam profile to simulate the original hit probability and turn it on.

Upon detection of the shot, the distance is measured with a laser pulse on all transmission channels. By selecting a laser channel corresponding to the distance range, the transmission of an identical optical code for all channels takes place with the selected transmission channel.

Fig. 1

das Optikschema einer ersten Ausführungsform eines optischen Systems zur Geschossbahnnachbildung für kürzere Zielentfernungen

Fig. 2

den mechanischen Aufbau des Systems gemäß Fig. 1 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung

Fig. 3

das Optikschema einer ersten Ausführungsform eines optischen Systems zur Geschossbahnnachbildung für größere Zielentfernungen

Fig. 4

den mechanischen Aufbau des Systems gemäß Fig. 3 in einer perspektivischen Darstellung

Fig. 5

den Verlauf der Geschosskurve zur Visierlinie und zum Laserstrahl des Simulators bei korrekter Visiereinstellung

Fig. 6

den Verlauf der Geschosskurve zur Visierlinie und zum Laserstrahl des Simulators bei falscher Visiereinstellung

Fig. 7

ein Flussdiagramm.für eine Schusssimulation

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the schematic drawing. Show it:

Fig. 1

the optical scheme of a first embodiment of an optical system for trajectory tracking for shorter target distances

Fig. 2

the mechanical structure of the system according to Fig. 1 in a perspective view

Fig. 3

the optical scheme of a first embodiment of an optical system for trajectory tracking for larger target distances

Fig. 4

the mechanical structure of the system according to Fig. 3 in a perspective view

Fig. 5

the course of the bullet curve to the sighting line and to the laser beam of the simulator with correct sight setting

Fig. 6

the course of the bullet curve to the sighting line and the laser beam of the simulator in case of incorrect sight setting

Fig. 7

a flowchart for a shot simulation

The realistic, laser-based bullet train simulation for Duelsimulatoren target training devices on small arms handguns suitable optical system has according to Fig. 1 and 2 a plurality of transmission channels assigned to different destination distance ranges and a reception channel.

For this purpose, in particular two transmitting heads 2, 3 for the transmission channels and a receiver unit, consisting of a receiver 4 and a receiving lens 25, are provided for the receiving channel on a common carrier 1. While the first transmitting head 2 is fed by a first laser radiation source 5 formed as a laser diode via a first optical fiber 5, two laser radiation sources 9, 10 also formed as laser diodes and connected via optical fibers 7, 8 are provided for the transmitting head 3. The optical fibers 6, 7, 8 are in the transmit heads 2, 3, the beam output side complete with transmitting optics 11, 12, firmly potted.

While the first transmission head 2 is provided for the near field and thus for direct aiming at target distances up to about 200-300 m, the second transmission head 3 takes into account the projectile ballistics by the two optical fibers 7, 8 through the upstream transmitting optics 12 in a vertical plane radiate in different directions, so that a shot simulation for medium and long distances can be performed. The transmitting optics 11 of the first transmitting head 2 is designed to expand the beam, to be able to generate a sufficiently large light spot at short distances in the target.

As Fig. 1 can be seen, the laser beams 12.1, 12.2 of the second transmitting head 3 are superimposed, ie they have no radiation overlap area on. However, such exists between the laser beam 12.1 of the second transmitting head 3 to the laser beam 11.1 of the first transmitting head. 2

A second embodiment of the invention, as in the FIGS. 3 and 4 3, for the transmission channels provided for different target range ranges, three transmission heads 13, 14, 15 and a receiver unit, consisting of a receiver 16 and a reception lens 26, for the reception channel, wherein a first transmission head 13, as in the embodiment according to FIG Fig. 1, 2 , is designed for the near field. The two further transmission heads 14, 15 are designed for target distances, in which the projectile ballistics must be taken into account. For this reason, in each of the further transmitting heads 14, 15, a plurality of optical fibers 18, 19 emanating from laser radiation sources 17, preferably four in this exemplary embodiment, are inserted and aligned parallel to one another, respectively permanently encapsulated in the transmitting head 14 or 15. The beam output side arranged transmission optics 20 is formed for the transmission channel 13 for direct straightening as a beam-expanding optics. The transmission optics 21, 22 of the further transmission heads 14, 15 direct the emitted laser beams 14.1 to 14.4 and 15.1 to 15.4 to different heights, so that the laser beams 14.1 to 14.4 and 15.1 to 15.4 in a vertical plane different, different target range adjusted, predetermined beam directions exhibit. As laser radiation sources are z. B. individual laser diodes of a laser diode bar, from which the laser radiation in a known manner in the optical fibers 18, 19 is coupled.

The execution according to Fig. 3, 4 is compared to the execution accordingly Fig. 1, 2 characterized in that the laser beams 13.1, 14.1 to 14.4 and 15.1 to 15.4 of all transmission channels beam overlap regions 23 have. This has the advantage that unilluminated defects can be avoided. The overlapping areas can be varied by a suitable adjustment of the transmitting heads.
For this purpose, in particular the two mutually adjustable transmission heads 14, 15 are aligned in a vertical plane inclined to each other, so that the votes in different directions laser beams 14.1 to 14.4 of a transmitting head 14 with the laser beams 15.1 to 15.4 of the other transmitting head 15 intermesh ( Fig. 3 ).

At 24 is in Fig. 3, 4 denotes the guided in the transmitting head 13 optical fiber. Receiving optics in 3 and 4 carry the 25 and 26.

With the optical system according to the invention, a weft simulation can be carried out in the following manner.
The target is first illuminated by sighting with the weapon after simulated firing with all lasers by sending all transmit channels a laser distance measurement pulse. Unless the target is completely missed by the alignment of the weapon, a laser beam 11.1, 12.1, 12.2, 13.1, 14.1 to 14.4 or 15.1 to 15.4 of at least one transmission channel impinges on the target, so that from the transit time of the resulting and the receiver 4, 16 registered reflexes the target distance can be determined. Since the transmission channels are assigned to corresponding target range ranges by the laser beam emitted by this transmission channel intersecting the known weapon-specific ballistic curve at the detected distance Subsequently, at least one of the transmission channel to be used for the shot simulation is selected with respect to the determined target distance. Several transmission channels can be selected in particular at very large distances, in which the ballistic curve is very steep. In any case, the transmission channel activation is performed according to the projectile ballistics, that is, assigned to a target range in which the detected target distance is located. The activated broadcast channel sends an optical hit code to the destination. An incorrect operation of the sighting of the weapon, z. B. wrong sight setting or wrong stopping point at the destination, lead to a miss ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Here, the bullet curve is shown as a continuous line, the sighting line as a dash-dot line and the laser beam of the simulator as a dashed line.

Not shown is a wedge disk pair, the beam output side is arranged in front of the optical system to align the transmission channels and the receiving channel by means of an attachable to the weapon adjustment device to the sighting line. Preferably, the intended for direct straightening transmission channel is aligned with the sighting line.
By known methods, the transmission channels and the receiving channel are aligned by means of adjusting the sight line of the weapon. Preferably, the intended for direct straightening transmission channel is aligned with the sighting line.

There is no coding of the transmitted light signals as a function of the deviation from the sighting line.

Claims (8)

1. Optical system for reproduction of a shell path using a laser beam with several transmission channels to emit laser beam bundles and one receiver channel to receive radiation that is reflected from a target. This is characterised by different transmission channels provided for different target distance ranges with different defined radiation directions in a vertical plane, adapted to the various target distance ranges.
2. Optical system according to claim 1, characterised by the transmission channels which include emitter heads (11 -15), wherein each of the emitter heads (11 - 15) integrates at least one optical fibre that is connected to a laser radiation source (5, 9, 10, 17) and each of the emitter heads (11 - 15) is equipped with transmission optics (11, 12, 20 - 22) on its beam outlet side.
3. Optical system according to claim 2, characterised by a first emitter head, intended for direct sighting (2, 13), that integrates a single guided optical fibre connected with a laser radiation source (5, 17) and includes a beam expanding device as transmission optics (11, 20).
4. Optical system according to claim 3, characterised by at least one other emitter head (12, 14, 15) containing at least two of the optical fibres (7, 8, 18, 19) that are fixed inside of the emitter head (12, 14, 15) in a fixed mutual alignment state, wherein the laser beam bundles (12.1, 12.2, 14.1 - 14.4, 15.1 - 15.4) are output by optical fibres (7, 8, 18, 19) that are oriented by the transmission optics at different vertical angles.
5. Optical system according to claim 4, characterised by the emitter heads (14, 15) that are at varying inclinations in a vertical direction.
6. Optical system according to claim 5, characterised by the laser beam bundles (13.1, 14.1 - 14.4, 15.1 - 15.4) showing defined overlap ranges (23), at least in the target area.
7. Method for reproduction of a shell path using a laser beam with an optical system according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised by the following process steps:

   - sighting of a target and emission of laser distance measuring pulses by several transmission channels that are assigned to different target distance ranges,

   - reception of radiation that is reflected by the target and determination of the target distance by time-of-flight measurement,

   - selection and activation of at least one transmission channel that is assigned to the target distance range, within which the determined target distance falls.
8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that each simulated shot will trigger an internal target distance determination process with all transmission channels throughout the weapon's working range.

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