EP2884221B1 - Method and weapon simulator for training the use of firearms, central control unit of a weapon simulator and computer program for performing the method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method of training the use and deployment of firearms in a weapon simulator. The weapon simulator has a predetermined number of multiple firing lanes arranged next to each other and each firing lane has an image display unit for displaying a training scenario. The image display units of juxtaposed shooting lanes are arranged side by side and immediately adjacent to each other.

The invention also relates to a computer program which is provided for processing on a computing device, in particular on at least one microprocessor, a central control unit of a weapon simulator for training the use and the use of firearms. Furthermore, the invention relates to a central control unit of a weapon simulator for training the use and the use of firearms.

Finally, the present invention also relates to a weapon simulator for training the use and the use of firearms. The weapon simulator has a predetermined number of multiple shooting tracks arranged side by side and a central control unit for controlling training on the shooting lanes. Each shooting track has an image display unit for displaying a training scenario. The image display units of juxtaposed shooting lanes are arranged side by side and immediately adjacent to each other.

Due to the deadly dangers posed by the operation of firearms, it is essential that the use of firearms be extensively trained. Such training often involves firing blanks or real ammunition. High levels of noise, pods and other remnants of fired cartridges, harmful burned powder gases, environmental restrictions, high costs and a general danger to the shooter and bystanders are major disadvantages with regard to the use of blanks or real ammunition.

In order to overcome these disadvantages, weapons simulators have been presented in the prior art, on which the use and the use of any firearms can be trained as realistic as possible. As a weapon simulator, a shooting range is referred to below, on the basis of using rebuilt for training purposes firearms, the use and use of appropriate original weapons can be trained as realistic as possible without blanks or real ammunition must be fired. Such a weapon simulator is, for example, from the DE 100 42 982 A1 known. Furthermore, a weapon simulator is sold by the applicant under the name Sagittarius®, which is used, for example, in the German Federal Armed Forces under the name AGSHP (training device shooting simulator handguns / antitank handguns) becomes. Other weapons simulators are, for example, from the WO 99/14549 and the WO 94/2586 however, these are of a completely different design than the weapon simulator of the present invention.

The rebuilt firearms, which are commonly used in known weapon simulators, do not fire blanks or real ammunition. Nevertheless, in order to allow the most realistic possible training, a recoil movement is simulated when the firearms are "fired" by means of compressed air. From the US 4,302,190 For example, a converted firearm in the form of a rifle is known in which compressed air from downwardly facing orifices enters the rifle barrel when a "shot" is fired to force the barrel up to simulate recoil. In this case, a switch on the trigger (the so-called trigger) actuates an electromagnetic valve to control the flow of compressed air to the openings in the gun barrel. Further, a recoil of a converted firearm when "firing" a shot by a triggered by compressed air movement of a movable in the firearm slide assembly or a movable shutter of the firearm can be realized. The sliding assembly or the closure is driven against a stop, which simulates recoil. In particular, when the trigger is actuated, the slide assembly or latch is pneumatically placed in a reciprocating motion (a so-called "cycle of motion") that can also simulate ejecting the "fired" cartridge and reloading a new cartridge from a magazine of the firearm. Such a converted firearm is, for example, from the WO 2004/015357 A2 known.

To supply the converted firearm with compressed air various possibilities are conceivable. On the one hand, the firearm can be connected via a pneumatic line to a compressor, which generates the compressed air. In this case, a pneumatic valve is arranged in the firearm, the Compressed air supply to a pneumatic system controls the firearm. The pneumatic system may include pneumatic lines or channels, pneumatic valves, a pneumatically actuated slide assembly, and / or a pneumatically actuable shutter. Upon actuation of the trigger of the firearm, the pneumatic valve disposed in the firearm is opened so that compressed air can flow into the pneumatic system of the firearm to effect the reciprocation of the sliding assembly or closure. To actuate the movable slide assembly or the movable closure, a pressure of about 300 to 400 bar is required. In the case described, the full pressure is constantly applied to the pneumatic line during training on the weapon simulator.

On the other hand, the firearm can be connected to the compressed air supply via a pneumatic line to a controlled compressed air supply unit (so-called Weapon Connection Box) of the weapon simulator, which in turn is connected to the compressor. The compressed air supply unit comprises a pneumatic valve which controls the supply of compressed air to the pneumatic line and further to the pneumatic system of the firearm. Upon actuation of the trigger of the firearm, a corresponding sensor signal is transmitted to the compressed air supply unit, which opens the valve and briefly allows compressed air to flow into the pneumatic line and the pneumatic system of the firearm to effect the reciprocating movement of the sliding assembly or the closure. Thereafter, the valve closes again and the pneumatic line is depressurized again. In this case, so only during the "firing" of a shot of the full pressure on the pneumatic line.

Furthermore, the firearm for compressed air supply have an internal compressed air reservoir, which controlled by a pneumatic valve compressed air to the pneumatic system of the Firearm can deliver. The compressed air reservoir is either removably disposed in the weapon, so that an empty reservoir removed and a new, filled with compressed air reservoir can be used, or the reservoir has an externally accessible port on which it from time to time, eg. About a connectable pneumatic line, can be filled with compressed air. A removable compressed air reservoir is, for example, part of a reusable magazine which can be detachably inserted into a magazine receptacle of the firearm. Such a firearm is, for example, from the US 6,854,480 B2 and the US 7,306,462 B2 known. Actuation of the trigger of the firearm may open the pneumatic valve and allow pressurized air to flow into the pneumatic system of the firearm to effect reciprocation of the sliding assembly or closure. With such a converted firearm, the shooter can move freely in the weapon simulator and is not limited by a pneumatic line in its radius of movement.

Finally, the converted firearm can use compressed air cartridges for compressed air supply. These are used as conventional sharp cartridges directly into the chamber of the firearm or in a magazine, from where they are then loaded individually during operation of the firearm in the chamber. The compressed air cartridges have a compressed air reservoir which communicates with the environment via valve means integrated in the cartridge. In the compressed air reservoir compressed air is contained, which can be discharged by opening the valve means to the environment. Upon actuation of the trigger of the firearm, the valve means of the compressed air cartridge located in the chamber are opened so that the compressed air contained in the compressed air reservoir can escape into the pneumatic system of the firearm to effect a cycle of movement of the sliding assembly or the closure. As part of the movement cycle of the slide assembly or the closure can The "fired" cartridge is ejected from the chamber and a new cartridge from the magazine is loaded into the chamber. Such a converted firearm is, for example, from the filed by the applicant on 27.11.2013 at the German Patent and Trademark Office DE 10 2013 224 209 known. Also in the WO 2004/015357 A2 is described such a converted firearm. When using a compressed air cartridge for compressed air supply to a converted firearm, a particularly realistic simulation of the use and use of the firearm is possible.

The known weapon simulators include several juxtaposed shooting lanes on which several shooters can train at the same time. Each shooting lane comprises an image display unit arranged at a distance from the shooter on which a training scenario for the shooter is displayed. The training scenario may include realistic dynamic situations, eg a demonstration with some violent demonstrators or a house fight, but also static pure training situation, eg a target. The shooter keeps the converted firearms for training purposes and uses them as part of the scenario shown as a conventional firearm, for example, by trying to adequately combat demonstrators or opposing fighters or to achieve as many hits on the target shown. At least during the "firing" of the simulated firearm, a laser beam can be emitted from the weapon, the course of which essentially corresponds to the trajectory of a fired projectile of a sharp cartridge. A light spot generated by the laser beam on the image display unit thus corresponds approximately to the point at which a projectile would strike if the weapon were an original weapon that fires live ammunition. By determining the position of the light spot on the image display unit and by comparing the determined position with the training scenario shown on the image display unit at the time of "shot firing" virtual hits can be detected.

The image display unit may be a screen onto which the training scenario is projected, for example, by means of a beamer. However, the image display unit may also include at least one display (e.g., an LCD, LED, OLED, or plasma flat panel display) on which the training scenario is displayed. Although each shooting lane has a picture display unit, each shooting lane does not have to have a separate picture display unit. Thus, for example, it is conceivable that an image reproduction unit formed as a screen extends across the width of a plurality of shooting tracks, in particular over the entire width of all the shooting tracks. It would also be conceivable for a screen to extend across the width of a plurality of shooting lanes or for a shooting lane to comprise a plurality of monitors arranged side by side and / or one above the other.

If the compressed air supply of the simulated firearms is realized via an external compressed air source, the weapon simulator can also have at least one controlled compressed air supply unit (so-called Weapon Connection Box) to which the converted firearms used in the weapon simulator can be connected via a pneumatic line. It is conceivable that always one or two firearms are connected to a compressed air supply unit, so that several compressed air supply units can be present in the weapon simulator. In addition, the weapon simulator has a central control unit which coordinates and controls the course of the training, preferably on all shooting ranges of the weapon simulator. In particular, the control unit selects the respective training scenario and controls the image display units of the shooting lanes to display the selected scenario. The control unit is also responsible for the detection of the current operating state of the firearms and for the "firing" of a shot, ie a pneumatic actuation of the slide assembly or the closure of a firearm. In addition, the weapon simulator has at least one camera for detecting the position of the light spot at the time of actuation of the trigger of a firearm by evaluating the image taken by the at least one camera and, if there are a plurality of spaced-apart cameras, the different images or the corresponding evaluation results are compared with each other. Usually, the at least one camera is responsible for the detection of the position of the light spots on several shooting lanes. The at least one camera monitors one shot window per shooting range.

The simulated firearms used in the weapon simulator have a plurality of sensors which detect the current operating state of the firearm and generate corresponding sensor signals. The detected operating state of a firearm includes, for example, a breakpoint (leveling on the target), a contact pressure of the shoulder rest, tilting of the weapon to the left or right, a current position of the shutter, magazine inserted (yes / no), a magazine change, a Pipe change in certain firearms, and / or a jam (wedged cartridge). The corresponding sensor signals are transmitted to the central control unit and / or to the at least one compressed air supply unit and evaluated there. The control unit or the compressed air supply unit can generate suitable control signals for a simulation of the operation of the firearm on the basis of the sensor signals and forward them to corresponding actuators (eg pneumatic valves). Thus, the control unit or the compressed air supply unit, for example, due to a Actuating the trigger of the firearm (after inserting a magazine and after first pressing the shutter to "load" the firearm) cause the delivery of a simulated shot and generate corresponding control signals for at least one pneumatic valve in the compressed air supply unit and / or the firearm and this accordingly to trigger a pneumatically actuated movement cycle of the slide assembly and the closure. The transmission of the sensor signals by the simulated firearm and the transmission of the control signals for the actuators can be done via an electrical line or wirelessly. A wireless signal transmission can, for example, be implemented by radio or optically.

In the known weapon simulators, it is disadvantageous that they have a fixed number of shooting lanes of a predetermined width. Even if less than the maximum possible number of shooters trained on the weapon simulator at the same time, the number of shooting lanes and their width remains constant, although some lanes are unused. Based on the described prior art, the invention is therefore the object of being able to use a weapon simulator more flexible and efficient.

• eine Anzahl der auf dem Waffensimulator gleichzeitig trainierenden Schützen ermittelt wird,
• eine Anzahl und Breiten der Schießbahnen des Waffensimulators in Abhängigkeit von der Anzahl der auf dem Waffensimulator gleichzeitig trainierenden Schützen ermittelt wird, und
• die Bildwiedergabeeinheiten derart angesteuert werden, dass diese die Trainingsszenarien für die ermittelte Anzahl an Schießbahnen jeweils über die gesamte ermittelte Breite der Schießbahnen darstellen.

To solve this problem is proposed starting from the method of the type mentioned that

• a number of the shooter training simultaneously on the weapon simulator is determined,
• a number and widths of the firing ranges of the weapon simulator are determined as a function of the number of shooters training simultaneously on the weapon simulator, and
• the image display units are controlled such that they determine the training scenarios for the Show number of shooting lanes each over the entire determined width of the shooting lanes.

Thus, according to the invention, an adaptive adaptation of the number and the width of shooting lanes of a weapon simulator is proposed as a function of the number of shooters actually training at the same time. This will always allow the total available width of the weapon simulator, i. all shooting ranges are used for training purposes, regardless of whether less than the maximum possible number of shooters train at the same time. On the at least one widened shooting lane, a widened image of the virtual training scenario corresponding to the width of the shooting lane is available on the screen display device. Thus, the entire available width of the image display device is utilized. As a result, a particularly realistic and intensive training is possible on the at least one widened shooting range. Due to the flexibility of the weapon simulator or the image display devices, it is also possible with the present invention, training scenarios that should have a wider display on the image display device or even need to represent on the image display units, which are usually provided only for the presentation of narrower scenarios. No additional, special weapon simulators need to be procured, which allow a particularly broad representation of the training scenarios.

In the weapon simulator with the adaptive number and width of the shooting lanes any simulated firearms can be used. The firearms can also shoot live ammunition or blanks. Preferably, however, rebuilt firearms are used in which an operation of the firearm, in particular the "firing" of a shot, by means of a movable slide assembly and / or a movable shutter is simulated, wherein a movement cycle of the slide assembly or the closure is effected by means of compressed air. For compressed air supply of the simulated firearms, internal compressed air sources (compressed air reservoir in the firearm or in the magazine or compressed air reservoir in compressed air cartridges) or external compressed air sources (compressed air line to compressor or controlled compressed air supply unit) can be used. For signal transmission between the sensors of the simulated firearms and the central control unit lines or wireless communication links, for example. Via radio or optical, can be used. The signal transmission between the sensors of the firearms and the central control unit can also be done indirectly via a controlled compressed air supply unit.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the number of shooters simultaneously trained at a particular time in the weapon simulator is automatically determined on the basis of the number of firearms converted for training purposes, which are arranged and ready for operation in the weapon simulator at this time. According to this development, it is therefore not necessary for the shooters currently training in the weapon simulator to log in manually, for example by entering their name, at the central control unit of the weapon simulator. Rather, the presence of ready-to-use simulated firearms is automatically detected in the weapon simulator.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is proposed that the operational readiness of a firearm is recognized by the fact that a compressed air line to the compressed air supply of a pneumatic system and to simulate a realistic operation of the firearm in a controlled compressed air supply unit Weapon simulator is inserted and / or a line for signal transmission between the firearm and a central control unit of the weapon simulator is inserted into a transmitting / receiving unit of the weapon simulator. In the event that the simulated firearms used in the weapon simulator have an external compressed air source via a compressed air line to a compressor or a controlled compressed air supply unit (so-called Weapon Connection Box), at the beginning of the training session, the compressed air line of a firearm in the corresponding receiving section in the central Control unit or plugged in the controlled compressed air supply unit. The remote from the firearm end of the compressed air line may for this purpose have a connection element which corresponds to the receiving portion and can enter into an airtight connection with this. At the same time can be arranged in the receiving portion and / or in the connecting element of the compressed air line valve means, which close the opening automatically after the separation of the connecting element of the receiving portion and prevent the escape of compressed air.

In the case of a wired signal transmission between the central control unit and the simulated firearm, an electrical line between the firearm and the central control unit or a controlled compressed air supply unit is provided. For example, sensor signals and control commands can be transmitted via this line. Of course, any other information can be transmitted via this line. Furthermore, energy supply lines can be provided between the firearms and the central control unit or the compressed air supply units in order to supply the firearms, in particular their sensors, with electrical energy. In the case of a wired signal or energy transfer is at the beginning of the Training unit inserted at least one electrical line of a firearm in the corresponding receiving portion in the central control unit or in a controlled compressed air supply unit. The remote from the firearm end of the line may for this purpose have a connection element which corresponds to the receiving portion and can enter into an electrically conductive connection with this.

The insertion of the pneumatic line and / or the electrical line of a firearm is automatically detected or notified by the central control unit, so that it always knows how many shooters currently train in the weapon simulator.

It is conceivable that the compressed air supply of the simulated firearms by the controlled compressed air supply unit (so-called Weapon Connection Box) via the connected compressed air line, while the data communication via radio, optical or via a signal line takes place directly between the firearm and the central control unit. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, however, it is proposed that the controlled compressed air supply unit and the transmitting / receiving unit are combined to form a common unit, which communicates with the central control unit for signal transmission and which is associated with a compressor for generating the compressed air. In this case, therefore, both the compressed air supply of the simulated firearms and the data communication between the control unit and the firearms via the controlled compressed air supply unit.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the operational readiness of a firearm in the weapon simulator is recognized by the fact that the firearm is registered with the control unit. In the case of a wireless signal transmission between the Firearms and the central control unit logs on a ready-firearm firearm as part of an initialization process for establishing the communication connection to the control unit. The registration can take place either directly at the control unit or indirectly via another unit of the weapon simulator, for example via the controlled compressed air supply unit. Based on the currently registered firearms, the control unit can determine the current number of operational firearms in the weapon simulator.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention it is proposed that if fewer shooters than a maximum possible number of shooters train simultaneously in the weapon simulator, the number of shooting lanes is reduced by at least one and the width of at least one of the shooting lanes is increased. If, for example, on the basis of the firearms currently operational in the weapon simulator, it appears that a shooting track is free, the number of shooting lanes is reduced by one and at the same time the width of at least one of the occupied shooting lanes is widened. If, for example, it turns out that two shooting lanes are free, the number of shooting lanes will be reduced by two and at the same time the width of at least one of the occupied lanes will be widened. It is not absolutely necessary that the entire width of the released shooting lanes is distributed to at least one of the occupied shooting lanes. Preferably, however, the entire width of the released shooting lanes is distributed to at least one of the occupied shooting lanes, so that always the entire width of the weapon simulator is utilized.

Furthermore, it is conceivable that even after reducing the number of shooting lanes at least one unoccupied shooting lane is still present. Preferably, however, the number of shooting lanes at a particular time by a value which corresponds to a difference between the maximum possible number of shooters and the number of shooters training at the same time. Accordingly, the number of shooting lanes available in the weapon simulator is reduced by two at a certain time, for example, if the number of shooters training at the same time is two less than the maximum possible number of shooters. Accordingly, the number of shooting lanes available in the weapon simulator is reduced by three at a certain time, for example, if the number of shooters training at the same time is three less than the maximum possible number of shooters. Thus, only as many shooting lanes are available in the weapon simulator, as shooters train at the same time.

According to another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the width of at least one shooting lane compared to the width of the shooting lanes, when the maximum possible number of shooters in the weapon simulator trains simultaneously, is doubled. Accordingly, for example, the width of a selected shooting lane is doubled if the number of shooters training at the same time is one less than the maximum possible number of shooters. Accordingly, for example, the width of two selected shooting lanes can be doubled if the number of shooters training at the same time is two less than the maximum possible number of shooters. In a corresponding manner, for example, the width of a selected shooting lanes can be tripled if the number of shooters training at the same time is two less than the maximum possible number of shooters.

According to yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the width of at least two of the shooting lanes is increased, wherein the sum of the additional widths of the widened shooting lanes at least equal to the conventional width of a shooting lane when the maximum possible number of shooters trained in the weapon simulator simultaneously. According to this embodiment, for example, the width of two selected shooting lanes is increased by 50% in each case if the number of shooters training at the same time is one less than the maximum possible number of shooters. Accordingly, for example, the width of three selected shooting lanes can each be increased by 33% if the number of shooters training at the same time is one less than the maximum possible number of shooters. Likewise, for example, the width of eight selected shooting lanes can each be increased by 25% if the number of shooters training at the same time is two less than the maximum possible number of shooters. Any other combinations of broadening of the individual shooting lanes are also conceivable. Thus, it is conceivable to increase the width of selected shooting lanes to varying degrees. In this sense, it is conceivable, for example, to increase the width of a first selected shooting range by 25% and to increase the width of a second selected shooting range by 75% if the number of shooters training at the same time is one less than the maximum possible Number of shooters.

• von der Differenz zwischen der maximal möglichen Anzahl an Schützen und der Anzahl der zu diesem Zeitpunkt gleichzeitig trainierenden Schützen,
• von dem auf der Bildwiedergabeeinheit der jeweiligen Schießbahn darzustellenden Trainingsszenario, oder
• von einer Vorgabe durch einen Schützen oder einen Trainingsleiter über die zentrale Steuerungseinheit des Waffensimulators, etc.

The question of which of the shooting ranges should be widened by how much can depend on a variety of factors:

• the difference between the maximum possible number of shooters and the number of shooters training at the same time,
• from the training scenario to be displayed on the image display unit of the respective shooting lane, or
• from a guideline by a shooter or a training leader via the central control unit of the weapon simulator, etc.

Advantageously, the weapon simulator comprises at least one camera for detecting breakpoints of the firearms of the shooters trained simultaneously in the weapon simulator, wherein the at least one camera monitors a specific firing window on the screen display unit for each of the firing lanes, and the number and the widths of the firing windows are determined Number and the determined widths of the shooting lanes are adjusted. It is conceivable that each shooting lane is not assigned its own camera for detecting the breakpoint of the firearm of the shooter training on the shooting lane. In this case, a camera monitors the firing windows on several shooting lanes. Of course, it would also be conceivable that each shooting lane is assigned at least one camera, so that the at least one camera assigned to a shooting lane only monitors the shooting window of this one shooting lane. In both cases, the number and widths of the monitored by the at least one camera firing window to the determined number and widths of the trajectories are adjusted so that the cameras for the respective shooting track monitor the correct and complete firing windows to the breakpoints and in particular hits at "firing "to recognize a shot by the shooter reliably. Thus, not only the number and widths of the shooting lanes of a weapon simulator can be changed adaptively, but also the shot windows monitored by the cameras of the weapon simulator can be adapted to the changed number and width of the shooting lanes.

The method according to the invention is particularly preferably implemented in the form of a computer program that is used for processing on a computing device, in particular on at least one Microprocessor, a central control unit of the weapon simulator for training the use and the use of firearms is provided. In this case, the computer program is programmed such that it carries out the method according to the invention when it runs on the computing device of the central control unit of the weapon simulator. Thus, the computer program likewise represents the invention as well as the method according to the invention, for the execution of which the program is programmed.

As a further solution to the object of the present invention, a central control unit of a weapon simulator for training the use and the use of firearms of the aforementioned type is proposed which comprises means for carrying out the method according to the invention. Advantageously, the central control unit has a computing device, in particular at least one microprocessor, wherein the means for carrying out the method according to the invention are designed as a computer program that is programmed to execute the method when the computer program runs on the computing device.

• eine Anzahl der in dem Waffensimulator gleichzeitig trainierenden Schützen zu ermitteln,
• eine Anzahl und Breiten der Schießbahnen des Waffensimulators in Abhängigkeit von der Anzahl der in dem Waffensimulator gleichzeitig trainierenden Schützen zu ermitteln, und
• die Bildwiedergabeeinheiten derart anzusteuern, dass diese die Trainingsszenarien für die ermittelte Anzahl an Schießbahnen jeweils über die gesamte ermittelte Breite der Schießbahnen darstellen.

Finally, as a still further object of the present invention, there is proposed a weapon simulator for training the use and the use of firearms of the kind set forth, wherein the central control unit of the weapon simulator is designed,

• determine a number of shooters training simultaneously in the weapon simulator,
• determine a number and widths of the firing ranges of the weapon simulator in dependence on the number of shooters training simultaneously in the weapon simulator, and
• to control the image display units such that they the training scenarios for the number determined Shooting lanes represent each over the entire determined width of the shooting lanes.

According to an advantageous development, the central control unit of the weapon simulator comprises means for carrying out the method according to the invention. The means are preferably designed as a computer program that can run on a computing device of the control unit. The computing device comprises at least one microprocessor. The computer program is programmed to execute the method according to the invention when it runs on the computing device.

Figur 1

einen erfindungsgemäßen Waffensimulator gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 2

einen aus dem Stand der Technik bekannten Waffensimulator;

Figur 3

einen erfindungsgemäßen Waffensimulator gemäß einer anderen bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 4

einen erfindungsgemäßen Waffensimulator gemäß einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungsform; und

Figur 5

einen erfindungsgemäßen Waffensimulator gemäß einer anderen bevorzugten Ausführungsform.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Show it:

FIG. 1

a weapon simulator according to the invention according to a first preferred embodiment;

FIG. 2

a weapon simulator known in the art;

FIG. 3

a weapon simulator according to the invention according to another preferred embodiment;

FIG. 4

a weapon simulator according to the invention according to another preferred embodiment; and

FIG. 5

an inventive weapon simulator according to another preferred embodiment.

In FIG. 2 a weapon simulator known from the prior art is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1. The weapon simulator 1 is used to train the use and the use of any firearms as realistic as possible. It can both original firearms, the sharp cartridges or blanks firing, as are also used for training purposes rebuilt firearms that simulate a firing by pneumatically effected reciprocating a sliding assembly and / or a closure of the firearm recoil or reloading the firearm.

The weapon simulator 1 comprises a plurality of, in the illustrated example, nine shooting lanes 2 arranged next to each other, so that in the weapon simulator 1 several shooters 3 can train at the same time. Each shooter 3 and its simulated firearm 4 is assigned a shooting lane 2. The weapon simulator 1 further comprises at least one image display unit 5 arranged at a distance from the shooters 3, which is projected as a screen on which a specific training scenario for the shooter 3 of the corresponding shooting track 2 is projected, or as at least one screen (for example LCD, LED, OLED or plasma flat panel display), on which the training scenario is displayed.

Furthermore, the weapon simulator 1 comprises at least one camera 6, which is arranged at a distance from the at least one image display unit 5. If multiple cameras 2 are used, three-dimensional information can be obtained from their respective two-dimensional images. In FIG. 2 two cameras 6 are shown. Each of the cameras 6 observes the at least one image reproduction unit 5 over the entire width of the weapon simulator 1. The area observed by the cameras 6 is subdivided into a plurality of shooting windows 7, which correspond in each case to the width of a trajectory 2. The cameras 6 monitor a specific shot window 7 on the screen display unit 5 for each of the shooting lanes 2. The cameras 6 detect breakpoints (eg light spots generated by a laser beam) of the firearms 4 of the shooters 3 training simultaneously in the weapon simulator 1 Firearms 4 correspond to a position in the illustrated training scenario where a fired bullet would likely impact if the converted firearm 4 were an original weapon firing live ammunition. By determining the breakpoints so the accuracy of the shooters 3 can be determined.

Of course, it would also be conceivable that the cameras 6 each observe only a part of the shooting lanes 2 of the weapon simulator 1. Thus, it would be conceivable, for example, for the left camera 6 to observe the left four shooting paths a to d, the associated image display units 5 and the corresponding shot windows 7. Accordingly, the right camera 6 could observe the right five shooting paths e to i, the associated image display units 5 and the corresponding shot windows 7, respectively.

The problem with the known weapon simulators 1 is that the number and the width of the shooting lanes 2 is fixed. Thus, if less than the maximum possible number of shooters 3 train at the same time in the weapon simulator 1, the shooters 3 who are training at the same time have to make do with the relatively narrow trajectories 2, although other trajectories 2 are unused and free.

In contrast, in a weapon simulator 10 of the invention, as exemplified in the FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5 is shown, the number and widths of the shooting lanes 2 are varied almost arbitrarily. In particular, it is possible with the present invention to use free and unused shooting lanes 2 by serving to widen one or more used shooting lanes 2. Accordingly, the training scenarios shown on the at least one image display unit 5 to the changed number and the changed widths of Shooting lanes 2 are adjusted. Those shooters 3 who train on a widened shooting lane 2 may be able to train training scenarios that could not be trained on a conventional narrow shooting lane 2, as was common, for example, in shooting lanes 1 known from the prior art. As a result, the learning effect for the shooters 3 can be improved with the aid of the weapon simulator 10 according to the invention.

In FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a weapon simulator 10 according to the invention is shown. In this case, a weapon simulator 10 was assumed, which comprises a maximum of nine juxtaposed conventional narrow shooting lanes 2, so that a total of a maximum of nine shooters 3 can train in the weapon simulator 10. In the illustrated embodiment of the FIG. 1 Instead of the maximum possible nine shooters, only three shooters 3 train in the weapon simulator 10. A weapon simulator 1 known from the prior art would thus have six free and unused narrow shooting lanes 2 of conventional width. According to the present invention, the width available from the free shooting lanes 2 is used to broaden the shooting lanes 2 on which shooters 3 actually train. In the illustrated embodiment, the width of the three shooting lanes 2 used is each tripled so that the weapon simulator 10 comprises three particularly wide shooting lanes 2 for the shooters 3. Each shooting lane used 2 is widened by the same amount, so that there are three juxtaposed equal width shooting lanes 2, each having three times the width of a conventional narrow shooting lane 2.

In FIG. 3 a further embodiment of the weapon simulator 10 according to the invention is shown. In the process, instead of the maximum possible nine shooters 3 only seven shooters 3 simultaneously in the weapon simulator 10. The number of shooting lanes 2 is therefore reduced to seven. The available through the two free and unused shooting lanes 2 width is used to widen the middle shooting lane 2 to three times the width. Thus, in the embodiment of FIG. 3 train six shooters 3 on shooting lanes 2 conventional width, while the shooter 3 of the middle shooting lane 2 can train on a shooting lane 2 of three times the width.

In FIG. 4 a further embodiment of a weapon simulator 10 according to the invention is shown. In this case, instead of the maximum possible nine shooters 3, only five shooters 3 train in the weapon simulator 10. The number of shooting lanes 2 can therefore be reduced to five. At the same time the width of the four free and unused shooting lanes 2 is divided into two shooting lanes 2, so that they each have three times the width of a conventional shooting lane 2. In this embodiment, therefore, three shooters 3 can train on shooting lanes 2 conventional width, while two shooters 3 can train on shooting lanes 2 of three times the width.

In FIG. 5 a further embodiment of a weapon simulator 10 according to the invention is shown. In this case, instead of the maximum possible nine shooters 3, only seven shooters 3 train in the weapon simulator 3. Thus, the number of shooting lanes 2 can be reduced to seven. At the same time, the width available through the two free and unused shooting lanes 2 is divided into a total of three used shooting lanes 2. In particular, the width of the left shooting lane 2 is widened to twice the width of a conventional shooting lane 2. The width of the two right shooting lanes 2 is widened to 1.5 times a conventional shooting lane 2. Consequently can in the embodiment of FIG. 5 train four shooters on a shooting lane 2 of conventional width. At the same time the shooter 3 can train on the left shooting lane 2 on a shooting lane 2 twice the width. Accordingly, the two shooters 3 on the two right shooting lanes 2 each train on a shooting lane 2 of 1.5 times the width of a conventional shooting lane 2.

The embodiments of the FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5 can be realized with one and the same weapon simulator 10. The different embodiments of the FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5 In other words, the number and the widths of the shooting lanes 2 can be adapted adaptively as a function of the number of shooters 3 actually trained in the weapon simulator 10 at a specific point in time. In particular, when training less than the maximum possible number of shooters 3 in the weapon simulator 10, the number of shooting lanes 2 can be reduced to the number of shooters 3 training simultaneously. Furthermore, the width available by the free shooting lanes 2 can be divided into one or more of the shooting lanes 2 used.

The adaptation of the number and the widths of the shooting lanes 2 can be coordinated by a central control unit 20 of the weapon simulator 10. The control unit 20 comprises a computing device 21 which has at least one microprocessor on which a computer program 22 for realizing the method according to the invention can run. The computer program 22 can be stored on an internal or external memory element 23 of the control unit 20. For processing the computer program 22, this is transmitted in the form of commands or sections or as a whole to the computing device 21, where it is processed. The computer program 22 is programmed to be used in the Processing on the computing device 21 performs the inventive method.

In order to carry out the method according to the invention, the control unit 20 has information regarding the number of shooters 3 currently training simultaneously in the weapon simulator 10. In dependence on this information, the control unit 20 or the computer program 22 running on the computing device 21 determines a suitable number of shooting lanes 2 for Furthermore, suitable widths are determined for the shooting lanes 2 used. Depending on the determined number of shooting lanes 2 and the determined widths of the shooting lanes used 2, the at least one image display unit 5 of the weapon simulator 10 is driven to represent a corresponding training scenario for the determined number of shooting lanes 2 over the entire determined widths of the shooting lanes 2.

Furthermore, depending on the determined number and the determined widths of the shooting lanes 2 of the weapon simulator 10 according to the invention, the at least one camera 6 or its downstream image evaluation unit can be controlled such that the number and the widths of the shooting windows 7 monitored by the cameras 6 correspond to the determined number and the determined widths of the shooting lanes 2 are adjusted. The corresponding communication connections between the central control unit 20 and the at least one image display unit 5 and the at least one camera 6 are in FIG. 1 not explicitly shown. Furthermore, it is noted that of course in the FIGS. 3 to 5 illustrated weapon simulators 10 via at least one camera 6 for detecting stopping points of firearms 4 of the same time trained in the weapon simulator 10 shooters 3 and the central control unit 20 have, although these in the FIGS. 3 to 5 are not explicitly shown.

The firearms 4 used in the illustrated embodiment of the weapon simulator 10 are rebuilt for training purposes firearms instead of live ammunition or blanks by compressed air recoil when "firing" the firearm 4 by reciprocating a sliding assembly or a closure of the firearm 4 simulate. A movement cycle of the sliding arrangement or the closure of the firearm 4 also simulates a reloading of the firearm 4. The compressed air supply of the firearm 4 can be done by means of internal, arranged in the firearm 4, or external, outside the firearm 4 arranged, compressed air sources. Internal compressed air sources are, for example, a compressed air reservoir or compressed air cartridges in a converted magazine of the firearm 4, which have compressed air accumulators in their interior, whose compressed air escapes during the simulated "firing" of the firearm 4 and triggers a cycle of movement of the sliding arrangement or the closure of the firearm 4.

External compressed air sources can be connected, for example by means of a pneumatic line 31 to the firearm 4. It is conceivable to connect the firearm 4 directly to a compressor 32, in which case a pneumatic valve is provided in the firearm 4 to briefly open the compressed air supply via the pneumatic line 31 during the simulated "firing" of a shot and so a movement cycle of the slide assembly or to trigger the closure.

Alternatively, the pneumatic valve can also be outside the firearm 4, for example in an externally controlled compressed air supply unit (so-called Weapon Connection Box). 30, which in turn communicates with the compressor 32. The advantage of this embodiment is that the pneumatic line 31 is only briefly under pressure when a simulated shot is "fired". The compressed air supply unit 30 can communicate with the central control unit 20 of the weapon simulator 10 via a data communication connection 33. A data transmission via the connection 33 can be cable-bound or wireless, for example by radio or optical.

Of course, it is conceivable that the weapon simulators 10 of FIGS. 3 to 5 have such a controlled compressed air supply unit 30 with the connected components 31, 32, 33, although these in the FIGS. 3 to 5 are not explicitly shown. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the weapon simulator 10 of the FIGS. 1 and 3 to 5 a plurality of controlled compressed air supply units 30, wherein always at least one firearm 4 is connected via a pneumatic line 31 to a separate unit 30. All units 30 may be connected to the same compressor 32.

The simulated firearms 4 contain a large number of sensors in order to detect a current operating state and various operating parameters of the firearm 4 and to generate corresponding output signals. The output signals are transmitted to the central control unit 20 of the weapon simulator 10 and used there for the control, coordination and evaluation of the training units. The sensor signals can be transmitted in any manner to the control unit 20, in particular via an electrical or optical signal line and wirelessly, for example by radio or optically. It is also conceivable that the sensor signals are first transmitted to a transmitting / receiving unit 40 of the weapon simulator 10, from where they then be forwarded via a communication link 41 to the central control unit 20. A data transmission via the connection 41 can be wired or wireless, eg. By radio or optical, done. The sensor signals are transmitted from the firearm 4 either via an electrical data line 42 or wirelessly, for example by radio or optically, to the transmitting / receiving unit 40.

It is conceivable that the transmitting / receiving unit 40 is an integral part of the central control unit 20 or a controlled compressed air supply unit 30. Furthermore, in FIG. 1 merely exemplified one of the firearms 4 connected to a transmitting / receiving unit 40 shown. Of course, it is conceivable that all firearms 4 of the weapon simulator 10 from FIG. 1 are connected by means of a data line 42 to a transmitting / receiving unit 40. Furthermore, it is conceivable that the weapon simulators 10 from the FIGS. 3 to 5 have a transmitting / receiving unit 40 to which the simulated firearms transmit 4 sensor signals.

The connection of the firearms 4 to the controlled compressed air supply unit 30 by means of the pneumatic lines 31 and to the transmitting / receiving unit 40 by means of the signal and / or power supply lines 42 can be used to automatically detect how many firearms 4 at a given time in train the weapon simulator 10 at the same time.

Claims (16)

1. A method for training the use of firearms (4) in a weapon simulator (10) wherein the weapon simulator (10) has a predetermined number of several firing ranges (2) positioned next to each other and each firing range (2) has an image display unit (5) to display a training scenario wherein the image display units (5) of firing ranges (2) positioned next to each other are positioned next to each other and border directly on each other, characterized in that,

   - a number of shooters (3) simultaneously training on the weapon simulator (10) is determined,

   - a number and breadths of firing ranges (2) of the weapon simulator (10) subject to the number of shooters (3) simultaneously training on the weapon simulator (10) is determined,

   - the image display units (5) are controlled in such a way that they show the training scenarios for the determined number of firing ranges (2) each over the total determined breadth of the firing ranges (2).
2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the number of shooters (3) simultaneously training in the weapon simulator (10) at a certain point in time is automatically determined on the basis of the number of firearms (4) adapted for training purposes which are arranged and ready to use in the weapon simulator (10) at that point in time.
3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that the readiness for use of a firearm (4) can be recognized by the fact that a compressed air line (31) to supply compressed air to a pneumatic system and to simulate a realistic operation of the firearm (4) is inserted in a controlled compressed air supply unit (30) of the weapon simulator (10) and/or a line (42) for signal transmission between the firearm (4) and a central control unit (20) of the weapon simulator (10) is inserted in a sender/receiving unit (40) of the weapon simulator (10).
4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that a firearm's (4) readiness for use can be recognized by the fact that the firearm (4) is registered with the control unit (20).
5. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that if there are fewer shooters (3) simultaneously training in the weapon simulator (10) than the maximum possible number of shooters (3), then the number of firing ranges (2) will be reduced by at least one and the breadth of at least one of the firing ranges (2) will be increased.
6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that the number of firing ranges (2) at a certain point in time will be reduced by a value which corresponds to a difference between the maximum possible number of shooters (3) and the number of shooters (3) simultaneously training at this point in time.
7. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the breadth of at least one firing range (2) is doubled in comparison to the breadth of the firing ranges (2) when the maximum possible number of shooters simultaneously training in the weapon simulator (10).
8. The method according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the breadth of at least two of the firing ranges (2) is increased, wherein the sum of the additional breadths of the widened firing ranges (2) corresponds to at least the breadth of one firing range (2) if the maximum possible number of shooters (3) are simultaneously training in the weapon simulator (10).
9. The method according to one of the claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the weapon simulator (10) has at least one camera (6) to capture aiming points of the firearms (4) of the shooters (3) simultaneously training in the weapon simulator (10), wherein the at least one camera (6) for each of the firing ranges (2) monitors a certain firing window (7) on the image display unit (5), wherein the number and breadths of the firing windows (7) are adjusted to the determined number and the determined breadths of the firing ranges (2).
10. A computer program (22) which is designated for processing on a computer (21), particularly on at least a microprocessor, of a central control unit (20) of a weapon simulator (10) for training the use of firearms (4), wherein the weapon simulator (10) has a predetermined number of several firing ranges (2) positioned next to each other and the control unit (20) is configured to control a training on the firing ranges (2), wherein each firing range (2) has an image display unit (5) which displays a training scenario and the image display units (5) of the firing ranges (2) positioned next to each other are positioned next to each other and border directly on each other, characterized in that the computer program (22) is programmed to perform a method according to one of the claims 1 to 9 if it is running on the computer (21) of the central control unit (20).
11. A central control unit (20) of a weapon simulator (10) for training the use of firearms (4), wherein the weapon simulator (10) has a predetermined number of several firing ranges (2) positioned next to each other and the control unit (20) is configured to control a training on the firing ranges (2), wherein each firing range (2) has an image display unit (5) which displays a training scenario and the image display units (5) of the firing ranges (2) positioned next to each other are positioned next to each other and border directly on each other, characterized in that the control unit (20) comprises means to

    - determine a number of shooters (3) simultaneously training on the weapon simulator (10),

    - determine a number and breadths of firing ranges (2) of the weapon simulator (10) subject to the number of shooters (3) simultaneously training on the weapon simulator (10), and

    - control the image display units (5) so that they display the training scenarios for the determined number of firing ranges (2) each over the total determined breadth of the firing ranges (2).
12. The control unit (20) according to claim 11, characterized in that the central control unit (20) has a computer (21), particularly at least a microprocessor, and that a computer program (20) constitutes the means to process the method which is programmed to process the method if the computer program (22) runs on the computer (21).
13. A weapon simulator (10) for training the use of firearms (4), wherein the weapon simulator (10) has a predetermined number of several firing ranges (2) positioned next to each other and a central control unit (20) to control one training on the firing ranges (2), wherein each firing range (2) has an image display unit (5) which displaces a training scenario and the image display units (5) of the firing ranges (2) positioned next to each other are positioned next to each other and border directly on each other, characterized in that the control unit (20)

    - determines a number of shooters (3) simultaneously training on the weapon simulator (10),

    - determines a number and breadths of firing ranges (2) of the weapon simulator (10) subject to the number of shooters (3) simultaneously training on the weapon simulator (10), and

    - controls the image display units (5) in such a way that they display the training scenarios for the determined number of firing ranges (2) each over the total determined breadth of the firing ranges (2).
14. The weapon simulator (10) according to claim 13, characterized in that the control unit (20) has the means to process a method according to claims 2 to 9.
15. The weapon simulator (10) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that a compressed air supply unit (30) of the weapon simulator (10), in which a compressed air line (31) to supply compressed air to a pneumatic system and to simulate a realistic operation of the firearm (4) is inserted, and/or a sender/receiving unit (40), in which a line (42) for signal transmission between the firearm (4) and the control unit (20) is inserted, are combined into a single unit which is connected to the control unit (20) for signal transmission and to which a compressor (32) is assigned for producing compressed air.
16. The weapon simulator (10) according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the central control unit (20) of the weapon simulator (10) and a sender/receiving unit (40), in which a line (42) for signal transmission between the firearm (4) and the control unit (20) is inserted, is combined into a single unit.

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