EP2899493B1 - Method for training of the use of firearms in a weapon simulator, weapon simulator suitable for carrying out such a method, central control computer in such a weapon simulator and computer program for use on such a control computer - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method of training the use and deployment of firearms in a weapon simulator. At least one shooter can train on the weapon simulator. The weapon simulator has at least one image display unit for displaying a training scenario and at least one obstacle, behind which the shooter can seek protection during training.

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. At least one shooter can train on the weapon simulator. The weapon simulator has at least one image display unit for displaying a training scenario and at least one obstacle behind which the shooter can seek protection during training.

Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a central control unit of a weapon simulator for training the use and the use of firearms. The control unit is used to control the process and to evaluate a training session on the weapon simulator. At least one shooter can train on the weapon simulator. The weapon simulator has at least one image display unit for displaying a training scenario and at least one obstacle behind which the shooter can seek protection during training.

Finally, the present invention relates to a weapon simulator for training the use and deployment of firearms. At least one shooter can train on the weapon simulator. The weapon simulator has at least one image display unit for displaying a training scenario, at least one obstacle behind which the shooter can seek protection during training, and a central control unit.

A generic method for training the use and the use of firearms in a corresponding computer-controlled weapon simulator is known from the patent specification US 5,980,254 known, which forms the starting point for the present invention.

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. A high level of noise, pods and other remnants of fired cartridges, harmful burnt powder gases, environmental restrictions, high costs and a general danger to the shooter and bystanders, eg other shooters training at the same time on the weapon simulator, or a coordinator of the training session significant disadvantages in terms of the use of blanks or real ammunition.
In order to overcome these disadvantages, weapon 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 converted 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 distributed 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).

The remodeled firearms, which are commonly used in the known weapon simulators, fire no blanks or real ammunition. Nevertheless, in order to enable as realistic a training as possible, 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, when a "shot" is fired, compressed air exits downwardly facing openings in the rifle barrel to force the barrel up to simulate a recoil movement. A switch on the trigger (the so-called. Trigger) a pneumatic valve to control the flow of compressed air to the openings in the gun barrel.

Furthermore, a recoil of a converted firearm when "firing" a "shot" by a triggered by compressed air movement of a movably arranged in the firearm slide assembly or a movable closure of the firearm can be realized. The sliding assembly or the shutter is suddenly accelerated and driven against a stop, which simulates recoil. In particular, when the trigger is actuated, the slide assembly or shutter is pneumatically displaced into a reciprocating motion (a so-called "cycle of motion") that can also simulate the ejection of the fired cartridge and the reloading of a new cartridge from a magazine of the firearm. Such a converted firearm is, for example, from the WO 2004/015357 A2 known. It is conceivable that the sliding arrangement or the closure is accelerated only pneumatically and is driven against the stop and that the movement in the opposite direction by means of a return element, for example. A return spring takes place.

To supply the converted firearm with compressed air various possibilities are conceivable. On the one hand, the firearm can be connected to a compressor via a pneumatic line be connected, which generates the compressed air. In this case, a pneumatic valve is arranged in the firearm, which controls the compressed air supply to a pneumatic system of 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 may flow into the pneumatic system of the firearm to effect the reciprocal movement of the sliding assembly or closure. To actuate the movable slide assembly or the movable closure should be applied in the pneumatic system of the firearm pressure of about 10 bar, in the pneumatic line then a correspondingly greater pressure. In the case described, a relatively high pressure is constantly applied to the pneumatic line during training on the weapon simulator.

Furthermore, 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 may be part of a central control unit of the weapon simulator, the Control of the process and is designed to evaluate a training session on the weapon simulator.
The compressed air supply unit includes a pneumatic valve that 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 reciprocation of the slide assembly or 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.

In addition, the firearm for compressed air supply have an internal compressed air reservoir, which can deliver controlled via a pneumatic valve compressed air to the pneumatic system of the firearm. 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. One 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 the reciprocal movement of the slide 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.

In addition, it is conceivable to provide an internal pneumatic actuating device for actuating the sliding arrangement or the closure of the firearm, which has a closed hydraulic circuit. The pneumatic system can be limited to the actuator; in the firearm no pneumatic components must be provided. The actuator may include a movable cam member which is moved over the pneumatic system of the actuator upon "firing" a "shot" with the converted firearm. The driver element can engage the slide assembly or shutter and translate it into a reciprocating motion. The Actuating device is preferably formed separately from the firearm and can, for example, in the manner of a magazine, inserted into a magazine receptacle of the firearm and releasably secured therein. Such a firearm is, for example, from the EP 2 385 337 A2 known.

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 an internal 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 shutter, the "fired" cartridge may be ejected from the chamber and a new cartridge from the magazine loading the chamber. Such converted firearm is, for example, from the applicant filed 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.

On the image display unit of a weapon simulator almost any training scenarios can be displayed. The training scenarios include, for example, shooting at stationary or moving targets, shooting at any desired goals, an indoor or outdoor training session, a practice-oriented training scenario, for example, a fight against virtual enemies that can be displayed on the image display unit. The "firing" of the converted firearm triggers the emission of a light beam, in particular a laser beam, whose course corresponds to the trajectory of a projectile fired with a corresponding real firearm. The weapon simulator comprises at least one camera, which is arranged at a distance from the image display unit and directed onto it. The camera captures the image display unit and light spots imaged thereon. By evaluating the from the at least one camera captured images can be determined whether the shooter has met his goal or not and the training session to be evaluated.

In particular, when using rebuilt firearms, which have an independent compressed air supply and are therefore not connected via pneumatic lines to a compressor or a compressed air supply device, a free movement of a shooter in the weapon simulator in the training unit is possible. The movement of the shooter can be dependent on the training scenario shown on the image display unit. In this way, the use and the use of firearms can be trained particularly realistic, for example. In the form of a hostage rescue or a house fight. An important aspect of training in this context is that the shooter learns to recognize obstacles as protection from an opponent's attacks and to hide them at the right time at the right time. This is a particularly important aspect of training, because unlike training the shooting performance of a shooter, good cover decides the life or death of the shooter himself. Such training is not possible with the known weapon simulators.

Based on the described prior art, the present invention has the object to provide a way for a particularly realistic training of shooters on a weapon simulator, in particular to be able to train a cover search of the shooter.

To solve this problem, it is proposed on the basis of the method of the type mentioned above that a position of the at least one shooter with respect to at least one obstacle of the weapon simulator is detected on the basis of at least one camera arranged in the region of the at least one image display unit and detecting the at least one shooter.

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 can also comprise at least one screen (for example 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, it is conceivable, for example, for a picture display unit designed as a screen to cover the width of several Shooting lanes, in particular over the entire width of all shooting lanes, extends. 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.

According to the invention, it is therefore proposed to provide at least one further camera in the weapon simulator in addition to the at least one camera for determining a shooting result of the shooter which is arranged and aligned in the weapon simulator so that it can detect the position of the shooter in the weapon simulator. According to the invention, the further camera is arranged in the region, that is to say in the vicinity of the image display unit. It is conceivable, for example, the arrangement of the camera at an upper edge of the image display device. By evaluating the images taken by the other camera, the position of the shooter in the weapon simulator can be determined. By comparing the position of the shooter with known positions of real obstacles located in the weapon simulator, the position of the shooter relative to one or more obstacles can be determined. As a result, the cover of the shooter behind the obstacle can be assessed. Evaluation criteria can be, for example, the speed with which the shooter has taken cover behind an obstacle after the representation of a virtual opponent on the image display unit, the shooter's behavior when moving out of cover to resume the active fight against the virtual opponent, etc.

As other cameras conventional video cameras can be used. It is also conceivable, however, the use of infrared (IR) cameras. In particular, the use of passive IR cameras is intended, which capture a thermal image of the shooter. This allows a relatively simple evaluation of the recorded images, as a real obstacle behind which a shooter seeks coverage, which significantly reduces the radiated heat of the shooter who has reached the IR camera. This makes it relatively easy to determine if parts of the shooter and if so what parts next to the obstacle protrude.

In the weapon simulator according to the invention, which has a possibility of determining the current position of a shooter, in particular with regard to a real obstacle of the weapon simulator, any converted firearms, in particular with an arbitrarily configured compressed air supply, can be used. However, particularly preferred is the use of converted firearms, which have an independent compressed air supply of whatever kind and are not coupled via a pneumatic line to a compressor or a compressed air supply unit. It's even grateful to use firearms in the weapon simulator that shoot live ammunition or blanks. Even with the use of such firearms in a weapon simulator, the present invention has the advantages mentioned.

According to the invention, it is proposed that at least one virtual opponent be displayed on the at least one image display unit and that the at least one shooter be obscured by the at least one obstacle to such an extent that the at least one observer is obscured by the at least one further camera Obstacle that can give the at least one shooter sufficient protection against attacks of the virtual opponent. One can speak of a sufficient cover of the shooter, if the cover has gone to cover after the beginning of the representation of the virtual opponent quickly cover and no important parts of the shooter, for example, head, hands, arms, legs or feet, protrude next to the obstacle , When assessing whether parts of the shooter protrude next to the obstacle, it is preferable to assume the position and the view of the virtual opponents on the obstacle. For this purpose, it may be useful on the Evaluate image display unit training scenarios with respect to the current position of the virtual opponents and to determine the current position of displayed on the image display unit virtual opponents. When using multiple cameras, the position or view of a virtual opponent on the image display unit can be determined at any time by suitable evaluation of the captured images, even if the cameras are located at a different position than the virtual opponent.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the at least one further camera is movably arranged in the region of the at least one image reproduction unit and that the at least one further camera follows a movement of the at least one shooter. Accordingly, the current position of the at least one shooter of the weapon simulator can be determined by suitable evaluation of the images taken by the further cameras. The other cameras are preferably positioned or pivoted so that they are directed to the shooter. This is referred to as a shooter-directed camera when an optical axis of the camera passes through or is directed towards the shooter or in the vicinity of the shooter.

Advantageously, the at least one further camera for detecting the position of a shooter in the weapon simulator is moved linearly along an edge of the at least one image display unit or pivoted about at least one axis of rotation lying in a surface extension of the at least one image display unit. A linear movement of the further camera in this context also includes a slightly curved trajectory, which runs along the edge of a curved image display unit.

According to the invention, the at least one further camera is movably arranged in the region of the at least one image reproduction unit and the at least one camera follows a movement of at least one virtual opponent on the at least one image reproduction unit. Accordingly, the position or view of a virtual opponent can be determined at any time by suitable evaluation of the images displayed on the image display unit. The other cameras are preferably positioned or pivoted so that they are directed from the perspective of a virtual opponent to a shooter of the weapon simulator. Preferably, the at least one further camera along an areal extent of the at least one Image display unit moved linearly. In this case, the camera can be moved along the edge of the image display unit. Alternatively, it would also be conceivable that the image display unit is designed to be partially translucent and that the at least one further camera is arranged behind the image display unit from the point of view of the shooter and takes pictures of the shooter through the image display unit. At the same time, the training scenarios are displayed on the image display unit on the shooter-facing side. By evaluating the images displayed on the image display unit and determining the current position of a virtual opponent, the further camera located behind the image display unit could be moved in the area extent of the image display unit so that it is always located at the current position of the virtual opponent.

As a further solution to the object of the present invention, it is proposed, starting from the computer program of the type mentioned above, that the computer program be programmed to evaluate at least one image recorded in the region of the at least one image display unit and taken by the at least one shooter Determine position of the at least one shooter with respect to at least one arranged in the weapon simulator obstacle when the computer program runs on the computing device of the central control unit.
According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the computer program is programmed to evaluate images taken by the at least one further camera of the weapon simulator in order to determine whether the at least one shooter is covered by the at least one obstacle so far that the at least one obstacle the at least one shooter can provide sufficient protection or cover against attacks by at least one virtual opponent shown on the at least one image display unit.

According to the present invention, it is proposed that the computer program is programmed to change a position and / or an orientation of the at least one further camera as a function of a current position of at least one virtual opponent on the at least one image display unit.

According to another solution of the object of the present invention, it is proposed on the basis of the central control unit of a weapon simulator of the type mentioned that the central control unit has means for carrying out a method according to the invention.

According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the means for carrying out the method include a computing device, in particular at least one microprocessor, and a computer program that can run on the computing device and is programmed to execute the method when the computer program runs on the computing device ,

Finally, as a solution to the object of the present invention, a weapon simulator for training the use and the use of firearms of the aforementioned type is proposed, which in addition to the at least one camera for determining hits and the training success of the shooter at least one in the region of at least one image display unit arranged and the at least one shooter comprising further camera which detects a position of the at least one shooter with respect to at least one arranged in the weapon simulator obstacle.

According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, it is proposed that the weapon simulator has a central control unit according to the invention.

Figur 1

einen erfindungsgemäßen Waffensimulator gemäß einer ersten bevorzugten Ausführungsform;

Figur 2

einen erfindungsgemäßen Waffensimulator gemäß einer zweiten bevorzugten Ausführungsform; und

Figur 3

eine Ansicht auf einen Teil des Waffensimulators aus Figur 1 entlang der Linie II-II.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown and described below. Show it:

FIG. 1

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

FIG. 2

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

FIG. 3

a view of a part of the weapon simulator FIG. 1 along the line II-II.

In FIG. 1 an inventive weapon simulator is designated in its entirety by the reference numeral 1. The weapon simulator 1 serves to enable a shooter 2 a cost-effective, environmentally sound, efficient and realistic as possible training the use and use of any firearms. there Both original firearms that fire sharp cartridges or blanks, as well as rebuilt for training purposes firearms are used, a recoil or reloading the firearm and thus a firing by pneumatically effected reciprocating a sliding assembly and / or a closure of the firearm simulate. The firearm includes, for example, a pistol, a rifle, a bazooka, a hand grenade or similar. In FIG. 1 is exemplified a shooter 2 associated firearm 3 symbolically. In the weapon simulator 1, more than the illustrated one shooter 2 can train at the same time. If several shooters 2 then several shooting lanes would be arranged side by side. In FIG. 1 So a weapon simulator 1 is shown with only one shooting lane.

The weapon simulator 1 further comprises at least one image reproduction unit 4 arranged at a distance from the shooters 2 for displaying a specific training scenario. The image display unit may, for example, be embodied as a screen on which the training scenario for the shooter 2 of the corresponding shooting track is projected or as at least one screen (for example LCD, LED, OLED or plasma flat panel display) the training scenario is displayed. Subsequently, only one or the Image reproduction unit 4 spoken, which should also be included with several image display units 4 of the weapon simulator 1. When using original firearms 3, which fire real ammunition, instead of the image display unit 4 a real training scenario, for example. In the form of stationary or moving targets, available.

Furthermore, the weapon simulator 1 comprises at least one camera 5, which is arranged at a distance from the image display unit 4. In the example of FIG. 1 two cameras 5 are provided which detect the image display unit 4 and generate corresponding images. By evaluating these images, it can be determined whether or not the shooter 2 has met targets shown as part of the training scenario during the current training session on the image display unit 4, and the success of the training session and the qualification of the shooter 2 are determined. The firearms 3 used in the weapon simulator 1 preferably emit a laser beam to represent by means of a light spot a Vorvorpunkt the firearm 3 or a turning point of a simulated projectile on the image display unit 4. The evaluation of the images taken by the cameras 5 includes, for example, the detection of the light spot, the determination of the position of the light spot and a comparison with the at the time of the simulated "firing" illustrated training scenario.

Furthermore, the weapon simulator 1 comprises at least one obstacle 6, behind which the shooter 2 can seek protection or cover during training. The obstacle 6 may be located anywhere on the shooting path of the weapon simulator. The obstacle 6 may include, for example, a building, a vehicle, vegetation (eg trees, bushes, hedges) or any other objects (eg a box, a barrel, a wall, a ditch). By the shooter 2 behind the obstacle 6 seeks coverage, he can protect himself from a possible attack by a virtual opponent 7. The opponent 7 is shown only symbolically in FIG. 6, but it is part of the training scenario shown on the image display unit 4. The opponent 7 may, for example, an enemy soldier, an attacking aircraft, an attacking helicopter, an approaching terrorist who may be disguised as a civilian, or similar. include. The opponent 7 can simulate an attack on the shooter 2 in any way. It is conceivable, for example, an attack by means of a knife, a virtual firearm, a grenade or bomb attack, a suicide attack, etc.

Covering behind obstacles, such as the obstacle 6, is an important part of training the use and use of firearms 3. Almost more important than a high accuracy of hit, it is for a shooter 2 to be protected from attacks by opponents, such as For example, the virtual opponent 7, good to protect. A high accuracy of accuracy does not benefit the shooter 2 if he is made incapacitated by an opponent 7 after "firing" the first shot. Therefore, the search for cover should be part of the training of the use and the use of firearms 3. In particular, the shooter 2 should have the opportunity to train the cover search behind obstacles 6 by a special embodiment of the weapon simulator, and the weapon simulator should offer the possibility of an evaluation of the cover search. The present invention proposes for the first time a weapon simulator 1 in which this is possible.

The weapon simulator 1 has at least one further camera 10, which is arranged in the region of the image display unit 4 and detects the shooter 2. Preferably, the at least one further camera 10 is directed towards the shooter 2 or the obstacle 6. In the example shown the FIG. 2 two further cameras 10 are provided, which are located immediately in front of the image display unit 4 are arranged. Of course, the further cameras 10 may also be arranged at a distance from the image display unit 4. The cameras 10 detect, starting from the image display unit 4, the shooting track associated with the shooter 2 or at least a part thereof. The orientation of the other cameras 10 is approximately opposite to the detection direction of the cameras 5. It is crucial that the other cameras 10 can record the in-coverage of the shooter 2 behind the obstacle 6. By using a plurality of cameras 10, three-dimensional information can be generated from the two-dimensional images themselves, so that, for example, the distance of the shooter 2 to the obstacle 6 in a direction transverse to the main extension plane of the image display unit 4 can be determined.

The images acquired by the further cameras 10 can be evaluated in any manner in order to be able to evaluate the coverage of the shooter 2. In particular, it is intended to determine a period of time which elapses after a first representation of the virtual opponent 7 on the image display unit 4 and the time at which the shooter 2 takes cover. Furthermore, it can be determined whether the shooter 2 has chosen the best possible cover, or whether he might not have sought better protection behind another obstacle 6, for example because this obstacle 6 would have been closer or bigger or more stable. Finally, it can also be determined whether the shooter 2 has sufficiently taken cover in order to offer the virtual opponent 7 no more attack points. For this purpose, for example, those parts of the body of the protected shooter 2 can be determined, which are still visible from the point of view of the virtual opponent 7 next to, below or above the obstacle 6, behind which the shooter 2 coverage.

According to the invention, it is provided that the further cameras 10 are movable in at least one direction, preferably in two directions in the plane of the surface extension of the image display unit 4. In this way, it is conceivable to move the cameras 10 along the edge of the image display unit 4 so that they are always as close as possible to the virtual opponent 7 displayed on the image display unit 4. It would even be conceivable that the image display unit 4 comprises a semi-transparent or semi-reflective material, so that on the front side facing the shooter 2 the images of the training scenario (with the at least one virtual opponent 7) can be displayed and the other cameras 10 in the plane of the surface extension of the image display unit 4 are arranged so as to be invisible to the shooter 2 on the rear side. The cameras 10 could be moved such that their position on the surface of the image display unit 4 at all times corresponds to the current position of the virtual opponent 7 on the image display unit 4 (movement in direction A and perpendicular thereto and parallel to the surface extension of the image display unit 4). Thus, the view of another camera 10 always corresponds to the view that a virtual opponent 7 would have on the shooter 2. Such an embodiment is in FIG. 2 shown.

The weapon simulator 1 may have a central control unit 11 for controlling and coordinating the sequence and for evaluating a training session. The control unit comprises at least one computing device 12, for example in the form of a microprocessor, on which a computer program 13 can be executed. The computer program 13 is stored on a memory element 14 of the control unit 11 and is transmitted to the processing unit in order to execute, in sections or as a whole. To control the course of the training session, the control unit 11 with the firearm 3 and possibly with other firearms of other shooters who train at the same time on the weapon simulator 1, be connected via a connection 15. The connection 15 may comprise at least one electrical line or wireless, for example. In the form of an infrared or a wireless connection, be formed.

The firearm 3 can have various sensors in order to detect a current operating state and various operating parameters of the firearm 3 and to generate corresponding sensor signals. The sensors may include, for example, a trigger sensor, a magazine sensor, a closure sensor, a tilt sensor, etc. They can be designed as optical, capacitive, inductive or other sensors. Via the connection 15, the sensor signals can be transmitted to the central control unit 11 of the weapon simulator 1 and used there for the control, coordination and evaluation of the training units. The connection 15 may have its own transmission connection (eg a separate line or a separate radio channel) for the transmission of each sensor signal. However, it is also conceivable that the connection 15 comprises a bus system in which a transmission connection is used for transmitting a plurality of sensor signals.

The central control unit 11 can generate control signals for the firearm 3 of the shooter 2 or for actuators (for example electromagnetic valves) of the firearm 3 as a function of the received sensor signals. On the basis of the actuators, for example, the hydraulic or pneumatic system of the firearm 3 can be activated to trigger a simulated shot. The control signals can also be generated on the basis of further parameters, which are input, for example, by the shooter 2 or a coordinator who prescribes and monitors the training unit, in advance by means of a human-machine interface (HMI). These parameters include, for example, a degree of difficulty of the training unit, a level of the shooter 2, the type and duration of the training session, etc. The control signals can also be transmitted via the connection 15 to the firearm 3. For this purpose, a separate transmission connection (for example a separate line or a separate radio channel) may be provided. It is also conceivable that the transmission connection of the connection 15 allows bi-directional information transmission.

The central control unit 11 can also be connected via connections 21 to the cameras 5 for determining the success of the training unit and the qualification of the shooter 2. These connections 21 may be formed wired or wireless. The of The images taken by the cameras 5 are evaluated for evaluation of the training unit by, for example, detecting a light spot on the image display unit 4 and comparing the position of the light spot with a position of a target displayed on the image display unit 4 at the time of "firing". This evaluation can likewise be carried out by the control unit 11 or realized by a computer program running on the computing device 12. Furthermore, the images of the training scenarios displayed on the image display unit 4 can be predetermined by the control unit 11 and transmitted to the image display unit 4 via a connection 22.

Finally, the central control unit 11 is connected via connections 23 to the other cameras 10. The compounds 23 may be formed wired or wireless. Via the connections 23, the control unit 11 can receive the images of the shooter 2 or of the obstacle 6 recorded by the further cameras 10 in order to then evaluate them. Control signals for moving the cameras 10 to corresponding actuators (not shown) of the cameras 10 can also be transmitted via the connections 23. This means that the entire process according to the invention can be carried out in the central Control unit 11 of the weapon simulator 1 or be implemented by the running there computer program 13.

If the firearm 3 does not have an internal electrical power supply (e.g., battery, rechargeable battery, etc.), a connection for transmitting power may be further provided between the firearm 3 and an energy source. The energy source can, for example, be integrated in the central control unit 11. In this case, a separate line can be provided for energy transmission, or else the energy transmission also takes place via the connection 15.

When used in the illustrated embodiment of the weapon simulator 1 firearm 3 is a rebuilt for training purposes firearm instead of live ammunition or blanks by compressed air recoil when "firing" the firearm 3 by reciprocating a sliding assembly or a closure of Simulate firearm 3. A cycle of movement of the slide assembly or the shutter of the firearm 3 may also simulate reloading the firearm 3. The compressed air supply of the firearm 3 can be done by means of internal, arranged in the firearm 3, or external, outside the firearm 3 arranged compressed air sources.

Internal compressed air sources are, for example, a compressed air reservoir present in a converted magazine of the firearm 3 or a compressed air cartridge which has a compressed air reservoir in its interior. External compressed air sources can be connected to the firearm 3, for example, by means of a pneumatic line 16. It is conceivable to connect the firearm 3 directly or indirectly via an externally controlled compressed air supply unit 17 (so-called Weapon Connection Box) to a compressor 18. This latter embodiment is in FIG. 1 shown.

The advantage of this embodiment is that the pneumatic line 16 is only briefly under pressure when a simulated shot is "fired". The compressed air supply unit 17 can receive sensor signals via a data communication connection 19 either directly or indirectly via the central control unit 11 from the firearm 3. A data transmission via the connection 19 can be wired or wireless, eg. By radio or optical, done. If the sensor signals indicate an actuation of a trigger of the firearm 3 and if necessary further operating parameters are met (eg magazine inserted in magazine receptacle, one-time actuation of the closure prior to the first shot of a training unit, etc.), a pneumatic valve 20 becomes the compressed air supply unit 17 is activated and the valve 20 is opened for a short time. The control signals for the valve 20 can be generated by the compressed air supply unit 17 or by the central control unit 11. By opening the valve 20, the line 16 and the pneumatic system of the firearm 3 is briefly put under pressure and a "firing" simulated.

In FIG. 3 is a view of the obstacle 6 and behind it partially hiding shooter 2 from the perspective of a virtual opponent 7 shown. Since the other cameras 10 are movable so that they can always follow the position of the virtual opponent 7 on the image display unit 4, the view is the same FIG. 3 the image taken by one of the cameras 10. One recognizes in FIG. 3 clear that there is an unprotected area 24 that would be accessible to the virtual opponent 7. This area 24 comprises an arbitrary body part of the shooter 2, for example the head. If the virtual opponent 7 was a real opponent, he could Protect 2 attack in the area 24, which could have been avoided by a good coverage. In this case, the obstacle 6 does not give the shooter 2 sufficient protection against attacks by the virtual opponent 7.

Claims (12)

1. Method for training in the use and deployment of firearms (3) in a weapon simulator (1), wherein at least one marksman (2) is able to train on the weapon simulator (1), with the weapon simulator (1) having at least one image display unit (4) for the representation of a training scenario and at least one obstacle (6) behind which the marksman (2) can take cover during the course of training, wherein on the basis of at least one camera (10) provided in the region of the at least one image display unit (4) and recording the at least one marksman (2), a position of the at least one marksman (2) in relation to at least one of the obstacles (6) provided in the weapon simulator (1) is recorded and the at least one camera (10) in the region of the at least one image display unit (4) is movably arranged, characterised in that the at least one camera (10) follows a movement of at least one virtual enemy (7) on the at least one image display unit (4).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that on the at least one image display unit (4) the at least one virtual enemy (7) is reproduced and on the basis of the images captured by the at least one camera (10) it is determined whether the at least one marksman (2) is concealed by the at least one obstacle (6) to the extent that the at least one obstacle (6) can give the at least one marksman (2) adequate cover against attacks by the virtual enemy (7).
3. Method according to any of claims 1 or 2, characterised in that the at least one camera (10) moves linearly along one edge of the at least one image display unit (4) or is pivoted about at least one rotational axis located in a surface extension of the at least one image display unit (4).
4. Method according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the at least one camera (10) is linearly moved in a surface extension of the at least one image display unit (4).
5. Method according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the position of the at least one marksman (2) in relation to at least one obstacle (6) is recorded by at least two cameras (10) provided in the region of the at least one image display unit (4).
6. Computer program (13) which is provided for processing on a computational device (12), particularly on at least one microprocessor of a central control unit (11) of a weapon simulator (1) for training in the use and deployment of firearms (3), wherein at least one marksman (2) is able to train on the weapon simulator (1), with the weapon simulator (1) having at least one image display unit (4) for the representation of a training scenario and at least one obstacle (6) behind which the marksman (2) can take cover during the course of training, wherein the computer program (13) is programmed to evaluate images captured by at least one camera (10) provided in the region of the at least one image display unit (4) and recording the at least one marksman (2) in such a way as to determine a position of the at least one marksman (2) in relation to at least one of the obstacles (6) provided in the weapon simulator (1) when the computer program (13) is run on the computational device (12) of the central control unit (11), characterised in that the computer program (13) is programmed to change a position and/or an alignment of the at least one camera (10) depending on a current position of at least one virtual enemy (7) on the at least one image display unit (4).
7. Computer program (13) according to claim 6, characterised in that the computer program (13) is programmed to evaluate images recorded by the at least one camera (10) in such a way as to determine whether the at least one marksman (2) is concealed by the at least one obstacle (6) to the extent that the at least one obstacle (6) can give the at least one marksman (2) adequate cover against attacks by at least one of the virtual enemies (7) reproduced on the at least one image display unit (4).
8. Central control unit (11) of a weapon simulator (1) for training in the use and deployment of firearms (3), wherein the control unit (11) is designed for controlling the running and the evaluation of a training unit on the weapon simulator (1), with at least one marksman (2) being able to train on the weapon simulator (1), with the weapon simulator (1) having at least one image display unit (4) for the representation of a training scenario and at least one obstacle (6) behind which the marksman (2) can take cover during the course of training, wherein the central control unit (11) has means (12, 13) for executing a procedure according to which on the basis of at least one camera (10) provided in the region of the at least one image display unit (4) and recording the at least one marksman (2), a position of the at least one marksman (2) in relation to at least one of the obstacles (6) provided in the weapon simulator (1) is recorded, characterised in that the means (12, 13) for executing a procedure are designed to change a position and/or an alignment of the at least one camera (10) depending on a current position of at least one virtual enemy (7) on the at least one image display unit (4).
9. Central control unit (11) according to claim 8, characterised in that the means (12, 13) are designed for executing a procedure according to any of claims 2 to 5.
10. Central control unit (11) according to claim 8 or 9, characterised in that the means for executing the procedure comprise a computational device (12), in particular at least a microprocessor, and a computer program (13) able to run on the computational device (12) and programmed to execute the procedure when the computer program (13) is run on the computational device (12).
11. Weapon simulator (1) for training in the use and deployment of firearms (3), wherein at least one marksman (2) is able to train on the weapon simulator (1), with the weapon simulator (1) having at least one image display unit (4) for the representation of a training scenario, at least one obstacle (6) behind which the marksman (2) can take cover during the course of training, and a central control unit (11), wherein the weapon simulator (1) has at least one camera (10) provided in the region of the at least one image display unit (4) and recording the at least one marksman (2), which records a position of the at least one marksman (2) in relation to at least one of the obstacles (6) provided in the weapon simulator (1), and the at least one camera (10) is movably provided in the region of the at least one image display unit (4), characterised in that the at least one camera (10) is designed to follow a movement of at least one virtual enemy (7) on the at least one image display unit (4).
12. Weapon simulator (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that the central control unit (11) is designed according to any of claims 8 to 10.

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