EP3683536B1 - Target detection - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for zeroing a firearm with a target device that enables a thermal image to be captured, in particular of a rifle, with an appropriate target simulation being arranged at a distance from the firearm, according to the preamble of claim 1, and a device according to the preamble of claim 7.

It is known to use telescopic sights or other night vision devices for shooting in the dark, which react to infrared light, ie can detect thermal radiation emitted, for example by an animal.

When shooting in the dark - just like during the day - it is necessary to "zero in" the firearm first, i.e. to check whether the desired trajectory corresponds to the targeted one or whether the shot is too far left or right and/or too far up or down lands from the targeted destination.

However, the target is not optically visible in the dark.

U.S. 6,337,475 B1 shows a heatable target silhouette that has a copper foil on the back and a heating coil and requires a power source such as a 1.5 V battery to operate. Since the target silhouette has relatively large dimensions, such a target silhouette is very expensive, bulky and heavy. It is therefore very difficult to take it with you on hunting missions in nature, which usually require some walking.

U.S. 6,767,015 B1 shows a heatable target in the shape and size of a human torso, giving the target significant proportions. A plurality of heated cells are provided, arranged within a closed housing. All cells are arranged in a common, large vacuum container, which must be airtight and must be evacuated before use. A vacuum pump is therefore required, which is active in cell production. After opening the container, all cells are activated together. Therefore, the disadvantages mentioned above with regard to mass, size and bulkiness are particularly pronounced with this target, making the equipment expenditure excessively large and difficult for hunters to cope with.

U.S. 2017/350678 A1 discloses a target simulation to which an infrared reflective element or a thermal reflective element can be adhered, to be manufactured from roll or sheet material and having dimensions in the range of less than 25.4 mm on an edge.

The invention is based on the problem of providing a simple and inexpensive way of calibrating a target detection system based on thermal radiation, even when visibility is poor or absent.

The invention solves this problem by a method having the features of claim 1, which of course can be used not only in the dark but also when visibility is available, and by a device having the features of claim 7. Regarding further developments of the invention referred to the dependent claims.

With the method according to the invention, the target simulation is provided with a heat-emitting target body with a maximum edge length or a maximum diameter of less than or equal to 40 millimeters, the target body being provided or filled with a substance that reacts exothermically with air , possible, even in the absence of visibility, for example in the dark, to enable calibration of the thermal imaging. The heat radiation from the target body can be detected, for example, using a thermal imaging night vision device, which can also be designed as a telescopic sight. With the small edge length of the target body, a high level of precision is achieved for accurate calibration.

In particular, such a target body has a temperature of approx. 35° C. to more than 50° C. and can maintain this temperature for several hours. It can be designed as a disposable body and be self-adhesive on at least one side.

The heat-dissipating target body is preferably designed in the manner of a plaster and, according to the invention, it is glued onto, for example, a target card known per se. Such a rather flat radiator is also referred to as a heating pad.

In order to enable heat to be emitted, the heat-emitting target body can advantageously be provided or filled with a substance in the manner of a hand warmer.

Here, for example, it is possible inexpensively for the heat-emitting target body to contain iron powder, which reacts with atmospheric oxygen in an exothermic reaction to form iron oxide. Then tearing open an airtight package of the target body is enough to start the heat dissipation.

Such target bodies are advantageously disposable products. They can be held particularly advantageously in vacuum packs that can be torn off individually. These form, for example, connected strips of 5 to 20 pieces.

The heat-dissipating target body very favorably has a regular geometric outline, for example a circle, a square or a hexagon, so that from a distance (typically up to more than 100 meters) it has an approximately punctiform appearance and symmetry.

In order to achieve the highest possible accuracy of the calibration, the heat-emitting target body should be relatively small and have maximum edge lengths of less than 30 millimeters in particular.

For example, if the above Iron powder or other exothermically reacting substances is or are bound to a carrier such as activated carbon, it is possible that the heat-emitting target body is cut to size before it is attached to the target card and is thus brought to the desired size and outline shape. It is also possible for target bodies to be of different sizes and shapes (e.g. squares with side lengths of 40 millimeters, squares with side lengths of 30 millimeters, circles with diameters of 20 millimeters...).

In any case, the heat-dissipating target body can be glued to the center of a target card, which, for example, has an edge length of 20 to 30 centimeters, before use, so that even slightly offset shots hit the surrounding target card and thus their deviation when the target card is subsequently evaluated are visible.

If the heat-emitting target body is additionally provided with a phosphorescent and/or fluorescent substance and emits light in the visible range, optical recognition of the target body can also be possible in addition or as an alternative. Optical target detection can then also take place, for example via residual light target detection.

A target simulation with at least one heat-emitting target body for calibrating a firearm with a target device that enables a thermal image to be recorded, in particular a rifle equipped in this way, is claimed separately. The target body can be made up independently of, for example, target maps or other parts of the target simulation. The claimed target simulation can also only consist of a target body, which can be glued or nailed, for example.

In particular, such a heat-dissipating target body can have a plaster-like design and be fastened or fastenable to the center of a target card. For example, the target body is provided with a self-adhesive backing for this purpose. The target body is in particular regularly geometrically shaped, for example square or round, so that the deviations of the actual from the desired trajectory can be tracked in any direction with equal value.

In particular, the heat-emitting target body is provided or filled with a substance in the manner of a hand warmer and, according to the invention, reacts exothermically with air to enable heat emission. Further action, such as an electrical voltage or moistening, is then not required. Operation is tool-free and particularly easy.

In this case, the heat-emitting target body can be kept in an airtight packaging until it is used, which in particular provides an airtight compartment for each individual target body. The target bodies can then be removed individually and activated as required.

Further advantages and features of the invention result from the exemplary embodiments of the subject matter of the invention illustrated in the drawing and described below.

Fig. 1

eine beispielhafte Gesamtansicht eines Szenarios zum Einschießen einer Schusswaffe mit einem Hochstand und beabstandet hierzu stehenden Bäumen, von denen zumindest einer als Halterung für die Zielsimulation dient,

Fig. 2

eine Einzelteilansicht einer Zielkarte mit einem aufgeklebten Zielkörper im Zentrum,

Fig. 3

einen runden Zielkörper in Ansicht von vorne und in schematischer Seitenansicht, und

Fig. 4

unterschiedliche Formen von Zielkörpern in Ansicht von vorne.

In the drawings shows:

1

an exemplary overall view of a scenario for zeroing a firearm with a high stand and trees standing at a distance from it, at least one of which serves as a holder for the target simulation,

2

an individual view of a target card with a glued-on target body in the center,

3

a round target body in front view and in schematic side view, and

4

different shapes of target bodies in front view.

In 1 a method for calibrating a thermal image acquisition of a firearm, in particular a rifle, is schematically indicated, the rifle--itself not shown--being fired here from a raised position 2, which of course is not mandatory, onto a target simulation 1. The method can be carried out in daylight or, in particular, also in fog, darkness or other restricted visibility.

In particular, such a firearm is first sighted and, if necessary, also optimized with regard to thermal imaging. If hunting is then to take place the following night, the thermal imaging is then calibrated in the dark using the method mentioned. For this purpose, the firearm is equipped with a thermal imaging system that works, for example, with the aid of a night vision sight or a thermal imaging sight. Fine adjustments can be made in any direction, for example a monitor that can display a thermal image optically.

Zeroing in and the associated calibration is understood here to mean any shooting at a target simulation 1 . This can also be movable, for example - not shown here - for example via a motor drive. The calibration does not have to be at the beginning of a hunt, but can also be carried out again and again in between.

For the method, a (fixed or moving) target simulation 1 to be hit is arranged at a distance from the firearm. The distance can correspond to that which corresponds to the usual hunting and shooting conditions, ie typically 50 meters to well over 100 meters in the horizontal direction.

This target simulation 1 is functionally provided with at least one heat-emitting target body 3 - or consists of this - which is glued, for example, to a target card 4 in the center thereof. The use of a destination card 4 is of course not mandatory. The target body 3 can also represent a target simulation 1 by itself.

The target body 3 or the target card 4 holding it can in turn be fixed to a tree 5, a fence or some other mount. The type of fixing is variable: for example, simply gluing or nailing is an option.

Due to the heat-emitting target body 3, this can also be detected from a great distance via infrared detection, for example via a night vision sight or a thermal imaging sight, even if there is no or too little light in the visible range. A separate night vision device and/or, in particular, a telescopic sight with infrared detection on the firearm can be used in order to detect the heat signal (infrared radiation) over the distance. The temperature of the target body 3 is preferably above 35°C in operation. During the chemical reaction mentioned, temperatures of approx. 50°C occur over a period of 6 to 24 hours.

After the target simulation 1 has been placed, several shots are fired at the heat body 3 along the line of fire 6 drawn in dashed lines; then the shooter or other person goes to the target card and looks at where (of the target body 3 or the surrounding target card 4) the shots landed. The deviation can be used to correct the calibration of the thermal image acquisition, for example the fine adjustment of a monitor for the thermal image. The thermal image then depicts reality exactly, so that the firearm can then be used with pinpoint accuracy. It may be necessary to zero in several times with the calibration mentioned. The target bodies 3 can be shot at themselves, this is not critical.

The heat-emitting target body 3 can be designed in the manner of a plaster, with the rear side, which is glued to the target card 4, for example, being able to be self-adhesive for easy handling, but not necessarily. A protective film on the adhesive surface 9 can be removed on site.

The heat-emitting target body 3 can, for example, be provided with or filled with a substance in the manner of a hand warmer. For a single use, the heat-emitting target body 3 can contain iron powder or another material that reacts with atmospheric oxygen in an exothermic reaction to form iron oxide or another oxide. The release of heat then starts automatically through the supply of oxygen from the air, i.e. through opening the packaging. In this case, it makes sense to keep the target bodies 3 individually in airtight packaging until they are used. In particular, a single airtight compartment can be provided for each target body 3; these can be in the form of continuous tear-off strips, for example via perforations.

Other chemical and/or physical mechanisms for dissipating heat may also be possible. Depending on the mechanism, a one-off use is possible here, or alternatively multiple use of the target body 3 may be possible.

In order to enable exact aiming when shooting, the heat-dissipating target body 3 advantageously has a regular geometric outline shape, such as a circular, square, hexagonal or octagonal shape. In 4 a few such forms are indicated. The edge length 7 or the diameter 8 is in particular less than 40 millimeters in order to avoid excessively broad and spongy heat radiation. Edge lengths of approx. 30 millimeters are particularly favorable.

A narrow, unfilled seam of a pad or the like can also be provided around the target body 3 . This can have a thickness of about 3 to 8 millimeters.

Depending on the design of the target body 3, it may be possible to cut it to size. However, if it contains iron powder or the like, this can trickle out when it is cut unless it is bound.

It is therefore alternatively provided that a heat-dissipating target body 3 is offered in different dimensions and external outline shapes and can be used directly to fit.

For this purpose, for example, target bodies 3 can either be completely separated from the start or separated from one another at a perforation and glued to the center of a target card 4 directly before use.

Such target bodies 3 can have a thickness of, for example, a few millimeters to about 10 millimeters, such as in 3 is visible. The target body 3 need not have an exact rectangular shape, but may exhibit a slight pillow shape and deformability.

In order to enable optical detection of the target body 3 as well, the heat-emitting target body can additionally be provided with a phosphorescent and/or fluorescent substance and can also emit light in the visible range. This makes it easier to check the correct trajectory 6. A longer afterglow is also possible.

Reference List

1

target simulation

2

elevated position

3

heat-emitting target body

4

target card

5

Tree

6

line of fire

7

edge length

8th

diameter

9

adhesive surface

Claims (13)

1. Method for test-fireing a firearm, in particular a rifle, having a targeting device which enables an acquisition of a thermal image, wherein a target simulation (1) to be hit is arranged at a distance to the firearm, wherein a heat-emitting target body (3) is adhered to the target simulation (1), which target body (3) has maximum edge lengths (7) or a maximum diameter (8) equal to or less than 40 millimeters,
   characterized in that
   the heat-emitting target body (3) is provided with or filled with a substance which reacts exothermically with air.
2. Method according to claim 1,
   characterized in that
   the heat-emitting target body (3) is formed in a plaster-like manner.
3. Method according to one of the claims 1 to 2,
   characterized in that
   the heat-emitting target body (3) includes iron powder or another material, which reacts with atmospheric oxygen in an exothermic reaction to form iron oxide or another oxide.
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3,
   characterized in that
   the heat-emitting target body (3) has a regular geometrical, in particular rectangular or round, contour shape.
5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4,
   characterized in that
   the heat-emitting target body (3) has maximum edge lengths (7) or diameters (8) of less than 30 millimeters.
6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5,
   characterized in that
   the heat-emitting target body (3) is adhered to the center of a target card (4) before use.
7. Target simulation (1) for test-fireing a firearm, in particular a rifle, having a targeting device which enables an acquisition of a thermal image, the target simulation (1) having at least one target body (3) which is adhered and, in operation, emits heat and has maximum edge lengths (7) or a maximum diameter (8) equal to or less than 40 millimeters,
   characterized in that
   the heat-emitting target body (3) is provided with or filled with a substance which reacts exothermically with air.
8. Target simulation (1) according to claim 7,
   characterized in that
   the heat-emitting target body (3) is formed in a plaster-like manner and is attached or is attachable to the center of a target card (4).
9. Target simulation (1) according to one of claims 7 to 8,
   characterized in that
   the heat-emitting target body (3) comprises maximum edge lengths (7) or diameters (8) of less than 30 millimeters.
10. Target simulation (1) according to one of claims 7 to 9,
    characterized in that
    the heat-emitting target body (3) is retained in an airtight package until use.
11. Target simulation (1) according to claim 10,
    characterized in that
    the airtight package comprises a plurality of individually tearable compartments.
12. Target simulation (1) according to one of claims 7 to 11,
    characterized in that
    the heat-emitting target body (3) is self-adhesive.
13. Target simulation (1) according to one of claims 7 to 12,
    characterized in that
    the heat-emitting target body (3) is additionally provided with a phosphorescent and/or fluorescent substance and emits light in the visible range.

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