GB2326266A

GB2326266A - Field instrument simulator device

Info

Publication number: GB2326266A
Application number: GB9811799A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Michael Anthony Flemming; Michael Peter Stevens; Thomas Bryan Pierce; Ronald William Robert Morton; Alan Vickers
Original assignee: AEA Technology PLC
Current assignee: Ricardo AEA Ltd
Priority date: 1997-06-05
Filing date: 1998-06-03
Publication date: 1998-12-16
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-03
Also published as: GB2326266B; GB9711489D0; GB9811799D0

Abstract

The device is for use in training exercises for realistically simulating operational instruments used in the detection of hazards (e.g. radiological, biological, chemical). GPS, a data source, a programmed data processor and an instrument output indicator (display) are combined in the device. The processor computes a hazard level from the input data and drives the output indicator accordingly. The device may be connected to an operational field instrument sensor such that data received from this sensor may be indicated via the instrument output indicator. One or more of the devices may each be connected to a radio receiver, together with a central control comprising a radio transmitter coupled to a programmable computer for providing radio transmissions of the basic data.

Description

Field Instrument Simulator Device The invention relates to a field instrument simulator device and to a simulation training system using such devices for enabling personnel undergoing training to use in field exercises instruments which simulate realistically operational instruments used in the detection of hazards such as radiological, biological or chemical hazards.

For the purpose of an exercise, typically a controller will decide upon a sequence of events which will result in release of hazard of particular magnitudes at particular locations and times. Algorithms are available, and have been continuously improved over a number of years, for computing how the hazard will spread with time from its release point from basic input data in respect of the nature of the hazard, its quantity at release, time of release and meteorological data (primarily wind speed and direction, but also humidity, precipitation, temperature and temperature gradients).

It is thus possible to programme a computer to calculate the intensity of the hazard at any particular location in the exercise area.

Computing power and speeds at a central computer can today readily be provided to make such computations quickly enough for the model to be up-dated to take account of new strike incidents introduced into the exercise whilst the exercise is actually taking place.

Such a capability offers the exercise controller the possibility of making an exercise much more realistic.

However, a number of problems are presented by the task of devising a field instrument simulator which appears to the user to be the same as, or closely similar to, a real operational field instrument and which registers in use a hazard indication which corresponds to the calculated hazard for the particular time and location of the simulator, wherever it is in the exercise area. A possibility is for the central control to radio broadcast data to the entire exercise area and for receivers in the field instrument simulators to select from the broadcast data that which applies to their instantaneous location. The latter can be provided by global position sensor (GPS) equipment incorporated in the field instrument.

The disadvantage of such an arrangement is that in a typical exercise area, say 10,000 km , an enormous quantity of data has to be broadcast to make hazard information available which varies realistically over distances of say 10 m. The rate at which interrogating field instrument simulators could be provided with updated information would be too slow. There is also a great deal of wasted broadcast, since, assuming resolution down to the regions 10 m x 10 m is required, trainees in the exercise area will in practice only occupy a few of the 10 regions available.

An alternative is for the field instrument simulator to make a radio interrogation of central control, transmitting its position and receiving back calculated hazard intensity data for that location and time. The disadvantage is that this requires the field instrument simulator to include a radio transmitter as well as receiver, introducing greater complexity, weight and power supply requirements. If a large number of field instrument simulators are in use the rate at which individual instruments can make radio interrogation would be too slow.

The preferred solution according to the invention is based upon the concept of providing a field instrument module incorporating a programmed data processor, and to provide inputs via radio signals giving basic hazard data and, from GPS, time and field instrument module position for the appropriate hazard intensity to be computed in the data processor and fed to an instrument output indicator (e.g. visual and/or aural display).

Accordingly the invention provides, in one of its aspects, a field instrument simulator device incorporating or comprising a field instrument module comprising in combination means for connection to a receiver for global position signals, means for connection to a radio receiver for receiving transmitted hazard data, a programmed data processor and an output for connection to an instrument output indicator for providing from instantaneous received global position and time signals taken together with basic data as to location, size and timing of hazardous events and meteorological data derived from the said hazard data received from the radio receiver, an indication of hazard level at the location of the simulator device.

It is convenient to derive both position and time from GPS, but it will be appreciated that time could be derived from a clock incorporated in the device.

The usefulness of the device is enhanced by incorporating means for connection to one or more operational field instrument sensors and/or other sensor devices such that data derived from any one or more of said sensors can be indicated via the instrument output indicator, which is preferably a visual display. The said means for connection may comprise a direct electrical plug/socket connector or a radio interface whereby data radio broadcast from a remote sensor can be accessed. Conveniently the device and all the components to which the device is connected are mounted together to form a unitary structure which can be contained within a single casing. Economies of manufacture can then be achieved by employing the same instrument output indicator for the simulator device and for the operational field instrument sensor or sensors, or other sensors, means being provided for switching the output between the respective uses.

Output indication is conveniently provided by a visual display device, which may comprise light emitting diodes, or a liquid crystal display screen, or a needle pointer type of display. An audible signal can be provided as an alternative or additionally to the visual display device.

Where the extra space, weight and power requirements of a radio transmitter can be accommodated, significant advantages derive from the provision of means for connecting the module to a radio transmitter. Data can then be transmitted from the device in the field to central control. In training exercises, this enables a check to be kept at central control on the location and readings of the instrument in the field. In real operational use, it provides a valuable direct and automatic transfer of data from field instrument sensors to central control.

The invention includes a simulation training system comprising one or more devices as aforesaid together with a central control comprising a radio transmitter coupled to a programmable computer for providing under operator control radio transmissions of basic data of simulated incidents giving rise to radiological, biological or chemical hazards.

The invention also provides a field instrument simulator device incorporating or comprising a field instrument module comprising in combination means for connection to a receiver for global position signals, means for connection to a data source of hazard data, a programmed data processor, an output for connection to an instrument output indicator for providing from instantaneous received global position and time signals taken together with basic data as to location, size and timing of hazardous events and meteorological data derived from the said data source, an indication of hazard level at the location of the simulator device, and means for connection to one or more operational field instrument sensors and/or other sensor devices such that data derived from any one or more of said sensors can be indicated via said instrument output indicator.

Specific constructions of device and a simulation training system embodying the invention will now be described by way of example and with reference to the drawings filed herewith, in which: Figure 1 is a block schematic diagram of the components of a device, Figure 2 is a block schematic representation of the training system, and Figure 3 is a block schematic representation of a development of the device shown in Figure 1.

Referring to Figure 1, each block represents a component, known per se, interconnected to form the device. The device may take a variety of forms, depending upon its intended use, for example as a hand carried instrument or a larger instrument mounted on a vehicle. As a field instrument simulator alone, it is constructed to look as similar as possible to the operational field instrument it is intended to simulate.

For a hand carried instrument in particular, this will generally require that all the components are mounted in a single casing (not shown). Figure 1 illustrates the optional incorporation of sensors, such that the device is capable of operating as a field instrument, in which case the identical device will be used both operationally and in training exercises, thus providing the greatest possible realism for the latter and adding an extra dimension to the usefulness of the device.

The central component of the device is its processor 11, which is programmed to compute from input data, as discussed more fully below, an output signal appropriate for driving a display 12.

Data input for the processor is derived from a data store 13, a GPS navigation receiver 14 and a radio receiver 15.

The data store 13 provides basic instrument data for the processor, in particular the type of hazard being simulated. It also serves to receive information from the processor and maintain a log with time of the output data.

The GPS navigation receiver 14 provides the processor with data representing the time and location of the instrument. The radio receiver 15 provides data from central control representing the location and time of incidents, the magnitude of hazard released and meteorological data.

From this data the processor 11 employing known algorithms computes the level of hazard for the instantaneous location and time of the instrument and feeds an appropriate signal to the display 12 and also to the data log store at 13.

The possibility of incorporating an operational sensor 16 and/or radio transmitter 17 is indicated in Figure 1.

The sensor 16 may comprise a radiation detector, or detector for biological or chemical hazards. A switch (not shown) then enables the processor 11 to drive the display 12 directly from the sensor input, thus converting the device into an operational field instrument.

Incorporation of a radio transmitter 17 makes it possible for output from the processor 11 to be communicated in real time to central control. This enables central control to keep track of the position and readings of field instruments, a capability with evident advantages for simulation exercises but especially for real operations.

Figure 2 illustrates in block form the essential components of the training system. A control centre computer 21 is programmed to enable an exercise controller to set up easily on data entry forms and a map based display a series of simulated strikes releasing hazard at selected locations over the exercise area. All the essential data (strike location, magnitude, time and meteorological data) is combined and fed via a hard wire data link to the control centre radio controller 22 from which the data is broadcast into the exercise area where it can be received by field instruments 23. The radio frequency data link represented by dotted arrows 24 is indicated as a two way link, since the control centre radio controller will require to receive signals from field instruments which incorporate a radio transmitter 17 as described above.

Figure 3 illustrates a development of the Figure 1 device which extends the flexibility and range of usefulness of the device.

Thus, in operational use instruments for detecting radiological, biological or chemical hazards are carried in a variety of ways such as by an individual, on a vehicle, aircraft, ship or they may be stationed at a base. For convenience these "carrier" locations are referred to as platforms. Where the platform is an individual, weight and size will be primary considerations and there will be little requirement to link the data with that from other sensors or devices carried by the individual. On a larger platform, such as a vehicle, aircraft, ship, etc. not only is there scope for a wider range of instruments and sensors to be carried, but also a number of the relevant components for the simulator device will already be carried; for example radio receiver and transmitter and GPS. For such platforms, rather than duplicate these components, a core component comprising a field instrument module is provided containing a programmed data processor, corresponding to processor 11 in Figure 1, and a data store, corresponding to data store 13 in Figure 1. These components (programmed data processor and data store) are represented at 31 in Figure 3, and are provided with a plurality of connection ports.

As illustrated in Figure 3, these connection ports provide for connection to a data bus 32, referred to as a platform data bus, which provides access to data from any of a plurality of instruments and sensors, of which four are indicated at 33 in Figure 3. Four are shown purely by way of example, there may be more or less than four, but they will include, in the example, a GPS sensor.

The data bus 32 also provides a link to radio receiver/transmitter 34 which provides, when the device is used in operational field instrument simulator mode, for receiving basic data from central control as to the location and time of incidents, the magnitude of hazard released and meteorological data.

More generally, a platform which can carry a receiver/transmitter 34, provides not only communication of such data from central control required for training exercises, but also for communication during training and real exercises of data from the platform back to central control and/or to other platforms. The central control/other platform link is represented at 35 in Figure 3, with data processing and display at 36.

Display at the platform, coupled with the necessary data processing for display, represented at 37, is conveniently provided by that associated with the radio receiver/transmitter 34, a monitor for such display being typically available as part of the platform equipment.

However, it will be appreciated that a separate display monitor can be connected directly to an output from the data processor and data store 32 if required.

Other connection ports on the field instrument module 31 provide for connection to operational sensors 38, 39 so that the device then functions as an operational field instrument, the sensors 38, 39 may typically comprise detectors for radiation, biological and chemical hazards. A radio interface at 41 provides for connection to a remote sensor 42.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing example. Whilst a custom constructed data processor is desirable for minimising size and weight, it will be appreciated that the function of the data processor may be provided by an appropriately programmed commercially available personal computer, particularly as developments lead to such devices of very small size and weight.

Claims

1. A field instrument simulator device incorporating or comprising a field instrument module comprising in combination means for connection to a receiver for global position signals, means for connection to a radio receiver for receiving transmitted hazard data, a programmed data processor and an output for connection to an instrument output indicator for providing from instantaneous received global position and time signals taken together with basic data as to location, size and timing of hazardous events and meteorological data derived from the said hazard data received from the radio receiver, an indication of hazard level at the location of the simulator device.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein there is incorporated means for connection to one or more operational field instrument sensors and/or other sensor devices such that data derived from any one or more of said sensors can be indicated via the instrument output indicator.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the device and all the components to which the device is connected are mounted together to form a unitary structure.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the unitary structure is contained within a single casing.

5. A device as claimed in any of Claims 2 to 4, wherein the same instrument output indicator is used for the simulator device and for the operational field instrument sensor or sensors, or other sensors, and means are provided for switching the output between the respective uses.

6. A device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the said output indicator is a visual display device.

7. A device as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the visual display device comprises light emitting diodes, or a liquid crystal display screen, or a needle pointer type of display.

8. A device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the output indicator comprises an audible signal alternatively or additionally to a visual display device.

9. A device as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein there is provided means for connecting the module to a radio transmitter adapted to transmit data from the device to a central control.

10. A field instrument simulator device incorporating or comprising a field instrument module comprising in combination means for connection to a receiver for global position signals, means for connection to a data source of hazard data, a programmed data processor, an output for connection to an instrument output indicator for providing from instantaneous received global position and time signals taken together with basic data as to location, size and timing of hazardous events and meteorological data derived from the said data source, an indication of hazard level at the location of the simulator device, and means for connection to one or more operational field instrument sensors and/or other sensor devices such that data derived from any one or more of said sensors can be indicated via said instrument output indicator.

11. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and illustrated in, Figure 1 of the drawings filed herewith.

12. A device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and illustrated in, Figure 3 of the drawings filed herewith.

13. A simulation training system comprising one or more devices as claimed in any of the preceding claims and each connected to a radio receiver, together with a central control comprising a radio transmitter coupled to a programmable computer for providing under operator control radio transmissions of the said basic data.