WO1998040689A1

WO1998040689A1 - Combat simulator

Info

Publication number: WO1998040689A1
Application number: PCT/GB1998/000537
Authority: WO
Inventors: Austen Faulkner
Original assignee: Octavia Design Limited
Priority date: 1997-03-11
Filing date: 1998-03-11
Publication date: 1998-09-17
Also published as: AU6506098A

Abstract

A combat simulator comprises two or more units each in the form of a mobile vehicle and an associated control module characterised in that each vehicle (22, Fig. 1; 23, Fig. 2; 11, Fig. 3) includes: propelling means (15, Fig. 1 and 15, Fig. 3) and/or steering means (14, Fig. 1, Fig. 2) whereby the vehicle (22; 23; 11) can be driven on a selected path (F, Fig. 3); out-putting means (20, Fig. 1; P1, P2, Fig. 3) for directing a beam of radiation from the vehicle (11, Figs. 1 and 3); in-putting means (X, Fig. 1; 13, 14, Fig. 3) for detecting the arrival at the vehicle (11, Figs. 1 and 3), or a selected part thereof, of a beam of radiation from another unit (23, Fig. 2); each associated control module (12, Fig. 1; 21, Fig. 2A, 2B) providing for remote control of propelling (15, Fig. 1 and 15, Fig. 3) and/or steering means (14, Fig. 1; Fig. 2) of the vehicle (22, 23, 11); and regulation of the out-putting means (20, Fig. 1; P1, P2, Fig. 3). The combat simulator as claimed in Claim 1 can include an accumulating device (Fig. 1, 21) for each unit (22, 23, 11) such that when the inputting means (X, Fig. 1; 13, 14, Fig. 3) for the vehicle (22, 23, 11) has detected the arrival of a number of beams of radiation exceeding a predetermined number of arrivals, the accumulating device (Fig. 1, 21) provides for an indication of the predetermined number being exceeded such as by modifying a function of the vehicle (22, 23, 11). The radiation or a characteristic thereof associated with a given vehicle (22, 23, 11) can be unique to that vehicle in a given combat simulation. Each unit (22, 23, 11) can model an actual or hypothetical or imaginary entity such as a land, sea or air vehicle or an individual in the form of a human, classical or mythological figure.

Description

COMBAT SIMULATOR

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a combat simulator. Typically a combat simulator enables the participation of two or more individuals each of whom endeavour to achieve an objective before the other. Usually, to a greater or lesser extent, individual participation involves not only seeking to achieve an objective but also to impede, if not prevent, the other participant from achieving the same or a similar objective.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a combat simulator comprising two or more units each in the form of a mobile vehicle and an associated control module characterised in that each vehicle (22, Fig 1; 23, Fig 2; 11, Fig 3) includes: propelling means (15, Fig 1 and 15, Fig 3) and/or steering means (14, Fig 1, Fig 2) whereby the vehicle (22; 23; 11) can be driven on a selected path (F, Fig 3) ; out-putting means (20, Fig 1; PI, P2 Fig 3)) for directing a beam of radiation from the vehicle (11, Figs 1 and 3); in-putting means (X, Figure 1; 13, 14 Fig 3) for detecting the arrival at the vehicle (11, Figs 1 and 3) , or a selected part thereof, of a beam of radiation from another unit (23 Fig 2); each associated control module (12, Fig 1; 21 Fig 2A, 2B) providing for remote control of: propelling (15, Fig 1 and 15, Fig 3) and/or steering means (14, Fig 1; Fig 2) of the vehicle (22, 23, 11) ; and regulation of the out-putting means (20, Fig 1; PI, P2, Fig 3)

According to a first preferred version of the present invention the combat simulator is characterised by an accumulating device (Figure 1, 21) for each unit (22, 23, 11) such that when the inputting means (X, Figure 1; 13, 14 Fig 3) for the vehicle (22, 23, 11) has detected the arrival of a number of beams of radiation exceeding a predetermined number of arrivals the accumulating device (Figure 1, 21) provides for an indication of the predetermined number being exceeded such as by modifying a function of the vehicle (22, 23, 11).

According to a second preferred version of the present invention or of the first preferred version thereof the combat simulator is characterised in that the radiation or a characteristic thereof associated with a given vehicle (22, 23, 11) is unique to that vehicle in a given combat simulation.

According to a third preferred version of the present invention or of any preceding preferred version thereof the combat simulator is characterised in that each unit (22, 23, 11) models an actual or hypothetical or imaginary entity such as a land, sea or air vehicle or an individual in the form of a human, classical or mythological figure.

According to a fourth preferred version of the present invention or any preceding preferred version thereof the combat simulator is characterised by means (Figure 2, M, W, B; Figure 3. 31) establishing, or serving to define a part of, an area (Figure 2, 21; Figure 5, A) over which at least one unit (Figure 2, 22, 23; Figure 3, 11) can be caused to pass or with which it can otherwise interact during combat simulation. Typically the there is provided a base station unit (Figure 5, 31) which serves to define a location in the area. (A). The base station unit (31) can serve to define a location (39, 40) such that, once a vehicle (Figure 3, 11) has established a relationship with the location (39, 40), such as by physical contact, an operational parameter or function of the vehicle (22, 23, 11) or another vehicle is modified. The base station unit (31) can include an outputting means (S) for causing a beam of radiation of similar type to that emitted by the outputting device (20, Fig 1; PI, P2 Fig 3)) of the or each vehicle (22, 23, 11) so that on impinging on an inputting means (X, Figure 1; 13, 14 Fig 3) of a vehicle (22, 23, 11) in the area (A) the accumulating device (21) starts an accumulation, or adds to previous accumulations, of such inputs for the vehicle (22, 23, 11).

According to a fifth preferred version of the present invention or any preceding preferred version thereof the combat simulator is characterised in that each unit is in the form of a vehicle (22, 23, 11) which can simulate damage on receipt of a given type or number of hits by the accumulation device (21) of the vehicle (22, 23, 11) such as by emission of sound or other signal or by a part of the vehicle (22, 23, 11) associated with the accumulation device (21) being altered in configuration relative to the remainder of the vehicle (22, 23, 11). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of combat simulation components of which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a unit according to a first embodiment; and

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic plan view of a combat simulation involving two of the vehicle described in connection with Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a vehicle according to a second embodiment;

Figure 4 is a perspective view and Figure 4B is a side view of a control unit for the vehicle of Figure 3; and

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a base station unit for use with the second embodiment.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT INVENTION

FIGURE 1 A unit comprises a vehicle 11 in the form of a tank and a remote control unit 12 for use by a participant. The vehicle 11 is a scale model with a body 13 approximately 300 mm in length. The vehicle 11 is driven and steered by means of rubber tracks 14 powered by means of an electric motor 15 and a battery 16 housed in the body 13. The motor 15 and tracks 14 are controlled remotely by way of an infra red link providing communication by way of aerial 11A of the vehicle 11, aerial 12A of the control unit 12 for control signals entered on key pad 12B of the remote control unit 12.

The body 13 includes a turret 17 rotatable about axis A by means of a motor 18 by way of control unit 12. The turret 17 has a barrel 19 containing a low powered laser 20 which can be switched on and off remotely by way of the unit 12.

The body 13 has on its outer sides a number of regions X sensitive to laser light from another unit of similar type to that shown in Figure 1. The regions X are coupled to an programmable accumulating device 21 which serves to provide for the number of 'hits' received by the 'X' regions of body 13 to be recorded. In the event the total recorded exceeds a predetermined figure then the vehicle 11 emits a smoke signal and its ability to fire the laser 18 is inhibited. Other programs can be incorporated allowing for other criteria to be applied to simulate other response to damage such as driving or firing power reduction. The programs can include the provision of simulated repairs enabling the vehicle to be restored to a fully or partially repaired status.

The laser light output of the other unit differs from that 'fired' by way of laser 18. Stray radiation light impinging on regions X will not be registered.

FIGURE 2 A battle area 21 is provided for a vehicle 22 managed by way of remote control unit 22A and a vehicle 23 managed by way of remote control unit 23A. The vehicles 22, 23 are identical in form and function to that described in relation to Figure 1.

The area 21 is provided with various obstacles such as hills M, water hazards W, and barriers B. To simulate combat one participant PI takes control unit 22A and the other participant P2 takes control unit 22B and manipulate them to regulate the operation of their associated vehicle. Typically the participant using control unit 22A can by way of the control unit cause the vehicle 22 to: move forwards or backwards; change direction vehicle by differential operation of the tracks; rotate the turret of the vehicle about a vertical axis (corresponding to turret 15 of

Figure 1 rotating about axis A); and emit a laser beam from a barrel in the turret (corresponding to laser 18 in barrel 15).

The intention of the combat is for one participant to register five laser beam hits on a sensitive area of the opponents vehicle (corresponding to region X of Figure 1) before registering that number of hits on their own vehicle.

A combat simulator according to the present invention can be used to provide by more or less simple systems than that described in the exemplary embodiment. This more than two participants can be involved each with their own vehicle. Rather than a pair of land vehicles, model air or sea vehicles can be used.

Scoring can be undertaken by means of a separate processor system which can also be used to introduce randomising or timing elements. FIGURE 3 Vehicle 11 comprises a hull 12 having a front windscreen 13 and a rear windscreen 14. The hull 12 mounted on two front and two rear wheels of which only rear wheel 15 is shown. The second rear wheel is on the opposite side of the hull to wheel 15. The front two wheels are mounted on either side of the hull beneath sponsons 16, 17. The forward wheels are steerable to enable the vehicle to be steered remotely. The vehicle 11 includes a pair of laser pods 16, 17 each incorporating a low power laser directed forwardly in the usual direction of travel F of the vehicle 11.

The hull 12 serves to house: a battery powered motor for driving the rear wheels of the vehicle; a infra red receiver and control unit to receive control signals transmitted to the vehicle 12 by way of a hand control unit described after in relation to Figures 2A, 2B and to transmit them appropriately to steering and direction transducers, wheel speed controller, and laser firing means; and a control and accumulator unit which serves on laser light impinging on windscreens 13, 14 to detect the impingement as a hit and cause each hit to be accumulated. In the event and excess of hits is accumulated then the vehicle can sustain a virtual handicap such as a reduction in effectiveness of steering, speed of travel or firing power to a greater or lesser extent for a specific period of time or indefinitely unless virtual repair is possible (such as by contact with a ground station as will be described hereafter). Receipt of hits can also be used to generate virtual damage such as causing prepared parts of the hull 12 to fall off. In addition sound effects can be utilised for a given event or time sequence.

FIGURES 4A, 4B A hand control unit 21 is made up of a body 22 with an extending hand grip 23. The body 22 has a padded upper surface 24 and a rockered underside 25. The upper surface 24 serves to receive arm A and hand H of a user. The grip 23 includes thumb operated slide 26 and a hinged cap 27 shrouding a firing button to prevent inadvertent operation of firing button. A viewing sight is provided on upper side 28 of the hand grip 23. The body 22 and grip 23 serve to house a battery powered infra red transmitter which is caused to emit from an internal aerial a characteristic signal when slide 26 or the firing button under cap 27 is operated.

FIGURE 5 Ground station 31 provides a unit for location in a playing area A (shown only in part) to be used for a simulated combat involving two individuals each equipped with a hand control unit corresponding to that described in connection with Figures 2A and 2B each used to govern the operation of a vehicle corresponding to that described in connection with Figure 1. A given hand control unit emits an infra red transmission signal which is uniquely recognised by one vehicle so that even with the two vehicles close to one another operational signals from one control unit for one vehicle will not cause interference with operational signals for the other vehicle.

Ground station 31 has a mushroom shaped upper section with a head 32 and column 33 mounted on a base 34. The head 32 is equipped with four identical arms 35, 36, 37, 38 spaced uniformly around the head. Arm 35 being typical of the others will only be described further. The arm 35 has a slot 38 from which a beam from a low powered laser can be projected either continuously or at intervals depending on a control unit incorporated in the column 33.

The column 33 contains four apertures, of which only apertures 39, 40 are shown. The apertures are configured to receive a probe mounted on a vehicle of the type described in connection with Figure 1. The vehicle probe is linked to the vehicle battery. If the vehicle can approach the ground station without accumulating significant simulated damage from the laser beams of the ground station itself or from the other vehicle then if the controller of the vehicle can guide the vehicle probe into one of the apertures 39, 40 or one of the other two apertures then the battery of the vehicle can be recharged. In addition accumulated scoring of the vehicle can be moderated or removed.

Apart from the ground station 31 the area A can be equipped with a variety of simulated scenery and other effects. These can have a passive effect such as impeding progress of a vehicle or obscuring it from the other vehicle or the ground station or providing reflecting surface which reflect laser beams to create a further hazard for a nearby vehicle; or an active effect such as providing periodic cross fire from a low powered laser or simulating a mine field. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The simulation elements described in relation to the embodiments can be used in a basic confrontational combat. However they can also be used to simulate more complex scenarios. Typically there can be included additional requirements such as achieving objectives either at random or in a predetermined order. Such achievements can be rewarded in the simulation by providing for increased weapon resources or reduced damage effects.

The simulated combat can be based entirely on inputs applied to the vehicles by way of their associated hand control. Alternatively the simulated combat can be regulated by the use of a program or programs in processors incorporated in the vehicles, the hand sets or the base station or some other location which affect what events can occur or when or to introduce a randomising element. Alternatively the simulation can be made up of a combination of real time inputs and programmed ones in a range of proportions.

The exemplary embodiments describes the use of laser powered weapons to generate the effect of hits. The type of hits and damage caused can be varied. In addition weapons for the vehicles or other combat units in the area which make use of mechanical components such as projectiles of plastics material can be used to effect physical impact targets such as other vehicles and the bases station.

The use of low powered lasers ensures that no health hazard arises from their credible use. In any event users can be provided with goggles for any eye protection deemed necessary.

The vehicles are governed by means of infra red transmissions which are widely available. In addition to or instead of infra red other electromagnetic means can be used such as conventional radio transmissions.

The exemplary embodiment serves to describe simulated combat between two land vehicles. However laser devices for scoring hits can be used in connection with other vehicle models having damage sensitive regions of superstructure such as ships (in a water combat area) and aircraft (in the from of powered models, gliders or helicopters).

Claims

A combat simulator comprising two or more units each in the form of a mobile vehicle and an associated control module characterised in that each vehicle (22, Fig 1; 23, Fig 2; 11, Fig 3) includes: propelling means (15, Fig 1 and 15, Fig 3) and /or steering means (14, Fig

1, Fig 2) whereby the vehicle (22; 23; 11) can be driven on a selected path

(F, Fig 3) ; out-putting means (20, Fig 1; PI, P2 Fig 3)) for directing a beam of radiation from the vehicle (11, Figs 1 and 3); in-putting means (X, Figure 1; 13, 14 Fig 3) for detecting the arrival at the vehicle (11, Figs 1 and 3) , or a selected part thereof, of a beam of radiation from another unit (23 Fig 2); each associated control module (12, Fig 1; 21 Fig 2A, 2B) providing for remote control of: propelling (15, Fig 1 and 15, Fig 3) and/or steering means (14, Fig 1; Fig

2) of the vehicle (22, 23, 11) ; and regulation of the out-putting means (20, Fig 1; PI, P2, Fig 3) .

A combat simulator as claimed in Claim 1 characterised by an accumulating device (Figure 1, 21) for each unit (22, 23, 11) such that when the inputting means (X, Figure 1; 13, 14 Fig 3) for the vehicle (22, 23, 11) has detected the arrival of a number of beams of radiation exceeding a predetermined number of arrivals the accumulating device (Figure 1, 21) provides for an indication of the predetermined number being exceeded such as by modifying a function of the vehicle (22, 23, 11).

A combat simulator as claimed in any preceding claim characterised by the radiation or a characteristic thereof associated with a given vehicle (22, 23, 11) being unique to that vehicle in a given combat simulation.

A combat simulator as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each unit (22, 23, 11) models a hypothetical or imaginary entity such as a land, sea or air vehicle or an individual in the form of a human, classical or mythological figure.

A combat simulator according to any preceding claim characterised by means (Figure 2, M, W, B; Figure 3. 31) establishing, or serving to define a part of, an area (Figure 2, 21; Figure 5, A) over which at least one unit (Figure 2, 22, 23; Figure 3, 11) can be caused to pass or with which it can otherwise interact during combat simulation.

A combat simulator as claimed in Claim 5 characterised by a base station unit (Figure 5, 31) which serves to define a location in the area. (A).

A combat simulator as claimed in Claim 6 characterised in that the base station unit (31) serves to define a location (39, 40) such that, once a vehicle (Figure 3, 11) has established a relationship with the location (39, 40), such as by physical contact, an operational parameter or function of the vehicle (22, 23, 11) or another vehicle is modified.

A combat simulator as claimed in Claim 6 or Claim 7 characterised in that the base station unit (31) includes an outputting means (S) for causing a beam of radiation of similar type to that emitted by the outputting device (20, Fig 1; PI, P2 Fig 3)) of the or each vehicle (22, 23, 11) so that on impinging on an inputting means (X, Figure 1; 13, 14 Fig 3) of a vehicle (22, 23, 11) in the area (A) the accumulating device (21) starts an accumulation, or adds to previous accumulations, of such inputs for the vehicle (22, 23, 11).

A combat simulator as claimed in any preceding claim characterised in that each unit is in the form of a vehicle (22, 23, 11) which can simulate damage on receipt of a given type or number of hits by the accumulation device (21) of the vehicle (22, 23, 11) such as by emission of sound or other signal or by a part of the vehicle (22, 23, 11) associated with the accumulation device (21) being altered in configuration relative to the remainder of the vehicle (22, 23, 11).