WO2010111277A1 - Light based projectile detection system for a virtual firearms training simulator - Google Patents
Light based projectile detection system for a virtual firearms training simulator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2010111277A1 WO2010111277A1 PCT/US2010/028331 US2010028331W WO2010111277A1 WO 2010111277 A1 WO2010111277 A1 WO 2010111277A1 US 2010028331 W US2010028331 W US 2010028331W WO 2010111277 A1 WO2010111277 A1 WO 2010111277A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- screen
- light source
- light
- projectile
- firearm
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41J—TARGETS; TARGET RANGES; BULLET CATCHERS
- F41J5/00—Target indicating systems; Target-hit or score detecting systems
- F41J5/10—Cinematographic hit-indicating systems
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
- F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
- F41G3/26—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying
- F41G3/2616—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying using a light emitting device
- F41G3/2694—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying using a light emitting device for simulating a target
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a system and method for determining the actual coordinates of a projectile impact in a screen and associating the point of impact with a firearms training simulation.
- a typical virtual firearms training simulator uses simulated weapons that do not fire real bullets to train students on the proper handling of a weapon during a simulated real life scenario.
- the training scenario includes a video, digital animation, or other virtual scenario of one or more situations requiring the user to react quickly and decisively, such as a hostage scenario, terrorist attack, or general malfeasance.
- This scenario is projected onto a screen using a video projector, with the scenario being controlled by a simulation computer that also detects the point of aim at the instance the student pulls the trigger of the simulated weapon.
- the simulated weapon is equipped with either an invisible or visible laser that "fires" a laser pulse when the trigger is pulled.
- a camera in electrical communication with the simulation computer, detects this pulse of light, and transmits the impact coordinates to the simulation computer.
- the simulation computer determines the location of the hit relative to the scenario being broadcast by matching the coordinate system of the camera to the coordinate system of the projected image or target.
- a drawback to this system is that the simulated weapon operated by the user often simply generates a laser pulse to imitate the firing of the weapon, which does not produce a realistic experience for the user. That is, the simulated weapon typically does not have the feel of an actual firearm, and often does not produce recoil action, or produces unrealistic recoil action for the user, such that the simulation lacks credibility for the user. Consequently, trainees that are not used to extensive target practice with live firearms may be disadvantaged when required to handle firearms in combat situations.
- a variant of this virtual firearms training simulator is one that detects real bullets fired from an actual live weapon. Since a bullet is not a pulse of light, the camera detection method described above may not seem practical to use. Rather, several alternative detection methods have been developed as an add-on to an existing simulator's laser detection system. They include detection of the visual image of the bullet as it passes an array of sensors, detection of the heat signature of the bullet as it penetrates the screen, detection of the acoustical waves generated by the bullet as it passes an array of acoustic sensors, or detection of the hole that the bullet makes when penetrating a screen material such as paper. While all of these methods may work to some degree, none of them are performed within desired parameters, such as at a low financial cost and having a high degree of accuracy.
- a light based projectile detection system for a firearm and a virtual firearms training simulator is described herein.
- the light based projectile detection system includes a self-sealing screen having a proximal side and a distal side.
- a scenario projector transmits a simulation onto the proximal side, and a light source (such as a flash) faces the distal side.
- the light source selectively projects light onto the distal side of the screen when the firearm is shot, such that light from the source traverses the screen after contact by a projectile.
- a camera monitors the light traversing the aperture created by the projectile to determine and associate the position of impact and transmit that information to a scenario computer.
- the system may include an audio detection circuit to monitor the sound generated by the firearm and transmit a signal to a flash controller to cause the light source to illuminate. The screen will then re-seal around the hole so that the light no longer traverses the screen.
- the system may additionally include a housing to support the screen, with the light source surrounded by the housing and screen to control the distribution of light from said light source.
- a reflective panel such as paper with foil on one side
- This arrangement will project light directly onto the distal side of the screen as well as onto the reflector panel, which will assist in evenly projecting light on the distal side of the screen.
- Figure 1 is a block diagram of the light based projectile detection system for a virtual firearms training simulator
- Figure 2 is a second block diagram of the light based projectile detection system for a virtual firearms training simulator of Figure 1, the diagram showing the impact of a projectile with a screen; and
- Figure 3 is a perspective view of the screen and light assembly incorporated into the system illustrated in Figures 1 and 2.
- a light based projectile detection system 10 is illustrated.
- the light based projectile detection system 10 is able to monitor the impact of a projectile 18 fired by an actual firearm 16 on a self-sealing screen 14 using a laser detection system 12 similar to those described above and as used in a typical laser-based virtual firearms training simulator known in the art.
- the laser detection system 12 includes a scenario projector 20 and a camera 22 that are both in electrical communication with a simulation or hit detect computer 24.
- the projector 20 may include any type of image-generating device, and receives a simulation scenario from the hit detect computer 24. The projector 20 will then broadcast that scenario on one or more self-sealing screens 14.
- the camera 22 monitors the self-healing screen 14 for a light or laser pulse, which will correspond to the point of impact of the projectile 18 fired in during the simulation projected on the screen 14. That is, the laser detection system 12 will monitor the actual live fire of the weapon 16 to determine the impact position of a fired projectile 18, such as a bullet or slug, through the screen 14 during simulation scenarios projected on the screen 14. Once the light pulse is detected, the camera 22 will transmit the coordinates of the impact to the hit detect computer 24.
- the computer 24 includes software that will be able to compute the impact coordinate relative to predetermined screen coordinates relative to the projected target.
- the bullet 18 To leverage the laser detection system 12 to determine the bullet position of impact on the screen 14, the bullet 18 must generate a pulse of light at the specific location Ll where the bullet 18 impacts the screen 14 after being fired by the weapon 16.
- the projection screen 14 of the bullet detection system 10 is made of a self-healing elastomeric material, such as a natural gum rubber or other similar substance known in the art.
- the screen 14 has a proximal side 14p and an opposite distal side 14d.
- the proximal side 14p faces and is closest to the laser detection system 12, while the distal side 14d opposite the proximal side 14p faces and is closest to a light source 26.
- the light source 26 outputs wavelengths of light 28 that can be detected by the same camera 22.
- a projectile 18 When a projectile 18 penetrates the surface of the screen 14 at location Ll (see Figure 1), it will create a hole Hl at the location Ll that creates a light valve to allow light 28 to travel through the screen 14 (see Figure 2). After a period of time, the self-healing material of the screen 14 will re-seal the hole Hl so that the camera 22 will no longer monitor any light 28 through the screen 14. As a result, the brief exposure of light 28 through the light valve Hl in the screen 14 will simulate a light pulse. Because the temporary hole Hl is the position Ll of the bullet 18 at impact, the accuracy for monitoring the light through the light valve Hl by the camera 22 is the same as the laser pulse detection (as described above).
- any calibration algorithm used by the hit detect computer 24 to match the coordinate system of the camera 22 to the coordinate system of the projected simulation of the hit detect computer 24 as projected by projector 20 may be used in the present system; that is, the calibration algorithm used by the simulation hit detect computer 24 to match the coordinate system of the camera 22 to the coordinate system of the projected simulation of the hit detect computer 24 will remain the same whether one uses a laser pulse in prior simulation systems or shoots a real bullet 18 in the training scenario of the present system.
- a prototype of the design integrated with typical virtual small arms training simulator is illustrated in Figure 1. This prototype was tested for accuracy in matching the contact of the bullet 18 with the scenario, and the results were accurate within 1 to 3 mm, which is very similar to the laser-based system.
- the flash triggering system 30 includes an audio detection circuit 32 in electrical communication with a flash/trigger controller 34.
- the audio detection circuit 32 may be any known in the art, such as a circuit including a microphone for converting audio energy (sound waves) into an electrical signal.
- the flash/trigger controller 34 may be a conventional microcontroller that is in electrical communication with the audio detection circuit 32 and the light source 26.
- the audio detection circuit 32 is positioned somewhat near the weapon 16, and detects the sound associated when the weapon 16 is initially shot. The audio detection circuit 32 thereby transmits a signal to the flash controller 34 corresponding to the timing of the weapon 16 being fired.
- the flash controller 34 which is in electrical communication with the light source 26, will use the signal transmitted from the audio detection circuit 32 to further send a signal triggering a bank of facing the distal side 14d of the screen 14.
- the xenon flash bulbs 26 will therefore be illuminated at the approximate time when the bullet 18 penetrates through the self-healing rubber front surface 14p. This is accomplished by having the controller 34 turn the flash bulbs 26 on after a pre-determined time delay to ensure the camera 22 will detect or view the light 28 while there is a bullet hole Hl in the screen 14. This time delay will vary depending on the speed of the bullet 18 used and the distance that the firearm 16 is from the screen 14.
- the screen 14 may be mounted in a housing or frame 36 (one side of the housing 36 is removed to view the screen 14).
- the housing 36 and screen 14 define a casing that surrounds the light source 26, such that the housing 36 and screen 14 will contain all light produced by light source 26 until the screen 14 is pierced by a bullet 18.
- a reflector panel 38 may be diagonally mounted within the housing 36 above the light source 26, such that the light source 26 is positioned between the reflector panel 38 and the screen 14.
- the reflector panel 38 may be made of a sheet of paper with foil on a side nearest the light source 26 or some other similar material that has a high reflectivity to effectively reflect and distribute the light produced by the light source 26.
- the light source 26 will therefore project light directly onto the screen 14 as well as onto the reflector panel 38 to project light evenly on the distal side 14d of the screen 14.
- a typical spec for a 9mm NATO ball is: Speed of slug range from 950 ft/s to 1300 ft/s with a slug length of 0.610" or 15.5mm.
- a typical specification for a 5.56 mm, ball is: Speed of slug is 3250 ft/s with the slug length of 19.3 mm to 23mm.
- a charged coupled device in the camera 22 for capturing images, there is a photoactive region (an epitaxial layer of silicon), and a transmission region made out of a shift register. An image is projected by a lens on the capacitor array (the photoactive region), causing each capacitor to accumulate an electric charge proportional to the light intensity at that location.
- the exposure time for the light valve Hl is calculated at a minimum from 26.8 to
- the current camera 22 has about a 2 msec blank time. This is more of a function determined by the camera manufacturer. For example, the current camera 22 being evaluated for the system 10 has a blank time between frames of 35 ⁇ sec out of the box and can be adjusted even lower.
- the calculations support the theory that the capabilities of CCD sensor can allow it to detect a bullet slug 18 traveling through a re-sealable rubber screen 14 with a back-lit light source 26.
- the design above was initially tested using a rubber live fire screen as a proof of concept, some incandescent light bulbs, a standard 100 D-P (small arms virtual system) with the standard hit camera 22 and a filter (an infrared filter used to monitor the desired light) and a TV monitor.
- the back side or distal side 14d of the screen 14 was lit using about two IOOW light bulbs, with the rear rubber screen removed so that only the front rubber screen was separating the light 26 and the shooter.
- the hit camera 22 was pointed on the screen 14 as usual and the TV monitor connected to "see" the output of the hit camera 22.
- the design was tested with both 9 mm and 5.56 mm rounds 18. In all cases, the users were able to visually see the light 28 come through the screen 14 momentarily before the screen 14 would reseal after the slug 18 passed through.
- the 5.56 slug 18 did leave a pinhole and did not completely reseal like the 9 mm slug 18.
- a small piece of the screen 14 had been torn off from the back or distal side 14d when the 5.56 mm slug 18 was shot, which did not occur with the 9 mm.
- a momentary faint blurry light appeared on the TV monitor indicating where the slug 18 went through the screen 14, which showed that detection is possible and, with the right combination of filters, camera, screen material, and lighting source, it is possible to design a system to detect the brief pulse of light 28 caused by the penetration of the bullet slug 18.
- a high speed camera 22 was also used to determine the approximate on time of the material (how long the light valve Hl appears to be open) once a 9 mm slug has penetrated the screen 18.
- the frame rate of the camera 22 was approximately 8000 frames per sec.
- the hole Hl appeared to be open for at least 4 frames or 4/8000 or 0.5 msec which is more 9 times longer than calculated for the worst case scenario.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP10756720A EP2411757A1 (en) | 2009-03-23 | 2010-03-23 | Light based projectile detection system for a virtual firearms training simulator |
CN201080013474XA CN102362140A (en) | 2009-03-23 | 2010-03-23 | Light based projectile detection system for a virtual firearms training simulator |
AU2010230058A AU2010230058A1 (en) | 2009-03-23 | 2010-03-23 | Light based projectile detection system for a virtual firearms training simulator |
SG2011068178A SG174888A1 (en) | 2009-03-23 | 2010-03-23 | Light based projectile detection system for a virtual firearms training simulator |
CA2756660A CA2756660A1 (en) | 2009-03-23 | 2010-03-23 | Light based projectile detection system for a virtual firearms training simulator |
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16249809P | 2009-03-23 | 2009-03-23 | |
US61/162,498 | 2009-03-23 | ||
US12/729,981 | 2010-03-23 | ||
US12/729,981 US20100240015A1 (en) | 2009-03-23 | 2010-03-23 | Light Based Projectile Detection System for a Virtual Firearms Training Simulator |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO2010111277A1 true WO2010111277A1 (en) | 2010-09-30 |
Family
ID=42737974
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US2010/028331 WO2010111277A1 (en) | 2009-03-23 | 2010-03-23 | Light based projectile detection system for a virtual firearms training simulator |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20100240015A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2411757A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102362140A (en) |
AU (1) | AU2010230058A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2756660A1 (en) |
SG (1) | SG174888A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010111277A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2477439C1 (en) * | 2011-10-26 | 2013-03-10 | Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие "Ижевский механический завод" | Small arms simulator |
Families Citing this family (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160258722A9 (en) * | 2013-05-21 | 2016-09-08 | Mason Target Systems, Llc | Wireless target systems and methods |
US20160305749A9 (en) * | 2013-05-21 | 2016-10-20 | Mason Target Systems, Llc | Portable, wireless target systems |
US20140375562A1 (en) * | 2013-06-21 | 2014-12-25 | Daniel Robert Pereira | System and Process for Human-Computer Interaction Using a Ballistic Projectile as an Input Indicator |
US10982934B2 (en) | 2017-01-27 | 2021-04-20 | Robert Dewey Ostovich | Firearms marksmanship improvement product and related system and methods |
US10613426B1 (en) * | 2018-06-14 | 2020-04-07 | Dhpc Technologies, Inc. | System, method and device for a long range, real size weapon systems plume simulator for testing optical detection devices in the field |
US10527920B1 (en) | 2018-06-14 | 2020-01-07 | Dhpc Technologies, Inc. | System, method and device for a high fidelity electro-optical simulator |
CN111059964B (en) * | 2019-12-03 | 2022-03-15 | 中国人民解放军总参谋部第六十研究所 | Shooting target scoring device and method |
CN111272231B (en) * | 2020-04-07 | 2022-04-26 | 深圳回收宝科技有限公司 | Detection device of electronic equipment |
US11774323B1 (en) | 2021-03-25 | 2023-10-03 | Dhpc Technologies, Inc. | System and method for creating a collimated space for a high fidelity simulator |
US11397071B1 (en) | 2021-09-14 | 2022-07-26 | Vladimir V. Maslinkovskiy | System and method for anti-blinding target game |
US20240035783A1 (en) * | 2022-08-01 | 2024-02-01 | Robert L. Gilmer | Reactive firearm target |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3849910A (en) * | 1973-02-12 | 1974-11-26 | Singer Co | Training apparatus for firearms use |
US5134277A (en) * | 1983-11-07 | 1992-07-28 | Australian Meat And Live-Stock Corporation | Remote data transfer system with ambient light insensitive circuitry |
US20080213732A1 (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2008-09-04 | Paige Manard | System and Method for Calculating a Projectile Impact Coordinates |
Family Cites Families (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US4223454A (en) * | 1978-09-18 | 1980-09-23 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Marksmanship training system |
US6575753B2 (en) * | 2000-05-19 | 2003-06-10 | Beamhit, Llc | Firearm laser training system and method employing an actuable target assembly |
CN2793674Y (en) * | 2005-04-21 | 2006-07-05 | 余军涛 | Shooting simulator with deficiency and excess combined display effect |
-
2010
- 2010-03-23 CN CN201080013474XA patent/CN102362140A/en active Pending
- 2010-03-23 SG SG2011068178A patent/SG174888A1/en unknown
- 2010-03-23 CA CA2756660A patent/CA2756660A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-03-23 US US12/729,981 patent/US20100240015A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-03-23 AU AU2010230058A patent/AU2010230058A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2010-03-23 WO PCT/US2010/028331 patent/WO2010111277A1/en active Application Filing
- 2010-03-23 EP EP10756720A patent/EP2411757A1/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3849910A (en) * | 1973-02-12 | 1974-11-26 | Singer Co | Training apparatus for firearms use |
US5134277A (en) * | 1983-11-07 | 1992-07-28 | Australian Meat And Live-Stock Corporation | Remote data transfer system with ambient light insensitive circuitry |
US20080213732A1 (en) * | 2005-10-21 | 2008-09-04 | Paige Manard | System and Method for Calculating a Projectile Impact Coordinates |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
RU2477439C1 (en) * | 2011-10-26 | 2013-03-10 | Федеральное государственное унитарное предприятие "Ижевский механический завод" | Small arms simulator |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
AU2010230058A1 (en) | 2011-10-27 |
US20100240015A1 (en) | 2010-09-23 |
EP2411757A1 (en) | 2012-02-01 |
CN102362140A (en) | 2012-02-22 |
CA2756660A1 (en) | 2010-09-30 |
SG174888A1 (en) | 2011-11-28 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20100240015A1 (en) | Light Based Projectile Detection System for a Virtual Firearms Training Simulator | |
US8360776B2 (en) | System and method for calculating a projectile impact coordinates | |
JP4001918B2 (en) | Landing position marker for normal or simulated shooting | |
US4234911A (en) | Optical firing adaptor | |
KR101017144B1 (en) | Screen shooting apparatus | |
US20030136900A1 (en) | Network-linked laser target firearm training system | |
US9593911B2 (en) | Blank firing simulated firearm for use in combat training | |
US20070254266A1 (en) | Marksmanship training device | |
US20120183931A1 (en) | Hit detection in direct-fire or small-arms simulators | |
US20070160960A1 (en) | System and method for calculating a projectile impact coordinates | |
US20080220397A1 (en) | Method of Firearms and/or Use of Force Training, Target, and Training Simulator | |
US9175935B2 (en) | Shooting training assembly with infrared projection | |
US20130183639A1 (en) | Adapter for Communicating Between an Anti-Personnel Training Device and a User Worn Monitoring Device | |
WO2016085877A1 (en) | System, device and method for firearms training | |
US20150024815A1 (en) | Hit recognition electronic target shooting system and recognition method thereof | |
KR20070095261A (en) | Firearm laser training system and method facilitating responsive shooting | |
US4456262A (en) | Video shooting system | |
JP2007247939A5 (en) | ||
JP2004324974A (en) | Image shooting training device | |
JP2001124497A (en) | Shooting training device | |
US8894412B1 (en) | System and method for mechanically activated laser | |
KR20070040494A (en) | 3d shooting simulation system | |
RU2583018C1 (en) | Video shooting simulator | |
JPH01193600A (en) | Shooting training device | |
CA2366526A1 (en) | Shooting simulation method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 201080013474.X Country of ref document: CN |
|
121 | Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application |
Ref document number: 10756720 Country of ref document: EP Kind code of ref document: A1 |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 1949/MUMNP/2011 Country of ref document: IN |
|
NENP | Non-entry into the national phase |
Ref country code: DE |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2756660 Country of ref document: CA |
|
WWE | Wipo information: entry into national phase |
Ref document number: 2010756720 Country of ref document: EP |
|
ENP | Entry into the national phase |
Ref document number: 2010230058 Country of ref document: AU Date of ref document: 20100323 Kind code of ref document: A |