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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a training device for firing practice and, in
particular, for indoor, weapon-firing exercises.
A device for training one or a number of weapon firers indoors has at least
one weapon equipped with a trigger mechanism for operation by the firer
and a fire-simulating infrared-beam emitter, the emission of which is
initiated by the trigger mechanism. The emitter is, for example, a laser
that, advantageously, can be mounted on a real weapon such as a
semi-automatic or automatic individual weapon, individual antitank weapon,
collective antitank weapon such as rockets, recoilless guns, missiles, or
turret-mounted ballistic-projectile weapons, for example.
In this, indoor, weapon-firing-training field, interest is primarily
focused on inexpensive, basic equipment which involves minimimum operating
costs but nevertheless assures adequate preliminary training of firers
prior to outdoor weapon-firing exercises, especially for training in the
handling of infantry weapons for which it is often adopted. In view of the
small size of infantry weapons and, especially, the so-called "small arms"
thereof, however, it is not possible to mount a bulky fire-simulating
emitter on an infantry weapon or, especially, the small arms thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to meet the requirements mentioned in the foregoing, the invention
proposes a training device which offers the advantages of low cost, light
weight and simple operation for indoor training in weapon-firing,
especially of an infantry weapon, with adaptation of only a small-size
infrared radiation emitter to the weapon itself.
The training device in accordance with the invention has a certain number
of known elements which are employed in a conventional manner, as in
similar applications. Thus, a recording-playback projector displays, in
front of the firer, a stationary or moving, visible image of a landscape
on which at least one target to be hit is also displayed, said target also
being stationary or moving on the landscape.
In regard to the projector just mentioned, one of the advantages of the
invention lies in the fact that it is unnecessary to provide the recording
in a particular type. A simple motion-picture recording on ordinary film
is perfectly suitable, and the same applies to a video recording. In one
case as in the other, the target (or targets, if there is more than one)
can be projected from the same recording or a recording different from
that of the landscape and superimposed on the landscape at the time of
projection. The landscape itself can either be stationary and reproduced
from a single photograph or else it can move in a sequence of images.
Preference will often be given, however, to the simplest solution which
consists in projecting a pre-filmed landscape on which one or a number of
targets were moving at the time of filming.
The training device also has a device for automatically stopping the
movement of the projected images on one, arrested visible image, this
device being controlled by the trigger mechanism of a weapon of the
training device.
In a preferred embodiment, this stopping device stops the movement of the
projected landscape and target images to fix the field of view comprising
both in a position in which an instructor and the firer have all the time
they desire to observe the result of a shot which has been fired.
In another embodiment, the arrested visible image is simply recorded at a
stopping instant defined by the stopping device or its equivalent without
resulting in actual or prolonged arrest of the image projected when the
shot is fired. Display of the arrested image will, in that case, be
deferred to a subsequent time for study of the results of the firing. This
is particularly useful in the case of multiple shots.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention to which reference will be made
more particularly hereinafter, the video device for producing the video
image of the arrested image has a video camera which is positioned so as
to observe a screen on which the projector projects the image of the
landscape and target. The function of said video camera is to provide
successive video signals of images on the screen in order to transcribe
selected ones. The selection may be according to a choice made by an
instruction who has at his disposal a video monitor for displaying the
video signals together with a control therefor, for example.
However, the video device also has a retractable filter interposable across
the path of the rays from the screen to the video camera. When the
retractable filter is so interposed, it serves to make the camera
temporarily sensitive solely to infrared rays within the range of
wavelengths of the rays produced by the emitter carried by the weapon
whereas, when the retractable filter is retracted to be not so interposed,
the camera is sensitive to the landscape and target images projected onto
the screen.
In this form of construction, the training device in accordance with the
invention further has controls which are actuated by the trigger mechanism
to retract the aforementioned filter and stop or arrest the movement of
the landscape and target, projected images. While the filter is still
interposed across the path of the rays reflected from the projection
screen to the camera, however, the video signal makes it possible to
define the position of the infrared-ray spot or trace on the screen from
the laser emitter. When stopping of the moving-image projection and
retraction of the filter, by pivotal displacement, for example, then take
place, the projected landscape and target image which appears on the
screen is completely acquired by the camera and can then be retransmitted
to the video monitor while superimposing thereon a transcribed
representation of the impact point which is inserted in the image in
accordance with the coordinates of the previously determined infrared
spot. To this end, the invention advantageously has an electronic
microprocessor assembly for singal-processing.
Although offering simplicity of construction, the training device in
accordance with the invention nevertheless constitutes a high-precision
instrument because the same equipment (except for the filter) has the
function of detecting on the same screen the projected image of the
landscape and target as well as the point of impact of the shot which has
been fired. The corresponding information is then presented in the same
video signal for displaying the superimposed images and any errors in
deflection, position or linearity have no effect on the appreciation of
the results of the shot. Initial adjustments of the system are partically
non-existent. All these advantages are obtained without any need to employ
a film of special design for a projection.
In accordance with another distinctive feature of the invention, the
training device has an arrangement for correcting, in a predetermined
manner, either the direction of the infrared beam with respect to the line
of sight of the weapon at the time of firing or, preferably, the position
of the beam trace detected just before the arrested image at the time of
its insertion into the video image. This arrangement makes it possible,
particular, to take into account the effect which would have been produced
by the trajectory of a projectile of the shot if the shot were real and
not simulated.
A further point worthy of note is that the trace of the infrared beam which
is detected and a representation of which is inserted into the arrested
image can be either point-like (and represented by a cross, for example)
or linear, constituted by a plurality of points detected at different
instants prior to stopping the projected image, in order to define the
path of a missile.
As has already been inferred, the use of a suitable computer makes it
possible to take different data into account for each shot fired. Such
data can include the characteristics of the weapon used, the ballistic
characteristics of the corresponding simulated ammunition, aerological
disturbances, and data relating to target (distance, position,
displacement, size or the like). Data of this type may be provided by the
landscape and target projection apparatus which contains them, for
example, on one of the tracks of film therefor ordinarily used for sound.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Other features of the invention will be more apparent upon consideration of
the following description and accompanying drawings, wherein:
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of all the essential elements
constituting the training device for weapon-firing;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram in which the functions performed within the
computer are shown in detail.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 illustrates an image display screen 1, a projector 2 of any
conventional type as employed in cinematography for the projection of
developed motion-picture films and connected to a sound-reproduction
baffle 18, a video camera 3 and a rifle 4. The barrel of the rifle is
adapted to carry a laser emitter 5 which is capable of controlled emission
of a pulsed infrared light beam.
The projector 2, video camera 3 and rifle 4 are oriented towards the same
screen 1. Focusing of the projector 2 is so adjusted as to produce a sharp
image on the screen 1. The camera 3 re-takes an image from screen and
transcribes it by scanning in a video image whilst the firer orients the
rifle so as to aim at a target which appears on the screen.
It is assumed in the arrangement which is illustrated by way of example
that the target is integrated in the projected motion-picture film which
represents a landscape in which the target is moving. It will be apparent
that the same landscape can just as readily contain a plurality of targets
to be selected by the firer. However, the target or targets could also be
obtained from a different projector in order to be projected on the same
screen in superimposed relation, for example, to a fixed landscape
obtained from a diapositive projector.
In other variants which form part of the invention, the motion-picture
projector could be replaced by a video projector controlled by a video
signal which contains all the data relating to the landscape and to the
target for the purpose of reconstructing the corresponding images on the
screen 1. Furthermore, both the landscape image and the target image (or
only one of the two) can be derived from previously recorded images of
real objects or can be produced by electronic synthesis in the video
signal.
In other alternative forms of construction, the motion-picture projector
can be replaced by a diapositive projector for the landscape background,
the target and representation of impacts being generated synthetically by
a video projector and superimposed on the landscape on the screen 1.
The projector 2, video camera 3 and rifle 4 are all operatively connected
to an electronic control assembly constituted by a microprocessor computer
8 associated with a control desk 15 for the use of the instructor who is
in charge of firing exercises. A headset 9 which is also controlled by the
computer 8 can be worn by the firer in order to hear a sound which
represents the firing of a real shot as soon as he presses the trigger of
the rifle 14 in order to initiate a frictitious shot. In addition to
transmission of the control orders which will hereinafter be explained,
the essential function of the computer 8 is to process the video signals.
Thus the computer continuously scans the signal derived from the video
camera 3 while determining the signal which controls projection of the
images on a television screen 11. This screen is positioned for viewing by
the instructor and preferably also by the firer or firers in order to
enable them to determine the results of shooting. Should there be more
than one firer, a number of video monitors can be connected in parallel.
In fact, the device described here in a relatively simple form of
construction in which it is used by only one firer who operates a single
rifle can be modified in design arrangements which are apparent to any one
versed in the art so as to permit adaptation to several firers working
with the same instructor. If necessary, it can be made possible in this
case to distinguish the results of the different shots fired by the
different persons, either by virtue of the fact that they have aimed at
different targets or by displaying on the television screen 11 points of
impact produced by different shots as represented by different
identification symbols, or else by assigning to the laser emitters of the
different rifles different codes for the laser pulse trains which are
identified by the computer at the time of firing. It will also be cearly
understood that the rifles can be replaced by any other type of weapon
which is adapted to indoor training.
In the case of the figures which illustrate the present description, there
has also been shown a single video camera. This camera 3 is equipped with
a retractable filter 12. This filter absorbs visible light but permits
selective traversal by radiations within the same range of wavelengths as
the beam produced by the laser emitter. It may be assumed by way of
example that consideration is given to infrared radiation having a
wavelength of 0.9 micron. In the active position shown, the filter 12 is
interposed in front of the camera lens which is therefore sensitive solely
to this infrared radiation. The filter is mounted on the shaft of a
rotating electromagnet 13 which is controlled by the computer and serves
to withdraw the filter in a movement of pivotal displacement away from the
path of the light rays between the projection screen and the camera. This
pivotal displacement of the filter is controlled by the computer 8 which
also initiates laser emission at the time of firing of the shot. A
sufficient time interval is nevertheless allowed to elapse between the two
actions in order to ensure that the laser beam reflected from the screen
is received by the camera and detected in the video signal prior to
pivotal displacement of the filter.
It will be understood that detection by the camera 3 and scanning of the
video signal by the computer consequently make it possible in a first
stage to detect the position of the laser-beam trace on the projection
screen and to determine the coordinates of said trace before analyzing in
a second stage all the data relating to the image projected by the
projector 2 at least within the entire range of visible light radiations.
This projection nevertheless takes place on the screen 1 during the entire
period of time in which the firer prepares his aim up to the moment of
firing a shot. In order to prevent any disturbance of the image which is
then picked-up by the camera in infrared radiation, it may prove desirable
to place in front of the projector an infrared-radiation absorption filter
which removes the infrared radiation at least within the range of
wavelengths passed by the filter 12 which is placed in front of the
camera.
At the moment of firing of the shot, the computer 8 also initiates stopping
of the motion of the film within the projector so that, in the projected
images, both the landscape and the target then remain fixed in the
position in which they had been located at the instant of firing. This
so-called "arrested image" is represented in the video signal and
retransmitted by the computer to the monitor for display on the television
screen 11. The computer also initiates the appearance on the screen, by
insertion in the video signal, of a symbol such as a cross, for example,
which indicates the point of impact in the position previously determined
by the computer for the trace of the laser beam. On the television screen,
the instructor and the firer can therefore observe the results of firing
and discuss them at leisure, on the image of the landscape and of the
target which has been "frozen" or arrested at the instant of firing.
In the embodiment described thus far, the device in accordance with the
invention is well-suited without restriction for training in weapons such
as rifles which discharge direct-trajectory projectiles over distances
which have a negligible incidence. However, improvements can be made in
the device in order to adapt this latter to different applications.
In the case of firing by means of a rocket-launcher, it is an advantage to
take into account the elevation introduced by the ballistic trajectory as
well as the distance traveled by the projectile. Simulation of the
distance effect can be carried out by programming the computer so as to
impose at the time of stopping of projection of landscape and target
images a time-delay counted from the instant of firing and corresponding
to the time of flight of the projectile over the distance which has been
evaluated beforehand either by direct indication of the instructor or by
reading coded data derived from the projection film or like image medium.
In regard to simulation of the ballistic trajectory, this can be performed
by correcting, by the value of the highest point of the trajectory
calculated in respect of said distance, the position of the point of
impact between its detection by the camera at the time of emission of the
laser beam and its representative symbol in the display on the video
screen. Different aerological or other disturbances which have an
influence on the trajectory of the projectile may also be introduced.
Adequate coding of the laser pulses in respect of each type of weapon
adopted for simulated shooting enables the computer to apply the
corresponding ballistic corrections. Shots fired by different weapons can
thus be simulated simultaneously.
In other alternative forms of construction, it may prove advantageous to
employ successive pulse trains of the laser emission. In particular, if
the weapon is intended to fire a missile which the firer is capable of
guiding with respect to the line of sight, recording by the camera of the
traces produced on the projection screen by these successive laser pulses
permits continuous storage of the path corresponding to the gunsight
reticle. This complete path can be caused to appear by insertion in the
video signal on the landscape which is reproduced together with the target
in its position at the moment of impact. Successive laser pulses can also
serve to simulate firing by bursts. It is possible for example to produce
trains of laser pulses at the frequency of machine-gun fire and to effect
insertion in the video signal by indicating the different points of
impact. Since the image of the landscape is frozen, whether its arrested
position is that of the beginning or end of firing, this means that
displacement of the target or targets during a burst of fire can be
disregarded.
The point of impact referred-to throughout the foregoing description
corresponds to the point of travel of the projectile in the vertical plane
located at the level of the target and perpendicular to the line of sight
from firer to target.
In an improved embodiment of the device herein described, the projection
system is provided with a light-attenuating optical filter which makes it
possible to simulate a night-exercise environment when so ordered by the
instructor. This filter is accordingly interposed in front of the camera
lens while the firer is taking aim but is withdrawn after the shot has
been fired, with the result that the camera produces an image which is
fully illuminated for viewing the result of the shot. An accessible
control element on the control desk enables the instructor to contorl
positioning of the filter by means of a rotary electromagnet 18.
In addition, the device can be equipped with various mechanisms carried by
the weapon for simulating special effects. By way of example, a recoil
effect can be provided by a weapon displacement initiated at the instant
of firing. A shaking motion can be obtained in particular by means of a
vibrating mass mounted on the weapon and controlled by an electromagnet or
by an injection of air.
Finally, if the primary object of interest lies in the particular example
hereinabove described with reference to the accompanying drawings and in
the event that stopping of projected images actually takes place at the
moment of firing, this case is not limitative in an alternative embodiment
in which the arrested image is not examined immediately after firing but
is recorded. This embodiment will prove advantages in many instances,
especially in the event of simultaneous training of a number of firers.
Thus at the same time as the video image of the arrested image defined by
the same instant of stopping as in the alternative embodiment with
effective stopping, a recording is made of all the data required for
characterizing the corresponding shot and the insertion data relating to
the impact. The movement of images is not stopped and recording continues
for several shots produced by one and the same firer or by different
firers. The results of the shots are examined by the instructor and the
trainees in a subsequent stage in which the entire film is re-run. At this
stage, image motion is effectively stopped at the instant corresponding to
each shot in order to permit a study of the position of the impact
inserted in the arrested image.
It will be readily apparent that all the variants mentioned in the
foregoing are only examples and that the invention is not limited to these
particular cases.
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