Location-independent target display

Abstract

Device for target presentation (1), comprising a detonator, a gas generator (5), a target presentation agent (3), proximity sensors and a hit detection system, wherein - the target presentation device (1) is extendable or ejectable, - the detonator is remotely controllable, - the proximity sensors are usable for triggering so that the target display device (1) triggers automatically as soon as a shooter approaches, - the active agent (3) for target presentation (1) can be expelled by the gas generator (5), - an unexploded detonator can be secured again, - during firing, the placement of the individual shots can be determined from an acoustic measuring base of the hit detection (10) and from this the position of the hits in the weapon (3) can be calculated and - the target display device (1) can be safely collected and reloaded after ignition has occurred or has not occurred.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a location-independent target display for practice shooting with barrel weapons.

[0002] There are various methods for training with barrel weapons. Initially, training takes place on shooting ranges or in shooting studios, using targets or projected images, using electronic hit detection methods.

[0003] By projecting different scenarios onto the existing walls, there are a variety of possibilities for displaying different scenarios.

[0004] In outdoor areas, these possibilities are naturally limited. Nevertheless, the projection of targets onto corresponding projection surfaces is known. For example, DE 10 2011 014 745 A1 discloses a device for generating a virtual target for live-fire training, comprising a device for generating a non-fixed projection surface, an image generator for generating a target data set representing a target, a projection system for projecting the target onto the projection surface, and a detector for determining the position of the bullet passing through the projection surface.

[0005] The use of a non-fixed projection surface has the advantage over the conventional folding screens of not being destroyed by projectiles when firing live shots.

[0006] The disadvantage of this state-of-the-art technology, however, is the high technical complexity of the devices required to create a non-fixed projection surface and, in addition, the projection of the target. Implementing these requirements makes location-independent use difficult.

[0007] However, mine-like devices capable of releasing active substances can be deployed anywhere. For safety reasons, these mines are equipped with complex detonators that allow for safe recovery after activation.

[0008] From the publication of the patent claims of DE 0 380 390 T1, a mine detonator is known which is equipped with a programming capacity which, in the alert state or in the alarm state, has a specific service life which is set by the user at the time of setting the mine and is autonomously monitored by the detonator. This detonator is characterized in that it has an autonomous power supply, a detonation chain with the associated safety and arming or protection device, an autonomous program control device for the service life and means and detectors, preferably of a multiple type, which evaluate the signals concerning the presence and location of targets and, where appropriate, mine detectors, this evaluation leading to a change in the state of the detonator, which can alternately assume at least three of the following states: - neutralised state in which the safety and arming or protective device is secured; - alert state, in which the security and arming or protection device and the means or means of detecting presence are alert; - disarmed alarm condition in which the safety and arming or protection device and the means(s) of localisation are active; - detonated state in which the mine is put into operation; - Destruction condition, which causes destruction of the detonation circuit without putting the mine into operation.

[0009] Target representations equipped with such complex detonators allow the location-independent deployment and subsequent recovery of non-fixed target representations.

[0010] Most recently, published patent application DE 32 01 925 A1 discloses a mobile combat and firing simulation system with wirelessly remote-controlled models. It is intended to enable a large number of riflemen and troop commanders to conduct firing simulations and tactical combat exercises under the most realistic combat conditions possible. This is achieved using wirelessly remote-controlled scale models of all known wheeled, tracked, water-borne, and airborne vehicles, which serve as attacking targets. The targeting party (defender) has an IR laser firing simulation device in their launcher. The IR laser firing simulation device is activated during the aiming process. Each target model is capable of signaling a hit upon impact with the focused and pulsed light beam from the IR laser firing simulation device.To create a realistic combat experience, a supervisor can remotely fire pyrotechnic effects on any model.

[0011] However, the high financial and technical expenditure for producing this combat and shooting simulation system makes its use for live-fire practice uneconomical.

[0012] US Pat. No. 4,385,767 A discloses a three-dimensional, movable target consisting of a shell made of flexible material such as rubber, neoprene, plastic, or fabric that can be quickly stretched to a predetermined shape, for example, by internal gas pressure from a chemical or pyrotechnic device or from a compressed gas cylinder. The target, capable of rolling under the influence of wind or gravity, encloses an axle from which a compressed gas cylinder is suspended.

[0013] From published application GB 2 138 113 A, a targeting device for use in the training of military marksmen is known, consisting of a flexible sheet and means for generating one or more jets of liquid, such as air or water, which impinge on the sheet to bring it into an upright position and thus form a visible target. The device may include remote-controlled target control means for controlling the jets to make the target upright and thus visible, or lowered and thus invisible. Various hit sensing devices are provided to give a positive indication when a hit is achieved. The device may be mounted on a self-propelled carriage which can run on rails or any suitable flat surface so that the target can be tilted from behind at any one of several possible positions.

[0014] From the published patent application DE 30 26 744 A1, a mobile targeting device is known, comprising a movable carrier with a plurality of targets which can be successively moved into the functional position via remote control.

[0015] The object of the invention is therefore to present a location-independent target display for practice shooting with barrel weapons during live firing, which is also economical to operate.

[0016] This problem is solved by technical objects according to the independent claim.

[0017] The advantage of the invention lies in the fact that the target display device according to the invention initially comprises a compact housing that can be deployed manually by one, or a maximum of two, persons or ejected from a land or aircraft. Complex assembly and / or precise alignment are not necessary. This advantage enables endless possibilities when preparing the target area for the constant repositioning of the target display devices. The absolute position (coordinate) of the target display in the training area is determined and recorded during deployment. Alternatively, the target display has its own module for determining its position, e.g., using a GPS receiver, and transmits its position data wirelessly after activation. This allows for flexible redesigns of training scenarios without major technical effort during training operations.

[0018] Another advantage is that the target display devices are not pre-programmed to be armed and detonated, but are remotely controlled as needed. Depending on the course of the exercise, each of the target displays placed in the field can be armed and detonated individually and at any time, thus triggering it to represent a target or not. The target display device is not constantly present in the scenario, but is remotely activated at the given time. This advantage trains the shooter's reaction time.

[0019] It is also possible to use proximity sensors for triggering. A corresponding, location-independent target display according to the invention thus becomes an autonomous unit that automatically triggers as soon as a shooter approaches. To enable safe retrieval of the location-independent target displays equipped with proximity sensors, the proximity sensors are themselves equipped with timers that prevent triggering after a predetermined time period. In a further embodiment, the securing of the location-independent target display is commanded via radio command from a central control station after prior arming.

[0020] For rapid activation, the targeting device is equipped with a gas generator that expels the active agent. The gas generator can be a pyrotechnic gas generator, e.g., a pressure element or a compressed gas generator, such as those commonly used in airbags (vehicles) or rapidly inflatable lifeboats. The gas generator contains a precisely defined amount of propellant (gas charge), which, when converted, typically through combustion, chemically generates a defined amount of gas in a very short time to fill the active agent.

[0021] The active agent can be designed as an inflatable air bag, flutter ribbon, colored smoke, target made of fabric material, parachute element, etc. and represents the target to be aimed at by the shooter.

[0022] When the target material is fired, the placement of the individual shots can be determined from the acoustic measurement basis of the hit detection and from this the position of the hits in the weapon can be calculated.

[0023] The hit detection is therefore independent of the mechanical impact of the projectiles on the target material.

[0024] The acoustic measurement values ​​of the hit detection can be transmitted wirelessly from the target display devices to the central control station, where they can be evaluated, processed and displayed accordingly as the result of the shooting exercise.

[0025] After the firing exercise, deployed devices for location-independent target display can be safely retrieved for personnel. This means that the remotely controlled detonators are first re-secured. For example, the target display according to the invention automatically returns to a safe mode after a certain time has elapsed. Alternatively, a re-secure command transmitted via radio command and received by the target display can be used to return the target display to safe mode.

[0026] The gas generators and any used agents in the activated devices will be replaced.

[0027] For a better understanding of the device according to the invention for location-independent target display, the following functional sequence is described: First, the target display device is deployed by one or a maximum of two people or ejected from a land or aircraft. Multiple target display devices, each of which can be controlled and operated wirelessly via radio link, can be deployed anywhere in a training area in this manner. The location mapping of the inventive, location-independent target displays is performed manually or, using a global positioning system, is transmitted wirelessly from the target display itself to the central control station. If necessary, depending on the course of the training scenario, the detonator is remotely armed and detonated to train the shooter's reaction time. The gas generator expels the target display agent from the device to display the target for an appropriate period of time (a few seconds).Hits are evaluated acoustically, and the result—i.e., the positions of the hits in the target material or the placement of the shots relative to the target display's active agent—is transmitted wirelessly to the central control center. This firing exercise result is linked to the current time in the central control center and thus recorded chronologically. The recorded data sets regarding the position of the target displays, the time, and the shots are assigned to the respective shooters and evaluated accordingly. After use, the detonated target display devices are collected. The gas generators and any used agents are replaced on the activated devices.

[0028] A detailed design is provided in the only Fig. 1 revealed. The Fig. 1 shows a device according to the invention for target representation in a schematic representation.

[0029] The target display system consists of any number of target display devices 1, which are addressed by a central control station 2 via radio connection in order to eject the active agent 3 at a time interval specified by the operator.

[0030] The target display devices 1 with a housing 4 made of metal or plastic contain a gas generator 5 for ejecting the active agent 3.

[0031] The igniter for the gas generator 5 is implemented in a conventional manner by a bridge igniter with a primer 6. This requires the brief discharge of an electrical charge (current pulse) under high voltage from an internal power supply 7 with voltage amplification and activation circuit 8 via the primer 6. The primer 6 initiates the conversion of the gas charge during the further course of the reaction, which normally occurs within a few milliseconds.

[0032] The safety device 9 has the task of protecting the ignition cap 6 against unintentional initiation by an incorrect, faulty ignition command (e.g. due to an error in the control system).

[0033] In this embodiment, the active agent 3 is designed as a flutter band and represents the target to be aimed at for the shooter. After activation of the gas generator 5, the flutter band unfolds and emerges upwards from the housing 4 of the target display 1, providing a large, visible surface for the practicing shooter. When firing at the target material, the placement of the individual shots is determined by the acoustic measurement base of the hit detection system 10, and the location of the hits in the target material is calculated from this.

[0034] The position of the target representation 1 in the training area, which is determined, is transmitted directly to the central control station 2 by means of data transmission via radio link. List of reference symbols 1 Target representation 2 control point 3 active ingredients 4 housings 5 Gas generator 6 ignition pellets 7 Energy supply 8 Activation circuit 9 Safety device 10 Hit recording

Claims

[1] Device for target representation (1), comprising a detonator, a gas generator (5), an active means (3) for target representation as well as proximity sensors and a hit detection, wherein - the target display device (1) is extendable or ejectable, - the detonator is remotely controlled, - the proximity sensors can be used for triggering so that the target display device (1) is triggered automatically as soon as a shooter approaches, - the active agent (3) for target representation (1) can be expelled by the gas generator (5), - an unfired detonator can be secured again, - during firing, the placement of the individual shots can be determined by an acoustic measurement base of the hit detection (10) and from this the position of the hits in the active means (3) can be calculated and - the target display device (1) can be safely collected and reloaded after ignition has occurred or not.

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