Method and device for restoring a thermal impression.

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for restoring a thermal imprint intended for shooting training and / or observation of thermal targets by a user equipped with an infrared shooting and / or observation sight, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: prefabricating a lens which diffracts or filters the light emitted by a light emission source (2), which lens is prefabricated from the initial thermal image, restoring this initial thermal imprint in the form of a restored thermal imprint (1) on a dedicated support (4) using at least one light emission source (2) consisting of a laser emitter controlled by a central unit (5). Figure to be published with the abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for restoring a thermal print. Technical field.

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for restoring a thermal imprint intended for shooting training and / or observation. The invention also relates to the device, or system, for implementing this method.

[0002] In the context of the present invention, the expression "thermal imprint" is understood here to mean the infrared radiation of any thing, living or not. This is not the common meaning of this expression which refers to a thermal trace that human beings (at a temperature of approximately 37°C) in particular, or possibly other living beings, leave on each thing they touch and which disappears as it cools little by little, at a different speed depending on the materials.

[0003] The invention relates to the technical field of weapons and technical elements used by military personnel, soldiers or the like to carry out shooting training with an infrared vision scope, possibly only observation using infrared vision devices. State of the art.

[0004] The new equipment of the infantry but also of all French and foreign forces allows observation, detection of targets and shooting in thermal vision, or Infrared (IR).

[0005] Currently, for shooting training, there are only two types of targets.

[0006] First of all, passive thermal targets are known, requiring special arrangements, with an angle of installation and exposure to the sun over a long period of time. These systems use materials that absorb the captured solar energy to restore it during the training session, generally at night. Such systems are tedious to use and very unreliable, in other words the thermal footprint restored corresponds only weakly, or even very weakly, to that of a real thermal target.

[0007] Heating modules are also known in the state of the art, in other words representations of real targets heated by electrical modules at the various heat-emitting parts of such targets. Some of these so-called active targets, implemented by operational shooting training centers, are actually quite consistent with real thermal targets, but most of the time there is a notable difference between these so-called active thermal targets and real thermal targets due to the difficulty in reproducing heat with modules. electrical / heating, whether human or figurative of objects.

[0008] Furthermore, one of the major problems with this type of thermal imprint is a short and random lifespan, depending on the impacts on the wired connections of the electric heating modules or on the modules themselves. This also implies, for economic reasons, only allowing soldiers equipped with IR goggles to shoot at these targets in order to limit the impacts on these modules. However, in practice, shooters with and without IR goggles have sectors with several objectives to share and not just one target each.

[0009] Thus, there are currently no systems for restoring a thermal imprint that is both real, i.e. very faithful or identical to a real thermal target, and not destructible by training shots.

[0010] The invention aims to remedy this state of affairs.

[0011] In particular, an essential objective of the invention is to propose a solution making it possible to have a target illumination system whose restitution in the IR glasses - whether they are used for simple observation or for shooting - is real and not destructible by training shots.

[0012] Another essential objective is to propose a technical solution that is more effective and, above all, less expensive than the solutions of the state of the art.

[0013] A complementary objective is to propose a simpler technical solution that is easier to implement on training sites and grounds. Presentation of the invention.

[0014] It has thus been noted by the applicant, after various experiments and manipulations, that it is particularly interesting to carry out a process making it possible to project, onto the training theatre, a thermal imprint originating from the true thermal image of a real target.

[0015] The solution proposed by the invention is a method for restoring a thermal imprint intended for shooting training and / or observation of thermal targets by a user equipped with an infrared shooting and / or observation scope.

[0016] The term "thermal target" means anything that may constitute a target for the user. For example, if the user of the IR goggles is a soldier, the thermal target may consist of another soldier, a civilian, military equipment such as an off-road vehicle, a tank or even a missile launcher.

[0017] The term "thermal camera" means any device capable of measuring and recording the various heat waves, infrared radiation, emitted by a body or object. When we look at the image from a thermal camera, the latter reproduces an image representing the intensity of the radiation, which makes it possible to evaluate the temperature. An infrared camera, also called a "thermal camera", detects and measures the infrared energy of objects or living beings. The camera converts this infrared data into an electronic image that indicates the apparent surface temperature of the object being inspected.

[0018] Thanks to the method according to the invention, we now have a very reliable and durable device, system and method (without the need to replace all or part of the constituent elements) to enable observation and especially for training in shooting at thermal targets that are perfectly identical to real targets.

[0019] It should be noted that, in addition to shooting training and IR observation, the representation of the thermal footprint according to the invention can also be used in operations as part of deception maneuvers, that is to say to make the enemy believe our presence in a position where the soldiers are not.

[0020] In addition to the reliability objective, the solution according to the invention is particularly inexpensive and easy to implement for operators.

[0021] Other advantageous characteristics of the apparatus which is the subject of the invention are listed below. Each of these characteristics can be considered alone or in combination with the remarkable characteristics defined above. Each of these characteristics contributes, where appropriate, to the resolution of specific technical problems defined further in the description and in which the remarkable characteristics defined above do not necessarily participate. The latter may be the subject, where appropriate, of one or more divisional patent applications:

[0022] The light emission source consists of a laser emitter.

[0023] Advantageously, the dedicated support consists of a screen, advantageously flat of rectangular or square shape. Of course, any other shape that can be used as a 2D or 3D projection screen can be considered, whether natural or artificial.

[0024] According to a first embodiment of the invention, the light emission source is coupled with at least one lens which diffracts or filters the light emitted by the light emission source so as to obtain the above-mentioned restored thermal imprint.

[0025] According to this first embodiment, advantageously, the lens diffracts or filters the light emitted by the light emission source in a wave range corresponding to the wavelength range perceptible by the user's infrared shooting and / or observation sight.

[0026] Still according to this first embodiment, advantageously, the lens diffracts or filters the light emitted by the light emission source in a wave range between 3 and 20 microns, preferably between 8 and 12 microns or between 3 and 5 microns.

[0027] The micrometer is also called micron, with the symbol p or pm.

[0028] The range 8 to 12 pm thus classically corresponds to the length range of vision wavelengths of rifle scopes and medium-range observation scopes while the 3 to 5 micron range typically corresponds to the vision wavelength range of shooting systems and long-range observation scopes.

[0029] According to a second embodiment, the light emission source acts as a radiant heat source and in that the central unit is further coupled with an infrared camera displaying the thermal imprint restored on the dedicated screen so as to transmit in return to said central unit an image of said restored thermal imprint.

[0030] In the context of this second embodiment, in the case where the image of the restored thermal imprint transmitted by the camera does not correspond to the initial thermal image, the central unit modifies or corrects the emission by the light emission source until the restored thermal imprint transmitted by the camera corresponds to the initial thermal imprint.

[0031] Still according to this second embodiment, the modification or correction of the thermal image restored by the camera is processed by the central unit pixel by pixel at the level of the light emission source.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a device (or system) for restoring a thermal imprint intended for training in shooting and / or observation of thermal targets by a user equipped with an infrared shooting and / or observation sight, for implementing the method as described briefly above.

[0033] It should be noted here that all the technical characteristics relating to the method for restoring a thermal impression are likely to apply to the device for restoring a thermal impression, and vice versa. Brief description of the figures.

[0034] Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear more clearly on reading the description of a preferred embodiment which follows, with reference to the appended drawings, produced as indicative and non-limiting examples and in which:

[0035] [Fig-1] is a schematic view of a restored thermal imprint, seen from the front, according to the method and device of the invention.

[0036] [Fig.2] is a side view of the device for restoring a thermal imprint intended for shooting training and / or observation of thermal targets by a user equipped with an infrared shooting and / or observation sight visible in [Fig.l].

[0037] [Fig.3] is a schematic view of the constituent elements of the method according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0038] [Fig.4] is a schematic view of the constituent elements of the process according to a second embodiment of the invention. Description of the embodiments.

[0039] The thermal camera used to take a thermal image serving as an initial thermal print, not shown in the attached figures, or to check the restored thermal print 1 in the context of the second embodiment may consist of a thermal camera capable of operating over a temperature range of at least -20°C to 75°C (Celsius) and an infrared resolution of at least 110016 pixels (382 x 288), typically 307200 pixels (640 x 420).

[0040] The light emission source 2 is a laser emitter, such as for example a laser diode capable of emitting a coherent light source.

[0041] As a non-limiting example, the laser transmitter 2 may consist of a CO2 laser machine and it is noted that in the second embodiment, in connection with [Fig. 4], this laser transmitter may consist of a CO2 machine with a galvanometric head 3, the laser transmitter 2 (laser tube) then being conventionally positioned above or behind the galvanometric head 3.

[0042] The dedicated support 4 may, as illustrated in [Fig. 1] or 2, consist of a rectangular flat screen. This screen 4 makes it possible to display the restored thermal imprint 1. Of course, any natural dedicated support, such as a section of wall of a building or a dwelling, may for example advantageously constitute this display means 4.

[0043] The central unit 5 may consist of any computer system capable of managing the light source 2 by requiring it to emit radiant heat or in a well-determined wavelength, corresponding to the initial thermal footprint whether according to the first ([Fig.3]) or the second ([Fig.4]) mode of execution.

[0044] The connections between the central unit 5, the light source 2 and possibly the thermal control camera may be wired or wireless, in particular by electromagnetic waves.

[0045] It should be noted that in Figures 1 and 2, the light source 2 and the dedicated support 4 (unshielded), as well as its receiving base 7, are shielded, that is to say covered with materials or elements preventing any damage by training shots. In other words, all the elements of the device for restoring a thermal imprint intended for shooting training and / or observation of thermal targets by a user equipped with an infrared shooting and / or observation scope are advantageously shielded or sheltered in a pit, at least all the elements at risk of being hit by bullet shots or fragments, with the notable exception of the dedicated support 4.

[0046] The light source 2 can be detached and moved away from the base 7 depending on the shape and length of the thermal imprint to be restored.

[0047] The embodiment illustrated by [Fig. 3] does not require a control camera because the restored thermal imprint 1 is perfect or almost perfect. In this embodiment, one or more initial thermal imprints have been pre-recorded and prefabricated, capable of serving as thermal targets for shooting training and / or observation. These initial thermal imprints are thus obtained thanks to the prefabricated lens(es), not shown in the attached figures, specifically to absorb specific wavelengths of the emission of the light source so as to obtain a restored thermal imprint in a very / very specific wavelength range.

[0048] Thus, in this embodiment, as many lenses must be produced as thermal targets, in other words initial thermal prints, are desired. A lens is fitted to the light emission source 2 or positioned in front of this light emission source 2 so that the restored thermal print 1 corresponds to the initial thermal print, with respect to the wavelength of the user's IR vision goggles.

[0049] According to one possibility offered by the invention, it is also possible to provide a device for replacing or exchanging lenses positioned in front of the light emission source 2 so that for a single light emission source 2, it is possible to obtain a plurality of initial thermal prints or thermal targets (at different times). Advantageously, this device for replacing or exchanging lenses is controlled by the central unit 5 also managing or controlling the light emission source 2.

[0050] In this embodiment, each lens relates to a specific initial thermal target or thermal fingerprint as well as a type of infrared vision goggles used by the user. Conventionally, these infrared vision goggles consist of either shooting goggles or observation goggles: the first type of goggles (shooting goggles) is capable of detecting wavelengths of 8 to 12 microns, generally 10.6 microns, while the second type of goggles (observation goggles) is capable of detecting wavelengths of 3 to 5 microns.

[0051] Thus, in this embodiment, the lenses placed in front of the light emission source 2 may be different in terms of thermal targets (initial thermal imprints) and / or in terms of the nature of wavelength absorption, corresponding to different types of infrared vision glasses.

[0052] The second embodiment not covered by the invention, illustrated by [Fig. 4], relates to a light emission source 2 capable of heating an area, or dedicated support 4, corresponding to an initial thermal imprint (or thermal target). Advantageously, the light emission source 2 here consists of a laser emitter 2 with a galvanometric head 3.

[0053] The central unit 5 has a memory with a plurality of initial thermal prints (thermal targets). The central unit 5 sends an initial thermal print to the light emission source 2 so that the latter projects a restored thermal print 1 onto a dedicated support 4.

[0054] A thermal camera 6 films the restored thermal imprint and sends these images back to the central unit 5. The central unit 5 carries out a digital analysis of each pixel of the restored thermal imprint 1 and possibly corrects the sending or the command made to the light emission source 2 so that such or such pixel of the restored thermal imprint 1 becomes more or less heated so as to correspond exactly to the initial thermal imprint.

[0055] Thus, this second embodiment consists of a servo-controlled imaging system in which the restored image (restored thermal imprint 1) is continuously controlled and possibly corrected to correspond exactly to the initial thermal imprint.

[0056] Of course, it is possible to envisage that the initial thermal imprint - or thermal target - presents a modification of its thermal imprint over time, for example with a succession of around ten thermal imprints relating to the same target presenting a slightly different thermal imprint between them. These differences between this succession of thermal imprints may for example correspond to an indication of the fact that the thermal target is moving, cooling or heating up, or even temporarily hiding (thermally) from the view of the user wearing the IR vision glasses.

[0057] Although the invention has been described in connection with several particular embodiments, it is quite obvious that it is in no way limited thereto and that it includes all the technical equivalents of the means described as well as their combinations if these fall within the scope of the invention.

[0058] The arrangement of the various elements and / or means and / or steps of the invention, in the embodiments described above, should not be understood as requiring such an arrangement in all implementations. In any event, it will be understood that various modifications may be made to these elements and / or means and / or steps, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. In particular: - the shape and arrangement of the light emission source 2 as well as the thermal imprint(s) capable of serving as thermal targets; - the arrangement of the technical elements 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7 cooperating with each other to implement the method according to the invention.

[0059] The use of the verb “comprise”, “comprise” or “include” and its conjugated forms does not exclude the presence of other elements or other steps than those stated in a claim.

[0060] In the claims, any reference sign in parentheses cannot be interpreted as a limitation of the claim.

Claims

Claims

1. Method for restoring a thermal imprint intended for shooting training and / or observation of thermal targets by a user equipped with an infrared shooting and / or observation scope, characterized in that it comprises the steps of: • prefabricating and pre-recording an initial thermal image serving as a thermal target, • restoring this initial thermal imprint in the form of a restored thermal imprint (1) on a dedicated support (4) using at least one light emission source (2) consisting of a laser transmitter controlled by a central unit (5).

2. Method for restoring a thermal imprint according to claim 1, in which the dedicated support (4) consists of a screen, advantageously flat, rectangular or square in shape.

3. Method for restoring a thermal imprint according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the light emission source (2) is coupled with at least one lens which diffracts or filters the light emitted by the light emission source (2) so as to obtain the above-mentioned restored thermal imprint (1) which lens is prefabricated from the initial thermal image.

4. Method for restoring a thermal imprint according to claim 3, in which the lens diffracts or filters the light emitted by the light emission source (2) in a wave range corresponding to the wavelength range perceptible by the user's infrared shooting and / or observation sight.

5. A method of restoring a thermal imprint according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the lens diffracts or filters the light emitted by the light emission source in a wave range between 3 and 20 microns, preferably between 8 and 12 microns or between 3 and 5 microns.

6. Method for restoring a thermal imprint according to one of claims 1 to 2, in which the light emission source (2) acts as a radiant heat source and in that the central unit (5) is further coupled with an infrared camera (6) displaying the restored thermal imprint (1) on the dedicated screen so as to transmit in return to said central unit (5) an image of said restored thermal imprint (1).

7. Method for restoring a thermal print according to claim 6, in which, in the case where the image of the restored thermal print (1) transmitted by the camera (6) does not correspond to the initial thermal image, the central unit (5) modifies or corrects the emission by the light emission source (2) until the restored thermal print (1) transmitted by the camera (6) corresponds to the initial thermal print.

8. Method for restoring a thermal imprint according to claim 7, in which the modification or correction of the restored thermal image (1) by the camera (6) is processed by the central unit (5) pixel by pixel at the level of the light emission source (2).

9. Device for restoring a thermal imprint intended for shooting training and / or observation of thermal targets by a user equipped with an infrared shooting and / or observation scope, for implementing the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises: • a light emission source (2) consisting of a laser transmitter, connected to • a central unit (5) capable of controlling the transmission by said light emission source (2) of an initial prefabricated and pre-recorded thermal imprint serving as a thermal target on a dedicated support (4), advantageously a flat screen of rectangular or square shape, • in the case where the light emission source (2) is said to be radiant heat,an infrared control camera (6) connected to the central unit (5) to send it an image of the thermal imprint restored (1) by the light emission source (2) so as to modify or correct the latter (1) if necessary, • in the case where the light emission source (2) is said to be wavelength, a lens to diffract or filter the emission from the light emission source (2) so as to, obtaining the above-mentioned restored thermal imprint (1), advantageously in a wave range corresponding to the wavelength range perceptible by the user's infrared shooting and / or observation scope.

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