Shot Simulator for XR Trainer

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of educational and training aids, in particular to input devices for XR / VR simulators with tactile and additional sensory feedback, and is intended for immersive simulation of the use of small arms during tactical and fire operations training in virtual (VR), augmented (AR), and extended reality (XR). A shot simulation device for an XR simulator comprises a housing, a trigger sensor, and an electronic control unit. A vibration module and an aerosol module are additionally installed in the device, comprising a reservoir for a working fluid, a heating element, an air supply unit, and an outlet. The electronic control unit is configured to synchronously launch the modules upon a "shot" event. The technical result is to provide a synchronous multisensory shot simulation. 6 clauses, 2 figs.

Description

[0001] The utility model relates to the field of educational and training tools, in particular to input devices for XR / VR simulators with tactile and additional sensory feedback, and is intended for immersive simulation of the use of small arms during the training of tactical and fire operations in virtual (VR), augmented (AR) and extended reality (XR).

[0002] There are known solutions designed to simulate weapons in virtual simulators, generating a “shot” signal and providing various types of recoil.

[0003] A small arms controller-mock-up for VR / XR systems, comprising a housing, a tactile recoil generating unit (recoil simulator), an electronic control unit and a wireless communication module configured to receive / transmit commands and events to the VR / XR system via a wireless channel, wherein the recoil generating unit generates a tactile recoil pulse via a wireless control signal from an external VR / XR application (for example, Bluetooth / radio). An example of such a solution is given in the patent publication of the US invention application US20240139620 A1, IPC A63F13 / 53, A63F13 / 245, A63F13 / 213, F41A33 / 00, F41A33 / 02, A63F13 / 285, A63F13 / 837, A63F13 / 98, A63F2300 / 8082, published on 02.05.2024, "HANDGUN SIMULATION ASSEMBLY USING A VIRTUAL REALITY CONTROLLER AND HAVING A RELEASABLE MAGAZINE", applicant ACEXR LLC, describing a handgun simulation assembly with recoil generation via a Bluetooth signal from VR software.

[0004] The factors that hinder the achievement of the technical result include the lack of synchronous generation of a visually observable "smoke" effect from the barrel bore and the lack of formation of a scented aerosol; external tracking (cameras / beacons) is often required, or a closed integration platform is used, which complicates use in open XR environments.

[0005] Weapon simulation systems using gas / CO₂ recoil modules typically contain a compressed gas source structurally integrated with the weapon dummy, and a gas automation system that moves the moving parts (bolt, bolt carrier) and generates recoil due to the compressed gas pulse supplied to the gas distribution unit. In such systems, the standard weapon components (e.g., barrel, recoil spring, magazine) are replaced with simulator units, including a gas cylinder, valve assembly, and a simulated recoil mechanism, while maintaining the controls and balance of the real weapon. An example of such a solution is given in US Patent Application Publication US20120129136 A1, IPC F41A33 / 06, F41B11 / 62, F41A33 / 02, published May 24, 2012., "APPARATUS FOR CONVERTING A PISTOL INTO A WEAPON SIMULATOR", author and applicant DVORAK VOJTECH, describing a device for the non-permanent conversion of a self-loading pistol into a gas simulator by replacing the barrel, return spring and magazine with a gas module that uses compressed gas to operate the bolt, simulate recoil and generate a laser pulse.

[0006] The reasons that prevent the achievement of the technical result include dependence on consumables and maintenance, complication of operation, while the synchronous formation of the local visual-olfactory effect of a “shot” directly from the barrel as part of a single device is not ensured.

[0007] Civilian "gun stock" modules with pulsed recoil, designed for VR games and gaming simulators, are designed as a housing simulating a stock or weapon module. Inside, a linear electric motor with a moving mass (slider) and, typically, two independently controlled coils, as well as an electronic control controller, is housed. When control currents are applied to the coils of the linear motor, the controller moves the moving mass to generate a characteristic force pulse on the housing, simulating the recoil of a real firearm. The module may also include a power source and an energy storage unit, which is charged when the mechanism is manually cocked. An example of such a solution is given in the US invention patent US11512919 B2, IPC A63F13 / 245, F41A33 / 06, A63F13 / 837, A63F13 / 285, published on November 29, 2022.entitled "Methods and apparatuses for haptic systems" issued to HAPTECH INC, describing a system with a housing shaped like the housing of a firearm, a linear motor with a moving mass and at least two controlled magnetic coils, and a controller that generates a given recoil impulse profile.

[0008] The factors that prevent the achievement of the technical result include the recoil being realized as a single impulse from the buttstock without complex, synchronous multisensory feedback; the lack of integrated spatial position sensors in the weapon's geometry; and the absence of the "smoke" and aromatization effects.

[0009] The interactive laser shooting simulator "Shturmovik-3" is known from an open source on the Internet [Interactive laser shooting simulator "Shturmovik-3" [Electronic resource]. - Supplier of educational equipment FEBA. - URL: https: / / feba.ru / catalog / lazernyy_tir / strelba_po_proektsionnomu_ekranu_monitoru / 11407 / (date of access: 02 / 19 / 2026)], which is a software and hardware complex that includes a laser shooting range with a projection screen, a computer with software and mass-dimensional models of small arms with imitation of recoil. The simulator is designed for practicing aiming and shooting skills at on-screen targets, provides hit registration and shot statistics, while recoil simulation is implemented in weapon mockups, and shot visualization is performed only on the screen.

[0010] Also known from open sources are the recoil-based shooting training simulators "Ataka-01 / AK" [Recoil-based shooting training simulator "ATAKA-01 / AK" [Electronic resource]. - URL: https: / / vgg.fgospostavki.ru / store / uchebnye-materialy / tiry / uchebno-strelkovyy-trenazher-s-otdachey-ataka-01ak / (accessed: 19.02.2026)] and "Ataka-03 / AK-PYa" [Recoil-based shooting training simulator "ATAKA-03 / AK-PYa" [Electronic resource]. - URL: https: / / urteks.ru / store / shkolnoe-oborudovanie-dlya-kabineta-obzh / lazernye-i-elektronnye-tiry / uchebno-strelkovyy-trenazher-s-otdachey-ataka-03ak-pya / (date of access: 19.02.2026)], made in the form of complexes that include a metal cabinet with a computer and software, active targets, optical-electronic modules and mass-dimensional models of a Kalashnikov assault rifle and a pistol with imitation of recoil when fired.These systems provide training in weapon handling, aiming, and target shooting skills, with hit recording and voice commentary. Recoil simulation is implemented in weapon mockups, and visual effects of the shot are limited to a display on the screen and a light indication of the targets.

[0011] Moreover, from an open source [Tactical and firing simulator "PROFI-3" with recoil upon firing [Electronic resource]. - URL: https: / / rosopeka.ru / catalog / taktiko_ognevoy_strelkovyy_trenazher_profi_3_s_otdachey_pri_vystrele_art_inv20603.html (date of access: 02 / 19 / 2026)] the tactical and firing simulator "PROFI-3" with imitation of recoil upon firing is known, including a software and hardware complex, a target field and mass-dimensional models of weapons with a recoil imitation system. The complex provides simulation of various shooting exercises, recording of results and analysis of the aiming trajectory, while tactile feedback is generated in the butt of the weapon model, and local effects of the shot in the barrel area (smoke, aerosol, smell) are not realized.

[0012] Thus, open sources indicate that target training simulators employ large-scale firearms dummy weapons with simulated recoil and laser / electronic hit detection. However, in these systems, recoil is generated through a single tactile pulse in the weapon dummy and / or a shot effect display on a screen. However, the integrated device does not provide for the synchronous generation of a localized, directed aerosol emission from an outlet simulating a "smoke" effect and a flavored aerosol component, triggered by a "shot" event, in conjunction with the tactile recoil pulse and integration into the XR environment.

[0013] Thus, the known training and shooting simulators and weapon simulation systems lack a built-in aerosol module with the formation of a directional "smoke" effect and flavored aerosol, and local synchronous control of tactile feedback and aerosol emission upon the "shot" event is not implemented. This does not allow for the claimed technical result - synchronous multisensory imitation of a shot as part of a single device. https: / / ppl-ai-file-upload.s3.amazonaws.com / web / direct-files / attachments / 163873312 / 92b4663c-a0fd-49dd-b41a-118b9de8f22c / Opisanie-POLEZNOI-MODELI-KOROBKIN-03022026.docx

[0014] The closest in terms of the set of features of the solution (prototype) is the device according to the patent publication of the US invention application US20240139620 A1, IPC A63F13 / 53, A63F13 / 245, A63F13 / 213, F41A33 / 00, F41A33 / 02, A63F13 / 285, A63F13 / 837, A63F13 / 98, A63F2300 / 8082, published on 02.05.2024 under the title "HANDGUN SIMULATION ASSEMBLY USING VIRTUAL REALITY CONTROLLER AND HAVING A RELEASABLE MAGAZINE", applicant ACEXR LLC, describing a firearms controller-mock-up for VR / XR systems, containing a housing in which a a removable VR controller, a trigger (sensor), a tactile feedback generator, and an electronic unit capable of wirelessly transmitting events to an external VR / XR system and generating a tactile feedback pulse in response to commands from the VR application.

[0015] The reasons preventing the achievement of the technical result include the fact that the prototype does not provide, as part of a single device, the synchronous formation of a directed aerosol emission from the outlet, simulating the “smoke” effect, and the aromatic component of the aerosol, launched by the “shot” event, together with a tactile recoil impulse.

[0016] The objective of the utility model is to create a device for simulating a shot for an XR simulator, ensuring the synchronous formation of a tactile impulse and a directed aerosol emission upon the “shot” event with a minimum time delay and reproducible impact parameters.

[0017] The technical result is to provide a synchronous multisensory imitation of a shot.

[0018] The specified technical result is achieved in that the shot imitation device for the XR simulator contains a housing, a trigger sensor and an electronic control unit, wherein a vibration module and an aerosol module are additionally installed, including a reservoir of working fluid, a heating element, an air supply means and an outlet, and the electronic control unit is configured to synchronously launch the specified modules upon the “shot” event, which ensures a synchronous multi-sensory shot imitation.

[0019] Moreover, the trigger sensor is made in the form of an electrical microswitch connected directly to the input of the electronic control unit, while the electronic control unit is designed with the ability to locally generate a “shot” event without intermediate transmission via a wireless channel.

[0020] Moreover, the electronic control unit is designed with the ability to simultaneously generate control signals to the vibration module and the aerosol module within the framework of a single control cycle.

[0021] Moreover, the aerosol module contains a heating element.

[0022] Moreover, the aerosol module contains an air supply means.

[0023] Moreover, the air supply device is made in the form of a mini-compressor.

[0024] Moreover, the aerosol module additionally contains a cartridge with a flavoring material placed in the aerosol supply path.

[0025] Moreover, the vibration module is based on a vibration actuator installed inside the housing in such a way that the vibrations it creates are transmitted to the user’s grip area of ​​the housing.

[0026] Moreover, the vibration module is connected via a MOSFET transistor.

[0027] Additional installation of a vibration module and an aerosol module, including a reservoir of working fluid, a heating element, an air supply means and an outlet, with the implementation of an electronic control unit with the ability to synchronously launch the said modules upon the “shot” event, ensures the simultaneous formation of a tactile recoil impulse and a directed aerosol emission with a reduced time delay and time spread, as well as with increased reproducibility of the impact parameters, which together ensures a synchronous multisensory imitation of a shot.

[0028] The aerosol module comprises a heating element and an air supply unit, designed as a mini-compressor, which generate a directed aerosol discharge with specified parameters. The vibration module is connected to the power supply of the power circuit via a MOSFET transistor, which enables the generation of short-term power pulses with a reproducible amplitude. Together, this ensures the claimed technical result – a synchronous multi-sensory imitation of a shot.

[0029] In the preferred embodiment of the device, the delay between the trigger sensor's activation and the vibration and aerosol modules is minimized by the trigger sensor being implemented as an electrical microswitch connected directly to the input of the electronic control unit, and the "shot" event being generated locally in the electronic control unit without intermediate wireless transmission. With this configuration, the "trigger-impact" time delay is no more than 50 ms, and the spread of this time delay does not exceed 10 ms, as confirmed by the measurement results presented in Table 1.

[0030] In one embodiment, the heating element of the aerosol module and its power supply mode are selected in such a way that, during operation of the device, the working fluid is heated to a temperature of approximately 120°C, which is confirmed by thermocouple measurements (see Table 1), while maintaining the specified temperature ensures stable formation of an aerosol with reproducible parameters, contributing to the achievement of the claimed technical result - synchronous multisensory imitation of a shot.

[0031] The working fluid is an aerosol-forming base with an added flavoring component. When heated and air is supplied, it forms a flavored aerosol associated with the odor of the projectile. In tests conducted under selected operating modes of the aerosol module, an aerosol concentration of 5-15 mg / m³ was achieved in the outlet zone, as confirmed by particle analyzer data (Table 1). This concentration range ensures a clearly perceptible visual and olfactory "shot" effect without excessive smoke, thereby achieving the claimed technical result—synchronous multisensory imitation of a gunshot.

[0032] The vibration module, based on a vibration actuator and located inside the housing in such a way that the vibrations it creates are transmitted to the grip zone, provides, under selected power supply modes, an amplitude of vibration impact of the order of 0.5-2 mm, which is confirmed by measurements with a vibrometer (see Table 1), while the specified range of amplitudes provides a clearly perceived tactile imitation of recoil without excessive discomfort to the user, which contributes to the achievement of the declared technical result - synchronous multisensory imitation of a shot.

[0033] Synchronized control of the vibration module and aerosol module based on the "shot" event, implemented by the electronic control unit in accordance with paragraph 1 of the formula, ensures the claimed technical result—synchronous multisensory shot simulation—by simultaneously generating a tactile recoil pulse and directed aerosol emission in the barrel area of ​​the mockup. The user simultaneously perceives tactile and visual-olfactory stimuli associated with the shot, enhancing the realism and immersion of the training session.

[0034] Achieving the specified technical result with a reduced time delay and a small time variance is ensured by a combination of the distinctive features disclosed in paragraphs 2 and 3 of the formula. A trigger sensor, implemented as an electrical microswitch and connected directly to the input of the electronic control unit, as well as local generation of the "shot" event in the electronic control unit without intermediate wireless transmission, ensure minimal delays in trigger detection. Generating control signals to the vibration module and aerosol module within a single control cycle ensures synchronous activation of the actuator modules with a minimal time variance. These design features taken together result in a "trigger - impact" time delay of no more than 50 ms, and a time variance of no more than 10 ms, as confirmed by the data in Table 1.

[0035] Reproducibility of the parameters of the generated effects (tactile impulse and aerosol emission characteristics) is ensured by the design of the aerosol module and the control circuit of the vibration module, described in paragraphs 4-7 and 9 of the formula. The presence of a heating element and an air supply device in the form of a mini-compressor in the aerosol module, as well as an outlet oriented along the axis of the conventional barrel, ensures stable formation and directed emission of aerosol with each activation of the device. Connecting the vibration module to the power supply of the power circuit via a MOSFET transistor allows for the generation of short-term power pulses for the vibration actuator without additional matching links, which stabilizes the shape and amplitude of the tactile impact.

[0036] The tests conducted have shown that when implementing the specified design features, a stable vibration amplitude of about 0.5-2 mm, a heating temperature of the working fluid of about 120°C and an aerosol concentration in the outlet zone of 5-15 mg / m³ are ensured, which is confirmed by the measurement results given in Table 1, and demonstrates the reproducibility of multisensory effects during multiple activations of the device.

[0037] Fig. 1 shows the shot imitation device for the XR simulator (general view), and Fig. 2 shows the diagram of the functional connections of the device modules with the electronic control unit (signals from the trigger sensor to the vibration and aerosol modules, as well as to the XR system).

[0038] The shot imitation device for the XR simulator contains the following main functional units: 1 - vibration module (vibration actuator); 2 - outlet; 3 - aerosol module, including a reservoir for the working fluid and a heating element; 4 - air supply means (mini-compressor); 5 - step-down voltage converter; 6 - power supply of the electronic control unit; 7 - electronic control unit; 8 - accelerometer-gyroscope; 9 - trigger sensor; 10 - power supply of the vibration module power circuit; 11 - MOSFET transistor; 12 - the body of the device, made mainly in the form of a model of a shooting product and intended to be held by the user; 13 - a cartridge with a flavoring material, placed in the aerosol supply tract of aerosol module 3. The functional and electronic components of the device are located in the body 12.

[0039] A trigger sensor 9 is installed in the housing 12, made, for example, in the form of a microswitch located in the trigger area and designed to generate an electrical signal for the “shot” event.

[0040] The electronic control unit 7, made, for example, on the basis of a single-board computing device such as Raspberry Pi, is designed to receive the “shot” signal from the trigger sensor 9, process data from the accelerometer-gyroscope 8, generate control signals for the executive modules, and exchange data with the external XR system.

[0041] The electronic control unit 7 is powered from the power source 6, while voltage stabilization is provided by the step-down voltage converter 5, which converts the input voltage, for example, 24 V, into an operating voltage of 3.3 V.

[0042] Vibration module 1, based on a vibration actuator, is installed inside housing 12 so that the generated vibrations are transmitted to the user's hands, creating a tactile imitation of recoil when firing. Vibration module 1 is controlled by electronic control unit 7 via MOSFET transistor 11, connected to power supply of power circuit 10. A delay of no more than 50 ms between the "fire" event and module activation is ensured by the hardware input of the trigger sensor and parallel control of the MOSFET transistor, without intermediate wireless circuits.

[0043] Aerosol module 3 is designed as a single functional unit and includes a reservoir for the working fluid and a heating element designed to evaporate the working fluid. Aerosol module 3 also includes an air supply unit 4, designed as a mini-compressor, which provides a directed aerosol flow. The aerosol supply path also includes a cartridge 13 containing a flavoring material, which saturates the aerosol flow with aromatic components.

[0044] The working fluid contains an aerosol base and a flavoring additive that, when heated and air is supplied, forms a flavored aerosol. The aerosol exits through outlet 2, oriented toward the conventional "barrel" of the model.

[0045] The device operates as follows.

[0046] When the user presses the trigger element, a signal is generated from the trigger sensor 9, which is sent to the electronic control unit 7. Upon a “shot” event, the electronic control unit 7 generates synchronized control signals to the vibration module 1, resulting in a short-term tactile impulse simulating recoil, and to the aerosol module 3, resulting in the formation and release of an aerosol through the outlet opening 2.

[0047] The aerosol contains a flavoring additive, as a result of which the user additionally perceives an olfactory stimulus associated with the moment of the shot.

[0048] At the same time, the electronic control unit 7 transmits the “shot” event data to the external XR system, ensuring the synchronization of the virtual shot with haptic and feedback.

[0049] The quantitative characteristics of the “descent-impact” time delay, the amplitude of the vibration impact, the parameters of the aerosol emission and their comparison with the prototype are given in Table 1. The data in Table 1 confirm the reduction in the delay and time spread, as well as the reproducibility of the parameters of the vibration and aerosol impacts when implementing the claimed design of the device.

[0050] Table 1

[0051] Parameter Prototype (US20240139620A1) The claimed device Measurement Trigger-recoil delay time 100-150 ms ≤ 50 ms For the prototype - according to the description; for the claimed one - an oscilloscope Vibration amplitude Not regulated 0.5-2 mm Vibrometer Aerosol concentration 0 mg / m³ 5-15 mg / m³ Particle analyzer Heating temperature Absent 120±10°C Thermocouple Availability of an aerosol module No Yes Structurally Presence of flavoring additive No Yes Structurally

[0052] Delays are minimized by the fact that trigger sensor 9 is implemented as an electrical microswitch connected directly to the input of electronic control unit 7. The "shot" event is generated locally by the electronic control unit without intermediate transmission via a wireless channel. Synchronous module activation (with a spread of no more than 10 ms) is ensured by generating control signals within a single control event and sending them to the output circuits of vibration module 1 and the actuators of aerosol module 3 in a single control cycle. The trigger-action delay (no more than 50 ms) is achieved through hardware recording of the trigger sensor signal and control of the power switch (MOSFET transistor 11) of vibration module 1 without additional matching links. The aerosol action parameters are ensured by the design of the aerosol module (heater, air supply, and outlet) and the selection of their operating modes.Taken together, these features ensure the generation of tactile and aerosol effects with a small delay and time spread, which is necessary to achieve the claimed technical result - a synchronous multisensory imitation of a shot.

Claims

1. A shot simulating device for an XR simulator, comprising a housing, a trigger sensor and an electronic control unit, characterized in that a vibration module and an aerosol module are additionally installed, including a reservoir of working fluid, a heating element, an air supply means and an outlet, wherein the electronic control unit is configured to synchronously launch the modules upon a “shot” event.

2. A shot simulating device for an XR simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the trigger sensor is made in the form of an electrical microswitch connected directly to the input of the electronic control unit, wherein the electronic control unit is designed with the possibility of locally generating a “shot” event without intermediate transmission via a wireless channel.

3. A shot simulating device for an XR simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic control unit is designed with the possibility of simultaneously generating control signals to the vibration module and the aerosol module within the framework of a single control cycle.

4. A shot simulating device for an XR simulator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the air supply means is made in the form of a mini-compressor.

5. A shot simulating device for an XR simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the aerosol module additionally contains a cartridge with a flavoring material placed in the aerosol supply line.

6. A shot simulating device for an XR simulator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the vibration module is made on the basis of a vibration actuator installed inside the housing in such a way that the vibrations created by it are transmitted to the user’s grip area of ​​the housing.

7. A shot simulating device for an XR simulator according to claim 1, characterized in that the vibration module is connected via a MOSFET transistor.

Images