Indirect Fire Simulation Using Mobile Device Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser tag systems and simulation technologies do not support indirect fire simulations, which require aiming and firing without a direct line of sight, and are often expensive due to the use of infrared emitters and sensors.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing communication devices with location services and a game server to determine the geographic location and orientation of each device, allowing players to simulate indirect fire by aligning an aiming vector and providing immediate feedback on hits or misses, enabling the use of indirect fire weapons like missiles and drones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If infrared emitters and sensors are used for laser tag simulation, then shooting simulation capability is achieved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses mobile phones as communication devices that copy and simulate the functionality of expensive infrared emitters and sensors. The mobile phone's camera and processing capabilities are utilized to detect and process visual targets, creating a functional copy of the infrared system at lower cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces expensive, durable infrared components with inexpensive mobile phones that can be widely distributed. The system accepts that mobile phones are consumer devices with shorter lifecycles but compensates through their low cost and widespread availability.
2Measurement precision
If direct line of sight firing is used, then targeting accuracy is improved, but simulation realism for indirect fire weapons deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new dimension of simulation by implementing indirect fire capability where players can fire weapons without direct line of sight to targets. The system uses geographic location data and weapon ballistics calculations to determine hit/miss outcomes, adding a realistic indirect fire dimension that mirrors actual military weapons like mortars and artillery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary calculation process that mediates between the player's firing action and the target outcome. Instead of direct visual targeting, the system uses location services, orientation data, and weapon parameters as intermediaries to calculate whether a shot hits the target, simulating indirect fire mechanics.
3Measurement precision
If a server adjudicated system is used to determine hit or miss, then targeting accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling mobile phones to independently calculate and determine hit or miss outcomes using their own processors. Each device uses its location services, orientation sensors, and the communicated weapon parameters to autonomously adjudicate shooting results without requiring complex centralized server processing.
4Adaptability or versatility
If specialized indirect fire equipment is used, then indirect fire simulation realism is improved, but device availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes mobile phones universal platforms that can simulate multiple weapon types including direct fire, indirect fire, and various weapon categories. The same device serves multiple functions across different simulation scenarios, eliminating the need for specialized equipment for each weapon type while maintaining simulation realism through software configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
An indirect fire simulation system includes a plurality of communication devices where each communication device is associated with a separate player. Each communication device includes a location services device for determining a location of the communication device which is communicated to a game server. The locations of all the communication devices are revealed to all the communication devices. Each communication device includes a directional orientation mechanism used when creating a targeting solution of a simulated indirect fire weapon. A processor is used for determining if a simulated targeting of another player by a simulated indirect fire weapon is a hit or miss based on the location indicia of a shooting communication device and the directional orientation of the shooting communication device. The targeting solution may be determined by aligning an aiming vector over the targeted communication device shown on a display of the shooting communication device.