Laser-Projected Thermal Targets for Durable IR Shooting Training
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal targets for shooting training are either unreliable, cumbersome, or destructible, and lack the ability to accurately replicate real thermal signatures, necessitating separate targets for shooters with and without IR goggles.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a laser emitter, thermal camera, and central unit to project and correct thermal imprints on a dedicated support, ensuring faithful reproduction of real thermal targets for training, adaptable to different scenarios and user goggles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive thermal targets using solar energy absorption materials are used, then the thermal signature is reproduced, but the system is cumbersome and highly unreliable with faint thermal signature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/electrical heating systems with a laser-based optical system. The laser emitter projects thermal energy onto the target according to stored thermal map data, eliminating the need for complex wiring, heating modules, and electrical connections. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing reliable thermal signature reproduction without mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and delivery method of thermal energy. Instead of using electrical heating elements that require complex infrastructure, the system uses laser light projection to deliver thermal energy precisely where needed. This parameter change enables reliable thermal signature reproduction while simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If active thermal targets with electrical heating modules are used, then the thermal signature is more similar to real targets, but the lifespan is short and unpredictable due to wiring impacts and module damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vulnerable electrical heating modules with a laser projection system. The laser emitter has no wiring connections to the target and no physical heating elements that can be damaged by bullet impacts. This substitution resolves the contradiction by maintaining faithful thermal signature reproduction while dramatically extending target lifespan through damage-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual thermal model of the target and uses laser projection to reproduce its thermal signature. Instead of physically heating the target structure, the system projects thermal patterns based on stored thermal map data. This copying approach maintains thermal fidelity while eliminating the physical vulnerabilities of electrical heating components.
3Reliability
If electrical heating modules are used to reproduce thermal imprint, then the thermal target is similar to real targets, but it requires separate targets for shooters with and without IR goggles to limit damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces vulnerable electrical heating modules with a laser projection system that has no physical components on the target. Since the laser emitter remains protected and suffers no damage from bullet impacts, the same target can be safely shared among all shooters regardless of whether they use IR goggles. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining thermal realism while enabling universal accessibility.
4Device complexity
If fixed passive thermal targets are used, then the system is simple, but the thermal signature cannot evolve from one scenario to another
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the thermal target system. The laser emitter can be controlled to project different thermal patterns based on stored thermal maps for various scenarios. This allows the same physical target to dynamically adapt to different training scenarios, resolving the contradiction by maintaining system simplicity while enabling scenario versatility through software-controlled laser projection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal thermal target system where a single laser emitter and target structure can serve multiple training scenarios. By storing thermal maps for different scenarios and switching between them via laser projection control, the system achieves multi-functionality without requiring separate physical targets for each scenario, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides durable, cost-effective, and easy-to-implement thermal targets that accurately replicate real targets, suitable for both observation and training, and can be shared among shooters with or without IR goggles.
Implementation Method 1
a laser emitter, connected to a central unit capable of controlling the transmission by said light emission source of an initial thermal fingerprint taken by a thermal camera
Implementation Method 2
the term 'thermal imprint' refers to the infrared radiation emitted by any thing, living or non-living
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for reproducing a heat signature intended to be used to train a user equipped with an infrared targeting and/or spotting scope to shoot and/or observe thermal targets, comprising steps of capturing at least one initial heat signature representing a thermal target using a thermal camera, and of reproducing this initial heat signature in the form of a reproduced heat signature (1) on a dedicated medium (4) using at least one light-emitting source (2) consisting of a laser emitter controlled by a central unit.