Laserless Combat Training System Using Optical Target Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser-based combat training systems oversimplify projectile ballistics, fail to simulate realistic effects like lead, elevation, and windage, and are limited by the need for a clear line of sight, excessive equipment requirements, and inability to function through obscurations or atmospheric effects.
Innovation Solution
A laserless training system using optical emitters on targets and sensing arrays on weapon devices to image targets, incorporating position, orientation, and environmental data for accurate ballistic calculations, enabling simulations through occlusion and atmospheric conditions, and reducing equipment burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser-based systems are used for combat training, then the system can provide some training benefits, but the ballistics are oversimplified and cannot simulate realistic effects like lead, elevation, and windage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser-based optical system with an imaging system that captures images of targets. The imaging device records target positions and identities, which are then used by a processor to determine hit/miss outcomes based on complex ballistic calculations. This substitution allows realistic ballistics simulation without requiring laser alignment between shooter and target.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses imaging to create a visual copy of the target scene. The imaging device captures images that represent the actual target positions and environments, allowing the system to analyze ballistic outcomes based on these image copies rather than requiring direct laser alignment with physical targets. This enables complex ballistic simulations while maintaining training realism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If laser-based systems are used, then the system can function with simple equipment, but it cannot function through obscuration, occlusion, or atmospheric effects and requires clear line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the laser beam transmission system with an imaging system that captures light reflected from targets. The imaging device records images that can penetrate or work around obscurations and occlusions better than direct laser alignment. The processor then analyzes these images to determine target positions and hit outcomes, enabling operation in diverse environmental conditions including those with atmospheric effects or partial obscurations.
3Ease of operation
If laser-based systems are used, then the system can operate with minimal equipment, but users must wear excessive extra equipment which restricts soldier freedom of movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the laser alignment requirement from the shooter's equipment. Instead of requiring the shooter to wear laser emitters and maintain precise alignment, the system uses imaging devices that passively capture target information. The target identification and hit determination functions are extracted to a separate processor that analyzes images without requiring the shooter to carry or manage complex alignment equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device serves multiple functions: it captures target images, determines target positions, identifies targets, and provides data for ballistic calculations. This multi-functional approach replaces what would otherwise require separate laser alignment equipment, target acquisition devices, and tracking systems, reducing the overall equipment burden on the soldier while maintaining training effectiveness.
4Productivity
If laser-based systems are used, then the system can provide basic training functionality, but manual calibration is time-intensive and delays war gaming exercises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic calibration through the imaging system. The imaging device automatically captures target images and the processor automatically determines target positions and performs ballistic calculations based on these images. This self-calibrating approach eliminates the need for manual calibration procedures, allowing the system to quickly adapt to different training scenarios and environments without time-intensive setup, thereby improving training exercise efficiency.
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
The system provides enhanced accuracy and realism in combat simulations by accurately simulating complex ballistic effects and reducing equipment load, allowing training in diverse environments and scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
optical sensing arrays on weapon devices, allowing the weapon devices to image targets and/or other beacons) that are in the field of view of the weapon device
Data Source
AI summary
A laserless combat simulation device includes at least one processing device and a memory device having instructions stored thereon that, when executed by the at least one processing device cause the at least one processing device to receive a trigger event from a weapon device. The instructions further cause the at least one processing device to receive image data from an optical sensor array of the weapon device of a field of view of the weapon device, receive position information and orientation information of the weapon device at the time of the trigger event, analyze the image data to determine an identity and location of a target, and calculate a ballistic outcome based at least in part on the position information and orientation information of the weapon device, the identity and location of the target, and ballistic characteristics of a simulated round fired from the weapon device.