Electronic Light Lobe Steering for Combat Training Simulators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for simulating fire effects in combat training require complex and expensive mechanical arrangements to control laser light lobes, limiting the ability to send varied information in different directions and positions, and are restricted by their sequential nature.
Innovation Solution
A device with a two-dimensional array of electronically controllable elements that can either allow or block light, eliminating the need for mechanical sweeps and enabling precise control of light lobe propagation, allowing for varied information distribution across a space without mechanical complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a mechanical arrangement is used to sweep laser light to form a light lobe, then the device can cover a wide area, but the device complexity increases and becomes extremely complicated when sweeping in multiple directions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sweeping arrangements with an electronically controllable two-dimensional array of elements that can directly form and steer light lobes in multiple directions without mechanical moving parts. This substitution eliminates the complexity of mechanical systems while maintaining or expanding coverage area.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional mechanical sweeping to a two-dimensional array of controllable elements, adding a spatial dimension to light control. This allows simultaneous control of light propagation in multiple directions without mechanical complexity.
2Loss of information
If a mechanically controlled sweep is used to form a light lobe, then the device can transmit information, but the sequential nature of the sweep restricts the possibilities to send out information with respect to time and position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sequential mechanical sweeping with parallel electronic control of a two-dimensional array, enabling simultaneous information transmission to multiple positions without temporal restrictions. This eliminates the sequential bottleneck while maintaining information transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous and simultaneous light transmission to multiple positions through the two-dimensional array, rather than sequential transmission. This allows uninterrupted information flow to all target positions at once, enhancing temporal and positional control flexibility.
3Measurement precision
If a two-dimensional array of electronically controllable elements is used to control light propagation, then information transmission precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light control function into many small, independently controllable elements arranged in a two-dimensional array. Each element can be controlled individually to achieve precise spatial and temporal information transmission, with the complexity distributed across many simple elements rather than one complex mechanism.
4Area of stationary object
If mechanical sweeping is used to control light lobe, then the device can cover different positions, but power consumption increases due to sequential scanning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables simultaneous light transmission to multiple positions through parallel control of the two-dimensional array, eliminating the need for sequential scanning. This continuous parallel operation reduces power consumption while maintaining comprehensive spatial coverage.
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
Enables accurate and sophisticated information transmission to different sections of a space, reducing power consumption and allowing for dynamic control of the light lobe, thereby enhancing the realism and precision of combat training simulations.
Implementation Method 1
a light source and means adapted to control a light lobe formed by light beams from said light source
Implementation Method 2
a two-dimensional array of elements electronically controllable to assume either a first state of letting said light inciding thereupon through in a main direction of said light lobe or a second state of not letting said light inciding thereupon through in said main direction
Data Source
AI summary
A device for simulating fire effects in military or civilian combat training. The device includes a light source configured to produce light beams and a light source control adapted to control a light lobe formed by the light beams from the light source. The light source control includes a two-dimensional array of elements electronically controllable to assume a selected state among at least a first state of letting through light incident thereupon in a main direction of the light lobe or a second state of not letting through the light incident thereupon in the main direction, and a unit adapted to control the elements for designing the spatial propagation of the light lobe.