Optical Marksmanship Training System for Realistic Trajectory Simulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current simulation shooting systems, such as I-TESS, provide unrealistic training due to large simulated bullet diameters, lack of realistic cover and concealment scenarios, and the potential for cheating, failing to accurately portray bullet trajectories and hits, which can lead to negative training outcomes and a lack of respect for real-world combat situations.
Innovation Solution
A shooting simulation system utilizing man-worn computers, optical systems aligned with firearm sights, GPS devices, and orientation sensors to capture images and determine virtual bullet trajectories, allowing for accurate hit or miss calculations without active target emissions, and incorporating real firearms for force-on-force exercises.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If laser-based simulated bullet systems (I-TESS) are used, then training can be conducted without live fire, but the simulated bullet diameter is much larger than actual bullets causing inaccurate hit/miss scoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical system with imaging sensor to capture actual bullet impact locations on targets, creating a visual copy of the ballistic trajectory. This replaces the laser-based simulated bullet with a photographic record of real bullet impacts, ensuring that hit/miss scoring accurately reflects actual ballistics while maintaining training safety through controlled environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical laser-based hit detection system with an optical imaging system that photographs the actual bullet impact location. This replacement allows for precise measurement of bullet diameter and impact position, eliminating the inaccuracies of laser spot size while maintaining the non-live-fire training benefit
2Speed
If laser beams are used to simulate bullets, then training speed is maintained, but the laser beam does not curve toward the ground like a projectile requiring lead calculations
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system captures photographs of actual bullet impacts, creating a visual record that demonstrates real ballistic trajectories including curvature and drop. This photographic copy provides authentic ballistic data for training purposes while maintaining training speed through immediate feedback, eliminating the need for students to learn incorrect lead calculations based on laser simulations
3Ease of operation
If I-TESS system with active emissions is used, then target detection is simplified, but soldiers can cheat by blocking or smearing the receptors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the detection approach by having the shooter wear the active optical system (camera and light source) rather than the target. The target becomes passive with reflective markers, making it impossible for targets to cheat by blocking sensors. The shooter's optical system actively illuminates and photographs the target, ensuring training integrity while maintaining ease of target detection through the active optical search
4Measurement precision
If large simulated bullet diameter is used in I-TESS, then hit detection sensitivity is improved, but shots are scored as hits that would be near misses in reality
Solution Approach 1:
The optical imaging system creates an accurate visual copy of the actual bullet impact location and size on the target. This photographic record shows the true scale of bullet diameter and precise impact position, providing sensitive detection of even minor impacts while maintaining accurate representation of real ballistic performance, eliminating the inflated hit criteria of laser systems
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 realistic marksmanship training by accurately simulating bullet impacts and promoting proper cover and concealment techniques, reducing the risk of cheating and enhancing tactical awareness through precise trajectory calculations and passive target recognition.
Implementation Method 1
an optical system for capturing an image where the captured image provides information on a trajectory of a virtual bullet fired from a shooting firearm
Implementation Method 2
an orientation device for obtaining the orientation of the firearm when shooting the firearm
Implementation Method 3
a location device for determining a location of the soldier
Data Source
AI summary
A shooting simulation system and method. The system includes a plurality of firearms. Each firearm is associated with a separate soldier having a man-worn computer, a location device for determining a location of the soldier, an optical system for capturing an image where the captured image provides information on a trajectory of a virtual bullet fired from a shooting firearm, and an orientation device for obtaining the orientation of the firearm when shooting the firearm. The optical system is aligned with a sight of the shooting firearm and captures the image when shooting the firearm. The system also includes a shooter/target location resolution module for identifying a valid target and a target image recognition module for determining an impact location where a virtual bullet from the shooting firearm would impact within the captured image and determining if an identified target from the captured image is a hit or a miss.