Marksmanship Training System with Phantom Target Projection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shooting simulators fail to effectively teach marksmen how to lead moving targets due to difficulties in recreating the visual scale of clay targets and requiring marksman to aim at invisible objects, leading to a time-consuming and inaccurate learning process.
Innovation Solution
A system that records video images of clay targets at a shooting range and overlays a phantom target at a calculated lead distance and drop distance, allowing marksman to practice aiming at a projected image on a screen, with a laser or infrared beam used to determine hit or miss, and includes a method for modifying and analyzing these images to improve training efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing shooting simulators are used to train marksmen, then training can be conducted indoors without clay targets, but the visual scale of clay targets cannot be effectively recreated and marksmen must aim at invisible objects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent projects video images of actual clay targets onto a screen, creating a visual copy that preserves the authentic appearance, size, and movement characteristics of real clay targets. This allows marksmen to see the target clearly while maintaining the same visual scale as live shooting, eliminating the problem of aiming at invisible objects
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a projection screen as an intermediary between the marksman and the actual clay target. The screen displays video images that mediate the aiming process, allowing the marksman to aim at a visible representation while the laser or infrared beam provides feedback on the actual shot accuracy
2Loss of time
If marksmen practice leading moving targets without visual feedback, then training time is reduced, but the learning process becomes inaccurate and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides immediate feedback by detecting when the laser or infrared beam from the weapon intersects with the projected clay target image on the screen. This feedback mechanism allows marksmen to instantly know whether their lead distance and aiming point were correct, enabling rapid iteration and learning without wasting time on inaccurate practice
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-calculates and displays the correct lead distance by projecting the clay target image at the appropriate position and size on the screen based on the weapon's muzzle velocity and the target's movement characteristics. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for marksmen to manually calculate lead distances during practice
3Reliability
If clay targets are used for live shooting practice, then realistic training conditions are provided, but range time is limited and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates accurate visual copies of clay targets through video projection, preserving all the visual characteristics, colors, and movement patterns of real clay targets. This allows unlimited practice sessions with the same visual fidelity as live shooting, eliminating the need to consume physical clay targets and reducing range time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses video playback to repeatedly show the same clay target trajectories and scenarios, allowing marksmen to practice the same lead distance calculations multiple times. This periodic repetition of training scenarios reinforces learning without requiring additional range time or physical targets
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 an effective and efficient method for training marksmen by recreating the visual scale of clay targets and allowing real-time feedback on aiming accuracy, reducing the time and effort required to learn proper lead distances and improve shooting skills.
Implementation Method 1
a projector adapted to project the set of modified video images onto a screen
Implementation Method 2
a laser or infrared beam used to determine hit or miss
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for marksmanship training comprises a screen, a computer having a processor and a memory connected to the processor and adjacent the screen, a set of modified video images stored in the memory, a set of projectors for projecting the set of modified video images onto the screen, connected to the computer and adjacent the screen, the set of modified video images including a moving clay target image and a phantom clay target image adjacent the moving clay target image at a lead distance from the moving clay target image, a camera connected to the computer and adjacent the screen, a weapon adjacent the screen, and a laser operatively mounted in the weapon. The phantom clay target image has a contrast level range from a fully opaque image to a fully transparent image.