Projectile Weapon Training Apparatus Using Visual Target Designation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current projectile weapon training systems lack realism and provide limited feedback, as they either rely on non-interactive simulations or traditional targeting ranges that fail to accurately replicate real-world scenarios and provide insufficient temporal recognition of accurate target contact.
Innovation Solution
An interactive targeting system that includes a light emitter for designating valid and invalid targets, sensors for detecting projectile impacts, and a processor for calculating accuracy and providing feedback, allowing for realistic training scenarios with unmodified weapons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser light is used to engage a target in a simulation system, then safety is improved, but realism of the targeting experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A light emitter designates valid targets by projecting light onto them, serving as an intermediary between the simulation system and the target. This allows the system to maintain safety by using light instead of actual projectiles while still providing realistic targeting feedback through visual designation and impact detection
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor detects when a projectile hits a target and provides feedback to a processor, which then provides feedback to the user about shot accuracy. This closed-loop feedback system maintains realism by giving the user immediate information about their targeting performance without requiring actual projectile discharge
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional targeting ranges use non-interactive targets, then realism of weapon discharge is improved, but feedback on target contact deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor detects projectile impacts on targets and sends signals to a processor that determines whether the shot was accurate. The system then provides immediate feedback to the user about their targeting accuracy, restoring the loss of temporal recognition information that occurs with traditional non-interactive targets
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical target system with an electronic detection system using sensors and processors. This substitution maintains the realism of using actual projectiles while adding electronic feedback capabilities that provide precise temporal recognition of target contact
3Measurement precision
If sensors and processors are added to provide feedback, then measurement precision of target impact is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical target systems with simpler electronic sensor and processor components. The sensors detect impacts and the processors analyze the data to determine shot accuracy, providing high measurement precision with relatively simple electronic components compared to mechanical alternatives
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 enhances the realism and effectiveness of projectile weapon training by providing accurate feedback on target hits and misses, improving the user's targeting skills, speed, and judgment in dynamic and realistic environments.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter for projecting a light, said light designating a valid target for the projectile
Implementation Method 2
a sensor for sensing an impact of the projectile
Data Source
AI summary
This apparatus offers multiple training scenarios which designates the targets to be hit and evaluates response. The apparatus assists in the evaluation and training of a shooter using multiple scenarios, detection of target strikes, timing, accuracy, and threat assessment. The system may be used with unmodified weapons and may not require attachments to weapon or shooter. The light source(s) in this apparatus may include visible lasers, focused light emitters, video or image projectors. The shooter may use live ammunition, and the weapon may be fired and operated independently of the control system. Hit detection on the targets may use vibration, accelerometer, acoustic, optical or thermal sensors that respond to projectile strikes on the designated target(s). If the specific location of the strike on the target is desired, nested targets and multiple sensor triangulation calculations may be used. This system designates which targets to shoot, when to fire, and evaluates the results.