Smart Training Targets with Acoustic Impact Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing training targets are basic and lack realism, failing to accurately simulate the impact of projectiles and provide real-time feedback on hit locations.
Innovation Solution
The development of smart targets equipped with sensors and processors that detect projectile impacts in real-time, determining the location of hits and controlling subsequent target behavior based on predefined zones and behavioral states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If basic static or simple mechanical targets are used, then device complexity is low, but measurement precision of impact location and realism of target behavior deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The target body is divided into multiple discrete panels, each equipped with its own array of acoustic wave sensors. This segmentation allows the system to determine impact location by identifying which panel and which sensor detected the impact, enabling precise location determination while keeping each individual panel's complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical impact detection methods (such as simple twist or flip mechanisms) with acoustic wave sensors that detect impact locations through sound wave analysis. This substitution enables more precise and realistic impact detection without requiring complex mechanical response systems.
2Measurement precision
If real-time sensor-based location determination is implemented, then measurement precision of impact location improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic wave sensors serve multiple functions: they detect impact locations, determine impact magnitude, and can potentially identify impact patterns. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized sensors for each function, thereby managing system complexity while achieving precise real-time measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The target system processes its own sensor data internally using the integrated processor to determine impact locations and trigger appropriate responses without requiring external intervention. This self-service capability reduces the complexity of external control systems while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Productivity
If targets with automatic information collection capability are provided, then productivity of training evaluation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target system automatically collects impact information and provides feedback about the training exercise outcomes. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for manual assessment of training effectiveness, significantly improving productivity while the automated nature of the system manages complexity through integrated processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The target creates a digital record or copy of the impact event through sensor data, which can be stored and analyzed without physically altering the training environment. This copying approach enables efficient data collection and analysis while keeping the physical target system relatively simple.
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 smart targets provide a more realistic training experience by accurately tracking projectile impacts and adjusting behavior accordingly, enhancing the immersive nature of urban warfare training simulations.
Implementation Method 1
at least some of the plurality of sensors are acoustic wave sensors to detect acoustic waves caused by impact of the project on the body
Implementation Method 2
The sensors may, for example, be piezoelectric sensors and/or microphones
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides physical targets for training, including targets (101) for projectiles fired by non-ballistic ammunition such as paint marker rounds. The targets can be used for detecting the impact of a projectile, with the target including a body (103) and plurality of sensors mounted on the body for detecting an impact of a projectile on the body. Each sensor provides an output representing a detected impact. A processor receives the sensor outputs and determines, from the sensor outputs, a location at which the projectile impacts the body. The target may also include one or more domain actuators (202) controlling actions of the target based on a current behavioural state of the target.