Thermal Sensor Projectile Impact Coordinate Calculation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearms training systems lack the ability to accurately and efficiently determine the impact coordinates of live projectiles without halting training, relying on visual inspection or destructive methods, and limit realism by using simulated weapons and fixed, non-manipulable targets.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing sensors, such as thermal cameras, to capture energy changes on self-healing elastomeric screens, calculating and displaying actual pixel coordinates of projectile impacts in real-time, allowing for continuous training with real weapons and scenarios that simulate the effects of projectile hits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual inspection or rough estimation methods are used to determine impact location, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the measurement precision is poor and training must be halted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual inspection and mechanical target retrieval systems with an optical sensing system using cameras and image processing algorithms. The system captures images of the target, detects impact marks through image analysis, and calculates coordinates automatically, eliminating the need for manual target inspection and retrieval while significantly improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that acts as a mediator between the physical impact event and the digital coordinate extraction. The system uses captured images as an intermediary representation of the impact, allowing precise coordinate determination without direct mechanical interaction with the target.
2Reliability
If traditional targets are used that allow easy impact monitoring, then the ease of operation is good, but the targets are quickly destroyed by projectiles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the target and impact information through image capture and processing. Instead of relying on the physical target's visual properties, the system captures an image copy and analyzes it digitally to determine impact coordinates. This allows the use of durable physical targets while maintaining ease of impact monitoring through digital image analysis.
3Adaptability or versatility
If simulated weapons are used in training systems, then the safety is improved and device complexity is reduced, but the realism and training effectiveness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simulated projectile systems with actual projectile systems while substituting the detection mechanism. Instead of using simulated projectiles with optical beams, the system uses real projectiles with real impacts, detected through image processing of impact marks on the target. This maintains safety through automated detection while improving realism by using actual weapons and projectiles.
4Adaptability or versatility
If fixed targets are used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and maneuverability of training scenarios are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed targets to dynamic targets that can move and change position. The image processing system captures targets at various positions and orientations, automatically determining impact coordinates relative to the target's current state. This allows training scenarios to include moving targets and changing configurations without requiring complex mechanical target 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
Enables precise and instantaneous determination of projectile impact coordinates without stopping training, enhancing realism and safety by allowing use of real weapons and ammunition, and providing immersive, maneuverable training scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor, such as a thermal camera, to capture images of the energy changes, or spikes, across a planar surface
Data Source
AI summary
A training system and method to calculate actual coordinates of a projectile impact at one or more screens has been disclosed. A projectile is launched at a screen. One or more targets are projected onto the screen. A calibrated sensor is directed at the screen surface. The sensor continually captures thermal images of a screen surface. The sensor comprises software to detect and isolate thermal images of the projectile impacting the screen. These impact images are transmitted to a computer connected to the sensor. A computer comprises software to calculate the actual impact coordinates relative to a projected target. The calculated coordinates are digitally sent to feedback devices for display purposes. The system further comprises virtual training scenarios that are triggered upon notification of actual impact coordinates. These training scenarios simulate real life situations.