Training device with laser-assisted weapon

Abstract

Training device (1) with a laser-assisted weapon comprising a central unit (2), at least one receiving unit (8), a laser unit (9) and at least one person-worn pad (9) that can be energized with stimulation current (43), the laser unit (9) of a first training person (11) being arranged on a first weapon (27) and emitting a laser signal (28) in the direction of a receiving unit (8) of a second training person (12), wherein, when the laser signal (28) is detected by the receiving unit (8), this is evaluated as a hit by the central unit (2), and the central unit (2) sends at least one current pulse to the at least one pad (13), wherein, when a hit is detected, the pad (13) delivers a wave-like varying stimulation current (43), which causes muscular contraction pain in the training person.

Claims

1. Training device with a laser-assisted weapon comprising a central unit, at least one receiving unit, a laser unit and at least one person-worn pad that can be energized with stimulation current, the laser unit of a first training person being arranged on a first weapon and emitting a laser signal in the direction of a receiving unit of a second training person, wherein, when the laser signal is detected by the receiving unit, this is evaluated as a hit by the central unit, and the central unit sends at least one current pulse to the at least one pad, characterized in that when a hit is detected, the pad delivers a wave-like varying stimulation current, which causes muscular contraction pain in the training person.

2. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the wave-like varying stimulation current is non-pulse-like.

3. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the training device has an acceleration sensor, which detects a movement of the training person.

4. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the central unit has a controller which delivers the stimulation current to the training person over a certain period of time according to a predetermined simulation mode.

5. Training device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the training person moves, the controller of the central unit delivers an increased stimulation current according to a simulation program.

6. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that for certain body parts of the training person, each pad arranged there is assigned its own receiving unit.

7. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that separate pads are provided for each of the upper body, the back, the arms and/or the legs, which are controlled by the central unit in a targeted manner.

8. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the central unit has a plurality of connections for a plurality of pads, the connection being either contactless or wired.

9. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the central unit has a device for pulse rate measurement.

10. Training device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pad has at least one sensor for pulse measurement.

11. Method for carrying out a realistic combat situation with a training device with a laser-assisted weapon comprising a central unit, at least one receiving unit, a laser unit and at least one person-worn pad that can be energized with stimulation current, the laser unit of a first training person being arranged on a first weapon and emitting a laser signal in the direction of a receiving unit of a second training person, wherein, when the laser signal is detected by the receiving unit, this is evaluated as a hit by the central unit, and the central unit sends at least one current pulse to the at least one pad, characterized in that when a hit is detected, the pad delivers a wave-like varying stimulation current, which causes muscular contraction pain in the training person.

Description

[0050] In the following, the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to drawings which only show one embodiment. Further features and advantages of the invention which are essential to the invention are apparent from the drawings and their description.

[0051] The figures show:

[0052] FIG. 1: schematic representation of a training unit

[0053] FIG. 2: schematic representation of the central unit

[0054] FIG. 3: rehabilitation unit (medic device)

[0055] FIG. 4: schematic representation of the intensity following a hit

[0056] FIG. 5: schematic representation of several hits and life energy

[0057] FIG. 6: schematic representation of a pad

[0058] FIG. 6: different representations of the pads on the upper body of a training person

[0059] FIGS. 7A-7E: flowchart of a hit scenario

[0060] FIG. 8: representation of the simulation program

[0061] FIG. 1 shows a training unit with the training device 1 with a first training person 11 of, for example, Team A and a second training person 12 of, for example, Team B. The training device 1 comprises a central unit 2, a receiving unit 8, a laser unit 9 and at least one pad.

[0062] Each training person 11,12 carries a weapon 27 with a laser unit 9. The laser unit 9 is designed as an infrared laser, which has a range of up to 1000 meters. The weapon 27 is a training weapon, such as a BlueGun weapon or an imitation weapon. Of course, it is also possible for a real weapon to be used as the weapon 27, which, however, does not contain live ammunition, but training ammunition. The training person 11, 12 can thus train with his own weapon 27, with which he normally performs his duty as a soldier or police officer.

[0063] The laser unit 9 is pushed onto the weapon 27 or detachably connected to it. A bang detector on the laser unit 9 detects the shot of the weapon 27 and triggers the laser.

[0064] According to FIG. 1, the first training person 11 emits a laser signal 28 with the laser unit 9 in the direction of the second training person 12. The receiving unit 8 of the second training person 12 receives the laser signal 28 (in the event of a correct hit) and transmits the data to the central unit 2.

[0065] The central unit 2 is preferably designed as a single unit and includes a controller 3 and a memory 29. The central unit 2 is preferably arranged on a vest 5 or belt 4. The central unit 2 has multiple connections (e.g., wireless, wired, Bluetooth) for the individual receiving units 8, as well as multiple connections for the individual pads 13.

[0066] The acceleration sensor 22 is preferably arranged in the central unit 2. However, it is also possible that the acceleration sensor 22 is designed as a separate component, which is connected to the central unit 2 via a cable connection.

[0067] The memory 29 is designed as a RAM memory and stores the individual simulation modes. The simulation modes are programs which run over a certain time. This is illustrated in FIG. 4 by way of example.

[0068] The memory 29 of the central unit 2 can be written to and read out again either via a cable connection or a contactless connection, such as a radio connection or Bluetooth connection.

[0069] The controller 3 processes the data which it receives from the at least one receiving unit 8 and, for example, the acceleration sensor 22. If a receiving unit 8 receives a laser signal 28, it is passed on to the central unit, whereupon the controller 3 starts the first simulation mode 23, i.e., a varying, continuing current pulse is sent to the pad 13, with the pulse representing a first wounding scenario. This means that a varying voltage can be delivered to one or more pads 13 in a targeted manner. The pad 13 causes the muscles to contract, which the training person perceives as unpleasant or even as pain.

[0070] In addition to the simulation modes 23, 24, the memory 29 can also store certain data 30 which is received by the central unit 2 from, for example, the receiving unit 8, the acceleration sensor 22 or the like during the training unit. The data 30 are transmitted to a base station 20, which then evaluates them.

[0071] The transmission of the data 30 starting from the central unit 2 to the base station 20 can, for example, take place permanently with contactless data transmission. However, it is possible for the data 30 to be transmitted to the base station 20 using a USB stick or other medium after the end of the training. The base station 20 evaluates the data 30 using suitable software 21 and displays them graphically, for example.

[0072] The software 21 can display the following results, for example: [0073] First hit within which time period; [0074] How many times the individual training person 11, 12 was hit; [0075] How many shots, i.e., how many laser signals 28, the opposing training person 11, 12 has fired until the training person 11, 12 was finally hit. Here, the laser unit 9 of the first training person 11 is compared with the receiving unit 8 of the second training person 12; [0076] In which area of the body of the training person 11, 12 was hit; [0077] Which areas of the body of the training person 11, 12 were hit the most; [0078] Did the training person 11, 12 still move after the first or second hit; [0079] Evaluation of the pulse rate of the individual training person 11, 12; [0080] What is the stress level of the individual training person 11, 12; [0081] Which pain, i.e., which muscle contractions, can the individual training person endure or continue to act.

[0082] FIG. 2 shows the training device 2, which has the following components or parts, among others. A controller 2 for processing the incoming data from the receiving units 8, the acceleration sensor 22, the sensor 34 for heart rate measurement, and the stored program.

[0083] An ON/OFF switch 35 for activating and deactivating the system. A switch 36, which can be used to control the intensity of the current pulse output. A radio module 37 which transmits the data 30 to the base station 20. A memory 38, which is designed, for example, as a permanently installed, rewritable memory or as a flash memory. And a pulse generator 39 which outputs the current pulses to the individual pads 13 via the outputs.

[0084] FIG. 3 shows a rehabilitation module 31. Such a module is used by a trainer in order to make the central unit 2 of a neutralized training person 11, 12 ready for use again. The rehabilitation module 31 has an activation sensor 41 which outputs a signal to the respective central unit 2 and resets it to its original state. The activation sensor 41 is activated by a push button 40. The rehabilitation module can also partially reverse a wound. This means that the generated pain is attenuated again, which corresponds to dressing the wound and administering painkillers in real combat.

[0085] FIG. 4 is used to illustrate various pain profiles 23, 24 that run after a first hit. When a hit is detected, the pad 13 delivers a wave-like varying stimulation current 43, which causes a muscular contraction pain in the training person.

[0086] The Y-axis shows the intensity, which is delivered to the training person 11, 12 in the form of the stimulation current 43. The X-axis shows the course over time.

[0087] In section A (X-axis), the training device 1 registers a first hit 25 with its receiving unit 8, which is shown at the origin of the X- and Y-axes. After the hit 25, the training device 1 starts the pain profile 23, which begins with an increasing intensity. The increasing intensity is caused by an increasing stimulation current 43.

[0088] It is crucial that the stimulation current 43 persists over time (X-axis). This means that the stimulation current 43 does not have any interruptions or pauses. The training person 11, 12 is thus supplied with a constant, varying stimulation current 43, as a result of which the respective muscles are constantly contracted.

[0089] As more time passes after the hit, the pain profile changes automatically. From the time of the first hit, a 10-minute wounding scenario begins at 2-minute intervals in which the pain intensity differs.

[0090] Section B shows an additional pain profile 24. Compared to the normal pain profile 23, the pain profile 24 has a stimulation current 43 with a higher intensity and is related to the movement of the training person 11, 12. If the training person 11, 12 moves, this is detected by the acceleration sensor 22. The training device 1 thus detects a movement of the training person 11, 12 and automatically increases the intensity of the stimulation current 43. This means that the stimulation current 43 is increased at the pain profile 24 compared to the normal pain profile 23, so that the muscles of the training person 11, 12 experience increased contraction. There is thus a relationship between the movement of the training person 11, 12 and the level of intensity or the level of the stimulation current 43.

[0091] In section C, the training person 11, 12 does not move, so that the normal pain profile 23 runs with changing intensity of the stimulation current 43.

[0092] In section D, the training person 11, 12 is neutralized. This condition is reflected by a constant stimulation current 43. The muscles of the training person 11, 12 are thus constantly contracted, which corresponds to a type of muscle spasm.

[0093] If the injured person receives only one hit, the inevitable neutralization begins after 10 minutes; if further hits follow, the time until neutralization per hit is reduced according to the program. The number of hits until neutralization is programmable. Here, the time until neutralization is reduced, which is close to reality. In addition, there are parts of the body that initiate neutralization already after the first hit. In the event of immediate neutralization, the “neutralization” wounding scenario also begins immediately. In this case, the normal wounding scenario (10 minutes) is skipped according to the program.

[0094] FIG. 5 shows the decreasing life energy with a total of 4 hits with the laser unit 9. The more the life energy decreases, the higher the current pulse, which is represented by the pain profile 23 in the associated stimulation current 43.

[0095] FIG. 5 is used to illustrate another injury scenario. If a training person is hit for the first time in a non-lethal zone, the wounding duration is, for example, a maximum of 10 minutes, after which neutralization occurs automatically. If the training person is hit again during this time, the remaining wounding duration is reduced by 50% and the stimulation current is increased. With each further hit, there is a 50% reduction in life energy and with the stimulation current 43 is increased proportionally. With the 4th hit, neutralization takes place automatically, whereby a constant, increased stimulation current 43 is delivered to the training person via the pad(s).

[0096] FIG. 5 shows only by way of example that neutralization takes place after four hits. Of course, the number of hits as well as the level of stimulation current 43 can be set or programmed individually. This is done, for example, via the adjustable pain profiles 23, 24.

[0097] FIG. 6 shows the pad 13 which is connected to the central unit 2 via a connecting cable 14. The pad 13 has an electrode 32 which delivers the current pulse to the training person 11, 12. Of course, the pad 13 can also have a plurality of electrodes 32.

[0098] In addition, the pad 13 can also have a sensor 34 for measuring the heart rate. The data obtained are then transmitted to the central unit 2 via the connecting cable 14.

[0099] The pad 13 can be used either for only transmitting the current pulse with the electrode 32 or for only measuring the heart rate with the sensor 34.

[0100] It is also possible for the pad 13 to perform both functions. The central unit 2 detects that, for example, no current pulse is currently being transmitted via the electrode 32 because the receiving unit 8 did not detect a hit in this area of the body. A heart rate measurement can thus be carried out with the sensor 34 during this period.

[0101] FIGS. 7a, 7b, 7c, 7d and 7e show different embodiments of the training device 1 according to the invention. Here, the training device 1 is arranged in a vest 7. The vest 7 has a plurality of receiving units 8 which are connected to the central unit 2. Further receiving units 8 are located, for example, on the arms 17. The pads 13 are arranged on different areas of the body. The combination of muscle groups required for muscle stimulation can be freely selected.

[0102] According to FIG. 7a, the training device 1 has only one pad 13 in the chest area of the upper body 15. The training device 2 is supplied with power by an additional battery 42.

[0103] In FIG. 7b, the training person 11, 12 is shown from behind. Here, too, the vest 17 has a plurality of receiving units 8 which detect the laser signal 28 from an opposing laser unit 9. Two pads 13 are arranged in the area of the back 16, which contract the individual muscles there by means of a current pulse.

[0104] FIG. 7c shows the training person 11, 12 from the front. Both a receiving unit 8 and a pad 13 are arranged on both arms 17. This makes it possible that when a hit is detected in the area of the arm 17, the respective pad 13 is only supplied with current there and causes pain there.

[0105] FIG. 7d shows the back 16 of the training person 11, 12, with the vest 5 having a vibration module 6 with which a hit is additionally represented by a vibration. In addition, the vest 5 has a light module 7 which indicates the hit with a light signal.

[0106] FIG. 7e shows the arrangement of a pad 13 on the arm 17 of the training person 11, 12. The pad 13 is designed as a type of cuff and can thus be securely attached to the upper arm.

[0107] FIG. 8 again shows the procedure after a hit has been made. The laser signal 28 is detected by the receiving unit 8. The receiving unit 8 sends a signal to the central unit 2. The central unit 2 registers the hit and activates a program, whereby a specific pad 13 receives a current pulse.

[0108] The programs can also be configured individually before each training to suit the user's sensitivity to pain. This ensures that no user is overwhelmed in their capacity to endure pain. This individual configuration cannot be manipulated from outside or by third parties. It is controlled exclusively by the respective user. The training device also has an emergency stop switch, which is ergonomically arranged so as to ensure quick operation. If the user experiences overstimulation, he is able to deactivate the system immediately.

[0109] The central unit 2 controls all functions from individual configuration to hit registration via the corresponding receiving units 8 on the body. In addition, the hit is signaled by means of a light module 7 (LED). The control of the pain simulation of the wounding models including all scenarios (hits, movements, bleeding time) with the possible result of neutralization is carried out by the central unit 2. The central unit 2 is the central brain and client of all functional processes that are activated in the event of one or more hits.

LEGEND FOR DRAWINGS

[0110] 1. Training device [0111] 2. Central unit [0112] 3. Controller [0113] 4. Belt [0114] 5. Vest [0115] 6. Vibration module [0116] 7. Light module [0117] 8. Receiving unit [0118] 9. Laser unit [0119] 10. Helmet [0120] 11. Training Team A [0121] 12. Training Team B [0122] 13. Pad [0123] 14. Connecting cable [0124] 15. Upper body [0125] 16. Back [0126] 17. Arm [0127] 18. Leg [0128] 19. Abdomen [0129] 20. Base station [0130] 21. Software of 20 [0131] 22. Acceleration sensor (G-sensor) [0132] 23. Simulation mode (normal) [0133] 24. Simulation mode (movement) [0134] 25. Hit no. 1 [0135] 26. Hit no. 2 [0136] 27. Weapon [0137] 28. Laser signal [0138] 29. Memory [0139] 30. Data [0140] 31. Rehabilitation module [0141] 32. Electrode [0142] 33. Connector [0143] 34. Sensor [0144] 35. ON/OFF switch [0145] 36. Switch [0146] 37. Radio module [0147] 38. Memory [0148] 39. Pulse generator [0149] 40. Activation sensor [0150] 41. Push button [0151] 42. Battery [0152] 43. Stimulation current