Abstract
The exemplary arrangement relates to a target comprising at least one dummy depicting at least one part of the human body. According to the exemplary arrangement it is provided, that the dummy depicting at least one part of the human body comprises a plurality of sensors, which communicate with a sensor data evaluating apparatus (140) for the registration of the sensors. The sensor data evaluating apparatus determines, by mathematical correlation of points in time (t.sub.1, t.sub.2, t.sub.3) corresponding to points of maximum pressure (Pmax.sub.1, Pmax.sub.2, Pmax.sub.3) from sensor data of the plurality of sensors the point of entry ({right arrow over (T)}) and preferentially the trajectory of a projectile penetrating the dummy.
Claims
1. A target, comprising a dummy depicting at least one part of the human body, wherein the dummy depicting at least one part of the human body comprises a plurality of sensors, wherein the plurality of sensors communicate with a sensor data evaluating apparatus for the registration of the sensors' data, wherein the sensor data evaluating apparatus is operative to determine by mathematical correlation of points in time (t.sub.1, t.sub.2, t.sub.3) corresponding with a maximum pressure (Pmax.sub.1, Pmax.sub.2, Pmax.sub.3) from respective sensor data of the plurality of sensors the point of entry ({right arrow over (T)}) and the trajectory of a projectile penetrating the dummy.
2. The target according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors are configured to communicate wirelessly with the sensor data evaluating apparatus, by at least one of: active or passive RFID transponder communication, or communication by a generic near field communication with the sensor data evaluating apparatus, or infrared communication, or radio communication.
3. The target according to claim 1, wherein an arm of the dummy depicting at least one part of the human body comprises a fixture configured to hold an objects, wherein the object is located approximately in the area of a hand mounted to an arm wherein the fixture can drop the object previously held by remote triggering, wherein the fixture can be controlled remotely.
4. The target according to claim 3, wherein the arm of the dummy depicting at least one part of the human body is movably motor driven by a drive, wherein the drive can be controlled remotely.
5. The target according to claim 1, wherein an additional dummy depicting at least one part of the human body is positioned behind or in front of the dummy on the target, wherein the additional dummy is movably motor driven by a drive including at least one of: a lever, or a scissor gear, wherein the dummy and the additional dummy can either overlap or be positioned offset to each other wherein the drive can be controlled remotely.
6. The target according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of sensors has a flat-shape or a disk-shape and are aligned radially in relation of a body axis of the dummy depicting at least one part of the human body, wherein the dummy includes an exterior skin, and wherein each of the plurality of sensors has a small edge width silhouette that extends radially into a wall of the exterior skin of the dummy, wherein the plurality of sensors are identical among each other and are pre-configured by colour and shape for an easy exchange, wherein a respective pre-configured sensor of the plurality of sensors is only extendable into the dummy at a point of the dummy pre-determined for the pre-configured sensor.
7. The target according to claim 1, and further comprising a device for unbound movement across a terrain, wherein the device supports the dummy, and wherein the device comprises at least one of: a three-wheeled or four-wheeled, armoured small vehicle, a single-axle armoured vehicle with two wheels arranged parallel on one axle with a straightening apparatus, or a device resembling two human legs, whereby the device with the two legs performs a humanoid motion for movement.
8. The target according to claim 3, further comprising a control unit present within the target that controls unbound movement across a terrain, and/or the arm of the dummy, and/or the fixture for the mounting of objects, wherein the control unit is operative to cause the dummy to perform a pre-set repertoire of motion patterns, wherein the pre-set repertoire of motion patterns externally conform to body language of typical emotions during a combat situation, including at least one of: a resting position to remain unrecognized, or a position of panic, or a position of aggression, or a position of flight, wherein the control unit is connected to additional, movable targets wirelessly through a central command device, wherein the connection is by at least one of: client-server communication, or peer-to-peer communication, wherein in case of a hit by a projectile with predetermined parameters, including: a computed lethal shot, or a computed man-stopping shot, or a computed shot lethal with delay, the control unit communicates a result of its own computations to the additional movable targets, and the additional movable targets show a changed motion pattern responsive to the communication of the result by the control unit.
9. The target according to claim 1, wherein the dummy is comprised of polyurethane foam or vinyl rubber, which is compacted at an external surface, such that the external surface has a rubbery or leathery consistency, wherein respective locations for the respective sensors include button-hole shape slots within the external surface of the dummy and wherein an inner shape of a respective slot corresponds to an outer shape of the respective sensor, wherein the button-hole shape slots exhibit a colour marking.
10. The target according to claim 1, wherein the dummy has a density that is similar to density of a human body.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] The exemplary embodiment will be explained by means of the following illustrations. They show:
[0024] FIG. 1 a movable target from state-of-the-art,
[0025] FIG. 2 another movable target from state-of-the-art,
[0026] FIG. 3 a movable target according to the exemplary embodiment,
[0027] FIG. 4 the torso of the movable target according to the an exemplary embodiment showing an arrangement of the placement of individual sensors,
[0028] FIG. 4a sensors with different shapes for the use at predetermined sections of the torso from FIG. 4,
[0029] FIG. 5 display of a sagittal section through the torso,
[0030] FIG. 6 a torso opened by a sagittal section with folded out torso halves,
[0031] FIG. 6a outlining of a point of entry into a torso, displayed on one of the torso halves,
[0032] FIG. 6b display of pressure pulse signals of different sensors attached to the torso,
[0033] FIG. 6c drawing for clarification of the computation of the point of entry from sensor data,
[0034] FIG. 7 display of a movable target on an armored small vehicle,
[0035] FIG. 8 display of a movable target on autonomously walking, robotic legs,
[0036] FIG. 9 display of a movable target on a single-axle vehicle with electronic straightening apparatus,
[0037] FIG. 10 display of a movable target with a second dummy displayed as a hostage,
[0038] FIG. 11 display of a movable target with a second dummy displayed as a hostage, the target person displayed as a dummy peeking out behind the hostage,
[0039] FIG. 12 display of a movable target with a second dummy displayed as a hostage, the target person displayed as a dummy, that is holding a weapon,
[0040] FIG. 13 display of a movable target with a second dummy displayed as a hostage, the target person displayed as a dummy, that has dropped a weapon.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0041] In FIG. 1 a movable target 10 from the state-of-the-art is displayed. The movable target 10 is taking its path from left to right as a metal or cardboard target with a silhouette of a human and in doing so can come up (pop up) from the back or can fall down to the back. For a sniper, who has to train in dynamic or highly dynamic situations, this kind of movable target is predictable, boring and offer a surprise effect only by coming up and falling down to the back.
[0042] In FIG. 2 a movable target 11 from the state-of-the-art is displayed. The movable target 11 is mounted as a three-dimensional torso 12 on an armored small vehicle. The armored small vehicle 13 is remotely controllable and is controlled by a central computer that can also control complex patterns of movement with a dynamic adjustment to external events with an appropriate computer program. The torso 12 has sensors not shown here, which can detect a hit qualitatively, detecting if it was hit or not. The category or classification of the hit cannot be analyzed in real time or close to real time.
[0043] FIG. 3 eventually shows a first design variant of a movable target 100 according to an exemplary arrangement. Movable target 100 is structured as a torso 102 with a head 108 placed on top of the torso mounted on an armored small vehicle 113. Armored small vehicle 113 is also referred to as device 110. As a special feature, the mounted torso 102 exhibits a movable right arm 103 holding a dummy weapon 104 with the hand. The arm 103 of the dummy 101 is movably motor driven by a drive 800. The drive 800 can be controlled remotely. By a programmed rising of the hand with the weapon, this movable target can simulate an attack by a target person, to which the sniper has to react adequately. In further design variants of the movable target according to the exemplary embodiment it is provided for that the arm 103 can shoot up to simulate a surrendering target person. Besides the arm 103, there are sensors 106 in the face area and sensors 105 in the chest area of the torso 102 which are outlined here as a grid 107 for clarification of the geometric cross-linking between them. By means of sensors 105 and 106, which detect primarily a pressure pulse of a pressure wave, the point of entry and when, applicable, the trajectory of the projectile hitting the movable target 100 are determined. The number of sensors 105 and 106 can be 3 to 4 but also 10 or 20 and more depending on the demanded precision of the analysis of the point of entry and the trajectory. The more sensors 105 and 106 that are installed, the shorter is the life cycle of the dummy 101 due to a probable hit by a projectile. Dummy 101 is also referred to as the first dummy.
[0044] In FIG. 4 exemplary positions of the plurality of sensors within the dummy 101 consisting of torso 102 and head 108 are displayed. The plurality of sensors 120, 121, 122 and 123 are individualized by their shape and color scheme as to which the sensors can be inserted into the dummy 101. It is provided for, that sensors of a predetermined type with a predetermined identification number can only be inserted into positively corresponding butthole shape slots 130 as is demonstrated in detail enlargement A. The buttonhole shape slots 130 have an inner shape 814 within the side 160 of torso 102 of the dummy 101. The inner shape 814 of the buttonhole shape slots 130 is shown in FIG. 6. The inner shape 814 corresponds to an outer shape 816 of the preconfigured sensor, shown in FIG. 6. Thereby the sensors 120, 121, 122 and 123 can be battery-powered sensors, which are designed as active transponders. It is also possible, that the sensors 120, 121, 122 and 123 are equipped with an apparatus 150 for infrared communication and may communicate by infrared impulse with a sensor data analyzing apparatus 140 such as computer circuitry. Finally, the sensors can also comprise an apparatus for radio communication by radio waves with the data analyzing apparatus 140, whereby a BlueTooth-set-up would be possible for a protocol. In the exemplary embodiment it can be provided that the sensors 120, 121, 122 and 123 comprise a piezo element 135 that absorbs the kinetic energy of a pressure wave caused by a projectile 200 entering into the dummy 101. The piezo crystal converts the pressure pulse into a short voltage pulse that is sufficient to charge a condenser within the electronics of the sensor 120, 121, 122 and 123. The stored electrical energy within the condenser will then be sufficient for a very short period of time, that the sensor 120, 121, 122 and 123 sends its identification number at the moment of measuring the pressure pulse. This identification number will then be received by the data analyzing apparatus 140. The precise time with a higher resolution than 1 s of receipt of the radio or infrared message together with the identification number, that has been allocated a three-dimensional location internally, will be stored temporarily in the data analyzing apparatus 140.
[0045] The placement of the sensors, which should include at least four sensors, should be in a way that the desired target regions of the human body are covered by a swarm of sensors belonging together. The swarm belonging together has the capacity each to detect a pressure wave of the zeroth order (no reflection at a phase interface), before an echo by reflection of the pressure wave reaches the respective sensor again.
[0046] In order for no damage of the sensors to occur while under fire, the sensors 120, 121, 122 and 123 are manufactured as flat disks and inserted radially relative to the body axis 804, into an exterior or outer skin 806 of a wall 160 of the torso 102 and the head 108. In this exemplary arrangement the sensors 120, 121, 122, and 123 have a small edge width silhouette 810 that extends radially into the exterior skin or outer surface skin wall 160. This is shown in FIG. 6, enlargement B. Because of the radial arrangement, the sensors manufactured as flat disks are rarely hit while under ordinary fire. Only in the case of grazing shots, a sensor could be hit by a projectile. In this case, the sensor would have to be replaced by a new sensor with an identical identification number or with a known new identification number.
[0047] In FIG. 4a differently shaped sensors 120, 121, 122 and 123 are shown, that are shaped similarly as the components of an insertion game. The diverse design helps the personnel, which are possibly under time pressure and emotional stress in a training situation, not to confuse the sensors. With a color encoding, the allocation of pre-fabricated sensors to predetermined identification numbers can be even further facilitated.
[0048] In FIG. 5 the sagittal section 150 through the dummy 101 consisting of torso 102 and head 108 is shown. A dummy 101 cut open in this section plane presents the picture displayed in FIG. 6 when both dummy halves 150a and 150b are unfolded. Torso 102 as well as head 108 has a side strength dimension of approx. 3 cm to approx. 10 cm. For instance, the side 160 of torso 102 and head 108 are made of polyurethane foam or foamed vinyl natural rubber that comprises a rubbery to leathery consistency in form at the phase interface due to heat treatment during casting. Thereby, the phase interface of the dummy 101 has a side strength dimension of approximately 0.3 mm to 1.5 mm. Between both phase interfaces, the polyurethane foam or the vinyl natural rubber (here as exemplary, elastic foams) is developed by appropriate softening agents as a rather tough and elastic foam material. For a number of advantages, the dummy 101 in a special version is filled with a gel 170 that has the consistency of paste-like lubricating grease or the consistency of undissolved soft soap. Thereby the gel can actually also consist of industrial mineral grease, actually of soft soap, of acrylate gel welled in water or of weakly crosslinked organic polymers welled in water or solvents when appropriate. Also soft wax is suitable when softened with solvents, mineral grease or oil. The gel filling leads to a higher energy intake of the dummy 101 from the projectile, permits a more precise detection of the pressure wave by the sensors, permits the masking of transversal waves and longitudinal waves, leads to a stronger dampening of the pressure wave, and also leads to a more realistic picture of the movement of the dummy 101 when hit by the projectile. Finally the sound of the hit becomes more realistic. In detail enlargement B it is shown, how a sensor 120 sticks in a slot within the side of the dummy 101 assembled from torso 102 and head 108. Thereby the sensor 120 has been absorbed into the tough and elastic foam material of the dummy 101.
[0049] A hit of the dummy 101 by a projectile 200 is displayed in FIG. 6a. In the detail enlargement of 6a it is shown how the projectile 200 pierces the side 160 of the dummy 101 consisting for instance of polyurethane foam and in doing so pierces the gel filling as well. The piercing by the projectile 200 forms a tunnel 201 in the moment of the hit. However, this closes again a short time after the hit. Within the gel 170, a pressure wave 210 expands at the piercing by projectile 200, which expands circular in the direction of the arrow (the directions of the arrows indicate two radial directions in relation to the projectile trajectory). The pressure wave 210 around the trajectory of the projectile 200 moving along forms a cone around the trajectory probably determined by the ballistics of the projectile and probably bent as well and hits the different sensors 120, 121, 122, 123 at different times. At the moment of the detection of the pressure impulse, the sensor 120 sends a signal to data analyzing apparatus 140. From the different points in time when the pressure wave 210 is detected at the different sensors 120, 121, 122, 123 with known set-up and therefore known location, the point of entry can be determined by triangulation within the data analyzing apparatus 140.
[0050] For detection of the point of entry of the projectile on dummy 101, in FIG. 6b the pressure pulse diagram picturing pressure P in Pa and the time t in s, for the three sensors S.sub.1, S.sub.2 and S.sub.3 is shown. The three sensors S.sub.1, S.sub.2 and S.sub.3 all register at a slightly different point in time t.sub.1, t.sub.2 and t.sub.3 a very similar pressure pulse signal Pmax.sub.1, Pmax.sub.2 and Pmax.sub.3. The various slightly different points in time t.sub.1, t.sub.2 and t.sub.3 have to be traced back to the different running times of the pressure wave expanding through the gel. It should be indicated at this point, that a detection also works with an air filled dummy 101 and with a dummy 101 made of full-foam material. It is important to keep the number of phase interfaces with a large difference in density low. A totally homogeneous material would be ideal or the existence of material boundaries with a very large difference in damping performance.
[0051] For computation of the point of entry T in FIG. 6c as vector with the coordinates (x.sub.T, y.sub.T, z.sub.T) the following equation is solved:
({right arrow over (X)}.sub.1+{right arrow over ()}*t.sub.1)({right arrow over (X)}.sub.2+{right arrow over ()}*t.sub.2)=({right arrow over (X)}.sub.3+{right arrow over ()}*t.sub.3)(1)
whereby [0052] {right arrow over (X)}.sub.1 stands for the fixed location of sensor 1, [0053] {right arrow over (X)}.sub.2 stands for the fixed location of sensor 2, [0054] {right arrow over (X)}.sub.3 stands for the fixed location of sensor 3, [0055] {right arrow over ()} stands for the velocity of sound in vectorial form in the gel or in the filling of the dummy, [0056] t.sub.1 stands for t.sub.1t.sub.0, the time difference between point in time to of the point of entry and point in time t.sub.1 of the arrival of the pressure wave at sensor 1, [0057] t.sub.2 stands for t.sub.2t.sub.0, the time difference between point in time to of the point of entry and point in time t.sub.2 of the arrival of the pressure wave at sensor 2, [0058] t.sub.3 stands for t.sub.3t.sub.0, the time difference between point in time to of the point of entry and point in time t.sub.3 of the arrival of the pressure wave at sensor 3,
whereby t.sub.0, which is the exact time of the point of entry and also the direction of the unit vector in {right arrow over ()} in are initially unknown.
[0059] Solving the equation (1) for to results in:
t.sub.0=[{right arrow over (X)}.sub.1{right arrow over (X)}.sub.2{right arrow over (X)}.sub.3+|{right arrow over ()}|*(t.sub.1t.sub.2t.sub.3)]/|{right arrow over ()}|(2)
[0060] By replacing the unknown to with the result from (2) and solving for equation 1, the point of entry {right arrow over (T)} can be found because there is just one location {right arrow over (T)} where the equation (1) is satisfied. When solving the equation (1), the respective directional component of the unit vector {right arrow over ()} has to be varied for each incidence within the equation. This still simple process is suitable for the detection of a vertical hit on a flat location of the dummy neighboring to the sensors S.sub.1, S.sub.2 and S.sub.3. Already with an oblique point of entry it has to be considered, that the pressure wave cone around the projectile changes with the direction of the trajectory. To compute the location of an oblique point of entry correctly, sensor data of further sensors are necessary. In this case during evaluation, the geometric form and the alignment of the pressure wave cone has to be observed, which depending on the angle of the point of entry at an identic location can lead to different chronological sequences of the impact of the pressure wave at one sensor each. If there is a plurality of sensor data, the location of the point of entry and the trajectory can be computed under the assumption of a linear expansion of the projectile within the dummy. Depending on the complexity of the calculation model it is even possible, like with the evaluation of the signals of an echo sounder for a structural survey of the ocean floor, to determine precise data on the point of entry of the projectile, direction of trajectory of the projectile, and with the corresponding cost, even the alignment of the projectile when the projectile processes during impact or ricochets.
[0061] In FIG. 7 the dummy 101 consisting of torso 102 with a head 108 is mounted on an armored small vehicle 300 presented as movable target 100. Armored small vehicle 300 is also referred to as device 300. The dummy comprises a movable right arm 103 holding a dummy weapon 104. This version of the movable target is well suited for flat terrain and has the advantage that a battery with a high capacity can be carried along on board of the movable target. For the evaluation of the sensor data, a sensor data analyzing apparatus 301 is on board. Armored small vehicle 300, and device 300, in other embodiments may have only 3 wheels, instead of 4. Movable target 100 in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7 includes a control unit 812. Control unit 812 is located within the target and controls the unbound movement across a terrain, and/or the arm of the dummy, and/or the fixture for the mounting of objects.
[0062] In FIG. 8 the dummy 101 consisting of torso 102 and head 108 is displayed as a movable target 100 on autonomously running robotic legs 400, wherein the dummy comprises a movable right arm 103 holding a dummy weapon 104. Autonomously running robotic legs 400 are also referred to as device 400. The advantage of this version of the movable target is the extreme maneuverability and cross-country capability. However, the disadvantage of the use of this technology is the still quite high vulnerability of such robotic legs 400, which can easily be damaged during exercises including fire exercises. Although armoring is possible, it decreases the agility of the robotic legs. Movable target 100, in this exemplary embodiment in FIG. 8 includes control unit 812.
[0063] In FIG. 9 an example of the dummy 101 is displayed on a single-axle vehicle 500 as movable target 100, wherein the dummy comprises a movable right arm 103 holding a dummy weapon 104. Single-axle vehicle 500 is also referred to as device 500. The single-axle vehicle 500 has a straightening apparatus not described in more detail and as such, keeps the dummy 101 consisting of torso 102 and head 108 always in balance. Such vehicles are readily available on the date of this registration and these single-axle vehicles 500 have a very high maneuverability, which makes a single-axle vehicle useable in urban warfare situations as well. However, the disadvantage is an unnatural swaying movement of the dummy 101 in case of sudden direction changes of the single-axle vehicle 500. Movable target 100, in this exemplary arrangement shown in FIG. 9 includes control unit 812.
[0064] FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 show a typical hostage situation in a row, wherein the target person 600 portrayed by the dummy 101 uses a hostage, portrayed by the hostage dummy 700, as a human shield. The hostage dummy 700 is also referred to as a second or additional dummy. The hostage dummy or second or additional dummy 700 is movably motor driven by a drive 802 including at least one of a lever or a scissor gear. The drive 802 is operative to move the second dummy 700 to either overlap or be positioned offset to the first dummy 101. The drive 802 can be controlled remotely. In FIG. 10 the target person 600 portrayed by the dummy 101 is not visible for the sniper in training at all. The hostage dummy 700 constructed as target disk or three-dimensional shell can be moved motor driven and it can for instance swivel back and forth in front of the dummy 101 consisting of torso 102 and head 108 remotely triggered or controlled by a program. Thereby, as displayed in FIG. 11, the target person 600 portrayed by the dummy 101 might be only partially visible. Only when pivoting away, like shown in FIG. 12, it becomes discernible for the sniper in training that the target person 600 portrayed by the dummy 101 holds up a dummy weapon 601 aiming. Depending upon further circumstances, this situation would make an aimed shot on the target person 600 portrayed by the dummy 101 justifiable and possibly necessary. However, this situation in FIG. 12 changes within fractions of seconds, when the target person 600 portrayed by the dummy 101 suddenly drops the dummy weapon 601. In FIG. 13 that is shown in form of a dummy weapon 601 hanging on a halyard 602.
TABLE-US-00001 LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 10 target 11 target 12 torso 13 vehicle 100 target 100 target 100 target 101 dummy 102 torso 103 arm 104 dummy weapon 105 sensors 106 sensors 107 grid 108 head 113 vehicle 120 sensor 121 sensor 122 sensor 123 sensor 130 slot 135 piezo element 140 sensor data evaluating apparatus 150 level of sagittal section 150a dummy half 150b dummy half 160 side 170 gel 200 projectile 201 tunnel 210 pressure wave 300 small vehicle 301 sensor data evaluating apparatus 400 robotic legs 500 single-axle vehicle 600 target person 601 dummy weapon 700 dummy hostage A detail enlargement B detail enlargement 800 drive 802 drive 804 body axis 806 exterior skin 810 small edge width silhouette 812 control unit 814 inner shape of buttonhole shape slots 816 outer shape of the pre- configured sensor
