Combat simulation wherein target objects are associated to protecting object by means of a local co-operation between the target objects and the relevant protecting objects

(54) (56) (57)

AGENT

NAME

CALLED PUBLICATIONS:

Stefan Davidsson, Ulricehamn SE, Ulf Björkman, Jönköping SE, Ingemar Emricson, Bankeryd SE, Peter Hermansson, Huskvarna SE, Åke Jansson, Jönköping SE, Per Klahr, Tidaholm SE

Bjerkéns Patentbyrå KB

battle Simulation

SUMMARY:

WO 9 930 103

The invention relates to simulation of effects in a combat environment, where personnel, vehicles and buildings are exposed to simulated fire from military weapons. Direct-acting fire and indirect fire are simulated by at least one of light rays (111) and radio waves (121). Effects of striking fire are recorded by means of a target object device (145), which includes sensors adapted to detect the light rays (111) and radio waves (121), and is co-located with the target object (140). According to the invention, the target object (140) is associated with at least one protective object (130a; 130a ') existing between the simulated fire (111; 121) and the target object (140) if such an object exists in the current combat situation. This allows for a consideration of the effect of different protective objects (130a; 130a ') on the simulated fire and the effect on the corresponding real fire. The invention thus simulates in a real-life way the effect of direct-acting and indirect fire on, which in turn gives good prospects for adequate behavior of the training staff in a correspondingly sharp situation.

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The numbers in brackets indicate international identification code, iNID code. Letters in clamps indicate international document code.

521 874

Summary

The invention relates to simulation of effects in a combat environment, where personnel, vehicles and buildings are exposed to simulated fire from military weapons. Direct-acting fire and indirect fire are simulated by at least one of light rays (111) and radio waves (121). Effects of striking fire are recorded by means of a target object device (145), which includes sensors adapted to detect the light rays (111) and radio waves (121), and is co-located with the target object (140). According to the invention, the target object (140) is associated with at least one protective object (130a; 130a ') existing between the simulated fire (111; 121) and the target object (140) if such an object exists in the current combat situation. This allows for a consideration of the effect of different protective objects (130a; 130a ') on the simulated fire and the effect on the corresponding real fire. The invention thus simulates in a real-life way the effect of direct-acting and indirect fire on, which in turn gives good prospects for adequate behavior of the training staff in a correspondingly sharp situation.

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FIELD OF THE INVENTION AND PREVIOUS PRIOR ART

The present invention relates generally to simulation of a combat environment, in which personnel, vehicles and buildings are exposed to simulated fire from military weapons. Specifically, the invention relates to a method for simulating effects of direct-acting and indirect fire according to the preamble of claim 1, a target object device according to the preamble of claim 16, a protective object device according to claim 23 and a combat simulation system according to the preamble of claim 30. The invention further relates to a computer program according to claim

14 and a computer-readable medium according to claim 15.

It is generally known to simulate the effects of fire attacks and other weapons, in the form of, for example, mines, in the training of military personnel. Direct fire, which is primarily intended to act in the direction of a specific point, is usually simulated using optical equipment, whereby laser light usually represents the fire and optical sensors are used to detect hits. Indirect fire, which by its nature is surface-rich, is usually simulated by some form of radio waves emitted from at least one transmitter antenna, for example at the simulated weapon and whose effect is recorded via one or more receiver antennas in connection with potential targets.

U.S. Patent No. 4,882,953 discloses a system for simulating the effectiveness of indirect fire support on a battlefield. Control signals are transmitted over a target area based

521 874 on choice of ammunition. Radio waves of various types are transmitted in response to the control signals, which are intended to mimic the effect of the specific ammunition. The radio waves indicate, via indicator units in the target area, which point targets within the target area could have been hit by the selected ammunition if it had actually been fired at the target area. The document also describes different ways of geographically defining the scope of fire in relation to the target's positions.

A development of this system is disclosed in US Patent US, A, 5474452. Here, the efficiency of indirect fire is simulated by transmitting acoustic or radio frequency signals of a first frequency to selected geographical locations. A respective sensor at these positions activates equipment which in turn generates a multi-directional audio signal of a second frequency, which constitutes a simulated explosion with the epicenter at the sound source. Sound sensors next to each target, according to predetermined hierarchical rules, determine whether a certain target has been hit, almost hit or completely missed during the explosion. The results are presented immediately through acoustic alarms and visual indicators associated with each target.

The patent document US, A, 5292254 discloses a method for simulating the effects of a minefield in a combat zone. Transducers placed on soldiers and vehicles indicate their geographical positions to a central computer. The central computer determines whether a particular soldier or vehicle is within the activation radius of a mine in the simulated minefield. If it is found that the activation condition is met for a mine, a breeze of the current mine is simulated, any damage caused by the mine is recorded and the mine is then noted as inactive in the central computer.

International patent application WO99 / ​​39148 describes a method for simulating the effects of hand grenade fires and mines for participants in a military exercise. Data is exchanged via a two-way

521 874 radio link between the simulated weapon and sensors on the potential targets in order to determine the effect of a particular hand grenade or mine within an area in its vicinity.

Patent US, A, 5481979 discloses a hand grenade dummy where the corresponding sharp weapon's action is simulated by a plurality of infrared LEDs. Light sensors on potential targets record the effect of the hand grenade. Different explosive power Z range of the grenade can be simulated by varying the brightness of the LEDs.

The solutions hitherto known are examples of simulations of fire, all of which exhibit deficiencies in the ability to imitate, in a truthful way, the effect of the corresponding real fire. This applies to both direct and indirect fire. Some of the known solutions give the impression of a higher efficiency / range of the fire than is realistic, while others are unable to fully illustrate the actual efficiency / range of the fire. Common to the solutions, however, is that they provide a more or less incorrect picture of the effect of the fire.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is therefore to mitigate the above problems and to create a solution which in a more realistic way simulates the effect of direct-acting fire and indirect fire on different types of target objects. In particular, the invention aims to model the influence of objects existing between the fire and the target to which the fire is directed.

This object is achieved according to one aspect of the invention by the method described initially to simulate the effects of direct-acting fire and indirect fire on a target object, which is characterized by automatic association of the target object to at least one protective object. Such an association is effected when the target object is in a position relative to the protective object, so that the protective

521 The 874 object affects at least either of the effects of direct-acting fire, the effect of indirect fire, the reception of the light rays and the reception of the radio waves. Thus, in both of the first-mentioned cases, the modification takes into account the different impact of the protective object on the simulated fire in relation to the object's influence on the corresponding actual fire. In the latter two cases, on the other hand, the modification takes into account the fact that the protective object affects a fire differently in relation to how the object affects corresponding simulations of such fire.

In this context, indirect fire means all weapons action against an area. It should also be noted that direct-acting fire can be simulated with both light rays and radio waves, either alternatively or in combination. Correspondingly, indirect fire can be simulated through either light rays, radio waves or a combination of both. Simulated fire can be achieved in two basically different ways. Either at least one simulation transmitter is mounted on a real weapon, or simulated fire is produced entirely synthetically via a virtual weapon, for example by transmitting a radio message from a radio mast, whose position need not be correlated with the position of the simulated fire.

According to another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by means of a computer program which is directly rechargeable to the internal memory of a computer and which includes software for carrying out the method described in the above paragraph when the program is run in a computer.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a computer-readable medium on which a program is stored, which is apt to induce a computer to carry out the method described in the next paragraph.

The object is achieved according to a further aspect of the invention by the initially described target object device,

521 874, characterized in that the device comprises a first associate means for automatically associating the target object with at least one protective object when the target object is in a position relative to the protective object, so that the protective object affects at least either of the effects of direct acting fire, the effect of indirect fire, reception of the light rays and reception of the radio waves.

The object is achieved according to a further aspect of the invention by means of a protective object device for the automatic association of at least one target object to a protective object and the modification of effects generated by simulated direct-acting fire and simulated indirect fire of the associated target object. It is assumed that simulated direct-acting fire and simulated indirect fire are represented by light rays and / or radio waves. The protection object device further comprises a second association means for automatically associating a target object with a protective object in response to an association signal from the target object. In addition, the protective object device includes a modifier for modifying the effects of the simulated fire on target objects associated with the protective object. This modification is made with respect to the ability of the protective object to protect against the corresponding actual fire in relation to the impact of the protective object on the simulated fire.

The object is achieved according to yet another aspect of the invention by the initially described combat simulation system for simulating the effects of direct-acting fire and indirect fire on target objects, characterized in that it comprises at least one target object, which is assigned to a proposed target object device and at least one protective object, which is assigned to a proposed protection object device.

The proposed solution improves the realism of a simulated combat environment. Thus, the trained personnel can be effectively stimulated to adequate behavior in a correspondingly sharp

521 874 situation. This, of course, increases the future chances of the staff to successfully act in real combat situations.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments, which are described by way of example, and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

<td>Figure 1</td><td>shows a target object device for recording the effects caused by simulated fire against a target object according to an embodiment of the invention;</td>

<td>Figure 2</td><td>shows a protective object device according to an embodiment of the invention,</td>

<td>Figure 3</td><td>illustrates a first example of a simulation application according to an embodiment of the invention;</td>

<td>Figure 4</td><td>illustrates a second example of a simulation application according to an embodiment of the invention;</td>

<td>Figure 5</td><td>illustrates a third example of a simulation application according to an embodiment of the invention;</td>

<td>Figure 6a</td><td>illustrates, by a flow chart, a first component of a first aspect of the method of the invention;</td>

Figure 6b illustrates, through a flow chart, a second component of the first aspect of the method of the invention, and

Figure 6c illustrates, by means of a flow chart, a second aspect of the method of the invention.

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a target object device 145 for recording effects caused by simulated direct-acting fire and simulated indirect fire directed at a target object according to an embodiment of the invention. The target object device 145 is advantageously designed as a vest or harness, since the target object according to a preferred embodiment of the invention consists of a soldier. However, the target object device 145 may be configured in any other way. This is especially the case when the target item is made up of something other than a soldier. The device 145 includes at least one light sensor 145a for recording simulated fire, which is represented by light rays 111. In particular, direct-acting fire is represented by light rays. In some situations, for example, in simulation of splits, indirect fire can be represented at least in part by light rays. The device 145 also includes at least one radio receiver 145b for recording simulated fire in the form of radio waves 121. It is primarily indirect fire represented by radio waves 121. However, radio waves can also be used in the simulation of direct fire in the form of directed blasting action from, for example, mines . The fact that a target object device 145 receives the radio waves 121 representing the simulated fire does not in itself mean that the target object device 145 is considered hit by the fire. According to a preferred embodiment, information transmitted via radio waves 121 defines the effect of fire. Depending on parameters such as distance and the nature of the fire, the effect of the fire is then determined with respect to the target object in question.

In addition, device 145 includes a first associate means 146 for automatically associating the target object with a protective object. Such an association is performed when the target object is in a position relative to the protective object, so that either the protective object affects the effect of an actual fire or when the protective

521 The 874 object affects the reception of the signals used to simulate a real fire attack. An example of this type of situation is when a soldier (target item) is in a building or a vehicle. Depending on the nature of the building / vehicle, the protection against actual fire may be both higher and lower than the signals which simulate the fire indicate.

According to the invention, the protection from various types of protective objects with regard to fire attacks is modeled more faithfully than is implied by the differences in transmission capacity between actual fire and the transmission capacity of the signals used for the simulation. Figure 2 shows a protective object device according to an embodiment of the invention, which cooperates with a target object device 145 to provide a combat simulation with enhanced realism. This is achieved, among other things, by knowing the target object of the protection object and vice versa.

The protection object device comprises a second association means 131 for automatically associating a target object with a protective object. It also includes a modifier

132 to modify the effects of simulated fire on the target objects associated with the protective object. The modification of the simulated fire's effect is made with respect to the protective object's ability to protect the corresponding actual fire. Target objects are associated with the protective object device by transmitting a signal sequence S from a transmitter 131a in the second associating means 131. A presence sensor 146a in a target object device 145 within the range of the transmitted signal sequence S detects the signal. In addition, the target object device 145 receives a radio message R, indicating data related to the protective object, such as its identity. The target object device 145 sends an association signal A via a transmitter 146b in response to the received signal sequence S and the radio message R. transmitted from a transmitter 131b

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In order to provide a relatively sharp definition of the range of the signal sequence S, this is according to a preferred embodiment of the invention a sequence of light pulses. The transmitter 131a thus comprises a light source, such as a laser, the generated light being in a wavelength range adapted for the application. Any other signal format with similar characteristics can of course also be used. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the association signal A includes at least identification information regarding the protective object and the target object to be protected. Typically, this identification information consists of an equipment identity for each object. The association signal A is advantageously a radio signal, since on the one hand this signal format has good transmission characteristics and on the other, the included identification information means that, unlike the signal sequence S, its scope need not be limited in space. Accordingly, for the same reason, transmitter 146b advantageously comprises a radio transmitter and a corresponding transmitter 131b in the second association means 131 a radio receiver adapted to receive association signals A in the form transmitted from the first association means 146. Transmitter 131b also comprises a radio transmitter transmitting radio messages R which, in addition to specifying the identity of the protective object, can define the effects of simulated fire.

The modifier 132 modifies the effects of simulated fire on target objects, which are associated with the protective object in one of four principally different ways. The modification made in a particular case is determined by the nature of the protective object in terms of protection for the type of ammunition and fire being simulated.

A first type of modification means that all of the target objects currently associated with the protective object are fully protected from the incoming simulated fire. Such a modification may be reasonable when the protective object is a reinforced building or armored vehicle and the

521 874 simulated fire is indirect fire with relatively little effect, but where the building / vehicle passes through the radio waves representing the fire. A second type of modification means that all of the target objects that are currently associated with the "protective" object are completely eliminated by the incoming simulated fire. This type of modification may be relevant when the protective object is an unguarded covered vehicle and the simulated fire constitutes direct-acting fire such as automatic fire with relatively high impact, but where the vehicle prevents the light rays representing the fire reaching the target object. A third kind of modification means that target objects that are currently associated with the protective object are knocked out according to a random function based on the actual simulated fire's effect in relation to the protection offered by the protective object against the corresponding real fire. The modification may be appropriate when the consequences of the situation are relatively uncertain, such as when an unarmored vehicle activates a mine. A fourth type of modification means that a light beam 111 or a radio signal 121 received by the modifier 132 is transmitted M in altered form and / or strength to the target objects associated with the current protective object.

Alternatively, the modifier 132 may also transform an incoming signal of a certain type into an output signal M of another type, such that, for example, a received light beam generates an outgoing radio signal. A target object that is optically shielded, but unprotected for direct fire can thus be knocked out. Conversely, of course, a received radio signal can also generate random light rays. Such a modification can be used to simulate splits caused by damage to the protective object in the event of an indirect fire attack and, in turn, risk damaging associated target objects.

Generally, modifier 132 performs a modification M of the simulated fire so that the effect of simulated direct-acting fire is at least partially mediated to an associated target object.

521 874 which is positioned relative to the protective object 130b so that transmission of, for example, light rays 111 is prevented, but where actual direct-acting fire has effect. Alternatively, the effect of simulated direct-acting fire is reduced to an associated target object, which is positioned relative to the protective object so that transmission of light rays 111 is possible, but actual direct-acting fire has reduced power. In addition, the effect of simulated indirect fire can be reduced to an associated target object, which is located in relation to the protective object so that transmission of, for example, radio waves 121 is possible, but in fact indirect fire has reduced power. Finally, the modification M may mean that the effect of simulated indirect fire is at least partially mediated to an associated target object, which is located relative to a protective object so that transmission of radio waves 121 is prevented, but where actual indirect fire has effect.

In order to ensure that the target objects are only offered protection against simulated fire during the time when they really should have also been protected against a corresponding actual fire, both the first associate 146 and the second associate 131 include a timer 146c and 133 respectively, which cancels the association between the target object and the protective object a certain time after signals are no longer exchanged between them, that is, signal sequences S and association signals A.

Further details of this are presented with reference to Figures 6a - 6c below.

The second association means 131 of the protection object device includes a registration means 131c where information about identities of target objects currently associated with the protective object is stored. Thus, the protective object device can modify the effects of fire according to the proposed method. In addition, the protective object device can, of course, indicate the effects of simulated fire without regard to the contents of the recording device 131c. For example, the protective object device can send out a general message.

521 874 (broadcast), which generates a strike at all recipients of the message.

A first example of an application according to an embodiment of the invention is shown in Figure 3. A target object 140 in the form of a soldier is assumed here to be in a relatively well protected space, such as a reinforced concrete shelter 130a. The target object is provided with a target object device 145 for recording the effects of simulated fire directed at the target object 140. Simulated indirect fire in the form of a grenade 120 breeze in the vicinity of the shelter 130a is represented by radio waves 121 transmitted from a radio mast 122. The radio waves 121 reach a modifier 132 inside the shelter 130a and a modified signal M is generated, as described above. depending on the explosive strength of the grenade 120, the distance between the breach and the shelter 130a and the resilience of the shelter 130a. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the burst strength and brazing position of the grenade 120 are indicated by messages in the radio signal, while information stored in the modifier 132 indicates the resistance of the protective space 130a.

Simulated direct fire in the form of automatic fire from a shooting system 110, such as a tank, is represented by a light beam 111 passing through a transparent surface 130a 'in one wall of the protective room 130a and assumed to hit the target object.

140. Given that the transparent surface 130a 'is made of armor glass, this typically means that the modifier 132 modifies the effect of the simulated direct fire 111, so that the target object 140 is not considered to have been hit by the corresponding actual fire. On the other hand, if the transparent surface 130a 'is a less resistant material, the modifier 132 typically does not adjust the effect of the simulated direct fire 111, so the target object 140 is thus also considered to have been hit by the corresponding actual fire.

Figure 4 illustrates a second example of an application according to

521 874 an embodiment of the invention. A squad of soldiers constitute target items 140 as they travel on the flat of an unarmed vehicle 130b in the form of a truck. The target objects 140 are associated with the vehicle 130b as a protective object via an association means 131. The truck body is covered with a tarpaulin. Therefore, simulated direct fire in the form of light rays 111 from a shooting system 110 does not reach the target object devices of the target objects 140. However, a modifier 132 on the vehicle 130b records the light beam 111 and mediates the effect of the fire to the target objects 140 on the truck surface. This means that either all target objects 140 are knocked out or that the target objects 140 are randomly knocked out according to a function based on, for example, the duration of the fire and the strength of the ammunition. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the random operation is performed locally for each target object device according to an algorithm whose parameters depend, at least in part, on data from the modifier 132.

Simulated indirect fire in the form of, for example, a grenade 120 which bursts in the vicinity of the vehicle 130b causes radio waves 121 to be emitted from a radio mast 122. Radio waves 121 are likely to reach the target object devices of the target objects 140. However, the modifier 132 in the vehicle 130b modifies M the received signal 121. If the explosive effect of grenade 120 is relatively weak and the brisade is stated to take place at a sufficiently large distance, the vehicle 130b can be expected to offer some protection, so that the modification advantageously involves the target objects being knocked out according to a random function.

Figure 5 shows a third example of an application according to an embodiment of the invention where it is made clear that modification of the effects of simulated fire can be done step by step from a first protective object to a second protective object. A soldier in a tank 130c constitutes a target object 140 and is associated with the tank 130c, as a protective object via a primary associate 131 '. The tank 130c is in turn considered to be a target object for, for example, indirect fire in the form of grenades or bombs 120. The tank 130c is assumed to be located

521 874 in protection of a guard 130d with relatively strong resistance to explosive weapons and is thus associated with the guard 130d via a secondary associate 131 ".

When a simulated explosive charge 120 detonates in connection with the guard 130d, radio waves 121 are emitted from a radio mast 122. However, due to the strong walls of the defense 130d, the radio waves 121 reach neither a receiver in the tank 130c nor a receiver of the soldier's target object device. However, if the simulated explosive charge 120 has sufficiently strong explosive force10, it is not excluded that a corresponding actual explosive charge would have an effect on the tank 130c and possibly the soldier 140. Therefore, a secondary modifier 132 "at the guard 130d transmits the effect of the simulated explosive charge 120 to the tank 130c via a secondary signal M". This signal M 'is constituted by radio waves according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, but the signal M can also be light rays depending on which gives the most realistic simulation in the specific case. A primary modifier 132 'in tank 130c in turn conveys the reduced power of simulated bomb 120 to target object 140 via a primary signal M'. This signal, like the signal M, is advantageous by radio waves. Light rays, however, are not excluded.

Depending on the strength of the simulated explosive charge 120 (which is indicated in a message transmitted by the radio waves), the distance between the guard 130d and (the message indicated) the detonation point of the explosive charge 120, the resistance of the guard 130d and the resistance of the tank 130c, an effect of the detonation 140 is simulated. .

The example illustrated above with the modification of simulated electrical power in two stages can of course be generalized to include any number of steps. In practice, however, it is an advantage if the number of steps can be kept as low as possible.

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A flow chart of Figure 6a illustrates a first component of a first aspect of the method of the invention, which is carried out in a proposed protective object device. In a first step 600, the protection object device outputs a signal sequence which indicates identification information regarding the protective object to which the protective object device belongs. A subsequent step 608 constitutes a delay. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the delay varies slightly so that a certain jitter is generated in the transmission of the signal sequences. After step 608, the procedure is returned to step 600.

A flow chart in Figure 6b illustrates a second component of the first aspect of the method of the invention, which is also performed in the proposed protective object device. In a first step 601, an association signal is assumed to be received from one or more target objects in response to the signal sequence transmitted in step 600. Thereafter, the procedure proceeds parallel to a step 602 through which the current target object is associated with the protective object, and to a step 603 where a timer with a specified duration is started (reset). After step 603, step 604 examines whether a renewed association signal has been received from the target object associated with step 602. If so, the procedure is returned to step 601. Otherwise, step 606 checks to see if the timer has expired. This is tested until either the timer expires or a renewed association signal arrives by feedbacking the procedure from step 606 to step 604 as long as the question in step 606 is answered in the negative. However, if the timer expires without any association signal received, the association is canceled in a step 607.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the duration of the timer is selected to be such that it corresponds to a longer time than the longest delay generated in step 608. This means that the timer expires after a period of time which exceeds the time interval between two consecutively transmitted signal sequences from the protection object device. The association between protective objects and target objects is thus not abolished

521 874 shorter notice than the longest distance in time between two consecutive signal sequences.

Figure 6c illustrates, by means of a flow chart, a second aspect of the method according to the invention, which is carried out in a proposed target object device. The target object device is assumed in a first step 610 to receive a signal sequence which indicates identification information regarding a protective object to which the target object device is offered an opportunity to be associated. The procedure then proceeds in two parallel steps. A step 611 registers an association with the protective object and a step 612 starts (resets) a timer with a specified duration. Following step 611, the target object device outputs an association signal in response to the received signal sequence in a step 614. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the association signal comprises identification information about the protective object. In addition, it is advantageous if the association signal includes identification information for the target object.

After step 612, the procedure proceeds with step 613, which investigates whether a new signal sequence has been received. If so, the procedure returns to step 610 and then the timer is restarted (reset) in step 612. Otherwise, step 615 tests if the timer has expired. The procedure stops in a loop between steps 613 and 615 until either a new signal sequence arrives or the timer expires. In the latter case, the association between the target object and the protective object is canceled in a step 616.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the duration of the timer is selected to such a value that it corresponds to a longer time than the expected longest time interval between two consecutive transmitted signal sequences from the protection object device. Thus, the association between protective objects and target objects is not canceled at shorter notice than the distance in time between two consecutive signal sequences.

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All of the process steps described with reference to Figures 6a - 6c above can be controlled by a computer program which is directly rechargeable to the internal memory of a computer and includes appropriate software to control the necessary steps when the program is running on the computer. The same applies to any sub-sequence of process steps. The computer program can of course be saved on any storage medium.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described with reference to the figures but can be freely varied within the scope of the appended claims.

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