Thermal sight training device
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorAlbert H. Marshall
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A training system simulates thermal sight presentations utilizing miniature argets which have been painted with retroreflective paint in predetermined patterns corresponding to the thermal radiation associated with the target. The target is viewed through a telescope upon which a light source is mounted, light from said source being reflected into said telescope by the retroreflective paint. A pressure actuated switch in the eyecup of said telescope energizes said light source and background illumination. The system is designed for use with a simulated weapon and includes a TV camera mounted on said weapon with an associated light source for illuminating said target, thereby providing trainee monitoring capabilities.
Claims16
A thermal sight simulation system for use by trainees with weapons training devices, comprising:
- means for simulating targets;
- means for imparting simulated thermal signature characteristics on said target simulating means through the use of retroreflective paint, said signature characteristics being viewable only over a prescribed arc;
- telescopic sighting means for viewing said target simulating means in conjunction with use of said training devices;
- means for illuminating said target simulating means from a point near said sighting means such that said thermal signature characteristics remain visible for so long as said sighting means is directed towards said target simulating means;
- and
- means for providing background illumination about said target simulating means.
A thermal sight simulation system for use by trainees with weapons training devices, comprising:
- means for simulating targets;
- sighting means for viewing said target simulating means in conjunction with use of said training devices;
- means for illuminating said target simulating means proximal said sighting means;
- means for imparting simulated thermal signature characteristics on said target simulating means, said signature characteristics being viewable only over a prescribed arc about a direct line between said target simulating means and said sighting means, said signature characteristics being formed by retroreflective paint selectively applied in heavier concentration on said target simulating means in correspondence with the areas of a real target which generate and radiate the most heat;
- and
- means for providing background illumination about said target simulating means.
A thermal sight simulation system for use by trainees with weapons training devices, comprising:
- means for simulating targets by miniature models thereof;
- sighting means for viewing said target simulating means in conjunction with use of said training devices;
- means for illumminating said target simulating means located proximal said sighting means;
- means for imparting simulated thermal signature characteristics on said target simulating means by the use of retroreflective paint which is applied to said miniature models such that the areas corresponding to the hottest areas of the real target simulated by said model are coated most heavily by said paint;
- and
- means for providing background illumination about said target simulating means.
A thermal sight simulation system for use with weapons training devices, comprising in combination:
- a plurality of interchangable miniature vehicles modeled after actual combat vehicles, said miniature vehicles having painted thereon varying patterns and thicknesses of retroreflective paint, said patterns and thicknesses corresponding to the actual thermal emission pattern of said modeled vehicle, said retroreflective paint having a high optical reflectance over a limited arc;
- a terrain board located distal to said weapons training device, said terrain board providing the operating area for said miniature vehicles;
- a telescopic sight mounted on said weapons training device for aligning said device with a selected miniature vehicle, said sight having an optical power such that said miniature vehicle appears as an actual combat vehicle at a distance, said telescope having an eyepiece for viewing therethrough;
- means for providing a low level directional light source, mounted on said telescopic sight and directed parallel thereto;
- means for providing background illumination for said terrain board and said miniature vehicle, said background illumination simulating the phosphor background of a thermal sight;
- and
- filter means for tinting reflections of said directional light source from said retroreflective paint pattern, in accordance with said background illumination.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.