US 5,816,817 AGranted

Multiple weapon firearms training method utilizing image shape recognition

AssigneeFATS, Inc.

InventorsWenlong Tsang, Bobby Hsiang-Hua Chung, Christopher Alan Bailey

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for simultaneously training multiple trainees in the use of simulated weapons, which method defines a set of image shapes and assigns each image shape to a different simulated weapon capable of generating a light beam, at a selected wavelength, having the assigned image shape. By collecting data under control conditions and evaluating a set of parameters that uniquely identifies each image shape and by comparing the resulting "control parameters" to the same set of parameters evaluated under training conditions (thereby, producing "on-line parameters") each image shape produced during a training session is identified and associated with a simulated weapon. The method enables an expanded number of trainees to be simultaneously trained, by employing the same set of image shapes produced and detected at different wavelengths. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes a plurality of simulated weapon having a light source, a reflective surface, a light data acquisition assembly, and a controller to analyze and compare collected data. The light data acquisition assembly comprises a rasterizing sensor (i.e., a CCD camera), wavelength filter, and a data acquisition interface has a plurality of counters which convert pixel intensity and location data into a category of data, including position, length and intensity, for each segment of an image shape for subseqent receipt by the controller.

Claims26

Dependent claims

In a firearms training system that includes a reflective screen upon which preselected video scenarios are projected, a plurality of mock weapons that project respective spots of light upon the screen when their triggers are pulled by users as the scenarios are played out, a detector for detecting the spots of light on the screen and for detecting their position on the screen, and a control unit for analyzing the detected spots of light, a method of training multiple users simultaneously by discriminating one spot from another and thus determining which of the plurality of mock weapons generated each spot, said method comprising the steps of:

(a) causing each of the mock weapons to project a spot having a shape different from the spots projected by each of the other mock weapons on the screen;
(b) acquiring a set of identifying characteristics associated with the spots projected by the mock weapons;
(c) successively projecting the spot from each mock weapon onto the screen, detecting the projected spot, extracting the identifying characteristics from the projected spot, and storing the extracted identifying characteristics as a model representative of that spot;
(d) as the video scenario is played out on the screen, detecting the occurrence of spots projected on the screen when users fire their mock weapons at the screen;
(e) for each detected spot, extracting the preselected identifying characteristics from the spot, comparing the extracted characteristics to the stored models of the spots, and determining, based on the comparison, the model that is representative of the detected spot and thus determining which of the mock weapons generated the detected spot;
and
(f) scoring the users of the mock weapons based upon the results of step (e) to provide an indication of each user's performance in response to the scenario.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.