EP0068937B1 - Method of producing a fictive target in a training device for gun aiming - Google Patents

Method of producing a fictive target in a training device for gun aiming Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0068937B1
EP0068937B1 EP82401012A EP82401012A EP0068937B1 EP 0068937 B1 EP0068937 B1 EP 0068937B1 EP 82401012 A EP82401012 A EP 82401012A EP 82401012 A EP82401012 A EP 82401012A EP 0068937 B1 EP0068937 B1 EP 0068937B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
target
signals
image
accordance
luminous point
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Expired
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EP82401012A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0068937A1 (en
Inventor
René Briard
Christian Saunier
Guy Canova
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Giravions Dorand Dite Ste
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Giravions Dorand Dite Ste
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Publication of EP0068937A1 publication Critical patent/EP0068937A1/en
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    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F41—WEAPONS
    • F41G—WEAPON SIGHTS; AIMING
    • F41G3/00—Aiming or laying means
    • F41G3/26—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying
    • F41G3/2616—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying using a light emitting device
    • F41G3/2694—Teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying using a light emitting device for simulating a target

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to target pointing training apparatus, and more particularly to simulation apparatus for shooting training.
  • These shooting simulators are used to provide training and instruction to shooters by allowing them, indoors or on real ground, to train to control the aiming of a weapon at a target without actually consuming
  • the projectile is a fictitious projectile, of which a calculator makes it possible to compare the position with that of a target to assess the quality of the pointing operated by the shooter on the target and to determine in particular if the shooting is correct to lead the simulated projectile to a impact on the target.
  • the target can itself be either real or fictitious.
  • the projectile we know how to simulate missile shots in this way as well as shots of simple projectiles with ballistic trajectory.
  • the trajectory of the fictitious projectile is predetermined according to the ballistic data, while in the first, it is modified by orders which are internal to the missile or from the weapon system and which are reconstituted in the computer of the simulator.
  • Shooting simulators also conventionally include means for making visible to the eyes of the shooter, superimposed on the shooting range observed by an aiming device integrated into the weapon, bright images representing the tracer of a missile. , symbolizing a target, or visualizing the results of a shot, by the effects of an impact in particular. But the means that have been proposed to date for this are still very imperfect; they are generally only simple and fixed light effects, the image of which is projected into the field of the sighting device.
  • the invention aims to improve the performance of known equipment in the simulation of shots, and to allow in particular to perform shooting exercises on fictitious but realistic targets, both in their form and in evolution, over time, even during a shot.
  • Such a principle of simulation dispenses with the use of real targets for pointing training, in shooting simulation or in any other application of similar pointing exercises.
  • the invention provides a method of forming a fictitious target in an aiming machine with aiming axis
  • orientable such as the optical sighting device of a shooting simulator, orientable at least at the start of a fictitious shot, method consisting essentially in producing target signals defining images of a fictitious target according to its shape and its evolution, at least in distance from the device and / or in angular position relative to the line of sight, to constitute the target images thus defined by a light point which is moved on a screen, under control of the target signals, and to project images thus formed into the observation field of the apparatus, characterized in that in said target signals each target image is defined by at least one linear segment and in that '' as a function of said target signals, the point is moved along a linear path comprising at least said segment, with a continuous light intensity along this segment, the speed of movement being sufficient to ensure the persistence of its pe reception during all the time necessary for the constitution of an image, in a series of successive images of said target.
  • the screen may in particular be that of a cathode ray tube, but more generally, any other system for viewing geometric figures on a screen the control of which is effected by electronic methods may be suitable.
  • the linear path can follow any curve, and it can be traversed continuously by a luminous point whose luminous intensity is continuous while it describes the complete path of the target with each image.
  • the linear path comprise extinction segments, where the light point is extinguished, so that these segments are not apparent in the image, for example when moving to the next image or between two segments from different parts of the target.
  • the preferred mode of displacement of the light point that has been defined according to such a linear path is achieved in particular by the use of a cathode ray tube of the "flying spot" type, as opposed to scanning tubes where the light point scans the whole screen in rectangular coordinates, with extinction outside the areas covered by the image.
  • a special case of the linear plot is that of a trace consisting of one or more rectilinear segments. It is particularly advantageous in the implementation of the invention, because in the target signals, any straight segment can be defined with great simplicity, in a system of two rectangular coordinates, by the length of the segment and its angle of slope . Where appropriate, the signals may contain intensity information, to control variations in light intensity, and in particular to control the extinction of the light point on its path from one to the other of two segments to be visualized as constituent segments of the target image. It is obvious that the juxtaposition of elementary segments makes it possible to produce any curves. It is also obvious that the term target must be understood in a broad sense, covering both the representation of several targets, which can be developed independently of each other.
  • the invention also relates to a training device for aiming at targets by applying, advantageously constituted by an optical sighting device, mounted for example on a pointing weapon.
  • fictitious projectile firing in a firing simulator comprising means for forming a fictitious target in the field of observation of the sighting device and means for comparing the respective positions of the fictitious projectile and the fictitious target to assess the results of the shooting.
  • the pointing training apparatus comprising means for forming a fictitious target in the field of observation of the apparatus
  • said training means comprise a screen for viewing light images, means for generating target signals for producing target signals defining successive images of a non-point target as a function of its shape and its evolution, at least at a distance from the apparatus and / or in angular position relative to the line of sight, means for controlling the movement of a light point on the screen by said signals to constitute on the screen each of the images thus defined, and projection means of the image thus formed in the field of observation of the device.
  • the firing simulator according to the invention is designed to enable the results of fictitious projectile shots to be assessed on targets which are themselves fictitious. It therefore comprises, in a manner which is moreover in itself conventional, a shotgun which the operator adjusts in orientation so that the shot reaches the target, and means of comparison between the respective positions of the fictitious and target projectile to assess the results of the firing, and to determine in particular whether the trajectory of the projectile leads to an impact on the target.
  • This comparison is carried out in practice using a calculator which processes position information which includes the angular deviations in elevation and in bearing with respect to a reference axis, and the distance with respect to the weapon.
  • the projectile In the case where the projectile is supposed to follow a ballistic trajectory, its angular position is determined at the moment when its distance from the weapon is equal to that of the target, according to the pointing made at the time of the shooting and the prerecorded ballistic data , whatever may be the movements of the weapon while the projectile follows its trajectory.
  • the computer elaborates the information on the position of the projectile taking into account the reactions specific to the missile or the displacement of the weapon with which the telescopic sight is associated. .
  • the shooting simulator comprises, in its optical devices, a sighting device 1, which may in particular be a sighting scope mounted integral with the shooting weapon or an optical sighting system integrated into the weapon .
  • a sighting device 1 which may in particular be a sighting scope mounted integral with the shooting weapon or an optical sighting system integrated into the weapon .
  • the shooter sees landscape 2 (figure 2), whose rays 3 (figure 1) reach him through two semi-transparent blades 4 and 5.
  • the brightness is successively attenuated by 20% and 50% in the particular example considered.
  • the sighting device 1 does not have no reticle to mark the line of sight, one can use a crosshair generator 6 which makes it possible to return the image of a cross of sight formed through a lens 7, by reflection on the semi-transparent plate 4, in the field of observation of the sighting device 1, superimposed on the observed landscape.
  • the reticle always remains centered on the optical axis of the sighting device.
  • the simulator comprises a cathode ray tube 9 associated with a lens 10 which allows, by reflection on the blade semitransparent 5, to send back to the sighting device an image formed on the screen 11 of the tube.
  • the latter is of the "flying spot" type, that is to say that the desired target image is formed on the screen by moving the light point in a linear path, and not by scanning.
  • FIG. 1 shows an optional apparatus of the simulator which consists of a television camera 12, associated with a lens 13 and arranged opposite the tube 9, on the other side of the semi-transparent blade 5, of so as to receive in superposition the image of the real landscape and that of the reticle by reflection on the blade 5, and the target image by transmission through this blade.
  • the two blades 4 and 5 are inclined at 45 degrees on the optical axis of the sighting device and that the reticle generator 6, the tube 9 and the camera 12 are oriented at 90 degrees from this axis.
  • the camera 12 thus makes it possible to film a witness to the shooting exercises carried out by means of the simulator.
  • the shooting simulator is designed so as to be able to make the fictitious target evolve in relation to the landscape, and possibly to be able to make the simulated trace of the projectile evolve in the field of observation and represent impact effects, in positions which are linked to the landscape or the target but which must be independent of the movements of the sighting device.
  • the detection device is constituted in any manner known per se, for example by a gyroscope or a gyrometer, or by two accelerometers ensuring compensation in elevation and in azimuth or by two angular position detectors (respectively in elevation and if the weapon has a fixed platform linked to the ground.
  • the device may further include a weapon tilt detector causing an angular rotation around the line of sight so as to respect the vertical.
  • the target images are formed on the screen 11 of the cathode ray tube 9 (FIG. 3).
  • the movement of the light point on the screen is ensured at a predetermined constant speed sufficient for the time necessary for the constitution of each target image to be less than the persistence time of the retinal images, and moreover we succeed the target images on the screen at a sufficiently fast rate, compared to the afterglow of the screen, to ensure the luminous persistence on the screen from one image to the next .
  • the target images are thus formed on the screen at a rate of one image per 20 milliseconds.
  • target signals which are produced by a microprocessor computer 15.
  • the signals are produced in this computer from information introduced in 20 and defining the shape of the target and its evolution and from the information on the movements of the sighting device provided by the detection device 14.
  • the trace of the luminous point on the screen is constituted by a series of successive linear segments and, on this trace, the fictitious target is drawn by a number of these rectilinear segments along which the point moves while maintaining a continuous light intensity .
  • FIG. 2 thus represents a set of segments constituting a target image having the profile of an airplane.
  • the target signals produced by the computer 15 include information translating the length of the segment by the time of movement of the light point to describe this segment and the angular slope of the segment by the derivatives with respect to time of two rectangular coordinates x and y defining the position of the light point.
  • these signals more precisely include the speed of movement of the light point along the x axis, ie x ';, its speed of movement along the y axis, ie y' ;, and the duration of the generation of the segment i be ⁇ t.
  • the signals of these three groups are transmitted to an interface 16 which supplies the control signals to the cathode ray tube 9.
  • These signals 1 control the intensities of current passing through the windings 17 and 18 which deflect the electron beam in the tube 9, respectively along the x-axis and along the y-axis. They are obtained in the interface 16, for each segment i, respectively by integration of x'i and by integration of y'i during the time Ati.
  • a line 19 retransmits from the interface to the computer a signal indicating the end of the time Ati allocated for the constitution of a segment i and the computer can then transmit the values x'i, y'i and Ati corresponding to the next segment.
  • the computer 15 While the interface 16 controls the movement of the light point on each segment as a function of the target signals, the computer 15 produces the signals corresponding to the following target image according to the position of the aircraft in space (orientation, roll, spike, speed, trajectory assigned to it) and taking into account possible movements of the weapon.
  • the solution which has just been described has the advantage that the computer only has to produce three values at a given instant for each segment, which gives it most of the time, while the segments are written on the tube. , to calculate the future position of the target.
  • the initial x and y coordinates of the plot are assumed to arbitrarily coincide with the reference axis.
  • any curve can be defined by juxtaposition of small elementary segments.
  • An effect of distance from the target can be made by a homothetic variation in the dimensions of the segments.
  • All of the electronic equipment used above to simulate a fictitious target in the field of observation of the aiming device can also be used, simultaneously and in the same way, to make the trace of the projectile appear there, the reticle, the effects of impact on the target or on the ground.
  • this simulation by electronic equipment adapts as well to the figuration of one or more projectiles, whether ballistic projectiles or missiles, as to the figuration of one or more targets, which can be varied, in shape, dimensions and displacement, independently of each other.
  • the simulator described can be adapted to indoor training as well as real-size training in nature.
  • This intervention is carried out by commanding an extinction of the light point on certain parts of its path.
  • the grid 21 of the cathode ray tube and a line 22 connecting the computer 15 to this grid have been shown in dashes in FIG. 3 to control the emission of the cathode beam and its extinction.
  • the determination of the fractions of the path on which there must be extinction involves a comparison which is carried out in the computer 15 between the information relating to the target and pre-recorded data defining the terrain and its obstacles.
  • the pre-recorded information is entered at 23 in the computer.
  • the recording is generally carried out by the instructor, before the shooting. It is thus possible to record terrain data from a topographical survey which can be carried out according to any known method making it possible to characterize each point of the terrain, in the terrain data, by its distance from the weapon and its angular position by relative to the line of sight, generally by the site and the deposit.
  • a topographical survey which can be carried out according to any known method making it possible to characterize each point of the terrain, in the terrain data, by its distance from the weapon and its angular position by relative to the line of sight, generally by the site and the deposit.
  • US Pat. No. 4,068,393 describes the storage of terrain data by a method using a simplified representation of the terrain.
  • the recording of this terrain data can be done at any time, possibly well before the shooting period, with storage on magnetic media.
  • the instructor initializes the simulator by a precise optical aiming on a reference mark specially chosen on the ground.
  • Another method which will be described more fully below consists in directly detecting, by means of the apparatus, the obstacles visible on the real ground.
  • a mask is defined by its distance from the weapon and by its external contour in angular position relative to the line of sight. This is illustrated with reference to FIG. 4 in which the images presented to the shooter have been represented and comprising on the one hand a fictitious target depicting a tank 24 and on the other hand real ground comprising inter alia an obstacle 25 , constituted for example by a tree, from which a mask is defined.
  • Each mask is considered to be any contour surface located at a given distance, determined visually by the instructor or by telemetry.
  • a mobile index generated in the aiming optics of the system controllable light point generated by the "flying spot" tube for example
  • the computer permanently stores the coordinates of the light point.
  • the value of the distance from the mask (dm) is added to it.
  • the computer processes the recorded values and draws up a table in which to each ordinate value Ym (k) are associated abscissa values Xm (k, 1) characteristic of the appearance of the mask.
  • the gate control blocks the electron beam.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Aiming, Guidance, Guns With A Light Source, Armor, Camouflage, And Targets (AREA)

Description

La présente invention concerne les appareils d'entraînement au pointage de cibles, et plus particulièrement les appareils de simulation pour l'entraînement au tir. Ces simulateurs de tir sont utilisés pour assurer la formation et l'instruction des tireurs en leur permettant, en salle ou sur un terrain réel, de s'entraîner à commander le pointage d'une arme sur une cible sans pour autant faire réellement consommation deThe present invention relates to target pointing training apparatus, and more particularly to simulation apparatus for shooting training. These shooting simulators are used to provide training and instruction to shooters by allowing them, indoors or on real ground, to train to control the aiming of a weapon at a target without actually consuming

projectiles. Le projectile est un projectile fictif, dont un calculateur permet de comparer la position avec celle d'une cible pour apprécier la qualité du pointage opéré par le tireur sur la cible et déterminer en particulier si le tir est correct pour conduire le projectile simulé à un impact sur la cible. La cible peut être elle-même soit réelle, soit fictive. Quant au projectile, on sait aussi bien simuler de cette manière des tirs de missiles que des tirs de simples projectiles à trajectoire balistique. Dans le second cas, la trajectoire du projectile fictif est prédéterminée en fonction des données balistiques, tandis que dans le premier, elle est modifiée par des ordres qui sont internes au missile ou issus du système d'arme et qui sont reconstitués dans le calculateur du simulateur.projectiles. The projectile is a fictitious projectile, of which a calculator makes it possible to compare the position with that of a target to assess the quality of the pointing operated by the shooter on the target and to determine in particular if the shooting is correct to lead the simulated projectile to a impact on the target. The target can itself be either real or fictitious. As for the projectile, we know how to simulate missile shots in this way as well as shots of simple projectiles with ballistic trajectory. In the second case, the trajectory of the fictitious projectile is predetermined according to the ballistic data, while in the first, it is modified by orders which are internal to the missile or from the weapon system and which are reconstituted in the computer of the simulator.

Les simulateurs de tir comportent aussi, de manière classique, des moyens pour faire apparaître aux yeux du tireur, en superposition avec le champ de tir observé par un appareil de visée intégré à l'arme, des images lumineuses figurant le traceur d'un missile, symbolisant une cible, ou visualisant les résultats d'un tir, par les effets d'un impact notamment. Mais les moyens que l'on a proposés à ce jour pour cela restent encore très imparfaits; il ne s'agit en général que d'effets lumineux simples et figés dont on projette l'image dans le champ de l'appareil de visée.Shooting simulators also conventionally include means for making visible to the eyes of the shooter, superimposed on the shooting range observed by an aiming device integrated into the weapon, bright images representing the tracer of a missile. , symbolizing a target, or visualizing the results of a shot, by the effects of an impact in particular. But the means that have been proposed to date for this are still very imperfect; they are generally only simple and fixed light effects, the image of which is projected into the field of the sighting device.

En particulier, on a décrit dans le document brevet FR-A- 2 084 277, un procédé de formation d'une cible fictive dans un appareil d'entraînement au pointage à axe de visée orientable, consistant à produire des signaux de cible définissant des images d'une cible fictive non ponctuelle en fonction de sa forme et de son évolution, à constituer les images de cible ainsi définies par un point lumineux déplacé sur un écran sous la commande desdits signaux de cible, et à projeter les images ainsi constituées dans le champ d'observation de l'appareil.In particular, there has been described in patent document FR-A-2 084 277, a method of forming a fictitious target in an aiming device with an orientable aiming axis, consisting in producing target signals defining images of a non-punctual fictitious target according to its shape and its evolution, to constitute the target images thus defined by a light point moved on a screen under the control of said target signals, and to project the images thus constituted in the device's field of observation.

Dans le document précité, on se contente en fait de figurer la cible par un symbole d'objectif de forme circulaire ou elliptique, dont on représente les déplacements, ainsi qu'éventuellement des variations de grosseur. Toutefois, on sait aussi, dans d'autres types d'appareils, symboliser la cible sous une forme stylisée plus complexe, comme on l'a décrit notamment dans le document DE-A- 26 58 501. Mais dans ce cas comme dans la forme à gradins considérée dans le document GB-A- 2 030 685, la forme de la cible reste figée au cours de ses déplacements.In the aforementioned document, we are content in fact to represent the target by a symbol of objective of circular or elliptical shape, whose displacements are represented, as well as possibly variations of size. However, it is also known, in other types of apparatus, to symbolize the target in a more complex stylized form, as has been described in particular in document DE-A-26 58 501. But in this case as in the stepped shape considered in document GB-A-2 030 685, the shape of the target remains fixed during its movements.

L'invention vise à améliorer les performances des matériels connus dans la simulation de tirs, et à permettre en particulier de réaliser les exercices de tirs sur des cibles fictives, mais réalistes, aussi bien dans leur forme que dans évolution, dans le temps, même au cours d'un tir. Un tel principe de simulation dispense de l'utilisation de cibles réelles pour l'entraînement au pointage, dans la simulation de tirs ou dans toute autre application d'exercices de pointage analogues.The invention aims to improve the performance of known equipment in the simulation of shots, and to allow in particular to perform shooting exercises on fictitious but realistic targets, both in their form and in evolution, over time, even during a shot. Such a principle of simulation dispenses with the use of real targets for pointing training, in shooting simulation or in any other application of similar pointing exercises.

Dans ce but, l'invention propose un procédé de formation d'une cible fictive dans un appareil d'entraînement au pointage à axe de viséeTo this end, the invention provides a method of forming a fictitious target in an aiming machine with aiming axis

orientable, tel que l'appareil de visée optique d'un simulateur de tir, orientable au moins au départ d'un tir fictif, procédé consistant essentiellement à produire des signaux de cible définissant des images d'une cible fictive en fonction de sa forme et de son évolution, au moins en distance de l'appareil et/ou en position angulaire par rapport à l'axe de visée, à constituer les images de cible ainsi définies par un point lumineux que l'on déplace sur un écran, sous la commande des signaux de cible, et à projeter des images ainsi constituées dans le champ d'observation de l'appareil, caractérisé en ce que dans lesdits signaux de cible on définit chaque image de cible par au moins un segment linéaire et en ce qu'en fonction desdits signaux de cible, on commande le déplacement du point le long d'un tracé linéaire comprenant au moins ledit segment, avec une intensité lumineuse continue le long de ce segment, la vitesse de déplacement étant suffisante pour assurer la persistance de sa perception pendant tout le temps nécessaire à la constitution d'une image, dans une série d'images successives de ladite cible.orientable, such as the optical sighting device of a shooting simulator, orientable at least at the start of a fictitious shot, method consisting essentially in producing target signals defining images of a fictitious target according to its shape and its evolution, at least in distance from the device and / or in angular position relative to the line of sight, to constitute the target images thus defined by a light point which is moved on a screen, under control of the target signals, and to project images thus formed into the observation field of the apparatus, characterized in that in said target signals each target image is defined by at least one linear segment and in that '' as a function of said target signals, the point is moved along a linear path comprising at least said segment, with a continuous light intensity along this segment, the speed of movement being sufficient to ensure the persistence of its pe reception during all the time necessary for the constitution of an image, in a series of successive images of said target.

L'écran peut être notamment celui d'un tube cathodique, mais d'une manière plus générale, tout autre système de visualisation de figures géométriques sur un écran dont la commande se fait par des procédés électroniques peut convenir.The screen may in particular be that of a cathode ray tube, but more generally, any other system for viewing geometric figures on a screen the control of which is effected by electronic methods may be suitable.

Le tracé linéaire peut suivre n'importe quelles courbes, et il peut être parcouru en continu par un point lumineux dont l'intensité lumineuse est continue pendant qu'il décrit le tracé complet de la cible à chaque image. On entend là que l'intensité lumineuse, pour continue qu'elle soit, n'est pas nécessairement constante. On peut au contraire, en la faisant varier, obtenir des effets de forme au sein de chaque image, ou des effets d'éloignement d'une image à l'autre. Par ailleurs, on peut aussi faire comporter au tracé linéaire des segments d'extinction, où le point lumineux est éteint, de sorte que ces segments ne soient pas apparents dans l'image, par exemple lors du passage à l'image suivante ou entre deux segments figurant des parties différentes de la cible. Le mode préférentiel de déplacement du point lumineux que l'on a défini selon un tel tracé linéaire se réalise en particulier par l'utilisation d'un tube cathodique du type "flying spot", par opposition aux tubes à balayage où le point lumineux balaye tout l'écran en coordonnées rectangulaires, avec extinction en dehors des zones couvertes par l'image.The linear path can follow any curve, and it can be traversed continuously by a luminous point whose luminous intensity is continuous while it describes the complete path of the target with each image. This means that the light intensity, however continuous it may be, is not necessarily constant. We can on the contrary, by varying it, obtain shape effects within each image, or effects of distance from one image to another. In addition, it is also possible to make the linear path comprise extinction segments, where the light point is extinguished, so that these segments are not apparent in the image, for example when moving to the next image or between two segments from different parts of the target. The preferred mode of displacement of the light point that has been defined according to such a linear path is achieved in particular by the use of a cathode ray tube of the "flying spot" type, as opposed to scanning tubes where the light point scans the whole screen in rectangular coordinates, with extinction outside the areas covered by the image.

Un cas particulier du tracé linéaire est celui d'un tracé constitué par un ou plusieurs segments rectilignes. Il est particulièrement avantageux dans la mise en oeuvre de l'invention, car dans les signaux de cible, tout segment rectiligne peut être défini avec une grande simplicité, dans un système de deux coordonnées rectangulaires, par la longueur du segment et son angle de pente. Le cas échéant, les signaux peuvent contenir une information d'intensité, pour commander des variations d'intensité lumineuse, et en particulier pour commander l'extinction du point lumineux sur son trajet de l'un à l'autre de deux segments devant être visualisés comme segments constitutifs de l'image de cible. Il est évident que la juxtaposition de segments élémentaires permet de réaliser des courbes quelconques. Il est évident aussi que le terme de cible doit être compris dans un sens large, couvrant aussi bien la représentation de plusieurs cibles, que l'on peut faire évoluer indépendamment les unes des autres.A special case of the linear plot is that of a trace consisting of one or more rectilinear segments. It is particularly advantageous in the implementation of the invention, because in the target signals, any straight segment can be defined with great simplicity, in a system of two rectangular coordinates, by the length of the segment and its angle of slope . Where appropriate, the signals may contain intensity information, to control variations in light intensity, and in particular to control the extinction of the light point on its path from one to the other of two segments to be visualized as constituent segments of the target image. It is obvious that the juxtaposition of elementary segments makes it possible to produce any curves. It is also obvious that the term target must be understood in a broad sense, covering both the representation of several targets, which can be developed independently of each other.

La bonne résolution obtenue avec cette technique permet une représentation précise et fidèle de la forme d'une cible, très ressemblante à une cible réelle. Et de plus, la rapidité que l'on peut atteindre dans le déplacement du point lumineux et dans la cadence de production des images permet de figurer l'évolution d'une cible même très mobile pendant le temps réel d'observation, dans la simulation d'un tir par exemple. De tels résultats seraient difficiles à obtenir, dans la pratique de la simultation de tirs, si l'on cherchait par exemple à projeter dans le champ d'observation de l'appareil de visée la reproduction photographique d'une cible réelle au lieu de la cible fictive qui, selon l'invention, est entièrement synthétisée électroniquement.The good resolution obtained with this technique allows a precise and faithful representation of the shape of a target, very similar to a real target. And moreover, the speed which one can reach in the displacement of the luminous point and in the rate of production of the images makes it possible to represent the evolution of a target even very mobile during the real time of observation, in the simulation of a shot for example. Such results would be difficult to obtain, in the practice of simultaneous fire, if one sought, for example, to project into the field of observation of the sighting apparatus the photographic reproduction of a real target instead of the fictitious target which, according to the invention, is entirely synthesized electronically.

En liaison avec le procédé qui a été défini ci-dessus, l'invention a aussi pour objet un appareil d'entraînement au pointage de cibles en faisant application, constitué avantageusement par un appareil de visée optique, monté par exemple sur une arme de pointage d'un tir de projectile fictif, dans un simulateur de tir comportant des moyens de formation d'une cible fictive dans le champ d'observation de l'appareil de visée et des moyens de comparaison entre les positions respectives du projectile fictif et de la cible fictive pour apprécier les résultats du tir. Selon l'invention l'appareil d'entraînement au pointage, à axe de visée orientable, comportant des moyens de formation d'une cible fictive dans le champ d'observation de l'appareil, est caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens de formation comportent un écran de visualisation d'images lumineuses, des moyens générateurs de signaux de cible pour produire des signaux de cible définissant des images successives d'une cible non ponctuelle en fonction de sa forme et de son évolution, au moins en distance de l'appareil et/ou en position angulaire par rapport à l'axe de visée, des moyens pour commander le déplacement d'un point lumineux sur l'écran par lesdits signaux pour constituer sur l'écran chacune des images ainsi définies, et des moyens de projection de l'image ainsi constituée dans le champ d'observation de l'appareil.In connection with the process which has been defined above, the invention also relates to a training device for aiming at targets by applying, advantageously constituted by an optical sighting device, mounted for example on a pointing weapon. fictitious projectile firing, in a firing simulator comprising means for forming a fictitious target in the field of observation of the sighting device and means for comparing the respective positions of the fictitious projectile and the fictitious target to assess the results of the shooting. According to the invention the pointing training apparatus, with orientable aiming axis, comprising means for forming a fictitious target in the field of observation of the apparatus, is characterized in that said training means comprise a screen for viewing light images, means for generating target signals for producing target signals defining successive images of a non-point target as a function of its shape and its evolution, at least at a distance from the apparatus and / or in angular position relative to the line of sight, means for controlling the movement of a light point on the screen by said signals to constitute on the screen each of the images thus defined, and projection means of the image thus formed in the field of observation of the device.

L'invention sera maintenant plus complètement décrite en se référant à un mode de réalisation particulier d'un appareil d'entraînement au pointage faisant application du procédé selon l'invention pour la formation d'une cible fictive dans un simulateur de tir. Ce mode de réalisation particulier n'est cependant nullement limitatif de l'invention. Il est décrit en se référant aux figures 1 à 5 des dessins ci-annexés, dans lesquels:

  • la figure 1 représente schématiquement la partie optique du simulateur de tir;
  • la figure 2 montre un exemple des images qui peuvent être présentées à la vue du tireur;
  • la figure 3 représente schématiquement les dispositifs électroniques utilisés pour la formation de la cible fictive;
  • la figure 4 montre un autre exemple d'image présentée à la vue du tireur; et
  • la figure 5 illustre la correction d'une cible fictive par un masque.
The invention will now be described more fully with reference to a particular embodiment of a pointing training apparatus applying the method according to the invention for training a fictitious target in a shooting simulator. This particular embodiment is however in no way limitative of the invention. It is described with reference to Figures 1 to 5 of the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 schematically represents the optical part of the shooting simulator;
  • FIG. 2 shows an example of the images which can be presented to the view of the shooter;
  • FIG. 3 schematically represents the electronic devices used for the formation of the fictitious target;
  • FIG. 4 shows another example of an image presented at the sight of the shooter; and
  • FIG. 5 illustrates the correction of a fictitious target by a mask.

Le simulateur de tir selon l'invention est conçu pour permettre d'apprécier les résultats de tirs de projectiles fictifs, sur des cibles qui sont elles- mêmes fictives. Il comporte donc, d'une manière qui est d'ailleurs en elle-même classique, une arme de pointage du tir que l'opérateur règle en orientation pour que le tir atteigne la cible, et des moyens de comparaison entre les positions respectives du projectile fictif et de la cible pour apprécier les résultats du tir, et déterminer en particulier si la trajectoire du projectile conduit à un impact sur la cible. Cette comparaison est opérée en pratique à l'aide d'un calculateur qui traite des informations de position qui comprennent les écarts angulaires en site et en gisement par rapport à un axe de référence, et la distance par rapport à l'arme. Dans le cas où le projectile est supposé suivre une trajectoire balistique, sa position angulaire est déterminée au moment où sa distance de l'arme est égale à celle de la cible, d'après le pointage effectué au moment du tir et des données balistiques préenregistrées, quels que puissent être ensuite les déplacements de l'arme pendant que le projectile suit sa trajectoire. Mais l'on peut aussi simuler des tirs de projectiles supposés être des missiles, auquel cas le calculateur élabore les informations de position de projectile en tenant compte des réactions propres du missile ou du déplacement de l'arme à laquelle est associée la lunette de visée.The firing simulator according to the invention is designed to enable the results of fictitious projectile shots to be assessed on targets which are themselves fictitious. It therefore comprises, in a manner which is moreover in itself conventional, a shotgun which the operator adjusts in orientation so that the shot reaches the target, and means of comparison between the respective positions of the fictitious and target projectile to assess the results of the firing, and to determine in particular whether the trajectory of the projectile leads to an impact on the target. This comparison is carried out in practice using a calculator which processes position information which includes the angular deviations in elevation and in bearing with respect to a reference axis, and the distance with respect to the weapon. In the case where the projectile is supposed to follow a ballistic trajectory, its angular position is determined at the moment when its distance from the weapon is equal to that of the target, according to the pointing made at the time of the shooting and the prerecorded ballistic data , whatever may be the movements of the weapon while the projectile follows its trajectory. However, it is also possible to simulate the firing of projectiles supposed to be missiles, in which case the computer elaborates the information on the position of the projectile taking into account the reactions specific to the missile or the displacement of the weapon with which the telescopic sight is associated. .

Conformément à la figure 1, le simulateur de tir comporte, dans ses dispositifs optiques, un appareil de visée 1, qui peut être notamment une lunette de visée montée solidaire de l'arme de tir ou un système optique de visée intégré à l'arme. Dans le champ d'observation de cette lunette, le tireur voit le paysage 2 (figure 2), dont les rayons 3 (figure 1) lui parviennent à travers deux lames semi-transparentes 4 et 5. A la traversée de ces lames, la luminosité est atténuée successivement de 20 % et de 50 % dans l'exemple particulier considéré. Si l'appareil de visée 1 ne comporte pas de réticule pour marquer l'axe de visée, on peut utiliser un générateur de réticule 6 qui permet de renvoyer l'image d'une croix de visée formée à travers une lentille 7, par réflexion sur la lame semi-transparente 4, dans le champ d'observation de l'appareil de visée 1, en superposition avec le paysage observé. Le réticule reste toujours centre sur l'axe optique de l'appareil de visée.In accordance with FIG. 1, the shooting simulator comprises, in its optical devices, a sighting device 1, which may in particular be a sighting scope mounted integral with the shooting weapon or an optical sighting system integrated into the weapon . In the field of observation of this telescopic sight, the shooter sees landscape 2 (figure 2), whose rays 3 (figure 1) reach him through two semi-transparent blades 4 and 5. When crossing these blades, the brightness is successively attenuated by 20% and 50% in the particular example considered. If the sighting device 1 does not have no reticle to mark the line of sight, one can use a crosshair generator 6 which makes it possible to return the image of a cross of sight formed through a lens 7, by reflection on the semi-transparent plate 4, in the field of observation of the sighting device 1, superimposed on the observed landscape. The reticle always remains centered on the optical axis of the sighting device.

Pour faire apparaître dans le même champ d'observation de l'appareil de visée 1 une cible fictive telle que la cible 8 de la figure 2, le simulateur comporte un tube cathodique 9 associé à une lentille 10 qui permet, par réflexion sur la lame semitransparente 5, de renvoyer vers l'appareil de visée une image formée sur l'écran 11 du tube. Ce dernier est du type "flying spot", c'est-à-dire que l'image de cible souhaitée est formée sur l'écran par déplacement du point lumineux selon un tracé linéaire, et non pas par balayage.To show in the same field of observation of the sighting device 1 a fictitious target such as the target 8 in FIG. 2, the simulator comprises a cathode ray tube 9 associated with a lens 10 which allows, by reflection on the blade semitransparent 5, to send back to the sighting device an image formed on the screen 11 of the tube. The latter is of the "flying spot" type, that is to say that the desired target image is formed on the screen by moving the light point in a linear path, and not by scanning.

On a en outre représenté sur la figure 1 un appareillage optionnel du simulateur qui consiste en une caméra de télévision 12, associée à une lentille 13 et disposée en regard du tube 9, de l'autre côté de la lame semi-transparente 5, de manière à recevoir en superposition l'image du paysage réel et celle du réticule par réflexion sur la lame 5, et l'image de cible par transmission à travers cette lame. On voit sur la figure que les deux lames 4 et 5 sont inclinées à 45 degrés sur l'axe optique de l'appareil de visée et que le générateur de réticule 6, le tube 9 et la caméra 12 sont orientés à 90 degrés de cet axe. La caméra 12 permet de la sorte de filmer un témoin des exercices de tir réalisés au moyen du simulateur.In addition, FIG. 1 shows an optional apparatus of the simulator which consists of a television camera 12, associated with a lens 13 and arranged opposite the tube 9, on the other side of the semi-transparent blade 5, of so as to receive in superposition the image of the real landscape and that of the reticle by reflection on the blade 5, and the target image by transmission through this blade. We see in the figure that the two blades 4 and 5 are inclined at 45 degrees on the optical axis of the sighting device and that the reticle generator 6, the tube 9 and the camera 12 are oriented at 90 degrees from this axis. The camera 12 thus makes it possible to film a witness to the shooting exercises carried out by means of the simulator.

On notera en outre que pour des exercices en salle, on pourrait constituer l'image d'un paysage dans le champ d'observation de l'appareil de visée, par projection à partir de reproductions photographiques par exemple.It will also be noted that for indoor exercises, one could constitute the image of a landscape in the field of observation of the sighting device, by projection from photographic reproductions for example.

Le simulateur de tir est conçu de manière à pouvoir faire évoluer la cible fictive par rapport au paysage, et éventuellement à pouvoir faire évoluer de même la trace simulée du projectile dans le champ d'observation et figurer des effets d'impact, dans des positions qui sont liées au paysage ou à la cible mais qui doivent être indépendantes des mouvements de l'appareil de visée. L'axe de référence choisi pour toutes ces simulations étant confondu avec l'axe de visée, le simulateur comporte un dispositif de détection des mouvements de l'arme, figuré en 14, ce qui permet par la suite de retrancher ces mouvements de la position des effets simulés, projectile et cible, vus à travers l'appareil de visée. Le dispositif de détection est constitué d'une manière quelconque en elle-même connue, par exemple par un gyroscope ou un gyromètre, ou par deux accéléromètres assurant la compensation en site et en gisement ou par deux détecteurs angulaires de position (respectivement en site et en gisement) si l'arme dispose d'une plateforme fixe liée au sol. Le dispositif peut comporter en outre un détecteur de dévers de l'arme entraînant une rotation angulaire autour de l'axe de visée de manière à respecter la verticale.The shooting simulator is designed so as to be able to make the fictitious target evolve in relation to the landscape, and possibly to be able to make the simulated trace of the projectile evolve in the field of observation and represent impact effects, in positions which are linked to the landscape or the target but which must be independent of the movements of the sighting device. The reference axis chosen for all these simulations being merged with the aiming axis, the simulator includes a device for detecting the movements of the weapon, shown in 14, which then makes it possible to subtract these movements from the position simulated effects, projectile and target, seen through the sighting device. The detection device is constituted in any manner known per se, for example by a gyroscope or a gyrometer, or by two accelerometers ensuring compensation in elevation and in azimuth or by two angular position detectors (respectively in elevation and if the weapon has a fixed platform linked to the ground. The device may further include a weapon tilt detector causing an angular rotation around the line of sight so as to respect the vertical.

On décrira maintenant plus précisément comment sont constituées les images de cible sur l'écran 11 du tube cathodique 9 (figure 3). On fera tout d'abord remarquer que d'une manière générale le déplacement du point lumineux sur l'écran est assuré à une vitesse constante prédéterminée suffisante pour que le temps nécessaire à la constitution de chaque image de cible soit inférieur au temps de persistance des images rétiniennes, et de plus on fait se succéder les images de cible sur l'écran à un rythme suffisamment rapide, par rapport à la rémanence de l'écran, pour assurer la persistance lumineuse sur l'écran d'une image à la suivante. Dans un exemple particulier, on constitue ainsi les images de cible sur l'écran à un rythme d'une image par 20 millisecondes.We will now describe more precisely how the target images are formed on the screen 11 of the cathode ray tube 9 (FIG. 3). First of all, it should be noted that, in general, the movement of the light point on the screen is ensured at a predetermined constant speed sufficient for the time necessary for the constitution of each target image to be less than the persistence time of the retinal images, and moreover we succeed the target images on the screen at a sufficiently fast rate, compared to the afterglow of the screen, to ensure the luminous persistence on the screen from one image to the next . In a particular example, the target images are thus formed on the screen at a rate of one image per 20 milliseconds.

Ces différentes images sont définies par des signaux de cible qui sont produits par un calculateur à microprocesseur 15. Les signaux sont élaborés dans ce calculateur à partir d'informations introduites en 20 et définissant la forme de la cible et son évolution et à partir des informations sur les mouvements de l'appareil de visée fournis par le dispositif de détection 14.These different images are defined by target signals which are produced by a microprocessor computer 15. The signals are produced in this computer from information introduced in 20 and defining the shape of the target and its evolution and from the information on the movements of the sighting device provided by the detection device 14.

Le tracé du point lumineux sur l'écran est constitué par une série de segments linéaires successifs et, sur ce tracé, la cible fictive est dessinée par un certain nombre de ces segments rectilignes le long desquels le point se déplace en conservant une intensité lumineuse continue. On a représenté ainsi sur la figure 2 un ensemble de segments constituant une image de cible ayant le profil d'un avion.The trace of the luminous point on the screen is constituted by a series of successive linear segments and, on this trace, the fictitious target is drawn by a number of these rectilinear segments along which the point moves while maintaining a continuous light intensity . FIG. 2 thus represents a set of segments constituting a target image having the profile of an airplane.

Pour chaque segment i de chaque image, les signaux de cible produits par le calculateur 15 comportent des informations traduisant la longueur du segment par le temps de déplacement du point lumineux pour décrire ce segment et la pente angulaire du segment par les dérivés par rapport au temps de deux coordonnées rectangulaires x et y définissant la position du point lumineux. Ainsi, ces signaux comprennent plus exactement la vitesse de déplacement du point lumineux selon l'axe des x, soit x';, sa vitesse de déplacement selon l'axe des y, soit y';, et la durée de la génération du segment i soitΔt .For each segment i of each image, the target signals produced by the computer 15 include information translating the length of the segment by the time of movement of the light point to describe this segment and the angular slope of the segment by the derivatives with respect to time of two rectangular coordinates x and y defining the position of the light point. Thus, these signals more precisely include the speed of movement of the light point along the x axis, ie x ';, its speed of movement along the y axis, ie y' ;, and the duration of the generation of the segment i be Δt.

Les signaux de ces trois groupes sont transmis à une interface 16 qui fournit les signaux de commande au tube cathodique 9. Ces signaux commandent 1 les intensités de courant traversant les enroulements 17 et 18 qui dévient le faisceau d'électrons dans le tube 9, respectivement selon l'axe des x et selon l'axe des y. Ils sont obtenus dans l'interface 16, pour chaque segment i, respectivement par intégration de x'i et par intégration de y'i pendant le temps Ati. Une ligne 19 retransmet de l'interface au calculateur un signal indiquant la fin du temps Ati alloué pour la constitution d'un segment i et le calculateur peut alors transmettre les valeurs x'i, y'i et Ati correspondant au segment suivant. Pendant que l'interface 16 commande le déplacement du point lumineux sur chaque segment en fonction des signaux de cible, le calculateur 15 produit les signaux correspondant à l'image de cible suivante d'après la position de l'avion dans l'espace (orientation, roulis, pique, vitesse, trajectoire qui lui a été assignée) et en tenant compte des déplacements éventuels de l'arme.The signals of these three groups are transmitted to an interface 16 which supplies the control signals to the cathode ray tube 9. These signals 1 control the intensities of current passing through the windings 17 and 18 which deflect the electron beam in the tube 9, respectively along the x-axis and along the y-axis. They are obtained in the interface 16, for each segment i, respectively by integration of x'i and by integration of y'i during the time Ati. A line 19 retransmits from the interface to the computer a signal indicating the end of the time Ati allocated for the constitution of a segment i and the computer can then transmit the values x'i, y'i and Ati corresponding to the next segment. While the interface 16 controls the movement of the light point on each segment as a function of the target signals, the computer 15 produces the signals corresponding to the following target image according to the position of the aircraft in space (orientation, roll, spike, speed, trajectory assigned to it) and taking into account possible movements of the weapon.

La solution qui vient d'être décrite a pour avantage que le calculateur n'a à produire que trois valeurs à un instant donné pour chaque segment, ce qui lui laisse la majeure partie du temps, pendant que les segments s'inscrivent sur le tube, pour faire le calcul de la position future de la cible. Les coordonnées initiales en x et y du tracé sont supposées, de manière arbitraire, coïncider avec l'axe de référence.The solution which has just been described has the advantage that the computer only has to produce three values at a given instant for each segment, which gives it most of the time, while the segments are written on the tube. , to calculate the future position of the target. The initial x and y coordinates of the plot are assumed to arbitrarily coincide with the reference axis.

La technique peut en fait être appliquée pour un profil de cible de n'importe quelle forme, toute courbe pouvant être définie par juxtaposition de petits segments élémentaires. Un effet d'éloignement de la cible peut être rendu par une variation homothétique des dimensions des segments. On peut aussi éventuellement obtenir un effet analogue en faisant varier l'intensité lumineuse du point lumineux d'une image à l'autre. Une variation d'intensité au cours d'unmême tracé permet de réaliser un effet de relief.The technique can in fact be applied for a target profile of any shape, any curve can be defined by juxtaposition of small elementary segments. An effect of distance from the target can be made by a homothetic variation in the dimensions of the segments. One can also possibly obtain a similar effect by varying the light intensity of the light point from one image to another. A variation in intensity during the same route allows for a relief effect.

L'ensemble de l'appareillage électronique utilisé ci-dessus pour simuler une cible fictive dans le champ d'observation de l'appareil de visée peut aussi être utilisé, simultanément et de la même manière, pour y faire figurer la trace du projectile, le réticule de visée, les effets d'impact sur la cible ou sur le sol. De plus, cette simulation par l'appareillage électronique s'adapte aussi bien à la figuration d'un ou plusieurs projectiles, qu'il s'agisse de projectiles balistiques ou de missiles, comme à la figuration d'une ou plusieurs cibles, qui peuvent être variés, en forme, dimensions et déplacement, indépendamment les uns des autres. On aura compris aussi que le simulateur décrit peut être adapté à un entraînement en salle aussi bien qu'à un entraînement en vraie grandeur dans la nature.All of the electronic equipment used above to simulate a fictitious target in the field of observation of the aiming device can also be used, simultaneously and in the same way, to make the trace of the projectile appear there, the reticle, the effects of impact on the target or on the ground. In addition, this simulation by electronic equipment adapts as well to the figuration of one or more projectiles, whether ballistic projectiles or missiles, as to the figuration of one or more targets, which can be varied, in shape, dimensions and displacement, independently of each other. It will also be understood that the simulator described can be adapted to indoor training as well as real-size training in nature.

Dans la variante de réalisation illustrée par les figures 4 et 5, on a en outre prévu de pouvoir intervenir sur les signaux de cible et la représentation des images successives de la cible fictive en fonction du terrain observé par le champ de visée et des obstacles que rencontrerait une cible réelle correspondant à cette cible fictive. Cette intervention s'effectue par commande d'une extinction du point lumineux sur certaines parties de son trajet. C'est pourquoi l'on a représenté en tirets sur la figure 3 la grille 21 du tube cathodique ainsi qu'une ligne 22 reliant le calculateur 15 à cette grille pour commander l'émission de faisceau cathodique et son extinction. La détermination des fractions du trajet sur lesquelles il doit y avoir extinction implique une comparaison qui s'effectue dans le calculateur 15 entre les informations relatives à la cible et des données pré-enregistrées définissant le terrain et ses obstacles. Les informations pré-enregistrées sont introduites en 23 dans le calculateur.In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5, provision has also been made to be able to intervene on the target signals and the representation of the successive images of the fictitious target as a function of the terrain observed by the field of view and of the obstacles that would meet an actual target corresponding to this fictitious target. This intervention is carried out by commanding an extinction of the light point on certain parts of its path. This is why the grid 21 of the cathode ray tube and a line 22 connecting the computer 15 to this grid have been shown in dashes in FIG. 3 to control the emission of the cathode beam and its extinction. The determination of the fractions of the path on which there must be extinction involves a comparison which is carried out in the computer 15 between the information relating to the target and pre-recorded data defining the terrain and its obstacles. The pre-recorded information is entered at 23 in the computer.

L'enregistrement s'effectue en général par l'instructeur, avant le tir. On peut ainsi enregistrer des données de terrain d'après un relevé topographique qui peut être effectué selon toute méthode connue permettant de caractériser chaque point du terrain, dans les données de terrain, par sa distance par rapport à l'arme et sa position angulaire par rapport à l'axe de visée, généralement par le site et le gisement. On a décrit par exemple dans le brevet US 4 068 393 la mémorisation de données de terrain par un procédé utilisant une représentation simplifiée du terrain.The recording is generally carried out by the instructor, before the shooting. It is thus possible to record terrain data from a topographical survey which can be carried out according to any known method making it possible to characterize each point of the terrain, in the terrain data, by its distance from the weapon and its angular position by relative to the line of sight, generally by the site and the deposit. For example, US Pat. No. 4,068,393 describes the storage of terrain data by a method using a simplified representation of the terrain.

L'enregistrement de ces données de terrain peut être réalisé à tout moment, éventuellement bien avant la période de tir, avec mémorisation sur support magnétique. Pour permettre lors de la séance d'entraînement de superposer le terrain enregistré avec le terrain réel observé par le tireur, l'instructeur initialise le simulateur par une visée optique précise sur un repère de référence spécialement choisi sur le terrain.The recording of this terrain data can be done at any time, possibly well before the shooting period, with storage on magnetic media. To allow during the training session to superimpose the recorded ground with the real ground observed by the shooter, the instructor initializes the simulator by a precise optical aiming on a reference mark specially chosen on the ground.

Un autre procédé qui sera décrit plus complètement ci-après consiste à relever directement au moyen de l'appareil, les obstacles visibles sur le terrain réel. Pour chaque obstacle derrière lequel la cible est susceptible de se cacher, on définit un masque, par sa distance de l'arme et par son contour extérieur en position angulaire par rapport à l'axe de visée. Ceci est illustré en faisant référence à la figure 4 sur laquelle on a représenté les images présentées à la vue du tireur et comprenant d'une part une cible fictive figurant un char 24 et d'autre part un terrain réel comportant entre autre un obstacle 25, constitué par exemple par un arbre, à partir duquel est défini un masque.Another method which will be described more fully below consists in directly detecting, by means of the apparatus, the obstacles visible on the real ground. For each obstacle behind which the target is likely to hide, a mask is defined by its distance from the weapon and by its external contour in angular position relative to the line of sight. This is illustrated with reference to FIG. 4 in which the images presented to the shooter have been represented and comprising on the one hand a fictitious target depicting a tank 24 and on the other hand real ground comprising inter alia an obstacle 25 , constituted for example by a tree, from which a mask is defined.

Chaque masque est considéré comme une surface de contour quelconque située à une distance donnée, déterminée à vue par l'instructeur ou par télémétrie. Pour définir le contour, on utilise un index mobile généré dans l'optique de visée du système (point-lumineux pilotable généré par le tube "flying spot" par exemple) au moyen duquel est décrit le contour extérieur du masque observé dans le champ de visée. Le calculateur mémorise en permanence les coordonnées du point lumineux. Lorsque le contour est entièrement décrit, on lui adjoint la valeur de la distance du masque (dm). Le calculateur traite les valeurs enregistrées et élabore une table dans laquelle à chaque valeur d'ordonnée Ym(k) sont associées des valeurs d'abscisse Xm(k, 1) caractéristiques de l'apparence du masque.Each mask is considered to be any contour surface located at a given distance, determined visually by the instructor or by telemetry. To define the contour, we use a mobile index generated in the aiming optics of the system (controllable light point generated by the "flying spot" tube for example) by means of which the exterior contour of the mask observed in the field of vision is described. aimed. The computer permanently stores the coordinates of the light point. When the contour is fully described, the value of the distance from the mask (dm) is added to it. The computer processes the recorded values and draws up a table in which to each ordinate value Ym (k) are associated abscissa values Xm (k, 1) characteristic of the appearance of the mask.

Les masques sont enregistrés les uns après les autres au cours d'une même manipulation, l'axe de visée de la lunette du simulateur à travers laquelle ils sont visibles étant fixe et pointé sur un repère précis connu (existant sur le terrain, ou rapporté tel qu'un piquet) situé à une distance quelconque. Mais on ne relève là que les obstacles relativement proches, et non ceux quiThe masks are recorded one after the other during the same manipulation, the line of sight of the simulator telescope through which they are visible being fixed and pointed at a precise known reference (existing in the field, or reported such as a stake) located at any distance. But we only see relatively close obstacles here, not those that

Figure imgb0001
de phosphore. Lors de la génération d'un segment non visible, la commande de grille bloque le faisceau d'électrons.
Figure imgb0001
phosphorus. When generating an invisible segment, the gate control blocks the electron beam.

On remarquera que la technique décrite pour masquer tout ou partie des cibles est tout à fait applicable au masquage des projectiles missiles et impacts.It will be noted that the technique described for masking all or part of the targets is entirely applicable to the masking of missile and impact projectiles.

Claims (14)

1. Method of formation of a fictitious target in a training apparatus for aiming at targets and providing an orientable line of sight, which consists in producing target signals defining successive images of a fictitious non-pointlike target as a function of its shape and continuous relative displacement at least in distance from the apparatus and/or in angular position with respect to the line of sight, in forming the target images thus defined by means of a luminous point displaced on a screen (11) under the control of said target signals, and in projecting the images thus formed in the field of view of the apparatus, characterized in that each target image is defined by at least one linear segment in said target signals and that, as a function of said target signals, displacement of the luminous point along a linear path comprising at least said segment is produced with a continuous light intensity along this segment, the speed of displacement of the luminous point being sufficient to ensure persistence of perception of said point throughout the time required for formation of an image in a series of successive images of said target.
2. Method in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that each target image is defined in said target signals by a plurality of linear segments.
3. Method in accordance with claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said path is formed at least partly by rectilinear segments.
4. Method in accordance with claim 3, characterized in that the targets signals contain in the case of each rectilinear segment of said path items of information in which the length of the segment is represented by the time of displacement of the luminous point at a predetermined speed for describing the segment and in which the angular slope of the segment is represented by the derivatives with respect to time of two rectangular coordinates which define the position of the luminous point.
5. Method in accordance with claim 4, characterized in that signals for controlling the displacement of the luminous point at said predetermined speed are produced from said target signals in accordance with said rectangular coordinates by integration of the two corresponding derivatives during said time interval.
6. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each image is formed by displacement of the luminous point at a sufficient speed to ensure that the time required for each image is shorter than the time of persistence of retinal images and in that the images succeed each other at a sufficiently high rate with respect to the image retention of the screen to ensure luminous persistence on the screen from one image to the next.
7. Method in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that it further consists in recording mask signals from obstacles defined on a terrain by at least their distance and their contour in angular position with respect to the line of sight, in comparing the target signals with these mask signals, and in respect of each target image in producing extinction of the luminous point on those portions of the path in which the given distance in the target signals is greater than that of the mask in respect of an angular position located within the contour of this latter.
8. Training apparatus for aiming at targets, having an orientable line of sight, comprising means for forming the image of a fictitious target in the field of view of the apparatus, said image- forming means comprising a screen for visual display of luminous images, means for generating target signals in order to produce target signals defining successive images of a fictitious non-pointlike target as a function of its shape and continuous relative displacement at least in distance from the apparatus and/or in angular position with respect to the line of sight, means for causing the displacement of a luminous point on the screen by means of said signals in order to form on the screen each of the images thus defined, and means for projecting the images thus formed in the field of view of the apparatus, characterized in that said means for generating target signals are constituted by a computer for producing successive images of said target in the form of a path comprising at least one linear segment for each image and that the displacement of the luminous point is controlled at a sufficient speed to ensure persistence of perception of said point throughout the time required for forming an image.
9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 8, characterized in that, said images being formed by means of rectilinear segments, said target signals comprise in respect of each segment three values corresponding respectively to the derivatives with respect to time of two rectangular coordinates defining the position of the luminous point and to the time of displacement of the luminous point at a predetermined speed for describing the segment.
10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 9, characterized in that said means for controlling the displacement of the luminous point on the screen comprise an interface for processing the signals produced by the computer in order to generate signals for controlling the displacement of the luminous point at said predetermined speed in accordance with said rectangular coordinates by integration of the two corresponding derivatives during said time interval.
11. Apparatus in accordance with either of claims 8 and 10, characterized in that it is mounted on a weapon for aiming and firing a fictitious projectile in a firing simulator comprising means for comparison between the respective positions of the fictitious projectile and the fictitious target in order to appreciate the results of the fired shot.
12. Apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that said screen is the screen of a cathode-ray tube in which the electron beam is deflected under the control of said target signals.
13. Apparatus in accordance with any one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that it further comprises means for comparison between said target signals and pre-recorded mask signals which give the distance and the angular position of obstacles located on the terrain and means for controlling extinction of the luminous point as a function of said comparison when the distance defined by the target signals is greater than the distance defined by the mask signals in respect of an angular position located within the mask contour.
14. Apparatus in accordance with claim 8, 9 or 13, characterized in that it comprises means for modifying the target signals from one image to the next under the control of pre-recorded terrain data.
EP82401012A 1981-06-12 1982-06-04 Method of producing a fictive target in a training device for gun aiming Expired EP0068937B1 (en)

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FR8111574A FR2507764B1 (en) 1981-06-12 1981-06-12 METHOD FOR FORMING A FICTITIOUS TARGET IN AN APPARATUS FOR TARGET POINTING
FR8111574 1981-06-12

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US4521196A (en) 1985-06-04
EP0068937A1 (en) 1983-01-05
FR2507764B1 (en) 1986-05-02
CA1194998A (en) 1985-10-08
AU8481382A (en) 1982-12-16
FR2507764A1 (en) 1982-12-17
AU565458B2 (en) 1987-09-17
DE3272560D1 (en) 1986-09-18

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