Patent Application
20240393077
The present invention relates to a training system for using a firearm. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a training method performed by means of said training system.
In particular, but not in a limiting manner, the present invention relates to the defense field.
It is clearly important to be as trained as possible in the use of a firearm. In fact, the use of a firearm contextualizes a situation of potential danger both for those who use it and for those in the vicinity of the user. More training corresponds to a more limited and contained potential danger. Only practice and constant training give the user of the firearm the experience to exploit it effectively and use it safely.
Therefore, solutions are known in the prior art to train, or coach, people and/or law enforcement and/or military forces in the use of firearms.
The more the training, or the coaching, takes place in conditions similar to real conditions, the greater the preparation and the benefit for the user and those around them, limiting as much as possible a potentially dangerous situation.
In the prior art, a first type of training systems is known in which real firearms are usable within a special training area or park.
This first type of training system allows for an experience that is physically very similar to the real one, but requires a large training area or park, and above all the use of real firearms contextualizes dangerous situations which do not therefore allow the training to be carried out in groups.
Real firearms, but loaded with blanks, are used to perform group training. Clearly, the drawback relating to the need to have a large training area or park remains unchanged.
In the prior art, a second type of training systems is also known in which a real firearm is used, loaded with light bullets, often staining. Again, the drawback relating to the need to have a large training area or park remains unchanged, to which is added how the specific experience of using the firearm is not adherent with the real one.
To overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, training system solutions have therefore been created in which the experience is performed by using simulacrum firearms, that is firearms that are not real. In addition, solutions are known in which the training area is virtualized, for example on screens.
This type of training system does not require a large training area or park, and, in fact, it may also be performed within a closed environment; in addition, the use of simulacrum firearms contextualizes greater safety. However, the experience is not as physically probing as the real one: therefore, an experience that fails to provide the user with physical sensations and a sense of fatigue that is similar or comparable to the real one fails to achieve the intended object.
Furthermore, in the prior art, there are also mixed solutions in which the virtual experience is combined with the real one, using for example augmented reality viewers. However, also these solutions exhibit specific drawbacks and it has been found that they in turn fail to achieve the object for which they are intended, that is, to perform effective training under conditions that are as close as possible to those of a real situation.
In other words, training system solutions having the above features and issues are shown in the documents US2010/017686, US2010/227298 and US2021/381806.
The need is therefore strongly felt to provide and/or design and/or configuration a training system that solves the aforementioned drawbacks by integrating the advantageous aspects of each of the known solutions, but above all by being safe and contextualizing a training situation with conditions that are as real as possible, causing physical stress for the user that is substantially similar to that which they would experience during real action.
The object of the present invention is to provide a training system that resolves the above need.
This object is achieved by the training system claimed in claim 1. Similarly, this object is achieved by the method of training by means of said training system according to claim 15. The claims dependent on these claims describe preferred variant embodiments involving further advantageous aspects.
Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of preferred embodiment examples thereof, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
With reference to the accompanying figures, the reference number 1 refers to a training system 1 for using a firearm according to the present invention.
The training system 1 that is the object of the present invention comprises a simulacrum firearm 2. The periphrases simulacrum firearm refers to a firearm that is not suitable for performing a real shooting action, projecting a bullet, but that simulates the features of a real firearm.
For example, the shape, dimensions, measurements and weight of the simulacrum firearm 2 are similar, or substantially identical, to those of a real specific firearm.
According to a preferred embodiment, the simulacrum firearm 2 is a replica of a real predefined firearm.
According to a further preferred embodiment, the simulacrum firearm 2 is a product which is assemblable or to which certain pieces or components are assemblable in such a way as to assemble the firearm with desired characteristics, for example with a shape and weight that are similar to those of a real firearm.
Preferably, the simulacrum firearm 2 is a gun or a rifle or a machine gun etc.
According to a preferred embodiment, the simulacrum firearm 2 comprises a firearm body 29 comprising a plurality of mountable body portions for forming the firearm body. Said portions are for example suitable for simulating the weight and/or the balance of the weights of the firearm, or more generally the shape and/or the dimensions thereof.
Preferably, the simulacrum firearm 2 is configurable as a gun or a rifle or a machine gun according to the mounting modes of the firearm body 29.
The simulacrum firearm 2 further comprises a trigger assembly 21 operable by the user in order to perform, in a simulated manner, the shooting action.
According to a preferred embodiment, the trigger assembly 21 comprises shooting detection means 210 suitable for detecting the actuation of the trigger assembly 21.
According to a preferred embodiment, the trigger assembly 21 is operable by the user comprising a trigger member 211 and an actuation member 212, preferably a hammer or firing pin. Preferably, the actuation of the trigger member 211 results in the actuation of the actuation member 212 and said shooting detection means 210 detect the actuation of the actuation member 212.
The simulacrum firearm 2 further comprises a grip detection group 25 suitable for detecting the ways in which the simulacrum firearm 2 is gripped by the user.
According to a preferred embodiment, the grip detection group 25 comprises grip detection elements 250 suitable for detecting the position and/or orientation and/or configuration of the firearm-user contact.
According to a preferred embodiment, the grip detection elements 250 are arranged on the handle and are suitable for detecting the presence of a single hand, identifying a right-handed or left-handed grip, or of both hands on the handle, so as to distinguish a single-handed grip from a two-handed grip by the user; or else, the grip detection elements 250 are arranged on the handle and are suitable for detecting the presence of a hand on the handle, identifying a right-handed or left-handed grip on the handle, and are arranged on the firearm body in order to detect the presence of the second gripping hand.
According to a preferred embodiment, the simulacrum firearm 2 comprises firearm spatial detection means 23 by means of which the position and/or orientation and/or configuration in space of the simulacrum firearm 2 is detectable, for example, a movement thereof, or a tilted position and/or orientation and/or configuration of the firearm with respect to a ground plane.
According to the present invention, the training system 1 comprises a wearable device 3 comprising at least one actuator element 30 that is suitable for producing a vibratory action on the user.
According to the present invention, the vibratory action reproduced by the actuator element 30 is of an impulsive nature, having a rise time of less than 1 ms and a latency with respect to the actuation of the trigger assembly 21 of less than 20 ms.
According to the present invention, therefore, the vibratory action that is reproduced on the body of the user is analogous to the vibratory action that is reproduced by the impact force produced by a firearm that is being fired.
The at least one actuator element 30 thus reproduces a shock wave on the user of the training system 1, so as to produce for said user the physical sensations caused by a shot.
According to the invention, the wearable device 3 comprises a bodice 350 wearable by the user on the torso, comprising at least one actuator element 30 suitable for performing a vibratory action on the torso of the user.
According to a preferred embodiment, the actuator element 30 has a power of about 100 W RMS and a bandwidth from 10 Hz and 150 Hz.
According to the invention, the bodice 350 wearable on the torso comprises at least one front actuator element 30 and at least one rear actuator element 30.
According to the invention, the front actuator element 30 and the rear actuator element 30 are suitable for producing a vibratory action towards each other.
According to a preferred embodiment, the front actuator element 30 and the rear actuator element 30 perform different vibratory actions.
In particular, the periphrases different vibratory actions refers to vibratory actions of different magnitudes and/or vibratory actions performed at different points in time.
For example, in the event of a shot fired by the simulacrum firearm 2, the vibratory action produced by the front actuator element 30 is greater than the vibratory action produced by the rear actuator element 30.
The following will also describe situations in which the greater vibratory action will be the one produced by the rear actuator element 30.
For example, the vibratory action produced by the front actuator element 30 has a different latency from the vibratory action produced by the rear actuator element 30.
According to a preferred embodiment, the bodice 350 wearable on the torso comprises a plurality of front actuator elements 30, for example three or four.
According to a preferred embodiment, the bodice 350 wearable on the torso comprises a plurality of rear actuator elements 30, for example three or four.
Preferably, some actuator elements 30 are arranged on the right side, and other actuator elements 30 are arranged on the left side.
According to a preferred embodiment, the vibratory action produced by the elements on the right side is different from the vibratory action produced by the elements on the left side.
According to a preferred embodiment, the wearable device 3 comprises a head body 360 wearable on the user's head, comprising two actuator elements 30 positioned proximal to the ears, respectively, to produce a vibration towards each other in the relevant auditory auricle.
According to a preferred embodiment, the head body 360 is a cap.
According to a preferred embodiment, the head body 360 is a helmet.
Preferably, therefore, the vibratory action produced by the actuating elements 30 present on the head body 360 is such as to perform an action on the eardrums of the user that is analogous to the shooting action. In particular, the vibration produced by the actuating elements 30 generates an action on the eardrums that is similar to the shooting action perceived by a user who performs a real shot. Specifically, the action on the eardrums produced by the actuator elements 30 also considers the fact that the user usually wears acoustic protection and therefore receives a shock wave to which an action of compression and vibration of the cap due to said shock wave is added.
The actuating elements 30 are therefore suitable for providing a firing sensation as a function of the weapon and of the type of acoustic protection.
According to this preferred embodiment, each actuator element 30 has a power of about 10 W RMS and a bandwidth between 150 Hz and 15000 Hz.
According to a preferred embodiment, the vibratory action produced by the elements on the right side, therefore on the right ear, is different from the vibratory action produced by the elements on the left side, therefore on the left ear.
In particular, the periphrases different vibratory actions refers to vibratory actions of different magnitudes and/or vibratory actions performed at different points in time.
For example, in the event of a shot fired from the simulacrum firearm 2 when held with the right hand, the vibratory action produced by the right actuating element 30, that is on the right ear, is greater than the vibratory action produced by the left actuating element 30, that is on the left ear.
For example, the vibratory action produced by the right actuator element 30, that is on the right ear, has a different (lower) latency with respect to the vibratory action produced by the left actuator element 30, that is on the left ear.
According to a preferred embodiment, the training system 1 further comprises body state detection means 4 comprising devices for detecting the position and/or orientation and/or spatial configuration of the user 40, for example, an upright position and/or orientation and/or configuration thereof or an lying position and/or orientation and/or configuration thereof.
Preferably, said body state detection devices 4 are in turn wearable by the user in such a way as to be directly influenced by the positioning of the user.
According to a preferred embodiment, the training system 1 comprises a training region 8 in which the user performs said training.
According to a preferred embodiment, said training region 8 has contained and limited dimensions, for example being in a room or in an enclosed environment. According to a preferred embodiment, the training system 1 comprises a viewer screen 89 projecting a virtual training reality. Preferably, said screen 89 is at the perimeter of the training region 8 on a monitor, or on more than one monitor. Preferably, said screen 89 is worn by the user him/herself, for example in a helmet or a visor.
According to a preferred embodiment, said training region 8 has significant dimensions, for example being an open environment. According to a preferred embodiment, the training system 1 comprises an augmented reality viewer worn by the user.
According to a preferred embodiment, the movements and actuations of the simulacrum firearm 2 are visible on said screens and influence the virtualized situations projected therein, showing for example a hit target or a missed target.
According to a preferred embodiment, the training region further comprises user detection assemblies 6 suitable for detecting the user who inhabits and lives the training region 8 and to detect the status thereof.
For example, such user detection assemblies 6 are suitable for detecting the position and/or orientation and/or configuration and orientation of the user and the firearm.
For example, such user detection assemblies 6 are also suitable for comprising shooting detection means 610 and are therefore suitable for detecting the pressure of the user upon the trigger 21.
According to a preferred embodiment, the training region 8 comprises a plurality of spatial sensors 80 suitable for identifying and detecting the position and/or orientation and/or configuration of the user inside the training region 8.
According to the present invention, the training system 1 also comprises a command and control unit 9.
The command and control unit 9 is operatively connected to the simulacrum firearm 2 and to the at least one actuator element 30 so as to control the latter on actuation for detecting the shooting event fired by the shooting detection means 210, 610.
In other words, the user, when carrying out a training session with the training system 1 using the simulacrum firearm 2 and wearing the wearable device 3, is subjected to vibrations at the correspondence of a given shooting action. Corresponding multiple shooting situations will lead to greater stimulation of the body with multiple vibratory stimuli, thus leading to greater physical stress.
In other words, the training system 1 effectively simulates the stress action on the user, simulating the effect of the shot and the recoil of a real firearm.
According to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 commands the intensity, duration, the timing and the type of vibratory signal emitted by the wearable device 3.
In other words, the command and control unit 9 activates the actuator element 30 or actuator elements 30 as a function of the gripping mode detected.
Preferably, the command and control unit 9 activates the actuator elements 30 as a function of whether the grip is right-handed or left-handed, one-handed or two-handed.
According to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 activates the actuator elements 30 as a function of what is detected by the firearm spatial detection means 23.
According to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 activates the actuator elements 30 as a function of the type of simulacrum firearm 2.
According to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 activates the actuator elements 30 as a function of the type and number of body portions 29, and therefore as a function of the type of real firearm simulated by the simulacrum firearm 2.
According to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 activates the actuator elements 30 as a function of what is detected by the body state detection means 4.
According to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 activates the actuator elements 30 as a function of what is detected by the plurality of spatial sensors 80.
According to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 is operatively connected to the virtual training reality and, as a function of this, is suitable for varying the action of the actuator elements 30.
According to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 is configurable in a plurality of shooting operating modes, wherein a predefined intensity, duration, timing and type of vibratory signal corresponds to each operating mode.
According to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 comprises a memory 99 in which a plurality of data are stored, wherein specific data corresponds to each shooting operating mode, and therefore a specific vibratory action.
Preferably, said operating modes each correspond to a different type of firearm simulated by the simulacrum firearm 2, for example a gun or a machine gun or a rifle.
Preferably, said operating modes each correspond to a different type of caliber simulated by the simulacrum firearm 2.
Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 is configurable in a single shooting operating mode or in a burst shooting operating mode.
Preferably, a single shot corresponds to the detection of the shooting event by the shooting detection means 210, and therefore a single actuation of the wearable means 3, or a burst shot, and therefore a multiple actuation of the wearable means 3.
Preferably, the command and control unit 9 is operatively connected to said spatial sensors 80 in such a way as to command the actuation of the at least one actuator element 30 as a function of what is detected by the spatial sensors.
In other words, depending upon the simulated training session on the screens 89, depending upon the events virtualized on the screens, and depending upon the detection of the position and/or orientation and/or configuration inside the training region 8 of the user by means of the spatial sensors 80, the command and control unit 9 commands the actuation of the actuator element 30 also in situations that are different from that of the shot fired by the simulacrum weapon 2.
In other words, the command and control unit 9 commands a vibration in order to also simulate shots executed by the other subjects present, physically or remotely, in the training session, or to simulate explosions, or to simulate the presence of echoes, reverberations and the presence of means, such as a helicopter or a tank.
According to a preferred embodiment, the command and control unit 9 is suitable for collecting all of the measurements performed in real time and is suitable for modifying the action of the at least one actuator element during the training session itself.
According to a preferred embodiment, by means of the aforementioned collection in real time, the command and control unit 9 is suitable for calibrating the action of the actuator elements over time, obtaining as real a simulation of the recoil action as possible.
The present invention also relates to a training method for using a firearm, by means of a training system 1 having the features described above.
According to the present invention, the training method comprises the steps of:
Each feature, configuration, and action performed in the training system 1, and by the components that compose it, according to what has been described above, is also corresponding to a distinct step of the training method which is performable by means of the training system 1.
Innovatively, the training system amply meets the object of the present invention, thus overcoming the typical drawbacks of the prior art.
Advantageously, in fact, the training system is an extremely versatile solution which simulates a situation that is very similar to a real one, thus creating effective training for users.
Advantageously, while using a simulacrum firearm, the user has sensitive feedback when a shooting event occurs.
Advantageously, while using a simulacrum firearm, the user is subjected to impact forces that are similar to real ones.
Advantageously, while using a simulacrum firearm, during a training session and thereafter, the user is subjected to a state of fatigue.
Advantageously, the vibratory action is performed on the torso in such a way as to simulate the action of a shock wave on the internal organs of the user.
Advantageously, the vibratory action is performed on the eardrums in such a way as to simulate the action of a shock wave on the auditory auricle of the user. Advantageously, the vibratory action is performed in such a way as to also simulate the presence of protective devices, for example ear defenders and/or caps, worn by a user in a training session with a real firearm, wearing said protective devices.
Advantageously, the vibratory action is such to reproduce the crushing of the wearable devices on the body of the user to the correspondence of a shock wave.
Advantageously, the vibratory action is reproducible in a way to also simulate, in addition to the specific shooting action, other training events.
Advantageously, the vibratory action is also variable as a function of further conditions, such as for example the position and/or orientation and/or spatial configuration of the simulacrum firearm, for example the inclination thereof, and/or the position and/or orientation and/or spatial configuration of the user, for example an upright position and/or orientation and/or configuration thereof with respect to an extended position and/or orientation and/or configuration.
Advantageously, the training system is calibratable as a function of the characteristics of the user.
Advantageously, the training system is calibratable as a function of the features of the simulacrum firearm.
Advantageously, the training system varies the vibratory action as the detected and/or required environmental conditions vary: for example, during a training session, the vibratory action takes into account echoes and reverberations. Advantageously, the production of the simulated vibratory action is calibratable by recording any shock waves from real environments and then storing this information in the command and control unit.
Advantageously, the simulacrum firearm is assemblable as a function of the needs. Advantageously, the simulacrum firearm is therefore extremely versatile and usable in a plurality of different situations.
Advantageously, the training region may be small in size and may also be performed indoors.
Advantageously, the training is virtualizable.
Advantageously, the training is performable in groups, presenting real people inside the same training region or presenting people in virtual reality using various training systems remotely.
It is clear that a person skilled in the art may make changes to the training system described above in order to meet contingent needs, which changes all fall within the scope of protection defined in the following claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 102021000032486 | Dec 2021 | IT | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IB2022/061034 | 11/16/2022 | WO |
