Marksmanship training device

Abstract

The present invention describes a marksmanship simulator including a weapon capable of firing a laser, a screen for projecting images thereon and for receiving a laser strike from the weapon, a first hit detection means for registering a laser strike on the screen, a first projector for projecting a background image and a separate target image on the screen. The target image is finer than the visual acuity of the marksman, when looking through a targeting means thus providing a more realistic image for the marksman.

1 . A marksmanship simulator including a weapon capable of firing a laser, a screen for projecting images thereon and for receiving a laser strike from the weapon, a first hit detection means for registering a laser strike on the screen, a first projector for projecting a background image and a separate target image on the screen.  
     
     
         2 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 1  wherein the target image is finer than the visual acuity of the marksman when looking through a targeting means.  
     
     
         3 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 2  wherein the target image is of greater resolution than the background image.  
     
     
         4 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 3  wherein the separate target image is provided by a second projector.  
     
     
         5 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 4  wherein the separate target image overlays the background image.  
     
     
         6 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 5  wherein there is a second hit detection means aimed at the screen.  
     
     
         7 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 6  wherein the second hit detection means at least substantially overlaps the target image displayed by the second projector.  
     
     
         8 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 7  wherein the resolution of the second hit detection means is greater than that of the first hit detection means.  
     
     
         9 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 8  wherein the second hit detection means is adapted to detect the centre of a laser footprint of the laser to a precision that is at least better than the accuracy required of the marksman.  
     
     
         10 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 8  wherein the hit detection means is a camera capable of viewing laser strikes on the screen.  
     
     
         11 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 3  wherein the separate target image is positioned in front of the screen.  
     
     
         12 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 11  wherein the separate target image is constructed from a material capable of reflecting laser light.  
     
     
         13 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 12  wherein the separate target image is of a substantially higher resolution to that of the back ground image.  
     
     
         14 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 10  wherein the second projector projecting the separate target image and the second hit detection camera is movable relative to the screen,  
     
     
         15 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 10  wherein the second projector and the second hit detection camera are attached to a platform that is computer controlled so as to allow movement of the platform relative to the screen.  
     
     
         16 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 15  wherein the computer calculates the real time screen location of the separate target image provided by the second projector and blanks out an area of the background provided by the first projector, where the target image is overlaid.  
     
     
         17 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 9  wherein the hit detection means is a camera capable of viewing laser strikes on the screen.  
     
     
         18 . The marksmanship simulator of  claim 14  wherein the second projector and the second hit detection camera are attached to a platform that is computer controlled so as to allow movement of the platform relative to the screen.