Systems and methods for arranging firearms training scenarios

Abstract

Systems and methods of arranging a firearms training scenario utilising at least one robotic mobile target in a training area are disclosed, the method including the steps of: sending commands to at least one robotic target in a training area to cause the target to operate in the training area; recording operations data representative of the operations carried out by the at least one robotic target; and subsequently conducting a training scenario in the training area wherein the at least one robotic target bases its actions at least partially on the previously recorded operations data.

1 . A method of arranging a firearms training scenario utilising at least one robotic mobile target in a training area, the method including the steps of:
 sending commands to at least one robotic target in a training area to cause the target to operate in the training area;   recording operations data representative of the operations carried out by the at least one robotic target; and   subsequently conducting a training scenario in the training area wherein the at least one robotic target bases its actions at least partially on the previously recorded operations data.   
     
     
         2 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the operations data includes command data representative of at least some of the commands sent to the robotic target. 
     
     
         3 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the operations data includes actions data representative of at least some of the actions carried out by the robotic target in reacting to the commands. 
     
     
         4 . A method according to wherein the operations data includes outcome data representative of at least some of the outcomes of executing the commands. 
     
     
         5 . A method according to claim wherein the step of sending commands to the at least one robotic target is carried out by a human operator using a remote control input device. 
     
     
         6 . A method according to  claim 5  wherein the step of sending commands is carried out whilst the human operator is situated at a location in the training area where the at least one of the trainees will be situated during the step of conducting the training scenario. 
     
     
         7 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the operations data is recorded by the robotic mobile unit. 
     
     
         8 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the operations data includes data representative of the location, orientation or velocity of the at least one robotic target in the training area. 
     
     
         9 . A method according to  claim 1  wherein the operations data includes data representative of any of sounds produced by the at least one robotic target, raising or lowering of simulated weapons, deployment of special effects by the at least one robotic target or at least one robotic target remaining static. 
     
     
         10 . A method  claim 1  wherein, during the step of conducting the, training scenario, the robotic target intentionally deviates from the operations data. 
     
     
         11 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the robotic target deviates from the operations data to avoid an obstacle. 
     
     
         12 . A method according to  claim 10  wherein the robotic target randomly deviates from the operations data. 
     
     
         13 . A method according to claim wherein the scenario utilises more than one robotic target and each base their operations on their own set of operations data. 
     
     
         14 . A method according to claim wherein the at least one robotic target commences operations in the training elapsing of a pre-determined interval of time, or in response to detecting personnel in the training area, or in response to detecting movement of another target in the training area. 
     
     
         15 . A system for use in conducting a firearms training scenario utilising at least one robotic mobile target in a training area, the system including:
 sending means for sending commands to at least one robotic target in a training area to cause the target to operate in the training area;   recording means for recording operations data representative of the operations carded out by the at east one robotic target;   the at least one robotic target is arranged to participate in a firearms training scenario in the training area; and   wherein the at least one robotic target is arranged to base its actions at least partially on recorded operations data.   
     
     
         16 . A system according to  claim 15  wherein the operations data includes command data representative of commands sent to the robotic target. 
     
     
         17 . A system according to  claim 15  wherein the operations data includes actions data representative of actions carried out by the robotic target in reacting to commands. 
     
     
         18 . A system according to  claim 15  wherein the operations data includes outcome data representative of outcomes of executing the commands. 
     
     
         19 . A system according to  claim 16  wherein the sending means includes a remote control input device. 
     
     
         20 . A system according to  claim 15  wherein the recording means is embodied in the robotic mobile unit. 
     
     
         21 . A system according to  claim 16  wherein the operations data includes data representative of the location, orientation or velocity of the at least one robotic target in the training area. 
     
     
         22 . A system according to  claim 16  wherein the operations data includes data representative of any of sounds produced by the at least one robotic target, raising or lowering of simulated weapons, deployment of special effects by the at least one robotic target or at least one robotic target remaining static. 
     
     
         23 . A system according to  claim 16  wherein the robotic target is arranged to intentionally deviate from the operations data. 
     
     
         24 . A system according to  claim 23  wherein the robotic target is arranged to deviate from the operations data to avoid an obstacle. 
     
     
         25 . A system according to  claim 23  wherein the robotic target is arranged to randomly deviate from the operation data. 
     
     
         26 . A system according to  claim 16  including more than one robotic target. 
     
     
         27 . A system according to  claim 16  wherein the at least one robotic target is arranged to commence actions following the elapsing of a predetermined interval of time, or in response to detecting personnel in the training area, or in response to detecting movement of another target in the training area.