U.S. patent application number 10/626878 was filed with the patent office on 2005-03-17 for system and method for simulated device training.
Invention is credited to Hopmeier, Michael J., Taffe, John C..
Application Number | 20050058964 10/626878 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22364105 |
Filed Date | 2005-03-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050058964 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hopmeier, Michael J. ; et
al. |
March 17, 2005 |
System and method for simulated device training
Abstract
A system and method for simulated device training is disclosed.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system
includes a simulated device having at least one sensor. A
controller is provided, and interfaces with the at least one sensor
and with a feedback device. In another embodiment, the method
includes the steps of (1) providing a simulated device having at
least one sensor; (2) monitoring the simulated device for the
presence of a stimulus; and (3) providing feedback in response to a
predetermined stimulus.
Inventors: |
Hopmeier, Michael J.; (Mary
Esther, FL) ; Taffe, John C.; (Houston, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MORRISON & FOERSTER LLP
1650 TYSONS BOULEVARD
SUITE 300
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
22364105 |
Appl. No.: |
10/626878 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10626878 |
Jul 25, 2003 |
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09481682 |
Jan 12, 2000 |
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6599127 |
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60115912 |
Jan 14, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F42B 8/12 20130101; G09B
9/003 20130101; F42B 33/06 20130101; F41A 33/00 20130101; F41H
11/12 20130101; F41A 33/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/016 |
International
Class: |
G09B 019/00; F41G
003/26 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A system for simulated device training, comprising a simulated
device; at least one sensor connected to said simulated device; a
controller interfacing with said sensor; and a feedback device
interfacing with said controller.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the simulated device is a
munition.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the simulated device is an
intrusion alert system.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein the simulated device is a locking
device.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is a
mercury trembler switch.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor measure a
parameter selected from the group consisting of light, sound,
movement, vibration, variations in local magnetic fields, pressure,
temperature, and combinations thereof.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the a feedback device is selected
from the group consisting of a flashing light, a horn, a buzzer, a
computer display, and a vibrating device.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein the feedback device comprises: a
gas supply; a cannon; and a sparking device for igniting fuel from
the gas supply.
9. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a recording device
for recording a trainee's performance.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor, the
controller, and the feedback device communicate by a communication
means selected from the group consisting of infrared (IR), radio
frequency (RF), hardwire, and acoustics data coupling.
11. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor has an
adjustable threshold.
12. The system of claim 11, wherein the threshold of the at least
one sensor is adjusted by the controller.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein the controller is a
computer.
14. A method for simulated device training comprising: providing a
simulated device having at least one sensor; monitoring the
simulated device for the presence of a stimulus; and providing
feedback in response to a predetermined stimulus.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the simulated device is a
munition.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the simulated device is an
intrusion alert system.
17. The method of claim 14, wherein the simulated device is a
locking device.
18. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one sensor is a
mercury trembler switch.
19. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one sensor measure
a parameter selected from the group consisting of light, sound,
movement, vibration, variations in local magnetic fields, pressure,
temperature, and combinations thereof.
20. The method of claim 14, wherein the a feedback device is
selected from the group consisting of a flashing light, a horn, a
buzzer, a computer display, and a vibrating device.
21. The method of claim 14, wherein the feedback device comprises:
a gas supply; a cannon; and a sparking device for igniting fuel
from the gas supply.
22. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of:
recording a trainee's performance.
23. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one sensor, the
controller, and the feedback device communicate by a communication
means selected from the group consisting of infrared (IR), radio
frequency (RF), hardwire, and acoustics data coupling.
24. The method of claim 14, wherein the at least one sensor has an
adjustable threshold.
25. The method of claim 24, wherein the threshold of the at least
one sensor is adjusted by the controller.
26. The method of claim 14, wherein the controller is a computer.
Description
[0001] This application incorporates by reference, in its entirety,
U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/115,912, filed Jan. 14,
1999.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates generally to a simulator device for
training. In particular, the present invention is directed to a
system and method for training in operations on explosive
devices.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] Explosive devices, including land mines, bombs, missiles,
weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and terrorist-type explosives
(Improvised Explosive Device, or IED), are a source of casualties,
both in military action and in peacetime. For example, about 26,000
people are killed or maimed worldwide each year by antipersonnel
(AP) land mines. Land mines were responsible for 34% of US
casualties during the Persian Gulf War; 33% of US casualties in
Vietnam; 284 casualties in the UN peacekeeping and NATO operation
in Bosnia; and the first US soldiers to die in Bosnia and Vietnam
were killed by AP mines. An additional ten million mines are
employed annually.
[0006] Despite the ever-increasing threat, there is a greater
pressure to reduce the number of injuries resulting from explosive
devices. To that end, people, including soldiers, need to be
trained on disarming explosive devices without placing the trainee
in danger. Classroom training, however, does not present a trainee
with the same conditions and stresses that are encountered when
disarming an explosive device in the field.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] Therefore, a need has arisen for a training system that is
inexpensive, reliable, and able to simulate explosive devices and
the environment and situations in which they are worked.
[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
system for simulated device training is disclosed. The system
includes a device having at least one sensor. A controller is
provided, and interfaces with at least one sensor and with a
feedback device.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method for simulated device
training is provided. The method includes the steps of (1)
providing a simulated device having at least one sensor; (2)
monitoring the simulated device for the presence of a stimulus; and
(3) providing feedback in response to a predetermined stimulus.
[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the
simulated device may simulate, inter alia, a munition, an intrusion
alert system, or a locking device. The sensors may measures a
stimulus, for example, light, sound, vibration, variations in local
magnetic fields, pressure, temperature, and combinations thereof.
The feedback device may be a cannon, a flashing light, a horn, a
buzzer, a vibrating device, a computer display, or some other
device or method of either presenting information and/or storing it
for future review and analysis after recall.
[0011] A technical advantage of the present invention is that the
system and method of the present invention are safer than current
systems available. Another technical advantage is that, in some
embodiments, because no actual high or low explosive material is
needed, none of the logistics, security or environmental impact
associated with current systems apply. Another technical advantage
of the present invention is that it may provide continuous,
instantaneous feedback on the trainee's performance. Another
technical advantage of the present invention is that may be fully
configurable to any scenario. Still another technical advantage of
the present invention is that it has the capability to maintain an
exact record of performance and progress through training. Another
technical advantage of the present invention is that it may provide
field training with minimal cost or support. Another technical
advantage of the present invention is that it may be adaptable to a
wide array of new technologies, munitions, and explosive devices,
which allows it to not only be used with existing ordnance, but
with future ordnance as well. Still another technical advantage of
the present invention is that may allow for self-paced,
around-the-clock, all-weather exercises, both indoor and outdoor.
Another technical advantage of the present invention is that it may
provide for individual training with emphasis on deficient skills.
Still another technical advantage of the present invention is that
it may be stand-alone, providing indigenous training capability.
Another technical advantage of the present invention is that may
provide greater standardization in training by the reduction of
subjective elements from evaluation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a more complete explanation of the present invention and
the technical advantages thereof, reference is now made to the
following description and the accompanying drawings, wherein like
reference numerals represent like parts, in which:
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of the system for
simulated device training according to one embodiment of the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates an example of a simulated device with
sensors according to one embodiment of the present invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic of the system for simulated
device training according to one embodiment of the present
invention; and
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates a flowchart of the method for simulated
device training according to one embodiment of the present
invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention and their technical
advantages may be better understood by referring to FIGS. 1 though
4, like numerals referring to like and corresponding parts of the
various drawings.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, which depicts a general block diagram
of training system 100 according to one embodiment of the present
invention, training system 100 generally includes the following
elements: gas supply 102 (oxygen and propane, or other suitable
gases that can create a combustible mixture), controller 104,
cannon 106, and simulated device 108. Gas supply 102 supplies a
regulated amount of gas on demand to cannon 106 so that it may
ignite or detonate. Cannon 106 is a properly-shaped tube that is
open on one end, and modified so that gas from cylinders 102 may
flow into the base, or closed end, and then be ignited by a spark.
The ignition of the gases produces a loud report to simulate an
explosion.
[0019] In one embodiment, gas supply 102 comprises two gas
cylinders. One of the cylinders supplies fuel to cannon 106, while
the other one supplies oxygen. These gasses are supplied at the
proper pressures through hoses to cannon 106.
[0020] In another embodiment, any device that provides immediate
feedback for a trainee, such as flashing lights, horns, buzzers,
computer displays, electronic voice, etc., may be provided in lieu
of gas supply 102 and cannon 106. It may be impractical to provide
audible feedback to a trainee (due to light/sound discipline
observed during field time). Therefore, in another embodiment,
controller 104 may be configured to send a signal to a vibrating
pager-like device, worn by a trainee, in order to provide the
requisite feedback. This may be performed via hard wire, or
wirelessly. Other methods of devices for relaying, presenting, or
storing information may also be used.
[0021] Controller 104 controls training system 100. In one
embodiment, controller 104 permits training system 100 to be armed
and disarmed remotely, and fires cannon 106 upon receipt of a
firing signal. In another embodiment, controller 104 may perform
additional controlling features.
[0022] Controller 104 may be a computer, such as a personal
computer or a mainframe computer. In one embodiment, a notebook
computer, based on a Pentium.TM.-series processor, manufactured by
Intel, Inc., of Schaumburg, Ill., serves for controller 104 because
of its portability and size. Other processors, including digital
signal processors, and types of computers may also be used.
[0023] In another embodiment, controller 104 may be a simple
process control device that converts a firing signal (from
simulated device 108) into an action of initiating the signaling of
firing. It may consist of a simple receiver (RF, hardwire, other)
that closes a switch upon receipt of a firing command. In one
embodiment, controller 104 may be housed within simulated device
108.
[0024] Simulated device 108 may simulate any munition or explosive
device, from 20 mm ordnance to much larger ordnance, such as the
GBU-28 (a 4,700 pound laser-guided bomb). This includes mines, car
bombs, IEDs, WMDs, mortars, grenades, etc. Underwater ordnance or
devices may also be simulated.
[0025] In another embodiment, simulated device 108 may simulate an
intrusion alert device, such as a burglar alarm or a booby trap. In
this embodiment, at least one sensor may be emplaced in the
intrusion alert device. During training, if a trainee fails to
properly disarm the intrusion alert device, or simply bypasses the
device, the feedback mechanisms disclosed herein may be triggered.
A number of intrusion alert devices are within the contemplation of
the present invention, including vehicle alarms, home alarms,
motion detectors, and other devices.
[0026] In another embodiment, simulated device 108 may simulate a
variety of locking devices, such as lock and tumbler locks on
buildings, combination locks, locks on safes, keypads, sensor pads,
etc.
[0027] Simulated device 108 houses at least one transmitter (not
shown) for transmitting a firing signal to controller 104. The
transmitter may communicate with any of a variety of transducers,
or sensors, that allow simulated device 108 to be "triggered" when
a certain threshold of interference, or disturbance, is reached.
Examples of suitable sensors include sensors to measure or sense
the presence of light, movement, sound, vibration, variations in
local magnetic fields, pressure, temperature, or other measurable
parameters.
[0028] For example, the transmitter could be wired to an
accelerometer, which would close a circuit and generate and
transmit a firing signal if simulated device 108 were suddenly
moved, or bumped, or received some other stimulus. Timing devices
may also be used in coordination with the transmitter to send the
initiation signal in the event that sufficient time has passed
after some disturbance, or initiation of the exercise/event.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, an example of simulated device 108 is
provided. In this figure, and by way of example only, simulated
device 108 simulates a general purpose bomb; however, as discussed
above, any type of device may be simulated. As shown in the figure,
general purpose bomb 202 includes simulated explosive filler 208.
General purpose bomb 202 also includes a sensor array, consisting
of at least one sensor 204. Sensors 204 may be uniquely configured
for use with a particular simulated device, or it may be a
universal sensor array, which can be used with a variety of
simulated devices. Sensors 204 may be used to sense a parameter
(IR, RF, magnetic influence, impact, acoustic, proximity, etc.)
alone or in combination, that may detonate the device. As depicted
in the figure, simulated device 108 has a nose fuse sensor 204 near
at the nose of general purpose bomb 202, and a tail fuse sensor 204
near the tail of general purpose bomb 202. In one embodiment, nose
fuse sensor 204 may be an impact of proximity activated sensor,
while tail fuse sensor 204 may be a time delay, anti-disturbance,
or magnetic sensor.
[0030] Sensors 204 may be connected to transmission port 210 via
internal connection 212, and provide output signal 206 for
controller 104. Output signal 206 may be a RF signal, an IR signal,
or may be sent via hard wire, fiber optic, or other hardware.
[0031] The thresholds for sensors 204 that must be met in order to
transmit a firing signal may be configured by controller 104, so
that no hardware modifications are required to alter the scenario
that a trainee is presented with. In another embodiment, sensors
204 may have an on-board adjustment device, such as a
potentiometer, for adjusting the sensitivity of sensors 204. In
another embodiment, the threshold of sensors 204 may be fixed in
their response, and not be adjustable.
[0032] Sensors 204 are readily available and are inexpensive. In
one embodiment, sensors 204 are mercury trembler switches available
from Radio Shack. Depending on the particular sensor used, there is
no or little maintenance required. Sensors 204 may require on-board
battery power, such as a 9 volt battery.
[0033] Referring again to FIG. 1, controller 104 may be configured
to provide an indicator light and/or buzzer that indicate the
reception of a firing signal, in addition to, or instead of,
actually firing cannon 106. This configuration allows training
system 100 to be used to detect improper handling of simulated
device 108 without actually firing the cannon. Controller 104 may
also provide information as to status/health of system
(armed/disarmed, powered on or turned off, amount of fuel or
battery power remaining, etc.).
[0034] Controller 104 may communicate with gas supply 102 and
simulated device 108 by wires, such a twisted pair, multi-line,
fiber optic, or any other suitable wires, or the communication may
be wireless, such as a broadcast communication, including IR, RF,
or other suitable form of broadcast communication.
[0035] Controller 104 may process software that is used to control
the simulation. In addition, a database may be provided for
controller 104. The database may be used to store different
scenarios for trainees, as well as to store trainee information,
such as past performances, past simulations run, or any other
relevant information.
[0036] The operator, or the trainer, may configure sensors 204 to
present the trainee with a particular scenario. In one embodiment,
the software controls the thresholds of sensors 204 to allow
real-time configuration of the exercise. This may be based on the
past performance of the trainee, as well as the difficulty of the
problem. The particular problems a trainee will encounter may be
pre-set scenarios in the software, or may be changed by the trainer
during training.
[0037] In another configuration, the controller 104 may simply
respond to a hardwired, semi-permanent command setting built into
the switch that detects the movement, etc. of the device with no
ability to support variability of the system.
[0038] Controller 104 may have the ability to control multiple
simulated devices 108 at the same time, allowing one trainer to
monitor several trainees simultaneously. Controller 104 may analyze
the trainee's performance objectively, yielding a continuous,
analytic record of performance.
[0039] Controller 104 may also use multi-media. A digital camera
(not shown) may be used to record a video of the trainee's
performance and to record and to store this performance. This may
allow the subsequent observation by the trainee of his or her
performance. In one embodiment, the video may be coupled with a
display of sensor data, so that a trainee can see the effect of
each particular action on the sensors. This may allow the trainee
to see the immediate effect of each individual act, and the hazards
or danger that it created.
[0040] An example configuration of a training system according to
one embodiment of the present invention is provided. Referring to
FIG. 3, oxygen cylinder 302 and propane cylinder 304 supply gas at
regulated pressures through hoses 306 to solenoid valves 308.
Solenoid valves 308 are controlled by controller 310, which not
only regulates gas flow to cannon 312, but also controls the firing
of cannon 312 after it is filled with gas by igniting the gas
mixture with sparking device 314. The gas fill and fire sequence of
the controller 310 is initiated upon reception of a signal from
transmitter 316. Transmitter 316 may be triggered by a transducer
(not shown), which initiates a signal when a certain threshold of
interference or disturbance of the simulated device is reached.
[0041] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
method for simulated device training is provided. Referring to FIG.
4, a flowchart depicting a preferred method is illustrated.
[0042] In step 402, the trainer configures the sensors in the
simulated device for the training scenario. This may be done by
selecting from a standard training scenario in the controller's
database, or it may be accomplished by configuring each sensor
individually. In one embodiment, the trainer may reconfigure the
sensors during the training scenario to change the difficulty level
for the trainee.
[0043] Next, in step 404, the trainee begins the training scenario.
Concurrently, digital cameras or other recording devices may be
initiated, to record the trainee's performance.
[0044] In step 406, the controller monitors signals from the
sensors in the simulated device. If, in step 408, a sensor's
threshold is reached, in step 414, the controller sends a firing
signal to the cannon, which provides a report for the trainee.
[0045] In step 410, the training continues until the scenario is
complete. Once complete, the cannon may be disarmed to avoid
unintentional firing.
[0046] In step 412, the trainee may be provided with feedback, in
the form of an after-action review, from the trainer. If video were
recorded, this may be presented to the trainee. In another
embodiment, "meters" representing the level of activity that a
sensor sensed may be provided for the trainee.
[0047] Other training scenarios are contemplated in this invention.
Although the method, describe above, was discussed in conjunction
with a cannon, other feedback mechanisms, such as buzzers, flashing
lights, vibrating pager-like devices, etc., or some a suitable
method or device for relaying, presenting, and/or storing
information may also be used.
[0048] The system and method of the present invention very closely
simulates the results of initiation of explosive devices without
the attending hazards of using actual live explosives. By careful
configuration of the sensors used to provide the firing signal, the
relative sensitivity of simulated device used in training can be
modified to match the trainee's skill or confidence level. The
threat of the loud report of the cannon closely approximates the
pressure of working on actual explosive devices serving to provide
as realistic training scenario as possible.
[0049] While the invention has been described in connection with
preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that other variations and modifications of the
preferred embodiments described above may be made without departing
from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will be apparent
to those skilled in the art from a consideration of the
specification or practice of the invention disclosed herein. It is
intended that the specification is considered as exemplary only,
with the true scope and spirit of the invention being indicated by
the following claims.
* * * * *