Sniper training system

Snipers are utilized in various types of battle situations and environments, and can be a force multiplier on the battlefield if the respective sniper is well trained for the specific engagement. Training for a specific engagement however, is sometimes difficult. Current training methods can effectively train a sniper on aspects of marksmanship such as breath control, stance, support, and trigger control but are often lacking in addressing the critical skills for determining the point-of-aim on a target.

Determination of the point-of-aim on a target requires the consideration of several factors, and the combinations of those factors, including distance, wind and other weather conditions, target movements, and parallax. This is a skill that requires substantial practice not only to learn, but to maintain as well.

Point-of-aim practice is currently limited to firing range facilities, resulting in a limited variety of distance and weather condition. Sniper trainees would also need to relocate among firing range facilities to receive a more comprehensive training, costing time and money. In addition, firing range facilities which are suitable for sniper training, are not always available at all bases and when soldiers are deployed.

Another component to point-of-aim training is the ability to observe trace. Trace, which is the vapor trail formed by the bullet due to air turbulence, allows the trainer and the trainee to observe the path of the bullet to determine the point of impact on the target. The vapor trail however, lasts only a matter of seconds, making it difficult for new trainees to learn.

For improved sniper training, a sniper skills training system is described. The sniper training system comprises a computer trainer station having a 3D rendering engine, a computer display, a trainer user interface module, at least one database, and a data storage; and a simulated rifle unit having a near-to-eye display and a hardware interface module, wherein the trainer station is interfaced with the simulated rifle unit to provide a simulated training scenario.

FIG. 1 is a pictorial diagram showing the sniper training system 100, including a trainer computer station 102 and a simulated trainee rifle unit 104, according to one embodiment of the invention. The trainer computer station 102 acts as the host to the simulations for training. Scenarios are created and loaded into the computer to provide the appropriate conditions that the trainee is preparing for. The trainer computer station 102 is interfaced with the simulated rifle unit 104, which the trainee uses to simulate aiming and firing at targets during training. While the trainer computer station 102 is preferably a laptop or other portable computer for increased portability, other processing devices alternatively may be used.

The simulated rifle unit 104 includes a trigger sensor 110, a motion tracker 106, and a near-to-eye display system 112 with adjustment knobs 108. In one embodiment of this invention, the main structure of the simulated rifle unit 104 is a construct of materials similar to those of an actual sniper rifle, such that the training simulations are as realistic as possible. Alternatively, the simulated rifle unit 104 does not need to be in the shape or form of an actual sniper rifle. For instance, a smaller unit may be appropriate for portability.

Determining the point-of-aim for a target, which is a core aspect of sniper skills training, is performed through the use of a scope. The near-to-eye display system 112, which is in the shape of a scope, is mounted on the simulated rifle structure, similar to how scopes are mounted on the top of actual sniper rifles. Looking into the near-to-eye display system 112, the trainee will see a high resolution, realistic training environment. Incorporated in the near-to-eye system 112 are adjustment knobs 108 for simulated windage control, elevation control, and parallax compensation. The scope orientation tracker 106 senses orientation of the simulated rifle unit. Information from this sensor along with input via the adjustment knobs 108 are processed by the trainer computer station 102 and the image in the near-to-eye display system 112 is updated in real-time. The trigger sensor 110 is excited when the trainee has determined the point-of-aim for the target in the scenario and takes the shot.