Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates to a sight frame assembly for a training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations (TADSS) device, and in an embodiment, but not by way of limitation, a movable sight frame assembly for a man portable air defense system (MANPADS) weapon simulator.

Training systems have been developed for personal-portable air defense systems. These training systems are commonly referred to as training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations (TADSS). An example of a TADSS device is a Man Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) weapon simulator. However, when military personnel use these training devices for training in a virtual environment, the virtual reality (VR) head mounted display (HMD) adds extra bulk to the trainee's head. This prevents the trainee from placing their head in the proper position next to the training device, and in particular, up against the sight frame assembly on a MANPADS weapon simulator. This in turn makes it more difficult and significantly less realistic for the trainee to properly align the TADSS device while training to aim and engage targets in VR. Since the sight frame assembly is critical in properly deploying and aiming tactical MANPADS, the training experience is less than ideal when the trainee cannot place their head in the proper position relative to the weapon simulator and the sight frame assembly.

<NPL>, discloses a VR-based Stinger training system.

<CIT> discloses a mobile training device and system for man-portable weapon which requires no additional display, power or communication means but the ones integrated in and on the weapon mockup. The training device is suitable for all man-portable weapons which have incorporated an optical aiming device and a trigger. The training device is a functional combination of a weapon mockup, which is an exact replica of an actual weapon or a shell of an actual weapon, customized computer hardware, motion tracking sensor, customized virtual reality environment software and miniature monitor; all integrated into a single device. All hardware components are placed inside the housing of a weapon mockup, or preferably integrated in the frame, in a way that electromagnetic waves of individual hardware components do not interfere with the performance of a motion tracking sensor. A miniature monitor is built into the housing of the actual aiming device and displays virtual reality environment. A triggering device is modified in such way that triggering of the weapon is communicated to the integrated computer. In this way the training device enables aiming, selecting targets, preparing for shot and firing of weapon mockup at a target in the virtual reality environment from a plurality of trainee's positions, without any additional video display means, except those integrated in and on the weapon mockup.

<CIT> discloses a weapon simulator for detecting the azimuth and elevation of which the weapon is oriented, comprising a sign mounted onto the weapon into which a playback sequence of a target path, is displayed through.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a sight frame assembly for a weapon simulator comprising: a first connection arm for slidably coupling the sight frame assembly to the weapon simulator; a first passageway positioned in the first connection arm, the first passageway for slidably receiving a first guide rod that is fixedly attached to a first sight frame assembly mounting point on the weapon simulator; a second connection arm for slidably coupling the sight frame assembly to the weapon simulator; a second passageway positioned in the second connection arm, the second passageway for receiving a second guide rod that is fixedly attached to a second sight frame assembly mounting point on the weapon simulator; and a spring concentrically positioned around the second guide rod or the first guide rod; wherein the sight frame assembly is disposed in a first position along a longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator when the spring is in an uncompressed state; and wherein the sight frame assembly is disposed in a second position along the longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator when the spring is in a compressed state; and wherein the first passageway and the first guide rod, and the second passageway and the second guide rod, permit movement of the sight frame assembly along the first longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator; and wherein the sight frame assembly is operable to slidably move in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator upon an application of pressure to the spring; and wherein the sight frame assembly is operable to slidably move in a second direction along the longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator upon a release of pressure from the spring.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a weapon simulator comprising: a sight frame assembly, the sight frame assembly comprising: a first connection arm for slidably coupling the sight frame assembly to the weapon simulator; a first passageway positioned in the first connection arm, the first passageway for slidably receiving a first guide rod that is fixedly attached to a first sight frame assembly mounting point on the weapon simulator; a second connection arm for slidably coupling the sight frame assembly to the weapon simulator; a second passageway positioned in the second connection arm, the second passageway for receiving a second guide rod that is fixedly attached to a second sight frame assembly mounting point on the weapon simulator; and a spring concentrically positioned around the second guide rod; wherein the sight frame assembly is disposed in a first position along a longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator when the spring is in an uncompressed state; wherein the sight frame assembly is disposed in a second position along the longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator when the spring is in a compressed state; wherein the first passageway and the first guide rod, and the second passageway and the second guide rod, permit movement of the sight frame assembly along the first longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator; and wherein the sight frame assembly is operable to slidably move in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator upon an application of pressure to the spring and wherein the sight frame assembly is operable to slidably move is a second direction along the longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator upon a release of pressure from the spring.

In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention. It will be evident, however, to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without all the specific details and/or with variations, permutations, and combinations of the various features and elements described herein.

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a new sight frame assembly that provides clearance to accommodate a virtual reality (VR) head mounted display (HMD) while simultaneously giving the user of a Man Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) weapon simulator the tactile feel of putting their face up to a physical sight frame assembly on a tactical weapon system. As noted above, such a MANPADS weapon simulator is an instantiation of a training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations (TADSS) device. The embodiment matches the weight and feel of an operable Man Portable Air Defense System. The embodiment includes a self-adjusting mechanism, which further allows for clearance to accommodate the VR HMD while simultaneously self-adjusting for persons with different head sizes. The self-adjusting mechanism includes placing the entire sight frame assembly on a sliding pin and spring combination so that the trainee can properly position their head to aim down the sights in the computer-generated simulation environment. While several embodiments are discussed in connection with MANPADS and TADSS devices, the current disclosure is not limited to MANPADS and TADSS devices, or other man portable air defense weapon simulators, but are applicable to any weapon simulators in general, such as in computer video games.

Additionally, an embodiment allows use of a physical sight frame assembly to interact with a TADSS device in a virtual environment. The use of a physical sight frame assembly provides a more realistic training environment to the user. In a situation using a tactical MANPADS, the user puts their head up next to the launcher and the sight frame assembly, which is part and parcel of the launcher. However, in a simulation environment, the VR HMD is in the way, and the training scenario loses an element of realism. For example, in a simulation environment, the aiming apparatus that is present on a tactical MANPADS launcher are simulated in the VR HMD, Unfortunately, lining up the front and rear sights can be very difficult for the user in the simulated environment. The bulk of the VR HMD prevents the user from placing their head in the correct position so that the user can line up the aiming apparatus in the simulation environment. However, in an embodiment, the TADSS device maintains the same feel as in a tactical firing of a man portable air defense system. An advantage of the embodiment is that it does not permit the user to improperly hold the TADSS device while firing a shot, thereby reinforcing negative training feedback.

Military doctrine obligates service members with the responsibility for safe weapon handling and placement of accurate effective fire on threat targets. To achieve this, service members train to properly utilize the sights and aiming apparatuses inherent to their weapon systems. As such, removal or non-inclusion of the physical sight frame assembly from a TADSS device is unacceptable for several reasons. First, military training doctrine requires training in the use of organic weapon sights for any given weapon system. Second, while training in VR it can be difficult for the user to line their eye up correctly with the aiming apparatus due to the physical interference between the VR HMD and the weapon simulator. Third, without physical guidance and feedback, the user's head could be positioned incorrectly while still allowing the trainee to fire and engage virtual targets. This enforces negative training through incorrect procedures and improper muscle memory.

Because in an embodiment the physical sight frame assembly was not removed from the TADSS device, it provides a user with the physical feedback necessary to verify the user's head is in the correct place and position. In lieu of completely removing the sight frame assembly from the TADSS device, a suitable length of the sight frame assembly is removed from the sight frame assembly (which in an embodiment is approximately <NUM> inches) on the TADSS device in order to accommodate the bulky VR HMD that is worn by the user.

The new sight frame assembly for a TADSS device has the following advantages. The sliding pin and spring combination accommodates trainees of all sizes and shapes. The training system retains a deployed "lock up" feature and also a stowed "lock down" feature of a sight frame assembly that is used on the tactical implementation of the physical weapon system. The system further includes a section of padded foam that protects the VR HMD from damage and gives the user/trainee a comfortable, no-slip rest for their head. The system allows the user to physically interact with the sight frame assembly while engaged in a virtual reality scenario. In short, the system permits a user to train for tactical employment of a MANPADS or other weapon system in an extremely realistic fashion using the physical hardware of a TADSS device and sight frame assembly positioned on the TADSS device.

<FIG>, and <FIG> illustrate a sight frame assembly <NUM> for a MANPADS weapon simulator. As noted above, such MANPADS weapon simulators can be referred to as TADSS devices. The sight frame assembly <NUM> is coupled to a TADSS device <NUM>. In <FIG>, the sight frame assembly <NUM> is in a stowed position. In <FIG>, the sight frame assembly <NUM> is in a deployed position.

The sight frame assembly <NUM> has a first connection arm <NUM>, and a second connection arm <NUM>. The first and second connection arms are slidably coupled to the TADSS device. The slidable coupling is accomplished in an embodiment via a first passageway <NUM> in the first connection arm <NUM> and a second passageway <NUM> in the second connection arm <NUM> (See <FIG>). The first passageway <NUM> slidably receives a first guide rod <NUM>. The first guide rod <NUM> is attached to a first sight frame assembly mounting point <NUM> on the TADSS device <NUM>. Similarly, the second passageway <NUM> slidably receives a second guide rod <NUM>. The second guide rod is attached to a second sight frame assembly mounting point <NUM> on the TADSS device <NUM>.

Referring now more specifically to <FIG>, the details of a spring assembly <NUM> are illustrated. The spring assembly <NUM> permits the sight frame assembly <NUM> to slidably move in a first direction along the longitudinal axis to the front of the TADSS device upon an application of pressure to the spring. The spring frame assembly <NUM> further permits the sight frame assembly <NUM> to slidably move is a second direction along the longitudinal axis to the rear of the TADSS device upon a release of pressure from the spring. The pressure is applied to the spring when a user, wearing a VR HMD, places the headset against the rear portion of the sight frame assembly <NUM>, and applies pressure to move the sight frame assembly towards the front of the TADSS device. This application of pressure, compression of the spring, and resulting slidable movement along the longitudinal axis of the TADSS device, result in the sight frame assembly being moved to a position that permits the user to properly aim down the sights in the virtual environment. The slidable movement allows for different head shapes and sizes of different users, and different sizes of VR HMDs, yet still permits the user to properly position their head and VR HMD to properly aim down the sights. The spring can be either in a fully compressed state or a partially compressed state. When the user removes their head and VR HMD from the TADSS device, this action releases the pressure on the spring, and the sight frame assembly returns to its relaxed position. Upon release of the pressure, the spring can be in a fully uncompressed state or a partially uncompressed state.

<FIG> further illustrates details of the spring and rod assembly <NUM>. The spring <NUM> is concentrically positioned around the second guide rod <NUM>. The spring and rod arrangement are housed within a housing <NUM>. The spring and rod arrangement are further held in place by fasteners, such as a combination of locknuts <NUM> and washers <NUM>. Specifically, the locknuts <NUM> and washers <NUM> hold the rod and spring assembly in place in the second passageway <NUM> of the second arm <NUM> of the sight frame assembly <NUM>. When pressure is applied to the foam padding <NUM> that is positioned on the rear edge of the sight frame assembly, the sight frame assembly moves along the two rods <NUM>, <NUM> and along the longitudinal axis of the TADSS device <NUM>. As noted earlier, the sight frame assembly is of a length that accommodates a user wearing a virtual reality headset. This length in an embodiment is shorter than the tactical sight frame assembly on a tactical weapon system by a measure roughly equivalent to the depth of the HMD.

<FIG> also illustrates a first retention clip <NUM> and a second retention clip <NUM>. The first retention clip <NUM> is coupled to the first connection arm <NUM>. The second retention clip <NUM> is coupled to the second connection arm <NUM>. As is known in the art, the first retention clip <NUM> is used to maintain the sight frame assembly in a stowed position, and the second retention clip <NUM> is used to maintain the sight frame assembly in the deployed position.

Claim 1:
A sight frame assembly (<NUM>) for a weapon simulator (<NUM>) comprising:
a first connection arm (<NUM>) for slidably coupling the sight frame assembly to the weapon simulator;
a first passageway (<NUM>) positioned in the first connection arm, the first passageway for slidably receiving a first guide rod (<NUM>) that is fixedly attached to a first sight frame assembly mounting point (<NUM>) on the weapon simulator;
a second connection arm (<NUM>) for slidably coupling the sight frame assembly to the weapon simulator;
a second passageway (<NUM>) positioned in the second connection arm, the second passageway for receiving a second guide rod (<NUM>) that is fixedly attached to a second sight frame assembly mounting point (<NUM>) on the weapon simulator; and
a spring (<NUM>) concentrically positioned around the second guide rod or the first guide rod;
wherein the sight frame assembly is disposed in a first position along a longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator when the spring is in an uncompressed state; and
wherein the sight frame assembly is disposed in a second position along the longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator when the spring is in a compressed state;
wherein the first passageway and the first guide rod, and the second passageway and the second guide rod, permit movement of the sight frame assembly along the first longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator; and
wherein the sight frame assembly is operable to slidably move in a first direction along the longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator upon an application of pressure to the spring and wherein the sight frame assembly is operable to slidably move in a second direction along the longitudinal axis of the weapon simulator upon a release of pressure from the spring.