System and method of simulation

• US 7,501,945 B2
• Filed: 07/27/2006
• Issued: 03/10/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation (Martin Marietta Corporation)
• Inventors: Hogan, John M., Young, C. Gil
• Primary Examiner(s): Nguyen; Hung T.
• Application Number:
  US11/460,301
• Publication Number:
  US 20080024295A1
• Time in Patent Office: 957 Days
• Field of Search: 340/539.2, 340/539.1, 340/539.13, 340/540, 340/541, 340/567, 340/568.2, 340/572.1, 340/825.49, 340/825.69, 340/384.3, 342/448, 342/464, 463/39, 463/40
• US Class Current: 340/539.2
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/006 for locating or ranging of objects

Abstract

A simulation system includes a two-dimensional electrical grid installed in a floor or floor mat. Signals from boot mounted transmitters can be sensed via the grid to track boot locations in real-time during training exercises.

Claims

1. A tracking structure comprising:

a two-dimensional substantially planar mat which incorporates a first plurality of conductive elements, members of the first plurality extend linearly, spaced apart from one another, across the mat generally in a first direction and a second plurality of conductive elements, members of the second plurality extend linearly, spaced apart from one another across the mat generally in a second direction; and

at least one wireless identification unit, which when located adjacent to a region of the mat induces an electrical signal in at least one member of each plurality.

2. A structure as in claim 1 where the members of the first plurality are substantially perpendicular to the members of the second plurality.

3. A structure as in claim 2 which includes a signal sensor coupled to at least one member of one plurality.

4. A structure as in claim 3 which includes first circuitry coupled to the members of the first plurality, the first circuitry senses electrical signals induced in respective members of the first plurality.

5. A structure as in claim 4 which includes second circuitry coupled to the members of the second plurality, the second plurality senses electrical signals induced in respective members of the second plurality.

6. A structure as in claim 5 which includes location determination circuitry, responsive to outputs from the first and second circuitry, the determination circuitry establishes a location, relative to the mat, of the at least one identification unit.

7. A structure as in claim 6 which includes a display unit, coupled to the determination circuitry for presenting a multi-dimensional image indicative of the location of the at least one identification unit relative to mat.

8. A structure as in claim 6 which includes a source of current coupled to at least some members of the pluralities, the at least one unit wirelessly receiving electrical energy therefrom.

9. A structure as in claim 8 where currents flow in opposite directions, relative to one another, in adjacent members of a respective plurality.

10. A structure as in claim 1 which includes a source of current coupled to at least some members of the pluralities, the at least one unit wirelessly receiving electrical energy therefrom.

11. A structure as in claim 10 where currents flow in opposite directions, relative to one another, in adjacent members of a respective plurality.

12. A structure as in claim 10 where the current has a first frequency and the unit transmits an electrical signal at a different frequency.

13. A structure as in claim 12 where the unit includes an oscillator coupled to orthogonal transmitting antennas.

14. A structure as in claim 1 where the identification unit includes a wireless energy acquiring element;

and

a transmitter of an identifier.

15. A structure as in claim 14 which includes a plurality of identification units, each of the units transmits a different identifier.