We have built, tested and patented 2D interactive projector simulators to display lead on moving targets. Projectors are suitable for close range marksmanship training on moving targets using iron sights. They are ill-suited to long range marksmanship training in general and they are particularly ill-suited to the use of magnified scopes. Projection simulators have limitations that may effectively preclude their use for testing the display of lead on moving targets beyond 100 m.
Inadequate resolution
Human eyesight equates to about 300 about PPI. Since the pixel count is constant in a projection, the larger the projection screen, the lower the pixel density. This “pixel dilution” makes interactive projections inherently ill-suited for longer range marksmanship training. The average commercial interactive simulator has a resolution 1080 horizontal 768 vertical. On a 300” projection screen, pixel density equates to 4.3 PPI.
Commercial interactive projectors attempt to overcome pixel dilution by moving the projector close to the screen. A 4K ultra short throw projector has a 3840×2160 resolution or a density equal to 30 PPI on a 150” screen. On a 300” screen, pixel density of a 4k projectors drops to 14.7 PPI. This may be adequate for close targets with iron sights but is not adequate for long range shooting.
Use of magnified scopes on projected images
Using a magnified scope on a projected image creates three problems for training on movers – magnified pixel dilution, incorrect angular lead/gun movement, and false readings of the lead required.
Magnified pixel dilution
When a projected image is viewed in a magnified scope, pixel dilution causes the image to appear out of focus, as illustrated below. The best commercial projectors have a pixel density on screen of 30 PPI, which, when magnified in a scope, is only 10% of potential eyesight resolution. Magnification is less of an issue with VR displays, which can concentrate pixel density on the target via eye-gaze tracking to a usable pixel density of 70 PPI or more.
Incorrect gun movement
A magnified scope requires a minimum distance to the projection screen for the target to be in focus. A 4x scope might require 25 yards to the screen to be in focus. By moving 75 feet away from the screen, the angular lead (gun movement) on the target will diminish, and the training will not be realistic. This is not an issue in VR or AR optics.
Deceptive lead
The use of magnification on a projected image makes the target appear closer than it is, which can understate the amount of lead necessary. The trainee may not learn how to “read” the target correctly. This problem can be addressed in VR scope reticles.
Lack of magnification limits a projection simulator’s effective range on movers
Simulator training should be transferable to the range on TMITs. The Marine’s defined training gap on movers is 50 m to 300 m. STE SVT WSD marksmanship simulator requires target engagements from 100 m to 500 m. Beyond 100 m, magnification may be needed for shot placement on moving targets, so a marksmanship simulator should facilitate the use of magnified scopes or it will not address the training gap on movers.
Without any magnification on the target, the lead indicator in a simulator may not be large enough to see. The Canadian DRDC study used a small chevron as the lead indicator in its interactive projector test on lead display. A small lead indicator is difficult to see readily beyond 100 m without magnification, as shown below.
The largest possible lead indicator is a twin of the target itself, which facilitates quick target acquisition, enables shot placement, teaches how to read lead in terms of target units and does not confuse the lead indicator with the optic’s reticle.
Projection simulators are not suited to reliably test marksmanship lead on moving targets beyond 100 m. Likewise, projection simulators are not suited for marksmanship training lead on TMITs beyond 100 m.. Those tasks are better suited to VR and AR systems.
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