Typically the simulator provides for one or more individuals to achieve an objective.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to the present invention there is provided a combat simulator comprising : a mobile vehicle module including means for propelling the vehicle, means for steering the vehicle, out-putting means for emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation (such as infrared) from the vehicle, and inputting means for detecting the arrival of a beam of electromagnetic radiation on at least a part of the vehicle; a remote control module for controlling the vehicle so as to enable the vehicle to be propelled, steered and to emit a beam of radiation as aforesaid ; and a command centre module including at least one outputting means for emitting a beam of electromagnetic radiation from the command centre module, and inputting means for detecting the arrival of a beam of electromagnetic radiation on at least a part of the command centre module.

According to a first preferred version of the present invention the mobile vehicle module includes an accumulating device whereby when the inputting means of the module has detected the arrival of one or more beams of radiation the accumulating device provides for an indication of a predetermined number of arrivals being exceeded such as by modifying a function of the vehicle module.

According to a second preferred version of the

present invention or of the first preferred version thereof the command centre module includes an accumulating device whereby when the inputting means of the module has detected the arrival of one or more beams of radiation the accumulating device provides for an indication of a predetermined number of arrivals being exceeded such as by modifying a function of the command centre module.

According to a third preferred version of the present invention or any preceding preferred version thereof the mobile vehicle module and/or the command centre module include sound and/or light generating means operable to indicate operational status, represent damage, or simulate a combat related event.

According to a fourth preferred version of the present invention or any preceding preferred version thereof the command centre module serves to define a region including reward means such that in the course of simulated combat in the event the mobile vehicle module is able to occupy the region then the inputting means of the vehicle module for at least a limited period is not responsive to the arrival of incoming radiation and the vehicle module is adapted to receive an award or awards such as enhanced outputting means functionality or reduction in damage accumulation.

According to a fifth preferred version of the present invention or any preceding preferred version thereof the simulation can be undertaken at discrete operational levels, a given operational level being characterised by the speed of operation of the outputting means of the vehicle module and/or the command centre module.

According to a sixth preferred version of the present invention or any preceding preferred version thereof the vehicle module and/or the command centre module are equipped with outputting means which can provide for simulations of more than one weapon either

by varying the output of a single outputting means or by providing more than one outputting means, each such means having an output differing from the other or other such means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS An exemplary embodiment of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings of a combat simulator of which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view from above of a vehicle module ; Figure 2 shows a perspective view from above of a command centre module; Figure 3 shows the command centre module of Figure 2 in plan view; and Figure 4 shows a perspective view from above of the command centre module having beneath it a vehicle module similar to that shown in Figure 1.

MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Figure 4 shows a combat simulator 11 made up of a mobile vehicle module 12 and a command centre module 13.

Figure 1 shows the vehicle module 12 having a hollow hull 14 mounted on two externally mounted rear wheels 15, 16 and a front internally mounted steerable wheel 17. The vehicle module 12 has housed within the hull 14 a battery powered motor driving rear wheels 15,16; a battery ; a steering drive for the front wheel 17; an infra red radiation detector sensitive to radiation falling on most of the outside of hull 14; a sound generator ; and a control unit which operates to regulate the speed and direction of travel of the

vehicle and to accumulate hits received by the vehicle module.

The vehicle module 12 is remotely controlled by a portable hand set enabling the vehicle module to be operated at a distance. The hand set enables the vehicle module 12 to be propelled and steered The hull 14 has mounted on it two radiation emitters 18,19 which can emit beams of radiation of low power by means of which hits can be scored on the command centre module 13 as will be described hereafter.

An accumulator device within the hull serves to total the number of hits received on the hull 14. Once a predetermined number of hits has been reached the offensive power of the vehicle module can be progressively reduced such as by reducing the number of working emitters or reducing the rate at which they can be fired. A loudspeaker 20 outlet enables sound generated by the on-board sound generator to be emitted by the vehicle in response to the control unit.

Figures 2 to 4 variously show the command centre module 13 made up of a body 30 mounted on three legs 31-33 to leave a region R beneath the body 30 with sufficient clearance beneath the body 30 for the vehicle body 12 to pass beneath the command centre module 13.

Each leg 31-33 contains a gun post, respectively gun posts 34-36 each of which includes three infra red light emitting diodes firing randomly at a wide angle so as to provide 360° of coverage around the command centre 13 against an advancing vehicle module. On the upper part of the body 30 three coloured light emitting diodes in the order green, yellow and red are provided to display the firing state of each of the LED's in the gun posts 34-36. When a gun post is about to fire the green LED lights followed by yellow and

red when the gun post'fires'and the three LED's are extinguished.

The legs 31-33 each also contain a sensor serving to register a hit from an attacking vehicle module.

As the simulation proceeds the vehicle module 12 is operated so as to approach the command centre module 13. If the vehicle module manages to avoid terminal damage and get beneath the command centre module 13 into region R then it is rewarded such as by receiving a further number of lives, reduction in damage level, or additional or improved fire power.

The command centre module 13 can, as can the vehicle module 12, be equipped with sound and/or light generators operable, for example, to indicate operational status, represent damage, or simulate a combat related event. In addition the command centre 13 and/or the vehicle module 12 can be adapted to simulate damage by having a part or parts which can be released when a particular area is'hit'.

The exemplary embodiment functions at different levels which are selected at start up in response to an audible announcement. Three levels are envisaged the difference between the levels being the speed at which firing of the emitters can occur.

The command centre 13 protects itself by firing from the gun ports 31-33. The firing is independent from each leg and only one leg can fire at a time with firing occurring in random order. The time between each firing shortens as the level increases. The action starts with the command centre having a specified number of lives. Each hit on the command centre causes a life to be lost which can be indicated by way of a further set of LED displays. Once the specified number of lives has been lost the simulation is terminated.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The exemplary embodiment describes a'point and shoot'simulation involving a moving and a fixed combatant. However more elaborate versions are readily provided where the vehicle module has to undertake a series of steps before being able to undertake the example as described.

The components described in the exemplary embodiment can be elaborated to include obstacles, additional targets and different surfaces to be crossed. Typically in addition to the command centre and the vehicle module other targetable items can be located in the play area in which the command centre is located and through which the vehicle module moves.

Thus in a domestic environment a simple target module or other active or passive unit can be fixed to a wall, items of furniture to respond in a variety of ways to being struck by emission (whether'fire'or wireless transmissions) from command centre or vehicle.

The vehicle and command centre modules are readily manufactured from existing materials, components and processors. The infra red emitters operate at very low powers and the radiation involved is incapable of causing significant damage to a user even in the unlikely event of continuous contact for an extended period.