Abstract:
A firearm training apparatus and method provides simulated weapon realism that places higher priority to shot placement by using a culminated laser beam with specific target areas to achieve marksmanship accuracy. Trainee shooters can visually observe hits by an LED in the target area and hear an alarm sound when another trainee is hit. Stress and reaction to stress is achieved through the use of a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units in vests worn by the trainees. Greater realism is achieved by eliminating special safety equipment required with projectile systems, and focus on weapon accuracy and firing characteristics.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/647,282, “Apparatus, System and Method For Improved Live Fire Simulation And Training” filed May 15, 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/679,217, “Blank Firing Attachment Assembly For Automatic Rifles With Flash Suppressor” filed Aug. 3, 2012, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/717,236, “FTS Ocular Infrared Detection Glasses” filed Oct. 23, 2012 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/790,323, “Firearm Training Apparatus And Method” filed Mar. 15, 2013. U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos.: 61/647,282, 61/679,217, 61/717,236 and 61/790,323 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed towards a system for simulating firearm training. 
       BACKGROUND  
       [0003]    Firearm simulation system exist that use guns having a laser output and laser sensors to detect hits. Firearm simulation participants will wear the laser sensors and shoot the laser gun at other participants. When a sensor worn by a participant is struck by a laser, the system can record the strike. This type of a simulation system can be known as a “force on force” system. Most force on force systems are basically laser tag systems that may user laser guns that are not similar to actual firearms. These systems may transmit an uncomfortable or painful signal to a user who has been hit by a laser beam. Even with the elimination of safety equipment, existing force on force firearm training systems fail to achieve the level of realism required to enhance the firearm training experience. Some existing systems place a strong emphasis on providing electrical shock as a means of informing the player that they have been shot. Because this electrical shock can be painful, the participant can practice the ability to “Fight through the Trauma”. While certainly pain feedback can be important, the other aspects of realistic training have been ignored by prior art firearm training systems. What is needed is a more realistic firearm training simulation system. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    Most laser engagement systems function on the design premise that a laser strike or Hit renders the target acquired and the subject identified as a casualty. Hits are stressed without regard to marksmanship skills allowing deterioration of learned skills. Training focus is on the ability to fight through stress and less on target accuracy. Apart from other systems, the inventive firearm training apparatus and method simulates weapon realism. The inventive apparatus can be implement through conversion kits that allow users to convert live handguns into blank firing weapons that replicate all live fire characterizes. A uniquely designed chamber used with the firearms allow the trainees to experience the effects of weapon fire without the risks of chambering live rounds. The firearm training apparatus and method also places higher priority to shot placement by using a culminated laser beam with specific target areas to achieve marksmanship accuracy. Fiber optic pads allow smaller target areas that are arranged over specific target areas. Shooter can visually observe hits by an LED in the target area and a sound alarm when hit. Stress and reaction to stress is achieved through the use of a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit. Greater Realism is achieved by eliminating special safety equipment required with projectile systems, and focus on weapon accuracy and firing characteristics. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]      FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a laser assembly; 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  illustrates an embodiment of a universal laser barrel housing; 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a laser training vest; 
           [0008]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a handgun chamber block; 
           [0009]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a leaf spring used with the barrel block; 
           [0010]      FIG. 6  illustrates an embodiment of a compression spring used with a modified barrel of a firearm; 
           [0011]      FIG. 7  illustrates a Blank Firing Attachment Assembly for Automatic Rifles with Flash Suppressor; 
           [0012]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of Ocular Infrared Detection Glasses; 
           [0013]      FIG. 9  illustrates an embodiment of a Portable, Self Contained, Infrared Laser Detection System; and 
           [0014]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate side views of embodiments of blanks used with firearms. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0015]    The inventive firearm training apparatus and method was designed to realistically simulate actual firing of ammunition with a real firearm. In order to provide a realistic simulation, a real handgun or long gun is adapted for simulated firing so that the same principles and characteristics in the real weapon would be the same as the simulated actuation. 
         [0016]    The inventive firearm training apparatus can include a simple laser conversion kit that can be used to change a fully functional duty weapon firearm to a blank firing training weapon that emits a laser beam when the blank when the firearm is fired. The system can also include sensor components that are worn by the system users to monitor the training participants and record laser beam hits. In an embodiment, the sensor components can transmit the hit data to a computer which can record the laser beam hits associated with each trainee and provide information about the location of the hit and the source of the hit. Each laser can be encoded with a signal indicating the laser source and each sensor mechanism can transmit a signal identifying the sensor mechanism that received the laser hit. The system computer can match the laser source and the sensor identities to produce cumulative information regarding which laser hit which sensor which can then be used to produce reports that can describe many statistics which can include: the number of rounds fired, the accuracy of the shooter, the locations of the hits on the trainees, etc. A benefit of the inventive firearm training is that the trainees use the same weapons, magazines, and types of ammunition in the simulations as the actual firing of the firearms. Because the actual guns are used to fire blank ammunition, the feel, recoil and sound can accurately replicate the same guns firing live ammunition. 
         [0017]    Existing force on force firearm training systems can provide target areas that cover the body area and in some cases these systems can inaccurately record hits that are beyond the target area because the size of the laser beam can be greater than the diameter of the live ammunition. Thus, these systems may inaccurately record laser hits when actual ammunition would have missed the target. Having specific target areas on the subject is a feature of the inventive firearm training system. Thus, the inventive system may only record laser hits that would be hits using live ammunition. This improved hit reporting can reinforce marksmanship skills and ensure that the trainees receive accurate feedback and results for delivering lethal shots. 
         [0018]    In an embodiment, the inventive firearm training system can include an ocular target which can allow sniper trainees to participate in training simulations. The ocular target is a long range firing mechanism that provides laser simulation of the type of shot required to eliminate specific types of target. 
         [0019]    In another embodiment, the inventive firearm training can include a detachable target box that allows the use of vehicles in active shooter simulation scenarios. A vehicle target system can use infrared conducting plastic on a self-contained unit that can be placed on the vehicles to transmit laser strikes to a laser sensor. The infrared conducting plastic can be placed on side window or headrests. The target box can detect laser hits and transmit this information to the system computer to record the hit and hit source. 
         [0020]    The laser sensor device worn by the trainees can include a stress feedback mechanism which provides a physical signal to the trainee when the laser sensor is struck by a laser beam during the training simulation. The physical signal can be an electrical signal that is managed through the use of a TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit. The TENS unit can deliver an electrical nerve stimulating pulse to muscles that have a wide range signal strengths. In different embodiments or feedback setting or based upon the sensor location, the nerve stimulating pulse can range from a low setting that provides a numbing sensation to a high setting that can incapacitate a muscle group. Realism of the inventive firearm training simulation can be further enhanced by the environment and locations where training can be conducted. The inventive system can include equipment that can be used in any environment. 
         [0021]    The inventive firearm training system uses features and technologies to achieve a realistic force on force firearm training system. In an embodiment, the inventive system includes an adapter or converter to change most semi-automatic handguns into blank firing weapons that fire blanks but accurately simulate the characteristics of that weapon firing live ammunition. Trainees can participate in the simulations using assigned weapons which can built skill sets required to master the user of a particular weapon. 
         [0022]    In an embodiment, the a laser system utilizing a culminated coded laser adapted to a specialized barrel that is adaptable to handguns and long guns and allows subject short where weapon is aimed. A vest used by the inventive system provides visual, auditory, and tactile feedback when a subject wearing the vest is hit in a target area. A true ocular target comprised of plastic glasses connected to the vest that allows for snipers to be integrated into force on force training exercises. In an embodiment, the inventive system can also include a vehicle target system utilizing the same targeting system in a self-contained unit that can attached to the side window or headrest of any vehicle. 
         [0023]    The inventive firearm training system will be described with reference to the following drawings.  FIG. 1  illustrates an embodiment of a laser assembly  100  which can be directly coupled to a pistol or rifle. The laser assembly can include: an infrared laser module  101  coupled to a printed circuit board  105 . When the trainee firing the firearm actuates the laser assembly  100 , the printed circuit board  105  can activate the firing of the laser module  101  which can emit a coded infrared laser beam. The coding in the laser beam can be an identification code used to identify the laser assembly  100 . Each trainee can have a separate laser assembly  100  each of which has a different identification code. The coding can be in the form of pulsed laser signals emitted by the infrared laser module. Although the laser assembly  100  is described as using infrared light, in other embodiments, the laser used can output any other type or wavelength of light. The printed circuit board  105  can include a processor controller  111  that can transit the identification signals to the laser module  101  and be actuated by a pressure switch  115 . In other embodiments, the laser module  101  can include an audio sensor  116  such as a microphone coupled to the processor controller  111 . The processor controller  111  can actuate the laser module  101  when the audio sensor  116  detects an audio signal greater than a predetermined audio value. The printed circuit board  105  can also be coupled to a battery  109  for powering the laser assembly  100  components. 
         [0024]    In an embodiment, the laser assembly  100  can include a status LED(s)  113  which can emit different colors to indicate the status of the laser assembly  100 . A green light may indicate that the laser assembly  100  is operating properly and a red light may indicate a problem. Because an infrared laser is not visible, the LED light  113  may be the only mechanism that can provide confirmation that the laser assembly  100  is working properly. 
         [0025]    With reference to  FIG. 2A , an embodiment of a universal laser barrel housing  200  is illustrated and with reference to  FIG. 2B , a cross section view of an embodiment of a universal laser barrel Housing  200  is illustrated. The universal laser barrel  200  can contain an infrared laser assembly  100 . The housing  200  can have threads  201  which can be coupled to corresponding threads on the end of the pistol or rifle barrel to secure the housing  200  to the end of a pistol or rifle and a laser port  209  for the laser module  101  on the laser assembly  100 . The universal laser barrel housing  200  can be internally modified to secure any other embodiments of the laser assembly  100  to the firearm. The universal laser barrel housing  200  can also be configured to actuate a pressure switch to fire the laser module  101  in the laser assembly  100  and vent gases from the firing of a blank firearm cartridge. In order to relieve internal pressure, the housing can include many vent holes  203  which can allow the gases from the fired blank cartridge to escape the housing  200 . This housing  200  provide a means to house an electronic components on the laser assembly  100  within a gun barrel and protect them from the pressure and hot gasses that result from the firing of a blank cartridge used to operate the gun mechanism in the simulation of a given semi-automatic action sequence. The housing  200  can also provide user access to the electronic components on the laser assembly  100  to test actuate a pressure switch and to provide visible access to LED lights on the electronics which can indicate the status of the operational status of the electronics through a laser status LED viewing hole  207 . 
         [0026]      FIG. 3  illustrates an embodiment of a laser training vest  300  that can be worn by trainees. In an embodiment, the laser training vest  300  can incorporate multiple fiber optical pads  301  that can be arranged in a target specific order to receive coded infrared laser hits from the blank firing training pistols or rifles. In an embodiment, the training vest can indicate a laser beam hit by activating a light emitting diode(LED)  303  in a corresponding specific targeted area and activating a sound alarm when specific located optical pads  301  are hit with a gun or rifle fired infrared laser. In an embodiment, the LEDs  303  can be red. The optical pads  301  and the LEDs  303  can be coupled to infrared detector sensor boards  305  which can process signals from the optical pads  301  and actuated the LEDs  303  when the optical pads  301  are hit with an infrared laser. The sensor boards  305  can be coupled to controller electronics  307 . Optionally the vest  300  can also trigger or actuate transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)  309 . When the laser beams hit the fiber optical pads  301 , the system can actuate the TENS  309  which can be stress inoculators that can enhance the training experience. The TENS  309  can be actuated by the controller electronics  307 . Batteries  311  can power the vest  300  components. 
         [0027]    The front of the vest  321  can include the optical pads  301 , the infrared detector sensor boards  305  and the back of the vest  323  can include the controller electronics  307 , TENS  309  and batteries  311 . In an embodiment, the vest  300  can be modified by adding additional optical pads  301  which can be added to the front of the vest  321  or the back of the vest  323 . The vest  300  can include additional optical pad connectors  313  which can be used to connect additional optical pads  301  and detector sensor boards  305  to the vest  300 . 
         [0028]      FIG. 4  illustrates an embodiment of a handgun chamber block  401 . The inventive chamber block  401  design can minimizes machining requirements. The inventive chamber block  401  design can also generating enough pressure when a blank is fired to replicate live fire characterizes of sound and recoil. The chamber block  401  can also provide an atmospheric vent hole  405 , directly from the blank round chamber  413 , for the direct discharge of gases from a fired blank round. The chamber block  401  can also include a pressure switch vent  409 . Some of the internal pressure is used to actuated the pressure switch and any excess pressure can be vented out of the chamber block  401  through the pressure switch vent  409 . However, the chamber block  401  can also allow the gun barrel to be sealed from the gas pressurization and flow, for the purpose of the installation of sensitive electronic packages. In an embodiment the blank round chamber  413  can be a custom chamber used for specific types of blank cartridges. 
         [0029]    When firing a blank round, the gases created by the burning powder must be vented in a manner to allow proper back pressure within the gun barrel chamber, in order to control the amount of energy transferred from the expanding gasses into the gun slide and the gun barrel. If the gun barrel is utilized to contain sensitive electronic packages that cannot withstand the violent pressures and gas flow from a gun powder discharge other means of gas venting must be provided which remain sealed from the gun barrel pathway. The system should also allow the gun to operate successfully as a blowback operation by providing the firing and semiautomatic operation of a normal ballistic fired momentum transferred operation. By strategically configuring the vent hole of the chamber block to vent out the top of the gun chamber, the gas energy can be directly transferred as recoil and noise. The recoil and noise parameters are required for training purposes to allow the gun in laser simulation mode to act like the actual gun and provide the feel of firing a live bullet based round. Capturing the expanded gases within the gun chamber also allows maximum energy to be utilized to move the slide back and control the barrel position for a successful ejection and reloading of a new blank round. Placing the vent hole directly in the gun chamber allows the vent hole diameter to be specified and optimized to the correct size, in order to balance barrel spring loads, gun recoil, gun noise, and the ejection and loading of new rounds for semi-automatic gun performance. 
         [0030]      FIG. 5  illustrates an embodiment of a leaf spring  411  used with the barrel block  401 . A leaf spring  411  can include a slanted portion  417  and can be secured to the top of a handgun barrel block  401  to force the barrel into its correct load and eject position, thru the motion of the slide over the slanted spring  411 . In order to facilitate the rearward motion of the barrel block  401 , a spring resistant device can be placed in the path of the rearward moving slide in order to allow the slide force to catch the barrel motion and move the barrel in a backward motion. A spring  411  or a spring type device attached to the barrel  401  can catch the slide rearward motion and converts the slide energy into a rearward motion of the barrel. Furthermore the spring  411  can allow for a smooth transfer of the slide energy through the deformation of the spring  411 , which avoids a destructive impact type transfer, if a solid material was used in the transfer of energy from the motion of the slide to the barrel block  401  motion. 
         [0031]    The spring  411  can be very important in that it not only reverses the motion of the barrel block  401  from a forward motion to backward motion, but it also imparts a downward force which assist the barrel block  401  to move downward, as required, to allow the proper position of the barrel for electing the used round and the loading of a new round from the gun magazine. Also the size of the spring  411  allows for balancing the energy transferred from the blank round to the barrel block  401  and slide motion; thereby controlling the amount of gun recoil and gun sound level. 
         [0032]      FIG. 6  Illustrates a compression spring  601  within a universal laser barrel  200  that is coupled to a barrel block  401 . In an embodiment, a compression spring  601  can be placed over the modified barrel block  401  of the firearm, to force the barrel block  401  into its correct load and eject position, thru compression of the spring  601 , by the rearward motion of the gun slide. In order to facilitate the rearward motion of the barrel block  401 , a spring  601  is placed in the path of the rearward moving slide, in order to allow the slide force to transfer its rearward motion to the barrel block  401  and move the barrel block  401  in a backward motion. A coiled compression spring  601  can be attached to the barrel block  401  and can catch the slide&#39;s rearward motion and converts the slide energy into a rearward motion of the barrel. Furthermore the spring can allow for a smooth transfer of the slide energy through the deformation of the spring, which avoids a destructive impact type transfer, if a solid material was used in the transfer of energy from the motion of the slide to the barrel motion. The compression spring  601  can also be important because it not only reverses the motion of the barrel block  401  from a forward motion to backward motion, but also allows for the balancing of energy transferred from the fired blank round to the barrel block  401  and slide motion, thereby controlling the amount of gun recoil and gun sound level. 
         [0033]    For some firearms, a nose piece  603  can be required around the front of the smaller diameter laser barrel to keep the laser barrel centered with the gun slide and receiver to assure the laser beam is on gun centerline for accurate aiming. The nose piece  603  can also be required to keep the barrel spring  601  from protruding thru the end on the gun slide. 
         [0034]      FIG. 7  illustrates a blank firing attachment assembly  620  for automatic rifles with a flash suppressor. The attachment body  613  can be threaded into the flash suppressor nut  611  which is attached to the existing flash suppressor on the automatic rifle utilizing the grooves of the flash suppressor to restrict flow of gases out the barrel to cycle the rifle in automatic or semi-automatic mode. Contained with the attachment body  613  is a laser assembly with actuates an infrared laser duplicating the exact path of a live round. This attachment body  613  can hold the gas flow restrictor  631  which is within the attachment body  613 . The laser module  101  can be attached to the gas flow restrictor  631  on one end and the opposite end of the gas flow restrictor  631  can be attached a safety rod  615  that can extend into the firearm barrel. 
         [0035]      FIG. 8  illustrates an embodiment of ocular infrared detection glass system  640 . The laser beam shall be emitted from a handgun or rifle during the firing of a blank round toward the person wearing the ocular infrared detection glasses  641 . When the laser beam strikes on any part of the glasses  641  surface, the glasses  641  mounted IR sensor(s)  643  sends a signal to the infrared sensor receiver  645 . The infrared sensor receiver  645  can confirm that the laser signal contains the correct code and signal strength confirming a laser strike from an authorized laser source. The infrared sensor signal then allows the LED light  647  on the glasses  641  to be turned “on” to confirm an accurate and correct strike. The glasses  641  can be made from Lexaniu and can contain laser detection sensors  643  and can be connected to an optical cable that is attached to the infrared sensor receiver  645  in the vest. When the laser detection sensors  643  are hit, the system can activate the LED  647  located on the glasses  641  as well as the audio buzzer and TENS unit located on the vest system. 
         [0036]    The infrared laser sensor receiver  645  can also send an approval signal to the system controller  647  which contains a power supply  649  to supply various power requirements to system parts that are turned “on” to signal a laser hit; including the LED power via the infrared laser receiver  645 . Other laser receiver components that can require power can include: a buzzer which provides an audible signal of a laser strike and a “on” signal to a TENS skin stimulator  651  which inputs a high voltage skin input to the user. The controller  647  power supply  649  can also drive an onboard computer chip which determines timing and sequencing of these functions. A master power switch on the controller  647  can provide manual system component activation. The ocular detection system is battery  649  powered with a portable self contained system to allow a user total freedom of movement. The ocular detection system  640  can be integrated with other body infrared sensors to detect infrared strikes on other parts of a users body. 
         [0037]      FIG. 9  illustrates a portable, self contained, infrared laser detection system  660 . Infrared detection sensors  661  can be mounted on a plastic infrared receiving and transmission plate  663 . The sensors  661  may be fiber optical receiver pads or infrared sensor chips which are mounted on the back of a window box plastic receiver plate. Sensors  661  can be arranged in a target specific order to receive coded infrared laser hits from a blank firing training pistol or rifle. The sensors  661  can be coupled to detector sensor electronics  665  which can be coupled to controller electronics  667 . When the infrared detection sensor  661  is hit with a laser, the hit signal is transmitted from the sensor  661  to the detector sensor electronics  665  which can illuminated the LED  659  to provide a visual indication of the laser hit. A battery  669  can power the components of the laser detection system  660 . 
         [0038]    In an embodiment, the laser detection system  660  can be used with other targets such as vehicles  670 . For example, in an embodiment, the laser detection system can be used as part of a vehicle target system which can use the infrared conducting plastic materials  663  and sensors  611  within a target vehicle  670 . For example, the plastic infrared receiving and transmission plate  663  can be placed on a vehicle window or within the vehicle  670  in areas that would indicate a trainee hit such as a headrest. The laser detection system  660  used in a vehicle  670  can function in the same manner described above. 
         [0039]    This window box system can be used in conjunction with a pistol or rifle incorporated infrared laser module, designed and integrated with a printed circuit board, to activate the firing of a coded infrared laser beam. The infrared laser beam sends a coded signal when activated by a pressure sensitive switch or a sound sensitive switch, when using a blank firing pistol or rifle. 
         [0040]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate side views of embodiments of blanks used with firearms during the simulation training.  FIG. 10A  illustrates a 9mm blank that can be formed from a 9 mm win mag case. Similarly,  FIG. 10B  illustrates a 0.40 cal blank that can be formed from a 10 mm mag case. Each of these rounds can be formed with special dies and can conform to uniquely reamed chambers. In an embodiment, the illustrated shoulder can be added to the blank so that it conforms to the contour of the chamber. Another feature of the inventive blanks is the narrow top of the blank which prevents live rounds from being chambered. A standard profile blank that would fit a standard chamber may not properly function with the modified training guns. Because of these special configuration features, no other commercially available blank will fit into the corresponding reamed chambers. With reference to Table 1 below, the dimensions of the reference numbers in  FIG. 10A  for a 9 MM are listed. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 701 
                 702 
                 703 
                 704 
                 705 
                 706 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 0.322 inch 
                 0.372 inch 
                 0.388 inch 
                 0.625 inch 
                 0.700 inch 
                 1.140 inch 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0041]    With reference to Table 2 below, the dimensions of the reference numbers in  FIG. 10B  for a 10 MM are listed. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 711 
                 712 
                 713 
                 714 
                 715 
                 716 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 0.330 inch 
                 0.410 inch 
                 0.425 inch 
                 0.631 inch 
                 0.825 inch 
                 1.125 inch 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0042]    The present disclosure, in various embodiments, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various embodiments, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the present disclosure after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various embodiments, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various embodiments hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.