Laser activated moving target

A target that, depending upon a type of game for which the target is programmed, senses whether and where it has been struck by a laser light. The target face displays a game board (such as a dart board) and allows laser light to pass through. A plurality of light sensors are behind the target face. When a designated portion of the target face is struck by a laser light, a sensor records the strike. One or more of: the game to be played using the target, the number of players, starting the game, resetting the target for a new game, and changing players, is accomplished remotely by striking an area on the target with laser light.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to firearm training systems that do not require live ammunition, and that can accommodate one or more players to provide a competition to improve shooting accuracy.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Conventional firearm training can be dangerous, expensive (considering the prices for ammunition and replacement targets) and can only be performed in certain areas, such as shooting ranges. The present invention allows firearm training to be performed safely, inexpensively, and almost anywhere without the use of live ammunition. The laser trainer target provides a convenient, easy-to use, and inexpensive firearms training option, and preferably operates without the need for an external computer, television or projector.

A laser trainer target according to aspects of the invention records where a laser light (such as the laser emitted from a laser trainer cartridge) hits the target. Among other things, the laser trainer target (or “target”) can help save time, money and ammunition (which is expensive), and can help users learn or teach shooting skills, preferably including unsighted fire, accuracy, grouping and trigger control. The laser trainer target helps users to practice shooting skills in a wide range of locations, such as in a house or garage.

The laser trainer target may display hits, and optionally emit a sound, when the target is activated and struck by laser light, or may record only a score when activated and struck by laser light. In one embodiment, a user “shoots” laser light at the target and, to display the hits to the target, shoots and strikes a “display” area on the face of the laser trainer target with laser light. When the user is finished training, he/she simply strikes a “reset” area of the target with laser light, which resets the target so it no longer registers laser light strikes that occurred before the target was reset.

An alternate embodiment is in target10′, which according to aspects of the invention, may enable one or more users to compete by playing a game, such as a simulated dart game, wherein one or more of: the type of game, number of players, starting the game, changing the player, and stopping (or resetting) the game, are all accomplished by striking different areas of the target with laser light. There is no need for a wired or wireless control for these functions, or to approach the target to manually control these functions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Laser Trainer Target

Turning now to the figures, where the purpose is to describe a preferred embodiment of the invention and not to limit same,FIGS. 1 and 2are perspective and frontal views, respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a laser trainer target10according to various aspects of the invention. The target10includes a screen12(circular with a bullseye pattern in this embodiment) that allows laser light to pass through it. Behind the screen are a plurality of sensors (e.g., phototransistors) configured to detect when it has been exposed to laser light, and an optical display (e.g., a light-emitting diode) associated with each of the sensors capable of showing where the laser light struck the target when activated.

The operation of the target ofFIGS. 1 and 2is further shown inFIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 3, the target is battery-powered (using three “AA” batteries)11, although any suitable power source may be utilized, such as electricity from an outlet in a home, and includes a manual on-off switch14. This exemplary target10also includes a display area18and a reset area20. When the display area18is illuminated (or “struck”) by a laser light, it activates the display mode, which illuminates the optical display(s) D to indicate where the target10was previously struck by laser light. When the reset area20is illuminated by laser light, each sensor S that was struck by laser light is reset and each optical display D is turned off. The sensors S are not activated again until struck again by laser light. In this manner, the target10can be used and reset over and over.

In this embodiment, the laser trainer target10gives the user delayed shooting feedback, so the shooter can concentrate on the next shot instead of visually seeing where the last shot struck. In this embodiment, the three AA batteries11can sense and register about 6,000 hits (or “strikes”), and target10can sense and register hits by a laser of up to 50 yards away. In alternate embodiments, hits may be displayed as soon as they are registered, and/or the “display,” “reset,” and “on/off” functions of the target10may be controlled via a remote control in communication with the target through a wired or wireless interface.

FIG. 4depicts an exemplary circuit diagram of the laser trainer target shown inFIGS. 1-2. In this embodiment, the laser trainer target10includes 62 sensors S (the phototransistors shown in Section “A” ofFIG. 5) and 62 optical displays D, which are preferably laser-activated LED lights (shown in Section “G” ofFIG. 11). Detection of laser strikes and illumination of the optical displays D is controlled by three microcontrollers M (Sections “B,” “C,” and “D” inFIGS. 6-8, respectively). Section “E” ofFIG. 9illustrates the phototransistor sensors and switching used in the display and reset areas of the target10.

Preferably, each sensor S and its corresponding optical display D are located in the same position (or very near to each other) behind the target screen12to show a laser hit as accurately as possible when the target10is in the display mode. A target of the present invention may be of any suitable size, shape and color. In the exemplary embodiment depicted inFIGS. 1 and 2, the screen12of the target10, as well as the reset and display areas18and20, are red in order to operate optimally with red laser light. A target of the present invention may include any desired number of sensor/optical display pairs, which may have any desired spacing. In the embodiment depicted here, there are 62 sensor/display combinations spaced about ½″ apart. The target may also, for example, have sensor/display pairs spaced in a circular pattern spaced 1″ apart expanding from the center of the target.

Preferably, only a single sensor/display pair is activated for each laser strike. In one embodiment, this can be accomplished by, for example: (a) only activating the display D corresponding to the sensor S that received the highest intensity laser light strike, and (b) delaying the activation of any other sensor/display pairs (which could be done by delaying the activation of one or more of the sensors and displays), by a predetermined amount of time, to avoid the target registering a single laser strike more than once. The predetermined delay is preferably long enough to not register a laser “dragged” across the target, but short enough to register hits from a person rapidly pulling the trigger on a firearm equipped with a laser-emitting device (such as a laser trainer cartridge). In one embodiment, there is a 25 ms delay between the permissible registration of laser strikes. During the delay the sensors S are deactivated from recording additional strikes.

In one embodiment, when a sensor S detects a laser strike, the strike is registered (either by the sensor or a microcontroller in communication with the sensor) until the reset function is activated. In some embodiments, multiple laser strikes upon the same sensor may be indicated by increasing the intensity of the light emitted from the optical display when the target10is in the display mode.

In one embodiment, the target may produce a sound (e.g., through a speaker) to indicate the target has been hit, as well as to indicate where on the target10the laser strike was registered. For example, one type of sound may be produced to indicate a “bulls-eye” while other sounds may be produced to indicate, respectively, a hit within each of the rings of the target.

The functionality of the laser training target10may be implemented using hardware, software, or combination of the two. In the exemplary target ofFIG. 1, the microcontrollers M (FIGS. 6-8) execute instructions stored in a memory (either internal to the microcontroller M or external to the microcontroller M) to cause the processors to register laser strikes from the sensors S and illuminate the optical displays when the target10is in the display mode. As an alternative to the manual on/off switch14and display or reset areas18and20of the target10, alternate embodiments of the target may be configured to interface to a remote control (e.g., a dedicated remote or application running on a device, such as a computer, in communication with the target) to perform various functions, including resetting the target, activating the display function of the target, turning the target on and off, adjusting an intensity level of one or more of the optical displays, and adjusting a volume level of one or more sounds produced by the target.

Target Game

Turning now toFIGS. 12-25, an alternate preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. A target game10′ according to aspects of the invention may be of any suitable size and shape. In accordance with one aspect, the target face30′ of target game10′ is the same size and shape as a conventional dart board, and in one preferred embodiment, target face30′ is preferably a white, translucent plastic. Target face30′ allows light to be projected onto its back surface30B′ to form a game image, such as a dart board, that can be seen from front surface30A′. Target30′ permits laser light to pass through it, and is preferably printed on front surface30A′ with an outline of a game to be played.

Behind target face30′ is a score area35′. Score area35′ is preferably comprised of black, or dark, injection-molded plastic having ridges39′, and includes scoring sections37′ having sub-scoring areas37A′,37B′,37C′, and37D′. Score area35′ comprises raised ridges39′ between each scoring section37′, between each sub-scoring area37A′,37B′,37C′ and37D′, and between sub-scoring areas37A′ and bulls eye33′. Ridges39′ preferably extend between ⅛″ and 1⅛″ from the back30B′ of target face30′, and are formed of opaque (such as black, as mentioned above) plastic, metal, or other material. Ridges39′ provide a physical separation of light projected by the PCB board120′, in order to prevent different colored lights from blending together when projected onto the back30B′ of target face30′. Ridges39′ preferably touch the back surface30B′ target face30′, and are received in grooves30C′ (shown inFIG. 24), when target10′ is assembled. Score area35′ also includes tabs35B′ that accept fasteners (not shown), such as screws, that are received in the back14′ of housing11′.

PCB120′ (shown inFIG. 22) projects light (preferably generated by LEDs) through the score area35′ and onto the back30B′ of target face30′. Light sensors (not shown) are part of PCB100′ and function in the same manner as the previously-described sensors S for laser trainer target10. PCB120′ also includes an optical display associated with each light sensor, and the optical displays function in the same manner as optical displays D for laser trainer target10. The optical displays are preferably LEDs (light emitting diodes). Detection of a laser light strike and illumination of an optical display of target game10′ is controlled by one or more microcontrollers (not shown) in communication with PCB120′, and the manner in which strikes are recorded and illumination of one or more displays in response, is the same as for laser trainer target10. Preferably, each sensor and corresponding optical display of target10′ are located in the same position, or very close, e.g., within 1/32″-⅛″, to each other.

Preferably, only a single sensor/display is activated for each laser strike. In one embodiment, this can be accomplished by: (a) only activating the display corresponding to the sensor that received the highest intensity laser light strike, and (b) delaying the activation of any other sensor/display pairs by a predetermined amount of time. The predetermined delay is preferably long enough to not register a laser “dragged” across the target. In one embodiment, there is a 0.025 second or longer, and preferably a 0.3 second to 3 second, or about a 2 second, delay between the permissible registration of laser strikes. During this delay relevant sensor(s), or all other sensors, are deactivated from recording additional strikes. As discussed below, all or parts of the target10′ may activate or flash during the delay time.

In this embodiment, different colored scoring sections37′ and sub-scoring areas are formed by the projection of light from PCB100′ through score area35′, and onto the back of target face30′. The scoring sections37′ and sub-scoring areas of scoring area35′ can be seen through the front surface30A′ of target face30′, and printed lines on front surface30A′ define the boundaries between each section37′, and sub-scoring area, and bulls eye33′.

In this embodiment, sub-scoring areas37A′,37B′,37C′ and37D′ have different colors projected through them and onto the back surface of target face30′, in order to make it easier for a player to detect the different scoring sections and sub-scoring areas when playing a game. The different colors may be yellow, green, blue, and red, or any suitable colors. Alternatively, target10′ may not use colors, or only some of the scoring sections and sub-scoring areas may be colored. If colors are used, the colors may be different than those in this embodiment.

Most preferably, a first group110′ of score areas37′ each has an outer sub-scoring area37D′ that is red, a sub-scoring area37C′ that is blue, a sub-scoring area37D′ that is red, and an innermost sub-scoring area37A′ that is blue. A second group210′ of score areas37′ each has an outer sub-scoring area37D′ that is blue, a sub-scoring area37C′ that is yellow, a sub-scoring area37B′ that is blue, and an innermost sub-scoring are37A′ that is yellow. In this embodiment, each of the first group110′ of scoring sections37′ alternate with each of the second group210′ of scoring sections37′. A bulls eye33′ is preferably colored red, is in the center of score area35′ (and hence in the center of target face30′ when light is projected onto the back30B′ of target face30′ by PCB100′), and is juxtaposed each of the sub-scoring areas37A′.

Each sub-scoring area, and the bulls eye, has its own corresponding light sensor and optical display positioned on PCB120′. In this embodiment, there are ten scoring sections37′, and each scoring section37′ has four sub-scoring areas37A′,37B′,37C′, and37D′. Accordingly, there are forty sets of corresponding sensors and optical displays, plus a set for the bulls eye, for forty-one total sets. PCB120′ has segments137′ and137A′,137B′,137C′, and137D′, which correspond to scoring sections37′ and scoring sub-areas37A′,37B′,37C′, and37D′. Segment133′ corresponds to bulls eye33′. A light sensor and optical display are in each of the segments.

Target10′ may emit a sound (e.g., through a speaker) to indicate the target has been hit, as well as to indicate where on the target10′ the laser strike was registered. For example, one type of sound may be produced to indicate a “bulls eye” while other sounds may be produced to indicate, respectively, a hit within each of the relevant scoring sections and/or scoring sub-areas of the target10′. Or, the same sound may be emitted for any strike. The sound may be a song or jingle if the game is completed, or a player registers a certain score, or a player wins the game.

The functionality of target game10′ may be implemented using hardware, software, or combination of the two. In the exemplary target game10′, PCBs120′ and220′ (FIGS. 22 and 23) execute instructions stored in a memory (either internal or external to the PCBs120′ and220′) to cause one or more microprocessors (not shown) to register laser strikes from the sensors, illuminate the optical displays, cause sounds to be emitted, and calculate and store a score. There may, however, be only one PCB or more than two PCBs.

As shown inFIGS. 18-19, the target preferably includes a plastic housing11′ comprised of a front piece12′ and a back piece14′ that are snapped together or held together with fasteners, such as screws. The target face30′, score area35′, and electronics of target10′, including PCB100′ shown inFIG. 22and PCB200′ shown inFIG. 23, are held in place and positioned inside of housing11′. The front piece12′ of housing11′ has an opening13′ to expose front surface30A′ of target face30′.

As shown inFIG. 17, the top section of target10′ has a top edge15′, a front17′ (that includes target face30′), a back16′, and two sides18′ and19′. In this example, target50′ has a manual off/on switch110′ and a power plug receiver111′.

When assembled, PCB100′ is juxtaposed the front side16A′ of back16′ of housing11′. Score area35′ is juxtaposed PCB120′ and target face30′ is positioned on the side of score area35′ opposite PCB120′. Light projected by PCB120′ passes through score area35′ and onto the back surface of target face30′.

Outside of the target face30′ on the assembled target game10′ is an outer area20′ that, in this embodiment, corresponds to the non-scoring outer area on a dart board. This outer area20′ includes numbers24′ or other indicia that correspond to the scoring areas32′ on the target face (which in the embodiment shown, correspond to the numbers and pie-shaped scoring areas on a dart board).

As shown inFIGS. 12 and 14-17, target10′ has a control section50′. Control section50′ includes a front52′, a back54′, a bottom edge56′, two sides58′ and59′, and a PCB220′ positioned inside of target10′. In this embodiment, PCB220′ controls the functioning of areas60′,70′, and80′. PCB220′ includes optical sensors (not shown) that detect laser light strikes, and may include optical displays (not shown) to illuminate areas60′,70′ and80′, and optically illuminate indicia regarding one or more areas60′,70′, and80′. Positioned on the front52′ of control section50′ is a set players/reset area60′, a set game area70′, and a start/change player area80′. Each of these is preferably made of transparent, or white translucent plastic, so laser light can pass through to strike printed circuit board220′ with light detectors that are positioned inside of target10′. When the printed circuit board220′ senses a strike of laser light, it causes a change of the function of target10′ in the manner described or claimed herein.

Control section50′ also has a player display62′, which electronically displays the number of players playing a selected game, and a “round” display90′ that displays which round of the game the players are on. A score display100′ displays the score for the player currently shooting at target10′ (i.e., the player whose turn it is).

In a preferred embodiment, when target10′ is first turned on, all of the scoring sections37′ are illuminated and are visible on front surface30A′.

In a preferred method of operation, when target10′ is on, whatever score section37′ and sub-area is struck by laser light causes target10′ to beep, and the struck segment37′ (or just the sub-area of section37′ that was struck) flashes on and off, and the score for the strike is recorded. In this embodiment, target10′ does not record a laser light strike until after scoring section37′ stops flashing, which is preferably between 0.5 and 3 seconds. If a laser light strike is directly on a line between two scoring sections37′, or between two of the sub-areas37A′,37B′,37C′, and37D′, the PCB determines which sensor received more light from the laser light strike, and the strike is recorded there.

In one manner of playing a game according to aspects of the invention, the target10′ is first turned on. This can be done in any suitable manner, such as by pressing switch110′ on target10′, or using a remote wired or wireless control. Then, the number of players, and type of game, can be selected by striking areas60′ and70′, respectively, with laser light. The game is then started by striking area80′ with laser light.

In this example, the number of players automatically defaults to “1,” and by striking the “set players” area60′ with laser light, between one and four players can be selected, although the target may be programmed to select any suitable number of players depending upon the type of game. The number of players selected appears in display62′. Here, the default is the number “1” as for each laser strike on area60, the number increases by one until it reaches “4.” Then it cycles back to “1.”

In this example, after the number of players has been selected and the game starts, the set players area60′ changes function and becomes a “reset” area to reset the target after a game is complete, or before completion of the game if the player(s) do not wish to continue. Electronic indicia above, below, or next to area60′ can be used to display/illuminate “Set Players” or “Reset,” depending upon the current functioning of area60′. Alternatively, there may separate areas that control each function of “set players” and “reset.”

The “set game” area70′ defaults to a particular game, and the game can be changed by striking the set game area70′ with laser light. In the example shown, the game type defaults to a dart game known as “301,” and by striking set game area70′ with laser light, target10′ can be changed to play dart games151,251, or351. So, one of four dart games may be selected in the example shown. Here, the game selected is illuminated above display100′. When the game is changed, the function of the target50changes to correspond to the game. As an example, the manner in which the target face illuminates may change (and may change per round), and the scoring may change, depending upon the game selected. Here, the function of target10′ changes based on which of four dart games is selected. Any number or types of suitable games, however, may be programmed into a target according to the invention.

After the number of players and game is selected, which may be done in any order, the “Start” area80′ is struck with laser light to start the game. In the embodiment shown, the start area80′ changes function and becomes the “Change Player” area once the game is started. Electronic indicia above, below, or next to area80′ can be used to display/illuminate “Start” or “Change Player,” depending upon the current functioning of area80′. Alternating, there may be separate areas that control each function of “start” and “change player.”

A sound, such as a beep, may be emitted by the target when either one or more of the set player/reset area60′, set game area70′, or start/change player area80′, is struck with laser light.

Once the game begins, the player(s) take turns and shoot laser light at the relevant scoring areas32′ on the target face30′. If laser light strikes the target face30′, the target face30′ preferably registers the strike, and preferably illuminates at the point of the strike and/or emits a sound. The target10′ may, however, be programmed to register a laser light strike only if the strike is within the appropriate scoring area32′ of target face30′ for the round of the game selected. In one embodiment, after being struck with laser light, the location on the target face30′ where the laser light strikes blinks for 0.5 seconds and a buzzer noise is emitted during that time. Alternatively, no sound need be emitted and the strike location may illuminate in any manner for any suitable time. For example, the target may illuminate as a flashing or steady illumination for 0.2-3 seconds, and may be of a color different than the color of the target area struck by laser light. A sound may or may not be emitted during this time.

If a player strikes the correct scoring area32′ during a round, the target10′ registers and stores the score. It adds, or subtracts, the score per player as the game progresses. If a player strikes a portion of the target face30′ outside of the relevant scoring area32′, a different noise and/or light may illuminate at the point of the strike in order to show the player where the laser light struck, so the player can adjust his/her aim. Or, target10′ may have no response to a missed shot even if the shot strikes target face30′.

If a player misses the target face30′ completely, no strike will be registered. Player(s) must, if they desire, keep mental track of such misses. If each player gets three shots per round, and misses the target face entirely on one shot, the “change player” area must eventually be struck by laser light to set the target for the next player. If a player has three shots per round and strikes the target face30′ with all three shots, target10′ automatically sets for the next player. Depending upon the type of game, each player receives a pre-programmed number of shots per round.

For dart game301, if at any time a player's total score goes below zero (i.e., becomes a negative number) the score does not update to the negative score. Instead: (a) the player's total score is updated to the temporary total score (i.e., this player's score at the beginning of that round), and shown on the score display at the same time. If a player's score goes below zero when game301is selected, he/she loses any remaining shots in that round and target10′ sets for the next player. As people knowledgeable about dart games are aware, to win the301game, a player must end his/her score at zero.

When a player wins the selected game (a) one or more lights, (b) different colored lights, (c) light in patterns, (d) light in patterns of differing colors, and/or (e) sound, may be emitted by target50.

Having thus described some embodiments of the invention, other variations and embodiments that do not depart from the spirit of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention is thus not limited to any particular embodiment, but is instead set forth in the appended claims and the legal equivalents thereof. Unless expressly stated in the written description or claims, the steps of any method recited in the claims may be performed in any order capable of yielding the desired result.