Patent Publication Number: US-10788289-B1

Title: Firearm training device

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/464,714, filed Feb. 28, 2017, and titled “FIREARM TRAINING DEVICE,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Firearm training is widely used to develop judgment, safety, accuracy, and techniques in utilizing firearms. Live fire practice is the traditional training method. Live fire practice involves shooting live ammunition in a practice setting (e.g., shooting range). Shooters often use paper or steel targets to provide feedback on their performance. However, live fire practice can present difficulties due to time and monetary constraints. For example, the expense of ammunition may be cost prohibitive for some shooters. Further, safety restrictions on live fire practice at shooting ranges keep people from practicing important aspects of firearm handling. 
     Dry fire practice is firearm training without the use of live ammunition. There are many types of dry fire practice. In its simplest form, a shooter can practice handling and shooting the firearm without ammunition or training aids. This method can be cost effective, but fails to provide feedback to the shooter. 
     SUMMARY 
     Firearm training devices are described herein. In some embodiments, the firearm training device comprises a firearm frame including a barrel having a camera disposed at a distal end. The firearm frame further includes a grip attached to the barrel and a trigger in proximity to the grip. In embodiments, the trigger can be configured to toggle an electronic switch. The firearm frame can also include a controller communicatively coupled to the camera and the electronic switch. The controller is configured to collect an image frame or video segment, via the camera, when the electronic switch is toggled, and generate a composite image or video including the image frame or video segment and a strike indicator overlaid onto the image frame or video segment, whereby the composite image or video demonstrates where a firearm strike would have occurred. In other embodiments, the firearm training device comprises an attachment for a firearm (e.g., a live firearm or mock firearm). 
     This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The use of the same reference numbers in different instances in the description and the figures may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments or examples (“examples”) of the present disclosure are disclosed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In general, operations of disclosed processes may be performed in an arbitrary order, unless otherwise provided in the claims. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a firearm training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2A  is a diagrammatic side view of a firearm training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2B  is a block diagram illustrating a controller of a firearm training device in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2C  is a block diagram illustrating an electronic system of a firearm training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3A  illustrates a firearm training system that employs a firearm training device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3B  is a block diagram illustrating a mobile device that can be configured to communicate with a firearm training device to implement a firearm training system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4A  illustrates an example environment for calibrating a firearm training device. 
         FIG. 4B  illustrates an example display output for calibrating a firearm training device, wherein the display output includes a composite image of an image collected by the firearm training device and a strike indicator overlaid onto the image collected by the firearm training device to indicate where a firearm strike would have occurred. 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates an example display output for calibrating a firearm training device, wherein the display output includes a composite image of an image collected by the firearm training device and a strike indicator overlaid onto the image collected by the firearm training device to indicate where a firearm strike would have occurred, and the display is configured to receive one or more user inputs, whereby a user repositions the strike indicator to a user-defined position associated with sights on the firearm frame. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a side view of a firearm training device, where the firearm training device is configured as an attachment for a firearm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5B  is a block diagram illustrating a firearm training device, where the firearm training device is configured as an attachment for a firearm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5C  is a block diagram illustrating an electronic system of a firearm training device, where the firearm training device is configured as an attachment for a firearm, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6A  is a diagrammatic side view of a firearm training device, where the firearm training device is configured as an attachment for a mock firearm that is configured to illuminate a strike location to provide visual feedback for a user when a trigger of the mock firearm is pressed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6B  is a block diagram illustrating an electronic system of a firearm training device, where the firearm training device is configured as an attachment for a mock firearm that is configured to illuminate a strike location to provide visual feedback for a user when a trigger of the mock firearm is pressed, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Overview 
     Some types of dry fire practice utilize a light source (e.g., laser) to provide visual feedback to the shooter, indicating where a firearm strike would have occurred. There are many types of lasers that can be used for dry fire practice, but all function in a relatively similar way—they emit a laser when the trigger of the firearm is pulled. These lasers are commonly called “training aids” because they provide feedback to the shooter. For example the laser can indicate a point of impact based on the shooter&#39;s aim when the laser was activated (e.g., when the trigger was pulled). However, the usefulness of that feedback is limited by the short duration for which the laser is emitted. The training aids typically only emit a laser for a fraction of a second, making it difficult to track the point of impact. 
     Some types of dry fire practice include a laser training aid paired with simulation software. These systems are often utilized for military and law enforcement training applications. These systems are very complex and are typically too expensive for the average shooter to afford. The expense of these systems can even be cost prohibitive for military and law enforcement departments. Additionally, these systems are often large and limited in portability. 
     There is a need for a system that is affordable, portable, and that delivers feedback to the shooter. The previous training systems lack the ability to provide feedback in a manner that offers both minimal set up expenses and sustainable ongoing expenses. Further, there is a need for such a system that is adaptable to a plurality of different firearm platforms (e.g., real firearms, replica firearms, inert training aids, or other similar devices). 
     Affordable and portable firearm training devices are described herein. In some embodiments, a firearm training device comprises a firearm frame including a barrel having a camera disposed at a distal end. The firearm frame further includes a grip attached to the barrel and a trigger in proximity to the grip. In embodiments, the trigger can be configured to toggle an electronic switch. The firearm frame can also include a controller communicatively coupled to the camera and the electronic switch. The controller is configured to collect an image frame, via the camera, when the electronic switch is toggled, and generate a composite image including the image frame and a strike indicator overlaid onto the image frame, whereby the composite image demonstrates where a firearm strike would have occurred. In other embodiments, the firearm training device comprises an attachment for a firearm (e.g., a live firearm or a training/mock firearm). For example, the firearm training device can be used to employ a live firearm as a training firearm by providing user feedback of where firearm strikes would have occurred without a need for bullets. In another example, the firearm training device can be used as an attachment for a training/mock firearm that provides visual feedback in the form of illumination directed at the site where a firearm strike would have occurred. In such uses, the firearm training device can add functionality to the training/mock firearm. 
     Example Implementations 
       FIGS. 1 through 6B  illustrate firearm training devices in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The firearm training devices are configured to capture images of simulated shot impact locations (i.e., where a firearm strike would have occurred if a live firearm were employed). 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , a firearm training device  100  may include a firearm frame  102 . In some embodiments, the firearm frame  102  can emulate the functional and/or aesthetic elements of a live firearm (e.g., handgun). For example, the firearm training device  100  includes barrel  104  attached to a grip  106 . As used herein, the “barrel  104 ” generally refers to a casing that is supported by (e.g., attached to) the grip  106 . For example, the barrel  104  can be configured as shown in  FIG. 1 , where the barrel  104  and the grip  106  are arranged in an L or V shaped configuration. The barrel  104  may hold or support an action, a slide, and/or a muzzle. In some embodiments, the grip  106  can include an interior cavity in which a live-fire and/or training magazine  108  can be inserted for training magazine changes. The firearm training device  100  can also include a front sight  110  and/or a rear sight  112  disposed on the barrel  104 . In some embodiments, the firearm training device  100  can also include a slide, which can comprise a rackable slide or a static slide. The firearm training device can also include a realistic trigger  114 . In embodiments, the trigger  114  is disposed in close proximity to the grip  106 . While a handgun is illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2A , the firearm training device  100  can comprise any type of firearm such as a revolver, a rifle, a shotgun, or the like. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A through 2C , the firearm training device  100  includes one or more image capture devices (e.g., one or more cameras  202  or other photodetectors or photodetector arrays) coupled with a controller  204 . The camera  202  is configured to capture and process images within its filed-of-view (FOV). In some embodiments, the camera  202  is disposed near the distal end of the barrel  104 . For example, the camera  202  can be positioned near the muzzle area  206  of the firearm training device  100  (e.g., the approximate location where a bullet would exit if the training firearm were a live firearm), aligning the muzzle with the FOV of the camera  202 . When the camera  202  is reasonably aligned with the muzzle area  206  of the firearm training device  100 , the camera  202  can capture images of the area where a firearm strike would occur. However, it is contemplated that the camera  202  may be positioned elsewhere on the training firearm (e.g., above the barrel  104 , beneath the magazine  108 , near the front sight  110 , etc.). 
     In some embodiments, the firearm training device  100  includes a zoom lens  203  that is part of the camera  202  and/or disposed adjacent to the camera  202  so that the image frames and/or video segments collected by the camera  202  are magnified. The zoom lens  203  may be further configured to control the FOV of the camera  202 . For example, the zoom lens  203  may have a narrow FOV. In some embodiments, the zoom lens  203  has a fixed focal length in the range of 4 to 16 millimeters (e.g., 8 mm). In other embodiments, the zoom lens  203  may be an adjustable zoom lens. 
     The camera  202  is configured to capture image frame data representing an environmental view within the FOV of the camera  202 . For example, the camera  202  may capture image data representing objects at which the firearm training device  100  was aimed. In some embodiments, the camera is configured to capture still image frames within the FOV of the camera  202 . In other embodiments, the camera  202  can capture two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional video imagery. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that although the singular tense, “camera,” is often used herein, the camera  202  can comprise a plurality of cameras or optical sensors without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the camera  202  may include a stereoscopic camera that comprises two or more cameras, photodetectors or photodetector arrays. 
     The controller  204  is configured to receive and store image data from the camera  202 . As shown in  FIG. 2C , the controller  204  can be the central processing component in an electronic system  200  that is built into the firearm training device  100  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 2A ). In an embodiment shown in  FIG. 2B , the controller  204  includes a processor  226 , a memory  228 , and a communications interface  230 . 
     The processor  226  provides processing functionality for at least the controller  204  and can include any number of processors, micro-controllers, circuitry, field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other processing systems, and resident or external memory for storing data, executable code, and other information accessed or generated by the controller  204 . The processor  226  can execute one or more software programs embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., memory  228 ) that implement techniques described herein. The processor  226  is not limited by the materials from which it is formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein and, as such, can be implemented via semiconductor(s) and/or transistors (e.g., using electronic integrated circuit (IC) components), and so forth. 
     The memory  228  can be an example of tangible, computer-readable storage medium that provides storage functionality to store various data and or program code associated with operation of the controller  204 , such as software programs and/or code segments, or other data to instruct the processor  226 , and possibly other components of the electronic system  200 /controller  204 , to perform the functionality described herein. Thus, the memory  228  can store data, such as a program of instructions for operating the firearm training device  100  (including its components), and so forth. It should be noted that while a single memory  228  is described, a wide variety of types and combinations of memory (e.g., tangible, non-transitory memory) can be employed. The memory  228  can be integral with the processor  226 , can comprise stand-alone memory, or can be a combination of both. Some examples of the memory  228  can include removable and non-removable memory components, such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) memory card, a mini-SD memory card, and/or a micro-SD memory card), magnetic memory, optical memory, universal serial bus (USB) memory devices, hard disk memory, external memory, and so forth. In implementations, the firearm training device  100  and/or the memory  228  can include removable integrated circuit card (ICC) memory, such as memory provided by a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) card, a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), and so on. 
     The communications interface  230  can be operatively configured to communicate with components of the electronic system  200 . For example, the communications interface  230  can be configured to retrieve image data from the camera  202 , transmit data for storage in the memory  228 , retrieve data from storage in the memory  228 , and so forth. The communications interface  230  can also be communicatively coupled with the processor  226  to facilitate data transfer between components of the electronic system  200  and the processor  226  (e.g., for communicating inputs to the processor  226  received from a device (e.g., mobile device  302 ) communicatively coupled with the electronic system  200 /controller  204 ). It should be noted that while the communications interface  230  is described as a component of controller  204 , one or more components of the communications interface  230  can be implemented as external components communicatively coupled to the firearm training device  100 /electronic system  200  via a wired and/or wireless connection. The firearm training device  100  can also include and/or connect to one or more input/output (I/O) devices (e.g., via the communications interface  230 ), such as a display, a mouse, a touchpad, a touchscreen, a keyboard, a microphone (e.g., for voice commands) and so on. For example, the communications interface  230  can include or can be coupled to a transceiver  232  (e.g., wireless transceiver) and/or one or more I/O ports  212  (e.g., USB, micro-USB, USB-C port or the like). 
     The controller  204  can be communicatively coupled to the camera  202  and/or other components of the electronic system  200 /firearm training device  100  via a wired or wireless network. The electronic system  200 /firearm training device  100  can include a variety of communication components and functionality, including, but not limited to: one or more antennas; a browser; a transceiver (e.g., wireless transceiver); and/or receiver; a wireless radio; data ports; software interfaces and drivers; networking interfaces; data processing components; and so forth. In some embodiments, the communication components are integral to the controller  204 . 
     The network may assume a wide variety of configurations. For example, the network may comprise any of a plurality of communications standards, protocols and technologies, including, but not limited to: a 3G communications network, a 4G communications network, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) environment, an Enhanced Data GSM Environment (EDGE) network, a high-speed downlink packet access (HSDPA) network, a wideband code division multiple access (W-CDMA) network, a code division multiple access (CDMA) network, a time division multiple access (TDMA) network, Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) (e.g., IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, IEEE 802.11 g and/or IEEE 802.11n), voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), Wi-MAX, a protocol for email (e.g., Internet message access protocol (IMAP) and/or post office protocol (POP)) environment, an instant messaging (e.g., extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP) environment, Session Initiation Protocol for Instant Messaging and Presence Leveraging Extensions (SIMPLE), and/or Instant Messaging and Presence Service (IMPS), and/or Short Message Service (SMS)), or any other suitable communication protocol, that facilitates communication between the electronic system  200 , the mobile electronic device  302 , and/or any of their components. 
     In embodiments, the controller  204  is configured to collect an image frame, via the camera  202 , based on a trigger pull event. The controller  204  and/or the camera  202  can be communicatively coupled with the trigger  114 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2C , the trigger  114  can be electrically, mechanically, electromechanically, and/or magnetically coupled to an electronic switch  208  (sometimes referred to as the “trigger switch  208 ”). The electronic switch  208  can be disposed inside the firearm training device  100  and can be positioned in a manner that allows the electronic switch  208  to be responsive to movement of the trigger mechanisms when the trigger  114  is squeezed/pulled. For example, the trigger  114  can be configured to toggle the electronic switch  208  when the trigger is squeezed/pulled. For example, the electronic switch  208  can be toggled (e.g., switched) from a first state (on/off, logic 1 or logic 0) to a second state (e.g., off/on, logic 0 or logic 1). The electronic switch  208  transmits its status to controller  204  and causes the processor  226  to activate the camera  202 . In some embodiments, the controller  204  can include circuitry (e.g., a de-bouncing circuit) for interacting with the electronic switch  208 . In other embodiments, the camera  202  and/or the controller  204  can communicate with the electronic switch  208  and/or trigger  114  via the wired or wireless network. When the electronic switch  208  is toggled, the controller  204  is configured to collect an image frame and/or video recording via the camera  202 . For example, the processor  226  can activate the camera  202 , causing the camera  202  to capture an image or video recording of the location at which the muzzle area  206  of the firearm training device  100  was aimed. 
     The controller  204  can be configured to generate an image indicating where a firearm strike would have occurred. For example, with reference to  FIG. 3A , the processor  226  can be configured to generate a composite image  311  including the image frame  312  and a strike indicator  314  overlaid onto the image frame  312 , the strike indicator  314  demonstrating where a firearm strike would have occurred within the composite image  311 . The processor can associate each composite image  311  with a unique file identifier and/or a time stamp. Each composite image  311  and its associated file identifier and/or time stamp may be stored in memory (e.g., memory  228 ). In embodiments, the processor  226  can also associate each image frame  312  with a file identifier and/or time stamp. 
     In some embodiments, the controller  204  is configured to adjust the composite image  311  based on motion of the firearm training device  100 . For example, the controller  204  can include or can be coupled to one or more inertial sensors  224  configured to measure motion (e.g., vibration) of the firearm training device  100  (e.g., as described with reference to  FIG. 3 ). In embodiments, the inertial sensors  224  can comprise one or more accelerometers, gyroscopes, and/or microphones. The inertial sensors can measure data about the motion of the firearm training device  100  prior to and during a trigger pull event. The controller  204  can also include an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert analog data received from the inertial sensors  224  to digital data that is readable by the processor  226 . The controller  204  can analyze data received from the inertial sensors  224  to predict errors in the simulated firearm strike due to motion of the firearm training device  100 . For example, the processor can adjust the strike indicator  314  to account for motion of the firearm training device  100 . In some embodiments, the wherein the controller  204  is further configured to determine a firing time based upon a time difference between receiving a signal from the inertial sensor  224  (e.g., accelerometer) indicating drawing of the firearm training device and the time stamp associated with the composite image  311  or video collected/generated in response to the trigger pull event (e.g., the time stamp associated with image frame  312 ). 
     The camera  202  and/or controller  204  can be coupled with a power supply  210 . In embodiments, the power supply  210  can comprise a rechargeable and/or interchangeable battery. The firearm training device  100  can also include one or more I/O ports  212  (e.g., Universal Serial Bus (USB) configured for charging the power supply  210 , providing a secondary power source, and/or facilitating data transfer). In some embodiments, the firearm training device  100  includes a power switch  214  for controlling power to firearm training device  100 . In some embodiments, power to the firearm training device  100  can be controlled by detecting the presence of the magazine  108 . For example, the power supply  210  can be coupled with a sensor  216  configured to detect the presence of the magazine  108 . 
     The firearm training device  100  can also include an indicator  218  (e.g., LED indicator) configured to indicate the power status of the firearm training device  100 . In some embodiments, the firearm training device can also include strike indicator light  220  (e.g., laser) for providing visual feedback to the user by illuminating a location where a firearm strike would have occurred if a live (and loaded) firearm were being used. 
       FIG. 3A  illustrates an implementation of a firearm training system  300  that employs the firearm training device  100  and a mobile device  302  communicatively coupled to the firearm training device  100 . In embodiments, the firearm training device  100  can furnish data (e.g., image frames, composite images, video segments, composite video segments, etc.) to one or more computing devices (e.g., mobile device  302 ). While a mobile device  302  is shown in  FIG. 3 , the computing device can include any one of a variety of processing devices. For example, the computing device may be a server computing device, a desktop computing device, a laptop computing device, and so forth. The firearm training device  100  can furnish data to the mobile device  302  via the wired or wireless communication network, as described above. For example, the controller  204  can include or can be coupled to a wireless transceiver  232  configured to transmit the data to the mobile device  302 . 
     An embodiment of the mobile device  302  is shown in  FIG. 3B . The mobile device  302  may be a smartphone, media player, tablet, smartwatch, or the like. In embodiments, the mobile device  302  includes a controller  320  communicatively coupled to one or more input devices  336  and one or more output devices  354 . In embodiments, an input device  336  can include, but is not limited to, an electromechanical input device  338  (e.g., one or more buttons, keypad, switches, or toggles), a touch-sensitive input device  340  (e.g., a touch pad, touch panel, or the like), a microphone  350 , and/or a camera  352 . In embodiments, an output device  354  can include, but is not limited to, a speaker  356 , a display  310 , one or more indicator lights  360 , and/or an audio output interface  362  (e.g., a line out audio port or connector). The mobile device  302  can include a short-range communications transceiver  330  (e.g., a Bluetooth transceiver, near field communications (NFC) transceiver, WiFi transceiver, or the like). For example, as described herein, the mobile device  302  can be configured to communicate with the firearm training device  100 /electronic system  200  via the short-range communications transceiver  330 . The mobile device  302  can also include a cellular transceiver  332  (e.g., 2G, 3G, 4G, and/or LTE transceiver or the like) for sending and receiving mobile data and handling calls. In embodiments, the mobile device  302  further includes a location determining component  334 , such as, but not limited to, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver (e.g., GPS receiver, GLONASS receiver, Galileo receiver, Beidou receiver, multi-protocol receiver, software defined GNSS receiver, or a combination thereof, or the like. For example, the mobile device  302  can be configured to determine a current location, which may be associated with the image frames/video collected by the firearm training device  100 /electronic system  200 . 
     The controller  320  is communicatively coupled with some or all of the components of the mobile device  302 . For example, the controller  320  can be communicatively coupled with the input device(s)  336 , the output device(s)  354 , short-range communications transceiver  330 , cellular transceiver  332 , and any sensors or other components (e.g., location determining component  334 ) of the mobile device  302 . The controller  320  has a processor  322  included with or in the controller  320  to control the components and functions of the mobile device  302  described herein using software, firmware, hardware (e.g., fixed logic circuitry), or a combination thereof. The terms “controller,” “functionality,” “service,” and “logic” as used herein generally represent software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of software, firmware, or hardware in conjunction with controlling the mobile device  302 . As shown in  FIG. 3B , the controller  320  can include a processor  322 , a memory  324 , and a communications interface  326 . 
     The processor  322  provides processing functionality for at least the controller  320  and can include any number of processors, micro-controllers, circuitry, field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other processing systems, and resident or external memory for storing data, executable code, and other information accessed or generated by the controller  320 . The processor  322  can execute one or more software programs (e.g., mobile application  328 ) embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium (e.g., memory  324 ) that implement techniques described herein. The processor  322  is not limited by the materials from which it is formed or the processing mechanisms employed therein and, as such, can be implemented via semiconductor(s) and/or transistors (e.g., using electronic integrated circuit (IC) components), and so forth. 
     The memory  324  can be a tangible, computer-readable storage medium that provides storage functionality to store various data and or program code associated with operation of the controller  320 , such as software programs (e.g., mobile application  328  or “App”) and/or code segments, or other data to instruct the processor  322 , and possibly other components of the mobile device  302 /controller  320 , to perform the functionality described herein. The memory  324  can store data, such as a program of instructions for operating the mobile device  302  (including its components), and so forth. It should be noted that while a single memory  324  is described, a wide variety of types and combinations of memory (e.g., tangible, non-transitory memory) can be employed. The memory  324  can be integral with the processor  322 , can comprise stand-alone memory, or can be a combination of both. Some examples of the memory  324  can include removable and non-removable memory components, such as random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), flash memory (e.g., a secure digital (SD) memory card, a mini-SD memory card, and/or a micro-SD memory card), magnetic memory, optical memory, universal serial bus (USB) memory devices, hard disk memory, external memory, and so forth. In embodiments, the mobile device  302  and/or the memory  324  can include removable integrated circuit card (ICC) memory, such as memory provided by a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a universal subscriber identity module (USIM) card, a universal integrated circuit card (UICC), and so on. 
     The communications interface  326  can be operatively configured to communicate with components of the mobile device  302 . For example, the communications interface  326  can be configured to transmit data for storage in the mobile device  302 , retrieve data from storage in the mobile device  302 , and so forth. The communications interface  326  can also be communicatively coupled with the processor  322  to facilitate data transfer between components of the mobile device  302  and the processor  322  (e.g., for communicating inputs to the processor  322  received from a device communicatively coupled with the controller  320 , including, but not limited to, data received from the location determining component  224 , any input device  226 , and/or any other component of the mobile device  302 ). It should be noted that while the communications interface  326  is described as a component of controller  320 , one or more components of the communications interface  326  can be implemented as components of the mobile device  302  or components communicatively coupled to the mobile device  302  via a wired and/or wireless connection. For example, the mobile device  302  and/or the controller  320  includes the short-range communications transceiver  330  (or in some embodiments, a transmitter and a receiver) for sending and receiving communications to and from the firearm training device  100 /electronic system  200 . 
     In embodiments, the display  310  is a touch-sensitive display configured for conveying information to a user of the mobile device  302 . The display  310  can include a LED (light emitting diode) display, a LCD (Liquid Crystal Diode) display, a TFT (Thin Film Transistor) LCD display, a LEP (Light Emitting Polymer), PLED (Polymer Light Emitting Diode) display, or the like, configured to display text and/or graphical information such as a graphical user interface. In some embodiments, the touch-sensitive display may include a touch panel. The touch panel may be, but is not limited to: a capacitive touch panel, a resistive touch panel, an infrared touch panel, combinations thereof, and the like. Thus, the display  310  may be configured to receive input from a user and display information to the user of the mobile device  302 . For example, the display  310  displays visual output to the user. The visual output may include graphics, text, icons, video, interactive fields configured to receive input from a user, and any combination thereof (collectively termed “graphics”). In some embodiments, some or all of the visual output may correspond to user-interface objects, further details of which are described below. 
     The display  310  is communicatively coupled to a display controller that is configured to receive and/or transmit electrical signals to the touch-sensitive display  310 . In an implementation, the touch panel includes a sensor, an array of sensors, or the like, configured to accept input from a user based upon haptic and/or tactile contact. The touch panel, in combination with the display controller (along with any associated modules and/or sets of computer-readable instructions in memory), detects a point of contact (or points of contact), as well as any movement or breaking of the contact, on the touch panel and converts the detected contact (e.g., a finger of the user, a stylus, etc.) into electrical signals representing interactions with user-interface objects (e.g., buttons, custom views, icons, web pages, images, web page links, etc.) that are displayed through the display  310 . 
     The mobile device  302  can include a user interface, which is storable in memory  328  and executable by the processor  322 . The user interface is representative of functionality to control the display of information and data to the user of the mobile device  302  via the display  310 . In some implementations, the display  310  may not be integrated into the mobile device  302  and may instead be connected externally using universal serial bus (USB), Ethernet, serial connections, and so forth. The user interface may provide functionality to allow the user to interact with one or more applications of the mobile device  302  by providing inputs via the touch panel and/or the I/O devices. For example, the user interface may cause an application programming interface (API) to be generated to furnish functionality to an application to configure the application for display by the display  310  or in combination with another display. In embodiments, the API may further furnish functionality to configure the application to allow the user to interact with an application by providing inputs via the touch panel and/or the I/O devices. 
     Applications (e.g., mobile application  328 ) may comprise software, which is storable in memory  324  and executable by the processor  322 , to perform a specific operation or group of operations to furnish specified functionality to the mobile device  302 . Example applications may include content resource management applications, cellular telephone applications, instant messaging applications, email applications, address book applications, and so forth. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3A , the firearm training device  100  can communicate with the mobile device  302  to provide feedback to a user  304  about a simulated firearm strike. For example, the firearm training device  100  and the mobile device  302  can communicate over a wired or wireless communication channel  301  (e.g., via transceiver  232  and transceiver  330 , or a wired connection). In implementations, the user  304  can aim the firearm training device  100  at a target  306  and engage in a trigger pull event (e.g., shoot the firearm training device  100 ). The target  306  can comprise any type of shooting target or object including, but not necessarily limited to: paper/cardboard target, steel target, rubber target, frangible target, bullseye, silhouette target, pop-up target, aerial target, reactive target, explosive target, field target, and so forth. The target  306  can comprise any size or shape. 
     Based on the trigger pull event, the firearm training device  100  can furnish image data (e.g., composite image  311 ) to the mobile device  302 . For example, when the trigger  114  is squeezed/pulled (e.g., when electronic switch  208  is toggled), the controller  204  can collect an image frame  312  of the target  306  from the camera  202 . The controller can activate the camera  202 , causing the camera  202  to capture an image in real time of the target  306  at which the muzzle area  206  of the firearm training device  100  was aimed, as described above. 
     The firearm training device  100  can generate an image indicating where a firearm strike would have occurred. For example, the processor can generate a composite image  311  including the image frame  312  of the target and a strike indicator  314  overlaid onto the image frame, the strike indicator  314  demonstrating where a firearm strike would have occurred within the composite image  311 . The strike indicator  314  on the composite image  311  corresponds with the location  308  on the target  306  at which the firearm was aimed when the trigger event occurred. The controller  204  can associate each composite image  311  with a unique file identifier and/or a time stamp. Each composite image  311  and its associated file identifier and/or time stamp are storable in memory. The firearm training device  100  can transmit, via the wireless transceiver  232 , the file identifier and/or time stamp to the mobile device  302 . 
     The mobile device  302  can request the composite images  311  from the firearm training device  100  based on the file identifier and/or time stamp. In some implementations, the mobile device  302  can request the composite image  311  automatically (e.g., based on connection to the firearm training device  100 ). In other implementations, the mobile device  302  can request the composite image  311  based on user input. After receiving a request from the mobile device  302  including the file identifier and/or time stamp, the firearm training device  100  transmits the corresponding composite image  311  to the mobile device  302  via the wireless transceiver. 
     In other embodiments, the firearm training device  100  can transmit image frames to the mobile device  100 . For example, the controller  204  can associate each image frame with a unique file identifier and/or a time stamp. The firearm training device  100  can transmit, via the wireless transceiver, the image frames to the mobile device  302  upon receiving a request including the file identifier and/or time stamp. The mobile device  302  can then generate the composite image  311 . 
     In embodiments, the mobile device  302  utilizes the image frames  312  and/or composite images  311  to generate feedback for the user  304 . For example, the mobile device  302  can present one or more composite images  311  to the user  304  via the display  310 . The composite images  311  include the strike indicator  314  to provide the user feedback about the accuracy of the shot. For example, the strike indicator  314  corresponds to the location  308  on the target  306  at which a firearm strike occurred based on the position (e.g., aim) of the firearm training device  100 . 
     In some implementations, the controller  204  can be configured to calibrate the strike indicator  314  (e.g., as described with reference to  FIGS. 4A through 4C ). For example, the controller  204  can reposition the strike indicator  314  to a user-defined position  315  based on one or more test image frames. The calibration techniques described herein can be utilized to align the strike indicator  314  with the axis of bore (e.g., the axis which passes through the center of the barrel) of the firearm training device  100 . 
       FIG. 4A  illustrates an environment  400  in an example implementation that is operable to facilitate the calibration of a firearm training device  100  in accordance with the present disclosure. The user  304  aims (e.g., aligns the axis of bore of the firearm training device  100 ) at a specific location  308  based on the sights  110 ,  112  of the firearm frame  102 . For example, the user  304  aims the firearm training device  100  at a specific location  308  on a close-range target  306 . The user  304  then fires the firearm training device  100  (i.e., causes a trigger pull event). 
     Based on the trigger pull event, the firearm training device  100  collects an image frame  312  from the camera  202 . For example, when the electronic trigger switch  208  is toggled, the controller  204  collects a first image frame  312  of the target  306  via the camera  202 . The controller  204  is configured to generate a first composite image  311  including the first image frame  312  and a first strike indicator  314  overlaid on the first image frame  312  (e.g., as described with reference to  FIG. 4B ). The first strike indicator  314  may or may not accurately indicate the location  308  at which the firearm training device  100  was aimed. The controller  204  is configured to transmit (e.g., via wireless transceiver  232 ) the first composite image  311  including the first image frame  312  and the first strike indicator  314  to the mobile device  302 . Then, as shown in  FIG. 4C , the mobile device  302  is configured to generate new coordinates for the first strike indicator  314  corresponding to a user-defined position  315  based on user input. For example, the user  304  can, via the touch-sensitive display  310 , move the first strike indicator  314  to a location on the image frame  312  corresponding to the user-defined position  315 . The processor  322  of the mobile device  302  can be configured to determine/generate coordinates of the adjusted strike indicator  314 . 
     The controller  204  is configured to receive the coordinates from the mobile device  302 . In some embodiments the controller  204  may generate one or more additional composite images  311  for calibrating the firearm training device  100 . For example, the controller  204  may generate a second composite image  311  including a second strike indicator  314  based on a second test image frame  312 . Generating additional composite images can enhance the accuracy of calibration. After the firearm training device  100  is calibrated, the controller  204  is configured to overlay a strike indicator  314  on a subsequent image frame  312  collected by the camera  202  (e.g., in response to a trigger pull event occurring after calibration) based on the coordinates received from the mobile device  302 . It is to be understood that this calibration process is offered by way of example only and is not meant to be restrictive of the present disclosure. Other manual or automated calibration processes may be used. For example, the user  304  may calibrate the firearm training device  100  by manually adjusting one or more of its components (e.g., the sights  110 ,  112 ). 
     In embodiments, the mobile device  302  may include a shot timer. For example, the mobile device  302  can include a sound sensor or microphone configured to record each shot of the firearm training device  100 . Alternatively, as previously described herein, the controller  204  of the firearm training device  100 /electronic system  200  can be configured to calculate the shot/reaction time and send it to the mobile device  302 . The processor  322  of the mobile device  302  can be configured to sync the time of each shot with the time stamps received from the controller  204 . The mobile device  302  can then generate of a report of shot times for the user  304  via the display  310 . In some embodiments, the controller  204  is configured to receive (e.g., via transceiver  232 ) a signal from the mobile device  302  indicating a start time. The controller  204  may be configured to determine (e.g., calculate) a reaction time by subtracting the start time from the time stamp associated with the image frame  312 . In some implementations, the mobile device  302  is also configured to provide an audio output (e.g., alert/alarm) indicating that the user is to start firing. In such implementations, at the same, substantially same time, or just prior to providing the audio output, the mobile device  302  can be configured to transmit the signal to the controller  204  so that the start time is stored by the controller  204  and used to determine the reaction time. In some embodiments, the firearm training device  100 /electronic system  200  itself includes an audio output device  222  (e.g., piezo buzzer or other buzzer/loudspeaker device) that is configured to generate the audio output when the controller  204  receives the signal from the mobile device  302 . In such embodiments, the controller  204  can be configured to generate the start time and the time stamp, allowing for a more accurate reaction time to be determined by the controller  204  because transmission delay and/or synchronization issues can be avoided/minimized. The controller  204  can be configured to transmit the reaction time to the mobile device  302 . 
     The firearm training device  100  and/or the mobile device  302  can be figured to provide image recognition feedback. For example, the controller  204  and/or mobile device can utilize one or more processors to determine if the firearm strike constituted a “hit” or a “miss” based on the composite image  311 . In some embodiments, target  306  can include one or more impact sensors configured to communicate data to the controller  204  and/or mobile device  302 . The controller  204  and/or the mobile device  302  can utilize the impact data to determine whether the firearm strike constituted a “hit” or a “miss”. 
     In some embodiments, the firearm training device  100  can be configured to provide video segments (e.g., a plurality of image frames  312 ) to the mobile device  302 . For example, the camera  202  can be configured to capture two-dimensional and/or three-dimensional video imagery. The video segments can then be displayed to the user via the display  310  of the mobile device  302 . Alternatively, the mobile device  302  can be configured to capture video segments associated with each shot of the firearm training device  100 . The video segments can then be synchronized with the composite images  311  based on the time stamps. The video segments can provide the user  304  with feedback of the events that occurred before and after the trigger pull event. 
     The firearm training device  100  and/or the mobile device  302  may be configured to communicate with other devices. For example, devices in communication with the mobile device  302  via the mobile application  318  can include, but are not limited to, scene projectors (e.g., display devices), other firearm training devices  100 , servers/hubs, personal computers, other mobile devices, smart targets, and so forth. 
     In some embodiments, target  306  may be a smart target, and the mobile application  318  may facilitate communications between the mobile device  302  and the smart target. The smart target may be configured to receive instructions from the mobile application  318 . For example, the mobile application  318  can send instruction for a predetermined actuation sequence for the smart target, where the smart target moves through a plurality of predetermined target positions based on the actuation sequence. The smart target can additionally or alternatively be configured to transmit shot data to the mobile device  302 . For example, the smart target can provide strike indications, timings, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the firearm training device can be utilized with a video simulation scenario. For example, the mobile device  302  can be configured to simultaneously activate a shot timer and video simulation. The user  304  can utilize the firearm training device  100  to engage with the video simulation. The mobile device  302  can then provide feedback to the user based on composite images received from the firearm training device  100  during the video simulation. 
     In some embodiments, the firearm training device  100  can be utilized for multi-user training or gaming scenarios. Multiple fire arm training devices  100  can communicate with a central hub (e.g., server) via the wired or wireless network. For example, each firearm training device  100  can identify with an identification number of a mobile device  100 . The mobile devices  100  can communicate via the server to determine when a user  304  has been shot and by which firearm training device  100 . 
     It is to be understood that while the camera  202  provides the primary source of feedback for the user  304 , the firearm training device  100  can also be configured to emit light (e.g., a laser beam) to indicate the location of the firearm strike. For example, in embodiments, the strike indicator light  220  (e.g., a laser) is configured to be activated by the trigger pull event. The strike indicator light  220  can provide an immediate source of visible feedback about the location of the firearm strike and the aim of the user. 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIGS. 5A through 5C , the firearm training device  100  is configured as an attachment  508  that can be removably secured to the barrel  504  of a live firearm  502  (e.g., a loaded or unloaded live firearm). For example, the attachment  508  can be secured by one or more fasteners  512  (e.g., clips, clamps, clasps, screws, nuts, bolts, etc.). 
     As shown in  FIG. 5B , the attachment  508  can house at least a portion of the electronic system  200  (e.g., the controller  204 , the camera  202 , and so forth). For example,  FIG. 5C  shows an embodiment of the electronic system  200  when the firearm training device  100  is configured as an attachment  508  for a firearm  502 . In embodiments, the camera  202  (and optionally a strike indicator light  220 ) is located at a distal end  509  of the attachment  508 . 
     The attachment  508  can be coupled (physically and/or communicatively) to a trigger  506  of the firearm  502  by a linkage  510  (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 5A ). For example, the linkage  510  may be a mechanical linkage (e.g., a rod, chain, or cable that actuates a mechanical switch, mechanical interface, or the like). In other embodiments, the linkage  510  comprises a wired or wireless communicative coupling that transmits a signal in response to a trigger pull event. For example, the linkage  510  can include a sensor (e.g., a proximity sensor, reed switch, hall effect sensor, electronic switch, vibration sensor, etc.) that generates a signal when the trigger  506  is pulled. In some embodiments, the linkage  510  is configured to toggle the trigger switch  208  when the trigger  506  of the firearm is  502  pulled (e.g., trigger pull event). For example, the linkage  510  may electrically or mechanically toggle the trigger switch  208 . In other embodiments, the linkage  510  itself may transmit a signal to the controller  204  to indicate a trigger pull event. In response to the toggling of the trigger switch  208  and/or the signal indicative of the trigger pull event, the controller  204  is configured to collect an image frame or video segment (e.g., via camera  202 ). The controller  204  can be further configured to generate a composite image  311  and/or perform a calibration sequence, for example, as described above with regard to embodiments of the firearm training device  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 4C . 
     In an embodiment shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B , the firearm training device  100  is configured as an attachment  608  that can be removably secured to the barrel  604  of a training/mock firearm  600 . For example, the attachment  608  can be secured by one or more fasteners  612  (e.g., clips, clamps, clasps, screws, nuts, bolts, etc.). The training/mock firearm  600  can include a strike indicator light  602  (e.g., an LED, a laser, or the like) that is configured to emit illumination (e.g., a laser beam) when a trigger  606  of the training/mock firearm  600  is pulled. For example, the training/mock firearm  600  can be configured to illuminate a strike location to provide visual feedback for a user when the trigger  606  is pressed. 
     The attachment  608  can house at least a portion of the electronic system  200  (e.g., the controller  204 , the camera  202 , and so forth). The attachment  608  includes or is coupled to a light detector  610  that can be removably secured to the training/mock firearm  600  so that the detector  610  is configured to detect at least a portion of the illumination emitted by the strike indicator light  602 . In some embodiments, the attachment  608  includes its own strike indicator light  220  so that the attachment can be used to illuminate a strike location when the trigger  606  (e.g., in the event the detector  610  completely or substantially covers the strike indicator light  602  of the training/mock firearm  600 ). 
       FIG. 6B  shows an embodiment of the electronic system  200  when the firearm training device  100  is configured as an attachment  608  for a training/mock firearm  600 . In embodiments, the camera  202  (and optionally a strike indicator light  220 ) is located at a distal end  609  of the attachment  608 . The detector  610  can be communicatively coupled to the controller  204  and configured to detect illumination generated by the training/mock firearm  600  (e.g., illumination emitted by the strike indicator light  602 ). The detector  620  can generate a signal indicative of a trigger pull event in response to detecting the illumination generated by the training/mock firearm  600 , where the controller  204  is configured to collect an image frame or video segment (e.g., via camera  202 ) in response to the signal generated by the light detector  610 . The controller  204  can be further configured to generate a composite image  311  and/or perform a calibration sequence, for example, as described above with regard to embodiments of the firearm training device  100  illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 4C . 
     Conclusion 
     It is to be understood that the present application is defined by the appended claims. Although embodiments of the present application have been illustrated and described herein, it is apparent that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure.