Patent Publication Number: US-10330423-B2

Title: Firearm training system including improved trigger and magazine assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/275,612, titled FIREARM TRAINING SYSTEM INCLUDING IMPROVED TRIGGER AND MAGAZINE ASSEMBLY, filed Jan. 6, 2016. The contents of this provisional application are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Firearm training is an effective tool for reducing accidental or unintended discharge of a firearm. U.S. Pat. No. 7,506,468 discloses a method and apparatus for monitoring handling of a firearm in which a warning, notification, status or control signal is generated when a user&#39;s finger position is proximate a trigger. This approach relies, at least in part, on an optical sensor that monitors a trigger region of an actual firearm or a simulated mock firearm. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram depicting a generalized view of an example firearm training system. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a detailed view of an example trigger region of a firearm training system. 
         FIG. 3  depicts another detailed view of an example trigger region of a firearm training system. 
         FIGS. 4-14  depict an embodiment of a firearm training system having a trigger guard integrated into or forming part of a device body. 
         FIG. 15  depicts another embodiment of a firearm training system having a trigger guard that is separate from the device body. 
         FIGS. 16-21  depict an example firearm training system including an improved trigger and magazine assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A firearm training system is disclosed that utilizes optical sensing for the detection of trigger region incursion. Communicating instances of trigger region incursion to a user operator during training exercises provides an effective tool for reducing accidental or unintended discharge of a firearm. The inventors of the present disclosure have identified a number of issues associated with prior approaches for detecting trigger region incursion, and have also recognized several considerations for firearm training systems that provides effective optical detection of trigger region incursion. 
     As one example, the inventors have recognized that some firearm training devices utilize a simulated mock firearm having brightly colored surfaces to distinguish the training device from a fully functional firearm. Non-limiting examples of such bright colors include orange, yellow, red, green, blue, etc. Such brightly colored surfaces and other highly reflective surfaces have low light absorbent properties. When located within a field of view of an optical sensor, such brightly colored and/or highly reflective surfaces may reduce the effectiveness of many optical detection techniques, and may result in false detections or low detection sensitivity. This reduction in effectiveness may be due in part to the reduction in background contrast and increased background noise in relation to a foreign object (e.g., a finger) passing into the trigger region and within a field of view of the optical sensor. 
     The inventors have recognized that background noise in the form of reflected light may be reduced by selective use or inclusion of materials having low light reflectivity and high light absorbent properties for portions of the firearm training system located within a field of view of optical sensors used to detect trigger region incursion. Depending on sensor orientation, these portions may include interior facing surfaces of the trigger guard, the trigger, surfaces defining an opening through which the optical sensor observes the trigger region, and/or other surfaces located along an optical pathway of the optical sensor. By reducing background noise caused by light reflected from portions of the firearm training system, detection sensitivity of the system may be improved, thresholds for detecting trigger region incursion through optical sensing may be reduced, false detection of trigger region incursion may be reduced, and sensor cost and/or data processing overhead may be reduced. 
     As an illustrative example, some or all of the above described issues in prior approaches and the advantages of the inventors&#39; approach may be more pronounced when a holster is used in combination with the firearm training system. Holsters (including even darkly colored or black holsters) have the potential to create significant infrared reflections (or reflections of other wavelengths of light) when the firearm training system is housed within the holster that can cause false detection of trigger region incursion by a foreign object. The inventors have recognized that the trigger guard, the trigger, and/or other surfaces of the system located along an optical pathway of the optical sensor may play a role in these reflections involving the holster. When operating outside of a holster, the trigger guard, trigger, and/or other reflective surfaces within the field of view of the optical sensors could be “zeroed-out” or otherwise accounted for within the system&#39;s software or firmware to reduce false detections by tuning detection thresholds in relation to the background noise generated by the reflective surfaces. However, this technique may be insufficient to realize acceptable noise margins for holster training applications in which the firearm training system is removed from and inserted into the holster, or across a range of varying ambient light conditions. 
     Accordingly, optical sensing for the detection of trigger region incursion may be enhanced or otherwise improved through selective use, inclusion, and/or application of materials having a greater light absorbent property/lower light reflectivity for surfaces of the firearm training system that are located within an optical path, detection range, or field of view of the optical sensors. As one example, a firearm training system includes a trigger guard having one or more interior facing surfaces that at least partially define a trigger region within which a trigger is located. An electronic module of the firearm training system includes one or more optical sensors observing the trigger region through an opening formed in an opposing interior facing surface of the trigger guard region that opposes the one or more interior facing surfaces of the trigger guard. The electronic module may be tuned to detect incursion of an object within the trigger region based on a defined wavelength or wavelength range of light captured by the one or more optical sensors. The optical sensors may have a field of view that includes at least a portion of the one or more interior facing surfaces of the trigger guard, one or more surfaces of the trigger, and/or interior facing surfaces of the opening within the ceiling of the trigger region. These surfaces located within the field of view of the optical sensor(s) may have a light absorbent property that filters reflected light within the defined wavelength or wavelength range to a greater extent than one or more other surfaces of the device body located outside the field of view of the one or more optical sensors. 
     A light absorbent, low reflectivity, or anti-reflective property, as described herein, may refer to a property of a material that absorbs, filters, or otherwise reduces reflection of light (e.g., visible, infrared, etc.) or other forms of electromagnetic radiation at a defined wavelength (or frequency) or within a wavelength range (or frequency range) used for the optical detection of trigger region incursion. Such materials may provide increased light absorption or reduced light reflectivity relative to other portions of the firearm training system through the inclusion of: darkly colored surfaces, surface films or treatments that filter light of a defined wavelength or wavelength range, textured surfaces, and/or matte-finish surfaces. 
     While all or most materials may be characterized as having at least some level of light absorbing capability or light reflectivity, the materials described herein typically have a light absorbent or anti-reflective property that is substantially greater than other materials that form system components located outside of the optical detection region. Such materials may also have a light absorbent or anti-reflective property that is substantially greater than the light absorbent or anti-reflective property of a foreign object, such as a human finger to be detected within the optical detection region. Materials having a greater light absorbent/anti-reflective property forming a background or backdrop over which a human finger may be detected can provide enhanced detection capability with regards to trigger region incursion. 
       FIG. 1  is a schematic diagram depicting a generalized view of an example firearm training system  100 . Firearm training system  100  includes a device body  110  that simulates a firearm, includes a fully functional firearm, or includes a non-functional or disabled firearm. Device body  110  of  FIG. 1  takes the form of a handgun. In other examples, the device body may take the form of a rifle or other suitable firearm form factor. 
     Device body  110  may be formed from any suitable material. In one example, device body is formed from a polymer, such as an injection molded or printed plastic. However, device body may be formed from other suitable materials or combination of materials, including metal, polymer, wood, ceramic, etc. 
     Firearm training system  100  further includes a trigger  112  and a trigger sensor subsystem  122  that detects actuation of trigger  112 . Trigger sensor subsystem  122  may include a Hall effect sensor, for example, that detects actuation of a trigger rotatably mounted to the firearm training system. Trigger  112  is located within or near a trigger region  114  formed within or by device body  110  and/or by a trigger guard. Depending on implementation, the device body may include an integrated trigger guard or may be combined with a separate trigger guard portion that at least partially defines a trigger region. 
     Firearm training system  110  further includes a trigger region incursion sensor subsystem  124  that detects incursion of a foreign object (e.g., a human finger) within or near trigger region  124 . Incursion sensor subsystem  124  may include one or more light sources that output light at a defined wavelength or wavelength range, and one or more optical sensors that capture light at a defined wavelength or wavelength range. As one example, incursion sensor subsystem  124  may include an infrared light source (e.g., IR emitter) and an optical sensor that detects infrared light. As another example, incursion sensor subsystem  124  may include a visible light source and an optical sensor that detect visible light or a portion of the visible spectrum. It will also be understood that incursion sensor subsystem  124  may be located at other suitable locations, positions, or orientations in comparison to  FIG. 1  for detecting trigger region incursion. 
     In at least some implementations, sensor subsystems  122  and  124  output signals indicative of detected trigger pull and detected incursion of an object into the trigger region, respectively. Firearm training system  100  further includes a control subsystem  130  that receives signals output by one or more of sensors  122  and  124 , processes those signals, and provides an output responsive to those signals. Sensor subsystems in combination with control system  130  may form an electronic module that provides detection and reporting of trigger region incursion and trigger activation. Control subsystem  130  and/or other electronic components of firearm training system  100  may receive electrical energy from an energy storage device  140  located on-board device body  110 . Control subsystem  130  may provide control signals and/or electrical energy to incursion sensor subsystem  124 , such as to control and/or power an infrared light source or other suitable light source, among other energy consuming components. 
     In at least some implementations, the output of control subsystem  130  may include output signals directed to an audio speaker  150  or other suitable audio output device residing on-board device body  110 . As one example, responsive to a trigger pull detected by control subsystem  130  via trigger sensor  122 , control subsystem  130  may generate an audio output via audio speaker  150 . As another example, responsive to a foreign object entering within or near trigger region  114  as detected by control system  130  via trigger region incursion sensor  124 , control system  130  may generate an audio output via audio speaker  150 . The audio output generated in response to a trigger pull may differ from or may be the same as the audio output generated in response to incursion of an object into or near trigger region  114 , depending on implementation. 
     In at least some implementations, the output of control system  130  may include output signals directed at one or more light emitting elements  160  residing on-board device body  110 . As one example, responsive to a trigger pull detected by control subsystem  130  via trigger sensor  122 , control subsystem  130  may generate a visible light output via one or more light emitting elements  160 . As another example, responsive to an object entering within or near trigger region  114  as detected by control system  130  via trigger region incursion sensor  124 , control system  130  may generate a visible light output via one or more light emitting elements  160 . The visible light output generated in response to a trigger pull may differ from or may be the same as the visible light output (e.g., color, flashing frequency, duration, etc.) generated in response to incursion of an object into or near trigger region  114 , depending on implementation, and may utilize the same or different light emitting elements. 
     In at least some implementations, the output of control subsystem  130  may include output signals directed to a data storage device  170  residing on-board device body  110 . As one example, data storage device  170  may include a memory device (e.g., flash memory or other suitable form of data storage). Data storage device  170  may receive and store instances of trigger pull and trigger region incursion in association with a time stamp in a manner that enables these events to be distinguished from each other. Data stored at data storage device  170  may be off-loaded or downloaded to a computing device over a wired or wireless communications link for analysis and presentation using any suitable interface and/or communications protocol. Control subsystem  130  may take the form of a computing device or logic device that executes instructions in the form of software and/or firmware. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a detailed view of an example trigger region of a firearm training system according to the present disclosure. The example trigger region depicted in  FIG. 2  may refer to a detailed view of previously described trigger region  114 , device body  110 , and trigger  112  of  FIG. 1 . However, the teachings of  FIG. 2  may be applicable to other firearm training systems that have different physical forms. In  FIG. 2 , the trigger and the components of device body  110  or a trigger guard (defined by surfaces  220 ,  222 ,  224 , etc.) defining and/or surrounding trigger region  114  include a material having a light absorbent property (indicated schematically in  FIG. 2  by dark colored regions) that absorbs, filters, and/or reduces reflection of light in a wavelength or frequency range detectable by sensor subsystem  124 . While surface  220  is depicted as not including a material having a greater light absorbent property, it will be appreciated that surface  220  of the trigger guard or the entire trigger guard may include material having a greater light absorbent property than other surfaces of the device body that are outside of a field of view of the optical sensors. 
     As previously discussed, a device body of a firearm training system or portions thereof located outside of the optical detection region may have a bright or visibly recognizable color (e.g., orange, red, yellow, blue or bright blue, green, gold, etc.) that is distinct from the traditional black, stainless steel, or bluing color of fully functional firearms. The bright or visibly recognizable appearance of such training devices may be preferred over the appearance of a traditional fully functional firearm for a variety of reasons, including providing a visual indicator that clearly distinguishes the training device from a fully functional firearm. These bright or visibly recognizable materials may have relatively poor light absorbent properties and/or high light reflectivity. Hence, if used within the optical detection region, these bright or visibly recognizable colors may result in increased false detection of trigger region incursion, increased background noise, reduced sensitivity thresholds for incursion, require increased cost/complexity/quality of sensor components or data processing overhead, and/or increased energy consumption of sensor components. 
     As one example, one or more of surfaces  222 ,  224 ,  212 ,  214 , and  226  (which may include interior facing surfaces of an opening in a ceiling of the trigger region through which the optical sensor(s) observe the trigger region depicted in further detail in  FIG. 6 ) have a darker surface color or lower reflectivity than one or more other surfaces of the device body located outside of the field of view of the optical sensors. As another example, one or more of surfaces  222 ,  224 ,  212 ,  214 , and  226  include textured surfaces formed in the material (e.g., molded or printed as part of the material) of the trigger guard, trigger, or device body that reduce light reflection or increase light absorption within a defined wavelength or wavelength range. As yet another example, one or more of surfaces  222 ,  224 ,  212 ,  214 , and  226  include a thin-film coating that filters light within a defined wavelength or wavelength range. As yet another example, one or more of surfaces  222 ,  224 ,  212 ,  214 , and  226  include a matte finish that reduces light reflection or light absorption within a defined wavelength or wavelength range. Some or all of these examples may be used in combination with each other to reduce light reflectivity of surfaces located within the field of view of the optical sensors that observe the trigger region. 
     A surface treatment that reduces reflectivity may take the form of a paint, film, or other coating applied to a material that forms the device body, trigger guard, or trigger. The surface treatment may have a substantially greater light absorbent property than other body portions  110 , such as the handle of the firearm, the barrel, the slide, etc. In some implementations, all surfaces or substantially all surfaces of the device body may include the surface treatment. A sub-surface layer having a light absorbent property may be alternatively or additionally used. For example, a sub-surface layer within the device body, trigger guard, and/or trigger may underlie the outer surface(s) (e.g., an optically transparent or translucent surface for the detectable forms of electromagnetic radiation of the sensor or a film that filters such detectable forms) of the device body. Alternatively or additionally, portions of the device body (e.g., trigger guard and/or device body portions defining the trigger region) or the entire device body and/or the trigger may be formed from a material having a light absorbent property. The light absorbent property of these body portions, trigger, or layers thereof may be substantially greater than other portions of the firearm training system that are outside of the detection region of sensor subsystem  124 , or substantially greater than the light absorbent property of a human finger. 
     As a non-limiting example, the trigger guard and/or the trigger of a firearm training system located within a detection region of a trigger region incursion sensor may have outer surfaces of a darker hue or color (e.g., black, gray, darker colors, etc.) and/or matte finish as compared to other body portions that reside outside of the detection region that may have a brighter color and/or gloss reflective surface. 
       FIG. 3  depicts another detailed view of an example trigger region of a firearm training system.  FIG. 3  depicts additional non-limiting examples of light absorbent materials at surfaces  310  of a trigger and  320  of an inner facing surface of a trigger guard that may be used within the optical detection region of a trigger region incursion sensor.  FIG. 3  further depicts a foreign object  314 , such as a human finger located within a trigger region proximate a trigger. 
       FIGS. 4-14  depict an embodiment of a firearm training system  400  having a trigger guard integrated into or forming part of a device body. Firearm training system  400  provides a non-limiting example of previously described firearm training system  100  of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4  depicts a first view of firearm training system  400 , including device body  410  and a trigger assembly  412 . Device body  410  depicted herein takes the form of a handgun. In other examples, the device body may take the form of a rifle or other suitable firearm form factor. Body  410  may be formed from any suitable material. In one example, the device body may be formed from a polymer, such as an injection molded or printed plastic. However, the device body may be formed from other suitable materials or combination of materials, including metal, polymer, wood, ceramic, etc. 
     In one example, an integrated electronic module of firearm training system  400  supports optical sensing of the trigger region to detect trigger region incursion. The integrated electronic module of firearm training system  400  may additionally detect actuation of a trigger of trigger assembly  412  that is located within or near a trigger region formed within or by body  410 . The trigger region may be at least partially defined by a trigger guard in some examples. Firearm training system  400  further includes a trigger region incursion sensor subsystem depicted in  FIG. 6  that detects incursion of a foreign object (e.g., a finger) within or near the trigger region. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an access panel or cover  510  that conceals the integrated electronic module contained within or at least partially within device body  410 . In at least some examples, cover  510  or other portions of device body  410  may include an interface element  512 . In one example, interface element  512  may take the form of a depressible button enabling a user operator to effect or control one or more functions of the integrated electronic module. Additionally or alternatively, interface element  512  may take the form of an aperture or lens through which an optical sensing element and/or light emitting element located within body  410  may receive and/or transmit light or other suitable form of electromagnetic radiation. In one example, background light conditions may be detected by the integrated electronic module via interface element  512 . In another example, information may be communicated between firearm training system  400  and a remote computing device by light transmission and/or reception via interface element  512 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a detailed view of the trigger guard region of firearm training system  400  to reveal an opening or aperture  612  through which one or more optical sensors of a sensor subsystem  610  may receive and/or emit electromagnetic radiation, such as visible light, infrared, or other suitable wavelength or wavelength range. In this particular example, opening or aperture  612  and sensor subsystem  610  are located at or within the ceiling of the trigger guard region and in front of the trigger assembly  412 . One or more optical sensors of sensor subsystem  610  observe the trigger region through opening  610 . The ceiling of the trigger guard may include additional openings, such as behind the trigger to provide a signal path between the trigger and a Hall effect sensor or other suitable sensor for detecting trigger actuation. The light source or electromagnetic radiation source generated by sensor subsystem  610  may point downward from the ceiling of the trigger guard region at an orientation that is orthogonal to the ceiling surface. However, other suitable orientations may be used. In one example, sensor subsystem  610  may include an infrared light source (e.g., IR emitter) and an optical sensor that detects infrared light. In another example, sensor subsystem  610  may include at least one emitter and one, two, or more optical sensors that detect light of a defined wavelength or wavelength range. Multiple emitters and optical sensors may be used to provide increased detection range and/or a geometrically suitable detection range within or surrounding the trigger guard region. 
     A non-limiting example of sensor subsystem  610  includes the optical sensor product manufactured and distributed by Vishay Semiconductors™ designated as model VCNL4010, which includes a fully integrated IR proximity and ambient light sensor. Firearm training system  400  may further include one or more optical filters located between sensor subsystem  610  and the trigger region, such as within or covering opening or aperture  612  to filter or block visible light (or other suitable frequency component) while passing IR light (or other suitable frequency component). It will be understood that other forms of optical sensors and/or light sources/emitters may be used, including sensors and/or light sources/emitters that function in the visible light frequency range (e.g., with the omission of the visible light filter) and/or other suitable frequency ranges. It will also be understood that sensor subsystem  610  may be located at other suitable locations, positions, or orientations for detecting trigger region incursion. 
     Within  FIG. 6 , opening  612  is depicted as having a circular shape. However, opening  612  may have any suitable shape including oval, square, etc. In some examples, opening  612  may take the form of a long tube formed within the ceiling of the trigger region. As described in  FIG. 2  with reference to  226 , interior facing surfaces of an opening such as example opening  612  may have or include a light absorbent or anti-reflective property. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a view of firearm training system  400  with a portion of the device body removed to reveal various internal components. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , the device body is formed from two device body halves that are joined at a plane that passes through a centerline of the simulated firearm. A non-limiting example of the integrated electronic module is depicted at  710 . Integrated electronic module  710  includes a circuit board  716  that contains, supports, and interconnects various electronic components. Integrated electronic module  710  includes mounting element  712  upon which trigger assembly  412  and circuit board  716  are mounted. Integrated electronic module  710  includes a gasket  714  located between circuit board  716  and mounting element  712 . In some examples, gasket  714  may be omitted. Mounting element  712  may include a mounting plate or bracket, and may be formed from sheet metal or other suitable material. Mounting element  712  may provide a sound mechanical mount for the circuit board and may also include a hinge arm on which the trigger pivots. 
     Integrated electronic module  710  includes battery compartments  718  mounted on and operatively coupled with circuit board  716 . Integrated electronic module  710  includes an audio speaker assembly  720  containing an audio speaker mounted on and operatively coupled circuit board  716 . Integrated electronic module  710  includes transmitting element  722  mounted on and operatively coupled with circuit board  716 . In one example, transmitting element  722  may optically communicate with interface element  512  and other electronic elements mounted on circuit board  716 . Additionally or alternatively, transmitting element  722  may transmit a force caused by depression of interface element  512  between interface element  512  and other electronic elements mounted on and operatively coupled with circuit board  716 .  FIG. 7  further depicts how body  410  may define a region that accommodates a mass element  730  that serves to increase the overall mass of the firearm training system to more closely resemble the mass of an actual or fully functional firearm. In one example, mass element  730  takes the form of a steel rod or bar, however, other suitable materials and material form factors may be used. 
       FIG. 7  further depicts opening or aperture  612  located within a ceiling of the trigger region defined by the device body. Also depicted within  FIG. 7  is a rotatable coupling  780  upon which the trigger is mounted to the trigger assembly and/or electronic module, enabling actuation of the trigger. 
       FIG. 7  further depicts additional aspects of trigger assembly  412 . Trigger assembly  412  includes a primary trigger element  790  that simulates a traditional trigger of a real firearm. Forward facing surfaces of primary trigger element  790  are engaged by the user&#39;s finger to actuate the trigger. Trigger assembly  412  further includes a support element  792  located behind primary trigger element  790 . Support element  792  is narrower (in the width dimension of firearm relative to the plane depicted in  FIG. 7 ) than primary trigger element  790  in this example. Support element  792  extends rearward from primary trigger element  790  and provides additional support and/or rigidity to primary trigger element  790  without necessarily impacting trigger feel with respect to the primary trigger element.  FIGS. 9 and 11  depict additional views of example trigger assembly  412 . In an example, trigger assembly  412  is formed from a single or unitary piece of nylon or a material containing nylon. However, other suitable materials may be used. An advantage of using nylon for trigger assembly  412  is that the nylon reduces or eliminates breakage or shearing of the trigger assembly caused by many cycles of trigger pulls. The nylon material in combination with support element  792  provides a trigger assembly that is both sufficiently rigid to simulate a real trigger of an actual firearm while also providing adequate longevity for a low cost, non-metal trigger assembly. By contrast, the body of the firearm training system may be formed from a plastic that does not contain nylon or from a plastic that includes less nylon as a percentage by weight and/or volume than the trigger assembly. In at least some examples, the body of the firearm training system may define a slot or channel that accommodates support element  792  when the trigger assembly is rotated rearwards into the body due to actuation of the trigger assembly. This slot or channel may provide additional support and/or rigidity of the trigger assembly.  FIG. 7  depicts an example of a slot or channel that accommodates the trigger support element located behind the trigger assembly.  FIG. 18  depicts another example of a slot or channel that accommodates a trigger support element. In at least some examples, the trigger support element may be located partially within the slot or channel when the trigger assembly is not depressed, and the trigger support element may move further into the slot or channel as the trigger assembly is depressed. The slot or channel may be sized and/or shaped to provide clearance for the trigger support element while also reducing or minimizing lateral movement of the trigger assembly. As an example, exterior surfaces of the trigger support element may contact and slide relative to interior surfaces of the slot or channel. The slot or channel may be formed by opposing halves or body portions of the body of the firearm training system in at least some examples. 
       FIG. 8  depicts integrated electronic module  710  with battery compartments  718 , gasket  714 , mounting element  712 , cover  510 , trigger assembly  412 , and mass element  730  removed to reveal further detail.  FIG. 8  further depicts posts  810  and  812  used to secure integrated electronic module  710  and/or cover  510  to body  410 . Posts  810  and  812  may take the form of any suitable fastener, such as screws or bolts, for example. In the non-limiting example of  FIG. 8 , the posts are secured on a distal end to the device body to secure the electronic module, cover, and trigger assembly. 
       FIGS. 9-11  depict additional views of integrated electronic module  710 .  FIG. 9  depicts an example where batteries  910  and  912  are installed.  FIG. 11  depicts the opening or aperture  612  in further detail.  FIG. 12  further depicts various other electronic elements of circuit board  716 , including e.g., an optical sensor/emitter  610  and a trigger actuation sensor  1210 . Trigger actuation sensor  1210  may take the form of a Hall effect sensor, in at least some examples. These electronic elements may include any suitable electronic component or combination of operatively coupled electronic components, including microprocessors, mechanical sensors, optical sensors, electromagnetic radiation sources (e.g., LEDs, IR sources, etc.), audio speakers, etc. Microprocessors may be programmed with instructions that cause the microprocessors to receive input signal information via one or more input devices, and output command signal information to one or more output devices to provide any suitable functionality for the firearm training system. 
     In at least one implementation,  FIGS. 9, 10, and 11  depict an example of the integrated electronic module  710  in its entirety. Integrated electronic module  710  may be assembled with any suitable body form factor to provide a firearm training system that simulates or mimics any suitable commercially available firearm. Hence, integrated electronic module  710  may be utilized in a variety of different products spanning a diverse product line of firearm training systems. In one example, integrated electronic module  710  includes all of the input and/or output subsystems and provides all of the functions supported by the firearm training system, including trigger pull detection via the trigger assembly, audio output via audio speaker assembly  720 , trigger region incursion detection via sensor subsystem  610 , inputs and/or outputs supported by electronic element  1210 , transmitting element  722 , and interface element  512 , power management from power supplied by one or more batteries, and/or other suitable inputs and/or outputs or functionality supported by the firearm training system.  FIGS. 13 and 14  provide additional views of the integrated electronic module with and without the cover and batteries. 
     In at least some implementations, integrated electronic module  710  output signals indicative of detected trigger pull and detected incursion of an object into the trigger region, respectively. Integrated electronic module  710  receives signals output by one or more sensors, processes those signals, and provides an output responsive to those signals. Integrated electronic module  710  may receive electrical energy from one or more batteries. Integrated electronic module  710  may provide control signals and/or electrical energy to sensor subsystem  610 , such as to control and/or power the infrared light source or other suitable light source. 
     In at least some implementations, the output of integrated electronic module  710  may include output signals directed to the audio speaker or other suitable audio output device. As one example, responsive to a trigger pull detected by via a trigger sensor mounted on circuit board  716 , integrated electronic module  710  may generate an audio output via the audio speaker. As another example, responsive to an object entering within or near the trigger region as detected via sensor subsystem  610 , the integrated electronic module may generate an audio output via the audio speaker. The audio output generated in response to a trigger pull may differ from or may be the same as the audio output generated in response to incursion of an object into or near the trigger region, depending on implementation. 
     In at least some implementations, the output of the integrated electronic module may include output signals directed at one or more light emitting elements. As one example, responsive to a trigger pull, a visible light output may be generated via one or more light emitting elements. As another example, responsive to an object entering within or near the trigger region a visible light output may be generated via one or more light emitting elements. The visible light output generated in response to a trigger pull may differ from or may be the same as the visible light output (e.g., color, flashing frequency, duration, etc.) generated in response to incursion of an object into or near the trigger region, depending on implementation, and may utilize the same or different light emitting elements. 
       FIG. 15  depicts another embodiment of a firearm training system  1500  having a trigger guard that is separate from the device body (i.e., formed from a separate material and combined with the device to form a simulated firearm). Firearm training system  1500  provides another non-limiting example of previously described firearm training system  100  of  FIG. 1 . It will also be appreciated that any of the subject matter previously described with reference to  FIGS. 1-14  may be similar to or utilized in combination with the separate trigger guard approach of firearm training system  1500 . For example, electronic module  1510  may take the form of previously described electronic module  710 . 
     Firearm training system  1500  includes a device body  1550  simulating a first portion of a firearm. The first portion of the firearm may, for example, simulate at least a portion of a barrel and/or a handle of the firearm, among other suitable firearm components. For example, device body  1550  may take the form of a handgun or other suitable firearm form factor. Surfaces of the device body may have a first light absorbent property, such as a brightly colored surface, for example. Firearm training system  1500  includes a trigger guard  1520  simulating a second portion of the firearm. The trigger guard in this example includes one or more interior facing surfaces that at least partially define a trigger region containing a trigger. 
     Electronic module  1510  includes one or more optical sensors, such as previously described with respect to  FIGS. 1-14 . The optical sensors may, for example, observe the trigger region through an opening formed in an opposing interior facing surface of the trigger region (e.g., ceiling of the trigger region) that opposes the one or more interior facing surfaces of the trigger guard. The one or more interior facing surfaces of the trigger guard may have a light absorbent property that filters reflected light within a defined wavelength or wavelength range to a greater extent than the device body. 
     At least one advantage of the separate trigger guard from the device body includes the ability to utilize a different material having a greater light absorbent property for the trigger guard relative to a material of the device body. As a non-limiting example, the device body may be formed from injection molded plastic having a lower light absorbent property/higher light reflectivity (e.g., a brighter color) and the trigger guard may be formed from injection molded plastic having a higher light absorbent property/lower light reflectivity (e.g., a darker color). This approach may achieve the same or similar advantages as a trigger guard that is integrated with the device body of the firearm training system, but at a lower manufacturing cost or complexity due to the ability to utilize different materials as opposed to utilizing subsequently-applied surface treatments. 
     Firearm training system  1500  may further include a trigger assembly that includes a trigger located within the trigger region. The field of view of the one or more optical sensors may include one or more surfaces of the trigger. The one or more surfaces of the trigger may also have a light absorbent property that filters reflected light within the defined wavelength or wavelength range to a greater extent than the device body. 
       FIG. 15  further depicts various layers that may form the electronic module and trigger assembly, including a mounting element  1534  of the trigger assembly, a gasket  1536  located between mounting element  1532  and circuit board  1538 . Mounting element  1534  may include a mounting plate or bracket, and may be formed from sheet metal or other suitable material. In at least some implementations, gasket  1536  may be omitted. A mounting surface  1532  of the trigger assembly, that includes the trigger guard  1520  and forms the ceiling of the trigger region, may interface with mounting element  1534 . 
     One or more of mounting surface  1532 , mounting element  1534 , and gasket  1534 , may include or define an opening through which one or more optical sensors observe the trigger region, such as previously described opening  612 . These components may include additional openings, such as behind the trigger to provide a signal path between the trigger and a Hall effect sensor or other suitable sensor for detecting trigger actuation. Posts  1542  and  1544  may take the form of previously described posts  810  and  812  used to secure the trigger assembly, electronic module, and/or cover to the device body. However, in the embodiment of  FIG. 15 , the trigger guard may additionally be secured to the device body, trigger assembly, and/or electronic module by posts  1542  and  1544 . Alternatively or additionally, other suitable fasteners may be used to secure the trigger guard to the device body, trigger assembly, and/or electronic module. For example, the trigger guard including mounting surface  1532  may be secured to the bottom of circuit board  1538  by one or more additional fasteners rather than using posts  1542  and  1544 . As a non-limiting example, the circuit board may contain #4-40 threaded PEM™ nuts soldered to the underside of the board for receiving bolts or screws that pass through mounting surface  1532 , mounting element  1534 , and/or gasket  1536 . However, in some implementations, the trigger guard and one or more device body portions may be secured to each other by a snap fit or press fit. 
     In at least some examples, a trigger guard assembly may be formed from a single injection molded or printed plastic (e.g., nylon) component (or other suitable material such as metal, wood, ceramic, polymer, etc.) that defines the trigger guard, circuit board mounting surface (e.g., mounting surface  1532  and mounting element  1534 ), and the trigger hinge arm to which the trigger is rotatably coupled. A channel or void may be molded into the device body that is adapted to receive the trigger guard assembly and electronic module such that the trigger guard assembly slides down into the channel as it is installed from the upper side of the device body. The channel or void may be covered by an access panel to conceal the electronic module. 
       FIGS. 16-21  depict an example firearm training system  1600 . Firearm training system  1600  may include some or all of the features previously described with reference to the preceding firearm training systems described herein. However, in this example, firearm training system  1600  includes a releasable and removable magazine accessory. 
     Firearm training system  1600  includes a device body  1610  (formed in this example by halves  1610 A and  1610 B) and a removable magazine accessory  1612 . The device body includes at least a barrel and a handle that collectively simulate a firearm. The removable magazine accessory forms an elongate body that simulates an ammunition magazine of the firearm. The handle of the device body has a receptacle  1810  formed therein to accommodate the magazine accessory via an opening located at a terminal end of the handle opposite the barrel. 
     In at least some implementations, the device body is formed from a plastic, and the magazine accessory is formed from an exterior plastic body and an interior metal (e.g., steel or other suitable metal) core that adds additional mass to the magazine accessory. The additional mass provided by the metal core may simulate the mass of a real magazine that is full of functioning ammunition. As a non-limiting example, the magazine accessory weighs approximately 9.8 ounces and the weight of the firearm training system without the magazine accessory (including electronic components depicted in  FIGS. 1-15 ) is approximately 10-14 ounces. 
     The device body may further include a trigger guard spanning the barrel and handle. In an example, the trigger guard is integrated with the barrel and handle as a single piece of material—i.e., each of halves  1610 A and  1610 B include half of the trigger guard. However, in another example, the trigger guard may be a separate component from the barrel and handle. As depicted in the example of  FIG. 16 , the device body is formed from two halves  1610 A,  1610 B that join with each other along a midplane. Each half may include half of the barrel and half of the handle in a single integrated piece of material. The trigger guard or a half of the trigger guard may be integrated with one or both halves of the barrel and handle. However, in other examples, the trigger guard may form a separate piece of material from the two halves that form the barrel and handle. 
     The firearm training system may include a first spring  1614  that is supported on the device body at a terminal end of the receptacle opposite the opening. For example, the first spring may be retained within a slot or channel formed in the device body. However, adhesives or mechanical fasteners may be used to secure the first spring to the device body. The first spring provides a first spring force on an interior-facing end of the elongate body of the magazine accessory in an outward direction along an axis of the receptacle when the magazine accessory is fully inserted into the receptacle. Alternatively, the first spring may be supported on the interior-facing end of the magazine accessory rather than on a terminal end of the receptacle. The first spring may be referred to as a magazine kick-out spring, since the first spring may provide an ejecting force on the magazine accessory when released from the receptacle, as described in further detail with reference to the magazine release actuator. 
     The magazine accessory further includes a first catch  1712  (i.e., a magazine-side catch) forming a first stepped protrusion along a forward-facing side of the elongate body. The stepped protrusion has a first engagement face that faces towards an exterior-facing end of the elongate body. A magazine release actuator  1616  includes a second catch  1714  (i.e., an actuator-side catch) that projects into the receptacle along a forward-interior wall of the handle to engage with the first catch of the magazine accessory. The second catch forms a second stepped protrusion having a second engagement face that opposes and engages with the first engagement face when the magazine accessory is fully inserted into the receptacle. The magazine release actuator may be translated or is translatable along a translation axis that is orthogonal to a midplane of the device body to selectively disengage the second catch from the first catch and release the magazine accessory from the receptacle. Upon disengagement of the second catch from the first catch, the first spring (i.e., the magazine kick-out spring), being no longer restrained by the magazine release actuator, provides an ejecting force on the magazine accessory to initiate and/or assist in removal of the magazine accessory from the device body. 
     In at least some implementations, a second spring  1618  may be supported on the device body that provides a second spring force on the magazine release actuator, which thereby provides a retaining force on the magazine accessory in an inward direction along the axis of the receptacle that opposes the outward direction of the first spring force to retain the magazine accessory within the receptacle when the first catch is engaged with the second catch. The second spring may be retained within a slot or channel formed in the device body. However, adhesives or mechanical fasteners may be used to secure the second spring to the device body. The second spring may be referred to as a magazine release spring, since the second spring provides a spring force in the inward direction via the magazine release actuator. The spring force provided by the second spring opposes the spring force provided by the first spring, thereby further securing the magazine accessory within the receptacle and relative to the device body. For example, these two opposing spring forces may reduce or eliminate rattling or movement of the magazine accessory within the receptacle and relative to the device body during typical use scenarios, thereby providing a more pleasing and realistic user experience. 
     In an example, the magazine release actuator passes through the device body and includes an actuation member  1810  that is accessible on an exterior-side of the device body to enable a user to translate the magazine release actuator along the translation axis to selectively disengage the second catch from the first catch and release the magazine accessory from the receptacle. In at least some implementations, the actuation member may occupy an opening ( 1690 A,  1690 B) formed on one or both sides of the device body about the midplane at or near a location where the trigger guard joins the handle. 
       FIG. 16  depicts an exploded view of firearm training system  1600 . In  FIG. 16 , an example magazine accessory is depicted.  FIG. 17  depicts a cutaway view of firearm training system  1600 . Within  FIG. 17 , the magazine accessory is inserted into the receptacle of the device body. The device body is formed by body portions  1610 A and  1610 B depicted in  FIG. 16 . In this example, the magazine accessory is retained within the receptacle formed within the device body by the magazine-side catch that engages with the actuator-side catch. The magazine-side catch is located on or along an exterior of the magazine accessory. The magazine-side catch may be integrated with the magazine in at least some implementations. The actuator-side catch is formed by the magazine release actuator, and may be integrated with the actuation member in at least some implementations. The actuation member may take the form of a magazine release button, for example. These features are depicted in greater detail in  FIGS. 18-20 . 
       FIG. 18  depicts an expanded view of  FIG. 17 .  FIGS. 19-21  depict additional cutaway views of firearm training system  1600 . As depicted in  FIG. 18 , the magazine release spring provides an upward force (relative to the barrel being oriented in a horizontal plane) on the magazine release actuator, and additionally retains the magazine release actuator and its actuation member in a neutral lateral position along the translation axis. Upon lateral activation of the magazine release actuator (i.e., into or out of the plane depicted in  FIG. 18 ), the actuator-side catch disengages with the magazine-side catch from an initial engaged position as depicted in greater detail in  FIG. 19 .  FIG. 19  depicts the magazine accessory including a recessed region  1920  from which the magazine-side catch projects. The recessed region additionally provides clearance for the actuator-side catch. Furthermore, in  FIG. 19 , the magazine-side catch is depicted as having a first tapered face  1910  and the actuator-side catch is depicted as having a second tapered face  1912  that tapers in an opposite direction from the first tapered face to enable the magazine accessory to slide past the magazine release actuator upon insertion.  FIG. 21  depicts an example in which the springs have been removed to show structure associated with the device body that may be used to retain the springs. 
     Upon disengagement of the actuator-side catch from the magazine-side catch due to lateral movement of the magazine release actuator along the translation axis, the magazine accessory is free to move downward and out of the magazine receptacle formed in the device body. In this example, the receptacle is located within a handle portion of the simulated firearm. However, the receptacle may be located at other suitable locations depending on the type of firearm simulated by the device body. The magazine kick-out spring depicted in  FIGS. 16, 17, 18, and 20  provides a downward force (relative to the barrel being oriented in a horizontal plane) upon the magazine accessory to assist in ejecting the magazine accessory from the receptacle. This downward or outward force provided by the magazine kick-out spring overcomes sliding friction between the magazine accessory and the receptacle walls of the device body to cause the magazine to be partially or fully propelled downward or outward from the receptacle. 
     The downward or outward force provided by the magazine kick-out spring may provide one or more of the following benefits: (1) simulate a real metal magazine sliding relative to metal receptacle walls of a real firearm even if the magazine accessory and receptacle walls are formed from a plastic material or non-metal material, (2) simulate a weighted magazine or a magazine having additional mass than actually present in the magazine accessory, (3) provide resistance (via the magazine kick-out spring) to the magazine accessory when inserted into the receptacle to be engaged by the actuator-side catch thereby simulating resistance found with real firearms, (4) provide a force that opposes the force provided by the magazine release spring to increase stability or robustness of the magazine accessory when inserted and retained within the receptacle. 
     In a non-limiting example, the magazine kick-out spring may be formed from a spring steel such as the McMaster-Carr brand of spring steel having part number 9075K76. It will be understood that the magazine kick-out spring may take other suitable forms. In a non-limiting example, the magazine release spring may take the form of the McMaster-Carr brand of spring-back wire having part number 8908K64. It will again be understood that the magazine release spring may take other suitable forms. Each of these springs may be cut and shaped from their stock shape and size to fit the firearm training system. In each of these examples, each of the springs are fixed or retained at one end or portion of the spring to the device body of the firearm training system, and the springs engage the magazine or magazine release actuator at another end or portion of the spring. 
     Within the examples depicted in  FIGS. 16-21 , the magazine release actuator in combination with the magazine release spring provides an ambidextrous magazine release system, since the actuation member is accessible on either side of the midplane. The magazine release spring returns and centers the magazine release actuator and its actuation member after being depressed by a user in either lateral direction (e.g., left or right relative to the barrel axis or midplane). This magazine release system may occupy less physical space or volume than many magazine release systems presently available on real firearms. Accordingly, it will be understood that the magazine release system described and depicted herein may be used on or within real firearms in addition to firearm training systems that simulate firearms. 
     With at least some commercially available plastic training guns there are at least two problems relating to removable magazine accessories. Plastic magazines don&#39;t slide as easily as an actual metal magazine for a real firearm when released. This results in an unrealistic feel at best, and the magazine gets hung up in the receptacle of the firearm at worst requiring the user to strip the magazine out manually. This unrealistic or non-user-friendly action is not useful for building proper muscle memories in a training device or actual firearm. Another problem with plastic magazines is that in order to alleviate the above problems, manufacturers have undersized the magazine relative to the receptacle. This results in the magazine rattling around in the magazine receptacle. 
     The magazine kick-out spring disclosed herein may address the problems associated with plastic training magazines not behaving (due to plastic on plastic friction) like live or real metal magazines and receptacle walls. The magazine kick-out spring also eliminates or reduces rattling of the magazine within the magazine receptacle as compared to traditional approaches that utilize a single magazine catch. As previously discussed, the magazine kick-out spring and the magazine release spring provide opposing forces acting on the magazine in which the kick-out spring pushes downward or outward on the magazine accessory and the magazine release spring and magazine release actuator push upwards and inwards on the magazine accessory. 
     The various examples depicted herein with respect to various embodiments or figures may be used in combination with each other in a common embodiment or implementation. For example, the trigger support element and slot or channel described herein with regards to  FIGS. 1-15  may be used in combination with the magazine assembly of  FIGS. 16-21 . Furthermore, the electrical components described with reference to  FIGS. 1-15  may be used in combination with the firearm training system described with reference to  FIGS. 16-21 . 
     It will be understood that the disclosed embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. Variations to the disclosed embodiments that fall within the metes and bounds of the claims, now or later presented, or the equivalence of such metes and bounds are intended to be embraced by the claims.