Patent Publication Number: US-4652740-A

Title: Infrared ray target for model gun

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This invention relates generally to a target responsive to infrared rays generated by a model gun. 
     BACKGROUND ART 
     Generally, targets for model guns respond to visible rays. The visible ray source within the gun, however, causes the gun to be large in size and weight. This is a serious problem in a model gun, wherein the touch, external appearance and design of the actual revolver are respected while compactness and performance accompanied by light, sound and smoke are required. Available model guns do not meet these requirements. 
     DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION 
     Infrared rays are generated in a model gun when a gun powder cap explodes within a powder chamber. The infrared rays are directed forward of the gun, with the gun barrel conduit providing a high degree of directivity. Infrared rays are received by a target which operates only when the gun is fired accurately at a predetermined central point. When the gun is fired at other areas of the target, the volume of infrared rays received by a sensor located at the center of the target is too small to be detected. Special skill is, therefore, required to fire the gun, enhancing the pleasure of play and improving marksmanship. 
     An object of the invention, therefore, is to provide a device to determine whether infrared rays generated from a model gun are projected accurately onto a central portion of the target. A secondary object is to provide in the target diversified display functions, such as score counting and lighting. 
     Another object is to provide a gun target for marksmanship training wherein live ammunition is not used but the &#34;feel&#34; of an actual gun is provided. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the invention; 
     FIG. 2a is a diagram of a relay for projecting an item in response to a &#34;hit&#34;; 
     FIG. 2b is a perspective view of the object projector symbolized in FIG. 2a; 
     FIG. 2c is a circuit diagram of an infrared ray responsive amplifier; 
     FIG. 3a is a circuit diagram of an infrared ray responsive display; 
     FIG. 3b is a perspective view of a numerical display symbolized in FIG. 3a; 
     FIG. 3c is a simplified circuit diagram of an analog to digital converter for driving the digital display of FIGS. 3a and 3b; 
     FIG. 4a is a circuit diagram of an infrared ray responsive indicator lamp; 
     FIG. 4b is a perspective view of the lamp assembly; and 
     FIG. 4c is a block diagram of a delay timer circuit for maintaining the lamp energized for a predetermined time. 
    
    
     BEST MODE FOR PRACTICING THE INVENTION 
     In FIG. 1, infrared rays L generated by a model gun (not numbered) coincident with the explosion of a gun powder cap is projected along the extension line of the gun barrel. A light receiving sensor 2, responsive to the infrared rays through lens 1, develops a signal that is amplified by amplifier 3 to operate scoring and lighting devices in accordance with the invention. 
     In FIG. 2, a relay RY is closed in response to the output of sensor 2 which in turn indexes electromagnet 4 interlocked with the relay RY. Movement of the electromagnet indicates that the center of the target whereat the light receiving sensor 2 is located has been hit by infrared rays. Spring stopper 5 is thus indexed, shown in FIG. 2b, to release a spring wire 6, which is elastic and bent into a U-shape or provided in the form of a spring. The wire 6 may project a device, such as a small can be shown, placed on the body of the wire. Since the spring stopper 5 is installed such that its end hook can be released from the wire as the stopper is indexed by the electromagnet, the wire recoils upon release, projecting the can. This display is evidence that the infrared rays projected by the gun have struck the center of the target. 
     When the volume of the infrared ray L is reduced, indicating that the gun is aimed off target center, the relay RY is turned off. 
     In FIG. 2c, the output of light receiving sensor 2 is amplified by photoelectric amplification circuit 3, incorporated together with a scoring and lighting system within a case (not shown) made of an electrically insulating material. The circuit is energized by a battery 7 and is controlled by an on/off switch SW. 
     To provide a score display, there are two requirements. The first requirement is to display numerical values 8 in proportion to the flux density of infrared rays L received by light receiving sensors 2. The second is to display the number of times that the target was accurately struck in comparison with the number of times the gun was fired. 
     Instantaneous display of score is shown in FIG. 3a, with a perspective view of an embodiment shown in FIG. 3b. Detailed circuitry for indexing the counter 8 in response to &#34;hits&#34; is shown in FIG. 2c. 
     FIG. 3 illustrates a conventional analog to digital circuit, energized by batter 7, wherein the magnitude of the output of sensor 2, which is a measure of the amount of flux density impinging on the sensor, is converted to a digital signal that is displayed in display 8. 
     In FIG. 4a, the output of sensor 2 is amplified in photoelectric amplifier 3 to energize a display lamp. A perspective view of an embodiment of the lamp and associated circuitry shown in FIG. 4b, and a delay timer for maintaining the lamp on for a predetermined period of time after the sensor is &#34;struck&#34; is shown in FIG. 4c. 
     Thus, in accordance with the invention, infrared rays L are discharged from a model gun simultaneously with the sound of a shot and the appearance of a flame as the gun powder cap explodes. This enables the player to enjoy the actual feel of a firing revolver, providing a greater degree of realism than is possible using a pistol that emits only an optical beam. The elegant external appearance and design of the gun are preserved since the gun does not require any heavy electrical or mechanical devices, such as an incandescent lamp, for generating a visible light beam. Thus, although the model gun does not use live ammunition, the player satisfies his psychological desire to shoot bullets by discharging infrared rays out toward the target while retaining an actual gun feel. 
     In addition to functioning as an amusement device, the invention has utility in marksmanship training providing safety as compared to conventional training guns. 
     Another advantage of the invention is that assembly of the target is easy because all components are conventionally available, and the target is portable. 
     In this disclosure, there is shown and described only the preferred embodiments of the ivnention, but as aforementioned, it is to be udnerstood that the invention is capable of use in various other combinations and environments and is capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventive concept as expressed herein.