Shot timer target

Abstract

A wireless electronic network of one or more shooting targets controlled by a Wi-Fi enabled user device (laptop, tablet, phone etc.) that electronically records hits to a vertically raising strike face and presents feedback to the shooter. Each individual target is mounted on a folding plastic frame and is able to lift a plastic strike face into position to begin a shooting training scenario once command is sent via Wi-Fi enabled user device. Projectiles are able to pass through the plastic strike face and the target is able to register hits and record performance data for presentation to the user at the end of a training scenario. The targets are able to be programmed to operate in a variety of user customizable scenarios, to include, but not limited to: Fall when hit, fall after a predetermined number of hits or stay up for a predetermined number of seconds etc. When multiple targets are used together they can be programmed to raise one after another, or in any order and combination of modes that the user can imagine. In this manner the scenario that a shooter might be presented with is intended to be infinitely customizable to train a shooter to be able to think and react on their feet rather than rehearse linear skills by rote. Once a scenario is concluded the strike faces will be lowered and feedback data is transmitted to the shooters Wi-Fi enabled device. The targets are able to be programmed to initiate a shooting scenario when triggered by a motion sensor module that can be mounted to the targets themselves or detached and operated remotely, to be positioned such that the targets begin their scenario once a shooter enters a room or comes around an obstacle. The maximum distance of operation between the controlling Wi-Fi enabled user device and the targets can be extended by use of relay modules to receive and transmit the Wi-Fi signals from the user device to the targets.

Description

BACKGROUND

The invention is a development of the shot timer. A shot timer is a shot activated timer used in shooting sports, which starts the competitor by an audible signal and also records the competitor's time electronically by detecting the sound of each shot together with the time from the start signal. When the competitor is finished the timer will show the time from the start signal until each shot.

The invention offers the following fundamental advantages over the shot timer in practical shooting training to make it a far more realistic training tool for military/law enforcement users:

The invention uses a visual stimulus of the target strike face being raised to signal the user that an engagement scenario has begun and start the timer as opposed to an audio stimulus used by the shot timer. The average reaction time for humans is 0.17 for an audio stimulus and 0.25 seconds to a visual stimulus. This is significant because when training for a real-life, combat situation a soldier or law enforcement officer has to react to targets that present visually. Training with a shot timer will make a shooter think that they are faster that they actually are in real life.

The invention records each shot taken by the user by measuring the time between the raising of each target strike face and the hits recorded at the strike-face of that target, rather than the noise made by taking the shot, it therefore is able to measure speed and accuracy.

The invention employs multiple targets which are programmed to raise their strike faces in a random order, or any order selected by an instructor/user, meaning that the shooter cannot choose or predict which target strike face will raise next and is forced to react accordingly.

The invention is programmed to give an audio signal (via the user Wi-Fi enabled device) after initiation to tell the shooter when to get ready, but the pause between the ready signal and the first target strike face beginning its upwards movement is a random value between an upper and lower threshold selected by the user, meaning that the shooter cannot anticipate the rise of the first target strike face and pre-empt it.

The invention allows the user to choose engagement scenarios which involve the presentation of multiple consecutive target strike faces, this forces a shooter to switch fire from one target strike face to the next in randomized order, or any order selected by an instructor/user, making it a far more realistic training tool.

The invention allows the user to choose an engagement scenario in which the target strike faces will fall after a predetermined number of hits or after a predetermined number of seconds.

If the user selects an engagement scenario in which the target strike faces will fall after a predetermined number of hits then they can further specify that a target strike face can fall after a random number of hits between an upper and lower threshold defined by the user. This is important for realistic training, as during combat, enemies may require varying numbers of hits before they are no longer a threat.

If the user chooses an engagement scenario which involves the presentation of multiple consecutive targets strike faces, then they can also choose to have a random pause of between a maximum and minimum threshold determined by the user between each presentations, meaning that the shooter cannot anticipate the rise of the next target strike face and pre-empt it.

If the user chooses an engagement scenario which involves the presentation of multiple consecutive targets strike faces, then they can choose to have no pause between presentations. Meaning that the next target strike face will raise as soon as the last one has fallen.

The randomized elements of the invention are designed to far more accurately simulate combat shooting, where these elements will be present. In this manner the scenario that a shooter might be presented with is intended to be infinitely customizable to train a shooter to be able to think and react on their feet rather than rehearse linear skills by rote.

Although other reactive training target designs do exist, they generally use a piece of steel as the target strike face that is designed to remain intact after the impact of a projectile. Due to the weight of steel needed to prevent from being deformed or penetrated by a projectile, this requires a very strong lifting mechanism and an associated complexity/cost. The present invention uses a piece of plastic as a strike face that is designed to be penetrated by a projectile while registering the impact using a hit sensor, making it much cheaper, simpler to manufacture, lighter weight and more portable.

Although other lifting reactive targets do exist that use a plastic strike surface or other material designed to be penetrated by a projectile, they generally use some form of raising mechanism that pivots about an axis to bring the target strike surface from parallel to the ground to vertical. The rotational forces needed to do this quickly require a powerful lifting mechanism and associated power source. The invention uses a vertically sliding raising mechanism which greatly reduces the complexity and cost of each target making it much cheaper, simpler to manufacture, lighter weight and more portable.

The lifting mechanism of the invention is derived from the window lifting mechanism of a car door window. Since the automotive industry has already evolved the cheapest, simplest, most lightweight solution to this problem, this was the mechanism chosen for the invention, with the addition of a faster turning motor derived from a cheap, battery powered electric drill to facilitate quicker raising of the plastic strike surface.

The two most prevalent lifting mechanism designs used in the auto industry for car windows are the “cable and pulley” model and the gear driven “scissors” model. Claims are submitted here for both designs as the lifting mechanism for the strike face of an electronic shooting target system.

The invention utilizes a self-contained Wi-Fi network, from which the user can open a web page, hosted by the master microcontroller for control and feedback of the target units obviating the need for the user to download an app to their device in order to use it.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A master control unit that creates an independent Wi-Fi network from which a user can open a webpage using a Wi-Fi enabled device (i.e. smartphone, laptop, tablet etc.). Multiple individual targets units automatically connect to the wireless network and can then be controlled by the user via the master control unit. The webpage offers the user a range of engagement scenario options. Once a scenario has been chosen and the user has initiated it there is a pause to allow the user to ready themselves and an audio signal that the scenario is about to begin. Thereafter there is a random pause before the first target strike-face begins moving and the timer begins. Once the engagement scenario is over then there is another audio “cease fire” signal and the results of each hit recorded and the relevant times are sent back to the user's Wi-Fi enabled device.

The invention embodies a wireless motion sensor that can be attached to one of the target units or detached to be placed inside a room or behind an obstacle so that an engagement scenario can be initiated by the movement of a shooter into a room or around an obstacle if the “motion sensor initiation” option is selected from the menu on the user Wi-Fi enabled device.

The invention embodies a relay module to extend the distance from which a user/shooter can control a cluster of targets by receiving and rebroadcasting the signal from the user Wi-Fi enabled control device.

The invention allows the user/shooter to save their performance data from a target engagement scenario on their device and upload them to an online score board along with any captured video/audio associated with the score.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows Target unit of the cable and pulley type.

FIG. 2 shows the components of a scissors type lifting mechanism.

FIG. 3 shows Target unit of the scissors type.

FIG. 4 shows the components of a scissors type lifting mechanism in the raised position.

FIG. 5 shows the components of a scissors type lifting mechanism in the lowered position.

FIG. 6 illustrates Wi-Fi Network diagram and components of each target unit.

FIG. 7 presents Results table.

FIG. 8 shows an example Circuit diagram.

FIG. 9 shows an overhead view of a training scenario in a simulated room.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND BEST MODE OF IMPLEMENTATION

The description that follows includes the physical components that make up each target unit, the elements that make up the target system, the menu elements that allow the user to operate the system/receive feedback and the method of operation.

Please refer to FIG. 1 for the following description of the form and function of the targets.

One or more vertically raising target units that are able to connect to an independent, self-contained Wi-Fi network created by a master control unit. The user is able to connect with the master control unit using a Wi-Fi enabled device (including, but not limited to Smartphone, tablet, laptop) to open a webpage hosted by the master control unit which allows control of and feedback from the target units.

In the example embodiment the master control unit consists of a power source, microcontroller and Wi-Fi microchip. The master control unit may also incorporate a motion sensor. If the option for motion activated initiation is selected by a user/shooter via the webpage that allows control of the target units then this can initiate movement of a target or sequence of target presentations once it detects the motion of a shooter.

In the example embodiment the master control unit may be integrated with a target unit and able to share the same power source or it may be detachable, with its own power source.

In the example embodiment the control unit 30 of each target comprising a low-cost Wi-Fi microchip, with built-in TCP/IP networking software, and microcontroller capability “ESP 8266”. In the current prototype the ESP 8266 model number module is used due to its low cost and availability, however as models change and gain greater capability a module with similar properties and functions may be substituted. In the illustration the control unit is contained inside a plastic case to protect the unit, associated relay switches, analogue output, step down power converter and resistors from moisture, dirt, damage etc.

In the example embodiment the master control unit comprising the same low-cost Wi-Fi microchip, with built-in TCP/IP networking software, and microcontroller capability “ESP 8266”. However the master control unit being configured and programmed to perform as a master control unit while the individual target control units being configured and programmed to perform as individual target control units.

In the example embodiment each target unit comprising a plastic “A” frame stand 29 capable of folding for ease of storage and transport. This design derived from the cheap, lightweight plastic saw horses available in hardware stores. Once erected, the stand will support a vertical lifting mechanism capable of vertically raising and lowering the strike-face 38 of the target using a cable and pulley system illustrated in FIG. 1 or the scissors mechanism illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3, 4 and 5. Each target unit in the example embodiment is powered by a battery that can be disconnected and removed for re-charging.

In the example embodiment each target unit has a target control unit 30 attached to the plastic “A” frame.

In the example embodiment a piezo-electric sensor 31 is clipped to the strike-face by means of a bulldog clip, clothes peg or similar and linked to the microcontroller via a cable 32 to register hits. There are sensors 33 on the rail 34 connected to the target control unit via cables 35 which the strike-face moves up and down on to detect its position and signal the motor to stop movement once the strike-face reaches the upper and lower positions. This measure is intended to smoothly arrest movement of the lifting mechanism by cutting power before a “hard stop” is caused by the mechanism reaching its mechanical limits and potentially causing the hit sensor to mistakenly register the impact of a projectile.

In the example embodiment the pulley drive wheel 36 has the cable 37 wrapped around it several times to increase the traction it can exert on the cable and prevent slippage. The motor is behind the pulley drive wheel and is not pictured. The motor is able to turn in both directions to raise or lower the strike face 38

In the example embodiment the cable 32 runs from the pulley drive wheel 36 to the upper pulley wheel 39. From the upper pulley wheel the cable then runs down the rail 34 to the lower pulley wheel 40. In between the upper pulley wheel 39 and the lower pulley wheel 40 the cable 32 is attached to the trolley 41.

In the example embodiment the trolley 41 is attached to the rail 34 and can run up and down it by being pulled by the cable 32. The strike face 38 is affixed to the trolley 41. The method of attachment allows a user to easily change the strike face for a new one once it becomes too perforated by projectiles to continue registering hits.

In the example embodiment the strike face 38 can consist of thin (approx 3 mm thick) sheets of high density polyethylene. This material has the advantage of being “self-sealing” in that when a projectile passes through it leaves a hole that is smaller than the diameter of the projectile. In this manner it can be perforated by several thousands of projectiles and still maintain rigidity and continue to be able to register projectile impacts. However, other materials such as plywood can be used.

In the example embodiment, in between the pulley drive wheel 36 and the upper pulley wheel 39 there is cable cladding 28 similar to the cladding on a bicycle brake cable to give rigidity, tension and protection to the cable. There is cladding 28 on the cable in between the pulley drive wheel 36 and the lower pulley wheel 40 to give rigidity, tension and protection to the cable also.

In the example embodiment there are power and motor command cables 27—these bring power from the battery/motor unit behind the pulley drive wheel 36 to the control unit 30 and commands from the microcontroller and associated relay switches to the motor.

In the example embodiment the control unit of each target contains relay switches so that the low voltage outputs of the Wi-Fi microcontroller can be used to control the higher voltage circuit of the lifting mechanism motor. The control unit also contains a step-down power converter so that the battery that powers the lifting mechanism motor can also power the microcontroller and any other components that require a lower voltage.

FIG. 2 depicts the components of the gear driven “scissors” lifting and lowering mechanism. In the example embodiment the components are the primary gear driven by the electric motor 79. Driving the lifting gear 80. The lifting gear pivots around an axle 86 affixed to the plastic “A” frame 29 referenced in FIG. 1. The lifting gear rotates a lifting arm 84. The lifting arm is attached to the upper sliding bar 83 via a sliding axle.

In the example embodiment the lifting arm 84 is able to slide back and forth within the upper sliding bar 83 as it elevates the bar or lowers it. A stabilization arm 85 is also attached to the upper sliding bar 83 via a sliding axle. The stabilization arm 85 is also attached at its lower end to the lower sliding bar 82 via a sliding axle.

In the example embodiment the lower sliding bar 82 is attached to the folding plastic “A” frame 29. The attachment is fixed and it does not pivot or slide.

In the example embodiment the stabilization arm 85 can slide within the upper sliding bar and the lower sliding bar to keep the upper sliding bar level as it is raised and lowered by the lifting arm.

In the example embodiment the lifting arm 84 and the stabilization arm 85 are attached via an axle 87.

FIG. 3 shows how the “scissors” type lifting mechanism is attached to the plastic “A” frame to integrate with the other components. Some of the same numbered labels from the description for FIG. 1 are used for ease of reference. In the “scissors” mechanism version of the target, the strike face 38 is attached to the upper sliding bar 83, just as it is to the trolley 41 of the cable and pulley mechanism.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show how the components of the “scissors” mechanism are configured when in the raised and lowered positions.

FIG. 6 shows how the master control unit creates a Wi-Fi network which allows a Wi-Fi enabled user device to open a webpage served by the master microcontroller.

In the example embodiment once turned on the individual target units will search for and join the Wi-Fi network created by the master controller. The webpage opened by the user shows how many targets are connected and allows the user to name and calibrate them.

In the example embodiment calibrating the targets involves setting the sensitivity threshold above or below which the hit sensor will register a hit. It may also involve setting a “shadow” period after the commencement of the lifting mechanism beginning movement in which the hit sensor will not register a hit. This measure is necessary to ensure that any uneven or jerky vibration to the hit sensor, caused by the initial movement of the lifting mechanism is not mistakenly interpreted by the target control unit as a hit by a projectile to the strike face. Calibrating a target may also involve setting the minimum and maximum times that the lifting mechanism will operate to raise and lower the strike face. This measure serves as a backup to the sensors intended to smoothly arrest movement of the lifting mechanism by cutting power before a “hard stop” is caused by the mechanism reaching its mechanical limits and causing the hit sensor to mistakenly register the impact of a projectile. Calibrating the targets may further include setting a “shadow” behind each registered impact, during this “shadow” period from the impact, additional impacts cannot be registered. This is to prevent vibrations of the target as it reverberates from the projectile impacts in the milliseconds following the impact, being falsely registered as an impact. The “shadow” period following an impact can be set by the user in fractions of a second. These features are intended to allow users to “tune” each target via the Wi-Fi accessible user interface to eliminate the possibility of false impacts being registered during use. By calibration methods such as these it is intended that very low-cost, mass-produced components can be used, as opposed to the expensive, sophisticated components in many existing impact sensing target designs.

Once the user has opened the webpage they can then choose from a number of options; (a) falling exposure; this means that the targets strike face will fall when hit, in this mode the user can select the number of hits to make each target strike face fall back down, or a random number between a minimum and maximum threshold selected by the user (b) fixed exposure; this means that each target strike face will remain up for a fixed length of time, during which the user can try to hit the strike face as many times as they can, in this mode the user can select the length of time that each target strike face will remain up (c) number of exposures; this setting determines how many times a target strike face will be caused to be raised (d) duration between exposures; this setting allows a user to choose the length of time between the last target strike face going down and the next target strike face being raised, this setting includes an option for the duration between exposures to be a random amount of time between a minimum and maximum threshold selected by the user (the purpose of the random duration between exposures is to prevent the user from anticipating when a target strike face will begin movement).

If one or more targets are connected to the wireless network then the order that the master microcontroller raises them can be random. (the purpose of the random option in which the targets are raised is to prevent the user from anticipating which target will be raised next)

Once the user initiates a target engagement scenario then after a pause and an audible signal that an engagement scenario has been initiated then there will be a random pause of between a minimum and maximum threshold selected by the user before the first target strike face will begin upwards movement (the purpose of the random pause is to prevent the user from anticipating when the target will begin movement instead of reacting to its movement). Depending upon the options chosen by the user the targets will then run through their engagement scenario, with the user trying to hit the strike-faces of them while they are raised and lowered. Once the scenario is concluded there will be an audible “cease fire” signal given to let the user know that the engagement scenario is over.

The user menu also includes an option for movement activated initiation of a target presentation scenario. In this mode, whether falling or fixed exposures are selected, the initiation will be contingent on a signal from the master control unit when it receives input from a motion sensor. The motion sensor can be either a part of the master control unit and sharing its power supply, or detached in a separate remote module with its own power supply and Wi-Fi microcontroller, or integrated with the master control unit when it is attached to a target unit and sharing its power source.

If motion activated mode is selected then a user/shooter can place the motion sensor unit in a room or behind an obstacle to trigger the initiation of an engagement scenario/sequence with the upwards movement of targets occurring once a shooter enters the room or clears the obstacle to come within line of sight and range of the motion sensor.

In the example embodiment the feedback is presented to the user in the form of a table which is automatically sent to the user's Wi-Fi device once the scenario is over. In the example shown in FIG. 7 there were three targets connected and the user has selected an engagement scenario in which there were three exposures with a zero second pause between them and each target would fall after it had been hit five times. In the table can be seen the five shot times from the target strike-face beginning its upwards movement and each hit recorded on that strike face, for each exposure along with the split times between consecutive shots in the same exposure. At the end of the table are given the average time from the target strike-face beginning its upwards movement and the first shot recorded and the average split time, also given is the time from the start of the scenario to its end when the last projectile hit the strike face.

Once an engagement scenario is concluded—either because the last target to present fell, or after the user selected elapsed time, or after the last target to present user selected number of hits was reached, then the all targets will be lowered and the user interface device will give a “cease fire” audio cue before presenting the results for that scenario.

If during a scenario the user/shooter wishes to abort the scenario then they can select an option in the user menu that will end the scenario and all targets will be lowered and the user interface device will give a “cease fire” audio cue. Before the results for that scenario are presented.

The Wi-Fi user interface also has the option to configure specific target units as non-threat actors (default is threat-actor designation). In this mode the shooter is not supposed to engage them as they are designed to simulate a “hostage” or “civilian”. Before setting up a scenario the user is meant to add a marking to the strike face of the target units designated as non-threat actors so that a shooter will be able to tell them apart from the threat actor target units strike face. This might consist of a piece of colored tape or a spray paint marking. If, in a target presentation scenario they are confronted with a non-threat actor target unit, they will be meant to ignore it and instead only engage the target units set and marked as threat-actors. If a target unit set to non-threat actor mode is struck by a projectile then the hit will be recorded and transmitted to the user enabled Wi-Fi control/feedback device at the end of the scenario to “fail” the shooter.

FIG. 9 is an overhead illustration of an example training scenario that the target system might be used for. In the scenario the instructor 48, has placed two target units designated as threat-actors 46 along with a third target designated as a non-threat actor in a room 42 with one door that opens inwards 44. The instructor has placed the master control module with associated motion sensor 47 such that the motion sensor will be triggered to initiate a sequence of targets raising as soon as student shooters 45 enter the room. In this scenario the speed, agility, accuracy and cooperation of the student shooters will be tested in negotiating the door as fast as possible to be able to enter the room and assess possible threats before engaging them in cooperation. The instructor could have set all three targets to raise together when the student shooters enter the room. In this way the student shooters will have to assess all three targets to decide which ones are classified as threats and engage those. The instructor will have used his Wi-Fi device connected to the master control module before the scenario begins to select two of the targets 46 as threat actors which will register hits when fired upon and one as a non-threat actor 50 to fail the student shooters if it is hit. In this configuration the target system will be able to give feedback to the instructor of the precise time between the student shooters entry to the room and the impact of rounds on targets. This duration and the judgment necessary to discern threat-actors from non-threat actors while under pressure is one of the most important factors in close quarter battle for military/law enforcement training. The scenario could further be configured using any of the menu settings described previously to have the threat actor targets raise one after the other, both together, fall after a pre-selected number of hits or a random number of hits or any combination thereof. Or, all the targets could be set to non-threat actor mode. The purpose being to train shooters to think on their feet.

FIG. 8 illustrates a circuit diagram. This is the configuration, wiring and specific components that were evolved in the development of the prototype. This is the basic layout of an individual target unit. Not a master control unit, motion sensor module or relay module. This illustration is meant as an example embodiment of one possible configuration of components. As components evolve and advance there may be more or less elements included to accomplish the same basic tasks that have been described herein.

Although an overview of the inventive subject matter has been described with reference to specific example embodiments, various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader scope of the embodiments of the present disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein as the “invention”, “targets” or “target system” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single disclosure or inventive concept if more than one is, in fact disclosed.

The embodiments illustrated herein are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the teachings disclosed. Other embodiments may be used and derived therefrom, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. The detailed description, therefore is not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of various embodiments is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A target system comprising one or more target units each controlled by a Wi-Fi enabled microcontroller (hereafter referred to as a “control unit”) and comprising a lightweight, portable, folding plastic stand that supports a vertically sliding lifting mechanism attached to a plastic strike face, capable of being controlled by a user via a Wi-Fi enabled master microcontroller (hereafter referred to as a “master control unit”) created Wi-Fi network and associated webpage menu to raise and lower said strike faces in a variety of shooting training scenarios, said strike faces capable of registering impacts of projectiles that pass through them and relay impact timing data back to the user via said master microcontroller created Wi-Fi network and associated webpage menu.

2. The vertically sliding lifting mechanism of claim 1 comprising either a cable and pulley type system or a “scissors” gear-driven type system. Both designs derived from those in common use by the auto industry and adapted to be a cheap, simple, compact solution to the problem of vertically raising a lightweight plastic target strike face for use in shooting training. Both systems using an electric motor and battery.

3. The master control unit of claim 1 capable of initiating a target presentation scenario when triggered by an associated motion sensor activated by a shooter/user and the master control unit recording the time between motion sensor activation and all subsequent strike face hits from projectiles if such an option is chosen by a user via a said master controller created Wi-Fi network and associated webpage menu.

4. The target system of claim 1 also able to have its operational range of control from the user able to be extended via means of Wi-Fi relay modules with their own on-board power source. Said Wi-Fi relay modules able to re-broadcast the Wi-Fi signal from one to another and another and so on to achieve whatever desired range a user requires when training over longer distances that can be accommodated solely by the Wi-Fi range of the master control unit.

5. The individual target unit strike face of claim 1 to have functionally attached a hit sensor able to register the impact of projectiles passing through the strike face (or merely hitting the strike face where projectiles are low velocity/mass such as when a “BB” gun is used for training and such projectiles are unable to penetrate the strike face) Said hit sensor to be attached to the strike face via a spring clip such as a bulldog clip or clothes peg and such sensor able to transmit impact data to the individual target control unit via electronic means such means as a cable or Wi-fi. Said impact data then relayed to the shooter/user via said master controller created Wi-Fi network and associated webpage menu.

6. The lifting mechanism of claim 1 to have sensors mounted detect the position of the lifting mechanism and notify the control unit of its position so that the control unit can cease movement of the lifting mechanism before it reaches the limit of movement. This measure is necessary to prevent the lifting mechanism making a “hard stop” when it reaches its limit of travel, that the hit sensor from claim 5 might incorrectly interpret as the strike from a projectile.

7. The master control unit of claim 1 being capable of creating a Wi-Fi network that any user/shooter can connect to via any portable Wi-Fi enabled device i.e. phone, tablet, laptop etc. so that they can control the subordinate target units and any associated elements of the system (i.e. relay modules and/or motion sensor modules).

8. Each individual target unit of claim 1 capable of being calibrated by the user via the master control unit created Wi-Fi network and associated webpage menu to only register hits above or below a sensitivity threshold defined by the user. Each individual target unit further capable of being calibrated by the user to adjust the maximum and minimum times that the motor will turn when raising and lowering a strike face, before the hit sensor on that strike face can register a hit. This measure having two intentions; a) to be an additional measure to prevent the hit sensor falsely registering a projectile impact due to a “hard stop” when it reaches it's limit of travel and b) a backup to the position sensors of claim 6 to arrest movement of the lifting lowering mechanism in case the position sensors fail somehow.

9. The user interface webpage menu of claim 1 able to let a user see which targets and associated elements of the target system (i.e. relay modules and/or motion sensor modules) are connected to the system and choose how they will interact with each other.

10. The control unit and lifting mechanism from claim 1 able to be powered by a single battery. With a step down converter used to convert the higher voltage of the battery used for the lifting mechanism to the lower voltage needed by the control unit and master control unit if one is integrated.

11. The control unit of claim 1 to be connected to a series of relay switches that allow the low voltage output signals of the control unit to activate the higher voltage of the lifting mechanism motor of claim 2.

12. The hit sensor of claim 1 to consist of a piezoelectric ceramic sensor module, that is capable of generating a measurable analogue output voltage change which is proportional with the strength of vibration detected at the strike face by the impact of a projectile.

13. The shooter/user menu on the webpage hosted by the master control unit and the shooter/user connects to this webpage to via the Wi-Fi network created by the master control unit.

14. The Wi-Fi enabled microcontrollers of each target unit of claim 1 and any associated Wi-Fi relay modules being used to extend range of control and Wi-Fi motion sensor modules that may be being used for activation of a training scenario, being able to connect to the Wi-Fi enabled microcontroller of the master control unit. All elements being visible to the user/shooter via the webpage menu hosted by the master control unit and the user being able to calibrate all connected elements for sensitivity, speed, timings of movement etc. The shooter/user also able to choose variables for a training scenario in which targets will be presented by being raised and lowered via the lifting mechanism of claim 2 with the intention that they be struck by projectiles from the user/shooter to generate performance data that will then be presented to the user/shooter via the webpage menu hosted by the master control unit. Said variables to include but not limited to; the option for random elements such as the duration before targets will present by being lifted by the lifting mechanism, the duration between said presentation of the same or different separate target units, the number of projectile impacts before a target will be lowered by said lifting mechanism, motion activated presentation, multiple targets being raised simultaneously, some target units being designated “non threat actor” that are not meant to be shot at during a scenario. The menu options further allowing a user/shooter to have an audio “ready” signal played by the user Wi-Fi enabled device to indicate when a scenario is about to begin and a “cease fire” audio signal when a scenario is ended.

15. The performance data recorded by the master control unit and relayed to the shooter/user via their Wi-Fi enabled device to include but not limited to the times between each target strike face being raised and the times of all subsequent impacts on that target strike face. When motion activated mode being selected this will include the time from said motion being detected by the system to the impacts of projectiles on target strike faces that were raised as a result of that movement being detected. All results data being presented to the user/shooter at the end of a training scenario via a results table accessible on the user Wi-Fi enabled device via the webpage hosted by the master control unit of claim 1. Said performance data then able to be saved on the user Wi-Fi enabled device and/or uploaded to an online scoreboard on the world wide web along with any recorded video of the user/shooters training session.