BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field Of The Invention
The present invention relates generally to target shooting training systems and methods. More particularly, the present invention relates to a target shooting system exposing shooters to simulated muzzle flashes and monitoring training using a software application, audio, video, an electrocardiogram, and wireless communications.
2. Description of Related Art
Target shooting training and real shooting scenarios produce different levels of stress on shooters. Target shooting is a much less stressful environment for a shooter than shooting scenarios involving another person firing back at the shooter. In a deadly force real life situation, real muzzle flash is almost always overwhelming for inexperienced people. It is necessary to provide training with high levels of stress so that shooters can improve their performance in these conditions. For example, law enforcement training requires putting stress on officers to see how they perform while their heartrates are high. Military personnel also require similar training. A goal for a trainee shooter is to overcome the stress of being fired at, while moving laterally, drawing a firearm, and placing accurate shots on a target.
There is a need in the field for a system and method to expose shooters to realistic simulated muzzle flashes and effectively monitor their training to provide rapid feedback. There is a need to place trainee shooters in artificial realistic scenarios so that trainees can better manage stress if an encounter requiring deadly force later ensues.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Target shooting systems and methods are disclosed herein for exposing shooters to simulated muzzle flashes and monitoring training using a computing device, software application, audio, video, an electrocardiogram (“EKG”), and wireless communications. The software application can be installed on a computing device, including a cell phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, and the like. The target shooting training system has a light source creating a replicated muzzle flash, a headset producing a replicated gunshot sound, a video camera recording the training session, sensors recording successful shots on target, and an EKG to measure heartrates. The trainee has the ability to shoot live ammunition at a target that is simulating shooting back at the trainee. The EKG is able to measure heart rates over time and transfer the data to the software application on the computing device. The video camera can transfer recorded video data to the software application. Sensors on the target can transfer impact data to the software application so that hit/miss ratios can be calculated.
Target systems can include metal targets or cardboard targets. A metal target system has a target constructed of metal with metal sleeves fastened to the rear of the target. One metal sleeve includes a muzzle flash simulator and a light that protrudes through a hole in the front of the metal target. Another metal sleeve includes a video camera with a lens that protrudes through another hole in the front of the metal target. A cardboard target system has a target constructed of cardboard with plastic sleeves affixed to a foam backing adhered to the rear of the target. Plastic stops are used to secure the plastic sleeves to the foam backing. One plastic sleeve includes a muzzle flash simulator and a light that protrudes through a hole in the front of the cardboard target. Another plastic sleeve includes a video camera with a lens that protrudes through another hole in the front of the cardboard target.
These and other features and advantages will be apparent from reading of the following detailed description and review of the associated drawings. It is to be understood that both the forgoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory and do not restrict aspects as claimed.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 illustrates a target system with a cardboard target, a shooter/user, a device for delivering a simulated site and sound of gunfire, a wireless headset, and an EKG, and a computing device.
FIG. 2 illustrates a muzzle flash simulator, a holder for a muzzle flash simulator and a hole punch.
FIG. 3 illustrates a rear view of a cardboard target, a muzzle flash simulator, a holder for a muzzle flash simulator.
FIG. 4 illustrates a target system with a metal target, a target, impact area and stand, muzzle flash simulator and a holder for a muzzle flash simulator
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The following descriptions relate principally to preferred embodiments while a few alternative embodiments may also be referenced on occasion, although it should be understood that many other alternative embodiments would also fall within the scope of the invention. The embodiments disclosed are not to be construed as describing limits to the invention, whereas the broader scope of the invention should instead be considered with reference to the claims, which may be now appended or may later be added or amended in this or related applications. Unless indicated otherwise, it is to be understood that terms used in these descriptions generally have the same meanings as those that would be understood by persons of ordinary skill in the art. It should also be understood that terms used are generally intended to have the ordinary meanings that would be understood within the context of the related art, and they generally should not be restricted to formal or ideal definitions, conceptually encompassing equivalents, unless and only to the extent that a particular context clearly requires otherwise.
For purposes of these descriptions, a few wording simplifications should also be understood as universal, except to the extent otherwise clarified in a particular context either in the specification or in particular claims. The use of the term “or” should be understood as referring to alternatives, although it is generally used to mean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only, or unless the alternatives are inherently mutually exclusive. Furthermore, unless explicitly dictated by the language, the term “and” may be interpreted as “or” in some instances. When referencing values, the term “about” may be used to indicate an approximate value, generally one that could be read as being that value plus or minus half of the value. “A” or “an” and the like may mean one or more, unless clearly indicated otherwise. Such “one or more” meanings are most especially intended when references are made in conjunction with open-ended words such as “having,” “comprising” or “including.” Likewise, “another” object may mean at least a second object or more. Thus, in the context of this specification, the term “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense and thus should be understood as meaning “including, but not limited to.” As used herein, the use of “may” or “may be” indicates that a modified term is appropriate, capable, or suitable for an indicated capacity, function, or usage, while considering that in some circumstances the modified term may sometimes not be appropriate, capable, or suitable. A “computing device” can be a desktop, laptop, tablet, cell phone, and the like.
FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of a metal target 100 implemented as part of a target system 10 (shown in FIG. 12). A stand 101 rests on a ground surface and functions as a target support. The stand 101 is preferably constructed of a durable material such as metal or wood. A target impact area 102 is affixed to the stand 101 and is preferably constructed of a metal, such as steel. The target impact area 102 has at least one hole 105 enabling light to flow from a muzzle flash simulator. The target impact area 102 also has at least one hole 107 enabling a camera to capture images. In this example, the holes 105, 107 each have a diameter of ⅛ inch and a depth of ½ inch. The metal target 100 can be any size or shape. In this example, the target impact area 102 is circular shaped with a diameter of twelve inches and a thickness of ¾ inches.
FIG. 2A illustrates a muzzle flash simulator 110 that is employed in target system 10. A metal sleeve 111 houses internal components of the muzzle flash simulator 110. The metal sleeve body 112 is preferably cylindrically shaped and four inches in length with a ½ inch diameter, although the body 112 can have various lengths and diameters. A first end 113 of the metal sleeve 111 includes a plurality of male threads 114. The male threads 114 are preferably sized in accordance with national pipe thread (NPT) standards for a nominal pipe size of ⅜ inches and a thread density of eighteen threads per inch (TPI). Other nominal pipe sizes can also be implemented in the metal sleeve 111. A light source 115 is installed in muzzle flash simulator 110 and located near the first end 113 within metal sleeve 111. The light source 115 is preferably a light emitting diode although other light sources can be implemented. A light bulb 116 is operatively connected to the light source 115 and protrudes from the first end 113. When the light source 115 is activated and turned on, the light appears as a “simulated muzzle flash,” as if the target 100 was firing bullets at the shooter. A second end 120 of the metal sleeve 111 includes an end cap 121. The end cap 121 encloses the second end 120 of the metal sleeve 111 and can have various diameters and lengths so long as the diameter is large enough to enclose the second end 120.
The muzzle flash simulator 110 further includes a communication device 117 and a processor 118 installed within metal sleeve 111. The communication device 117 preferably uses Bluetooth to communicate, although other wireless communication systems such as WiFi can be implemented. The communication device 117 is configured to wirelessly receive instructions transmitted from a computing device 500 (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13). A software application 510 is installed in the computing device so that a user can give instructions to the software and the computing device can wirelessly transmit the instruction data to the communication device 117. The communication device 117 can transmit the received instruction data to the processor 118 so that the processor can control the light source 115. A power supply (e.g. battery) 119 provides electrical power to the muzzle flash simulator 110 and is installed within metal sleeve 111.
FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the target impact area 102 of the metal target system 10. In this example, the target impact area 102 has a thickness of ¾ inches and has holes of different diameters in the front 103 and rear 104. A first hole 108 is located in the rear side 104 and includes a plurality of female threads 106. The first hole 108 is preferably angled so that the entry point at the rear side 104 is below the other portions of the hole 108 and below a front hole 105, relative to the ground. In this example, the angle is fifteen degrees relative to the ground and the depth of the hole 108 is ¼ inch. The female threads 106 are preferably sized in accordance with national pipe thread (NPT) standards for a nominal pipe size of ⅜ inches and a thread density of eighteen threads per inch (TPI). Another hole 105 is located in the front side 103 of the target impact area 102 and in this example has a diameter of ⅛ inch and a depth of ½ inch. With cross reference to FIG. 1, the hole 105 enables light to flow from a muzzle flash simulator. The target impact area 102 also has at least one hole 107 enabling a camera to capture images. The holes in the cross-sectional side view of FIG. 2B can be employed in a similar manner for connecting a muzzle flash simulator 110 or a video camera 130, as is shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B.
FIG. 3A illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a metal target system 10 with a muzzle flash simulator 110 connected. The metal sleeve 111 is operatively connected to the target impact area 102 by fastening the male threads 114 to the female threads 106 (shown in FIG. 2B). A light bulb 116 protrudes from a first end 113 and light flows from the muzzle flash simulator 110 out of a hole 105 in the front side 103 of the target impact area 102. The metal sleeve 111 is angled so that the second end 120 is below the first end 113, relative to the ground. In this example, the angle is fifteen degrees relative to the ground.
FIG. 3B illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a metal target system 10 with a video camera 130 connected. A metal sleeve 131 houses internal components of the video camera 130. The metal sleeve body 132 is preferably cylindrically shaped and four inches in length with a ½ inch diameter, although the body 132 can have various lengths and diameters. A first end 133 of the metal sleeve 131 includes a plurality of male threads 134. The male threads 134 are preferably sized in accordance with national pipe thread (NPT) standards for a nominal pipe size of ⅜ inches and a thread density of eighteen threads per inch (TPI). Other nominal pipe sizes can also be implemented in the metal sleeve 131. Video camera components 135 are installed in the video camera 130 and located near the first end 133 within metal sleeve 131. The video camera 130 is preferably configured to capture images and audio and record the information captured as video data. The camera lens 136 is operatively connected to the video camera components 135 and protrudes from the first end 133. A second end 140 of the metal sleeve 131 includes an end cap 141. The end cap 141 encloses the second end 140 of the metal sleeve 131 and can have various diameters and lengths so long as the diameter is large enough to enclose the second end 140.
In a similar manner to the connection of the muzzle flash simulator 110, the metal sleeve 131 of the video camera 130 is operatively connected to the target impact area 102 by fastening the male threads 134 to the female threads 126 (not shown, similar to female threads 106). The camera lens 136 protruding from the first end 133 enables the video camera 130 to capture video from the front side 103 of the target impact area 102. The metal sleeve 131 is angled so that the second end 140 is below the first end 133, relative to the ground. In this example, the angle is fifteen degrees relative to the ground.
The video camera 130 further includes a communication device 137 and a processor 138 installed within metal sleeve 131. The communication device 137 preferably uses Bluetooth to communicate, although other wireless communication systems such as WiFi can be implemented. The communication device 137 is configured to wirelessly receive instructions transmitted from a computing device. The software application 510 installed in the computing device enables a user can give instructions to the software and the computing device can wirelessly transmit the instruction data to the communication device 137. The communication device 137 can transmit the received instruction data to the processor 138 so that the processor can control the video camera components 135. A power supply (e.g. battery) 139 provides electrical power to the video camera 130 and is installed within metal sleeve 131.
FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a sensor device 150 operatively connected to the target impact area 102. The metal target system 10 can include one or more sensor devices 150. The sensor device can be mounted or affixed to the target impact area 102. The sensor device 150 preferably includes a vibration sensor (not shown) or impact sensor configured to sense an impact from a projectile. As will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art, the vibration sensor can be a piezoelectric sensor, a capacitive, inductive, electromagnetic, or any sensor capable of detecting vibration/impact. The sensor device 150 further includes a power supply (e.g. battery), a processor, and a communication device. The communication device 157 preferably uses Bluetooth to communicate, although other wireless communication systems such as WiFi can be implemented. The communication device 157 is configured to wirelessly receive instructions transmitted from a computing device. The software application 510 installed in the computing device enables a user can give instructions to the software and the computing device can wirelessly transmit the instruction data to the communication device 157. The communication device 157 can transmit the received instruction data to the processor so that the processor can control the vibration sensor. The vibration sensor is configured to collect and transmit impact data to the communication device. The communication device 157 is further configured to wirelessly transmit the impact data to the computing device. This impact data can include hit/miss ratios and precise target locations hit by the firer of the projectiles. The impact data can be stored in the software application 510 to provide feedback for the projectile firer.
FIG. 4B illustrates a rear view of the target impact area 102 with a plurality of sensor devices 150. The quantity and location of sensor devices 150 shown in this embodiment is a non-limiting example. Various amounts of sensor devices 150 can be implemented and connected to various locations on the target impact area 102.
FIG. 5 illustrates a front view of a cardboard target 200 in a target system 20 (shown in FIG. 13). The target impact area 202 is preferably constructed of a lightweight material such as cardboard. The target impact area 202 has at least one hole 205 enabling light to flow from a muzzle flash simulator. The target impact area 202 also has at least one hole 206 enabling a camera to capture images. The target system 20 can be any size or shape. In this example, the target impact area 202 is rectangular shaped with a 35 inch length, 23 inch width, and a thickness of ⅛ inches. A human silhouette is shown as an example paper target than can be mounted or affixed to the target impact area 202.
FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of a backing 209 that can be affixed or mounted to the target impact area 202. The backing 209 is preferably a “foam backing” made of a poly foam material such as polyurethane, polystyrene, polyester compounds and the like. The backing 209 has at least one hole 207 for connecting a muzzle flash simulator. Further, the backing 209 has at least one hole 208 for connecting a camera. In this example, the holes 207, 208 each have a diameter of ½ inches. The backing 209 can be any size or shape. In this example, the backing 209 is rectangular shaped with a length and width of four inches.
FIG. 6B illustrates a right side view of the foam backing 209 that can be affixed to the target impact area 202. Any adhesive 201 such as tape or glue can be used to affix the backing 209. In this example, double-sided tape 201 is used as the adhesive applied to the front of the backing 209. The backing 209 can have various thicknesses (measured front to rear) and in this example the thickness is 1.5 inches.
FIG. 7A illustrates a muzzle flash simulator 210 that can be implemented in target system 20. Muzzle flash simulator 210 is similar to muzzle flash simulator 110 in target system 10. Notable differences include sizing differences and the muzzle flash simulator 210 having a plastic sleeve 211 and stops 222, 223. The plastic sleeve 211 houses internal components of the muzzle flash simulator 210. The plastic sleeve body 212 is preferably cylindrically shaped and 3.5 inches in length with a diameter of ⅜ inches, although the body 212 can have various lengths and diameters. Stops 222, 223 are mounted on opposite sides of the plastic sleeve 211 and are preferably constructed of plastic or similar material. In the example shown, a first plastic stop 222 is located on the top side of plastic sleeve 211 and a second plastic stop 223 is located on the bottom side. The stops 222, 223 are used to secure the plastic sleeve 211 to the foam backing 209. Including the stops 222, 223 and the diameter of the sleeve body 212, the total diameter of the muzzle flash simulator is ½ inches, in this example. A light source 115 is installed in muzzle flash simulator 210 and located near the first end 213 within plastic sleeve 211. The light source 115 is preferably a light emitting diode although other light sources can be implemented. A light bulb 116 is operatively connected to the light source 115 and protrudes from the first end 213. A second end 220 of the plastic sleeve 211 includes an end cap 221. The end cap 221 encloses the second end 220 of the plastic sleeve 211 and can have various diameters and lengths so long as the diameter is large enough to enclose the second end 220.
The internal components of muzzle flash simulator 210 are similar to the internal components of muzzle flash simulator 110. The muzzle flash simulator 210 further includes a communication device 117 and a processor 118 installed within plastic sleeve 211. The communication device 117 preferably uses Bluetooth to communicate, although other wireless communication systems such as WiFi can be implemented. The communication device 117 is configured to wirelessly receive instructions transmitted from a computing device. A software application 510 is installed in the computing device so that a user can give instructions to the software and the computing device can wirelessly transmit the instruction data to the communication device 117. The communication device 117 can transmit the received instruction data to the processor 118 so that the processor can control the light source 115. A power supply (e.g. battery) 119 provides electrical power to the muzzle flash simulator 210 and is installed within plastic sleeve 211.
FIG. 7B illustrates a video camera 230 that can be employed in target system 20. A plastic sleeve 231 houses internal components of the video camera 230. The plastic sleeve body 232 is preferably cylindrically shaped and 3.5 inches in length with a ½ inch diameter, although the body 232 can have various lengths and diameters. Stops 242, 243 are mounted on opposite sides of the plastic sleeve 211 and are preferably constructed of plastic or similar material. The internal components of video camera 230 are similar to the internal components of video camera 130 in target system 10. Video camera components 135 are installed in the video camera 230 and located near the first end 233 within plastic sleeve 231. The video camera 230 is preferably configured to capture images and audio and record the information captured as video data. The camera lens 136 is operatively connected to the video camera components 135 and protrudes from the first end 233. A second end 240 of the plastic sleeve 231 includes an end cap 241. The end cap 241 encloses the second end 240 of the plastic sleeve 231 and can have various diameters and lengths so long as the diameter is large enough to enclose the second end 240.
FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a cardboard target system 20 with a muzzle flash simulator 210 connected. In this example, the target impact area 202 has a thickness of ⅛ inches. A first hole 205 passes through the entire thickness of target impact area 202. The hole 205 enables light to flow from the muzzle flash simulator 210. The backing 209 also has a hole 207 for connecting the muzzle flash simulator 210. The hole 207 connects to the hole 205 in the target impact area and passes through the entirety of the backing 209, preferably at an angle. The hole 207 has a hole entry point 207a located at the rear of the backing 209 and a hole exit point 207b located at the front. The muzzle flash simulator 210 can be inserted into the hole entry point 207a and pushed through until the first end 233 reaches the hole exit point 207b. The holes 205, 207 have diameters wide enough to allow a muzzle flash simulator 210 to narrowly pass through. In this example, the holes 205, 207 have diameters of ½ inches.
The holes in the cross-sectional side view of FIG. 8 can be employed in a similar manner for connecting a muzzle flash simulator 210 or a video camera 230 (shown in FIG. 7B). For example, the camera lens 136 can protrude from hole 206 (shown in FIG. 5) so the video camera 230 can capture images. Similar to hole 205, hole 206 also connects to a hole in the backing 209. The video camera 230 shown in FIG. 7B is also preferably angled so that the second end 220 is below the other portions of the simulator 210, relative to the ground. In this example, the angle is fifteen degrees relative to the ground.
FIG. 9 illustrates a rear view of the target impact area 202 and the backing 209 with a plurality of sensor devices 150. The quantity and location of sensor devices 150 shown in this embodiment is a non-limiting example. Various amounts of sensor devices 150 can be implemented and connected to various locations on the target impact area 202.
FIG. 10 illustrates a wireless headset 300 that can be worn by a projectile firer and implemented in target system 10 and target system 20. The wireless headset preferably has an audio speaker 301 for each ear piece 302. A processor (not shown) is operatively connected to the plurality of audio speakers. A communication device 305 is operatively connected to the processor and is configured to wirelessly receive instruction data from a computing device 500 (FIGS. 12 and 13). The communication device 305 preferably uses Bluetooth to communicate, although other wireless communication systems such as WiFi can be implemented. A software application 510 is installed in the computing device 500 so that a user can give instructions to the software and the computing device 500 can wirelessly transmit the instruction data to the communication device 305. The communication device 305 can transmit the received instruction data to the processor so that the processor can control the audio speakers 301. The audio speakers 301 emit simulated gunshot sounds corresponding to the simulated muzzle flashes emitted by simulators 110, 210. The speakers 301 can be configured by the software application 510 to emit a gunshot sound at the same time as a simulated muzzle flash. An internal power supply (e.g. battery) provides electrical power to the wireless headset 300.
FIG. 11 illustrates an electrocardiogram (“ECG” or “EKG”) band 400 that can be employed in target system 10 and target system 20. The EKG band 400 can be worn by a projectile firer (“user”) and includes at least one EKG sensor (not shown) that measures electrical signals of the user's heart (“heart activity data”). The EKG band 400 further includes a power supply (e.g. battery), a processor operatively connected to the EKG sensor, and a communication device operatively connected to the processor. The internal components of the EKG band 400 are not shown but their operability will be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. The EKG sensor is configured to transmit the measured heart activity to the communication device. The communication device is configured to wirelessly transmit the heart activity data to a computing device, preferably using Bluetooth, WiFi or the like. The software application 510 installed on the computing device stores the heart activity data. The heart activity data can be measured before a target shooting training exercise, during the exercise, and after the exercise so that the user's stress levels can be compared.
FIG. 12 illustrates a target system 10 with a metal target 100, a shooter/user 900, a device for delivering a simulated site and sound of gunfire 910, a wireless headset 300, and an EKG 400, and a computing device 500. In this example, the shooter 900 is using a pistol 910 to fire projectiles. Other types of firing devices can be implemented including rifles, shotguns, machine guns, and the like. A software application 510 installed in the computing device 500 can be used to initiate and control a target shooting exercise. The target shooting exercise can be initiated by a shooter 900 or another person/user observing the exercise, such as a range master. During an exercise, the shooter 900 fires projectiles toward the metal target 100. One or more sensor devices 150 connected to target impact area 102 are configured to wirelessly transmit impact data to the computing device 500. The impact data can be stored in the software application 510 to provide feedback for the shooter 900. The video camera 130 records the shooter 900 during the exercise. The video camera 130 preferably uses Bluetooth to communicate with the computing device 500, although other wireless communication systems such as WiFi can be implemented. The video camera 130 is configured to wirelessly transfer video data (“footage”) to the computing device 500. The software application 510 can store video data so the shooter's actions can be later reviewed and critiqued to implement improvements in future training exercises. While the shooter 900 engages the target impact area 102, the muzzle flash simulator 110 flashes light toward the shooter 900 at various times. The software application 510 controls the simulated muzzle flashes. The simulated muzzle flashes can be programmed to occur at time intervals, or a range master can control the timing of the muzzle flashes using the application 510. Simultaneously, the audio speakers in the wireless headset 300 emit simulated gunshot sounds corresponding to the simulated muzzle flashes. Wireless headset 300 is worn by the shooter 900 although it is depicted in the FIG. 12 above the shooter 900 for so the headset 300 can be seen clearly. The software application 510 is programmed to control the timing of the muzzle flashes and simulated gunshot sounds. The computing device 500 preferably communicates with the other devices in target system 10 using Bluetooth. The EKG band 400 can be worn by a shooter 900 and includes at least one EKG sensor that measures heart activity data.
FIG. 13 illustrates a target system 20 with a cardboard target 200, a shooter/user 900, a device for delivering a simulated site and sound of gunfire 910, a wireless headset 300, and an EKG 400, and a computing device 500. In this example, the shooter 900 is using a pistol 910. Other types of firing devices can be implemented including rifles, shotguns, machine guns, and the like. A software application 510 installed in the computing device 500 can be used to initiate and control a target shooting exercise. The target shooting exercise can be initiated by a shooter 900 or another person/user observing the exercise. During an exercise, the shooter 900 fires projectiles toward the cardboard target 200. One or more sensor devices 150 connected to target impact area 202 are configured to wirelessly transmit impact data to the computing device 500. The impact data can be stored in the software application 510 to provide feedback for the shooter 900. A video camera 130 records the shooter 900 during the exercise and transmit video data to the computing device 500, so the shooter's actions can be later reviewed and critiqued to implement improvements in future training exercises. While the shooter 900 engages the target impact area 202, the muzzle flash simulator 210 flashes light toward the shooter 900 at various times. The simulated muzzle flashes can be programmed to occur at time intervals, or a range master can control the timing of the muzzle flashes using the application 510. Simultaneously, the audio speakers in the wireless headset 300 emit simulated gunshot sounds corresponding to the simulated muzzle flashes. The software application 510 is programmed to control the timing of the muzzle flashes and simulated gunshot sounds. The computing device 500 preferably communicates with the other devices in target system 20 using Bluetooth. The EKG band 400 can be worn by a shooter 900 and includes at least one EKG sensor that measures heart activity data.
FIG. 14 illustrates a target system 30 with a cardboard target 200, a shooter/user 900, a device for delivering a simulated site and sound of gunfire 910, a wireless headset 300, and a smartphone computing device 501, and a software application 510 installed. The wireless headset 300 can be Bluetooth-enabled headphones or earbuds. Instead of a headset 300, an external Bluetooth speaker can be implemented to provide the sounds of simulated gunfire to the user 900. The application 510 can be installed on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or other computing device. In this example, the computing device 501 is a smartphone 501 and the software application 510 is an app installed on the smartphone 501. The application 510 communicates via Bluetooth with other devices, although other methods of communication can be implemented such as WiFi or ultra-wideband (UWB). The application 510 includes at least six different firing options (e.g. a “fire button”, automatic, manual) to control simulated gunshot fire and muzzle flashes on other Bluetooth connected devices.
The target system 30 can be used for dry-fire simulation training, so that a user can practice shooting from any location (e.g. home, office), without needing to fire live rounds at a range. The target system 30 can also be used for live-fire training, by substituting the cardboard target 200 in FIG. 14 with the metal target 200 shown in FIG. 17. The target system 30 includes a transceiver 515 that is preferably battery powered. The transceiver 515 preferably uses Bluetooth to communicate, although other wireless communication systems such as WiFi can be implemented. The transceiver 515 is configured to wirelessly receive instructions transmitted from the software app 510 on a computing device 501. A user can give instructions to the software app 510 and the computing device 501 can wirelessly transmit instruction data to the transceiver 515. The transceiver 515 includes a processor 516 that receives and processes the instruction data. The processor 516 can control a muzzle flash simulator 520 based on the instruction data received from the transceiver 515. The transceiver 515 further includes a battery 517 (e.g. 3-Volt battery) as its power source. The target system 30 further includes a cable 518 that connects the transceiver 515 to a muzzle flash simulator 520. The cable 518 can be a barrel-jack cable or another cable able to transmit power and/or data. The cable 518 preferably has two male ends. One male end of the cable 518 connects to the transceiver 515 and the other male end connects to the muzzle flash simulator 520. The cable 518 transfers power from the battery 517 of the transceiver 515 to the muzzle flash simulator 520.
The software application 510 of the target system 30 communicates with the transceiver 515 to control the muzzle flash simulator 520. The muzzle flash simulator 520 includes a light source. The light source is preferably a LED although other light sources can be implemented. The muzzle flash simulator 520 is synchronized with the software application 510. When the software app 510 instructs (via the transceiver 515) the LED light of the simulator 520 to flash, the software app 510 also instructs the speaker of the smartphone 501 to emit a sound of simulated gunfire. The near simultaneous muzzle flash and gunfire sound creates a realistic simulation for a user facing potentially deadly force and taking fire from another shooter. Training with the target system 30 creates a stressful environment and can improve a user's reaction time for drawing a firearm. The target system 30 can improve shooting fundamentals and accuracy under stress, and instill movement to enable a user to survive a deadly force encounter.
FIG. 15 illustrates part of the target system 30, including a muzzle flash simulator 520 and a holder 522 for the muzzle flash simulator 520. The muzzle flash holder 522 in this example is comprised of plastic and triangular shaped. The holder 522 includes a circular (cylindrical) opening that enables the muzzle flash similar 520 to fit in the holder 522, allowing a user 900 to view a simulated muzzle flash while dry fire training. The holder 522 can be placed on a table, shelf or wherever the user 900 wants for simulated muzzle flash training.
The target system 30 can further include a hole punch(er) 524 that enables the user 900 to create a hole on the cardboard target 200. The hole punch 524 in this example is comprised of steel but other materials can be used. The hole punch 524 can be any shape or size that is capable of punching a hole in cardboard material. The outside diameter of the hole punch 524 is preferably the same size as the outside diameter of the muzzle flash simulator 520, enabling an LED bulb to illuminate the target 200, simulating that the target 200 is shooting at the user 900 with a muzzle flash.
FIG. 16 illustrates another holder 526 for the muzzle flash simulator 520, that can be affixed to a target or another structure. The holder 526 in this example is preferably disposable and comprised of foam (“polystyrene”) but other materials can be implemented. The foam holder 526 can include a circular (cylindrical) opening to allow the muzzle flash simulator 520 to be secured to the holder 526. The foam holder 526 can include an adhesive such as double-sided tape, enabling the holder 526 to be affixed. The foam holder 526 can be affixed to the rear side of a cardboard target 200 for dry-fire training, as illustrated in FIG. 16. When the holder 526 is affixed to the cardboard target 200, the light source (e.g. LED bulb) can align with a hole in the target 200 to illuminate it as a simulated muzzle flash.
Referring to FIG. 17, the holder 526 can be affixed (e.g. via double-sided tape) to outer edges of a metal target 100, so that a user can view a simulated muzzle flash during live-fire shooting at a range. The muzzle flash simulator 520 can be aligned with a hole of the same diameter in the target 200. created by a hole punch 524. This enables the target 200 to be illuminated as a simulated muzzle flash.
Patent Application
20240328741
