U.S. patent application number 10/376457 was filed with the patent office on 2003-09-11 for display control for score and impact position in target device.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEC CORPORATION. Invention is credited to Hasebe, Hiroyuki, Oki, Makoto.
Application Number | 20030171150 10/376457 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27759727 |
Filed Date | 2003-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030171150 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Oki, Makoto ; et
al. |
September 11, 2003 |
Display control for score and impact position in target device
Abstract
A target device is used in gun shooting, Japanese archery,
archery, etc. The target device has a light-emitting element group
of LEDs, for example, disposed around a target plate. The target
device also has an impact position detector, a score calculator,
and a light-emitting element energizing unit. When an impact
position on the target plate is detected by the impact position
detector, the score calculator calculates a score based on the
detected impact position. The light-emitting element energizing
unit selectively energizes the LEDs of the light-emitting element
group depending on the calculated score and/or the detected impact
position.
Inventors: |
Oki, Makoto; (Yonezawa-shi,
JP) ; Hasebe, Hiroyuki; (Yonezawa-shi, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
NEC CORPORATION
|
Family ID: |
27759727 |
Appl. No.: |
10/376457 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2003 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
463/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 5/02 20130101; F41J
5/14 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
463/51 |
International
Class: |
A63F 009/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 5, 2002 |
JP |
2002-058775 |
Apr 22, 2002 |
JP |
2002-119050 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A target device comprising: a target plate; a light-emitting
element group disposed near said target plate; impact position
detecting means for detecting an impact position on said target
plate and/or score calculating means for calculating a score based
on the impact position detected by said impact position detecting
means; and light-emitting element group energizing means for
changing energizing patterns of said light-emitting element group
depending on the calculated score and/or the detected impact
position.
2. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group comprises a plurality of
light-emitting elements disposed at substantially equally spaced
intervals around said target plate.
3. A target device according to claim 2, wherein said
light-emitting elements are positioned such that angles formed
between straight lines extending from a center of said target plate
to said light-emitting elements, respectively, are predetermined
angles.
4. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group comprises a plurality of
light-emitting elements, said light-emitting element group
energizing means energizing one of said light-emitting elements
which is closest to the impact position on said target plate.
5. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group comprises a plurality of
light-emitting elements, said light-emitting element group
energizing means comprising means for energizing one of said
light-emitting elements such that an angle formed between a
straight line extending from a center of said target plate to said
one of the light-emitting elements and a straight line extending
from said center of said target plate to said impact position on
said target plate is minimum.
6. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group comprises a plurality of
light-emitting elements, said light-emitting element group
energizing means comprising means for determining a first
light-emitting element, of said light-emitting elements, such that
an angle formed between a straight line extending from a center of
said target plate to said first light-emitting element and a
straight line extending from the center of said target plate to
said impact position on said target plate is a smallest first
angle, and a second light-emitting element, of said light-emitting
elements, such that an angle formed between a straight line
extending from the center of said target plate to said second
light-emitting element and the straight line extending from the
center of said target plate to said impact position on said target
plate is a next smallest second angle, energizing said first
light-emitting element, and energizing said second light-emitting
element if the difference between said second angle and said first
angle is at most a predetermined angle.
7. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group comprises a plurality of
light-emitting elements, said light-emitting element group
energizing means comprising means for changing light-emitting
elements to be energized depending on the score calculated by said
score calculating means.
8. A target device according to claim 7, wherein said
light-emitting element group comprises a plurality of
light-emitting elements, said light-emitting element group
energizing means comprising means for changing combinations of
light-emitting elements to be energized depending on the score
calculated by said score calculating means.
9. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group comprises a first light-emitting
element group energizable in energizing patterns which vary
depending on the score calculated by said score calculating means,
and a second light-emitting element group energizable in energizing
patterns which vary depending on the impact position detected by
said impact position detecting means.
10. A target device according to claim 9, wherein said first
light-emitting element group and said second light-emitting element
group are energizable to emit light in different colors,
respectively.
11. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group energizing means comprises means for
energizing said light-emitting element group to display the score
and the impact position in a time-division manner.
12. A target device according to claim 11, wherein said
light-emitting element group energizing means comprises means for
energizing said light-emitting element group to display the score
and the impact position alternately in an intermittent fashion.
13. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group comprises a plurality of
light-emitting elements, each of said light-emitting elements
comprising a bicolor light-emitting diode for emitting light in two
colors.
14. A target device according to claim 13, wherein said
light-emitting element group energizing means comprises means for
energizing said light-emitting elements display the score and the
impact position in different colors.
15. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group comprises a plurality of
light-emitting elements, at least one of said light-emitting
elements being operable as a ready lamp for indicating that a
shooter can shoot at the target plate.
16. A target device according to claim 15, wherein said at least
one of said light-emitting elements which is operable as the ready
lamp is positioned below said target plate.
17. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group comprises a plurality of
light-emitting elements, at least one of said light-emitting
elements being operable as a busy lamp for indicating that a
shooter cannot shoot at the target plate.
18. A target device according to claim 17, wherein said at least
one of said light-emitting elements which is operable as the busy
lamp is positioned above said target plate.
19. A target device according to claim 1, further comprising: a
switch for setting a type of the target plate which is mounted in
place.
20. A target device according to claim 19, wherein said score
calculating means comprises means for changing an equation for
calculating the score from said impact position, depending on the
type of the target plate which is set by said switch.
21. A target device according to claim 1, further comprising:
detecting means for automatically detecting a type of the target
plate which is mounted in place.
22. A target device according to claim 21, wherein said score
calculating means comprises means for changing an equation for
calculating the score from said impact position, depending on the
type of the target plate which is automatically detected by said
detecting means.
23. A target device according to claim 21, wherein said detecting
means comprises means for detecting the type of the target plate
which is mounted in place by reading the resistance of a resistor
embedded in the target plate which is mounted in place.
24. A target device according to claim 21, wherein said detecting
means comprises means for detecting the type of the target plate
which is mounted in place by reading information stored in an IC
chip embedded in the target plate which is mounted in place.
25. A target device according to claim 21, wherein said detecting
means comprises means for detecting the type of the target plate
which is mounted in place by reading magnetic information embedded
in the target plate which is mounted in place.
26. A target device according to claim 21, wherein said detecting
means comprises means for detecting the type of the target plate
which is mounted in place by reading a pattern of slits disposed in
the target plate which is mounted in place.
27. A target device according to claim 1, wherein said
light-emitting element group is energizable in energizing patterns
which are visually recognizable as a character and/or a numeral
representing said score and/or said impact position.
28. A target device according to claim 1, further comprising: sound
output means for outputting sound information depending on a shot
on said target plate and/or said score and/or said impact
position.
29. A target device comprising: a target plate; impact position
detecting means for detecting an impact position on said target
plate; score calculating means for calculating a score based on the
impact position detected by said impact position detecting means;
and sound output means for outputting sound information depending
on a shot on said target plate and/or said score and/or said impact
position.
30. A target device according to claim 29, further comprising: a
switch for setting a type of the target plate which is mounted in
place.
31. A target device according to claim 29, further comprising:
detecting means for automatically detecting a type of the target
plate which is mounted in place.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to a target device for use in
either a competition or a game, such as gun shooting, Japanese
archery, archery, etc., for competing for a higher score based on
the accuracy with which a bullet, an arrow, or the like hits a
target plate, or exercises for practicing such a competition or a
game.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Target shooting sports including gun shooting, Japanese
archery, archery, etc., have heretofore gained popularity among
many people. At present, not only Japanese archery and archery, but
also gun shooting are played in competitions. According to a
typical gun shooting competition, a player shoots a bullet from an
air rifle or a laser beam from a laser gun toward a target, and
competes for a higher score based on the accuracy with which the
bullet or the laser beam hits the target.
[0005] FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows partly in block
form a conventional gun shooting competition system for shooting a
target with a laser beam emitted from a laser gun. As shown in FIG.
1, the conventional gun shooting competition system has target
device 1, laser gun 7 operated by a shooter, i.e., a player, target
plates 4, 4', display unit 5, and switching unit 3. Target plates
4, 4' are used when target device 1 is spaced from laser gun 7 by
distances of 10 m and 25 m, respectively. Target plates 4, 4' are
selectively mounted removably on target device 1. In FIG. 1, target
plate 4 is shown as being mounted on target device 1. If the
distance from laser gun 7 to laser gun 7 is changed to 25 m, then
target plate 4 mounted on target device 1 is replaced with target
plate 4'. Switching unit 3 comprises a switching hub of 10BASE-T
LAN (Local Area Network) 6. Display unit 5 is electrically
connected through switching unit 3 to target device 1. Display unit
5 is positioned near the shooter.
[0006] Each player operates laser gun 7 to shoot light beam 2,
i.e., a laser beam, toward target plate 4, and competes with other
players based on a score that is added depending on the position
where light beam 2 hits target plate 4. Light beam 2 shot from
laser gun 7 is typically emitted from a semiconductor laser
oscillation device mounted in laser gun 7. As with a real bullet
shot from a real gun, light beam 2 is shot from the muzzle of laser
gun 7 and travels straight.
[0007] Target device 1 detects the position where light beam 2 hits
target plate 4, i.e., an impact position, and transmits information
representing the detected impact position to display unit 5.
Display unit 5 also displays the identification number of the
player, the light beam number, the score corresponding to the light
beam number, the total score gained thus far, and the impact
position, either simultaneously or at spaced time intervals.
[0008] The electronic gun shooting competition system uses a
personal computer as display unit 5 which has a score calculating
means for automatically carrying out a shooting competition score
calculating process. Since the scores of the players can be
calculated accurately at a high speed, the electronic gun shooting
competition system can manage shooting competitions smoothly.
[0009] FIG. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows the surface of
target plate 4. As shown in FIG. 2, target plate 4 has on its
surface ten annular areas, including a central circular area just
around center O, divided by ten concentric circles around center O.
These areas are also referred to as score areas. Target plate 4
also has an outside area around the annular areas. The player gets
no score when light beam 2 hits the outside area. A score for the
outermost annular area, i.e., the annular area marked with "1", is
1. Scores for the other annular areas are progressively incremented
by 1 toward center O, and the score for the central circular area
is 10. A score which the player obtains when shooting target plate
4 is determined based on the distance from center O of target plate
4 to the impact position on target plate 4.
[0010] Target device 1 has a position-detecting optical device (not
shown) for detecting the impact position. The position-detecting
optical device comprises a condenser lens and a position-detecting
semiconductor device. The position-detecting semiconductor device
comprises a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a PSD (Position
Sensitive Device) which is known in the art. The PSD is preferable
to the CCD for its cost and detecting speed.
[0011] When the light beam 2 shot from laser gun 7 hits target
plate 4, the PSD of target device 1 detects the impact position (x,
y) of light beam 2 on target plate 4. The impact position (x, y) is
equal to a coordinate position (x, y) in an orthogonal coordinate
system on target plate 4.
[0012] On target device 1, the origin of the orthogonal coordinate
system is aligned with center O of target plate 4. Target device 1
calculates the distance from the origin to the coordinate position
(x, y), and calculates a score for light beam 2 by determining
which score area the coordinate position (x, y) belongs to.
[0013] The PSD has a two-dimensional current generating membrane.
If a laser beam is focused by the condenser lens and applied as a
beam spot to the two-dimensional current generating membrane at a
coordinate position (x, y), then the two-dimensional current
generating membrane generates therein currents which are
two-dimensionally linearly commensurate with the coordinate
position (x, y). Specifically, the two-dimensional current
generating membrane generates two currents Ix1, Ix2 flowing in two
opposite directions along the x-axis and two currents Iy1, Iy2
flowing in two opposite directions along the y-axis. The
coordinates x, y of the coordinate position (x, y) are calculated
from the currents Ix1, Ix2, Iy1, Iy2 according to the following
equations:
x=k(Ix2-Ix1)/(Ix2+Ix1) (1)
y=k(Iy2-Iy1)/(Iy2+Iy1) (2)
[0014] The beam spot position where both (Ix2-Ix1), (Iy2-Iy1) are
zero is defined as the electrical and mechanical coordinate origin
(0, 0) of the PSD. Target plate 4 needs to be positioned
two-dimensionally with respect to the PSD within an allowable
accuracy range.
[0015] In the conventional electronic gun shooting competition
system, display device 5 for displaying scores and impact positions
is required to be positioned near the player's shooting spot.
Therefore, the conventional electronic gun shooting competition
system is not suitable for use in shooting exercises in limited
spaces. The conventional electronic gun shooting competition system
is also disadvantageous in that its cost is high. Therefore, there
has been a demand in the art for an electronic gun shooting
competition system which does not need a display unit such as
display unit 5.
[0016] Gun shooting exercises or competitions which use real
bullets allow the player to visually recognize an impact position
on the target as a bullet mark is left on the target. However, a
gun shooting system using a light beam such as a laser beam does
not leave any bullet marks on the target. It has been customary for
such a gun shooting system to incorporate a separate device for
indicating impact positions on the target. According to another
proposal, an indicator for indicating an impact position of a light
beam is placed on the target. One problem with the proposed system
is that it is unable to detect an impact position of the light beam
which has hit the indicator.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0017] It is an object of the present invention to provide a target
device which allows a shooter that is located far from the target
to easily recognize a shooting result without the need for a
display device which would be located near the shooter's position
for displaying an image of the target.
[0018] According to an aspect of the present invention, a target
device has a light-emitting element group disposed near a target
plate, and changes energizing patterns of the light-emitting
element group depending on a calculated score and/or a detected
impact position.
[0019] The target device displays scores and impact positions with
simple energizing patterns of the light-emitting element group.
Since simple energizing patterns can visually be perceived from a
distant location, the shooter positioned far from the target device
is able to easily recognize the score and the impact position
without the need for a display device for displaying an image of
the target in the vicinity of the shooting spot where the shooter
is positioned.
[0020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the
light-emitting element group comprises a plurality of
light-emitting elements disposed at substantially equally spaced
intervals around the target plate. Preferably, the light-emitting
elements are positioned such that angles formed between straight
lines extending from a center of the target plate to the
light-emitting elements, respectively, are predetermined angles.
Because the light-emitting elements are positioned at substantially
equally spaced intervals, the impact position can be displayed on
the target plate without unwanted localized display
irregularities.
[0021] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
one of the light-emitting elements which is closest to the impact
position on the target plate is energized. Alternatively, one of
the light-emitting elements is energized such that an angle formed
between a straight line extending from a center of the target plate
to the one of the light-emitting elements and a straight line
extending from the center of the target plate to the impact
position on the target plate is minimum. With this arrangement, a
direction in which the impact position deviates from the center of
the target plate can be displayed.
[0022] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, a first light-emitting element, of the light-emitting
elements, is determined such that an angle formed between a
straight line extending from a center of the target plate to the
first light-emitting element and a straight line extending from the
center of the target plate to the impact position on the target
plate is a smallest first angle, and a second light-emitting
element, of the light-emitting elements, is selected such that an
angle formed between a straight line extending from the center of
the target plate to the second light-emitting element and the
straight line extending from the center of the target plate to the
impact position on the target plate is a next smallest second
angle. The first light-emitting element is energized, and the
second light-emitting element is energized if the difference
between the second angle and the first angle is at most a
predetermined angle. With this arrangement, the resolution with
which to indicate the direction of the impact position with respect
to the center of target plate can be twice the resolution of a
target device having the same number of light-emitting
elements.
[0023] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, light-emitting elements to be energized are changed
depending on the score calculated by a score calculating means.
Alternatively, combinations of light-emitting elements to be
energized are changed depending on the score calculated by the
score calculating means. If some scores are expressed by changing
combinations of light-emitting elements, then the number of
light-emitting elements for expressing a full score may be
small.
[0024] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the light-emitting element group comprises a first
light-emitting element group energizable in energizing patterns
which vary depending on the score calculated by the score
calculating means, and a second light-emitting element group
energizable in energizing patterns which vary depending on the
detected impact position. The first light-emitting element group
and the second light-emitting element group should preferably be
energizable to emit light in different colors, respectively.
Inasmuch as the first light-emitting element group and the second
light-emitting element group emit light in different colors, the
shooter located far from the target device can easily distinguish
the score and the impact position from each other.
[0025] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the light-emitting element group is energized to display
the score and the impact position in a time-division manner.
Alternatively, the light-emitting element group is energized to
display the score and the impact position alternately in an
intermittent fashion. Furthermore, each of the light-emitting
elements comprises a bicolor light-emitting diode for emitting
light in two colors, and should preferably be energized to emit
light to display the score and the impact position in different
colors for better visibility. Because one light-emitting element
group is capable of displaying both scores and impact positions,
the number of light-emitting elements used may be reduced, and the
target device is relatively low in cost and small in size.
[0026] According to yet still another embodiment of the present
invention, at least one of the light-emitting elements is operable
as a ready lamp for indicating that a shooter can shoot at the
target plate. Preferably, at least one of the light-emitting
elements which is operable as the ready lamp is positioned below
the target plate. Since at least one of the light-emitting elements
doubles as a ready lamp, no additional ready lamp needs to be newly
provided. Therefore, the number of light-emitting elements may be
small. Since at least one of the light-emitting elements which is
operable as the ready lamp is positioned below the target plate,
when the shooter holds a laser gun and aims at the target plate,
the light-emitting element as the ready lamp is concealed from the
vision of the shooter by the gunbarrel, and hence the ready lamp
does not obstruct the shooting action of the shooter.
[0027] According to yet still another embodiment of the present
invention, at least one of the light-emitting elements is operable
as a busy lamp for indicating that a shooter cannot shoot at the
target plate. Preferably, at least one of the light-emitting
elements which is operable as the busy lamp is positioned above the
target plate. Since at least one of the light-emitting elements
doubles as a busy lamp, no additional busy lamp needs to be newly
provided. Therefore, the number of light-emitting elements may be
small. Since at least one of the light-emitting elements which is
operable as the busy lamp is positioned above the target plate,
when the shooter holds the laser gun and aims at the target plate,
the light-emitting element as the busy lamp is present in the
vision of the shooter, allowing the shooter to easily recognize
that the shooter cannot shoot at the target plate.
[0028] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the target device further comprises a switch for setting a type of
the target plate which is mounted in place, and an equation for
calculating the score from the impact position is changed depending
on the type of the target plate which is set by the switch. By
operating the switch, it is possible to accurately calculate and
display a score depending on the type of the target plate which is
mounted in place.
[0029] According to a yet further embodiment of the present
invention, the target device further comprises a detecting means
for automatically detecting a type of the target plate which is
mounted in place, and an equation for calculating the score from
the impact position is changed depending on the type of the target
plate which is automatically detected by the detecting means. Since
the equation for calculating scores is automatically changed
depending on the type of the target plate used, the user finds it
less burdensome to change the target plate than with the target
device with the switch, and scores are prevented from being
calculated according to a wrong equation.
[0030] According to a still further embodiment of the present
invention, the detecting means detects the type of the target plate
which is mounted in place by reading either the resistance of a
resistor embedded in the target plate which is mounted in place,
information stored in an IC chip embedded in the target plate which
is mounted in place, magnetic information embedded in the target
plate which is mounted in place, or a pattern of slits disposed in
the target plate which is mounted in place.
[0031] According to a still further embodiment of the present
invention, the light-emitting element group is energizable in
energizing patterns which are visually recognizable as a character
and/or a numeral representing the score and/or the impact
position.
[0032] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the target device further comprises a sound output means
for providing sound information depending on a shot on the target
plate.
[0033] The sound output means provides predetermined sound
information when a shot is detected on the target plate by the
impact position detecting means. The shooter is thus given a feel
similar to an actual gun shooting activity.
[0034] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the sound output means provides sound information
depending on the score calculated by the score calculating means.
The shooter can thus obtain an auditory recognition of the score of
the shot.
[0035] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the
present invention will become apparent from the following
description with reference to the accompanying drawings which
illustrate examples of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0036] FIG. 1 is a view, partly in block form, of a conventional
gun shooting competition system which employs a laser gun for
shooting a laser beam;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a view of a target plate used in the conventional
gun shooting competition system;
[0038] FIG. 3A is a front elevational view of a target device
according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
[0039] FIG. 3B is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement of the
target device according to the first embodiment;
[0040] FIG. 4A is a front elevational view of a target device
according to a second embodiment of the present invention;
[0041] FIG. 4B is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement of the
target device according to the second embodiment;
[0042] FIG. 5A is a front elevational view of a target device
according to a third embodiment of the present invention;
[0043] FIG. 5B is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement of the
target device according to the third embodiment;
[0044] FIG. 6A is a front elevational view of a target device
according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;
[0045] FIG. 6B is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement of the
target device according to the fourth embodiment;
[0046] FIG. 7A is a front elevational view of a target device
according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 7B is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement of the
target device according to the fifth embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 8A is a front elevational view of a target device
according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;
[0049] FIG. 8B is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement of the
target device according to the sixth embodiment;
[0050] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a target device according
to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 9B is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement of the
target device according to the seventh embodiment;
[0052] FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement of a
target device according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention;
[0053] FIG. 11A is a front elevational view of a target device
according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;
[0054] FIG. 11B is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement of the
target device according to the ninth embodiment;
[0055] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of a target device according
to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; and
[0056] FIG. 12B is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement of the
target device according to the tenth embodiment.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0057] 1st Embodiment:
[0058] FIG. 3A shows in front elevation a target device according
to a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3B shows
in block form a circuit arrangement of the target device according
to the first embodiment. The target device has a front surface on
which target plate 4 is mounted, the front surface facing a
shooting spot where a shooter is positioned.
[0059] The front surface of the target device shown in FIG. 3A is
of a square shape having a vertical dimension of 10 cm and a
horizontal dimension of 10 cm. Target plate 4 which is also of a
square shape is mounted on a central area of the front surface of
the target device. Target plate 4 comprises a solid panel and has a
plurality of circular score areas as shown in FIG. 2 around its
center. Target plate 4 is fastened to a casing of the target device
by four screws 5 at its corners.
[0060] The target device has LED group 9 comprising eight
light-emitting elements, i.e., light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 9.sub.1
through 9.sub.8, disposed around target plate 4. LEDs 9.sub.1
through 9.sub.8 are spaced at substantially equal intervals around
target plate 4. Specifically, LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8 are
positioned such that each of straight lines (indicated by the
dot-and-dash lines in FIG. 3A) extending from the center of target
plate 4 to respective LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8 is angularly
spaced 45.degree. from other adjacent straight lines.
[0061] The target device also has impact position detector 11,
score calculator 12A, and light-emitting element energizing unit
13A. The target device displays a score with LED group 9. Impact
position detector 11 detects impact position (x, y) on target plate
4 according to the equations (1), (2) described above. Score
calculator 12A calculates the distance from center O of target
plate 4 to impact position (x, y) based on detected impact position
(x, y), and compares the calculated distance with the ranges
(radii) of the score areas to calculate a score for detected impact
position (x, y). It is necessary that center O of target plate 4
and the detecting origin of impact position detector 11 be in
complete alignment with each other.
[0062] Light-emitting element energizing unit 13A determines an
energizing pattern of LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8 of LED group 9
depending on the score which has been calculated by score
calculator 12A. For example, if the score calculated by score
calculator 12A is "1", then light-emitting element energizing unit
13A energizes only LED 9.sub.1. If score calculator 12A has
calculated scores "2" through "8", then light-emitting element
energizing unit 13A energizes only LEDs 9.sub.2 through 9.sub.8,
respectively. Thus, an LED or LEDs corresponding to a score
calculated by score calculator 12A are energized. Consequently,
when only LED 9.sub.5 is energized as a result of a shot, the
shooter can immediately recognize that the shot has won a score
"5". If score calculator 12 has calculated a score "9", then
light-emitting element energizing unit 13A energizes LED 9.sub.2
and LED 9.sub.7. If score calculator 12 has calculated a score
"10", then light-emitting element energizing unit 13A energizes all
LED 9.sub.1 through LED 9.sub.8. Stated otherwise, the target
device changes combinations of LEDs to be energized depending on
the score which has been calculated by score calculator 12A.
Usually, at least 10 LEDs would be required to display scores "0"
through "10". According to the present embodiment, however, since
some scores are expressed by changing combinations of LEDs to be
energized, the number of LEDs that are required may be reduced from
10 to 8.
[0063] In the present embodiment, the LEDs are energized
progressively counterclockwise from the left lowermost one below
target plate 4 in FIG. 3A as the score increases. However, the LEDs
may be energized progressively clockwise. The number of LEDs that
are used may further be reduced by using a binary representation of
scores. According to the present invention, the LEDs may be
energized in any energizing patterns insofar as they allow the
shooter to read scores which it has won. While target plate 4
comprises a solid panel in the present embodiment, it may comprise
a sheet of film or paper.
[0064] 2nd Embodiment:
[0065] FIG. 4A shows in front elevation a target device according
to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 4B shows
in block form a circuit arrangement of the target device according
to the second embodiment.
[0066] As shown in FIG. 4A, the target device according to the
second embodiment has LED group 9 comprising eight LEDs 9.sub.1
through 9.sub.8 disposed around target plate 4. According to the
second embodiment, eight LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8 of LED group
9 are used to give an approximate indication of an impact position
on target plate 4, rather than to indicate a score. As shown in
FIG. 4B, the target device also has impact position detector 11 and
light-emitting element energizing unit 13B. Light-emitting element
energizing unit 13B energizes LED group 9 depending on an impact
position on target plate 4. It is now assumed that the impact
position on target plate 4 is represented by point A in FIG. 4A.
Position (x, y) of point A is calculated according to the equations
(1), (2) described above. Line segment OA extends from center O of
target plate 4 to point A. Point A is positioned between line
segment OB extending from center O to LED 9.sub.4 and line segment
OC extending from center O to LED 9.sub.5. Angle .theta..sub.1
formed between line segments OA, OB is smaller than angle
.theta..sub.2 formed between line segments OA, OC. Light-emitting
element energizing unit 13B energizes LED 9.sub.4 on line segment
OB. Consequently, when the shooter hits target plate 4 at a certain
impact position, light-emitting element energizing unit 13B
energizes an LED, all LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8 of LED group 9,
such that the angle formed between a line segment extending from
center O to that LED and a line segment extending from center O to
the impact position is minimum. Stated otherwise, the score areas
on target plate 4 are divided into eight angular zones having equal
angles (45.degree.) around center O by eight LEDs 9.sub.1 through
9.sub.8 disposed at equal angles around target plate 4, and
light-emitting element energizing unit 13B determines which one of
the divided angular zones the impact position is located in, and
energizes an LED belonging to the determined angular zone. The
shooter can confirm from the shooting spot in which direction the
impact position deviates from center O. Generally, in gun shooting
competitions, most impact positions concentrate on score areas
representing scores "7" through "10", i.e., score areas near center
O. Therefore, the direction in which the impact position deviates
from center O presents more important information than the distance
by which the impact position deviates from center O for the shooter
to correct its shooting action. The target device according to the
second information displays that deviating direction to give the
shooter an indication of the deviating direction of the impact
position. The shooter confirms the displayed deviating direction,
and corrects its shooting action based on the confirmed deviating
direction.
[0067] Alternatively, an LED, of all LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8
of LED group 9, which is linearly closest to point A of the impact
position may be energized to present an approximate indication of
the impact position to the shooter.
[0068] 3rd Embodiment:
[0069] FIG. 5A shows in front elevation a target device according
to a third embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5B shows
in block form a circuit arrangement of the target device according
to the third embodiment. The target device according to the third
embodiment has LED group 9 of eight LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8
disposed around target plate 4 as with the second embodiment. As
shown in FIG. 5B, the target device according to the third
embodiment also has impact position detector 11 and light-emitting
element energizing unit 13C.
[0070] It is now assumed that the impact position on target plate 4
is represented by point A in FIG. 5A. Point A is positioned between
line segment OB extending from center O to LED 9.sub.4 and line
segment OC extending from center O to LED 9.sub.5. Angle
.theta..sub.1 formed between line segments OA, OB is smaller than
angle .theta..sub.2 formed between line segments OA, OC. According
to the third embodiment, light-emitting element energizing unit 13C
also energizes LED 9.sub.4 on line segment OB as with the target
device according to the second embodiment.
[0071] If the difference between angle .theta..sub.1 and angle
.theta..sub.2 is at most a predetermined angle of 11.25.degree.,
then light-emitting element energizing unit 13C energizes not only
LED 9.sub.4, but also LED 9.sub.5. When the shooter sees the
energization of both LEDs 9.sub.4, 9.sub.5, the shooter becomes
aware of the fact that the impact position deviates from center O
in an intermediate direction between LEDs 9.sub.4, 9.sub.5. With
the target device according to the third embodiment, therefore,
light-emitting element energizing unit 13C determines an LED (first
light-emitting element, i.e., LED 9.sub.4 in FIG. 5A), of all LEDs
9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8 of LED group 9, such that the angle formed
between a line segment extending from center O to that LED and line
segment OA extending from center O to the impact position (point A)
is smallest (first angle, i.e., .theta..sub.1 in FIG. 5A), and an
LED (second light-emitting element, i.e., LED 9.sub.5 in FIG. 5A)
such that the angle formed between a line segment extending from
center O to that LED and line segment OA is next smallest (second
angle, i.e., .theta..sub.2 in FIG. 5A). Then, light-emitting
element energizing unit 13C energizes the first light-emitting
element (LED 9.sub.4), and also energizes the second light-emitting
element (LED 9.sub.5) if the difference between the first angle and
the second angle is at most a predetermined angle.
[0072] If the predetermined angle is 11.25.degree., then the score
areas on target plate 4 can be divided into 16 angular zones having
equal angles (22.5.degree.) around center O. With this arrangement,
although the number of LEDs used in the target device according to
the third embodiment is the same as the number of LEDs used in the
target device according to the second embodiment, the resolution
with which to indicate the direction of the impact position with
respect to the center of target plate 4 can be twice the resolution
of the target device according to the second embodiment, i.e., can
be represented by the 16 angular zones.
[0073] The target device according to the third embodiment can
display impact positions with simple energizing patterns of LED
group 9. Since such simple energizing patterns of LED group 9 can
visually be perceived from a distant location, the shooter
positioned far from the target is able to easily recognize the
impact position without the need for a display device for
displaying an image of the target in the vicinity of the shooting
spot where the shooter is positioned.
[0074] 4th Embodiment:
[0075] FIG. 6A shows in front elevation a target device according
to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B shows
in block form a circuit arrangement of the target device according
to the fourth embodiment. The target device according to the fourth
embodiment has LED group 8 (first light-emitting element group) of
eight LEDs 8.sub.1 through 8.sub.8 and LED group 9 (second
light-emitting element group) of eight LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8
which are disposed around target plate 4.
[0076] As shown in FIG. 6B, the target device according to the
fourth embodiment also has impact position detector 11, score
calculator 12A, and light-emitting element energizing unit 13D.
[0077] LED group 8 serves to display a score calculated by score
calculator 12A, and LED group 9 serves to display an impact
position detected by impact position detector 11. Both LED groups
8, 9 are energized by light-emitting element energizing unit 13d.
As with the first and second embodiments, LEDs 8.sub.1 through
8.sub.8 and LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8 are positioned such that
each of straight lines (indicated by the dot-and-dash lines in FIG.
6A) extending from the center of target plate 4 to respective LEDs
8.sub.1 through 8.sub.8 and respective LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8
is angularly spaced 45.degree. from other adjacent straight lines.
In the fourth embodiment, LED group 9 is disposed outwardly of LED
group 8. However, LED groups 8, 9 are not limited to the layout
shown in FIG. 6A, but LED group 8 may be disposed outwardly of LED
group 9.
[0078] With the target device according to the fourth embodiment,
LED group 8 and LED group 9 emit light in different colors. For
example, LEDs 8.sub.1 through 8.sub.8 of LED group 8 comprise red
light-emitting diodes, and LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8 of LED
group 9 comprise green light-emitting diodes. These differently
colored light emission from LED group 8 and LED group 9 is
effective to prevent the shooter from mixing up score displays and
impact position displays.
[0079] According to the fourth embodiment, LED group 8 for
displaying scores are energized in the same energizing patterns as
with the first embodiment, and LED group 9 for displaying impact
positions are energized in the same energizing patterns as with the
second and third embodiments.
[0080] 5th Embodiment:
[0081] FIG. 7A shows in front elevation a target device according
to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 7B shows
in block form a circuit arrangement of the target device according
to the fifth embodiment. The target device according to the fifth
embodiment has LED group 19 of eight LEDs 19.sub.1 through 19.sub.8
which can be energized in energizing patterns that are changed
depending on a score calculated by score calculator 12A and can
also be energized in energizing patterns that are changed depending
on an impact position detected by impact position detector 11.
[0082] As shown in FIG. 7B, the target device according to the
fifth embodiment also has impact position detector 11, score
calculator 12A, and light-emitting element energizing unit 13E.
Light-emitting element energizing unit 13E energizes LED group 19
to display a score and an impact position in a time-division
manner, or preferably alternately in an intermittent fashion.
[0083] Each of LEDs 19.sub.1 through 19.sub.8 of LED group 19
comprises a bicolor LED for emitting color selectively in two
colors. If each of LEDs 19.sub.1 through 19.sub.8 is a bicolor LED
for emitting color selectively in red and green, then
light-emitting element energizing unit 13E controls LEDs 19.sub.1
through 19.sub.8 to emit light in red for displaying scores and to
emit light in green for displaying impact positions. Since LED
group 19 emits light in different colors for displaying scores and
impact positions, the shooter can easily distinguish score displays
and impact position displays from each other.
[0084] According to the fifth embodiment, LED group 19 are
energized in the same energizing patterns as with the first
embodiment for displaying scores, and LED group 19 are energized in
the same energizing patterns as with the second and third
embodiments for displaying impact positions.
[0085] Inasmuch as one LED group 19 is capable of displaying both
scores and impact positions with bicolor LEDs, the number of LEDs
used may be smaller than the number of LEDs used in the fourth
embodiment. Therefore, the target device according to the fifth
embodiment is relatively low in cost and small in size.
[0086] 6th Embodiment:
[0087] FIG. 8A shows in front elevation a target device according
to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 8B shows
in block form a circuit arrangement of the target device according
to the sixth embodiment. The target device according to the sixth
embodiment has LED group 9 of eight LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8 as
with the target device according to the first embodiment. According
to the sixth embodiment, at least one of LEDs 9.sub.1 through
9.sub.8, e.g., LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.3, is used as a ready
lamp for indicating that the shooter can shoot a light beam, and at
least one of LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.8, e.g., LEDs 9.sub.5
through 9.sub.7, is used as a busy lamp for indicating that the
shooter cannot shoot a light beam. LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.3,
which double as the ready lamp, are positioned below target plate
4. Therefore, when the shooter holds the laser gun and aims at
target plate 4, LEDs 9.sub.1 through 9.sub.3 are concealed from the
vision of the shooter by the gunbarrel, and hence the ready lamp
does not obstruct the shooting action of the shooter. LEDs 9.sub.5
through 9.sub.7, which double as the busy lamp, are positioned
above target plate 4. Therefore, when the shooter holds the laser
gun and aims at target plate 4, LEDs 9.sub.5 through 9.sub.7 are
present in the vision of the shooter, allowing the shooter to
easily recognize that the shooter cannot shoot a light beam.
[0088] As shown in FIG. 8B, the target device according to the
sixth embodiment also has impact position detector 11, score
calculator 12, and light-emitting element energizing unit 13F.
Light-emitting element energizing unit 13F operates LED group 9
selectively as the ready lamp or the busy lamp in response to a
signal from an external source.
[0089] According to the sixth embodiment, since LEDs 9.sub.1
through 9.sub.8 of LED group 9 double as the ready lamp and the
busy lamp, no separate ready lamp and busy lamp need to be
provided, and hence the number of LEDs used may be reduced.
[0090] In the target devices according to the second through fifth
embodiments, the LED group or groups may be operated as a ready
lamp and a busy lamp.
[0091] 7th Embodiment:
[0092] FIG. 9A shows in perspective a target device according to a
seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9B shown in
block form a circuit arrangement of the target device according to
the seventh embodiment. Target plates which are spaced at different
distances from laser gun (not shown in FIG. 9A), e.g., target plate
4 (spaced 10 m from laser gun) and target plate 4' (spaced 25 m
from laser gun) shown in FIG. 1, have differently sized score
areas. Even when an impact position remains the same on the
different target plates, it is necessary for a score calculator to
use a score calculating equation depending on the score areas of
the target plate that is actually mounted on the target device. As
shown in FIG. 9A, the target device according to the seventh
embodiment has target plate setting switch 10 which can be operated
by the user for setting the type of the target plate that is
actually mounted on the target device.
[0093] As shown in FIG. 9B, the target device according to the
seventh embodiment also has target plate setting switch 10, impact
position detector 11, score calculator 12B, and light-emitting
element energizing unit 13A. Depending on the type of the target
plate which has been set by the user using target plate setting
switch 10, light-emitting element energizing unit 13A determines a
score calculating equation for determining a score from an impact
position on the target plate, and calculates a score according to
the determined equation. Therefore, the target device can display
an accurate score depending on the type of the target plate that is
actually mounted on the target device.
[0094] Target plate setting switch 10 may be incorporated in the
target devices according to the fourth through sixth
embodiments.
[0095] 8th Embodiment:
[0096] FIG. 10 shows in block form a circuit arrangement of a
target device according to an eighth embodiment of the present
invention. The target device according to the eighth embodiment has
target plate detector 14 for automatically detecting the type of
the target plate that is actually mounted on the target device, in
addition to impact position detector 11, score calculator 12B, and
light-emitting element energizing unit 13A. Target plate detector
14 comprises pull-up resistor 14a and detector 14b. Resistor 15
which is embedded in the target plate is electrically connected to
detector 14b. Detector 14b has its one terminal connected to
pull-up resistor 14a and its other terminal connected to ground.
Resistor 15 has a resistance which varies depending on the type of
the target plate used, e.g., target plate 4 or target plate 4'.
When target plate 4 is mounted on the target device, resistor 15
embedded in target plate 4 has its ends electrically connected to
detector 14b, which reads the resistance of resistor 15, detects
the type of mounted target plate 4, and provides outputs the
detected type to score calculator 12B.
[0097] After being supplied with the detected type from detector
14b, score calculator 12B applies an impact position on target
plate 4 as detected by impact position detector 11 to the score
calculating equation depending on the detected type, calculates a
score according to the score calculating equation, and supplies the
calculated score to light-emitting element energizing unit 13A. The
score is displayed in the manner described above in the first
embodiment.
[0098] According to the eighth embodiment, since the score
calculating equation used in score calculator 12B is automatically
changed depending on the type of the target plate used, the user
finds it less burdensome to change the target plate than with the
seventh embodiment, and any errors involved in setting the type of
the target plate used are eliminated.
[0099] According to the eighth embodiment, the type of the target
plate used is detected based on the resistance of resistor 15
embedded in the target plate. However, the type of the target plate
used may be detected by reading information stored in an IC chip
embedded in the target plate, magnetic information embedded in the
target plate, or a pattern of slits disposed in the target
plate.
[0100] Target plate detector 14 may be incorporated in the target
devices according to the fourth through sixth embodiments.
[0101] 9th Embodiment:
[0102] FIG. 11A shows in front elevation a target device according
to a ninth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11B shows
in block form a circuit arrangement of the target device according
to the ninth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 11A, the target device
according to the ninth embodiment has seven-segment score display
panel 16 for displaying a score, disposed in an upper right region
of the surface of the target device on which target plate 4 is
mounted. Seven-segment score display panel 16 has two sets of seven
LEDs arranged in the shape of "8", the LEDs being selectively
energizable to display numerals representing a score.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 11B, the target device according to the
ninth embodiment also has impact position detector 11, score
calculator 12A, and score display unit 13G.
[0104] When a light beam shot from laser gun hits target plate 4,
impact position (x, y) on target plate 4 is detected by impact
position detector 11 using equation (1) and (2) described above,
and score calculator 12A calculates a score based on detected
impact position (x, y). The calculated score, which is either one
of "0" through "10", is displayed on seven-segment score display
panel 16 by score display unit 13G.
[0105] The target device according to the ninth embodiment
dispenses with a score display unit such as display unit 5 of the
electronic gun shooting competition system shown in FIG. 1, and
allows the user to practice shooting in a relatively small
space.
[0106] The target device may have not only the score display panels
for displaying scores, but also an impact position display panel
for displaying impact positions with characters.
[0107] In shooting competitions, the distance between the shooting
spot where the shooter is positioned and target plate 5 is required
to be 5 m at minimum, and the target device needs to have a surface
area having vertical and horizontal dimensions of 10 cm for
installing target plate 4 thereon. Consequently, the size of
seven-segment score display panel 16 mounted on the target device
is limited, making it difficult for the shooter in the shooting
spot to visually recognize clearly the numerals displayed on
seven-segment score display panel 16. For this reason, it is
preferable to display scores and impact positions in simple
energizing patterns as with the target devices according to the
first through eighth embodiments, rather than displaying scores and
impact positions in numerals and characters with the score display
panel.
[0108] 10th Embodiment:
[0109] FIG. 12A shows in perspective a target device according to a
tenth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12B shows in
block form a circuit arrangement of the target device according to
the tenth embodiment.
[0110] As shown in FIG. 12A, the target device supports square
target plate 4 centrally on its front surface, target plate 4
having circular score areas as shown in FIG. 2 around its center.
Target plate 4 is fastened to a casing of the target device by four
screws 5 at its corners.
[0111] Target device has speaker 18 mounted on a side wall of a
casing thereof for producing speech or an electronic sound
representative of an impact position and a score based on the
impact position when a light beam shot from the laser gun (not
shown in FIG. 12A) hits target plate 4. Speaker 18 may be mounted
on any regions of target device where target plate 4 is not
mounted, rather than a side wall of the casing thereof.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 12B, the target device according to the
tenth embodiment also has impact position detector 11, score
calculator 12A, and sound output controller 17. When impact
position detector 11 detects an impact position on target plate 4
at the time a light beam shot from the laser gun hits target plate
4, sound output controller 17 controls speaker 18 to output an
electronic sound indicating that the light beam shot from the laser
gun hits target plate 4. In gun shooting activities that use actual
bullets, the sound that is produced when a bullet is shot from the
gun is much louder than the sound that is produced when the bullet
actually hits the target. To give the shooter a feel analogous to
an actual shooting action using a real bullet with the target
device according to the tenth embodiment, it is preferable to
output the electronic sound from speaker 18 at the time the light
beam is emitted from the laser gun. However, irrespective of
whether a real bullet is shot from the real gun or a light beam is
emitted from the laser gun, since the period of time that elapses
after the shooter pulls the trigger until the real bullet or the
light beam hits the target plate is considerably short, the shooter
the target plate is considerably short, the shooter can have a feel
similar to a gun shooting action using a real bullet if an
electronic sound simulating a real bullet shot is output from
speaker 18 at the time the light beam emitted from the laser gun
hits target plate 4.
[0113] Impact position detector 11 detects an impact position of
the light beam emitted from the laser gun as with the above
embodiments. Score calculator 12A also calculates a score based on
the impact position detected by impact position detector 11 as with
the above embodiments. Information representing the score
calculated by score calculator 12A is sent to sound output
controller 17, which controls speaker 18 to output a sound
representing the score based on the score calculated by score
calculator 12A. For example, the calculated score may be output as
speech information from speaker 18. If the score is equal to or
higher than a predetermined score, then speech information or a
melody indicating that the score is equal to or higher than the
predetermined score may be from speaker 18. Upon hearing such a
sound, the shooter can obtain an auditory recognition of the score
of the shot.
[0114] In the tenth embodiment, sound information is output from
speaker 4 based on impact positions on target plate 4 and scores
depending on the impact positions. The visual display system for
displaying impact positions and scores with LEDs according to any
of the above embodiments may be combined with the system according
to the tenth embodiment for producing an auditory presentation of
impact positions and scores.
[0115] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have
been described in specific terms, such description is for
illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood that changes
and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *