U.S. patent application number 11/238729 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-17 for electronically controlled target positioning system for training in marksmanship and target identification.
Invention is credited to Roger William Bell, James Carl Bliehall.
Application Number | 20080088089 11/238729 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39302420 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-17 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080088089 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bliehall; James Carl ; et
al. |
April 17, 2008 |
Electronically controlled target positioning system for training in
marksmanship and target identification
Abstract
A fixed and portable, remote controlled moving target system to
train shooters in marksmanship and correct target recognition
comprising supported target assemblies on horizontal cables which
are connected to vertical support assemblies. The targets are
driven by an operator programmable, electronically controlled,
computer based motor drive assembly. The targets are positioned by
the operator inputs and the positions of the targets at start and
during their movements behind an obscuring medium are programmed
into the system. Once inputted into memory, the program can be
replayed until it is overwritten. The targets exhibit humanoid
movements owing to their unique suspension system and cable
attachments.
Inventors: |
Bliehall; James Carl; (Cedar
Crest, NM) ; Bell; Roger William; (Albuquerque,
NM) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JAMES BLIEHALL
36 HAVEN DRIVE
CEDAR CREST
NM
87008-9423
US
|
Family ID: |
39302420 |
Appl. No.: |
11/238729 |
Filed: |
September 29, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60672342 |
Apr 18, 2005 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
273/359 ;
273/406; 273/407 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41J 9/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
273/359 ;
273/406; 273/407 |
International
Class: |
F41J 9/02 20060101
F41J009/02 |
Claims
1. A programmable electronically controlled target carrier
positioning system comprising, in combination: movable target
carriers used to transport targets whose direction of movement,
speed of movement, and the length of time between said movements
are precisely and independently controlled.
2. The system according to claim I wherein said programmable
electronics allow multiple, user defined programs to be created,
stored, retrieved, and executed in a repeatable fashion.
3. The system according to claim 1 wherein said target carrier
movement and execution of said programs are controlled by use of a
wireless remote communication device.
4. The system according to claim 1 wherein said target carriers are
moved to and from precise, repeatable locations behind or in front
of panels depicting a simulated environment.
5. The system according to claim 1 wherein said programmable
electronics co-ordinates said direction of movement, said speed of
movement, said length of time between said movements and said
location of said target carriers, in relationship to the direction
and speed of movement, length of time between movements and
location, of one or more additional targets carriers.
6. The system according to claim 1 wherein the movement of said
target carriers may be momentarily halted and when said target
carrier movement is reinitiated, starts at the point in time at
which said program was previously halted.
7. The system according to claim 1 wherein said panels are
overlapped to prevent said shooter from observing said target
carrier movements when said target carriers are in locations
between said panels.
8. The system according to claim 1 wherein the cutouts in said
panels, used to simulate windows, are covered with a material that
simulates the glass that is usually found covering a window
opening.
2. A target carrier device wherein said target carrier device moves
said targets in a random, unpredictable and non-horizontal
plane.
3. A target mounting device wherein said target mounting device
causes said targets, when disconnected from said target carriers by
the actions of said shooter, fall to the ground and topple to one
side, removing said target from view.
1. The device according to claim 3 wherein said target mounting
device has a movable arm designed to quickly enter said shooters
field of view as said target is moved to a precise location.
Description
CROSS REFERENCED TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application No. 60/672342 FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH--Not
applicable SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM--Not applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to target systems, specifically to
target systems used to train shooters to correctly recognize and
accurately shoot a target.
[0004] 2. Related Art
[0005] Target systems used today to train civilian and military
shooters are predominantly of the following types: [0006] a. A
target system wherein the target image is placed in front of the
shooter and is stationary and visible at all times. This system has
the disadvantage of allowing the shooter to constantly recognize
the target image as a threat; the shooter knows he is in a shoot
condition. The shooter is not required to recognize whether the
target image is of a threat or not a threat. The shooter simply
draws his weapon as quickly as possible and shoots the target image
as accurately as possible. [0007] b. A target system wherein the
target is suspended from a motor driven cable. The system allows
the target to be located closer or further away from the shooter.
This action is meant to decrease or increase the difficulty in
hitting the target image by altering the distance from the target
to the shooter. This system has the disadvantage of the target
system as described in a) above. [0008] c. A target system wherein
the target image is stationary and rotates in a horizontal plane
and is positioned to face toward or away from the shooter. The
target image is first hidden from view by being positioned at 0
degrees. The target image is then rotated 90 degrees to face [0009]
d. A target system wherein the target image is in a stationary
location and is physically moved into the shooters field of view.
As an example, a pneumatic system with rubber targets that are
brought into view by filling them with air. This system has the
disadvantage of having stationary targets that simply appear and
disappear from view in a location that is known to the shooter
after they appear one time. This system has the disadvantage of the
target system as described in a) above. [0010] e. A target system
wherein the targets are driven to different locations by means of a
reversible cable drive with a manually engaged switch. The shooting
instructor moves the target to various locations and manually
controls the speed and direction of the target movement. This
system has the disadvantage of not allowing accurate programming of
the targets direction of movement, speed and the time the target is
held stationary before moving to a new location. The speed of
movement and positioning is random and is not repeatable.
Repeatability is required in order to accurately assess the skills
of the shooters. It also has the disadvantage of the target system
as described in a) above.
TABLE-US-00001 [0010] US Patent Documents FIELD OF SEARCH: 273/359,
366-370, 378, 383, 386-388, 390-392 Boss; Richard K. Sep. 19, 1975
4,029,318 Doughty; Steven P Mar. 22, 1985 4,614,345 Allard;
Jean-Claude Apr. 14, 1987 4,657,511 Scholem; Paul Sep. 8, 1987
4,691,925 Bateman; Kyle E. Nov. 17, 1992 5,163,689 Koma; Yozo Sep.
28, 1993 5,248,150 Graham; Richard D Jan. 25, 1994 5,280,919
Miyake; Masahito May 10, 1994 5,310,192 Jones; Michael A. Jun. 14,
1994 5,320,358 Acock; Joseph Sep. 27, 1994 5,350,180 Hazard;
Bowdien H. Jun. 27, 1995 5,427,380 O'Neil; Kent D Nov. 18, 1997
5,688,196 Muehle; Eric G Oct. 20, 1998 5,823,779 Theissen;
Peter-Paul Feb. 9, 1999 5,868,396 Corcoran; Thomas M Oct. 19, 1999
5,967,522 Muehle; Eric G. Nov. 9, 1999 5,980,254 Westphal; Robert L
Dec. 19, 2000 6,162,057 Amrein; Bruce E. Apr. 17, 2001 6,217,027
Elliott; Jerry R Dec. 4, 2001 6,325,376 Beckwith, Sr.; James C Aug.
20, 2002 6,435,512 Witmeyer; Aaron D. Nov. 12, 2002 6,478,301
Huston; James J. Dec. 10, 2002 6,491,303 Slifko; John D Jan. 7,
2003 6,502,820 Rosa; Stephen P Jun. 10, 2003 6,575,753 Wolff;
Ronald S. Aug. 5, 2003 6,604,064
[0011] 3. Objects and Advantages
[0012] We determined that all the disadvantages of the
aforementioned systems could be overcome and the training of the
shooter could be of a higher quality, more consistent and
subjectively gradable if the target movement is controlled by a
programmable system. The programmable system moves single or
multiple targets in a predetermined, programmed direction and
speed. The programmable system also moves and halts the targets in
direct relationship to other targets. The programmable system
allows the operator to challenge the shooter with an infinite
number of variables.
[0013] As an example, multiple targets with target images
presenting multiple threats to the shooter can be presented at the
same time, requiring the shooter to constantly be aware of the
location of each threat target. Alternately, one target image can
depict a threat to the shooter and another target image can depict
no threat to the shooter. This scenario requires the shooter to
constantly locate the target that is not a threat and not shoot it.
At the same time the shooter must constantly locate and shoot the
target that is a threat. She must ensure that she does not shoot
the target that is a threat when it is in a location that could
expose the target that is not a threat to injury due to an
inaccurately placed bullet or projectiles.
[0014] The invention proposed has target obscuring panels located
in front of the targets. These panels prevent the shooter from
seeing the target unless the target is in an opening in the panels
or a location that is purposely void of a panel. As an example, the
target obscuring panels may be made of cardboard with simulated
window and door cut outs to represent the front of a house. This
configuration greatly adds to the realism and difficulty in
recognizing the threat level of the targets and accurately shooting
them. In the proposed invention the targets are first positioned
out of the shooters field of view behind the obscuring panels. The
targets are then quickly moved into the cutout representing a
window, the cutout representing a door or are positioned in the
shooters field of view directly above a panel made to resemble a
fence.
[0015] After stopping in this location for a period of time
selected by the operator the targets are then removed from the
shooters field of view by quickly moving them back behind the
target obscuring panels where there is no cutout area.
[0016] The difficulty and realism is further increased by the
target system's ability to change the target transport speed,
direction of travel and the location and amount of time the target
stops at that location. The location at which the target stops can
be chosen by the operator to be either in a location that is within
the shooters field of view or a location that is not within the
shooters field of view. After stooping in the chosen location for
an operator determined period of time, the targets are moved to a
new location. The speed and direction of movement, and locations
and times the targets are stopped are all operator selectable.
[0017] The difficulty and realism the invention presents is further
increased by ability of the operator to quickly change the physical
makeup of the target obscuring panels. The panels may made to
resemble any number of locations including a bus, interior of an
airplane, control room of a nuclear power plant, a business,
etc.
[0018] The operator can use panels that depict actual locations
where an armed conflict occurred and train the shooter to not
repeat mistakes know to have been made during a previous documented
armed conflict.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0019] The proposed invention comprises a means of accurately and
with repeatability, controlling the speed and direction of movement
and the location and duration of time single or multiple targets
are stopped before resuming movement.
[0020] The mechanical assembly used to suspend the target is part
of the invention. Existing target systems use a cable or framework
to rigidly suspend the target carrier on pulleys or rolling wheels
positioned on a framework. The target follows the motion of the
target carrier along a horizontal plane because the cable or
framework and target carrier are rigid and inflexible. The target
carrier portion of the invention we propose is unique in that the
target carrier has several independently movable arms on each of
its sides. These moving arms suspend the target mounting medium,
which is usually cardboard. The target image is affixed to the
target mounting medium, usually by staples or tape. The moving arms
independently pivot and rotate, causing the target image to execute
unpredictable, random movements when the target carrier is driven
from one location to another location; when the target carrier is
stopped or when the target carrier is made to abruptly change
direction while in motion. This mechanical action more closely
mimics the movements of a person as they move from one location to
another, adding to the realism and difficulty. As an example, a
person moving quickly to the left or right does not stay perfectly
horizontal to the ground. Leg and body muscle movements require
that they move in several low angle arcs as they overcome inertia.
As they begin to move they lower their head and push off with one
leg or the other. This action is displayed by the target image
using our invention.
[0021] The proposed invention incorporates target obscuring panels
used to alternately obscure and not obscure the target from the
field of view of the shooter. The target obscuring panels are
designed to overlap, thus preventing the shooter from looking
between the panels if the panels do not exactly mate. Should the
shooter have the ability to see between the target obscuring panels
due to a slight mismatch in their alignment to one another, the
shooter could anticipate the next location of the target and/or the
direction in which the target was moving.
[0022] Target systems in use today usually depict an image of a
person or persons or the likeness of the human anatomy. The image
on the target has a pattern superimposed on it which designates
points given to the shooter for their accuracy in placing bullets
into specific sections of the target image. The more likely the
shooter's hits are to immediately incapacitate the person depicted
on the target image, the higher the points. The target image is
affixed to a target mounting medium. The most prevalent target
mounting medium in use today is inexpensive cardboard. The target
image is stapled or taped to the target mounting medium and mounted
to the target carrier, usually by inexpensive spring clips of the
type used to hold many sheets of paper in order. For many years
shooters have been using target mediums suspended by a trip device
which causes the target mounting medium to fall to the ground when
it is hit in an area that depicts the human anatomy that would
immediately incapacitate a person if they were hit in a
corresponding location. These target mounting mediums have a
problem because the target mounting medium, being made of
inexpensive cardboard, is presently manufactured with a flat
bottom. After disengaging from the target carrier, the target
mounting medium falls to the ground and can remain upright and in
the shooters field of view. As a part of our invention the target
mounting medium is manufactured with the bottom section having a
longer center section dimension than the dimensions of the left and
right sides. This design causes the target mounting medium to land
on its center section and having insufficient area to remain
upright, to fall over. The target then remains out of the shooters
field of view.
[0023] Additionally, as part of the invention, the targets
incorporate a movable arm which quickly comes into the shooters
field of view as the target is moved into an open area in the
target obscuring panels such as a window cutout. The moving arm can
be configured to hold one of any number of objects. These objects
may depict no threat to the shooter, such as a can of soda, a cell
phone or a flashlight. When these types of images are quickly
brought into the shooters field of view the shooter must quickly
recognize them and if they are not a threat to not shoot the
target. Alternately, if the movable arm on the target is holding
the image of a weapon, the shooter must instantly react and shoot
the target as quickly and accurately as possible.
[0024] Additionally, the invention incorporates a means of covering
the cutouts in the target obscuring panels that simulate a window
glass with a plastic material that has the approximate reflective
properties of glass. This condition is advisable for training as
the reflective properties of the simulated glass can obscure or
alter the shooters perspective and visual acuity. This condition is
especially true when the simulated glass is illuminated in a night
condition and the target images are behind the simulated glass.
[0025] Our invention allows instructors to train military, law
enforcement and civilian shooters, using live fire weapons, in both
target threat recognition and speed of accurate shot placement on
moving targets. This invention approaches realism by forcing the
shooter to immediately and correctly identify and then accurately
shoot targets that rapidly appear in openings or from behind target
obscuring panels and then moves the targets to new locations that
do not allow the shooter to see them. These actions all take place
in real time. The shooter must engage targets that are at one
moment stationary and in view and the next moment are moving at
controlled speeds and directions. In the next moment the targets
disappear and in another moment reappear. In multiple target
scenarios the targets an be selected so both target images
represent a threat to the shooter, or alternately the target images
can be selected so one target image represents a threat and the
second target image represents no threat.
[0026] There are also target images available with the image of a
hostage in the control of an assailant. These target images can be
selected to further complicate the decision making process of the
shooter. Any combination of aforementioned target images can be
selected to increase the complexity and diversity of the training
scenario. The targets are programmed to alternately appear from
behind the target obscuring panels into cutouts representing
windows, doors, fences, etc. and then disappear from view.
[0027] The invention has the following distinct advantages over
present target systems. [0028] 1. It requires the shooter to
quickly and accurately: [0029] a. recognize the target image as a
threat or not a threat, [0030] b. bring a weapon to a shooting
position and accurately shoot the target image if the image is a
threat, [0031] c. refrain from bringing the weapon to a firing
position if the image is not a threat, [0032] d. recognize the
possibility of multiple threats and their interaction against the
shooter, [0033] e. decide if and when to shoot the threat target if
the target is alternately moving and remaining stationary. This is
especially significant if the target image is one the specially
designed types having an image of a hostage being threatened by an
assailant. [0034] f. decide if and when to shoot the threat target
if the threat target is moving and then remaining stationary when a
non-threat target is moving and remaining stationary in the same
locations. [0035] 2. The invention is operator programmable, which
allows the operator the flexibility to: [0036] a. increase,
decrease or leave unchanged the level of difficulty presented to
the shooter during training or assessment, [0037] b. present one or
multiple target scenarios during the running of a program, which
greatly adds to the training difficulty and realism, [0038] c.
accurately assess the level of training level of an individual
shooter and other shooters in a peer group by presenting the same
accurate and repeatable programs to all the shooters, [0039] d.
present target images to the shooter wherein the shooter has no
prior knowledge of the type of target image they will be exposed
to. The target image may be selected from any number of target
images including a threat, no threat, various hostage and assailant
depictions, etc.
[0040] The system can be operator programmed to move the targets at
controlled speeds and in predetermined directions. It also allows
halting the movement of the target assembly for operator selectable
periods of time before moving the target assembly to a new
location. The operator programs these parameters into the system.
The targets move from locations where no shot by the shooter is
possible, as when they are behind the target obscuring panels, to
locations in openings in the panels where the shooter has a visible
field of fire. The targets can be operator programmed to halt in
the visible location for a predetermined period of time and are
then programmed to move to locations where they are not visible.
The various parameters the operator may program include the
location at which the target is stationary before the training
sequence starts. This is known as the target start location. This
location is any area behind the target obscuring panels and is
operator selectable. The direction of the target movement, the
speed at which the target moves and the length of time the targets
are located in visible and not visible locations are operator
programmable.
[0041] Additionally, these parameters can be coordinated between
targets. One target can be made to move, halt and change its speed
of movement relative to the second target. As an example, the
1.sup.st target can be programmed to quickly move into the
simulated window opening of the target obscuring panels. When the
shooter is mentally affixed on that target, and at a predetermined
period of time subsequent to the target being visible to the
shooter, the 2.sup.nd target can be moved into the field of view of
the shooter. These actions require the shooter to not concentrate
only on the 1.sub.st target. The shooter will be trained to
constantly be aware of and recognize the possibility of multiple
threats. Because of the availability of hundreds of target images,
coupled with the ability of the operator to program thousands of
combinations of target movements, speed, direction and location
parameters, there are infinite variations of scenarios available
for the operator to present to the shooter.
[0042] The proposed invention allows the operator to intermix
threat target images with innocent bystanders or target images of a
hostage being held by an assailant. Because of the inventions
ability to accurately and with repeatability, reproduce its
programmed parameters, the operator can evaluate the shooters
ability to not only quickly and accurately hit the correct threat
target image but to also assure that the shooter does not hit a
no-threat target image.
[0043] Because of its multiple target capability, the system
teaches a shooter to not concentrate only on a single threat
target. The shooter must at all times be aware that multiple
threats and innocent bystanders may appear, disappear and reappear
during a gun battle. They cannot be fixated on one target as they
are with the training systems available today.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0044] The invention can be more easily understood by reading the
subsequent detailed description and examples with references made
to the accompanying drawings, wherein:
[0045] FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a target carrier assembly in a
stationary position. The target carrier assembly contains a target
image affixed to a target mounting medium with the target mounting
medium attached to the target carrier. The invention may contain
multiple target carrier assemblies.
[0046] FIG. 2 shows a plan view of target carrier assembly
immediately after it is driven in one direction. Note the movement
of the middle and lower suspension arms on both the left and right
side of the target carrier. The arms are connected to each other at
the upper and lower pivot points located both on the left and right
side of the target carrier. This mechanical configuration allows
the target mounting medium to move in a random pattern that is not
in the same horizontal plane the target mounting medium was in when
it was hanging in a stationary location. Because of the inertia of
the target mounting medium and the twin pivots on each side of the
target carrier, the target mounting medium will begin to move after
the target carrier has begun its movement. Due to the action of the
pivot arms the target mounting medium will move in a random,
oscillating, arc motion. During the time the target carrier
assembly moves to a new desired location the target mounting medium
will stabilize due to gravity. The suspension arms will return to
the positions shown in FIG. 1.
[0047] FIG. 3 shows the action of the target carrier assembly after
it is stopped or the direction of the target carrier assembly
movement is reversed. The target mounting medium will exhibit an
oscillating, random pattern of movement. The exact pattern of
movement will differ and is dependent on the speed the target
assembly was moved, the length of time it is moved and the duration
of the time the target assembly is stopped before it is moved in
the opposite direction.
[0048] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the target system without the
target obscuring panels installed. The target system is shown with
one target carrier assembly.
[0049] FIG. 5 is a top view of the target system. The system is
shown with one target carrier assembly and the control unit.
[0050] FIG. 6 is a plan view of the target system with the target
obscuring panels installed. The target carrier system is positioned
behind the target obscuring panels.
[0051] FIG. 6 A is a plan view of the target system with the target
obscuring panels installed. The target carrier system is positioned
in the cutout in the target obscuring panels simulating a
window.
[0052] FIG. 6 B is a plan view of the target system with the target
obscuring panels installed. The target carrier system is positioned
in the cutout in the target obscuring panels simulating a door.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a top view of the target system. The system is
shown with two target carrier assemblies and the control unit.
[0054] FIG. 7A is a plan view of the target system without the
target obscuring panels installed. Two target carrier assemblies
are shown.
[0055] FIG. 8 is a plan view of the moving arm target mounting
medium. This unique target image has a moving arm that moves into
and out of the field of view of the shooter. The movement of the
moving arm is relative to the position of the target carrier
assembly to the opening in the target obscuring panels simulating a
window. As shown, the moving arm is in the relaxed position and
hangs down due to the location of the arm pivot. The target carrier
assembly is normally behind the target obscuring panels at this
time and would not be visible to the shooter. The actuating cable
is loose and does not affect the position of the moving arm.
[0056] FIG. 8A is a plan view of the moving arm target mounting
medium as the target carrier assembly is being moved toward the
cutout in the target obscuring panels simulating a window. The
actuating cable begins to tighten because the end opposite the
moving arm is anchored to a location on the target system
suspensions, and the target carrier assembly is being moved away
the actuating cable anchor point. The target system suspensions are
usually walls or posts driven into the ground on each side of the
target system. As the target carrier assembly moves into the
opening in the target obscuring panels simulating a window, the
cable is drawn tight and the arm is caused to rotate on the arm
pivot. The hand on the moving arm is quickly brought into the field
of view of the shooter. The shooter is forced to quickly recognize
the image the instructor has affixed to the moving arm. If it is a
weapon, the shooter must quickly and accurately shoot the target.
If it is not a weapon the shooter must refrain from shooting.
[0057] FIG. 9 is a unique target mounting medium. The target
carrier assembly in the invention may be modified to cause the
target mounting medium and target image to fall to the ground if
the target image is struck in an area that coincides with a vital
anatomical area on a person. This capability has been in the public
domain for many years and is not offered as part of the invention.
Existing target mounting mediums have a problem in that they are
manufactured with a flat bottom and remain upright on the ground
and in the field of view of the shooter after they have fallen from
the target carrier assembly. Our invention includes a target
mounting medium with the centerline dimension longer than the
dimensions on its sides. Manufactured in this manner the target
mounting medium will always fall over and be removed from the field
of view of the shooter after it falls from the target carrier.
[0058] FIG. 10 shows the opening in the target obscuring panels
simulating a window having a covering of inexpensive plastic sheet
or its equivalent. Objects such as the target image when observed
through a window are distorted and not easy to define, especially
at night with lights or moon glow in the foreground. This condition
is especially true when the object is being viewed with a
telescopic sight. A plastic sheet stretched over the opening in the
target obscuring panels and held by staples simulates the condition
of having to view the target image through a window glass.
[0059] FIG. 11 is a block diagram of the system. The system can be
powered by battery or alternating current that is converted to DC.
The system power runs the system electronic controller. The system
electronic controller is programmable via the external buttons on
the operator interface panel. The operator can program in various
speeds, directions and times that the target carrier assemblies are
stopped, either behind the target obscuring panels or openings in
the target obscuring panels meant to simulate a window or a door.
The operator can correlate the movements, speeds and stops of one
target carrier assembly to other target carrier assemblies. Signals
from the system electronic controller are sent to the target
carrier assembly motor control units, are processed and then sent
to the drive motors. Positional signals are fed back from each of
the target carrier assembly motor controls to the system electronic
controller to constantly monitor the locations of each target
carrier assembly relative to the other target carrier assemblies
and all target carrier assemblies relative to the target obscuring
panels.
DRAWINGS--REFERENCE NUMBERS
[0060] 10. target #1 carrier [0061] 11. target carrier cross
support [0062] 12. mounting point for the left end of the drive
cable [0063] 13. left-upper suspension arm [0064] 14. left-middle
suspension arm [0065] 15. left-lower suspension arm [0066] 16.
spring clip [0067] 17. left-upper pivot [0068] 18. left-lower pivot
[0069] 19. target carrier pulley [0070] 20. right-upper suspension
arm [0071] 21. right-middle suspension arm [0072] 22. right-lower
suspension arm [0073] 23. right-upper pivot [0074] 24. right-lower
pivot [0075] 25. mounting point for the right end of the drive
cable [0076] 26. target mounting medium [0077] 27. target image
[0078] 28. target system suspensions [0079] 29. target #1 carrier
drive motor [0080] 30. target #1 carrier suspension cable [0081]
31. target #1 carrier drive pulley [0082] 32. target #1 carrier
drive cable [0083] 33. target #1 carrier turn around pulley [0084]
34. target #2 carrier [0085] 35. control unit [0086] 36. target
#control signal cable [0087] 37. target start location [0088] 38.
1st target location [0089] 39. 2nd target location [0090] 40.
target obscuring panels [0091] 41. overlap in target obscuring
panels [0092] 42. cutout in target obscuring panel simulating a
window [0093] 43. cutout in target obscuring panel simulating a
door [0094] 44. not used [0095] 45. not used [0096] 46. anchor
point for the actuating cable [0097] 47. moving arm target mounting
medium [0098] 47. moving arm [0099] 48. pivot point [0100] 49.
actuating cable connecting point [0101] 50. actuating cable [0102]
51. not used [0103] 52. not used [0104] 53. target mounting medium
centerline [0105] 54. target mounting medium left edge [0106] 55.
target mounting medium right edge [0107] 56. not used [0108] 57.
target #2 carrier suspension cable [0109] 58. target #2 carrier
drive cable [0110] 59. target #2 carrier drive motor [0111] 60.
target #2 drive pulley [0112] 61. target #2 carrier turn around
pulley [0113] 62. target #2 carrier control signal cable [0114] 63.
plastic sheet [0115] 64. power supply [0116] 65. power cable [0117]
66. not used [0118] 67. wireless electronic transmitter [0119] 68.
program selection, initiation and halt signals [0120] 69. #1 signal
cable [0121] 70. motor control #1 feedback signal cable [0122] 71.
target #1 carrier motor control unit [0123] 72. not used [0124] 73.
not used [0125] 74. #2 signal cable [0126] 75. motor control #2
feedback signal cable [0127] 76. target #2 carrier motor control
unit [0128] 77. target #2 carrier motor drive
A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT--DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0129] The present embodiment of the invention provides mechanisms
for moving and positioning targets in relationship to themselves
and in relationship to a series of panels placed in front of the
targets. These panels have openings which allow the shooter to at
times see, and at other times to not see the targets. This
configuration allows the system operator to present varying
scenarios with various levels of difficulty to the shooter. The
difficulty of the scenarios chosen depends on the level of training
of the shooter and her ability to rapidly and correctly identify a
target image and accurately shooting the correct target images at
the correct time.
[0130] Referring to FIG. 1, the drawing shows a plan view of the
target #1 carrier (10), part of the invention. The target #1
carrier (10) contains, in part, the target mounting medium (26)
which is usually a sheet of cardboard. The target mounting medium
(26) is used to suspend the target image (27). The target image
(27) is a paper sheet on which one of any number of images has been
printed. Because of the unique design of the target #1 carrier
(10), the target mounting medium (26) and associated target image
(27) do not move in a flat horizontal plane. The design of the
target #1 carrier (10) causes a random, side-to-side and up and
down oscillatory motion of the target image (27). This action is
evident when the target #1 carrier (10) is quickly moved from a
stationary location. The action is also evident if the direction of
movement of the target #1 carrier (10) is abruptly changed or the
movement of the target #1 carrier (10) is abruptly stopped.
[0131] Referring to FIG. 1, one end of the left upper suspension
arm (13) is rigidly connected to the target carrier cross support
(11). The other end of the left-upper suspension arm (13) and one
end of the left-middle suspension arm (14) are joined at the
left-upper pivot (17). One end of the left-middle suspension arm
(14) and one end of the left-lower suspension arm (15) are joined
at the left-lower pivot (18). These parts suspend the left side of
the target mounting medium (26) which is connected to the
left-lower suspension arm (15) by use of a common spring clip
(16).
[0132] Correspondingly, one end of the right-upper suspension arm
(20) is rigidly connected to the target carrier cross support (11).
The opposite end of the right-upper suspension arm (20) and one end
of the right-middle suspension arm (21) are joined at the
right-upper pivot (23). One end of the right-middle suspension arm
(21) and one end of the right-lower suspension arm (22) are joined
at the right-lower pivot (24). The right side of the target
mounting medium (26) is connected to the right-lower suspension arm
(22) by use of a common spring clip (16).
[0133] When the target #1 carrier assembly (10) is not moving, the
target mounting medium (26) is parallel to the target #1 suspension
cable (30) due to gravity.
[0134] Referring to FIG. 2, when the target #1 carrier (10) begins
to move in either direction, the mechanical action of the target #1
carrier causes the target mounting medium (26) and associated
target image (27) to move in an oscillating, non-linear motion. The
target #1 carrier (10) is shown moving to the right. The motion of
the target #1 carrier is the opposite when the target #1 carrier
(10) is driven to the left. The amount of movement the target image
(27) exhibits is dependent on the speed at which the target #1
carrier (10) is moved. After the target #1 carrier (10) has moved
in one direction for a minimal amount of time and continues to move
in that direction, the target mounting medium (26) will return to a
position parallel to the target #1 suspension cable (30) and the
ground as previously shown in FIG. 1. This action is due to
gravity.
[0135] Referring to FIG. 3, when the target #1 carrier (10) is
stopped or its direction of motion is quickly reversed, the target
mounting medium (26) will continue to move in its original
direction and exhibit the random, oscillating, non-linear motion as
described previously. The target mounting medium (26) and
associated target image (27) again exhibit an oscillating,
non-linear motion. This sequence is repeated every time the target
#1 carrier assembly (10) is moved, stopped or its direction of
movement reversed.
[0136] Referring to FIG. 4, the target #1 carrier (10) is
positioned by moving the target #1 drive cable (32). The target
carrier cross support (11) has a mounting point for the left-end of
the drive cable (12). The target #1 drive cable (32) is wrapped
around the target #1 drive pulley (31) and continues on to the
target #1 turn around pulley (33). The target #1 drive cable (32)
is wrapped around the target #1 turn around pulley (33) and
continues on to the mounting point for the right end of the drive
cable (25) on the target #1 carrier cross support (11). The target
#1 drive pulley (31) is mounted on the target #1 drive motor (29)
output shaft.
[0137] Referring to FIG. 5, the operator programs multiple target
#1 carrier (10) movement sequences into the control unit (35). The
control unit (35) gives the operator the ability to input into the
program sequence the direction and speed at which the target #1
carrier (10) will move and a time delay executed after the target
#1 carrier (10) is programmed to stop. After the time delay is
executed, the target #1 carrier (10) is programmed to move to a new
location in the same or different direction, using the same or
different speed. This sequence is repeated multiple times and
programmed into the control unit (35).
[0138] Referring to FIG. 6, using the control unit (35) the
operator moves the target #1 carrier (10) to a location behind the
target obscuring panels (40) which conceal it from the shooters
view. The target obscuring panels (40) may be made of any number of
materials, including but not limited to, cardboard, plastic, wood,
press board, etc.
[0139] The operator then programs this location into the control
unit (35). This location is known as the target start location
(37).
[0140] Referring to FIG. 6A the operator then programs into the
control unit (35) the direction the target #1 carrier (10) will
move. In this example the direction selected is left as viewed from
the front. The operator then programs into the control unit (35)
the speed at which the target #1 carrier (10) will move to its new
location. The operator then initiates the target #1 carrier (10)
movement using the control unit (35). When the target #1 carrier
(10) reaches the new location desired, the operator stops the
target #1 carrier (10) movement and programs this location in to
the control unit (35) The operator then programs into the control
unit (35), the time she wants the target #1 carrier (10) to remain
stationary at this location This location is known as then known as
the target location (38). In this example the 1.sup.st target
location (38) places the target #1 carrier (10) in view of the
shooter within the cutout in target obscuring panel simulating a
window (42). The 1.sup.st target location (38) may be chosen to
allow the shooter to view the entire or only portions of the target
image (27). This is accomplished by selection of the 1.sup.st
target location (38) location in relationship to the cutout in
target obscuring panel simulating a window (42) or cutout in the
target obscuring panel simulating a door (43). The target #1
carrier (10) in this example was programmed to remain in the
1.sup.st target location for 2 seconds
[0141] Referring to FIG. 6B the operator then initiates the target
#1 carrier (10) movement using the control unit (35). When the
target #1 carrier (10) reaches the new location desired, the
operator stops the target #1 carrier (10) movement and programs
this location into the control unit (35). The operator also
programs into the control unit (35) the time she wants the target
#1 carrier (10) to remain stationary at this location. This
location is then known as the 2.sup.nd target location (39). In
this example the 2.sup.nd target location (39) places the target #1
carrier (10) in view of the shooter within the cutout in target
obscuring panel simulating a door (43).
[0142] The operator continues to enter multiple target locations
into the control unit (35), the number of which is limited only by
the number of memory allocations in the control unit (35). Each new
target location is sequentially designated as a new target
location. After the programming sequence is complete the entire
programming sequence is saved in the control unit (35) and is now
known as the program. The control unit (35) stores multiple
programs, the number of which is limited only by the number of
memory allocations within the control unit (35).
[0143] The operator then selects to replay one of the programs.
Upon initiation of the program, the target #1 carrier (10) will
move to the target start location (37). The shooter is then
positioned in front of the target obscuring panels (40). The
remainder of the program is initiated using the control panel (35)
or the wireless electronic transmitter (67). The operator has the
ability to pause the program at any moment during the program
execution. The target #1 carrier (10) will stop. The operator can
then restart the program and the program will begin at the time at
which it was stopped. The program will then run until completion,
unless it is again halted. After the program execution is complete,
the target #1 carrier (10) returns to the target start location
(37). The program can be replayed to further train the same
shooter; another shooter may be trained; anyone of the multiple
programs stored in the control unit (35) may be selected and
executed. A new program may also be entered.
[0144] Referring to FIG. 7, the system also allows coordination of
the locations, speeds, direction of movement and stop times of a
target #2 carrier (34) to target #1 carrier (10). The addition of a
target #2 carrier (34), target #2 suspension cable (57), target #2
drive cable (58), target #2 drive motor (59), target #2 drive
pulley (60), target #2 turn around pulley (61), allow direct
coordination of the direction and speed of movement, and stop time
of target #1 carrier (10) to the target #2 carrier (34). As an
example, the target #1 carrier (10) can be programmed to move to
the cutout in the target obscuring panel simulating a window (42)
and, at the same moment, the target #2 carrier (34) can be
programmed to move into the cutout in the target obscuring panel
simulating a door (43). The operator can program in a specified
amount of time after the target #1 carrier (10) is visible to the
shooter, before the target #2 carrier (34) is made to the shooter.
The target #1 carrier (10) can then be programmed to move to a new
location relative to the target obscuring panels (40). After the
target #1 carrier is positioned the target #2 carrier (34) is the
repositioned. This coordination of movement adds an even greater
degree of realism and difficulty to the shooters training.
[0145] FIG. 7A is a top view of FIG. 7
[0146] Referring to FIG. 8, one of the embodiments of the invention
is the moving arm target mounting medium (46) which has a moving
arm (47). The motion of the moving arm (47) is in direct
relationship to the location of the target #1 carrier assembly (10)
relative to the target obscuring panels (40). The moving arm (47)
is construct so as to have the moving arm (47) rapidly appear when
the target #1 carrier (10) is positioned in the field of view of
the shooter. The moving arm (47) has a pivot point (48) and an
actuating cable connecting point (49) for one end of the actuating
cable (50). The opposite end of the actuating cable (50) is
connected to the target system suspensions (28) at an anchor point
for the actuating cable (45). The actuating cable (50) length is
determined by the location at which the target #1 carrier (10) and
moving arm target mounting medium (46) come into the field of view
of the shooter.
[0147] Referring to FIG. 8 A, when the target #1 carrier (10) and
the associated moving arm target mounting medium (46) begin to come
into the view of the shooter, the actuating cable (50) loses its
slack and becomes tight. The actuating cable (50) begins to rotate
the moving arm (47) around its pivot point (48).
[0148] Referring to FIG. 8B, when the target #1 carrier (10) and
associated moving arm target mounting medium (46) come into full
view of the shooter, the moving arm (47) is brought into full view
of the shooter by the continued action as described above.
[0149] It is easy for the casual observer to envision the moving
arm target mounting medium (46) being used with the target
obscuring panels (40), specifically with the cutout in the target
obscuring panel simulating a window (42). As the target #1 carrier
(10) and moving target mounting medium (46) begin to come into
view, the shooter is unable to see what the target image (27) is
holding in the moving arm (47). When the target image (27) becomes
completely into view, the moving arm (47) quickly rotates into
view. The instructor may choose to have any one of a number of
images in the hand of the moving arm (47). These images may be of
either lethal weapons or non-lethal items.
[0150] Referring to the FIG. 9, the target mounting medium (26) is
constructed to have a target mounting medium centerline (53) that
is longer than the target mounting medium left edge (54) and the
target mounting medium right edge (55). When the target mounting
medium (26) is caused to fall to the ground, the target mounting
medium (26) cannot support itself on the target mounting medium
centerline (53) and will-topple over. This action removes it from
the field of view of the shooter. This construction is applicable
to both the target mounting medium (26) and the moving arm target
mounting medium (46).
[0151] Referring to FIG. 10, the cutout in the target obscuring
panel simulating a window (42) has a plastic sheet (63) affixed to
it to simulate a window glass. This plastic sheet (63) reflects
light and distorts the target image (27) when it is in the field of
view of the shooter.
[0152] Referring to FIG. 11, the target system is powered by a
power supply. (64). Power enters the control unit (35) via the
power cable (65). Programs are entered or executed from the control
unit (35). The programs may also be selected, executed or halted
and restarted via the wireless electronic transmitter (67) using
program selection, initiation and halt signals (68). Motor control
positioning signals are sent via the #1 signal cable (69) to target
#1 carrier motor control unit (71) which causes target #1 carrier
drive motor (29) output shaft to rotate. Motor drive feed back
signals are sent to the target #1 carrier motor control unit (71)
via the motor control #1 feedback signal cable (70) Motor control
positioning signals are sent via the #2 signal cable (74) to target
#2 carrier motor control unit (76) which cause target #2 carrier
drive motor (59) output shaft to rotate. Motor drive feed back
signals are sent to the control unit (35) via the motor control #2
feedback signal cable (75).
ALTERNATIVE EMBODIMENTS
[0153] The target system may also be installed with the target
carrier movement toward and away from the shooter. This
configuration simulates a "frontal attack mode."
[0154] The system is usable with all types of lethal and non-lethal
projectiles and radiation generating devices such as infrared or
laser.
[0155] The plastic sheet affixed to the window cutout can be made
of any of a number of transparent or translucent materials.
[0156] The target obscuring panels may be designed to simulate and
depict any number of different locations and surroundings such as
the interior of a nuclear power plant control room or the interior
of an airplane or bus.
* * * * *