U.S. patent application number 14/247246 was filed with the patent office on 2014-10-30 for dry fire training devices and gun tracking systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Oren Louis Uhr. Invention is credited to Oren Louis Uhr.
Application Number | 20140322673 14/247246 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51789521 |
Filed Date | 2014-10-30 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140322673 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Uhr; Oren Louis |
October 30, 2014 |
DRY FIRE TRAINING DEVICES AND GUN TRACKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
A laser pointer or dry fire training device which may be
activated by a control system based on accelerometer data and a
library of event patterns. The event patterns may model fire arm
training activities such as shooting, moving, weapon manipulation,
reloading, and dry fire training. This invention also relates to a
system and method for positioning a laser using a resilient biasing
member that may be formed from a single sheet of metal.
Inventors: |
Uhr; Oren Louis; (Rishon
LeZion, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Uhr; Oren Louis |
Rishon LeZion |
|
IL |
|
|
Family ID: |
51789521 |
Appl. No.: |
14/247246 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13008234 |
Jan 18, 2011 |
8734156 |
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14247246 |
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13932036 |
Jul 1, 2013 |
8707867 |
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13008234 |
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13190135 |
Jul 25, 2011 |
8584587 |
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13932036 |
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13106842 |
May 12, 2011 |
8568143 |
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13190135 |
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61296045 |
Jan 19, 2010 |
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61809410 |
Apr 7, 2013 |
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61334203 |
May 13, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 35/00 20130101;
F41A 33/02 20130101; F41G 3/2655 20130101; F41A 17/44 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/21 |
International
Class: |
F41G 3/26 20060101
F41G003/26 |
Claims
1. A multifunction dry fire training device to be inserted into the
chamber of a firearm, comprising: an illuminator for emitting, upon
receiving a command from a controller, a first beam of visible
light and a second beam of invisible light from the barrel of said
firearm, said first and second beams of light being centrally
aligned with the barrel; a controller for controlling the
functionality of the device including illumination of said
illuminator, in response to activating the trigger of said firearm;
an actuator, being electrically connected to said controller, for
activating said controller; and a power source for providing
electrical power to said controller and to said illuminator.
2. A device according to claim 1, in which the first beam of light
has a predominant wavelength of approximately 635 nm and the second
beam of light has a predominant wavelength of approximately 780
nm.
3. A device according to claim 1, further comprising a collimator
for focusing the emitted beams on a target.
4. A device according to claim 1, in which the illuminator includes
a light emitting diode for emitting at least one wavelength of
light or a laser diode for emitting coherent stimulated
electromagnetic radiation.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/008,234 filed on Jan. 18, 2011, which
claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61/296,045
filed on Jan. 19, 2010. This application is a continuation-in-part
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/932,036 filed on Jul. 1,
2013, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.
13/190,135 filed on Jul. 25, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,584,587,
which is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 13/106,842 filed May
12, 2011, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,568,143, which claims the benefit of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61,334,203 filed May 13, 2010.
Also, this application claims the benefit of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 61/809,410 filed on Apr. 7, 2013.
[0002] The entire disclosure of each of the U.S. patent
applications mentioned in the preceding paragraph is incorporated
by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention generally relates to a device and
system for simulating live fire training from a wide variety of
handheld firearms. More particularly, this invention relates to a
laser pointer or dry fire training device, which may be activated
by a control system based on accelerometer data and a library of
event patterns. The event patterns may model fire arm training
activities such as shooting, moving, weapon manipulation,
reloading, and dry fire training. This invention also relates to a
system and method for positioning a laser using a resilient biasing
member that may be formed from a single sheet of metal.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Non-live fire training--repeated drawing, aiming and firing
without ammunition--is a practical, convenient way to improve
and/or maintain shooting techniques. The practice is limited,
however, by the fact that the bullet impact point is a mere
assumption; thus the trainees and/or trainers are limited in their
ability to evaluate the trainee's performance or improve their
skills. Furthermore, there has long existed the need for an
apparatus and system whereby a single or multiple user, or trainer
and trainee, can readily practice using a firearm without placing
themselves or others at risk of accidental discharge of the firearm
while still maintaining the ability to recognize the "hits." This
safety imperative coincides with an added desire to limit the
financial burden related to the wear and tear on a firearm,
including cost of ammunition and use of adequate facilities brought
about by live fire training. Accordingly, a need exists for an
alternative to traditional firearm training which addresses these
concerns and maintains the overall benefit of live fire training
without live ammunition.
SUMMARY
[0005] Hence, the present invention is directed to dry fire
training devices and methods for identifying a gun handling event
using an accelerometer interrupt output signal. The dry fire
training devices may include an accelerometer and a
microcontroller. The dry fire training devices may identify one or
more accelerometer interrupt output signals as a gun handling event
that matches a data pattern. The dry fire training devices may
perform an action (e.g., laser emitter activation) based on the
identification of the gun handling event.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] In the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the
specification and are to be read in conjunction therewith and in
which like reference numerals (or designations) are used to
indicate like parts in the various views:
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a gun with a rail mounted
laser pointer or dry fire training device in accordance with an
embodiment of the present invention;
[0008] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the laser pointer of
FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded view of the laser pointer of
FIG. 1;
[0010] FIG. 4 is a front view of the gun and laser pointer of FIG.
1;
[0011] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the laser pointer of FIG.
1;
[0012] FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view of the laser pointer of
FIG. 1 with the housing cover removed;
[0013] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the laser module positioning
element, as well as the windage and elevation positioning screws of
the laser pointer of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the laser pointer of FIG. 4,
along line 8-8;
[0015] FIG. 9 is a bottom view of the laser pointer of FIG. 1 with
the cover removed and showing the lateral extent of oscillating
movement of the laser module positioning element;
[0016] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the laser module and
battery of FIG. 9;
[0017] FIG. 11 is another perspective view of the laser module and
battery of FIG. 9;
[0018] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the laser module
positioning element of FIG. 9;
[0019] FIG. 13 is a top view of the laser module positioning
element of FIG. 9 showing lateral extents of oscillating movement
of the laser module positioning element;
[0020] FIG. 14 is a right side view of the laser module positioning
element of FIG. 9 showing elevational extents of oscillating
movement of the laser module positioning element;
[0021] FIG. 15 is a front view of the laser module positioning
element of FIG. 9;
[0022] FIG. 16 is a bottom view of the laser module positioning
element of FIG. 9;
[0023] FIG. 17 is a plan view of a flat pattern for the laser
module positioning element of FIG. 9;
[0024] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the housing body of the
laser pointer of FIG. 5;
[0025] FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the housing body of
FIG. 18;
[0026] FIG. 20 is another embodiment of a housing and laser module
positioning element of the present invention;
[0027] FIG. 21 is another perspective view of the housing and LMPE
of FIG. 20;
[0028] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of the housing and LMPE of FIG.
20;
[0029] FIG. 23 is a sectional view of the housing and LMPE of FIG.
20 along line 23-23;
[0030] FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the housing and LMPE of FIG.
23 along line 24-24;
[0031] FIG. 25 is a sectional view of the housing and LMPE of FIG.
23 along line 25-25;
[0032] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the laser module
positioning element of FIG. 20;
[0033] FIG. 27 is a plan view of a flat pattern for the laser
module positioning element of FIG. 26;
[0034] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of
a dry fire training cartridge in accordance with the present
invention;
[0035] FIG. 29 is a side view of the dry fire training cartridge of
FIG. 28;
[0036] FIG. 30 is a front view of the dry fire training cartridge
of FIG. 28;
[0037] FIG. 31 is a rear view of the dry fire training cartridge of
FIG. 28;
[0038] FIG. 32 is an exploded view of the dry fire training
cartridge of FIG. 28;
[0039] FIG. 33 is a partially exploded view of the dry fire
training cartridge of FIG. 28 with a retaining pipe assembly;
[0040] FIG. 34 is a sectional view of a gun with a dry fire
training cartridge of FIG. 28 and a retaining pipe assembly;
[0041] FIG. 35 is a sectional view of a dry fire training device of
FIG. 28 within an exemplary training barrel;
[0042] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of the laser pointer of FIG. 1
showing the tip of the gun barrel at the origin of a Cartesian
coordinate system.
[0043] FIG. 37 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of an
accelerometer based system for tracking gun movement and simulating
live fire training in accordance with the present invention;
[0044] FIG. 38 is a process flowchart for implementing an
accelerometer based gun training system in accordance with the
present invention;
[0045] FIG. 39 is a graph showing a sequence of one dimensional
acceleration values for a gun's muzzle measured from the gun barrel
axis along the vertical axis during a gun handling event;
[0046] FIG. 40 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary circuit for
implementing an accelerometer based dry fire training system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0047] FIG. 41 is a flowchart of an exemplary method for
recognizing a gun handling event from gun related accelerometer
data, and responsively emitting a pulsed emission of light to
simulate live fire of the gun in accordance with the present
invention;
[0048] FIG. 42 is a graph showing two sequences of one-dimensional
acceleration values for a gun's muzzle measured from the gun barrel
axis along the vertical axis, as well as along the gun barrel axis,
during a gun handling event;
[0049] FIG. 43 is a graph showing a pattern for the data of FIG.
42;
[0050] FIG. 44 is a circuit diagram of an exemplary circuit for
implementing an accelerometer based dry fire training system in
accordance with the present invention;
[0051] FIG. 45 is a flowchart of another exemplary method for
recognizing a gun handling event from gun related accelerometer
data, and responsively emitting a pulsed emission of light to
simulate live fire of the gun in accordance with the present
invention;
DESCRIPTION
[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a laser
pointer or dry fire training device 10 in accordance with the
present invention. The laser pointer 10 may be secured to a rail 12
under the barrel 14 of the gun 16. The laser pointer may include a
gun tracking mode in which movement of the gun is monitored by data
from an accelerometer located within the laser pointer. The laser
pointer further may include a dry fire training mode in which the
laser pointer may be activated to emit pulses of predominately
monochromatic light based on accelerometer data and a library of
"trigger" event patterns.
[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the laser pointer 10 may include a
housing body 18, an accessory rail attachment structure (e.g., a
dovetail shaped track and a clamp) 20 for securing the housing body
to the accessory mounting rail (e.g., Picatinny rail) 12, a water
resistant laser emission aperture 24, a laser pointer windage
adjustment screw 26, and a laser pointer elevation adjustment screw
28. The top portion of the housing body may include fasteners 30
for securing a cover 28 (FIG. 5) located on an opposite side of the
housing body. The clamp may include a clamping member and a mating
clamping member fastener. The clamping member fastener may be
partially threaded and disposed in a bore though a side wall of the
dovetail shaped track. The threaded fastener may be a hex screw,
which may be turned to translate the mounting rail clamp on the
opposite side of the housing. The fastener further may extend into
the dovetail shaped track.
[0054] As shown in FIG. 3, the top side of the laser pointer may
include a lid 34 for accessing a compartment 36 for storing a power
supply. The power supply may include a battery 38; for example, a
3V battery such as a 2L76 3-Volt lithium battery.
[0055] FIG. 4 shows a front view of the laser pointer. The width of
the housing may be approximately 2.5 cm and height of the housing
may be approximately 2.0 cm. The housing further may have a length
of approximately 3.0 cm. The laser emission aperture 24 may be
offset from the vertical axis 40 and horizontal axis 42 of the gun
barrel. Rotation of the elevation screw in the counter clockwise
direction may direct the laser emission upward or toward the gun
barrel; whereas rotation of the elevation screw in the clockwise
direction may direct the laser emission downward or away from the
gun barrel. Similarly, rotation of the windage screw in the counter
clockwise direction may direct the laser emission inward or toward
the gun barrel; whereas rotation of the elevation screw in the
clockwise direction may direct the laser emission outward or away
from the gun barrel.
[0056] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the laser pointer. The laser
pointer may include a housing body 18, a cover 32, fasteners for
securing the cover to the housing body 30, a clamping member
fastener 44, a clamping member 46, a laser module (e.g., 16 mm long
standard laser module) 48, a laser positioning element (LPE) (or
resilient member) 50, a fixation screw 52 for securing the LPE
within the housing, a windage adjustment screw 26, an elevation
adjustment screw 28, a lens 54, a securing ring 56, an O-ring for
sealing the lens 58, a power supply battery 38, a battery
compartment lid 34, and an O-ring for sealing the battery
compartment lid 60. The O-ring, lens (e.g., clear) and securing
ring cooperate with the laser emission aperture 26 to form a water
resistant window.
[0057] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the housing with the cover
removed. Visible within the housing is the battery, the laser
positioning element (LPE), the laser module, and a screw for
securing the LPE in the housing. Also, visible are the tapered ends
of the windage and elevation screws, and the LPE power supply
battery. One side of the battery may be connected to the LPE via a
resilient contact 62. The other side of the battery may be
electrically connected to the LPE via the housing body.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG. 9, the elevation and windage
adjustment screws may be used to push the LPE (or resilient bias)
away from an initial position. For example, the LPE may be
fabricated so that when it is installed in the housing, the laser
module is in the highest vertical position and the closest lateral
position to the centerline of the housing. Tightening the elevation
and windage adjustment screws may push (and compress) the LPE
downward and outward, respectively.
[0059] In FIG. 8. the LPE (or resilient bias) 50 is shown in a
generally vertically centered position. In this position, the
elevation adjustment screw presses against the vertical position
adjustment surface 64 to move the LPE (or resilient bias) into a
compressed position which aligns the laser module toward the center
of the laser emission aperture.
[0060] In FIG. 9. the LPE (or resilient bias) 50 is shown in a
generally laterally centered position. In this position, the
elevation adjustment screw presses against the lateral position
adjustment surface 66 to move the LPE (or resilient bias) into a
compressed position which aligns the laser module toward the center
of the laser emission aperture.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the laser module may
include one (or more) printed circuit board (PCB) 68 for
controlling laser light emissions from the device. For example, a
PCB may include a control circuit that includes an on-off switch
70, a vibration sensor (e.g., an accelerometer IC) 72, a
microcontroller 74, power management circuitry, such as a
buck-boost converter, and battery connection(s). Another control
circuit for the laser module 48 may be included on the PCB or
incorporated into the emitter/collimator assembly 74.
[0062] The microcontroller may be programmed to operate the laser
pointer with a number of functionalities. For example, the laser
module may emit a pulse of light in the form of a pulsed laser
beam. The light pulse may be of a predetermined nature, which can
be adjusted by the electric driver circuitry. Additionally, the
laser pointer may be Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement System
(MILES) code compatible.
[0063] The laser module may emit generally monochromatic "red"
light and have a dominant wavelength between approximately 610 nm
and 760 nm. For instance, the light emitting mechanism may include
a laser diode that emits light at approximately 635 nm or 650
nm.
[0064] The laser module may emit generally monochromatic "green"
light and have a dominate wavelength between approximately 500 nm
and 570 nm. For instance, the light emitting diode may emit light
at about 535 nm.
[0065] The laser module may emit generally monochromatic "blue"
light and have a dominant wavelength between approximately 360 nm
and 480 nm.
[0066] The laser module may emit generally monochromatic infrared
light greater than 760 nm. For instance, the light emitting diode
may emit light between approximately 780 nm and 850 nm.
[0067] The laser module may emit light in at least a first
wavelength of light and in a second wavelength of light. Thus, for
example, the illuminator 76 may emit "red" light at a wavelength of
635 nm and infrared light at a wavelength of 780 nm. The use of
multiple wavelengths of light may provide valuable benefits for a
user.
[0068] Preferably, the laser module may include a laser diode for
readily emitting at least one wavelength of coherent stimulated
electromagnetic radiation. Further still, it is contemplated that
the illuminator may include an organic light emitting diode as a
source of light for the laser pointer. The exemplary emission
spectra described herein in connection with illuminator embodiments
that use light emitting diodes apply generally to any device or
system that may serve an equivalent function in the laser pointer.
Thus, for example, illuminators 76 using a laser diode, organic
light emitting diode, or other light emitting device may be used to
generate light at wavelengths described herein in connection with
embodiments having illuminators based on standard light emitting
diode technology.
[0069] FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of the LPE. The cradle may
be separated from the stem by an arm. The top surfaces of the
cradle and the stem may form an angle. The angle of declination
between the stem and the top surface of the cradle may be seen in
FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 16 the lateral wall of the cradle and the
stem may form an angle. The angle of bias or initial spring bearing
may be shown in FIG. 13.
[0070] FIG. 15 shows a front view of the LPE with the laser emitter
76 disposed in the cradle 78, along with the vertical position
adjustment surface and the lateral position adjustment surface.
[0071] FIG. 17 shows a sheet pattern 80 for the LPE, in which
dashed lines indicate fold lines for forming the resilient member
from a flat sheet of material. The LPE may be formed from a bronze
material, stainless steel or spring steel. The LMPE may be formed
from other materials (e.g., metals and metal alloys) that allow the
objects made of these materials to return to their original shape
despite significant bending or twisting. For instance, other
suitable materials may include a low alloy, medium carbon steel or
high carbon steel with very high yield strength.
[0072] FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 show a perspective view of the housing
body 18. The housing body may include an LPE spring well 82, a
battery well 36 and a LPE anchor well 84. Also, the housing body
may include through bores for receiving the hex fasteners and
adjustment screws shown above. The front of the housing body may be
thicker than other walls so as to provide integral threading for
receiving the laser emission aperture assembly and the elevation
and windage screws. The housing body may be made from aluminum or
other metal or alloy. The housing body also may be formed from
polymer with inserts or over molded parts.
[0073] FIGS. 20-27 show another embodiment of the laser pointer
housing body 100 and LPE 102 in accordance with the present
invention. The laser pointer of FIG. 20 may have similar internal
components as the laser pointer of FIG. 1, but these components may
be sealed and waterproofed, which may allow the housing to be open
to the environment (see FIG. 21).
[0074] The elevation adjustment screw 104 may be situated on top of
the cover, and the windage adjustment screw 106 may be situated on
the right side of the cover. The LPE may be formed into an initial
uncompressed position in which the cradle is positioned at a
maximum elevation and at a maximum right side lateral position (see
e.g., FIG. 26). As shown in FIGS. 23 and 25, the elevation
adjustment screw may press the LPE directly on the top surface of
the cradle. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the windage adjustment
screw may press the LPE directly on the right side surface of the
cradle. The cover may be formed from aluminum, another metal or
alloy. The cover may be formed from a polymer material (e.g., Nylon
6-6).
[0075] As shown in FIG. 27, the LMPE may be formed from a single
sheet of material, which may form the base of the housing as well.
In this embodiment, the resilient bias arm of the LMPE is
integrally formed from the base of the housing. The base may have
four flanges 108 with screw holes for positioning and securing the
cover to the base with screws or similar fastening elements 110.
The LMPE may be formed from stainless steel or spring steel. The
LMPE may be formed from other materials (e.g., metals and metal
alloys) that allow the objects made of these materials to return to
their original shape despite significant bending or twisting. For
instance, other suitable materials may include a low alloy, medium
carbon steel or high carbon steel with very high yield
strength.
[0076] FIGS. 28-35 show a light emitting cartridge (or drill
cartridge) 210, which may house a laser diode that is activated by
a microcontroller. A detailed discussion of the structure and
operation of components of a dry fire training device that may be
housed in the drill cartridge is disclosed in commonly owned, co
pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/008,234, entitled "Dry
Fire Training Device," filed Jan. 18, 2011. U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/008,234 is incorporated herein in its entirety.
[0077] FIGS. 28-31 present an exemplary embodiment of a drill
cartridge 210, which is suitable for use in a 9 mm handgun. The
drill cartridge may include a front casing 212 and a rear casing
214 which cooperate to form a housing for internal components of
the drill cartridge.
[0078] Referring to FIG. 32, certain internal components of the
drill cartridge 210 may be housed within the front casing 212 and
other internal components may be housed in the rear casing 214. For
instance, these components may include a lens 257, a striking pad
254, an energy absorbing material 264, a conductive material 266, a
control circuit 268, a control circuit bias 270, a securing element
272, an illuminator 274, a resilient member 276, a power supply 278
(which may include one or more batteries 280), an attachment
element 282, and an attachment indicator 284.
[0079] The dry fire training device may emit emissions of light 286
having a predominant wavelength of between approximately 635 nm to
approximately 650 nm. In addition, the dry fire training device may
emit another emission of light 288 having a predominant wavelength
of between approximately 780 nm to approximately 850 nm.
[0080] Referring to FIG. 34, the drill cartridge may be inserted
into the chamber of a firearm to simulate live fire training. As
shown in FIG. 33, the drill cartridge may be used in connection
with a retention pipe assembly 290. The drill cartridge, however,
may be used without the retention pipe assembly as well.
[0081] Referring to FIG. 35, the drill cartridge also may be
inserted into a training barrel 292 for a gun. An exemplary
training barrel for a gun is disclosed in commonly owned, U.S. Pat.
No. 8,568,143, entitled "Training Barrel," filed May 12, 2011,
which is incorporated herein in its entirety.
[0082] Referring to FIG. 36, a micro electro-mechanical system
(MEMS) accelerometer sensor may measure and provide measurements of
acceleration for an environment to which it is securely attached.
As measurement of acceleration is also a measurement of force, gun
handling operations (e.g., without limitation, shooting, moving,
weapon manipulation, reloading, triggering, and cocking) may cause
the gun to absorb external forces and vibrate at a high frequency.
High frequency vibration of a gun may leave a distinct trace as it
dissipates (or fades back to stable mode). Accordingly, barrel
vibrations may be sensed on all three Cartesian axes (x,y,z). The
origin of the Cartesian axes may be placed along the central axis
of the barrel at the muzzle (or end of the barrel).
[0083] One approach for implementing an accelerometer based gun
tracking and training system is to investigate and identify
vibration (or acceleration) patterns associated with gun handling
operations. For example, it is believed that some gun handling
operations may produce frequent vibrations along the barrel axis
which may be modeled to a slower wave packet form with a
restrictive characteristic. Indeed, empirical testing has
identified a distinct peaks pattern before a significant fading
takes place. The pattern is believed to differ from one gun
handling operation to another.
[0084] In some cases, an analyzed system measured from initial
stability interference to recovery may be considered a Restrained
Oscillatory System (or a dumped system). In such a system,
assembled wave packets may reveal information about both types of
origin force behavior (slow and fast). Separating the slow-changing
packet form may provide a model of the system behavior. Such a
model may be expressed in measurements such as: acceleration
amplitude, disorder event time intervals, or number of first order
peaks.
[0085] FIG. 37 shows an exemplary block diagram 300 for a gun
action tracking system. The system may include a platform 302, an
accelerometer circuit 304 connected to the platform, a control
circuit in electronic communication with the accelerometer circuit,
and an action handle component 308 operatively associated with the
control circuit.
[0086] The platform may include the physical embodiment of a gun
tracking or training device which is fixed to the gun. For example,
the platform may be the laser pointer described above or the dry
fire training device described below. In the laser pointer
platform, the system may be mounted externally and adjacent to the
barrel. In the drill cartridge platform, the system may be held
within the chamber or barrel. Thus, the platform may vary according
to the system mechanical design.
[0087] The accelerometer circuit, preferably, may be an electric
circuit or integrated circuit (IC) which measures accelerations
using designated acceleration sensors (e.g., MEMS technology). The
accelerometer circuit may be a separated module in the system or
assimilated within the controller circuit or the controller IC. The
accelerometer may be adjusted or pre-configured. This may be
accomplished using the control circuit or any other external
signaling method.
[0088] The control circuit may receive data from the accelerometer
circuit, process the data, and determine whether an event has
accrued. This circuit may include a memory for program data and
storing data. The control circuit may be implemented using a
microcontroller IC or using another control method. For example, in
certain applications the control circuit may be implemented within
the accelerometer circuit or the accelerometer IC.
[0089] The action handle component may include a peripheral or
embedded component which performs actions required from the case of
certain event recognition. For example, the action handle component
may include a light emitter (e.g. laser), a communication channel,
or flash memory located inside the control circuit itself for
storing information from the event. A light emitter may include a
light projection device/component that may be initiated and
disabled using an electric signal. One use of the emitter is to
generate light pulses, by alternating the electric signal ON and
OFF. The emitter may be implemented using a laser, LED or any other
light generating component. In the exemplary embodiments disclosed
herein the emitter may be a laser emitter.
[0090] In use, the platform of the gun action tracking system is
subjected to forces that result in physical vibrations affecting
the gun. The accelerometer circuit measures the acceleration of the
physical vibrations and may transfer data or interrupt signals to
the control circuit. The control circuit may evaluate the transfer
data or interrupt signals to determine whether a "trigger" event
has been identified. If a trigger event has been identified, the
control circuit instructs the action handle component to perform an
action.
[0091] FIG. 38 shows a high level flow chart for a method of
processing accelerometer sensing data and building a behavior
pattern of the sampled event 310. The behavior pattern may then be
compared to predefined patterns that may be preloaded into the
system memory. The outcome of the processing and comparing actions
results in the determination of whether a predefined event has
accrued. Although, the determination that a predefined event has
been detected may be limited to a probability; once this state has
been reached the system then may perform actions to respond to the
occurrence of the recognized event.
[0092] The algorithm may utilize one or more predefined patterns
that are loaded to system memory. The sensor(s) may continuously
receive data and these data may be compared to the one or more
predefined cases in order to determine if a current sensed event
matches a familiar event. If the event measured by the sensor(s) is
determined to match a predefined pattern, then an action may be
issued as a response to the event. The foregoing method also may be
implemented without software. For example, a designated hardware
circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit, may be
used to implement the method without the use of microcontroller
unit.
[0093] Some accelerometers may be configured to provide a dedicated
signal notification when a specified movement occurs. The set of
predefined parameters for such a movement may include axis
direction, magnitude, rotation angle and duration. This
implementation may be harnessed to provide a way of recognizing
movement behavior of a gun which differs substantially from an idle
state. For example, measured values for these parameters may be
used to distinguish a live fire shot (or blanks). One approach for
recognizing a live fire shot is to set the control circuit to wait
for an accelerometer signal by constantly checking the signal input
pin. Alternatively, the control circuit may be set to low-power
mode so that it may be initiated by a signal event.
[0094] FIGS. 39-41 are directed to an embodiment of a gun tracking
system in which a fire event is sensed and identified in the
accelerometer circuit according to a predefined configuration. This
identification is received in the control circuit as a signal input
indicating that a "fire" event occurred. The responsive action is
generation of an emitter signal. Preferably, one aspect of this
approach is to set the control circuit to wait for the
accelerometer signal by constantly checking the signal input pin or
to set the control circuit to low-power mode so that it may be
initiated by the signal event.
[0095] FIG. 31 presents a graph 320 of measured accelerations on
the barrel axis of a gun during a trigger event for a specific case
scenario. The data were collected at 100 Hz sample rate. The time
scale is presented according to sample order, so that each
increment represents 1/100 second (or 0.01 seconds). The
acceleration is presented in mG (milli-G). Analyzing this pattern
on the barrel axis, there is a noticeable distortion in
acceleration measurement during the event. Namely, the acceleration
value is quickly restrained shortly after the event ends, and the
system is back to its stable state a few milliseconds later.
Repetitive measurements from similar "fire" events may be collected
and analyzed to help assure that configuring the accelerometer
interrupt at a predefined threshold of 1000 mG on the barrel axis
with a duration of about 1 ms to provide a reliable identification
of the event. Although, a sample rate of 100 Hz may not enable a
visual representation of restrained oscillatory movement, this
sample rate was adequate for this case.
[0096] FIG. 40 presents an implementation 330 of an accelerometer
332 based laser device mounted on a blank shooting training gun,
using a microcontroller 336 and a laser emitter device 338. As
required, a transistor further may be used on the GPIO output in
order to drive the laser module to the needed current value.
Alternatively, a transistor may be mounted as part of the laser
device module. The wiring design routes one interrupt output of the
accelerometer (INT1) to an input enabled pin of the
microcontroller. The laser is manipulated using one of the
controller GPIO pins (i.e. a general-purpose input/output), which
may be a generic IC pin that may be programmed to perform as a
circuit input or output. Preferably, a four line data communication
bus may be connected to allow the controller to define different
accelerometer parameters; however, a smaller communication bus or
no designated communication bus may be used as well.
[0097] FIG. 41 presents an exemplary algorithm 340 for a software
application which implements a gun tracking method for identifying
a blank cartridge "live fire" event using an accelerometer
interrupt output signal. Interrupt output signal INT 1 is set on
the Z axis. The microprocessor monitors interrupt output INT1 for a
signal. If the microprocessor receives an accelerometer interrupt
output signal, then the microprocessor initiates action to generate
a pulse of light from the laser emitter device. Otherwise, the
microprocessor continues to monitor interrupt output INT1 for a
signal.
[0098] FIGS. 42-45 are directed to another embodiment of a gun
tracking system in which more than one data interrupt may be used
to notify the microcontroller about an occurring event. In this
embodiment, data from the event may be stored to memory for use by
the algorithm for determining whether a preloaded pattern or event
has occurred. Preferably, the system may identify and discern gun
actions such as: triggering, firing, cocking, magazine replacement,
safety locking and others. This embodiment is based on pre-loaded
acceleration data patterns of a gun platform. The algorithm
compares current sensed event data with known and expected gun
behaviors to identify and discern gun actions. The system may be
based on a microcontroller IC and an accelerometer IC, which may be
synchronized by the software algorithm to check platform data,
document event information and react to the events. One aspect of
this approach is to set the control circuit to wait for the
accelerometer signal by constantly checking the signal input pins
or to set the microcontroller to low-power mode so that it may be
initiated by the signal. Gun events may be identified and stored
according to accelerometer interrupt signals. Monitored
accelerometer interrupt signals may be analyzed to determine
whether a predefined event has occurred. A response action may
follow the identification of the occurrence of a predefined event.
This sensing method may be more reliable than the single interrupt
output technique. Additionally, more types of gun handling
operations may be characterized for behavior pattern
identification, and information may be collected for other
implementation needs. These other implementation needs may include:
interactive user interface, documentation, recording, and sending
status signals via a communication-based system etc.
[0099] FIG. 42 presents a graph 350 of measured accelerations
during a blank firing event. The data were collected at a 1.6 KHz
sample rate. The measurements were made on two axes. Namely, the
barrel axis (Z axis) and the elevation axis (Y axis), which is
perpendicular to the barrel axis. The time scale is presented in
sample order, so that each unit represents 1/1600 of a second (or
625 micro-seconds). The acceleration in this graph is measured in
mG. Analyzing the pattern on the barrel axis, there is a
characteristic of a restricted oscillation on the barrel axis that
fits a modulated two-wave pattern. Each major oscillation pulse
begins with a high peak which makes it a bit hard for a basic
interrupt based system to decipher it from the oscillated mound
itself. Also, each barrel peak is synchronized with a reversed peak
in the elevation axis (negative elevation). Further analysis
reveals positive elevation between these peaks. Accordingly,
identifying barrel peaks when the elevation force is not-positive
and sensing a positive elevation force in between the barrel peaks
may provide a pattern for building and identifying a blank firing
event.
[0100] FIG. 43 depicts a sequential pattern 360 constructed from
data measured along two axis of the gun platform during a blank
cartridge "live fire" event. In this embodiment, the approach is to
try and fit each sense segment into one roughly determined
selection (a type) and ascribe each type with an accelerometer
response to form a sequential identification pattern for the
modeled event. In FIG. 42, two types are selected: [0101] the
barrel high acceleration peaks when the elevation is not
positive-high; and [0102] the elevation change which follows the
fading oscillations of the barrel acceleration between the barrel
high acceleration peaks. This model may serve as a "filter" for the
specific event blank firing), and thus a currently sensed event
which matches (or fits) the pattern may be identified as the
specific event. Table 1 demonstrates a filter for the pattern of
FIG. 43.
TABLE-US-00001 [0102] TABLE 1 Specific Event Recognition Filter Max
time to next INT1 INT2 Segment Index (i) expected INT Data Data
Type 1 -- High Low 1 2 20 mSec Low High 2 3 30 mSec High Low 1
Additionally, INT1 will be set to the barrel axis with a threshold
of 4000 mG. INT2 will be set to the elevation axis with a threshold
of 1500 mG with minimal duration of at least 7 mSec.
[0103] FIG. 44 presents another embodiment of an accelerometer 372
based laser device mounted on a blank shooting training gun, using
a microcontroller 374 and a laser emitter device 376. A transistor
may be used on the GPIO output in order to drive the laser module
to the needed current value. Alternatively, a transistor may be
mounted on the laser device module. In this embodiment, the wiring
design routes two interrupt output signals of the accelerometer
(INT1 and INT) to an input enabled pin of the microcontroller. The
laser may be manipulated using one of the controller GPIO pins,
which may be a generic IC pin that may be programmed to perform as
a circuit input or output. Preferably, a four line data
communication bus may be connected between the microcontroller and
the accelerometer to allow the microcontroller to define different
accelerometer parameters; however, a smaller communication bus or
no designated communication bus may be used as well.
[0104] FIG. 45 presents an exemplary algorithm 380 for a software
application which implements a gun tracking method for identifying
a blank cartridge "live fire" event using two accelerometer
interrupt output signals. Interrupt output signal INT 1 is set on
the Z axis and interrupt output signal INT 2 is set on the Y axis.
The program waits for an event occurrence in an idle state. After
an accelerometer interrupt event is sensed, the index value I is
set to 1. The vector x for the expected values of INT1 and INT2
from pattern location I are retrieved from system memory. The
vector y for INT1 and INT2 from the accelerometer are read. The
value of the y vector is compared to the value of the x vector. If
the value of the y vector does not equal the x vector, then the
program returns to the idle state and waits for another interrupt
output signal. If the y vector and the x vector are equal, however,
then the program determines whether a complete event has been
processed. If the complete event has been processed (e.g., the
index value, I, shows that the last of the sequential pattern types
has been detected and matched), then the program initiates a
generate emitter pulse action and returns to the idle state to wait
for an interrupt output signal.
[0105] On the other hand, if the event is not finished (e.g., the
index value, I, shows that the last of the sequential pattern types
has not been detected and matched) then the index value, I, is
incremented. The program may fetch the expected duration to the
next expected interrupt output signal for the pattern and Index
value, I. The program may wait until the interrupt output signal is
detected or the expected duration to the next expected interrupt
signal has elapsed. If an interrupt output signal is received
before the expected duration for the next expected interrupt signal
has elapsed, then the program reads the vector x for the expected
values of INT1 and INT2 for pattern location I. The vector y for
INT1 and INT2 from the accelerometer are read. The value of the y
vector is compared to the value of the x vector. If the value of
the y vector does not equal the x vector, then the program returns
to the idle state and waits for another interrupt output signal. By
contrast, if the y vector and the x vector are equal, then the
program determines whether a complete event has been processed. If
the complete event has been processed (e.g., the index value, I,
shows that the last of the sequential pattern types has been
detected and matched), then the program may initiate a generate
emitter pulse action before returning to the idle state to wait for
another interrupt output signal.
[0106] Accordingly, a method for identifying a gun handling event
using two accelerometer interrupt output signals may include the
following: [0107] providing an accelerometer integrated circuit
which may include at least two interrupt outputs, [0108] providing
a microcontroller that may include at least three GPIO pins; [0109]
connecting one GIPO to one interrupt output; [0110] connecting
another GIPO to another interrupt output; [0111] waiting for an
accelerometer interrupt output signal in an idle state; [0112]
receiving an accelerometer interrupt output signal; [0113] checking
accelerometer interrupt output signals (INT1, INT2) to determine
whether these signals do not correspond with respective expected
event beginning values (e.g., INT1 high, INT2 low, Table 1), in
which case the controller returns to the idle state; [0114]
evaluating interrupt output signals such that each sample of
interrupt output signals (e.g., INT1 and INT2) may be tested
against a predefined expected data pattern; [0115] restarting the
data analysis process if a received sample of interrupt output
signals does not correspond with a predefined data pattern; [0116]
identifying a sequence of accelerometer interrupt output signals
that match a predefined data pattern which corresponds to a gun
handling event; and [0117] performing an action (e.g., laser
emitter activation) after the gun handling event is identified.
[0118] In use, a laser pointer or a dry fire training device may be
attached to a gun. The laser pointer or dry fire training device
may include control circuit which electrically connects an
accelerometer integrated circuit, a microcontroller, and a laser
emitting device. As described above, the microcontroller may
receive interrupt output signal(s) from an accelerometer. A program
stored on the microprocessor may process the accelerometer data to
identify the occurrence of a previously defined gun handling event.
For example, the laser pointer or dry fire training device may
identify the occurrence of a "live fire" event and then instruct
the laser emitting device to generate a pulsed emission of laser or
predominately monochromatic light.
[0119] Additionally, the microprocessor and accelerometer
integrated circuit may be connected by a bus communication line to
transfer data from the accelerometer IC to the microprocessor
and/or system memory for documenting event information or other
applications. The laser pointer or dry fire training device further
may be MILES code compatible and adapted for use with a live
training tactical engagement simulation system.
[0120] While it has been illustrated and described what at present
are considered to be preferred embodiments of the present
invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that
various changes and modifications may be made, and equivalents may
be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the true
scope of the invention. For example, gun handling event patterns
other than those disclosed herein that reflect a specific gun
handling activity may be developed. In another example,
implementations of the operative aspects of disclosed process
algorithms may be modified. Features and/or elements from any
embodiment may be used singly or in combination with other
embodiments. It is intended that this invention not be limited to
the particular embodiments disclosed herein, but that the invention
include all embodiments falling within the scope and the spirit of
the present invention.
* * * * *