Target system and method for ascertaining target impact locations of a projectile propelled from a soft air type firearm

Abstract

A target assembly according to the present invention for use with soft-air type guns includes an impact detection device. The device overlays an intended target and transfers projectile impact information to a computer system to display the projectile impact location on an image of the target and / or interact with a gaming application. The detection device permits the soft air firearm to be utilized with various virtual targets (e.g., generated by software gaming, competition or training applications, etc.) and with a variety of paper or other targets.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60 / 421,768, entitled, “Target System and Method for Ascertaining Target Impact Locations of a Projectile Propelled from a Soft Air Type Firearm,” and filed Oct. 29, 2002. The disclosure of the above-mentioned provisional application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Technical Field [0003] The present invention pertains to target assemblies for firearm simulation, training and gaming systems. In particular, the present invention pertains to a target assembly for use with soft air type firearms to ascertain projectile impact locations thereon and transfer the impact information to a computer system to visually indicate those impact locations and / or interact with a gaming application. Alternatively, the target assembly may be utilized with a display system to display score values for and / or an elapsed t...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide automated scoring for target shooting performed with soft-air and other low force guns.

[0015] According to the present invention, a target assembly for use with soft-air or other low force firearms projecting low-energy, non-penetrating, projectiles includes a transparent pressure sensitive impact detection device. The detection device typically overlays an intended target (e.g., paper or other target, monitor for virtual targets, etc.) and determines projectile impact locations thereon. The impact information is transferred to a computer system to display the projectile impact location on an image of the target and / or interact with a gaming application. The detection device permits the soft air firearm to be utilized with various virtual targets (e.g., generated by software gaming, competition or training applications, etc.) and with a variety of paper or other targets. The detection device may be employed with computer systems connected over a network to facilitate joint training, gaming or competition sessions. Alternatively, the target assembly may transfer the impact information to a display system to display score values for and / or an elapsed time between the projectile impacts.

Problems solved by technology

Accordingly, firearm trainees are required to travel to the special facilities in order to participate in a training session, while the training sessions themselves may become quite expensive since each session requires new live ammunition for practicing handling and shooting of the firearm.

However, projectiles fired from soft-air guns are fired with insufficient force to impart significant destructive force to a target, whether live or inanimate.

Given the low energy of the projectile fired, soft-air guns are unlikely to cause serious injury, even if inadvertently mishandled.

Furthermore, soft-air guns are low noise and ideal for use indoors and in residential neighborhoods in which target shooting with a conventional firearm would be unsafe and / or prohibited.

Such conventional target systems cannot automatically evaluate a shooter's score and / or track progress over time, cannot interface with popular electronic gaming devices capable of presenting a varied array of automatically changing targets in a variety of gaming environments, and provide no manner by which shooters can interact with and compete interactively with shooters at remote locations.

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