Abstract: An apparatus for communication, a system thereof, and methods of manufacture thereof are provided. The apparatus comprises a body and a printed circuit board (PCB) operatively coupled to the body. The PCB comprises a processing unit, a first communication module operatively coupled to the processing unit, and an array of assemblies. The first communication module is configured to communicate with a secondary communication module wirelessly. The array of assemblies comprises at least two rows and at least two columns. Each assembly comprises a switch and a light. The array of assemblies are operatively coupled to the processing unit. Each light is configured to change a state responsive to at least one of a change in state by the switch within the same assembly and a control signal from the first communication module.

Abstract: A wearable vest having an optical sensor is disclosed with a vessel configured to hold a selected liquid. A nozzle is connected to the vessel. The optical sensor is configured to receive an encoded optical signal from one or more of a plurality of optical signal sources. One or more processors coupled to the optical sensor are configured to determine information in the encoded signal, select a response based on the information, and send a signal to enable the selected liquid to be directed out of the vessel through the nozzle towards a wearer of the wearable vest for a selected period of time based on the selected response.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus, including: an image acceptance section configured to accept an image of an operation inputting apparatus picked up by an imaging section; an operation signal acceptance section configured to accept an operation signal representative of an operation for the operation inputting apparatus from the operation inputting apparatus; and a process execution section configured to execute a process in response to the position of the operation inputting apparatus in the image accepted by the image acceptance section and the operation signal accepted by the operation signal acceptance section.

Abstract: An improved display provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot. The improved display provides one or more path indicators shown over the cross hairs. In some embodiments, an intermediate point in the projectile trajectory is an aiming point and is indicated in relation to the visualized target. The rangefinder device is calibrated to a bow having a bow sight, for example, having a twenty-yard pin. The aiming point is display showing the intermediate point in the projectile trajectory that corresponds with the bow sight pin. The archer places the bow sight pin on the point visualized in the rangefinder device.

Abstract: A digital rangefinder system indicates to a user a projectile trajectory to a target. The digital rangefinder system comprises a computing element, digital display, a memory, a range sensor, a tilt sensor in a housing. Embodiments include a digital camera, a high-resolution digital display, and GPS. Embodiments may comprise mobile smart phones with removable range sensors, handheld digital rangefinder devices, weapon mounted scopes, or simulation games. The system is capable of dynamically displaying an aiming point and adjusting for wind drift. The system may capture images and videos, create animations, and upload them to the Internet. The system may visually highlight obstacles or objects having a predetermined distance. A method aspect is calibrating the system to an individual bow having a bow sight.

Abstract: An improved display provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot. The improved display provides trajectory path indicator shown over cross hairs. In some embodiments, an intermediate point in the projectile trajectory is an aiming point and is indicated in relation to the visualized target. A rangefinder device is calibrated to a weapon having a sight, such as a bow sight. The aiming point is displayed showing the intermediate point in the projectile trajectory that corresponds with a pin in the bow sight. The rangefinder device may be calibrated using a calibration sheet. The display may include a level. The trajectory path indicator shows the aiming point, which is the highest point in the projectile trajectory as perceived by the user.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for simulating firing a gun comprises a firing system and a transmitting system coupled to the firing system. The firing system fires a cartridge and comprises a chamber and a hammer. The chamber receives and holds the cartridge, and the hammer strikes the cartridge. The transmitting system detects movement of the hammer and transmits simulation data prior to the hammer striking the cartridge.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and method of a lasertag game. The invention utilizes a plethora of handheld gaming devices, each of which operate in tandem with a respective wireless cellular device. During game play a handheld gaming device receives an infrared signal. Each handheld gaming device utilizes the wireless cellular device operating in tandem with it to transmit and receive game play information to the other handheld gaming devices utilized by other players. The invention also utilizes a server connected to a database and client computers to allow users to manipulate and enhance game play.

Abstract: A device combining a gun and target for facilitating a game of tag using infrared light communications and augmented reality with one or more players is provided. The device includes infrared transmitters and infrared receivers to facilitate omni-directional two-way communication between two or more devices and a shaped housing facilitating handling of the device by a user. The housing includes a grip portion with a finger-operable trigger and a barrel portion. A mobile electronic device is used as an accessory to provide single player and multiplayer augmented reality game play and a user-interface including a display and a touch screen for programming the device and controlling various game and device functions.

Abstract: An improved display provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot. The improved display provides trajectory path indicator shown over cross hairs. In some embodiments, an intermediate point in the projectile trajectory is an aiming point and is indicated in relation to the visualized target. A rangefinder device is calibrated to a weapon having a sight, such as a bow sight. The aiming point is displayed showing the intermediate point in the projectile trajectory that corresponds with a pin in the bow sight. The rangefinder device may be calibrated using a calibration sheet. The display may include a level. The trajectory path indicator shows the aiming point, which is the highest point in the projectile trajectory as perceived by the user.

Abstract: The invention is a trigger pull training device for improving trigger pull technique. The device has a frame with a trigger track opening and a trigger which goes through that opening. A proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors are placed proximate the trigger track opening. The sensors are connected to an indicator whereby pulling the trigger such that the trigger is within the sensing zone causes the proximity sensor to emit a signal. A plurality of sensors can be lined along the trigger track opening to indicate the accuracy of any pull.

Abstract: A gaming system is disclosed comprising a console unit having a processor and transceiver circuitry. The transceiver circuitry couples to the processor and includes respective receiver and transmitter circuits. A first phased array antenna interface is employed to transmit and receive directional signals in response to the processor. The system employs a mobile game controller including a second phased array antenna interface to receive and redirect the directional signals back to the first phased array antenna interface. The processor generates proximity data based at least in part on a parameter associated with the directional signals, the proximity data representing the proximity of the mobile game controller with respect to the game console unit.

Abstract: A firearm training system provides a firearm body having a trigger and a trigger pull sensor circuit. When the trigger is pulled, the trigger pull sensor circuit provides trigger pull data allowing monitoring of the actual two-dimensional trigger pull path taken by the trigger during the trigger pull. The trigger pull path is graft on a predetermined map together with boundary lines representing a predetermined difference threshold from ideal trigger pull data. The system provides a way to monitor trigger pull path to determine whether the trigger has been pulled laterally and/or the firearm body has moved with respect to a longitudinal axis of the firearm body during the trigger pull. By repeatedly monitoring trigger pulls using the system, a user can train to improve trigger pull technique.

Abstract: An imaging section successively outputs light-reception information relating to each pixel from a starting pixel SP to an end pixel EP, the starting pixel SP being provided on one end of an image PC acquired by the imaging section and the end pixel EP being provided on the other end of the image PC. The imaging section is provided in an indicator so that the starting pixel SP is disposed on a lower side and the end pixel EP is disposed on an upper side when the indicator is held in a reference position.

Abstract: A target recognition system may include a controller configured to transmit an actuation signal and a plurality of designators in wireless communication with the controller, each of the designators may include a signaling device, and wherein the actuation signal may be selectably associated with a selected designator of the plurality of designators to actuate the signaling device.

Abstract: A method of conveying a command to a user using a practice system is provided. The method includes detecting movement of the user using a sensor; selecting a command from a list of pre-determined commands; and conveying the command to the user using a signaler.

Abstract: The system and method to advance human performance in sighting, tracking, recognizing, and reacting to (collectively “engaging”) moving and stationary objects, for example, advancing skill in engaging targets with a firearm. System components include software and hardware that provide target and non-target image stimuli that can be manually or automatically generated as stationary or moving stimuli in a blank or a rendered scene environment. The methods including increase stimuli movement speeds and/or reducing the interval between or the time for which stimuli are displayed until the trainee fails to properly engage the stimuli, then reduce the movement speeds and/or increase the interval time to levels at which the trainee properly engages the stimuli. By repeating training methods with increasing speed, the trainee will be conditioned to achieve proper stimuli engagement with increasingly elevated speed and accuracy.

Abstract: A multi-directional remote control system and method is adapted for use with an entertainment system of a type including a display such as a monitor or TV and having display functions employing a mouse type control. The remote controller may be conveniently held in one hand of a user and still provides full mouse type functionality. The remote control system and method images the controller to detect relative motion between the controller and screen. This position information is used for control of a cursor or other GUI interface.

Abstract: A video game apparatus includes a CPU, the CPU detects marker coordinates data included in input data transmitted from a controller, and calculates indicated coordinates of the controller. A star object indicated by the controller is set as a target object by a player pressing a B-trigger switch. Then, a player object executes a processing according to the target object. For example, when the player continues to press the B-trigger switch, the player object is moved to approach the target object.

Abstract: A system for indicating to a user a clear shot along a projectile trajectory to a target wherein one of the trajectory path indicators indicates a height of the projectile trajectory at a predetermined intermediate range to the target whereby the user is informed regarding whether or not an obstacle is in the projectile trajectory. The system facilitates accurate, effective, and safe firearm and bow use by providing indications regarding obstacles that are between the shooter and target and which may or may not be in the projectile trajectory. The system may indicate a calibrated aiming point, which is the maximum height of the projectile trajectory. Enhanced rangefinders have digital cameras and high-resolution displays. Some embodiments include a weapon scope, a simulation game device, and a mobile smart phone. A method of using the system.

Abstract: A device combining a gun and target for facilitating a game of tag using infrared light communications and augmented reality with one or more players is provided. The device includes infrared transmitters and infrared receivers to facilitate omni-directional two-way communication between two or more devices and a shaped housing facilitating handling of the device by a user. The housing includes a grip portion with a finger-operable trigger and a barrel portion. A mobile electronic device is used as an accessory to provide single player and multiplayer augmented reality game play and a user-interface including a display and a touch screen for programming the device and controlling various game and device functions.

Abstract: A shooting toy used in a game for two or more players capable of allowing an opponent player to reliably receive an infrared ray signal even in an open air, e.g., under a scorching sun. The intensity of light included in a particular wavelength region around a toy is detected by an optical sensor 27. If the detected amount of light included in the particular wavelength region is large, an infrared ray signal generating section 31 increases the intensity of the infrared ray signal to be generated, whereas if the detected amount of light included in the particular wavelength region is small, the infrared signal generating section 31 decreases the intensity of the infrared ray signal to be generated. This prevents the infrared ray signal reception capability from being affected by the light included in the particular wavelength region around the toy.

Abstract: A game controller, a game machine, and a game system using the game controller is provided. The game controller manipulates a game program, and includes an energy harvesting unit to harvest motion of a user as energy when a game is played and an energy storing unit to store the energy harvested by using the energy harvesting unit.

Abstract: A method of conveying a command to a user using a practice system is provided. The method includes detecting movement of the user using a sensor; selecting a command from a list of pre-determined commands; and conveying the command to the user using a signaler.

Abstract: A device combining a gun and target for facilitating a game of tag using infrared light communications between a two or more players is provided. The device includes two infrared transmitters and two infrared receivers and a shaped housing facilitating handling of the device by a user. The housing includes a grip portion with a finger-operable trigger, a barrel portion and a user-interface including a display and a keypad for programming the device and controlling various game and device functions. A first infrared transmitter transmits a directional infrared signal to another game participant and a first infrared receiver receives an acknowledgment signal therefrom in response to the transmitted directional signal. A second infrared transmitter and second infrared receiver facilitate omni-directional two-way communications between two or more devices before, during, and after a game of infrared electronic tag allowing functions such as game setup, player identification and gameplay analysis.

Abstract: An improved display provides information regarding a projectile trajectory so that a user is informed whether or not there is a clear shot. Such information facilitates accurate, effective, and safe firearm and bow use by providing indications regarding obstacles that are between the shooter and target and which may or may not be in the projectile trajectory. The improved display provides one or more path indicators shown over the cross hairs. In some embodiments the highest point in the projectile trajectory (being a true aim point) is indicated in relation to the visualized target and possible obstacles. An improved rangefinder device generally includes a range sensor operable to determine a first range to a target, a tilt sensor operable to determine an angle to the target relative to the device, and a computing element, coupled with the range sensor and the tilt sensor, operable to determine an accurate projectile trajectory based on the first range and the determined angle.

Abstract: A firearm that includes a mounting rail having remotely powered electrical connectors with which modified prior art tactical accessories, such as tactical lights, night vision devices, laser sighting modules and the like can be interconnected. More particularly, the mounting rail of the invention includes electrical connectors that are operably interconnected with a relatively large, long life battery mounted in the stock of the firearm.

Abstract: A simulated gun includes a main body and a reactionary force generator having a drive force generator, an actuator and a transmitter. The drive force generator is arranged outside the main body and transmits a drive force to a core constituting the transmitter by driving of the drive force generator. The rotational arm of the actuator is rotated together with a weight about the horizontal axis by a drive force from the core, and a drive force in a direction for raising the muzzle side of the gun is imparted to the main body when the weight hammers the inner wall surface of the main body. Consequently, a specified impact force can be generated by the drive force generator arranged outside of the main body, the size and weight of the main body can be reduced, and a realistic reaction force such that the muzzle side of the gun is sprung up can be realized.

Abstract: A fire arm that includes a mounting rail having remotely powered electrical connectors with which modified prior art tactical accessories, such as tactical lights, night vision devices, laser sighting modules and the like can be interconnected. More particularly, the mounting rail of the invention includes electrical connectors that are operably interconnected with a relatively large, long life battery mounted in the stock of the firearm.

Abstract: A system for providing collaboration among a plurality of devices in a mobile ad hoc network is disclosed. The system consists of a module within each of the devices that is operable to perform login, synchronization, data loss recovery, and conflict avoidance and resolution functions.

Abstract: Two general effects of laser radiation interaction with balloon surface material or with gases surrounding or filling balloons are used for the play: the destruction and the shift of the inflated balloons. The kind of the laser-material interaction is selected depending on the game structure so that the desirable effect is produced by the minimal laser energy. The energy minimization is provided by the selection of the surface properties, the laser radiation parameters, the characteristics of the gases surrounding and inflating balloons, and the creation of the gas pressure inside the balloons. The desirable effects are generated by absorption of the used laser radiation or by laser-induced breakdown.

Abstract: A method for coordinate generation to be implemented using an orientation device includes the steps of: providing at least three reference marks on a target; aiming the orientation device at an initial point on the target, and operating the orientation device such that the sensor is able to capture an image of the target that contains at least one of the reference marks; correlating a coordinate space of the orientation device with a coordinate space of the target; aiming the orientation device at a target point on the target, and operating the orientation device such that the sensor is able to capture an image of the target that contains the reference marks; and determining relative coordinates of the target point with reference to the established coordinate space relation and the captured image. An orientation device that performs the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: Interactive methods and apparatus for infrared (IR) shooting games between participants are disclosed. The infrared transmitting and receiving toy has an interface display, switches, and an IR device for transmitting and receiving first or second data between participants, including tag or hit information and special attack information in response to user actuation of one or more inputs. The information processor generates a hit or tag tally upon receiving first data from IR receiver, and generates an activity upon receiving second data including a video-game or puzzle style activity on the interface display. In a further embodiment, the information processor is capable of storing gameplay experience, and the information processor may alter gameplay capabilities based on the accumulated gameplay experience of many games.

Abstract: A shooting toy used in a game for two or more players capable of allowing an opponent player to reliably receive an infrared ray signal even in an open air, e.g., under a scorching sun. The intensity of light included in a particular wavelength region around a toy is detected by an optical sensor 27. If the detected amount of light included in the particular wavelength region is large, an infrared ray signal generating section 31 increases the intensity of the infrared ray signal to be generated, whereas if the detected amount of light included in the particular wavelength region is small, the infrared signal generating section 31 decreases the intensity of the infrared ray signal to be generated. This prevents the infrared ray signal reception capability from being affected by the light included in the particular wavelength region around the toy.

Abstract: Provided is technology enabling the generation of images of high realistic sensation upon accurately reflecting the operator's behavior. The information processing device has a controller to be used for inputting an operational instruction, and having a function of outputting a detectable wave to be used for detecting its own position and direction; a plurality of sensors for detecting the intensity of the detectable wave transmitted from the controller at mutually different positions; a position/direction calculation unit for calculating the position and direction of the controller in a real space based on the ratio of the intensity of the detectable wave detected with each of the plurality of sensors; an image generation unit for generating an image reflecting the operational instruction input with the controller, and the position and direction of the controller calculated with the position/direction calculation unit; and a display unit for displaying the image generated with the image generation unit.

Abstract: A device combining a gun and target for facilitating a game of tag using infrared light communications between a two or more players is provided. The device includes two infrared transceivers and a shaped housing facilitating handling of the device by a user. The housing includes a grip portion with a finger-operable trigger, a barrel portion and a user-interface including a display and a keypad for programming the device and controlling various game and device functions. A first infrared transceiver transmits a directional infrared signal to another game participant and receives an acknowledgment signal therefrom in response to the transmitted directional signal. A second infrared transceiver facilitates omnidirectional two-way communications between two or more devices. The transceivers facilitate communications between game players before, during, and after a game of infrared electronic tag such as game setup, player identification and gameplay analysis.

Abstract: A method for coordinate generation to be implemented using an orientation device includes the steps of: providing at least three reference marks on a target; aiming the orientation device at a target point on the target, and operating the orientation device such that the orientation device is able to capture an image of the target that contains the reference marks; assigning absolute coordinates to the reference marks in the image captured by the orientation device; and determining relative coordinates of the target point in a coordinate space of the target with reference to the absolute coordinates assigned to the reference marks. An orientation device that performs the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a vertical and horizontal (X-Y) target shot position on a Liquid Crystal or Plasma display screen may be adapted to connect to commercially available video game console systems. Upon a trigger event from a light gun when it is pointed at the target shot position, a blanking signal renders the monitor black during a first vertical refresh cycle. During a second vertical refresh cycle, the voltage to each of the red, blue and green channels is increased in three separate screen sections to create a display split between the three colours. The light gun is adapted to be capable of separately detecting a blue, red or green light pulse and the X-Y coordinates of the target shot position is determined on the basis of the colour detected by the light gun and the length of time which elapses between the start of the second vertical refresh cycle and the detection of the red, blue or green light pulse.

Abstract: Positions of a plurality of objects in a space are detected. A position of reflected light of an object passing through an infrared screen is specified by analyzing an image obtained by selectively imaging the infrared rays. When the infrared screen is formed in front the display, reflected light is only caused just in front of the display. When the infrared rays are selectively imaged, a picture displayed with visible light is separated from reflected light in the infrared region, and only the reflected light can be imaged. A position of the reflected light on the display can be specified by a publicly known image analysis technique.

Abstract: A gaming server periodically receives location information from a plurality of distributed gaming devices. Such devices can take the form of cellular telephones or other wireless communications devices equipped with a GPS transceiver. When the gaming server determines that a gaming device is within a predetermined range of another gaming device, it sends an authorization message such as an “in-range” message to one or both of the devices within range of each other. The users of the device(s) receiving the in-range message are then authorized to “shoot” the other user, e.g., by taking a picture of them, pointing a laser at them or other gaming action that may be specified by the rules of the game. The gaming action could also be initiating a game.

Abstract: A video camera and recording device integrated with a real or toy weapon to provide video recording of the assault and aiming process of the weapon holder in operational training, actual combat, hunting, sports and gaming scenarios. A video camera is boresighted with the weapon, and a video memory stores the recorded dynamic scenario, and a trigger sensor which continually senses and records the triggering actions imposed by the weapon holder. The trigger sensor is attached to the actual trigger of the weapon thus enabling normal operation of the weapon. The video camera, may be mounted internally within the bore of the weapon, such that the external form of the weapon is not altered, thus achieving closer operation to real life situations. The recorded trigger data is utilized upon playback of the recorded video, enabling quick review and scoring of the recorded aiming process for training and gaming.

Abstract: An electronic toy gun for a toy shooting game includes an infrared beam emitter, a trigger, a game data input device, and an internal processor. The infrared beam emitter is configured to emit an encoded infrared beam. The trigger is configured to activate a state of emission of the infrared beam by the infrared beam emitter so as to indicate that a weapon is being fired. The game data input device is configured to receive game data input from a user. The internal processor is configured to receive the game data input from the game data input device and to cause the infrared beam emitter to emit an infrared beam that is coded with one of a plurality of codes based on the game data input.

Abstract: A light gun includes a trigger unit; a grip coupled to the trigger apparatus; and a barrel unit coupled with the trigger apparatus. The trigger unit has a trigger and a hammer, and the barrel unit includes a light emitting unit which emits a light bullet in response to generation of an impact by the hammer when a trigger operation is carried out by pulling the trigger.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement device having a body, wherein the body has features, at least one motor for powering the device and at least some of the features, and an information receiving structure for receiving information from an information carrying item that is separate or discrete from the amusement device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement device having a body, wherein the body has features, at least one motor for powering the device and at least some of the features, and an information receiving structure for receiving information from an information carrying item that is separate or discrete from the amusement device.

Abstract: A firearm laser training system of the present invention includes a target having a plurality of zones, a laser transmitter assembly for projecting a laser beam, a sensing device and a processor. The sensing device scans the target to produce target images to detect laser beam or simulated projectile impact locations. The processor receives impact location information from the sensing device and processes the received information to evaluate user performance and to display evaluation information and an image of the target including indicia corresponding to the detected impact locations.

Abstract: There is provided a game system which can change the configuration of an image based on the detected illuminating position of a light illuminating device to improve the effect of a game. The game system includes a light detection section which detects a position of a spotlight on a screen formed by an infrared light emitting section, an area setting section which sets a given specified area based on the position of the spotlight detected by the position detection section, and an image effect section which displays an image so that the specified area is displayed in a manner different from that of an area other than the specified area.

Abstract: In a laser gun, a signal generating unit generates an emission permission signal in response to a shooting permission signal. A laser beam bullet emitting unit emits a laser beam bullet based on the emission permission signal generated by the signal generating unit in response to an operation of the trigger.

Abstract: A pattern testing board is able to detect an emission beam such as a laser or light beam from a shooting system. A pattern testing board includes a plurality of paired emission beam sensors and hit indicators. Each emission beam sensor is responsive to a detected emission beam and each hit indicator signals the sensing of the emission beam by the associated emission beam sensor. Multiple pattern testing boards may be mounted together to provide a larger pattern testing system array. Further, an overlay with a representation thereon, a moving image display system, or a reflective moving image display system may be positioned in front of one or more pattern testing boards. Still further, the pattern testing board may be incorporated in a unique target system that includes the pattern testing board for determining the beam pattern emitted by the beam emitter, a level selection board for selecting a level of play; and a targeting game board having a plurality of targets.

Abstract: An amusement device has a body, wherein the body has features, at least one motor for powering the device and at least some of the features, and an information receiving structure for receiving information from an information carrying item that is separate or discrete from the amusement device.