Patents by Inventor Eric G. Muehle

Eric G. Muehle has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5980254
    Abstract: A weapons training range provides a simulated weapons use scenario including return fire. A microprocessor selects branches from a multi-branch program and causes an image projector to project subscenarios on a display screen visible to a participant. In response to the subscenarios, the participant fires at projected threats. Return fire simulators positioned behind the display screen return fire toward the participant. Obstructions are placed in the weapons range to provide cover for the participant. A video camera and X-Y position sensor identify the X-Y location of the participant and try to detect exposed portions of the participant. Based upon the identified X-Y location and any detected exposed portions, the microprocessor aims the return fire simulators to provide simulated return fire. To simulate real world aiming, the microprocessor induces time-based and response-based aiming errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Interactive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Muehle, Erwin C. Treat, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5947738
    Abstract: A simulated weapon includes a pressure switch within the simulated weapon's barrel. The pressure switch responds to pressure changes within the weapon barrel to activate a light emitter. In response, the light emitter emits a beam of light that simulates weapon fire by indicating the aim of the simulated weapon. Pressure changes within the barrel are induced by a conventional air cartridge that emits a blast of air when struck by the firing pin of the simulated weapon. The user can thus produce the simulated fire by activating the simulated weapon's trigger to trip the hammer and drive the firing pin into the air cartridge. In another embodiment, the simulated weapon activates a nonlethal pyrotechnic round. Simulated fire is produced in response to detection of the recoil, force, or pressure change produced by the pyrotechnic round. The simulated weapon may be a pistol, rifle or any other conventional hand held weapon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Advanced Interactive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Muehle, Erwin C. Treat, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5823779
    Abstract: A weapons training range provides a simulated weapons use scenario including return fire. A microprocessor selects branches from a multi-branch program and causes an image projector to project subscenarios on a display screen visible to a participant. In response to the subscenarios, the participant fires at projected threats. Return fire simulators positioned behind the display screen return fire toward the participant. Obstructions are placed in the weapons range to provide cover for the participant. A video camera and X-Y position sensor identify the X-Y location of the participant and try to detect exposed portions of the participant. Based upon the identified X-Y location and any detected exposed portions, the microprocessor aims the return fire simulators to provide simulated return fire. To simulate real world aiming, the microprocessor induces time-based and response-based aiming errors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Advanced Interactive Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric G. Muehle, Irwin C. Treat, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5649706
    Abstract: A hunting simulator having a projection of a moving target in life-size as in a natural environment is provided for practice shooting of a missile such as an arrow, dart, bullet, etc. The missile is detected in-flight in a detection plane set apart from a projection screen so the missile is detected undisturbed before impacting on the screen. The primary detector includes a continuously-illuminating LED emitter and a CCD camera sensor collocated with the emitter with a field of view in a detection area within the plane. Retroreflective tape on a perimeter about the detection area efficiently returns emitter radiation to the sensor. Detection is when a missile causes a shadow on the tape with an interruption of reflected light to the sensor, although in an alternative embodiment, the retroreflective tape is installed on the missile instead of the detection plane perimeter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Inventors: Erwin C. Treat, Jr., Eric G. Muehle