ELECTRONIC DETECTION OF SHOT PLACEMENT IN A TARGET AREA

Abstract

Methods, devices, and systems are provided that determine shot placement in a target area without requiring visual detection. Shots are detected via an electronic detection circuit associated with a target. The electronic detection circuit can include a number of discrete circuit portions arranged in zones of the target area that are configured to identify a shot within each zone. The target is electrically connected to a target attachment device that is in communication with a controller and a user interface. Shots are detected in the target area by the controller receiving information through the electronic detection circuit and are reported to the user through the user interface.

Description

BACKGROUND

In both real and simulated combat/defense scenarios, the use of projectile weapons consistently rewards those who can accurately place their shots. Whether performed by an individual or a machine, the accuracy of shot placement can be generally improved by following the routine of taking at least one shot, observing the placement of the shot, and making an adjustment based on the placement of the shot observed. To assist an individual who is making adjustments for accuracy, carefully constructed targets can be used to visually record shot placements in a defined area.

Typical targets include a center point and a series of concentric rings, or spaced geometric shapes, surrounding the center point and having points oriented at various distances from the center point. This arrangement of target features defines the target area. In general, the center point of the target area is referred to as the bullseye. In most projectile shot placement scenarios the objective is to place shots in, or closest to, the bullseye of the target area. Targets may take on a series of shapes, configurations, and arrangements that are configured to test the abilities of an individual as well as that individual's proficiency with a projectile weapon.

For example, shooting ranges may provide targets in the general shape of an enemy, object, or animal, with various target areas representing vital organs, vulnerable areas, and/or combinations thereof Archery ranges typically provide concentric ring targets having color coded portions to represent various score values that increase in value the closer an archer places shots to the bullseye. Speed shooting competitions may employ the use of multiple targets in general proximity to one another to test an individual's capability of acquiring multiple targets and accurately placing shots within a target area over a given time period.

Detecting shot placement in the various targets is generally achieved through visual recognition. In other words, when a shot contacts or penetrates a target, an indication of that shot may be recorded via an opening, a hole, a mark, or other visual disturbance associated with the target. Some targets include a high visibility, or colored, impact area that is configured to highlight a placed shot with a ring of color. These high visibility targets include at least one colored layer of material oriented adjacent to a layer of cover material that can be configured to display a target. When a projectile contacts or penetrates the cover material, a portion of the colored layer at the contact or penetration point may be exposed such that the placed shot is recorded visually with the aid of color.

All of these targets rely upon a visual recognition of shot placement recorded in the target material. As can be appreciated, as targets are moved further from a shooter (e.g., in law enforcement, military, competition, and training scenarios, etc.) detecting the placement of a shot using visual detection can become increasingly difficult if not impossible.

SUMMARY

It is with respect to the above issues and other problems that the embodiments presented herein were contemplated. In general, embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods, devices, and systems by which shots placed in a target area can be detected electrically. In some embodiments, the shot placement may be detected through non-visual detection techniques as provided herein. It should be appreciated that although the detection methods, devices, and systems, disclosed herein may provide detection without requiring visual confirmation, use of visual detection may be employed in combination with the electronic detection described.

In some embodiments, a target is provided that includes at least one electrical circuit in or about a target area. The at least one electrical circuit can detect shots received in the target area by providing a difference in electrical properties for the at least one circuit between an undisturbed target area and a disturbed target area. For instance, an undisturbed target area, or zone within the target area, may provide first electrical properties (e.g., current, impedance, voltage, power, continuity, etc., and/or combinations thereof) and a disturbed target area, or zone within the target area, may provide second electrical properties that differ from the first electrical properties. A disturbed target area may include a deformation to the circuit in some form. Typical deformations can include, but are not limited to, impacting, bending, denting, perforating, fracturing, penetrating, destroying, etc., and/or combinations thereof. In some cases, the deformations can cause a change in the circuit configuration such that electrical properties associated with the circuit are changed. Changes in circuit configuration may include at least one of an electrical short, an electrical open, a change in capacitance, a change in impedance, change in inductance, etc.

As provided herein, at least one electrical circuit can be arranged in or about a target area to define one or more zones of the target area. The zones of the target area can be configured in accordance with target areas having score values corresponding to accuracy results. Additionally or alternatively, the zones of the target areas can be configured to provide feedback to a user relating to a specific position of a received shot within a target area. In some cases, this feedback may be used by a user for making adjustments to aim, scope position, weapon configuration, sighting configuration, etc., and/or combinations thereof. As can be appreciated, the target area of a target may be divided into any number of zones, where each zone can include a circuit portion configured to detect a received shot. In some cases, the size of the zone, and the corresponding circuit portion, can be configured based on one or more of the size of a projectile used (e.g., using smaller grids, electrical trace spacing, etc. to detect smaller caliber projectiles—such that a small caliber projectile cannot pass undetected between traces that are disposed in a target area), and a level of accuracy desired (e.g., smaller zones can yield more comprehensive feedback of a user's accuracy in shot placement by providing a specific location of each shot relative to the target area).

Depending on the type of electrical circuit configuration and detection technique, the present disclosure can provide an arrangement of circuit portions to best suit an application. For instance, rectangular target areas may benefit from a rectangular circuit arrangement, while circular, semi-circular, or elliptical target areas may benefit from a polar circuit arrangement. Additionally or alternatively, the circuit arrangement may comprise a combination of a rectangular and a polar circuit configuration. In the embodiments provided herein, the electrical detection circuit may be arranged in any number of geometric shapes to fit and/or accommodate an area, zone, and/or shape of a target 100. In some embodiments, the electrical detection circuit may be arranged in any number of geometric shapes and/or configurations to fit and/or accommodate an area, zone, and/or shape, of a target.

In any event, the target areas may comprise a number of circuit portions disposed adjacent to, or within, zones of a target area to accurately detect the placement of a shot within any area of the target area.

The electrical detection circuit, and/or portions thereof, may be associated with a target via a number of methods and/or assembly techniques. In one example, portions of the electrical detection circuit can be printed onto a layer of receiving material using electrically conductive ink. The ink may be deposited onto the receiving material using one or more deposition technique including, but not limited to, inkjet printing, bubble jet printing, laser printing, silk screening, etching, offset printing, digital printing, flexography, rotogravure, intaglio, transfer printing, thermal printing, relief printing, pad printing, photo-etching, physical vapor deposition, and/or other printing, etching, or deposition techniques. In some embodiments, the electrical detection circuit may comprise a number of layers of receiving material, where each layer includes a circuit portion or via, and where each layer is electrically interconnected with at least one other layer. The electrical interconnection may be provided through the use of one or more “vias,” whether blind vias, buried vias, or through vias. Each via may include an area of electrically conductive material that is configured to electrically join a via area of one layer to a via area of another layer.

Layers of the material having circuit portions may be attached to one another to form the electrical detection circuit. In one embodiment, the layers may be adhered to one another. In another embodiment, the layers may be built upon one another to form a electrical detection circuit. In yet another embodiment, the layers may be joined together in a laminate to form the electrical detection circuit. Although described in conjunction with multiple layers, it should be appreciated that the circuit portions defining the electrical detection circuit may be formed on multiple sides of single layer of receiving material. For instance, a first portion of the electrical detection circuit may be disposed on a first side of a substrate, and a second portion of the electrical detection circuit may be disposed on a second side of the substrate, where the first and second portions are electrically connected with at least one via, as previously described. As can be appreciated, the layer or layers of material as provided herein may include any combination of the attachment techniques as provided herein.

The electrical detection circuit may be associated with a visible target area via a number of methods and/or assembly techniques to form a complete target. In one embodiment, the electrical detection circuit can adhered to a visible target area. For example, the visible target area may represent a target area that can be used by a user in acquiring a target and making shots. This visible target area may be constructed from at least one of paper, vellum, plastic, composite, fabric, or any other substrate that is capable of displaying a visible target area. In some embodiments, a target area sheet, or substrate, may be printed and laminated to the electrical detection circuit to form a complete target. In some embodiments, the target area may be printed directly onto the one or more layers forming the electrical detection circuit. The target area may be printed via any one or more of the material deposition and/or printing techniques provided above.

The complete target may include two or more electrical interface contacts. The electrical interface contacts may be configured to selectively electrically connect the complete target with an electrical contact portion of a target attachment device. In some embodiments, the target attachment device may connect to a controller having electrical connections that can at least one of provide and/or detect an electrical current, an electrical signal, and the like. For instance, the electrical interface contacts of the target attachment device may be interconnected to a controller. The controller may determine, based on the electrical properties of the electrical detection circuit of the complete target, whether a shot has disturbed at least one portion of the target area of a target. One example of a controller may include a programmable logic controller (PLC), having a power source, and one or more input/output (I/O) ports. In some embodiments, a specific target may be identified from a number of targets based on a configuration of at least one of the electrical interface contacts. In one embodiment, the complete target may include a mechanical and/or electrical feature that can identify one complete target from another.

In some embodiments, the controller may communicate with a user interface. The user interface may be a graphical user interface (GUI), a screen, a display, a computer, an arrangement of illuminated elements (e.g., in a linear configuration, rectangular configuration, polar configuration, two-dimensional configuration, three-dimensional configuration, etc., and/or combinations thereof), audible interface (e.g., speaker, transducer, etc.), etc., and/or combinations thereof Communications between the controller and the user interface may be wired and/or wireless. By way of example, when a portion of the target area is hit by a shot, the controller may detect a change in the electrical properties of the electrical detection circuit of the complete target and provide feedback to a user regarding the specific placement of the shot via the user interface. In the event that the user interface includes a display, the shot placement may be highlighted on a simulated target area presented to the display. It is anticipated that the shots can be numbered, organized, or otherwise identified via the display and information received by the controller.

Once a target area has become unusable, for example, when shots can no longer be accurately recorded (e.g., when the circuit becomes damaged, when the circuit includes too many shots in a particular zone of the target area, a circuit is malfunctioning, etc.) or when a new user wishes to use a new target (e.g., without any disturbance, etc.), a user may replace the target. It is an aspect of the present disclosure that the target attachment device may be configured to quickly release a used target and receive a new target. In one embodiment, the complete target and/or the target attachment device may include at least one of poka-yoke, keying features, orientation features, kinematic features, and/or pseudo-kinematic attachment features that can allow a target to be connected to the target attachment device and instantly interconnect with the controller in a repeatable manner.

The phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or class of elements, such as X₁-X_n, Y₁-Y_m, and Z₁-Z_o, the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X₁ and X₂) as well as a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y₁ and Z_o).

The term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The terms “determine,” “calculate,” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation, or technique.

The term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Section 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

The term “module” as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable of performing the functionality associated with that element.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the disclosure can be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following, more detailed, description of the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below.

FIGS. 1A-1E show various targets having different target area configurations in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2A shows a target having an electronic detection circuit associated therewith in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of a target comprising layers of the electronic detection circuit in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 shows an electronic shot placement detection system in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4A shows a target and projectile sizes in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4B shows a first layer of a target and a first electronic detection circuit portion in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4C shows a second layer of a target and a second electronic detection circuit portion in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting a method of electronically detecting shot placement in a target area in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting a method of manufacturing an electronic detection target in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 7A-7B show a first and second layer, respectively, of a continuity-type electronic detection target in accordance with a first embodiments of the present disclosure; and

FIGS. 8A-8B show a first and second layer, respectively, of an impedance-type electronic detection target in accordance with a first embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items.

FIGS. 1A-1D show various targets 100 having different target area 108 configurations in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Each target 100 may include a target substrate 104. The target substrate may be configured to include a visible target area 108, an electrical detection circuit, electrical interface contacts 112, and other features.

Referring to FIG. 1A, a standard circular target 100 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The target 100 shown in FIG. 1A may include a circular target area 108 having a bullseye 116, or center portion, concentric rings 120A-N, a vertical separator 124, and a horizontal separator 128. As can be appreciated, each of the concentric rings 120A-N of the target 100 may define various score values. Typical score values increase as shots approach the bullseye, with the bullseye having the highest score value. The target 100 shows an array of electrical interface contacts 112 configured to connect with a target attachment device as provided herein. Although shown in a linear array, it should be appreciated that the electrical interface contacts 112 may be arranged in any configuration.

FIG. 1B shows a target 100 divided into a combination of zones 120A-N, 116 in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. Similar to the target 100 of FIG. 1A, the target 100 may include a bullseye 116, or center portion, a vertical separator 124, and a horizontal separator 128. Each zone 120A-N and the bullseye 116 may correspond to positions on the target that can be configured to detect shots placed by a user. The target 100 shows at least two electrical interface contacts 112 configured to connect with a target attachment device, as provided herein.

FIG. 1C shows a target 100 having a number of visible target areas 108A-E disposed on a viewable side of the target 100. As configured in FIG. 1C, each of the target areas 108A-E include a circular target portion similar, if not identical, to the circular target portions as described in conjunction with FIG. 1A. In addition, FIG. 1C shows an electrical contact attachment portion 132 including the electrical interface contacts, and orientation feature 136. In some cases, the electrical attachment portion may be disposed on a separate layer of the target 100 other than the visible target layer 104. In one embodiment, the electrical contact attachment portion 132 may be mechanically reinforced to allow for quick insertion and/or connection with the target attachment device. In some embodiments, the orientation feature may serve to identify one target 100 from another.

FIG. 1D shows a target 100 having a number of visible target areas 108A-H disposed on a viewable side of the target 100. Additionally or alternatively, the target 100 may include a shaped target area 108N. By way of example, the target 100 may include a shape of an enemy as shown by the shaped target area 108N. In any of the targets 100 provided in FIGS. 1A-1D, as well as those described herein, at least one electrical detection circuit may be arranged in a target area, zone of the target area, or shaped target area. The electrical detection circuit may be configured to detect a shot placed in any target area of the target. In some cases, the targets 100 may include an electrical detection circuit outside of a target area 108 that can detect when a shot has hit a target substrate but not a target area 108.

FIG. 1E shows a target 100 having a visible target area 108A disposed on a viewable side of the target 100. Additionally or alternatively, the target 100 may include at least one shaped target area 108N, 108X, 108Z. In one embodiment, the target 100 may include a shape of an enemy 108N and a shape of a hostage 108Z. One or more of the visible target area 108A, the shape of an enemy 108N, and a shape of a hostage 108Z may include an electrical detection circuit. The at least one electrical detection circuit may be arranged in a target area, zone of the target area, or shaped target area. The electrical detection circuit may be configured to detect a shot placed in any target area 108A, 108N, 108X, 108Z of the target 100. In some cases, the targets 100 may include an electrical detection circuit outside of a target area 108 that can detect when a shot has hit a target substrate 104 but not a target area 108.

In some embodiments the placement of a shot in a target area may be used to evaluate a competency of a shooter. For example, a shot placed in at least one portion of the shape of the enemy 108N may qualify as a competent, and accurate, shot. On the other hand, a shot placed in at least one portion of the shape of the hostage 108Z may be an indication of incompetency and/or inaccuracy. In one case, when a shot is received in one or more portions of the shape of the hostage 108Z, an evaluation of a shooter may be ended. Such a shot may fail a test (e.g., an evaluation) of the shooter, because a real-world hostage may have been injured by the shot. As can be appreciated, the location of the shot within a shape, zone, or area may be considered in making a failure determination. Additionally or alternatively, at least one area portion 108X of the shape of the enemy 108Z may be considered an exclusion zone (similar to the shape of the hostage 108Z). For instance, any shot placed in the area portion 108X may be considered to injure the hostage, and as such, may disqualify and/or fail a shooter. In any of the instances described herein, one or more electrical detection circuits may occupy a portion of a target area 108 and/or a complete area of the target area 108.

In some embodiments, one or more portions of the targets 100 provided herein may be illuminated. The illumination may be used to indicate target areas 108, target zones 120, target shapes, an order of targets, a target focus, etc., and/or combinations thereof. The illumination of the one or more portions of the target 100 may be controlled based on information received from the electrical detection circuit of the target 100. For example, a shooter may be aiming at a target 100 down range and observe that one or more zones 120 of a target 100 are illuminated. Upon placing a shot in a first zone 120A of the target 100, the illumination associated with that zone 120A may be interrupted (e.g., terminated, extinguished, turned off, cutoff, etc.). Continuing this example, a second zone 120B of the target may be illuminated (e.g., either in response to the electrical detection circuit receiving the shot in the first zone 120A or illuminated because no shot has been detected in the second zone 120B, etc.) and the shooter may place a shot in the second zone 120B to interrupt the illumination associated with that zone 120B. This method may continue until a shooter places shots in each illuminated zone 120 of the target 100. In one embodiment, the control of the illumination may be provided by a controller in communication with the electrical detection circuit. This controller may be the same as, or separate from, the controller providing information to a user interface as described herein.

The illumination of the targets 100 (e.g., portions, zones, and/or areas of a target) may include any number, or combination, of illumination techniques. In one embodiment, the targets 100 may be illuminated using a front-illumination system configured to direct light onto a viewable surface of the target 100. In another embodiment, the targets 100 may be illuminated using a back-illumination system configured to conduct light through the target substrate 104. In yet another embodiment, the target substrate 104 and/or a viewable portion of the target 100 may be manufactured from a material incorporating electroluminescent characteristics. In any of these embodiments, each illuminated portion may include its own illumination and/or lighting source.

Illumination may be provided via high-intensity light sources (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs), incandescent bulbs, high intensity discharge lamps, fluorescent lighting, chemical lighting, lasers, etc.). As can be appreciated, the high-intensity light sources may allow for illumination of target 100 portions in bright light and/or daylight conditions. Additionally or alternatively, the illumination may include energy-efficient light sources (e.g., LEDs, compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs, incandescent, electroluminescence, etc.). Among other things, these energy-efficient light sources may be configured to provide the adequate illumination of targets 100 that are powered via a portable, or low, power source (e.g., battery, solar, wind, or other limited power source, etc.). The energy-efficient light sources may be configured to provide lighting for the illumination of targets 100 in low-light conditions and/or no light conditions (e.g., at night, indoors, etc.).

FIG. 2A shows a target 200 having an electronic detection circuit associated therewith in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2A, the target 200 is similar, if not identical, to the target 100 described in conjunction with FIG. 1B. For instance, the target 200 comprises a target substrate 104 and various zones 120A-N that make up the target area 208. The target 200 shows two electrical interface contacts 112 on the target substrate 104. As provided herein, the electrical interface contacts 112 are electrically interconnected to the electrical detection circuit of the target 200 and configured to interface with a target attachment device.

FIG. 2B shows an exploded view of a target 200 comprising layers 204A-N of the electronic detection circuit in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the target 200 may include a visible target layer 204A. The visible target layer 204A may be configured to present a visible target area to a user aiming for accuracy in shot placement. In other words, the visible target layer 204A provides one or more zones for a user to aim when making shots.

The target 200 may include a first layer 204B that includes a portion of the electrical detection circuit associated therewith. For example, in some configurations, one layer 204B of the electrical detection circuit may need to be electrically insulated from another layer 204A, 204C-N of the electrical detection circuit. Arranging the various portions of the electrical detection circuit on layers can provide this electrical insulation/isolation. Another technique for providing electrical isolation between electrical detection circuit portions may include disposing the electrical detection circuit portion on opposing sides of a layer 204A-N. As can be appreciated, the various targets disclosed herein may be manufactured in any single technique, or combination of techniques, as described. In one embodiment, the electrical interface contacts may be disposed on a portion of a layer 204A-N that extends beyond an area of at least one other layer 204A-N of the target 200. This disposition may correspond to the electrical contact attachment portion 132 as shown and described in conjunction with FIGS. 1C-D.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an electronic shot placement detection system 300 is shown in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 300 includes a target attachment device 304 configured to receive a target 200, a controller 336, and a user interface 340. The target attachment device 304 may comprise a first interface member 308 that includes at least one receiving contact 320 that is configured to electrically connect with a target 200. Electrical interconnection may be achieved via pin contact, probe contact, and/or other electrical contact with the target 200. For example, the target attachment device 304 may include an electrical contact probe that comes into contact with the electrical interface contacts 112 of a target 200 upon receiving the target 200. In some cases, the electrical contact probe may at least partially pierce the target 200 ensuring electrical contact between the target attachment device 304 and the electrical interface contacts 112 is made. Additionally or alternatively, the receiving contacts 320 may be disposed on a second interface member 312. The first interface member 308 may be connected with the second interface member 312 via connector 316. In one embodiment, the connector 316 may comprise a hinge that allows at least one of the interface members 308, 312 to move about an axis to open and close a target receiving area. When opened, a target 200 may be inserted into the target attachment device at the target receiving area. Closing the target receiving area may serve to electrically interconnect the target 200 with the target attachment device 304. Additionally or alternatively, closing the target receiving area may serve to mechanically hold a target 200 in place relative to the target attachment device 304.

In some embodiments, one or more electrical traces 324 may provide electrical communication between the at least one receiving contact 320 and a controller 336 via a controller connector 332. In some cases, these electrical traces may be included in a ribbon cable 328 or other type of trace bundle. The controller 336 may provide and/or detect an electrical current, an electrical signal, and the like associated with the target 200. In one embodiment, the controller 336 may include a programmable logic controller (PLC), having a power source, and one or more input/output (I/O) ports.

In some embodiments, the controller 336 may communicate with a user interface 340. The user interface 340 may be a graphical user interface (GUI), a screen, a display, a computer, an arrangement of illuminated elements (e.g., in a linear configuration, rectangular configuration, polar configuration, two-dimensional configuration, three-dimensional configuration, etc., and/or combinations thereof), audible interface (e.g., speaker, transducer, etc.), etc., and/or combinations thereof. Communications between the controller 336 and the user interface 340 may be wired and/or wireless. By way of example, when a portion of the target area is hit by a shot, the controller 336 may detect a change in the electrical properties of the electrical detection circuit of the complete target 200 and provide feedback to a user regarding the specific placement of the shot via the user interface 340. In the event that the user interface 340 includes a display, the shot placement may be highlighted on a simulated target area presented to the display. It is anticipated that the shots can be numbered, organized, or otherwise identified via the display and information provided by the controller 336.

FIG. 4A shows a target 400 and projectile sizes 440A-C in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The target substrate 404 includes at least one electrical circuit portion 408 having at least one electrical trace 412 and one or more vias 416. As can be appreciated, target shooting may include the use of multiple projectile sizes 440A-C. Typically bullet projectile sizes 440A-C are associated with a caliber. The projectile sizes 440A-C shown in FIG. 4A may correspond to varying calibers. For instance, projectile size 440A may correspond to an entry opening associated with a .45 caliber projectile. Continuing this example, projectile size 440B may correspond to an entry opening associated with a .22 projectile, while projectile size 440C may correspond to an entry opening associated with a 9 mm projectile. In any event, the spacing between the electrical traces of the target 400 may be configured for the smallest projectile size anticipated for a target 400. In other words, the spacing may be configured to prevent a projectile from passing through a target 400 without being detected by the electronic detection circuit. As such, the various electrical traces 412 within a target area may spaced (e.g., in a rectangular, polar, or combination arrangement) such that the distance between any two sections of adjacent traces is less than the smallest caliber projectile recommended for a specific target 400.

FIG. 4B shows a first layer 404B of a target 400 and a first electronic detection circuit portion 408A in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The electronic detection circuit of FIG. 4B may correspond to a continuity-type circuit. For instance, a target attachment device 304 may interface with the target 400 via the electrical interface contacts 420A-B for a supply-side of the circuit.

FIG. 4C shows a second layer 404C of the target 400 and a second electronic detection circuit 408B in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The second electronic detection circuit 408B electrically connects with the first electronic detection circuit 408A at the electrical via 416. In this example, the target attachment device 304 can interface with the target 400 via the electrical interface contacts 420C-K for a detection-side of the circuit. For instance, when a portion of the detection circuit is broken in this continuity-type scenario (e.g., upon receiving a shot placed in a particular zone of the target 400), the electrical properties associated with the various detection-side points will provide a detectable electrical condition. Based on the one or more circuit portions broken, the controller 336 can determine a placement of the shot. By way of example, if the circuit portion associated with interface contact 420E is broken, and no other circuit portion is broken, then the placement of the shot can be determined to have hit in the upper right corner of the target 400 in FIG. 4C (which corresponds to the upper left corner of the target 400 in FIG. 4B). As another example, if the circuit portion associated with interface contacts 420H and 420G are both broken, and no other circuit portion is broken, then the placement of the shot can be determined (e.g., by the controller 336) to have hit in the center of the target 400.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting a method 500 of electronically detecting shot placement in a target area in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The method 500 begins at step 504 and proceeds when a target 100 is received in the target attachment device 304 (step 508). Receiving a target 100 in the target attachment device 304 may include one or more of mechanically attaching a target 100 to the device 304, electrically interconnecting the target 100 with the device 304, and identifying, by the controller 336, a target 100 attached to the target attachment device 304.

The method 500 continues when a shot disturbs the target area 108 of a target 100 (step 512). Typically, disturbing the target area 108 of a target 100 includes penetrating at least a portion of the target area 108. Next, the method 500 continues by determining the zone 120 of the target area 108 disturbed (e.g., the target area that received the shot) by the shot (step 516). Depending on the type of electronic detection circuit used in the target 100, this determination may be made by the controller 336 based on detecting a lack of continuity in a circuit, a short in a circuit, impedance change in a circuit, capacitance change in a circuit, other changes in electrical properties of the circuit, etc., and/or combinations thereof.

Once a determination has been made as to the zone of the target 100 that received the shot, the method 500 may continue by reporting the hit to a user (step 520). In reporting the hit, the controller 336 may provide a specific location of the shot relative to the target area 108 to the user interface 340. For instance, the controller 336 can provide the specific zone 120 of the hit to a user via the user interface 340 visually, audibly, or a combination thereof.

The method 500 may continue by determining whether the target 100 or portion of a target is usable (step 524). In other words, after one or more hits by a projectile the target 100 may not be capable of accurately registering or detecting subsequent hits. As can be appreciated, this determination may be circuit dependent. A continuity-type circuit, for example, may provide specific circuit portions for each zone of a target area 108. Once the circuit portion is broken in a zone of a continuity-type circuit, that zone may no longer be capable of detecting subsequent hits in that zone. Other circuits may be configured to provide multiple hits before the target 100 or target portion becomes unusable. If a target 100 is determined to be usable, the method 500 may return to step 512. In the event that the target 100 is determined to be at least partially unusable, the method 500 continues at step 528.

In some embodiments, the method 500 may continue by reporting any unusable portions of a target 100 to a user (step 528). Reporting may include showing a user which target portions, or zones 120, are still available or have yet to be hit via a user interface 340. In some cases, a user may be informed that the target 100 is no longer usable in a partial or full capacity. In this example, a user may decide to replace the used target 100 with a new target.

The method 500 continues by determining whether to continue using the target 100 (step 532). In some cases, a user may continue to use a target 100 that is at least partially unusable. In this example, when a user decides to continue to use a target that is at least partially unusable, the method 500 may return to step 512. A user may be prevented from continuing to use a target 100 after a predetermined threshold of unusability has been reached. For instance, once all of the zones of a target 100 have been hit, the controller 336 may inform the user (via the controller 336) that the target 100 is no longer usable. As another example, a time limit may pass that prevents the user from continuing to use the target 100. As yet another example, a new user may wish to practice taking shots and the new user may be required to register and/or provide a new target 100. In any event, once the use is no longer continued, the method 500 ends at step 536.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting a method 600 of manufacturing an electronic detection target in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 7A-7B show a first and second layer, respectively, of a continuity-type electronic detection target in accordance with a first embodiments of the present disclosure. The electrical detection circuit shown in FIGS. 7A-7B may correspond to a “conductor break” technology circuit. In some embodiments, the second layer may correspond to a layer that is arranged opposite the first layer but electrically interconnected through at least one via.

FIGS. 8A-8B show a first and second layer, respectively, of an impedance-type electronic detection target in accordance with a first embodiments of the present disclosure. In one embodiment, the second layer may correspond to a layer that is arranged opposite the first layer but electrically interconnected through at least one via. The zones shown in FIGS. 8A-8B depict an example of a target area using a reactive component. In FIG. 8A, a reactive component is shown in the center of each zone of the target 800A. In one embodiment, the target 800A-B may not use separate individual conductors to sense circuit breakage in a zone, but may use a change in impedance over the total grid to detect if individual circuits of zones are present. To detect if a particular zone circuit, or cell, is intact, a specific frequency or address may be applied to the matrix grid such that all zone circuits and reactive components on the grid observe the same specific frequency and/or address. In the event that the zone circuit and reactive component and/or addressable component is intact, the component may exhibit a low impedance on the grid. This low impedance may be detected by the controller 336 of the system 300.

The exemplary systems and methods of this disclosure have been described in relation to electronic shot placement detecting systems and methods. However, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the present disclosure, the preceding description omits a number of known structures and devices. This omission is not to be construed as a limitation of the scopes of the claims. Specific details are set forth to provide an understanding of the present disclosure. It should, however, be appreciated that the present disclosure may be practiced in a variety of ways beyond the specific detail set forth herein.

Furthermore, while the exemplary aspects, embodiments, options, and/or configurations illustrated herein show the various components of the system collocated, certain components of the system can be located remotely, at distant portions of a distributed network, such as a LAN and/or the Internet, or within a dedicated system. Thus, it should be appreciated, that the components of the system can be combined in to one or more devices, such as a Personal Computer (PC), laptop, netbook, smart phone, Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), tablet, etc., or collocated on a particular node of a distributed network, such as an analog and/or digital telecommunications network, a packet-switch network, or a circuit-switched network. It will be appreciated from the preceding description, and for reasons of computational efficiency, that the components of the system can be arranged at any location within a distributed network of components without affecting the operation of the system. For example, the various components can be located in a switch such as a PBX and media server, gateway, in one or more communications devices, at one or more users' premises, or some combination thereof. Similarly, one or more functional portions of the system could be distributed between a telecommunications device(s) and an associated computing device.

Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the various links connecting the elements can be wired or wireless links, or any combination thereof, or any other known or later developed element(s) that is capable of supplying and/or communicating data to and from the connected elements. These wired or wireless links can also be secure links and may be capable of communicating encrypted information. Transmission media used as links, for example, can be any suitable carrier for electrical signals, including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, and may take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio-wave and infra-red data communications.

Also, while the flowcharts have been discussed and illustrated in relation to a particular sequence of events, it should be appreciated that changes, additions, and omissions to this sequence can occur without materially affecting the operation of the disclosed embodiments, configuration, and aspects.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others.

Optionally, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented in conjunction with a special purpose computer, a programmed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integrated circuit element(s), an ASIC or other integrated circuit, a digital signal processor, a hard-wired electronic or logic circuit such as discrete element circuit, a programmable logic device or gate array such as PLD, PLA, FPGA, PAL, special purpose computer, any comparable means, or the like. In general, any device(s) or means capable of implementing the methodology illustrated herein can be used to implement the various aspects of this disclosure. Exemplary hardware that can be used for the disclosed embodiments, configurations and aspects includes computers, handheld devices, telephones (e.g., cellular, Internet enabled, digital, analog, hybrids, and others), and other hardware known in the art. Some of these devices include processors (e.g., a single or multiple microprocessors), memory, nonvolatile storage, input devices, and output devices. Furthermore, alternative software implementations including, but not limited to, distributed processing or component/object distributed processing, parallel processing, or virtual machine processing can also be constructed to implement the methods described herein.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be readily implemented in conjunction with software using object or object-oriented software development environments that provide portable source code that can be used on a variety of computer or workstation platforms. Alternatively, the disclosed system may be implemented partially or fully in hardware using standard logic circuits or VLSI design. Whether software or hardware is used to implement the systems in accordance with this disclosure is dependent on the speed and/or efficiency requirements of the system, the particular function, and the particular software or hardware systems or microprocessor or microcomputer systems being utilized.

In yet another embodiment, the disclosed methods may be partially implemented in software that can be stored on a storage medium, executed on programmed general-purpose computer with the cooperation of a controller and memory, a special purpose computer, a microprocessor, or the like. In these instances, the systems and methods of this disclosure can be implemented as program embedded on personal computer such as an applet, JAVA® or CGI script, as a resource residing on a server or computer workstation, as a routine embedded in a dedicated measurement system, system component, or the like. The system can also be implemented by physically incorporating the system and/or method into a software and/or hardware system.

Although the present disclosure describes components and functions implemented in the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations with reference to particular standards and protocols, the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations are not limited to such standards and protocols. Other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are in existence and are considered to be included in the present disclosure. Moreover, the standards and protocols mentioned herein and other similar standards and protocols not mentioned herein are periodically superseded by faster or more effective equivalents having essentially the same functions. Such replacement standards and protocols having the same functions are considered equivalents included in the present disclosure.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations embodiments, subcombinations, and/or subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the disclosed aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and/or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claims require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspect, embodiment, and/or configuration. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and/or configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

1. An electronic shot placement detection system, comprising:

a target attachment device configured to receive a target having at least one zone and an electrical circuit portion associated with the at least one zone, wherein the target attachment device is configured to electrically connect to the electrical circuit portion of the target;

a controller in communication with the target attachment device and the electrical circuit portion of the target, wherein the controller is configured to determine, at a first time, first electrical characteristics of the electrical circuit portion, detect, at a second time, a change to the first electrical characteristics of the electrical circuit portion, wherein the changed electrical characteristics indicate a disturbance in the at least one zone of the target, and record the change in the first electrical characteristics in a memory; and

a user interface in communication with the controller and configured to present information relating to the recorded change in the first electrical characteristics to a user.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit portion associated with the at least one zone of the target passes through the at least one zone of the target.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the disturbance in the at least one zone includes a penetration of the target by a projectile.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit portion includes a continuity-type circuit, such that a break in an electrical continuity associated with the electrical circuit portion results in the disturbance in the at least one zone.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit portion includes an impedance-type circuit, such that a change in an impedance associated with the electrical circuit portion results in the disturbance in the at least one zone.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the target includes two or more zones, wherein a first zone of the two or more zones includes a first electrical circuit portion and a second zone of the two or more zones includes a second electrical circuit portion, and wherein the controller is further configured to independently detect a change in electrical characteristics between the first electrical circuit portion and the second electrical circuit portion.

7. A target, comprising:

a substrate material defining an area and at least one target zone of the area;

at least one electrical circuit portion disposed on the substrate material and associated with the at least one target zone of the area;

a first electrical contact point in communication with the at least one electrical circuit portion;

a second electrical contact point in communication with the at least one electrical circuit portion, wherein an electrical path is provided between the first and second electrical contact points via the at least one electrical circuit portion.

8. The target of claim 7, wherein the electrical path includes electrical characteristics of the electrical circuit portion, and wherein the electrical characteristics change when the electrical path is altered.

9. The target of claim 7, wherein the at least one electrical circuit portion is printed with an electrically conductive medium onto the substrate material.

10. The target of claim 7, wherein the at least one electrical circuit portion is deposited onto the substrate material, and wherein the at least one electrical circuit portion includes an electrically conductive material.

11. A method of detecting a shot placement in a target, comprising:

providing a target attachment device configured to receive a target having at least one zone and an electrical circuit portion associated with the at least one zone, wherein the target attachment device is configured to electrically connect to the electrical circuit portion of the target;

determining, via a controller in communication with the target attachment device and the electrical circuit portion of the target, at a first time, first electrical characteristics of the electrical circuit portion;

detecting, at a second time via the controller, a change to the first electrical characteristics of the electrical circuit portion, wherein the changed electrical characteristics indicate a disturbance in the at least one zone of the target;

recording, via the controller, the change in the first electrical characteristics in a memory; and

presenting, via a user interface in communication with the controller, information relating to the recorded change in the first electrical characteristics to a user.