Abstract: An inductive coupled object identification system (FIGS. 2a and 2b) uses inductive coupling to detect and identify objects. Each object includes an object resonance circuit (LT/CT) with a unique object resonance frequency. Base electronics (50) includes an inductive-coupling base coil (L1) coupled to an oscillator circuit (60). To detect an object, the oscillator circuit continually sends START pulses to the base coil. When an object is proximate to the base coil, a START pulse is inductively coupled to the object resonance circuit, causing it to resonate at the object resonance frequency. This resonance condition is detected by the oscillator circuit, which outputs an oscillation signal FREQ at the object resonance frequency. Frequency counting logic (70) is used to determine the object resonance frequency, allowing a microcomputer (80) to identify the object. Two embodiments of the object identification system are described: a dynamic embodiment (FIGS.

Abstract: A competitive recreational game including: a foam game ball with symmetrical air holes throughout; a paddle or racquet; a target scoring net with holes or optional electronic sensor system attached to a frame with secured posts; a ball rebound catch set for each player; opposing basketball hoops with attached net to a backboard and a playing court with boundaries, scoring rules and regulations for all levels of play based on at least 1 opposing player. Points are scored in several strategic rewarding ways. The AIR BALL game is designed to be played on the beach, in the backyard or indoors on a floor surface. A one person practice board, designed to warmup touch and accuracy, is also part or an extention of this recreational game.

Abstract: A multifunctional basketball game monitoring unit capable of sensing shots attempted and shots made in normal play and shots attempted and shots made from a spot location and further adjusting the score for the time a player remains in the air when shooting from the spot location; the unit acting to calculate, store, and display total time in play, total score, total percent of baskets made of total baskets attempted and total score shooting from the spot location for each of two backboard hoop assemblies.

Abstract: A shooting range that has a target chamber position at the target end. A camera on the chamber transmits an image of the target to the shooting end where it is displayed on a screen of a video micrometer. The video micrometer has cross hair reticles that measure a shot pattern generated on the target. The video micrometer has a tape recorder for recording the transmitted image, a printer for printing a hard copy of the pattern, a keyboard for data input, and is connectable to a computer for input of the shot pattern data.

Abstract: A multiple target electronic dart game having shared microprocessor that monitors and services operation of the electronic dart game. The multiple targets are mounted on opposite sides of a column which may be floor-standing or wall mountable. Affixed to the top of the column is visual display video monitor for providing players and observers with game scores and the like. The visual display video monitor is optionally capable of split-screen presentation. The novel design of the multiple target electronic dart game enables players to play dart games not previously available with single target dart games. Moreover, many components utilized by the controls are shared, thus enabling cost savings by eliminating substantial duplication of components.

Abstract: A multifunctional basketball game monitoring unit that allows automatic scoring taking into account foul shots, and position sensitive shots and also allows scoring of shots missed with a programmable control processing unit allowing for a great variety of differing output statistics both to visual display and to a printer and also allowing a variety of audio choices as programmed or as entered on a keyboard to the controller.

Abstract: An electronic dart game capable of being played by sight-impaired persons. The game includes a dart face forming a target for darts thrown by the players, the dart face including a plurality of scoring segments. An electronic processor is associated with the dart face for detecting a hit segment and determining the value of the segment which has been hit. An audible announcing device is associated with the processor and is responsive to the processor for audibly announcing sufficient information to direct and score the game without the need for viewing of visible indicators. As a further feature of the invention, as rollout mat is provided having an integral throwing line and affixed to the cabinet. In one condition, the rollout mat is completely stored within the cabinet and in the other can be simply rolled out to automatically position the throwing line, the throwing line being physically perceptible by a sight-impaired person to locate him with respect to the target face.

Abstract: An automatic target shooting system for determining projectile location relative to a target, calculating a score based upon the location and displaying a replica of the target with an indication of the location of the projectile relative to the target and the score. A target support structure defines a target area with criss-crossing X-Y-type coordinate light beams extending thereacross between light emitter devices and light receiving devices which generate output signals indicative of the location of a projectile during passage through the target area. The output signals are utilized by a computer device to identify the location of the projectile relative to the target and score the shot in accordance with the location. A replica of the target is displayed on a CRT screen with an indication of the location of the shot thereon and the score for the shot.

Abstract: A modular target system support structure for use with modular target systems simultaneously provides support and electrical contact to a plurality of target modules upon mounting and securing of the same in place on the support structure. In one embodiment, the modular target system support structure includes mechanical clamps for securing the plurality of target modules in place and electrical contacts, positioned on the mechanical clamps, for making electrical contact with the target modules automatically upon mounting and securing of the same in place. Furthermore, the modular target system support structure requires no tools for mounting or replacing target modules on or off the target field.

Abstract: A system for training soldiers in the use of firearms under simulated combat conditions has an enemy representative target and a simulating enemy firearm fire generator to arrest simulated enemy fire in response to the target being shot with a round of live ammunition.

Abstract: A board game apparatus for playing a class of board games such as board football involving the use of a thumper disc and other removable game apparatus associated with the playing board and the rules of play. The apparatus may utilize electronic position sensing means.

Abstract: An automated bag toss game, having a game board surface, with holes formed therein. Items are provided for being tossed toward and into the holes, and the game automatically keeps track of and displays running scores based on which holes the bags fall into. In some embodiments the items are bags containing pellets, "bean bags", and at least some of the pellets have magnetic properties. A wire coil is provided for each hole, disposed beneath the surface, for sensing the passage of the bag into one of the holes and producing a signal corresponding to that hole. An electronic circuit is provided for calculating and displaying a score based upon those signals.

Abstract: An automated bag toss game, having a game board surface, with a plurality of holes formed therein. Bags are provided, each containing pellets, at least some of those pellets having magnetic properties. A wire coil is provided for each hole and disposed beneath the game board surface, for sensing the passage of the bag into one of the holes and producing a signal corresponding to that hole. An electronic circuit is provided for receiving the signal and calculating and displaying a score based upon that hole.

Abstract: A game apparatus receives tokens pitched toward it and provides a score corresponding to the number and location of tokens it receives. The apparatus includes a box-like frame (20) that carries a horizontally disposed target board (22). The target board (22) includes a plurality of openings (38) formed therein. The openings (38) are arranged in a matrix of multiple rows and multiple columns and configured to receive the tokens (42) pitched into them. Beneath the target board (22) are a plurality of chutes (40), one chute associated with each opening (38). Within each chute (40) there is a token guide mechanism (54) for directing any coin-like tokens (42) received in that chute through a detection passage (60). A sensor (88) is mounted to each token guide mechanism (54) for detecting the presence of a token (42) within the detection passage (60), the presence of the token being indicated by a detection signal applied to the sensor output.

Abstract: A score-sensitive basketball hoop apparatus is provided for sensing then announcing the by-passage of a basketball through the hoop. The sensor comprises a transmitting light and a photoelectric cell. When a ball passes through the hoop the transmitted beam of light is broken. A broken beam is detected and the by-passage of the ball through the hoop is signalled by lights fixed to the hoop and the score is registered on a scoreboard.

Abstract: A target system includes a target comprising a plurality of spaced, parallel, electrically conductive strips disposed on a target surface. An electrically conductive backplane is provided on a back surface of the target in a plane parallel to the target surface. The system further includes Time Domain Reflectometry pulse generator connected to the backplane and to one end of each of the conductive strips for generating a pulse on each of the strips. The characteristics of reflected pulse are measured to determine the size and location of any projectile hits through the target. The backplane is energized to provide the target with a thermal silhouette.

Abstract: An automatic scoring apparatus for a dart game utilizing a plurality of light detecting elements situated on the periphery of a dart board. These light detecting elements are aligned to receive light emitted by a plurality of light sources so that a dart embedded in the dart board will block the path of light from the light sources to the light detecting elements. A microprocessor and associated electronic circuitry continually scan the light detecting elements to detect a decrease in the amount of light incident on any particular light detecting elements indicative of the presence of a dart in the dart board. The location of the dart is calculated mathematically from the shadow location information.

Abstract: An electric indicating target for use in shooting practice which provides a user with a display indicating the zone of the target face that has been hit by a shot. The target includes a planar surface of electrical resistance elements formed on the target face and divided into a plurality of electrically insulated sectors. When the surface of a sector is penetrated by a relatively small projectile, the resistance of the sector increases by an amount indicative of a shot hitting the sector. The target further includes external circuits, each connected to a different sector of the target, that store the resistance of a sector and detect changes in this resistance indicative of a projectile hitting the sector. After a sector is hit, the associated circuit first signals so, and then stores the new resistance of the sector. A display device is connected to the external circuitry in order to provide a user with messages indicating which sector has been hit.

Abstract: A dart board assembly for use in an electronic dart game. The assembly includes an electrically insulative dart board for catching and releasably holding darts. The dart board includes a spider defining a bull's -eye and a plurality of scoring radials extending from the bull's -eye. The assembly further includes an electrically insulative sensor board positioned adjacent to and aligned with the dart board. The sensor board includes a number of electrically conductive detectors with one detector being positioned in alignment with each of the scoring radials in the bull's-eye. The sensor board also includes an electrically conductive shield surrounding each of the detectors and electrically insulated from each of them. The shield is grounded to prevent cross talk between the detectors. A method of using the dart board assembly of the present invention is also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatic target shooting system for determining projectile location relative to a target, calculating a score based upon the location, and displaying a replica of the target with an indication of the location of the projectile relative to the target and the score. A target support structure defines a target area with criss-crossing X-Y-type coordinate light beams extending thereacross between light emitter devices and light receiving devices which generate output signals indicative of the location of a projectile during passage through the target area. The output signals are utilized by a computer device to identify the location of the projectile relative to the target, and to score the shot in accordance with the location. A replica of the target is displayed on a CRT screen with an indication of the location of the shot thereon and the score for the shot.

Abstract: A remote actuating system, specifically adapted for replicating indirect fire support in a battlefield environment and simulating the effectiveness of the fire support, includes transmitting control signals in response to a selected type of ammunition and a selected target area, transmitting a plurality of radio waves across the selected target area in response to the control signals, and indicating what at the selected target area could have been hit by the selected ammunition had it actually have been fired. The steps are performed utilizing a master station located near the weapon whose fire is to be replicated, a plurality of remote actuators located closer to the target area, and a plurality of indicator units associated with the objects which can be potentially hit in the affected zone within the target area.

Abstract: A cradle or tethered ball type toy is made more amusing and challenging by the use of a target housing instead of the conventional cradle to receive the ball. The target housing has an opening at the top to receive the ball but is then equipped with slits and return ball opening in the target to permit discharge of the ball from the target without separate action by the players. The housing also has electronic sensing device to separately record the balls from each support to which a ball is tethered.

Abstract: A hit indicating system in an aerial firing practice target to be towed comprises parallel connected resistance circuits the combined resistance of which is varied when any of the circuits is cut by a bullet, and this variation activates an ignition control unit comprising a differentiation circuit, a logic circuit, an output circuit, and optionally, a waveform shaping circuit, to transmit signals causing signal tubes to operate in sequence to emit flares or smoke preferably of significantly different hues indicating sequential hits to enable visual observation from aircraft at relatively remote positions.

Abstract: A plurality of coils (2) are situated beneath a playing surface (4), for example of a tennis court, and extending end to end adjacent a boundary line (5). An oscillator circuit (FIG. 2) associated with each coil produces an electromagnetic field 9 in the coil vicinity. A detector circuit associated with each oscillator issues a detection signal when the field is disturbed by a ball comprising a metal or ferromagnetic material. A processor interrogates the detectors to determine which, if any, have issued a detection signal. Desirably, the ball has a metal or ferromagnetic material internally thereof. More preferably the metal is a foil urged against an interior wall of the ball by a resilient mass or bladder.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing and evaluating live fire weapons systems. A vertical rojection screen is located downrange from an operator controlled weapons system which launches an ordnance tracer projectile intended to intercept a target. The target is a bright laser spot projected and steered along the projection screen. The projection screen has a retroreflective surface and is constructed out of disposable panels. The projectile is detected as it approaches the laser spot target, and apparatus is provided for scoring the projectile within a specified area around the laser spot target.

Abstract: A sensing frame is positioned so that a basketball will pass through a rectangular shaped opening in the sensing frame when a free throw shooter shoots the basketball towards a goal. The sensing frame has a beam of light directed across it above the top of the desired path of the basketball for the basketball to enter the goal and a second beam of light directed across it below the desired path of the basketball to enter the goal. If either of these beams of light is broken, different alarm signals indicate to the shooter whether the path of the basketball is high or low. The sensing frame is adjustable both vertically and about a horizontal axis to enable the desired positioning of the sensing frame relative to the shooter.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and computing the location of a baseball as it is pitched over a plate is disclosed. Infrared receivers are disposed at corner locations on opposite sides of a target zone which is aligned with the plate. First and second arrays of infrared emitters are mounted on opposite sides of the target zone for transmitting infrared light pulses to the opposite corner receivers. The infrared emitters are sequentially energized and transmit infrared pulse signals having relatively short durations in a scan cycle. Digital data words representative of the reception and nonreception by the receivers of the optical pulse signals are generated during each pulse interval of the scan cycle. Computer circuitry calculates the coordinates of the baseball within the target zone as a function of predetermined angular data retrieved computer memory.

Abstract: Apparatus for rating hits on a target comprises two photoelectric detector systems 1, 3. One of said systems is held in position adjacent to the path of travel of a target and is used to measure the distance from an entry hole to the center of the bull's eye of the target in the direction in which the target 18 travels through the apparatus. The other system is mounted on a cross slide 8, which is movable at right angles to the direction of travel of the target and measures the distance from the center of the entry hole to the center of the bull's eye in that transverse direction. The two distance vectors are vectorially summed up by a vector computer and are multiplied with a calibration factor. The result of the measurement may then be displayed, printed or delivered to an electronic data processing system in the form of a tenth-of-a-ring rating.

Abstract: A weapons engagement simulation system includes a weapon simulator having a laser transmitter for transmitting pulses of directed coherent light in a characteristic temporal pattern and a receiver garment. A plurality of photosensitive detectors distributed over each of a plurality of discrete zones on the outside of the garment respond to light from the laser transmitter by producing electrical detection pulses systematically related thereto. Comparators compare the electrical detection pulses from the photosensitive detectors in a respective zone with a predetermined threshold level and produce discriminated detection pulses when said electrical detection pulses are greater than the threshold level. A decoder compares the temporal patterns of the discriminated detection pulses with a temporal pattern characteristic of the laser transmitter and produces a hit signal corresponding to a respective corresponding zone when the compared patterns correspond.

Abstract: A slot machine or coin operated prize dispensing apparatus comprising a vertical gambling panel which forms a plane of movement for coins or similar flat, rolling tokens and which is provided with a plurality of prize sensors located in the plane of movement, a projector adjacent the plane of movement, a stake inserting slot, and a pay-out mechanism. A closed circulating path for projected coins is formed in the plane of movement of the gambling panel and passes adjacent the projector. The stake inserting slot is connected past the gambling panel to the pay-out panel by means of a separate circulating path for stake coins. Thus, the projected coins are independent of the number, value and combination of the stake coins so that the game can be priced and the prize relation changed without touching the projected coins.

Abstract: A system for scoring targets with a control module and plurality of timer modules connected thereto. The control module generates start and stop signals and the timer modules count the number of hits on one or more targets and the time required to make an adjustable number of hits. Each hit is detected by an electrooptic sensor. The start signal can be generated by a sound, by a pseudo-random generator or by manual switch operation.

Abstract: A dart target system comprising a first target movably mounted on a frame for rotation about a first axis, whereby when a greater number of darts are stuck in the target on one side of the axis than the other, then that one side will be below the other side, indicating victory for the player throwing toward the one side. An electrical system forming a part of the dart target system and delivering a light or other sensible signal of one nature when the victory is achieved by a person throwing on one side of the target and of a different nature when a victory is achieved by a person throwing at the opposite side of the target.

Abstract: Apparatus for registering a chance event, particularly the passage of a ball over a closed boundary line in a game, is described wherein the ball contains an oscillatory circuit. Two parallel conductors, fed by an a.c. generator in phase opposition extend along the boundary line so that a receiving conductor extending between the transmitting conductors is subject to a resultant zero voltage until the ball approaches and passes the boundary line so disturbing the electromagnetic fields radiated by the transmitting conductors. The receiving conductor current then passes through an amplifier, phase comparison means, a pulse generator and display device. The phase comparison means is connected to distinguish the direction in which the ball crosses the line and also enables a zero setting device to accommodate prolonged extraneous signals. A compensating antenna and circuit eliminate stray field effects. The transmitting and receiving conductors can encircle a goal structure.

Abstract: A gas gun has a charge chamber, an inlet valve to admit a charge of compressed gas to the charge chamber and either a plane or rifled barrel which communicates at its breech end with the charge chamber via a rotary outlet valve. Preferably the inlet valve is linked to the outlet valve so that closing of the inlet valve immediately precedes the opening of the outlet valve. The outlet rotary valve includes a frestoconical valve member which rotates within a complementary seat and has a radial bore which can connect two or more ports in the wall of the seat and is strongly biassed to the open position. The inlet and outlet valves may be combined in a three-way valve. In use a projectile is placed at the breech end of the barrel and the inlet valve is opened and the outlet valve closed. After compressed gas, preferably helium, has been introduced to the charge chamber to the desired pressure, the gun is fired by closing the inlet valve and immediately thereafter opening the outlet valve.

Abstract: A linear motion and pop-up target training system is disclosed for training a marksman to fire a simulated weapon. Located upon the terrain surface of a modelboard are six pop-up targets and three bi-directional linear motion targets, each of which emits, when activated by a first microprocessor computer, a pulsed beam of infrared light. Mounted upon the weapon is a sensor which will sense the pulsed beam of infrared light emitted by the activated target. The sensor then supplied to a rifle electronics circuit an analog signal proportional to the amount of light received by the sensor, and the rifle electronics circuit converts the analog signal to a digital logic signal to be supplied to a second microprocessor computer. The second microprocessor computer then processes the digital logic signal in accordance with a predetermined computer program so as to determine whether the marksman has scored a hit, a miss, or a near miss upon the activated target.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an amusement game wherein coins are dropped onto a flat surface over which a vertical dam is horizontally translated. The vertical dam translates over a portion of the flat surface and will thus drop certain of the accumulated coins over the edge. The coins, as they drop over the edge, are collected in a counting chute to be synchronously counted in a memory which is then synchronously unloaded to vend out a corresponding number of tokens.

Abstract: A target shooting apparatus including an operator controlled simulated gun which projects a light beam of short duration toward a target each time the trigger is actuated. The simulated gun must be cocked between each "shot" which also resets a recoiling mechanism to give a true to life operational effect to the gun. The target includes a frame fronted by a simulated fence on top of which a plurality of objects, such as bottles, tin cans, and the like may be placed. A target impeller is provided on the frame in proximity to each of the objects so that, when actuated, the impeller will cause physical movement of the associated target knocking it off of the frame. The target impellers are actuated by a control mechanism, as a photo transistor therein senses the proper alignment of the light beam from the gun through one of a plurality of apertures located on the frame below each of the objects.

Abstract: A computer controlled automatic target system is disclosed which may be implemented on a fixed range or selectively deployed in the field. The fixed range system utilizes land line connections to the target and hit sensor assemblies. The portable field control embodiment incorporates a radio adapter unit which provides a two-way telemetry link between the control console and the target and hit sensor assemblies. The targets are provided with a fixed base or a disk-shaped sled. The targets utilizing the sled are adapted to be pulled across the terrain by a winch system. Both target mounting systems incorporate a base shield adapted to protect the target control and hit sensor assemblies. The hit sensor subsystem registers hits by ammunition or laser beam. Data from the hit sensor and control of the target silhouette between an up or down position is accomplished via communication links between the targets and the control console.

Abstract: An arcade amusement gun of the type which pneumatically shoots a rubber ball toward a hollow target with each pull of the trigger is gated by a master control so that its firing rate is the same as the other arcade amusement guns in a grouping of such guns.

Abstract: A game employing a gun capable of emitting a light beam can be played using a target apparatus which ejects objects each time this apparatus is approximately actuated by a light beam. The target apparatus includes a turntable which is capable of being rotated by a motor. The turntable includes a plurality of holders, each of which is adapted to hold an object to be ejected from the apparatus. An ejection lever is mounted on the base of the apparatus so as to be capable of ejecting an object from a holder positioned directly above it. After such an object is ejected the motor rotates the turntable. Structures are provided for returning the ejection lever to a position in which it can eject an object from an adjacent holder and for indexing the turntable so that an adjacent holder is above the lever as a result of such rotation of the turntable. A circuit including a photocell is provided on the apparatus for operation of the ejection lever so as to eject an object from a holder positioned above this lever.

Abstract: A device and method for detection of the shots on a target comprising a closed video circuit with the camera positioned adjacent the target so as to receive light influenced by a projectile about to hit the target. The monitor of the video circuit is positioned adjacent to the shooter and provides indication of the shooter's shot on the monitor.