Abstract: A system and method for detecting hits to a target carrier and taking corrective measures and/or for detecting hits to a target carried by the target carrier may include one or more sensors or cameras disposed in conjunction with the target carrier. The target carrier may be provided with a processor in communication with a sensor, and the processor may also be in communication with a motor and/or actuator of the target carrier. The sensor may be able to sense hits to the target carrier and send a strike signal to the processor in response to such hits. The processor may then take corrective action, such as causing the target carrier to return to a home position, cause the target actuator to turn or edge the target, and/or send a signal to the range operators that the target carrier has been hit. The target carrier may also be provided with a camera for visualizing a target carried by the target carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a frame, a flexible material, a speaker, and a controller. The frame may be configured to provide a rigid edge about a generally rectangular shape. The flexible material may cover a front of the frame and secured to a back of said frame such that (i) a the rigid edge supports the canvas and (ii) a middle portion of the flexible material is not supported by the frame. The speaker may be connected directly to the middle portion of the flexible material. The controller may be (i) electrically connected to the speakers and (ii) configured to provide a music signal capable of driving the speaker to produce audible music. The flexible material supports the speaker.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for electronic targeting, and hit or touch detection of projectiles or objects, such as from some type of gun, bow (archery), ball, human touch, animal touch. Targets/nodes have hit/touch/contact detection implements and are in radio communication with a gateway, which may be standalone or integrated into a master target. The gateway is in radio communication with an app on a smart device and also includes the capability for data connectivity to the cloud. Electronic gaming and other touch event activities remote activities of geographically disparate groups of targeting-type or hit/touch/contact detection implements are provided.

Abstract: A game ball configured for organized, competitive play and having a total mass. The game ball includes an inflatable bladder, a layer of reinforcing material surrounding the bladder, an elastomeric layer surrounding the bladder, and a plurality of cover panels positioned over the layer of reinforcing material and the elastomeric layer. The bladder has a bladder mass that is greater than 25 percent of the total mass. The elastomeric layer and the layer of reinforcing material have a collective mass that is less than 55 percent of the total mass. The game ball is formed without one or more of electronics, batteries and charging coils.

Abstract: A hardened inductive device and systems and methods for protecting the inductive device from impact is provided. The inductive device is hardened with protective coating and/or an armor steel housing. The hardened inductive device is protected from impact by an object such as a bullet and leakage of dielectric fluid is prevented. Acoustic and vibration sensors are provided to detect the presence and impact, respectively, of an object in relation to the inductive device housing. The measurements of the acoustic and vibration sensors are compared to thresholds for sending alarms to the network control center and initiating shut-down and other sequences to protect the active part. The acoustic sensor results are utilized to determine the location of origin of the projectile.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hit-scoring apparatus for shooting practice. It is also directed to a hit-scoring target panel for shooting practice.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system has a target assembly having a reflective surface, a plurality of acoustic sensors disposed at the target assembly, and at least one optical sensor. The target assembly includes sound-absorbing material. The at least one optical sensor is configured to image a plurality of users of the system.

Abstract: A variable-color region (106) of an information-presentation structure extends to an exposed surface (102) at a surface zone (112), normally appears along it as a principal color, and includes impact-sensitive and color-change components (182 and 184). A segment (192) of the impact-sensitive component responds to an object (104) impacting the zone at an object-contact area (116) by providing an impact effect if the impact meets threshold impact criteria. A segment (194) of the color-change component responds to the effect by causing an impact-dependent portion (138) of the variable-color region to temporarily appear along a print area (118) of the zone as changed color materially different from the principal color. The print area closely matches the object-contact area in size, shape, and location. The color-change component employs an electrode assembly (202) having a core layer (222) sandwiched between two electrode structures (224 and 226) for controlling the color change.

Abstract: In one aspect, there is provided a target reset system, which includes a frame, a plurality of target control arrangements and an actuator. The frame includes a pivot shaft. Each target control arrangement includes a target support member and a target support member spring. The target support member is configured to hold a target, and is pivotable on the pivot shaft between a stowage position and a use position. The target support member spring has a first spring end connected to the target support member and having a second spring end, wherein the first spring end is lockable to the frame to hold the target support member in the stowage position. The second spring end is lockable relative to the frame.

Abstract: A basketball configured for organized, competitive play and having a total mass. The basketball includes an inflatable, generally spherical bladder, a set of winding surrounding the bladder, an elastomeric layer surrounding the set of windings and the bladder, and a plurality of cover panels positioned over the elastomeric layer. The bladder has a bladder mass that is greater than 25 percent of the total mass. The elastomeric layer and the set of windings have a collective mass that is less than 55 percent of the total mass.

Abstract: A collision detection system configured to determine when a ball or other object impacts against a playing surface, record the location of the object's impact, and compare the object's impact location against one or more preset virtual target areas to determine whether or not the object was successfully hit into a desired area of the playing surface and immediately reward the player with various types of audible and/or visual responses for hitting the target.

Abstract: Systems and methods are presented for detecting a direction of an incoming projectile and determining a source location of the projectile. One or more resonant sensors (comprising a plate, piezo electric sensor, etc.) can be arranged, where shockwaves from the projectile (e.g., shockwaves from a bullet travelling at supersonic speeds) are incident upon the plate and cause the plate to resonate. The resonance causes an electrical signal to be generated by the piezo electric sensor (e.g., a piezo electric film sensor), the greater the degree of resonance in the plate, the higher the magnitude of signal generated by the piezo electric sensor. By comparing the magnitude of the piezo electric signals across the array of resonant sensors it is possible to determine a trajectory of the projectile and hence a location of the source of the projectile. Acoustic waves can also be generated by muzzle waves.

Abstract: A ball with a housing suitable for being thrown or projected into an airborne trajectory, the ball capable of deforming a portion of the exterior surface of the housing for the purpose of controlling the direction of its airborne trajectory. Also disclosed is a ball with a housing suitable for being thrown or projected into an airborne trajectory with means for shifting its center of mass away from the center of the housing for the purpose of controlling the direction of its airborne trajectory. A golf ball with one or more deformable dimples is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method or system for detecting a seismic event includes detecting a primary wave of a seismic event using at least one sensor at a measurement location; using at least one parameter of the detected primary wave to determine an estimated peak ground intensity at the measurement location without determining the magnitude of the seismic event; determining an epicenter of the seismic event; and estimating the intensity of the seismic event at a specified location using the determined estimated peak ground intensity and the distance of the specified location from the epicenter. The epicenter can be determined using sensors at a single location. A noise detection system can filter out detected signals that correspond to local vibrations rather than seismic events.

Abstract: A device having at least one ultrasonic sensor for detecting a moving object, in particular, an approaching vehicle. To this end, the device is equipped with a control unit for determining the distance and/or the relative speed of the object. To prevent misinterpretations in the acquisition of measured values, relevant environmental conditions are simultaneously detected by an additional ultrasonic sensor and, as a correction value, provide the basis for the signal generation.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a projectile target is disclosed comprising a target having a substantially sealed chamber having a front face and a rear face with an enclosing side wall disposed intermediate. The front and rear faces are formed by membranes configured to allow a projectile to pass therethrough and then substantially seal to maintain the substantially sealed chamber. Pressure wave sensors are disposed within the chamber and are configured to detect pressure waves created by the projectile. A target controller receives signals from the pressure sensors indicative of the pressure sensed by the sensors and determines an impact point of the projectile on the front face of the target.

Abstract: A target (1) for use with a projectile has a web (7) defining a target face and a back board (29). The target face is divided into multiple segments (3, 5). A cup (19) filled with a projectile-receptive insert material (27) is mounted for sliding within each segment. Each cup has one or more resilient cushions (35) between the cup and the back board. Each cushion has at least one electroconductive area. The back board has pairs of switch contacts (25), forming electrical switches. The projectile impacting a cup at the target face with sufficient force causes the cup to slide within the segment urging the electroconductive area of the one or more cushions to touch the switch contacts, resulting in closing of the switch defined by the switch contacts and signaling a hit to onboard electronic circuitry. The at least one cushions beneath that cup return the cup substantially to its original position.

Abstract: A game machine is provided with a target, a CRT, a card reader and a cash-box on a front face. A player inserts his own ID card into the card reader. The CRT displays information concerning a game and has a function of a game display when a game adopting darts is executed. A target is both a target hit by an arrow and also a tool by which players obtain points, areas or numerals by arrow throwing. A button is provided on the game machine for “Player Change” of the darts, which is used as an operation input switch for a control unit.

Abstract: A target includes multiple segments that are vibrationaly isolated from each other. A vibration sensor is coupled to each segment to provide vibration signatures representative of a segment being impacted by a projectile.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for testing software with real-time source data from a projectile according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with a real-time data source, a signal processor, a recordable medium, and a testing platform. The signal processor receives real-time data from a real-time data source during a test and saves it to a storage medium before providing the real-time data to the testing platform for permanent storage. During a subsequent test, the testing platform may upload the saved real-time data to the signal processor foregoing the need to generate new real-time data from the real-time data source.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, a projectile target is disclosed comprising a target having a substantially sealed chamber having a front face and a rear face with an enclosing side wall disposed intermediate. The front and rear faces are formed by membranes configured to allow a projectile to pass therethrough and then substantially seal to maintain the substantially sealed chamber. Pressure wave sensors are disposed within the chamber and are configured to detect pressure waves created by the projectile. A target controller receives signals from the pressure sensors indicative of the pressure sensed by the sensors and determines an impact point of the projectile on the front face of the target.

Abstract: Disclosed is a luminous dart board set.

Abstract: A target includes multiple segments that are vibrationaly isolated from each other. A vibration sensor is coupled to each segment to provide vibration signatures representative of a segment being impacted by a projectile.

Abstract: A game machine is provided with a target, a CRT, a card reader and a cash-box on a front face. A player inserts his own ID card into the card reader. The CRT displays information concerning a game and has a function of a game display when a game adopting darts is executed. A target is both a target hit by an arrow and also a tool by which players obtain points, areas or numerals by arrow throwing. A button is provided on the game machine for “Player Change” of the darts, which is used as an operation input switch for a control unit (100).

Abstract: A target for a test range includes an impact plate having at least three strain sensors positioned on the plate. The sensors are connected to a data acquisition board for receiving a signal from each sensor upon impact of a projectile on the plate. The data acquisition board is joined to a processor for calculating impact location and energy. Optionally multiple sensors can be provided having different orientations for accounting for different strain components in the plate.

Abstract: A shooting target system including a target including a material in which shock waves arise and propagate when hit by a projectile. A first shock sensor is arranged to detect the shock waves. At least a second shock sensor is arranged at a distance from the first shock sensor. A calculation module is configured to determine at least a first time-delay between the detections of the shock wave by the first and the at least second sensor, and to calculate information relating to the point of impact of the projectile in the target based on the at least first time-delay.

Abstract: A system and method which comprises a plurality of amusement machines (i.e., video games, flipper games, pinball machines, prize dispensing games, arcade games, electronic darts, kiddie rides, pool tables, golf games, basketball games, billiards, redemption games, soccer tables, shuffle board alleys and bowling alleys, touch-screen countertop games and the like) equipped with play components and associated apparatus to capture multimedia information based on the performance of the players at the machines, apparatus to transmit the multimedia information captured from the machines to a network, and a processor based machine (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) for managing and storing this multimedia information.

Abstract: An electronically-scored game comprises an electronic controller and at least one sensor operatively connected with the controller, the at least one sensor adapted to detect at least one activity associated with the game and to generate a signal. A memory stores information corresponding to a plurality of audible recordings, the memory operatively connected with the controller. A sound generator is operatively connected with the controller. A speaker is operatively connected with the sound generator. Upon detection of the at least one activity associated with the game, the signal from the sensor activates the controller to cause at least one of the plurality of audible recordings to be selected and played by the sound generator through the speaker.

Abstract: An Electronically Interactive Target Game to be played indoors by children, wherein the target is a flexible sheet hung on a wall or attached to a portable stand; and has mural-like artwork on the sheet portraying characters playing an action sport. A projectile corresponding to the portrayed sport is thrown at the target. Selected area rigid surfaces, each with a sensor, are attached behind selected areas of the sheet and, when struck, activate audible and visual signals that relate to the success of the child hitting the selected areas to facilitate the fantasy of actually playing a game with the characters in the artwork. A vibration sensor may be attached to the target sheet to detect contact of the projectile with the rest of the target outside of the selected areas. Hook and loop material may be used on the ball and on a selected area (e.g., mitt).

Abstract: A storage and carrying case includes semi-rigid spaced end panels and a semi-rigid bottom panel all joined together by means of a fabric over layer and a fabric under layer which are stitched together by a binding which also connects to front and back panels to form an enclosure for tools or the like. A single binding may thus be utilized to join all of the flexible fabric materials which retain the semi-rigid or rigid panels forming the enclosure.

Abstract: A time-difference process and apparatus for scoring supersonic aerial projectiles, such as military aircraft air-to-ground strafing projectiles fired at a strafe target, by detecting and measuring the acoustic shock waves propagated by the projectiles. The process and apparatus uses an array of at least six dynamic transducers to independently sample each projectile shock wave and transmit sampled signals to at least one all-purpose digital computer. The time-differences of arrival of the shock waves at each transducer are processed by an iterative algorithm implemented by the computer. The algorithm calculates projectile impact point, projectile velocity and other useful scoring data. The scoring data are used to quantitatively score the number of hits or misses by the strafing projectiles on the strafe target. Scoring data and other projectile data are selectably indicated to the operator by remote display and printout.

Abstract: Electronically Interactive Target Game is a game to be played indoors by one or more children, the game comprising a target being a flexible sheet hung on a wall or attached to a portable stand; mural-like artwork on the sheet portraying characters playing an action sport; a projectile being a stuffed ball corresponding to the sport portrayed in the artwork; and sensors comprising pressure sensitive electrical switches attached behind the sheet and located in selected areas which, when struck, activate a feedback signals such as a voice heard through a speaker. The voice says phrases that relate to the success or failure of the child hitting the selected areas to facilitate the fantasy of actually playing a game with the characters in the artwork. Optionally, an LCD or a colored LED alphanumeric display may indicate numerical scores. A vibration sensor may be attached to the target sheet to detect contact of the projectile with a non-selected area being the rest of the target outside of the selected areas.

Abstract: It comprises an impact resistant casing (1) having a frontal opening and means for removably fastening a target (2) covering such opening, the target (2) being of a sheet material through which projectiles can go and having an external face with a depicted motive to be shot. Electronic means are provided for detecting the position of impact on said target (2), comprising an electronic camera (3) arranged to obtain successive images of a face of target (2) after each shot, an image treating unit (4) for determining the geometric center of the projectile at each impact from a treatment of the obtained images, and a data receiving and/or retransmitting center (6,7) for displaying the results on a viewing screen (13, 14) and/or for retransmit them through a telecommunication network.

Abstract: An impact location determination system (20) includes a damage resistant strike plate (22) having a planar surface (26) adapted to be impacted by a projectile (28). Pressure sensor assemblies (55) are embedded in the strike plate (22) and detect a pressure disturbance event outwardly propagating as a wave (36) from an impact location (34). The wave (36) propagates through the strike plate (22) at a propagation velocity that is slower than the speed of sound for the strike plate (22). A signal processing circuit (32) measures time difference of arrival figures (196 and 198) between pairs of pressure sensors (140 and 142) and determines the impact location (34) in response to the time difference of arrival figures (196 and 198) and the velocity of the wave (36) through the strike plate (22).

Abstract: The present invention concerns the integration of laser engagement systems such as the MITS and MILES laser systems with standard two dimensional silhouettes, thereby creating a silhouette which can be defeated by laser fire. A laser enhanced silhouette allows live fire target systems (infantry systems and armor systems) to be engaged and defeated with the use of MILES laser Code. The laser enhanced silhouette replaces the plywood or plastic live fire silhouette which is normally utilized on live fire target systems. By connecting the laser enhanced silhouette electronics to the live fire target system's hit sensor electrical connection, the live fire target system can be engaged by laser equipped weapons.

Abstract: A remote targeting apparatus and method comprising surrounding a projectile target with a sensor array, computing projectile impact data, transmitting the data receiving the data at a controller; and displaying information corresponding to the data. RF transmission/reception is performed, most preferably at a frequency of between approximately 902 and 928 MHz, with the controller having RF Faraday cage shielding and collision avoidance being employed to permit multiple sensor arrays to operate in a vicinity of one another. Projectile impact locations within twelve inches of the center of the projectile target are calculated to an average RMS accuracy of less than approximately fifty thousandths of an inch, directly in an orthogonal Cartesian coordinate system. Velocity is also determined via an additional sensor at a predetermined distance from the sensor array which measures a difference in time between the projectile passing the additional sensor and the sensor array.

Abstract: This invention is an automatic gunnery system, responsive to airborne acoustic shock waves produced by a projectile passing through a target area. The invention relates specifically to the "hit" location of the said projectile for the condition when the flight path of the projectile is not perpendicular to the target area. Two pairs of concentric curved elongated acoustic energy conductors (curved sensor rods) are located adjacent to one side of said target area with acoustic transducers attached to the end portions thereof. Said transducers produce an electrical signal when a shock wave from the projectile reaches them through said energy conductors. Electrical signals from the transducers are connected to electronic circuitry and a calculating computer which calculates the intersection of two circles and determines the location of each "hit" on or near the target with each "hit" registered on a graphical display means.

Abstract: A durable, rigid, low-cost device to sense an impact of a ball over a wide area and to provide response to a user that said impact has occurred. The sensing mechanism is a low-cost acoustic sensor, acoustically coupled to an essentially single sheet of plastic material. Sensor electronics filter the input and measure amplitude to determine if a valid hit has occurred. If so, the device reports an activate signal to the response electronics that in turn provide feedback to the user by playing a digitally recorded audio message, recorded specifically for the event. Variously, the activate signal may be transmitted to a remote device that contains the response electronics.

Abstract: A mobile object with circuitry which transmits a signal upon impact of the object. The signal is received by a receiver which generates a sound in accordance with the signal. The occurrence of an impact can be detected by the contacting of conductive layers caused by the temporary deformation of the object or acoustically.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a speed of a projectile uses control logic and a single acoustic sensor connected to the control logic. The control logic includes a pulsing clock. The control logic starts the clock upon receiving a first signal from the acoustic sensor and stops the clock upon receiving a second signal from the acoustic sensor. The control logic converts pulses of the clock into a numeric value indicative of speed based upon a preprogrammed distance measurement setting. The numeric value can then be converted into miles per hour and displayed to the user.

Abstract: A dart game electronic scorekeeping device including a case. The case has an upper surface and a periphery formed of a pair of opposed side edges, an upper edge, and a lower edge. A game switch selection mechanism is extended through the case for allowing selection of a particular dart game by a player. A keypad switching matrix extends from the upper surface of the case and is formed with plurality of keys arranged in a configuration to resemble a dart board and with each of the keys sized to represent a specific scoring space on the dart board. Each key of the keypad switching matrix is actuateable by the player for transmitting a point value indicative of the scoring space on the dart board where a dart of the player impinged during the particular dart game. A computation mechanism is coupled to the game switch selection mechanism and the keypad switching matrix and with the computation mechanism receiving the point values attained during play to generate a score value.

Abstract: A gaming apparatus which utilizes a wall into which is to be propelled by a human user a ball which is to be rebounded proximate to the user. Formed within the contact surface of the wall are a plurality of hiatuses located in a spaced-apart manner whose function are when struck by the ball to rebound the ball at various directions while still being proximate to the user. Mounted within the wall are a plurality of lenses with there being a light mounted within each lens. Electrically connected to each light is an accelerometer with there being a separate accelerometer mounted on each lens. The accelerometers and lights are electrically connected to a microprocessor which is to be preprogrammed with a particular game that is to be played by the user. The microprocessor is connected to a scoreboard which is to display the results of the game to the user.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in training or playing in various shooting games, such as for a golf approach shot, baseball batting, or gun shooting. A target screen is provided opposite to a shooting point from which a ball or the like is shot out. Four microphones are provided at the circumference of the target screen to detect the collision sound, and another microphone is set at the shooting point to detect the shooting sound of the ball. The duration of flight of the ball, and the collision point on the screen, and the trajectory of the flying ball, are calculated by analyzing the detection time points of each microphone in a control part. The results, i.e., collision point on the target screen, flying trajectory of the ball, etc., are shown on a display unit.

Abstract: To simulate the output of a laser to a Multiple Integrated Laser Engagement ystem (MILES), an electronic circuit having a PLL subcircuit and a microprocessor is used to detect an acoustic signal having a predetermined frequency and pulse rate. Upon detection of the correct acoustic signal, a prestored universal kill code is provided to an inductive loop magnetically coupled to the antenna coil of a harness to which the MILES is integrated. The thus received inductive signal is recognized by the MILES which in turn outputs an audio alarm to indicate that a kill has occurred.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for sensing the position and speed (force) of a projectile striking a target of arbitrary size and shape. The strike produces an acoustic shock wave which travels outward from the point of impact, striking several acoustic sensors at the periphery of the target.

Abstract: This is a commercial capable heavy lifter capable of rotating or levering large objects up and down by remote control. When used to so raise and lower targets on a firing range, the target can be dropped automatically when the target receives one or more hits.

Abstract: A dart game and a method of controlling a dart game wherein numbers corresponding to targets to be aimed at by a player are randomly generated throughout the play of the game until a predetermined number of target values have become fixed by being marked by a dart hit on the dart board. Prior to the start of a game, a predetermined number of target values are randomly generated and displayed. After each player's turn, the target values that have been marked by a dart hit on a corresponding section of the dart board are fixed for the remainder of the game. However, any unmarked target value is changed to a new, randomly generated value prior to the next player's turn. The random generation of target numbers continues until the predetermined number of target values have been marked.

Abstract: An object locating system, especially for use in locating a gaming ball in the game of football, utilizes a series of three sensors positioned on one side of a football playing field and a calibration source positioned on the other side. The calibration source emits an ultrasonic signal which is received by the sensors in order to provide a calibration signal. A ball marking unit is positionable on the field at a location of the ball and emits an ultrasonic signal which is received by the sensors and an RF signal which is received by the calibration source in order to turn the calibration source off. The sensors provide signals in which a processing unit calculates time delays by a time acquisition process in order to determine the position of the ball. In an alternate embodiment, the ball marking unit emits only an RF signal which is received by the sensors. The sensors again provide signals which are analyzed by the processing unit to determine delay between receipt of the signals at the sensors.

Abstract: A dart game includes a target board (22) with segments which are movably mounted between radial ribs (24) and concentric ribs (26) to receive the darts. Each segment has a switch which is actuated when a dart hits the segment and which is connected to a hit-display. The target board has at least two target fields (50 to 56), each of which is made up of segments located between adjacent radial ribs (24). A display light (60 to 66) is associated with each segment of a target field. All the lights of each target field are switched on only by hits on this target field by the first player to hit it, and the display lights of the target field concerned are not switched on by or after a subsequent hit by another player. The display lights (60, 62, 64, 66) may be disposed in more or more arrays (42, 44, 46, 48), making the progress of the game particularly easy to follow.

Abstract: An acoustic training mine simulator system for use with the pre-existing tiple Integrated Laser Engagement System (MILES). The MILES, located on a target, responds to the acoustic output of said mine simulator upon simulated detonation. The MILES acoustic detection circuitry momentarily disconnects the MILES power supply from the rest of the MILES circuit, causing the MILES to generate an audible alarm indicating a target has been hit.