Gunfire Spotting Patents (Class 434/17)
  • Patent number: 11188148
    Abstract: A virtual reality (VR) system includes a console an imaging device, a head mounted display (HMD) and a user input device. The console includes a virtual reality (VR) engine, a tracking module and an application store. The HMD includes a display element configured to display content to a user wearing the HMD. The virtual reality engine is configured to determine a vector for a virtual object thrown at a target in response to physical input from the user, a gaze vector for the eyes of the user and a virtual object position vector for the target and modify the vector for the virtual object based on at least one of the gaze vector and the virtual object position vector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Facebook Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Sebastian Sztuk, Javier San Agustin Lopez, Martin Henrik Tall
  • Patent number: 10646289
    Abstract: A control unit is provided for a surgical robot system, including a robot configured to operate an end-effector in a surgical site of a patient. The control unit includes a processor configured to transmit acquired live images of a patient, received from an image acquisition device, to a virtual reality (VR) device for display; to receive input data from the VR device, including tracking data from a VR tracking system of the VR device based on a user's response to the live images displayed on a viewer of the display unit of the VR device; to process the input data received from the VR device to determine a target in the patient; to determine a path for the end-effector to reach the target based upon the live images and the processed input data; and to transmit control signals to cause the robot to guide the end-effector to the target via the determined path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Aleksandra Popovic, David Paul Noonan
  • Patent number: 10114127
    Abstract: An augmented reality (AR) system comprising a head mounted display (HMD) configured to display one or more AR visualizations within an operator's field of view (FOV), a control system including a processor and a storage system configured to store machine readable instructions, sensors configured to determine at least location and/or orientation of said sensors including a head mounted and device mounted sensor, and a communication system configured to communicate data between elements of the AR system. The software including various subroutines or machine readable instructions including an orientation/location instructions for determining orientation and/or position of the sensors, a visualizations generation instructions section configured to generate a visualization showing an aim point of a device coupled to said device mounted sensor, a path of travel of a projectile launched from said device, or an impact point of said projectile. Embodiments can include one or more photogrammetry processing sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher A Brown, Matthew Juhl
  • Patent number: 9603769
    Abstract: An assistance system for visually handicapped persons with visual impairment in a part of their visual field includes body-worn sensors to inform them actively about objects or movements in the visually impaired sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2017
    Assignee: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS N.V.
    Inventors: Richard Daniel Willmann, Gerd Lanfermann, Juergen Te Vrugt, Edwin Gerardus Johannus Maria Bongers
  • Patent number: 9485459
    Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for displaying video. In some embodiments, novel tools and techniques might be provided for sensing the presence and/or position of a user in a room, and/or for customizing displayed content (including video call content, media content, and/or the like) based on the sensed presence and/or position of the user. In particular, in some aspects, a user device (which might include, without limitation, a video calling device, an image capture device, a gaming console, etc.) might determine a position of a user relative to a display device in communication with the user device. The user device and/or a control server (in communication with the user device over a network) might adjust an apparent view of video or image(s) displayed on the display device, based at least in part on the determined position of the user relative to the display device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Assignee: Biscotti Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew B. Shoemake, Syed Nadeem Ahmed
  • Patent number: 9011151
    Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a system for simulating firing a gun comprises a firing system and a transmitting system coupled to the firing system. The firing system fires a cartridge and comprises a chamber and a hammer. The chamber receives and holds the cartridge, and the hammer strikes the cartridge. The transmitting system detects movement of the hammer and transmits simulation data prior to the hammer striking the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Giles D. Jones, Qingce Bian, Christopher A. Tomlinson, Jeffrey E. Decker, William W. Price, Bradley C Huang, Peter M. Wallrich
  • Patent number: 8911235
    Abstract: The invention is a trigger pull training device for improving trigger pull technique. The device has a frame with a trigger track opening and a trigger which goes through that opening. A proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors are placed proximate the trigger track opening. The sensors are connected to an indicator whereby pulling the trigger such that the trigger is within the sensing zone causes the proximity sensor to emit a signal. A plurality of sensors can be lined along the trigger track opening to indicate the accuracy of any pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: TriggerMaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcom Baxter
  • Patent number: 8890944
    Abstract: A firearms pulverizer system is disclosed which comprises a pulverizer unit having an inlet chute, a cutting chamber, and an outlet, a first image capturing device positioned above the inlet chute for capturing an image of an identification number associated with a firearm, and a second image capturing device positioned above the cutting chamber for recording destruction of the firearm inserted into the cutting chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Gunbusters, LLC
    Inventor: Raymond W Reynolds
  • Patent number: 8777620
    Abstract: A firearm training system provides a firearm body having a trigger and a trigger pull sensor circuit. When the trigger is pulled, the trigger pull sensor circuit provides trigger pull data allowing monitoring of the actual two-dimensional trigger pull path taken by the trigger during the trigger pull. The trigger pull path is graft on a predetermined map together with boundary lines representing a predetermined difference threshold from ideal trigger pull data. The system provides a way to monitor trigger pull path to determine whether the trigger has been pulled laterally and/or the firearm body has moved with respect to a longitudinal axis of the firearm body during the trigger pull. By repeatedly monitoring trigger pulls using the system, a user can train to improve trigger pull technique.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: TriggerMaster, Inc.
    Inventor: Malcom Baxter
  • Patent number: 8556628
    Abstract: The invention is a trigger pull training device for improving trigger pull technique. The device has a frame with a trigger track opening and a trigger which goes through that opening. A proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors are placed proximate the trigger track opening. The sensors are connected to an indicator whereby pulling the trigger such that the trigger is within the sensing zone causes the proximity sensor to emit a signal. A plurality of sensors can be lined along the trigger track opening to indicate the accuracy of any pull.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Inventor: Malcom E. Baxter
  • Patent number: 8393900
    Abstract: A system for aligning a simulator arranged for firing a mounted on a weapon. The simulator has a radiation source arranged so as to emit a beam along a simulation axis, and for adjusting the simulation axis so that it is aligned with the weapon sight. The system includes a sighting mark at which the weapon sight is to be aimed during alignment, and a device arranged in connection with the sighting mark to emit beam along an axis representing an aligned simulation axis. The system further includes an aligning unit that is deployable at the simulator and in which at least a first part of the beam from the element is reflected along an axis representing the current position of the simulation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Saab AB
    Inventor: Per Renntoft
  • Patent number: 8360776
    Abstract: A training system and method to calculate actual coordinates of a projectile impact at one or more screens has been disclosed. A projectile is launched at a screen. One or more targets are projected onto the screen. A calibrated sensor is directed at the screen surface. The sensor continually captures thermal images of a screen surface. The sensor comprises software to detect and isolate thermal images of the projectile impacting the screen. These impact images are transmitted to a computer connected to the sensor. A computer comprises software to calculate the actual impact coordinates relative to a projected target. The calculated coordinates are digitally sent to feedback devices for display purposes. The system further comprises virtual training scenarios that are triggered upon notification of actual impact coordinates. These training scenarios simulate real life situations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Laser Shot, Inc.
    Inventors: Paige Manard, Charles Doty
  • Patent number: 8162666
    Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, multiple networked gaming devices can participate in a secondary type game. A primary game such as poker, rotatable wheels, wheel of fortune or the like is initiated on a gaming device. A predetermined outcome (for example) of the primary game is then used to qualify the gaming device for a secondary type game. A predetermined outcome might be a wheel of fortune SPIN symbol, for example. Once the gaming device is qualified, a secondary game indication cycle is triggered. During this cycle, additional gaming devices can then qualify for the secondary type game by using one or more predetermined primary game outcomes, for example. The secondary type game is then initiated and a secondary game payout awarded to the gaming devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Tyler Parham
  • Patent number: 7677893
    Abstract: The present invention relates to training simulators for sharp shooting and introduces a number of functionalities that provide significant savings and further efficiencies such as usage of actual unmodified combat firearms for training purposes, simultaneous training of two individual shooters with individual identification and result display of the firing activity from each shooter on a computer generated concentrical target analogous to the ones used today in firearm training facilities, as well as the usage of a specialized weapon trigger contactor which is mounted on the actual weapon and that provides the usage functionalities to allow training on all single, and double action pistols as well as fully automatic weapons. The simulator also incorporates an emitting unit consisting of a laser light diode and the associated mounting mechanisms which allow the mounting of the emitting unit on any standard firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Matvey Lvovskiy
  • Publication number: 20090123894
    Abstract: A method for adjusting a direction of fire includes moving a view of at least one sensor between a target area and an impact area, where a sensor performs target location. Sensor data is received from the sensor. The sensor data includes target area sensor data generated in response to sensing the target area and impact area sensor data generated in response to sensing the impact area. Image processing is performed on the sensor data to determine at least one angle between a first line from the sensor to the target area and a second line from the sensor to the impact area. Further, a set of refinements to coordinates corresponding to the target area is determined according to the at least one angle and an impact distance between the at least one sensor and the impact area. The set of refinements is communicated in order to facilitate firing upon the target area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: May 14, 2009
    Applicant: Raytheon Company
    Inventors: Mark S. Svane, David W. Fore, Kevin Underhill, Richard C. Vera
  • Patent number: 7147472
    Abstract: A system, called the Laser Aim Scoring System, and method for automatically scoring gunner training sessions for simulated laser-guided missile, target engagements using the laser designator without the need for training or tactical rounds are disclosed. In the disclosed invention, a pop-up target and its surrounds are separately monitored for radiations at the laser designator frequency. “Hit” or “Miss” scoring is based on detection of the laser radiation at the laser designator frequency illuminating the appropriate region around or on the target at the appropriate time with respect to a simulated missile launch signal at the start of the training engagement, in accordance with the engagement profile programmed into the scoring computer prior to the start of training. The laser aim scoring system send a signal to lower the pop-up target in response to a “Hit” score, and if desired by the user, also sends a signal to initiate smoke and flash signals from a Hoffman Kill Simulator interfaced with the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James D. Habersat, Brian C. Redman, Jonathan S. Lei, John E. Nettleton, Michael M. Quarles
  • Patent number: 7121464
    Abstract: A system for precisely timing the firing of two or more weapons in order to create a desired arrival timing of two or more projectiles on a target. Global Positioning System (“GPS”) transceivers are used to determine the position of each weapon and report that position to a command post. Heading-to-target and ranging information is also preferably transmitted so that the command post is able to accurately fix the position of the target, and the range of each weapon to the target. Computations are then performed in order to determine the firing sequence needed to achieve a desired arrival of two or more projectiles on the target. Firing of the weapons is then performed automatically in order to properly execute the computed firing sequence. Interactive command and control data is fed back and forth between the weapons and the command post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Inventor: Thompkins W. White
  • Patent number: 6997716
    Abstract: The Continuous Aimpoint Tracking System is comprised of a position detection device (PDD) and a laser pointing device (LPD) that projects an infrared crosshair onto the PDD. The PDD is coupled to a computer and comprises a multitude of photodiodes and associated circuits, the photodiodes being evenly spaced and arranged to form a frame that can be mounted on the computer so as to surround the computer video display. When a “shot” is fired from the LPD, the crosshair projection is interrupted briefly. The PDD determines the position of the four crosshair intersections and reports them to the computer which, in response, generates the video signals that form the resolved aimpoint on the screen, matching the LPD aimpoint to the video image. Further, the tracking system determines the rotation of the LPD over a range of at least 10 degrees clockwise or counter-clockwise.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: James A. Skala, Frank J. Blackwell, Patrick W. Jungwirth
  • Patent number: 6995707
    Abstract: The invention, as embodied herein, comprises an improved portable maritime scoring and simulation system that comprises three or more buoys that are deployed in an area of water selected for maritime combat training. Attached to each buoy are a global positioning system receiver, an RF radio system, an acoustic analysis system, and a microprocessor. The acoustic analysis system is designed to capture an acoustic signature of ordnance impacting the water with predetermined characteristics. The system includes an RF radio repeater system linked to a system controller to control and monitor the elements of the system. In operation, when an acoustic signature is captured by the acoustic analysis system, the RF radio system, in one embodiment, transmits the time of the capture along with the GPS location of the buoy to the RF radio repeater system linked to the system controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2006
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Christopher R. Karabin, Bruce P. Chandler, Joseph E. Padgett, Jr., James Theisen, Stephen A. Smith, Joseph M. Pastorious, John A. Nial, Jr., Christopher L. Rice
  • Patent number: 6863532
    Abstract: Equipment for detecting that a target has received a direct hit from a simulated weapon including a weapon (10, 30) and a target (11, 12, 38, 45), and characterized in that said weapon (10, 30) provides an emitter of signals or laser shots (14, 33) operated by a switch (16, 35) and a trigger (18, 36), and in that said target includes sensors (19, 20, 38a, 41-44) affixed to a supporting element (12, 11, 38, 45). Said sensors are operatively connected to an electronic detection circuit for a signal or laser shot received by the same sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Inventor: Franco Ambrosoli
  • Patent number: 6251011
    Abstract: A shooting video game machine comprising a mock gun having a trigger, a monitor which presents flying characters and characters other than flying characters to form a game playing display while causing a bullet to travel in a predetermined direction in synchronization of the pulling of the trigger, and a controller module comprising a game controller and a graphic controller. The graphic controller comprises a graphic processor, a character control block, a bullet control block, a hit determining block, and a proximity determining block. The hit determining block determines whether the bullet hits each of the characters, and the proximity determining block determines whether the bullet hits the proximity area of each flying character, when the hit determining block determines that the bullet hits none of the characters. When the hit determining block determines that the bullet hits a character, a strike display is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Konami Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Atsushi Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 6139326
    Abstract: A method for assessing the readiness skills of a child between the ages of two and six years is disclosed. To assess the child's skills, a set of specially designed cards is provided. Each card displays one or more predetermined symbols. The cards are displayed to the child according to a predefined protocol. As the cards are displayed, a testing specialist asks the child questions about each card and records the child's responses. The child's responses are then scored to assess his or her skill level. The cards are organized into color-coded subsets. Each subset can be used to test a child's mastery of a certain task. In addition, the cards can be asymmetrically-shaped to facilitate sorting and presentation. The unique design of the cards permits the testing specialist to quickly screen young children with possible learning disabilities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Inventor: Loretta Catto
  • Patent number: 5641288
    Abstract: A user friendly shooting simulating process and training system are provided to more accurately and reliably detect the impact time and location in which a projectile shot from a shotgun, rifle, pistol or other weapon, hits a moving target. Desirably, the shooting simulating process and training system can also readily display the amount by which the projectile misses the target. The target impact time is based upon the speed and directions of the target and weapon, as well as the internal and external delay time of the projectile. In the preferred form, the training system includes a microprocessor and special projectile sensing equipment, and the targets and projectiles are simulated and viewed on a virtual reality head mounted display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 24, 1997
    Inventor: William G. Zaenglein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5556281
    Abstract: A method and apparatus controls the display of information for troops and vehicles in a simulated battlefield. Rounds of munition are fired into the simulated battlefield and the effects of such munitions are displayed on the troops and vehicles display devices. These display devices include character displays for troops and display screen for vehicles. The text character display may include such information as damage assessment, weapon type, miss distance and miss direction. A screen display may be used for a vehicle display. The screen display depicts similar information as for the text character display, but in a graphical representation via icons representing various battlefield effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 17, 1996
    Assignee: Motorola, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark R. FitzGerald, Craig T. Griffin
  • Patent number: 5551876
    Abstract: A target practice apparatus which allows a trainee to shoot at a target on a moving image with live bullets. The target practice apparatus includes a screen on which a training image is projected, three or more acoustic sensors for detecting an impact sound, impact coordinate measuring section for computing the coordinates of an impact position on the screen based on detection signals from the acoustic sensors, a projector, a playback unit for supplying the projector with an image signal, a recording medium which stores a hit image and a miss image as well as the training image, a memory unit in which a hit range and a miss range are previously stored for each frame of the training image, and a data processing and controlling section which compares the detected coordinates of the impact position with data of the hit range and the miss range stored in the memory unit to perform a hit/miss judgment, selects the hit image or the miss image based on the results of the judgment, and reproduces the selected image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1996
    Assignee: Babcock-Hitachi Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Sumio Koresawa, Masanori Yamazaki, Hidetoshi Imaide
  • Patent number: 5215462
    Abstract: A weapon simulator that consists of a simulated weapon, a trigger sensor 6 for sensing when the weapon's trigger is pulled, a positional sensor 12 and 16 for determining the position of the simulated weapon relative to a target, and a sensor for determining if the simulated weapon is aimed at the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Systems
    Inventors: Delmar J. Lewis, Martin P. Byrne
  • Patent number: 5194006
    Abstract: A user friendly shooting simulating process and training system are provided to more accurately and reliably detect the impact time and location in which a projectile shot from a shotgun, rifle, pistol or other weapon, hits a moving target. Desirably, the shooting simulating process and training system can also readily display the amount by which the projectile misses the target. The target impact time is based upon the speed and directions of the target and weapon, as well as the internal and external delay time of the projectile. In the preferred form, the training system includes a microprocessor and special projectile sensing equipment, and the targets and projectiles are simulated and viewed on display screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1993
    Inventor: William Zaenglein, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4934937
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 19, 1990
    Inventor: Tommy Judd