Abstract: A device that simulates the firing of a firearm. The device includes a piezoelectric crystal for detecting high amplitude acoustic pulses generated when the firing mechanism of the firearm is activated. The piezoelectric crystal provides a voltage pulse to a amplitude detecting circuit. If the pulse generated by the piezoelectric crystal is above a threshold value, the amplitude detecting circuit causes a laser diode to be energized. The laser diode directs a beam at the target to allow the user to determine where the "shot" is fired. The laser diode is activated for a sufficiently long period of time to allow the laser spot to be visible to the human eye and also to allow a streak to be developed if the firearm is pulled slightly by the user when the trigger is pulled. The device is conveniently mounted under the barrel of the firearm.

Abstract: A gun game machine from where a player takes out and holds a model gun to play a game. When the number of operations of a trigger lever (6) attains the preset number of times, the game is stopped and, at the same time, a solenoid (20) operates to disengage a boss (23) of a lever (19) from a recess (22b) of a advance and retreat member (15) and the advance and retreat member is ejected down by the effect of a spring (24). When the player pushes up the advance and retreat member (15) to set, a sensor (16) detects the pushing action and resets the trigger count value for enabling the game to continue. The action of pushing up the advance and retreat device (15) is similar to the real action of loading a cartridge into a real gun and the player can enjoy a game having realism.

Abstract: A gun game machine wherein the player can hold a model gun in the hand away from an machine casing. This gun game machine comprises a bullet hitting optical detection unit installed in the model gun for detecting a simulated bullet hitting position, a sliding cover provided on an exposed outward portion of the gunbarrel of the model gun and slidable in the longitudinal direction of the gunbarrel section, and a cover driving means for instantaneously moving the sliding cover at high speed. The model gun and the game machine casing may be coupled to each other by means of a flexible cable containing electric conductors. The sliding cover makes a long reciprocating motion similar to the so-called blow-back movement of an actual gun, so that the player can feel a similar reaction or impact corresponding to the firing of the actual gun. This simulated firing operation also serves to attract spectators to the game.

Abstract: A target simulator device for the simulation of infrared targets as input to entrance optics. A voice coil of an audio loud speaker including a cone portion and two electrical input connections has a physical projection one end of which is coupled to the cone portion and the other end approximate to and in front of a shield aperture. A black body radiation source is placed behind the aperture and a frequency compensated amplifier electrically coupled to the input connections such that collimated signal-modulated black body energy that is proportional to the total range of frequencies input is observed by an infrared sensitive detector aligned with the radiation emanating from the aperture.

Abstract: A game apparatus which resembles a shooting gallery, the apparatus including a gun (10) for projecting an electromagnetic beam such as an infrared light beam (22) and a target assembly (12) which includes a plurality of targets (82). Normally the targets are not visible, being concealed behind a two-way mirror (80), but during the operation of the game first one and then another target will become visible for a brief period of time as each target is illuminated by an illumination device (84), there being one illuminating device for each target. Each target has associated with it a beam receiver (86). If the electromagnetic beam strikes a target when it is illuminated, the associated beam receiver will cause a score to be registered due to the operation of additional electronics associated with the target assembly.

Abstract: A reaction time enhancer for gradually decreasing a user's reaction time in aiming a shotgun at clay pigeons in trap shooting and other clay target sports, through repeated use. In a preferred embodiment the "T"-shaped reaction time enhancer is characterized by a horizontal rectangular bar provided with a shorter, vertical rectangular bar perpendicularly mounted on the bottom surface of the horizontal bar. A green lamp is provided on the vertical bar and seven spaced orange lamps are provided on the horizontal bar. The vertical bar contains a suitable electronic circuit which can operate the lamps in one of two different modes. In the first mode, which simulates singles trap shooting, a user initially aims a shotgun at the illuminated green lamp, then as quickly as possible, transfers his aim to a randomly-illuminated orange lamp.

Abstract: In a shooting game machine, a projector projects a shooting video image, in which a target appears, on a screen. A player may fire a laser gun to emit a light beam to the target on the screen. A video camera photographs the screen, irrespective of any display scanning of the projector, and outputs its picture signal to coordinate computing means. The coordinate computing means counts clock pulses, which are output from a pulse generator, during a period from when a vertical synchronous signal of the picture signal is output until a beam point signal is output, and divides the count value by a predetermined reference pulse number to compute and output the X coordinate and the Y coordinate of the beam point on the screen.

Abstract: Dual mode apparatus for assisting in the aiming of a firearm including laser designating apparatus boresighted with the barrel of the firearm, apparatus for actuating the laser designating apparatus in a first mode of operation for illuminating an impingement location on a target while permitting normal operation of the firearm to shoot projectiles and apparatus for actuating the laser designating apparatus in a second mode of operation to illuminate an impingement location on a target with laser light in response to actuation of the trigger of the firearm.

Abstract: Engaging claws (15) and (16) are provided in the upper right front part in the longitudinal direction of a barrel (8), and engaging claws (18) and (19) are provided in the upper left part thereof. A gunsight (10) is held in the barrel (8) by the engaging claws (15) and (16) or by the engaging claws (18) and (19). Consequently, the position where the gunsight (10) is mounted can be changed to a position where a player can easily use the gunsight (10). In addition, each of the engaging claws releases its engaged state by its elastic force to detach the gunsight (10) from the barrel (8) when a strong shock is given to the gunsight (10). Consequently, it is possible to prevent the gunsight (10) from being damaged or prevent the player from being injured.

Abstract: A recording target includes targeting information printed on a substrate offset from a visible target and masked from the weapon operator by a thermal clearing masking layer. The operator aims at the visible target and the simulated weapon applies a focussed pulse of intense visible light to the masked targeting information to reveal the relevant targeting information by being converted into infrared radiation, by the thermal clearing masking layer and/or a portion of the masked targeting information thereunder, which clears or renders transparent the portions of the thermal clearing masking layer illuminated by the focussed visible light.

Abstract: A weapon simulator for detecting the azimuth and elevation of which the weapon is oriented, comprising a sign mounted onto the weapon into which a playback sequence of a target path, is displayed through.

Abstract: Improved thermal contrast detailing for inflatable decoy targets is provided by providing the decoy with gas permeable skin panels for surface areas which would be at a higher temperature relative to other surface areas on the actual target represented by the decoy. Heated, pressurized air is provided to the decoy and escapes through the gas permeable panels making those panels hotter than adjoining gas impermeable panels. The target decoy may also be rigid. Thermal contrast may also be achieved by using chilled, pressurized air. The invention may also be used for providing any thermal radiance area-source.

Abstract: A "hardware-in-the-loop" simulator (10) for training people in the use of a missile system to teach target acquisition, missile launch, and missile guidance under simulated battlefield conditions. A battlefield environment (E) including at least one target (T) movable therewithin is created by a simulation module (12). Missile system hardware (H) including the missile acquisition, tracking, and guidance portions is provided. An interface module (20) converts signals produced by the simulating module to an infrared image acceptable by the hardware. The resultant image represents a field-of-view (FOV), including the target, within the battlefield environment. An image module (32) produces a dynamic image representative of the missile's position in the field-of-view. This image is observable by the hardware which utilizes it to determine the position of the missile relative to the target. The hardware also determines if a missile guidance signal is to be sent to the missile to guide it to the target.

Abstract: The apparatus is an interactive, scenario based simulator for training a weapons team in close encounter combat. Employed is a large screen projection system, a plurality of trainee positions, and means to remove aggressor images when neutralized by the team, to provide an apparent threat to the trainees from the simulated aggressors, and to track each trainees performance throughout the training scenario.

Abstract: The apparatus is an interactive, scenario based simulator for training a weapons team in close encounter combat. Employed is a large screen projection system, a plurality of trainee positions, and means to remove aggressor images when neutralized by the team, to provide an apparent threat to the trainees from the simulated aggressors, and to track each trainees performance throughout the training scenario.

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.

Abstract: The apparatus is an interactive, scenario based simulator for training a pons team in close encounter combat. Employed is a large screen projection system, a plurality of trainee positions, and means to remove aggressor images when neutralized by the team, to provide an apparent threat to the trainees from the simulated aggressors, and to track each trainees performance throughout the training scenario.

Abstract: The apparatus is an interactive, scenario based simulator for training a pons team in close encounter combat. Employed is a large screen projection system, a plurality of trainee positions, and means to remove aggressor images when neutralized by the team, to provide an apparent threat to the trainees from the simulated aggressors, and to track each trainees performance throughout the training scenario.

Abstract: An optical assembly is provided to simulate the emission of a light beam such as a laser, so that it appears to extend a considerable distance from the observer. The optical device can be advantageously integrated with a video game system or a simulated gun, and includes an arrangement of reflecting and semitransparent mirrors that can define a field of view, for example, of a target area, and can superimpose images of a light emitting unit so that a light beam can apparently extend to a target while maintaining a compact configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a capability for training and other uses wherein a firearm can e aligned with its target by use of a laser beam, or the target can be designated to others by illuminating it with the laser beam. A laser diode that provides visible light is used in conjunction with the boresight of a gun to paint a visible spot on an intended target at the location the bullet will impact if the weapon were fired. The beam emitted by the diode is collimated by a miniature gradient refractive index lens co-located with the diode on a heat sink that is included to convey heat away from the heat sensitive components. A circuit having a photodiode and a differencing amplifier is included to provide stability in the output of the laser, in order to overcome the effects of thermal excursions, and to protect the reflective surfaces of the laser from power surges. The on-off switch is a pressure sensitive material removably attached to the gun in a convenient location for it to be operated by the user's gun hand.

Abstract: The present invention provides an amusement system having a play zone consisting, in combination, of a plurality of game stages and including a travel path extending through the respective game stages; at least one carrier for receiving a player or players thereon and for moving along the travel path while causing the player or players to play a game at each of the game stages; a score processor for processing the score of the player or the scores of the players; and a representing device for representing the game in each of the game stages, the representing device providing a multi-story game by changing the game presentation mode at a game stage through which the carrier is moving or will move, depending on the total carrier score won by the player or players on the carrier.

Abstract: Marksmanship training apparatus is used with air guns or weapons firing blank cartridges and comprises a housing member with an attached muzzle alignment tube for insertion into the bore of the barrel of the weapon and includes sealing apparatus around the muzzle alignment tube to minimize leakage of gas between the bore and the muzzle alignment tube and to prevent the gas from pushing the muzzle alignment tube out of the bore. The housing member includes a switch which is activated by the gas to complete an electrical circuit positioned in the housing to cause light energy to be emitted from the housing member.

Abstract: A method for pinpointing the actual coordinate location of a passive location device for a simulated battlefield condition is described. A plurality of actuators transmit to a passive location device which includes the method for determining its coordinate location. The coordinate location of a desired impact point is transmitted to the location device. The determination method initializes a starting coordinate location as the impact point of a round of munition. The method then iteratively determines the gradient direction of the position and moves the position estimate in the direction of gradient. As the estimated position approaches the true position successively smaller steps are taken and additional coordinate directions introduced into the solution until the convergence solution is terminated with least rms error in the neighborhood of the true coordinate position of the passive location device.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing and/or calibrating a detector comprising a latent image generator, the generator having differing reflectance coefficients across its surface such that in use, when irradiated by collimated radiation the output intensity from some regions is relatively high and from other regions is relatively low.

Abstract: A device and method for improving and refining a shooter's skills has a laser or light beam, when the device is turned on, emitted from a laser diode or a light emitting diode to a collimating lens and through a hollow shaft, and to a prism being rotated by a shaft and motor. The beam is deflected in different directions so that a rapid rotation of the prism permits the beam to form a substantially circular reflecting image. The diameter of the image can be adjusted by adjusting an adjustable lens. When a shooter aims at a clay target, the shooter moves the gun barrel at a sweeping line of sight along a target flight path until the moving target intersects a point on the circumference of the substantially circular image for indicating to the shooter that a proper lead has been achieved for successfully shooting the moving target. Moreover, a receiver can be mounted on the housing for allowing an instructor to evaluate how well the shooter is performing.

Abstract: A weapon simulator, particularly for simulating small arms, comprises a laser projector for attachment to the weapon. Firing the weapon initiates the production of a narrow, pulsed, beam by the laser, and this beam is scanned vertically downwardly while its pulse repetition frequency (PRF) is varied as a function of scan angle. The weapon/ammunition type can also be encoded in the laser pulses. The beam is received by a spatially diverse pair of detectors on the target, typically comprising a first detector having an annular entry aperture covering about 6 cm in the vertical direction, and a second detector disposed in the center of the annular entry aperture of the first. The central detector effectively determines the width of the beam, thus permitting the range from the weapon to the target to be computed from the beam width and the difference in the prf detected at the start and finish of the illumination of the first detector.

Abstract: An interactive video display system comprising a laser disc player with a remote large-screen projector to view life-size video scenarios and a control computer. A video disc has at least one basic scenario and one or more branches of the basic scenario with one or more subbranches from any one or more of the branches and further subbranches, if desired, to any level of programming desired. The control computer is programmed for interactive control of the branching, and control of other effects that enhance the scenario, in response to detection of when the trainee has (1) drawn an infrared laser handgun from his holster, (2) fired his laser handgun, (3) taken cover, (4) advanced or retreated from the adversary on the screen, and (5) when the adversary has fired his gun at the trainee.

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: Disclosed is a marksmanship trainer that can accommodate a plurality of tnees. The trainer includes the long range light pen that is the present invention to measure sighting accuracy and tracking steadiness. In the disclosure it is set with the sight of a simulated or operational weapon, and achieves resolution to the pixel level by using telescope optics and special purpose circuitry. Each trainee is provided with a raster scan display and a computer that provide a target image and corrective feedback to the trainee. Bridge configured dual strain gauges are used to sense breathing, and a force sensing resistor is used to monitor trigger squeeze. Recoil is simulated mechanically, and a simulated report of the weapon is provided through a headset. The feedback of corrective action is provided aurally/graphically from a stored expert library.

Abstract: The invention is a marksmanship trainer that can accommodate a plurality of trainees. The trainer includes a long range light pen to measure sighting accuracy and tracking steadiness. It is set with the sight of a simulated or operational weapon, and achieves resolution to the pixel level by using telescope optics and special purpose circuitry in addition to its computer board. Each trainee is provided with a raster scan display and a computer that provide a target image and corrective feedback to the trainee. Bridge configured dual strain gauges are used to sense breathing, and a force sensing resistor is used to monitor trigger squeeze. Recoil is simulated mechanically, and a simulated report of the weapon is provided through a headset. The feedback of corrective action is provided aurally/graphically from a stored expert library.

Abstract: The arrangement for firing simulation and battle simulation, for reflecting mages generated by means of a computer (12) into the beam path (15) of a sighting device which has a cathode-ray tube (5, 6) for producing the images, is designed in such a way that it can be used even in widely varying external brightness. For this purpose, the cathode-ray tube (5, 6) emits essentially monochromatic light, while a narrow-band absorption filter (16) for the wavelength of the cathode-ray tube (5, 6) is located in the beam path (15) of the sight outside the beam path of the generated images.

Abstract: A photodetector array which mounts to a soft hat, such as a military fatigue hat, and which includes circumferentially spaced and outwardly facing photodetectors on radial arms extending from a central hub. A radio transmitter, including an antenna, is mounted at the hub. The arms extend radially outward to the edge of the hat crown, and then extend down the sides of the hat to the band. Each arm has a proximal end joined to the hub, a radial portion extending to the edge of the hat crown, an axial portion extending towards the hatband and a distal end terminating at a photodetector. A wiring harness is molded within the arms and connects the photodetectors and antenna to the transmitter. A fastener is provided on each arm, at the intersection of the radial and axial portions, to attach the arms to the outer edge of the hat crown. At least two of the arm distal ends are provided with attachments for a chin strap.

Abstract: Apparatus for the simulated shooting of small arms comprises a miniaturized electrical energy source for a radiation emitter which is capable of being accommodated within a dummy cartridge or within the gun barrel. The source can be a capacitor slidably located within the dummy cartridge and which co-operates with a barrel unit housing a switch section, an electronics section, and a pulsed infra-red emitter. On firing the gun the capacitor is propelled forwards by the firing pin of the gun until a probe-like switch portion on the capacitor contacts a corresponding switch portion on the barrel unit so actuating the emitter to give a series of timed pulses which pass through a lens system.

Abstract: A target trainer has a screen on which is depicted a scene, a target projector for projecting the image of a moving target on the screen, and a combination of an infra-red target beam projector and infra-red sensitive television camera, associated with a simulated weapon and the target to determine the accuracy of simulated shooting at the target.

Abstract: A dummy fire-arm (1) for training comprising a sighting device (2,3) and housing a laser tube (5). The fire-arm houses a high voltage portion (9) of the laser tube (5) triggering device (25, 30) as well as an optical focusing device (10, 11). This fire-arm (1) is carried by a lower portion (12) having a hand grip (13) housing the electronic control device of the laser as well as an electro-mechanical (25 to 31) shot departure triggering device.

Abstract: An alignment plug for mounting a laser beam projector assembly on the barrel of a weapon, comprising an elongate body (10) of substantially cylindrical cross-section of which a first body portion serves for location within the muzzle end of the barrel and a second body portion serves for attachment of the projector assembly. A window (17) in said plug serves for entry of light emitted on detonation of a blank round, the light being transmitted to a light detector (14) by a light guide (16) to initiate projection of a coded laser beam. Aperture means (8, 9) extending axially of said plug serves to relieve the pressure of the detonation to the exterior of the barrel.

Abstract: It comprises a shock detector controlling the release of the laser as well as a part 7 limiting the stroke of the percussion system to a value such that its impact on this part will be sufficient to release the laser through the intermediary of the detector but insufficient to cause vibrations of the weapon leading to oscillations of the laser beam.

Abstract: In a weapons training simulator, laser radiation is output via optics (28) to simulate the firing of a round, and reflected radiation received via a conjugate path to assess the effectiveness of the shot. In the event of a miss a scan of the target area is required to provide fall of shot information. The scan is performed by controlled movement of the output faces of fibre optics (23, 24, 25) flexibly coupling to fixed sources (20, 21, 22) and of the input face of a fibre optic (200) flexibly coupling to a fixed detector (201). The problem of the bulk and inertia of prior art systems is improved by the remote location of lasers, drive and control, which may be conveniently separated for service or replacement without disturbing the optically aligned input and output faces. A further improvement is that vertically aligned multiple sources may be employed without undue weight penalty, yielding elevation information from a lateral scan.

Abstract: Device for practicing aiming with a firearm at a target, which device inces an optical sighting system and an arrangement for the determination of the simulated hit position in relation to the target position. In order to achieve a direct comparison with the image of the target perceived in the optical sighting system and the point of impact, it is provided that the hit position is displayed in the optical sighting system. For this purpose, the target is recorded by a TV camera, and a corresponding monitor image is reflected into the optical sighting system.

Abstract: Marksmanship training apparatus which provides for simulated firing of projectile-type weapons is disclosed and comprises a substitute cartridge and a receiver/detector target device. The substitute cartridge is self contained and includes a power source, an energy emitting device which emits a pulse or pulses or energy with predetermined characteristics, a lens device to concentrate the emitted energy, an energy activation device and a transfer device to transfer the energy from the firing mechanism of the weapon to the energy activation device to activate same. The receiver/detector target device includes devices to detect the presence of the pulse or pulses of energy while ignoring the ambient light level surrounding the target device. The target device initiates a time cycle and provides a display of the elapsed time from initiation to the receipt of a hit from the pulse or pulses of energy emitted from the substitute cartridge in the weapon. An audio indication is also provided when a hit occurs.

Abstract: A laser operated transmitter is attachable to the barrel of gun and comprises a battery operated power supply; a first, hit-code pulse generating circuit capable of driving a laser optical system and producing a beam simulating a projectile hitting a photodetector target system; and a second inhibit-code pulse generating circuit, synchronous with the hit-code pulse generating circuit, driving a light emitting diode and producing a hit-code inhibiting wide-angle beam aimed towards a photodetector target system worn by the shooter of the gun.

Abstract: A live ammunition optical simulator for a weapon disposed in a gun port and aimed through a separate view point. The simulator includes a visible light source, an infrared laser and a beam splitter located adjacent the view port and between the visible light source and the laser. The visible light source and the laser are oriented so that their respective beams lie along a common axis and strike opposing sides of the beam splitter. The laser beam is reflected by the beam splitter out of the view port to simulate the point of impact of a weapon projectile. The visible light beam is reflected by the beam splitter to a weapon user to provide a visual aiming cue simulating the path of a weapon projectile tracer. The weapon user, observing the scene shown in the view port through the beam splitter, can determine the point of impact of the laser beam by orienting himself so as to observe the visible light beam reflection in the beam splitter.

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 toy laser weapon such as a pistol utilizes a flash unit to generate a burst of high intensity light. A collimating device collimates the light into a beam simulating a laser beam. A target vest can be worn by the person that is the target of the simulated laser pistol and includes a target area of fluorescent material that indicates a hit when the light beam from the toy laser pistol strikes the target area. Also, a sound generator can be provided to emit a sound when the burst of light occurs. An exemplary circuit for use with the light pistol is also part of the invention.

Abstract: Target apparatus for use in the training of weapon direct fire, including a structure (1) in which a weapon can be placed and which forms a screen (3) of concave truncated spherical shape, at least one target image projector (4 ) located within the structure (1) for projecting a target image (T) onto the screen (3), with the projector (4) being mounted for universal movement so as to be capable of moving the projected target image (T) over the screen (3), and a visible laser projector (8) located on or adjacent the weapon to produce a visual indication (P) on the screen (3) by a projected beam of visible light, of at least a final portion of the flight path of the simulated fired projectile or missile, corresponding to the position at which the weapon was aimed when fired, for a projectile or missile whose trajectory or flight path cannot be controllably varied after firing, or corresponding to the position at which the weapon was aimed when fired and as subsequently controllably varied, for a projectile or m

Abstract: An electronic game in which the game participant fires a hand held target weapon at targets and must evade simulated return fire directed at the person of the participant from hazard weapons. The targets include lamps which are momentarily energized one at a time by timing circuitry. The target weapon includes a trigger switch and a photosensor for detecting when the target weapon is accurately aimed at an energized target. Digital displays indicate the number of shots remaining and the number of target hits that have been recorded by the participant. The hazard weapons emit infrared beams at the body of the game participant and are activated one at a time by timing circuitry. The game is terminated when the participant has expended all of the allotted shots at the targets or when the beam from an activated hazard weapon is intercepted by the person of the game participant.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator for training purposes enables the trainee to observe rnal effects through a simulated thermal sight by the utilization of a variety of paints whose pigments are selected based on their reflectivity to known wavelengths of light. A lamp bank is provided to illuminate a modelboard with various hues so painted as to provide reflectivity corresponding to thermal images. A monochrome television camera mounted on a movable gantry supplies images of said modelboard to a display in the vehicle simulator.

Abstract: An apparatus for training students in thermal image recognition provides a lurality of variable thermal images for viewing through telescopic sights at a plurality of student stations. Identification of the image is electronically evaluated for correctness and response time by a microcomputer, located at an instructor station, which controls displays indicative of the student's performance.

Abstract: Targets on a shooting range are automatically illuminated individually, either randomly or in a progressive "running" mode, and the firing of shots is sensed and recorded in timed relation to the periods of illumination, for scoring in conjunction with target hits under conditions simulating firing at live targets in the field.

Abstract: A training or test device is provided operable to allow actual firing of a pulsed laser range finder in safe conditions for training or test purposes. This device, having a reflected laser beam radiation receiver and an associated range distance indicator, includes a pulsed laser light trap having a housing (2) attachable over an output aperture of the laser to receive and dissipate safely a beam of radiation therefrom without emission of an eye damaging amount of radiation.