Abstract: An improved battlefield simulation system based upon continuous wave lasers. The system uses continuous wave lasers and high-power light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to simulate weapons. A continuous wave laser energy beam is coded using pulse-code modulation (PCM) and pulse-pause modulation (PPM) so that the agent is uniquely identified, as well as the type of weapon responsible for the light beam. The present system provides improved eye safety, improved sensitivity, improved realism, and improved data transfer.

Abstract: The invention provides a toy light projector or light gun and player-worn and self-propelled toy targets which detect light emitted by a toy light gun, and a toy shooting game which includes at least one toy light gun, and at least one toy target. The game is played by a player attempting to "hit" a target which provides audio/visual effects upon detecting light projected by the gun. A main target contains a light detector and all of the circuitry and audio/visual components needed to play a game, and an auxiliary target may contain a light detector and only some of the components needed to play a game and be coupled to a main target to share components therein. A self-propelled target includes circuitry which provides pseudorandom (or other pre-programmed or random) motion to the target. The light gun emits a sound while it is on and ready to be fired, which can serve as a warning to an opposing player.

Abstract: Apparatus for merging a video image sequence of a dynamic phenomenon occurring on a natural background into a high resolution background image, the apparatus including a background remover operative to remove the natural background from the video image sequence, and a phenomenon-background merger operative to merge the video image sequence of the dynamic phenomenon, with natural background removed, into the high resolution background image.

Abstract: A system for simulating shooting sports includes a non-projectile ammunition transmitter system that is retrofittable to any standard firearm having an ammunition chamber, a barrel, and a firing pin and a self-contained receiver system. The transmitter system includes an actuating beam cartridge and an adjustable beam choke. The beam cartridge includes a first actuating beam emitter responsive to the firing pin. The beam choke includes a second emission beam emitter responsive to the first actuating beam. The receiver system is a self-contained reusable target having beam sensors and hit indicators. The beam sensors are "triggered" when the emission beam "hits" or is "sensed by" the beam sensors. When the beam sensors sense the emission beam, they cause the hit indicators to indicate that the target has been "hit" by the emission beam. The target may also include at least one triggering motion detector that detects a triggering motion that is associated with the target being launched into the air.

Abstract: A forward observation officer (21) initiates a call for fire (33) on a particular target (20). The call for fire is received by a control center (30) which generates a precision guided munitions simulation message which is transmitted to all potential targets via a data link (31). The forward observation officer (21) then illuminates the target (20) with a laser designator simulator (22). Laser detectors (23) then determine that the target (20) has been illuminated. Processor arrangement (34) then determines that the target (20) was the correct one that was selected by the forward observation officer (21) and that the location of the precision guided munitions (29) is at the same location of the target (20). Processor arrangement (34) then indicates that the target (20) has been hit or missed.

Abstract: Firefighter training device for limiting a trainee's vision and simulating firefighting conditions across a trainee's field of view. The device includes a view-limiting simulation mask which is worn by a trainee (e.g., respirator mask, glasses, or goggles). The mask houses a voltage controlled liquid crystal (LC) lens system, either single or multi-layered, which is divided into various individually and electronically controllable segments. Host dyes might be injected into LC materials to produce colors in the lens segments. Pre-programmed and random pattern control of lens segments occludes the trainee's vision and simulates smoke and/or fires. Sound and strobes might be added to simulate explosions and other firefighting conditions. A transmitter, which includes switchable controls, can be used to send control signals to the mask. The training device can effectively be used indoors or outdoors.

Abstract: The seeker of a guided missile may be tested by a simulator. The simulator mimics the reflection of a pulsed laser beam from a target. The simulator has a low power IR emitting LED 18. This IR emitting LED 18 is pulsed by an energy storing capacitor 22. The pulse is controlled by an SCR 16 driven by a pulse repetition oscillator 12. A collimating lens 26 collects light from the IR emitting LED 18 and directs it to the seeker. When being self tested, IR from the IR emitting LED 18 is reflected by a mirror 40 onto a detector 24. The output of the detector 24 is passed through a high pass filter 30. This removes signals from IR noise sources (fluorescent bulbs, the sun, incandescent bulbs), and passes only signals from the IR emitting LED 18. A first buffer 32, preferably an amplifier, provides power between the high pass filter 30 and the gate of a second SCR 34. This second SCR 34 drives a visible light LED 36 through a second buffer 38. The visible light LED 36 acts as a positive self test indication.

Abstract: A laser weapon simulator apparatus for practice in the shooting of a firearm at a target having reflective material thereon. The apparatus includes a laser beam transmitter that is actuable to emit a laser beam of short duration, a laser beam receiver for collecting and processing a reflected portion of the laser beam, circuitry for detecting the emission of the laser beam by the transmitter, and a visual display. The receiver includes circuitry adapted to produce a "hit" signal upon receiving the reflected portion of the laser beam and the detecting circuitry is adapted to produce a "try" signal in response to the emission of the laser beam. The visual display produces an output "hit" display signal upon the concurrent receipt of a "hit" signal from the receiver and a "try" signal from the detecting circuitry.

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 laser small arms transmitter (SAT) which may be affixed to the stock of a rifle such as an M16 used by a soldier in training with a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES). The transmitter includes a housing assembly having a forward end with a window through which the beam of a laser diode is emitted. A pair of optical wedges are positioned inside the housing assembly between the laser diode and the window. The optical wedges are supported for independent rotation about a common optical axis for steering the laser beam. An alignment head may be physically mated to the rearward end of the housing assembly for driving a pair of shafts to rotate the optical wedges in the alignment of the transmitter so that a soldier can accurately hit a target once he or she has located the target in the conventional sights of the rifle.

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: An archery target method and apparatus including providing a stationary target for an archer shooting an arrow to initiate a moving target. The apparatus senses a hit on the stationary target and initiates a delay sequence. After counting down the delay sequence which allows the archer to reload a bow with a second arrow, the apparatus begins to move a moving target across a target range allowing the archer to fire at the moving target with the second arrow. The apparatus senses when the moving target reaches the end of the target range and stops the moving target at the end of the target range. The apparatus then resets the archery target to return across the target range when the second stationary target shot impacts the target. At this same time, the timing sequence is initiated again, thus repeating the alternating stationary and moving target shots. This sequence allows the archer both left to right and right to left moving targets as well as stationary target shots.

Abstract: A manworn laser detection system is provided for use in a multiple integrated laser engagement system (MILES). A plurality of laser detectors are carried by a harness adapted to be worn by a person for receiving a laser bullet hit from a weapon equipped with a laser small arms transmitter (SAT). An amplifier on the harness is connected to the laser detectors on the harness for amplifying a first electrical output signal of the laser detectors. A first optical coupling on the harness is connected to the amplifier for emitting optical signals representative of the amplified first electrical output signal of the laser detectors. An electronics assembly is adapted to be carried by the person and includes second optical coupling adapted to be mated with the first optical coupling for receiving the optical signals and generating a second electrical output signal representative thereof. A controller in the electronics assembly is provided for decoding a MILES code embedded in the second electrical output signal.

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: 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 video game set (1) displays a sighting mark on a television receiver (4). A player shoots this sighting mark by a shooting scope (5). At this time, the shift between a coordinate position of the sighting mark and a coordinate position which is shot is operated by the video game set (1) and is stored as a correction value. When the player shoots a target in a game mode, the coordinate position which is shot is corrected on the basis of the correction value stored in the video game set (1).

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.

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: 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: Weapon training simulation system including a computer operated video display scene whereon is projected a plurality of visual targets. The computer controls the display scene and the targets, whether stationary or moving, and processes data of a point of aim sensor apparatus associated with a weapon operated by a trainee. The sensor apparatus is sensitive to non-visible or subliminal modulated areas having a controlled contrast of brightness between the target scene and the targets. The sensor apparatus locates a specific subliminal modulated area and the computer determines the location of a target image on the display scene with respect to the sensor apparatus.

Abstract: A toy including headgear mounted thereon a simulated weapon system, a visor, apparatus for indicating on the visor a sighting reference and non-hand actuated apparatus for producing simulated firing on a target. Preferably the headgear and the non-hand actuated apparatus are operative for producing simulated firing on a target which appears on a television screen in an interactive television game.

Abstract: A training aid (10) for such side arms as revolvers and pistols that comprises a transmitter (18) in the form of a replaceable cylinder (14, when the weapon is a revolver) or of a replaceable insert (114, when the weapon is a pistol or similar piece) and a receiver (16), whereby the transmitter has a release (22) that is activated by the impact of the weapon's hammer (20) and causes the transmitter to emit simultaneously with the impact a brief and narrowly collimated beam (24) of infrared light, the receiver is positioned at a desired distance away and produces a signal when it receives the beam, the beam of infrared light is generated by a diode (66) accomodated in a tube, and the release is at one end of the tube and a device (68, 70, or 168) that focuses the beam is at the other end.

Abstract: A firing toy including headgear having mounted thereon a simulated weapon system, a visor, apparatus for indicating on the visor a sighting reference and non-hand actuated apparatus for producing simulated firing on a target. Preferably the headgear and the non-hand actuated apparatus are operative for producing simulated firing on a target which appears on a television screen in an interactive television game.

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: 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: 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: A target shooting apparatus utilizes a plurality of light beam emitting guns or rifles to shoot at a plurality of targets, the individual light beam guns being identified by frequency encoding the light beam emitted by each rifle. The first rifle to "hit" a target deactivates the target and is credited with a score. Light and sound effects are generated when a target is "hit" to simulate reality. The number of rifles and targets is limited only by the physical size of the apparatus that would be practical to accommodate the players.

Abstract: A safety device for a toy gun has first and second firing pins which can block movement of a trigger. The firing pins are electro-magnetically operated. The first firing pin is normally in a position which blocks movement of the trigger and the second firing pin is normally in a position which allows movement of the trigger. A power source is connected to the first firing pin by a switch so that trigger movement is blocked by the first firing pin until the switch is activated. The switch also connects the power source to a photo-electric switch which includes a light emitter and a light sensor. The second firing pin is connected to the power source by the photo-electric switch so that movement of the trigger is blocked by the second firing pin only when the photo-electric switch is closed. The photo-electric switch detects the presence of a target within a preset range of the toy gun and closes if a target is detected.

Abstract: This apparatus is used with a video tape of a scene that includes a target. At least part of the target has selected interlace fields removed, so that when the scene is displayed a distinctive periodic sequence of light pulses is associated with that target. An unmodified, standard video cassette machine plays the tape into a similarly unmodified television receiver to display the scene, particularly including omission of the selected fields in each target. A response module--with no connection to or from, and no output to, either the tape player or the receiver--includes a detector, an imaging system, a sight, circuitry, and a trigger. The imaging system receives light from a limited portion of the displayed scene, and directs that light to the detector. The sight aids a user to point the imaging system toward a particular desired scene portion. The circuitry develops an output signal related to the light on the detector.

Abstract: In a method for locating an object such as a target for firing simulation in which the echo of a radiation beam emitted in the direction of the object and reflected back from the object is detected in the form of an electric signal, the signal is subjected to a correction treatment in order to compensate for variations in detection sensitivity as a function of the distance of the object. The signal treatment primarily consists in imposing on the signal a variable minimum threshold or a constant threshold with a variable preliminary gain. The variations take place in accordance with a predetermined correction law as a function of the time which elapses between emission of the radiation and detection of the echo.

Abstract: A simulated laser weapon using a halogen bulb, parabolic reflecting mirror, bulb cap, rotating aperture, air jet, barrel, and shroud to produce a pulsed envelope of substantially parallel, non-coherent light rays simulating the discharge from a high energy laser weapon being fired by and in the presence of a participant.An amusement application for a simulated laser weapon involving several participants in an air- or spacecraft combat situation wherein each participant is seated at a station which travels circularly compared to a fixed reference point, rotates, rises and falls, and tilts, and wherein each participant's simulated laser weapon is sequentially activated and deactivated while each participant attempts to aim and fire his simulated laser weapon at targets suspended above his head.

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 television game apparatus according to this invention reads white picture data from a program ROM (6) to transfer it to a video RAM (8) and displays, on a television monitor (11), the white picture data, together with target or other data read from a character ROM (9). When a pistol (4) is leveled at a target on the screen of the television monitor (11) and the trigger is pulled, a switch (44) is closed to produce a trigger signal, on the basis of which black picture data is read from the program ROM (6) and displayed on the television monitor (11). Immediately after the black picture was displayed, the white picture is displayed in the next frame in the position where the target was displayed just before and/or around the periphery thereof. The light from this white picture is detected by a phototransistor (41), whose detection signal, when extracted by a filter (45, 46), is used as a detection signal from the target.

Abstract: A weapon training simulator employing a computer with associated memory and software. A simulated weapon with simulated recoil provides hammer fall signals to initiate computation. A quadrature sensor mounted on the weapon generates target position signal based on point sources located on simulated targets. The computer generates real time, video displays and replays and prints out displays of target aim, hit and other information while controlling recoil simulation, providing shot sound and generating speech directions and commands.

Abstract: The arrangement for shot simulation with a shot simulator and at least one arget is characterized in that the target has a device for emitting light of a wavelength outside the visible wavelength range and the shot simulator has a receiving device for the light. The shot simulator also possesses a device for measuring the period of time between the detection of the target as a result of the emitted light and the firing of a simulated shot. By means of this arrangement, the reaction time required by the gunner between the detection of the target, the identification of the latter and the firing of a shot and a hit can be measured effectively.

Abstract: A laser weapon simulator apparatus requires a gunner to correctly lead a moving target when using a laser direct fire weapon simulator for markmanship training. The weapon simulator includes one or more lasers for firing a plurality of radiation beams along the weapon boresight and on at least one side thereof. An encoding circuit is coupled to the lasers for assigning a code to each radiation beam. A simulated target has a radiation detector for detecting the radiation beams of the lasers and includes a decoder coupled thereto for recognizing each code assigned to each radiation beam and comparing the lead taken by the gunner with the required lead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electronic shootout game and more specifically to such a game intended to be played by two contestants disposed in facing relation on a prescribed shooting field. The game accurately simulates the 19th Century gunfighting practice and is completely controlled by a programmable micro-processor which includes audio and visual display to control and track the progress of the game during play. The guns include a radio frequency transmitter and antenna system which broadcasts the firing and successful hit modes by wireless communication with the computer which provides an instantaneous readout of such game functions.

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: Method and firing simulator for practicing aiming with the use of a laser firing simulator and of a retroreflector on the target side, as well as a simulator for carrying out this method. On triggering of the simulated firing, the target distance, the velocity of the target relative to the line of sight and the aiming-off allowance are measured, and the position of the hit is computed therefrom after the elapse of the projectile flight time.

Abstract: An amusement shooting game for play by a plurality of players (30, 40) wherein players (30, 40) shoot at each other while avoiding being shot at is provided. The players' (30, 40) equipment includes a vest module (46) and helmet (44) for generating and transmitting a coded signal uniquely identifying each player (30, 40). Each player further utilizes a gun (50) for receiving the transmitted coded signals transmitted by players (30, 40). A processing unit (74) is responsive to the gun (50) for detecting a transmitted coded signal. Data processing devices (126, 110, 114) are utilized for counting and displaying the number of detected coded signals to provide a score for each player representing the number of players (30, 40) he has shot during the play of the game.

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: Apparatus (FIG. 1), for training in the rapid and accurate reaction to a situation confronting one or more trainees 12, 12' in an enclosed room 11, has one wall thereof formed by a screen portion 14 onto which an optical image is back-projected by projector 16. Each trainee's weapon 22 has a light emitter 24 responsive to firing the gun (containing blanks) at the screen to simulate the projectile impact point by spot 26. A television camera adjacent the projector and viewing the rear of the screen receives the spot and relates the position of this within the camera field to datum points of the projected image, the datum points 36' being visible to the camera and not the trainee.

Abstract: A target designation system for use in training an observer to acquire and recognize targets is disclosed. A scenario with targets is displayed in front of the observer who aligns his line of sight so that a reticle is superimposed on the acquired target. The display system consists of film illuminated by a cathode ray tube. Film is used to provide color, resolution and realism not available from cathode ray tubes or any other display system. Light rays from the display are partially transmitted through a beam-splitter to the observer and partially reflected through an optical window onto a photodetector. In addition, the projected image of the reticle is reflected by the beam-splitter toward the observer. The photodetector and optical window are positioned so that light rays from the scanning spot of the CRT raster impinge on the photodetector only when the scanning spot occupies a point on the CRT screen corresponding to the location on the film at which the image of the reticle is superimposed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method which enables a weapon (usually on a test firing range) only when the weapon is aimed at a predetermined zone around a target. A transmitter subsystem comprising a strobe light, power supply and alignment scope is disposed at or near the target and oriented so as to transmit strobe light pulses of preselected pulse frequency, pulse duration and spectral content at a receiving subsystem. The receiving subsystem disposed at or near the weapon optically focuses the received strobe pulses on a detector, which provides electrical signals in accordance with the received pulses. These electrical signals are processed by detector electronics so that an enable signal is provided to the weapon only when a pair of pulses is detected within a preseslected time interval. In this way, the present invention prevents unwanted firing of the weapon when it is not properly aimed at the predetermined zone.