CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 17/887,422, filed August 13, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to shooting games and, in particular, to a target system for use in shooting games.

BACKGROUND

Target practice and shooting simulation systems that use specially adapted weapons that fire laser beams instead of live fire may add a new dimension to a shooter gaming experience. Alternatively and additionally, such systems may be useful for shooting skills development. Players may shoot at “laser targets” that include laser beam detectors that can detect laser beams fired by such weapons.

In many cases the laser targets that are used for such shooting games are provided in fixed positions due to the need for laser detectors in the laser targets that require a power source. In addition to not being mobile, such laser targets may not accurately simulate the shape and positions that would be ideal in a simulated human target. Further, such targets may not adequately simulate a response by not “firing back” at the player.

There is therefore a need for a laser target that may be mobile (portable) and that is flexible in both the configuration of simulated positions/forms that the target may represent.

SUMMARY

This disclosure describes target systems and methods of operation thereof used in shooter gaming. The disclosed target system may include a body, a mounting system, one or more laser detection units, and one or more shoot-back units. In some embodiments, the mounting system may enable altering of the positioning of the body of the target system into suitable shooting postures such as but not limited to lying, standing and kneeling postures. In some embodiments, the target system disclosed herein may be portable and may be positioned on a range of ground surfaces thus potentially enabling shooting games in a variety of environments including ad-hoc gaming setups.

In some embodiments, the laser detection units in or on the body may detect virtual hits to the body from laser beams fired by simulated weapons with laser beam transmitters that may transmit uniquely identifiable codes in the laser beams. The shoot-back unit may fire laser beams in the direction of a player to thereby force a player to seek cover while firing at the target system.

As used herein the terms virtual ammunition, virtual firing, virtual hit, and similar terms relate to use of the disclosed system in methods for simulated use of weapons such as for gaming purposes. As used herein the terms “user”, “player”, and/or “gamer” may refer to a human user of the target system described herein. As used herein a “game” may refer to any gaming environment for performing simulated activities including but not limited weapon usage. As used herein “laser detection units” refer to laser beam or laser light detection units that detect direct or reflected or proximal laser beams.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, a target system, includes: a body; a mounting system configured to adjust the body to varying heights and/or rotations; a laser detection unit configured for insertion into or attachment to the body; and a shoot-back unit configured for insertion into or attachment to the body, wherein the laser detection unit is configured to detect an incoming laser beam that strikes the laser detection unit and/or the area surrounding the laser detection unit, and wherein the shoot-back unit is configured to respond to the detected incoming laser beam by emitting a shot back laser beam substantially in the direction of the incoming laser beam.

In some embodiments, the body includes a torso and a head. In some embodiments, a first laser detection unit is positioned in the torso and wherein a second laser detection unit is positioned in the head. In some embodiments, the body has the size and dimensions of an average human adult male.

In some embodiments, the mounting system includes electronic actuators for adjusting the heights and/or rotations of the body. In some embodiments, the laser detection unit is further configured to differentiate between laser beams fired from different laser transmitters according to a unique identifier in each of the fired laser beams.

In some embodiments, the mounting system includes a mechanical mounting system including a leg mount and a base, and wherein the base is adjustable to substantially level the target system. In some embodiments, in response to detection of the incoming laser beam, the laser detection unit is configured to provide an audio or visual indication. In some embodiments, the mounting system is configured to adjust the body to varying heights and/or rotations in response to the detected incoming laser beam.

Consistent with disclosed embodiments, a method, includes: providing a target system including a body, a shoot-back unit and a laser detection unit; and shooting a laser beam at the target, wherein the laser detection unit is configured to detect the shot laser beam and wherein the shoot-back unit is configured to respond to the detected laser beam by emitting a laser beam in substantially the direction of the shot laser beam.

In some embodiments, the target further includes a mounting system configured to adjust the body to varying heights and/or rotations in response to the detected laser beam. In some embodiments, the laser detection unit is further configured to differentiate between laser beams fired from different laser transmitters according to a unique identifier in each of the fired laser beams.

In some embodiments, in response to detection of the shot laser beam, the laser detection unit is configured to provide an audio or visual indication. In some embodiments, the body includes a torso and a head. In some embodiments, a first laser detection unit is positioned in the torso and wherein a second laser detection unit is positioned in the head. In some embodiments, the body has the size and dimensions of an average human adult male.

In some embodiments, the mounting system includes electronic actuators for adjusting the heights and/or rotations of the body. In some embodiments, the mounting system includes a mechanical mounting system including a leg mount and a base, and wherein the base is adjustable to substantially level the target system.

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description below. It may be understood that this Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. The details of one or more implementations are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be apparent from the description and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Aspects, embodiments, and features disclosed herein will become apparent from the following detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a target system according to some implementations;

FIG. IB shows an illustrative drawing of front and side views of a target system in a “standing” configuration according to some implementations;

FIG. 1C shows an illustrative drawing of front and side views of a target system in a “kneeling” configuration according to some implementations;

FIG. ID shows an illustrative drawing of a body of a target system according to some implementations ;

FIGS. 2A-2B show illustrative drawings of a mechanical embodiment of a mounting system according to some implementations;

FIG. 3A is a flowchart showing a process for operation of a target system according to some implementations;

FIG. 3B shows an exemplary gaming simulation configuration using the target system according to some implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to non-limiting examples of target systems and methods which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The examples are described below by referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements. When similar reference numerals are shown, corresponding description(s) are not repeated, and the interested reader is referred to the previously discussed figure(s) for a description of the like element(s).

Aspects of this disclosure may provide a technical solution to the challenging technical problem of gaming targets and may relate to a target system with the system having at least one processor (e.g., processor, processing circuit or other processing structure described herein), including methods, systems, devices, and computer-readable media. For ease of discussion, example methods are described below with the understanding that aspects of the example methods apply equally to systems, devices, and computer-readable media. For example, some aspects of such methods may be implemented by a computing device (or “processor” or “controller”) or software running thereon. The computing device may include at least one processor (e.g., a CPU, GPU, DSP, FPGA, ASIC, or any circuitry for performing logical operations on input data) to perform the example methods. Other aspects of such methods may be implemented over a network (e.g., a wired network, a wireless network, or both).

As another example, some aspects of such methods may be implemented as operations or program codes in a non-transitory computer-readable medium. The operations or program codes may be executed by at least one processor. Non-transitory computer readable media, as described herein, may be implemented as any combination of hardware, firmware, software, or any medium capable of storing data that is readable by any computing device with a processor for performing methods or operations represented by the stored data. In a broadest sense, the example methods are not limited to particular physical or electronic instrumentalities, but rather may be accomplished using many differing instrumentalities.

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a target system. FIG. 1 A is a block diagram of a target system 100 according to some implementations. FIG. IB shows an illustrative drawing of front and side views of a target system 100 in a “standing” configuration according to some implementations. FIG. 1C shows an illustrative drawing of front and side views of a target system 100 in a “kneeling” configuration according to some implementations. FIG. ID shows an illustrative drawing of a body 110 of a target system 100 according to some implementations .

Target system 100 may include body 110, mounting system 112, one or more laser detection units 114, a processor 116, and one or more shoot-back units 118. In some embodiments, target system 100 may be of a weight that can be borne by single individual to thus enhance the portability of target system 100.

Shooting games utilizing target system 100 may make use of a simulated weapon 120 with an integrated or attached laser transmitter 122 configured to emit laser light (or a “laser beam”) responsive to the pulling of a trigger of simulated weapon 120. In some embodiments, laser light emitted by laser transmitter 122 may include a code indicating the identity of the firing weapon. In some embodiments, weapon 120 may include one or more laser detection units 124 configured to detect laser beams fired by shoot-back unit(s) 118. In some embodiments, a player may wear a wearable item 126 such as but not limited to a vest or helmet having one or more laser detection units 124 configured to detect laser beams fired by shoot- back unit(s) 118. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. IB- ID, body 110 may have the shape of a human torso and head. It should be appreciated that the drawings of FIGS. 1B-1D are illustrative and variations of the shape of body 110 are contemplated. In some embodiments, body 110 may have the proportions of the torso and head of an average adult male.

In some embodiments, body 110 may be configured for attachment to mounting system 112. In some embodiments, mounting system 112 may be configured to change the height and/or rotation of body 110 using an electronic actuator(s). In some embodiments, mounting system 112 may be configured such that target system 100 is positioned to mimic the height of postures such as but not limited to standing (FIG. IB) or kneeling (FIG. 1C).

In some embodiments, body 110 may be configured for insertion and removal or mounting thereon of laser detection units 114. In some embodiments, body 110 may include an array of laser detection units 114 mounted thereon. In some embodiments, a single laser detection unit 114 may include a detection mechanism for detecting laser beam “hits” to body 110 and/or within a defined proximity to body 110. In some embodiments, one or more laser detection units 114 may be mounted in desired positions of body 110 to detect hits to those positions. In some embodiments, two laser detection units 114 may be inserted into or attached to body 110, a first laser detection unit 114-1 in the torso part of body 110 and a second laser detection unit 114-2 in the head part of body 110. In some embodiments, more than two laser detection units 114 may be inserted into or attached to body 110. In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 may be inserted into or attached to body 110 at positions other than those indicated, anywhere on body 110.

In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 may detect a laser beam that is generated by laser transmitter 122 that strikes laser detection units 114. In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 may detect a laser beam that is generated by laser transmitter 122 that strikes an area surrounding laser detection units 114, such as the torso part of body 110 or head part of body 110 and/or may detect a laser beam that strikes laser detection units 114. In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 may determine, based on a detected laser beam that strikes laser detection units 114 that was fired by laser transmitter 122 as part of virtual firing, that the fired laser beam has scored a virtual hit on body 110 and also what part of a body 110 (torso, head) has been hit. In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 may detect a code included in a laser beam from one of transmitters 122. In some embodiments, following detection of a virtual hit, laser detection units 114 may be configured to emit an audible sound or visual confirmation of the virtual hit. In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 may include a battery power source (not shown). In some embodiments, the battery power source may be rechargeable. In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 are configured to operate in any lighting conditions (day or night).

In some embodiments, body 110 may be configured for insertion and removal or mounting thereon of one or more shoot-back units 118 or for attachment of shoot-back unit(s) 118 to body 110. Shoot-back unit 118 may be configured to emit one or more laser beams responsive to detection of a virtual hit by laser detection units 114. In some embodiments, shoot-back unit 118 may be configured to emit one or more laser beams continually while in operation. In some embodiments, the laser beam emitted by shoot-back unit 118 may be substantially directed at the source of the virtual hit, namely the player firing weapon 120 with laser transmitter 122 in the direction of target system 100. In some embodiments, the laser beam emitted by shoot-back unit 118 may be directed in a preconfigured direction. In some embodiments, the player may be wearing or holding some form of laser beam detector 124, such as mounted on a wearable 126, or on weapon 120, to thereby detect a virtual hit fired by shoot-back unit 118. In some embodiments, laser beams transmitted from shoot-back unit 118 may include a code indicating the source of the laser beam fire (target 100). In some embodiments, shoot-back unit 118 may “wake-up” (begin responding) once a hit or near miss from an incoming laser beam has been detected, such as by detectors 114. In some embodiments, shoot-back unit 118 may include a battery power source (not shown). In some embodiments, the battery power source of shoot-back unit 118 may be rechargeable. In some embodiments, body 110 nay include a portable power source to power shoot-back unit 118 and laser detection unit 114. In some embodiments, the emitting of a laser beam by shoot-back unit 118 may be accompanied by an audio or visual indication by shoot-back unit 118 that a “shot” (laser emission) was fired.

In some embodiments, multiple players using multiple weapons 120 may simultaneously fire at target system 100 such as in a multiplayer game/simulation. In some embodiments, in multiplayer games, each laser transmitter 122 may transmit a code or other form of unique identifier in the emitted laser beam that can be determined by laser detection units 114 to belong to the laser transmitter 122 of a specific player, to thereby differentiate between laser beams fired at laser detection units 114. Such differentiation may enable tracking the shooting performance of a player, particularly in multiplayer games where each player may have their own weapon with an embedded/attached laser transmitter 122. In such a multiplayer game, laser detection units 114 may thus associate the laser beam emitted from each separate laser transmitter 122 with a specific player, to thereby track the player’s shooting once the game commences. It should be appreciated that, during a game or simulation, multiple laser transmitters 122 each corresponding to a player may be emitting laser beams substantially simultaneously or near simultaneously in the direction of target system 100 and a unique player identifier is thus invaluable for backing performance of each player.

Processor 116 and the modules and components that are included in processor 116 may include a processor and non-transitory computer readable medium containing instructions that, when executed by the at least one processor, are configured to perform the functions and/or operations necessary to provide the functionality described herein. Processor 116 may manage the operation of laser detection units 114 and shoot-back unit 118 and may direct the flow of data between these components of target system 100 and an external system 130. Where target system 100 may be said herein to provide specific functionality or perform actions, it should be understood that the functionality or actions are performed by processor 116, which may call on other components of target system 100. In some embodiments, the functionality of processor 116 may be distributed between laser detection units 114 and shoot-back unit 118, each having some form of processor. Processor 116 may be configured to store (such as on the non-transitory computer readable medium) and operate one or more gaming applications such as but not limited to a target practice (shooting) game. Processor 116 may provide communication for target system 100 and may thus include data network interfaces (such as but not limited to LAN, Bluetooth, and/or WiFi interfaces) for connection of target system 100 to data networks and/or to external system 130. In some embodiments, processor 116 may adjust the position of body 110 on mounting system 112 to simulate a height or rotation or position of body associated with a specific posture.

In some embodiments, external system 130 may collect data from detection units 114 and shoot-back unit 118 such as numbers of virtual hits, shooter that fired the virtual hits, number of shots fired by shoot-back unit 118, and so forth. It should be appreciated that target system 100 may therefore operate stand-alone (with no connection to any external system 130) or in communication with an external system 130.

FIGS. 2A-2B show illustrative drawings of a mechanical embodiment of mounting system 112 according to some implementations. FIGS. 2A-2B show an illustrative drawing of mounting system including a leg mount 210 and a base 212 of a mounting system 112 according to some implementations. It should be appreciated that mounting system 112 as shown in FIGS. 2 A and 2B is an exemplary mechanical embodiment and other embodiments may be used that, for example, rely on electronic actuators for adjusting the height and/or rotation of body 110. In some embodiments, body 110 may be configured for insertion and removal of leg mount 210. In some embodiments, leg mount 210 may be formed out of a durable and strong metallic material. In some embodiments, leg mount 210 may be configured such that target system 100 is positioned to mimic the height of postures such as but not limited to standing or kneeling.

In some embodiments, leg mount 210 may have the form as shown in FIG. 2A, having an inclined lower portion 214 mounted to base 212 and a vertical upper portion 216. The “bent” form (inclined lower portion 214 and vertical upper portion 216) of leg mount 210 may provide greater stability for target system 100 by shifting the center of gravity of target system 100 relative to base 212. In some embodiments, inclined lower portion 214 may be angled at 45 degrees to base 212, but it should be appreciated that other suitable angles may be used. In some embodiments, vertical upper portion 216 may be substantially perpendicular to base 212. In some embodiments, vertical upper portion 216 may include holes 218 positioned at varying heights on vertical upper portion 216. In some embodiments, holes 218 may be positioned at heights between 300 mm and 800 mm above base 212.

In some embodiments, body 110 may be mounted to leg mount 210 at a desired height by attaching body 110 to leg mount 210 at one of holes 218 at a selected height, to thereby allow configuration and reconfiguration of target system 100 for standing and kneeling postures or for detachment of leg mount 210 from body 110 for transport and storage of the pieces of target system 100. In some embodiments, a releasable holding mechanism such as, but not limited to a spring clip (not shown) in each of holes 218 enables quick adjustment of the height of body 110 on leg mount 210. In some embodiments, body 110 may be mounted to leg mount 210 by bolting body 110 to leg mount 210 through one of holes 218. Access to holes 218 through body 110 when leg mount 210 is inserted into body 110 may be provided in the opening in body 110 provided for insertion of laser detection units 114.

In some embodiments, leg mount 210 may include leg mount base 212 that may be configured to stably support positioning of target system 100 on a variety of ground conditions. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 2B, base 212 may include adjustable height screws 220 mounted on base 212, which may be adjusted to substantially level base 212 on a surface such that target system 100 is substantially stable. In some embodiments, when detached from body 110, leg mount 210 may be stacked in a stack of leg mounts 210. In some embodiments, leg mount 210 may include a carry handle (not shown) or carry handle slot 222. FIG. 3 A is a flowchart showing a process 300 for operation of a target system according to some implementations. FIG. 3B shows an exemplary simulation configuration using target system 100 according to some implementations. A non-transitory computer readable medium may contain instructions that when executed by at least one processor performs some or all of the operations described at each step as part of process 300. Process 300 may be performed using target system 100 and the non-transitory computer readable medium and at least one processor may correspond to processor 116.

In step 302, target system 100 may be set up for usage including attaching mounting system 112 to body 110 and positioning target 100 on a surface. Mounting system 112 may adjusted to position body 110 at a height equivalent to a desired initial target posture such as standing or kneeling. In some embodiments, a mounting system base such as leg mount base 212 may be adjusted (such as by adjusting adjustable height screws 220 mounted on base 212) to be level on the chosen surface so that target system 100 is stable. In some embodiments, mounting system 112 may be provided attached to body 110 (and therefore does not require attachment).

In step 304, laser detection units 114 may be prepared for usage. In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 may need to be paired with one another such as by initiating wireless data communication therebetween. In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 may then be mounted to/on body 110. In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 may be inserted into body 110 such as in the torso of body 110 (laser detection unit 114-1) and head of body 110 (laser detection unit 114-2). In some embodiments, laser detection units 114 may be provided already installed in body 110 (and therefore do not require insertion).

In step 306, shoot-back unit 118 may be configured, such as by such as by initiating wireless data communication between laser detection units 114 and shoot-back unit 118 and attaching shoot-back unit 118 to body 110. In some embodiments, the initial or fixed direction of the shoot-back unit’s 118 laser beam may be set. In some embodiments, other functionality of shoot-back unit 118 may be configured including but not limited to the number of virtual shots per detected incoming virtual shot, and shooting intensity (such as single shot, automatic, or random virtual shots fired back).

In step 308, training (simulated) weapons 120 may be calibrated opposite laser detection units 114. In some embodiments, a shooter may shoot several calibration shots (using laser transmitter 122 firing laser beams) to thereby perform zeroing of a weapon 120. In some embodiments, detection units 124 may be calibrated opposite shoot-back units 118 to detect laser beams from shoot-back unit 118. In some embodiments, in multiplayer games, as part of step 308, each player having their own weapon 120 with an embedded/attached laser transmitter 122 may in turn shoot several calibration shots (using laser transmitter 122 firing laser beams), thus enabling detection units 114 to associate the laser beam (including embedded code) emitted from each separate laser transmitter 122 with a specific player, to thereby track the player’s shooting once the game commences and multiple laser transmitters 122 each corresponding to a player emit laser beams simultaneously or near simultaneously in the direction of target system 100.

In step 310, the game may be started. In some embodiments, such as shown in FIG. 3B a target practice game may be provided for multiple gamers firing towards target system 100 and shoot-back unit 118. In some embodiments, shoot-back unit 118 may respond to detected laser beams by shooting back at a detected shooting player. In some embodiments, an initial laser beam on target 100 or close to target 100 may “wake up” shoot-back unit 118, causing shoot-back unit 118 to return fire (laser beams). In some embodiments, a laser beam on target 100 or close to target 100 may cause shoot-back unit 118 to respond with return fire (laser beams), but after a predefined wait period. In some embodiments, shoot-back unit may be configured for more “aggressive” return of fire (laser beams) such as by using a higher rate of fire coupled with higher accuracy targeting a detected shooter. In some embodiments, mounting system 112 may adjust the height and/or rotation of body 110 in response to detected laser beams and/or during shooting back by shoot-back unit 118.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Implementation of the method and system of the present disclosure may involve performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present disclosure, several selected steps may be implemented by hardware (HW) or by software (SW) on any operating system of any firmware, or by a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the disclosure could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software or algorithm, selected steps of the disclosure could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the disclosure could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing device for executing a plurality of instructions. It should be appreciated that the above-described methods and apparatus may be varied in many ways, including omitting, or adding steps, changing the order of steps and the type of devices used. It should be appreciated that different features may be combined in different ways. In particular, not all the features shown above in a particular embodiment or implementation are necessary in every embodiment or implementation of the invention. Further combinations of the above features and implementations are also considered to be within the scope of some embodiments or implementations of the invention.

While certain features of the described implementations have been illustrated as described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the scope of the implementations. It should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, not limitation, and various changes in form and details may be made.