Haptic System for a Firearm Simulator

Abstract

A tactile effect system for generating tactile effects includes components configured to be worn on an actual firearm. The elements of the tactile effect system are configured to occupy at least a portion of the space that would otherwise be occupied by the elements of the actual firearm. The tactile effect system converts an actual firearm capable of firing live ammunition into a firearm simulator. The tactile effect system generates a tactile effect that causes a user holding the firearm to feel a force that mimics or simulates what the user would feel when performing various actions with the firearm. The tactile effect system can cause the user to feel a force that simulates what the user would normally feel when cocking the firearm, pulling the trigger of the firearm, and / or firing the firearm.

Description

Technical Field

[0001]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 824,747, filed May 25, 2022, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference. The present invention relates to firearm simulators, and more particularly to a tactile effect system that can be easily installed on an actual firearm so as to convert the actual firearm into a firearm simulator.

Background Art

[0002]

Summary of the Invention

[0003] Elements of the tactile effect system are configured to be installed within an actual firearm and to occupy at least a portion of the space that would otherwise be occupied by elements of the actual firearm. The tactile effect system is configured to generate a tactile effect that causes a user holding the firearm incorporating the tactile effect system to feel a force that mimics or simulates what the user would feel when performing various actions with the actual firearm in its original configuration. The tactile effect system can cause the user to feel a force that simulates what the user would feel when the firearm is cocked, when the trigger of the firearm is pulled, and / or when the actual firearm is fired. Also, the tactile effect system can be easily removed so as to restore the actual firearm to its original function.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0004]

Figure 1

[0002] A diagram of elements that can make up a tactile effect system configured to be mounted on a firearm.

Figure 2

[0003] A diagram showing an M4 firearm with elements of the firearm removed for illustrative purposes.

Figure 3

Figure 4

[0005] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a controller module that can be part of a haptic effect system to be mounted on a firearm.

Figure 5

[0006] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a printed circuit board assembly that can be part of a controller module of a haptic effect system to be mounted on a firearm.

Figure 6

[0007] FIG. 6A is a diagram showing how a haptic effect generator and a controller module, which are part of a haptic effect system, can be integrally joined after being installed on a firearm. FIG. 6B is a diagram showing how a haptic effect generator and a controller module, which are part of a haptic effect system, can be integrally joined after being installed on a firearm.

Figure 7

[0008] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how a power supply source of a haptic effect system can be installed on a firearm such that it interfaces with a processor module installed on the firearm.

Figure 8

[0009] FIG. 8A is a diagram showing details of a printed circuit board that can be part of a haptic effect system to be mounted on a firearm. FIG. 8B is a diagram showing details of a printed circuit board that can be part of a haptic effect system to be mounted on a firearm.

Figure 9

[0010] FIG. 9A is a diagram showing how a sensor of a haptic effect system mounted on a firearm can acquire information about the operating state of the firearm. FIG. 9B is a diagram showing how a sensor of a haptic effect system mounted on a firearm can acquire information about the operating state of the firearm.

Figure 10

[0011] FIG. 10 is a diagram depicting a lower sensing unit.

Figure 11

[0012] A diagram showing how the lower sensing unit can be mounted on the lower receiver of a firearm.

Figure 12

[0013] Figure 12A is a diagram showing how elements of the lower sensing unit can detect the movement and / or position of the trigger. Figure 12B is a diagram showing how elements of the lower sensing unit can detect the movement and / or position of the trigger.

Figure 13

[0014] Figure 13A is a diagram showing how elements of the lower sensing unit can detect the movement and / or position of the selector switch. Figure 13B is a diagram showing how elements of the lower sensing unit can detect the movement and / or position of the selector switch. Figure 13C is a diagram showing how elements of the lower sensing unit can detect the movement and / or position of the selector switch.

Figure 14

[0015] Figure 14A is a diagram showing how the movement of the tactile effect generator and the reverse hook effector can reset the firing pin of the trigger assembly of a firearm. Figure 14B is a diagram showing how the movement of the tactile effect generator and the reverse hook effector can reset the firing pin of the trigger assembly of a firearm. Figure 14C is a diagram showing how the movement of the tactile effect generator and the reverse hook effector can reset the firing pin of the trigger assembly of a firearm. Figure 14D is a diagram showing how the movement of the tactile effect generator and the reverse hook effector can reset the firing pin of the trigger assembly of a firearm.

Figure 15

[0016] A diagram showing selected elements of the M249 machine gun.

Figure 16

[0017] A diagram showing selected elements of a drop in kit for the M249 machine gun.

Figure 17

[0018] A diagram showing selected elements of a drop in kit for the M249 machine gun, some of which are installed within the original elements of the M249 machine gun.

Figure 18

[0019] A diagram showing how selected elements of a drop-in kit for an M249 machine gun can be integrated into a trigger assembly.

Figure 19

[0020] A diagram showing how a trigger assembly equipped with elements of a drop-in kit is mounted under a receiver assembly of an M249 machine gun.

Figure 20

[0021] A diagram showing a part of a drop-in kit for an M249 machine gun shaped to resemble a magazine.

Figure 21

[0022] A diagram showing how elements of a drop-in kit for an M249 machine gun can be mounted to a receiver assembly of the machine gun.

Figure 22A

[0023] A diagram showing how a linear motor, which is part of a drop-in kit for an M249 machine gun, can interact with a charging handle of the machine gun.

Figure 22B

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005]

[0024] The disclosed technology is used to convert an actual firearm into a firearm simulator. To perform the conversion, elements of the actual firearm are removed and elements of a tactile effect system are installed in the locations previously occupied by the removed elements of the actual firearm. The elements of the actual firearm that are removed are often hidden elements, i.e., internal elements. As a result, in many cases, the firearm maintains its overall appearance and feel. This contributes to the realism when the converted firearm simulator is used in training exercises.

[0006]

[0025] Of course, in some cases, elements of the haptic effect system can be installed on the firearm at locations that were not previously occupied by elements of the actual removed firearm. Also, elements of the haptic effect system installed on the firearm can be visible to the user. In such cases, the installation of one or more elements of the haptic effect system into or onto the actual firearm can alter the appearance and feel of the firearm.

[0007]

[0026] Certain elements of the haptic effect system are designed to provide a tactile feedback that faithfully simulates what the user would feel when operating the actual firearm in its normal operation. This can include providing tactile or haptic feedback when the user cocks the converted firearm simulator during preparation for firing, when the user actuates the trigger mechanism of the converted firearm simulator, or when the user "fires" the converted firearm simulator. For example, the haptic effect generated when the user "fires" the converted firearm simulator is designed to mimic the recoil that the user would feel when firing an actual firearm. The haptic effect can be selectively varied to simulate the various different recoil forces that the user would experience when firing different types of ammunition in an actual firearm.

[0008]

[0027] The haptic effects can simulate safe, semi-automatic, fully automatic or burst fire modes, as well as firing modes different from conventional ones. The haptic effects can also simulate what the user can feel when firing the last available round of ammunition, or what the user can feel when malfunctions such as feeding jams, ejection jams, runaways, or firing failures occur. In all cases, since the user is operating an actual firearm converted into a firearm simulator, during such simulated operations, the user experiences a high degree of realism.

[0009]

[0028] As will be described in more detail below, converting an actual firearm into a firearm simulator typically involves replacing some of the elements of the actual firearm with alternative mechanisms that enable the converted firearm simulator to be used for simulated firing or training. The actual firearm elements removed can vary depending on the firearm and / or the equipment of the firearm simulator being installed.

[0010]

[0029] For example, in some cases, the hammer and trigger mechanism of the actual firearm are left in place. As a result, during simulated operation, cocking the firearm still involves applying a load to the firing mechanism, such as the hammer or spring, against the action of the spring element. Similarly, when the firearm simulator is fired, the user pulls the actual trigger of the firearm, and the hammer falls under the action of the loaded spring. All of these actions contribute to the realistic feel when the firearm simulator is being used. Of course, some installed elements, such as a linear motor, can provide the recoil force expected when firing the firearm simulator. Also, since live ammunition rounds are not being fired, some of the actions can be provided by one or more of the elements installed in the actual firearm to convert it into a firearm simulator, within a range where some forces do not exist, such as the hammer striking an inert firing pin or the firing pin striking an inert, "dummy" or training ammunition round.

[0011]

[0030] Also, certain actions, such as preparing a firearm for firing, may have alternative meanings depending on how the firearm simulator is configured after being converted from the firearm. If elements of the original firing mechanism, such as a charging handle, spring, firing pin, and firing pin remain after the conversion, "preparing the firearm simulator for firing" may involve causing all of these original elements to perform their normal actions when the firearm simulator is prepared for firing. However, if some of the original elements of the actual firearm involved in preparing the firearm for firing are removed and replaced with other elements during the conversion, "preparing the firearm simulator for firing" may involve actions of these additional items. For example, pulling the charging handle may not act against the original spring of the actual firearm. Instead, pulling the charging handle may move an added linear motor actuator or movable member, and the linear motor provides a force feedback designed to simulate what the user would feel when pulling the charging handle of the actual firearm.

[0012]

[0031] Before explaining how an actual firearm can be converted into a firearm simulator, first, an overview of typical elements of a haptic effect system that can be used to convert an actual firearm into a firearm simulator is provided. The following explanation discusses typical elements of the haptic effect system. However, the following explanation is in no way intended to be limiting. A haptic effect system having elements in addition to those discussed below is possible. In addition, a haptic effect system having fewer items than all of the items discussed below is possible and is probably very common.

[0013]

[0032] FIG. 1 shows exemplary elements of a haptic effect system 100 that can be installed on an actual firearm to convert it into a firearm simulator. One of the key items is a haptic effect generator 102 that generates haptic effects. The haptic effect generator 102 can include one or more linear motors, eccentric weight shakers, conventional rotary electric motors, voice coils, solenoids, piezoelectric actuators, ultrasonic actuators, and / or pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. The haptic effect generator 102 can include a mixture of these elements selected for the particular haptic effects they can provide. For example, one embodiment of the haptic effect generator 102 can include both a linear motor and a piezoelectric actuator, which together can provide various combinations of haptic effects.

[0014]

[0033] In some embodiments, two or more linear motors can be included in the haptic effect generator 102, and the axes of the two linear motors are oriented in different directions. By selectively activating only one or both of the linear motors, such a haptic effect generator 102 can generate haptic effects that simulate multiple different actions.

[0015]

[0034] U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 951,961, filed on November 25, 2015, and issued as U.S. Patent No. 10,852,093 on December 1, 2020, discloses technical details regarding how a linear motor can be configured and controlled to generate haptic effects that simulate the recoil force generated when a user fires an actual firearm. The entire disclosure of U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 951,961 is hereby incorporated by reference into this specification.

[0016]

[0035] The physical form and dimensions of the tactile effect generator 102 can be varied to enable the tactile effect generator 102 to be mounted within a variety of different actual firearms. In some cases, such as when the tactile effect generator 102 is to be mounted inside a relatively large rifle, a tactile effect generator 102 having relatively large dimensions can be used. In other cases, such as when the tactile effect generator 102 is installed inside a relatively small handgun, the tactile effect generator 102 can have very small dimensions.

[0017]

[0036] The tactile effects provided by the tactile effect generator 102 can also take many different forms. One of the main purposes of the tactile effect generator 102 is to simulate the recoil force that a user would feel when firing a firearm. The recoil force also acts to disrupt the user's aiming, which helps to teach the user how to quickly reacquire the target. The recoil force can include a single-shot recoil associated with a single-shot firing and multiple continuous recoils associated with a burst firing mode or automatic firing.

[0018]

[0037] Since the converted firearm simulator can be used in training, it can also be advantageous to cause the tactile effect generator 102 to simulate various malfunction sensations. Thus, the tactile effect generator 102 can generate a tactile effect that simulates what it would feel like to have fired a partially defective ammunition round such that the sensation of an obstruction or the full recoil effect of the firing event is not achieved. The tactile effect generator 102 can also simulate the sensation of jamming or obstruction when loading a new ammunition round from the magazine, or when the casing of a spent ammunition becomes jammed during ejection from the firearm. Thus, the tactile effect generator 102 can be controlled to produce tactile effects that simulate a variety of different malfunctions.

[0019]

[0038] The tactile effect generator 102 can generate tactile effects that are impossible with actual firearms, which is interesting and beneficial for training purposes. As a mere example, if the tactile generator 102 is coupled to the trigger mechanism of the converted firearm simulator, the tactile effect generator 102 can make the user feel a specific tactile effect that changes as the user applies increasing force to the trigger mechanism. For example, the trigger can vibrate, and the frequency and / or amplitude of the vibration can continuously increase as the user applies increasing force to the trigger mechanism. Or perhaps conversely, the frequency and / or amplitude of the vibration starts high and gradually decreases as force is applied to the trigger, and the vibration disappears just as the user applies enough force to the trigger to "fire" the firearm simulator. Such tactile effects can be beneficial when training the user as to how much pressure should be applied to the trigger to fire the firearm.

[0020]

[0039] Similarly, the tactile effect generator 102 can be configured such that the user is required to apply various amounts of pressure to the trigger to fire the firearm simulator. This allows the user to experience different trigger pull weights and, in some cases, to identify or select the trigger pull weight that is desirable for the user.

[0021]

[0040] As another example, the converted firearm can be configured such that the tactile effect generator 102 and / or the trigger mechanism are intentionally delayed from "firing" when the user pulls the trigger. Operating in this manner can serve to simulate how the firearm will operate when a third-party target device is added to the firearm, where the third-party target device enables the firing of the firearm only when the third-party target system has properly acquired the target. Configuring the firearm in this way serves to enhance the effectiveness of training with third-party equipment.

[0022]

[0041] The haptic effect generator 102 can also be under the control of an instructor, who can selectively vary for the haptic effect generator 102 one or more haptic effects that the user experiences as part of an overall training program. The instructor can be a human or software-based instructor. In some situations, the instructor can be a human instructor assisted by a computer or software. In any case, the instructor can send a wireless signal to the haptic effect generator 102 during training at a selected time and cause the converted firearm simulator to present a malfunction state. This enables the instructor to choose when the malfunction occurs and also enables the instructor to closely observe how the user copes with the malfunction state.

[0023]

[0042] So far, the haptic effects related to the firing of a firearm have been discussed. However, the haptic effect generator 102 can be used in a variety of other contexts. For example, the haptic effect generator 102, such as a linear motor, can be operably coupled to the firing preparation mechanism of an actual firearm, and the haptic effect generator can generate haptic effects related to performing the firing preparation of the firearm. The haptic effect generator 102 coupled to the firing preparation mechanism of the firearm can be the same haptic effect generator 102 that provides the recoil haptic effect, or a completely separate haptic effect generator 102 can be operably coupled to the firing preparation mechanism of the firearm. In any case, the haptic effect generator 102 can be controlled to provide a certain degree of force that resists the movement of the firing preparation mechanism when the user actuates the firing preparation mechanism in preparation for the firearm to be fired. The amount of force that the haptic effect generator 102 applies to the firing preparation mechanism can vary over the course of the normal movement of the firing preparation mechanism to simulate what the user would typically feel when performing the firing preparation of an actual firearm.

[0024]

[0043] In addition, the haptic effect generator 102 can be used to physically reset the trigger through a separate cocking mechanism coupled to the trigger. In each cycle of the simulated firing, the haptic effect generator 102 can be used to reset the firearm to an "armed" state so that the firearm has the same "feel" when the trigger is pulled again by the user.

[0025]

[0044] Furthermore, here too, various malfunctions can be simulated. For example, the haptic effect generator 102 can be configured to apply a force to the cocking mechanism to simulate what the user would feel when there is a jam during the cocking movement. Also, if the ammunition magazine is empty when the user pulls the firearm's cocking lever to prepare the firearm for firing, there will be a different sensation than when preparing the firearm for firing and loading a new ammunition round into the firing position. Thus, the haptic effect generator 102 can apply a force to the cocking mechanism to simulate what it would feel like to prepare the firearm for firing with no ammunition in the firearm. This will also help a new user understand what it feels like to be in various different operating states.

[0026]

[0045] The haptic effect generator 102 can also simulate various other actions of the firearm. For example, the haptic effect generator can generate a force to simulate what the user would feel when, after loading a new magazine of ammunition into the firearm, the slide of a semi-automatic pistol is released from the locked open position and when a new ammunition round is loaded into the firing chamber. Similarly, in the case of a semi-automatic shotgun, the haptic effect generator 102 can generate a force to simulate what the user would feel when, after manually loading a new shell into the shotgun, the shell is moved into the firing chamber and the action is released.

[0027]

[0046] As described above, the same tactile effect generator 102 that provides a recoil tactile effect can also be operably coupled to the firearm's cocking mechanism such that the tactile effect generator 102 can apply a force to the cocking mechanism. However, in an alternative embodiment, there may be a separate cocking simulator 104 operably coupled to the firearm's cocking mechanism. The cocking simulator 104 can also use one or more linear motors, eccentric weight shakers, conventional rotary electric motors, piezoelectric actuators, voice coils, solenoids, ultrasonic actuators and / or pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. In some firearms, it may be necessary to provide a separate cocking simulator 104 to apply a force to the firearm's cocking mechanism because the tactile effect generator 102 that provides an appropriate recoil force may not be able to interact with the firearm's cocking mechanism. Such a separate cocking simulator 104 can provide all of the forces detailed above to provide the user with the feel of the firearm's cocking in normal and malfunction conditions.

[0028]

[0047] The cocking simulator 104 can apply a force to the firearm's cocking mechanism according to a force-displacement profile. The cocking mechanism 104 can also generate a force and apply a force to the firearm's cocking mechanism to simulate what the user would feel when moving the cocking mechanism to the open and locked positions and releasing it. For example, the cocking simulator can provide a force such that the user experiences what it would feel like to move the action of a semi-automatic shotgun to the open and locked positions that allows a new shotgun shell to be inserted into the shotgun.

[0029]

[0048] If both the haptic effect generator 102 and the cocking simulator 104 are provided, they receive control signals from the controller 106 of the haptic effect system 100. The controller 106 can be integrated within the same physical element as the haptic effect generator 102 and / or the cocking simulator 104. Alternatively, the controller 106 can be a separate physical element mounted on or within the firearm. When the controller 106 is separate from the other elements of the haptic effect system 100, the controller 106 can communicate with the other elements via a wired or wireless connection. For example, a typical wireless Bluetooth connection can be established between the controller 106 and one or more other elements of the haptic effect system 100. The controller 106 can both receive signals from the other elements and provide control signals to the other elements.

[0030]

[0049] In still other cases, the controller 106 can be disposed separately from the body of the firearm. In such cases, the controller 106 can communicate with the elements of the haptic effect system 100 mounted on the firearm via a wired or wireless connection.

[0031]

[0050] The haptic effect system 100 also includes a trigger interface 108. The trigger interface can take many different forms depending on the configuration of the firearm itself. Fundamentally, the trigger interface 108 is designed to determine when the user actuates the trigger mechanism of the firearm. The trigger interface 108 sends a trigger signal to the controller 106 when the trigger interface 108 determines that the user has actuated the trigger mechanism of the firearm.

[0032]

[0051] The firearm itself may be operable under multiple firing modes. Actual firearms often have firing modes including safety, single shot or semi-automatic, burst or full automatic. A firearm simulator incorporating the tactile effect system 100 may be configured to simulate some or all of these firing modes. In some cases, a selector switch of the firearm determines the firing mode in which the firearm is operating. When the firearm is operable in the full automatic firing mode, the trigger interface 108 can generate a signal to indicate that the user is holding down the trigger to effect full automatic firing and send it to the controller 106.

[0033]

[0052] Also, the trigger interface 108 can apply a force to the firing mechanism of the firearm to assist in simulating what the user would feel when pulling the trigger of the firearm. The trigger interface 108 may include devices such as one or more linear motors, eccentric weight shakers, conventional rotary electric motors, piezoelectric actuators, voice coils, solenoids, ultrasonic actuators and / or pneumatic or hydraulic actuators. One or more forces applied by the trigger interface 108 to the trigger mechanism can vary the pulling force of the trigger to enable the user to experience different weights of pulling the trigger. Also, the trigger interface 108 can apply a force that varies over the length of the movement distance of the trigger to closely simulate what the user would feel when the trigger of the firearm is pulled. A force-versus-movement distance profile can be used to determine what force the trigger interface 108 applies to the trigger mechanism as the trigger moves over the overall range of the movement distance.

[0034]

[0053] The trigger interface 108 can apply different forces to the trigger mechanism according to the operating state of the firearm. For example, one type of force can be applied to the trigger mechanism during normal firing operations, while a different force can be applied to the trigger mechanism when the user actuates the trigger mechanism when the firearm has already exhausted all available ammunition.

[0035]

[0054] In some cases, the trigger interface 108 is designed to interface with an existing trigger mechanism of a firearm. In other cases, one of the original parts of the firearm that is replaced when the firearm is converted to a firearm simulator may include a trigger mechanism. In other words, the trigger interface 108 may include an entirely new trigger and trigger mechanism that replaces the original trigger and / or trigger mechanism of the firearm. The trigger interface 108 that includes a replacement trigger and / or trigger mechanism may also include an actuator that provides force to the user's finger when the user is actuating the trigger in order to simulate what the user would typically feel when actuating the trigger mechanism.

[0036]

[0055] Also, the haptic effect system 100 also includes a power source 110 that provides power to other elements of the system. The power source 110 may include batteries, capacitors, supercapacitors, and other energy storage devices that can be used to provide power to other elements of the haptic effect system 100. In some cases, the power source 110 may be coupled to a continuous power source as opposed to using an energy storage device.

[0037]

[0056] In some embodiments, the power source 110 may be integrated into another element of the haptic effect system 100, such as being part of the controller module 106. In other cases, the power source 110 may be a separate element mounted on or within the firearm. In some embodiments, the power source 110 may be in the form of a replaceable unit that can be removed from the firearm for recharging and then reinstalled in the firearm. For example, the power source 110 may be configured to resemble a ammunition magazine that can be swapped out just like a normal ammunition magazine of the firearm. In some embodiments, the power source 110 may be external to the firearm simulator. For example, the power source 110 may be an external fixed power source connected to the firearm simulator or a power source wearable by the user.

[0038]

[0057] When the power source 110 is attached to the firearm, the power source 110 can be attached to external power for recharging via an electrical charging cord or via a USB cable and a USB port disposed on the device and / or battery. Alternatively, the power source 110 can have a built-in inductive charging port that only requires placement next to a corresponding inductive charging unit.

[0039]

[0058] The power source 110 can be wired to these other elements of the haptic effect system 100 to provide power to them. Alternatively, the power source 110 can provide power to other elements of the haptic effect system 100 via an inductive link. In the future, other means of delivering power to elements of the haptic effect system 100 or the power source 110, such as RF energy harvesting, may become possible.

[0040]

[0059] In some embodiments, such as when a replaceable unit such as an ammunition magazine includes the main power source 110, a secondary power source may also be provided. While the main replaceable power source 110 is removed from the firearm simulator for recharging and then reinstalled in the firearm simulator, the secondary power source can power the controller 106 and, optionally, other elements of the overall haptic effect system. This ensures that data currently stored by one or more elements of the haptic effect system 100 can be maintained while the main power source 110 is being replaced or recharged.

[0041]

[0060] The haptic effect system 100 can include one or more sensors 112 configured to sense various things and provide information about the sensed conditions to the controller 106 or to other elements of the haptic effect system 100. The information collected by the one or more sensors 112 is then used to help control other elements of the haptic effect system 100 to provide a beneficial and immersive experience to the user.

[0042]

[0061] In some cases, the sensor 112 of the tactile effect system 100 can sense the positions of various controllers of the firearm. For example, the sensor 112 can detect the position of a firing control switch used to switch between safe, single-shot or semi-automatic, burst, and full-automatic firing modes. Information from the sensor 112 is sent to the controller 106, which then controls other elements of the tactile effect system to provide firing in the mode currently selected by the firing control switch.

[0043]

[0062] As another example, one or more sensors 112 can be used to detect the position of the trigger mechanism of the firearm. Information from the sensor 112 is sent to the controller 106, which uses this information to determine when the user is actuating the trigger mechanism and thus when to simulate the firing of the firearm.

[0044]

[0063] The sensor 112 can detect when the magazine is properly installed in the firearm. If such a sensor reports to the controller 106 that the magazine is improperly installed in the firearm, the controller can implement a malfunction state. One or more sensors 112 can also detect the presence of one or more accessories attached to the firearm simulator, such as a scope, a flashlight device, a grenade launcher, a third-party target system, etc. Information about the configuration of the firearm simulator collected by the sensor 112 can be used to help control the operation of the tactile effect system 100.

[0045]

[0064] Sensor 112 may also include a variety of inertial and motion sensors configured to detect the current orientation of the firearm and how and when the user is moving the firearm. Such information may be reported to the controller 106 and / or to a gaming or simulation system that is completely separate from the firearm. The gaming or simulation system may use the information reported from the inertial and motion sensors 112 to help generate an augmented or virtual reality view that is then presented to the user of the firearm.

[0046]

[0065] In addition, sensor 112 may include a variety of environmental sensors such as an optical color & contrast sensor, a gas sensor, a particulate matter sensor, a humidity sensor, a pressure sensor, a temperature sensor, an IMU sensor, a radiation sensor, an RF sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, an ultraviolet sensor, a laser sensor, a distance sensor, a stress / strain sensor, a spectrometer or interferometer sensor, an audio sensor, an image sensor, a capacitance sensor, etc. Such sensors may be used to collect data for evaluating the overall condition of some or substantially all of the consumable items and the real firearm in order to inform the state of the firearm. The sensor may acquire readings while the tactile effect generator 102 and / or other mechanical parts of the firearm are not in motion. The sensor may also acquire readings while one or more mechanical systems of the firearm, such as the tactile effect generator 102, are in motion. In fact, the vibrations and other forces generated by the tactile effect generator 102 may assist in disturbing debris (dust, gunpowder residue, residue of corroded materials, etc.) or other measurable elements that the sensor 112 can detect and / or measure. The information collected and / or reported by the sensor 112 may inform the user that maintenance of the firearm should be performed or that one or more parts of the firearm should be inspected before being put back into use.

[0047]

[0066] The foregoing list includes only a few of the many different types of sensors 112 that can be part of the haptic effect system 100. Many other types of sensors can be used for various other purposes. Such sensors can communicate with the controller 106 or with elements that are completely separate from the haptic effect system 100 via a wired or wireless connection.

[0048]

[0067] The haptic effect system 100 further includes a user interface 114. The user interface 114 can be used to indicate or display specific items of information to the user. Such information can include, for example, the number of bullets fired or the amount of ammunition remaining in the magazine. Such information can also include details of the current settings or configuration, such as the currently selected firing pattern. This type of information can be displayed to the user by a small display screen or one or more indicators that are part of the user interface 114. Such a display or such indicators can be mounted on a convenient part of the firearm so that they can be easily seen by the user when the firearm is held in the normal manner. Additionally, such a display or such indicators can be part of a battery that mimics the form factor of an actual magazine.

[0049]

[0068] The user interface 114 also provides a mechanism for receiving user input. Thus, the user interface can utilize a variety of different devices to receive input from the user. In a simple example, the user interface 114 can include buttons or controllers mounted on a firearm or battery (magazine) that enable the user to provide direct manual input. In some embodiments, a touch screen that is part of the user interface 114 can be used both to display information to the user and to receive input from the user via a graphical user interface. In some cases, the user interface can also include a microphone that receives input spoken by the user, and the user interface 114 interprets the spoken input using speech recognition technology. In other cases, the user interface 114 can include one or more connected cameras that enable gesture recognition or user identification.

[0050]

[0069] In other embodiments, the user interface 114 can include a software program that runs on a computing device such as a desktop or laptop computer, tablet, or smartphone, which enables the user to input various items of information and view various information items. The software application on the computing device can communicate with the controller 106 of the haptic effect system 100 wirelessly or via a wired connection.

[0051]

[0070] The input provided by the user via the user interface 114 may include specifying the type of ammunition that the haptic effect generator 102 uses to simulate firing. The user input may also indicate the presence of related characteristics such as the type and size of the ammunition magazine assumed by the firearm, which, for example, indicates the number of ammunition rounds that can be fired before reloading. The user input may also specify the force to pull the trigger to be provided by the trigger interface 108, and in some cases, may also specify the force-versus-distance profile to pull the trigger to be used by the trigger interface 108.

[0052]

[0071] The user interface 114 may also be used to input things such as how often the firearm simulates malfunctions and the type of malfunctions to be simulated. This type of input may be provided by an instructor before passing the firearm simulator to a student who uses the firearm simulator as part of a training exercise. Also, rather than an interface located on the simulator, this type of input may be provided by an instructor during a training exercise if the instructor is using a computing device such as a desktop or laptop computer, a tablet, or a smartphone that can communicate with elements of the haptic effect system 100 such as the user interface 114 or the controller 106.

[0053]

[0072] A completely separate instructor / user interface 120 can also communicate with the controller 106 or other elements of the haptic effects system 100 via a wired or wireless connection. When the separate interface is the instructor interface 120, the instructor can use the instructor interface 120 to communicate all items of the information listed above to the controller 106. Similarly, the instructor interface 120 can receive all items of the information listed above from the controller 106. The instructor interface 120 can also communicate a variety of other items of information and control signals with the controller 106. For example, the instructor can use the instructor interface 120 to send a control signal to the controller 106 indicating when the haptic effect generator 102 or other elements of the haptic effects system 100 should simulate a certain type of malfunction.

[0054]

[0073] A separate instructor / user interface 120 can communicate with multiple haptic effects systems 100 mounted on multiple firearm simulators, thereby potentially controlling training exercises involving the multiple firearm simulators. Similarly, a single external instructor / user interface 120 can receive data from multiple firearm simulators, correlate, manipulate, and process this data with each other. The external instructor / user interface 120 can then present raw, correlated, or processed data, generate reports, or otherwise provide various useful functions to the instructor. When a single external instructor / user interface 120 is receiving reporting signals from multiple firearm simulators as part of a group training exercise, the external instructor / user interface 120 can provide a single integrated display summarizing the performance and status of all users in the training exercise.

[0055]

[0074] The external instructor / user interface 120 can be a dedicated device or can be configured as a software application running on a computing device such as a laptop computer or a smartphone. In some cases, the external instructor / user interface 120 can be incorporated within another firearm simulator, such as when an instructor possesses a master firearm simulator that controls one or more slave firearm simulators. The external instructor / user interface 120 can be located on the same premises as the firearm simulator with which the external instructor / user interface 120 communicates, or the external instructor / user interface 120 can be remote or virtually cloud-based.

[0056]

[0075] The tactile effect system 100 can also include an ammunition simulator 116 designed to determine when the user has fired a firearm. The ammunition simulator 116 is designed to be positioned where an ammunition round is placed immediately prior to firing the firearm. The ammunition simulator 116 can include a sensor capable of detecting when the firing pin of the firearm contacts the back of the ammunition simulator 116. When the sensor registers a hit from the firing pin, the ammunition simulator 116 sends a firing signal to the controller 106, which then causes the tactile effect generator 102 to generate a tactile effect simulating the firing of the firearm.

[0057]

[0076] As an example, the ammunition simulator 116 can be configured as a shotgun shell that is inserted into the shotgun immediately before the shotgun is fired. When the user actuates the trigger mechanism and the firing pin of the shotgun impacts the back of the ammunition simulator 116, the ammunition simulator 116 sends a firing signal to the controller 106. The controller 106 then causes the tactile effect generator 102 to produce a recoil effect to simulate the firing of the shotgun. When the ammunition simulator 116 is used in this way, all of the mechanisms in the shotgun related to firing the shotgun can be maintained in their original state to provide a very realistic firing effect for the user.

[0058]

[0077] The tactile effect system 100 may further include a laser unit 118 that emits laser light. The laser unit 118 can be mounted on the firearm such that the laser light is emitted down the barrel of the firearm and towards whatever the firearm is aimed at. The laser light can be used both for aiming the firearm and for hitting a laser detector that registers a hit when the firearm is fired. Additionally, the laser can be mounted on the firearm and aligned with the barrel for the purpose of aiming the firearm and hitting a laser detector that registers a hit when the firearm is fired.

[0059]

[0078] The laser unit 118 can communicate with the controller 106 via a wired or wireless link. If the laser light emitted from the laser unit is designed to assist in aiming the firearm, the laser unit 118 can be caused to emit the laser light when the user presses a separate aiming switch or when the trigger interface 108 indicates that the user has partially depressed the trigger of the firearm.

[0060]

[0079] Alternatively, the laser unit 118 can be made to emit laser light only when the user actuates the trigger of the firearm to fire. In this regard, one or more detectors within the target area can sense the laser light emitted from the laser unit 118 to register a hit. Additionally, the laser unit 118 can be modulated to communicate with a receiving system that can decode the modulation. This enables the laser unit 118 to communicate information to an external receiving unit. The information communicated can be information about the state or operation of the firearm simulator and information used to identify which firearm or which user is firing. Thus, when multiple users are participating in a group session, the target may be able to determine which user and / or which firearm successfully hit the target.

[0061]

[0080] Against this background, next, an example of how the elements of the tactile effect system 100 can be installed on an actual firearm to convert it into a firearm simulator will be taken up. In this example, the actual firearm is an M4 rifle such as that depicted in FIG. 2.

[0062]

[0081] The M4 rifle 200 can be partially disassembled without the use of tools by pulling pins 206 on both sides of the rifle to allow the upper receiver 202 to be separated from the lower receiver 204. When opened in this way, the buffer spring assembly 208 can be removed from the buffer tube located under the receiver 210 of the rifle 200. The bolt carrier group 212 can also be removed from the interior portion of the rifle 200 just above the grip 214 and trigger 216. Further, the charging handle 218, which is normally located above the bolt carrier group 212, can also be removed. When these items are removed from the rifle, the elements of the tactile effect system are installed in the same locations to convert the actual M4 firearm into an M4 firearm simulator.

[0063]

[0082] The first item of the tactile effect system inserted into the M4 rifle is a tactile effect generator 302 configured to generate a force to simulate the recoil when the rifle is fired. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the tactile effect generator 302 includes a cylindrical outer housing 312. FIG. 3B presents a partial perspective view showing that a linear motor formed by a stator 308 and a sliding mass 310 is disposed inside the cylindrical housing 312. A plurality of electric coils (not shown) are disposed on the stator 308, and a plurality of permanent magnets (not shown) are attached to the sliding mass 310. By selectively applying an electrical signal to the coils of the stator 308, the movement of the sliding mass 310 can be induced and controlled to generate various tactile effects such as a reaction force simulating the firing of the rifle.

[0064]

[0083] An interface 303 is provided at one end of the tactile effect generator 302. The interface 303 includes a plurality of electrical contacts 304 that can be used to apply an electrical signal to the coils of the stator 308. The electrical contacts 304 can also be used to communicate signals from one or more sensors that detect and report the movement of the sliding mass 310 relative to the stator 308. As will be described in more detail below, the interface 303 also includes half of a magnetic mounting portion 306 that is used to removably join the tactile effect generator 302 to an electronic module having a controller.

[0065]

[0084] The tactile effect generator is slid into the space within the buffer tube under the receiver 210 of the rifle 200 that previously held the buffer spring assembly 208. Then, since the sliding mass 310 of the linear motor is aligned with the barrel of the rifle, the movement of the sliding mass 310 can generate a force simulating the recoil effect.

[0066]

[0085] Figure 4 shows an electronic module 402 that generally includes a cylindrical housing 403. A printed circuit board 404 that includes a controller for controlling the actions of the tactile effect system is mounted to the housing 403. Electrical contacts 408 are disposed on the lower side of the housing 403. The electrical contacts 408 are configured to contact corresponding electrical contacts 410 of an electrical interface unit 412. As will be described below, the electrical interface unit 412 is used to deliver power to the electronic module 402.

[0067]

[0086] The electronic module 402 is designed to be mounted in the space within the rifle 200 that was previously occupied by the bolt carrier group 212. When the electronic module 402 is mounted in this location of the rifle 200, the left end of the electronic module is positioned immediately adjacent to the right end of the tactile effect generator 302, and the tactile effect generator 302 is mounted to a buffer tube under the receiver 210 of the rifle 200 where the buffer spring assembly 208 was previously disposed.

[0068]

[0087] As shown in FIG. 4, electrical contacts 416 are disposed at the left end of the electronic module 402. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, these electrical contacts 416 are designed to mate with corresponding electrical contacts 304 at the right end of the tactile effect generator 302. At the left end of the electronic module 402, there is also a magnetic mounting device 414 designed to be received by the magnetic mounting portion 306 at the right end of the tactile effect generator 302.

[0069]

[0088] FIG. 4 also shows a replacement charging handle 418 that can replace the original charging handle 218 of the rifle. As depicted in FIG. 4, the replacement charging handle 418 is still disposed above the electronic module 402 at substantially the same position as the position of the original charging handle 218 of the rifle 200 within the interior of the rifle.

[0070]

[0089] FIG. 5 provides an enlarged view of the printed circuit board 404 of the electronic module 402. As shown in FIG. 5, a processor 406 mounted on the printed circuit board 404 actually controls the haptic effect system. As will be described below, various other elements including the sensing technology elements can also be mounted on the printed circuit board 404.

[0071]

[0090] FIGS. 6A and 6B show how the electronic module 402 is physically and electrically coupled to the haptic effect generator 302 when both items, the electronic module 402 and the haptic effect generator 302, are mounted within a rifle. FIG. 6A shows a state where the haptic effect generator 302 is mounted on the buffer tube of the rifle bed 210 of the rifle 200 and the electronic module 402 is disposed at a position previously occupied by the bolt carrier group 212 of the rifle 200. In addition, a charging handle 418 is disposed above the electronic module 402. The upper receiver 202 of the rifle 200 is rejoined to the lower receiver 204 of the rifle 200. When fully inserted, the electronic module 402 can block the insertion of live ammunition by the user by blocking the barrel from the user.

[0072]

[0091] In some embodiments, a spring may be used in conjunction with the haptic effect generator 302 to modify the force generated by the haptic effect generator 302. For example, FIG. 11 shows an embodiment where a compression spring 1010 is positioned behind the stator 308. The compression spring 1010 modifies the haptic effect force generated during a simulated firing event by allowing the body portion of the haptic effect generator 302 to move slightly within the buffer tube.

[0073]

[0092] As shown in FIG. 6B, to couple the electronic module 402 to the haptic effect generator 302, the charging handle 418 is pulled backward. This brings the left end of the electronic module 402 into contact with the right end of the haptic effect generator 302. This causes the magnet element 414 at the left end of the electronic module 402 to be received within the corresponding magnetic mounting portion 306 at the right end of the haptic effect generator 302. The magnetic mounting elements 306 / 414 then hold the electronic module 402 and the haptic effect generator 302 together.

[0074]

[0093] In addition, the electrical contact 416 on the left side of the electronic module 402 connects to the corresponding one of the electrical contacts 304 on the right side of the haptic effect generator 302. This enables the processor 406 on the printed circuit board 404 of the electronic module 402 to send a control signal to the haptic effect generator 302 to generate a reaction force for the linear motor of the haptic effect generator 302. This also enables the sensor of the haptic effect generator 302 to send a sensor signal to the processor 406.

[0075]

[0094] FIG. 7 shows how a power source 702 can be mounted to a rifle to provide power to the haptic effect system. As shown in FIG. 7, the power source 702 has a form similar to an ammunition magazine that would be mounted to a rifle 200. The interior of the power source includes a battery, a capacitor, and / or some other form of electrical energy storage device. Electrical contacts are formed on the upper surface of the power source 702, and the electrical contacts are designed to abut and mate with the electrical contacts at the bottom of the electrical interface unit 412.

[0076]

[0095] When the power source 702 is slid into the magazine receiving slot of the rifle 200, the electrical contacts at the top of the power source 702 mate with the electrical contacts at the bottom of the electrical interface unit 412. Also, the upward movement of the power source 702 engages the electrical contacts 410 at the top of the electrical interface unit 412 with the corresponding electrical contacts on the bottom surface of the electronic module 402. As a result, power from the power source 702 is transmitted to the printed circuit board 404 and the processor 406 of the electronic module. This power then passes through the electronic module 402 and is transmitted to the tactile effect generator 302 via the electrical contacts 416 / 304 that join the electronic module 402 to the tactile effect generator 302.

[0077]

[0096] FIG. 8A shows a first embodiment of the printed circuit board 404A of the electronic module. In this embodiment, the printed circuit board 404A includes an electromagnetic emitter array 802 that emits electromagnetic radiation. The electromagnetic emitter array 802 is mounted on a first portion of the lower edge of the printed circuit board 404. In addition, an electromagnetic detector array 804 that senses electromagnetic radiation is mounted on a second portion of the lower edge of the printed circuit board 404.

[0078]

[0097] As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the electromagnetic radiation 902 emitted by the emitter array 802 on the printed circuit board 404A moves through the interior of the rifle and is reflected from various surfaces therein. The reflected electromagnetic radiation 904 is ultimately detected by the detector array 804 on the printed circuit board 404A. The detected electromagnetic radiation can provide information about the current position and orientation of the elements within the rifle. Similarly, changes in the detected electromagnetic radiation can provide information about the movement of the elements of the rifle.

[0079]

[0098] By analyzing the reflected electromagnetic radiation detected by the detector array 804, it may be possible to determine the current position of the firing selector switch 906 or, in some cases, the configuration and movement of internal elements of the rifle such as the movement of the trigger 908. Thus, the information derived from the detected electromagnetic radiation can be used to assist in controlling the tactile effect system.

[0080]

[0099] FIG. 8B shows an alternative embodiment of a printed circuit board 404B that includes an integrated "time-of-flight" sensor 810. The time-of-flight sensor 810 includes both a laser emitter and a two-dimensional laser detector array. Pulses of laser radiation emitted from the laser emitter are reflected off various elements within the firearm, and then the reflected laser radiation is sensed by the laser detector array. The time of flight of the laser pulse from the emitter to each of the sensors in the detector array is used to determine the distance to various objects within the field of view of the emitter / detector pair. Again, the information derived from the time-of-flight measurements can be used to determine the position and orientation of elements within the firearm and the movement of these elements. It can be determined based on a signal from the time-of-flight sensor 810 when the trigger was pulled, and this information is then used to control the tactile effect system.

[0081]

[0100] The examples of sensors provided above in connection with FIGS. 8A and 8B are only two examples of sensors that can be used to detect the position and movement of various mechanisms within the firearm. Various other sensors and sensing techniques can be used in place of the sensors discussed above to detect the position, orientation, movement, and configuration of the internal elements of the firearm. Thus, the foregoing discussion in connection with FIGS. 8A and 8B should in no way be considered limiting.

[0082]

[0101] In operation, the processor 406 in the electronic module 402 determines when the user pulled the trigger of the rifle, and then the processor 406 sends an appropriate signal to the tactile effect module 302 to cause the tactile effect module to generate a recoil force.

[0083]

[0102] Some or all of the elements of the tactile effect system 100 may be waterproof or water-resistant so that a firearm simulator incorporating the tactile effect system can be used in a wet or rainy state. Some or all of the elements of the tactile effect system 100 may be strengthened against impacts or resistant to other environmental elements such as heat, sand, or other contaminants to ensure that a firearm simulator incorporating the tactile effect system 100 can be used in a variety of operating conditions and environments.

[0084]

[0103] As described above, a single firearm simulator may incorporate a tactile effect system 100 that includes a plurality of tactile effect generators 102. For example, a first tactile effect generator 102 may be used to generate a recoil force that simulates the firing of a firearm simulator, a second tactile effect generator 102 may generate a force applied to the cocking mechanism of the firearm simulator, and a third tactile effect generator 102 may generate a force applied to the trigger mechanism of the firearm simulator. All three of these tactile effect generators 102 may be under the control of a single controller 106. Alternatively, the tactile effect system 100 may include a plurality of controllers 106 that each control one or more tactile effect generators 102.

[0085]

[0104] Also, a single firearm simulator may incorporate a plurality of individual tactile effect systems 100. For example, a first tactile effect system 100 may be responsible for generating one or more tactile effects associated with preparing for and firing a firearm simulator, and a second tactile effect system 100 mounted on the same firearm simulator may be responsible for generating a tactile effect associated with firing a grenade launcher also mounted on the firearm simulator. When two or more tactile effect systems 100 are mounted on the same firearm simulator, the tactile effect systems 100 may communicate with each other and coordinate their actions.

[0086]

[0105] In some cases, the haptic effect system 100 may include a plurality of individual modules that together provide a particular haptic effect function. For example, a first module of the haptic effect system 100 may replace a conventional bolt carrier group of a firearm, and a second module of the haptic effect system 100 may replace a trigger module of a firearm. Each of the modules may communicate with one or more controllers of the haptic effect system 100 via a wired or wireless communication link.

[0087]

[0106] In some embodiments, the lower sensing unit 1100 shown in FIG. 10 may be configured to sense the position and / or movement of elements of a firearm disposed in the lower receiver 204. For example, the lower sensing unit 1100 may be configured to determine the movement and position of the selector switch 906 and the trigger 216.

[0088]

[0107] The lower sensing unit 1100 may include a housing 1101, an electronic module 1102, and one or more haptic sensors or styli that detect the movement and position of various elements within the lower receiver 204. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, as will be described in more detail below, the lower sensing unit 1100 includes a selector switch stylus 1104 configured to detect the movement and / or position of the selector switch 906 of the firearm. Although not shown in FIG. 10, as will be described in more detail below, the lower sensing unit 1100 may also include a trigger stylus configured to detect the movement and / or position of the trigger 216.

[0089]

[0108] FIG. 11 shows the lower sensing unit 1100 mounted to the lower receiver 204 of a firearm. FIGS. 12A and 12B show how the movement and / or position of the trigger 216 is detected by the lower sensing unit 1100. FIGS. 13A - 13C show how the movement and position of the selector switch 906 is detected by the lower sensing unit 1100.

[0090]

[0109] In one embodiment, the lower sensing unit 1100 includes a power source and a wireless transmitter configured to communicate with one or more processors of the drop-in ink kit. In another embodiment, the lower sensing unit 1100 includes one or more connectors that interface with other elements of the drop-in ink kit to facilitate the transfer of signals and power between the lower sensing unit 1100 and the other elements of the drop-in ink kit.

[0091]

[0110] The lower sensing unit 1100 shown in FIG. 10 is configured to be mounted covering the upper portions of the trigger mechanism and the selector switch mechanism. The stylus of the lower sensing unit 1100 interacts with the trigger mechanism and the selector switch mechanism to determine the positions of the trigger 216 and the selector switch 906. The current position and changes in position of the trigger 216 or the selector switch 906 are reported to the controller of the drop-in ink kit.

[0092]

[0111] FIG. 12A shows the trigger mechanism in a stationary or un-pressed state. A trigger part 217 including a trigger 216 pressed by a user's finger is rotatably mounted to the trigger mechanism. A trigger stylus 1108 is also rotatably mounted to the housing 1101 of the lower sensing unit 1100. An extension 1109 of the trigger stylus 1108 is placed on the surface of the trigger part 217. When the user presses the trigger 216, the entire trigger part 217 rotates in a clockwise direction (as depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B). The upper surface of the trigger part 217 pushes the extension 1109 of the trigger stylus 1108 upward and also rotates the trigger stylus 1108 in a clockwise direction until it reaches the position depicted in FIG. 12B.

[0093]

[0112] The trigger contact 1108 includes a trigger contact magnet cup 1110. A magnetic element (not shown) is attached to the magnet cup 1110. A sensor such as a Hall effect sensor (also not shown) is fixed to either the lower sensing unit 1100 or the firearm housing adjacent to the magnet cup 1110. When the user presses the trigger 216 and the trigger contact 1108 rotates from the position depicted in FIG. 12A to the position depicted in FIG. 12B, the movement of the magnetic element in the magnet cup 1110 relative to the sensor causes the sensor to output a signal indicating that the user has pressed the trigger 216. The sensor can be configured to output a signal indicating the amount of movement of the trigger 216. Thus, the signal output by the sensor can indicate that the trigger 216 has moved and the amount or degree to which the trigger 216 has moved.

[0094]

[0113] When the user releases the trigger 216, a spring in the trigger mechanism returns the trigger 216 to the stationary or non-pressed position shown in FIG. 12A. The spring (not shown) also rotates the trigger contact 1108 in the reverse direction from the position shown in FIG. 12B to the position shown in FIG. 12A. A spring that biases the trigger contact 1108 to the position shown in FIG. 12A can be mounted inside the lower sensing unit 1100. The reverse rotational movement of the trigger contact 1108 is sensed by the sensor as the magnetic element in the magnet cup 1110 moves past the sensor, and this movement is reported to the controller of the drop ink kit to indicate that the user has released the trigger 216.

[0095]

[0114] As depicted in FIGS. 13A - 13C, the lower sensor unit 1100 also includes a selector switch stylus 1104 rotatably mounted to the housing 1101 of the lower sensor unit 1100. When the lower sensing unit 1100 is mounted to the lower receiver 204 of the firearm, the tip 1105 of the selector switch stylus 1104 is supported by, or interacts with, a rotating shaft 1120 to which the selector switch 906 is attached. A portion of the rotating shaft 1120 that the tip 1105 of the selector switch stylus 1104 is supported by, or interacts with, may have features such as a flat area where a portion of the diameter of the rotating shaft 1120 is removed.

[0096]

[0115] As shown in FIGS. 13A - 13C, the selector switch stylus 1104 is biased in the clockwise direction by a spring (not shown). A magnetic element (not shown) is mounted to the magnet cup 1107 of the selector switch stylus 1104. A sensor such as a hall sensor (not shown) is mounted adjacent to the magnet cup 1107 of the lower sensing unit 1100 or inside the lower receiver of the firearm. The movement of the magnetic element in the magnet cup 1107 relative to the sensor is detected by the sensor, causing the sensor to output a signal. The signal may indicate the direction and extent of movement of the magnetic element relative to the sensor. In some embodiments, the sensor may be the same sensor used to detect the movement of the magnetic element in the magnet cup 1110 of the trigger stylus 1108. In alternative embodiments, a first sensor is used to detect the movement of the trigger stylus 1108 and a second sensor is used to detect the movement of the selector switch stylus 1104.

[0097]

[0116] FIG. 13A shows the selector switch 906 positioned in the safe position. When the selector switch 906 is in the safe position, the tip 1105 of the selector switch stylus 1104 may be positioned in an empty space with nothing present at the location where a portion of the diameter of the rotating shaft 1120 is removed.

[0098]

[0117] As shown in FIG. 13B, when the user rotates the selector switch 906 in the clockwise direction to move the selector switch 906 to the semi-automatic firing position, the flat portion of the rotary shaft 1120 formed by removing a part of the diameter of the rotary shaft 1120 rests on the tip 1105 of the selector switch stylus 1104, and the selector switch stylus 1104 is rotated counterclockwise until the selector switch stylus 1104 is considered to be in the position shown in FIG. 13B. The movement of the magnetic element (not shown) in the magnet cup 1107 of the selector switch stylus 1104 with respect to the adjacent sensor (not shown) causes the sensor to output a signal. The electronic module 1102 of the lower sensor unit 1100 receives, interprets the signal, records the new position of the selector switch stylus 1104, and reports to the controller of the drop-in kit that the selector switch 906 is in the semi-automatic firing position.

[0099]

[0118] When the user moves the selector switch 906 from the semi-automatic firing position shown in FIG. 12B to the fully automatic firing position shown in FIG. 13C, the clockwise rotation of the rotary shaft 1120 further rotates the selector switch stylus 1104 counterclockwise to the position shown in FIG. 13C. Again, the movement of the magnetic element in the magnet cup 1107 of the selector switch stylus 1104 with respect to the sensor causes the sensor to output a sign / signal. The signal from the sensor is received and interpreted by the electronic module 1102, and the electronic module 1102 reports to the controller of the drop-in kit that the selector switch 906 is in the fully automatic firing position.

[0100]

[0119] When the user moves the selector switch 906 from the position shown in FIG. 13C to the position shown in FIG. 13B, and when the user moves the selector switch 906 from the position shown in FIG. 13B to the position shown in FIG. 13A, a similar series of events occur. Since the selector switch stylus 1104 is biased in the clockwise direction, as the rotary shaft 1120 connected to the selector switch 906 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the selector switch stylus 1104 moves in the clockwise direction. The movement of the selector switch stylus 1104 returning to the positions shown in FIGS. 13B and 13A is reported to the controller of the drop-in kit by the electronic module 1102.

[0101]

[0120] In some embodiments, elements installed on the upper receiver 202 and / or the lower receiver 204 of the firearm may include a firing pin reset mechanism. When the drop-in kit converts the firearm into a firearm simulator, since actual ammunition rounds are not fired, the force generated from the firing of the ammunition rounds cannot be used to reset the firing pin mechanism when the user pulls the trigger. The firing pin reset mechanism achieves this function.

[0102]

[0121] FIGS. 14A-14D show a firing pin reset mechanism that interacts with other elements of the firearm and the drop-in kit. FIGS. 14A-14D show a typical firing and reset sequence.

[0103]

[0122] The firing pin reset mechanism includes a linear motor. The linear motor may be the same linear motor that is part of the tactile effect generator 302, or it may be a separate linear motor. In any case, the sliding or movable element of the linear motor is coupled to the reverse hook effector 1402, and the reverse hook effector 1402 slides within a cylindrical conduit 1403. The reverse hook effector 1402 is configured to contact the firing pin 1410 such that the rearward movement of the reverse hook effector 1402 resets the firing pin 1410.

[0104]

[0123] The movable element of the linear motor and / or the reverse hook effector 1402 is also coupled to the slider hook 1406. One or more arms 1405 of the slider hook 1406 are attached to the movable element of the linear motor and / or the reverse hook effector 1402. The one or more arms 1405 extend through a slot 1404 cut into a cylindrical conduit 1403. The tip 1408 of the slider hook 1406 extends upwardly above the one or more arms 1405. The tip 1408 of the slider hook 1406 can be contacted and moved by the charging handle 418, which enables the user to manually move the reverse hook effector 1402 in order to manually reset the hammer 1410.

[0105]

[0124] FIG. 14A shows the elements in the starting position where the hammer has been reset by a previous action. As shown in FIG. 14A, the hammer reverse hook 1412 connected to the trigger 216 blocks the movement of the hammer 1410.

[0106]

[0125] FIG. 14B shows the position of the elements after the user has pulled the trigger 216, which moves the hammer reverse hook 1412 downwardly to allow the hammer 1410 to move freely. If the selector switch is not in the safe position, the movement of the trigger 216 to the pulled position generates a firing action on the drop-in kit.

[0107]

[0126] When a firing event occurs, the linear motor engages and the reverse hook effector 1402 and the slider hook 1406 move rearward to the position shown in FIG. 14C. The rearward movement of the reverse hook effector 1402 engages the hammer 1410 and resets the hammer 1410.

[0108]

[0127] If the selector switch 906 is in the automatic position, the reverse hook effector 1402 also interfaces with the automatic reverse hook 1414 to facilitate proper release and reset of the hammer.

[0109]

[0128] Next, as shown in FIG. 14D, the movable element of the linear motor returns the reverse hook effector 1410 and the slider hook 1406 to their starting positions.

[0110]

[0129] As described above, the tip 1408 of the slider hook 1406 can interface with the charging handle 418. If the charging handle 418 is pulled rearward by the user, the reverse hook effector 1402 and the movable element of the linear motor to which it is connected are moved rearward. This can serve to reset the hammer 1410. The linear motor can be controlled to provide a force such that the user would have to pull against it, which mimics the force the user would feel when pulling the charging handle 418 rearward against the force of a spring. Also, when the user releases the charging handle 418, the linear motor can be used to return the reverse hook effector 1402 and the slider hook 1406 to the reset positions shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B. The tip 1408 of the slider hook 1406 returns the charging handle 418 to the retracted position.

[0111]

[0130] In addition, the movement of the movable member caused by the user pulling the charging handle 418 rearward can be registered by the monitoring electronics of the drop-in kit for various purposes. For example, fully pulling the charging handle 418 rearward and then releasing the charging handle 418 typically ejects the ammunition that was prepared for firing and loads new ammunition from the magazine into the firing chamber. As a result, if the user pulls the charging handle 418 rearward and releases it, this causes the monitoring electronics to indicate that one usable ammunition round has been ejected, which means that one fewer ammunition round is available for firing.

[0112]

[0131] Next, another example of how a drop-in kit can be used to convert an actual firearm into a firearm simulator is provided in connection with the M249 machine gun. Again, parts of the actual M249 machine gun are removed, and the parts of the drop-in kit are installed in the space created by removing the original parts to convert the actual M249 machine gun into an M249 machine gun simulator.

[0113]

[0132] FIG. 15 shows the main elements of an M249 machine gun. As shown in FIG. 15, the firearm includes a receiver assembly 1502 connected to a gun bed 1504 by upper retaining pins 1506 and lower retaining pins 1508. The upper and lower retaining pins 1506, 1508 can be manually removed to separate the gun bed 1504 from the receiver assembly 1502.

[0114]

[0133] The trigger mechanism 1512 is connected to the bottom of the receiver assembly 1502. The trigger mechanism includes a grip 1513, a safety selector 1514, and a trigger 1516. The charging handle 1518 is slidably mounted on the receiver assembly 1502. The cover 1519 is attached to the receiver assembly 1502 by a cover latch 1520.

[0115]

[0134] In the following examples, a plurality of elements of the actual M249 machine gun are removed and replaced with elements of the drop-in kit. However, the following examples should in no way be considered limiting. Fewer parts than all of the original parts discussed below may be removed, or additional original parts may be removed in addition to those discussed below. Similarly, in some implementations, fewer parts than all of the parts of the drop-in kit discussed below may be used, and additional parts of the drop-in kit other than those discussed below may be used to convert the actual M249 machine gun into a firearm simulator.

[0116]

[0135] To begin the conversion to a firearm simulator, the upper retaining pin 1506 and the lower retaining pin 1508 are removed, and the gun bed 1504 and the rear plate 1510 are removed from the receiver assembly 1502. Next, the bolt and the sliding and return rod are removed from the inside of the receiver assembly 1502. This creates space inside the receiver assembly 1502 for the elements of the drop-in kit.

[0117]

[0136] A drop-in kit for an M249 machine gun can include a replacement gun bed and rear plate, a linear motor assembly mounted inside the receiver assembly, and a replacement trigger assembly. In some embodiments, it may be possible to add a few elements of the drop-in kit to the original trigger assembly to create a modified trigger assembly that operates as part of a firearm simulator. The drop-in kit can also include one or more electronic modules and a power supply that can be placed in various locations of the firearm simulator and can take various different physical forms.

[0118]

[0137] FIG. 16 shows selected elements of a drop-in kit for an M249 machine gun and how they can be mounted to the remaining elements of the original M249 machine gun. FIG. 17 is an open view similar to FIG. 16, showing the internal components of the drop-in kit and a portion of the original elements of the M249 machine gun.

[0119]

[0138] The custom buffer tube 1602 attached to the custom rear plate 1604 is part of a drop-in kit. The custom buffer tube 1602 and the custom rear plate 1604 can be attached to the original milling machine 1504, or these elements can be included within a new milling machine that is part of the drop-in kit. As shown in FIG. 17, a mechanical stopper 1606 can be attached to the rear end of the custom buffer tube 1602. The sliding or movable element of the linear motor can impact against the mechanical stopper 1606 to help generate a specific desired force. The custom rear plate is configured to be attached to the original receiver assembly of the M249 machine gun using the original upper and lower retaining pins 1506, 1508.

[0120]

[0139] The linear motor assembly is mounted inside the receiver assembly 1502. The linear motor assembly includes a stator 1612 and a slider 1614. An interchangeable weight 1616 can be attached to the end of the slider 1614. If an interchangeable weight 1616 is provided, the threaded end of the slider 1614 can be received in the threaded hole of the interchangeable weight 1616 to attach the interchangeable weight 1616 to the slider 1614 of the linear motor. This allows interchangeable weights 1616 of different sizes, different shapes, and different masses to be installed on the slider 1614.

[0121]

[0140] The weight 1616 at the end of the slider 1614 can be driven into the mechanical stopper 1616 in the buffer tube 1602 to generate various types of forces. In this case, the corresponding rear ends of the mechanical stopper 1606 and the interchangeable weight can have various different configurations or shapes to help generate the desired force.

[0122]

[0141] The mechanical stopper 1606 can be made of various plastics, metals, or other materials having various durometers. The weight 1616 can be made of various materials such as tungsten, steel, lead, or some combination thereof.

[0123]

[0142] In some embodiments, the weight 1616 attached to the movable or sliding element of the linear motor may include a rear surface configured to impact the rear end of the buffer tube 1602. In this sense, the rear end of the weight 1616 performs a function similar to that of a separate mechanical stopper 1606. Thus, the weight 1616 may include both a heavy material designed to function as a weight, such as tungsten, steel, or lead, and a trailing portion or rear cover made of a material designed to impact the rear of the buffer tube 1602, such as acetal plastic.

[0124]

[0143] Electronic components in the form of a processor or controller, memory, wireless transceiver, and optionally a power supply can be mounted in various locations of the M249 firearm simulator. FIG. 17 shows an embodiment in which an electronic component 1630 including some or all of these elements can be mounted inside the receiver assembly 1502. As will be described in more detail below, some or all of these electronic component elements can also be mounted in other locations.

[0125]

[0144] The trigger sensor arm 1640 is pivotally mounted to the bottom of the receiver assembly 1502. The trigger sensor 1642 senses the position and / or movement of the trigger sensor arm 1640. In some embodiments, the trigger sensor 1642 is a Hall effect sensor. A magnetic element is provided on the trigger sensor arm 1640. The movement of the magnetic element of the trigger sensor arm 1640 causes the Hall effect trigger sensor 1642 to generate an output signal indicating the movement of the trigger. This signal is sent to the controller of the drop-in kit, and the signal is used to determine when to "fire" the firearm simulator.

[0126]

[0145] The trigger switch 1644 is also mounted on the receiver assembly 1502, and the trigger switch 1644 is actuated by the movement of the trigger sensor arm 1640. In some embodiments, signals from both the trigger sensor 1642 and the trigger switch 1644 are used to control the action of the firearm simulator. For example, a slight movement of the trigger sensed by the trigger sensor 1642 can cause the laser aiming device to emit light. However, the firearm simulator "fires" only when a signal is received from the trigger switch 1644. In another embodiment, the signal from the trigger switch 1644 can be used to calibrate the trigger sensor 1642.

[0127]

[0146] Either a custom trigger assembly or a modified version of the original trigger assembly 1700 is also used with the M249 machine gun simulator. As shown in FIG. 18, the custom or modified trigger assembly includes a grip 1702, a safety selector switch 1704, and a trigger 1706. The reverse hook 1708 is moved upward by the trigger 1706.

[0128]

[0147] As depicted in FIG. 18, a trigger mechanism adapter 1710 is mounted on the upper portion of the trigger assembly 1700. The sliding movement of the safety selector 1704 interacts with the first end of the safety lever arm 1712, pivoting the safety lever arm 1712 about the pivot point 1714. Then, the second end of the safety lever arm 1712 rests on and actuates the safety connector switch 1716. The electrical contacts in the safety connector switch 1716 are coupled to the electrical pins 1718 at the top of the trigger mechanism adapter 1710.

[0129]

[0148] As shown in FIG. 17, when the trigger assembly 1700 is attached to the bottom of the receiver assembly 1502, the electrical pins 1718 at the top of the trigger mechanism adapter 1710 couple to corresponding contacts on the printed circuit board 1650 attached to the receiver assembly 1502. The printed circuit board 1650 is connected to the controller of the drop-in kit via a wired or wireless connection. This enables the controller to determine when the safety selector 1704 is in the safe or fired position.

[0130]

[0149] As shown in FIG. 19, when the trigger assembly 1700 is attached to the bottom of the receiver assembly 1502, the trigger sensor arm 1640 is moved by the movement of the trigger 1706. Pulling the trigger 1706 pivots the trigger sensor arm 1640 upward in the receiver assembly 1502. This upward movement of the trigger sensor arm 1640 is sensed by the trigger sensor 1642. The upward pivoting movement of the trigger sensor arm 1640 also actuates the trigger switch 1644.

[0131]

[0150] The trigger sensor arm 1640 can also be configured to hold the original reverse hook mechanism 1708 in the reset position so that the safety selector remains operable. When the trigger assembly 1700 is attached to the bottom of the receiver assembly 1502, the trigger sensor arm 1640, the reverse hook 1708, and the trigger 1706 are slightly displaced. The slight displacement of the trigger 1706 does not interfere with the normal operation of the firearm simulator. However, the slight displacement of the reverse hook 1708 holds the reverse hook mechanism in the reset state.

[0132]

[0151] An actual M249 machine gun can accept ammunition in a variety of different ways. One typical configuration is to attach a ammunition can 1660 to the bottom of the receiver assembly 1502. A typical ammunition can 1660 is depicted in FIG. 20. As shown in FIG. 20, the ammunition can 1660 includes a lid 1662 removably attached to the body portion and a connection point 1664 at the top of the ammunition can 1660.

[0133]

[0152] When an actual ammunition can is used in an operating M249 machine gun, the attached belt of ammunition rounds is guided from the ammunition can 1660 into an ammunition receiving slot disposed on the left side of the receiver assembly 1502. After an ammunition round is fired from the machine gun, the spent shell casing is ejected from the right side of the receiver assembly 1502.

[0134]

[0153] A drop-in kit for an M249 machine gun may include a replacement “ammunition can” 1660 that includes a power source and various electronic components such as, optionally, a controller, a memory module, and a wireless transceiver. The connection points 1664 may be modified to include one or more electrical connectors that mate with one or more corresponding electrical connectors of the receiver assembly 1502. This enables the exchange of power and control signals between the replacement “ammunition can” 1660 and the electronic components mounted within or on the receiver assembly 1502.

[0135]

[0154] In an alternative embodiment, the connection points 1664 of the replacement ammunition can 1660 may maintain just one attachment mechanism, and one or more electrical cables may connect the power source and electronic components in the replacement ammunition can 1660 to the electronic components within or on the receiver assembly 1502. Such electrical cables may simply extend or protrude out from the replacement ammunition can 1660, or the replacement ammunition can 1660 may include one or more electrical connectors configured to mate with one or more electrical cables that extend or protrude from the receiver assembly 1502. If one or more electrical cables extend between the replacement ammunition can 1660 and the receiver assembly 1502, these electrical cables may be configured to appear like an ammunition belt that extends from the replacement ammunition can 1660 into the ammunition receiving slot of the receiver assembly 1502.

[0136]

[0155] As depicted in FIG. 21, instead of using ammunition cans 1660, an operating M249 machine gun can receive ammunition from an ammunition magazine 2102. The ammunition magazine 2102 is mounted in an emergency magazine well 2104 attached to the receiver assembly 1502. In an alternative embodiment of the drop-in kit, a power supply and various electronic components can be disposed inside the replacement "ammunition magazine" 2102. As shown in FIG. 19, one or more electrical connectors 1670 can be mounted inside the receiver assembly 1502 such that they are accessible through the ammunition receiving slot 1672 of the receiver assembly 1502 to one or more electrical connectors 1670. When the replacement ammunition magazine 2102 is mounted in the emergency magazine well 2104, one or more electrical connectors at the end of the replacement ammunition magazine 2102 couple to one or more electrical connectors 1670 in the ammunition receiving slot 1672 such that power and control signals can be exchanged between the power supply and electronic components of the replacement ammunition magazine 2102 and the electronic components disposed in or on the receiver assembly.

[0137]

[0156] Alternatively or additionally, the power supply and / or electronic components can be disposed in an auxiliary electronic component package 2106 mounted on the feed tray 2107 of the receiver assembly 1502. One or more electrical connectors 2108 of the auxiliary electronic component package 2106 mate with one or more electrical connectors of the receiver assembly 1502 such that power and control signals can be exchanged between the auxiliary electronic component package 2106 and the electronic components in or on the receiver assembly 1502.

[0138]

[0157] Operating the M249 machine gun with the drop-in kit components as shown in FIG. 21 enables the user to be trained without ammunition cans.

[0139]

[0158] To provide a sense of realism during training with the converted M249 machine gun simulator, it is desirable for the user to operate the charging handle to load ammunition or to remove misfired or jammed ammunition rounds. As depicted in FIG. 15, the charging handle 1518 protrudes from the right side of the receiver assembly. In an operable M249 machine gun, the charging handle actuates a mechanism configured to load an ammunition round into the firing chamber. However, when the M249 is converted to a simulator firearm, the elements configured to load an ammunition round into the firing chamber are removed.

[0140]

[0159] FIGS. 22A and 22B highlight some elements of the mechanism attached to the charging handle 1518. These elements include a compression spring 2206 mounted around a compression spring pin 2208 in the receiver assembly 1502. The connection plate 2202 has a lower end connected to the charging handle 1518 and an upper end 2204 having an opening through which the compression spring pin 2208 protrudes. FIG. 22A shows this mechanism in a stationary state before the user pulls the charging handle 1518. FIG. 22B shows the mechanism after the user has pulled the charging handle 1518 rearward. As shown in FIG. 22B, when the user pulls the charging handle 1518 rearward, the connection plate 2202 moves rearward and the upper end 2204 of the connection plate 2202 compresses the compression spring 2206 on the compression spring pin 2208.

[0141]

[0160] In some embodiments, the compression spring 2206 and the compression spring pin 2208 are maintained and a sensor (not shown) is mounted to the receiver assembly 1502 to detect movement of the connection plate 2202 and / or the charging handle 1518. The sensor then reports these movements to the controller of the drop-in kit. As a result, the controller knows when the user has pulled the charging handle 1518 to load the first ammunition round or to eject any ammunition round currently in the firing chamber.

[0142]

[0161] In an alternative embodiment, the compression spring 2206 and, optionally, the compression spring pin 2208 are removed. In this embodiment, the slider of the linear motor that provides the haptic effect can be configured to interact with the lower end of the connection plate 2202. As a result, when the user pulls the charging handle 1518 backward, the lower end of the connection plate 2202 pushes the sliding element of the linear motor backward. The linear motor can be configured to provide a force feedback that mimics what the user would feel when pulling the charging handle 1518 backward and compressing the compression spring 2206 of the original mechanism. The backward movement of the sliding element of the linear motor can be sensed and this movement can be reported to the controller of the drop-in kit.

[0143]

[0162] In a similar alternative embodiment, a second linear motor can be mounted to the receiving assembly 1502 and the second linear motor can be configured to interact with the lower end of the connection plate 2202 or the charging handle 1518 to provide force feedback. The movement of the slider of the second linear motor is sensed and reported to the controller of the drop-in kit. Thus, in this alternative embodiment, the linear motor that provides the haptic effect is not involved in sensing the movement of the charging handle 1518 or providing force feedback to the user.

[0144]

[0163] In some embodiments, either the slider of the linear motor used to provide a haptic effect or the slider of the second linear motor, when used to provide force feedback when the user pulls the charging handle 1518, the compression spring 2206 and, optionally, the compression spring pin 2208 can also be removed. However, in an alternative embodiment, the original compression spring 2206 and compression spring pin 2208 are maintained and used to provide force feedback when the user pulls the charging handle 1518. This provides the user with an accurate and realistic feel during training with the modified firearm simulator. However, it may also make sense to interact the connection plate 2202 or the loading handle 1518 with the slider of the linear motor. This enables the linear motor to provide force feedback to simulate various malfunctions, such as when the ammunition round jams during the insertion or ejection of the spent shell. As a result, the drop-in kit for the M249 machine gun can include elements designed to interact with the charging handle 1518 and / or the connection plate 2202 even when the original compression spring 2206 is used to provide force feedback when the user pulls the charging handle 1518.

[0145]

[0164] There is a specific M249 "proxy" receiver assembly that has already been used with a particular firearm simulator. In some respects, the proxy receiver assembly may differ from the receiver assembly of an actual M249 machine gun. The drop-in kit can include various adapters that enable the elements of the drop-in kit to be attached to the proxy receiver assembly for the M249 machine gun. As a result, the drop-in kit can be used with either an actual M249 machine gun or an M249 training firearm simulator having a proxy receiver assembly. The adapter can include one or more body shelf protrusions that can interface with the left and right bolt rails.

[0146]

[0165] The foregoing description is merely an example. Also, as is apparent from the foregoing description, a drop-in kit for one particular firearm may include a plurality of different modules that perform different functions. All of the modules that are available for a particular firearm may be installed in that firearm. Alternatively, only some of all of the available modules may be installed to convert the actual firearm into a firearm simulator.

[0147]

[0166] Generally speaking, the modules for a drop-in kit include one or more tactile effect generators. The tactile effect generator may be any of a plurality of different types of devices for generating force, such as a linear motor, an eccentric weight shaker, a normal rotary electric motor, a voice coil, a solenoid, a piezoelectric actuator, an ultrasonic actuator, a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator, or other devices capable of generating force. The tactile effect may include the recoil force that a user would experience when firing the firearm. Also, a single tactile effect generator may be able to generate different tactile effects to simulate the forces generated when firing each of a plurality of different types of ammunition.

[0148]

[0167] The tactile effect may also include the forces that a user would experience when loading the ammunition or when making the firearm ready for firing during preparation for firing. The tactile effect may also include the forces that a user would experience when various malfunctions occur, such as misfires or jams in the ammunition feed or jams. Of course, the tactile effect generator may also generate force to mimic other operations or malfunction conditions.

[0149]

[0168] The drop-in kit may also include one or more sensors configured to detect the settings of various control elements of the firearm. This may include sensors for detecting the movement and / or position of a safety switch, sensors for detecting the movement and / or position of a firing preparation lever, sensors for detecting the movement or position of a trigger, sensors for detecting the movement or position of a fire selector switch, and sensors for detecting the movement and / or position of other control elements of the firearm.

[0150]

[0169] The drop-in kit may include a connector configured to be connected to a power source and / or an external power source. The drop-in kit may also include one or more connectors for connecting an internal rechargeable power storage device to an external power source.

[0151]

[0170] The drop-in kit may include one or more controllers or processors configured to receive inputs from various sensors so as to access instructions stored in one or more memory devices and to send outputs or control signals to one or more devices of the drop-in kit such as a tactile effect generator. The one or more controllers or processors may be configured to communicate via wired and wireless connections.

[0152]

[0171] The drop-in kit may further include one or more electrical connectors and one or more interfaces that may take the form of one or more wireless receivers and transmitters. The controller or processor of the drop-in kit may receive instructions or control signals from an external controller or instructor via a wired or wireless connection. Similarly, the controller or processor of the drop-in kit may send instructions, control signals, and data to an external system via a wired or wireless connection.

[0153]

[0172] The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate specific embodiments of the invention. Other embodiments having different structures and operations do not depart from the scope of the invention.

[0154]

[0173] The terms used in this specification are for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and are not intended to be limiting of the present invention. As used in this specification, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0155]

[0174] The present invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, but it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent constructions included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

**Claim 1** A tactile effect system configured to be mounted on a firearm, A tactile effect generator configured to be removably attached to the firearm, the tactile effect generator being capable of generating a tactile effect simulating the firing of the firearm, A controller operably coupled to the tactile effect generator for causing the tactile effect generator to generate the tactile effect, A trigger interface configured to be removably attached to the firearm, the trigger interface being operably coupled to the trigger of the firearm, and the trigger interface being adapted to send a trigger signal to either the controller or the tactile effect generator when the trigger of the firearm is actuated, And a power source for providing power to the controller and the tactile effect generator A tactile effect system comprising. **Claim 2** The tactile effect system according to claim 1, wherein the tactile effect generator comprises a linear motor. **Claim 3** The tactile effect system according to claim 1, wherein the tactile effect generator and the trigger interface are configured to be mounted inside the firearm in a location that would otherwise be occupied by an existing mechanism of the firearm. **Claim 4** The tactile effect system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to generate a firing signal for causing the tactile effect generator to produce a tactile effect simulating the firing of the firearm and send the firing signal to the tactile effect generator. **Claim 5** The tactile effect system according to claim 4, wherein the firing signal also causes the tactile effect generator to produce a tactile effect simulating the loading of a cartridge round from a magazine. **Claim 6** The tactile effect system according to claim 4, wherein the firing signal also causes the tactile effect generator to produce a tactile effect simulating what would occur when the last cartridge round is fired. **Claim 7** In the tactile effect system according to claim 1, the tactile effect generator is operably coupled to the firing preparation mechanism of the firearm, and the tactile effect generator is configured to apply a force to the firing preparation mechanism when the user operates the firing preparation mechanism to prepare the firearm for simulated firing. A tactile effect system.

8. In the tactile effect system according to claim 7, the force applied to the firing preparation mechanism by the tactile effect generator causes the user to experience a firing preparation force that is close to the firing preparation force that the user would experience when operating the firing preparation mechanism to prepare the firearm for actual firing with actual ammunition. A tactile effect system.

9. The tactile effect system according to claim 1, further comprising a firing preparation simulator mounted on the firearm and configured to apply a firing preparation force to the firing preparation mechanism of the firearm.

10. In the tactile effect system according to claim 9, the firing preparation simulator is operably coupled to the controller and the firing preparation mechanism of the firearm, and the firing preparation simulator receives a firing preparation force signal from the controller to cause the firing preparation simulator to apply a firing preparation force to the firing preparation mechanism. A tactile effect system.

11. In the tactile effect system according to claim 1, the trigger interface applies a force to the trigger of the firearm. A tactile effect system.

12. In the tactile effect system according to claim 11, the trigger interface applies a force to the trigger mechanism of the firearm such that the user experiences a force for pulling the trigger that is substantially the same as the force for pulling the trigger that the user would experience when firing actual ammunition. A tactile effect system.

13. In the tactile effect system according to claim 12, the trigger signal causes the trigger interface to apply a force to the trigger mechanism of the firearm such that the user experiences a force for pulling the trigger that is substantially the same as the force for pulling the trigger that the user would experience when firing actual ammunition in burst firing mode. A tactile effect system.

14. In the tactile effect system according to claim 12, the trigger signal causes the trigger interface to apply a force to the trigger mechanism of the firearm such that the user experiences a force to pull the trigger that is substantially the same as the force to pull the trigger that the user would experience when firing live ammunition in automatic fire mode. Tactile effect system.

15. In the tactile effect system according to claim 1, the trigger interface includes a cartridge simulator configured to occupy a space within the firearm that would normally be occupied by a cartridge round prepared to be fired by the firearm, and the cartridge simulator causes the trigger interface to generate a trigger signal when the firing pin of the firearm contacts the cartridge simulator. Tactile effect system.

16. In the tactile effect system according to claim 1, the firearm further includes a sensor configured to be removably attached to the firearm and operably coupled to the controller, the sensor generating a signal indicative of the position of an internal mechanism of the firearm. Tactile effect system.

17. In the tactile effect system according to claim 16, the sensor is a time-of-flight sensor including an electromagnetic radiation emitter and an electromagnetic radiation detector. Tactile effect system.

18. In the tactile effect system according to claim 1, the firearm further includes an inertial sensor configured to be removably attached to the firearm and operably coupled to the controller, the inertial sensor generating a signal indicative of movement of the firearm. Tactile effect system.

19. In the tactile effect system according to claim 1, the controller is configured to control the tactile effect generator such that the tactile effect generator generates a tactile effect simulating a malfunction of the firearm. Tactile effect system.

20. In the tactile effect system according to claim 1, the system further includes a user interface operably coupled to the controller, the user interface enabling a user to provide an input used by the controller to control the tactile effect generated by the tactile effect generator. Tactile effect system.

Images