Environmental monitoring system for tracking projectiles

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an environmental monitoring system. The environmental monitoring system may comprise a first sensor, a second sensor and an environmental monitoring and feedback system. The first sensor may define a first plane in an environment. The second sensor may define a second plane in the environment. The environmental monitoring and feedback system may determine a first set of coordinates in the first plane in response to a projectile passing through the first plane. The environmental monitoring and feedback system may also determine a second set of coordinates in the second plane in response to the projectile passing through the second plane. The environmental monitoring and feedback system may determine the path of the projectile. The environmental monitoring and feedback system may adjust the environment in response to determining the path of the projectile.

Description

Title: Environmental Monitoring System for Tracking ProjectilesCross Reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Serial No. 63 / 557,584 filed on February 25, 2024, and entitled Environmental Monitoring System for Tracking Projectiles which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for any purpose.Field

[0002] The present disclosure relates a system and method of monitoring a projectile in an environment and more specifically, to monitoring a projectile in an environment and adjusting the environment based on the path of the projectile.Background

[0003] In modern shooting ranges and video game scenarios, the ability to accurately monitor and track the path of projectiles has become increasingly important. Traditional methods often rely on manual observation or rudimentary sensors that provide limited data and functionality. With the advancement of technology, there is a growing demand for sophisticated systems that can offer real-time tracking, environmental adjustments, and enhanced user engagement.

[0004] The need for such an advanced monitoring system arises from various challenges faced in both physical and virtual environments. In a shooting range, precise tracking of projectiles can enhance safety measures, improve training accuracy, and providevaluable feedback to users. Similarly, in video game settings, dynamic adjustments based on projectile paths can create more immersive and interactive experiences for players.Summary

[0005] To address these challenges of outdated shooting ranges, the present disclosure introduces an innovative environmental monitoring system designed to track projectiles and adjust the environment accordingly. This system leverages cutting-edge sensors, processors, and algorithms to deliver accurate and real-time data on projectile trajectories. By defining multiple planes within the environment and capturing coordinates as projectiles pass through these planes, the system can determine the path and make necessary adjustments to the surroundings.

[0006] The integration of such a system in shooting ranges can revolutionize training sessions by providing instant feedback, enhancing user safety, and facilitating a more controlled environment. In video game scenarios, the system's ability to dynamically alter the environment based on projectile movement can lead to unparalleled levels of engagement and realism.

[0007] The present disclosure relates to an environmental monitoring system. The environmental monitoring system may comprise a first sensor, a second sensor and an environmental monitoring and feedback system. The first sensor may define a first plane in an environment. The second sensor may define a second plane in the environment. The environmental monitoring and feedback system may determine a first set of coordinates in the first plane in response to a projectile passing through the first plane. The environmental monitoring and feedback system may also determine a second set of coordinates in the second plane in response to the projectile passing through the second plane. The environmentalmonitoring and feedback system may determine the path of the projectile. The environmental monitoring and feedback system may adjust the environment in response to determining the path of the projectile.

[0008] The environmental monitoring system may also comprise a user tracking module. The user tacking module may track a user activity in response to determining the path of the projectile. The user tracking module may update a score based on the path of the projectile.

[0009] In various embodiments, the first plane may be an acoustic plane or a laser array. The second plane may be defined in a content plane that presents content to a user.

[0010] In various embodiments, the environmental monitoring and feedback system may determine the location of the origin of the projectile based on the path of the projectile. In other embodiments, the environmental monitoring and feedback system is configured to determine a plurality of projectile paths in response to a user firing a plurality of projectiles. In various embodiments, the environmental monitoring and feedback system may be configured to determine a plurality of projectile paths in response to a user firing a plurality of projectiles.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to shooting ranges. In various embodiments, a shooting range may comprise a first bay, a display, a first sensor, a second sensor, and an environmental monitoring and feedback system. The first bay may be sized for a first user. The display may be disposed away from the first bay. The first sensor may define a first plane. The first plane may be disposed between the first bay and the display. The second sensor may define a second plane that is parallel to the first plane. The environmental monitoring and feedback system may determine a first set of coordinates in the first plane inresponse to a projectile passing through the first plane. The environmental monitoring and feedback system may also determine a second set of coordinates in the second plane in response to the projectile passing through the second plane. The environmental monitoring and feedback system determines the path of the projectile. The environmental monitoring and feedback system may adjust the display in response to determining the path of the projectile.F0012] In various embodiments, the second plane may be defined in the display. In various embodiments, the shooting range may comprise a plurality of bays. In various embodiments, the first plane may be an acoustic plane or a laser array. In various embodiments, the projectile may be an arrow, an airsoft pellet, or a bullet. In various embodiments, the environmental monitoring and feedback system may identify the point of impact on the display based on a ballistic profile of the projectile.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements.

[0014] Fig. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a monitored environment with a user discharging a projectile, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0015] Fig. 2 illustrates an example of a system for monitoring a projectile and adjusting the environment in response to determining a path of the projectile, in accordance with various embodiments.

[0016] Fig. 3 illustrates an example of a process for monitoring a projectile andadjusting the environment in response to determining a path of the projectile.Detailed Description

[0017] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein refers to the accompanying drawings, which show exemplary embodiments by way of illustration. While these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the inventions, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical, chemical and mechanical changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the inventions. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for purposes of illustration only and not of limitation. For example, the steps recited in any of the method or process descriptions may be executed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the order presented. Furthermore, any reference to singular includes plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include a singular embodiment or step. Also, any reference to attached, fixed, connected or the like may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, full and / or any other possible attachment option. Additionally, any reference to without contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact.

[0018] An example of an environment management system can include a processor in communication with a non-transitory storage medium configured to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the environment management system to perform operations. The operations comprise defining a first plane and a second plane in an environment, determining a first set of coordinates in the first plane in response to the projectile passing through the first plane, determining a second set of coordinates in the second plane in response to the projectile passing through the first plane, determining the pathof the projectile, adjusting the environment in response to determining the path of the projectile, and tracking a user activity in response to determining the path of the projectile.

[0019] Various embodiments include a non-transitory computer-readable medium configured to store instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations. The operations comprise defining a first plane and a second plane in an environment, determining a first set of coordinates in the first plane in response to the projectile passing through the first plane, determining a second set of coordinates in the second plane in response to the projectile passing through the first plane, determining the path of the projectile, adjusting the environment in response to determining the path of the projectile, and tracking a user activity in response to determining the path of the projectile.

[0020] In various embodiments and with reference to Fig. 1, environment management system 100 may be configured to monitor a projectile discharged in an environment. System 100 may be configured to adjust the environment in response to the discharge of the projectile. System 100 may comprise an environment 102 suitable for discharging projectiles in. In this regard, environment 102 may be a range to discharging a firearm, an archery device (e.g., a bow or crossbow), airsoft device, and / or the like. Environment 102 may be a dynamic environment that can display training scenarios, hunting scenarios, video game scenarios, and / or the like.

[0021] In various embodiments, system 100 may comprise a first plane 104. First plane 104 may bisect environment 102. First plane 104 may be defined by a beam of light, a laser, an acoustic field, and / or the like. System 100 may comprise a second plane 106. Second plane 106 may bisect environment 102. Second plane 104 may be defined by a beam of light, a laser, an acoustic field, and / or the like. First plane 104 and second plane 106 may be parallelto each other. First plane 104 and second plane 106 may also be substantially parallel to a user area from which user (e.g., user 10) fires projectiles, such as, for example, projectile 108. System 100 may determine a first coordinate 110 that indicates the position where projectile 108 crossed first plane 104. Similarly, system 100 may determine a second coordinate 112 that indicates the position where projectile 108 crossed second plane 106. System 100 may determine a projectile flight path, the location of the user who was the source of the projectile and the impact point 114 in environment 102. System 100 may adjust environment 102 to provide feedback to user 10 and indicate the point of impact 114 in environment 102.

[0022] In various embodiments and with reference to Figs. 2 and 3, environment management system 200 may be configured to perform a process 300. System 200 may be deployed in an environment 202 that is a shooting range 202. Shooting range 202 may be an enclosure volume or room with three sides and a firing line. Shooting range 202 may include a display 203 disposed at a first end of the range. Shooting range 202 may comprise a firing line disposed at a second end of the range. Shooting range 202 may be comprise one or more shooting bays, such as, for example, shooting bay 11, shooting bay 13, shooting bay 15, and / or shooting bay n. Shooting range 202 may be configured to accommodate one or more users, such as, for example, user 10, user 12, user 14, and / or user n. Shooting range 202 may be part of a real and virtual system that is configured to present a user with a scenario. User 10, user 12, user 14, and / or the like may be presented with individual scenarios or a group scenario. In this regard, a projectile 208 fired by user 10 may be evaluated in first plane 104 and second plane 106 in an induvial lane. Projectile 208 may correspond to first coordinate 210 and second coordinate 212.

[0023] In other embodiments, the scenario may be presented to multiple usersincluding user 10, user 12, user 14, and / or the like may interact with the same environment or scenario 202 that is presented to a user via a display 203. In this setting, multiple projectiles, such as, for example, projectile 208, projectile 214 and projectile 220 may be evaluated and mapped by system 200. Projectile 208 may cross first plane 104 at first coordinate 210 and second plane 106 at second coordinate 212. Projectile 214 may cross first plane 104 at first coordinate 218 and second plane 106 at second coordinate 216. Projectile 220 may cross first plane 104 at first coordinate 224 and second plane 106 at second coordinate 22.

[0024] In various embodiments, the trajectory of each projectile 208, projectile 214, projectile 220 and the like, may have a generally linear relationship between first plane 104 and second plane 106 because the relative distance between the planes is very short. However, system 200 may be able to modify the trajectory of a given projectile based on information provided by a user. The user may provide a ballistic profile for a projectile or may provide a projectile type that is defined within system 200. For example, if a user indicates that the projectile is a particular caliber projectile (e.g., a 9mm bullet), system 200 may be configured to modify the trajectory of the projectile to mimic the ballistic properties of the selected projectile over the distance presented in the scenario, based on known factors of ballistic performance and corresponding projectile trajectory.

[0025] In various embodiments, system 200 may be configured to execute a process 300 that includes multiple steps in environment 202. System 200 may define a first plane 104 and a second plane 106 in environment 202 (Step 301 ). The planes may be defined by any suitable manner as discussed herein. System 200 may include a first sensor 205. Sensor 205 may be configured to create plane 104. Plane 204 may be spaced away from the one or more shooting bays and / or users in the shooting range. Sensor 205 may be configured to define anacoustic plane, a laser array, and / or a light plane. System 200 may include a second sensor 207. Sensor 207 may be configured to create plane 106. Plane 206 may be spaced away from the one or more shooting bays and / or users in the shooting range. Sensor 207 may be configured to define an acoustic plane, a laser array, and / or a light plane. In some embodiments, plane 106 may be disposed between plane 104 and display 203. In other embodiments, plane 106 may be co-planar with or be part of display 203.

[0026] Plane 104 and plane 106 may be parallel to one another. Plane 104 and plane 106 may also be parallel to the one or more users or shooting bays. Moreover, the planes may define a two-dimensional matrix of locations that can be detected by the one or more suitable sensors, including for example, sensor 205 and / or sensor 207.

[0027] In various embodiments, system 250 may be configured to determine a first set of coordinates in the first plane 104 in response to the projectile passing through the first plane 104 (Step 303). System 250 may be configured to determine a second set of coordinates in the second plane 106 in response to the projectile passing through the second plane 106 (Step 305).

[0028] System 250 may be configured to determine the path of the projectile (Step 306). As stated herein, the linear relationship between first plane 104 and second plane 106 may be determined by an environment monitoring and feedback system 250. System 250 may be configured to modify the flight path of the projectile based on additional information provided by the user, the instrument configured to file to file the projectile, the scenario presented to the user, and / or the like.

[0029] System 250 may be configured to adjust environment 202 in response to determining the path of the projectile (step 309). System 250 may receive various scenariosfrom content source 240 via network cloud 270. Content source 240 may be a database or repository of interactive training, gaming, and relational scenarios that provide a user with a selectable experience (i.e., individually or as a group). Content source 240 may be configured to deliver scenarios to multiple locations. Contents source 240 may be a dynamic volume that is configured to adjust an environment 202 and or display 203 in response to feedback from system 250. In this regard, content source 240 and / or system 250 may adjust a user’s experience in response to an initial interaction by the user, (e.g., the user fires a projectile in environment 202). In response to the initial interaction, content source 240 and / or system 250 may register a hit or a miss. Content source 240 and / or system 250 may also adjust the nature of the content to show an impact or damage.

[0030] System 250 may track a user activity in response to determining the path of the projectile (Step 311). System 250 may include a user tracking module 260. System 250 may connect a plurality of environments 202 in multiple locations or a plurality of users in the same location. In this regard, system 250 has the ability for user to interact with one another in an environment 202 regardless of location. Moreover, system 250 allows a user to measure and evaluate his performance based on his interaction with environment 202. User tacking module 260 may include a user interface that allows a user to enter competitions with other users. User tracking module 260 may comprise training standards that the user can use to evaluate the user’s performance over time, against a standard or against the user’s peers, regardless of the user’s location.

[0031] Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described herein with regard to specific embodiments. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures contained herein are intended to represent exemplary functional relationshipsand / or physical couplings between the various elements. It should be noted that many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. However, the benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of the disclosure. The scope of the disclosure is accordingly to be limited by nothing other than the appended claims, in which reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.” Moreover, where a phrase similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” is used in the claims, it is intended that the phrase be interpreted to mean that A alone may be present in an embodiment, B alone may be present in an embodiment, C alone may be present in an embodiment, or that any combination of the elements A, B and C may be present in a single embodiment; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C.

[0032] Systems, methods, and apparatus are provided herein. In the detailed description herein, references to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “various embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether explicitly described. After reading the description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement the disclosure in alternativeembodiments.

[0033] Furthermore, no element, component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element herein is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f), unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase “means for.” As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising”, or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0034] The term “exemplary” is used herein to represent one example, instance, or illustration that may have any number of alternates. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. While several exemplary embodiments have been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of alternate but equivalent variations exist, and the examples presented herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. To the contrary, various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of the various features described herein without departing from the scope of the claims and their legal equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An environmental monitoring system, comprising: a first sensor defining a first plane in an environment; a second sensor defining a second plane in the environment; an environmental monitoring and feedback system determines a first set of coordinates in the first plane in response to a projectile passing through the first plane; the environmental monitoring and feedback system determines a second set of coordinates in the second plane in response to the projectile passing through the second plane; the environmental monitoring and feedback system determines the path of the projectile; and the environmental monitoring and feedback system adjusts the environment in response to determining the path of the projectile.

2. The system of claim 1, further comprising a user tracking module tracking a user activity in response to determining the path of the projectile3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first plane is an acoustic plane.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the first plane is a laser array.

5. The system of claim 2, wherein the user tracking module updates a score based on the path of the projectile.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the second plane is defined in a content plane that presents content to a user.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental monitoring and feedback system determines the location of the origin of the projectile based on the path of the projectile.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the environmental monitoring and feedback system is configured to determine a plurality of projectile paths in response to a user firing a plurality of projectiles.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental monitoring and feedback system is configured to determine a plurality of projectile paths in response to a user firing a plurality of projectiles.

10. A shooting range, comprising: a first bay sized for a first user; a display disposed away from the first bay; a first sensor defining a first plane, the first plane disposed between the first bay and the display; a second sensor defining a second plane that is parallel to the first plane; an environmental monitoring and feedback system determines a first set of coordinates in the first plane in response to a projectile passing through the first plane; the environmental monitoring and feedback system determines a second set of coordinates in the second plane in response to the projectile passing through the second plane; the environmental monitoring and feedback system determines the path of the projectile; and the environmental monitoring and feedback system adjusts the display in response to determining the path of the projectile.

11. The shooting range of claim 10, wherein the second plane is defined in the display.

12. The shooting range of claim 10, comprising a plurality of bays.

13. The shooting range of claim 10, wherein the first plane is at least one of an acoustic plane and a laser array.

14. The shooting range of claim 10, wherein the projectile is at least one of an arrow, an airsoft pellet, and a bullet.

15. The shooting range of claim 10, wherein the environmental monitoring and feedback system identifies the point of impact on the display based on a ballistic profile of the projectile.

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