Projector-based training apparatus for practicing shooting techniques

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of firearms training apparatus. A training apparatus for practicing shooting techniques comprises a projector for displaying targets, a camera for detecting beam spots from emitters, a computer for controlling the training apparatus, and a gun having a receiver with a firing module mounted thereon and a barrel module. The firing module comprises a housing with magnetic fasteners for attachment to the receiver and to a trigger guard, and a stop for engagement with a trigger, the stop being connected by a rod to a thrusting cylinder for depressing a firing button. The barrel module comprises an infrared beam emitter, a visible light beam emitter, an emitter mode switch, and a power and control board configured to be capable of receiving a signal from the firing module and controlling the emitters. The computer is configured to be capable of displaying an interface on a screen via the projector, analyzing the path of the gun, displaying a correct path of the gun, and storing training statistics. The invention makes it possible to increase the amount of shooting results data obtained and to more efficiently practice shooting techniques, develop the skill of focusing on targets and work on errors in shooting techniques.

Description

[0001] Projection simulator for mastering shooting techniques

[0002] The invention relates to simulators for clay pigeon shooting and is intended for the development, maintenance and reinforcement of the basic elements of shooting technique (position, slinging, aiming, trigger control) and skills of concentration on the target in shooters of various levels of training, for working on individual errors of shooters, identifying errors when executing a shot, and developing endurance.

[0003] Clay pigeon shooting is a form of shooting at targets that mimic the movements of animals in flight. Accurately hitting targets requires mastering the basic elements of shooting technique, which requires repeated, conscious practice. During shooter training, special attention is paid to working without ammunition (simulation work) to gradually refine the fundamental elements of shooting technique. Working without ammunition without the supervision of a qualified trainer can lead to the development of improper shooting technique. Independently practicing shooting technique with ammunition increases costs (ammunition, targets, and weapon wear), as it requires repeated shots at targets until consistent hits are achieved. However, this tactic does not always lead to successful mastery of shooting technique.

[0004] PRIOR ART

[0005] Among the existing analogs, it is worth noting a simulator containing a screen, a weapon with a trigger, a light emitter installed on the weapon and emitting light when the trigger is pulled, a projector for displaying a moving target on the screen, a lens and a light-sensitive device that determines the location of the emitted light on the screen, a computer for analyzing the target hit taking into account the time that elapses from the moment the trigger is pulled until the projectile leaves the end of the muzzle of the weapon, and a display for reflecting the position of the target and the projectile [US Patent No. 5194006, IPC F41G3 / 2694, F41G3 / 2627, F41G3 / 2655, 1994]. The disadvantage of this simulator is its inability to determine the shooter's full trajectory from the moment of readiness to the shot, and the wires, which restrict the shooter's movements and interfere with proper training with the weapon, and also lead to frequent breakdowns due to broken wires.

[0006] Also noteworthy is a training device containing a set of projectors for displaying the background and a moving target, a computer for analyzing target flight data, shot data, and the addition of a phantom target showing the required lead for effectively hitting the target, two cameras connected to the computer, and a set of light emitters connected to the trigger [US Patent No. 9261332, IPC F41G3 / 2633, F41A33 / 02, F41G3 / 2655, 2016]. The disadvantage of this training device is the inability to change the shape of the target, the lack of recommendations for improving shooting technique or shooting technique standards to identify errors in the execution of shooting technique elements, and the lack of the ability to save training statistics to track progress in shooting skills. It's worth noting that all of the presented training devices are aimed primarily at shooting and hitting targets, which shifts the focus from executing proper shooting technique.All this makes these simulators unsuitable for training and mastering the elements of shooting technique.

[0007] The closest one, taken as a prototype, is a simulator [US Patent No. 4657511, IPC F41G3 / 2627, F41J5 / 02, F41J9 / 14, 1987] for indoor weapon shooting, containing a projector for displaying a landscape on which at least one moving or static target is shown to be engaged, a weapon with a mounted infrared beam emitter and a trigger mechanism for stopping the movement of the projected images, a video camera with a retractable filter for creating a recording and detecting the trace of the infrared beam and determining its location on the recording, a computer for processing the video signal, a television screen for displaying the shooting results. The disadvantages of the simulator include the fact that the weapon with the mounted infrared beam emitter and the trigger mechanism is connected to the computer by wires, which limits the shooter's movements and can lead to the development of an incorrect skill.Furthermore, this simulator model only provides shot placement data: it lacks the ability to analyze individual shooting techniques or provide recommendations for improving shooting technique. It also lacks the ability to save training statistics to track shooting progress.

[0008] DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The technical problem is to increase the efficiency of shooters mastering the basic elements of shooting technique, as well as the ease of use of the simulator.

[0009] The problem is solved by using a projection training simulator for mastering shooting techniques, which includes a projector for visualizing the software interface (hereinafter referred to as the software) and displaying a static image or moving one or two targets of various colors, shapes, and sizes along various trajectories on the screen; a camera for detecting the emitter's beam spots in the visible and infrared ranges; a computer with specialized software installed for interacting with the simulator, initiating training, analyzing the gun's trajectory, processing the average trajectory and the moment of the shot, displaying the correct trajectory of the gun, and storing training statistics; a battery charger and a weapon with wireless modules: a barrel and a trigger, which are installed on the weapon in the barrels and on the receiver, respectively.The trigger module comprises a housing with magnetic fastenings to the receiver and trigger guard of the weapon, a stop for engaging the trigger of the weapon, connected by a rod to a stop cylinder for pressing the firing button, a power switch, a power and controller board that processes a signal from the firing button when pressing the trigger of the weapon and transmits it to a vibration motor, a diode and to a barrel module controller, which contains infrared and visible beam emitters, a board power switch, an emitter operating mode switch, a power and controller board configured to receive a signal from the trigger module and control the emitters, clamps for fastening directly inside the barrels of the weapon, screws for adjusting the position of the infrared and visible beam emitters, a support cylinder for batteries and their quick replacement and a stop for a secure fit in various models of guns.The projector, computer, camera, charger and microphone signal receiver board are housed in a single housing, which contains storage space for wireless modules.And also due to the fact that the targets have different shapes, colors and sizes and can be provided with marks located in a random place on the target, while the trigger module contains a microphone signal transmitter board, a power switch, a vibration motor and two diodes: the first for indicating the connection of the charger to the battery, the second for indicating pressing the fire button, and the computer is additionally provided with a microphone signal receiver board, in addition, the power supply and controller board in the barrel module is made with the possibility of turning on the emitters of infrared and visible rays in a constant or pulsed mode, and the power supply and controller boards in the modules are made with the possibility of taking into account the time delay for the actuation of the firing mechanism of the gun, the passage of the projectile along the barrel and the distance to hitting the target.

[0010] The software installed on the computer enables interaction with the simulator via a single-window interface, wireless modules, and a camera in two ways: by determining the location of the infrared beam spot, which moves the cursor across objects, and the location of the visible beam spot, which selects the object on which the cursor is positioned; voice control with key phrases described in the user manual and intuitively understood from the inscriptions on the interface objects; and various simulator operating modes, such as calibration, reports, and training in single and doublet mode, which record the location of the infrared and visible beam spots and analyze the shooter's gun control.This makes it possible to animate elements of shooting technique such as gun positioning, shouldering, aiming, and aiming. It also allows for calculating the acceleration of the aiming beam after the shot, as well as recording the location of the visible beam relative to the target at the moment of the shot, without explicitly indicating whether a hit occurred. To assess the accuracy of shooting technique, it's possible to demonstrate proper gun control to compare the athlete's honed skills with a shooting standard, or to show the average trajectory of the shooter's movements and the shot location to identify deviations in shooting technique. Additionally, to practice concentration, a randomly placed mark on the target can be added.

[0011] The technical result consists in increasing the effectiveness of mastering the basic elements of shooting technique by shooters, developing the skill of concentrating on the target, working on errors in shooting technique due to the fact that a new set of features, namely the presence of wireless modules that are attached to the gun, a projector, a camera and a computer with software, makes it possible to determine and analyze the trajectory of the gun relative to the trajectory of the target and compare it with the correct trajectory of the gun, improve concentration on the target, due to the presence of a randomly located mark on the target and the ability to change its color, size and speed of movement, identify errors in shooting technique due to the presence of an infrared and visible emitter and a camera for analyzing the movements of the gun and the location of the shot relative to the target.The technical result is achieved through the visualization of a single-window interface and targets of varying shapes, colors, and sizes, moving in space along various trajectories or statically positioned. The simulator's software records and analyzes the shooter's barrel movements, and compares them with a standard or deviation from the average trajectory. The simulator's software contains a set of trajectories described by mathematical functions. A target moves along these trajectories, the size, color, and speed of which are selected to most accurately simulate the flight of a target on a shooting range. Focusing on the target is ensured by requiring the shooter to additionally recognize a mark (missing sector) randomly placed on moving targets.The accuracy of the movement and firing event is monitored using two emitters: one in the infrared range for tracking the barrel movement, and the other in the visible range, which briefly illuminates when the trigger is pulled, accounting for the trigger mechanism actuation delay, the projectile's passage through the barrel, and the distance to target impact. A camera detects their locations on the screen, and software that reproduces the recorded locations of the infrared and visible beam spots relative to the target on the screen. The accuracy of the movement is monitored by comparing it with the correct barrel guidance and firing for each trajectory or by detecting deviations from the average trajectory and average firing location. When the weapon's trigger is pulled, the stop, hooked to it, displaces a stop cylinder connected to a rod, which depresses the firing button.The trigger button closes contacts and sends a signal to the controller, which transmits it to the vibration motor, which emits a brief vibration and lights a diode. The trigger module controller also sends a delayed signal wirelessly to the barrel module controller, which controls the infrared and visible beam emitters and sends a pulse to briefly ignite the visible beam emitter.

[0012] The proposed solution allows shooters to learn various elements of target engagement techniques, practice basic shooting techniques, correct errors in technique execution, and track progress and training statistics. The use of wireless modules improves training convenience. The only wires accessible to the shooter are the power cables for the projector and computer. These cables do not interfere with the shooter's rifle exercises or limit their range of motion. All other cables are located inside the training device. Furthermore, the training device allows for the collection, storage, and transmission of training statistics via QR code, such as the number of training sessions (targets taken) and shots fired per day, week, or six months.

[0013] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0014] The stated solution is explained by graphic materials, which show:

[0015] Fig. 1. - Diagram of the projection simulator

[0016] Fig. 2 - Interaction flow chart

[0017] In Fig. 3 - Trigger module (top view) In Fig. 4 - Trigger module (section A-A) In Fig. 5 - Trigger module (section B-B) In Fig. 6 - Barrel module (front view) In Fig. 7 - Barrel module (left view) In Fig. 8 - Barrel module (section B-B) Projection simulator for mastering shooting techniques (Fig.1) consists of a projector 1, located in a single housing 6, which projects software installed in a computer 2 onto a screen 9 with a menu interface for setting up training or a training field with targets 32, a board for receiving a microphone signal 3, which perceives voice commands for controlling the simulator, a camera 4 for detecting the location of spots of infrared 39 and visible 40 rays, a charger 5 for charging batteries, as well as a wireless trigger module 8, which is installed on a weapon 10 and, when its trigger 11 is pressed, transmits a signal to a vibration motor 12, a diode 13 and to a barrel module 7, on which an infrared beam emitter 14 is constantly turned on and, upon receiving a signal, a visible beam emitter 15 is lit with a delay.

[0018] The software (Fig. 2) contains variable arrays of trajectories, parameters of targets 32 (color, shape, size, speed) and various training modes for mastering the elements of the technique of executing a shot; interaction with the software interface occurs through wireless modules of the barrel 7 and trigger 8 and camera 4 by determining the location of the infrared beam spot 39, which in the menu moves the cursor over the menu objects, and the location of the visible beam spot 40, which selects the object on which the cursor is pointed, and voice control with key phrases through the microphone signal transmitter board 16 in the trigger module 8 and the microphone signal receiver board 3 in the housing 6.

[0019] The trigger module 8 (Fig. 3 - 5) contains a housing 17 with magnetic fastenings 38 on the receiver 37 and the trigger guard 18 of the weapon 10, a stop for engaging 33 on the trigger 11 of the weapon 10, connected by a rod 20 to a stop cylinder 34 for pressing the firing button 19, a power switch 21, two diodes 13 for indicating the connection of the charger to the battery and pressing the firing button 19, a power board 22 and a controller 35, which processes the signal from the firing button and transmits it to the vibration motor 12, the diode 13 and to the controller 36 of the barrel module 7. The barrel module 7 (Fig.6 - 8) contains a board power switch 23, a switch for the operating mode of the emitters 24, a board power supply 25 and a controller 36 for receiving a signal from the controller 35 of the trigger module 8 and controlling the emitters of the infrared 14 and visible 15 rays, clamps 26 for secure fastening directly inside the barrels 31 of the weapon 10, screws 27 for adjusting the position of the emitters, a support cylinder 28 for batteries 29 and a stop 30 for secure fit in various models of guns.

[0020] To prepare for use with the simulator, the shooter positions the projection simulator opposite a vertical screen 9 (e.g., a plain wall) and turns it on. Then, they install the trigger 8 and barrel 7 modules on the weapon and turn them on. After loading and opening the software, the shooter can begin interacting with the simulator using wireless modules or voice commands (or a combination of both). When the trigger 11 of the weapon 10 is pulled, the stop 33, hooked onto it, displaces the stop cylinder 34, connected to the rod 20, which depresses the fire button 19. The fire button 19 closes contacts and sends a signal to the controller 35, which transmits it to the vibration motor 12, which emits a short-term vibration and lights up the diode 13.Also, the controller 35 of the trigger module 8 sends a signal with a delay via a wireless communication channel to the controller 36 of the barrel module 7, which controls the emitters of the infrared 14 and visible 15 rays and sends a pulse for the short-term ignition of the visible beam of the emitter 15. The software allows for the calibration of the sensitivity of the camera 4 to the emitters of the infrared 14 and visible 15 rays and the calibration of the field of the projector 1 for the correct determination of the location of the spots of the infrared 39 and visible 40 rays, receiving voice commands with key phrases from the shooter through the signal transmitter board of the microphone 16 in the trigger module 8 and executing them, interacting with the interface via the wireless modules: barrel 7 and trigger 8, setting the training parameters.To begin training, the shooter configures the parameters using voice commands or wireless modules. They select the target flight mode (single, synchronized, or signal), trajectory, speed, size, color, presence of a target mark for visual attention training, delay before target launch, and the number of training repetitions. They also adjust the sensitivity of the microphone receiver board. The software implements three target flight modes: single (launching a single target), synchronized (launching two targets simultaneously), and signal (launching two targets one after the other). Trajectories are divided into rectilinear (unmatched in clay pigeon shooting), parabolic (simulating clay pigeon shooting trajectories), and warm-up (used for warm-ups). After setting the training parameters, the shooter prepares for the shot and gives a voice command to call the target, then receives the target and performs the basic elements of the shooting technique.If the training session is repeated once, an animation of the target 32 ​​shots will be shown after the session is completed, indicating the acceleration after each of the two shots. This training mode allows for step-by-step practice of the basic shooting techniques and correction of any errors in shooting technique. If the training session is repeated more than once, the shooter must again issue a voice command to recall the next target 32. After the training session is completed, all gun trajectories and shot locations for each repetition will be displayed, along with the average gun trajectory and average shot location. An additional window allows you to view the positions of your shots relative to the 32 targets to determine accuracy. This training mode allows you to hone your already acquired shooting skills.

[0021] INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0022] Consistent shooting skills are developed through repeated, conscious repetition of shooting technique elements. To accurately hit targets flying along various trajectories, it is necessary to study the different shooting techniques, practice the elements of shooting technique, and develop the ability to concentrate on the targets over a series of 25 shots. The simulator is not designed to determine whether a target is hit, as this can lead to an incorrect approach to shooting at the clay pigeon range. The training process consists of practicing proper shooting technique skills that lead to consistent results, rather than randomly hitting targets. This shifts the athlete's focus from controlling the correct movements of the shooter-gun system to hitting the targets.

[0023] Shooters can access daily, weekly, and six-month training statistics. For analysis, users are provided with photos of recent training sessions, as well as data on the number of shots fired and targets taken, to determine their daily training load. Weekly statistics can be accessed on their phone as text information by scanning a QR code. This text information can then be saved to a file and shared via mobile communication.

Claims

CLAUSES OF THE INVENTION 1. A projection simulator for mastering shooting techniques, which includes a projector for visualizing one or two targets, static or moving along a screen along various trajectories, a camera for detecting spots of emitter beams, a weapon having a trigger guard, a trigger, a receiver and an infrared beam emitter and a computer for controlling the simulator, characterized in that it is additionally equipped with a trigger module installed on the receiver, and a barrel module installed in the barrels of the weapon, wherein the trigger module contains a housing with magnetic fastenings to the receiver and trigger guard of the weapon, a stop for engaging the trigger of the weapon, connected by a rod to a stop cylinder for pressing the fire button, a power board and a controller, and the barrel module contains emitters of infrared and visible beams, a board power switch, an emitter operating mode switch, a power board and a controller,designed with the ability to receive a signal from the trigger module and control the emitters, clamps for mounting directly inside the barrels of the weapon, screws for adjusting the position of the infrared and visible beam emitters, a support cylinder for batteries, a stop for seating in various models of guns, in addition, the computer is equipped with, software designed to project an interface onto a screen and interact with it using modules and voice commands, analyze the gun's trajectory, display the correct gun trajectory, and save training statistics.

2. A projection simulator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the projector, computer, camera, charger, and microphone signal receiver board are enclosed in a single housing equipped with storage areas for the barrel and trigger modules.

3. A projection trainer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the targets have different shapes, colors and sizes.

4. A projection trainer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the targets are provided with marks located in a random place on the target.

5. A projection trainer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the trigger module contains a microphone signal transmitter board, and the computer is additionally equipped with a microphone signal receiver board.

6. The projection simulator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the trigger module contains a power switch, a vibration motor and two diodes: the first for indicating the connection of the charger to the battery, the second for indicating the pressing of the shot button.

7. A projection simulator according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the power and controller boards in the modules are designed with the ability to take into account the time delay for response. the trigger mechanism of the gun, the passage of the projectile through the barrel and the distance to hitting the target.

8. A projection trainer according to paragraph 1, characterized in that the power and controller board in the barrel module is designed with the ability to turn on the infrared and visible beam emitters in a constant or pulsed mode.

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