Firearm Simulator Target Using LED Matrix for Hit Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm training systems lack efficient and cost-effective methods for providing accurate and realistic dry fire training with enhanced feedback, particularly in terms of shooting accuracy, timing, and control, and often require separate photo sensors for hit detection, which increases complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
The integration of light emitting diodes (LEDs) in firearm simulator targets that both display target patterns and sense hits, eliminating the need for discrete photo sensors, allowing for dense and compact electronic components, flexible setup, and dynamic pattern changes, while providing visual and audible feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate photo sensors are used for hit detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the target display function and hit detection function into a single LED matrix system. The same LEDs that display target patterns also serve as photo sensors to detect laser beam hits, eliminating the need for separate photo sensor components and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED matrix serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the visual target display and the hit detection sensor array. Each LED can function as both a light-emitting element for target presentation and a photodetector for detecting laser beam impacts, thereby reducing component count and system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If separate photo sensors are used for hit detection, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the display and detection functions into a single LED matrix, the patent eliminates the need for additional photo sensor components, thereby reducing component count, manufacturing complexity, and overall cost while maintaining hit detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional LED matrix reduces the bill of materials by replacing separate photo sensors with LEDs that perform both display and detection roles, leading to lower manufacturing costs without sacrificing detection accuracy.
3Device complexity
If LEDs are used for both display and hit sensing, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The LED matrix is segmented into multiple independently controllable and detectable elements arranged in rows and columns. This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between different LED positions, providing precise spatial information about hit locations while maintaining the multi-functional capability of each LED element.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a two-dimensional LED matrix arrangement where hits are detected by determining which row and column LEDs are activated, providing precise positional information through dimensional encoding. This allows accurate hit detection while using the same LED elements for both display and sensing functions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables safer, more realistic, and cost-effective dry fire training with improved accuracy and scoring feedback, allowing for flexible target arrangements and operation in various lighting conditions, enhancing the overall training experience.
Implementation Method 1
illuminate a target pattern subset of the plurality of light emitting diodes such that the target pattern subset of the plurality of light emitting diodes are illuminated to display a target pattern. The target pattern subset of the plurality of light emitting diodes that are illuminated includes a first light emitting diode. When executed by the processor, the machine readable instructions further cause the firearm simulator target to receive a signal from the first light emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of light emitting diodes communicatively coupled to the processor
Data Source
AI summary
Firearm simulator targets and firearm simulation systems are disclosed. A firearm simulator target includes a processor, a memory module, a plurality of light emitting diodes, and machine readable instructions stored in the memory module. When executed by the processor, the machine readable instructions cause the firearm simulator target to illuminate a target pattern subset of the plurality of light emitting diodes such that the target pattern subset of the plurality of light emitting diodes are illuminated to display a target pattern. The target pattern subset of the plurality of light emitting diodes that are illuminated includes a first light emitting diode. When executed by the processor, the machine readable instructions further cause the firearm simulator target to receive a signal from the first light emitting diode, and determine a target hit location at the first light emitting diode based on the signal received from the first light emitting diode.