Electronically controlled target positioning system for training in marksmanship and target identification

Abstract

A fixed and portable, remote controlled moving target system to train shooters in marksmanship and correct target recognition comprising supported target assemblies on horizontal cables which are connected to vertical support assemblies. The targets are driven by an operator programmable, electronically controlled, computer based motor drive assembly. The targets are positioned by the operator inputs and the positions of the targets at start and during their movements behind an obscuring medium are programmed into the system. Once inputted into memory, the program can be replayed until it is overwritten. The targets exhibit humanoid movements owing to their unique suspension system and cable attachments.

1 . A programmable electronically controlled target carrier positioning system comprising, in combination:
 movable target carriers used to transport targets whose direction of movement, speed of movement, and the length of time between said movements are precisely and independently controlled.   
   
   
       2 . The system according to claim I wherein said programmable electronics allow multiple, user defined programs to be created, stored, retrieved, and executed in a repeatable fashion. 
   
   
       3 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said target carrier movement and execution of said programs are controlled by use of a wireless remote communication device. 
   
   
       4 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said target carriers are moved to and from precise, repeatable locations behind or in front of panels depicting a simulated environment. 
   
   
       5 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said programmable electronics co-ordinates said direction of movement, said speed of movement, said length of time between said movements and said location of said target carriers, in relationship to the direction and speed of movement, length of time between movements and location, of one or more additional targets carriers. 
   
   
       6 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the movement of said target carriers may be momentarily halted and when said target carrier movement is reinitiated, starts at the point in time at which said program was previously halted. 
   
   
       7 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein said panels are overlapped to prevent said shooter from observing said target carrier movements when said target carriers are in locations between said panels. 
   
   
       8 . The system according to  claim 1  wherein the cutouts in said panels, used to simulate windows, are covered with a material that simulates the glass that is usually found covering a window opening. 
   
   
       2 . A target carrier device wherein said target carrier device moves said targets in a random, unpredictable and non-horizontal plane. 
   
   
       3 . A target mounting device wherein said target mounting device causes said targets, when disconnected from said target carriers by the actions of said shooter, fall to the ground and topple to one side, removing said target from view. 
   
   
       1 . The device according to  claim 3  wherein said target mounting device has a movable arm designed to quickly enter said shooters field of view as said target is moved to a precise location.