Light Based Projectile Detection System for a Virtual Firearms Training Simulator

Abstract

A light based projectile detection system for use with a firearm and a virtual firearms training simulator includes a self-sealing screen having a proximal side and a distal side. A scenario projector transmits a simulation onto the proximal side, and a light source faces the distal side. The light source selectively projects light onto the distal side of the screen when the firearm is shot, such that light from the source traverses the screen after contact by a projectile. A camera monitors the light traversing the aperture created by the projectile to determine and associate the position of impact and transmit that information to a scenario computer. The system may include an audio detection circuit to monitor the sound generated by the firearm and transmit a signal to a flash controller to cause the light source to illuminate. The screen will then re-seal around the hole so that the light no longer traverses the screen.

1 . A light based projectile detection system for use with a firearm firing a projectile and a virtual firearms training simulator having a scenario projector, a camera, and a scenario computer, said projectile detection system comprising:
 a self-sealing screen having a proximal side and a distal side, the scenario projector transmitting a simulation onto said proximal side; and   a light source facing said distal side of said screen to selectively project light onto said distal side of said screen;   wherein light from said light source traverses said self-sealing screen to be monitored by the camera at the point of contact of the projectile with said self-sealing screen.   
     
     
         2 . The projectile detection system as described in  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a sensor generating a signal corresponding to the operation of the firearm; and   a flash controller in electrical communication with said sensor and said light source to illuminate said light source corresponding to the firing of the firearm.   
     
     
         3 . The projectile detection system as described in  claim 1  further comprising a housing supporting said screen, said housing controlling the distribution of light from said light source proximate said screen. 
     
     
         4 . The projectile detection system as described in  claim 3  wherein said light source includes a xenon flash. 
     
     
         5 . The projectile detection system as described in  claim 3  further comprising a reflective panel mounted in said housing, said light source positioned between said reflective panel and said screen. 
     
     
         6 . A training system to detect impact coordinates of one or more projectiles fired by one or more firearms, the system comprising:
 a self-sealing screen having a proximal side and a distal side;   a light source facing said distal side of said screen to selectively project light onto said distal side of said screen;   a simulation computer generating a simulation;   a projector in electrical communication with said computer, said projector broadcasting a simulation on said proximal side of said screen;   a camera in electrical communication with said computer to detect a light pulse on said screen;   wherein light from said light source traverses said self-sealing screen to be monitored by said camera at the point of contact of the projectile with said self-sealing screen upon impact of the projectile through said screen.   
     
     
         7 . The training system as described in  claim 6  further comprising:
 means for generating a signal corresponding to the firing of the firearm; and 
 means for controlling the illumination of said light source corresponding to said signal. 
 
     
     
         8 . The training system as described in  claim 7  wherein said signal generating means comprises an audio detection circuit positioned proximate the firearm, said audio detection circuit including a microphone to monitor the sound of the firing of the firearm. 
     
     
         9 . The training system as described in  claim 7  wherein said control means comprises a flash controller in electrical communication with said audio detection circuit and said light source to illuminate said light source corresponding to the signal generated by said audio detection circuit. 
     
     
         10 . The training system as described in  claim 7  further comprising a housing supporting said screen, said housing controlling the distribution of light from said light source proximate said screen. 
     
     
         11 . The training system as described in  claim 10  further comprising a reflective panel mounted in said housing, said light source positioned between said reflective panel and said screen. 
     
     
         12 . The training system as described in  claim 7  wherein said light source comprises a xenon flash. 
     
     
         13 . A method for determining the position of impact on a target of a projectile launched by a firearm, said method comprising the steps of:
 a) providing a self-sealing screen having a proximal side and a distal side;   b) generating the target on the proximal side of said screen using a projector in electrical communication with a simulation computer;   c) monitoring the proximal side of the screen for a light pulse with a camera in electrical communication with said simulation computer;   d) selectively illuminating said distal side of said screen with a light source;   e) generating a light pulse in said screen with said light source when the projectile traverses said screen; and   f) registering the point of contact of the projectile with said screen with said camera connected to said simulation computer.   
     
     
         14 . The method as described in  claim 13  wherein step d) further comprises the steps of:
 generating a signal corresponding to the discharge of the projectile from the firearm; and 
 transmitting said signal to said light source to selectively illuminate said distal side of said screen. 
 
     
     
         15 . The method as described in  claim 14  further comprising the step of monitoring the sound of the discharge of the firearm using a audio detection circuit. 
     
     
         16 . The method as described in  claim 13  further comprising the step of:
 supporting said screen and said light source in a housing to control the distribution of light from said light source proximate said screen. 
 
     
     
         17 . The method as described in  claim 16  further comprising the step of:
 distributing light from said light source along said distal side of said screen with a reflective panel mounted in said housing, said light source positioned between said reflective panel and said screen. 
 
     
     
         18 . The projectile detection system as described in  claim 13  further comprising the step of:
 providing a xenon flash for said light source. 
 
     
     
         19 . The projectile detection system as described in  claim 2 , wherein said sensor comprises an audio detection circuit positioned proximate the firearm, said audio detection circuit having a microphone to monitor the sound of the firing of the firearm.