System, device and method for firearms training

Abstract

A system, device and method for firearms training comprises one or more projectors that project an image such as a clay target, or other target to a backdrop. A user tracks and/or aims for the projected target using a firearm comprising a camera and a camera activation device. When the target reaches a desirable location and the proper alignment of the firearm takes place, the user presses a trigger of a firearm in order to take an image and establish a recording time mark of the area in view of the camera as the camera sees at the moment in time. The camera comprises a preprogrammed template of the expected target, and the captured image is processed in order to determine whether the captured image matches all of the projected image or a part of the projected image. A response is activated to indicate that the target has been struck or missed.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for firearms training comprising:
 a. one or more projectors for projecting an image;   b. a camera comprising:
 i. an activation device for capturing an image for establishing a time mark; 
 ii. a processing device for processing the captured image and sending a signal to a response device based upon the captured image; and 
   c. the response device which activates a response based upon the captured image.   
     
     
         2 . The system for firearms training of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more projectors comprise one or more programmable laser projectors. 
     
     
         3 . The system for firearms training of  claim 1 , wherein the projected image moves across a projected area. 
     
     
         4 . The system for firearms training of  claim 1 , wherein the camera is coupled to a firearm. 
     
     
         5 . The system for firearms training of  claim 1 , wherein the camera is coupled interior to a barrel of the firearm. 
     
     
         6 . The system for firearms training of  claim 4 , wherein the firearm is an operable firearm. 
     
     
         7 . The system for firearms training of  claim 5 , wherein the camera couples to a shotgun barrel. 
     
     
         8 . The system for firearms training of  claim 4 , wherein the camera replaces a handgun barrel. 
     
     
         9 . The system for firearms training of  claim 4 , wherein the camera couples to an exterior of the firearm. 
     
     
         10 . The system for firearms training of  claim 1 , wherein the response device activates a response to indicate that the captured image matches the projected image. 
     
     
         11 . The system for firearms training of  claim 1 , wherein the response device activates a response to indicate that the captured image does not match the projected image. 
     
     
         12 . The system for firearms training of  claim 1 , wherein the response device activates one of an auditory response, a visual response, and an auditory and visual response. 
     
     
         13 . The system for firearms training of  claim 1 , comprising a laser calibration device for calibrating the camera. 
     
     
         14 . A firearms training device comprising:
 a. a firearm body;   b. a camera coupled to the firearm body;   c. a camera activation device for activating the camera in order to capture an image time mark; and   d. a processing unit for processing a captured image time mark indicating a location of the firearm before the trigger is depressed, a captured time mark indicating a location of the firearm when the trigger is depressed, and a captured time mark indicating a location of the firearm after the trigger is depressed.   
     
     
         15 . The firearms training device of  claim 14 , wherein the firearm is operable. 
     
     
         16 . The firearms training device of  claim 14 , wherein the camera couples to a shotgun barrel. 
     
     
         17 . The firearms training device of  claim 16 , wherein the camera couples to an interior of the shotgun barrel. 
     
     
         18 . The firearms training device of  claim 14 , wherein the camera replaces a handgun barrel. 
     
     
         19 . The firearms training device of  claim 14 , wherein the camera couples to an exterior of the firearm. 
     
     
         20 . The shooting practice device of  claim 14 , wherein the camera activation device comprises a simulated cartridge that activates the camera when a trigger of the firearm is depressed. 
     
     
         21 . The shooting practice device of  claim 14 , wherein the camera activation device comprises a blank round that activates the camera when a trigger of the firearm is depressed. 
     
     
         22 . The firearms training device of  claim 14 , wherein the camera activation device wirelessly communicates with the camera. 
     
     
         23 . A firearms training method comprising:
 a. projecting an image onto a backdrop;   b. activating a camera in order to capture an image; and   c. processing the captured image; and   d. activating a response based upon the processed image.   
     
     
         24 . The firearms training method of  claim 22 , wherein capturing the image comprises capturing a time mark indicating a location of the firearm before the trigger is depressed, capturing a time mark indicating a location of the firearm when the trigger is depressed, and capturing a time mark indicating a location of the firearm after the trigger is depressed. 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the projected image moves across a projected area. 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the response indicates that the captured image matches the projected image. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the response indicates that the captured image does not match the projected image. 
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 22 , wherein the response is one of an auditory response, a visual response, and an auditory and visual response.