System and method for dry firearm training

Abstract

A dry firearm training system and method utilizing dry laser cartridge technology and a software application is provided. The software application enabling a user to: create, edit, or delete training templates providing the ability to perform training sessions quickly and efficiently. The system utilizes an auto calibration process to calibrate single or multi-targets in various shapes. The software application enables the user to perform a training session using the training template in a number of challenging game modes. All data from each session may be saved and uploaded to a social feed enabling other users to view the data. Personal records can be gained from the sessions, and users can compete for badges and rankings via multi-player matches and tournaments.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for dry firearm training comprising:
 a physical target having a plurality of individual targets, wherein each target of the plurality of individual targets includes an identifier associated with each target, the identifier comprising a number and a letter combination in a specific color;   an adjustable tripod having a rotatable computing device holder, wherein the adjustable tripod is configured to adjust in height;   a mobile computing device positioned in the rotatable computing device holder, the mobile computing device having a processor, data storage, display screen, and camera, wherein the processor is configured to execute a software application, and the mobile computing device includes a network connection such that the software application is configured to communicate with one or servers connected to data repositories;   a firearm loaded with a laser cartridge, wherein the firearm is configured to produce a laser when a trigger of the firearm is squeezed;   wherein the camera of the mobile computing device is configured to be aimed at the physical target when positioned in the adjustable tripod, and the adjustable tripod is positioned a distance range from the physical target;   wherein the software application enables a user to:
 create an account; 
 login; 
 create a training template; 
 activate an auto calibration process, wherein the auto calibration process accesses the camera of the mobile computing device to locate and calibrate the location of each target of the plurality of individual targets; 
 perform a training session using the training template, wherein the training session enables the user to shoot at the plurality of individual targets with the firearm via a game mode; 
 save and view training session data providing metrics and analysis of the training session; 
 earn badges based on the results of training session data; 
 share the training session data to a social feed; 
 view training session data posted by other users on the social feed; 
 create a match template; and, 
 compete in a match using the match template with two or more users which produces a ranking of the two or more users, wherein the match is either in person or online via the Internet. 
   
     
     
         2 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 1 , wherein the mobile computing device is a smartphone or tablet computer. 
     
     
         3 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 1 , wherein the training template enables a user to: select or add a firearm make and model, select a shooting drill, select the game mode, select a shot time period, specify the firearm's distance from the physical target, select a lighting condition, and select the number of training sessions. 
     
     
         4 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 1 , wherein the game mode is selected from a free shooting mode without constraints, a critical thinking game mode, a target call out mode, and a timed rapid fire mode. 
     
     
         5 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 4 , wherein the free shooting mode without constraints includes a timer or no timer option. 
     
     
         6 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 4 , wherein the critical thinking game mode is configured to confuse the user by displaying a different identifier from any of the available identifiers associated with the target on the display screen of the mobile computing device such that the number, the letter, and the specific color combination is different. 
     
     
         7 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 4 , wherein the target call out mode is configured to display one or more identifiers associated with a target. 
     
     
         8 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 4 , wherein the timed rapid fire mode provides the user with a challenge to hit as many targets as possible in a predetermined amount of time. 
     
     
         9 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 1 , wherein each target of the plurality of individual targets is a round shaped target. 
     
     
         10 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 9 , wherein during the auto calibration process, the software application locates each target and positions a circle on an outer dimension/boundary for each round shaped target. 
     
     
         11 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 1 , wherein each target of the plurality of individual targets is a humanoid shaped target. 
     
     
         12 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 11 , wherein during the auto calibration process, the software application locates each target and positions a circle on an outer dimension/boundary for a humanoid shaped target. 
     
     
         13 . The system for dry firearm training of  claim 1 , wherein the distance range is 3 to 8 feet. 
     
     
         14 . A method for dry firearm training comprising steps:
 (a) providing a physical target having a plurality of individual targets, wherein each target of the plurality of individual targets includes an identifier associated with each target, the identifier comprising a number and a letter combination in a specific color; an adjustable tripod having a rotatable computer device holder, wherein the adjustable tripod is configured to adjust in height; a mobile computing device positioned in the rotatable computer device holder, the mobile computing device having a processor, data storage, display screen, and camera, wherein the processor is configured to execute a software application, and the mobile computing device includes a network connection such that the software application is configured to communicate with one or more servers connected to data repositories;   (b) positioning the adjustable tripod 3 to 8 feet from the physical target;   (c) aiming the camera towards the physical target;   (d) loading a firearm with a laser cartridge, wherein the firearm is configured to produce a laser when a trigger of the firearm is squeezed;   (e) creating a template, wherein the template establishes predefined conditions for a training session or match, wherein the training session is for one user and the match is for two or more users;   (f) performing an auto calibration process via the software application and camera such that each target of the plurality of individual targets is located and calibrated for the training session or match;   (g) starting a training session or match;   (h) finishing the training session or match;   (i) saving data generated from the training session or match, wherein the data includes analysis and metrics of the training session or match and records and badges awarded for performance during the training session or match; and,   (j) sharing the data on a social feed.   
     
     
         15 . The method for dry firearm training of  claim 14 , wherein the match is either in person or online via the Internet. 
     
     
         16 . The method for dry firearm training of  claim 14 , wherein the predefined conditions include firearm make and model, drill selection, target type, game mode, shot time, target distance, and lighting conditions. 
     
     
         17 . The method for dry firearm training of  claim 16 , wherein the game mode is selected from a free shooting mode without constraints, a critical thinking game mode, a target call out mode, and a timed rapid fire mode. 
     
     
         18 . The method for dry firearm training of  claim 14 , wherein during the auto calibration process, the software application locates each target and positions a circle on an outer dimension/boundary for each target. 
     
     
         19 . The method for dry firearm training of  claim 14 , wherein the results of the match produce a ranking of users based on their performance in the match. 
     
     
         20 . The method for dry firearm training of  claim 19 , further comprising a tournament which consists of two or more matches.