Target Positioning and Control System

Abstract

This invention introduces an advanced Target Positioning Device and Control System for shooting practice, adaptable to various environments. Its core function is to prepare targets for engagement, track their status, and communicate with a remote receiver for interactive sessions. The system supports multiple target materials and distinguishes hit-induced movements from environmental causes. An autonomous Base Station serves as the control center, logging data and offering customizable challenges, with safety features like energy-absorbing materials to prevent ricochets. This provides a dynamic, safe training experience for all levels of marksmanship.

1 . A Target Positioning and Control Device, comprising:
 means for positioning a target into an engagement-ready position;   means for positioning a target out of an engagement-ready position;   detection means for determining whether the target is in said engagement-ready position;   analysis means for detecting if the target has been engaged by an external shooting device;   communication means for transmitting the internal state of the Target Device and engagement state of the target to a remote Base Station;   processing means for handling inbound requests from a Base Station to report the status of the Target Device or alter the engagement state of the target;   a memory and processing component for storing instructions that enable the Target Positioning Device to optionally operate autonomously.   
     
     
         2 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 1 , wherein the target is characterized by:
 a first configuration comprising a solid material intended to be struck and displaced by a projectile;   a second configuration comprising a light detector designed to be activated upon being struck by a light source, such as a laser;   a third configuration comprising a solid material intended to be struck by a projectile without displacement, suitable for applications such as paper targets.   
     
     
         3 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a detection mechanism configured to identify displacement of the target from its engagement-ready position upon impact by a projectile from a shooting device.   
     
     
         4 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 1 , wherein the detection means comprises:
 a light sensor configured to detect a change in light intensity indicative of the target being struck by a beam from a laser or similar light-emitting shooting device.   
     
     
         5 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 3 , wherein the detection mechanism is selected from the group consisting of:
 optical sensors, configured to detect visual changes associated with the target's displacement;   proximity sensors, configured to detect changes in the target's proximity relative to a predetermined position;   position sensors, including tilt sensors, configured to detect orientation changes of the target indicative of displacement.   
     
     
         6 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 1 , wherein the means for positioning the target into an engagement-ready position or removing the target from an engagement-ready position is selected from the group consisting of:
 a linear push rod;   a solenoid;   a blast of air;   an electromagnet.   
     
     
         7 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 1 , wherein the communication means with the remote receiver operates through a protocol selected from the group consisting of:
 Wi-Fi;   Bluetooth;   Radio transmission;   Wired ethernet;   Infrared.   
     
     
         8 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 1 , wherein the device further comprises design elements characterized by:
 a contoured surface designed to direct projectiles away from the shooter;   energy-absorbing materials integrated into the target to minimize rebounding of projectiles;   angled deflection structures positioned to alter the trajectory of projectiles upon impact;   non-reflective coatings applied to the target surface to reduce harmful or distracting reflections.   
     
     
         9 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a Base Station configured to communicate with a server;   wherein the server is adapted to record and store data related to scores and shooting performance of shooters.   
     
     
         10 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 9 , wherein the Base Station is further configured to:
 receive data from multiple Target Devices;   transmit instructions to multiple Target Devices;   synchronize the operation of multiple Target Devices for coordinated performance tracking.   
     
     
         11 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 9 , wherein the Base Station is programmable to:
 initiate shooting challenges;   instruct targets to transition into or out of an engagement-ready state;   base the timing and sequence of these transitions on factors including, but not limited to, elapsed time, shooter performance, and pre-defined shooting scenarios.   
     
     
         12 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 9 , wherein the Base Station further comprises:
 a display;   configured to visually indicate the current state of each Target Device connected to the Base Station;   providing real-time updates on the engagement status of the targets.   
     
     
         13 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 9 , wherein the Base Station is configured to:
 receive selective input from a user;   enable the user to request the transition of specific Target Devices into or out of an engagement-ready state;   execute the user's requests to control the operational state of the Target Devices individually.   
     
     
         14 . The Target Positioning Device of  claim 1 , wherein the detection means includes:
 a sensor array capable of distinguishing between an impact event caused by a projectile and displacement events caused by natural forces such as wind;   a calibration system to differentiate between the signature of a projectile impact and environmental disturbances.