Target reporting system

• US 5,095,433 A
• Filed: 08/01/1990
• Issued: 03/10/1992
• Est. Priority Date: 08/01/1990
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Coyote Manufacturing Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Coyote Manufacturing Incorporated
• Inventors: Botarelli, Vincent, Cease, Richard G., Vaughn, Gary L., Roush, Ronald L.
• Primary Examiner(s): CANGIALOSI, SALVATORE A
• Application Number:
  US07/561,181
• Time in Patent Office: 587 Days
• Field of Search: 364/423, 273/372, 235/400
• US Class Current: 273/372
• CPC Class Codes: F41J 5/056 Switch actuation by hit-generated mechanical vibration of the target body, e.g. using shock or vibration transducers

Abstract

A target reporting system utilizes a flexible target sheet having a target image thereon. Preferably, the sheet is positioned in a substantially planar configuration. A plurality of sensors affixed to the target sheet are arranged for detecting vibrations at selected locations on the sheet.

In response thereto, a processor determines the location of a bullet strike (or other vibration-causing impact). A reporting element converts the calculated location to an absolute or relative position and reports it in a human voice-like signal to the target shooter.

Claims

1. A. target reporting system comprising

A. a flexible target sheet, wherein said target sheet comprises a non-woven web of substantially randomly directed, interbonded microfibers,

B. a plurality of sensor means affixed to said sheet, each for detecting vibration at an associated location on said target sheet and for generating a signal representative thereof,

C. processor means connected with said sensor means for determining from the vibration-representative signals generated by said plurality of sensor means a location of a vibration-causing impact on said target sheet and for generating a signal representative of that location, and

D. means coupled with said processing means for reporting said location-representative signal.

2. A target reporting system according to claim 1 wherein said target sheet comprises a non-woven web of substantially randomly directed, interbonded microfibers.

3. A target reporting system according to claim 2 wherein said microfibers comprise polyethylene.

4. A target reporting system according to claim 3 wherein said microfibers comprise high density polyethylene.

5. A target reporting system according to claim 1 wherein said sensor means comprise piezoelectric sensors.

6. A target reporting system according to claim 1 wherein said reporting means includes means for generating a voice signal indicative of said location-representative signal.

7. A target reporting system according to claim 6 wherein said reporting means includes means transmitter means for transmitting said location-representative signal to a remote location.

8. A target reporting system according to claim 1 wherein said target sheet bears a target image.

9. A target reporting system according to claim 1 wherein said processor means includes a plurality of flip-flop means, each coupled with an associated one of said sensor means, for clocking the generation of said vibration-representative signal thereby.

10. A target reporting system according to claim 9 wherein

A. said flip-flop means are arranged so that a flip-flop means associated with a first of said sensor means to detect vibrations associated with a vibration-causing impact clocks a reference time and said flip-flop means associated with said other sensor means clock difference times and

B. said processor means includes means for determining said location from said reference and difference times.

11. A target reporting system including

A. a flexible, substantially planar target sheet having a vibration-propagating anisotropy oriented along a first axis,

B. sensor means for detecting vibration at three discrete points along a line disposed on the plane of said target sheet, said sensor means comprising piezoelectric cells adhesively affixed to said target sheet along said line, said line being angularly offset with respect to said first axis,

C. processor means connected with said sensor means for determining from the vibration-representative signals generated by said plurality of sensor means a location of a vibration-causing impact on said target sheet and for generating a signal representative of that location, and

D. means coupled with said processing means for reporting said location-representative signal, said reporting means includes means for generating a voice signal indicative of said location-representative signal and further including transmitter means for transmitting said location-representative signal to a remote location.

12. A target reporting system comprising

A. a flexible target sheet, wherein said target sheet has a vibration-propagating anisotropy oriented along a first axis.

B. a plurality of sensor means affixed to said sheet, each for detecting vibration at an associated location on said target sheet and for generating a signal representative thereof,

C. processor means connected with said sensor means for determining from the vibration-representative signals generated by said plurality of sensor means a location of a vibration-causing impact on said target sheet and for generating a signal representative of that location, and

D. means coupled with said processing means for reporting said location-representative signal.

13. A target reporting system according to claim 12 wherein said plurality of sensor means are arranged for detecting vibration at discrete points substantially along a line in the plane of said target sheet.

14. A target reporting system according to claim 13 wherein said line is angularly offset with respect to said first axis.

15. A target reporting system according to claim 14 wherein said plurality of sensor means are arranged for detecting vibration at three discrete points along said line.

16. A target reporting system according to claim 12 wherein said sensor means comprise piezoelectric sensors.

17. A target reporting system according to claim 12 wherein said reporting means includes means for generating a voice signal indicative of said location-representative signal.

18. A target reporting system according to claim 17 wherein said reporting means includes means transmitter means for transmitting said location-representative signal to a remote location.

19. A target reporting system according to claim 12 wherein said target sheet bears a target image.

20. A target reporting system according to claim 12 wherein said processor means includes a plurality of flip-flop means, each coupled with an associated one of said sensor means, for clocking the generation of said vibration-representative signal thereby.

21. A target reporting system according to claim 20 wherein:

A. said flip-flop means are arranged so that a flip-flop means associated with a first of said sensor means to detect vibrations associated with a vibration-causing impact clocks a reference time and said flip-flop means associated with said other sensor means clock difference times and

B. said processor means includes means for determining said location from said reference and difference times.