BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to machine status indicators and controllers
and specifically to target range status indicators and controllers.
[0002] In order to meet the needs of a modern military force and the need to quickly and
professionally train soldiers, police officers, etc., in the proper use of small arms
weaponry, it is common to provide target ranges which are remotely controlled to at
least some degree. Typically, the ranges will have a plurality of lanes, one for each
marksman, and in the lanes there may be a plurality of targets located at different
distances from the firing line behind which the marksman is located.
[0003] In a remotely controlled range, it is desirable to be able to control the operation,
lighting, etc., of the targets such that different targets can be raised and lowered
to provide a variety of target changes to the marksman. Each target then may have
a raising and lowering mechanism which is responsive to controls located at some distance
from the firing line, preferably in a control building of some sort. It is further
desirable to accumulate scores indicating the number of times a target has been hit
and relate these scores to the marksmen in their respective lanes. Furthermore, the
status of each target, whether raised or lowered, illuminated, etc., in addition to
fault identification, is useful information to the Range Control Officer who may be
located in the control building.
[0004] In the past, ranges were controlled by specialized panels or consoles which utilized
a plurality of switches to provide control outputs to the targets and a plurality
of lamps and/or digital displays for indicating the status and/or scores relating
to each target. It can be seen that where there are a large number of lanes (for example
16) and each lane has a plurality of targets therein at different distances (for example
7) the resultant number of lamps and digital displays to provide target up/down, fault
and/or hit information is relatively large (112 indicators for each item of information).
In the past, these indicators have been located on a specialized panel or console
in some logical arrangement corresponding to the arrangement of targets on the target
range. Obviously, the wiring of such a console or panel is very time-consuming and
requires extreme care on the part of the manufacturer. Additionally, with such a complex
wiring arrangement, after manufacture, the device is very expensive to maintain and
is subject to a high number of lamp and/or digital display failures simply due to
the number involved in the panel. These failures require the Range Control Officer
either to operate under the handicap of not knowing necessary information or requires
that the range be shut down for substantial periods of time for the required maintenance.
[0005] If a display dimmer is included, in order to avoid destruction of the night vision
of the Range Control Officer or other personnel in the control building, this merely
adds to the cost of wiring the panel or console in the first place.
[0006] An example of such a hard wired fixed mode control panel and display indicator is
shown in Figure 13 of U.S. Patent 4,222,564 entitled "Automated Scoring Target System"
by Allen et al. In view of this panel's complexity, it is desirable to provide target
range status indicator and control system which does not have the above-noted reliability
and maintainability deficiencies.
[0007] As can be seen in this patent, in order to add a new status or target information
indicator, it would require extensive revision of such a hard wired display panel
which, in most instances, would require that a whole new panel be designed and built
at tremendous expense.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In view of the above and other prior art problems, it is an object of the present
invention to provide a target range status indicator in which target status and hit
information is provided to the range control officer on at least one computer-driven
video display unit (VDU).
[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a range status indicator
which interrogates all targets on the range and continually updates the display provided
to the range control operator.
[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a video display unit which
is driven by a digital processor which can be programmed to display the hit indications
at each individual target, the hit indications accountable for each lane of targets
and the position status information of each target on the range.
[0011] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a computer driven target
range status indicator and controller which can either manually or automatically control
the position status of targets either individually, by banks of targets, by lanes
of targets or by other target groupings and indicate the control functions on a video
display unit.
[0012] It is a still further object of the present invention to reduce the reliability defects
and the maintainability expense of prior art target range control systems by utilizing
a cathode ray tube video display unit to indicate not only target position status
but target hit and lane score information as well.
[0013] It is an additional object of the present invention to utilize a video display unit
in the form of at least one variable image display unit which in one embodiment is
a cathode ray tube whose brightness and/or contrast can easily be adjusted such that
the Range Control Officer's night vision is not adversely affected by virtue of his
monitoring the range status.
[0014] The above and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention
by programming a processor to interrogate a plurality of target condition sensors
located at each target in a sequential manner and to apply the information achieved
through interrogation to a video display unit. The same processor is also utilized
in preferred embodiments to adjust the position status, lighting conditions, and implement
any visual and/or audio retaliation effects for each target in a manual, semiautomatic,
or fully pre-programmed automatic manner. Thus, different training programs can be
pre-programmed to provide the optimum training benefit for a "raw" recruit or for
a skilled marksman undergoing a refresher course. The present invention not only permits
fault indication on the cathode ray tube display but also permits any additional function
or status information which is available at some time in the future by a simple reprogramming
of the digital processor. Thus, as the technology of target systems improves, not
only can the fact of a target being hit be detected and counted but also the quality
of that hit ("fatal" or "non-fatal") can be indicated and totaled with pre-programmed
differences in score providing a "lethality index" at each target and at each firing
position for a lane of targets. Because the reliability and maintainability of cathode
ray tube display systems have improved dramatically in the last twenty years, a modern
military training facility cannot justify the extreme costs associated with lamps
and dials in the complex and expensive hard wired systems.
[0015] By virtue of the use of a variable image display unit such as a cathode ray tube
for displaying target status information, it is now possible to use the CRT in combination
with any CRT-sensitive means (such as a light pencil, touch-sensitive or photodiode
array) in order to control the operation of the range at the same time. Although in
a preferred embodiment Applicant's computer control system utilizes a separate control
tablet to input control information to the computer, Applicant's invention by virtue
of the cathode ray tube status indicator and digital processor system can easily incorporate
such future improvements.
[0016] The present invention is compatible with hit position detecting devices such as that
disclosed in U.S. Patent 4,281,241 issued July 28, 1981, to Knight et al entitled
"Firing Range" and the subject matter thereof is herein incorporated by reference.
Similarly, the present invention is completely compatible with the indication and
the implementation of night effects for a firing range such as disclosed in U.S. Patent
4,203,232 issued May 20, 1980, to Knight et al entitled "Night Effects Simulator",
which is herein incorporated by reference. Finally, additional function information
can be incorporated in the computer and target sensor through the utilization of hit
position and ricochet detection information generated by the devices disclosed in
Marksmanship Training Apparatus, U.S. Serial No. 110,471 filed January 8, 1980, by
Lindsay C. Knight, also herein incorporated by reference.
[0017] Thus, the Applicant's invention is characterized by a high degree of cost effectiveness
combined with variable operational capability which is provided by combining a video
display unit for displaying target operational conditions with an information processing
target range control system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] The above and other objects of the present invention will become clear in relation
to the foregoing specification when taken in conjunction with the followin drawings,
wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a target range incorporating the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a target, target mechanism, hit, hit position, and
ricochet detection device utilized with the present invention;
Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating the interrelationship between the video display
unit, the processing means and the individual target mechanisms including the peripheral
and interface units required for proper operation;
Figure 4 is a partial view of the layout in a preferred embodiment of the video display
unit;
Figure 5 is a preferred control panel layout in accordance with one embodiment to
the present invention;
Figure 6 is a block diagram of the field equipment module (FEM) and its interrelationship
with the target mechanism and sensor;
Figure 7 is a block diagram of the (SCI) and its interrelationship between the field
equipment module and the digital processing means; and
Figure 8 is a logic flow diagram with respect to target range control and status display.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] Referring now more particularly to the drawings wherein like numerals designate similar
parts throughout the several views, and more particularly to Figure 1, there is shown
a target range incorporating the present invention. Targets 10 are located in firing
"lanes" at varying distances from the firing line 12 behind which the marksmen 14
are located. For example, at 50 meters distance the right-hand target is up with the
left-hand target down. The targets at 100 and 150 meters are up and targets at 200,
250, and 300 meters are down.
[0020] It can be seen that each of the targets in a "bank" (a line of targets parallel to
the firing line) are connected to a Field Equipment Module (FEM) 16 for that particular
bank. The FEMs for the 50 meters, 100 meters, 150 meters, 200 meters, 250 meters and
300 meters banks are all connected to the digital processing means 18 located in the
range control building 20. When situated in said building, a Range Control Officer
can monitor the status and control the positioning and response of each target on
the range to optimize the beneficial effect of the training sequence. A video display
unit (VDU) 22 and a control tablet 24 provide range status/hit information and range
function control, respectively. Although this description relates to targets in banks
and lanes, the present invention applies to any orientation of targets including a
random distribution of targets and to any grouping of targets in the orientation.
[0021] Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of a single target 10 pivotally mounted to be
raised and lowered between "up" and "down" positions by target mechanism 38. A bullet
or other projectile having a trajectory 34 strikes the target setting up target vibrations
36 which travel outward away from the impact point of the projectile. The presence
of these target vibrations is detected in hit detector 32 which may be an inertia
switch or any other device for detecting the presence of certain vibrations. Thus,
the target mechanism provides an indication to its respective FEM (when interrogated)
that it has been "hit".
[0022] In a preferred embodiment, sensors Sl-54 are placed in a protected position below
ground level in front of the target. The acoustic shock waves emanating from the passage
of a supersonic projectile activates sensors S-1, S-3 and S-4 at different points
in time, the difference in time intervals being indicative of the position of the
projectile's trajectory with respect to the sensors. Additionally, sensors S-1 and
S-2, located substantially parallel with the projectile's trajectory, determine the
speed of the projectile and serves to discriminate between ricochet hits on the target
and properly aimed "hits" on the target. A more detailed discussion of the position
determining means, hit detection means, target raising and lowering mechanism and
projectile speed measuring devices can be had in copending U.S. Patent Application
Serial No. 110,471 filed January 8, 1980, entitled "Marksmanship Training Apparatus"
by Lindsey C. Knight, previously incorporated by reference.
[0023] In the present embodiment, a simple limit switch which is closed when the target
is "up" provides target position information to the respective FEM. The target position
information and "hit" information may be considered target "condition" information
which is provided the CPU when the target is interrogated. The target mechanism may
include cartridges and/or lights for simulation of "return fire" by the target. It
may also include lighting to silhouette the target or to indicate that the target
has been hit. These functions are dependent upon the occurrence of a command signal
from the CPU indicative that the target has been hit by a projectile, etc. The occurrence
of such a command, causes the target function mechanism to react in the predetermined
specified manner.
[0024] Figure 3 illustrates the functional interconnection of the target mechanisms and
hit detectors with the FEMs and the digital processing means 18. In a preferred embodiment,
the digital processing means through the Serial Communication Interface (SCI) 30 therein,
interrogates the FEMs sequentially in each bank such that the FEMs provide a sequential
output indicative of the target status (up/down) and/or "hit" information generated
by the hit detector 32. This information is fed serially into the SCI 30 and from
there into Computer Processing Unit (CPU) 40. Desired target status inputs are provided
by means of control tablet 24 to the CPU and compared with the actual target status
information received from the FEMs. If there is a difference, the FEMs command the
appropriate target or bank of targets to move to the control panel indicated status.
[0025] The actual status or commanded status of the range can be displayed on the video
display unit 22 along with target hit information along with any other data desired.
Should a permanent record of the range condition be desired, an optional printer 42
(shown connected by a dotted line) can be energized to provide a hard copy printout
of marksmen's names and scores associated therewith. Additionally, to simplify maintenance
and fault location, the VOU or printer can also point out defective modules of equipment
which can easily be replaced in the unlikely event that a difficulty does arise, thus
ensuring a minimum of target range down time.
[0026] In Figure 3, the arrows indicate the direction of informational flow and as can be
seen, target status commands travel from the control panel to the digital processing
means and from there to the FEM and to the selected target mechanism with target position
information fed back through the FEM and the digital processing means and displayed
on the video display unit. Although in Figure 3 only two FEMs have been shown in a
range such as that depicted in Figure 1, six FEMs would be utilized (one is used for
both 50 meter targets, i.e., for the "right" target and for the "left" target) with
each FEM interrogating and controlling 16 targets.
[0027] One key aspect of the present invention is the presentation of range status information
on the video display unit by means of a variable image display unit. Such a unit could
be a charge coupled device (CCD) or, in a preferred abodiment, a Cathode Ray Tube
(CRT). This variable image display unit must have the capability of electronically
changing the visual image format of the video display. The term variable image display
unit is believed to encompass and describe such a device. In a preferred embodiment,
the target mechanism status in one of three modes is displayed: "down"; "up", but
drop when "hit"; and "up" whether or not "hit". In addition, under the individual
target status representation, an indication is provided of the number of times that
target is hit.
[0028] Turning to Figure 4, the VDU display format is substantially identical to the target
range layout with banks of targets indicated in horizontal rows with their distance
from the firing

enumerated in the left-hand margin. Target range lane numbers are set forth at the
bottom of each vertical row of targets with a total score for each lane indicated
just above the lane number. Each target is displayed on the VDU in an area of two
horizontal cells by four vertical cells. The top two cells indicate target selection
in the manual mode by a white down arrow in the first cell as shown in the 50 meter
left target of lane 1.
[0029] The second two-cell horizontal line indicates the target position "up" or "down"
and may also indicate, when the "up" position is selected, whether the target has
been requested to "illuminate", and/or "retaliate". In one embodiment, the "up" target
indication color is green with a perimeter flahsing from black to a color indicating
the functions that the target will provide, for example: illuminate-cyan; retaliate-yellow;
and detonate-red. If there is a fault indication in the target (generated when the
target is commanded to "up" and yet remains in the "down" position), the target status
is indicated as down with a fault indication being given on line 3.
[0030] When a faulty target is indicated by the computer, the video display unit in line
3 is indicated as yellow with a perimeter flashing from yellow to black. Without a
fault indication, line 3 indicates the function status of the target mechanism when
a target is hit. Line 3 will be red if the target mechanism drops the target to the
"down" position when hit and will indicate all green if the target "hold" mode is
selected (when the target remains in the "up" position regardless of being hit or
not).
[0031] The bottom line or line 4 is a counter to record individual target scores of from
00 to 99. If the score becomes greater than 99, it can no longer be displayed by the
two-digit counter, so a flashing 99 will be displayed until the score is reset to
00.
[0032] At the upper portion of the video display unit are sections which indicate range
power status, time and date. Should an automatic mode of operation be selected, the
particular program number that the computer procesing unit is utilizing is displayed
as well as the length of time necessary to fully complete the automatic program. A
progress indication as far as completion of the computer program is concerned is indicated
with the step number indicator. Additionally, the run time in hours and minutes and
the stopwatch in minutes and seconds provide additional useful information.
[0033] Obviously, should it be desirable to display additional general information, it could
be displayed at the upper or lower portions of the video display unit. If additional
target and/or hit position detection information need be displayed, the number of
cells horizontally and/or vertically can be expanded with a more sophisticated monitor
to provide room for the required display. Although the present embodiment indicates
the status of six banks of targets (the 50 meter targets are considered one bank,
even though separate status and score information is provided for "right" and "left"
targets and 16 lanes, any number of banks and lanes could be displayed on either one
or a plurality of cathode ray tube display systems. Although the present invention
utilizes a separate control panel, described hereinafter, it is anticipated that future
modifications of the present invention will-include utilizing the video display unit
CRT as both a control panel and a video display unit hy means of a light pencil, a
touch-sensitive service covering the display screen or a photodiode/photo- transistor
array located immediately adjacent the screen. Such a system would have even more
flexibility than the present system, but would require additional computer support
for the operation thereof.
[0034] A preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes a separate control tablet
24 to provide input information to the central processing unit 40 of the digital processing
means 18. One preferred organization of such a control tablet is shown in Figure 5
and again corresponds generally to the orientation of the targets on the target range.
The Target Selection portion 51 of the control tablet comprises push button switches
(printed circuit board (PCB) mounted) provided in 16 vertical rows which correspond
to the 16 lanes on the target range. Seven horizontal rows are provided which correspond
to the seven banks of targets as shown in Figure 1 (again, the 50 meter right and
50 meter left targets are considered the same bank because they are the same distance
from the firing line). Any individual target or targets can be singled out for action
by pressing the button in the appropriate lane and bank corresponding to the target
desired. In other words, pressing the button at the intersection of lane 1 and the
300 meter bank will cause lane 1's 300 meter target to respond to the commanded function.
Additionally, an entire bank can be commanded to respond to a given function by pressing
the "Bank Common" button for the desired bank shown on the left of the control table
as bank common 50. In the event that it is desirable to provide a function to all
targets, the "All Targets Button" 52 on the right portion of the target selection
panel can be depressed.
[0035] After target selection has been accomplished by pressing one or more of the buttons
in the target selection portion of the control table, the desired function which is
to be commanded to that target must be selected. In the Range Functions portion 54
of the control tablet, there are a number of buttons which will provide a target function
command, for example, target "Up" or target "Down". Normally if target up is selected,
the target will remain up only until it is hit and then will fall. However, target
"Hold" can be actuated in which case the target remains up until commanded down or
until hit after target "Hold" has been deenergized with respect to the selected target.
[0036] "Illum on" and "Illum off" relate to the illumination of targets during night firing
simulations. "Print Out" will command a remote printer 42 to make a permanent record
of the status of the selected target or targets. The "Hit/Burst" button controls whether
a target indicates each individual hit or indicates bursts of hits (a plurality of
individual hits which are not separated by more than a predetermined length of time
are registered as one hit). "Prog. Run" and "Prog. Pause" relate to controlling individual
targets or groups of targets by means of an automatic control program which can either
be pre-programmed by the control tablet operator or can be established consistent
with a predetermined marksmanship training program.
[0037] The scores indicated at each target and at each lane can be reset either individually
or for the entire range by commanding a target selection and the range function "Reset
Score". However, in order to avoid accidental destruction of score information, the
reset score must be depressed and followed by depressing the "Yes" button in the Programming
portion 56 of the control tablet.
[0038] The Operating Mode portion (58) of the control tablet turns the range on and off
with the "Range On/Off" switch which, to prevent loss of data, must be operated in
conjunction with the "Yes" switch in the Programming portion of the control tablet.
The "Manual" button, when operated, permits manual operation of the targets by means
of the "Target Selection" and "Range Functions" portions of the control tablet. The
"Auto" switch transfers control of target selection and range function to a stored
program in the Digital Processing Means 18 or other storage medium. The "Program Generation"
switch, when depressed, permits the control tablet operator to pre-program a sequence
of target selection and range function actions over a period of time which can then
be utilized in the "Auto" operating mode.
[0039] The Programming portion of the tablet includes not only the "yes" and "no" switches
but also numbers 0 through 9 and a number of function keys. The "Prog. No" key, when
depressed, indicates that the number to follow is either the number of a program being
generated (if in the program generation mode) or the program selected (if in the auto
operating mode). The "Repeat" key requires that the previous inputted information
be repeated. The "Step No" key indicates that the next inputted number is a step number
in the program generation mode. The "Clear" button clears any previously inputted
tablet button depression information and allows a correction to be made. Depressing
the "Time" button in the programming portion of the control tablet indicates that
the following number is the length of time that a particular step will take prior
to the program moving on to the next step in sequence. The "Interlock" button must
be depressed to mark the last digit of any number entered on the numerical key.
[0040] Thus, by virtue of the control tablet 24 and the various key groupings thereon, the
target range can be advantageously controlled either manually or automatically and
the automatic operation can be either a previously prepared program or a program prepared
by the control tablet operator in accordance with the wishes of the Range Control
Officer or other director of training. Although this particular control tablet is
a preferred embodiment, it will be seen that other range functions, operating modes
and programming functions could be added if desirable to the system user. As previously
noted, the method of target selection could be modified if there were different numbers
of lanes and/or banks in a given target range system. Furthermore, an additional horizontal
row of buttons could be utilized to activate all targets in a designated lane in much
the same manner as the Bank Common buttons select all targets in the designated bank.
It is further clear that the control tablet operates and interacts very closely with
the information presented on the previously discussed video display unit which displays
either the actual status of the range or the commanded status of the range (depending
on the user requirement) when operating in the manual or automatic modes and displays
the effect of the program being generated when the control tablet is in the program
generation mode of operation.
[0041] The Field Equipment Modules 16 are shown in more detail in Figure 6 and their interrelationship
with the rest of the system can be seen in Figure 3. As has been noted earlier, a
separate FEM is provided for each bank or group of targets and handles bidirectional
communication between the Serial Communication Interface (SCI) of the digital processing
means 18 and the individual target mechanisms. Thus in the right-hand portion of Figure
6, the FEM communicates through multichannel links to the targets associated with
that FEM (in the preferred embodiment there would be 16 targets associated with each
FEM although greater or lesser numbers of targets could be utilized depending upon
the target range involved). At the left most portion of the figure, the bidirectional
communication link with the SCI is shown.
[0042] Requests for information or function instructions (both of which are considered commands)
from the SCI on the bidirectional communication link are inputted to the electrical
isolation block 60 and passed on to the receiver 61. The sequencing controller 62
sequences the passing of the received signal and the operation of the serial-to-parallel
converter 63 such that parallel pattern is provided through electrical isolation block
64 to the targets. Obviously, the command identifies which target in this bank is
concerned and applies the function signal or request for information to that target.
[0043] The target mechanism 38 is responsive to command signals from the FEM and causes
the target to operate appropriately (up/down, etc.). The target mechanism in turn
provides a parallel signal indicative compliance with the function signal or provides
the information (in the case of a request for information) to the electrical isolation
block 64 and is subsequently supplied to the parallel-to-serial converter 65. The
operation and output of the parallel-to-serial converter 65 is sequenced by sequencing
controller 62 such that transmitter 66 outputs a serial word indicative of the command
response or information requested from the target through the electrical isolation
block 60 to the bidirectional communications link with the SCI.
[0044] Thus, each field equipment module is capable of distributing signals from the bidirectional
communications link in multiplexed form to the individual target mechanisms and, in
the opposite direction, demultiplexing signals from the target mechanisms for transmission
back to the SCI. The construction of parallel-to-serial converters, transmitters,
receivers, the multiplexers and demultiplexers contained in electrical isolation block
64 would be obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art and would depend, to a large
extent, on how information is generated in the target mechanism and how the information
is utilized in the central processing unit. Obviously, different computer systems
and target mechanisms may require a different FEM. Additionally, if hard wired communication
is acceptable (although it has poor reliability and maintainability characteristics),
information could be directly inputted in parallel form to the maxibus eliminating
the need for the FEM.
[0045] The operation of the serial communications interface (SCI) is more clearly shown
in Figure 7. The SCI is a computer peripheral device which correctly supplies information
in the appropriate format to and from the CPU. The block diagram in Figure 7 indicates
the functional blocks necessary in order to condition information from the bidirectional
communication link such that it is usable on the maxibus of the CPU utilized in the
present invention (the Computer Automation, Inc. Mini 4/90). The information flow
is relatively straightforward with the command and/or request for information being
generated in the CPU and applied in parallel form to the maxibus. The maxibus information
is converted to serial form in the parallel-to-serial converter 90 and applied through
transmitter 91 to the electrical isolation block 92. The isolation block applies the
command or request for information to the bidirectional communications link which
supplies the information to all FEMs, only one of which responds to the applied signal
as noted above.
[0046] The returning serial signal from the FEM on the bidirectional communication link
is applied to the electrical isolation block 92 and from there to receiver 93. The
operation of transmitter 9] and receiver 93 is controlled time-wise by timing control
94. The output of receiver 93 is forwarded to serial-to-parallel converter 94 and
the function response or requested information is supplied to the maxibus in parallel
form and from there to RAM and magnetic storage and/or the CPU. Thus, the CPU can
transfer the status of data bus lines (a data bus line is a portion of the maxibus)
in a selective manner to the FEMs and, for for information moving in the opposite
direction, the CPU can sense the status of multiplexed control lines as they arrive
from the target mechanisms to the FEMs.
[0047] By way of example, the following data and command exchange will facilitate a more
complete understanding of command and status information transfer in this invention.
This sequence is utilized to provide the "target up" function. Again it is stressed
that the actual bit patterns which follow are almost totally independent of the hardware
used and could be changed to suit a variety of different software and hardware. Further,
it should be noted that all bit patterns are expressed in the hexadecimal system.
ADDRESS 8801 sent from CPU to FEM (specific to FEM No. 1)
ADDRESS 8801 sent from FEM to CPU acknowledging selection (of FEM No. 1)
COMMAND AlEO sent from CPU TO FEM announcing that a single word that follows concerns
outputting to mechanism 0 control lines
DATA D002 sent from CPU TO FEM; this bit pattern will activate "up" control line to
FEM No. 1 target mechanism No. 1
[0048] Note that after the ADDRESS Response from FEM No. 1, the COMMAND and DATA "words"
are received by all FEMs but only FEM No. 1 will respond.
[0049] A sequence to send the same target a "down" control is as follows:

[0050] A sequence to extract hit and up indication data from a different FEM is as follows:
ADDRESS 8802 sent from CPU to FEM No. 2
ADDRESS 8802 sent from FEM No. 2 to CPU
COMMMAND A2E0 sent from CPU to FEMs, announcing that CPU expects one word of status
from FEM No. 2
DATA B201 sent from FEM to CPU, stating that target No. 1 connected to FEM No. 2 is
in the up position and has been hit
[0051] The logic utilized with reference to the above communication exchange sequences will
be clear to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the hardware utilized in the
present invention. Different "languages" and/or sequences can be used if different
software or hardware is used or if different information is to be queried and/or generated.
Therefore, the above description is believed to be exemplary of one embodiment in
the present invention and not to be a limitation upon the scope of this invention.
[0052] A flow diagram indicating the logic flow of information between the range and the
computer and video display unit is shown in Figure 8. The main logic flow components
comprise two tables, the Target New Table 70 and the Target Now Table 72. The Target
New Table contains the desired range configuration and can be changed by information
from the range or information from a range control system, which may be either manually
or program controlled. The Target Now Table contains information as to the actual
condition existing at a target (primarily up/down information). Obviously, when a
target is up but has been commanded down, the Target New Table will have the down
command allocated for that target but until the target has actually moved to the down
position, the Target Now Table will indicate that the target is still up.
[0053] The manual inputs to the Target New Table are provided by control inputs from control
tablet 24 in a preferred embodiment which provides not only target selection information
from the target selection portion of the tablet, but also function selection information.
When the function selection table is accessed by the control input, it provides the
selected function information after the target selection information in a code which
is supplied to the Target New Table. The table for the target and function selected
is adjusted to reflect any change in function for that target which has been keyed
into the tablet.
[0054] As previously discussed, in the automatic operating mode, range status control signals
can be provided by a stored program which will identify the appropriate targets and
functions in a desired sequence. Furthermore, when certain functions such as "retaliate"
and/or "detonate" and/or "drop target when hit" are designated, the Target New Table
responds to "hit" information from the range. This information similarly is in the
form of a code word identifying the target which has been hit and assuming that the
manual or programmed range status controller has enabled the range to "retaliate",
"detonate" and/or "drop target when hit", the occurrence of a hit will energize the
desired function command in the Target New Table 70. Converter 74 serves to convey
the target selection information and the desired function change information to a
form usable by the range which is then sent out serially in well-known fashion. The
status of the Target New Table is provided to a range status information block 76
which converts the information to a form compatible with the video display unit 22.
[0055] The "hit" information from the range is also accumulated in the individual target
score block 78 and is also added to determine target score for each lane in the add
target box 80. Individual target scores and lane total scores are provided to video
display unit 22 in a conventional manner.
[0056] "Status" information from the range regarding each target is supplied to the Target
Now Table 72 and compared in the range status information block 76. Where a discrepancy
is maintained between Target New Table 70 and Target Now Table 72 for more than the
required transition period of a target from an up position to a down position, the
range status information block 76 will provide a fault indication to video display
unit 22.
[0057] As alluded to earlier, the present invention is a combined target range status indicator
and controller which, in the preferred embodiment, utilizes one cathode ray tube to
provide target status information as well as "hit" and scoring information. It is
obvious that other variable image display devices could be used and that numerous
modifications to the specific logic and hardware utilized in this invention can be
supplied by those of ordinary skill in the computer art in view of the above disclosure
depending upon the specific requirements of the user of the invention. For example,
instead of the video display unit utilizing the target status command signal as an
indication of the target status, it could just as easily respond to the range generated
target status information. Hit position information as well as descrimination between
ricochet hits and actual hits can be incorporated into the target scoring and the
video display unit to provide an index of lethality as feedback provided each marksman
during use of the target range.
[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the computer processing unit
(CPU) was made by Computer Automation, Inc., at Irvin, California, which is designated
Model 4/90. The video display unit comprises any standard 19-inch color monitor having
48 lines with 80 characters per line and in this instance was an ISC Graphic 8001
GB with accessories, manufactured by Intelligent Systems Corporation, 5965 Peach Tree
Circle E, Norcross, GA. The up sensor in a preferred embodiment comprises a limit
switch with positive logic, but negative logic could be utilized with very slight
reprogramming. The hit detector in a preferred embodiment is the "inertial switch"
as described in the aforementioned Knight Patent. The computer processing unit may
be programmed as required depending upon the precise computer or video display unit,
sensor logic, hit detector or target layout. These source listings are believed to
be in the purview of one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the above disclosure.
Although the processing means has been discussed with respect to a digital embodiment,
analog or hybrid systems could be adapted for use in this system in view of the present
disclosure.
[0059] The foregoing description and disclosure of the invention is illustrative and explanatory
thereof, and various modifications and improvements may be made by those skilled in
the art within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the present
invention.
1. A target range status indicator for target range having a plurality of targets
(10) arranged in at least one lane, said range status indicator comprising:
a plurality of target condition sensor means (16, 32), each responsive to a respective
target, for providing an output indicative of at least one condition of said respective
target;
processing means (24, 40), responsive to said sensor means output, for providing output
signals indicative of the status of conditions of said plurality of targets (10);
and
video display unit means (22), responsive to said processing means output signals,
for displaying said conditions of said target, said video display unit comprising
at least one variable image display unit.
2. A range status indicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said target range
comprises a plurality of lanes adjacent one another with a plurality of targets (10)
in each lane, said target in adjacent lanes forming banks of targets, said variable
image display unit (22) providing a visual representation, in a format generally equivalent
to said banks and lanes of targets, of said condition of said target.
3. A range status indicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said condition is
a target position condition.
4. A range status indicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said condition is
a target hit condition.
5. A range status indicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said conditionis a
target function status indication.
6. A range status indicator in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said sensor
means (32) is a hit detection sensor comprising:
means (32) for detecting said target being hit by a projectile; and
means (18), responsive to said detecting means, for providing an output signal indicative
of said hit detection for a period of time until interrogated.
7. A range status indicator in accordance with claim 6, wherein said processing means
comprises:
interrogation means for interrogating each of said output providing means (18), for
resetting said output providing means, and for providing a serial output signal indicative
of said plurality of output providing means condition prior to said reset; and
means for providing said digital processing means (18) output signals indicating a
hit on targets whose latching means indicates a hit when interrogated.
8. A target range status indicator and controller for a target range having a plurality
of targets (10) arranged in at least one lane, said indicator and controller comprising:
a plurality of target function mechanism means (38), at least one for each target,
for enabling said target to function in a predetermined manner in response to a command;
a plurality of target condition sensor means (32), each responsive to a respective
one of said targets, for providing an output indicative of at least one condition
of said respective said target, said condition comprising said target being hit with
a projectile or the functional status of said target function mechanism;
means for displaying information and for controlling said target function mechanism
means, said displaying and controlling means comprising:
computer processing unit (40) (CPU) means, responsive to said sensor means, for providing
a video signal output indicative of said at least one condition;
means (24) for inputting target selection and functional commands to said CPU means,
said CPU means including means, in response to a target selection and functional command,
for sending a command to a selected target sensor means (32) in order to enable said
respective function mechanism means to function in said predetermined manner; and
video display unit (VDU) means (22)., responsive to said video signal output, for
displaying said condition of said selected target, said VDU means comprising at least
one variable display means.
9. The target range status indicator and controller in accordance with claim 8, wherein
said inputting means (24) command comprises a raise/lower command to a selected target;
said target function mechanism (38) includes a means, responsive to a raise /lower
command, for moving said selected target to a raised and lowered position, respectively;
said target condition sensor means output is at least indicative of the raised/lowered
position of said target;
said CPU (40), responsive to said raised/lowered indicative output, provides a raised/lowered
video output to said VDU (22); and
said VDU providing a visual indication of said selected target raised/lowered position
on said variable image display means.
10. The target range status indicator and controller in accordance with claim 8 or
claim 9, wherein:
said sensor means comprises a hit detection means (32) for providing a hit condition
signal when a target is hit by a projectile;
said CPU (40) including means for interrogating said sensor means and, upon detecting
said hit condition signal from a target, for providing a video hit condition signal
identifying which of said targets has been hit; and
said VDU (22), responsive to said video hit condition signal, displaying said hit
information with respect to the target identification on said variable image display
means.
11. The target range status indicator and controller in accordance with claim 10,
wherein:
said inputting means (24), comprises means providing a "drop when hit" command to
said CPU (40) with respect to an operator selected target; and
said CPU (40) further comprises means, responsive to said target hit condition, for
generating and transmitting a "lower target" command signal to said function mechanism
means associated with said selected target when said "drop when hit" command has been
supplied with respect to said selected target.
12. A target range status indicator and controller for a target range having a plurality
of target lanes, each lane having a plurality-of targets (10) , at least one target
in each lane being further from a firing line (12) than other targets in said lane,
targets in adjacent lanes forming at -least two banks of targets, each bank substantially
parallel with said firing line (12), said indicator and controller comprising:
a plurality of target function mechanism means (38), one associated with each of said
targets (10), for enabling said target to respond in a predetermined manner to a command;
a plurality of target condition sensor means (32), one associated with each of said
targets, for providing an output indicative of a status of said target (10) when interrogated,
said status comprising at least one of said target being hit with a projectile, said
target in an "up" position, and said target in a "down" position;
a plurality of field equipment module (FEM) (16) means, each associated with all targets
in a bank, for interrogating and commanding said sensor means and said function mechanism
means, respectively, in one of said banks in response to receiving a status request/command,
which addresses said one of said banks, said FEM means (16) further providing a status
report in response to a status request;
means (22) for displaying information and controlling said function mechanism means
comprising: processing means (18) including a computer processing unit (CPU) means
(40), responsive to input signals, for providing a status request/command to the FEM
means (16) associated with the bank of a selected target, said input signals identifying
the selected target (10), said status request/command including an address for enabling
the FEM means (16) associated with said selected target, said address further identifying
the selected target (10) in the plurality of targets associated with said enabled
FEM means (16), said CPU means further, responsive to a status.report from said FEM
means (16), providing a video signal output indicative of said status of said selected
targets;
means (24) for providing input signals to said CPU means, said input signals identifiying
at least said selected target and a function command to be sent to said selected target;
and
video display unit (VDU) means (22), responsive to said video signal output, for visually
displaying the status of said target on at least one variable image display unit.
13. The target range status indicator and controller in accordance with claim 12,
wherein said processing means is a digital processing means (18) which comprises:
serial communication interface (SCI) (30) means for converting parallel form status
requests/commands in said CPU into transmittable serial form status requests/commands
and for converting received serial form status requests/ commands into parallel form
for said CPU; and
bidirectional communication means for serially transmitting and receiving serial form
status requests/commands between said SCI means and said FEM means.
14. The target range status indicator and controller in accordance with claim 13,
wherein said FEM (16) includes means (63) for converting said serial form status requests/
commands into parallel form, said FEM (16) converting means further applying said
parallel form status requests/ commands to said plurality of target function mechanism
means (38) and said target condition sensor means (32).