[0001] The present invention relates to a shooting training system and method for training
a player in shooting practice, and more particularly to a shooting training system
and method for training a player for a shooting competition which determines shooting
skills based on the impact location in which a light beam ejected from a beam gun
hits a target.
[0002] Heretofore, shooting has been known as one of competition events. In shooting competitions,
it has been desired to use beam guns in lieu of real guns which need to be handled
with sufficient care for safety. Known beam guns include beam guns which use flash
light that have been developed for competition use and beam guns, developed for shooting
practice, which are electrically connected by wires to a computer for indicating shot
impacts.
[0003] The accuracy with which an optical system detects the impact location of a laser
beam emitted from a beam gun is required to be on a competition level. Beam guns for
emitting laser beams are also required to be safe in handling. Efforts should be made
to meet the above requirements and also to perform a shooting competition score calculating
process accurately and with an increased speed.
[0004] Fig. 1 of the accompanying drawings schematically shows a conventional electronic
shooting competition system using beam guns which can be installed in a competition
field. As shown in Fig. 1, the conventional electronic shooting competition system
has a plurality of shot impact detectors 2 positioned in alignment with respective
shooting boxes each defined between two partition panels 3.
[0005] In Fig. 1, five sets of shooting boxes and five shot impact detectors 2 are illustrated.
However, the number of these sets is not limitative. Basically, one shooting box 1
and one shot impact detector 2 aligned therewith correspond to each other in position
and competition. Light beam 34 is projected from one shooting box 1 toward one shot
impact detector 2 aligned therewith.
[0006] Square or circular target plate 4 is fixed to a front face of each shot impact detector
2. The front faces of all target plates 4 jointly provide common target plane 5. The
faces of all shooting boxes which confront target plates 4 jointly provide common
shooting plane 6. Common target plane 5 and common shooting plane 6 lie parallel to
each other and extend vertically.
[0007] In Fig. 1, common target plane 5 and common shooting plane 6 are spaced from each
other by 10 m or 25 m, for example, depending on the competition event. Target plates
4 differ depending either on 10 m target or on 25 m target.
[0008] In Fig. 1, the common shooting plane 6 across each shooting box has a width of 1
m for one-gun to one-target, and a variable width for one-gun to n-target. As exemplified,
each shot impact detector 2 has a width of 30 cm, and the two adjacent shot impact
detectors 2 is spaced 1 m.
[0009] Each shot impact detector 2 emits conical beam 8 from an infrared LED. Emitted conical
beam 8 reaches only the shooting box that is positioned directly in front of the shot
impact detector from which conical beam 8 is emitted. In principle, emitted conical
beam 8 does not reach two shooting boxes at the same time.
[0010] Light beam 34 projected from laser gun 7 which is positioned as a beam gun in each
of the shooting boxes represents a signal inherent in laser gun 7. Light beam 34 comprises
a highly parallel light beam and reaches each target plate 4 as a light spot. Each
shot impact detector 2 has an adjustment function to increase the electrical, mechanical,
and optical accuracy of a position detecting optical element used in shot impact detector
2. Therefore, the accuracy with which the impact location of the laser beam emitted
from each laser gun 7 is detected can be brought to a competition level.
[0011] Fig. 2 of the accompanying drawings shows, partly in block form, a structural arrangement
of the conventional electronic shooting competition system. Fig. 2 illustrates laser
gun 7 used by a player, target plate 4, player PC (Personal Computer) 66, and switching
unit 96. Switching unit 96 comprises a switching hub of 10BASE-T LAN (Local Area Network)
65. Player PC 66 is electrically connected to shot impact detector 2 through switching
unit 96.
[0012] The players each operate laser gun 7 to emit laser beam 34 toward target plate 4
and compete with one another who participate in the electronic shooting competition
event according to a score to be added based on the impact location of laser beam
34 on target plate 4. Light beam 34 is emitted from a laser diode mounted in laser
gun 7. As with a real bullet shot from a real gun, laser beam 34 is shot from the
muzzle of laser gun 7 and travels straight parallel to the line of sight of laser
gun 7.
[0013] As described above, shot impact detector 2 including target plate 4 which is aligned
with laser gun 7 of a player is electrically connected to player PC 66. Player PC
66 displays on its display screen the player's number, the shot number, the score
corresponding to the shot number, the total score, and the impact location in which
light beam 34 hits target plate 4, simultaneously or at different times.
[0014] Player PC 66 or shot impact detector automatically carries out a shooting competition
score calculating process. Since the scores of the players can thus be calculated
accurately at a high speed, the electronic shooting competition system can manage
shooting competitions smoothly.
[0015] As described above, each shot impact detector 2 emits conical beam 8 (see Fig. 1)
in the direction of the corresponding shooting box. Laser gun 7 has a photodiode mounted
thereon near its muzzle and facing forward. Unless conical beam 8 emitted from shot
impact detector 2 is detected by the photodiode on laser gun 7, i.e., unless laser
gun 7 in the shooting box is aimed at target plate 4, laser gun 7 is unable to emit
light beam 34. Consequently, the electronic shooting competition system provides safety
in the handling of laser guns 7 in competitions.
[0016] Inasmuch as a signal (conical beam 8) serving as one of conditions for permitting
laser gun 7 to emit light beam 34 is generated by shot impact detector 2 combined
with target plate 4, the electronic shooting competition system is more target dominant
than gun dominant in competitions. Accordingly, the electronic shooting competition
system is a fair system where the will of the competition sponsor (referee) is held
in respect.
[0017] Laser gun 7 emits a plurality of successive light beams 34 in one triggering action.
The emission of plural light beams 34 causes player PC 66 or shot impact detector
2 to calculate not only a score for each light beam 34, but also an average of scores
for respective light beams 34. The emission of plural light beams 34 also makes it
possible to give different scores due to a slight wobbling of the hand which has triggered
laser gun 7, and also to convert body movements of the player into numerical values.
Therefore, the electronic shooting competition system can provide novel competition
patterns or modes which have not been available in competitions in which a real bullet
is shot in one triggering action.
[0018] Light beam 34 contains a position detecting signal (second light beam) for use in
the detection of an impact location and a light beam distinguishing signal (light
beam) for distinguishing the light beam from the other light beams. Insofar as laser
gun 7 is receiving conical beam 8, the position detecting signal is continuously emitted
from laser gun 7 even when laser gun 7 is not triggered.
[0019] When the position detecting signal hits target plate 4, shot impact detector 2 detects
the impact location of light beam 34. The impact location is successively transmitted
from shot impact detector 2 to player PC 66, which can display a simulated image of
target plate 4.
[0020] Player PC 66 displays the impact location of light beam 34 as a succession of light
spots on the simulated image, showing the impact location as it changes as a trajectory
followed by the sight of laser gun 7.
[0021] When laser gun 7 is triggered, laser gun 7 emits from its muzzle the position detecting
signal and the light beam distinguishing signal which are contained in light beam
34. Shot impact detector 2 detects the position detecting signal and also the impact
location of the light beam distinguishing signal on target plate 4, and transmits
the impact location to player PC 66. Player PC 66 displays on the simulated image
of target plate the trajectory of the position detecting signal and the impact location
of the light beam distinguishing signal as distinguished from the trajectory of the
position detecting signal.
[0022] Fig. 3 of the accompanying drawings shows target plate 4. As shown in Fig. 3, target
plate 4 has on its surface ten annular areas, including a central circular area just
around center O, divided by ten concentric circles around center O. These areas are
also referred to as score areas. Target plate 4 also has an outside area around the
annular areas. The player gets no score when light beam 34 hits the outside area.
A score for the outermost annular area, i.e., the annular area marked with "1", is
1. Scores for the other annular areas are progressively incremented by 1 toward center
O, and the score for the central circular area is 10.
[0023] As described above, when the position detecting signal from laser gun 7 hits target
plate 4, shot impact detector 2 as PSD (Position Sensitive Detector) detects the impact
location (x, y) in a coordinate system on target plate 4. The origin of the coordinate
system is aligned with center O of target plate 4. When the impact location (x, y)
is detected, the distance from center O to the impact location (x, y) is calculated,
and one of the score areas where the impact location (x, y) is positioned is located
to determine the score for the shot.
[0024] Shot impact detector 2 has an optical system for detecting the impact location on
target plate 4. The optical system comprises a condenser lens and a semiconductor
device. While a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a PSD is available for use as the semiconductor
device, the PSD is preferable to the CCD for its cost and detecting speed. The PSD
has a two-dimensional current generating membrane.
[0025] If a laser beam is focused by the condenser lens and applied as a beam spot to the
two-dimensional current generating membrane at a coordinate position (x, y), then
the two-dimensional current generating membrane generates therein currents which are
two-dimensionally linearly commensurate with the coordinate position (x, y). Specifically,
the two-dimensional current generating membrane generates two currents Ix1, Ix2 flowing
in two opposite directions along the x-axis and two currents Iy1, Iy2 flowing in two
opposite directions along the y-axis. The coordinates x, y of the coordinate position
(x, y) are calculated from the currents Ix1, Ix2, Iy1, Iy2 according to the following
equations:
[0026] The beam spot position where both (Ix2 - Ix1), (Iy2 - Iy1) are zero is defined as
the electrical and mechanical coordinate origin (0, 0) of the PSD. Target plate 4
needs to be positioned two-dimensionally with respect to the PSD within an allowable
accuracy range.
[0027] In the electronic shooting competition system, laser gun 7 and shot impact detector
2 should preferably operate in synchronism with each other. In order to synchronize
laser gun 7 and shot impact detector 2, conical beam 8 emitted from shot impact detector
2 comprises a pulsed beam which varies periodically.
[0028] Laser gun 7 detects the pulsed beam emitted from shot impact detector 2 with the
photodiode and generates a synchronizing signal based on the detected pulsed beam.
Laser gun 7 emits light beam 34 in synchronism with the generated synchronizing signal.
[0029] As described above, there have recently been available electronic shooting competition
systems which are safer and more applicable to various competition patterns than real
bullet shooting competition systems. Since it is expected that, because of the above
advantages, electronic shooting competitions will gain more popularity as general
competitions and attract a rapidly growing population of players, it is desirable
to construct a scheme for bringing up electronic shooting players.
[0030] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an electronic shooting
competition system which is effective in bringing up players for electronic shooting
competitions.
[0031] A shooting training system according to the present invention has a timing indicating
means which, when a person who operates a beam gun, i.e., a shooting player, is trained
in shooting practice, allows an instructor or coach for the player to indicate a timing
to pull the trigger of the beam gun while confirming the trajectory of the sight of
the beam gun which is displayed on a display means. Since the difference between the
time at which the player actually pulls the trigger of the beam gun and the time at
which the instructor decides for the player to pull the trigger of the beam gun is
known to the player, the shooting training system is effective in bringing up the
player for electronic shooting competitions.
[0032] The display means may display an impact location on a target at the timing indicated
by the timing indicating means. The displayed impact location allows the player to
visualize the difference between the time at which the player actually pulls the trigger
of the beam gun and the time at which the instructor decides for the player to pull
the trigger of the beam gun.
[0033] The timing indicating means may be connected to the display means to allow the shooting
training system to perform a high-speed processing sequence, and can be simplified
in arrangement.
[0034] The timing indicating means may be connected to the beam gun through a wireless communication
link to allow the player to highly concentrate on a shooting competition.
[0035] The display means may display, in addition to the trajectory of the sight of the
beam gun and impact locations, the difference between the time when the timing is
indicated by the timing indicating means and the time when a light beam emitted from
the beam gun hits the target. With the above information displayed, the player and
others can visually recognize any triggering timing deviations which serve as useful
information in training shooting players.
[0036] The shooting training system may have a timing teaching means for teaching the player
the timing indicated by the timing indicating means. The timing teaching means allows
the player to recognize the timing indicated by the instructor who operates the timing
indicating means, and to pull the trigger of the beam gun at the recognized timing.
Since the player can reduce the difference between the indicated timing and the actual
timing to emit the light beam from the beam gun, the player can increase the shooting
skill efficiently.
[0037] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following description with reference to the accompanying
drawings which illustrate examples of the present invention.
Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional electronic shooting competition system
using beam guns;
Fig. 2 is a view, partly in block form, of a structural arrangement of the electronic
shooting competition system;
Fig. 3 is a view of a target plate used in the electronic shooting competition system;
Fig. 4 is a view, partly in block form, of a structural arrangement of an electronic
shooting competition system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 5 is a view of a simulated image of a target plate which is displayed by an external
PC in the electronic shooting competition system;
Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram, partly in block form, of a circuit for generating a trigger
signal for a laser gun, the diagram also showing signal waveforms generated in the
circuit; and
Fig. 7 is a view, partly in block form, of a structural arrangement of an electronic
shooting competition system according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
1st Embodiment:
[0038] An electronic shooting competition system according to a first embodiment of the
present invention will first be described below. Fig. 4 shows, partly in block form,
a structural arrangement of an electronic shooting competition system according to
a first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, the electronic shooting
competition system according to the first embodiment comprises, in addition to the
elements of the conventional electronic shooting competition system shown in Fig.
2, external PC 101 as a display means and external trigger switch 102 as a timing
indicating means. Those parts shown in Fig. 4 which are identical to those shown in
Fig. 2 are denoted by identical reference numerals.
[0039] External PC 101 comprises a personal computer having a display screen and a keyboard
for entering inputs. External PC 101 is electrically connected to shot impact detector
2 through switching unit 96. External PC 101 displays a simulated image of target
plate 4 on its display screen.
[0040] External PC 101 displays, sequentially on its display screen, the impact locations
of the position detecting signal (second light beam) detected by shot impact detector
2, as a trajectory followed by the sight of laser gun 7 held by the player, and also
the impact locations of the light beam distinguishing signal (light beam) detected
by shot impact detector 2. External PC 101 is placed in such a position as to allow
the instructor to confirm the display screen easily so that the instructor can visually
recognize how the player shoots.
[0041] When the player aims the muzzle of laser gun 7 at target plate 4, the position detecting
signal is emitted (transmitted) consecutively from the muzzle of laser gun 7. The
term "consecutively" used herein means either "continuously" or "intermittently".
Shot impact detector 2 detects the impact locations of the position detecting signal
on target plate 4, and transmits data of the impact location through switching unit
96 to external PC 101 at all times.
[0042] When external PC 101 receives the data of the impact location transmitted from shot
impact detector 2, external PC 101 calculates a score of the player based on the received
data, and displays, sequentially on its display screen, a succession of light spots
representing the impact location received from shot impact detector 2 as a trajectory
followed by the sight of laser gun 7.
[0043] The size of the area of the trajectory, the average distance of the trajectory from
the center of trajectory plate 4, and the angular distribution of the trajectory about
the center of trajectory plate 4 are strictly representative of relative motions of
the barrel of laser gun 7 with respect to target plate 4. The generation and visualization
of the trajectory followed by the sight of laser gun 7 cannot be achieved in the conventional
real bullet shooting competition systems. When the instructor instructs the player
based on fluctuations of the trajectory, the player can correct its action to trigger
laser gun 7.
[0044] When the player pulls the trigger of laser gun 7, laser gun 7 generates a trigger
signal therein which enables the laser diode to generate a light beam distinguishing
signal, which is emitted from the muzzle of laser gun 7. Shot impact detector 2 then
detects the impact location of the light beam distinguishing signal on target plate
4, and transmits data of the impact location through switching unit 96 to external
PC 101.
[0045] External PC 101 calculates a score of the player based on the received data of the
impact location, displays the calculated score, and also displays the impact location
of the light beam distinguishing signal on the display screen which is displaying
the trajectory followed by the sight of laser gun 7, as distinguished from another
impact location that is being displayed on the display screen. The impact location
should preferably be distinguished from the other impact location by displaying in
a color different from the color of the other impact location or highlighting only
the displayed spot of the impact location.
[0046] External trigger switch 102 serves as a timing indicating means for indicating the
timing to pull the trigger with a switch action. External trigger switch 102 is electrically
connected to laser gun 7 by a cable. When external trigger switch 102 is pressed,
it sends a signal representing the pressing thereof, i.e., a timing signal, to laser
gun 7.
[0047] In the present embodiment, external trigger switch 102 and laser gun 7 are wired
to each other. However, external trigger switch 102 and laser gun 7 may be connected
to each other by a wireless communication medium, e.g., a radio communication link
according to the bluetooth protocol or an infrared communication system. The wireless
link thus established between external trigger switch 102 and laser gun 7 can relieve
the player of undesired obstacles which would otherwise impair mental stability and
concentration of the player due to a wired connection from external trigger switch
102 to laser gun 7.
[0048] External trigger switch 102 is operated by the instructor for the player. While visually
confirming the trajectory of the sight of laser gun 7 which is being displayed on
the display screen of external PC 101, the instructor presses external trigger switch
102 at the time the instructor decides that the player should pull the trigger of
laser gun 7.
[0049] Then, external trigger switch 102 sends the timing signal to laser gun 7, which emits
a light beam distinguishing signal (third light beam) from its muzzle.
[0050] When shot impact detector 2 detects the impact location of the light beam distinguishing
signal on target plate 4, shot impact detector 2 transmits the detected impact location
as an exemplary impact location to external PC 101. External PC 101 displays the exemplary
impact location at the timing indicated by external trigger switch 102 as distinguished
from any other impact locations displayed on the display screen.
[0051] Fig. 5 shows a simulated image of target plate 4 which is displayed on the display
screen of external PC 101. As shown in Fig. 5, the displayed simulated image on the
display screen of external PC 101 includes a succession of light spots representing
the impact location of the position detecting signal, i.e., a trajectory followed
by the sight of laser gun 7, the impact location (exemplary location) of the light
beam distinguishing signal which is emitted from laser gun 7 at a timing indicated
by external trigger switch 102, and the impact location of the light beam distinguishing
signal which is emitted from laser gun 7 when the trigger of laser gun 7 is actually
pulled by the player.
[0052] In the example shown in Fig. 5, the trajectory of the sight of laser gun 7 starts
from a position lower right from center O, moves clockwise through the score areas
corresponding to the scores 9, 8, 7, passes through center O to the area corresponding
to the score 7 upper right from center O, and reaches the final impact location in
the area corresponding to the score 7 upper right from center O. The exemplary impact
location of the light beam distinguishing signal at the timing indicated by the instructor
is at center O.
[0053] The trajectory, the player's impact location, and the instructor's exemplary impact
location are displayed so as to be distinguishable from each other. For example, the
trajectory of the sight of laser gun 7 is displayed in green, the player's impact
location in red, and the instructor's exemplary impact location in blue. A cross sign
is also displayed around the player's impact location for emphasizing the player's
impact location.
[0054] Fig. 6 shows, partly in block form, a circuit for generating a trigger signal in
laser gun 7. Fig. 6 also shows signal waveforms generated in the circuit. As shown
in Fig. 6, the circuit has shock sensor 201, comparator 202, input terminals 203,
204, capacitor 205, Schmitt trigger 206, and synchronizing circuit 207.
[0055] Shock sensor 201 produces an output signal which is supplied to comparator 202. An
output signal from comparator 202 and an input signal from input terminal 204 are
pulled up by a power supply voltage of 3.3 V applied to input terminal 203, and applied
to capacitor 205. While the power supply voltage of 3.3 V is applied to input terminal
203 in the illustrated circuit, the power supply voltage is not limited to 3.3 V,
but may be of another value.
[0056] Shock sensor 201 detects a shock produced when the trigger of laser gun 7 is pulled,
and outputs a signal representing the detected shock. A waveform of the shock is shown
by way of example below shock sensor 201 in Fig. 6. The waveform of the shock is illustrated
as a low-level active waveform (which is active at a low level (0 V (L)).
[0057] Comparator 202 is supplied with the waveform of the shock output from shock sensor
201. If the value of the waveform of the shock is higher than a given threshold value,
then comparator 202 outputs a high-level signal. If the value of the waveform of the
shock is lower than the given threshold value, then comparator 202 outputs a low-level
signal.
[0058] Comparator 202 thus outputs as an output signal a pulsed waveform which is shown
below comparator 202 in Fig. 6. The output signal from comparator 202 is supplied
to Schmitt trigger 206. Schmitt trigger 206 shapes the waveform of the supplied signal,
and outputs the shaped waveform.
[0059] As described above, laser gun 7 receives conical beam 8 (see Fig. 1) transmitted
from target plate 4 by the photodiode. Conical beam 8 is input as a pulsed wave (synchronizing
signal) having a period of 5 ms., as shown in a lower right section in Fig. 6. Laser
gun 7 generates a trigger signal based on the synchronizing signal input to the photodiode.
[0060] Specifically, synchronizing circuit 207 is supplied with the signal output from Schmitt
trigger 206 and the synchronizing signal from the photodiode. Synchronizing circuit
207 generates a trigger signal at time t
1 in Fig. 6 when the signal output from Schmitt trigger 206 is low in level at a leading
edge of the synchronizing signal.
[0061] When the trigger signal is generated, laser gun 7 emits a light beam, i.e., a light
beam distinguishing signal, from a semiconductor laser device disposed therein. Since
the synchronizing signal has a period of 5 ms., the period of time during which the
output pulse from Schmitt trigger 206 is active at the low level needs to be at least
5 ms.
[0062] When the timing signal is output from external trigger switch 102, the timing signal
is supplied to input terminal 204 of the circuit in laser gun 7. The supplied signal
is also applied to Schmitt trigger 206. Therefore, in response to the timing signal
from external trigger switch 102, synchronizing circuit 207 generates a trigger signal,
which enables laser gun 7 to emit a light beam distinguishing signal.
[0063] As described above, laser gun 7 emits a light beam distinguishing signal both when
the trigger of laser gun 7 is pulled by the player and when external trigger switch
102 is pressed by the instructor. Consequently, it is necessary for the light beam
distinguishing signal to include information indicative of whether it has been generated
when the trigger of laser gun 7 is pulled or it has been generated when external trigger
switch 102 is pressed.
[0064] Based on such information included in the light beam distinguishing signal, shot
impact detector 2 determines whether the light beam distinguishing signal has been
generated when the trigger of laser gun 7 is pulled or the light beam distinguishing
signal has been generated when external trigger switch 102 is pressed. Accordingly,
external PC 101 can display, on its display screen, the exemplary impact location
and the player's impact location as distinguished from each other based on a signal
from shot impact detector 2.
2nd Embodiment:
[0065] A shooting training system according to a second embodiment of the present invention
will be described below with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 shows in block form a shooting
training system according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The shooting
training system according to the second embodiment differs from the shooting training
system according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 4 in that it lacks external
trigger switch 102 as the timing indicating means.
[0066] In the shooting training system according to the second embodiment, certain input
key 110 on the keyboard, as an input device, of external PC 101 serves as the timing
indicating means. According to the second embodiment, therefore, the timing indicating
means can be regarded as being directly connected to external PC 101 as a display
means, rather than laser gun 7.
[0067] The instructor for the player who operates laser gun 7 presses input key 110 of external
PC 101 at the time the instructor decides that the player should pull the trigger
of laser gun 7, while visually confirming the trajectory of the sight of laser gun
7 which is being displayed on the display screen of external PC 101.
[0068] When input key 110 is pressed, external PC 101 displays the impact location of the
position detecting signal, which is transmitted from shot impact detector 2, as the
exemplary impact location on the simulated image.
[0069] According to the second embodiment, a scheme for indicating the shooting timing,
e.g., part of the circuit in laser gun 7 shown in Fig. 6 which is used to indicate
the shooting timing, is not required in the shooting training system. Therefore, the
system arrangement for indicating the shooting timing may be simplified.
[0070] In the shooting training system according to the second embodiment, input key 110
on the keyboard of external PC 101 is used as the timing indicating means. However,
a pointing device such as a mouse or the like may be used as the timing indicating
means. Alternatively, an external switch such as external trigger switch 102 according
to the first embodiment may be directly connected to external PC 101, or may be directly
connected to shot impact detector 2.
[0071] The display screen external PC 101 may display, in addition to the simulated image
of target plate 4 on which the trajectory of the sight of laser gun 7 and the impact
locations are displayed, a time at which the light beam distinguishing signal emitted
when the trigger of laser gun 7 is pulled hits target plate 4, a time at which the
shooting timing is indicated by the pressing of input key 110 on the keyboard of external
PC 101, and the difference between the time when the light beam distinguishing signal
hits target plate 4 and the time when the shooting timing is indicated. With these
times displayed, the player and others can visually recognize any triggering timing
deviations which serve as useful information in training shooting players.
[0072] The shooting training systems according to the first and second embodiments may additionally
have a timing teaching means for teaching the player who operates laser gun 7 the
timing which is indicated by the timing indicating means. For example, the shooting
training system may have a lighting device, such as an LED or the like, disposed in
a position that can easily be seen by the player even when the player is aiming laser
gun 7, e.g., on laser gun 7 or near target plate 4. The timing teaching means thus
arranged can train the player to pull the trigger of laser gun 7 when the lighting
device is turned on.
[0073] The above training process allows the player to make efforts to reduce the difference
between the indicated timing and the actual timing to emit the light beam distinguishing
signal, thus increasing the skill of the player efficiently. The timing teaching means
may comprise a means for indicating the shooting timing with sound.
[0074] In the shooting training systems according to the first and second embodiments, the
position detecting signal and the light beam distinguishing signal may be emitted
from a single light source in laser gun 7 and travel along a single signal path, or
may be emitted from different light sources in laser gun 7 and travel along different
signal paths.
[0075] In the shooting training systems according to the first and second embodiments, a
light beam distinguishing signal is emitted from laser gun 7 when the trigger of laser
gun 7 is pulled. However, the present invention is not limited to any particular mechanism
and operation for emitting a light beam distinguishing signal from laser gun 7, but
any of various structures may be used to emit a light beam distinguishing signal from
laser gun 7. For example, laser gun 7 may have a manipulating unit such as a pushbutton,
for example, mounted on laser gun 7 for emitting a light beam distinguishing signal
in response to a player's action on the manipulating unit.
[0076] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in specific
terms, such description is for illustrative purposes only, and it is to be understood
that changes and variations may be made without departing from the spirit or scope
of the following claims.
1. A shooting training system comprising:
a beam gun for emitting a light beam from a muzzle thereof in response to an action
on a manipulating unit thereof;
a target for being shot by said beam gun;
a shot impact detector for detecting an impact location of said light beam on said
target; and
timing indicating means for indicating a timing to act on said manipulating unit.
2. A shooting training system according to claim 1, further comprising:
display means for displaying the impact location of said light beam detected by said
shot impact detector.
3. A shooting training system according to claim 2, wherein said beam gun continuously
emits a second light beam after it has emitted said light beam as a first light beam,
and said display means displays an impact location of said second light beam on said
target as it changes with respect to the impact location of said first light beam,
as a trajectory of the sight of said beam gun on a simulated image of said target.
4. A shooting training system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said display means displays
an impact location on said target at the timing indicated by said timing indicating
means, as an exemplary impact location distinguished from the other impact location.
5. A shooting training system according to claim 4, wherein said display means displays
said exemplary impact location in a color different from a color of the other impact
location.
6. A shooting training system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said display means displays
said exemplary impact location as a displayed spot highlighted against a display spot
of the other impact location.
7. A system according to claim 4, 5 or 6, wherein said timing indicating means outputs
a timing signal when said timing is indicated thereby.
8. A shooting training system according to claim 7, wherein said timing indicating means
transmits said timing signal to said beam gun.
9. A shooting training system according to claim 8, wherein said beam gun emits a third
light beam when said beam gun receives a timing signal transmitted from said timing
indicating means, and said shot impact detector transmits an impact location of said
third light on said target as said exemplary impact location to said display means.
10. A system according to claim 7, 8 or 9, wherein said timing indicating means transmits
said timing signal to said shot impact detector.
11. A shooting training system according to claim 10, wherein said shot impact detector
transmits an impact location on said target when said timing signal is input to said
shot impact detector, as said exemplary impact location to said display means.
12. A system according to claim 7, 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein said timing indicating means
transmits said timing signal to said display means.
13. A shooting training system according to claim 12, wherein said display means displays
an impact location on said target which is received from said shot impact detector
when said timing signal is input to said display means, as said exemplary impact location
distinguished from the other impact location.
14. A system according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein said timing indicating means
transmits said timing signal to said beam gun through a wireless communication link.
15. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said display means displays
a time at which the light beam emitted from said beam gun when said manipulating unit
is acted on hits said target.
16. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said display means displays
a time at which the timing is indicated by said timing indicating means.
17. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein said display means displays
the difference between a time at which the light beam emitted from said beam gun when
said manipulating unit is acted on hits said target and a time at which the timing
is indicated by said timing indicating means.
18. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising:
timing teaching means for teaching a person who operates said beam gun the timing
indicated by said timing indicating means.
19. A method of training a player in shooting practice in a shooting training system having
a beam gun for emitting a light beam from a muzzle thereof in response to an action
on a manipulating unit thereof, a target for being shot by said beam gun, a shot impact
detector for detecting an impact location of said light beam on said target, and timing
indicating means for indicating a timing to act on the manipulating unit, said method
comprising the step of:
indicating the timing to act on the manipulating unit with said timing indicating
means.
20. A beam gun for emitting a light beam from a muzzle thereof in response to an action
on a manipulating unit thereof, comprising:
an interface for being supplied with a timing signal which is generated when a timing
to act on the manipulating unit is indicated, the arrangement being such that the
beam gun emits a light beam distinguishable from said light beam when said timing
signal is input to said interface.
21. A display device for displaying an impact location on a target of a light beam emitted
from a beam gun in response to an action on a manipulating unit thereof, comprising:
an interface for being supplied with a timing signal which is generated when a timing
to act on the manipulating unit is indicated, the arrangement being such that the
display device displays an impact location on the target when said timing signal is
input to said interface, as an exemplary impact location distinguished from the other
impact location on said target.