Thermal Target Training System with Dynamic Temperature Signature Control, Hit Detection, and Thermal Visual Report

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to target shooting training systems, specifically to a target training aid, designed for shooters using thermal imaging scopes. Instead of training to hit only visible spectrum illuminated targets, shooters can train to hit targets that emit specific spectrums of infrared (“IR”) light relevant to the target's intrinsic temperature. Living targets (enemy combatants and animals) maintain unique temperature ranges hotter than their surroundings. These unique temperature ranges are commonly referred to as the target's thermal signature. Training to hit targets with a specific thermal signature is for shooters relying on thermal imaging. Through the use of a small electric heating element and temperature sensor for feedback, precise target temperatures can be attained.

Feedback for the shooter that the target was the one intended is another important aspect of training. While shooting at paper targets in the daytime gives visual feedback to the shooter by the bullet leaving a hole in the target, steel targets, especially when operating in low light or dark conditions, do not yield visual feedback that the shooter can see. This limitation is overcome by the invention described through the use of vibration detection sensors in the target, sensing bullet impacts. When an impact is sensed, it is communicated multiple ways to the user: thermally, visually, and analytically through a software application. Through the use of a thermoelectric cooling (“TEC”) device used to heat the target, the current running through the TEC can be reversed, causing the target to rapidly cool—allowing for thermal feedback. Integrated visible light LEDs can optionally flash upon impacts being sensed—allowing for visual feedback. An embedded microcontroller in the target can also transmit through Bluetooth to a user's mobile device application that can analytically register the number of hits detected.

The invention described here addresses each of these training problems and novel ways to overcome them.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR AND RELATED ART

Traditional steel targets used in shooting practice are used with visible light to allow the shooter to see the target, and train to hit it more accurately, faster, and consistently. When shooting in low light conditions, often thermal scopes sensitive to the infrared light spectrum, allow for a shooter to translate heat given oil by an object, referred to as a thermal signature, into human visible light within the scope on a small screen. The targets are commonly placed at a significant distance from the shooter, and often located across difficult to traverse terrain. Therefore, traditional targets are often inadequate for use with thermal scopes due to their inability to effectively display thermal signatures. Furthermore, current targets lack a reliable method of detecting and responding to bullet impacts, particularly in scenarios where a visual confirmation is difficult. Current solutions do not offer an integrated method for both heating and cooling the target to enhance thermal visibility or detect and indicate impacts through temperature change due to vibrations.

Some clever methods of heating a steel target to allow for infrared heat signatures to be given off have been devised, such as placing a small candle behind the targets, or preheating the target with a torch, however these methods have significant problems. Fire hazards, combined with the targets being placed in difficult to reach areas, often far down range, can make using candles difficult. The length of range and need to often train at night, makes keeping the target warm difficult if using temporarily applied heat sources, such as personal heating packs or blowtorches applied to the steel targets.

Another method relied upon involves shooting downrange with nearly blind shots in the general direction of where the steel targets are located. Upon a bullet impacting one of the targets, the kinetic energy of the bullet is converted into heat, and creates a warm spot on the steel plate. This gives a spot on a thermal scope that the shooter can see and hopefully hit again before it cools off. Again, the difficulty is in keeping this signature active for any significant amount of time, as well as the danger and difficulty of making that first successful shot.

Accurate temperature control of the target to maintain a specific thermal signature is nearly impossible using these prior art methods.

Hot water heated targets have also been used. However these require more complex setups, and plumbing to circulate the water from a heating unit, through the target, and back to a reservoir tank for reuse. As a result, this method is expensive and difficult to set up.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND STATE OF THE ART

This invention addresses the shortcoming of the prior art of preparing and maintaining targets that are useful for training in the use of thermal scopes. The invention provides a target training aid that enhances the visibility of thermal signatures on a steel target plate, which is designed to withstand the impact of live tire.

The target includes an integrated method for heating and cooling the target, allowing for precise, on-demand adjustment of the target's temperature. Through the use of a Thermoelectric Cooling (“TEC”) device, the target can have its temperature raised and maintained precisely. When needed, the TEC can then rapidly cool the target. This rapid cooling allows for a thermal indication visually in the shooter's thermal scope, signifying positive confirmation of a successful hit of the target. By altering the target's temperature, immediate feedback to the shooter can be provided through their thermal scope.

An array of LEDs located on the left and right sides of the target can indicate in the visible spectrum, or night vision spectrum, confirmation of hitting the target by flashing at the option of the user.

A mobile device running a control application allows for targets to be configured and operated. This application lets the shooter add a multitude of targets, under common control. It allows for the user to set the target's heat setpoint precisely, monitor the current temperature of each target, and turn the heat on and off as desired. The application also allows for options to be configured when the target is hit. Upon a hit being sensed, the target is set to rapidly cool down, and reset back to heat mode after a configurable time period has elapsed. It also allows for the control of visible LEDs to blink, either manually, or when the target is hit. A resettable hit counter in the application receives hit notifications from the targets, analytically keeping track for the shooter. Battery levels remaining can also be read from each target through the application.

Precise temperatures are maintained through the use of temperature probe feedback to a microcontroller, and the circuit controlling the TEC. This is an important improvement, as it allows for shooter training of thermal target discrimination. For example, the thermal temperature signature of a wolf is considerably different from that of a soldier. Furthermore, soldiers outfitted with different gear also vary the temperature, and therefore the frequency of IR light emitted allowing one to discern or discriminate between various troop factions. Through precise temperature control, shooters can train to target specific IR frequency ranges, while ignoring others. Positive hit confirmations can be accurately determined through a vibration detection mechanism that responds to bullet impacts, indicating to the shooter.

Power for the process comes from integrated batteries that remain protected from damage by locating them inside the target. The process and behavior of each target is initiated and controlled through a wireless interface to allow for easy and remote activation and control.

In order to minimize power consumption, and maximize the thermal transfer of the heat from the target, to make heating and cooling of the target more rapid, only a small circular target segment, located in the center of the larger target plate, is attached to the TEC. This smaller target plate is thermally insulated and supported from the larger Outer Front Target Plate Gong through the use of a rubber like insulator made of neoprene or a similar strong, minimally thermally conductive material or adhesive. This allows for only a small area to be heated and cooled, instead of the much larger target plate area that carries a substantially higher thermal mass.

In order to “cool” the target plate, the heat is pumped by the TEC into a steel heatsink plate, attached to the rear of the TEC device. This allows for the heat to be dissipated more rapidly and prevent damage to the TEC. The heatsink plate also prevents thermal damage to the TEC device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1: Exploded view of Target Assembly

FIG. 2: Dimetric view of Target Assembly

FIG. 3: Side view of Target Assembly

FIG. 4: Target Stand with Targets on a Shooting Range

FIG. 5: Block Diagram of the Control Board

FIG. 6: Mobile Device Application—“Main” Screen

FIG. 7: Mobile Device Application—“Target Detail” Screen

SCHEDULE OF PARTS

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises several mechanisms integrated behind a steel target that can be shot at for training purposes by a shooter. These include:

Heating and Cooling Mechanisms: The target plate includes an integrated heating system that can elevate the target's temperature, making it more visible to thermal imaging equipment. Additionally, a cooling system is incorporated to lower the temperature of the target either in response to detected vibrations or to maintain a controlled thermal profile during use. The temperature set is controlled through a feedback loop between a temperature sensor, microcontroller, and heating and cooling element.

Vibration Detection: A key feature of the invention is its ability to detect vibrations caused by bullet impacts. The target plate is equipped with a sensor that detects these vibrations and triggers a controlled temperature change, which is visible through thermal scopes, providing immediate feedback to the shooter.

Circuitry and Power Supply: The target system includes a control circuit that manages the heating, cooling, and vibration detection processes. The circuitry is powered by an integrated power supply, which may be rechargeable or replaceable, depending on the embodiment. The control circuit ensures that the target operates efficiently, providing reliable and consistent feedback during use. The circuitry communicates with a shooter's mobile device application.

Mobile Device Application: Various parameters can be set in the targets, and telemetry data can be received by the application from the targets. Parameters settable include the ability to control precisely the desired target temperature, what behavior happens in response to a hit, and target provisioning. Telemetry received from the targets includes current temperature of the target, number of times it was hit, and battery life remaining.

A more detailed explanation of how these actions are performed can better be obtained by reviewing various aspects of the invention's Figures.

FIG. 1 depicts the major components of the Target Assembly. It comprises a Thermal Target Plate (1) made of a durable steel, with a Thermoelectric Cooler (“TEC”) Device (2) thermally and mechanically attached to the rear of the Thermal Target Plate (1), such that efficient temperature transfer from the TEC Device (2) to the Thermal Plate (1) can be accomplished. The opposite side of the TEC Device is attached thermally and mechanically with the Heat Sink Plate (3), also such that heat can be transferred from the TEC Device (2) to the Heat Sink Plate (3). The TEC Device (2) is electrically connected to the Control Board via the TEC wires (11).

The Thermal Target Plate (1) is mounted in the center of the Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4), separated from direct contact with the Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4) by a Thermal Brake (5), limiting the amount of heat being transferred from the Thermal Target Plate (1) to the Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4), while minimizing the energy requirement to effectuate a temperature change of the Thermal Target Plate (1).

The Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4) is spaced from the Heat Sink Plate (3) through the use of several Mounting Spacers (6). This allows for an adequate, protected space for the Control Board (7) and TEC device (2) to be mounted. The Control Board (7) is electrically connected to a series of Batteries (8), such as LiPo 18650 high capacity batteries, held in place by the Battery Holder (9). While the preferred embodiment depicts the Batteries (8) and Battery Holder (9) mounted on the rear of the Heat Sink Plate (3), they could alternatively be mounted between the Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4) and the Heat Sink Plate (3), either permanently or temporarily.

Mounted between the Outer Front Target Plate Gong (4) and the Heat Sink Plate (3) are LED illuminators. These are to indicate in the visible spectrum to the shooter either a hit or to identify the target, depending on the target configuration. The LED illuminators are attached to the Control Board (7) electrically (not shown).

FIGS. 2 and 3 depicts the Target Assembly (12), as ready for use. FIG. 2 shows a dimetric view of the assembly, while FIG. 3 shows a side view. Mounting Holes (4A) are positioned so that the target can be affixed easily via D-Rings and chains, hooks, or similar methods to a target stand.

FIG. 4 shows three Target Assemblies (12) mounted via the target's Mounting Holes (4A), to Support Chains (14), to a Target Stand (13). This is an example arrangement of a set of targets, showing one of many ways that the targets can be positioned and supported on a shooting range.

FIG. 5 shows a Block Circuit Diagram of the Control Board (15). It comprises a set of Batteries (16). The Batteries (16) are connected to a Battery Charging Controller (17), to allow for easy, safe, charging of the batteries via common methods such as via a USB-C port and charger. The output of the Batteries (16) is connected to a Power Regulator (18) to supply the various voltages required for the circuitry. The Power Regulator (18) is connected electrically to the Central Processing Unit (“CPU”) Microcontroller (19).

The Microcontroller (19) controls the TEC Power Control Circuit (20). The preferred embodiment utilizes an H-Bridge, commonly used as a motor controller, due to its ability to efficiently apply current to its output terminals, and reverse the polarity on demand. Furthermore, it allows for the ability to control the intensity of the current output through Pulse Width Modulation (“PWM”). It should be noted that other methods such as relays, discrete transistors, or field effect transistors could also be implemented to accomplish this task. The output of the TEC Power Control Circuit (20) is connected directly to the wire leads of the TEC Module (21). The TEC Module in the preferred embodiment utilizes a Peltier junction, however other types of modules could also be utilized.

A Temperature Sensor (22), attached to the Thermal Target Plate (1), provides feedback to the CPU (19), as to the instantaneous temperature of the Thermal Target Plate (1). A Negative Temperature Coefficient (“NTC”) thermistor was implemented in the preferred embodiment, however any multitude of temperature sensors that report temperatures in the range of 0 F to 100 F would suffice.

A Vibration Sensor (23) is connected to the CPU (19), in mechanical contact with the Target Assembly (12), indicates to the CPU (19) when the target has been impacted by a bullet. In the preferred embodiment, the Vibration Sensor (23) is located on the Control Board (7).

LED Transistors (24), controlled by the CPU (19), switch power on and off to the LED Boards (25).

The Antenna Circuit (26) provides an efficient method of transmitting long range radio signals to the shooter's mobile device and control application, from the CPU (19).

FIG. 6 shows a shooter's Mobile Device (27). The Mobile Device (27) runs a control application that utilizes an interface allowing for the user to configure and indicate various target parameters. On the main screen depicted in FIG. 6, a List of Targets (28) in the application is displayed. New or additional targets can be added to the application through the “Add New Targets” button (19). A user can view “Target Details” by selecting a target from the List of Targets (28).

FIG. 7 depicts the shooter's Mobile Device (27), with Target Details on a specific selected target. In the Figure, “Target 1” (31) has been selected. Parameters can be set for this target from this screen, such as the Target Heat Setpoint (32). The current target temperature of the Thermal Target Plate (1) is displayed in the “Current Temp” box (33).

Manual control of the heat settings can be also accomplished. To turn the heat of this target “On,” up until the Target Heat Setpoint (32) has been reached, the shooter can select the “Heat On” button (34). Similarly, the user can turn the “Heat On,” off, by unselecting the “Heat On” (34) button. The Thermal Target Plate (1) can also be rapidly cooled, by selecting the “Cooling On” button. Selecting this button will first ensure that if the “Heat On” is turned on, that it is de-selected and turned off. Then, the CPU (19) will reverse the flow of current into the TEC Module (21), through controlling the TEC Power Control Circuit (20), causing the heat from the Thermal Target Plate (1) to be “pumped” by the TEC device (2), into the Heat Sink Plate (3).

Options include “Flash on Hit” (38), where the LED Illuminators (10) will be brightly flashed when the Vibration Sensor (23) is activated. In addition Other Options include “Cooling on Hit” (38), and “Turn Temp-Off on Hit” (39). Cooling on Hit (38) will consume additional battery power to facilitate the cooling process of the Thermal Target Plate (1), however greatly enhances the ability to rapidly see the temperature change visually over just the “Turning Temp-Off on Hit” option. In addition, parameters can be set to “Turn back on after” (40) the heating process of the Thermal Target Plate (1) after a set time has elapsed.

To track basic user metrics, a “Hit Counter” (41) indicates the number of times the Vibration Sensor (23) has been triggered since it was last reset. Resetting the counter is accomplished by selecting the “Reset” button (42).

Target battery life can be determined by reading the “Battery Remaining” (43) indicator display.

If a target is no longer part of the shooting range system, it can be deleted from the application by selecting the “Delete from System” button.