Animated sports training and simulator game system

Abstract

A simulator system includes a projector, a target assembly and a data processing system. The target assembly includes a projection surface and a sensor array defines a sensing plane configured to sense a position of a projectile in the sensing plane relative to the projection surface.

1 . A simulation system, comprising:
 a projector configured to project an image;   a target assembly, comprising:
 a projection surface defining a projection plane and configured to display the image from the projector; 
 a sensor array defining a sensing plane including a plurality of sensors positioned to sense a position of a projectile in the sensing plane relative to the projection surface; and 
   a data processing system configured to alter the image on the display screen based on the sensed position.   
     
     
         2 . The simulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the projection surface comprises an impact screen formed of a polymer. 
     
     
         3 . The simulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the projection surface is substantially an entirely suffuse surface. 
     
     
         4 . The simulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor array is supported by a frame proximate the projection surface. 
     
     
         5 . The simulation system of  claim 3 , further comprising a protective guard, wherein the protective guard is positioned on a side of the frame opposite the projection surface. 
     
     
         6 . The simulation system of  claim 4 , wherein the protective guard forms an opening to the projection surface. 
     
     
         7 . The simulation system of  claim 5 , wherein the sensor array includes a plurality of radiation sources and a plurality of radiation sensors, the plurality of radiation sensors positioned to determine if the projectile blocks radiation from at least one of the plurality of radiation sensors. 
     
     
         8 . The simulation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a radar detector configured to calculate a velocity of the projectile. 
     
     
         9 . The simulation system of  claim 1 , further comprising a position sensor configured to detect a position of a user relative to the projection surface. 
     
     
         10 . The simulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the projector is positioned closer to the sensing plane than the projection plane. 
     
     
         11 . The simulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the projector is positioned closer to the projection plane than the sensing plane. 
     
     
         12 . The simulation system of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor array comprises a front plate defining a first contact point and a rear plate defining a second contact point, wherein the front plate is configured to deflect relative to the rear plate such that electrical contact between the first contact point and the second contact point indicates the position of the projectile in the sensing plane. 
     
     
         13 . A method, comprising:
 projecting an image onto a projection surface, the projection surface defining a projection plane;   positioning a sensor array proximate the projection surface, the sensor array defining a sensing plane;   determining a position of a projectile within the sensing plane relative to the projection surface;   altering the image based on the position of the projectile.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the projection surface is substantially an entirely suffuse surface. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 positioning a protective guard in front of the sensor array, the protective guard defining an opening; and   positioning the sensing plane between the opening and the projection surface.   
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 positioning the sensor array behind the projection surface, such that the projection surface deflects toward the sensing plane upon being struck by the projectile.   
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising:
 detecting a position of a user relative to the projection surface.   
     
     
         18 . A simulator system, comprising:
 a projector configured to display an image;   a target assembly, comprising:
 a projection surface defining a projection plane and configured to display the image from the projector; and 
 means for sensing a position of a projectile within a sensing plane relative to the projection surface; and 
   a data processing system configured to alter the image on the display screen based on the sensed position.   
     
     
         19 . The simulator system of  claim 18 , wherein the means for sensing comprises a plurality of radiation sources and a plurality of radiation sensors. 
     
     
         20 . The simulator system of  claim 18 , wherein the means for sensing comprises first and second plates arranged in parallel to one another.