Robotic cannon with laser

Abstract

A firing device is provided for launching and retrieving projectiles as well as firing laser weapons from a robotic platform. In robotic games or competitions the projectiles and laser weapons are fired at targets to score points. In a game of laser tag the laser and/or infrared weapons are fired at targets on competing robots to score points and/or to disable the targeted robot. The firing device has one, two, or three rotating launch wheels for launching spherical projectiles illustratively including ping pong balls, where the revolution speed of launch wheels may be varied to control projectile velocity and distance of travel. A deflector plate is used to change the trajectory of the projectile and/or the laser beam.

1 . A firing device for use with a robotic base, said firing device comprising:
 a hopper that holds a set of projectiles, said hopper in projectile communication with a proximal end of a guide tube or guide rails;   one or more launch wheels adjacent to said guide tube or guide rails that make contact with a projectile from said set of projectiles to push said projectile out of an exit at a distal end of said guide tube or guide rails; and   an adjustable deflector plate at the distal end of said guide tube or guide rails to determine a trajectory of a fired projectile.   
     
     
         2 . The firing device of  claim 1  further comprising a first diode that forms a first light beam emission. 
     
     
         3 . The firing device of  claim 2  wherein the first light beam emission identifies said diode relative to another diode. 
     
     
         4 . The firing device of  claim 2  wherein the first light beam emission is an infrared or visible wavelength. 
     
     
         5 . The firing device of  claim 2  wherein said first diode is a laser. 
     
     
         6 . The firing device of  claim 2  wherein said first diode is positioned to reflect the first light emission off of a reflective surface on said adjustable deflector plate to provide aiming. 
     
     
         7 . The firing device of  claim 2  further comprising a second diode having a second light beam emission of a different wavelength than the first light beam emission wherein the first light beam emission and the second light beam emission are substantially parallel. 
     
     
         8 . The firing device of  claim 7  wherein the first light emission is used for aiming and the second light emission is used for scoring identification. 
     
     
         9 . The firing device of  claim 2  wherein the first light emission is used for aiming and for scoring and the first light beam emission comprises an infrared wavelength. 
     
     
         10 . The firing device of  claim 2  wherein the first light emission is used for aiming and for scoring and the first light beam emission comprises a wavelength visible to an unaided, normal human eye. 
     
     
         11 . The firing device of  claim 1  further comprising a singulator to hold and release individual projectiles from said set of projectiles. 
     
     
         12 . The firing device of  claim 1  wherein the one or more launch wheels are made of foam, rubber, or other elastic material. 
     
     
         13 . The firing device of  claim 1  further comprising a set of launch motors that control revolution speed of the one or more launch wheels, where the revolution speed of the set of launch wheels are varied to control projectile velocity and distance of travel of the projectile along with said adjustable deflector plate controlling projectile trajectory of travel. 
     
     
         14 . The firing device of  claim 1  further comprising a set of fans/blowers integrated with a set of launch wheel motors to create airflow for or to enhance the movement of said projectiles into contact with the one or more launch wheels. 
     
     
         15 . The firing device of  claim 1  wherein said robotic base further comprises a plurality of wheels, rollers, or treads to allow movement of the robotic base, and a connection point that serves as an interface to a coupling of said firing device. 
     
     
         16 . The firing device of  claim 1  wherein said set of projectiles are ping pong balls. 
     
     
         17 . The firing device of  claim 1  wherein said robotic base or said firing device further comprises a laser detector target for laser tag. 
     
     
         18 . The firing device of  claim 1  further comprising a system controller that controls said robotic base and said firing device, said system controller being at least one of a personal computer, tablet, or a smartphone. 
     
     
         19 . The firing device of  claim 1  further comprising an attachable handle with a trigger for operation independent of said robotic base. 
     
     
         20 . The firing device of  claim 1  further comprising the robotic base, the robotic base configured as a wheeled toy.