EP0072004A3 - Target range status indicator and controller - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is an apparatus for indicating on a video display unit (22) the status of a plurality of targets (10) on a target range system and for controlling the operation thereof. In a preferred embodiment, the video display unit (22) comprises a variable image display unit which can be a cathode ray tube (CRT) which is responsive to a computer processing unit (CPU) (40) which sequentially and periodically interrogates each target mechanism (38) to determine its functional status and whether it has been «hit». This information can be displayed in many different formats although in a preferred embodiment, a number of banks und lanes of targets are provided on the CRT which correspond to the bank and lanes of targets as laid out on the range. Further, the total hits for all targets in each lane are displayed on the screen along with a fault indication if necessary. Substantial improvements and the reli­ ability and maintainability of target range control sys­ tems are achieved by the use of the CRT-equipped video display unit (22) in combination with the CPU (40). In further preferred embodiments, all targets in an individual bank provide information to a field equipment module (FEM) (16) for that bank which then provides the information to a computer peripheral device (30) which converts the information to a form usable by the CPU. Additionally, the range may be controlled in a manual, automatic or semiautomatic mode and target status information along with lane scores provided in a permanent manner by means of a peripheral printer (42).