U.S. patent application number 11/428735 was filed with the patent office on 2007-01-18 for method of and apparatus for virtual shooting practice.
Invention is credited to Ronald F. Coleman.
Application Number | 20070015116 11/428735 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37662032 |
Filed Date | 2007-01-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20070015116 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Coleman; Ronald F. |
January 18, 2007 |
METHOD OF AND APPARATUS FOR VIRTUAL SHOOTING PRACTICE
Abstract
A method of and apparatus for virtual shooting practice
comprises a displayed shooting practice image including a target
portion and a simulated gun. As the target portion of the image
moves relative to the remainder thereof, the simulated gun is moved
relative to the displayed image and relative to the moving target
portion. Movement of the simulated gun is compared with the
movement of the target portion of the displayed image resulting in
a determination of whether a "shot" from the gun is a "hit" or a
"miss".
Inventors: |
Coleman; Ronald F.;
(Carrollton, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MICHAEL A. O'NEIL, P.C.
5949 SHERRY LANE, SUITE 820
DALLAS
TX
75225
US
|
Family ID: |
37662032 |
Appl. No.: |
11/428735 |
Filed: |
July 5, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60698768 |
Jul 12, 2005 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
434/16 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 9/003 20130101;
F41G 3/2694 20130101; F41G 3/26 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/016 |
International
Class: |
F41G 3/26 20060101
F41G003/26 |
Claims
1. A method of virtual shooting practice comprising the steps of:
providing a display surface; providing a shooting practice image
including a target portion; displaying the shooting practice image
on the display surface; moving the target portion of the shooting
practice image across the display surface and relative to the
remainder of the shooting practice image; providing a simulated
gun; moving the simulated gun relative to the displayed shooting
practice image and pursuant to movement of the target portion
thereof; and comparing the movement of the simulated gun with the
movement of the target portion of the shooting practice image.
2. A virtual shooting practice apparatus comprising: a display
surface; means for generating a shooting practice image including a
target portion; means for displaying the shooting practice image on
the display surface; means for moving the target portion of the
shooting practice image across the display surface and relative to
the remainder of the shooting practice image; a simulated gun
adapted for movement relative to the displayed shooting practice
image and relative to the moving target portion thereof; and means
for comparing the movement of the simulated gun with the movement
of the target portion of the shooting practice image.
3. The method of virtual shooting practice of claim 1, wherein the
target portion of the shooting practice image is a simulated live
bird target.
4. The method of virtual shooting practice of claim 1, wherein the
target portion of the shooting practice image is a simulated
artificial target.
5. The method of virtual shooting practice of claim 1, wherein the
target portion of the shooting practice image is a simulated police
target.
6. The method of virtual shooting practice of claim 1, wherein the
target portion of the shooting practice image is a simulated
military target.
7. The method of virtual shooting practice of claim 1, wherein a
simulated hunting environment is displayed on the display
surface.
8. The method of virtual shooting practice of claim 1, wherein a
simulated artificial target shooting environment is displayed on
the display surface.
9. The method of virtual shooting practice of claim 1, wherein a
simulated police scenario is displayed on the display surface.
10. The method of virtual shooting practice of claim 1, wherein a
simulated military scenario is displayed on the display
surface.
11. The virtual shooting practice apparatus of claim 2, wherein the
target portion of the shooting practice image is a simulated live
bird target.
12. The virtual shooting practice apparatus of claim 2, wherein the
target portion of the shooting practice image is a simulated
artificial target.
13. The virtual shooting practice apparatus of claim 2, wherein the
target portion of the shooting practice image is a simulated police
target.
14. The virtual shooting practice apparatus of claim 2, wherein the
target portion of the shooting practice image is a simulated
military target.
15. The virtual shooting practice apparatus of claim 2, wherein a
simulated hunting environment is displayed on the display
surface.
16. The virtual shooting practice apparatus of claim 2, wherein a
simulated artificial target shooting environment is displayed on
the display surface.
17. The virtual shooting practice apparatus of claim 2, wherein a
simulated police scenario is displayed on the display surface.
18. The virtual shooting practice apparatus of claim 2, wherein a
simulated military scenario is displayed on the display surface.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Applicant claims priority based on provisional patent
application Ser. No. 60/698,768 filed Jul. 12, 2005, the entire
content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates generally to a method of and
apparatus for virtual shooting practice, and more particularly to a
method of and apparatus for practicing bird shooting, artificial
target shooting, and police and military combat shooting which does
not require the actual discharge of firearms.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Like participants in all other sports, persons wishing to
excel in the sport of bird shooting must practice between hunting
activities. Long ago live birds, particularly pigeons, were used to
simulate actual hunting situations. Due to the expense and
inconvenience involved in gathering a sufficient number of live
birds to facilitate worthwhile practice, artificial targets,
commonly referred to as a "clay pigeons", were substituted for live
birds. Today, shooters frequently use facilitates known as skeet,
trap, sporting clays, etc. to hone their bird shooting skills.
Also, many shooters engage in skeet, trap, sporting clays, etc. as
sports in and of themselves to the exclusion of actual bird
shooting.
[0004] Regardless of whether artificial targets are utilized to
practice for bird shooting or for targeting shooting competitions,
finding a venue suitable for artificial target shooting can be
problematic. Real or imagined problems such as danger to people and
property from arrant projectiles, air and water pollution, noise
pollution, etc. virtually rule out artificial target shooting in
heavily populated urban areas. Parcels of land of sufficient size
and suitable location to facilitate artificial target shooting
activities are often prohibitably expensive even when located 100
miles or more from centers of urban areas. For these reasons fewer
and fewer shooters are able to find artificial target shooting
facilities that they can afford.
[0005] A similar circumstance presents itself to police and
military personnel. Obviously, such individuals must practice on a
continuous basis in order to be prepared when an armed combat
situation arises. Because the handguns and long guns used in police
and military combat have much longer ranges as compared with
shotguns, projectile containment is an absolute necessity. This
fact together with real or imagined concerns over air and water
pollution and noise pollution virtually rule out police and
military shooting practice in areas that are even remotely close to
civilian populations.
[0006] In accordance with the broader aspects of the present
invention simulated live bird targets, simulated artificial
targets, and simulated police and military targets are generated
electronically. Sportsmen and women, police personnel, and military
personnel are provided with simulated weapons which are matched as
closely as possible to the actual weapons that will be used in the
field, on the range, or in combat situations. However, rather than
discharging actual projectiles, the simulated weapons generate an
electronic signal which interacts with the simulated target to
score a "hit" or a "miss" depending upon how the simulated weapon
is manipulated relative to the simulated target. An important
feature of the invention comprises the fact that in the case of a
"miss" the "shot" can be replayed thereby providing instant
feedback as to why the "miss" occurred and the correction that is
necessary in order to avoid another "miss".
[0007] In accordance with more specific aspects of the invention
virtual target practice activities utilizing the present invention
may take place in full dome, half dome, or cylindrical practice
arenas. Simulated live bird shooting is facilitated utilizing a
full dome practice arena which allows simulated birds to "fly" from
and toward all directions; at any and all conceivable angles and
speeds; and in front of, over, or behind the individual that is
trying to "shoot" them. Simulated artificial target sports can be
successfully practiced in half dome arenas which are easily adapted
to simulate actual skeet, trap, or and sporting clays ranges as
well as the facilities utilized in other artificial target games.
The cylindrical arena lends itself to practice by police and
military personnel in that it simulates actual combat situations in
which opponents utilize readily available objects for concealment
and protection.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] A more complete understanding of the present invention may
be had by reference to the following Detailed Description when
taken in connection with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a first embodiment
of the invention;
[0010] FIG. 1A is a break out of part of FIG. 1 illustrating a
particular feature of the invention;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a first version of
a second embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a second version
of the second embodiment of the invention; and
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a third embodiment
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 1
and 1A, there is shown a method of and an apparatus for virtual
shooting practice incorporating a first embodiment of the
invention. In accordance therewith a shooting practice venue 10
comprises a full dome 12 which completely encloses a shooter 14.
That is, the full dome 12 extends entirely around and over the
shooter 14.
[0015] The interior surface 16 of the dome 12 comprises a display
service upon which a simulated hunting venue 18 is displayed. The
simulated hunting venue 18 may be displayed on the interior surface
16 utilizing conventional display techniques of the type utilized
in movie theaters, projection television systems, and the like. In
such instances the display may emanate from one or more devices 20
situated within the dome 12. Alternatively, the venue 18 may
comprise an LED display, a liquid crystal display, a plasma
display, etc. utilizing well known technologies.
[0016] The shooter 14 is provided with a simulated shotgun 24 which
is matched as closely as possible in weight and physical dimensions
to the actual shotgun that the shooter 14 will use when hunting
live birds. The simulated shotgun 24 does not discharge actual
projectiles, but instead discharges an electronic beam 26 which
interacts with the simulated hunting venue 18 displayed on the
interior surface 16 of the full dome 12. Depending upon how the
shooter 14 manipulates the simulated shotgun 24 relative to one or
more "birds" 20 which "fly" across the interior surface 16 of the
full dome 12, each "shot" made by the shooter 14 is calculated and
recorded as a "hit" or as a "miss".
[0017] An important feature of the invention is illustrated in FIG.
1A. In attempting to "kill" the "birds" 28 the shooter 14 moves the
simulated shotgun 24 at a speed equal to or slightly greater than
the simulated flight of the "birds" 28 across the simulated hunting
venue 18 and in so doing established a lead relative to the "birds"
28 as indicated by the point X. However, in order to "kill" the
"birds" 28, it was necessary for the shooter 14 to move the
simulated shotgun 24 in such a manner as to establish a lead as
indicated by the point Y. In accordance with the present invention
any or all previous "shots" can be replayed together with a verbal
or visual explanation of why the "miss" occurred, thereby allowing
the shooter 14 to learn from the mistake and in so doing enhance
his or her shooting skills.
[0018] Referring again to FIG. 1, the shooting practice venue 10
further includes a data input device 30 which can be used for a
variety of purposes one of which is to allow the shooter 14 to
select a particular simulated bird species that will be utilized in
the simulated hunting venue 18. For example, the shooter 14 may
select any of a variety of dove species, quail species, partridge
species, ringneck or other pheasant species, any of a variety of
duck species, geese species, etc. Depending upon the particular
simulated bird species selected by the hunter 14, the images
comprising remainder of the simulated hunting venue 18 will change
dramatically. In this manner the hunter 14 is provided with a
simulated hunting situation that is as realistic as possible. The
data input device 30 may also be used to vary the simulated flight
speed and the simulated flight path of the "birds" 28 as they "fly"
across the venue 18.
[0019] Referring to FIG. 2, there is shown a simulated skeet field
or range comprising a first version of a second embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 3 illustrates a simulated trap field or range 38
comprising a second version of the second embodiment of the
invention. Many of the component parts of the simulated skeet field
or range 36 and of the simulated trap field or range 38 are
substantially identical in construction and function to component
parts of the shooting practice venue 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 and
described hereinabove in conjunction therewith. Such identical
component parts are designated in FIGS. 2 and 3 with the same
reference numerals utilized in the foregoing description of the
shooting practice venue 10 but are differentiated therefrom by
means of a prime (') designation.
[0020] In lieu of the full dome 12 of the shooting practice venue
10 of FIG. 1, both the simulated skeet field or range 36 and the
simulated trap field or range 38 utilize a half dome 40. As is well
known to those skilled in the art, neither skeet nor trap employs
targets which fly behind or above the shooter 14'. Therefore, a
half dome is adequate for simulating the games of skeet and trap.
However, other simulated artificial target games may require
different dome configurations.
[0021] As is well known, when participating in artificial target
games such as a skeet and trap, the shooter 14' calls for a target
by speaking the word "pull" or a similar word in a loud, clear
voice. When participating in a simulated artificial target game
incorporating the present invention, the shooter 14' likewise calls
for a target whereupon one or more simulated artificial targets 42
travel along flight paths 44 emulating the actual flight paths of
real artificial targets. Movement of the simulated gun relative to
the simulated artificial targets 42 is compared and calculated to
determine whether the target has been "hit" or "missed".
[0022] The shooter 14' sequentially stands on a plurality of
stations 46 which are dimensioned and positioned to match as
closely as possible the shooting stations of actual artificial
target shooting games. Likewise, scoring is identical to the
scoring of the actual artificial target game that is being
simulated with the only exception being that a "shot" can be
replayed in order to provide positive feedback to the shooter 14',
thereby allowing the shooter to make corrections which will
hopefully eliminate a "miss" on a subsequent "shot".
[0023] The data input device 30' may be employed to introduce
variables into the play of the simulated artificial target shooting
games comprising the second embodiment of the invention which are
not possible in the play of actual artificial target shooting
games. For example, in the case of novice shooters the data input
device 30' can be employed to cause the simulated artificial
targets 42 to "fly" more slowly along the flight paths 44 than
would be possible in the case of actual artificial targets.
Conversely, in the case of experienced shooters the data input
device 30' can be used to randomly vary the period of time that
elapses after the shooter 14' calls for a target until the
simulated artificial target is actually "released", to randomly
vary the speed at which the artificial targets "fly" along their
respective flight paths, to randomly vary the angles of the flight
paths, etc. None of these possibilities is available in the case of
conventional artificial target shooting games utilizing real
artificial targets.
[0024] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a police/military combat
practice venue 46 comprising a third embodiment of the invention.
Many of the component parts of the police/military combat practice
venue 46 are substantially identical to construction and function
to component parts of the shooting practice venue 10 illustrated in
FIG. 1 and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith. Such
identical component parts are designated in FIG. 4 with the same
reference numerals utilizing the foregoing description of the
shooting practice venue 10 but are differentiated therefrom by
means of a double prime ('') designation.
[0025] The police/military combat practice venue 46 is illustrated
in FIG. 4 as comprising a semi-cylindrical enclosure 48. As will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art, the police/military combat
practice venue 46 may also comprise a full dome enclosure of the
type illustrated in FIG. 1 or a half dome enclosure of the type
illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3. The use of a semi-cylindrical
enclosure of the type illustrated in FIG. 4 is preferable in some
instances because it allows the venue 46 to be incorporated into a
conventional office building or warehouse.
[0026] The venue 46 differs from the venue 10 illustrated in FIG. 1
and described hereinabove in conjunction therewith in that the
venue 46 employs a plurality of props such as a real or simulated
automobile 50, one or more real or simulated containers 52, a real
or simulated trash receptacle 54, etc. The purpose of incorporating
one or more props into the venue 46 is to provide the shooter 14''
with a plurality of simulated concealment and protection
opportunities.
[0027] The venue 46 further differs from the venue 10 of FIG. 1 in
that rather than displaying one or more birds engaged in simulated
flight or other movement across the display surface of the venue,
the venue 46 displays a plurality of simulated human beings 56 some
or all of which may be engaged in simulated combat with the shooter
14'' at any given time. Additionally, some or all of the simulated
human beings 56 of the venue 46 may be engaged in simulated evasion
and/or flight at any given time. In this manner the venue 46
simulates as closely as possible the real life combat situations
which may be encountered by police and/or military personnel, and
thereby allows police and military personnel utilizing the present
invention to experience a very realistic practice session.
[0028] The data input device 30'' may be utilized to vary the
particular combat practice scenario that is displayed on the
interior surface 16'' of the cylindrical enclosure 48 comprising
the venue 46. For example, the data input device 30'' may be used
to display a jungle scenario, an arctic scenario, a robbery
scenario, a terrorist scenario, a military scenario in which the
human beings 56 are uniformed soldiers, etc. The data input device
30'' may also be used to vary the number of human beings 56 and the
aggressiveness thereof dependent upon the skill level of the
shooter 14''.
[0029] Although preferred embodiments of the invention have been
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the
foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the
invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is
capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
* * * * *