Shooting simulating process and training device using a virtual reality display screen

A user friendly shooting simulating process and training system are provided to more accurately and reliably detect the impact time and location in which a projectile shot from a shotgun, rifle, pistol or other weapon, hits a moving target. Desirably, the shooting simulating process and training system can also readily display the amount by which the projectile misses the target. The target impact time is based upon the speed and directions of the target and weapon, as well as the internal and external delay time of the projectile. In the preferred form, the training system includes a microprocessor and special projectile sensing equipment, and the targets and projectiles are simulated and viewed on a virtual reality head mounted display.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
This invention pertains to ballistic simulators and, more particularly, to 
a training device and process for improving the skill and accuracy of 
shooting weapons, such as shotguns and dries. 
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
It has long been desired to provide personnel training to improve their 
skills in aiming and firing shotguns, rifles, handguns, and other weapons. 
In the past, many different types of target practice and aiming devices 
have been suggested that use light to simulate the firing of a gun. Such 
devices help train and instruct shooters by enabling them to practice 
aiming at a target either indoors or on an open range without actually 
making use of real projectiles (e.g. shot charges or bullets). The 
position of a projectile can be simulated by a computer and compared with 
the target position in order to determine whether the aim is correct. 
In some systems, shooters use a gun which emits a light beam to project a 
luminous mark on a screen. A successful shot results when the light beam 
emitted from the gun coincides or aligns with the target on the screen. A 
successful shot by the marksperson is typically indicated by the 
cancellation of the target or the display of the simulated object which 
has been hit. Electronically controlled visual and audio indicators for 
indicating the hit have also been used. 
In one prior art system, the flight of the target object is indicated by a 
constant change in the area and configuration of the target through 
changing the block area of the mark aperture by movable shutter members. 
When the mark is hit, the movement of the shutters is ceased and a fixed 
configuration is projected and the flapping of the bird's wings stops. 
There is no way of indicating, however, that the target has been hit other 
than by stopping the movement of the projected image. 
When using a light beam gun to shoot a concentrated light beam, such as a 
laser beam, a target apparatus can be used to indicate the position of 
impact of the simulated projectile. One typical target apparatus comprises 
a light-receiving element such as a photo-diode or photoconductive cell. 
When used alone, however, such a light-receiving element can only detect 
whether or not a light beam discharged by a light gun has landed within a 
specified range on a target defined by the area of the light-receiving 
surface but does not indicate the exact spot within the specified range 
where the light beam impacts. 
To eliminate these difficulties, it has been suggested to use an electronic 
target apparatus with numerous light-receiving elements arranged in a 
plane so as to indicate which of the elements has received a light beam 
released by a light beam gun. A light beam gun in practical use projects a 
small shot mark approximating a circle having a diameter of several 
millimeters. To indicate such a small shot mark on a target, it has been 
necessary to emit lights to correspond to the impact of simulated 
projectiles. Voluminous light-receiving elements have been used resulting 
in complex expensive electronic training equipment. 
Another example of prior art shooting devices involves a clay shooting 
system utilizes a light-emitting gun and a flying clay pigeon target 
provided with a light responsive element. Because the light responsive 
dement is provided in the clay, a hit occurs when the light responsive 
element in the clay bird detects the light beam from the gun. To its 
detriment, and to the detriment of the user of such a device, lead 
sighting, which is required in actual clay shooting, cannot be simulated 
by this system. Moreover, since the clay pigeon actually flies, the clay 
pigeon has to be retrieved for further use. 
Training devices have been provided for the operation of rocket launchers, 
guided missile launchers, shoulder weapons or weapons of a similar type by 
providing the operator with conditions which are very close to those 
likely to be encountered under real firing conditions. Interest has also 
focused on training in the firing of guns from tanks, combat vehicles or 
other ruing units of similar types. 
Traditional training methods in marksmanship and firing tactics for hunters 
and other sportsmen, police, military personnel, and others, leave much to 
be desired from the aspects of realism, cost and practicality. Many firing 
ranges have limited capacity. Moreover, most existing firing ranges do not 
provide protection for the shooter against the natural elements such as 
rain or snow. Because of the noise levels normally associated with firing 
ranges, they are typically located in remote areas requiring people to 
have to drive to such remote locations. The ammunition, targets and use 
costs for the range, make such adventures expensive. 
In most ranges, the targets are stationary. Furthermore, when live 
ammunition is used, expense, risks, administrative problems, safety 
concerns, and government rules and regulations are more burdensome. For 
initial training in marksmanship and tactics, it is preferred to have an 
indoor range where shooters can fire simulated projectiles against 
simulated moving targets. 
In other systems, moving targets are projected on an indoor screen from a 
motion picture film and low power laser beams are aligned with the weapon 
barrel to simulate the firing of live ammunition. Shooters aim and fire 
their weapons at targets shown on the screen. 
Over the years a variety of weapon simulators, training devices and other 
equipment have been suggested, as well as various techniques and methods 
for their use. Typifying these prior art weapon simulators, training 
devices, equipment, techniques, and methods are those describe din U.S. 
Pat. Nos. 2,042,174; 2,442,240; 3,675,925; 3,838,856; 3,388,022; 
3,904,204; 4,111,423; 4,137,651; 4,163,557; 4,229,009; 4,534,735; 
4,657,511; and 4,799,687. These prior art weapon simulators, training 
devices, equipment, techniques, and methods have met with varying degrees 
of success, but are often unduly expensive, difficult to use, complex and 
inaccurate because they fail to consider the internal delay of the 
projectile passing through the weapon after the trigger has been pulled 
and the external delay during which the projectile travels to the path of 
a moving target. 
It is, therefore, desirable to provide an improved shooting simulator and 
process which overcomes most, if not all, of the preceding problems. 
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
In view of the above, and in accordance with the present invention, there 
is provided a ballistic shooting simulator that provides a user friendly 
training device for improving the skill and accuracy of shooting a weapon 
such as a shotgun, rifle or handgun. A ballistic training and simulator 
process are disclosed. Advantageously, the novel training device and 
method are easy to use, simple to operate, comfortable and helpful. 
Desirably, the user friendly training device and method are also 
effective, convenient, dependable and accurate. 
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an 
improved ballistic simulating and training process or method. The 
ballistic simulating and training process of the present invention 
involves: inputting to a central processing unit a predetermined path and 
speed of a simulated target; displaying the movement of the target upon a 
screen contained in a virtual reality head mounted display system equipped 
with an internal screen such that different locations on the screen 
schematically represent different distances the target moves relative to a 
predetermined station. As will be appreciated, by inputting the 
predetermined speed and predetermined path of travel of the target, the 
central processing unit "knows" the position of the simulated target at 
all times during its path of travel or movement across the screen. The 
ballistic simulator and training process further includes the step of: 
simulating aiming and firing of a freely movable weapon such as a rifle or 
shotgun at the simulated target moving across the screen. The freely 
movable weapon defines the predetermined station relative to which the 
target appears to move and preferably includes a trigger with a sear and a 
barrel providing a muzzle. When the weapon is "fired", a simulated 
projectile moves toward the target. The step of simulating firing of the 
weapon includes projecting light rearwardly toward the head mounted 
display at the time a projectile would exit the muzzle of the weapon. As 
long as the weapon is properly situated and aimed, the direction and aim 
of the weapon is monitored and displayed on the screen at all times during 
aiming and "firing" the weapon. 
The process of the present invention furthermore involves the step of: 
sensing the orientation of the head display system relative to a fixed 
location and, thus, relative to the target as well as sensing the aim of 
the weapon at the time the projectile is discharged from the muzzle of the 
weapon. The present invention includes the further steps of: ascertaining 
the relationship of the direction of the weapon's barrel to the moving 
target by signaling to the central processing unit at all times while the 
weapon is aimed, including at the time the projectile would exit the 
muzzle of the weapon; determining the position of the target; and 
calculating the positions of the moving target and the projectile to 
determine whether the target has been "hit" or "missed." To enhance the 
ability of the user to perfect their shooting skills, the process of the 
present invention further includes the step of: displaying the positions 
of the projectile and the target when the trajectory of the projectile 
intersects with the plane of the moving target. 
The process of the present invention is enhanced by including steps to more 
accurately reflect the natural environment wherein weapons are used. That 
is, the process of the present invention further includes the step of: 
simulating an internal delay time it takes for the projectile to pass 
through the barrel of the weapon from the time the sear of the trigger 
slips to the time it takes the projectile to exit the muzzle of the 
weapon. The process of the present invention is still further enhanced by 
preferably including in the process the further step of: automatically 
calculating an external delay time required for the projectile to travel 
from the muzzle of the weapon to the plane of the target, and wherein the 
position of the target is determined, in part, based upon the external 
delay time. 
For more realistic training, the target can be displayed as moving towards, 
away, or at an angle of direction or inclination relative to the shooter 
trainee, marksman, hunter, or other sportsman or person firing the weapon. 
The weapon can also be moved relative to the target. The weapon can be 
further aimed to the left or fight of the moving target or aimed to shoot 
the projectile ahead of the moving target in either a static position or 
while moving the weapon so that its point of aim catches up to and passes 
the target. 
In a preferred form of the invention, the display on the screen of the head 
mounted virtual reality apparatus can be activated by voice. In a most 
preferred form of the invention, the process includes the further step of: 
providing an environment on the screen of the head mounted display such 
that it appears the shooter is immersed in the environment illustrated. 
The environment in which the shooter appears to be immersed is provided by 
superimposing the target over an environment or by including the target as 
part of the scene. In a preferred from of the invention, the environment 
can include a landscape pattern, or other surrounding background projected 
upon the screen of the head mounted display. Alternatively, the 
environment can include a shooting range wherein the environment and 
target are simultaneously displayed on the screen of the head mounted 
display system. Such scene and target may be projected by a television, 
video cassette recorder (VCR), a conventional CDI system, film projector 
or other suitable apparatus Moreover, the target can be a clay target, 
bird (pigeon, duck, etc.), animal (e.g. running boar, deer, lion, tiger, 
bear), disc, or can simulate an enemy, criminal, or other military or 
police target. 
The position of the moving target can be continually or intermittently 
determined. The trajectory of the projectile is sensed from sensor units 
mounted on the head mounted display. The head mounted display may include 
another sensor unit or a gyroscope for locating the person relative to the 
scene in which they are immersed. If the projectile misses the simulated 
target, the missed distance is displayed by illustrating the simulated 
positions of the projectile when it crosses the plane or path of the 
target so that the shooter can correct their aim. 
While the preceding process can be accomplished with various equipment and 
apparatus, a preferred user friendly ballistic simulating and training 
system includes a virtual reality head mounted display equipped with a 
screen that fits over and in front of a person's eyes for viewing a 
simulated moving target and a simulated projectile shot towards the 
target. A sensor unit operably associated with the head mounted display 
system produces an output signal representing the orientation of the head 
mounted display and, thus, the scene represented on the display screen of 
the head mounted display relative to a fixed location. A light projector 
is preferably mounted about the barrel of a weapon (e.g. shotgun or 
rifle). The weapon is freely movable relative to the screen and includes a 
trigger with a sear and wherein the barrel defines a muzzle. Another 
sensor unit or apparatus is also operably associated with the head mounted 
display and is responsive to light projected from the light projector 
mounted on the barrel of the weapon. The second sensor unit produces a 
signal representing orientation of the weapon relative to the head mounted 
display system and, therefore, to the fixed location and furthermore the 
trajectory of the projectile. 
The head mounted display is conventionally coupled to a unit that includes 
a myriad of operably interconnected components. According to one 
embodiment of the invention, the unit is coupled to a screen projector 
that provides a visual display of an environmental image for the screen of 
the head mounted display. The unit also includes a target projector that 
provides a visual display of a path of travel of a moving target on the 
screen of the head mounted display preferably in overlying relation to the 
environmental scene depicted on the screen by the screen projector. 
Alternatively, the unit can include an apparatus such as a VCR or video 
disc player that displays both the scene and the target moving through the 
scene on the screen of the head mounted display. Such an apparatus may 
further embody technology that provides informational data regarding the 
target's speed(s) and external delay times to the target's path of travel 
to a computer or microprocessor. Such informational data can be supplied 
by a tape or disc operably associated with each particular target 
selected. As will be appreciated, each tape or disc is coded with 
informational data related to the position of the target and/or its path 
of travel so that this position may be relayed to the computer or 
microprocessor at the time the shot is taken. 
The computer or microprocessor is operably connected to the screen 
projector, the target projector (when they are separate entities or to the 
apparatus that conjointly displays the scene and target), and also to the 
sensor units mounted on the head mounted display system. As will be 
appreciated, various computer programs can be used in conjunction with the 
microprocessor such that the speed of the projectile as well as the 
position and speed of the target are known at all times during their 
schematic illustration on the screen of the head mounted display. 
Furthermore, the microprocessor controls the environmental image and/or 
target displayed on the screen of the head mounted display such that the 
person wearing the display will feel immersed in the environmental image 
displayed on the screen as a function of the orientation of the head 
mounted display relative to the fixed location as monitored by the sensor 
on the display. 
During operation of the training apparatus of the present invention, the 
microprocessor automatically calculates or is inputted with the positions 
of the moving target and is signalled with the position of the projectile. 
When the trajectory of the projectile intersects or passes through the 
path of travel of the target, the microprocessor calculates whether the 
target was "hit" or "missed" by the projectile. To effect such ends, the 
microprocessor automatically determines the position of the target at the 
time the projectile leaves the weapon. 
According to the present invention, and to impart as much reality into the 
present invention as possible, the microprocessor furthermore calculates 
the external delay time required for the projectile, after leaving the 
muzzle of the weapon, to intersect a simulated plane of the target based 
on the output signal from the sensors that monitor the position of the 
weapon and the scene. The microprocessor furthermore calculates the 
distance the target will travel during the external delay time of the 
projectile to automatically determine the relative positions of the target 
and the projectile at the expiration of the external delay time. Upon 
"firing" of the weapon, and preferably following the expiration of an 
internal delay, the sensors, on the head mounted display system are 
disabled and the microprocessor serves to project the relative positions 
of the target and projectile preferably on the internal screen of the head 
mounted display. That is, the unit serves to display the positions of the 
target and the projectile calculated by the microprocessor at the time the 
trajectory of the projectile intersects with the path of travel of the 
target thereby yielding a visual indication of whether the target was hit 
or missed by the shooter. In a most preferred form, the display shows the 
extent to which the target was hit or missed by the shooter to allow for 
subsequent correction. 
As mentioned above, a light projector is mounted about the barrel of the 
weapon for directing a light rearwardly toward the sensor on the head 
mounted display system indicative of the position of the weapon and when a 
simulated projectile exits the muzzle of the weapon. In an effort to 
continue to improve the training capabilities of this training system of 
the present invention, the light projector preferably includes a delay 
apparatus in association therewith. The delay apparatus is responsive to 
the person pulling the trigger and serves to delay when the signal is 
provided to the sensor on the head mounted display indicative of when the 
simulated projectile exits the muzzle of the weapon. The delay preferably 
inherent with the light projector is preferably called "an internal delay 
time" and can be characterized as the delay occurring between the time the 
trigger sear releases a hammer which in turn hits a firing pin, striking a 
primer which explodes the powder in a cartridge, with the gases from the 
explosion propelling a bullet, shot charge, or projectile through the 
barrel until it leaves the muzzle of the firearm and, therefore, is no 
longer under the control of the firearm and, accordingly, of the shooter. 
This is an actual, detectable and measurable delay which occurs in 
discharging firearms and the distance which a swinging gun moves during 
this time is accorded the term "overthrow" in some British books written 
on the subject of shotgun shooting.degree. 
Internal delay is important because in the event, for instance, a shooter 
is swinging a firearm to overtake a moving target from the rear, so that 
the point at which the gun barrel is directed on the plane of that target 
moves at a greater steady speed than the target itself, or because this 
point is actually being accelerated past the target by the shooter, if the 
shooter presses the trigger and therefore slips the hammer sear at exactly 
the point where the gun is pointing at the target, the bullet or shot will 
leave the barrel of the gun at a point which is perceptibly ahead of the 
target on that target's plane. The converse is true in the event that the 
shooter starts ahead of the target and swings the gun more slowly than the 
motion of the target, so that the target gains on the barrel's position 
during the internal delay. If the trigger is pulled when the gun points 
directly at the target, the projectile will land behind the target on its 
plane, and this is true even if the projectile travelled from the muzzle 
to the target's plane as instantaneously as light would, i.e. even without 
taking into account the further disparity caused by the external delay 
time of the projectile's travel once it has left the firearm's muzzle. 
As mentioned above, the microprocessor furthermore calculates the distance 
the target will travel during the external delay time of the projectile to 
automatically determine the relative positions of the target and the 
projectile at the expiration of the external delay time. External delay 
time can be characterized as the delay between the time the projectile 
exits the muzzle of a firearm and the time at which it reaches that point 
on the plane of the target's path at which the muzzle was directed at the 
time of such exit. At any given speed of a projectile, the external delay 
will be proportional and determine how far the target travels between the 
time the projectile exits the firearm's muzzle and the time it reaches the 
plane of the target. 
As mentioned above, the positions of the target at all times as it moves 
along its path, are "known" by the microprocessor because of the 
information provided thereto through any of several different methods. 
Upon receiving a signal from the light projector, representing the 
projectile leaving the firearm's muzzle, the microprocessor determines the 
target's position at such time. After applying the external delay 
attributable to the sensed position of the light spot representing the 
point at which the projectile will cross the target's plane, the positions 
of the projectile and target are signaled to the microprocessor, and 
processed therein. Based upon this information and signals, the 
microprocessor can determine and indicate whether the projectile will 
strike the target and, if not, can indicate their relative positions, and 
therefore the span and distance missed between the target and projectile 
when it crossed the path of the target. Visual display of a hit or the 
amount of a miss can be projected on the screen of the head mounted 
display for viewing by the shooter. 
The head mounted display preferably includes a helmet having a concave 
screen on the interior thereof. Based upon various programs simulating 
different target distances and directions combined with various projectile 
velocities that are inputted to the microprocessor, each point on the 
screen where the shooter could project a shot could represent a different 
measurable distance from the station whereat the shooter is located and, 
therefore, a different programmed-in, sensed external delay to the 
target's plane and can be determinative of the distance which the target 
will travel between the target position at the time the simulated 
projectile exits the muzzle of the weapon and the time the simulated 
projectile would cross or intersect the plane of the target. It is also 
within the spirit and scope of the present invention, however, to 
configure the head mounted display from glasses with two relatively small 
screens that fit over the eyes of the person wearing the head mounted 
display to immerse the wearer in the images they see. 
In a preferred form of the invention, the sensor unit on the rear side of 
the head mounted display includes an apparatus from the class of: a light 
sensing apparatus or a gyroscope. It is well within the spirit and scope 
of the present invention, however, to use other mechanisms or devices for 
providing a signal indicative of a fixed location. In the illustrated 
embodiment, the sensor unit on the front side of the head mounted display 
includes a light sensing apparatus from the class comprised of: infrared 
sensing monitors, normal light sensing monitors, optical fibers, and 
liquid crystals. The sensor unit on the front side of the head mounted 
display is configured such that unless the weapon is properly held during 
the training process, the screen of the head mounted display will indicate 
that correction is required. Accordingly, and in addition to the other 
training benefits afforded by the present invention to the user, the 
present invention furthermore teaches proper orientation of the weapon for 
the shooter, thus, facilitating improved handling of the weapon. 
Desirably the shooting simulating processes and training devices of this 
invention displays the relative positions of a miss when the projectile 
crosses the upright plane (or, if it is rising or falling directly away 
from the shooter, the horizontal plane) of the target and have the realism 
of a projected, actual target and background. Furthermore, the inventive 
processes and systems are extremely accurate in showing the leads required 
to hit a target for all different speeds, angles, and distances based upon 
both the internal delay time and external delay time. ning devices can 
freeze the scene when a projectile crosses and intersects the target's 
path to show a hit or miss, and if a miss by how much. Preferably, the 
shooting stimulating processes and training devices can also program for 
angling outgoing or incoming targets, and wind speeds and directions as 
well as for various projectile velocities and trajectories. 
These and other objects, aims, and advantages of the present invention will 
become readily apparent from the following detailed description, appended 
claims, and the following drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in various forms, there 
is shown in the drawings and will hereinafter be described in detail a 
specific embodiment with the understanding that the present invention is 
to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention 
and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiment 
illustrated. 
In view of the above, and in accordance with the present invention, a 
schematic illustration of a shooting simulating process and training 
apparatus is represented in its entirety in FIG. 1 by reference numeral 
10. The shooting simulating process and training apparatus 10 can be used 
to simulate skeet, trap, bird or game shooting, or shooting military or 
police targets at any simulated distance. The apparatus 10 of the present 
invention includes a virtual reality head mounted display 12 which, in one 
form of the invention, includes a helmet 14 that fits about the head of a 
shooter S to immerse the shooter in an environment as will be discussed in 
detail below. 
The apparatus 10 of the present invention further relies on the use of an 
unloaded and yet conventional firearm or weapon 16 that may be selected 
from the class or group of: a shotgun or rifle. As is conventional, such 
weapon 16, used in combination with the present invention, typically 
includes a manually operated sear firing mechanism 18 (FIG. 2) including a 
trigger 20. Returning to FIG. 1, the weapon selected for use in 
combination with the present invention typically further includes an 
elongated barrel 22 defining a muzzle of the weapon In regards to the 
apparatus 10 of the present invention, the purpose of the weapon 16 (FIG. 
1) is to "fire" a simulated projectile from the weapon 16 in response to 
manipulation of the trigger 20 (FIG. 2). As will be discussed in detail 
below, in a preferred form of the present invention, the velocity of the 
projectile as it exits the muzzle of the weapon 16 and the projectile's 
rate of slowing can be selected by the shooter S to simulate that which is 
inherent with an actual projectile fired from the muzzle of an actual 
weapon of the type selected for use in combination with the present 
invention. 
Turning now to FIGS. 4 and 5 the head mounted virtual reality display 12, 
which in the illustrated embodiment includes a helmet 14, further includes 
a conventional internal concave configured screen 26 that fits over and in 
front of the eyes of the shooter S. As will be discussed in further detail 
below, during use of the apparatus 10 of the present invention, either: a 
moving target 28 will be displayed on the screen 26 of the head mounted 
display system 12; or, a visual display of an environmental image is 
provided on the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12 with a simulated 
target 28 being superimposed on the scene or environmental image so as to 
immerse the shooter S in the scene depicted upon the screen 26; or, a 
combined simulated target and visual display will be conjointly displayed 
on the screen 26 of the head mounted display system 12. 
As will be discussed below, in a preferred form of the invention, the 
apparatus 10 of the present invention allows the shooter to select both 
the environment as well as the particular simulated target 28 to be 
displayed on the screen 26 of the display 12. In a most preferred form of 
the invention, the simulated path of the target 28 can appear to angle 
toward or away from the shooter S, or the simulated path of the target 28 
can appear to come directly toward or over the shooter S, or, the 
simulated target path can appear to cross in either a left to fight or 
right to left direction across the screen 26 of the display 12o As will 
also be discussed below, in a preferred form of the invention, the shooter 
S can select the simulated velocities of the target 28 as it appears to 
move on the screen 26 of the display 12. 
Returning to FIG. 1, a light projector 32 is mounted and carried on the 
barrel 22 of the weapon 16. The light projector or barrel position 
indicator 32 directs a suitable light source such as two vertically spaced 
rays of light 31, 33 rearwardly toward the virtual reality head mounted 
display 12. In the illustrated form of the invention, the rays of light 
31, 33 produced by the projector 32 can be a normal light, infrared light, 
or other light forms that are readily detectable by sensors. 
Notably, two distinct levels of light are directed rearwardly toward the 
head mounted display by the light projector 32. During normal swinging 
movements of the weapon 16, the light projector 32 directs a first or 
lower level of light rearwardly toward the head mounted display 12. When 
the shooter S pulls the trigger 20 of the firing mechanism (FIG. 2), the 
light projector 32 rearwardly directs a second or higher level of light 
toward the head mounted display 12 for denoting the direction and position 
of the barrel 22 at the instant a simulated projectile exits the muzzle of 
the weapon 16. 
As furthermore illustrated in FIG. 3, the head mounted display 12 is 
provided with a barrel position sensor unit 34 for sensing the relation of 
the direction of the barrel 22 of the weapon 16 (FIG. 1) relative to the 
head mounted display 12. In the illustrated form of the invention, the 
barrel position sensor unit 34 is mounted on a front side 36 of the helmet 
14 and is capable of producing an output signal. 
Another side of the helmet 14 is provided with a virtual reality display 
sensor unit 40 which is likewise capable of producing an output signal. In 
the illustrated form of the invention, the virtual reality display sensor 
unit 40 is on a rear side 42 of the helmet 14. The purpose and function of 
the virtual reality display sensor unit 40 is to monitor and sense the 
relationship of the helmet 14 relative to a fixed reference location, 
schematically represented in FIG. 1, by reference numeral 44. The fixed 
reference location 44 is preferably provided by projecting a pattern of 
light on a wall or the like as by a light projector 46 (FIG. 1) forming 
part of a unit 50 (FIG. 3) described in detail below. The light projector 
46 preferably projects a cross-hair pattern 48 as shown in FIG. 1. 
As schematically represented in FIG. 3, the barrel position sensor unit 34 
on the front side 36 of the helmet 14 includes two vertically spaced and 
generally vertically aligned individual sensors 54 and 56. In a most 
preferred form of the present invention, the sensors 54 and 56 are 
designed to produce a common output signal in only that situation wherein 
both sensors 54 and 56 detect rays of light 31, 33 from the barrel 
position indicator 32. If the two sensors 54 and 56 do not conjointly 
detect the rays of light from the barrel position indicator 32, no output 
signal is produced or sent to the microprocessor 32. Using this design, 
the shooter S is taught to hold the weapon in a correct manner during the 
shooting exercise or training process. 
The virtual reality display sensor unit 40, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, 
preferably includes a sensor assembly 57. The sensor assembly 57 
preferably comprises arrays of individual sensors arranged in a 
rectangular pattern. That is, the sensor assembly 57 includes an upper row 
58 of individual light detecting sensors that extend generally 
horizontally across the rear side 42 of the helmet 14. The sensor assembly 
57 also includes a lower row 59 of individual light detecting sensors that 
extend horizontally across the rear side 42 of the helmet 14 beneath the 
upper row 58 of sensors. Moreover, the sensor assembly 57 preferably 
includes horizontally spaced and vertically disposed arrays or rows of 
light detecting sensors 60 that preferably extend between the upper and 
lower rows of light detecting sensors 58 and 59, respectively. As will be 
appreciated by those skilled in the art, each sensor in the rows of 
sensors 58, 59 and 60 is capable of producing an output signal in response 
to the individual detection of light thereby. As will be appreciated, the 
sensors in the rows of sensors 58, 59 and 60 individually sense the 
cross-hair pattern 48 indicative of the orientation of the head mounted 
display system 12 relative to the fixed reference location 44 and signal 
the unit 50 accordingly. 
The sensors 54 and 56 on the from side 36 of the helmet 14 and the 
individual sensors in each row of sensors 58, 59 and 60 are preferably 
from the class comprised of: infrared sensing monitors, normal light 
sensing monitors, optical fibers, and liquid crystals. In a most preferred 
form of the invention, the sensors used on the helmet 14 are somewhat 
"channelized" in their perception of light. That is, the individual 
sensors on the helmet 14 are unilaterally responsive to light projected to 
the front and rear faces or sides 36 and 42 of the helmet 14 such that 
only one or a relatively few of the sensors which are most in line with 
the fight monitored or detected thereby, whether such light is derived 
from the barrel position projector 32 or by the fixed location light 
projector 46, produce an output signal. 
Regarding the sensor assembly 57 on the rear side 42 of the helmet 14, in 
the event that more than one particular sensor in a row of sensors is 
activated by light, the orientation of the head mounted display 12 
relative to the fixed location 44 may be ascertained utilizing light 
weighing techniques known to be used to determine the amount of light 
exposure to which camera film is subjected in auto-exposure cameras. The 
accuracy of such light detection sensing techniques is demonstrated by the 
sensing system used to find the directional change of the M1A1 Abrams 
tank's cannon due to warpage of the barrel caused by the heat generated in 
firing repetitive or successive rounds. 
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, other devices for 
monitoring the position or tracking movements of the head mounted display 
system 12 relative to a fixed location are likewise intended to be within 
the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, rather than 
using the light projector 46 for projecting a fixed location 44, it is 
well within the spirit and scope of the present invention that a suitable 
light source be used to direct a beam of light directly toward the sensor 
assembly 57 on the rear side 42 of the helmet 14. Another alternative 
embodiment would involve the use of radio or magnetic signals for 
monitoring the position of the helmet 14 relative a fixed reference 
location. 
In an alternative embodiment of the invention, and as schematically 
illustrated in FIG. 1, the virtual reality display sensor 40 could be in 
the form of a gyroscope 49. In this alternative form of the invention, the 
gyroscope 49 would be used in lieu of the sensor assembly 57 mounted on 
the other side 42 of the helmet 14. The gyroscope 49 would produce an 
output signal indicative of the orientation of the head mounted display 12 
relative to a fixed location and would eliminate the need for the light 
projector 46. 
Turning again to FIG. 3, unit 50 includes a display assembly 61 that is 
operably connected to the head mounted display unit 12. In one form, the 
display unit 61 includes a scene projector 62 for providing a visual 
display of an environmental image to the screen 26 of the head mounted 
display 12 such that the shooters wearing the helmet 14 appears emersed in 
the environmental scene or image on the screen 26. The scene projector 62 
comprises an apparatus from the class comprised of: a video cassette 
recorder, a television, a film projector, a motion picture projector, a 
laser projector, an infrared light emitter, a visible fight emitter, a 
camera, or other suitable device capable of projecting images generated by 
video cassettes, compact discs, or other image storing methods. As such, 
the shooter S is permitted to choose the particular environmental image to 
be displayed on the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12. 
To allow various targets 28 to likewise be displayed on the screen 26 of 
the head mounted display 12, one form of the display apparatus 61 of unit 
50 further includes a target projector 64 that is operably coupled to the 
head mounted display 12. The target projector 64 provides a visual image 
of a path of travel of a moving target 28 on the environmental image for 
the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12. The target projector 64 
comprises an apparatus from the class comprised of: a CDI system, a video 
cassette recorder, a video disc projector, a television, a film projector, 
a motion picture projector, a laser projector, an infrared light emitter, 
a visible fight emitter, a camera, or other suitable device capable of 
projecting images generated by video cassettes, compact discs, or other 
image storing methods. As such, the shooter S is permitted to choose the 
particular path of travel of the target 28 to be displayed on the screen 
26 of the head mounted display 12 preferably in superimposed relation 
relative to the environmental image displayed by the display apparatus 61. 
The video cassettes, compact discs or other image storing devices utilized 
by the target projector 64 can display the image of the target 28 in 
different directions, different inclines, and at different speeds. When 
the shooter is practicing skeet, the target projector 64 preferably 
sequentially projects moving picture scenes taken from the various skeet 
stations showing the flight of the target 28 exactly as it occurs in real 
life. In any case, under all the various methods of projecting the target 
28, the shooter S may remain in one position at all times while targets 28 
of different directions and angles are presented to the shooter S. 
In an alternative embodiment, the display unit 61 can include a single 
apparatus for displaying both the environmental image or scene and the 
target onto the screen 26 of the head mounted display system 12. Such a 
display unit could be loaded with various programs or the like indicative 
of the image and target path desired for a particular environment. This 
alternative form of the present invention would preferably utilize a tape, 
a disc, or other suitable data recording medium associated therewith for 
indicating the disposition of the target at all times during its path of 
travel. That is, the informational data on the tape or disc would include 
information relating to the speed(s) of the target 28 and the external 
delay time required for a simulated projectile to reach the plane of the 
target could likewise be inputted to a microprocessor or computer 66 
forming part of unit 50 (as described below) as a function of the 
particular target selected by the shooter S. The tape or disc associated 
with the display unit 61 can be continuously coded with informational data 
relating to the target's path of travel so that such informational data is 
relayed to the computer or microprocessor 66 at the time the shot is taken 
by the shooter S. 
The computer or microprocessor 66 operably associated with unit 50 defines 
a central processing unit for the shooting simulating process and training 
apparatus 10 of the present invention. As will be appreciated by those 
skilled in the art, the central processing unit 66 is operably coupled to 
the visual display apparatus 61, the barrel positioning sensor unit 34, 
and the virtual reality display sensor unit 40. 
In that embodiment of the invention wherein the scene projector 62 and 
target projector 64 are individualized rather than arranged as one unit, 
and as schematically illustrated in FIG. 3, the central processing unit 66 
includes a scene positioning unit or apparatus 70 that receives signals 
from the virtual reality display sensor 40 and, in turn, controls the 
scene projector 62 of the visual display apparatus 61 such that the 
environmental scene on the concave screen 26 of the head mounted display 
system 12 is displayed as a function of the orientation of the helmet 14 
of the shooter S relative to the fixed location 44 as monitored by the 
sensor unit 40 in accordance with technology that is known in the art of 
virtual reality. 
In that embodiment of the invention wherein the scene projector 62 and 
target projector 64 are individualized rather than arranged as one unit, 
the central processing unit 66 furthermore includes a target positioning 
apparatus 72 that controls the target projector 64 of the visual display 
apparatus 61 to influence the presence and path of movement or travel of 
the target 28 on the screen 26 of the display 12, as presented to the eyes 
of the shooter S, just as it would appear to the shooter S if they were 
moving and viewing the scene projected on a fixed external wall, or in an 
actual setting in accordance with technology that is well known in the art 
of virtual reality. 
When the scene projector 62 and the target projector 64 are eliminated and 
only one apparatus is utilized to display both the target and the 
environmental image or scene on the head mounted display system 12, the 
apparatus for conjointly displaying both the scene and target would 
likewise be connected to the microprocessor 66. 
In addition to the foregoing, a simulated barrel position is also displayed 
on the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12 preferably in relation to 
the environmental scene on the screen 26 of the display 12 and relative to 
the target 28 moving through the environmental scene. As shown in FIGS. 4 
and 5, in a preferred form of the invention, the position of the barrel 22 
of the weapon 16 (FIG. 1) is displayed as a small "barrel position image" 
76 on the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12. The barrel position 
image 76 on the screen 26 of the display 12 is derived by the central 
processing unit 66 from a series of signals provided to the unit 50. That 
is, the barrel position image 76 is derived as a function of the 
relationship or orientation of the helmet 14 relative to the fixed 
location 44 as monitored by the virtual reality sensor unit 40, in 
conjunction with the barrel position sensor unit 34. Notably, the position 
of the barrel position image 76 is preferably displayed on the screen 26 
of the head mounted display 12 at all times while the scene is being 
portrayed or projected onto the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12 
until the shot has exited the muzzle of the weapon 16 and then the shot 
pattern or other shot indicator is "frozen" and displayed. 
As will be appreciated, in normal shooting situations, there is a certain 
"internal delay time" (measurable in fractions of a second) between when 
the trigger 20 (FIG. 2) of the weapon is sufficiently manipulated to 
"fire" the weapon 16 and the time a projectile exits the muzzle of the 
weapon 16. The internal delay time corresponds to the time between which 
the trigger sear of a gun slips, i.e. the point at which a trigger 20 is 
pulled, and the time at which the shot charge or projectile leaves the 
muzzle of the weapon 16. The internal delay time takes into consideration 
the time of the hammer to fall, the primer to explode, the powder to 
ignite and its gases expand and force the projectile through and out of 
the barrel 22 of the weapon 16. A circuit 77 (FIG. 2) or other suitable 
apparatus is embodied into the barrel position indicator 32 to provide the 
internal delay time. 
The position of the barrel 22 of the weapon 16 at the instant when a 
simulated projectile would leave the muzzle of the weapon 16, and after 
the expiration of the internal delay time, is simulated by causing the 
barrel position projector 32 to flash with a second or different level of 
light than was heretofore rearwardly shown by the projector 32. This flash 
of the barrel position projector 32 is sensed by the barrel position 
sensor 34 and the central processing unit 66 is signalled accordingly. 
For purposes that will become apparent from the following description, and 
as shown in FIG. 3, the unit 50 can further include an energizer apparatus 
80 coupled to the display assembly 61. The energizer apparatus 80 is 
operably coupled to and causes the display assembly 61 to display either: 
only the target 28 on the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12; or, 
the target 28 and environmental scene on the screen 26 of the head mounted 
display system 12. In a most preferred form of the invention, the 
energizer apparatus 80 is voice activated. 
In that embodiment of the invention, wherein the scene projector 62 and 
target projector 64 are individualized rather than arranged as a common 
unit and there is no data medium associated with the display assembly 61 
for specifically indicating the position of the target 28, the unit 50 may 
further includes a target timing apparatus 82 that is operably coupled to 
the target projector 64 for monitoring the extent of time the target 28 is 
projected onto the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12, and a target 
position memory 84. In that embodiment of the invention wherein the 
display assembly 61 includes a data recording medium such as a coded tape 
or disc containing informational data regarding the target, the target 
timing apparatus 82 can be eliminated. 
In the illustrated form of the invention, the target timing apparatus 82 is 
responsive to the energizer apparatus 80. In this manner, the central 
processing unit 66, which has been programmed with and thus "knows" the 
trajectory path of the target 28, and can calculate where the target 28 is 
along its predetermined path of travel as a function of the amount of time 
which passes since the target 28 initially appeared on the screen 26 in 
response to activation of the target projector 64 by the target energizer 
apparatus 80. 
During ting or practice, e.g. in the clay target game of skeet, the target 
28 appears on the screen 26 of the display 12 when the shooter S or other 
suitable person activates or energizes the energizer apparatus 80 thereby 
allowing the display assembly 61 to initially display or project either 
only the target 28 or the target and scene on the screen 26 of the display 
12. In a most preferred form of the invention, the shooter S calls "pull" 
and the voice activated energizer apparatus 80 thereby enables the display 
assembly 61 to project or otherwise display the target 28 or the target 
and the scene on the screen 26 of the head mounted display system 12. 
Suffice it to say, the target 28 appears to move through or along its 
predetermined path of travel on the screen 26 of the display 12 and 
preferably through the environmental image projected or otherwise 
displayed on the screen 26 by the display assembly 61. As mentioned above, 
the target 28 moves on the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12 at 
predetermined speeds and at selected angles to simulate various speeds, 
angles and distances representing those normally presented to a shooter at 
various skeet stations. In this regard, the microprocessor 66 includes a 
target position memory portion 84 that can be programmed with information 
concerning the exact location of the target 28 as it passes along 
different paths of travel or trajectories and at different speeds 
depending upon the particular target chosen by the shooter S at the onset 
of the training exercise. 
During use of the shooting simulator and training apparatus 10 of the 
present invention, the shooter S moves the weapon 16 to catch up to, pass 
and stay ahead of the simulated target 28 in order to "hit" it as the 
target moves along its predetermined path of travel. As the shooter S 
moves the weapon 16, the position of the barrel 22 of the weapon 16 in 
relation to the target 28 and preferably in relation to the environmental 
scene, is displayed or otherwise projected on the screen 26 of the display 
12 as the barrel position image 76 as a result of simultaneous signals 
from the barrel position sensor unit 34 and the virtual reality sensor 
unit 40, being inputted to the unit 50 that in turn causes the display 
assembly 61 to display the barrel position in a conventional well known 
manner. 
With respect to the particular embodiment of the invention schematically 
illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, as the shooter S moves in order to track the 
target 28 moving on the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12, the 
fixed light cross-hair pattern 48 coacts with the sensor unit 40 to 
monitor the orientation of the head mounted display 12 relative to the 
fixed location 44. As will be appreciated from an understanding of this 
embodiment of the invention, the cross-hair pattern 48 sequentially 
activates two individual sensors in the horizontal rows 58 and 59 of light 
detecting sensors of the sensor assembly 57 as well as and two individual 
sensors in the vertical rows 60 of light detecting sensors on the rear 
side or surface 42 of the head mounted display 12 thus determining the 
position of the environmental scene on the screen 26 of the display 12 
including the target 28 moving on the scene depicted on the screen 26. 
Contemporaneously, the light projected rearwardly from the projector 32 
sequentially activates the two individual sensors 54 and 56 on the front 
side or surface 36 of the head mounted display system 12. As mentioned 
above, if the weapon 16 is not correctly positioned by the shooter S, the 
sensors 54 and 56 will not detect the light emitted rearwardly from the 
barrel position indicator 32 and, thus, the unit 50 will inhibit the 
display assembly 61 from illustrating a display on the head mounted 
display system 12. When the weapon 16 is properly positioned, however, the 
sensors 54 and 56 detect such proper positioning and, thus, determine the 
position of the barrel position image 76 within the scene shown on the 
head mounted display 12. 
When the shooter S judges that a correct amount of forward allowance i.e. 
"lead" in front of the target 28, the shooter S pulls the trigger 20 of 
the weapon 16. When the shooter S pulls the trigger 20, and after 
expiration of the internal delay time, the barrel position projector 32 
causes the projector 32 on the barrel 22 of the weapon to direct a flash 
of different intensity light rearwardly toward the front side 36 of the 
head mounted display 12 which is detected by the barrel position sensor 
unit 34. When the barrel position sensor unit 34 detects the flash of 
light from the projector 32 indicative of the simulated shot or projectile 
leaving the muzzle of the weapon 16, the sensor unit 34 signals the target 
positioning memory portion 84 of the microprocessor 66 so that it can 
determine the position of the target 28 at such time. 
Simultaneously, the virtual reality display sensor unit 40 monitors the 
orientation of the helmet mounted display 12 relative to the fixed 
location 44. The two simultaneous outputs or readings from the barrel 
positioning sensor unit 34 and the display sensor unit 40 are applied to 
the microprocessor 66 which then determines the correct "external delay" 
time i.e. the time which is normally required for a shot charge, bullet or 
projectile to normally travel from the muzzle of the barrel of a weapon 
under actual conditions to the point where it intersects the vertical 
plane of any particular target 28. 
The external delay time or flight time of the simulated projectile can be 
determined by entering an input programmed lookup table into an external 
delay memory portion 88 of the computer or microprocessor 66 to generate 
the appropriate elapsed time for a simulated projectile to travel the 
distance to that point on the vertical plane of the target 28 simulated by 
the direction of the barrel 22 as monitored by the projection of the flash 
of light from the projector 32 toward the barrel position sensor unit 34, 
along with the simultaneous signals from the virtual reality display 
sensor unit 40 at the completion of the internal delay time. Preferably, 
the lookup table of the external delay memory portion 88 is preprogrammed 
or inputted, such as by a keyboard, into the microprocessor 66 based on 
the particular skeet station and shot, and projectile being simulated. 
Where a video cassette or disc is utilized to display the target 28, the 
external delay times may be inputted for any particular simulated shot by 
a signal from the video cassette or disk at the commencement of the 
display of the particular shot being taken. 
In that embodiment of the invention utilizing a separate target projector 
to display the target 28 on the scene of the head mounted display system 
12, at the time the target projector 64 commences to project the target 
image 28 onto the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12, the timer 
apparatus 82 is simultaneously activated and provides a signal to the 
microprocessor 66 indicative of the length of time the target 28 is moving 
until the light-emitting barrel position indicator or projector 32 flashes 
indicating the point at which the projectile exited the barrel 22 of the 
weapon 16 (i.e. after expiration of the internal delay)o Based on the 
particular target 28 chosen by the shooter S to be simulated on the screen 
26 of the head mounted display 12, the target position memory portion 84 
of the microprocessor 66 determines the position of the target 28 along 
its path of travel when the barrel position projector 32 flashes a light 
rearwardly toward the barrel position sensor 34 on the head mounted 
display indicative of the time the simulated projectile exits the muzzle 
of the weapon 16. 
The additional elapsed time attributable to the external delay or expectant 
flight time of the simulated projectile to reach the point on the path of 
the target at which it was directed when it exited the muzzle of the 
weapon 16 is computed by the external delay memory portion 88 of the 
microprocessor 66. The microprocessor 66 then calculates or otherwise 
ascertains the additional distance traveled by the target 28 during this 
external delay time and then the target-positioning apparatus 72 of the 
microprocessor 66 causes the target projector 64 to display the target 28 
at such position. 
As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art of weaponry, different 
weapons have different projectiles. That is, a rifle which fires a single 
bullet has a relatively small diameter bullet projected from the end of 
the muzzle of the weapon. On the other hand, other weapons, such as 
shotguns, offer a wider shot pattern. As will be appreciated, the further 
the distance from the muzzle of the weapon, the larger is the shot pattern 
associated with a shotgun. 
In a most preferred form of the invention, the computer 66 is programmed 
such that the shooter can furthermore modify the training process by 
indicating which weapon is being used and thereby choosing which shot 
pattern or army is going to be associated with the training process. In 
this regard, and as represented in FIG. 3, a shot display unit or 
apparatus 86 is operably associated with the computer 66. The shot display 
unit 86 has the ability to display a shot pattern 88 (FIG. 5) normally 
associated with a particular weapon (as chosen by the shooter S) on the 
screen 26 of the head mounted display 12. Of course, the pattern 88 
displayed in the screen 26 will be representative of the pattern that such 
shot would be expected to assume under actual conditions and given the 
distance traversed by the shot relative to the shooter S. 
Preferably, the pattern 88 representing the pellets of shot discharged from 
the muzzle of the weapon 16 is displayed on the screen 26 of the head 
mounted display 12 at the same relative position of the barrel position 
image 76 representing the point at which the shooter S was aiming when the 
simulated projectile would have exited the muzzle of the weapon 16. The 
function of the shot display unit 86 is to allow the relative positions of 
the both the target 28 and the shot pattern 88, at the point in time that 
the simulated projectile would have crossed the vertical plane of the 
target 28, to be displayed on the screen 26 of the head mounted display to 
show both whether a "hit" or a "miss" resulted and, if a "miss" resulted, 
where and by what relative distance the miss would have occurred, to 
enable the shooter S to correct their aim on the next shot. The shot 
pattern 88 could be of less intensity than the image of the target 28 or 
can merely be a circle. 
Returning to FIG. 3, unit 50 can further include a stop action apparatus 90 
to hold the superimposed images of the target 28 and the shot pattern 88 
(FIG. 5) generated by the shot display unit 86 on the screen 26 of the 
head mounted display 12 in stop motion until released by the shooter S. 
The stop action apparatus 90 is responsive to the flash of the second or 
different intensity of light from the projector 32 indicative of the 
simulated projectile exiting from the muzzle of the weapon 16. When the 
shooter S resets the shooting simulator and trainer apparatus 10 for the 
next shot, the target positioning memory portion 84 is likewise reset and 
the shot pattern display 88 is cancelled from the screen 26 of the head 
mounted 12. 
The internal delay time, i.e. the time between the trigger sear slipping 
and the exit of the shot from the muzzle of the barrel 22 (FIG. 1) of the 
weapon 16 is preferably inherent with the barrel position projector 32 so 
that a fixed delay elapses between the time the shooter pulls the trigger 
20 and the time the barrel position indicator projector 32 flashes. This 
exactly simulates the events which occur when actually shooting, since 
between the time the trigger sear slips and the time the shot exits the 
muzzle (i.e. the internal delay time) the shooter S may be increasing or 
decreasing the actual lead on the target 28 from that which the shooter S 
saw when the shooter S pulled the trigger 20, depending on whether the 
shooter S was swinging the barrel 22 of the weapon 16 so that the muzzle's 
point of aim on the vertical plane of the target 28 was moving more or 
less rapidly than the target 28 itself during this interval. 
Furthermore, in some situations, e.g. military or police targets, where 
longer ranges are simulated, the lookup table which can be inputted and 
interrogated by the microprocessor 66 and associated apparatuses can 
include information concerning the predetermined trajectory of the 
simulated projectile such as a bullet fired by any simulated cartridge, as 
well as other information. This will provide information which is relayed 
to the display assembly 61 to display the amount which the simulated 
projectile falls, and thereby, the corrective amount or degree, the muzzle 
of the barrel 22 of the weapon 16 should be held above the target 28 at 
any given simulated distance from the target 28, as well as the amount of 
lead required at such a distance. 
When various programs for the target positioning apparatus 72 of the 
microprocessor 66 are used in conjunction with the target projector 64, 
each point on the screen 26 of the target's path can be designated to 
represent a specific distance from the muzzle of the weapon 16 to simulate 
the path of any target 28 at any angles, distances and speeds. 
Furthermore, the target 28 can be made to slow down, as would a clay 
pigeon after leaving a trap, or speed up, as would a bird after being 
flushed. Moreover, the flight of the target 28 can be simulated to fall or 
rise along a desired path. Alternatively, tapes or discs showing actual 
pictures of various targets 28 in any type of shooting game (e.g. skeet, 
trap, duck tower, running boar, etc.) or moving military or police targets 
may be shown by the display assembly 61 and displayed on the screen 26 of 
the head mounted display 12. As mentioned above, such tapes or discs 
preferably include a recording medium that provides to the processor 66 
the exact location of the target 28 as it moves across the screen 26 of 
the display assembly 12. 
Various programs for the external delay memory portion 86 of the 
microprocessor 66 can be used to indicate the time of travel ("external 
delay") of a projectile having any given initial and interim velocities 
from the muzzle of the weapon to any point on the vertical plane of the 
target 28 as the distance to the target's vertical plane increases or 
decreases. Desirably, this simulation can be accomplished for any path, 
angle and distance of any target 28. In the event tapes or discs are 
utilized to display various targets, information concerning the external 
delays associated with the path of a particular target 28 can be inputted 
into the external delay memory 86 from the coded informational data on the 
tape or disc at the commencement of the target display. 
In those embodiments of the invention that do not utilize a tape or disc 
having the position of the target thereon, the timer apparatus 82 of unit 
50 can be used in conjunction with the target positioning memory portion 
84 of the microprocessor 66 to signal and indicate the time of travel and 
therefore the simulated position of the target 28. 
Based upon the simulated distances from the muzzle of the barrel 22 of the 
weapon 16, the microprocessor 66 calculates and determines the time of 
travel of the projectile to strike the plane of the target 28 having any 
direction, angle, and speed, along a desired straight or curved rising or 
falling path. The target position memory portion 84 of the microprocessor 
66 receives impulse signals from the target projector 64 at the inception 
of travel of the target 28 as well as from the barrel position sensor 34 
when it receives a flash of light directed rearwardly from the projector 
32 representing the simulated projectile at the time it is leaving the 
muzzle after expiration of the internal delay time. The microprocessor 66 
concurrently calculates or determines the position of the particularly 
chosen target 28 during its flight along a predetermined trajectory. 
The variable external delay portion 86 of the microprocessor 66 likewise 
receives signals from the barrel position sensor unit 34 and the virtual 
reality display sensor unit 40 simultaneously in order to determine and 
indicate the position of the barrel position image 76 (FIG. 2), i.e., the 
line of sight the shooter S had at the time the weapon was "fired" and 
after the expiration of the internal delay. The microprocessor 66 can be 
preprogrammed to indicate the time required for a shot charge or 
projectile of any given initial and interim velocities to reach all 
possible aiming points along the target's vertical plane (i.e. the 
external delay time). The microprocessor 66 automatically calculates and 
determines the distance the target 28 will travel during this external 
delay time until the projectile would reach that point on the vertical 
plane of the target 28 at which it was directed, and therefore the 
position of the target 28 at such time, for any angles, paths and speeds 
of the target and projectile, based upon signals and information relayed 
from the target positioning apparatus 72. 
In one form of the invention, and to enhance the training capacity of the 
present invention, the stop action apparatus 90 of the microprocessor 66 
cooperates with the target projector 64 to display and project the exact 
relative positions of any moving target 28 and the shot pattern or 
projectile 88 directed at such target 28 at the time such shot charge or 
projectile reaches the vertical plane of the target 28. 
Another embodiment of a virtual reality head mounted display is 
schematically illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 and is generally designated 
therein by reference numeral 112. The virtual reality head mounted display 
112 is similar, and functions in a similar manner to the helmet-like 
embodiment of the display described above. That is, the head mounted 
display 112 is coupled to the microprocessor and includes sensor units 134 
and 140. Suffice it to say, the sensor units 134 and 140 are essentially 
the same as sensor units 34 and 40 discussed above. The elements of the 
alternative embodiment of the head mounted display 112 indicated in FIGS. 
6 and 7 that are identical or functionally analogous to those of the 
helmet-like display 12 discussed above are designated by reference numeral 
in the 100 series. 
Suffice it to say, the head mounted display 112 comprises glasses 114 that 
fit about the head of the shooter S and are read fly removable when 
desired by the shooter S. The head mounted glasses 114 have two, 
relatively small screens 126 and 128 that fit over the eyes of the shooter 
S such that the shooter is immersed in the scene depicted or projected to 
the screens 126 and 128 by the display apparatus 61 (FIG. 3). Preferably, 
the two screens 126 and 128 are comprised of two liquid crystal monitors 
that display slightly different images which the shooter S who is wearing 
the display 112 perceives into one three dimensional view or image. 
With either embodiment of the head mounted display of the present 
invention, the training apparatus 10 of the present invention takes into 
account the distance and in what direction the muzzle of the weapon 16 
moves during the internal delay time in order to show the position of the 
shot charge or projectile when it reaches the vertical plane of the target 
28, thereby replicating the sequence of events which occurs under the 
actual shooting conditions. The training apparatus 10 of the present 
invention also simulates how the moving target 28 traveling at any speed, 
direction and distance may be hit with any type of charge or projectile 
possessing any initial and interim velocities and any trajectory. 
Furthermore, the shooting simulating processes and training apparatus 10 
of the present invention senses, detects, determines and displays the 
relative positions of the target and projectile after the projectile has 
reached the vertical plane of the target. 
If desired, different software programs can be inputted in the 
microprocessor 66 to simulate an infinite number of target speeds, 
directions, and angles in which the target 28 can be speeding up or 
slowing down, in combination with any number of different projectiles 
which can commence at any number of velocities and slow and drop at any 
number of rates. Moreover, and if so desired, information can be inputted 
to the microprocessor from a tape or disk for each shot type at the time 
the shot is called for by a signal from the video display unit 61. Such 
information can be provided through the energizer apparatus 82. Desirably, 
the shooting simulating processes and training apparatus 10 of the present 
invention is capable of visually showing results of shooting at a rapidly 
moving target where the distances from the muzzle of the gun to the target 
are changing rapidly during the time the shot is being taken. In 
particular, the shooting simulating processes and training apparatus 10 of 
the present invention accurately demonstrates the results of a shot taken 
at a rapidly moving target which is quartering away or towards the 
shooter, or even one which is quickly crossing the shooter's path at a 
right angle. In the case of a target which is rising or falling directly 
away from the shooter, the target's plane can be represented by various 
horizontal planes rather than a vertical plane, if desired. 
Whether the target timer apparatus 82 is used in conjunction with the 
target position memory apparatus 84 or whether a tape or disk having 
continuous information concerning the position of the target is used in 
conjunction with such target position memory apparatus 84, the central 
processing unit 66 always "knows" where the target 28 is as it moves on 
the screen 26 of the head mounted display 12. Unit 50 is programmable for 
each target 28 which the shooter S wishes to practice. That is, each such 
target's direction, inclination and speed are programmed into the unit 50 
so that for that target each point the screen represents a specific 
simulated distance to the target's plane and therefore a specific 
"external delay." Accordingly, the unit 50 "knows" where the target 28 is 
when the projector 32 flashes (after an internal delay) to indicate exit 
of the simulated projectile from the muzzle of the weapon 16, senses where 
the shot went, applies the appropriate external delay for that simulated 
distance and therefore knows where the target 28 is at the end of this 
delay which is the time the shot intersects the target's plane, and so can 
display the relative position of both at such time. 
Among the many advantages of the novel shooting simulating processes and 
training devices are: 
1. Outstanding performance and accuracy. 
2. Superior training. 
3. Excellent improvement of shooting skills. 
4. Better detection of target impact time and location. 
5. Enhanced tracking of moving targets and projectiles. 
6. User friendly. 
7. Simple to operate. 
8. Economical. 
9. Reliable. 
10. Convenient. 
11. Efficient. 
12. Effective. 
13. Realistic. 
Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, it is 
to be understood that various modifications and substitutions, as well as 
rearrangements of parts, components, equipment and process steps, can be 
made by those skilled in the art without departing from the novel spirit 
and scope of this invention.