Patent Publication Number: US-8523185-B1

Title: Target shooting system and method of use

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application claims the filing benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/462,467, filed Feb. 3, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention pertains generally to target shooting, and more particularly to a target shooting system which allows shooter control and provides target hit feedback. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Target shooting is a sport which is enjoyed by many people throughout the world. Target shooting can range from simple backyard target practice for entertainment, to highly competitive shooting contests. One form of target shooting employs guns such as airsoft guns. Airsoft guns typically comprise replica firearms (rifles and pistols) which shoot plastic projectiles (also known as pellets) by way of compressed gas, electric motors, or spring-driven pistons. Common uses for airsoft guns are competitive gaming (similar to paintball), military simulations, target shooting, military training, and recreation. While similar in operation to BB guns, airsoft guns fire lightweight plastic projectiles 6 mm in diameter instead of metallic 4.5 mm BBs. Airsoft guns also typically have a muzzle velocity of less than 180 m/s (600 ft/s), compared to a BB gun which may have a muzzle velocity of 365 m/s (1200 ft/s) or more. The combination of the lighter projectiles and the reduced muzzle velocity means that airsoft guns are generally considered safe when used in a controlled environment and with safety equipment like protective eyewear. In many applications, airsoft guns are used in conjunction with targets such as paper targets, mechanical targets, and the like. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a an interactive digitally addressable wireless target shooting system with embedded sensors, processor, and radio link for detecting and transmitting target hit information back to the shooter. A remotely mounted target assembly which can have multiple targets, detects airsoft pellet hits of a particular target, and transmits resultant target data over an addressable radio link to a computer device which gives the shooter feedback with either recorded audio, synthesized audio, or tactical feedback. A software application is active on the computer device, smart phone or internet website with different target training exercises including speed, precision, endurance, and multi-player operations both locally and networked on the internet. 
     The target assembly includes a microprocessor, radio link with addressing capability and embedded sensors attached to wood or other materials as remote targets for scoring time and accuracy of small ammunition fired at distance for training and entertainment. The target shooting system can use the internet as part of individual scoring or multi player internet based competition with dynamic audio and or tactical feedback from a computing device. The target shooting system can start out as a simple consumer target system and can scale to shooting ranges, law enforcement, military training exercises such as “room clearing” and other field operations and entertainment equivalents utilizing personal audio, public address audio or vibration form a receiving device for reactive feedback of a normally quite pellet shot from an airsoft gun. 
     In accordance with an embodiment, a target shooting system includes a gun which shoots a projectile. The target shooting system also includes a target assembly which has at least one target having a projectile sensor. The projectile sensor produces an electronic signal when a projectile shot by the gun hits the target. The target assembly further includes a target information processor which is connected to the projectile sensor. The target information processor receives and processes the electronic signal, and includes a transmitter which transmits a target hit signal when a projectile hits the target. The target shooting system further includes a system processor (such as a laptop computer) which has a receiver which receives the target hit signal from the target information processor, and when the target hit signal is received, outputs a target hit announcement. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target assembly includes a plurality of targets wherein each projectile sensor is connected to the target information processor. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target information processor includes a debounce detector which detects when a single projectile hits two targets. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target information processor transmitter also transmits a target ID along with the target hit signal. The system processor receives the target ID along with the target hit signal. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the system processor receives target hit signals and target IDs from a plurality of target assemblies. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target included a striker plate which has a front side and a rear side, the projectile sensor connected to rear side of the striker plate. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the striker plate is fabricated from hardwood. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target assembly includes a frame to which the striker plate is removably connected. The frame includes a cavity so that when the striker plate is connected to the frame the projectile sensor is adjacent to the cavity. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a plurality of striker plates are disposed in side-by-side spaced apart relationship. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the projectile sensor includes a piezoelectric device. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target information processor includes an analog-to-digital converter which processes the electronic signal received from the projectile sensor. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target hit announcement includes at least one of (1) an audio announcement, and (2) a tactile announcement. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a target shooting system application program is installed on the system processor, the target shooting application program for monitoring and controlling target shooting system operation. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target shooting system is connected to the internet, and the target shooting system application program is accessed by going to an internet website. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target shooting system application program causes the system processor to display target shooting system information. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target shooting system is connected to the internet, and the system processor is connected to system processors of other shooters via the internet. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the target information processor includes a receiver, and the system processor includes a transmitter. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the system processor has a USB port. The transmitter and the receiver of the system processor is a USB transceiver which plugs into the USB port. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, a target ID assignment is sent from the transmitter of the system processor to the receiver of the target information processor. The target ID assignment causes a target ID to be assigned to a target by the target information processor. 
     In accordance with another embodiment, the invention comprises a target assembly, the target assembly cooperating with a gun which shoots a projectile, a system processor, and a target shooting system application program. 
     Other embodiments, in addition to the embodiments enumerated above, will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the target shooting system and method of use. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a pictorial diagram of a target shooting system in accordance with the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the target shooting system; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the target shooting system; 
         FIG. 4  is a front side elevation view of a target assembly; 
         FIG. 5  is an edge elevation view of the target assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is an end elevation view of the target assembly; 
         FIG. 7  is a rear side elevation view of the target assembly; 
         FIG. 8  is an open front side elevation view showing the inside of the target assembly; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the target assembly; 
         FIG. 10  is a front perspective view of a target; 
         FIG. 11  is a rear perspective view of the target; 
         FIG. 12  is cross sectional view along the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 : 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged top plan view of a projectile sensor; 
         FIG. 14  is an enlarged side elevation view of the projectile sensor; 
         FIG. 15  is a block diagram of projectile sensors and a target information processor; 
         FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram of an A/D converter; 
         FIG. 17  is a timing diagram of a projectile sensor output electronic signal, and the processed output of an A/D converter; 
         FIG. 18  is a block diagram of a USB transceiver; 
         FIG. 19  is a diagram of a screen on a system processor displaying target shooting system information; 
         FIG. 20  is a block diagram of a first system network; and, 
         FIG. 21  is a block diagram of a second system network. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring initially to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , there are illustrated pictorial and block diagrams respectively of a target shooting system in accordance with the present invention; generally designated as  20 . Target shooting system  20  includes a gun  22  which shoots a projectile  24 . In the shown embodiment gun  22  is an airsoft gun which shoots plastic projectiles  24 . It may be appreciated however that other types of target shooting guns  22  and projectiles  24  could also be utilized in target shooting system  20  (e.g. BB guns). Target shooting system  20  further includes a target assembly  26  (also refer to  FIGS. 4-9  and the associated discussions) which includes at least one target  28  (also refer to  FIGS. 10-14  and the associated discussions). Target  28  includes a projectile sensor  30  which produces an electronic signal when a projectile  24  shot by gun  22  hits target  28 . 
     A target information processor  32  is connected to projectile sensor  30 . Target information processor  32  receives and processes the electronic signal from projectile sensor  30  (also refer to  FIG. 15  and the associated discussion). Target information processor  32  includes a radio frequency (rf) transmitter  33  (which can be a transceiver, refer to  FIG. 15 ) which transmits a target hit signal to a system processor  34  when a projectile  24  hits target  28 . In the shown embodiment, target information processor  32  transmitter  33  also transmits a target ID along with the target hit signal, which is also received by system processor  34 . In an embodiment, target shooting system  20  utilizes the 2.40-2.4835 gHz rf transmission band. Typically the target ID comprises a specific rf channel to which target  28  is assigned, along with a character set (e.g. 1111, 2222, AAAA, 1478) which identifies the particular target  28 . 
     Target information system  20  further includes a system processor  34  which has a rf receiver  35  which receives the target hit signal from target information processor  32 , and when the target hit signal is received outputs a target hit announcement. System processor  34  can be a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a smart phone, a pad-type computer, or any other digital processor, and is typically located within earshot of the shooter. The target hit announcement can be at least one of (1) an audio announcement (such as the sound of a shooting gun), and (2) a tactile announcement (such as through vibration of a smart phone). The audio announcement could also be wirelessly transmitted to an audio device such as a stereo system, or to an ear piece of a phone or other electronic device. In areas having high ambient noise which would mask an audio announcement, the target hit announcement can be transmitted using a Bluetooth connection to an electronic device such as a cell phone having an ear piece. The system processor can also display a hit announcement on a screen (refer to  FIG. 19 ). Further it is noted that, system processor  34  can receive target hit signals and target IDs from a plurality of target assemblies  26 . 
     In the shown embodiment, target information processor  32  also includes a receiver  31 , and system processor  34  includes a transmitter  33  (included in transceiver  35 ). That is, both target information process  32  and system processor  34  contain transceivers which provided for two way information exchange. A target ID assignment is sent from the transmitter  33  of system processor  34  to the receiver  31  of target information processor  32 . The target ID assignment causes a target ID to be assigned to a particular target  28  by target information processor  32 . In the shown embodiment, a USB transceiver  35  is plugged into a USB port on system processor  34  to effect the two-way communication with target information processor  32 . 
     Also in the shown embodiment, target shooting system  20  includes a target shooting system application program  36  (software) which is installed on system processor  34 . Target shooting application program  36  provides monitoring and control of target shooting system  20  operation. In one embodiment, target shooting system application program  36  is contained on computer storage media (such as a CD) which can be directly loaded on system processor  34 . In another embodiment, target shooting system  20  is connected to the internet, and target shooting system application program  36  is accessed by going to an internet website. In another embodiment, when system processor  34  is connected to the internet, it can be connected to system processors  34  of other remote shooters (such as in other cities or countries). With such a connection, target shooting system information (such as target hit signals, target ID, target ID assignment, etc.) can be exchanged with the other shooters, thereby creating a networked target shooting system. With the networked target shooting system, it is possible to for the shooters to participate in various shooting competitions and games. When target shooting system  20  is on a small network, other theatrical feedback effects are also possible (such as smoke, lights, doors, other sounds form distributed sound devices, and the like). 
       FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the target shooting system. In this embodiment, the target ID assignment feature of  FIG. 2  is not provided, and transmission is one way between target information processor  32  and system processor  34 . Also in this embodiment, receiver  31  of system processor  34  is embedded in system processor  34 , rather than being a separate element plugged into a USB port as in  FIG. 2 . And finally, there is no internet connection to other shooters in the second embodiment. However, it may be appreciated that the various features disclosed in  FIGS. 2 and 3  may be combined in other ways to form other embodiments of target shooting system  20 . For example the embedded receiver feature of  FIG. 3  could replace the USB transceiver  35  feature of  FIG. 2 , and so forth. 
     Now referring to  FIGS. 4-9 , there are illustrated front side elevation, edge elevation, end elevation, rear side elevation, open front side elevation, and perspective views respectively of target assembly  26 . Target assembly  26  includes one or more targets  28  at which the shooter shoots. Target assembly  26  includes a frame  40  to which at least one target  28  is removably connected (four targets  28  in the shown embodiment). Target  28  includes a striker plate  42  upon which target indicia  44  (e.g. a bullseye) is disposed. In the shown embodiment a plurality of striker plates  42  are disposed in side-by-side spaced apart relationship. Frame  40  includes a cavity  46  ( FIG. 8 ) so that when striker plate(s)  42  is connected to frame  40  the projectile sensor  30  located on the back of striker plate  42  is adjacent to cavity  46  (refer also to  FIG. 11  and the associated discussion). Cavity  46  serves as a resonate cavity tuned to the frequency of projectile  24  striking striker plate  42  of target  28 . This is similar to an acoustic drum that is tuned by the tightness of the skin of the drum. In this design approximately 5 cubic inches air space (per target  28 ) is provided based on the 3×7 in dimensions of target  28 . 
     In addition to targets  28 , target assembly  26  also includes projectile sensors  30  (one for each target  28 , refer to  FIG. 11 ), and target information processor  32  which in turn includes receiver  31 , and transmitter  33 . Target assembly further includes a power source  48  (such as batteries), and an OFF/ON switch  50 . Target assembly  26  further includes mounts  52  which are utilized to mount target assembly  26  to a tree or other support structure such as with bungee cords (refer to  FIG. 1 ). Mounting may either be vertical as is shown in  FIG. 1 , or horizontal. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  are front perspective and rear perspective views respectively of target  28 . Target  28  comprises a multi-layered structure which is removably attached to frame  40  (refer to  FIG. 9 ). The shooter aims at target  28 , and a hit is measured by projectile sensor  30  which senses the force of projectile  24  hitting the hard wood striker plate  42  or other material surface at close and long distance with a muzzle velocity of 180-600 fps typical of airsoft guns. Projectile sensor  30  is connected to the rear side of striker plate  42  and senses projectile  24  striking the front side of target  28 . In an embodiment, a hit will be registered if projectile  24  hits within an area which is about the size of a 50 cent piece, however the size of the hit area can be adjusted with component value changes in A/D converter  60  (refer to  FIG. 15  and the associated discussion). A protective clear sheet  54  (such as Lexan™) covers the front side of striker plate  42 . The shooter shoots at target indicia  44  which is placed between protective clear sheet  54  and striker plate  42 . In an embodiment, striker plate  42  is fabricated from a hardwood such as hickory, and is about 3 inches wide, 7 inches long, and ⅜ inches thick. 
     Projectile sensor  30  is adhered to the rear side of striker plate  42  with epoxy or hot glue. Striker plate  42  protects projectile sensor  30  from direct contact with projectile  24 , while also dampening and magnifying the projectile strike area. Wires are soldered to the piezoelectric sensor  30  which connect it to target information processor  32  (refer to  FIG. 2 ). 
       FIG. 12  is cross sectional view of target  28  along the line  12 - 12  of  FIG. 10 , showing striker plate  42 , projectile sensor  30 , protective sheet  54 , and target indicia  44 . To minimize moisture and water damage to projectile sensor  30  in an outdoor setting, a protective cover  56  such as rubber surrounds either the entire target assembly  26  cavity, or as shown surrounds projectile sensor  30 . 
       FIGS. 13 and 14  are enlarged top plan and enlarged side elevation views respectively of projectile sensor  30 , which is the shown embodiment is a piezoelectric device. In one embodiment, projectile sensor  30  is a piezoelectric device which is found typically in audio applications for battery operated consumer devices like watches, game machines but used in reverse in this application. The piezoelectric device is about 2.0 cm in diameter with two wires attached to ceramic and brass outer ring. Alternately, the target  28  surface may be solid materials notably quartz crystals, certain ceramics, or biological matter such as bone which responds like a piezoelectric device to applied mechanical strain. 
       FIG. 15  is a block diagram of projectile sensor  30  and target information processor  32 . These elements are housed in target assembly  26  (refer to  FIGS. 4-9 ). In the shown embodiment, target assembly  26  (refer to  FIG. 2 ) includes a plurality of targets  28  wherein each projectile sensor  30  is connected to target information processor  32 . The electronic circuitry housed within target assembly  26  includes the following elements:
         Projectile sensors  30 , one connected to each target  28     Analog-to-digital (A/D) converters  60 , one for each projectile sensor  30     Low power consumption microprocessor  62     Ultra low power rf transceiver  33 ,  31     Power supply  64         

     Projectile sensors  30  includes a piezoelectric device to which a small DC bias is presented at approximately 50% of the battery level. When a projectile  24  hits striker plate  42  of target  28 , this signal falls below 30% and triggers A/D converter  60 . In an embodiment, a Murata Manufacturing Co. Model #7BB-20-6 piezoelectric device is employed. 
     Target information processor  32  includes an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter which process the electronic signal received from projectile sensor  30 . In the shown embodiment target assembly has four targets  28  and therefore four projectile sensors  30 , each of which is connected to a separate A/D converter  60 . Also referring to  FIG. 16 , A/D converter  60  comprises a monostable pulse generator where the width of the output pulse is determined by the time constant of an RC network, which consists of a capacitor (C) and a resistor (R). The output pulse ends when the voltage on the capacitor equals ⅔ of the battery voltage. The output pulse width can be lengthened or shortened to the need of the specific performance desired by adjusting the values of R and C. 
     The output pulse width of time t, which is the time it takes to charge C to ⅔ of the supply voltage, is given by:
 
 t=RC  ln(3)≈1.1 RC  
 
where t is in seconds, R is in ohms and C is in farads.
 
     This circuit timing is empirically set to deal with four projectile  24  shots/sec or 240 projectile shots/minute. The pulse width timing was set to minimize the microprocessor on time for minimum power consumption and maximize the count of projectiles fired at target  28 . 
     Target information processor  32  further includes a microprocessor  62 . In an embodiment, microprocessor  62  is an ultra low power; low voltage micro-controller such as the Freescale© MC9S08 series which is mature from a software coding point of view, friendly with battery operation with many built in power saving techniques including sleep until external wakeup. This feature with software allows a rapid sensing of an external event as required in this circuit, build the code table, transmit and resume low power operation as a sequence. The role of microprocessor  62  is:
         1. Read shooter settings for sub channel address which is a switch on target assembly  32 , or transmitted from system processor  34  (refer to  FIG. 2 ). The sub channel address is part of the target ID.   2. Wait for target  28  to detect a projectile  24  hit.   3. Communicate a target hit and target ID to transmitter  33  for subsequent rf transmission to system processor.   4. After a hit, return all circuits to low power mode and wait for another hit.       

     Microprocessor  62  of target information processor  32  includes a debounce detector which detects when a single projectile  24  hits two targets  28 , such as by ricochet. The debounce feature is in part accomplished by A/D converter  60  which extends (broadens) the short time of microseconds of a projectile sticking target  28 , to milliseconds for measurement and de-bounce of pellets (refer to  FIG. 17 ). In essence, the debounce detector rejects a second hit signal which occurs within a specified time of a first hit signal. 
     In the shown embodiment, rf transmitter  33  and rf receiver  31  are included in an ultra low power single chip 2.4 GHz transceiver such as Nordic© nRF24L01 series integrated circuit. The nRF24L01+ is a single chip 2.4 GHz transceiver with an embedded baseband protocol engine suitable for ultra low power wireless applications. The nRF24L01 is designed for operation in the world wide ISM frequency band at 2.400-2.4835 GHz. Suitable for 126 RF channels native, and further dividable into 10 sub channels, which result in a theoretical channel separation of 1260 channels for close proximity of targets. The channel allocation can either be transmitted from system processor  34 , or could be made by a shooter-selectable switch provided on target assembly  26  (not shown). 
     Target information processor  32  further includes a power supply and optional energy harvest (solar power) section. Target assembly  26  is battery operated by 2 AAA batteries  48 . A goal is to leave target assembly  26  turned on and left in an outdoor setting. To this end, a solar harvest version 64 can be provided which will survive 5 years of operation outdoors. With a simple switch on target information processor, a shooter can either use non recharge alkaline batteries or a low self discharge NiMH with build in solar panel. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-15 , the sequence of events in target shooting system  20  includes: a shooter aims gun  22  at the target artwork  44  of target assembly  26 , which is protected by a clear protective sheet  54 . When a projectile  24  hits target  28 , projectile sensor  30  acquires a charge by mechanical stress (e.g. compression), vibration, and acoustic sound of projectile  24 , and produces an electronic signal. That is, projectile sensor  30  serves as a transducer which converts the mechanical energy of the projectile  24  strike into an electrical signal. The electronic signal output of projectile sensor  30  is routed to the input section (A/D converter) of target information processor  32 . The electronic hit signal is processed and shaped and then routed to microprocessor  62 . Low power, low voltage microprocessor  62  is then utilized to orchestrate all computational processes such as reading all targets  28 , preparing a code sequence based on preset software addresses and shooter adjustable sub-channel address of the target  28 , and communications with the rf transceiver) circuitry. The rf transceiver is responsible for preparing all this data and transmitting very small data payload of 6-32 bytes of information to the USB transceiver  35  of system processor  34 . This small payload data size is relevant to the low latency of data transmitted and the low power consumption of target shooting system  20 . USB transceiver  35  is plugged into a standard USB connector on system processor (computer device)  34 . System processor  34  uses the target hit and target ID information to (1) broadcast a target hit announcement (audio or tactile) to the shooter, (2) process and display target hit information, and (3) if in a networked environment, transmit and receive target hit information to and from other shooters. 
       FIG. 16  is a schematic diagram of A/D converter  60  which receives an electronic signal from projectile sensor  30 , and processes and shapes the signal for delivery to microprocessor  62 . 
       FIG. 17  is a timing diagram of projectile sensor  30  output electronic signal, and the processed output of A/D converter  60 . The electronic signal from projectile sensor  30  is lengthened for subsequent processing in microprocessor  62 . A/D converter  60  amplifis the electronic hit signal from projectile sensor  30 , and adds time enhancements for a signal duration that starts out in microseconds form a pellet hitting the surface of the target of measurements extended to hundreds of milliseconds or long enough signal and time conditioning suitable for microprocessor  62  to scan many targets  28  which may be part of the target assembly  26 . 
       FIG. 18  is a block diagram of USB transceiver  35  (refer to  FIG. 2 ). System processor  34  includes a USB port. The transmitter  33  and receiver  31  of system processor  34  are contained within USB transceiver  35  which is plugged into the USB port of system processor  34 . In an embodiment, USB transceiver  35  contains the same microprocessor  62  as target information processor  32  (refer to  FIG. 15  and the associated discussion), and also the same transmitter  33  and receiver  31  as target information processor  32 . 
       FIG. 19  is a diagram of a screen  70  on system processor  34  displaying target shooting system information. Target shooting system application program  36  causes system processor  34  to display a target shooting scoreboard  72  (target scoring system) as well as other target shooting system  20  information. In the shown embodiment, the target shooting system scoreboard  72  indicates the total number of times a target assembly  26  has been hit (e.g. 27 times), and further shows (by a colored light) which target  28  has just been hit (e.g. target # 3 ). Other target shooting system information such as selectable game parameters of game type, difficulty, # of players, target, voice type for target hit announcement, hit sound, and miss sound. The target shooting system application program  36  which controls the system processor  34  display can either be accessed by going to an internet website (e.g. www.shootmyash.com), or directly loading the application program into system processor  34 . In normal operation, the shooter is not expected to be looking at the system processor  34  except at the beginning and end of a shooting sequence, and therefore audio feedback and sound effects are key to this application and scenario. 
     As target shooting system  20  is interactive by design in terms of training or entertainment there are many possible scenarios of how it can be utilized, as is described below: (also refer to  FIGS. 1-15 ) 
     Scenario 1: 
     The shooter wants to train with random audibly-directed targets  28  to aim at for some amount of time. 
     1. A target assembly  26  is mounted to a structure such as a tree and turned on. 
     2. A supplied USB radio transceiver  35  is plugged into system processor  34  (e.g. a laptop computer or other computing device such as a cell phone carried by the shooter). 
     3. The shooter selects this particular game type from software  36  running on laptop  34  from a pull down menu. 
     4. An audio signal from the laptop  34  directs the shooter audibly which target  28  to shoot at. 
     5. The shooter aims gun  22  and shoots at the directed target  28 . 
     6. A projectile  24  is fired by the shooter with an expected muzzle velocity of 180-600 fps at the target  28 . 
     7. The target assembly  26  has one or more targets  28  which can detect when projectile  24  hits the target  28 . 
     8. A hit is sensed by projectile sensor  30  and passed to A/D converter  60  for signal conditioning. Microprocessor  62  then converts the hit into a code structure which looks like key codes utilizing a standard convention that any web browser can understand similar to wireless keyboard used on traditional personal computers. Example the letter “a” is ASCII hex code  61  and key code is 97.
 
9. Transmitter  33  then modulates this keyboard code into a radio frequency RF signal of 2.4 GHz unlicensed radio spectrum, and transmits the signal to system processor  34 . Or target  28  could use many other radio frequency spectrum then 2.4 GHz 802.15.4. Transmitter  33  could be licensed band used by satellite or cellular phone data providers and have an individual MAC and IP address similar to cell phone data connect. The unlicensed spectrum rf signal utilized has a legal range of approximately 30 ft or 10 meters or enough to reach the UBS transceiver  35  which is plugged into system processor  34 .
 
10. The system processor  34  (e.g. laptop computer) upon receiving the signal through the USB transceiver  35  from target  28 , under software  36  control tests whether the expected sub-target  28  is activated or not.
 
11. An audible sound from system processor  34  acknowledges a hit, and can also acknowledge a miss, with selectable sound effects (such as a high power gun sound for a hit, and the sound of a water splash for a miss). For example, assume that system processor  34  directed the shooter to shoot at target # 3 , If target # 3  is hit within a predetermined period of time (e.g. 5 seconds), then system processor  34  emits an audible hit sound. However, if target # 3  is not hit within the predetermined period of time, an audible miss sound will be emitted. Or, if another target (e.g. target # 2 ) is hit instead of target # 3 , a miss sound will also be emitted.
 
12. At the conclusion of a training or game sequence, the shooter has an option of posting his/her score on the internet, simply save the score, or do nothing.
 
Scenario 2:
 
     The shooter wants to randomly shoot at targets  28  with audible feedback and possibly on screen scoring, and saving or posting final results to the internet. 
     1. Shooter selects this particular game type from software  36  running on system processor  34  from a pull down menu. 
     2. Shooter aims with shooters discretion at any target  28  and gets back audible feedback of success or failure with shooter selected sound effects. 
     3. At the conclusion of training or game sequence, the shooter has the option to post the score to the internet, simply save the score, or do nothing. 
     Scenario 3: 
     As airsoft has many possible games scenarios, time accuracy aspects added to existing games played by airsoft players. Capture the flag and various death matches simulated war games and other training exercises were the target may not be on a target range but elsewhere in the field such as the flag itself. 
     In terms of use, a method for target shooting includes: (refer to  FIGS. 1-19 ) 
     (a) providing a target shoot system  20  including:
         a gun  22  which shoots a projectile  24 ;   a target assembly  26  including:
           at least one target  28  having a projectile sensor  30  which produces an electronic signal when projectile  24  shot by gun  22  hits target  28 ;   a target information processor  32  connected to projectile sensor  30 , target information processor  32  receiving and processing the electronic signal, and target information processor  32  including a transmitter  33  which transmits a target hit signal when a projectile  30  hits target  28 ;   
           a system processor  34  having a receiver  35  which receives the target hit signal from target information processor  32 , and when the target hit signal is received outputs a target hit announcement; and,   a target shooting system application program  36  which is installable on system processor  34 , target shooting application program  34  for monitoring and controlling target shooting system  20  operation;       

     (b) installing target shooting system application program  36  on system processor  34 ; 
     (c) using gun  22  to shoot projectile  24  at target  28 ; 
     (d) projectile  30  hitting target  28  and target information processor  32  transmitting a target hit signal to system processor  34 ; and, 
     (e) system processor  34  outputting a target hit announcement. 
     The method further including: 
     in (b), target shooting system application program  36  causing system processor  34  to display target shooting system information. 
     The method further including: 
     in (a), target assembly  26  including a plurality of targets  28  wherein each projectile sensor  30  is connected to target information processor  32 ; and, 
     in (d), projectile  30  hitting one of the plurality of targets  28 . 
     The method further including: 
     in (a), target information processor  32  including a debounce detector which detects when a single projectile hits two targets  28 ; and, 
     in (d), debounce detector detecting if projectile  30  hits two targets  28 . 
     The method further including: 
     in (d); target information processor transmitter  33  also transmitting a target ID along with the target hit signal; and, 
     in (d), system processor  34  receiving the target ID along with the target hit signal. 
     The method further including: 
     in (d), system processor  34  receiving target hit signals and target IDs from a plurality of target assemblies  26 . 
     The method further including: 
     in (e), the target hit announcement including at least one of (1) an audio announcement, and (2) a tactile announcement. 
     The method further including: 
     in (a), target shooting system  20  connected to the internet; and, 
     in (b), target shooting system application program  36  accessed by going to an internet website. 
     The method further including: 
     prior to (c), providing an internet connection; 
     prior to (c), using the internet connection to connect system processor  34  to system processors  34  of other shooters; and, 
     during (d), transmitting the target hit signal to the system processors  34  of other shooters. 
     The method further including: 
     in (a), target information processor  32  including a receiver  31 , and system processor  34  including a transmitter  33 ; and, 
     before (c), sending a target ID assignment from transmitter  33  of system processor  34  to receiver  31  of target information processor  32 , the target ID assignment causing a target ID to be assigned to a target  28  by target information processor  32 . 
     The method further including: 
     in (a), system processor  34  having a USB port; 
     in (a), receiver  31  of system processor  34  being a USB transceiver  35  which plugs into the USB port: and, 
     prior to (c), plugging USB transceiver  35  into the USB port. 
       FIG. 20  is a block diagram of a first system network, which includes more than one system processor  34 . Also referring to  FIG. 15 , as previously discussed a single system processor  34  can communicate with one to many target information processors  32 . When there is more than one additional system processor  34  involved in overall scoring or competition the second or third or more system processors  34  may be in one of three configurations:
         Close physical proximity: utilizing channel and addressing techniques discussed above   Private network: wired or wireless networking of computers in a local area network   Internet connection: two or more people playing live against each other or from internet server archives because of time zone differences.       

     System processor # 1  can run one to may software applications at the same time: The basic software application is a browser pointing to a program for scoring and audible feedback of targets hit. The final score may be either saved locally or posted to a server locally or live on the internet. 
     System processor # 2  is running the same software with the same functionality. 
     System processor # 3  is either a dedicated computer, or a hosted internet service for storage of scores, people involved, guns used, range configuration, geo-location. System processor # 3  may physically be a new dedicated computer or software running on either system process # 1  or system processor # 2 . 
     When system processors  34  communicate to other commuters they are individually identifiable with a unique electronic serial number. When target information processors  32  talk to system processors  34  each individual target  28  is addressable by unique code on a unique channel. When system processors  34  with target information processors  32  are on the network each target  28  from each system processor  34  is individually known and therefore internet competition is possible. 
     Head  2  head: is real-time enhanced server software running on Computer  3 . An embodiment utilizes Apache Web server which is the market leader in web serving software with more than 66% market share worldwide. This software allows a remote device with a browser to load and execute applications just like it was on the internet. An embodiment includes custom software which allows for scheduling of players and connecting those players in real time on the internet or private net. 
     Leader board is a hosted application on the internet for archiving scores of various players around the world for competition, entertainment and training purposes. This leader board is built from the software described above; web server, real-time communication module, data base for players, statistics, guns used, range configuration, target layout and other relevant target shooting information. Weather, winds, time . . . . 
     An operator will have some type of login and password for posting and retrieving local player&#39;s scores, new games created and scheduling for live play. A player would have some type of login and password means to post individual or team scores and schedule games. 
       FIG. 21  is a block diagram of a second system network. Audio feedback and tactical feedback is critical to this invention. In the case of utilizing handheld devices like an iPhone and other Smartphone&#39;s without a physical connector to directly communicate to the target controller. System Processor # 1 , # 2  or # 3  in  FIG. 21  may have Wifi build into the system processor and is activated by software as a hotspot or Wifi accesses point to allow many Wifi devices like iPhone to activate the application. 
     System processor # 1 , # 2 , or # 3  in this case has been turned into a WiFi access point with only software to allow Wifi devices to communicate directly to a local handheld device like an iPhone. The iPhone points to the address of the computer # 1  with the iPhone built-in browser and can play all games currently available. 
     AUDIO option: As audio output from an iPhone could be drowned out by local ambient noise the shooter may elect to use their Bluetooth headphone in  FIG. 21  where a Wifi mobile device like an iPhone communicates with  FIG. 21  systems processor # 1 , # 2 , or # 3  over Wifi and communicates with the shooters personal Bluetooth device from the same iPhone believed to be carried in his pocket for feedback of what to shoot at next or feedback from previous shot. 
     The system processor and radio system co-exists with both Wifi and Bluetooth and allow this multi radio, multi standard system of target detection to system processor # 1 , and system processor # 1  acting like a Wifi access point, communicating to a handheld device (probably in pocket) for further communication to a wireless Bluetooth headset. 
     The embodiments of the target shooting system and method of use described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, combinations, variations, and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve an equivalent result, all of which are intended to be embraced within the scope of the appended claims. Further, nothing in the above-provided discussions of the system and method should be construed as limiting the invention to a particular embodiment or combination of embodiments. The scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.