WO2011132068A2

WO2011132068A2 - A simulated shooting device and system

Info

Publication number: WO2011132068A2
Application number: PCT/IB2011/000875
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolaas Jacobus Van Der Walt; Frederick Rudolphus Bezuidenhout; Willem Abraham Stefanus Fourie
Original assignee: Nicolaas Jacobus Van Der Walt; Frederick Rudolphus Bezuidenhout; Willem Abraham Stefanus Fourie
Priority date: 2010-04-23
Filing date: 2011-04-21
Publication date: 2011-10-27
Also published as: US20130040268A1; ZA201208743B; WO2011132068A3

Abstract

A simulated shooting device (10) comprises a portable body (12) in the shape of a hunting rifle with a barrel (18) extending outwardly at an operatively front end (20) of the device. The device includes a digital camera unit (34) mounted on the body and activated by a trigger (50) to take a photograph of a target object at which the barrel and camera unit are pointing when the trigger is pulled, the photograph being stored in a digital memory (102) in the body for later retrieval and analysis. A recoil mechanism (52) is provided in the body to generate recoil when the trigger is pulled, and a gunshot emulator (54) generates the sound of a gunshot. A laser rangefinder (40, 42) is provided to measure the distance to the target object at the moment the trigger is pulled. Other components are also activated upon pulling of the trigger, including a GPS unit (104), receiver for a heart rate monitor (106), wind speed meter (108), digital magnetic compass (110) and temperature sensor (112), so as to store information associated with the photograph on the digital memory for later retrieval and analysis.

Description

A SIMULATED SHOOTING DEVICE AND SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a simulated shooting device and system. More specifically, the invention relates to a simulated shooting device and system in which photographs of targeted objects are acquired rather than projectiles being fired. BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Various devices have been proposed to recreate the experience of hunting without harming animals. Rifle-style cameras that facilitate simulated shooting have been disclosed that use mirrors to split the image received from a telescopic sight mounted on a rifle-shaped device. A photograph of the image received by the sight can be taken by pulling a trigger which, instead of causing a projectile to be fired, is connected to the camera shutter. Cross-hairs may be superimposed onto the photograph image to show the position at which the shooter was aiming when the photograph was taken. In other devices, a laser dot may be shone onto the target to indicate the position at which the shooter was aiming when the photograph was taken. Examples of such devices are disclosed in US patent number 3,709,124, US patent number 5,845,165 and UK patent publication number GB 2323912. Devices also exist in which simulated shooting can be conducted in a firing- range type environment, where images are generated on screens and firearm-like devices are used to fire at the images. Examples of such devices are disclosed in U.S. patent 4,955,812 and UK patent publication GB 2268252. Devices which include rangefinders for determining the distance to a target so as to calculate the likely impact point of a virtual projectile have also been described. An example of such a device is disclosed in PCT publication WO 98/49514. A drawback of the device disclosed in WO 98/49514 is that it does not provide a particularly realistic hunting experience; the use of the device being more akin to use of a camera than that of a hunting rifle, since the result of pulling the trigger is simply the click of a camera shutter. This reduces the appeal of the device for those who want to experience the thrill of hunting.

Devices have been proposed that include cameras fitted onto actual firearms for taking an image of a shot, where the firearm is fired either with live or blank ammunition. An example of such as device is disclosed in European Patent publication EP 0330886A1. While using such a system together with blank ammunition would provide a more realistic hunting experience than the other devices mentioned, using an actual firearm has the drawback that the appropriate weapon and hunting licenses are required. The use of such devices has therefore primarily been limited to training for military personnel.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a device and system for simulated shooting which facilitates a more realistic hunting experience than existing devices but which does not rely on the use of an actual firearm and is consequently safe to be operated by unlicensed users, in conservation areas and out of ordinary hunting season.

In this specification, the term "trigger" includes any form of mechanical or electronic activation means, including push-buttons. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the invention there is provided a simulated shooting device comprising a portable body in the shape of a firearm with a barrel extending outwardly at an operatively front end of the device, the device including a digital camera unit mounted on the body and activated by a trigger to take a photograph of a target object at which the barrel and camera unit are pointing when the trigger is pulled, the photograph being stored in a digital memory in the body for later retrieval and analysis, wherein a recoil mechanism is provided in the body to generate recoil when the trigger is pulled.

Further features of the invention provide for the device to be in the shape of a hunting rifle with a shoulder stock at an operatively back end of the device and an intermediate portion connecting the shoulder stock and barrel.

Still further features of the invention provide for the device to include a laser rangefinder mounted on the body or provided integral with the camera unit for measuring the distance to the target object when the trigger is pulled; the measured distance being stored in the digital memory in association with the photograph.

Yet further features of the invention provide for the body to include a gunshot emulator operable to create a sound similar to a gunshot when the trigger is pulled; for the gunshot emulator to include a pin that strikes a firing cap; and for the pin to be actuated by one of an electric solenoid, a compressed gas canister, or a spring mechanism; alternatively or in addition, for the gunshot emulator to include a speaker or headphone port for playing a pre-recorded sound of a gunshot.

Further features of the invention provide for the device to include a telescopic sight for aiming at the target object and with which the camera unit is integrated, the telescopic sight including an image-splitter for splitting the image received by the sight between an eyepiece of the sight and the camera unit so that the camera unit field of view is the same as the field of view seen by a user through the eyepiece of the telescopic sight.

Still further features of the invention provides for the recoil mechanism to include a compressed gas canister and a movable piston connected to an abutment head at the operatively back end of the device, the mechanism being operable to exhaust an amount of gas from the canister so as to move the piston and drive the abutment head against a user's shoulder.

Yet further features of the invention provide for the device to include a GPS unit; and for the GPS unit to record the position of the device onto the digital memory when the trigger is pulled; and for the GPS unit to record the movement of the device over a selected time.

Further features of the invention provide for the device to include a receiver for receiving signals from a heart rate monitor worn by a user; and for the heart rate of the user at the instant the trigger is pulled to be stored on the digital memory.

Still further features of the invention provide for a wind speed meter to be built into the device; and for the wind speed and direction to be recorded onto the digital memory at the moment at which the trigger is pulled.

Yet further features of the invention provide for a digital magnetic compass to be built into the device; and for the direction in which the barrel and camera unit are pointing to be recorded onto the digital memory at the moment at which the trigger is pulled. Further features of the invention provides for a digital temperature sensor to be built into the device; and for the ambient temperature to be recorded onto the digital memory at the moment at which the trigger is pulled. Still further features of the invention provide for an interface to be provided on the device which permits one of a number of predefined weapon calibres to be selected by a user.

Yet further features of the invention provide for the body to include a processor and for the interface to include a digital display and associated buttons by means of which the photographs can be viewed and options can be selected; and for the body to include a data transfer port or digital memory slot by means of which the digital photographs and other data can be downloaded onto a computer for further processing by a software program.

Further features of the invention provide for the data downloaded onto a computer to include one or more photographs and, associated with each photograph, a digital file with data representing one or more of: the distance to the target object, the selected weapon calibre, the heart rate, wind speed, GPS position, compass direction and temperature.

Still further features of the invention provide for the software program to be configured to use the photograph, distance to the target object, selected weapon calibre and pre-programmed bullet trajectory data associated with the selected weapon calibre to compute the drop of a bullet and to indicate the point of impact that an actual bullet would have had on the target object.

Yet further features of the invention provide for the software program to be configured to identify the targeted animal through image recognition (e.g. of the outline of the animal or its distinguishing coat or horns); and after identification to display the point of impact on a skeletal and muscular view of the animal, and then to grade the shot by indicating, for example, whether the shot would have been a kill shot, a miss, a limb shot or the like.

The invention extends to a system for simulated shooting comprising a simulated shooting device and an associated software program to be operated on a computer connectable to the device, the device including a body in the shape of a firearm with a barrel extending outwardly at an operatively front end of the device, a digital camera unit mounted on the body and activated by a trigger to take a photograph of a target object at which the barrel and camera unit are pointing when the trigger is pulled and to store the photograph on a digital memory in the body, a laser rangefinder mounted on the body or integral with the camera unit for measuring the distance to the target object when the trigger is pulled and storing the measured distance on the digital memory, a recoil mechanism in the body operable to generate recoil when the trigger is pulled, and a gunshot emulator in the body operable to create a sound similar to a gunshot when the trigger is pulled, the software program being configured to use the photograph and the distance to the target object to compute the expected drop of a bullet and to indicate the point of impact that an actual bullet would have had on the target object.

Further features of the invention provide for the software to indicate the point of impact by overlaying a dot or cross at the appropriate point on the particular photograph; for the software to be configured to identify an animal displayed as the target object, either through a manual identification by the user, or through automatic image recognition which could be based on the outline of the targeted animal or distinguishing features of its coat, horns etc; for the software program to be operable to display the point of impact on a skeletal or muscular two or three-dimensional view of the animal so as to indicate where the point of impact would have been in relation to the animal's vital organs; and for the software to rank the shot as a kill shot, a miss shot, limb shot or the like. Still further of the invention provide for the software program to include a portal which allows the details of the hunter to be selected and historical details displayed, including the heart rate per shot (average, maximum, minimum), walking distance per shot, time of day vs. accuracy, preferred calibre weapon, percentage of kill shots as well as information on the location of those shots, percentage of miss shots, and percentage of wounding shots.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawings:-

Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a simulated shooting device according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a cross sectional elevation of the telescopic sight of the device;

Figure 3 is a lens diagram showing the path that light travels through the telescopic sight;

Figure 4 is a block diagram of the hardware components of the device of the invention; Figure 5 is a screenshot of one possible interface for a software program to be operated in conjunction with a simulated shooting system according to the invention;

Figure 6 shows an example screenshot of an interface page where the point of impact is overlain on a muscular view of the identified animal; Figure 7 shows an example screenshot of a page for the software program which allows the details of a hunter to be selected and historical details displayed;

Figure 8 is a screenshot in which a particular shot is shown in detail;

Figure 9 is a screenshot of a trophy room of the software program; Figure 10 is a screenshot of a page showing the available weapon types and calibres; and

Figures 1 A to 11C are screenshots of pages giving information on animals.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION WITH REFERENCE TO THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 shows a simulated shooting device (10) which includes a portable body (12) in the shape of a hunting rifle with a shoulder stock (14) at an operatively back end (16) of the device, a barrel (18) extending outwardly at an operatively front end (20) of the device, and an intermediate portion (22) connecting the shoulder stock and the barrel. The device is not an actual weapon and is not able to fire any projectile. A telescopic sight (24) is mounted on the intermediate portion and is used for aiming at a target object. In one embodiment, the telescopic sight provides optical zoom of between 4 and 12 times. Figure 2 shows the telescopic sight in more detail. The sight includes an eyepiece (26) through which a user looks, and an arrangement of lenses (28, 30) for producing the desired magnification. A first image splitter (32) is mounted in the sight for splitting the image received by the sight between the eyepiece and a camera unit (34). The image splitter may be an arrangement of mirrors that projects the image received by the sight so that the camera unit's field of view is identical to the field of view seen by a user through the eyepiece (26). A reticle or crosshairs (27) is provided in the telescopic sight to assist with aiming. The camera unit may include an additional lens (36) to correctly focus the light onto the digital sensor of the camera unit, and the camera unit may include a CCD (charge-coupled device) sensor.

In this embodiment, the telescopic sight (24) includes a second image splitter (38) which splits the light received by the sight to a laser rangefinder detector (40) which is provided integral with the sight. The laser rangefinder detector (40) works together with a laser rangefinder transmitter (42) which is mounted adjacent to the sight, so as to measure the distance between the sight and a target object at which the telescopic sight is pointing.

Figure 3 is a lens diagram showing how image splitters (32, 38) work to split the images. In Figure 3, the sight is being viewed from its other side so the left-right orientation has been reversed. As can be seen, the light entering the scope is split by the image splitters (32, 38) so as to direct the same image to the camera unit (34) and the laser rangefinder detector (40).

The telescopic sight is made from coated aluminium to high durability and low weight, and is pressure sealed with nitrogen so as to keep dust and moisture from interfering with the lenses, camera unit or rangefinder detector.

Referring back to Figure 1 , the body has a trigger (50) which, when pulled, causes the camera unit to take a digital photograph of the target object which is in the field of view of the telescopic sight and causes the laser rangefinder to measure the distance to the target object. The body also includes a number of other features which are actuated simultaneously with the taking of the photograph. The first such feature is a recoil mechanism (52) provided in the shoulder stock which is operable to generate recoil against a user's shoulder upon pulling of the trigger. In a preferred embodiment, the recoil mechanism (52) includes a compressed gas canister and a movable piston (not shown) connected to an abutment head at the operatively back end of the device, the mechanism being operable to exhaust an amount of gas from the canister so as to move the piston and drive the abutment head against a user's shoulder. The gas canister may hold compressed air or, in a preferred embodiment, compressed carbon dioxide gas (which has a higher specific gravity). The recoil can be varied (e.g. soft, medium or hard recoil) by changing the amount of gas that is exhausted, the recoil strength being selected depending on the chosen weapon calibre as explained below.

A gunshot emulator (54) is also provided and is operable to create a sound similar to a gunshot when the trigger is pulled. In one embodiment, the gunshot emulator is provided in the barrel of the device and includes a pin (not shown) that strikes a firing cap (not shown) containing explosive powder. The cartridge may be inserted into the barrel through an opening covered by a sliding hatch, and the pin may be actuated by various means, including by an electric solenoid, compressed gas or a spring mechanism. In an alternative embodiment, the gunshot emulator includes a speaker or headphone port for playing a pre-recorded sound of a gunshot that a user can listen to and optionally switch off. It is specifically envisioned that the user may wish to wear headphones so as to prevent the device from making a loud noise which could frighten an animal, but which nevertheless provides a more realistic hunting experience by including a the sound of a gunshot. A switch could then be provided on the body by means of which the gunshot emulator could be turned on or off. A switch could also be provided for switching the recoil mechanism on or off. Built into the shoulder stock of the device is an electronic processor and digital memory mounted on a printed circuit board (not shown in Figure 1). The processor communicates with the camera and the rangefinder to store the photograph and the measured distance on the digital memory for later retrieval and analysis, as will be further described below. The electronic components of the device are powered by a rechargeable battery pack which is also housed in the shoulder stock (14). The body includes a data transfer port or digital memory slot (56), such as a USB port or SD card slot, by means of which the digital photographs and other associated data can be downloaded on to a computer for further processing by a software program. In use, as soon as the trigger is pulled, a photograph of a target object (typically an animal) at which the telescopic sight is pointed is taken and stored on the digital memory, the distance to the target object is measured by the laser rangefinder and stored on the digital memory, the recoil mechanism generates a recoil and the gunshot emulator is actuated to create a sound similar to a gunshot. This provides the user of the device with an experience closely akin to that of shooting an actual rifle.

Figure 4 shows the hardware components of the device and the direction in which data or control information flows. As explained, pulling of the trigger (50) actuates the recoil mechanism (52) and the gunshot emulator (54). The trigger also causes the processor (now numeral 100) to obtain a digital photograph from the camera unit (34) and to measure the distance to the target object using the laser rangefinder (40,42). The photograph and measured distance are stored on the digital memory (now numeral 102) for later output by means of the data transfer port or digital memory slot (56)

The device also includes various other sensor components. In a preferred embodiment, the device includes a GPS unit (104) which communicates with the processor so that the position of the device at the moment the trigger is pulled is recorded onto the digital memory. The processor may also continually obtain information from the GPS unit so that the movement of the device over a selected time can be recorded on the digital memory, so to be able to map a particular hunt. The GPS unit may be an off-the-shelf GPS device built into the shoulder stock, the GPS device also obtaining date and time information to permit the photographs to be time-stamped by the processor.

The simulated hunting device may also include a heart rate monitor receiver (106) which is able to receive signals from a heart rate monitor worn by a user. In an alternative embodiment, the device may include a heart rate monitor that has contact surfaces where the user holds the device, which obviates the need for the user to wear a separate heart rate monitor. The processor receives these signals and records the user's heart rate on the digital memory at the instant the trigger is pulled. The device may still further include a wind speed meter (108) for measuring the wind speed and direction, the device being configured to store the instantaneous wind speed and direction onto the digital memory at the instant the trigger is pulled. The wind speed meter will be built onto an exposed upper surface of the device.

A digital magnetic compass (110) is also preferably mounted in the body to determine the direction in which the barrel and camera unit are pointing. Upon actuation of the trigger, the processor stores the signal received from the compass so as to record the direction in which the barrel and camera unit were pointing on the digital memory.

A digital temperature sensor (1 2) is also preferably built into the device and positioned so as to measure the ambient temperature. The processor is able to record the ambient temperature measured by the temperature sensor onto the digital memory at the moment when the trigger is pulled. The device also preferably includes a display (114), such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), by means of which photographs can be previewed and other settings can be displayed. An interface (116) is also provided by means of which a user can input information. The interface could be one or more buttons or a touch screen interface. The interface may permit the user to select from one of a number of preselected weapon types or calibres to be used for the next "shot". In addition to storing the weapon calibre for later processing in association with each shot, the weapon calibre can also be used to adjust the recoil mechanism strength to be consistent with the selected calibre.

It is envisaged that many individual "shots" may be taken on a particular hunt, each shot being associated with a particular photograph, GPS time and position stamp, rangefinder distance stamp, heart rate, wind speed, compass direction, temperature and selected weapon calibre stored on the memory. After a hunt, the digital data is downloaded from the device onto a computer by means of the data transfer port, such as by plugging in a USB cable or transferring an SD card. The software program on the computer is configured to use the photograph, distance to the target object and selected weapon calibre to compute, based on pre-programmed bullet trajectory data associated with the selected weapon calibre, the drop of a bullet and to indicate the point of impact that an actual bullet would have had on the target object. The point of impact can be indicated by overlaying a dot or cross at the appropriate point on the particular digital photograph. The software program may be configured to determine an animal displayed as the target object, either through a manual identification by the user, or through automatic image recognition which could be based on the outline of the targeted animal or distinguishing features of its coat, horns etc. After identification of the animal, the software program may be operable to display the point of impact on a skeletal or muscular two or three-dimensional view of the animal so as to indicate where the point of impact would have been in relation to the animal's vital organs. If the point of impact intersects a vital organ, the shot can be ranked by the software as a "kill" shot, or if not, a miss, a limb shot or the like.

Figure 5 shows an example screenshot of one possible interface page for the software in which a point of impact (200) is shown. The digital photograph of a particular shot can be selected and displayed together with the distance to the target (202), time of shot (204), direction of shot (206), coordinates (208) and weapon calibre used (210). In this embodiment, a drop-down menu (212) is provided for the user to identify and select the type of animal. In other embodiments, the software may be configured to automatically identify the animal through image recognition (e.g. of the outline of the animal or its distinguishing coat or horns).

Figure 6 shows an example screenshot of an interface page where the point of impact is overlain on a muscular view of the identified animal, the muscular view showing various internal organs. The software is operable to grade the shot by indicating whether the shot would have been a kill short, a miss, a limb shot or the like. In this illustration, the shot was graded as fatal lung shot. The software may also display the animal in three dimensions so as to show the bullet trajectory path. Figure 7 shows an example screenshot of a page for the software program which allows the details of the hunter to be selected and historical details displayed. A great deal of statistical information could be provided to a hunter, including the heart rate per shot (average, maximum, minimum), walking distance per shot, time of day vs. accuracy, preferred calibre weapon, percentage of kill shots as well as information on the location of those shots, percentage of miss shots, and percentage of wounding shots. Many other possibilities can easily be envisioned.

Figure 8 shows an example screenshot page for the software program in which a particular shot is indicated in detail. As shown in Figure 8, the point of impact on the animal is indicated by means of a dot on the photograph on the top left corner. In this case, the software has, in addition, determined that the animal displayed in the photograph is an antelope and has displayed the point of impact on a skeletal and muscular three-dimensional view of the animal, as shown in the bottom left-hand corner. The centre of the screen maps the hunt and shows the precise location at which the shot took place. Various other information in relation to the particular shot can be displayed. This information can also be uploaded to a website or other centrally accessible server, to enable users to share their hunts with their friends, or enable users to identify where certain animals were located.

Figure 9 shows a possible screenshot for the software program in which a trophy room for the user is displayed. In this page, the user is able to save his or her most favoured hunts. Each trophy may be displayed as a thumbnail which can be enlarged by selection. Information in relation to each trophy will include the date and time of shot, distance fired, wind speed and direction, impact zone, heart rate, GPS coordinates, distance walked and calibre of weapon used. The user may include notes in relation to each item in the trophy room. Figure 10 shows a possible screenshot for the software program in which information on the available weapons types and calibres is displayed. The information can include photographs of the actual weapons, history of the weapon, strengths and weaknesses, bullet trajectories for the different types of loading specifications and muzzle speeds.

The software program may also include a section devoted to information on various animals, as shown in the screenshots of Figures 11 A, 11 B and 11C. This section includes a list of all animals in its database, together with photographs and other information such as its names, natural habitat, notes on where it is to be found, ease or difficulty of hunting, and other interesting facts or figures. The aim of this section is to educate users about animals. This section may be related to a specific country or region, in that it contains information on the animals of a specific country or region, together with the locations at which they may be found. The software program provides a means for the user to extract the maximum benefit from the simulated hunts, as well as to share information with friends and preserve evidence and memories of hunts.

It will be appreciated that many variations may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the body of the simulated hunting device may include a tilt meter to enable more accurate estimations of the expected bullet trajectory to be determined in instances where the barrel was not level, and other enhancements could be provided such as night vision scopes or a secondary button adjacent the trigger to activate the rangefinder so that the distance to a target object can be displayed on the digital display prior to the trigger being pulled. Many other variations are possible.

The invention accordingly provides a device and a system for simulated shooting which facilitates a more realistic hunting experience than existing devices but which does not rely on the use of an actual firearm and is consequently safe to be operated by unlicensed users, users of any age, in conservation areas and out of ordinary hunting season. The device can also be used for training and skills development purposes, as inexperienced hunters do not have to worry about the problems that arise in actual hunts when animals are wounded or the wrong animals are accidentally shot. The device can even be used for simulated hunting of animals for which actual hunting is prohibited, such as endangered species. The applicant envisions that the invention will lead to increased awareness of the need to conserve wildlife.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A simulated shooting device (10) comprising a portable body (12) in the shape of a firearm with a barrel (18) extending outwardly at an operatively front end (20) of the device, the device including a digital camera unit (34) mounted on the body and activated by a trigger (50) to take a photograph of a target object at which the barrel and camera unit are pointing when the trigger is pulled, the photograph being stored in a digital memory (102) in the body for later retrieval and analysis, wherein a recoil mechanism (52) is provided in the body to generate recoil when the trigger is pulled.

2. A simulated shooting device as claimed in claim 1 in which the device is in the shape of a hunting rifle with a shoulder stock (14) at an operatively back end (16) of the device and an intermediate portion

(22) connecting the shoulder stock and barrel.

3. A simulated shooting device as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 in which the device includes a laser rangefinder (40, 42) mounted on the body or provided integral with the camera unit for measuring the distance to the target object when the trigger is pulled, the measured distance being stored in the digital memory in association with the photograph.

4. A simulated shooting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the body includes a gunshot emulator (54) operable to create a sound similar to a gunshot when the trigger is pulled.

5. A simulated shooting device as claimed in claim 4 in which the gunshot emulator includes a pin that strikes a firing cap, the pin being actuated by one of: an electric solenoid, a compressed gas canister, or a spring mechanism. A simulated shooting device as claimed in claim 4 in which the gunshot emulator includes a speaker or a headphone port for playing a pre-recorded sound of a gunshot to a user.

A simulated shooting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the device includes a telescopic sight (24) for aiming at the target object and with which the camera unit (34) is integrated, the telescopic sight including an image-splitter (32) for splitting the image received by the sight between an eyepiece (26) of the sight and the camera unit so that the camera unit field of view is the same as the field of view seen by a user through the eyepiece of the telescopic sight.

A simulated shooting device as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 7 in which the recoil mechanism (52) includes a compressed gas canister and a movable piston connected to an abutment head at the operatively back end of the device, the mechanism being operable to exhaust an amount of gas from the canister so as to move the piston and drive the abutment head against a user's shoulder.

A simulated shooting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the device includes a GPS unit (104) that is able to record the position of the device onto the digital memory when the trigger is pulled, and optionally to record the movement of the device over a selected time.

A simulated shooting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which device includes a wind speed meter (108), a heart rate monitor or heart rate monitor receiver (106), a digital magnetic compass (110), and a digital temperature sensor (112), the device being configured by means of these components to record the instantaneous wind speed, the heart rate of the user, the direction in which the barrel and camera unit are pointing and the ambient temperature onto the digital memory when the trigger is pulled.

A simulated shooting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which an interface (116) is provided on the device which permits one of a number of predefined weapon calibres to be selected by a user.

A simulated shooting device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the body includes a processor (100) and a display ( 14) by means of which the photographs can be viewed and selected options displayed, and the body further includes a data transfer port or digital memory slot (56) by means of which the photographs and other data can be downloaded onto a computer for further processing by a software program.

A simulated shooting device as claimed in claim 12 in which the data downloaded onto the computer includes one or more photographs and, associated with each photograph, a digital file with data representing one or more of: the distance to the target object, the selected weapon calibre, the heart rate, wind speed, GPS position, compass direction and temperature.

A simulated shooting device as claimed in claim 13 wherein the software is configured to use the photograph, distance to the target object, selected weapon calibre and pre-programmed bullet trajectory data associated with the selected weapon calibre to compute the drop of a bullet and to indicate the point of impact that an actual bullet would have had on the target object. A system for simulated shooting comprising a simulated shooting device (10) and an associated software program to be operated on a computer connectable to the device, the device including a body (12) in the shape of a firearm with a barrel (18) extending outwardly at an operatively front end (20) of the device, a digital camera unit (34) mounted on the body and activated by a trigger (50) to take a photograph of a target object at which the barrel and camera unit are pointing when the trigger is pulled and to store the photograph on a digital memory (102) in the body, a laser rangefinder (40, 42) mounted on the body or integral with the camera unit for measuring the distance to the target object when the trigger is pulled and storing the measured distance on the digital memory, a recoil mechanism (52) in the body operable to generate recoil when the trigger is pulled, and a gunshot emulator (54) in the body operable to create a sound similar to a gunshot when the trigger is pulled, the software program being configured to use the photograph and the distance to the target object to compute the expected drop of a bullet and to indicate the point of impact that an actual bullet would have had on the target object.

A system for simulated shooting as claimed in claim 15 in which the software is configured to indicate the point of impact by overlaying a dot or cross at the appropriate point on the particular photograph, for the software to be configured to identify an animal displayed as the target object, either through a manual identification by the user, or through automatic image recognition, for the software program to be operable to display the point of impact on a skeletal or muscular three- dimensional view of the animal so as to indicate where the point of impact would have been in relation to the animal's vital organs, and for the software to rank the shot as a kill shot, miss shot, limb shot or the like based on the point of impact in relation to the animal's vital organs.

A system for simulated shooting as claimed in claim 15 or 16 in which the software program includes a portal which allows the details of a hunter to be selected and historical details displayed, including one or more of: the heart rate per shot, walking distance per shot, time of day vs. accuracy, preferred calibre weapon, percentage of kill shots as well as information on the location of those shots, percentage of miss shots, and percentage of wounding shots.