Handgun simulation assembly using a virtual reality controller

Abstract

A handgun simulation assembly mates a VR controller having a trigger finger button with a handgun grip and trigger to better simulate the feel of a typical handgun for a virtual reality (VR) environment. The handgun simulation assembly includes a handgun body with a mating cradle designed to receive and hold the VR controller. The handgun body includes a trigger conversion subassembly for converting trigger pull motion into translational motion and depressing the trigger finger button on the VR controller, and a magazine release subassembly for converting magazine release button depression into translational motion and depressing a side button on the VR controller. By mating a commercially available VR controller with a realistic handgun grip and trigger, users of the handgun simulation assembly are provided with a more realistic handgun experience.

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 419,999, filed October 27, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] (background) The primary appeal of virtual reality (VR) games is that they allow users to immerse themselves within the game world. When playing a VR shooting game, users typically hold a VR controller in their hands and click buttons on the controller with their fingers. However, this fails to provide a realistic shooting experience because the VR controller is not specifically designed for shooting games. In particular, in VR environments designed to simulate a real shooting experience, the use of a plastic VR controller to simulate a handgun clearly falls short of the experience expected by professionals or semi-professionals. Such VR environments include virtual shooting ranges used for training or competitions, or virtual training environments that allow professionals, such as police or military personnel, to safely participate in different tactical situations. Even with a VR headset that fully takes over their field of view, holding a controller that does not have the weight or feel of a handgun or other handheld weapon can lead to a disjointed VR experience and suboptimal user training. Therefore, there is a need for a VR controller accessory that can simulate the feeling of holding and using a real handgun while translating user inputs on the accessory into appropriate inputs on a virtual reality controller, typically manufactured by a major consumer electronics company. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] Disclosed herein is a handgun simulation assembly that mates a virtual reality (VR) controller having a trigger finger button with a handgun grip and trigger to better simulate the feel of a typical handgun for a VR environment. The handgun simulation assembly includes a handgun body having a grip and a trigger blade disposed on a lower portion of the body. The upper portion of the handgun body is a Meta Quest model manufactured by Meta Platforms, Inc. (formerly Facebook, Inc.). TM The handgun simulation assembly includes a mating cradle designed to accept and hold a third-party manufactured VR controller, such as a VR controller. The VR controller can be oriented with the trigger finger button facing downward. The handgun body includes a trigger conversion subassembly for converting the horizontal translation motion of the trigger blade pull into a vertical translation action to depress the trigger finger button of the VR controller. A tensioning mechanism is incorporated into the trigger conversion subassembly to simulate the feel of trigger resistance found in a physical handgun. By mating a commercially available VR controller with a realistic handgun grip and trigger, users of the handgun simulation assembly are provided with a more realistic handgun experience when within a VR environment.

[0004] In some embodiments, the firearm simulation assembly includes a firearm assembly frame and a replaceable firearm body releasably coupled to the firearm assembly frame. The firearm assembly frame engages and supports the VR controller and houses functional components such as a trigger conversion subassembly and a magazine release conversion subassembly. The replaceable firearm body can have a shape and weight balance corresponding to various types of firearms, such as pistols, rifles, and shotguns. The replaceable firearm body can be replaced with another to match the type of firearm being used within the VR space.

[0005] The embodiments of the handgun simulation assembly introduced herein may be better understood by reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are side and isometric views of a handgun simulation assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the present technology.

[0007] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded isometric view of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0008] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a partially exploded isometric view of the trigger conversion subassembly of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0009] [Figure 4] 4A, 4B, and 4C are cross-sectional views of the trigger conversion subassembly of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0010] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded isometric view of the mating cradle and cradle locking subassembly of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0011] [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are side views of the mating cradle of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 1A in the disengaged and engaged positions, respectively.

[0012] [Figure 7]7 is a cross-sectional view of the mating cradle and partially exploded view of the cradle locking subassembly of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 1A in disengaged and engaged positions on the handgun body.

[0013] [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are isometric views of the magazine release conversion subassembly of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 1A.

[0014] [Figure 9A] 9A and 9B are isometric and side views, respectively, of a handgun simulation assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 9B] 9A and 9B are isometric and side views, respectively, of a handgun simulation assembly in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology.

[0015] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a partially exploded isometric view of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 9A.

[0016] [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded isometric view of the cradle subassembly of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 9A.

[0017] [Figure 12] 12A and 12B are front and rear isometric views, respectively, of the magazine and slide release subassembly of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 9A.

[0018] [Figure 13A] 13A and 13B are isometric and side views, respectively, of the magazine weight of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 9A. [Figure 13B] 13A and 13B are isometric and side views, respectively, of the magazine weight of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 9A.

[0019] [Figure 13C] FIG. 13C is a rear isometric view of the handgun grip of the handgun simulation assembly of FIG. 9A.

[0020] [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a firearm simulation assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology.

[0021] [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a partially exploded isometric view of the firearm simulation assembly of FIG.

[0022] [Figure 16] 16A and 16B are partially exploded front and rear isometric views, respectively, of a perimeter member of the firearm simulation assembly of FIG. 14.

[0023] [Figure 17] 17A, 17B, and 17C are cross-sectional views of the trigger conversion subassembly of the firearm simulation assembly of FIG.

[0024] [Figure 18] 18A and 18B are front isometric and rear views, respectively, of the magazine release arm of the firearm simulation assembly of FIG. 14. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] The headings provided herein are for convenience only and do not necessarily affect the scope or meaning of the claimed embodiments. Moreover, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be expanded or reduced to help improve understanding of the embodiments. Also, while the disclosed technology is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments are shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail below. However, the intention is not to limit the described embodiments. Rather, the embodiments are intended to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the embodiments.

[0026] (Detailed explanation) Various features of the handgun simulation assembly introduced above will now be described in further detail. The following description provides specific details for purposes of explanation that will enable a thorough understanding of these examples. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the techniques discussed herein can be practiced without many of these details. Likewise, those skilled in the art will also understand that the present technology can include many other features not described in detail herein. In addition, some well-known structures or functions may not be shown or described in detail below to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the relevant description. For purposes of ease of discussion, the handgun simulation assembly will be described herein with reference to top and bottom, upper and lower, upward and downward, and / or left or right relative to the spatial orientation of the embodiment shown in the figures. However, it should be understood that the handgun simulation assembly can be moved to and used in different spatial orientations without changing the structure of the present system.

[0027] The terminology used below is to be interpreted in its broadest reasonable manner, even when used in conjunction with the detailed description of some specific examples of embodiments. Indeed, some terms may even be emphasized below; however, any terminology intended to be interpreted in any restrictive manner will be expressly and specifically defined as such in this section.

[0028] 1A and 1B are side and isometric views of a handgun simulation assembly 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The handgun simulation assembly 100 includes a handgun grip 10, a handgun body 15, a mating cradle 20, and a cradle locking subassembly 25. The handgun body 15 includes a trigger guard 30 and a trigger blade (or "trigger") 35 extending from a lower portion of the handgun body. The handgun body 15 also includes a magazine release button 40 located adjacent to the trigger 35. The handgun grip 10, trigger guard 30, trigger 35, and magazine release button 40 may be manufactured with similar materials, finishes, and feel as may be found on a combat handgun.

[0029] The handgun body 15 is a Meta Quest Pro sold by Meta Platforms, Inc. TM , Meta Quest 2 TM , or Meta Quest 3 TM , Pico 4 sold by Pico Immersive Pte. Ltd. TMThe handgun body 15 is configured to support a VR controller 45 manufactured by a third party, such as a VR controller 45A or other similar controller. When entering a virtual environment, the user typically wears a virtual reality headset (to cover the user's eyes) and holds a VR controller in both their left and right hands. Application software running on the virtual reality headset and on a connected computer server generates different virtual reality environments for the user to explore and interact with. The user controls movement and actions within the VR environment based on the movement of the virtual reality headset and the movement, button, and joystick controls contained on the VR controller. As will be described in additional detail herein, the VR controller 45 is secured onto the handgun body 15 by operation of a mating cradle 20. The mating cradle is ring-shaped and designed to fit around the handle of the VR controller 45 and secure one end of the VR controller. The other end of the VR controller 45 is secured by a rim 50 formed on the handgun body 15. The VR controller 45 typically has a trigger finger button 45a located on the front of the VR controller and operated by the user's index finger, a side button 45b located on the side of the VR controller and operated by the user's thumb, and a handle 45c for the user to hold.

[0030] 8A and 8B, in some embodiments, handgun simulation assembly 100 also includes a magazine release conversion assembly that converts a user's pressing force on magazine release button 40 into a pressing force on side button 45b via arm 55, which extends upward to a position adjacent the side button. When paired with appropriate virtual reality application software, pressing side button 45b may be interpreted as initiating the handgun reload process within the virtual reality application.

[0031] In some embodiments, handgun simulation assembly 100 also includes a recoil simulator 60 affixed to the front of handgun body 15. Recoil simulator 60 is a battery-powered device that, when triggered by a Bluetooth or other wireless signal from a linked VR software application, generates recoil that simulates the feel of a bullet being fired from a physical handgun. The recoil simulator is a ProVolver TM It is commercially available on the market from companies such as ProTubeVR, which sells haptic VR pistols.

[0032] Handgun simulation assembly 100 advantageously allows a user to view and / or access a control panel (e.g., including a joystick and other input buttons) while holding handgun simulation assembly 100, such as when pointing handgun simulation assembly 100 forward during a VR gaming session. Also, while the illustrated embodiment depicts a left-handed controller, those skilled in the art will understand that selected components of handgun simulation assembly 100 described herein can be reversed and / or rearranged to support a right-handed controller.

[0033] 1A and 1B, it should be understood that different configurations of handgun simulation assembly 100 can be manufactured to simulate the feel or configuration of different types of handguns or long guns. Different pistol grips, triggers, recoil simulators, etc. can be selected to reflect different physical gun types available in the real world, and different materials, finishes, and overall assembly weights can be selected to make the handgun simulation assembly more closely approximate the feel of a physical gun. Thus, the particular configuration depicted in FIGS. 1A and 1B merely represents how handgun simulation assembly 100 might actually look.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a partially exploded isometric view of the handgun simulation assembly 100, depicting the various components and subassemblies coupled to the handgun body 15. A channel 65 is formed in the upper portion of the handgun body 15. The channel 65 is sized to receive the lower portion of the mating cradle 20. The mating cradle 20 is secured within the channel 65 via a cradle lock subassembly 25, which will be described in additional detail with respect to FIG. 5. The handgun body 15 is coupled to a recoil simulator 60 at the front of the body via a bolt or other fastener, and the body is also coupled to a handgun grip 10 at the bottom via a bolt or other fastener. The grip may include a compartment 70 for a counterweight for simulation purposes. By selecting different counterweights, the weight of the handgun simulation assembly may be configured to match that of various different types of physical handguns.

[0035] One of the significant challenges of mating a physical gun configuration with a VR controller is translating typical handgun actions, such as pulling a trigger or ejecting a magazine, into appropriate inputs for a controller that has a different configuration and button feel compared to a physical gun. To accomplish one type of translation, handgun simulation assembly 100 includes a trigger translation subassembly 300, which translates a user's pulling force on trigger 35 into a pressing force on trigger finger button 45a. The operation of trigger translation subassembly 300 will be described in additional detail in FIGS. 3 and 4A-4C. Trigger translation subassembly 300 is located inside handgun grip 10, where trigger 35 is located, and handgun body 15, near which trigger finger button 45a is located.

[0036] 3 is a partially exploded side view of a trigger conversion subassembly 300, which converts trigger movement into a pressing force on a VR controller trigger button in the handgun simulation assembly 100. The trigger conversion subassembly 300 includes a camshaft 310 and a cam 305 rotatably mounted on the camshaft 310. The cam 305 includes a first portion 305a configured to be moved by the trigger 35, a second portion 305b configured to engage with a tensioning mechanism, and a third portion 305c configured to press against the trigger button of the VR controller. The function of each portion of the cam 305 is further described below. The tensioning mechanism coupled to the cam 305 includes a bar 315, a spring 320, a fastener 325, and a block 330. The tensioning mechanism is attached to the cam 305 by a pin 335 that fits into a corresponding receiving hole found on portion 310b of the cam 305.

[0037] Trigger 35 is movable horizontally when pressed by a user. As the trigger moves, rear end 35a of the trigger contacts first portion 305a of cam 305. Force applied to first portion 305a of cam 305 causes cam 305 to rotate about camshaft 310, which is fixed in position relative to handgun simulation assembly 100. As cam 305 rotates clockwise about camshaft 310, both second portion 305b and third portion 305c of cam 305 move at the same rotational rate. Second portion 305b of cam 305 is rotatably connected to bar 315 via pin 335. Bar 315 is also connected to cam 305 via spring 320, which applies a force to push bar 315 away from cam 305. In some embodiments, spring 320 is housed inside cam 305, as depicted in FIGS. 4A-4C . When assembled, bar 315 rests against fixture 325 of block 330, both of which are fixed in position relative to handgun simulation assembly 100. Bar 315 has notches 315a that are pressed against fixture 325 due to force from spring 320. As cam 305 moves through its range of motion (due to movement of trigger 35), the shape of bar 315 changes the pull weight on trigger 35 felt by the user. The operation of the tensioning mechanism is best understood by referring to Figures 4A, 4B, and 4C.

[0038] 4A, 4B, and 4C are cross-sectional views of trigger conversion subassembly 300 depicting the subassembly in three different positions: initial (neutral), intermediate, and extreme (final) positions. FIG. 4A illustrates subassembly 300 when trigger 35 is not pulled and is in its neutral position. As depicted in FIG. 4A, when in the neutral position, retainer 325 contacts tensioning mechanism bar 315 at a point approximately halfway along notch 315a. Bar 315 is biased against retainer 325 by the action of spring 320, which applies a pushing force against bar 315. Retainer 325 is made of stainless steel or Delrin® stainless steel manufactured by DuPont. TM The bearing can be made from a material that is wear resistant, such as PTFE.

[0039] When a user desires to fire handgun simulation subassembly 100, they pull trigger 35 (e.g., using their index finger), moving it in a direction toward the handgun grip. FIG. 4B depicts the subassembly in an intermediate position, where the trigger has been partially pulled by the user and has thus moved a first distance 405. When partially pulled, rear end 35a of trigger 35 contacts and pushes first portion 305a of cam 305, causing cam 305 to rotate in a clockwise direction around camshaft 310 (which is fixed in place). This rotation causes second and third portions 305b and 305c of cam 305 to similarly move clockwise relative to camshaft 310. Due to the coupling between cam second portion 305b and bar 315 by pin 335 and the bias applied by spring 320, bar 315 also moves with cam 305. As depicted in FIG. 4B , the tensioning mechanism bar 315 has been moved so that, in the intermediate position, the fastener 325 contacts the bar 315 at a point farther along the notch 315a. Due to the notch 315a having an increased slope at the contact point, a greater force is required by the user to move the trigger 35. The notch 315a is shaped so that the required force simulates the variable trigger resistance of a physical handgun. In some embodiments, the notch has a different shape than the illustrated embodiment.

[0040] As the cam 305 rotates clockwise, the third portion 305c of the cam 305 also rotates relative to the camshaft 310. The third portion 305c contacts and pushes against the trigger finger button 45a of the VR controller 45. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger finger button 45a directly contacts the third portion 305c of the cam 305. In such cases, because some VR controllers have capacitance sensors to distinguish between touches by a human finger and touches by an inanimate object, the surface of the first portion 305a of the cam 305 may be coated with a thin aluminum or other conductive coating. In other embodiments, the contact may be indirect. In either case, the trigger conversion subassembly 300 is configured to push against the trigger finger button 45a when the trigger 35 is pulled by the user. As depicted in FIG. 4B , the trigger finger button 45a has moved a second distance 410 due to the partial pulling of the trigger 35. (The phantom trigger finger button in FIG. 4B represents the original trigger finger button position as seen in FIG. 4A.) It should be understood that first distance 405 and second distance 410 can be the same or different distances based on the geometry of cam 305 and the lengths of first portion 305a and third portion 305c of the cam.

[0041] FIG. 4C depicts the subassembly in its final position, where the trigger has been fully pulled by the user and has thus moved a third distance 415. As depicted in FIG. 4C, the tensioning mechanism bar 315 has moved such that the fixture 325 contacts the bar 315 at a point outside the notch 315a in the final position. Once the fixture 325 has completed its travel in the notch 315a, there is no further dispersion required by the user to move the trigger 35. Such a position simulates the feel of the trigger on a physical handgun after a bullet has been fired. Also depicted in FIG. 4C, the trigger finger button 45a has moved a fourth distance 420 with the full pull of the trigger 35. The movement of the finger button 45a causes the corresponding handgun in the virtual environment to fire under the control of application software in the VR environment. By adjusting the geometry of cam 305, movement of trigger finger button 45a is intended to trigger the firing of a corresponding handgun in the virtual environment at or near the same time that the corresponding feel of trigger 35 changes.

[0042] Referring again to FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, trigger conversion subassembly 300 also includes a safety mechanism that allows a user to switch handgun simulation assembly 100 to a “safe” position in which the handgun cannot be fired. The safety mechanism includes safety stop 350, safety switch spring 355, and safety switch 360, which a user can use to switch the safety system between an on position and an off position. When the safety mechanism is in the on position, safety stop 350 prevents rotation of cam 305 so that trigger 35 cannot be pulled. The operation of the safety mechanism can be better understood with reference to FIGS. 4A , 4B, and 4C . In FIG. 4C , the safety has been applied by a user by pressing downward against safety switch 360, which causes safety stop 350 to contact a portion of cam 305. In the applied position, safety stop 350 prevents movement of cam 305, stationarying the position of the trigger and preventing a user of handgun simulation assembly 100 from firing the VR handgun. 4A and 4B, safety switch 360 has been released by the user, which removes safety stop 350 from contact with a portion of cam 305. In the released position, movement of cam 305 is unimpeded, allowing a user of handgun simulation assembly 100 to use the trigger in normal operation. Safety switch spring 355 (not shown in FIGS. 4A-4C) biases the safety so that the safety is normally in the released position, thereby requiring user interaction to apply the safety when desired.

[0043] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded isometric view of the mating cradle 20 and cradle locking subassembly 25 of the handgun simulation assembly 100. The mating cradle 20 has an upper portion 20a and a lower portion 20b. The upper portion 20a is configured to fit around the handle of the VR controller 45. The VR controller 45 is typically asymmetrical, meaning that the left controller handle is shaped for use with a user's left hand and the right controller handle is shaped for use with a user's right hand. For the purposes of the handgun simulation assembly 100, it was determined that a left-handed controller works better for mating with the handgun simulation assembly 100. Therefore, the upper portion 20a is configured to surround the handle portion of a left-handed controller. However, adjustments can be made to the upper portion 20a and the simulation assembly 100 to allow for operation with a right-handed controller as well. The lower portion 20b of the mating cradle 20 is configured to slide within the channel 65 of the handgun body 15. The lower portion 20b of the mating cradle is formed with a cavity 365 configured to receive the cradle locking subassembly 25, which secures the mating cradle 20 within the channel 65.

[0044] In the illustrated embodiment, the cradle lock subassembly 25 includes a threaded axle 370, a first wedge 375a, a second wedge 375b, and a compression mechanism 380. In the illustrated embodiment, the axle 370 is threaded on one end, and the compression mechanism 380 is a correspondingly threaded thumb nut that is sized to attach to the end of the axle 370. In other embodiments, the cradle lock subassembly 25 can be a different type of fastener assembly.

[0045] 6A and 6B are side views of the handgun simulation assembly 100 depicting the operation of the cradle 20 to affix the VR controller 45 to the handgun body 15. The cradle 20 is movable between a disengaged position, in which the VR controller 45 can be removed from the handgun simulation assembly 100, and an engaged position, in which the VR controller 45 is affixed to the handgun simulation assembly 100. FIG. 6A illustrates the mating cradle 20 in the disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the mating cradle 20 is slid forward within the channel 65 toward the recoil simulator 60. Moving the mating cradle 20 forward allows the VR controller's handle 45c to be lifted upward and outward, away from the handgun body 15, and separated from the handgun simulation assembly 100. Doing so allows the VR controller to be recharged, replaced, or used for other purposes without the handgun simulation assembly. In contrast, FIG. 6B illustrates the mating cradle 20 in the engaged position. In the engaged position, the mating cradle 20 is slid rearward within the channel 65, away from the recoil simulator 60. Moving the mating cradle 20 rearward causes the cradle 20 to enclose the handle 45c of the VR controller. Moving the mating cradle 20 also presses the top of the VR controller 45 against a lip 50 of the handgun body 15. The lip 50 is formed with a thin hook or other protrusion that keeps the top of the VR controller 45 from separating from the handgun simulation assembly 100. Once the mating cradle 20 is moved to the engaged position, the cradle lock subassembly 25 can be tightened to secure the position of the mating cradle 20, as depicted in FIG. 7.

[0046] FIG. 7 shows the handgun body 15, a cross-sectional view of the lower portion 20b of the mating cradle 20, and a partially exploded view of the cradle locking subassembly 25 of the handgun simulation assembly 100. As previously described, the mating cradle 20 is movable relative to the handgun body 15 between an engaged position and a disengaged position. The cradle is held within the channel 65 by the operation of the axle 50. The axle extends through a cavity 365 in the cradle 20 and is affixed to the handgun body 15 as will be further described herein. When in the engaged position, the axle 50 resides in a locking portion 705 of the cavity 365. When in the disengaged position, the axle 50 resides in an advance portion 710 of the cavity 54. In FIG. 7, the axle 50, shown in phantom, resides in the locking portion 705 of the cavity, and the axle, shown in solid, resides at one end of the advance portion 710 of the cavity. However, it should be understood that the axle 50 may be at other locations within the cavity 365 depending on the distance the mating cradle 20 is slid along the channel 65 .

[0047] Once the cradle 20 is moved to the engaged position, the cradle locking subassembly 25 is used to secure the cradle in that position. To secure the cradle, the compression mechanism 380 is tightened, moving the first and second wedges 375a and 375b toward each other, thereby sandwiching the lower portion 20b of the mating cradle 20 therebetween. In some embodiments, the tightening mechanism 380 is a threaded thumb screw, and the axle 50 has a complementary threaded end. Rotating the tightening mechanism thereby moves the wedges inward. In the depicted embodiment, the lower portion 20b of the mating cradle is formed with first and second angled receiving surfaces 715a and 715b, which are angled to be complementary to and configured to matingly engage the corresponding first and second wedges 375a and 375b, respectively. In other words, the compression mechanism 380 biases the first and second wedges 375a and 375b against the first and second angled receiving surfaces 715a and 715b. The first and second wedges 375a and 375b also fit into notches 720 formed on both sides of the handgun body 15, thereby securing the location of the locking subassembly 25 on the handgun body 15. The use of oriented wedges and complementary receiving surfaces on the mating cradle is advantageous for at least two reasons. When the compression mechanism 380 is tightened, the mating cradle is pushed slightly backward by the pressure of the wedges against the receiving surfaces, thereby improving the proper positional capture of the VR controller 45 by the mating cradle 20. Also, when the compression mechanism is released, any forward movement of the mating cradle 20 within the channel 65 will tend to push the wedges outward and release the mating cradle 20. The depicted configuration allows the mating cradle 20 to be fixed in place relative to the handgun body 15 and to secure the VR controller 45.

[0048] 8A and 8B are isometric views of a magazine release conversion subassembly 800 of the handgun simulation assembly 100. The magazine release conversion subassembly 800 includes a magazine release button 40, an arm 55, and a spring assembly 725 with an internal spring (not shown). The magazine release button 40 has a neutral position and a depressed position. A spring assembly 82 biases the magazine release button 40 toward its neutral position. The arm 55 is coupled to the magazine release button 40 and extends adjacent to a side button 45b of the VR controller 45. As a user presses the magazine release button 40, the arm 55 moves in the same direction without rotating. The distal end of the arm 55 contacts the side button 45b of the VR controller 45, and as the magazine release button 40 is moved to its depressed position, the distal end of the arm 55 presses the side button 45b. Spring assembly 725 either mimics or is the same as the magazine release system used in a physical handgun. When the magazine release button is pushed back to its neutral position by the spring, the distal end of arm 55 releases side button 45b. Magazine release conversion subassembly 800 is inside both handgun grip 10, where magazine button 40 is located, and handgun body 15, near which side button 45b is located.

[0049] 9A and 9B are isometric and side views, respectively, of a handgun simulation assembly 900 in accordance with another embodiment of the present technology. The handgun simulation assembly 900 includes a handgun grip 910, a handgun barrel 912, a handgun body 915, a cradle subassembly 920, and a biasing member 934 (e.g., an elastic band) wrapped around the cradle subassembly 920. The handgun grip 910 includes a magazine release button 940 and a trigger blade (or "trigger") 935 extending from an upper portion of the handgun grip 910. The handgun barrel 912 can house a recoil simulator (e.g., recoil simulator 60). The handgun body 915 includes a slide release button 960 located adjacent to the trigger 935. The handgun grip 910, handgun barrel 912, handgun body 915, trigger 935, magazine release button 940, and slide release button 960 may be manufactured with similar materials, finishes, and feel as may be found on a combat handgun.

[0050] The handgun body 915 and cradle subassembly 920 are part of the Meta Quest Pro, sold by Meta Platforms, Inc. TM , Meta Quest 2 TM , or Meta Quest 3 TM , Pico 4 sold by Pico Immersive Pte. Ltd. TMor other similar controllers manufactured by a third party. As will be described in additional detail herein, the cradle subassembly 920 includes an annular or ring-shaped component designed to fit around the handle of the VR controller 945 and secure one end of the VR controller 945. The other end of the VR controller 945 is secured by a border member 950 formed on the handgun body 915. The VR controller 945 typically has a trigger finger button 945a located on the front of the VR controller and operated by the user's index finger, and a side button 945b located on the side of the VR controller and operated by the user's thumb.

[0051] 12A and 12B, in some embodiments, handgun simulation assembly 900 also has a magazine release arm 955 and a slide release arm 964 that extend upward to a position adjacent side button 945b. Magazine release arm 955 and slide release arm 964 convert a user's pressing force on magazine release button 940 and slide release button 960, respectively, into a pressing force on side button 945b. When paired with appropriate virtual reality application software, pressing side button 945b may be interpreted as initiating a handgun reload process within the virtual reality application.

[0052] 13A and 13B, in some embodiments, handgun simulation assembly 900 also has a magazine weight 970 that can drop in response to depression of magazine release button 940 to simulate the feeling of a real magazine dropping. Magazine weight 970 can be stored, at least in part, inside handgun grip 910, which can be constructed with an opening 917 through which magazine weight 970 protrudes, extends, and / or drops.

[0053] Handgun simulation assembly 900 advantageously allows a user to view and / or access a control panel (e.g., including a joystick and other input buttons) while holding handgun simulation assembly 900, such as when pointing handgun simulation assembly 900 forward during a VR gaming session. Also, while the illustrated embodiment depicts a left-handed controller, those skilled in the art will understand that selected components of handgun simulation assembly 900 described herein can be reversed and / or rearranged to support a right-handed controller.

[0054] While one configuration of handgun simulation assembly 900 is depicted in Figures 9A and 9B, it should be understood that different configurations of handgun simulation assembly can be manufactured to simulate the feel or configuration of different types of handguns or long guns. Different pistol grips, triggers, recoil simulators, etc. may be selected to reflect different physical gun types available in the real world, and different materials, finishes, and overall assembly weights may be selected to make the handgun simulation assembly more closely approximate the feel of a physical gun. Thus, the particular configuration depicted in Figures 9A and 9B merely represents how handgun simulation assembly 900 might actually look.

[0055] 10 is a partially exploded isometric view of handgun simulation assembly 900 depicting the various components and subassemblies coupled to handgun body 915. Handgun body 915 is coupled to handgun barrel 912 at the front of body 915 via a bolt or other fastener, and body 915 is also coupled to handgun grip 910 at the bottom via at least one bolt or other fastener. Grip 910 may include a compartment 919 for storing a magazine weight 970. Through the selection of different magazine weights 970, the weight and balance of handgun simulation assembly 900 may be configured to match that of a variety of different types of physical handguns or other firearms.

[0056] Handgun simulation assembly 900 includes a trigger conversion subassembly 948 that may operate in substantially the same manner as trigger conversion subassembly 300 described above with respect to Figures 3 and 4A-4C. A description of trigger conversion subassembly 948 will therefore be omitted so as not to obscure the novel aspects of handgun simulation assembly 900. Handgun simulation assembly 900 also includes a magazine and slide release subassembly 952 that includes a magazine release arm 955 and a slide release arm 964 (Figures 9A and 9B). Magazine and slide release subassembly 952 is disposed proximate to trigger conversion subassembly 948 but operates independently from trigger conversion subassembly 948 and will be described in further detail with respect to Figures 12A and 12B.

[0057] FIG. 11 is a partially exploded isometric view of cradle subassembly 920. Cradle subassembly 920 includes a mating cradle 922, a fastener 932, a cradle cover 926, a slide member 928, and a biasing member 934. Mating cradle 922 has an annulus configured to receive and hold a virtual reality controller 945 in a fixed position relative to handgun body 915. Fastener 932 is configured to releasably secure mating cradle 922 to handgun body 915 and edge member 950. Mating cradle 922 and fastener 932 are shaped and operate substantially identically to mating cradle 20 and cradle lock subassembly 25, respectively, described above with respect to FIG. 5. A description of mating cradle 922 and fastener 932 is therefore omitted so as not to obscure the novel aspects of cradle subassembly 920. However, unlike mating cradle 20, mating cradle 922 includes a rod 924 configured to fit within an opening 925 in a cradle cover 926. When assembled, rod 924 and opening 925 form a hinge about which cradle cover 926 can pivot relative to mating cradle 922. Slide member 928 has an opening 929 configured to receive a protrusion 927 (e.g., a fastener) on cradle cover 926 and an arm 930 that extends to a location adjacent the joystick of virtual reality controller 945 when virtual reality controller 945 is seated in mating cradle 922. Protrusion 927 and opening 929 are sized so that protrusion 927 can slide forward (toward handgun barrel 912) or rearward (toward handgun grip 910) within opening 929. In the illustrated embodiment, the arm 930 includes a distal end with a curvature that matches the shape of a virtual reality controller joystick.

[0058] 9A, 9B, and 10, a cradle cover 926 is disposed between the mating cradle 922 and the sliding member 928. A biasing member 934 can be positioned around the mating cradle 922 and the sliding member 928 (e.g., around the arm 930) to keep the sliding member 928 in a neutral (forward position) position on the cradle cover 926. That is, the biasing member 934 pushes or pulls the sliding member 928 forward so that the protrusion 927 is positioned toward the end of the opening 929 closest to the arm 930. When securing the virtual reality controller 945 within the cradle subassembly 920, the cradle cover 926 and sliding member 928 are pivoted to a vertical orientation about the rod 924, the virtual reality controller 945 is inserted into the ring of the mating cradle 922, and the cradle cover 926 and sliding member 928 can then be pivoted back to a horizontal orientation (as shown in Figures 9A and 9B).

[0059] When the handgun simulation assembly 900 is used (e.g., used to play a VR shooting game), the sliding member 928 can be pulled by a user to simulate a manual slide release. The sliding member 928 is movable between a neutral position and a retracted position. When in the neutral position, the sliding member 928 is in a position relative to the mating cradle 922, as shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 10, such that the protrusion 927 is located toward the end of the opening 929 closest to the arm 930. In the neutral position, the arm 930 does not push against the joystick of the virtual reality controller 945. When in the retracted position, the sliding member 928 is in a more rearward position such that the protrusion 927 is located toward the end of the opening 929 farthest from the arm 930. In the retracted position, the arm 930 pushes against the joystick of the virtual reality controller 945. Biasing member 934 is configured to bias sliding member 928 toward the neutral position such that once a user pulls sliding member 928 to the retracted position and then releases sliding member 928, sliding member 928 automatically returns to the neutral position due to the application of a return force by biasing member 934. In some embodiments, fastener 927 and aperture 929 define a maximum displacement of sliding member 928 relative to mating cradle 922 as sliding member 928 is moved between the neutral position and the retracted position. The maximum displacement can be set to prevent damage to the joystick of virtual reality controller 945 that may result if sliding member 928 is moved too far back.

[0060] 12A and 12B are front and rear isometric views, respectively, of a magazine and slide release subassembly 952. Subassembly 952 includes a slide release button 960, a slide release arm 964 coupled to the slide release button 960, a first biasing member 968 (e.g., a compression spring) disposed between the slide release button 960 and the handgun body 915, a magazine release button 940, a magazine release arm 955 coupled to the magazine release button 940, and a second biasing member 956. A lower portion of the magazine release arm 955 can include a hook 954, which will be described in further detail below with respect to FIGS. 13A and 13B.

[0061] Slide release arm 964 and magazine release arm 955 both extend to a location adjacent side button 945b of virtual reality controller 945. Slide release button 960 is rotatably coupled to handgun body 915 via shaft 962 and is movable between a neutral position and a depressed position (e.g., via rotation in direction R1) when a downward force is applied to release button 960. Magazine release button 940 is also movable between a neutral position and a depressed position (e.g., via linear movement L1) when an inward force is applied to release button 940. Magazine release button 940, magazine release arm 955, and second biasing member 956 are shaped and operate substantially identically to magazine release conversion subassembly 800, illustrated and described above with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B . Description of magazine release button 940 , magazine release arm 955 , and second biasing member 956 are therefore omitted so as not to obscure the novel aspects of subassembly 952 .

[0062] When the handgun simulation assembly 900 is used (e.g., used to play a VR shooting game), the magazine release button 940 can be pressed by a user to simulate a magazine release. As described above with respect to FIGS. 8A and 8B , fully pressing the magazine release button 940 (i.e., via linear motion L1) causes a first distal end 955a of the magazine release arm 955 to move inward (e.g., via linear motion A1) and press against a side button 945b of the virtual reality controller 945 at a first pressure level. When pressure on the magazine release button 940 is removed, the second biasing member 956 returns the magazine release button 940 to its neutral position. The slide release button 960 can be pressed downward by a user to simulate a manual slide release. Fully pressing the slide release button 960 causes a slide release arm 964 to press against a side button 945b of the virtual reality controller 945 at a second pressure level. In the depicted embodiment, the slide release arm 964 presses directly against the side button 945b. In some embodiments, the slide release arm 964 presses against the first distal end 955a of the magazine release arm 955 (i.e., the slide release arm 964 overlaps with the first distal end 955a of the magazine release arm 955) to indirectly press against the side button 945b. The first biasing member 968 can be configured to bias the slide release button toward a neutral position.

[0063] The first pressure level (corresponding to the magazine release button 940) can be set to be different from the second pressure level (corresponding to the slide release button 960). For example, the maximum rotation angle of the slide release button 960 around the shaft 962 and / or the moment arm between the shaft 962 and the slide release arm 964 can be designed so that the first pressure level exceeds the second pressure level. When paired with appropriate virtual reality application software, pressing the side button 945b at the first pressure level may be interpreted as releasing the magazine of the handgun within the virtual reality application, while pressing the side button 945b at the second pressure level may be interpreted as releasing the slide of the handgun within the virtual reality application. In some embodiments, the second pressure level is 10% to 40% (e.g., 15%, 26%, 33%) of the first pressure level. In some embodiments, to account for differences between different handgun simulation assemblies and / or virtual reality controllers, the virtual reality application software can initiate a calibration operation to measure first and second pressure levels by asking the user to fully press the magazine release button 940 and the slide release button 960 independently. As the user presses each button, the application software reads the corresponding first and second pressure levels. The application software uses the read pressure amounts to set corresponding thresholds that will be used to determine whether the magazine release button 940 or the slide release button 960 are continuously pressed.

[0064] 13A and 13B are isometric and side views, respectively, of magazine weight 970. As discussed above with respect to FIGS. 12A and 12B, a lower portion of magazine release arm 955 includes hook 954. An upper portion of magazine weight 970 includes a recess 972 configured to receive hook 954 and a lip 974 configured to contact and engage hook 954. When magazine release button 940 is in the neutral position as shown in FIG. 13A, hook 954 engages lip 974, suspending magazine weight 970 within handgun grip 910 (shown in FIG. 13C) in an engaged position. When magazine release button 940 is moved to the depressed position, magazine release arm 955 is translated horizontally such that hook 954 moves away from lip 974 while magazine weight 970 remains stationary due to the inner wall of handgun grip 910. As a result, when the magazine release button 940 is in the pressed position, the hook 954 no longer engages the edge 974 and the magazine weight 970 can fall (due to gravity) through the handgun grip 910 in direction A2 (FIG. 13B).

[0065] FIG. 13C is a rear isometric view of the handgun grip 910. A compartment 919 is defined, at least in part, by a first guide portion 914a, a second guide portion 914b, and a stopper 916. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second guide portions 914a, 914b are separated by a distance, defining a gap 913 therebetween. A magazine weight 970 slides into the compartment 919 of the handgun grip 910. When the magazine release button 940 is pressed and the magazine weight 970 begins to drop, it slides downward through the compartment 919 and opening 917. As the magazine weight 970 drops, a fin or tab 976 ( FIG. 13B ), coupled to the rear side of the magazine weight 970, slides downward through the gap 913. When tab 976 reaches stop 916, stop 916 prevents magazine weight 970 from falling beyond a predetermined distance. In other words, the action of tab 976 and stop 916 prevents magazine weight 970 from being removed from handgun grip 910. Handgun grip 910 can include other stop mechanisms to prevent magazine weight 970 from falling out of the handgun grip.

[0066] When handgun simulation assembly 900 is used (e.g., used to play a VR shooting game), the drop of magazine weight 970 simulates the feel of a real magazine dropping. The mass of magazine weight 970 and the predetermined distance of the drop can be configured to create the realistic sensation of a magazine dropping. Also, by preventing magazine weight 970 from dropping completely out of compartment 919, stopper 916 prevents any injury that could result from magazine weight 970 dropping (e.g., onto a user's foot) and facilitates returning magazine weight 970 to its original position.

[0067] To reload a new magazine within the VR game, the user can simply tap or push the magazine weight 970 back to its original position. The hook 954 can include a curvature that allows the lip 974 to push the hook 954 (and thus the magazine release arm 955) horizontally as the magazine weight 970 is pushed upward. Once the magazine weight 970 returns to its original position, the second biasing member 956 causes the hook 954 to bounce back to re-engage the lip 974, as shown in FIG. 13A . When paired with appropriate virtual reality application software, the tap or push of the magazine weight 970 back upward can be detected via the virtual reality controller 945's built-in sensors (e.g., accelerometer) and can be interpreted as a new magazine reload within the VR game.

[0068] 14 is an isometric view of a firearm simulation assembly 1400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology. The firearm simulation assembly 1400 includes a firearm assembly frame 1422, a replaceable firearm body 1410 releasably coupled to the firearm assembly frame 1422, a trigger 1432a, and a magazine release button 1440 slidably coupled to the replaceable firearm body 1410. The firearm assembly frame 1422 is a Meta Quest Pro firearm sold by Meta Platforms, Inc. TM , Meta Quest 2 TM , or Meta Quest 3 TM , Pico 4 sold by Pico Immersive Pte. Ltd. TM or other similar controller manufactured by a third party. The firearm simulation assembly 1400 also includes a magazine release arm 1455 operably coupled to the magazine release button 1440 and extending to a location adjacent a side button 1445 b of the virtual reality controller 1445.

[0069] Firearm simulation assembly 1400 advantageously allows a user to view and / or access a control panel (e.g., including a joystick and other input buttons) while holding handgun simulation assembly 1400, such as when pointing firearm simulation assembly 1400 forward during a VR gaming session. Also, while the illustrated embodiment depicts a right-handed controller, those skilled in the art will understand that selected components of firearm simulation assembly 1400 described herein can be reversed and / or rearranged to support a left-handed controller.

[0070] 15 is a partially exploded isometric view of a firearm simulation assembly 1400. The firearm simulation assembly 1400 also includes a fastener 1412, a lip member 1450, and a trigger conversion subassembly 1430, which are positioned at least in part within a firearm assembly frame 1422 and a replaceable firearm body 1410. The fastener 1412 is configured to releasably couple the replaceable firearm body 1410 to the firearm assembly frame 1422. That is, the fastener 1412 is insertable through corresponding holes in the firearm assembly frame 1422 and the replaceable firearm body 1410 to couple the frame 1422 to the body 1410. The lip member 1450 is used to engage and support a virtual reality controller 1445 on a rear portion 1424 of the firearm assembly frame 1422 opposite the annular portion 1420. The operation of edge member 1450 is described in further detail below with respect to Figures 16A and 16B. Trigger conversion subassembly 1430 includes trigger 1432a. The components and operation of trigger conversion subassembly 1430 are described in further detail below with respect to Figures 17A-17C.

[0071] Although the interchangeable firearm body 1410 in the illustrated embodiment has a shape corresponding to a handgun, other interchangeable firearm bodies can have shapes corresponding to other types of firearms (e.g., rifles, shotguns, etc.). When the firearm simulation assembly 1400 is used (e.g., used to play a VR shooting game), the interchangeable firearm body 1410 can be swapped out for another to match the type of firearm used in the VR game to provide a more realistic gaming experience. For example, if a user is shooting a shotgun in a VR game but is holding the pistol-shaped interchangeable firearm body 1410 illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 , the differences between the two types of firearms (e.g., weight, balance, how they are held, degree of recoil) can lead to a disjointed VR experience. Therefore, it would be advantageous to have various types of firearm bodies that can be easily swapped out depending on the type of firearm being used in the VR game. Additionally, the firearm assembly frame 1422 can continue to engage and support the virtual reality controller 1445 and trigger conversion subassembly 1430 (and other functional components) so that the user does not have to reconfigure and / or re-attach any other items (e.g., the virtual reality controller 1445) each time the replaceable firearm body 1410 is replaced.

[0072] 16A and 16B are partially exploded front and rear isometric views, respectively, of a peripheral member 1450 with a threaded end and a corresponding fastener 1448 with a biasing member 1444 (e.g., a spring). In the illustrated embodiment, the peripheral member 1450 includes two peripheral portions 1451 sized to receive the ends of a virtual reality controller 1445. The peripheral member 1450 also includes a first opening 1453 a and a second opening 1453 b that define a channel extending therebetween along the illustrated dotted axis. The first opening 1453 a has a smaller diameter than the second opening 1453 b, such that the channel includes a first channel portion closer to the first opening 1453 a and a second channel portion closer to the second opening 1453 b and with a larger diameter than the first channel portion. The peripheral member 1450 includes an inner annular wall 1456 at the junction between the first and second channel portions that is generally normal to the illustrated dashed axis, and has an inner diameter corresponding to the first channel portion and an outer diameter corresponding to the second channel portion.

[0073] The diameter of the second opening 1453b exceeds that of the head of the fastener 1448 such that the second channel portion is sized to receive both the fastener 1448 and the biasing member 1444. When the firearm simulation assembly 1400 is assembled, the edge member 1450 is movably coupled to the firearm assembly frame 1422 at the rear portion 1424 ( FIG. 15 ) via the fastener 1448. More specifically, the fastener 1448 is coupled to the rear portion 1424 via the threaded end, while the fastener 1448 is disposed within the channel and the biasing member 1444 is disposed within the first channel portion and compressed between the head of the fastener 1448 and the inner annular wall 1456.

[0074] The edge member 1450 is movable between a receiving position and a gripping position, and the biasing member 1444 biases the edge member 1450 toward the gripping position. The edge member 1450 is positioned closer to the firearm assembly frame 1422 when in the gripping position than when in the receiving position. When a user secures the virtual reality controller 1445 to the firearm assembly frame 1422, the virtual reality controller 1445 can be partially inserted into the annular portion 1420 of the firearm assembly frame 1422, and the user can manually pull the edge member 1450 away from the firearm assembly frame 1422 (e.g., in direction A3) to the receiving position. In doing so, the inner annular wall 1456 moves toward the head of the fastener 1448, while the fastener 1448 remains stationary relative to the firearm assembly frame 1422, thereby further compressing the biasing member 1444 therebetween. Once the virtual reality controller 1445 is in place, the user can release the edge member 1450 and allow the biasing member 1444 to push against the inner annular wall 1456 (e.g., in direction A4) and return the edge member 1450 to the gripping position, thereby securing the virtual reality controller 1445. The edge member 1450 allows the virtual reality controller 1445 to be easily inserted and removed, for example, when the virtual reality controller 1445 needs to be recharged.

[0075] 17A, 17B, and 17C are cross-sectional views of trigger conversion subassembly 1430. Subassembly 1430 includes a pusher arm 1426 rotatably coupled to firearm assembly frame 1422, a pusher arm shaft 1428 about which pusher arm 1426 rotates, a trigger cam 1432, and a trigger cam shaft 1434 affixed to firearm assembly frame 1422 and about which trigger cam 1432 rotates. Distal end 1426a of pusher arm 1426 is positioned proximate trigger finger button 1445a of virtual reality controller 1445. Distal end 1426a of pusher arm 1426 contacts and pushes against the trigger finger button of virtual reality controller 1445. To improve detection of force applied to the trigger finger button, some VR controllers have capacitance sensors to distinguish between touches by a human finger and touches by inanimate objects, so the surface of the distal end 1426a of the pusher arm 1426 may be coated with a thin aluminum or other conductive coating. In other embodiments, the contact may be indirect. In either case, the trigger conversion subassembly 1430 is configured to push against the trigger finger button of the VR controller 1445 when the trigger is pulled by the user.

[0076] The trigger cam 1432 includes a first portion 1432a that includes a trigger 1432a, a second portion 1432b that includes a cavity 1435, and a third portion 1432c that contacts the pusher arm 1426 near the distal end 1426a. The function of each portion of the trigger cam 1432 is described further below. The subassembly 1430 also includes a tensioning mechanism that includes a bar 1436, a first biasing member 1446 (e.g., a spring), and a fastener 1442. The bar 1436 is rotatably coupled to the second portion 1432b of the trigger cam 1432 via a pin 1438, and the bar 1436 includes a notch 1436a. The first biasing member 1446 is coupled between the bar 1436 and the second portion 1432b proximate the trigger cam shaft 1434. The fixture 1442 is fixedly coupled to the firearm assembly frame 1422. The subassembly 1430 also includes a second biasing member 1444 (e.g., a spring) compressed between the trigger cam 1432 and the firearm assembly frame 1422.

[0077] 17A, 17B, and 17C illustrate subassembly 1430 in three different positions: an initial (neutral) position (FIG. 17A), an intermediate position (FIG. 17B), and an extreme (final or pulled) position (FIG. 17C). FIG. 17A illustrates subassembly 1430 when trigger 1432a is not pulled and is in its neutral position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 14). Retainer 1442 contacts tensioning mechanism bar 1436 at a point approximately halfway along notch 1436a. Bar 1436 is biased against retainer 1442 by the action of first biasing member 1446, which applies a pushing force against bar 1436. Retainer 1442 is made of stainless steel or Delrin® stainless steel manufactured by DuPont. TM The second biasing member 1444 can bias the trigger cam 1432 toward the neutral position shown in FIG. 17A. In some embodiments, the pusher arm 1426 is not biased in any direction such that the pusher arm 1426 rests on the third portion 1432c (e.g., by gravity). The second biasing member 1444 can bias the trigger cam 1432 toward the neutral position shown in FIG. 17A.

[0078] When a user desires to fire the firearm simulation subassembly 1400, they pull the trigger 1432a (e.g., using their index finger), rotating the trigger cam 1432 in direction R2. FIG. 17B depicts the subassembly 1430 in an intermediate position, with the trigger 1432a having been pulled partway by the user. Due to the coupling between the second portion 1432b of the trigger cam 1432 and the bar 1436 by the pin 1438, as well as the bias applied by the first biasing member 1446, the bar 1436 also moves with the trigger cam 1432. As depicted in FIG. 17B, the bar 1436 of the tensioning mechanism has moved such that, in the intermediate position, the fastener 1442 contacts the bar 1436 at a more distant point along the notch 1436a. Due to the notch 1436a having an increased slope at the contact point, a greater force is required by the user to move the trigger 1432a. The notch 1436a is shaped so that the force required to squeeze the trigger 1432a simulates the trigger resistance of a real handgun as the contact point between the notch 1436a and the fastener 1442 changes. In some embodiments, the notch 1436a has a different shape than in the illustrated embodiment.

[0079] As the trigger cam 1432 rotates in direction R2, the third portion 1432c of the trigger cam 1432 is moved upward, pushing the distal end 1426a of the pusher arm 1426 upward and rotating the pusher arm 1426 in a counterclockwise direction (e.g., in a direction R3 that is rotationally opposite to R2). The distal end 1426a of the pusher arm 1426 presses against a trigger finger button 1445a of the virtual reality controller 1445. The trigger finger button 1445a can be in direct or indirect contact with the pusher arm 1426. In some embodiments, the surface of the distal end 1426a of the pusher arm 1426 is coated with a thin aluminum or other conductive coating because some virtual reality controllers have capacitance sensors to distinguish between touches by a human finger and touches by an inanimate object. As depicted in Figure 17B, pusher arm 1426 rotates when trigger 1432a is pulled. (The phantom pusher arm and phantom trigger in Figure 17B represent the original pusher arm and trigger positions, respectively, as seen in Figure 17A.)

[0080] FIG. 17C depicts the subassembly 1430 in an extreme (final or pulled) position, with the trigger 1432a fully pulled by the user. As depicted in FIG. 17C, the tensioning mechanism bar 1436 has moved so that, in the final position, the retainer 1442 contacts the bar 1436 at a point outside the notch 1436a. Once the retainer 1442 has completed its travel past the notch 1436a, there is no further dispersion required by the user to move the trigger 1432a. Such a position simulates the feel of a trigger on a physical handgun after a bullet has been fired. Also, as depicted in FIG. 17C, the pusher arm 1426 rotates even further when the trigger 1432a is fully pulled, compared to FIG. 17B. (The phantom pusher arm and phantom trigger in FIG. 17C represent the original pusher arm and trigger positions, respectively, as seen in FIG. 17A.) By adjusting the geometry of trigger cam 1432, depressing trigger finger button 1445a via distal end 1426a of pusher arm 1426 is intended to trigger the firing of a firearm in the VR game simultaneously or nearly simultaneously as the corresponding feel of trigger 1432a changes. After pulling trigger 1432a, the user can then release trigger 1432a such that second biasing member 1444 rotates trigger cam 1432 back to its neutral position, as shown in FIG. 17A.

[0081] 18A and 18B are front isometric and rear views, respectively, of the magazine release button 1440 and the magazine release arm 1455. The magazine release arm has a first distal end 1455a that extends to a location adjacent a side button 1445b of the virtual reality controller 1445 and a second distal end 1455b that is proximate the magazine release button 1440. In the illustrated embodiment, the magazine release button includes a recess 1441 configured to receive the second distal end 1455b of the magazine release arm 1455. The magazine release arm 1455 is rotatably coupled to the firearm assembly frame 1422 via a shaft 1452 coupled between the first distal end 1455a and the second distal end 1455b. A biasing member 1454 (e.g., a spring) is coupled between the magazine release arm 1455 and the firearm assembly frame 1422.

[0082] When the firearm simulation assembly 1400 is used (e.g., used to play a VR shooting game), the magazine release button 1440 can be pressed by a user to move the magazine release button 1440 from a neutral position to a pressed position to simulate a magazine release. When pressed, the magazine release button 1440 is translated within the interchangeable firearm body 1410 in direction A5, pushing against the second distal end 1455b and imparting a moment to the magazine release arm 1455. The moment rotates the magazine release arm 1455 in direction R4 about the shaft 1452 such that the first distal end 1455a moves toward and presses the side button 1445b of the virtual reality controller 1445. When paired with appropriate virtual reality application software, pressing the side button 1445b may be interpreted as releasing the magazine of the firearm within the virtual reality application. When the user releases the magazine release button 1440, the biasing member 1454 pushes against the magazine release arm 1455, returning the magazine release button 1440 to a neutral position.

[0083] It is to be understood that the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details of the preferred embodiment shown and described, and that variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although a spring is typically disclosed as the biasing mechanism in the description, it is to be understood that other biasing mechanisms, such as rubber bumpers, rubber bands, or other mechanical equivalents, can also be used.

[0084] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes may be made to the details of the above-described embodiments without departing from the underlying principles of the present disclosure. In some cases, well-known structures and functions have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of embodiments of the present technology. While method steps may be presented herein in a particular order, alternative embodiments may perform the steps in a different order. Similarly, certain aspects of the present technology that are disclosed in the context of particular embodiments may be combined or eliminated in other embodiments. Furthermore, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the present technology may be disclosed in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments necessarily need exhibit such advantages or other advantages disclosed herein to fall within the scope of the present technology. Thus, the present disclosure and associated technology may encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein, and the present invention is not limited except as by the appended claims.

[0085] Reference herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "some embodiments," or similar expressions means that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of the technology. Thus, appearances of such phrases or expressions herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, various particular features, structures, operations, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0086] The above-described disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that any claim require more features than are expressly recited in that claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in a combination of less than all features of any single foregoing disclosed embodiment.

[0087] The present technology is illustrated according to various aspects, for example, as numbered appendices (1, 2, 3, etc.) for convenience, described below. These are provided as examples and do not limit the present technology. Note that any of the dependent appendices may be combined in any combination and grouped into separate independent appendices. Other appendices may be presented in a similar manner.

Claims

1. 1. A handgun simulation assembly for a virtual reality controller having a trigger finger button, the handgun simulation assembly comprising: Handgun grip and a handgun body coupled to the handgun grip, the handgun body having a trigger disposed on a lower portion and a cradle for holding a virtual reality controller on an upper portion; a trigger translation subassembly for translating motion of the trigger to the trigger finger button of the virtual reality controller; Equipped with The trigger conversion subassembly includes: a camshaft coupled to the handgun body; a cam rotatably mounted on the camshaft, the cam having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the first portion of the cam contacting the trigger and the third portion of the cam contacting the trigger finger button of the virtual reality controller; a tensioning mechanism coupled to the second portion of the cam; Equipped with a trigger finger button on the virtual reality controller; and a tensioning mechanism providing variable resistance to the cam rotation.

2. 2. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 1, wherein the trigger conversion subassembly further comprises a safety subassembly configured to switch between an on position and an off position, the safety subassembly preventing rotation of the cam when in the on position and allowing rotation of the cam when in the off position.

3. 3. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 2, wherein the safety subassembly comprises a spring and a stop configured to contact the cam when the safety subassembly is in the on position.

4. The tensioning mechanism includes: a bar having a notch, the bar rotatably coupled to the second portion of the cam; a spring disposed between the cam and the bar; a fastener coupled to the handgun body and in contact with the notch in the bar; 10. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 1, comprising:

5. 1. A firearm simulation assembly for a virtual reality controller having a trigger button, the firearm simulation assembly comprising: a firearm assembly frame configured to engage and support the virtual reality controller; a trigger conversion subassembly positioned at least partially within said firearm assembly frame; and Equipped with the trigger conversion subassembly for converting a trigger pull force into the trigger button of the virtual reality controller; The trigger conversion subassembly includes: a pusher arm rotatably coupled to the firearm assembly frame and extending to a location adjacent the trigger button of the virtual reality controller; a trigger cam rotatably coupled to the firearm assembly frame, the trigger cam having a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion, the first portion of the trigger cam configured to receive the trigger pull force, the second portion of the trigger cam including a cavity, and the third portion of the trigger cam contacting the pusher arm; a tensioning mechanism coupled to the second portion of the trigger cam; Equipped with The tensioning mechanism includes: a bar having a notch, the bar rotatably coupled to the second portion of the trigger cam; a spring disposed within the cavity of the second portion of the trigger cam, the spring being compressed against the bar; and a fastener coupled to the firearm assembly frame and contacting the notch in the bar; Equipped with the trigger pull force rotates the trigger cam from a neutral position to a pulled position such that the third portion of the trigger cam rotates the pusher arm and causes the pusher arm to depress the trigger button of the virtual reality controller, and the tensioning mechanism generates resistance to the trigger cam rotation.

6. 6. The firearm simulation assembly of claim 5, wherein said trigger conversion subassembly further comprises a second spring compressed between said trigger cam and said firearm assembly frame, said second spring biasing said trigger cam toward said neutral position.

7. the firearm simulation assembly further comprising: a peripheral member sized to receive an end of the virtual reality controller, the peripheral member including a channel and an inner annular wall, the peripheral member movable along an axis between a receiving position and a gripping position, the peripheral member positioned closer to the firearm assembly frame when in the gripping position than in the receiving position; a fastener coupled to the firearm assembly frame and disposed at least partially within the channel of the edge member; a second spring disposed between the fastener and the inner annular wall, the second spring biasing the edge member toward the gripping position; 6. The firearm simulation assembly of claim 5, comprising:

8. 6. The firearm simulation assembly of claim 5, further comprising a replaceable firearm body configured to be releasably coupled to said firearm assembly frame, said trigger conversion subassembly being positioned at least partially within said replaceable firearm body.

9. the firearm simulation assembly further comprising: a magazine release button slidably coupled to the replaceable firearm body; a magazine release arm rotatably coupled to the firearm assembly frame; Equipped with the magazine release arm has a first distal end that extends to a location adjacent a side button of the virtual reality controller and a second distal end that is proximate the magazine release button; 9. The firearm simulation assembly of claim 8, wherein when the magazine release button is moved from a neutral position to a depressed position, the magazine release button depresses against the second distal end, causing the magazine release arm to rotate such that the first distal end depresses the side button of the virtual reality controller.

10. 10. The firearm simulation assembly of claim 9, further comprising a second spring coupled between the magazine release arm and the firearm assembly frame, the second spring configured to bias the magazine release arm toward the neutral position.

11. 1. A handgun simulation assembly for a virtual reality controller having side buttons, the handgun simulation assembly comprising: a handgun body configured to support the virtual reality controller; and a handgun grip coupled to the handgun body; a magazine release button on a side portion of the handgun body, the magazine release button being movable between a neutral position and a depressed position; a biasing mechanism that biases the magazine release button toward the neutral position; a magazine release arm coupled to the magazine release button and extending to a second location adjacent the side button of the virtual reality controller; Equipped with a distal end of the magazine release arm configured to press against the side button of the virtual reality controller at a first pressure level when the magazine release button is in the pressed position and to release the side button of the virtual reality controller when the magazine release button is in the neutral position, the handgun simulation assembly.

12. a lower portion of the magazine release arm including a hook; a lower portion of the handgun grip including an opening; and the handgun simulation assembly further comprising: a magazine weight disposed inside the handgun grip, the upper portion of the magazine weight including a rim; a stopper disposed inside the handgun grip and coupled thereto; Equipped with When the magazine release button is in the neutral position, the hook of the magazine release engages the edge of the magazine weight to suspend the magazine weight within the handgun grip in an engaged position; when the magazine release button is in the depressed position, the hook of the magazine release no longer engages the edge of the magazine weight, allowing the magazine weight to drop at least partially through the opening in the handgun grip into a released position; 12. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 11, wherein the stop is configured to prevent the magazine weight from falling beyond a predetermined distance.

13. 13. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 12, wherein the magazine weight is returned from the released position to the engaged position by application of an upward force to a portion of the magazine weight that protrudes from the handgun grip in the released position.

14. 13. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 12, wherein the hook of the magazine release re-engages the edge of the magazine weight when the magazine weight is returned to the engaged position, suspending the magazine weight within the handgun grip.

15. a slide release button rotatably coupled to the handgun body, the slide release button being movable between a neutral position and a depressed position; a slide release arm coupled to the slide release button and extending to a first location adjacent the side button of the virtual reality controller; a second biasing mechanism that biases the slide release button toward the neutral position; and Furthermore, 12. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 11, wherein a distal end of the slide release arm is configured to press against the side button of the virtual reality controller at a second pressure level when the slide release button is in the pressed position and to release the side button of the virtual reality controller when the slide release button is in the neutral position, the first pressure level being different from the second pressure level.

16. 16. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 15, wherein the distal end of the slide release arm is configured to press against the distal end of the magazine release arm, thereby indirectly pressing against the side button of the virtual reality controller.

17. 16. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 15, wherein the first compression level is greater than the second compression level.

18. 16. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 15, wherein the second pressure level is between 10% and 40% of the first pressure level.

19. 16. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 15, wherein the first biasing mechanism and the second biasing mechanism are springs.

20. 1. A firearm simulation assembly for a virtual reality controller, said firearm simulation assembly comprising: a firearm body having a grip; a mating cradle attached to the firearm body and sized to receive a handle of a virtual reality controller; a border member sized to receive an end of the virtual reality controller opposite the handle, the border member movable along an axis between a receiving position and a gripping position, the border member positioned closer to the firearm body when in the gripping position than in the receiving position; and Equipped with a mating cradle that allows the virtual reality controller to be affixed to the firearm body in a horizontal orientation with a trigger finger button of the virtual reality controller oriented downward toward the firearm grip when the edge member is in the gripping position, and that allows the virtual reality controller to be detached from the firearm body when the edge member is in the receiving position.

21. 21. A firearm simulation assembly as recited in claim 20, wherein said mating cradle has a ring shape.

22. The peripheral member includes a channel and an inner annular wall, and the firearm simulation assembly further includes: a fastener coupled to the firearm body and disposed at least partially within the channel of the edge member; a biasing member disposed between the fastener and the inner annular wall, the biasing member biasing the marginal member toward the gripping position; 21. The firearm simulation assembly of claim 20, comprising:

23. 23. A firearm simulation assembly as recited in claim 22, wherein said biasing member is a spring.

24. 21. The firearm simulation assembly of claim 20, wherein the assembly provides access to a control panel of the virtual reality controller from the rear of the firearm body.

25. 1. A handgun simulation assembly comprising: The handgun body, a cradle subassembly configured to releasably hold a virtual reality controller on the handgun body; and Equipped with The cradle subassembly includes: a mating cradle coupled to the handgun body, the mating cradle configured to engage the virtual reality controller and hold the virtual reality controller in a fixed position relative to the handgun body, the virtual reality controller having a joystick for controlling gameplay; and a sliding member coupled to the mating cradle and movable between a neutral position and a retracted position, the sliding member having an arm that extends to a location adjacent the joystick of the virtual reality controller; a biasing member configured to bias the sliding member toward the neutral position; and Equipped with the arm is configured to push against the joystick of the virtual reality controller when the sliding member is in the retracted position and to release the joystick of the virtual reality controller when the sliding member is in the neutral position.

26. 26. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 25, further comprising a cradle cover disposed between the mating cradle and the sliding member, the cradle cover being rotatably coupled to the mating cradle.

27. 27. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 26, further comprising a fastener coupled to the cradle cover, the sliding member including an aperture configured to receive the fastener, the fastener and the aperture defining a maximum displacement of the sliding member relative to the cradle cover when the sliding member is moved between the neutral position and the retracted position.

28. a peripheral member sized to receive an end of the virtual reality controller, the peripheral member including a channel and an inner annular wall, the peripheral member movable along an axis between a receiving position and a gripping position, the peripheral member positioned closer to the handgun body when in the gripping position than when in the receiving position; a fastener coupled to the handgun body and disposed at least partially within the channel of the edge member; a second biasing member disposed between the fastener and the inner annular wall, the second biasing member biasing the marginal member toward the gripping position; 26. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 25, further comprising:

29. a magazine release button slidably coupled to the handgun body; a magazine release arm rotatably coupled to the handgun body, the magazine release arm having a first distal end extending to a location adjacent a side button of the virtual reality controller and a second distal end proximate the magazine release button; Furthermore, 26. The handgun simulation assembly of claim 25, wherein when the magazine release button is moved from a neutral position to a depressed position, the magazine release button depresses against the second distal end, causing the magazine release arm to rotate such that the first distal end depresses the side button of the virtual reality controller.

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