DEVICE, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RECORDING AND COUNTING SHOTS

Description

[0001] This invention relates to a shot detection and counter device, and a method of detecting and counting shots fired from a weapon. The invention also relates to a shot counting weapon.

[0002] The invention is expected to be advantageously applicable to weapons such as handguns, semi-automatic and automatic rifles, sub-machine guns, grenade launchers, shotguns, revolvers, pistols, and the like. Accordingly, such applications should particularly, but not exclusively, be borne in mind when considering this specification.

[0003] In this specification, the term "triggering" should be interpreted to include "initialising" and the term "motion" to include "gesture".Background of the invention:

[0004] Devices that count the number of rounds fired from a firearm are well-known. However, such devices generally employ a single accelerometer sensor and a basic wake-from-sleep circuit.

[0005] US Patent Application No. 12 / 799,134, published on 9 September 2010 as US 2010 / 0223829 A1 (UFER ROBERT [US] ET AL) describes a Self-calibrating Weapon Shot Counter having a microcontroller operated module affixed to a firearm, the module comprising an analogue accelerometer for measuring the G force of each round fired by the firearm, a memory for storing the shot profile data that includes shot count and recoil data, and a communication device for transmitting the stored shot profile data to a remote location. The shot counter further includes a wake-up circuit adapted to switch upon detection of a fired shot to signal the microcontroller to initialize a low power mode to activate the analogue accelerometer faster than analogue accelerometer would activate by itself.

[0006] US Patent No. 5,610,337 (NELSON WILLIAM E [US]) discloses a Method of Measuring the Amplitude and Frequency of an Acceleration, which method employs a a digital accelerometer for detecting translational or rotational acceleration, and an array of micro-mechanical sensing elements wherein an applied acceleration within a 2s sensitivity range of a sensing element causes it to tilt and make an electrical contact. The sensing element thus acts as a switch, causing a signal to be stored in a memory cell.

[0007] US Patent No. 8,571,815 B2 (BAR-DAVID ASAF [IL]; SPECTOR YUVAL [IL]; SECUBIT LTD [IL]) describes a System and Method for Automated Gun Shot Measuring, which system includes a device having an impact sensor adapted to detect a substantial impact event from a firearm, and to generate an analogue signal representing the impact event; an electronic circuit supporting a microprocessor and a memory unit, the microprocessor and the memory being designed to be substantially in a sleep state except for a selected time interval related to the impact event following an identification of the impact event from the firearm; and a communications module for enabling communicating of the digital data to an external data receiver. According to some embodiments, the impact sensor is a piezo-electric sensor.

[0008] The inventors have identified a need for a shot detecting and counting device that more accurately counts the number of rounds fired from a firearm and wirelessly communicates with a remote device for online and offline monitoring of the number of rounds fired whilst consuming minimal power.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide such a shot counting device and method.Summary of the invention:

[0010] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a shot detection and counter device as defined by claim 1 which includes: a microprocessor; a piezoelectric analogue accelerometer shock sensor installed on the device at an angle substantially non-perpendicular to an impact axis of a shot, and at which a sensor sensing axis is inconsistent with an impact axis such that, in use, installation in such manner improves its signal-to-noise ratio, suppresses unwanted foreign impact data and improves the overall device response; a three-axis digital accelerometer whose sampling initialisation is operatively triggered by a trigger signal received from the analogue accelerometer shock sensor to input a shot waveform to the microprocessor, the microprocessor being operable to: receive the trigger signal as a reference signal to the start of a weapon firing cycle, sample the shot waveform, compare the shot waveform with a pre-determined configuration of pre-sets to distinguish a real shot-event from a false shot-event, and produce a shot counter signal; and a wireless communications module for operatively transmitting the shot counter signal to a remote device being in operative communication with the shot counter device.

[0011] The shot counter device may be configured, prior to triggering the sampling of the three-axis digital accelerometer, to respond to an impact-wake event that awakens the shot counter device from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a high g-force wake signal at the analogue accelerometer shock sensor, and in response to the impact-wake event, trigger the sampling of the three-axis digital accelerometer by transmitting an interrupt to the microprocessor.

[0012] The shot counter device may be configured, prior to triggering the sampling of the three-axis digital accelerometer, to respond to a motion-wake event that awakens the shot counter device from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a low g-force wake signal at the three-axis digital accelerometer, the low g-force wake signal being of a configurable amplitude in a specified range. To this end, the device may be configured to record a pre-shot movement of the device in a three-axis spatial dimension prior to triggering of the analogue accelerometer shock sensor and prior to triggering of the sampling of the three-axis digital accelerometer.

[0013] The shot counter device may be configured to process and analyse the shot counter signal at the end of each weapon firing cycle.

[0014] The shot counter device may be configured to transmit the shot counter signal from the wireless communications module to the remote device in substantially real-time.

[0015] The shot counter device may include a memory module for operative storage and later retrieval and transmittal of the shot counter signal from the wireless communications module to the remote device.

[0016] Naturally, the shot counter device may be configured for the transmitting and storing of a plurality of successive weapon firing cycle shot counter signals in the form of shot counter data for substantial real-time or later monitoring of the shot counter at the remote device.

[0017] The wireless communications module may include a low-range or mid-range wireless communications module. In one embodiment, the wireless communications module may be a Bluetooth ®< standard low energy wireless communications module.

[0018] The microprocessor may be operable to, subsequent to the sampling of the shot waveform, calculate specific weighting coefficients from the shot waveform.

[0019] According to another aspect of the invention as defined by claim 7 there is provided a method of detecting and counting shots with the shot detection and counter device as defined by claim 1 including the steps of: assigning a pre-determined configuration of pre-sets to the shot counter device; triggering the sampling of the digital accelerometer of the shot counter device to produce a shot waveform by transmitting a trigger signal from an analogue accelerometer of the shot counter device; transmitting the trigger signal to the microprocessor of the shot counter device as a reference signal that indicates the start of a weapon firing cycle; and comparing the shot waveform with the pre-determined configuration of pre-sets at the microprocessor to distinguish a real shot-event from a false shot-event and as a result, produce a shot counter signal.

[0020] The method includes, prior to triggering the sampling of the digital accelerometer, impact-waking the shot counter device from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a high g-force wake signal at the analogue accelerometer, and in response thereto, triggering the sampling of the digital accelerometer by transmitting an interrupt to the microprocessor.

[0021] The method includes, prior to triggering the sampling of the digital accelerometer, motion-waking the shot counter device from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a low g-force wake signal at the digital accelerometer. To this end, the device may be remotely accessed in the awake state via wireless communication to send and receive configuration, status, and diagnostic data.

[0022] The method may include the processing and analysing of the shot counter signal on the shot counter device at the end of the weapon firing cycle by recognizing spatial movement during trigger pull while performing dry fire or live fire.

[0023] The configuration of pre-sets may include predefined shooting patterns and the analysing of the shot counter signal may include separating the shot counter signal into segments according to the predefined patterns, and analysing and monitoring variables of amplitude, time, and space.

[0024] The method may include detecting and classifying of the weapon firing cycle to detect a last bullet fired and alert a shooter of the device to an empty magazine.

[0025] The method may include transmitting the shot counter signal to a wireless communications module of the shot counter device for operative transmission of the shot counter signal to a remote device being in operative wireless communication with the shot counter device.

[0026] The method may include providing training of the shooter of the device by evaluating the analysed shot counter signal for shooter skill based on the evaluation. To this end, the training of the shooter may include any one or more of: providing training progress to the shooter to achieve improved weapon control; providing training tips to the shooter; and providing feedback to the shooter by audio or visual means.

[0027] The method may include transmitting the shot counter signal from the wireless communications module to the remote device in substantially real-time.

[0028] The method may include storing the shot counter signal in a memory module of the shot counter device for later retrieval and transmittal of the shot counter signal from the wireless communications module to the remote device.

[0029] Naturally, the transmitting and storing of the shot counter signal may include storing and transmitting of a plurality of successive firing cycle shot counter signals in the form of shot counter data for substantial real-time or later monitoring of the shot counter data at the remote device.

[0030] The method may include remotely configuring the shot counter device from the remote device via the wireless communications module. Remotely configuring the shot counter device may include changing and tuning the weighting coefficients for different types of weapons.

[0031] The method may include, subsequent to the sampling of the shot waveform, calculating specific weighting coefficients from the shot waveform.

[0032] According to yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a shot counting weapon having installed thereon a shot counter device as hereinbefore described.

[0033] The invention is now described, by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote like parts of the invention unless otherwise indicated.Drawings:

[0034] In the drawings, Figure 1 illustrates, schematically and not to scale, a shot detection and counter device and system in accordance with one aspect of the invention. Figure 2 illustrates, schematically, a method of detecting and counting shots fired from a weapon according to another aspect of the invention, the method being implemented by the device and system of figure 1. Figure 3 shows a flow-chart diagram of the waking of the shot detection and counter device of the method of figure 2 according to another aspect of the invention. Figures 4a shows an example of the sensor response graph in accordance with another aspect of the invention. Figure 5 shows a three-dimensional view of a shot counting weapon in accordance with another aspect of the invention. Figure 6 shows a three-dimensional view of a shot counting weapon in accordance with yet another aspect of the invention. Detailed Description of the Invention:

[0035] With reference to figure 1 of the drawings, reference numeral (10) denotes, generally, a shot detection and counter device according to one embodiment of the invention. The device (10) includes a microprocessor (12); an analogue accelerometer in the form of a piezoelectric shock sensor (14); a digital accelerometer in the form of a three-axis micro electro mechanical system (MEMS) (16) whose sampling initialisation is operatively triggered by a trigger signal (18) received from the piezoelectric shock sensor (14) to input a shot waveform (26) to the microprocessor (12), the microprocessor (12) being operable to: receive the trigger signal (18) as a reference signal (20) to the start of a weapon firing cycle (22), calculate specific weighting coefficient from the shot waveform (26), compare the shot waveform (26) with a pre-determined configuration of pre-sets (24) to distinguish a real shot-event from a false shot-event, and produce a shot counter signal; and a wireless communications module in the form of a Bluetooth ®< standard low energy module (28) for operatively transmitting the shot counter signal to a remote device, the remote device being a mobile device (30) being in operative communication with the shot counter device (10).

[0036] The shot counter device (10) is configured, prior to triggering the sampling of the digital three-axis accelerometer (16), to respond to an impact-wake event that awakens the shot counter device (10) from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a high g-force wake signal at the piezoelectric shock sensor (14), and in response to the impact-wake event, trigger the sampling of the digital three-axis accelerometer (16) by transmitting an interrupt to the microprocessor, as will become more apparent with reference to figure 3.

[0037] The shot counter device (10) is further configured, prior to triggering the sampling of the digital three-axis accelerometer (16), to respond to a motion-wake event that awakens the shot counter device (10) from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a low g-force wake signal at the digital three-axis accelerometer (16), the low g-force wake signal being of a configurable amplitude in a specified range and the device (10) being configured to record pre-shot movement of the device (10) in a three-axis spatial dimension.

[0038] The shot counter device (10) is configured to process and analyse the shot counter signal at the end of each weapon firing cycle and to transmit the shot counter signal from the Bluetooth ®< standard low energy module (28) to the mobile device (30) in substantially real-time. To this end, the shot counter device (10) includes a memory module (32) for operative storage and later retrieval and transmittal of the shot counter signal from the Bluetooth ®< standard low energy module (28) to the mobile device (30).

[0039] In keeping with figure 1, reference numeral (40) denotes, generally, a shot detection and counting system in accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the system (40) including the shot counter device (10) and the mobile device (30), the mobile device (30) having installed thereon a client-side software application for the in-use configuring and real-time monitoring of the shot counter device (10). It should be appreciated that the mobile device may include any one or more of a smart phone, a tablet device, a wearable device such as a smart watch or smart glasses, and the like. The client-side software application may be operating system or platform independent, and may be implemented on a number of platforms, including but not limited to: a Microsoft Windows ®< platform, a Linux ®< platform, an Android ®< platform, and an iOS ®< platform.

[0040] With reference to figure 2 of the drawings, reference numeral (100) denotes, generally, a method of detecting and counting shots fired from a weapon according to another embodiment of the invention, the method being implemented by the device (10) and system (40) of figure 1.

[0041] At step (101), the pre-determined configuration of pre-sets (24) is assigned to the shot counter device (10).

[0042] Next, at step (102), the analogue accelerometer, i.e. the piezoelectric shock sensor (14) transmits the trigger signal (18), thereby triggering the sampling of the digital three-axis accelerometer (16) to produce the shot waveform (26).

[0043] At the same time, the trigger signal (18) is transmitted to the microprocessor (12) of the shot counter device (10) as a reference signal (20) that indicates the start of the weapon firing cycle (22).

[0044] Next, at step (104), the shot waveform is sampled, and specific weighting coefficients are calculated from the shot waveform (26).

[0045] At step (105), the sampled shot waveform (26) is compared with the pre-determined configuration of pre-sets (24) to distinguish a real shot-event from a false shot-event and as a result, produce a shot counter signal at step (106). It should be appreciated that all device components are implemented in a small housing (not shown) and requires merely a coin-cell type battery that provides a long cycle time and is easily upgradeable.

[0046] Advantageously, regarding the sampling: ultralow power event monitoring detects both impacts and motion and wakes up fast enough to capture the transient events. Ability to capture and store peak acceleration values of events, adjustable, low g threshold activity / inactivity detection. Built-in features for system-level power savings, autonomous interrupt processing without the processor (12) intervention. The digital three-axis accelerometer (16) incorporates an internal First-In-First-Out (FIFO) register where it can store impact data independent of the microprocessor (12).

[0047] Next at step (107), the shot counter signal is processed and analysed at the end of the weapon firing cycle and accordingly, at the end of each subsequent firing cycle, by recognizing spatial movement during trigger pull while performing dry fire or live fire.

[0048] The signal processing is done "on the fly", on the device (10) itself, in a short period of time after the end of each firing cycle (22). Advantageously, signal evaluation is fast enough to support fast firing by a trained shooter. Furthermore, shot data combined with a time stamp from a Real Time Clock Chip (RTC) (32) can be stored in EEPROM or flash device and can be read out at any time via the remote mobile device (30) in communication with the Bluetooth ®< standard low energy module (28). Naturally, the size of the memory can be customized to specific needs.

[0049] In this embodiment of the device (10), the configuration of pre-sets include predefined shooting patterns and the analysing of the shot counter signal involves separating the shot counter signal into segments according to the predefined patterns, and analysing and monitoring variables of amplitude, time, and space.

[0050] Further at step (107), the weapon firing cycle (22) is detected and classified in order to detect a last bullet fired and alert a shooter of the device (10) to an empty magazine.

[0051] At step (108), the shot counter signal is transmitted to the Bluetooth ®< standard low energy module (28) for operative transmission of the shot counter signal to the remote mobile device (30) at step (109). In this embodiment, the shot counter signal is transmitted in real-time.

[0052] Further at this step (108), the method includes providing training of the shooter of the device (not shown here) by evaluating the analysed shot counter signal for shooter skill based on the evaluation. The training of the shooter involves providing training progress to the shooter to achieve improved weapon control, providing training tips to the shooter, and providing feedback to the shooter by audio or visual means.

[0053] At step (108.1), the shot counter signal is stored in the memory module (32) for later retrieval and transmittal of the shot counter signal from the Bluetooth ®< standard low energy module (28) to the remote mobile device (30).

[0054] Naturally, the transmitting and storing of the shot counter signal may include storing and transmitting of a plurality of successive firing cycle shot counter signals in the form of shot counter data for real-time or later monitoring of the shot counter data at the remote device at step (110).

[0055] Advantageously, the device (10) may be remotely configured from the remote mobile device (30).

[0056] Turning to figure 3 of the drawings, reference numeral (60) denotes, generally, the waking of the shot detection and counter device (10) of the method (100) described in figure 2. The method (100) includes, prior to triggering the sampling of the digital accelerometer, impact-waking the shot counter device from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a high g-force wake signal at the piezoelectric shock sensor (14), and in response thereto, triggering the sampling of the digital three-axis accelerometer (16) by transmitting an interrupt to the microprocessor (12) of figure 2.

[0057] In another embodiment, the method (100) includes, prior to triggering the sampling of the digital three-axis accelerometer, motion-waking the shot counter device (10) from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a low g-force wake signal at the digital three-axis accelerometer (16). In effect, the waking of the shot counter may be achieved by either: (a) low g force (digital accelerometer) motion-wake. If the users wants to wake up the device with motion detect then Low G wakeup of the 3-axis digital accelerometer is employed. Advantageously, the level of g's may be parameterized, and it is also possible to wake up the device with a specific motion gesture. (b) High g force impact-wake. The signal produced at the output of the fast detection circuit can be used in 2 ways: It can wake the microprocessor if it is in sleep mode (sleep state) (High g wakeup) or if the microprocessor is already running (in awake state) the piezoelectric shock sensor signal will generate an interrupt on the microprocessor which will then start sampling digital accelerometer for a specified time till the end of the firing cycle to analyse and safely confirm that it is a real shot event.

[0058] Advantageously, the waking features of the device enable it to work from sleep (if the Bluetooth Low Energy connection is not needed) or in live mode where it sends data to the monitoring device in real time.

[0059] Referring to figure 5, reference numeral (90) shows a shot counting weapon in the form of a firearm having installed thereon the shot counter device (10) as hereinbefore described. By mounting the piezoelectric shock sensor (14) on the printed circuit board (PCB) at an angle substantially non-perpendicular to an impact axis of a shot, the device's signal-to-noise ratio is improved, and any unwanted foreign impact data suppressed, resulting in an improvement of overall device response.

[0060] A precalculated orientation of the sensor (14) further improves false impact event detection.

[0061] By rotating and placing the piezo electric shock sensor (14) on the PCB at an angle of which the sensor sensing axis is inconsistent with the impact axis, the sensitivity of the sensor is reduced, thereby ensuring a more accurate reading of the firearm's (90) firing and eliminated false detections of possible vibrations detected by the shock sensor (14). Owing to the firearm's firing being an explosion initiated mechanical movement, it contains more than sufficient energy to trigger the piezoelectric shock sensor (14). As a result, the sensor may be rotated to passively attenuate its response to reject common events like dropping on the floor, slide release, hitting pistol on hard surface etc. while preserving enough sensor dynamic range to capture real shot-events. Such placement of the piezo electric shock sensor (14) deliberately differs from and goes against the sensor manufacturer's suggested placement.

[0062] To this end, numeral (70) of figure 4a shows an example of the sensor response graph in accordance with one embodiment of the invention wherein the piezoelectric shock sensor (14) is installed on the device (10) at an angle substantially non-perpendicular to an impact axis of a shot. Positioning of the sensor (14) in such manner improves device response and makes for accurate detection, thereby reducing the need for additional circuitry.

[0063] In contrast to figure 4a and to show the advantage obtained by positioning of the sensor as hereinbefore described, reference numeral 72 of figure 4b shows an example of a sensor response graph wherein the sensor is mounted substantially perpendicular to the impact axis of a shot. As can be seen from figure 4b, such incorrect positioning reduces the ability of the device to distinguish between high and low impact resulting in reduced system robustness.

[0064] With reference to figure 6, reference numeral (92) shows a shot counting weapon according to other embodiments of the invention wherein the device (10) may be installed at various places on the weapon as indicated by numerals 10.1 through 10.5.

[0065] Advantageously, the device, system and method as hereinbefore described provides for improved robustness and accuracy over traditional mechanisms. Whereas devices that use only a single digital accelerometer may achieve an accuracy of about 70%, the combination of an analogue shock sensor and a digital accelerometer of the present device and system may increase the accuracy to over 90%.

[0066] The present device is not limited by the traditionally weak computational power of its semiconductor devices and provides for broader dynamics by passively attenuating the high g-force signal on a more appropriate impact axis in use. By integrating the aspects of attenuation, the combination of analogue sensor and digital accelerometer, the pre-defined patterns, and the specific weighting coefficients as hereinbefore described, system robustness and an accuracy of over 99% may be achieved by the device and system in use.

[0067] Advantageously, the device, system and method as hereinbefore described provides for flexibility and a low energy requirement by means of the combination analogue and digital accelerometer, which reduces a need for additional computational devices and thereby achieving a minimal physical device size using off-the-shelf integrated circuit components for an increased operational lifetime.

Claims

1. A shot detection and counter device (10) which includes: a microprocessor (12); a piezoelectric analogue accelerometer shock sensor (14) installed on the device at an angle substantially non-perpendicular to an impact axis of a shot, and at which a sensor sensing axis is inconsistent with the impact axis such that, in use, installation in such manner improves its signal-to-noise ratio, suppresses unwanted foreign impact data and improves the overall device response; a three-axis digital accelerometer (16) whose sampling initialisation is operatively triggered by a trigger signal received from the piezoelectric analogue accelerometer shock sensor (14) to input a shot waveform to the microprocessor, the microprocessor (12) being operable to: receive the trigger signal as a reference signal to the start of a weapon firing cycle, sample the shot waveform, compare the shot waveform with a pre-determined configuration of pre-sets to distinguish a real shot-event from a false shot-event, and produce a shot counter signal; and a wireless communications module (28) for operatively transmitting the shot counter signal to a remote device (30) being in operative communication with the shot counter device.

2. A shot detection and counter device as claimed in claim 1, the device being configured prior to triggering the sampling of the three-axis digital accelerometer (16), to respond to an impact-wake event that awakens the shot counter device from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a high g-force wake signal at the piezoelectric analogue accelerometer shock sensor (14), and in response to the impact-wake event, trigger the sampling of the three-axis digital accelerometer (16) by transmitting an interrupt to the microprocessor (12).

3. A shot detection and counter device as claimed in claim 1, the device being configured prior to triggering the sampling of the three-axis digital accelerometer (16), to respond to a motion-wake event that awakens the shot counter device from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a low g-force wake signal at the three-axis digital accelerometer (16), the low g-force wake signal being of a configurable amplitude in a specified range and the device being configured to record a pre-shot movement of the device in a three-axis spatial dimension prior to triggering of the piezoelectric analogue accelerometer shock sensor (14).

4. A shot detection and counter device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, the device being configured to process and analyse the shot counter signal at the end of the weapon firing cycle.

5. A shot detection and counter device as claimed in claim 4 that is configured to transmit the shot counter signal from the wireless communications module (28) to the remote device (30) in substantially real-time and wherein the device includes a memory module (32) for operative storage and later retrieval and transmittal of the shot counter signal from the wireless communications module (28) to the remote device (30), and wherein the device is configured for the transmitting and storing of a plurality of successive weapon firing cycle shot counter signals in the form of shot counter data for substantial real-time or later monitoring of the shot counter at the remote device.

6. A shot detection and counting system which includes: a shot detection and counter device as claimed in claim 5; and a remote device (30) having installed thereon a client-side software application for the configuring and monitoring of the shot counter device.

7. A method of detecting and counting shots with the shot detection and counter device of claim 1 which includes the steps of: assigning a pre-determined configuration of pre-sets (24) to the shot counter device (10); motion-waking the shot counter device (10) from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a low g-force wake signal at the digital accelerometer (16); impact-waking the shot counter device from a sleep state to an awake state by detecting a high g-force wake signal at the piezoelectric analogue acceleromete shock sensor (14); triggering the sampling of the digital accelerometer (16) of the shot counter device (10) to produce a shot waveform (26) by transmitting a trigger signal (18) as an interrupt to the microprocessor (12) from the piezoelectric analogue accelerometer shock sensor (14) of the shot counter device (10); transmitting the trigger signal (18) to the microprocessor (12) of the shot counter device (10) as a reference signal that indicates the start of a weapon firing cycle; comparing the shot waveform (26) with the pre-determined configuration of pre-sets (24) at the microprocessor (12) to distinguish a real shot-event from a false shot-event and as a result, produce a shot counter signal.

8. A method of detecting and counting shots as claimed in claim 7 which includes the processing and analysing of the shot counter signal on the shot counter device (10) at the end of the weapon firing cycle by recognizing spatial movement during trigger pull while performing dry fire or live fire wherein the configuration of pre-sets (24) includes predefined shooting patterns, and the analysing of the shot counter signal includes: separating the shot counter signal into segments according to the predefined patterns, and analysing and monitoring variables of amplitude, time, and space.

9. A method of detecting and counting shots as claimed in claim 8 which includes detecting and classifying of the weapon firing cycle to detect a last bullet fired and alert a shooter of the device to an empty magazine.

10. A method of detecting and counting shots as claimed in claim 9 which includes: transmitting the shot counter signal to the wireless communications module (28) of the shot counter device (10) for operative transmission of the shot counter signal to a remote device being in operative wireless communication with the shot counter device (10) in substantially real-time; storing the shot counter signal in a memory module of the shot counter device for later retrieval and transmittal of the shot counter signal from the wireless communications module (28) to the remote device (30) wherein transmitting and storing of the shot counter signal includes storing and transmitting of a plurality of successive firing cycle shot counter signals in the form of shot counter data for substantial real-time or later monitoring of the shot counter data at the remote device; and remotely configuring the shot counter device from the remote device via the wireless communications module.

11. A method of detecting and counting shots as claimed in claim 10 which includes providing training of the shooter of the device by evaluating the analysed shot counter signal for shooter skill based on the evaluation wherein the training of the shooter includes any one or more of: providing training progress to the shooter to achieve improved weapon control; providing training tips to the shooter; and providing feedback to the shooter by audio or visual means.

12. A shot counting weapon having installed thereon a shot detection and counter device (10) as claimed in claim 5.