Camera Impact Detection for Real-Time Target Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shooting range technologies struggle to accurately and efficiently determine the point of impact (POI) of bullets relative to the point of aim (POA) in real-time, especially in dynamic and unpredictable conditions, without requiring precise target registration or specialized equipment, and are prone to errors such as cross-fire detection.
Innovation Solution
A camera-based system that uses image analysis techniques to detect and correct spatial perspective distortion, identify projectile impacts with sub-caliber precision, and determine POI relative to POA, utilizing circular symmetry detection methods and thermal imaging for real-time scoring, compatible with various firearms and ammunition calibers, even in dynamic environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement methods are used to determine POI, then equipment complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and time efficiency deteriorate due to distance, small impact indication, and retrieval delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated optical detection system using a camera and image processing algorithm. The camera captures images of the target, and the processor automatically detects the POI by analyzing the impact hole's position relative to the POA, eliminating the need for physical measurement tools and manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the target and impact hole through camera imaging. Instead of directly measuring the physical target, the system captures an optical copy (image) and performs measurement on this digital representation, enabling remote, automated, and precise measurement without physical contact with the target.
2Productivity
If real-time POI detection is implemented, then productivity and feedback speed improve, but device complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow manual retrieval and measurement processes with real-time automated optical detection and image processing. The camera continuously captures images, and the processor immediately analyzes them to determine POI, providing instant scoring feedback without mechanical intervention or delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by continuously capturing images of the target and continuously processing these images to detect POI. This uninterrupted cycle of capture and analysis enables real-time scoring feedback without stopping or resetting between shots.
3Measurement precision
If precise target registration is required for accurate POI measurement, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation and setup time deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically detecting the POA (point of aim) and target features through image analysis. Instead of requiring manual registration or precise physical setup, the camera and processor autonomously identify reference points and establish coordinate systems, making the system self-configuring and easy to deploy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of target features and POA location before final POI measurement. By first identifying reference markers, target boundaries, and aim point positions in the image, the system prepares the measurement framework in advance, enabling accurate subsequent POI determination without requiring pre-setup registration.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the target moves unpredictably due to projectile impact or environmental forces, then target realism is maintained, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to changing position and orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts to target movement by continuously capturing images and recalculating POI based on the current target position and orientation. Instead of assuming a fixed target, the camera tracks the target's actual location in each image, and the processor adjusts measurement coordinates accordingly, maintaining accuracy despite target displacement or rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from continuous image capture to detect and compensate for target movement. By comparing successive images or detecting target features in real-time, the system receives feedback about target position changes and adjusts its measurement calculations to maintain accurate POI determination despite environmental disturbances or impact forces.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for camera detection of projectile point of impact include: processing at least one of multiple images of a physical target in a field of view of a camera to determine an orientation of the physical target, correct spatial perspective distortion for the physical target, establish a metric for the physical target that relates a pixel-to-pixel distance with a real-world distance, or a combination thereof; comparing respective images in a sequence of images from the multiple images to identify image data representing a projectile having hit the physical target; determining a point of impact of the projectile on the physical target based on the image data representing the projectile having hit the physical target; and providing the determined point of impact for scoring and presentation on a display device.