Hearing Protection Devices for Automatic Gunshot Scoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current scoring tools for shooting events, such as paper-based and electronic charts, require manual input, distracting shooters and disrupting their concentration during competitive shooting.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a pair of hearing protection devices with electronic circuits and a portable device that detects gunshots and prompts shooters to provide voice commands for scoring, eliminating the need for manual entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual scoring entry is used during shooting events, then scoring can be performed, but the shooter's concentration is disrupted and performance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic scoring by detecting gunshots through audio sensors and automatically recording shot data, eliminating the need for manual scoring operations. The shooter simply performs shooting actions while the system autonomously tracks and scores results, freeing the shooter from scoring tasks and maintaining concentration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical scoring operations with an automated electronic system that uses audio detection, signal processing, and automatic data recording. The mechanical action of manually entering scores is substituted with electronic gunshot detection and automatic scoring algorithms.
2Extent of automation
If automated gunshot detection is implemented, then manual scoring entry is eliminated, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system integrates multiple functions into a single device: hearing protection, gunshot detection, audio analysis, and automatic scoring all occur within the same wearable system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses audio sensors and signal processing algorithms as intermediaries to detect gunshots and trigger scoring actions. These intermediaries translate physical gunshot sounds into automated scoring decisions, simplifying the automation process while maintaining reliability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables shooters to focus on their targets without manual scoring distractions, allowing for accurate and efficient tracking of shots through voice commands, enhancing concentration and performance.
Implementation Method 1
The first ear device detects a gunshot and produce first detection information characterizing the gunshot as detected by the first ear device. The second ear device detects the gunshot and produces second detection information characterizing the gunshot as detected by the second ear device.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (100) for scoring a shooting event for a shooter includes a pair of hearing protection devices (102) and a portable device (110). The hearing protection devices each include an electronic circuit that detects a gunshot and produces detection information characterizing the gunshot as detected. The difference between the detection information produced by the hearing protection devices worn in or over different ears of the shooter allows the portable devices to identify the gunshot as being fired by the shooter and subsequently prompt the shooter to give a voice command indicating the result of the gunshot to the portable device for the scoring without manual entry.