Inertial Motion Analysis for Shooter–Weapon Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shooting analysis methods, such as video recording and laser pointers, fail to provide precise correlation between shooter movements and weapon movements, are cumbersome, and disrupt the balance of the weapon, making them unsuitable for high-level shooters.

Innovation Solution

A system using miniature inertial measurement units (IMUs) attached to the shooter and weapon, with preprocessing in interface boxes and central processing for real-time data analysis, enabling precise correlation between shooter and weapon movements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If video recording is used to analyze shooting movements, then a preliminary qualitative analysis can be performed, but the analysis precision is insufficient and cannot detect subtle irregularities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of implementationVSAvoidanalysis precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical video recording system with an electronic inertial measurement system. IMUs (inertial measurement units) are attached to the weapon and shooter, using accelerometers and gyroscopes to digitally capture and analyze movements with high precision, eliminating the limitations of video-based qualitative analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transforms the analysis from qualitative visual assessment to quantitative measurement by changing the measurement parameters. Instead of observing video footage, the system measures acceleration, velocity, and position parameters directly through IMU sensors, enabling precise detection of subtle movements that were previously undetectable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If a laser pointer is added to the weapon to project a luminous point on the target, then stability problems can be revealed, but the weapon balance is disturbed and the analysis is incomplete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability analysisVSAvoidweapon balance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the laser pointer optical system with electronic IMU sensors that measure weapon movements directly without projecting light. This substitution eliminates the need for external optical components that would affect weapon balance, while still providing stability analysis through digital acceleration and orientation measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The IMU system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures weapon stability, tracks shooter movements, and provides correlation analysis between the two. This multi-functionality replaces the single-purpose laser pointer while adding comprehensive analysis capabilities without affecting weapon balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If motion analysis devices are attached to the weapon to analyze weapon movements, then detailed weapon movement data can be obtained, but the device weight and complexity increase and correlation with shooter movements cannot be established

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement analysis precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the weapon-mounted IMU with the shooter-worn IMU into a single integrated analysis system. Both sensors measure movements using the same technology platform, and the system correlates their data to establish the relationship between shooter actions and weapon responses. This unified approach reduces overall system complexity compared to separate analysis systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a correlation algorithm as an intermediary that processes data from both IMUs. This intermediary component analyzes the temporal and spatial relationship between shooter movements and weapon movements, establishing causality without requiring direct physical connection between the sensors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Loss of information

If multiple instruments are added to the weapon for comprehensive analysis, then more data can be collected, but the weapon configuration is distorted and the shooting performance may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidweapon configuration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes from adding multiple physical instruments to using a single multi-functional IMU platform. The IMU captures multiple movement parameters (acceleration, velocity, orientation) simultaneously through electronic sensing, eliminating the need for multiple physical attachments that would alter weapon configuration and balance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The IMU system is designed to perform multiple measurement functions within a single compact unit. It simultaneously tracks weapon position, orientation, acceleration, and vibration, providing comprehensive analysis data without requiring multiple separate instruments that would compromise weapon configuration stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Provides accurate, non-disruptive analysis of shooter and weapon movements, allowing for improved shooting accuracy by identifying and correcting subtle movement discrepancies.

Implementation Method 1

measuring instantaneous kinematic variables by the motion sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInertial measurement: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3736790B1System and method for analysing movement during target shooting
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 DUPONT GUILLAUME
  • EP3736790B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3736790B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3736790B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for analyzing the movement of a person (100) and a device (200, 201) held by said person by means of a plurality of motion sensors (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17) attached to the person and/or the device, comprising the steps of: measuring instantaneous kinematic variables by the motion sensors, transmitting measurement data to at least one electronic interface unit (20, 21, 22) connected to one or more motion sensors, preprocessing the transmitted data in said unit, transmitting the preprocessed data to a central computer (30), processing the received data by the central computer with at least one correlation calculation, and displaying the results of said processing. The invention also relates to a motion analysis system for implementing such a method, for example, in the context of sport shooting.