Optical Sensing Target for Automated Scoring

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shooting targets for real shooting sports are inconvenient due to manual scoring, high paper consumption, and large, complex structures, and lack variety in training modes.

Innovation Solution

An optical sensing target with an optical matrix sensor, projector, and computation controller that uses infrared emitters and receivers to digitize scoring and project images for various training and competition modes, eliminating the need for paper and providing accurate, precise scoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional target with manual scoring is used, then the structure is simple, but the scoring process is inconvenient and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescoring processVSAvoidtarget structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical scoring with an automated optical sensing system. The optical matrix sensor detects the position of shooting objects (arrows, darts) and automatically computes scores, eliminating the need for manual scoring while maintaining a relatively simple target structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The target system performs self-scoring through the optical matrix sensor and computation controller, which automatically detect hit positions and calculate scores without requiring external manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional target with single pattern is used, then the structure is simple, but the training variety is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining modesVSAvoidtarget structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic target patterns that can be changed through software control. The computation controller can display different patterns (circles, squares, triangles, animal shapes) on the target surface, allowing the same physical target structure to provide multiple training modes and scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The target system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can display various patterns for different training purposes, provide automatic scoring, and support different shooting objects. This multi-functionality is achieved through the combination of the projection layer, optical matrix sensor, and computation controller.

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

3Loss of substance

If a conventional target with paper replacement is used, then the structure is simple, but the target paper consumption is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget paper consumptionVSAvoidtarget structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical paper targets with a digital projection system. The projection layer displays patterns electronically, and the optical matrix sensor detects hit positions, eliminating the need for physical paper replacement and reducing material consumption.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The target system changes the visual parameters of the target by projecting different patterns electronically rather than physically replacing paper. This allows infinite variations of target patterns without consuming additional physical materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Extent of automation

If an electrical displacement sensing component is used, then the scoring is automated, but the device size becomes overly large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescoring processVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky electrical displacement sensing components with a compact optical matrix sensor system. The optical sensors and projection components can be integrated into a flat, space-efficient structure that maintains automated scoring functionality while reducing overall device volume.

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

5Extent of automation

If an electrical displacement sensing component is used, then the scoring is automated, but the structure becomes overly complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescoring processVSAvoidtarget structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex electrical displacement sensing mechanisms with a simpler optical sensing system. The optical matrix sensor uses light emission and detection principles that can be implemented with fewer mechanical moving parts and simpler structural requirements.

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

6Measurement precision

If conventional sensing points are used, then the structure is simple, but the sensing intensity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescoring accuracyVSAvoidsensor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the sensing system into a matrix of multiple optical sensors arranged in rows and columns. This segmentation allows precise determination of hit positions by identifying which specific sensor elements detect the shooting object, thereby improving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The optical matrix sensor creates a digital copy of the target surface with multiple sensing points corresponding to different locations. This allows accurate detection and recording of hit positions without requiring physically complex sensing structures at each point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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

The optical sensing target enhances scoring accuracy, reduces environmental impact, and offers diverse training and competition modes through digital scoring and network connectivity, enabling efficient and engaging shooting experiences.

Implementation Method 1

an optical matrix sensor disposed around the target by a plurality of frames, and comprising a plurality of light emitting devices and a plurality of light receiving devices disposed in the plurality of frames, respectively; wherein the optical matrix sensor is configured to output location information of attachment of the shooting object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3564617B1Optical sensing target
Publication Date: 2021.06.02 HO MING CHENG
  • EP3564617B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3564617B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3564617B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An optical sensing target is disclosed. The optical sensing target includes a target (20), an optical matrix sensor (10) and a computation controller (60). The target is configured to be aimed and shot by a shooting object such as arrow or dart, and the shooting object can be attached on the target. The optical matrix sensor is disposed around the target by a plurality of frame, and a plurality of light emitting devices and light receiving devices are disposed in the frames, respectively. The optical matrix sensor can output the location information relevant to attachment of the shooting object. The computation controller receives the location information of the optical matrix sensor, and process the projection image and the location information in cooperation with a projector. As a result, the optical sensing target of the present invention can be programmed to provide various training modes, game modes or competition modes.