Shooting Device Laser Deflection for Impact Zone Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shooting training methods face challenges in providing a precise, real-time assessment of projectile shots while minimizing additional equipment weight and cost, and accurately simulating projectile trajectories through various obstacles.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that utilize a shooting device with a laser and a camera to acquire and analyze image data, calculate the projectile's trajectory, and transmit impact zone data to a target using a laser receiver, eliminating the need for extensive sensor arrays and external infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple laser receivers are mounted on different parts of the target to transmit impact information, then the reliability of shot detection is improved, but the weight and complexity of the target equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshot detection reliabilityVSAvoidtarget equipment weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the shot detection function from the target and relocates it to the shooting device. The shooting device uses its own camera and processor to analyze image data and determine impact zones, eliminating the need for multiple laser receivers on the target. This reduces target equipment weight while maintaining detection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces image analysis as an intermediary mechanism between the shot and the impact detection. Instead of direct laser reception, the system uses camera images and ballistics calculations to indirectly determine impact zones, allowing reliable detection without heavy sensor arrays on the target.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a laser system with multiple markers is used to transmit impact information to a central system, then the precision of shot assessment is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshot assessment precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shooting device's camera serves multiple functions: it records the shooting event, captures the target, and provides image data for impact analysis. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate laser markers and central systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining assessment precision.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The shooting device performs its own shot assessment by analyzing its captured image data and comparing it with ballistics calculations. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external central systems and multiple markers, simplifying the system while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If external devices are used to film the target and analyze shot accuracy, then the precision of impact analysis is improved, but the additional equipment weight and autonomy requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact analysis precisionVSAvoidadditional equipment weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the filming device, impact analysis system, and ballistics calculation capabilities into the shooting device itself. The camera and processor that were previously separate external devices are integrated into the shooting device, reducing additional equipment weight while maintaining impact analysis precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shooting device independently performs impact analysis by processing its own captured image data with ballistics information. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external analysis devices, reducing equipment weight and autonomy requirements while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If image analysis is used to determine target position and calculate trajectory, then the realism of training simulation is improved, but the computing power requirements and data processing speed increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraining simulation realismVSAvoidcomputing power requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary ballistics calculations based on distance and target position before the shot occurs. This preliminary action allows the impact zone to be predicted in advance, reducing the computing burden during real-time operation while maintaining simulation realism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex real-time image processing with a hybrid approach: pre-calculated ballistics data combined with simpler image verification. This substitution reduces computing power requirements while preserving the realism of trajectory simulation and impact zone determination.

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

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

This solution enables simultaneous and realistic estimation of projectile trajectories, reducing equipment weight and cost, and allowing for precise impact zone determination and communication between the shooting device and target without external networks.

Implementation Method 1

the shooting device comprises a laser having an initial position and the target comprises one or more laser receivers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS20250172370A1Method for improving a shooting training
Publication Date: 2025.05.29 THALES SA
  • US20250172370A1 patent drawing
  • US20250172370A1 patent drawing
  • US20250172370A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for improving a shooting training with a shooting device on a target, the shooting device including a laser having an initial position and the target comprising one or more laser receivers, the method including acquiring image or video data relating to the target; analyzing the acquired image or video data of the target to determine pixels corresponding to at least one part of the target; determining a distance between the shooting device and the target based on the analysis and determining a position of one of the laser receivers; shooting a real or virtual projectile with the shooting device; determining the impact zone of the projectile on the target by calculating a trajectory from the shooting device to the target based on the distance determination and ballistic data from the projectile; deflecting the laser from the initial position to a new position based on the determined position of the of the one laser receiver; and transmitting with the laser at the new position to the laser receiver data relating to the determined impact zone and relating to the shot on the target.