Shooting Range Timing Display and Distributed Evaluation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current shooting range systems are inefficient as they require physical separation of evaluation computers from competition sites and do not significantly accelerate competitions, and existing systems lack automated signaling for loading and shooting times.

Innovation Solution

A shooting range system with a display system that signals the timing of the shooting process using separate display parts or functions for loading and shooting times, including a traffic light-like system with colors for intuitive timing indication, and an evaluation unit for accurate result determination using measuring light curtains and high-speed cameras.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a central evaluation computer is used to evaluate shooting results, then evaluation accuracy is improved, but the physical separation from competition sites increases and competition speed does not significantly improve

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation accuracyVSAvoidcompetition duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the evaluation function into distributed evaluation units positioned at each shooting range location, rather than using a single central evaluation computer. Each evaluation unit independently evaluates shooting results using local optical or laser-based measurement, eliminating the need for physical separation while maintaining evaluation accuracy and enabling simultaneous parallel evaluation across multiple ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces communication interfaces and data transmission systems as intermediaries between shooting ranges and evaluation units, enabling real-time transfer of shooting data to distributed evaluators. This intermediary infrastructure allows accurate evaluation without physical centralization, reducing competition duration through parallel processing while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If shooting competitions are conducted simultaneously on several shooting ranges, then competition throughput is improved, but the physical separation of evaluation from competition sites increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompetition throughputVSAvoidsystem distribution complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The evaluation system is segmented into multiple independent evaluation units distributed at each shooting range location. Each unit handles evaluation locally, enabling simultaneous competitions across multiple ranges without requiring a complex centralized coordination system. This segmentation reduces system distribution complexity while maintaining high throughput.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each shooting range location is equipped with its own evaluation unit that autonomously evaluates shooting results using local optical or laser-based measurement systems. This self-service capability eliminates the need for complex inter-site coordination and data transmission infrastructure, reducing system complexity while enabling parallel competitions across multiple locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated optical or laser-based measurement is used for target evaluation, then evaluation speed is improved, but the lack of loading time signaling increases participant confusion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaluation speedVSAvoidparticipant guidance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates display devices that provide real-time feedback to participants about timing phases (loading time, shooting time, interval). These displays show visual signals and timing information, enabling participants to understand when to load ammunition and when to shoot, eliminating confusion while maintaining the high evaluation speed of automated optical or laser-based measurement systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color-coded visual signals (e.g., green for loading time, yellow for shooting time, red for interval) to communicate timing phases to participants. These color changes provide intuitive, easy-to-understand guidance that does not interfere with the fast automated evaluation process, simultaneously improving ease of operation while maintaining high productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 automated and accelerated shooting competitions by clearly signaling timing phases to participants, ensuring precise and efficient evaluation of shooting results, thereby enhancing competition speed and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

optical or laser-based measurement of the hit position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption and attenuation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

high-speed cameras

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection and imaging: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2496907B1Shooting range system
Publication Date: 2015.04.01 SPILLER JURGEN
  • EP2496907B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

In order to render shooting competitions using rifles or pistols exciting, the invention relates to a shooting range system for automated execution using at least two participants or participating groups that compete against each other in a shooting event, wherein a display system (10) having different display regions (12a, b, c) is provided for signaling the time lapse of the shooting event. In particular, the display regions (12a, b, c) are designed to be activated separately or together, and a first display region for signaling the loading time, a second display region for signaling a shooting time, and a third display region for signaling the end of the shooting time are provided.