Shooting Range LED Display with Segmented Luminous Fields

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current display systems for shooting ranges, particularly in sports competitions like laser run, lack effective visualization of shooting results and timing, leading to potential errors and inefficiencies in competition management.

Innovation Solution

A display device featuring an LED matrix display with programmable luminous fields that indicate hits and misses, a timer for shooting time management, and additional information displays, ensuring clear and intuitive presentation of shooting results and times, even in varying competition conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If traditional display systems are used for shooting ranges, then the device complexity is low, but the information clarity and visualization quality are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation clarityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is segmented into multiple independently controllable luminous fields (e.g., five separate fields for five targets), each capable of displaying different information states (hit/miss indicators, timing information). This segmentation allows clear visualization of multiple shooting results simultaneously while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs color changes in the luminous fields to convey different shooting results and timing states. Different colors indicate different outcomes (e.g., green for hit, red for miss), and color transitions or flashing patterns communicate timing information. This visual encoding significantly improves information clarity without requiring complex display hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If detailed shooting results and timing information are displayed continuously, then the information completeness is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinformation completenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The display device uses periodic flashing of luminous fields to convey timing information and maintain visibility without continuous high-power operation. The luminous fields flash at specific intervals to indicate timing states (e.g., remaining time, time expired), allowing the system to communicate complete information while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous illumination at full brightness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The display system dynamically adjusts the state of luminous fields based on real-time shooting results and timing information. Luminous fields are activated only when relevant information needs to be displayed, and their brightness or flashing intensity is modulated according to the current competition state. This dynamic operation ensures complete information delivery while optimizing energy usage by avoiding unnecessary continuous display.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Illumination intensity

If the display is designed to be visible from long distances, then the visibility is improved, but the illumination intensity required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisibility distanceVSAvoidglare to shooters
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The display device implements local quality by directing illumination primarily upward and outward from the display location, rather than emitting light in all directions including toward shooters. The luminous fields are positioned and oriented to maximize visibility distance for spectators and officials while minimizing direct glare exposure to shooters. This localized illumination strategy achieves long-distance visibility without creating harmful glare conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The display uses periodic flashing rather than continuous illumination to achieve visibility from long distances. The intermittent flashing pattern allows the human eye to detect the display from greater distances while the duty cycle remains low, significantly reducing overall light output and preventing glare to shooters during the non-flashing periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enhances the accuracy and clarity of shooting results and time management, reducing errors and improving the overall efficiency and fairness of competitions by providing real-time feedback to shooters and referees.

Implementation Method 1

A display device features an LED matrix display with programmable luminous fields

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

laser-based weapon simulator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3587993B1Electrical display device for a shooting range and target assembly comprising such a display device
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 HIERL THOMAS
  • EP3587993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3587993B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3587993B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic display device for a shooting range comprises at least one illuminated field (8) for displaying a shooting result, a timer (10) for recording the shooting time and at least one further display field (11) for displaying information.