SI22872A - Portable hit meter for shooting at ranges of 300 m and above - Google Patents

Abstract

The portable shot meter for shooting at ranges of 300 m and above solves the problem of accurate determining of hits. A new feature is the use of standard digital camera (2) instead of a video camera. This way the required resolution or quality of the image for continuous measuring and archiving is ensured. The transmission of the image from the digital camera (2) to the computer (7) is implemented via a local wireless network. The transmission and storing of the image is activated upon the request by the operator, based on time with an integrated clock or by a microphone. The control program enables the setting of the camera. An additional option is the positioning of the camera on a mechanism by which the camera can be focused on long distances, which is suitable when there are several targets in use. The solution can be used also for other purposes when taking long-distance pictures is required (bird- watching, bridge dilatation control, checking landslides, water currents etc.)

Description

BASIC d.o.o.

Jesenkova ulica 5

1000 LJUBLJANA

Portable shotgun when shooting at distances over 300m.

The subject of the invention is a portable electronic hit meter for long range shooting. The meter captures the high-resolution image and displays it on the screen. The device is portable and suitable for quick field deployment. Rechargeable battery power provides multi-hour standalone operation.

A technical problem solved by the invention is the precise determination of a hit at a target size of 0.5m and a 3mm large hole made by a projectile

There are several solutions to date.

The most common is the sighting of a target with binoculars (spectacle, telescope). The problem is atmospheric disturbances such as haze and air jitter.

Another well-known solution is to place your camcorder a few meters in front of the target. The quality of the image is problematic, so the resolution of the camera, which does not show the holes, the holes clearly enough. However, the use of high-resolution cameras is inappropriate.

A third known solution is intelligent targets, where the location of the hit is determined by the microphones built into the target. Such targets are extremely expensive and are not suitable for occasional use in amateur shooting ranges. In addition, care should be taken to transfer data to the shooter.

According to the invention, the problem is solved by using a digital camera wirelessly connected to a laptop that serves as a display. The invention will be described in the embodiment and in the drawing

FIG. 1 meter scheme

The portable hit meter when shooting at distances over 300m consists of a target, a sensor module with radio communication and a display module with radio communication, characterized in that a digital camera is connected to the sensor module.

Target 1 is made of hard paper, mounted on a stand of adequate height, as specified in the competition regulations.

The sensor module has two parts.

The first part consists of a digital camera 2 with a USB port, a USB / UTP 4 interface and, optionally, a USB controlled motor drive 3. The sensor module is mounted on a pedestal 10m in front of the target and the camera is directed to the center of the target.

The second part consists of a wireless router 4 with an antenna and a power supply 6. The second part is positioned so that the antenna has a smooth direction to the antenna at the access point 9. Both parts are connected to a communication cable, up to 50m, which also provides power to the digital camera 2, USB interface 4, and motor drive 3. A split module is required to place the antenna out of the target area. The antenna cable must be shorter than 3m due to losses.

The display module also has two separate parts.

The first part is a wireless access point with antenna 9, which is placed in a higher position to provide a quality signal. The second part consists of a laptop 7 and a power supply 8 that supplies power to the computer 7 and access point 9.

Both parts are connected by a communication cable that also supplies the access point 9.

A more detailed description of the components.

The digital camera 2 has a USB interface for computer control, which allows the zoom to be triggered and adjusted via the computer.

Motor Drive 3 has a USB interface for steering through the computer. Use to continue the camera direction. With fewer targets, no motor drive is required. USB / UTP interface 4 allows the transfer of USB protocol over an Ethernet network.

The wireless router 5 is configured to form a bridge to carry ethemet packets with an access point. The connected antenna must have adequate amplification of at least 10dB and a cable as short as possible to bridge the required distance up to 1000m.

Power supply 5 consists of a battery with a capacity of 5 hours of operation and an inverter to power the entire display part.

Laptop 7 has a high-resolution display, a UTP network card, and a sound card for connecting the microphone 10. The microphone is used to automatically trigger image capture.

The wireless access point 9 forms, together with router 5, the bridge for carrying ethemet packets. The connected antenna must have adequate amplification of at least 10dB and a shorter connection cable.

Power supply 8 consists of a battery with a capacity of at least 5 hours autonomy and an inverter to power the entire display part. Alternatively, a gasoline generator or 230V power supply can be used.

Appropriate software is also an integral part of the meter. System programs, drivers, allow communication between components. The control program takes care of the settings and management of the camera.

There are three ways to download and save an image; at the request of the operator, either with a built-in clock or with a microphone.

An additional option is to place the camera on a mechanism with servo motors. This allows the camera to be pointed remotely, which is appropriate when multiple targets are in use.

The prototype has been successfully tested within the Slovenian Shooting Federation at several shooting ranges.

The solution is also useful for other purposes where remote recording is required (bird watching, bridge movement control, avalanche checking, watercourses, etc.).

Claims (3)

1. A portable shotgun when shooting at distances of more than 300m, consisting of a target, a sensor module with radio communication and a display module with radio communication, characterized in that a digital camera is connected to the sensor module by radio communication (2) Meter according to claim 1, characterized in that a standard Ethernet protocol over a wireless bridge formed by a router (5) and an access point (9) is used for long distance measurement. Meter according to claim 1, characterized in that the microphone (10) connected to the computer (7) is used to trigger the transmission of the lightning image.