The disclosure relates generally to the field of shooting competition systems. More specifically, the disclosure relates to a software assisted target system for shooting competitions.
The following presents a simplified summary of the invention in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. This summary is not an extensive overview of the invention. It is not intended to identify critical elements of the invention or to delineate the scope of the invention. Its sole purpose is to present some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented elsewhere herein.
In an embodiment, a shooting competition system comprises an elevated target stand having a first set of targets configured to be targeted by a first shooter and a second set of targets configured to be targeted by a second shooter. The first set of targets comprises a plurality of first targets and a first finish line target. The second set of targets comprises a plurality of second targets and a second finish line target. The first set of targets and the second set of targets are arranged such that the first shooter can view a shooting progress of the second shooter as the first shooter shoots at the first set of targets and the second shooter can view a shooting progress of the first shooter as the second shooter shoots at the second set of targets. The system includes a first computing device associated with the first shooter and a second computing device associated with the second shooter. Each of the first computing device and the second computing device is configured to allow the first shooter and the second shooter to challenge shooters to a shooting competition and to select a parameter for the shooting competition. Each of the first computing device and the second computing device is configured to be automatically updated at an end of the shooting competition.
In another embodiment, a live ammunition shooting competition system has an elevated target stand comprising a first set of targets configured to be targeted by a first shooter and a second set of targets configured to be targeted by a second shooter. The first set of targets includes a plurality of first targets and a first finish line target. The second set of targets comprises a plurality of second targets and a second finish line target. The first set of targets and the second set of targets are arranged such that the first shooter can view a shooting progress of the second shooter as the first shooter shoots at the first set of targets and the second shooter can view a shooting progress of the first shooter as the second shooter shoots at the second set of targets. A first computing device is associated with the first shooter and a second computing device is associated with the second shooter. Each of the first computing device and the second computing device is configured to allow the first shooter and the second shooter to select a parameter for the shooting competition. The first finish line target and the second finish line target are collectively configured such that each of the first finish line target and the second finish line target falls when any one of the first finish line target and the second finish line target is struck.
A live ammunition shooting competition system comprises a target area having a first set of targets assigned to a first shooter and a second set of targets assigned to a second shooter. The first set of targets has a plurality of first targets and a first finish line target. The second set of targets comprises a plurality of second targets and a second finish line target. The first set of targets and the second set of targets are arranged such that the first shooter can view a shooting progress of the second shooter as the first shooter shoots at the first set of targets and the second shooter can view a shooting progress of the first shooter as the second shooter shoots at the second set of targets. A first computing device is associated with the first shooter and a second computing device is associated with the second shooter. Each of the first computing device and the second computing device is configured to allow the first shooter and the second shooter to challenge shooters to a shooting competition and to negotiate a parameter for the shooting competition. An indicator is configured to indicate an end of the shooting competition when one of the first finish line target and the second finish line target is struck.
Illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the attached figures.
An embodiment 100 of a shooting competition system may include participants 110 and a target station 120, as shown in
Conventional live shooting competition systems typically determine a winner amongst competitors by tracking the time each competitor takes to complete a shooting task (e.g., striking all assigned targets). These completion times may be adjusted by any relevant penalties and/or bonuses (e.g., the shooting time may be increased by a set amount when the shooter misses a shot, may be decreased by a set amount when the shooter shoots a bonus area, etc.) before the completion times are compared to determine a winner. Such conventional shooting competitions may have many drawbacks. The conventional shooting competitions may require each competitor to perform individually, i.e., without regard to the real-time shooting progress of other participants. Individual performances may be less exciting for both the competitor and for any audience wishing to spectate. Further, competitions requiring each participant to shoot at the participant's assigned targets without regard to the real-time progress of the competitors may fail to emulate practical real-world scenarios where a shooter's concentration may be divided between the shooter's shooting and someone and/or something else (e.g., a shooter shooting at a burglar for home defense may need to contend with the burglar's shooting at the same time).
The conventional shooting competitions may also have other shortcomings. Heretofore, the tracking, recording, and scoring of each competitor largely occurs manually, which is cumbersome (particularly when a large number of shooters is involved) and error prone. Moreover, the shooting competitions have no good way to pit comparable shooters against each other and/or to appropriately handicap shooters (e.g., by a giving a weaker shooter a gun that is relatively easier to operate and/or is more accurate), which may discourage competition. Embodiments of the shooting competition system 100 disclosed herein may remedy such issues at least in part.
The participants 110 may include a first competitor 112a, a second competitor 112b, and, in embodiments, a referee 118 (
Each competitor 112a, 112b may have his or her own electronic device 114a, 114b and a shooting apparatus 116a, 116b (e.g., firearm, bow, etc.) for use in the shooting competition system 100. The electronic devices 114a, 114b may be one or more smart phones, personal computers, computing systems 130 (see
The electronic devices 114a, 114b may be able to access personal account information 142 associated with the account 140 of each competitor 112a, 112b. The personal account information 142 may contain public information 142a corresponding to a competitor 112a, 112b, such as contact information, credentials, win/loss record, competitive statistics, competitive ranking (e.g., local, national, etc.), owned firearms, regional location, competitions attended, et cetera. Alternately or additionally, the personal account information 142 may contain private information 142b corresponding to a competitor 112a, 112b, such as contact information, account user name and password, credit/debit card information, address, et cetera. The public information 142a may be accessible to users (e.g., the competitors 112a, 112b, the referee 118, other users accessing the software 131, etc.), while the private information 142b may be inaccessible to most users. For instance, in embodiments, the private information 142b of an account 140 may be accessible only to an owner of the competitive account 140, an administrator of the software 131, and/or other users approved by the owner/administrator of the competitive account 140.
The competitors 112a, 112b may use the software application 131 on the electronic devices 114a, 114b to browse a list of other competitor accounts 140 along with the account information 142 corresponding to those competitors. The competitors 112a, 112b may use the competitor account information 142 to determine which, if any, of the competitors they wish to challenge. In embodiments, the competitors 112a, 112b may only be able to challenge shooters that are available to participate in a shooting competition (e.g., those that are at the assigned geographical location, those that have checked in, et cetera). The competitors 112a, 112b (who may otherwise be referred to as the “challenger”) may then send a challenge (e.g., wired, wirelessly) to a competitor by selecting the competitor via a user interface of the electronic device 114a, 114b (e.g., a touch screen, mouse and keyboard, et cetera). The receiver of the challenge (who may be otherwise referred to as “the challengee”) may then use the challangee's electronic device to choose whether to accept, decline, or ignore the challenge.
In embodiments, the competitors 112a, 112b may manually select terms for the challenge, such as parameters 144 (see
It shall be understood that the method 210 may have steps omitted, added, and/or modified, and that the order of carrying out these steps may be altered. For example, in embodiments, a competitor may be only able to accept or decline a challenge, and may not be allowed to change or suggest changes to the competition parameters 144. As another example, the referee 118 may, in embodiments, select the competitors 112a, 112b and/or parameters 144 for the competitive match (e.g., in addition to the competitor 112a, 112b input, overruling competitor 112a, 112b input, et cetera).
In embodiments, the first competitor 112a may select the opponent. In other embodiments, the opponent may be selected by the software application 131. Similarly, in embodiments, the parameters for the challenge may be chosen by software application 131, as shown in optional step 213. For example, in embodiments, after the first competitor searches for (and/or selects) an opponent at step 212, the software application 131 may determine the parameters P for the challenge based on the relative skill of the first competitor/challenger 112a and the challenge 112b. For example, in embodiments, the software 131 may review the respective accounts 140 of the shooters 112a, 112b, determine from their win/loss accounts that the first shooter 112a is more skilled than the second shooter 112b, and consequently, set a handicap in the parameters P to encourage a more competitive challenge (e.g., allow the second shooter 112b to participate with a gun that is relatively easier to operate, reduce the distance to target of the second shooter 112b, reduce the number of targets the second shooter 112b has to hit compared to the first shooter 112a, select for the challenge the type of firearm favored by the second shooter 112b, and so on).
The referee 118 may use a referee electronic device 119 (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, personal computer, desktop computer, computing system 130, etc.) to assist with officiating one or more competitive matches. The referee device 119 may host the previously described software 131 application with modified capabilities (e.g., moderator/administrator privileges). For example, the referee device 119 may display participant 110 rankings, a queue for participant 110 accepted challenges, participant 110 personal account information 142, et cetera. In operation, the referee 118 may use the referee device 119 with the software 131 application to organize, run, and record the competitive matches.
The results of the competitive matches may be entered (e.g., manually, automatically) via the referee electronic device 119. The referee 118 may visually determine a winner (as discussed in greater detail below), and record the results. For instance, the referee 118 may select the winner from a list of the participants 110, select a picture of the winner displayed on the referee device 119, manually enter the winner via the referee device 119, et cetera. In an embodiment, the target station 120 may automatically determine the winner and communicate (e.g., wired, wirelessly) the results to the referee device 119 or elsewhere.
In embodiments, the competitors 112a, 112b may each have a competitor identifier 117a, 117b (
Turning now to
The target station 120 may include one or more targets 122 that may be any suitable shooting targets of any size, shape, color, and/or configuration now known or subsequently developed. For instance, in embodiments, the targets 122 may be targets configured to indicate (e.g., visually) hits upon the target 122, such as a swivel targets (e.g., hinged targets), reactive targets, splatter targets, destructible targets (e.g., sporting clays), and/or any other suitable target type. Alternately or additionally, the targets 122 may be configured for use with a specific shooting apparatus 116a, 116b and/or specific competitive match parameters 144. For example, using swivel targets as targets 122 may be beneficial when the shooting apparatus 116a, 116b are firearms and the competitive match parameters include a large distance between the targets and the competitors 112a, 112b. As another example, using standard archery targets as targets 122 may be beneficial when bow and arrows are being used as shooting apparatus 116a, 116b. To provide support to the targets 122, the targets 122 may be arranged in, on, and/or around a target stand (or target area) 123. The target stand may be elevated (e.g., may be at a vertical distance from the ground). To emulate real-world scenarios, the target stand 123 (e.g., a post, a pole, a fence, a frame, other area (e.g., a floor or a wall), et cetera) may be configured to allow the targets 122 to be situated such that each competitor can view the shooting progress of all competitors during the competition. For example, a space between two adjacent targets of the first competitor 112a may be the same as the space between a target of the first competitor 112a and an adjacent target of the second competitor 112b. In operation, the competitors 112a, 112b may compete by shooting the targets 122 with their shooting apparatus 116a, 116b.
A set of targets 122, having any suitable number of targets (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, etc.), may be provided for each competitor 112a, 112b to shoot. Each set of targets 122 may be explicitly assigned to each competitor 112a, 112b (e.g., by having different colors, shapes, markers, etc.) and/or implicitly assigned to each competitor 112a, 112b (e.g., by being arranged in an area in front of the respective competitor 112a or 112b, having a dividing line between the assigned targets, et cetera). In embodiments, the sets of targets 122 may have a mirrored arrangement (e.g., a mirrored arrangement about a center of the stand 123 and/or the target station 120). Alternately, each competitor 112a, 112b may have an identically arranged set of targets 122. In embodiments, the sets of targets 122 may differ in number and/or arrangement from each other. For instance, the parameters 144 of a challenge may include a different arrangement/number of targets 122 between the competitors 112a, 112b to increase or decrease the difficulty of the challenge.
The finish line targets 124 may have the same or similar target types as the targets 122, and each competitor 112a, 112b may be assigned a solitary finish line target 122. In other words, each competitor 112a, 112b may have a finish line target 124 to hit after the competitor has hit all of the competitor's other targets 122. Alternately, in some embodiments, the targets 122 may be omitted, and each competitor 112a, 112b may have only a finish line target 124 to hit (e.g., for a quickdraw competition). In embodiments, the finish line targets 124 may be distinct (e.g., visually distinct) from the targets 122, such as have a different shape, color, size, arrangement, et cetera. In operation, the finish line targets 124 may be the last of the targets to be hit (e.g., after all of the targets 122 have been hit) by the competitors 112a, 112b, and whoever hits their assigned finish line target 124 first may be determined the winner.
To assist with determining the winner, the finish line targets 124 may have one or more indicators 125 disposed thereon and/or otherwise associated therewith. The indicator 125 may signal which of the finish line targets 124 has been hit, and thus may assist with determining who has won the competitive match. For example, the indicator 125 may be a mechanical flag (e.g., a spring-loaded flag) corresponding to each finish line target 124 that is configured to spring up in response to its corresponding finish line target 124 being hit or otherwise shot. As another example, the indicator 125 may be a light (e.g., an LED, an electronic display, a light bulb, etc.) for each finish line target 124 that is configured to emit light in response to its corresponding finish line target 124 being hit. As yet another example, the indicator 125 may be an arrangement of the finish line targets 124, such as an angled or non-parallel placement between two or more swivel finish line targets 124. The angled placement of finish line targets 124 may allow the finish line targets 124 to overlap each other once they have both been hit, thereby indicating a winner (i.e., the first finish line target 124 to be hit will fall over first, and thus will be beneath any other subsequently knocked over finish line targets 124; alternately, the first finish line target 124 to be hit may fall and cause the other finish line target(s) 124 to fall along therewith, and thereby be atop the other fallen target(s)).
In embodiments, the finish line targets 124 may be configured to communicate a hit to one or more other finish line targets 124. For instance, two or more finish line targets 124 may be physically linked such that a first finish line target 124 may communicate a hit registered on the first finish line target to a second finish line target 124. Alternately or additionally, two or more finish line targets 124 may be electronically linked (e.g., wired and/or wirelessly) for the communication of hits therebetween. In response to the communicated hit from the first finish line target 124, the second finish line target 124 may mark itself as unavailable to be hit for a competitive match win. For example, the second finish line target 124 may respond to the hit communication by falling over, changing a color of the second finish line target 124, emitting an audio/visual cue (e.g., a siren and/or a light), et cetera.
In embodiments, the finish line targets 124 may include one or more sensors 126. The sensors 126 may be any suitable sensors for detecting a target hit, such as an optical sensor (e.g., a camera, a photodetector, etc.), a motion sensor (e.g. a radar sensor, an ultrasonic detector, etc.), and/or a vibrational sensor (e.g., a potentiometric accelerometer, an eddy current sensor, an electromagnetic linear velocity transducer, et cetera). The sensors 126 may be arranged on, in, and/or around the finish line targets 124. For example, the sensors 126 may be attached to the finish line targets 124, incorporated within the finish line targets 124, removably attached to the finish line target 124 via a mechanism (e.g., adhesive, a pouch, fasteners, etc.), and/or placed within a proximity (e.g., a sensing range) of the finish line targets 124. In operation, the sensors 126 may assist with detecting a hit on the finish line targets 124, such as detecting which finish line target 124 was hit and/or when the finish line target 124 was hit. Alternately or additionally, one or more sensors 126 may be used to assist with a hit detection of one or more targets 122.
In embodiments, the sensors 126 may be communicatively linked (e.g., wired and/or wirelessly) to the indicators 125 and/or the referee device 119. For example, the sensors 126 may detect a hit on one of the finish line targets 124, and may then communicate the hit detection to the indicator 125 and the referee device 119. The indicator 125 may respond to the hit detection by visually indicating which finish line target 124 was hit (e.g., via emitting a light). And the referee device 119 may register a winner of the competitive match by linking (e.g., automatically, manually via the referee 118) the received hit detection with the corresponding competitor 112a or competitor 112b, and modifying their personal competitor account information 142 accordingly.
In embodiments, a hit registered by a sensor 126 of a finish line target 124 may prevent the indication of a hit registered by another sensor 126 of a different finish line target 124. For instance, in a situation where a first finish line target 124 is hit and then a second finish line target 124 is subsequently hit, the sensor 126 of the first finish line target 124 may trigger the indicator 125 for the first finish line target 124. However, the sensor 126 of the first finish line target 124 may be configured to prevent the indicator 125 of the second finish line target 124 from being triggered after the registration of the first hit. Alternately or additionally, the subsequent hit detection by the sensor 126 may not be communicated to the referee device 119. In other words, hits subsequent the first hit may not trigger the indicators 125, be communicated to the referee device 119, and/or otherwise be used to determine a winner of the competitive match. For example, from the viewpoint of the competitors 112a, 112b, whoever hit his or her finish line target 124 first may be the only competitor to have the indicator 125 of their respective target triggered, and thus determination of the winner may be relatively easy to accomplish.
For illustrative purposes, the following example method 250 of performing the competitive match with the shooting competition system 100 is presented in
It shall be further understood that the method 250 may have steps omitted, added, and/or modified, and that the order of carrying out these steps may be altered. For example, in embodiments, the step of attempting to shoot the targets 122 (step 258) may be omitted for specific competitive match terms, such as in a quickdraw competitions where only the finish line target 124 needs to be hit.
The memory 134 may include both operating memory, such as random access memory (RAM), as well as data storage, such as read-only memory (ROM), hard drives, optical, flash memory, or any other suitable memory/storage element. The memory 134 may include removable memory elements, such as a CompactFlash card, a MultiMediaCard (MMC), and/or a Secure Digital (SD) card. In certain embodiments, the memory 134 includes a combination of magnetic, optical, and/or semiconductor memory, and may include, for example, RAM, ROM, flash drive, and/or a hard disk or drive. The processor 132 and the memory 134 each may be located entirely within a single device, or may be connected to each other by a communication medium, such as a USB port, a serial port cable, a coaxial cable, an Ethernet-type cable, a telephone line, a radio frequency transceiver, or other similar wireless or wired medium or combination of the foregoing. For example, the processor 132 may be connected to the memory 134 via the dataport 138.
The communication module 136 may be configured to handle communication links between the computing system 130 and other external devices or receivers and to route incoming/outgoing data appropriately. For example, inbound data from the dataport 138 may be routed through the communication module 136 before being directed to the processor 132, and outbound data from the processor 132 may be routed through the communication module 136 before being directed to the dataport 138. As another example, the communication module 136 may route information to/from the competitor electronic devices 114a, 114b, sensors 126, and/or the referee electronic device 119. The communication module 136 may include one or more transceiver modules configured for transmitting and receiving data, and using, for example, one or more protocols and/or technologies, such as Bluetooth, GSM, UMTS (3GSM), IS-95 (CDMA one), IS-2000 (CDMA 2000), LTE, FDMA, TDMA, W-CDMA, CDMA, OFDMA, Wi-Fi, WiMAX, or any other protocol and/or technology.
The dataport 138 may be any type of connector used for physically interfacing with a smartphone, computer, and/or other devices, such as a mini-USB/USB port, an IPHONE®/IPOD® 30-pin connector, and/or LIGHTNING® connector. In other embodiments, the dataport 138 may include multiple communication channels for simultaneous communication with, for example, other processors, servers, and/or client terminals.
The memory 134 may store instructions for communicating with other systems, such as a computer. The memory 134 may store, for example, a program (e.g., computer program code) adapted to direct the processor 132 in accordance with the embodiments described herein. The instructions also may include program elements, such as an operating system. While execution of sequences of instructions in the program causes the processor 132 to perform the process steps described herein, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, software/firmware instructions for implementation of the processes of the present embodiments. Thus, unless expressly noted, the present embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware and software.
In embodiments, the memory 134 includes software 131. The software 131 may contain machine-readable instructions (e.g., a software application as described above) configured to be executed by the processor 132. The software 131 may, for example, process user inputs to the computing system 130 (e.g., competitor 112a, 112b challenges, competitive match results, et cetera). The software 131 may cause the computing system 130 to dynamically respond to a signal from the sensors 126, such as by determining a winner from amongst the competitors 112a, 112b and modifying the personal account information of the competitors 112a, 112b accordingly. In embodiments, a computing device (e.g., the competitor electronic devices 114a, 114b, the referee electronic device 119, etc.) may implement (e.g., download, install, execute, etc.) the software 131, and in this manner be configured to enact the functions of the shooting competition system 100 disclosed herein. In other words, the computing device may be configured, retrofitted, and/or reconfigured with the software 131, for use with the shooting competition system 100.
The computing system 130 may be in data communication with a remote storage 30 over a network 20. The network 20 may be a wired network, a wireless network, or comprise elements of both. The remote storage 30 may be, for example, the “cloud” or other remote storage in communication with other computing systems. In embodiments, data (e.g., competitor 112a, 112b accounts 140 and account information 142) may be stored in the remote storage 30 for use thereof.
Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as well as components not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternative embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art that do not depart from its scope. A skilled artisan may develop alternative means of implementing the aforementioned improvements without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed without reference to other features and subcombinations and are contemplated within the scope of the claims. Not all steps listed in the various figures need be carried out in the specific order described.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/015,938, filed on Apr. 27, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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63015938 | Apr 2020 | US |