Image Processing for Laser Impact Detection in Shooting Simulators

Simulation systems play a crucial role in firearms training by offering advantages such as the progressive improvement of shooting skills, reduced logistical costs, ammunition savings, and decreased need for personnel deployment to shooting ranges. A common feature of current systems is the use of wired communication between components, which ensures stability but introduces latency in data transmission. Moreover, wired setups limit their use in outdoor environments due to the lack of access to a power source. This study developed an image-processing-based method to replace live ammunition with a laser-emitting device. The methodology was structured in four phases: (1) system requirements analysis, (2) hardware and software development, (3) system integration with a real firearm, and (4) functional testing in both controlled and open environments. The system incorporates an automatic calibration mechanism that adapts to ambient lighting to ensure accuracy. When the trigger is pulled, the laser activates and projects onto an LCD screen; a camera captures the impact, and an integrated system detects the (x, y) coordinates. As a result, the prototype achieved an accuracy of 95.4% with latency under 80 ms. In conclusion, a portable, wireless system was designed, adaptable to various lighting conditions, consisting of 10 lanes with components specifically designed to integrate with a real firearm—offering a versatile and efficient alternative for training purposes.