PrecisionShot Training System

Project Description

PrecisionShot is a smart laser-based training system designed to detect where a laser shot lands on a physical target and provide real-time feedback to the user. Instead of functioning as a simple hit-or-miss target, the system is being developed as a complete training platform that can track shot placement, calculate scoring data, display immediate feedback, and send training information to a companion mobile application.

The target uses a dense phototransistor sensor array to detect incoming laser energy directly on the target surface. The embedded ESP32-S3 control system processes the sensor readings, filters out ambient light, estimates the shot location, updates the target display and LED feedback system, stores useful training data, and communicates with the mobile app through Bluetooth Low Energy.

Motivation and Background

Traditional firearm training often requires live ammunition, a safe range facility, travel time, range fees, and equipment capable of safely handling fired rounds. These requirements can make regular practice expensive and inconvenient. PrecisionShot is intended to provide a lower-cost and more accessible dry-fire training option by allowing users to practice with a laser-based system instead of live ammunition.

The system is also designed to improve the quality of training by giving users immediate feedback after each shot. Instead of interrupting practice to inspect a paper target, users can view shot placement, score, distance, session history, and performance trends directly through the target interface or the mobile app. This helps users identify patterns, make corrections faster, and track long-term improvement over multiple sessions.

Main Functionality

• Detect incoming laser shots using a phototransistor sensor array built into the target face.
• Estimate shot location using sensor readings, threshold filtering, and weighted position logic.
• Provide immediate physical feedback through the LED hit indicator system and onboard TFT display.
• Support multiple training modes such as Freestyle, Classic, Rapid, and Moving Target modes.
• Allow users to control target settings using physical buttons and the onboard display.
• Connect to a companion mobile app through Bluetooth Low Energy for remote control and training analytics.
• Store shot history, scores, distance settings, calibration values, and session data locally on the phone.
• Operate as a standalone target even when the mobile app is not connected.
• Use a rechargeable power source so the system can remain portable and wireless during training.
• Use a physical enclosure that protects the electronics while reducing unwanted ambient light exposure.

Project Goals

• Develop a target system that can detect laser shots and show accurate shot placement.
• Provide real-time visual feedback using LEDs, an onboard display, and the companion mobile app.
• Use a rechargeable battery or commercial power bank so the target can operate wirelessly.
• Allow target modes and settings to be controlled using onboard buttons and a screen.
• Include user statistics and training history through the mobile app and local storage.
• Support distance settings so training data can be viewed with better performance context.
• Develop multiple training modes that simulate different practice and shooting drill styles.
• Keep the target functional as a standalone embedded system without requiring the mobile app.

Project Objectives

• Develop an array of phototransistors that can detect incoming laser shots while rejecting unrelated ambient light.
• Implement an LED array that can indicate the detected shot location within approximately 10 ms.
• Program the ESP32-S3 microcontroller to process sensor readings, shot detection, scoring, display output, and training modes.
• Use calibration logic to adjust the detection threshold for different lighting environments.
• Show accurate shot placement in both indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.
• Update the mobile app within approximately 1 second after a laser hit is detected.
• Support Bluetooth Low Energy communication between the target and the companion app.
• Store useful shot records, debug information, and training history for later review.

Design Requirements

The PrecisionShot Training System must provide fast, reliable, and accurate shot detection while remaining practical to use as a portable training device. The phototransistor array must detect the selected laser wavelength while minimizing false detections from room lighting, reflections, and sunlight. The software must support threshold calibration so the target can adapt to different lighting conditions without requiring hardware changes.

The embedded system must coordinate the sensor array, multiplexers, LED feedback, TFT display, physical controls, Bluetooth communication, local logging, and power system. The target must remain responsive during normal training while still supporting multiple modes, scoring logic, mobile app updates, and future software expansion.

The physical design must protect the internal electronics, align the sensor openings with the PCB-mounted phototransistors, reduce unwanted off-axis light, and remain serviceable for debugging, testing, firmware updates, and battery access.

Acknowledgment and Sponsorship

The PrecisionShot Training System is currently planned as a self-funded Senior Design project. The team expects to cover prototype costs out of pocket while continuing to refine the bill of materials, PCB design, enclosure requirements, testing needs, and replacement-part budget.

The current prototype estimate is expected to increase as the design becomes more finalized because of PCB revisions, sensor quantity, 3D-printed enclosure parts, power components, display hardware, connectors, spare parts, and possible prototyping mistakes. Outside sponsorship is not required at this stage, but it may help reduce personal costs and allow the team to improve the final prototype with higher-quality components.