Target Fails to Score a Shot

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Target Fails to Score a Shot

A "False Negative" shot is one where the athlete correctly and accurately shot the target, but the shot did not get picked up or reported by the Target.

On the NC100 when the air gun backstop is installed, often false negative shots get reported by the Target as Frame Hits.

Causes of False Negative Shots

Forgetting to Take Target Out of Maintenance Mode

When in Maintenance Mode Targets will not score any shots, to resolve this, put them in Scoring Mode.

Visit Maintenance Mode to learn how to put your Targets back into Scoring Mode.

Alignment Shape Could Not Be Found

When an Athena Target performs it's camera alignment process, which occurs at the start of each match and on boot up, if the Target is unable to find the alignment shape the scoring algorithm purposefully does not run. The alignment shape is the 10cm square printed on each front aiming mask. If this is not found, it would be impossible to accurately score shots, thus no shots are scored.

This error would be reported with Orion's Range Control tab and on an athlete's Monitor's Troubleshooting form.

To correct this error visit Replacing the Aiming Masks.

Wrong Aiming Mask Installed

After the camera alignment process, Athena Targets check to see if the right size aiming mask is loaded. For example, if an air pistol mask is loaded instead of an air rifle. Athena will not score if the wrong mask is loaded.

To correct this error visit Replacing the Aiming Masks.

Tape Feed Not Advancing

If the tape feed gets stuck and does not advance a hole in the paper is formed. Then when shots pass through this hole, there is nothing there for the camera to pick up on, and then no shots are scored.

To clear a tape feed jam, first try to advancing the tape feed electronically. This may be done through Orion's Athena Unit Maintenance window. Alternatively if the Target is in practice mode may be done through the Monitor's Maintenance form. If this fails to clear the jam, it will have to be repaired manually.

All shots that were fired during this time should be removed from the Athlete's score and be re-shot.

Shot Double's Up the Last Shot Hole

Even when the tape feed is working correctly, it is possible that the current shot doubles up over the previously fired shot hole. For example, if the athlete fired an eight at 12:00, then the next shot is an eight at 6:00.

While rare, there is nothing that can be done to score the missed shot. The athlete should simply be instructed to shoot again.

To help prevent this from occurring in the future set the tape advance to a longer length. The default practice advance is 16mm. The default competition advance is 26mm. Overriding the tape feed advance may be done in the Athena Unit Maintenance form.

Lip Shots

"Lip Shots" are shots that hit the edge of the aiming bull. This is the most difficult zone on the target to score using computer vision. While Athena targets are programed to score shots in this region occasionally they may be missed.

While rare, there is nothing that can be done to score the missed shot. The athlete should simply be instructed to shoot again.

To help prevent this from occurring in the future replace the aiming masks.

Tape Feed's "Pause after Advance" is too Large

After the tape feed advances the scoring algorithm pauses a few seconds. This is because, being a mechanical device, the tape feed causes vibrations. The Target must wait for these vibrations to settle down before it may resume scoring. If the delay is too short, false positive shots may be reported. If the delay is too long, it may not score the next real shot.

If an athlete is shooting quickly, they must wait long enough for the scoring algorithm to resume. If the don't wait long enough shots may not get scored.

The length of time the scoring algorithm pauses after each shot may be changed in the Tape Feed Calibration form.

Camera Not Focused

If the Target's camera is not focused this could lead to blurred edges around the shot hole which can confuse the scoring algorithm. Usually the camera not being focused will manifest itself by the Alignment Shape Not Found error (see above).

To learn more visit Focusing the NC Model Target Camera.

Crossfire to Another Target

A crossfire to another target is technically not a false positive, but would present itself in the same way. Namely, an athlete fires a shot (not knowing they aimed at the wrong Target) and then no shot appears on their Monitor.

Check your rulebook to learn how to correctly adjudicate crossfires.

Round Headed Pellets

Round headed air gun pellets make poor holes. While Orion is programmed to score these types of pellets, combined with other known reasons for false positives (e.g. Lip Shots, see above) increases the likelihood a shot will not get scored.

The best practice is to always use wad-cutter air gun pellets with Athena.

Low Velocity Air Rifles

Low velocity air guns, or air guns that are running out of air, make poor holes. While Orion is programmed to score these types of holes, combined with other known reasons for false positives (e.g. Lip Shots, see above) increases the likelihood a shot will not get scored.

The best practice is to keep your guns in good order and fill the air tank regularly.

Adjudicating False Negative Shots

Correcting if Athena Failed to Score a Shot


See Also

Inserting a Shot