1. Youth Olympic Games, Singapore 2010
this report is based on the discussions, exchange of ideas and experiences before and during the YOG with Mr. Bernhard Petruschinski, UIPM Laser Advisor, who was responsible to report to the UIPM headquarters directly.
Mr. Petruschinski was the UIPM shooting director, he was present before and during the YOG with Klaus Kremer, and Mr. Uwe Keller of Dr. Schneider Meßtechnik GmbH, which developed the precision laser targets (PLT) for Operate IQ GmbH.
Singapore shooting range
The shooting range had been built in north/south direction; the recommendation was east/west, as direct sunlight is fatal for Laser Shooting in general.
Result: The range did not give shadow to the targets after 4.30 pm. From this time on the sun "blinded" the cameras in the targets, beginning with half shadow; so the equipment couldn´t work 100% correct. A new roof was built to provide shadow over the targets.
Extreme weather conditions limited how, when and where the practise and competition could take place. Heavy rains and thunderstorms stopped the practise competition often.
The design of the range didn´t protect competitors or equipment.
Every day all electronic equipment had to be re-installed. In future it would be necessary to have a range designed for all weather conditions, regardless of where competitions take place
General: The system was successful and worked under extremely difficult weather conditions
Daily intensive Equipment tests of the Laser Units
UIPM purchased Steyr LP 10 pistols and laser containers from Operate IQ GmbH. These were used in the first official competition in Singapore. All pistols were tested in single target shooting with no malfunction.
Next, they were tested in multi-target shooting with each pistol. No malfunctions.
General: Some athletes had problems with their shooting technique: with laser it is advisable to not "snatch" the shots
Competitions
In the womens individual combined event the sky was cloudy. Range No.4 collapsed. Reserve No.1 was then used. During the competition there were no further problems.
In the mens individual combined event, weather conditions were ok. During warm up, there were problems with range No.4 -> R1 was used again. After the mens event, the target and computer in range No.4 were changed. There was an additional malfunction on another range so it was changed shooting to R2.
In the mixed relay event, the sun was right behind the range and "blinded" the cameras guiding the system. During warm up there were technical problems of registering shots on a number of ranges. During this competition several shots were not registered. This showed that the system was unpredictable in this kind of setup / daylight condition in the direct sun.
Targets, Precision Laser Targets (PLT), Hit & Miss (H&M)
- The PLT targets record the point of the laser with a camera and show the result on a computer screen via Software. The computer shows the following two modes:
Training mode, which can be compared to shooting on paper targets
Competition mode, showing hits and misses on the screen
Klaus Kremer demonstrated the new Hit & Miss (H&M) target. This system provides the "old" targets without computer connection, an new feature are five LEDiodes. The laser unit (IQ Container) can be "connected" (paired) to the target as soon as the first shot is fired and from this moment on, only this pistol can fire on this target. This is a new feature according to the UIPM requirements. The problem of crossfire is solved with this function of the new system. Existing lighting systems (SIMPOWER / NAVISTREET) can be connected to the new H&M targets.
The disadvantage of the Hit & Miss target is that you can not see where the shots hit on the target. This could lead to disputes from athletes about the right registration of the shots.
General: The targets need further development work, due to problems of position of the equipment in relation to the sun and shadows, H&M targets offer anti-cross-fire options
Laser Shooting Range
- Every LOC is required to prepare a shooting range in accordance to the current UIPM rules. Laser guided shooting offers easy design possibilities. For example, a range with scaffolding material like the English range could be built. It is very easy to build, and rebuilt. It is not very expensive, and it is very light. Future Idea: The UIPM could think about a complete standard shooting range which every LOC could rent.
These would be used to stage all world cup, and world championship events, and help to create a new corporate identity. Further there would be a wide range of advertising / sponsoring / Logo placement options, for further marketing.
Such a standard laser shooting range should include the following components:1. Basic structure
2. Electronic devices
3. A team to construct the range and service it during competitions
4. Advertising the UIPM every four years
5. The range should be "tidy & clean" in regards to photography,
and other equipment cables, behind shooting tables and walls
This would offer security of planning, a new "attractive face" for the UIPM, and easier competition planning and organisation for each LOC. The UIPM would only need to invest once, and in one period it would be amortized
UIPM should consider adopting a standard range design and construction. This will help competitors, judges and spectators to identify this part of the sport with modern Pentathlon
Microsoft WINDOWS™ computer operating system
The Microsoft WINDOWS™ System used for the PLTs is potentially not safe enough for UIPM's special needs. There are other computer operating systems which may provide better solutions. Dr.Schneider Messtechnik GmbH company could find out which would give the best protection. The solution would be to adopt another operating system such as one based on Linux. The UIPM should consider to include specialist advisers into their decisions.
The current operating system is limited and can arise security problems, in Singapore athletes were "playing" with the computers
Electronic Components
- Due to different devices and different plug systems all over the world, a standardized system has to be created which avoids malfunction. It is important to agree standards for the following:
1. UPS = uninterruptible power supply
2. Automatic brightness control for changing sun conditions
3. A secured computer operating system
4. LCU = laser calibration unit to check laser diameter and its intensity (power).
Higher laser power possibly allows higher tolerances, which could influence the shooting results
5. Avoid crossfire
6. Laser coding
7. Stable computer interfaces
8. Analysis of unrecorded hits and sooting times
General: There is a need for standardised components in the whole computer based system, particularly to remove cables in favour of cable-less connections. This also has a safety aspect
UIPM Working group
Based on experiences in Singapore, the UIPM should set up a working group composed of companies, computer experts, modern pentathlon rule experts and a financial advisor. The task of such a group would be to take the lessons learnt from Singapore and seek solutions to operative problems
There is a need for a small compact Working Group to develop and integrate all aspects of the new laser operated system, especially the adoption of the shooting rules!