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Marksmanship evaluation using image processing techniques

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Abstract

Performance in marksmanship necessitates precision and undivided concentration. It entails firing bullets at targets using a firearm. According to the research conducted, marksmanship accuracy is influenced by several factors, including gender, country’s region, handedness, firearm type, clothing, and weather conditions. This paper presents a novel approach to determining the factors that influence the shooting accuracy of a trainee during shooting practice. This study used Image Processing techniques to determine and evaluate a marksman’s skill level and performance based on selected listed characteristics. During several live-fire exercises at the outdoor shooting range, 242 images of Figure-11 targets fired at by trainees with AK-47 rifles were obtained from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) and Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI). The images were further divided into classes using the selected characteristics. NDA was classified into handedness, gender, country’s region, and weather conditions. While NASI on the other hand was classified into country’s regions, this was because of the only available data during image capture. Shooting accuracy was calculated by analysing the bullet on the figure-11 target using an image processing approach. Experimental results revealed that the Female trainee had 56% shooting accuracy, as against the male trainee with a 44% rate. In terms of weather conditions, the study showed that trainees recorded better shooting accuracy of 66% when there was no rain, compared to 34% when there was rain. The study also showed that the trainee’s country’s region and handedness were consistent with no significant difference. The proposed technique will provide a cheap alternative to the military institution for trainee shooting practice. The study revealed that there is a need for regular shooting exercises under varied weather conditions. The study also suggests that the mode of training be designed in such a way that it involves constant shooting practice with longer hours and the use of more shooting rounds with live fire.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to appreciate Nigerian Defence Academy and Nigeria Army School of Infantry for the support given during the data gathering stage of this study.

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  1. Computer Science Department, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, Nigeria

    Martins E. Irhebhude & Adeola O. Kolawole

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Irhebhude, M.E., Kolawole, A.O. Marksmanship evaluation using image processing techniques. Multimed Tools Appl 82, 43145–43177 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-023-14462-6

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