iPhone or Android, new poll

My last post has generated a bunch of emails suggesting that I create a new OnTarget mobile application for the Android platform instead of the iPhone. When I wrote the post I made the mistake of using the term "iPhone app" as a generic for "mobile app". So, I've added another poll asking the question "Which mobile platform?".

Vote on your preference and let's see which one wins out.

- Jeff

OnTarget iPhone App

I have received numerous enquiries asking if I plan to create a version of the OnTarget group measuring program for the iPhone or other smart phone. Since I'm not set up to create iPhone apps I have been asking around for another programmer who would be interested in taking on the project. Due to the expense of creating and marketing an app for the iPhone I've created a poll on this blog to gauge interest and perceived value of such an application. Please take the time to click on one of the answers showing your interest, or lack of interest, in an new program for the iPhone. If there's enough interest to make the app profitable it will help me convince someone to take on the project.

And, if you or someone you know would be interested in working with me on this project please contact me at: jeff@ontargetshooting.com.

-Jeff

Testing OnTarget Precision Calculator

The new version of OnTarget Precision Calculator have been sent out for initial testing. Several testers will be using the program to shake out any bugs that have been missed during development. After several rounds of testing the program will be locked down and released for sale. Following are a few of the new features included in the new program.

- Bullet holes can be easily moved and deleted from the group.
- The user can set the size of the aim point and move its position.
- The maximum zoom level has been increased.
- The program can be set to display metric measurements.
- Printing of the project has been enabled.
- The target graphic can be rotated in 90 degree increments.
- Several hotkeys have been added to speed up use.

There are several other improvements planned for the near future including translation of the program for use in languages other than english.

When released the new program will have a free 15 day trial period. The cost to permanently enable the program will be $14.95. Future upgrades will be available to registered users at no charge. As stated in the original license agreement OnTarget Precision Calculator v1.10 will continue to be available as freeware.

As always, if you have any questions or suggestions please send an email to: jeff@ontargetshooting.com.

- Jeff

OnTarget Scoring for ARA

Over the last 18 months OnTarget has worked with the Professional Shooting League to develop a program that will calculate the scores their competition benchrest targets. The resulting program was used successfully at all five PSL matches during 2010. Competitor acceptance was very good due to the accuracy and consistency of the scoring results. Numerous match directors have asked when the scoring program would become available for other benchrest targets.

I am pleased to announce that for the last few months OnTarget Software has been working with the American Rimfire Association on a new program that will be used to scan and score the targets used in ARA benchrest competitions. The OnTarget ARA Scoring System will be tested at several ARA matches between now and the end of the year and is scheduled for release prior to the 2011 season.

Here's a short overview of the operation of the scoring system:
- Each target has a bar code label attached that contains the competitor and target numbers.
- At the end of each relay the targets are collected and scanned into the scoring program.
- The program reads the bar code, then locates the center of the bulls eye and bullet hole for each of the 25 bulls on the target.
- A score is calculated for each bull. The program will flag any bulls that need to be manually checked.
- The scorer reviews the scores, plugs any holes that are flagged, and finalizes the scores.
- The program then calculates the final score, saves the target file, prints a detailed score sheet, and exports the data for use in the ARA Benchrest Scoring Program spreadsheet.

The scoring software saves time by automating much of the scoring process. The scorer only needs to look closely at the bulls that have been flagged for manual scoring. Potential errors in adding up total scores and typos when entering data into spreadsheets are eliminated.

If you have any questions about this new program please send an email to: jeff@ontargetshooting.com.

- Jeff

Progress: Target Data System

We are moving forward with testing and further development of the OnTarget target data program. The core functionality which locates the bulleyes and bullet holes is complete and fully functional. Several targets have been added to the program including 25 bull ARA (American Rimfire Association) and PSL (Professional Shooting League) practice targets. We are currently working to improve the data that is calculated from the targets along with the printouts and data exporting. Metric output and simulated PSL and ARA scoring will be implemented in the near future.

Preview: New OnTarget Program

In several earlier posts I have mentioned a program that would automatically calculate group and target data. The program has been under development for some time and uses technology originally developed to calculate the score of the benchrest targets used by the Professional Shooting League.

Development of the core functionality has been completed including; scanning, bulls eye and hole detection, and basic data output. I am currently working to improve the work flow and usability of the program. Additional calculations, statistics, and data output methods will be added to the program prior to completion. My plans are to start field testing of the program within several weeks. After several rounds of testing the program will officially be released and offered for sale through the OnTarget Shooting website.

The steps for using the target data program are pretty straight forward.
- The program prints out test targets (8.5" x 11.0").
- The user shoots one shot per bull.
- Target is scanned and the format is automatically detected.
- Bulls eyes and bullet holes are automatically detected and positioned.
- The user has the opportunity to manually adjust holes if necessary.
- The data is calculated and displayed in a dialog or printout.


Here are a few graphics showing the target and process within the program. Click on the image to see a larger view, hit to return to this blog.

This is the scanned target prior to automatic bull and hole detection.

Here the target has been processed. You can see that each hole has been located and the distance from the center of the bull calculated.


This is the dialog that shows all of the shots combined into one composite group. Group sizes and offsets have been calculated in both standard and MOA values.


This is the current datasheet print out. It has the same information as the dialog with the addition of breaking each row of bulls into a separate group. Additional information will be added to the printout based on user feedback.


In addition to the features of the original OnTarget Pecision Calculator the target data software has the following improvements:
- Direct edit (i.e. moving) and deletion of bullet holes within a group.
- Aim point can be moved.
- More hotkeys for common operations.
- Standard and metric measurement units.
- Higher zoom levels.
- TWAIN scanner support.
- Target rotation in 90 degree increments.
- Printing of the entire target.
- Zoom-to-group view feature.

If you have any comments or suggestions for other features you would like to have available in the new program either post a comment to this blog or send an email to: jeff@ontargetshooting.com. If you know someone who might be interested in the program pass along a link to the OnTarget website or this blog and ask them to check it out.

- Jeff

Where's OnTarget v2.XX

In December of 2008 I announced that I had started working on the next version of the OnTarget Precision Calculator and it would be released in a few months. I was adding and testing new features when in February 2009 I was approached with an idea for an entirely new project. After some research, in April 2009 I made the decision to put OnTarget v2.XX on hold and redirect my efforts towards the the new project.

That decision is based on several factors. First, the current program, v1.10, is very stable and requires little effort in the way of support and maintenance. I had expected the popularity of the program to fall off after the first year of release. In reality the visitor and download counts from the website continue to rise over time as the program becomes more accepted and popular within the shooting community. Second, the new release would require at least several hundred hours to complete and release. After that I need a break so the new project would have been delayed at least a year. And third, I believe the new project has more value to the shooting community than a new version of the OnTarget group measuring tool.

There are many planned improvements including: std/metric output, language translations, direct editing of the holes, expanded group information, better scanning... the list goes on. The planned changes are the result of user feedback I've received over the last two years. And, while I have not abandoned v2.XX it will remain on hold for the near future.

Now, about that mystery project that I've been working on.

In February 2009 I was contacted by Dan Killough, owner of Killough Shooting Sports and the Professional Shooting League, about creating a program that would automatically calculate the score of the targets used in rimfire benchrest competitions. After nearly a year of research, development, and extensive testing the OnTarget Scoring System has been successfully used to score the targets in the first two PSL matches of 2010. The program scans the target, locates the bulls and bullet holes, calculates the score, and exports the data for use in a spreadsheet. An operator monitors the process for accuracy and manually checks the score for any bull that is marginal. The program has dramatically reduced the time necessary to complete target scoring during the PSL competitions.

Our next step is to use this process to create a program that will analyze the accuracy and consistency of ammunition and firearms. The shooter will fire one shot at each bull on the target. When the target is scanned the program will combine all of the shots into a composite group and calculate the group statistics. A selection of targets will be available to cover a wide range of firearms, target distances, and ammunition.

I will be posting more information about the new target data software as we get closer to release.

- Jeff

Welcome!

Welcome to the OnTarget Shooting blog.

This blog will be the place for me to pass along news and information about the OnTarget programs.

There is currently one program released by OnTarget Software, the OnTarget Precision Calculator. Originally released as freeware in February 2008, the program is used to measure bullet hole groups using your scanner or a digital photo of your target. The goal was to create a program that is easy to use and provides valuable information. That goal has been reached as evidenced by the popularity and acceptance of the program. When first released I was hoping a few hundred shooters would be interested in downloading a copy. To date, the OnTarget website has had over 50,000 visitors and the program has been downloaded over 10,000 times. Shooters world-wide have used the OnTarget program to measure their accuracy.

In future posts I'll be passing along news, presenting new ideas, and asking for feedback. I'll also address some of the most commonly asked questions including, the most frequently asked of all, "When are you going to make a version for the Mac?".

And most importantly, thank you for your support. The OnTarget program has been successful because of its users. The program has spread throught the shooting community because of word-of-mouth recommendations. Satisfied users are the best advertisers and the best measure of success.

- Jeff