U.S. patent application number 09/845509 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-31 for apparatus for controlling use of a firearm.
Invention is credited to Childs, Scott P., Vivian, Alan S..
Application Number | 20020157296 09/845509 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25295391 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020157296 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Vivian, Alan S. ; et
al. |
October 31, 2002 |
Apparatus for controlling use of a firearm
Abstract
A firearm security mechanism for use with a firearm to prevent
unauthorized use of the firearm. The mechanism includes a scanning
unit having a camera that obtains unique eye characteristics of a
user's eye and sends that data to a central processing unit. The
central processing unit compares the data to data representing the
unique eye characteristics of an authorized users eye stored in a
memory storage device. If the obtained data and the previously
stored authorized user data match, a signal is transmitted to a
latch mechanism that unlocks the trigger mechanism enabling
discharge of the firearm.
Inventors: |
Vivian, Alan S.; (Richmond
Township, MI) ; Childs, Scott P.; (Novi, MI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Joseph G. Burgess
Warn, Burgess & Hoffmann, PC
Suite B125
691 North Squirrel Road
Auburn Hills
MI
48326
US
|
Family ID: |
25295391 |
Appl. No.: |
09/845509 |
Filed: |
April 30, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/70.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/066
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/70.11 |
International
Class: |
F41A 017/00 |
Claims
I claim
1. A firearm security mechanism for use with a firearm to prevent
use of the firearm by an unauthorized user comprising: a firing
mechanism located on the firearm, said firing mechanism including a
trigger that operates to discharge the firearm; a latch mechanism
located on the firearm, said latch mechanism including a locking
member, said locking member movable between a first position
wherein said firing mechanism is locked to prevent discharge of the
firearm and a second position wherein said firing mechanism is
unlocked such that the firearm can be discharged; a scanning unit,
said scanning unit located on the firearm and operable to scan a
user's eye for unique characteristics used to identify the user,
said scanning unit operative to generate an output signal based on
data obtained by said scanning unit; a memory storage device, said
memory storage device capable of storing data relating to an
authorized user's unique eye characteristics; a central processing
unit operative to receive said output signal and compare said
output signal to said data stored in said memory storage device,
said central processing unit operative to send a signal to said
latch mechanism to urge said latch mechanism to said second,
unlocked position enabling discharge of the firearm when said
output signal from said scanning unit matches the data of an
authorized user stored in said memory storage device.
2. A firearm security mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said scanning unit scans a user's eye to obtain data regarding
unique characteristics of the iris of the user's eye.
3. A firearm security mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said scanning unit includes a camera, said camera secured to the
firearm and operative to capture data regarding unique
characteristics of the user's eye.
4. A firearm security mechanism as set forth in claim 3 wherein
said camera obtains images of the iris of the user's eye to obtain
data regarding unique characteristics of the user's eye.
5. A firearm security mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said memory storage device includes a memory storage card and a
card reader, said card reader secured to the firearm and said
memory card having data relating to an authorized users unique eye
characteristics contained thereon, said memory card being removable
from said card reader.
6. A firearm security mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said firearm security mechanism further includes a power source
electrically connected to and operative to power said scanning unit
and said central processor unit.
7. A firearm security mechanism as set forth in claim 1 wherein
said locking member is electronically controlled by said central
processing unit and engages said the trigger to prevent movement of
said trigger.
8. A firearm security mechanism as set forth in claim 7 wherein
said locking mechanism includes a solenoid, said solenoid operative
to move said locking member from a first position wherein said
trigger is prevented from movement and a second position wherein
said trigger is movable to discharge the firearm.
9. A method for controlling operation of a firearm comprising the
steps of: providing a firearm; connecting a scanning unit to said
firearm; scanning a user's eye with said scanning unit for unique
characteristics to identify a user; generating output data based on
said scan and sending said output data to a central processing
unit; storing data relating to an authorized user's unique eye
characteristics; comparing said output data with said stored data
to determine if said output data matches said stored data;
generating a release signal when said output data matches said
stored data; and sending said release signal to a latch mechanism,
said latch mechanism upon receiving said release signal moving a
locking member to an unlocked position enabling discharge of said
firearm.
10. A method for controlling operation of a firearm as set forth in
claim 9 wherein the step of scanning the user's eye, includes the
step of obtaining an image of the iris of the user's eye.
11. A method for controlling operation of a firearm as set forth in
claim 9 wherein the step of storing data includes providing a
memory card and a memory card reader; and storing said authorized
user data on said memory card and inserting said memory card into
said card reader to allow access to said stored authorized user
data.
12. A method for controlling operation of a firearm as set forth in
claim 9 wherein the step of generating a release signal when said
output data matches said stored data includes the step of
continually sending said release signal to said latch mechanism;
and holding said locking member in said unlocked position as long
as said release signal is continuously received by said latch
mechanism.
13. A method for controlling operation of a firearm as set forth in
claim 9 wherein the step of sending a release signal to said latch
mechanism includes holding said locking member in said unlocked
position for a predetermined period of time after said release
signal is first received by said latch mechanism.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present with the invention relates to firearms and
firearm security and more specifically to a security mechanism that
utilizes an identification system that obtains individually unique
eye characteristics to identify the user of the firearm. Upon
recognition of an authorized user, the firearm switches from a safe
mode to a fire mode wherein the firearm can be discharged.
[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0004] Gun safety or security is of paramount concern in today's
society. Much of the gun violence occurring in the world in today
results from the use of firearms by unauthorized individuals.
Typically, an individual purchases a firearm from a licensed
firearms agent or distributor. The individual most often secures a
permit from a local board or regulatory agency. In this manner, the
firearm is then registered to a certain individual. That individual
then becomes an authorized user of the firearm. Other individuals
may also be authorized users of the firearm. Occasionally, the
firearm falls into the hands of an unauthorized user. In many
cases, firearms are stolen for use in criminal activity.
Additionally, other unauthorized individuals such as children or
untrained users sometimes obtain access to the firearm and may
discharge the firearm causing harm to themselves or others.
[0005] Accordingly, while education remains a primary tool in the
crusade for safe firearm use, various systems and methods are often
utilized to secure firearms such as trigger locks and firearm
safes. Additionally, identification systems have been developed
that utilize voice or fingerprint recognition to determine if an
individual attempting to discharge a firearm is an authorized user
also exist. While such systems are adequate in many instances,
there continues to be a need for a firearm security system that
prevents unauthorized users such as criminals, children, or other
untrained users from discharging a firearm. Accordingly, there is a
need for a firearm security mechanism that renders a firearm
useless to anyone but an authorized user.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is a firearm security mechanism for
use with a firearm to prevent unauthorized use of the firearm. The
mechanism includes a firearm that discharges a projectile through a
barrel upon actuation of a firing mechanism. The firing mechanism
typically includes a trigger and trigger linkage whereby movement
of the trigger causes the firing mechanism to discharge the
firearm. The firearm security mechanism is installed on the firearm
to prevent discharge of the firearm by anyone other then an
authorized user. The firearm security mechanism includes a scanning
unit having a camera that scans and captures the unique eye
characteristics of a user's eye, compiles data based on these
unique characteristics and transmits the data to a central
processing unit. The central processing unit compares the
transmitted data to data stored in a memory device that was
obtained from and represents the unique eye characteristics of an
authorized user. If the scanned data and the previously stored
authorized user data match than a signal is transmitted to a latch
mechanism that releases the trigger enabling discharge of the
firearm.
[0007] Accordingly, the firing mechanism is disabled until the
user's eye is scanned and the user is recognized as an authorized
user of the firearm. Thus, the firearm security mechanism prevents
unauthorized use of the firearm especially if the firearm comes
into the hands of children, criminals or other unauthorized or
untrained users.
[0008] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood after
reading the subsequent description taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a firearm, partially broken
away, illustrating a firearm security mechanism according to the
present invention;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a side view of the present invention with portions
removed for clarity;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the circuitry of the
firearm security mechanism according to the present invention;
and
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of the firearm security mechanism
according to the present invention shown in use with a revolver
style firearm.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
[0013] Turning now to FIGS. 1-4 a firearm security mechanism, seen
generally at 10, for controlling unauthorized use of a firearm 12
is shown. The firearm 12 is illustrated as a semi automatic pistol.
The firearm 12 includes a handle 14 and a barrel 16. Also included
is a firing mechanism, seen generally at 18, including a trigger 20
and trigger linkage to actuate a hammer 22 used to strike a firing
pin (not shown) to discharge the firearm 12. Most firearms include
a safety 23. The safety 23 is typically a moveable switch or pin
member mounted on the firearm 12 that engages the trigger 20. A
user moves the safety 23 from an on or safe position to an off or
fire position. The safety 23 is unable to discern whether the user
of the firearm 12 is an authorized user; simply put any individual
can pick up the firearm 12, disengage the safety and discharge the
firearm 12. Accordingly, a firearm 12 utilizing a firearm security
mechanism 10 for controlling the use of a firearm 12 according to
the present invention reduces the opportunity for an unauthorized
user, such as a criminal, child or unqualified or untrained
individual from using the firearm 12.
[0014] Notwithstanding the above description of a conventional
firearm, the term firearm should be broadly construed to mean any
type of weapon or device capable of launching, discharging or
propelling a projectile, regardless of the method or manner used to
propel the projectile. As set forth herein, the firearm security
mechanism 10 operates to prevent unauthorized use of any type of
firearm or weapon.
[0015] The firearm security mechanism 10 includes a scanning unit
30 attached or connected to the firearm 12. The scanning unit 30
includes a scanner or camera 32. Upon initialization, the camera 32
captures and image of the user's eye to obtain data relating to
certain unique individual physiological characteristics of the
user's eye. These characteristics are then used, as set forth more
fully herein, to verify the identity of the user. Eye recognition
technology is known in the art and provides accurate identification
of an individual based on visible characteristics of the
individual's eye, including those of the individual's retina or
iris. While, as set forth herein, the present invention captures
the unique characteristics of an individual's iris, it is also
contemplated that the invention may also capture and take advantage
of the unique characteristics of an individual's retina through a
retinal scan.
[0016] Accordingly, the camera 32 captures the unique
characteristics of an individual's iris. Specifically, the camera
32, through the lens 33, captures an image of the surface layer of
the user's eye. The surface layer of the eye, especially that of
the iris, is composed in a distinctive pattern. Thus, the present
invention utilizes the camera 32 to gather data relating to the
specific pattern of the individual's iris. The gathered data is
sent to a central processing unit 34 along a data line 35.
[0017] A two-way data bus 37 connects the central processor unit 34
to a memory storage device 36. The memory storage device 36 stores
information or data corresponding to the unique characteristics of
the iris of an authorized user of the firearm 12. Upon receiving
information or data obtained from the camera 32 corresponding to
the unique iris characteristics of the potential user of the
firearm 12, the central processing unit 34 compares the data to the
unique iris characteristic data of an authorized user stored in the
memory storage device 36. If a suitable match is made between the
respective data, then an unlatch signal is sent along data line 39
from the central processing unit 34 to a latch mechanism 38. As
shown herein, the latch mechanism 38 engages and secures the
trigger 20 to prevent discharge of the firearm 12. Other latch
mechanisms could also be used. For instance, the latch mechanism
could prevent actuation of the firing pin or prevent the hammer 22
from striking the firing pin. It should be understood that the
purpose of the latch mechanism 38 is to prevent discharge of the
firearm 12, thus, any mechanism that does so comes within the scope
of the invention. Upon receiving an unlatch signal from the central
processing unit 34, the latch mechanism 38 moves a locking member
44 from a first, locked position wherein the locking member 44
engages and prevents movement of the trigger 20, and
correspondingly, discharge of the firearm to a second, unlocked
position wherein the locking member 44 is disengage from the
trigger 20 whereby the trigger 20 can be depressed to discharge the
firearm 12.
[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, a power supply 40 is used to power of
the camera 32, central processing unit 34, memory storage device 36
and latch mechanism 38 through power supply lines 41. The power
supply 40 may be either replaceable or rechargeable. In the
preferred embodiment, when the user unlocks the firearm 12 safety,
it activates a switch that couples the power supply 40 to the
camera 32. When the firearm 12 safety is returned to the safe mode,
the central processing unit 34 sends a signal along data line 43 to
shut off the power to the camera 32 and other components to
conserve the power supply 40. Additionally, the central processing
unit 34 is programmable such that the camera 32 is enabled for a
set time period starting when the safety 23 is moved to the
unlocked position. After the set time has passed, the camera 32 is
turned off and cannot be enabled or turned on until the safety 23
is switched to the fire position after being first returned to the
safe position.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the latch mechanism 38 includes a
solenoid 42 that moves the locking member 44. The locking member 44
is biased in a first, locked position in order to prevent discharge
of the firearm 12. Upon actuation of the solenoid 42, the locking
member 44 is withdrawn and the trigger 20 is no longer held and can
be moved to discharge the firearm 12. It should be understood that
there are other mechanisms suitable, upon receiving a disengage
signal from the central processing unit 34, to release the trigger
20 for movement to discharge the firearm 12. Such mechanisms are
suitable for use with the present invention.
[0020] In addition, the memory storage device 36 may include a
separate memory card 46 that may be withdrawn from the firearm
security mechanism 10. This provides an additional safety feature,
as the firearm 12 is inoperable unless the memory card 46 is
inserted, in the direction shown by arrow 50, into a memory card
reader 48 forming a portion of the memory storage device 36. The
memory card 46 can be programmed either through use of the camera
32 or with a separate or auxiliary scanner or camera. For instance,
upon purchasing the firearm 12, an individual or any other
authorized user could use a separate, stand-alone scanner or camera
to input the authorized user's iris identification data onto the
memory card 46. This information could be recorded prior to or at
the same time the authorized user registers the firearm 12.
[0021] Finally, the firearm security mechanism 10 according to the
present invention also provides fail-safe features. For instance,
if power is lost, then the latch mechanism 38 remains engaged and
the firearm 12 cannot be discharged. If the data obtained by the
camera 32 does not match the stored data relating to an authorized
user then, once again, the latch mechanism 38 remains engaged.
Finally, if any part of the firearm security mechanism 10 is ever
damaged, than the latch mechanism 38 remains engaged. Further, the
central processing unit 36 can be programmed such that the firearm
12 is held or maintained in the enabled or discharge mode for a set
time period once the data match, indicating that the weapon is
being used by an authorized user, is made. In addition, the central
processing unit 36 can be programmed such that the firearm 12 is
only enabled upon receipt of a continuously matching signal from
the camera 32. That is only when the firearm 12 is held in an
aiming position and the camera 32 continues to scan or capture data
from the user's eye and send such data to the central processing
unit 34.
[0022] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner.
It is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is
intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of
limitation.
[0023] Many modifications and variations of the invention are
possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, within the
scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other
than as specifically described.
* * * * *