U.S. patent application number 10/819429 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for wireless controlled devices for a weapon and wireless control thereof.
Invention is credited to Deyeso, Paul Joseph, Jancic, Dale Allen.
Application Number | 20040198336 10/819429 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34272408 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040198336 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jancic, Dale Allen ; et
al. |
October 7, 2004 |
Wireless controlled devices for a weapon and wireless control
thereof
Abstract
A system related to weapon mounted auxiliary devices that can be
operated by wireless remote control, and a remote controller by
which an operator can operate the auxiliary devices remotely by
wireless control. This includes all means of remote control of the
auxiliary devices to include but not be limited to radio frequency
(RF), infrared (IR) energy, all other wavelengths of the
electromagnetic spectrum, and acoustic, pressure, or sound waves.
Control of the auxiliary devices can range from simple activation
to wireless control of all auxiliary device controls and
adjustments. This can also include a single remote control device
that can operate one or more weapon mounted auxiliary devices.
Inventors: |
Jancic, Dale Allen;
(Bedford, NH) ; Deyeso, Paul Joseph; (Londonderry,
NH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
FISH & RICHARDSON PC
225 FRANKLIN ST
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Family ID: |
34272408 |
Appl. No.: |
10/819429 |
Filed: |
April 7, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60460935 |
Apr 7, 2003 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
455/420 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41G 1/35 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
455/420 |
International
Class: |
F41G 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A wireless control system comprising: an auxiliary device
configured to be mounted on a weapon; and a remote control device
configured to wirelessly control the auxiliary device.
2. The wireless control system according to claim 1 wherein the
remote control device is matched to the auxiliary device.
3. The wireless control system according to claim 1 wherein the
auxiliary device includes a first key module and the remote control
device includes a second key module in communication with the first
key module.
4. The wireless control system according to claim 3 wherein the
first key module is a key generation module and the second key
module is a key decoder module.
5. The wireless control system according to claim 3 wherein the
first key module is a key decoder module and the second key module
is a key generation module.
6. The wireless control system according to claim 1 further
comprising a switch connected to the remote control device, the
switch controlling a function of the auxiliary device.
7. The wireless control system according to claim 6 wherein the
function of the auxiliary device comprises a state of the auxiliary
device, a brightness level of light, a level of sound, or a level
of power consumption.
8. The wireless control system according to claim 6 wherein the
switch further controls a second function of a second auxiliary
device.
9. The wireless control system according to claim 6 further
comprising a plurality of switches comprising of at least one of a
device selection switch, an activation switch, and a control
switch.
10. The wireless control system according to claim 6 wherein the
switch is a rotary switch.
11. The wireless control system according to claim 6 wherein the
switch is a button.
12. The wireless control system according to claim 6 wherein the
switch is a joystick.
13. The wireless control system according to claim 1 further
comprising a display.
14. The wireless control system according to claim 13 wherein the
display is configured to display a menu to select the auxiliary
device.
15. The wireless control system according to claim 13 wherein the
display is configured to display a menu to set a mode of
operation.
16. The wireless control system according to claim 1 wherein the
remote control device is integral to the weapon.
17. The wireless control system according to claim 1 wherein, the
auxiliary device further comprises a receiver, and the remote
control device further comprises a transmitter.
18. The wireless control system according to claim 17 wherein the
receiver and the transmitter communicate using radio frequency
signals.
19. The wireless control system according to claim 17 wherein the
receiver and the transmitter communicate using infrared waves.
20. The wireless control system according to claim 17 wherein the
receiver and the transmitter communicate using a sound wave.
21. The wireless control system according to claim 17 wherein the
receiver and the transmitter communicate using a pressure wave.
22. The wireless control system according to claim 17 wherein the
receiver responds to a unique wavelength.
23. The wireless control system according to claim 17 wherein the
receiver responds to a unique pulse pattern.
24. The wireless control system according to claim 17 wherein the
receiver responds to a unique signal strength.
25. The wireless control system according to claim 17 wherein the
auxiliary device comprises a transmitter and the remote control
device comprises a receiver such that the auxiliary device can
transmit information to the remote control device.
26. The wireless control system according to claim 25 wherein the
remote control device transmits and receives the information to and
from the auxiliary device.
27. The wireless control system according to claim 25 wherein the
remote control device transmits commands to the auxiliary device
and the auxiliary device transmits status information to the remote
control device.
28. The wireless control system according to claim 25 wherein the
remote control device further comprises a display configured to
display information received from the auxiliary device.
29. The wireless control system according to claim 25 wherein the
information comprises a ready status, an operational status, an
existing operational mode, target, range, azimuth, elevation data,
self-diagnostics results, a battery life, or real-time video.
30. The wireless control system according to claim 25 wherein the
transmitter in the auxiliary device transmits a confirmation of a
received wireless signal to the remote control device.
31. The wireless control system according to claim 17 further
comprising a cable removably coupled to the remote control device
or the auxiliary device.
32. The wireless control system according to claim 31 wherein the
transmitter is disabled when the cable is coupled to the remote
control device and the auxiliary device.
33. The wireless control system according to claim 1 further
comprising a receiver module coupled to the auxiliary device to
enable the remote control device to control the auxiliary
device.
34. The wireless control system according to claim 1 wherein the
remote control device includes a mode of operation to limit
detection comprising use of at least one of low RF power, spread
spectrum technology, frequency hopping signals, and burst
transmissions.
35. The wireless control system according to claim 1 wherein the
auxiliary device and the remote control device communicate
bidirectionally.
36. The wireless control system according to claim 1 wherein the
auxiliary device further comprises a watertight enclosure.
37. The wireless control system according to claim 36 wherein the
watertight enclosure is configured to be watertight at depths
greater than 50 feet.
38. A wireless control system comprising: a weapon, an auxiliary
device configured to be mounted on the weapon; and a remote control
device configured to wirelessly control the auxiliary device.
39. The system of claim 38 wherein the remote control device is
integral with the weapon.
40. A light generating device, comprising: an enclosure configured
to be mounted on a weapon, the enclosure enclosing: a power source;
a light source; a receiver in electrical communication with the
power source, the receiver being configured to receive a first
wireless signal; and a device function controller in electrical
communication with the power source, the receiver, and the light
source, the device function controller being configured to control
the light source based on the first wireless signal.
41. The light generating device of claim 40 further comprising a
decoder configured to decode the first wireless signal.
42. The light generating device of claim 40 further comprising a
key receiver and a key module, the key receiver and the key module
cooperating to authenticate wireless signals received from an
authorized source.
43. The light generating device of claim 40 further comprising a
transmitter configured to transmit a second wireless signal.
44. The light generating device of claim 43 further comprising an
encoder configured to encode the second wireless signal.
45. The light generating device of claim 43 wherein the second
wireless signal includes status information of the light
source.
46. The light generating device of claim 43 wherein the transmitter
transmits a confirmation of the received first wireless signal.
47. The light generating device of claim 43 wherein the transmitter
and the receiver are configured to communicate bidirectionally with
a remote control device.
48. The light generating device according to claim 40 wherein the
enclosure comprises a watertight enclosure.
49. The light generating device according to claim 40 wherein the
enclosure comprises a watertight enclosure configured to be
watertight in depths greater than 50 feet.
50. The light generating device according to claim 40 further
comprising an indicator configured to indicate a status of a power
source associated with a transmitter device transmitting the first
wireless signal to the light generating device.
51. The light generating device according to claim 40 wherein the
first wireless signal comprises a portion indicating a status of a
power source associated with a transmitter device transmitting the
first wireless signal to the light generating device.
Description
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 USC .sctn.119(e)
to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 60/460,935, filed on Apr. 7,
2003, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This invention relates to weapon mounted auxiliary devices,
and more particularly to control of such auxiliary devices.
BACKGROUND
[0003] There has been a dramatic increase in the number and types
of auxiliary weapon mounted devices in military, law enforcement
and consumer applications. These include passive devices such as
night vision image intensifier devices, thermal imaging systems,
and day optics; and active devices such as visible laser aiming
devices, infrared laser aiming devices, infrared illuminators,
laser range finders, and visible illuminators (e.g., weapon-mounted
flashlights). All of these devices can generally be referred to as
auxiliary devices. To date these auxiliary devices have been
operated by a combination of switches and controls mounted on the
devices themselves and by cable switches. The cable switches enable
the operator to operate the weapon mounted device, while holding
the weapon in a normal firing position. The cable switches
arrangement is typically more convenient than the device's integral
switches. Cable switches, however, can have cables that are
cumbersome. If not routed properly, the cables can interfere with
operation of the weapon, snag on objects or can be melted or
otherwise damaged if they come into contact with hot or
mechanically moving parts of the weapon. This can be exacerbated by
the fact that individual weapon mounted auxiliary devices are
produced for use on multiple weapon systems and are normally
supplied with just a single remote cable switch with a fixed cable
length. As a result, if the length of the cable is appropriate for
a large weapon it is usually so long as to require unique routing
in order not to have excessive slack and become a snag hazard when
mounted on a smaller weapon. If the cable length is suitable for
use on a small weapon, it is normally too short for use on a large
weapon necessitating the operator to obtain a new cable switch.
Further complicating the situation is that different operators
mount their auxiliary devices in different positions on the weapon
and desire to have the activation switch in unique positions based
on individual shooting style. This results in no one cable length
being optimal in all or even most situations.
[0004] This situation can be further complicated with multiple
auxiliary devices being mounted on a single weapon at one time. As
the quantity of auxiliary devices on a weapon increases, the number
of cable switches multiplies causing increased cable management
problems and adding appreciable weight, reliability issues, and
snag hazards.
SUMMARY
[0005] In one aspect, a wireless control system includes an
auxiliary device configured to be mounted on a weapon and a remote
control device that wirelessly controls the auxiliary device. In
another aspect, the wireless control system includes the weapon. In
yet another aspect, the auxiliary device includes a light
generating device. The light generating device includes an
enclosure, a power source, a light source, a receiver, and a device
function controller. The enclosure is configured to be mounted on a
weapon. The receiver is in electrical communication with the power
source, and the receiver is configured to receive a first wireless
signal. The device function controller is in electrical
communication with the power source, the receiver, and the light
source. The device function controller is configured to control the
light source based on the first wireless signal.
[0006] Other embodiments including any of the aspects above may
also include one or more of the following features:
[0007] The wireless control system can include a receiver and a
transmitter. The receiver and transmitter communicate with each
other using radio frequency, infrared waves, a sound wave, a
pressure wave, or other wireless techniques. The receiver may also
be sensitive to a unique wavelength, pulse pattern, or signal
strength. The auxiliary device and/or the remote control device can
include an encoder configured to encode the first wireless signal.
The auxiliary device and/or the remote control device can include a
decoder configured to decode the first wireless signal. There can
also be a second wireless signal, for example, transmitted by a
transmitter. The second wireless signal can include status
information of the remote control device and/or the auxiliary
device.
[0008] The remote control device can be matched to the auxiliary
device. A first key module is associated with the auxiliary device
and a second key module is associated with the remote control
device and communicates with the first key module. In certain
embodiments, the first key module is a key generation module and
the second key module is a key decoder module or vice versa. In
other embodiments, the first key module is a key decoder module and
the second key module is a key generation module or vice versa. The
auxiliary device and/or the remote control device can include a key
receiver and a key module, where the key receiver and the key
module are cooperating to authenticate wireless signals received
from an authorized source. The auxiliary device can include a
receiver module to enable the remote control device to control the
auxiliary device
[0009] The remote control device includes a switch configured to
control a function of the auxiliary device. Examples of the
function include a state of the device (e.g., on/off), brightness
level of light, level of sound, or level of power consumption. The
remote control device switch can be configured to control a second
function of the auxiliary device. The remote control device may be
integral, permanently attached, or removably affixed to the weapon.
The switch may also control a function of another auxiliary device.
The remote control device may include more than one switch and
include at least one of the following: a device selection switch,
an activation switch, and a control switch. The switch can be a
rotary or linear switch, a button, or a joystick.
[0010] The wireless control system may also include a display. The
display may be configured to display a menu to select the weapon
mounted auxiliary device or set a mode of operation. The display
can be included on the remote control device
[0011] The auxiliary device and/or the remote control device can
include an indicator configured to indicate a status of a power
source associated with a transmitter device transmitting a wireless
signal to the remote control device and/or the auxiliary device
(e.g.. light generating device). The wireless signal can include a
portion indicating a status of a power source associated with a
transmitter device transmitting the wireless signal to/from the
auxiliary device (e.g., the light generating device).
[0012] In another example, a second transmitter is associated with
the auxiliary device, and a second receiver is associated with
remote control device. In this example, the auxiliary device can
transmit information to the remote control device. The information
can include status information and commands. The information may
include ready status, operational status, existing operational
modes, target, range, azimuth, elevation data, self-diagnostics
results, or battery life. The second receiver and second
transmitter can communicate with each other using radio frequency,
infrared waves, a sound wave, a pressure wave, or other wireless
techniques.
[0013] In another example, the wireless control system includes a
cable that is removably coupled to the remote control device or the
auxiliary device. The transmitter can be disabled when the cable is
engaged, for example, when the cable is coupled to both the remote
control device and the auxiliary device. In another example, the
wireless control system includes a mode of operation to limit
detection. In order to limit detection, low RF power, spread
spectrum technology, frequency hopping signals, or burst
transmissions are used. The auxiliary device and/or the remote
control device can include a watertight enclosure, which in some
examples is watertight at depths greater than 50 feet.
[0014] The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are
set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below.
Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the
claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0015] FIG. 1 is a first weapon having a wireless control
system.
[0016] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a remote control device and an
auxiliary device of the wireless control system.
[0017] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a remote control device and an
auxiliary device including key modules.
[0018] FIG. 4 shows an auxiliary device having a wireless control
system including a wired mode.
[0019] FIG. 5 is a second weapon having a wireless control
system.
[0020] FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of a remote control
device.
[0021] FIGS. 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of other
examples of remote control devices.
[0022] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a wireless control system
having a remote control device and one or more auxiliary
devices.
[0023] FIG. 9 shows an example mounting mechanism for an auxiliary
device.
[0024] FIG. 10 shows another example mounting mechanism for an
auxiliary device.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless control system 100 for
wireless control of an auxiliary device, for example an illuminator
102, mounted on a weapon 106. Wireless control system 100 includes
illuminator 102 and remote control device 104. Illuminator 102 is
shown mounted on a weapon 106 and includes a receiver 108, which in
operation receives signals wirelessly from remote control device
104. Remote control device 104 includes a transmitter 110 and a
switch 112. Switch 112 can be, for example, any device capable of
making or breaking an electric contact. For example, by depressing
switch 112, an operator turns transmitter 110 on and off, thereby
controlling illuminator 102.
[0026] The weapon 106 comprises a weapon frame with rails or
grooves 130, located in and extending along at least a portion of
the weapon frame, preferably parallel with an axis 134 of the
barrel of weapon 106. The weapon frame also includes a slot (or
other recess), for example, an elongated transverse slot (not
shown), aligned substantially perpendicular to the rails 130. The
slot is located between a trigger guard and the forward most
portion of the frame. The illuminator 102, as shown in FIGS. 1 and
4, also comprises a housing and structural members extending
therefrom, e.g., rigid elongated projections 138, extending along
at least a portion of the illuminator 102. In one example, the
rigid elongated projections 138 comprise tongues configured to be
compatible with grooves 130 of weapon 106. For example, the
longitudinal tongues of projections 138 may be spaced and sized
such that they fit snugly within the grooves 130, but are capable
of being slid therealong. Together, the rails 130 and projections
138 cooperate to function as a first positioning mechanism.
[0027] The illuminator 102 also includes a projection, e.g.,
spring-loaded elongated bar 142 (FIG. 4). The spring-loaded bar 142
is illustrated as being oriented substantially orthogonal to the
longitudinal tongues of projections 138, but other orientations are
possible. Preferably, spring-loaded bar 142 has a geometry that is
complimentary to elongated transverse slot described above.
Spring-loaded bar 142 has one or more ends 146 protruding through
an opening formed in a portion of illuminator 102 (e.g., an upright
extension projecting from the housing). A spring or other biasing
mechanism preferably biases bar 142 upwardly. In operation, when
the illuminator 102 is being slid relative to the weapon 106, a
portion of the weapon 106 may overcome the bias force of the
spring, until the illuminator 102 is at a predetermined position
with respect to the weapon, for example when the spring-loaded bar
142 is positioned in alignment with the slot, whereupon, the spring
causes the bar 142 to project into slot to fix the illuminator 102
in the predetermined position relative to the weapon 106. The
engagement of bar 142 and the slot forms a second positioning
mechanism and secures illuminator 102 onto weapon 106 to prevent
inadvertent removal or misalignment of illuminator 102 due to
external influences such as recoil. The first and second
positioning mechanisms, and other alternatives, are described in
more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,574,901, titled "Auxiliary Device
for a Weapon and Attachment Thereof," issued on Feb. 13, 2001, and
incorporated herein by reference.
[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates system 100 depicting illuminator 102 and
remote control device 104 in more detail. In addition to switch 112
and transmitter 110, remote control device 104 includes an encoder
202 and a power source 822. As illustrated, in addition to receiver
108, illuminator 102 also includes a decoder 204, a device function
controller 206, a power source 822, and a light source 820.
Further, the illuminator 102 may have a manual switch to control
the illuminator without the remote control device 104. When an
operator presses or actuates switch 112, encoder 202 encodes the
signal and sends the encoded signal to transmitter 110, for example
a radio frequency (RF) transmitter (e.g., 10 MHz-1 GHz). Remote
control device 104 communicates with illuminator 102 by sending
signals 210 from transmitter 110 to receiver 108. Receiver 108
receives signal 210 and sends the signal to decoder 204, which
decodes the signal. Decoder 204 sends a decoded signal to device
function controller 206 allowing wireless control of illuminator
102. For example, device function controller 206 can be a relay
causing light source 820 to turn off and on depending on the state
of the relay. While system 100 may use an RF signal for wireless
communication, infrared waves, sound waves, pressure waves, and the
like can also be used to transmit a signal. Due to the possibility
of adverse environmental conditions in which system 100 may be
used, the remote control device and the illuminator 102 may be
housed in a watertight enclosure.
[0029] In one example, communication between remote control device
104 and the illuminator 102 is sufficiently unique so that signals
from unintended remote control devices 104 do not affect other
unintended auxiliary devices on an individual operator's weapon or
a nearby operator's weapon. For example, if two soldiers are near
each other, the first soldier does not want his illuminator 102 to
activate in response to a signal from the second soldier's remote
control device 104. In some examples, the techniques described
herein to make an auxiliary device unique to a remote control
device 104 can be used for a system with a master remote control
device that individually controls a plurality of auxiliary
devices.
[0030] The uniqueness between remote control device 104 and
illuminator 102 can be accomplished in several ways. One such way
is to provide a matched set including a remote control device 104
and an illuminator 102. For example, a manufacturer can produce a
remote control device 104 and an illuminator device 102 as a
matched set to operate at a unique frequency or with a unique
device code that prefaces the code directing a particular operation
of illuminator 102.
[0031] FIG. 3 illustrates another way to obtain uniqueness between
the remote control device 104 and illuminator 102. Remote control
device 104 includes a key module 302, a key transmitter 304, a
synchronization counter 306, and a unique device code 308.
Similarly, illuminator 102 includes a key module 310, a key
receiver 312, a synchronization counter 314, and a memory 316. In
this example, key module 302 is a key generation module and key
module 310 is a key decoding module. Upon entering a keying mode, a
key transmitter 304 in remote control device 104 transmits a signal
320 to establish the unique frequency or unique device code 308
with illuminator 102. Illuminator 102 receives the key and key
module 310 decodes the key. Illuminator 102 stores the decoded
device code in memory 316. After the initial keying, remote control
device 104 transmits the code for the auxiliary device and a key
from the synchronization counter 306 on the next transmission. In
this fashion, the keying code is different for each use because
after each use synchronization counter 306 and synchronization
counter 314 each update the key. In this example, illuminator 102
only responds to a signal with the correct key. While in this
example, key module 302 in remote control device 104 is a key
generation module and key module 310 in illuminator 102 is a key
decoding module, the modules can be switched such that key module
302 is a key decoding module and key module 310 is a key generating
module. Such an implementation can be advantageous for example,
when illuminator 102 transmits signals to remote control device
104, as described in more detail below.
[0032] Keying allows an operator to match illuminator 102 to remote
control device 104. In a case where remote control device 104 has
not been used with illuminator 102, remote control device 104
initially transmits a unique code to illuminator 102. For example,
the code may consist of the binary pattern 11001. Illuminator 102
receives this unique code (11001) and stores the code in memory
316. Illuminator 102 responds to a signal if the signal includes
this unique code. Remote control device 104 also sends a number
from synchronization counter 306. For example, synchronization
counter 306 sends the number 284 to illuminator 102 and updates
synchronization counter 306 to 285 (i.e., increments by one).
Illuminator 102 stores the received number (284) in memory 316 and
updates the synchronization counter to 285. On subsequent
transmissions, remote control device 104 sends a signal to
illuminator 102 that includes the unique code (11001) and the
updated synchronization count (285). Key-module 310 in illuminator
102 confirms the unique code and the correct synchronization count.
Upon confirmation of the correct code and count, illuminator 102
responds to control signal 320 from remote control device 104.
Although this example follows a simple algorithm of incrementing
the counters 306 and 314 by one, more sophisticated algorithms can
be used.
[0033] Using a unique keying and rolling encryption algorithm
eliminates unwanted activation of illuminator 102 by a different or
other operator's remote control device 104. Also, by incorporating
a provision for keying unique frequency or unique pulse, a
particular remote control device 104 can be used to control
different devices at different times. This is advantageous because
new auxiliary devices can be issued to an operator without concern
for the unique remote control device 104 the operator may have, and
if a remote control device 104 is lost or becomes unserviceable, a
replacement can be issued with out concern for the specific
auxiliary devices the operator possesses. The operator only needs
to key the illuminator 102 with the remote control device 104.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates a wired communication mode of operation
including a remote control device 104 with a control switch 112 and
transmitter 110, and an illuminator 102, including receiver 108 and
a port 402. Some situations do not allow the use of wireless
communication, for example in combat when an enemy might detect
wireless transmissions, thus, compromising the location of the
operator. For such instances where an operator desires wired
communication, illuminator 102 includes communication port 402. A
cable 404 connects illuminator 102 and remote control device 104.
When communication port 402 is engaged (i.e. cable 404 is inserted)
system 100 disables wireless transmitter 110 and illuminator 102
receives control signals through cable 404. When a user desires
wireless control of illuminator 102, cable 404 can be removed.
[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a control system 800 for remote control
of an illuminator 102 and an auxiliary device 120, for example a
laser, mounted on a weapon 106A. The control system 800 may include
a remote control device 104, the illuminator 102, and the auxiliary
device 120. In one embodiment, the remote control device 104
communicates to the illuminator 102 and the auxiliary device 120
without a cable and in another embodiment the remote control device
104 communicates to the illuminator 102 and the auxiliary device
120 with a cable (not shown). The illuminator 102 may be mounted on
the weapon 106A and includes a receiver 108, which in operation
receives signals wirelessly from remote control device 104 allowing
control of illuminator 102 by the remote control device 104. Remote
control device 104 includes a transmitter 110, a first switch 112A,
and a second switch 112B. For example, by depressing switch 112A,
an operator may cause the transmitter 110 to send a signal 210A
(see FIG. 8) to the receiver 108 in the illuminator 102, causing
light source 820 to turn on or off. By depressing switch 112B, the
operator may cause the transmitter 110 to send a signal 210B to the
receiver 122 in the auxiliary device 120 to controllable device
824. Controllable device 824 may be a visible laser aiming devices,
infrared laser aiming devices, infrared illuminators, laser range
finders, visible illuminators, range finder or camera, for example
a CCD or a thermal imager. One or more auxiliary devices, for
example a visible illuminator and a visible laser aiming device,
may be housed in a common enclosure. The illuminator 102, auxiliary
device 120, and the remote control device 104 may each be powered
by a power source 822, for example a battery. The operator can
secure the remote control device 104 to the weapon in a convenient
location with mechanical fasteners, for example hook and loop type
fasteners, adhesive, or both.
[0036] A continuous actuation of switch 112A may cause transmitter
110 to transmit a signal 210A to the receiver 108 in the
illuminator 102 causing the light source 820 to turn on and stay on
as long as the switch 112A is actuated and release of the switch
112A may cause the light source 820 to turn off. In one embodiment,
the transmitter 110 transmits continuously while the switch is
actuated and in another embodiment, the transmitter 110 transmits a
first signal when the switch is actuated and a second signal when
the switch is released. The first signal and the second signal may
be the same. A controller in the illuminator 102 may latch the
light source on when it receives the first signal and unlatch the
light source when it receive the second signal. Likewise, a
continuous actuation of switches 112B may cause transmitter 110 to
transmit a signal 210B to the receiver 122 in the auxiliary device
120 causing it to respond appropriately. For example, if auxiliary
device 120 is a laser, continuous actuation of switch 112B can
cause the laser to turn on and stay on as long as the switch 112B
is actuated and release of the switch 112B may cause the laser to
turn off. Alternatively, a single actuation of switch 112A may
cause the light source 820 to latch on and a subsequent actuation
of switch 112A may cause the light source 820 to turn off.
Likewise, a single actuation of switch 112B may cause device 824 to
latch on and a subsequent actuation of switch 112A may cause device
824 to turn off.
[0037] Alternatively, one or more actuations of switch 112A or 112B
within a defined time period, for example two actuations within 50
msec, may cause the light source 820 or device 824 to latch on and
a subsequent actuation of switch 112A or 112B may cause the light
source 820 or device 824 to turn off.
[0038] FIGS. 6, 7A, and 7B illustrate examples where multiple
switches on remote control device 104 control multiple functions of
illuminator 102, as well as multiple functions of multiple other
auxiliary devices. In the case of controlling multiple functions of
a particular illuminator 102, illuminator 102 has a receiver 108
capable of detecting and differentiating signals having, for
example, different wavelengths, different pulse codes, or other
uniquely coded signals. While in FIGS. 1-4, remote control device
104 includes a single switch 112 and transmitter 110, remote
control device 104 may include more than one switch 112, as shown
in FIGS. 5, 6 and 7. In such a case, activation of each switch
results in transmission of a unique signal. The signals can be
unique in terms of wavelength, pulse pattern or other means of
signal coding.
[0039] In the case of a remote control device 104 controlling
multiple auxiliary devices, the auxiliary devices are equipped with
receivers 108 receptive to unique wavelengths, unique pulse
patterns, or other unique signal coding. In such case, activation
of a particular switch on the remote control unit results in
activation of a unique auxiliary device.
[0040] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 6 remote control device
104 includes a rotary switch 602. A user selects a particular
auxiliary device using a rotary switch 602. In this example, the
user has selected "B" as indicated by the position of rotary switch
602. Remote control device 104 also includes switches 604, 606, and
608. These switches control the particular functions of the
selected auxiliary device. These functions may include for example
the state of the device, brightness of light, level of sound, and
level of power consumption.
[0041] For an illustrative example, device "B" is an auxiliary
light with three levels: off; low; and high. The user selects the
particular auxiliary light by turning rotary switch 602 to position
B. Each button 604, 606, and 608 controls a level of the selected
device. Button 604 turns the light off, button 606 turns the light
on low, and button 608 turns the light on high. If the user wants
to turn the light on low, the user sets rotary switch 602 to
position B and presses button 604. These actions cause only
auxiliary device "B" to turn on to a low level.
[0042] In another example, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, remote
control 104 includes a menu based selection system that appears on
a display 702 and responds to user input. In FIG. 7A, the user
selects a desired auxiliary device by pressing button 704, 706, or
708. For example, if the user desires to control a light-generating
unit, the user selects choice A by pressing button 704. A second
menu, as shown in FIG. 7B, allows the user to select the desired
operation of the auxiliary device. For example, if the user desires
to turn the light on low, the user selects choice A by pressing
button 704.
[0043] The examples above show switch 112 to be either a button or
a rotary switch, but switch 112 can also be a joystick type control
switch used to select and then scroll through a series of menus on
a display to enable the operator to preset controls and performance
parameters as well as a device or devices to be activated. Pressing
one of a limited number of buttons on the remote control device
activates each particular auxiliary device in a prescribed fashion,
or pressing a single button can cause a series of events to occur
by one or a multitude of auxiliary devices. Alternatively, the
display 702 may be touch sensitive and allow the operator to make
selections directly on the display.
[0044] In the preceding examples, the remote control device 104
transmits a signal 210 to the illuminator 102 to control the
operation of illuminator 102. FIG. 8 illustrates a two-way
communication wireless control system 800 including a remote
control device 104, an illuminator 102, and an auxiliary device 120
that may be mounted to a weapon. The remote control device 104
transmits and receives signals or information to the illuminator
102 and the auxiliary device 120. Illuminator 102 includes both a
receiver 108 and a transmitter 810, auxiliary device 120 includes
both a receiver 122 and a transmitter 810, and remote control
device 104 includes a transmitter 110 and a receiver 802.
Alternatively, the receiver and transmitter of any of the devices
(e.g., illuminator 102, remote control device 104, and/or auxiliary
device 120) may be combined into a transceiver or a
microcontroller, for example a model CC1010 microcontroller from
Chipcon of Norway. Illuminator 102 may also include a decoder 204,
a device function controller 206, a device status module 814, an
encoder 812, a power source 822, for example a battery, an
indicator 828 (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED) or an audible
sound generator), and a light source 820 capable of generating
visible or invisible light. An LED may be capable of communicating
a visual signal to an operator in one or more colors. Auxiliary
device 120 may also include a decoder 204, a device function
controller 206, a device status module 814, an encoder 812, a power
source 822, an indicator 828, and a controllable device 824. Remote
control device 104 may also include a first switch 112A, a second
switch 112B, an encoder 202, a decoder 804, a status display 806,
and a power source 822.
[0045] Remote control device 104, illuminator 102, and auxiliary
device 120 may utilize key modules in order to assign a switch on
the remote control device 104 to the illuminator 102 or the
auxiliary device 120. For example, illuminator 102 may be assigned
to respond to switch 112A and auxiliary device 120 may be assigned
to respond to switch 112B, or vice versa.
[0046] The signal 210 may include a family or customer identifier,
a serial number, and one or more commands. The family or customer
identifier and the serial number may be hard coded at the factory.
The family or customer identifier allows illuminators and auxiliary
devices to only respond to a particular family or customer remote
control. The signal 210 may utilize rolling codes and encryption to
prevent unauthorized control of illuminators and auxiliary devices.
Communication between the remote control device 104, the
illuminator 102, and the auxiliary device 120 may utilize a lower
bandwidth to transmit ready status, operational status, and
operational mode and utilize a higher bandwidth to transmit range,
azimuth, and elevational data, self-diagnostic results, and video.
The data, including the video, may be transmitted to an eyepiece
that is part of a day optics and/or night vision optics.
[0047] Receiver 802 in remote control device 104 receives
information 816 from illuminator 102 and auxiliary device 120. Such
information may include, for example, ready status, operational
status, existing operational modes, target range-azimuth-elevation
data, results of self-diagnostics, remaining battery life or other
information that is beneficial for an operator to have at the
remote control device. Such information can also advise remote
control device 104 of a particular situation or condition such that
remote control device 104 can direct illuminator 102 to operate in
a particular mode.
[0048] For example, illuminator 102 can be a battery-operated
light. An operator activates the light by pressing the switch 112A
on remote control device 104. When the operator presses switch
112A, encoder 202 encodes the signal and transmitter 110 sends a
signal 210A to illuminator 102. Receiver 108 receives signal 210A,
decoder 204 decodes the signal 210A, and the device function
controller 206 turns on the light source 820. After using the light
for an extended period, the battery may begin to run low. At this
point, using device status module 814, illuminator 102 senses the
low battery and encodes a signal using encoder 812. Transmitter 810
sends a signal 816 to receiver 802. Decoder 804 decodes signal 816
and displays the status on the status display 806 of the remote
control device 104. This feedback allows the user to know the
battery is low and adjust the usage of illuminator 102 accordingly.
Data from the illuminator 102 and the auxiliary device 120 may be
displayed in the status display 806 in the remote control device
104 or an eyepiece that is part of a day optics and/or night vision
optics.
[0049] When the output voltage of the power source 822 in the
remote control device 104 drops below a predetermined value, the
transmitter 110 can send a "low battery" signal to the illuminator
102 and/or the auxiliary device 120. The "low battery" condition
may be sensed by a suitable circuit. The "low battery" signal can
be communicated, visually or audibly, to the operator through the
indicator 828. The indicator 828 may be caused to stay on
continuously, blink, or change color, or make an audible tone to
communicate the "low battery" condition to the operator.
Alternatively, the "low battery" condition can be communicated to
the operator through indicator 828 on the remote control device
104. The indicator 828 advantageously enables the wireless control
system 800 to notify the operator that due to a low power source,
the wireless system 800 may not be or may become less than fully
functional (e.g., actuating a button on the remote device 104 may
no longer cause a change to the state of the auxiliary device 120).
This allows the operator to recharge/replace the power source 822
or to switch to manual (e.g., non-wireless) portions of the system
800 to perform the desired operations.
[0050] In one embodiment, the auxiliary device is a remotely
controllable camera. The camera may be mounted on a weapon to allow
the operator to survey an area without placing his head in harms
way. A remote control device allows the camera to pan, tilt, and
zoom. Data from the auxiliary device may be transmitted to a
display on the remote control device or an eyepiece that is part of
a day optics and/or night vision optics.
[0051] Remote control device 104 can communicate with a global
positioning system (GPS) mounted on an operator/soldier. Remote
control device 104 can be wired or wireless to the GPS and can be
mounted on the operator or on the weapon. The operator can point
the laser on a target and transmit distance and angular position
(as determined from a compass) from operator's position to assist
in determining target's global position. The information can be
displayed in day optics and/or night vision optics. Likewise, the
GPS unit can communicate target angular position to the operator
for ease in target acquisition.
[0052] In other examples, it may be desired that personnel, other
than the operator, not detect the wireless signal or other
communication between the remote control device 104 and the
auxiliary device. For this reason, system 100 includes the
capability to operate at low RF power levels, use spread spectrum
technology, use frequency hopping signals, or use burst
transmissions, all of which may reduce the possibility of unwanted
detection.
[0053] While the preceding examples have shown remote control
device 104 to be separate from weapon 106 to which illuminator 102
is attached, the remote control device 104 can be integrated, for
example, directly into the rear pistol grip, forward pistol grip,
trigger grip and/or upper receiver and lower receiver of the
weapon. Remote control device 104 can essentially be integrated
into any area that is convenient for the operator to access switch
112 to remotely control illuminator 102. Weapons 106 can include
both lightweight pistols, rifles, and machine guns, heavier
portable weapons, and fixed installation weapons.
[0054] While FIGS. 1-8 are described using an illuminator 102, the
wireless control system can be used with other auxiliary devices.
For example, passive devices such as night vision image intensifier
devices and thermal imaging systems, and active devices such as
visible laser aiming devices, infrared laser aiming device, and
infrared illuminators can be used.
[0055] FIGS. 9 and 10 show some of the many alternative mounting
mechanisms to mount an auxiliary device to a weapon. FIG. 9 shows a
mechanism that clamps onto the rails of the weapon. This mechanism
is described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,430,967, titled,
Aiming Assistance Device for a Weapon, issued on Jul. 11, 1995, and
is incorporated herein by reference. FIG. 10 shows a mechanism that
inserts into slots of the weapon. This mechanism is described in
more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,705,038, titled, Mounting Assembly
for a Weapon, issued on Mar. 16, 2004, and is incorporated herein
by reference. Additionally, the auxiliary device may utilize a
mounting mechanism disclosed in military specification (e.g.,
MIL-STD-1913), a "rail grabber" mounting mechanism, screws, bolts,
and/or the like.
[0056] A number of embodiments of the invention have been
described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various
modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within
the scope of the following claims.
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