U.S. patent application number 12/672495 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-19 for authentification and authorization device.
Invention is credited to Raul Delgado Acarreta.
Application Number | 20110113664 12/672495 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40350417 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110113664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Delgado Acarreta; Raul |
May 19, 2011 |
AUTHENTIFICATION AND AUTHORIZATION DEVICE
Abstract
Authentication and authorisation device of a firearm (11) that
comprises an emitting device (20) carried by an authorised operator
(15) and a receiving device (21) that unblocks and blocks the use
of the firearm (11) based upon a selectable electrical
characteristic related to the authentication and authorisation
signal generated by the emitting device (20) carried by an
authorised operator (15).
Inventors: |
Delgado Acarreta; Raul;
(Tudela, ES) |
Family ID: |
40350417 |
Appl. No.: |
12/672495 |
Filed: |
August 7, 2007 |
PCT Filed: |
August 7, 2007 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/ES07/70150 |
371 Date: |
February 7, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/70.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
42/70.11 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/06 20060101
F41A017/06 |
Claims
1. Authentication and authorisation device of firearms (11) to
restrict the use of the same to at least one authorised operator
(15); characterised in that the authentication and authorisation
device (10) comprises an emitting device (20) carried by the
operator (15) that is verified and authorised to use the firearm
(11), which generates and emits through some first electrical
input/output terminals (20e) an authentication and authorisation
signal to a receiving device (21) included in firearm (11).
2. Device as per claim 1; characterised in that the authentication
and authorisation signal is a selectable electrical characteristic
associated with the encoded electric field.
3. Device as per claim 2; characterised in that the selectable
electrical characteristic associated with the electric field is
encoded through frequency, amplitude and phase modulation.
4. Device as per claim 3; characterised in that the receiving
device (21) receives through some second electrical input/output
terminals (21e) an electric signal related to the authentication
and authorisation signal emitted by the emitting device (20), in
turn generating and transmitting an unblocking signal through some
third electrical terminals (21t) so that the firearm (11) is
operational for firing.
5. Device as per claim 4; characterised in that the authentication
and authorisation signal generated by the first generator (20g)
flows through the body of the authorised operator (15) to the
receiving device (21) without there being electrical contact
between the first electrical input/output terminals (20e) and the
operator (15), or between the operator (15) and the second
electrical input/output terminals (21e) of receiver (21).
6. Device as per claim 5; characterised in that the transmission of
the authentication signal is performed only when the separation
between the operator (15) and the second electrical input/output
terminals (21e) is less than or equal to a predetermined
distance.
7. Device as per claim 6; characterised in that the transmission of
signals between the emitting device (20) and the receiving device
(21) is two-way.
8. Emitting device connectable to a receiving device (21);
characterised in that the emitting device (20) generates and emits
to the receiving device (21) an authentication and authorisation
signal related to a selectable electrical characteristic of an
electrical field, encoded by frequency, amplitude and/or phase
modulation.
9. Device as per claim 8; characterised in that the authentication
and authorisation signal is programmable through a first
programmable logic means of control (20m).
10. Device as per claim 9; characterised in that the emitting
device (20) comprises the first programmable logic means of control
(20m) connected electrically to a first generator (20g) of
authentication and authorisation signals, in turn connected
electrically to a first source (20p) of electrical power, some
first electrical input/output terminals (20e) without electrical
contact with the body of the operator (15) so that the
authentication and authorisation signal generated flows through the
body of the operator (15) to the receiving device (21).
11. Device as per claim 10; characterised in that the emitting
device (20) is carried by the authorised operator (15).
12. Device as per claim 11; characterised in that the emitting
device (20) is programmable through the first programmable logic
means of control (20m).
13. Receiving device connectable to an emitting device (20);
characterised in that the receiving device (21) receives a
selectable electrical characteristic related to an authentication
and authorisation signal generated by the emitting device (20), in
turn generating and transmitting an unblocking signal through some
third electrical terminals (21t) so that the firearm (11) is
operational for firing
14. Device as per claim 13; characterised in that the receiving
device (21) comprises a second programmable logic means of control
(21m) connected electrically to a second generator (21g), in turn
connected electrically to a second source (21p) of electrical
power, some second electrical input/output terminals (21e) by which
the selectable electrical characteristics is received, and some
third electrical input/output terminals (21t) by which the
unblocking signal is transmitted for use of the firearm (11).
15. Device as per claim 14; characterised in that the receiving
device (21) comprises a second microprocessor (21m) that generates
and transmits the corresponding unblocking signal through the third
terminals (21t) to an electromagnetic device that releases the
firearm (11) firing mechanism.
16. Device as per claim 15; characterised in that the magnetic core
of the electromagnetic device is a part different from those that
make up the kinematic firing chain of firearm or one of the
mechanical safeties of firearm (11).
17. Device as per claim 15; characterised in that the magnetic core
of the electromagnetic device is at least one of the parts of the
same kinematic firing chain of firearm (11) or one of the
mechanical safeties of firearm (11).
18. Device as per claim 15; characterised in that the
electromagnetic device (21) is replaceable by an electric circuit
that electrically transmits and/or cuts the transmission of a
firing signal of an electrically or electronically activated
firearm (11).
19. Device as per claim 15; characterised in that the receiving
device (21) is configured to be inserted in the body of the firearm
(11).
20. Device as per claim 19; characterised in that the receiving
device (21) is programmable through the second programmable logic
means of control (21m).
Description
PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention refers to an authentication and authorisation
device for the use of a firearm by an operator who is authorised
and trained for said use.
STATE OF THE ART
[0002] In general, the use of a firearm is restricted to its
availability and to possessing the necessary knowledge to do so,
notwithstanding the possession of the corresponding government
authorisation. Therefore, in the not so unlikely case that a person
authorised to hold and use the firearm, such as a civilian in his
home, a member of a police squad or a soldier in a military action,
has his regulation firearm stolen or taken, it could be used, even
against him, without being able to prevent it.
[0003] Other risk situations arise in the case of a firearm falling
and its accidental discharge. Cases are also known where a firearm,
briefly neglected by its owner, normally in a safe environment such
as the home, is handled by an inexperienced person or a minor,
causing fatal accidents by an unexpected discharge.
[0004] In the state of the art, restriction of use systems are
known for firearms, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,603,179, U.S.
Pat. No. 6,185,852, US20030163942, US20030136043 or US20040031180,
where identification systems are described through sensors that
read some biometric characteristic of the operator, such as a
predetermined finger, a predetermined area of the hand, an
electronic "image" of a predetermined finger or even the manner in
which different parts of a handle are pressed.
[0005] From the American patent application US20030070343, an
operator uses a biometric recognition system through an image or
through a code to be punched in, which is activated before
commencing the risk action and enables the same person to use the
firearm, through electromagnetic radiation or ultrasound, provided
he is within a certain range, suggested as a few metres. One
disadvantage to the aforementioned system is that any person can
use the firearm when found within said radius of action, with it
being impossible to reduce said area noticeably and ensure its
correct operation at the same time.
[0006] From the U.S. Pat. No. 6,678,984, it is learned that an
operator, through a transmitter, sends his identification to the
firearm by using a current conducting circuit for this, without
describing how he obtains secure electrical connections throughout
the entire circuit or the closing path of the electrical circuit
from the firearm to the operator's transmitter.
[0007] From the known states of the art, it is learned that the
current operator identification and authorisation systems are
inaccurate, since there can be difficulties during the reading of
the biometric characteristics of the operator, due to the fact that
the operator will not always handle the firearm in the same manner,
nor will the sensor be located exactly under the same precise body
area, based upon the speed with which a situation requires one to
grab the firearm.
[0008] In other situations, the reading area can be impregnated
with sand, mud or water or covered by thick gloves recommended for
the weather. In other words, the operator can become surprised or
compromised because the identification system does not identify and
authenticate him correctly, and the operator is unable to use the
firearm in said situation.
[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a device that allows
the reliable authentication and authorisation of a predetermined
operator to use a predetermined firearm, securely restricting the
number of operators that can use the firearm.
CHARACTERISATION OF THE INVENTION
[0010] This invention seeks to resolve one or more of the problems
stated above, through an authentication and authorisation device
for firearms as is claimed in claim 1. Embodiments of the invention
are established in the subsequent claims.
[0011] A purpose of the invention is to provide an authentication
and authorisation device for a firearm that restricts the use of
the aforementioned firearm to at least one predetermined authorised
operator, and therefore the use of the same by unidentified and
unauthorised third parties is prevented.
[0012] Another purpose of the invention is to provide an
authentication and authorisation device that comprises an emitting
device that generates a predetermined authentication and
authorisation signal consisting of an electric field with a reduced
field intensity that is transmitted through a capacitive coupling
to the body of the operator, and from this, through another
capacitive coupling to a receiving device included in the
firearm.
[0013] Yet another purpose of the invention is to provide an
emitting device that is transportable on the body of the operator
or on any article of clothing that belongs to the very clothes of
the operator, or that is included in another object that the
operator carries, such as a portable electronic device, a
mechanical device and/or portable electromechanical device such as
a watch or something similar.
[0014] Furthermore, another purpose of the invention is to provide
an emitting device that generates and emits, through one of its
outputs, a predetermined authentication and authorisation signal to
the receiving device included in the firearm. Once said signal is
received and processed by the receiving device, the operator is
verified and authorised to use the firearm.
[0015] Yet another purpose of the invention is to provide an
authentication and authorisation device that comprises a
programmable emitting device and receiving device to facilitate
adding or removing an operator from the operators authorised to use
the firearm.
[0016] Still yet another purpose of the invention is to provide a
receiving device that once it receives the authentication and
authorisation signal from an emitting device used by the operator
that wishes to use the firearm, it is capable of generating and
transmitting an unblocking signal to one of its outputs, which
allows the operator to use the firearm from that moment on, while
the receiving device continues receiving the authentication and
authorisation signal.
[0017] At the moment when the device stops receiving the
aforementioned signal, the receiving device generates and transmits
a blocking signal from one of its outputs, and therefore the
firearm cannot be used. Alternatively, the receiving device stops
generating and transmitting an unblocking signal from one of its
outputs, and the firearm is blocked.
[0018] Yet another purpose of the invention is that the receiving
device generates and transmits an electrical blocking and/or
unblocking signal to an electromagnetic system included in the
firearm, which acts upon the operation of the kinematic firing
chain and/or upon any of its safeties, releasing or blocking its
operation. In the case of firearms with electrical and/or
electronic activation, the blocking and/or unblocking signal blocks
or allows the progression of a electrical firing signal.
[0019] As a result of the reduced range of the characteristics of
the signal generated by the emitting device, only a few
centimetres, the use of the firearm is restricted to an authorised
operator that is close to or in contact with the firearm.
[0020] Yet another purpose of the invention is to provide an
emitting and receiving device that are powered electrically through
an electrical power source such as a long-lasting rechargeable cell
or battery.
[0021] Another purpose of the invention is to provide an emitting
and receiving device that includes on each of them a viewing screen
to show useful information for the authorised operator. For
example, information regarding the state of blocking or unblocking
of the firearm, state of the charge of the corresponding electrical
energy source or similar.
[0022] Yet another purpose of the invention is to provide a light
authentication and authorisation device that is smaller in size and
simple to use. Likewise, in the case of an anomaly or
malfunctioning of the same, the authentication and authorisation
device can be disabled temporarily by the operator, in such a
manner that the firearm can be used by any operator.
[0023] Yet another purpose of the invention is to provide an
authentication and authorisation device with great operating
autonomy, since both the emitting device and the receiving device
are embodied through electronic circuits with low power consumption
that remain in a state of rest until receiving an activation
signal, and deactivate and return to the state of rest or low power
consumption when they stop receiving the activation signal.
[0024] Another purpose of the invention is to show, through the
viewing screen, other information inherent to the firearm, such as
the temperature of the barrel, the number of cartridges fired or
the number of cartridges available in the firearm.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0025] A more detailed explanation of the invention is given in the
description that follows and is based upon the attached
figures:
[0026] FIG. 1 shows in a flow chart of an authentication and
authorisation device according to the invention,
[0027] FIG. 2 shows schematically an emitting device and a
receiving device included in the authentication and authorisation
device according to the invention, and
[0028] FIGS. 3a and 3b show in a perspective view a possible
location of the receiving device in a short firearm and in a long
firearm according to the invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] In relation to FIGS. 1, 3a and 3b, a flow chart of the
authentication and authorisation device 10 is illustrated for a
firearm 11, for example, a pistol and a rifle.
[0030] Authentication and authorisation device 10 comprises an
emitting device 20 carried by an operator 15 that is verified and
authorised to use the firearm 11, and a receiving device 21 that is
located in the firearm 11.
[0031] The emitting device 20 generates and emits to the firearm
11, through one of its outputs, authentication and authorisation
signals related to an electrical characteristic of an electric
field, to the receiving device 21. Likewise, the emitter 20 is
capable of receiving signals generated and transmitted from the
receiver 21 to the same, in order to be used by the operator that
is verified and authorised to use the firearm 11. For example, if
the firearm 11 is unblocked or blocked, the load state of an
electrical power source relative to receiver 21 or any relevant
information of firearm 11.
[0032] The same body of the authorised operator 15 can serve as the
means for two-way transmission of signals exchangeable between the
emitter 20 and the receiver 21.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a diagram of an embodiment of the emitter
20 that comprises a first programmable logic means of control or
microprocessor 20m, a first signal generator 20g and a first
electrical power source 20p such as a battery, cell or similar item
that powers the remaining components of the emitter 20.
[0034] Furthermore, the emitter 20 includes some first electrical
input/output terminals 20e, such as some electrodes 20e that do not
require being electrically in contact with the body of the operator
15 authorised to use the firearm 11, so that the authentication and
authorisation signals generated by the first generator 20g based
upon the information provided from the microprocessor 20m, flow
through the body of the authorised operator 15 to the receiving
device 21. Also, the emitting device 20 comprises a first viewing
screen 20d where it shows information related to firearm 11.
[0035] Analogously, FIG. 2 also schematically illustrates an
embodiment of the receiver 21 that comprises a second programmable
logic means of control or microprocessor 21m, and a second
electrical power source 21p such as a battery, cell or similar item
that powers the remaining components of the emitter 21.
[0036] The receiver 21 includes some second electrical input/output
terminals 21e, such as some electrodes 21e that likewise do not
require being electrically in contact with the body of the operator
authorised to use the firearm 11, to receive the authentication and
authorisation signal emitted from the emitting device 20, in turn
generating and transmitting an unblocking signal through some third
electrical terminals 21t, so that the firearm 11 is operational for
shooting.
[0037] Likewise, the signals generated by the second generator 21g,
based upon the information provided from the microprocessor 21m,
are transmitted to the emitting device 20 through the second
terminals 21e, flow through the body of the authorised operator and
generate an electrical signal on the first terminals 20e that go to
the first programmable logic means of control or microprocessor
20m.
[0038] Also, the receiving device 21 comprises a second viewing
screen 21d where it shows information related to firearm 11.
[0039] In relation now to FIGS. 3a and 3b, where it shows the
location of receiver 21 on firearm 11 such as a rifle, pistol or
similar firearm. The second viewing screen 21d is placed preferably
around the aiming system of the same firearm 11, so that the screen
in the same is oriented towards the sight of the authorized
operator 15, and therefore within his field of vision of the aiming
system.
[0040] Obviously, emitter 20 is carried by the authorised operator
15. The activation of the same is done through an action on an
on/off switch, not shown in the drawings.
[0041] Given that the emitting device 20 can have different
locations based upon its physical dimensions, such as a watch,
bracelet, insertable into an article of clothing that is worn by
the authorised operator 15, within the same body of the operator
15, consequently, the switch will adopt an appropriate shape to its
location and its activation/deactivation will also be adapted to
said location.
[0042] When the emitting device 20 is activated, the first
generator 20g, based upon information received from the first
microprocessor 20m, generates a continuous authentication and
authorisation signal and/or with a predetermined frequency
programmable through the first microprocessor 20m, which is
transmitted through the first output terminals 20e to the firearm
11 through the body of the same authorised operator 15.
[0043] The first signal generator 20g comprises a electric field
generator that transmits to the user 15 through a capacitive
coupling, i.e. without direct electrical contact between electrodes
20e and the authorised operator 15. The transmission of the signal
is performed when the separation between the electrodes 20e and the
body of the operator 15 is lower than a predetermined distance
measured at a few centimetres, being interrupted when the value of
the distance that exists between the emitter 20 and the operator 15
is greater than the aforementioned distance.
[0044] The signals transmitted to the operator 15 in the form of a
weak electric field are transmitted from him to the firearm 11 in
the same manner, being picked up by the second input/output
terminals 21e of receiver 21, without the need for direct
electrical contact with the operator 15. Likewise, the transmission
of the signal is performed when the separation between the body of
the operator 15 and the electrodes 21e is lower than a
predetermined distance measured at a few centimetres, being
interrupted when the value of the distance that exists between the
operator 15 and the receiver 21 is greater than that distance.
[0045] When the authentication signal is received at receiver 21
through electrodes 21e, it goes to the second programmable logic
means of control or microprocessor 21m, which analyses it to see if
it has been emitted from an authorised emitter 20, i.e. each
emitter-receiver set is characterised by an encoded electric field,
for example, by frequency, amplitude and/or phase modulation.
[0046] Once the authentication signal received has been evaluated
based upon values stored in a second storage memory, not shown in
the figures, connected electrically to the second microprocessor
21m or included in the same, the microprocessor 21m generates and
transmits the corresponding unblocking signal through third
terminals 21t, to the electromagnetic device, not shown in the
figures, for unblocking the firing mechanism of firearm 11, with
the same being able to actuate.
[0047] On the contrary, when the receiver 21 stops receiving the
authorisation signal and/or it does not come from an authenticated
and authorised emitter 20, the electromagnetic device keeps the
firing mechanism of firearm 11 blocked, preventing it from being
fired.
[0048] The electromagnetic device mentioned includes a magnetic
core that in its operation interferes with the movements of the
kinematic firing chain of firearm 11 or any of its mechanical
safeties, preventing and permitting the normal operation of firearm
11.
[0049] In another embodiment, the magnetic core of the
electromagnetic device is at least one of the parts of the same
kinematic firing chain of firearm 11 or one of its mechanical
safeties.
[0050] In electrical and/or electronic action firearms, the
aforementioned electromagnetic device is replaced by an electric
circuit that electrically transmits and/or cuts the transmission of
a firing signal of firearm 11.
[0051] In those cases where firearm 11 could not be unblocked due
to exceptional circumstances, i.e. low level of voltage from the
battery or cell or malfunctioning of the electrical circuits, the
firearm 11 would remain, until these abnormal conditions disappear,
in a permanent blocked or unblocked state, at the will of the
authorised operator 15, through a button placed for this purpose or
due to device 10 being thus programmed.
[0052] Both the emitter 20 and the receiver 21 are programmable.
The emitter 20 through buttons placed for this purpose, and
receiver 21 from the emitter 20, using what has been described in
the above paragraphs as the means for transmitting information. In
this manner, it is possible to add or remove one or more emitters
20 related to authorised operators 15, and receivers 21 can be
added or removed related to the corresponding firearms 11.
Therefore, independent groups of authorised operators 15 can be
created that are associated with a firearm or group of firearms
11.
[0053] The programming of the emitter 20 and the receiver 21 can be
done remotely and independently, using an air interface,
electromagnetic radiation (not) visible to the human eye or through
electric fields or similar means.
[0054] The receiver 21 of the authentication and authorisation
device can be manufactured as a component that is coupled to,
stored or wrapped in the frame of firearm 11 or in any of its
components, so that in the event it is equipped with the second
screen 21d, this screen is viewed at all times by the operator 15
when shooting, i.e. facing towards the operator 15.
[0055] The indication of the blocking or unblocking state of
firearm 11 can be transmitted through electrical connections or
through any means of transmitting information by an air interface
to a receiving and information processing system and/or to a third
viewing screen, not shown in the drawings, which forms part of the
operator's equipment or is far from him.
[0056] Both the emitter 20 and the receiver 21 comprise an
electrical power source 20p, 21p, such as a battery, cell or
similar device that is smaller in size and long-lasting, which
supplies electrical power to the corresponding electronic
circuitry, and may also be rechargeable batteries.
[0057] To extend the life of the batteries 20p, 21p, the first and
second viewing screens 20d, 21d show their information for a
predetermined period of time in order to not distract the attention
of the operator 15 longer than necessary and prevent him from being
located in the darkness. The rest of the time they remain turned
off, except when they must show new relevant information to the
user 15, i.e. that the battery 20p, 21p is close to running out or
that blocking of the firearm has taken place due to a malfunction
in the electronic circuit.
[0058] The information from both screens 20d, 21d will be shown
with different degrees of light intensity according to the existing
ambient light at any given time to facilitate their viewing. In
this manner, it will be noticeably reduced when the ambient light
is low or there is darkness, and it will increase in the opposite
case.
[0059] Authentication and authorisation device 10 of firearm 11 can
also include buttons to perform additional functions such as, for
example, that the viewing screens 20d, 21d not show information,
blocking or unblocking the use of firearm 11 indefinitely.
[0060] The viewing screens 20, 21d can be liquid crystal display
type (LCD), electroluminescent, plasma, coherent light or similar,
due to the fact that these technologies involve low electrical
power consumption.
[0061] Likewise, the described authentication and authorisation
device 10 can be used to show on 20d, 21d viewing screens
information relevant to firearm 11, its conditions of use or its
status. For example, the number of shots fired with the charger
that firearm 11 carries, the total number of shots fired throughout
the life of firearm 11, the number of cartridges that remain in the
same, or the barrel temperature, measured with appropriate
probes.
[0062] The embodiments and examples stated in this report are
presented as the best explanation of this invention and its
practical application, and thus allow the experts in the technique
to put into practice and utilise the invention. However, the
experts in the art will recognise that the description and the
above examples have been presented for the purpose of illustration
and as an example only. The description as explained is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the exact
described form. Many modifications and variations are possible in
light of the above instruction without going beyond the intent and
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *