U.S. patent application number 13/849322 was filed with the patent office on 2015-08-27 for firearm safety systems and methods.
The applicant listed for this patent is Safe Gun USA, LLC. Invention is credited to Aris MARDIROSSIAN.
Application Number | 20150241153 13/849322 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53881870 |
Filed Date | 2015-08-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150241153 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MARDIROSSIAN; Aris |
August 27, 2015 |
FIREARM SAFETY SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
A firearm safety system, including a firearm and a uniform. The
firearm includes a directional transmitter, a directional receiver,
and a locking mechanism. The uniform includes an omnidirectional
transmitter, an omnidirectional receiver, and an alert mechanism.
The directional transmitter and directional receiver are proximate
and substantially parallel to the barrel of the firearm. The
locking mechanism prevents the firearm from launching a projectile
if the firearm is targeting the uniform. The alert mechanism
provides feedback to an individual equipped with the uniform if the
uniform is targeted by the firearm.
Inventors: |
MARDIROSSIAN; Aris;
(Potomac, MD) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Safe Gun USA, LLC |
Venice |
FL |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
53881870 |
Appl. No.: |
13/849322 |
Filed: |
March 22, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
42/70.11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F41A 17/08 20130101;
F41H 13/0018 20130101; F41A 17/063 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41A 17/08 20060101
F41A017/08; F41H 13/00 20060101 F41H013/00 |
Claims
1. A firearm safety system, comprising: a firearm; a directional
transmitter configured to transmit a directional signal
substantially parallel to and/or generally in a line of sight of
the firearm; and a uniform comprising: an omnidirectional receiver
configured to receive the directional signal transmitted by the
directional transmitter; and an alert mechanism configured to
output feedback to an individual equipped with the uniform in
response to the omnidirectional receiver receiving the directional
signal.
2. The firearm safety system of claim 1, wherein the directional
signal is transmitted in the infrared spectrum.
3. The firearm safety system of claim 1, wherein the alert
mechanism is configured to output feedback in response to the
omnidirectional receiver receiving the directional signal a number
of times that exceeds a first threshold and/or for a duration that
exceeds a second threshold.
4. The firearm safety system of claim 1, wherein the alert
mechanism is configured to generate haptic feedback.
5. The firearm safety system of claim 1, wherein the alert
mechanism is configured to generate audible feedback.
6. The firearm safety system of claim 1, wherein the uniform
further comprises a display and the alert mechanism is configured
to output visual feedback on the display in response to the
omnidirectional receiver receiving the directional signal.
7. The firearm safety system of claim 6, wherein: the firearm
further comprises a location determination device configured to
determine a location of the firearm; the directional signal
includes data indicating the location of the firearm; and the
visual feedback includes information regarding the location of the
firearm.
8. The firearm safety system of claim 1, wherein the
omnidirectional receiver comprises a plurality of sensors and the
alert mechanism is configured to generate haptic feedback proximate
to the sensor that detects the directional signal.
9. The firearm safety system of claim 1, wherein the directional
transmitter is configured to encrypt the directional signal and the
omnidirectional receiver is configured to decrypt the directional
signal.
10. A firearm safety system, comprising: a uniform comprising an
omnidirectional transmitter configured to transmit an
omnidirectional signal; and a firearm comprising: a directional
receiver configured to receive the omnidirectional signal
transmitted by the omnidirectional transmitter; and a locking
mechanism configured to prevent the firearm from firing, in
response to the directional receiver receiving the omnidirectional
signal.
11. The firearm safety system of claim 10, wherein the
omnidirectional transmitter operates in the infrared spectrum.
12. The firearm safety system of claim 10, wherein the
omnidirectional transmitter operates in radio frequencies.
13. The firearm safety system of claim 10, wherein the locking
mechanism further comprises a backfire mechanism configured to
cause injury to an individual operating the firearm when
activated.
14. The firearm safety system of claim 13, wherein the firearm
further comprises a trigger and the backfire mechanism is
configured to cause injury to the individual operating the firearm
in response to the trigger being depressed while the firearm is
targeting the uniform.
15. The firearm safety system of claim 13, wherein the backfire
mechanism comprises an explosive.
16. The firearm safety system of claim 13, wherein the backfire
mechanism comprises electroshock devices configured to deliver a
shock to the individual operating the firearm.
17. The firearm safety system of claim 13, wherein the backfire
mechanism is configured to automatically engage in response to the
firearm targeting the uniform a number of times that exceeds a
first threshold and/or for a duration that exceeds a second
threshold.
18. A firearm safety system, comprising: a firearm comprising: a
directional transmitter configured to transmit a directional signal
generally along a path in which the firearm is pointing; a
directional receiver; and a locking mechanism; and a uniform
comprising: an omnidirectional transmitter configured to transmit
an omnidirectional signal; an omnidirectional receiver configured
to receive the directional signal transmitted by the directional
transmitter; and an alert mechanism configured to output feedback
to an individual equipped with the uniform in response to the
omnidirectional receiver receiving the directional signal, wherein:
the directional receiver is configured to receive the
omnidirectional signal transmitted by the omnidirectional
transmitter, and the locking mechanism is configured to prevent the
firearm from firing in response to the directional receiver
receiving the omnidirectional signal.
19. A firearm safety system of claim 18, wherein the directional
receiver is further configured to store information regarding
signals received by the directional receiver.
20. A firearm safety system of claim 18, wherein the
omnidirectional receiver is further configured to store information
regarding signals received by the omnidirectional receiver.
21. A firearm, comprising: at least one processor; a transceiver
controllable by the at least one processor; and a locking mechanism
configured to prevent the firearm from firing; wherein the
transceiver is configured to: transmit positional data of the
firearm based on instructions from the at least one processor, and
receive from a remote source lock and unlock codes that, when
processed by the at least one processor, respectively prevent and
enable operation of the firearm.
22. A firearm safety system, comprising: at least one processor; a
plurality of the firearms set forth in claim 21; a database storing
a record for each said firearm, each said record including contact
information for at least one person; and an alert module that, in
cooperation with the at least one processor, is configured to:
receive lock and unlock codes for the firearms and transmit
received lock and unlock codes to the firearms when provided over a
communication link from a verified user, and generate and transmit
alert messages using the contact information when unauthorized
and/or unexpected uses and/or movements of the respective firearms
are detected.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the alert module is further
configured to automatically send a lock signal to a firearm when an
unauthorized and/or unexpected use and/or movement is detected.
24. The system of claim 22, wherein lock and unlock codes are
transmittable to the firearms via cellular and/or packet switched
networks.
25. The system of claim 22, wherein the contact information
includes a telephone number.
Description
[0001] Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a
firearm safety system. More particularly, certain example
embodiments of this invention relate to a system including a
firearm and a uniform, and in which the firearm is disabled when
the firearm is targeting a uniform and/or the uniform alerts the
individual equipped with the uniform when if the firearm is
targeting the uniform.
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0002] In combat or law enforcement, an ever-present risk is injury
from friendly fire. Additionally, firearms distributed to one armed
forces or law enforcement organization may end up in the possession
or control of those looking to harm members of that armed forces or
law enforcement organization.
[0003] Recent media reports also confirm that the U.S. armed
services has trained and armed individuals who are presumed to be
allies, only to find out that they are not "friendlies." That is,
in some cases, the U.S. armed services has trained and armed
individuals in other countries, assuming that they would
temporarily supplement and/or assume police, military,
paramilitary, and/or other roles being served by U.S. servicemen
and -women, e.g., as U.S. forces are drawn down. But tragically,
these armed individuals have sometimes turned their weapons on
their trainers, causing lives to be lost.
[0004] Even away from combat zones and law enforcement activities,
licensed firearm owners may sometimes have their weapons stolen and
used for ill purposes. In other cases, licensed firearm owners may
have their children or other inexperienced persons play with,
misappropriate, and/or misuse their weapons, possibly leading to
accidents.
[0005] Thus, it will be appreciated that there is a need for a
firearm safety system that addresses these and/or other
concerns.
[0006] In one aspect of certain example embodiments, a system is
provided that prevents a firearm from launching a projectile in the
direction of an individual wearing a specific uniform.
[0007] Another aspect of certain example embodiments involves a
uniform that provides feedback to an individual equipped with the
uniform if the uniform is targeted by the firearm.
[0008] Another aspect of certain example embodiments relates to the
uniform including an alert mechanism that provides feedback to an
individual equipped with the uniform if the uniform is targeted by
the firearm.
[0009] Still another aspect of certain example embodiments relates
to the firearm including a locking mechanism that prevents the
firearm from firing if the firearm is targeting the uniform.
[0010] In certain example embodiments, a firearm safety system is
provided. A firearm comprises a directional transmitter configured
to transmit a directional signal substantially parallel to and/or
generally in a line of sight of the firearm. A uniform comprises an
omnidirectional receiver configured to receive the directional
signal transmitted by the directional transmitter; and an alert
mechanism configured to output feedback to an individual equipped
with the uniform in response to the omnidirectional receiver
receiving the directional signal.
[0011] In certain example embodiments, a firearm safety system is
provided. A uniform comprises an omnidirectional transmitter
configured to transmit an omnidirectional signal. A firearm
comprises a directional receiver configured to receive the
omnidirectional signal transmitted by the omnidirectional
transmitter; and a locking mechanism configured to prevent the
firearm from firing, in response to the directional receiver
receiving the omnidirectional signal.
[0012] In certain example embodiments, a firearm safety system is
provided. A firearm comprises a directional transmitter configured
to transmit a directional signal generally along a path in which
the firearm is pointing, a directional receiver, and a locking
mechanism. A uniform comprises an omnidirectional transmitter
configured to transmit an omnidirectional signal; an
omnidirectional receiver configured to receive the directional
signal transmitted by the directional transmitter; and an alert
mechanism configured to output feedback to an individual equipped
with the uniform in response to the omnidirectional receiver
receiving the directional signal. The directional receiver is
configured to receive the omnidirectional signal transmitted by the
omnidirectional transmitter. The locking mechanism is configured to
prevent the firearm from firing in response to the directional
receiver receiving the omnidirectional signal.
[0013] Methods of operating these and/or other systems are also
contemplated herein, including for operations on a battlefield or
other combat/contentious scenario, in training, etc.
[0014] The features, aspects, advantages, and example embodiments
described herein may be combined to realize yet further
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] These and other features and advantages may be better or
more completely understood by reference to the following detailed
description of example illustrative embodiments in conjunction with
the drawings, of which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an overview of a firearm safety system in
accordance with certain example embodiments;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the firearm safety system
shown in FIG. 1 in accordance with certain example embodiments;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a partial schematic view of an illustrative
portion of the firearm safety system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance
with certain example embodiments;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a partial schematic view of an illustrative
portion of the firearm safety system shown in FIG. 1 in accordance
with certain example embodiments;
[0020] FIG. 5 is an overview of a network utilizing the firearm
safety system in accordance with certain example embodiments;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of protecting
soldiers by disabling the firearm according to an example
embodiment; and
[0022] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of protecting
soldiers by providing feedback through the uniform according to an
example embodiment; and
[0023] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using
information gathered by the firearm safety system for training
according to an example embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE
INVENTION
[0024] Certain example embodiments relate to firearm safety
systems. A detailed description of example embodiments is provided
with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference
numerals indicate like parts throughout the drawings.
[0025] Referring now more particularly to the drawings, FIG. 1 is
an overview of a firearm safety system 1. In certain example
embodiments, the firearm safety system 1 includes one or more
uniforms 20 and one or more firearms 10.
[0026] The uniform 20 may be worn by an individual such as a member
of the military (e.g., in combat, training, etc.) or law
enforcement personnel (e.g., during training, the performance of
duties, etc.), etc. The uniform 20 may be of or include any
suitable material, such as cloth (e.g., cotton, flax, wool, ramie,
silk, etc.), synthetic fiber (e.g., nylon, polyester, elastane,
etc.), and/or the like. The uniform 20 may include armor designed
to absorb and/or deflect slashing, bludgeoning, and penetrating
attacks from weapons or projectiles. For example, the uniform 20
may include bullet resistant material such as KEVLAR.TM.,
hard-plate reinforced armor, etc.
[0027] The uniform 20 may include footwear such as shoes, boots,
etc.; upper body protection such as a shirt, jacket, etc.; lower
body protection such as pants; and/or head protection such as a
hat, a helmet, a face shield, etc.
[0028] The firearm 10 may be any device that launches one or more
projectiles. The firearm 10 may be a handgun, carbine, shotgun,
rifle, etc. The firearm 10 may be single fire, semi-automatic,
automatic, etc.
[0029] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the firearm safety system 1.
In certain example embodiments, the firearm 10 may include a
directional transmitter 12, a directional receiver 14, and a
locking mechanism 16.
[0030] The directional transmitter 12 may be any electronic device
that emits a directional signal (e.g., light such as infrared
light, radio waves, etc.). The directional transmitter 12 emits a
directional signal in line with, parallel to, or substantially
parallel to the direction of the one or more projectiles launched
by the firearm 10. The directional receiver 14 may be any
electronic device that senses a signal (e.g., light such as
infrared light, radio waves, etc). The directional receiver 14
senses signals that are in line with, parallel to, or substantially
parallel to the direction of the one or more projectiles launched
by the firearm 10. More specifically, the directional receiver 14
either senses signals that are in line with, parallel to, or
substantially parallel to the direction of the one or more
projectiles, or senses signals in multiple directions and
determines through signal processing whether the one or more
signals are in line with, parallel to, or substantially parallel to
the direction of the one or more projectiles. The locking mechanism
16 is in electrical communication with the directional receiver 14.
As will be discussed in greater detail below, the locking mechanism
16 is configured to prevent the firearm 10 from launching the one
or more projectiles, for example, in response to input from the
directional receiver 12.
[0031] In certain example embodiments, the uniform 20 may include
an omnidirectional receiver 22, an omnidirectional transmitter 24,
and an alert mechanism 26.
[0032] The omnidirectional receiver 22 may be any electronic device
that senses a signal (e.g., light such as infrared light, radio
waves, etc.). The omnidirectional receiver 22 senses signals that
intersect the omnidirectional receiver 22 regardless of the angle
of incidence. The omnidirectional transmitter 24 may be any
electronic device that emits an omnidirectional signal (e.g., light
such as infrared light, radio waves, etc.). The omnidirectional
transmitter 24 emits an omnidirectional signal (e.g., light such as
infrared light, radio waves, etc.) in all or substantially all
directions. The alert mechanism 26 is in electrical communication
with the omnidirectional receiver 22. As will be discussed in
greater detail below, the alert mechanism 26 is configured to
provide feedback (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile, and/or the like)
to the individual wearing the uniform 20 in response to input from
the omnidirectional receiver 22.
[0033] In certain example embodiments, the transmitter 12 and
receiver 14 in the firearm 10 may be paired with or otherwise known
to the receiver 22 and transmitter 24 in the 24 in the uniform 20.
For instance, the transmitter/receiver pairs may operate on a
common frequency, wavelength, etc., or in a common range of
frequencies, wavelengths, etc. In some cases, the
receiver/transmitter pairs may be synchronized so that they vary in
a predetermined, random, or other manner. Although the term
"pairing" is used, it is noted that the relationship between the
various transmitters/receivers may be 1:1, 1:many, many:1, or
many:many.
[0034] FIG. 3 is a partial schematic view of an illustrative
portion of the firearm safety system 1 in accordance with certain
example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 3, the firearm 10 includes
the directional transmitter 12 and the uniform 20 includes the
omnidirectional receiver 22 and the alert mechanism 26. The
directional transmitter 12 is located proximate to the output of
the one or more projectiles launched by the firearm 10 (e.g.,
proximate to the barrel of the firearm 10) and emits the
directional signal in line with, parallel to, or substantially
parallel to the direction of the one or more projectiles launched
by the firearm. As indicated above, in certain example embodiments,
the directional signal emitted from the directional transmitter 12
may be infrared (IR) light, radio frequency (RF) waves, etc., and
their may be a pairing or other predetermined relationship between
one or more transmitters 12 and one or more receivers 22.
[0035] The omnidirectional receiver 22 includes one or more sensors
and is configured to detect whether the directional signal emitted
from the directional transmitter 12 is incident upon the one or
more sensors. Because the directional signal emitted from the
directional transmitter follows a substantially similar path as the
one or more projectiles launched by the firearm 10, the
omnidirectional receiver 22 is configured to detect if the uniform
20 is within the path of the one or more projectiles launched by
the firearm 10. Accordingly, the omnidirectional receiver 22 is
configured to detect whenever the individual equipped with the
uniform 20 is targeted by a firearm 10 which includes the
directional transmitter 12.
[0036] In certain example embodiments, the alert mechanism 26 of
the uniform 20 provides feedback to the individual equipped with
the uniform 20 to alert the individual if he or she is being
targeted. More specifically, the alert mechanism 26 provides
feedback to the individual in response to a determination by the
omnidirectional receiver 22 that a directional signal from the
directional transmitter 12 of the firearm 10 is being detected by
omnidirectional receiver 22 of the uniform 20.
[0037] The alert mechanism 26 may provide tactile feedback, audible
feedback, and/or visual feedback, etc. For example, alert mechanism
26 may include one or more tactile feedback devices configured to
vibrate or otherwise alert the individual equipped with the uniform
20 that he or she is within the field of fire of firearm 10. In
another example, the alert mechanism 26 may include one or more
audio-based feedback devices (e.g., speakers) configured to produce
one or more sounds or otherwise alert the individual equipped with
the uniform 20 that he or she is within the field of fire of
firearm 10. In another example, the alert mechanism 26 may include
one or more visual feedback devices. More specifically, the uniform
20 may include a display within the individual's field of vision or
adjustable such that the display may be positioned within an
individual's field of vision (e.g., through suitably configured
goggles, a head-up display (HUD), display worn by or accessible to
the person, etc.). The alert mechanism 26 may include more than one
or more of the aforementioned and/or other feedback devices. By
providing multiple tactile feedback devices, for example, it may be
possible in some circumstances to indicate a direction from which
the person is "taking fire." Similar statements also apply to
audio-based and visual feedback devices.
[0038] The alert mechanism 26 may be adjustable such that the
individual equipped with the uniform may adjust the type and/or
intensity of the feedback. For example, the alert mechanism 26 may
be configured such that an individual may choose one or more of the
tactile, audible, and/or visual feedback, etc. The alert mechanism
may be configured such that an individual may adjust the frequency,
acceleration and/or duration the tactile feedback, the frequency
and/or volume of audible feedback, the color and/or size of the
visual feedback, etc. For instance, vibrations may become more
intense, sounds may become louder, visual indicators may change
color, etc., e.g., as the person takes more fire from a single
source, as the fire comes closer to hitting the person, as more
persons fire at the person, etc.
[0039] As the one or more projectiles launched by the firearm
travel horizontally, the one or more projectiles will travel
vertically towards the Earth due to the force of gravity. Larger
horizontal distances will result in larger vertical displacement of
the one or more projectiles. Therefore, in certain example
embodiments, data from the directional transmitter 12 may be used
to help calculate the distance between the firearm 10 and the
object being targeted and use the calculated distance to
approximate the path of the one or more projectiles. In this
example, a processor may be configured to take the data from the
directional transmitter 12 and compensate for such forces and
effectively adjust the direction of the directional signal to more
accurately coincide with the location upon which the one or more
projectiles may impact an object. Accordingly, the directional
transmitter 12 may include a storage device such as transitory or
non-transitory memory to store values used to calculate the
vertical displacement of the one or more projectiles (e.g., the
mass of the one or more projectiles, the force exerted by the
firearm 10, etc.). One or more processors may be provided, as
alluded to above, to help with such calculations.
[0040] The omnidirectional receiver 22 may include one or more
sensors located at different positions of the uniform 20. For
example, the omnidirectional receiver 22 may include one or more
sensors proximate to the head, chest, stomach, sides, back arms,
hips legs, feet, etc., of the individual equipped with the uniform
20. The omnidirectional receiver 22 and the alert mechanism 26 may
be configured to provide feedback based on the location of the
sensor that receives the directional signal from the directional
transmitter 12. For example, if a sensor located on an individual's
back receives a directional signal from the directional transmitter
12, the alert mechanism 26 may provide haptic feedback to the
individual's back so as to alert the individual that he or she is
being targeted from behind. Similarly, if the alert mechanism 26 is
configured to provide visual feedback, the alert mechanism 26 may
indicate that the direction from which the individual is being
targeted.
[0041] In certain example embodiments, the omnidirectional receiver
22 and the alert mechanism 26 are configured to immediately provide
feedback to the individual as described above in response to the
omnidirectional receiver 22 receiving the directional signal from
the directional transmitter 12. In other example embodiments, the
omnidirectional receiver 22 and the alert mechanism 26 are
configured to provide feedback to the individual only if the
omnidirectional receiver 22 receives the directional signal from
the directional transmitter 12 for a predetermined time, e.g., in
order to prevent the individual from being receiving feedback in
response to the individual being only momentarily within the field
of fire of the firearm 10 (e.g., because the targeted individual
moved out of formation or in an unexpected way, because the person
with the firearm only momentarily scanned a sightline that the
person happened to be in, etc.). In certain example embodiments,
the predetermined time may be a threshold minimum such as, for
example, 0.5 seconds, 1 second, 2-5 seconds, etc.
[0042] Similarly, in certain example embodiments, an alert may not
be triggered unless one specific individual wearing a suitably
equipped uniform 20 is targeted a threshold number of times, or
unless multiple individuals wearing suitably equipped uniforms 20
are targeted. For instance, a single person may be inadvertently
targeted twice, three times, etc., before raising an alert. In
other cases, the total number of "friendly" targets may be taken
into account before an alert is raised, e.g., such that an alert
may be raised if there are three, five, seven, nine, or some other
number of targeted "friendlies," regardless of whether the same or
different "friendlies" are targeted at each instance.
[0043] In certain example embodiments, the time thresholds may be
independent of the number of friendly targets. In other example
embodiments, however, there may be some relationship between the
various values. For example, the time threshold may be reduced
according to a predefined pattern (e.g., a linear reduction with
each friendly target, a stepwise reduction after successive
thresholds targets are acquired, etc.). Similarly, if a single
person is targeted for a lengthy amount of time, the threshold
number of targets may be reduced in the same or similar
fashion.
[0044] These approaches may be advantageous in terms of reducing
"false positives." That is, these approaches may be advantageous
because they may account for real-world unpredictable scenarios.
Thus, the safety system 1 may be somewhat forgiving of mistakes
and/or understanding of unexpectedness within the field, but may
nonetheless attempt to learn over time, or at least make educated
guesses, as to who is hostile, who is bad a wielding weapons,
etc.
[0045] In certain example embodiments, the directional transmitter
12 is configured to encrypt the transmitted directional signal and
omnidirectional receiver 22 is configured to decrypt the
directional signal transmitted by the directional transmitter 12.
This may be advantageous in certain example embodiments because it
may help reduce the likelihood of an enemy group scrambling
signals, using their own receivers to target persons wearing
uniforms 20 and/or wielding firearms 10, etc.
[0046] In certain example embodiments, the directional signal
transmitted by the directional transmitter 12 includes data
identifying the individual firearm 10 and/or the location of the
firearm 10. The data may be packetized and may be encoded using
frequency modulation, pulse width modulation, etc. The data
identifying the individual firearm 10 may be stored in a memory
device. The data identifying the location of the firearm 10 may be
determined by a positioning system using a global positioning
system (GPS), signal triangulation, etc. If the omnidirectional
receiver 22 receives a directional signal from the directional
transmitter 12 that includes data identifying the location of the
firearm 10, the feedback mechanism may provide visual feedback
indicating the location of the firearm 10 and/or an identity of the
person wielding it (if known).
[0047] FIG. 4 is a partial schematic view of an illustrative
portion of the firearm safety system 1 in accordance with certain
example embodiments. As shown in FIG. 4, the uniform 20 includes
the omnidirectional transmitter 24 and the firearm 10 includes the
directional receiver 14 and the locking mechanism 16.
[0048] The omnidirectional transmitter 24 emits an omnidirectional
signal in all or substantially all directions. The omnidirectional
signal emitted by the omnidirectional transmitter 24 may be
infrared light (IR), radio frequency (RF) waves, etc., as described
above.
[0049] The directional receiver 14 is located proximate to the
output of the one or more projectiles launched by the firearm 10
(e.g., proximate to the barrel of the firearm 10) and is configured
to detect signals (e.g., IR signals, RF signals, etc.) which are in
line with, parallel to, or substantially parallel to the direction
of the one or more projectiles launched by the firearm 10.
[0050] Because directional receiver 14 is configured to detect
signals emitted by the omnidirectional transmitter 24 that follow a
substantially similar path as the one or more projectiles launched
by the firearm 10, the directional receiver 12 is configured to
detect if the uniform 20 is within the path of the one or more
projectiles launched by the firearm 10. Accordingly, the
directional receiver 12 is configured to detect whenever the
firearm 10 is targeting an individual equipped with the uniform 20
that includes the omnidirectional transmitter 24.
[0051] Similar to the directional transmitter 12 described above
with reference to FIG. 3, the directional receiver 24 is configured
in certain example embodiments to adjust the vertical angle of the
sensing mechanism relative to the firearm 10 to more accurately
coincide with the location upon which the one or more projectiles
will make contact with an object. The directional receiver 14 and
the directional transceiver 12 may mechanically or electrically
connected such that the vertical angle of both the directional
receiver 14 and the directional transceiver 12 are adjusted
simultaneously.
[0052] The locking mechanism 16 is in electrical communication with
the directional receiver 24. The locking mechanism 16 may be
configured to prevent the firearm 10 from launching the one or more
projectiles in response to a determination by the directional
receiver 14 that the uniform 20 is within the path of the one or
more projectiles launched by the firearm 10. More specifically, the
locking mechanism 16 may include an electrical device, mechanical
device, etc., that prevents a trigger from being depressed (similar
to a firearm safety) or prevents the one or more projectiles from
being launched in response to a depressed trigger.
[0053] As indicated above, in certain example embodiments, the
firearm 10 is configured to determine the number of times the
firearm 10 has targeted the uniform 20 and the duration of each
targeting. A memory medium collocated with the firearm 10 may track
this data and automatically engage the locking mechanism 16 as
appropriate.
[0054] In certain example embodiments, the locking mechanism 16
includes a backfire device configured to cause injury or lethality
to the individual operating the firearm 10 in response to a
determination by the directional receiver 14 that the firearm 10 is
targeting the uniform 20. For example, a backfire device may be
configured to cause injury or lethality to the individual operating
the firearm 10 in response to a determination that the trigger of
the firearm 10 is depressed while the firearm 10 is targeting a
uniform 20. Alternatively, the backfire device may be configured to
cause injury or lethality in response to a determination that the
firearm 10 has targeted a uniform 20 a threshold number of times
and/or for a threshold duration. Examples of backfire devices
include explosives, electroshock devices, and/or devices configured
to launch one or more projectiles towards the individual operating
the firearm 10.
[0055] In certain example embodiments, omnidirectional transmitter
24 is configured to encrypt the transmitted omnidirectional signal
and directional receiver 14 is configured to decrypt the
omnidirectional signal transmitted by the omnidirectional
transmitter 24.
[0056] In certain example embodiments, the uniform 20 includes one
or more security features to prevent unauthorized individuals
(e.g., enemy combatants) that obtain and wear the uniform 20 from
transmitting the omnidirectional signal from omnidirectional
transmitter 24. For example, the security feature may include a
storage device that stores a password, a user interface (e.g.,
buttons, switches, keypads, etc.) configured to input a password, a
processing device configured to determine if the password input
matches the stored password, etc. In another example, the security
feature may include a storage device that stores a biometric
information (e.g., fingerprint, retinal pattern, etc.) that is
sufficiently unique to differentiate between the authorized user of
the uniform 20 and other individuals, an input device (e.g.,
fingerprint reader, retinal scanner, etc.) configured to input
biometric information, a processing device configured to determine
if the input biometric information matches the stored biometric
information, etc.
[0057] In certain example embodiments, the omnidirectional
transmitter 24 is configured to encrypt the transmitted
omnidirectional signal and directional receiver 14 is configured to
decrypt the omnidirectional signal transmitted by the
omnidirectional transmitter 24.
[0058] In certain example embodiments, the omnidirectional signal
transmitted by the omnidirectional directional transmitter 24
includes data identifying the individual uniform 20 and/or the
location of the uniform 20. The data may be packetized and may be
encoded using frequency modulation, pulse width modulation, etc.
The data identifying the individual uniform 20 may be stored in a
memory device. The data identifying the location of the uniform 20
may be determined by a positioning system using a global
positioning system (GPS), signal triangulation, etc.
[0059] FIG. 5 is an overview of a network 100 utilizing uniforms 20
and firearms 10 of the firearm safety system 1 in accordance with
certain example embodiments.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 5, the network 100 includes firearms 10,
uniforms 20, and a central command location 30. Each uniform 20
and/or firearm 10 may store and/or transmit information gathered
during training and/or combat operations. For example, each uniform
20 may store and/or transmit the location of the uniform 20, each
instance in which the uniform 20 was targeted by a firearm 10 (or a
uniform 20 moved within the field of fire of the firearm 10), the
duration of time the uniform 20 was within the field of fire of the
firearm 10, the location of the firearm 10, etc. The information
may be encrypted may be transmitted by any suitable transmitter
through radio frequency or other wireless communication methods.
For example, the information may be transmitted by the
omnidirectional transmitter 24 described above with reference to
FIG. 4.
[0061] Each firearm 10 may store and/or transmit the location of
the firearm 10, each instance in which the firearm 10 targeted a
uniform 20 (or a uniform 20 moved within the field of fire of the
firearm 10), the duration of time the uniform 20 was within the
field of fire of the firearm 10, the location of the uniform 20,
etc. The information may be encrypted may be transmitted by any
suitable transmitter through radio frequency or other wireless
communication methods. For example, the information may be
transmitted wirelessly (e.g., through Bluetooth, near field
communication, etc.) to a uniform 20 of the individual carrying the
firearm 10 and the omnidirectional transmitter 24 of the uniform 20
may retransmit the information.
[0062] Information gathered by each firearm 10 and uniform 20 may
be transmitted to firearms 10 and/or uniforms 20 within the network
100 and/or to a command location 30. The firearms 10 and/or
uniforms 20 may create a mesh network such that information to
receive and retransmit information from other firearms 10 and
uniforms 20. This mesh like arrangement advantageously may be used
in certain example embodiments to increase the range of
transmission, decrease the power requirements needed for
transmissions, relay friendly/hostile location and/or
identification information to persons within the mesh, etc.
[0063] The command location 30 may include a signal receiver 31, a
storage device 33, a processor 35, a display 37, etc. The signal
receiver 31 may be any device configured to receive the information
transmitted by the firearms 10 and/or the uniforms 20. The storage
device 33 may be any device configured to store the store the
received information in non-transitory form. The processor 35 may
be any hardware processor configured to process, compute, and
transmit data such as the received information. The command
location 30 may in certain example embodiments be a central command
location 30, e.g., provided in an on-station or other aircraft,
temporarily deployed area, back-office potentially thousands of
miles away, etc.
[0064] The processor 35 may output to the display 37 the
information stored by the received from the firearms 10 and/or the
uniforms 20 by the signal receiver 31 and/or the storage device 33.
For example, the processor 35 output to the display 37 the location
of a firearm 10 which has targeted a uniform 20. In one example
embodiment, the processor 35 outputs to the display 37 the location
of a firearm 10 in response to a single instance in which the
firearm 10 targets a uniform 20. In another exemplary embodiment,
the processor 35 outputs to the display 37 the location of a
firearm 10 if the firearm 10 targets a uniform 20 a threshold
number of times or for a threshold duration.
[0065] The processor 35 may execute one or more programs stored by
the storage device 33. The processor 35 may apply one or more
filters to the information received from the firearms 10 and/or the
uniforms 20. For example, the processor 35 may perform motion
analysis on the location and/or targeting information. The
processor 35 may cross reference the motion analysis with approved
tactical formation data.
[0066] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method of protecting
soldiers by disabling the firearm 10 according to an example
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 6, the omnidirectional transmitter 24
of the uniform 20 transmits an omnidirectional signal in operation
S61. The directional receiver 14 of the firearm 10 repeatedly
determines whether a signal from the omnidirectional transmitter 24
is received in operation S62. If a signal from the omnidirectional
transmitter 24 is received, the locking mechanism 16 prevents the
one or more projectiles from being launched by the firearm 10 in
operation S63. In operation S64, the firearm 10 optionally
determines whether to engage the optional backfire mechanism. The
firearm 10 may engage the backfire mechanism, for example, if the
trigger of the firearm 10 is depressed while the directional
receiver 14 receives a signal from an omnidirectional transmitter
24 of a uniform 20. Alternatively, the backfire mechanism may be
engaged if the directional receiver 14 receives a signal from an
omnidirectional transmitter 24 a threshold number (e.g., 1, 2,
etc.) of times, for a threshold duration, etc. If the firearm 10
determines that the optional backfire mechanism should be engaged,
the backfire mechanism is engaged, e.g., as described above, in
operation S65.
[0067] FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method of protecting
soldiers by providing feedback through the uniform 20 according to
an example embodiment. Referring to FIG. 7, the directional
transmitter 12 of the firearm 10 transmits a directional signal in
operation S71. In operation S72, the omnidirectional receiver 22 of
the uniform 20 repeatedly determines if the directional signal is
received from the directional transmitter 12. If the
omnidirectional receiver 22 receives the directional signal from
the directional transmitter 12, the alert mechanism 26 provides
feedback as described above in operation S73.
[0068] Although certain example embodiments have been described in
connection with live-fire and/or hostile environments, it will be
appreciated that the example techniques set forth herein may be
used in connection with training and/or other simulations. For
instance, troop movements, deployment patterns, etc., may be
monitored; individual targeting accuracy may be gauged; responses
to stimuli may be tested; etc. In this vein, the data may be
related to the central command location 30 and processed to
determine who is likely to panic under pressure, who needs more
training as to how to handle a firearm (e.g., so as to not endanger
persons moving in or out of formation, etc), and so on.
[0069] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method of using
information gathered by the firearm safety system 1 for training
according to an example embodiment. The omnidirectional transmitter
24 of uniform 20 transmits an omnidirectional signal in operation
S81. The directional transmitter 12 of the firearm 10 transmits a
directional signal in operation S82.
[0070] In operation S83, the directional receiver 14 of the firearm
10 determines whether the omnidirectional signal is received. If
the directional receiver 14 receives the omnidirectional signal,
the firearm 10 stores and/or transmits information relating to the
omnidirectional signal as described above in operation S84. The
information stored or transmitted by the firearm 10 may include the
location of the firearm 10, each instance in which the firearm 10
targeted a uniform 20 (or a uniform 20 moved within the field of
fire of the firearm 10), the duration of time the uniform 20 was
within the field of fire of the firearm 10, the location of the
uniform 20, etc.
[0071] In operation S85, the omnidirectional receiver 22 of the
uniform 20 determines whether the directional signal from the
directional transmitter 12 is received. If the omnidirectional
receiver 22 receives the omnidirectional signal from the
directional transmitter 12, the uniform 20 stores and/or transmits
information relating to the directional signal as described above
in operation S86. The information stored or transmitted by the
uniform 20 may include the location of the uniform 20, each
instance in which the uniform 20 was targeted by a firearm 10 (or a
uniform 20 moved within the field of fire of the firearm 10), the
duration of time the uniform 20 was within the field of fire of the
firearm 10, the location of the firearm 10, etc.
[0072] As indicated above, certain example embodiments may attempt
to restrict the use of a firearm when one attempts to put the
firearm in use without authorization, e.g., in situations where the
firearm falls into the hands of an enemy (possibly because a
presumed ally is actually a hostile person, a weapon on the
battlefield is picked up by another, etc.), is stolen, and/or the
like. Inputs in the form of alphanumeric codes, biometric data,
and/or the like, may be used to control whether the firearm is able
to fire in certain example instances as indicated above. It will be
appreciated, however, that there may be civilian (or at least
non-military and/or non-law enforcement related) applications for
these and/or other similar techniques. For example, it will be
appreciated that it would be desirable to cause a weapon to stop
working if it were stolen, being used in connection with the
commission of a crime, fell into the hands of a child, etc. Certain
example embodiments address these and/or other needs by, among
other things, providing remote monitoring systems and/or methods.
In such remote monitoring systems and/or methods, a firearm may be
locked when it is stowed, automatically after a period of
inactivity and/or non-movement, etc. In such cases, the firearm's
location additionally or alternatively may be tracked (e.g., if the
firearm has a GPS or other locating means connected thereto or
associated therewith).
[0073] In order to re-enable the use of the firearm and/or at least
temporarily halt tracking of the firearm, a code, biometric data,
and/or the like, may be input to a control system placed on the
firearm. For example, a small keypad or the like may be provided to
the firearm so that a control code (e.g., a four digit code, etc.)
can be entered; a thumbprint or retinal scanner can be disposed on
the firearm (e.g., near the grip or elsewhere); etc. Alternatively,
or in addition, a code may be entered to a remote system, e.g., by
providing the same or similar input to a computer that communicates
the information over a network such as the Internet to a remote
server, placing a telephone call to a number dedicated to the
firearm or to a general number and then providing authenticating
information (such as, for example, a username and password or
control code), sending an SMS or other message to a dedicated
address, etc.
[0074] In certain example embodiments, when the "unlock code" is
provided, the firearm may be enabled for normal operation and/or
tracking of firearm may at least temporarily cease. If, however, an
attempt is made to move the weapon, fire the weapon, etc., while it
is still in a locked state, then the remote monitoring system may
be alerted accordingly. For example, real-time positional
information may be uploaded to the remote system (e.g., based on
data gathered by the GPS or other locating means and through a
cellular, network-based, satellite, and/or communication channel
using a processor and a suitably configured transmitter collocated
with or otherwise provided to the firearm).
[0075] Circuitry associated with the receipt of the lock/unlock
code, GPS or other locating device, etc., may be integrated into a
single chip potentially built into the firearm in a concealed and
possibly difficult to access location. A chip may, for example, be
at least partially pre-programmed by a manufacturer of the firearm
so as to contain, for example, a read-only indication of the
firearm's serial number, make/model, year, and/or other identifying
information. A unique identifier in certain example embodiments may
be broadcast via a signal generator and may take the form of, for
example, an RF signal, and IR signal, etc. Similarly, in certain
example embodiments, the unique identifier may be telephone number
that can be called, etc. The chip may, however, be programmable so
that it can receive an instruction to store a new lock/unlock code,
e.g., after a control code instructing the chip to accept the new
lock/unlock code is entered.
[0076] This information concerning movement of the firearm,
attempted use of the firearm, attempted unlocking of the firearm,
etc., once detected by the remote system (e.g., as relayed to it
via a detection at the firearm level), may cause the firearm's
owner or other person tasked with its monitoring to be apprised of
the situation, e.g., by initiating a call from a call center,
placing an automatic/automated call, sending an email or SMS or
other electronic message, etc. If a firearm is suspected of being
stolen, for example, then the owner can be contacted to confirm
whether that is the case. If the owner confirms that the firearm
has been stolen, or does not reply within a suitable predefined
time period, then law enforcement personnel can be automatically
notified of the suspected or reported theft. The notification to
law enforcement personnel may include identifying information
regarding the firearm (e.g., serial number, make, model, year,
etc.), last known and/or live position date, etc. In certain
example embodiments, law enforcement personnel may have access to a
backend tracking system provided by the remote monitoring system's
operator and/or the like and may be provided with real-time
information through a suitable computer-based user interface.
[0077] In certain example embodiments, positional data and/or
status information (e.g., whether an attempt has been made to
unlock the firearm, whether an attempt has been made to fire the
weapon, etc.) information, may be obtained substantially in
real-time by using a software application provided to a computer,
smart device, call-in service, etc. For example, an App provided to
a smart phone may enable real-time information about the firearm to
be achieved. This may be accomplished in certain example
embodiments by having the App contact a service operated in a
cloud-based environment that then interfaces with the firearm
directly or indirectly (e.g., through a database managed by the
remote monitoring system, etc.) to obtain real-time or recent
snapshot information. It thus will be appreciated that the App
could be used in certain example scenarios to follow the firearm
using a computer, lock/unlock it, etc. This may be facilitated by
associating the serial number with, or treating it as, a telephone
number that can be called into to provide instructions to the
firearm (e.g., lock/unlock commands, send position information,
initiate camera recording, etc.) and/or receive data back from the
firearm (e.g., positional information, lock/unlock status
information, reset passwords or lock/unlock codes, pictures,
streaming or uploaded, video, etc.).
[0078] It will be appreciated that these techniques may, for
example, enable firearms to be remotely activated or deactivated.
Thus, if a child plays with a gun, it may be safetied automatically
and/or not enabled for firing upon detected movement, receipt of a
remote locking signal (which could be automatically generated from
a remote source and/or by or on behalf of the firearm's owner,
etc.), and/or the like. Similarly, if a firearm is detected as
being close to a crime that is or was being committed, it may be
deactivated while the crime is in progress and/or shortly
thereafter to attempt to reduce the likelihood that it is used to
cause more harm, etc.
[0079] It will be appreciated, then, that a remote monitoring
service similar to those used in connection with house alarms may
be provided for firearms. An "ADT-like" system may be provided, for
example, to help ensure that guns are locked and cannot be used
without being unlocked, that they can be shut down remotely upon
the detection of a problem or suspected misuse, etc. Overriding gun
control in this way may be advantageous in terms of protecting
children and/or other untrained individuals, thwarting crimes, etc.
It also may be done in the context of a private company that is
separate from the government, thereby addressing civil liberties
and/or other concerns in some cases. In some cases, the security
service may charge a monthly, annual, or other service fee for
providing monitoring services, making the above-described or other
similar App available, maintaining a log of positional and/or
status information, etc. In other cases, the App may be provided by
the firearm's manufacturer or by a third-party that is unrelated to
a subscription-type service and not an official part of the
government.
[0080] In certain example embodiments, the firearm may be provided
with a small camera or the like. The camera may be provided on or
along a path at which a sight is provided. The camera may be in
communication with the control chip mentioned above and may be
selectively activated/deactivated for a number of different example
purposes. The camera may be used in certain instances whenever the
firearm is unlocked. In other example instances, the camera may be
used unless it is expressly turned off by the user. In certain
example instances, the camera may be used to record movements of
the firearm, e.g., in the event that there is an attempted and/or
suspected unauthorized movement and/or use. The data may be stored
to a memory medium local to the device and uploaded and/or streamed
to a remote server. The security monitoring system may enable "live
look-ins" to authorized individuals such as, for example, the owner
(through an App of the type described above), law enforcement in
the event that the firearm is suspected as having been stolen or
being used to commit a crime (e.g., to aid in locating the firearm,
etc.), etc. Recorded data may also be useful for training purposes
and/or to generate mementos of target practice, hunting
expeditions, skeet shooting competitions, and/or the like. In terms
of training, for example, X- and Y-axes and/or other targeting
information may be superimposed on the video, e.g., to help the
person determine whether they are consistently off in a particular
direction and/or by a particular amount, to diagnose inconsistent
trigger releases and/or muscle movements, etc. The camera can also
be used to help "sight-in" a particular sight, etc., if such
horizontal and/or vertical displacement data is known or can be
deduced from the recording. In certain example embodiments, a
button may be provided and/or the keypad may be used to turn the
camera on and off, as desired. In certain example embodiments, the
camera may be controlled such that it takes a picture (or burst of
a predetermined number of pictures) and/or video (e.g., of a
predetermined time length) any time the trigger is pulled, the
firearm is suspected of being stolen, etc. This information may be
accessible via the App, and may be verified in certain example
scenarios by an independent verification agency, e.g., to help
provide evidence when an intruder is shot, an accident occurs, a
tragedy is carried out, etc.
[0081] In certain example embodiments, a firearm therefore may
comprise: at least one processor; a transceiver controllable by the
at least one processor; and a locking mechanism configured to
prevent the firearm from firing. The transceiver is configured to:
transmit positional data of the firearm based on instructions from
the at least one processor, and receive from a remote source lock
and unlock codes that, when processed by the at least one
processor, respectively prevent and enable operation of the
firearm. The positional data may be obtained through a GPS module,
cellular triangulation techniques, and/or any other suitable
locating means. The lock and unlock codes may be provided by a
cellular, packet switched, and/or other network. In certain example
embodiments, a monitoring call-in center and/or authorized
individual may place a telephone call, send an email or SMS
message, and/or otherwise transmit a message to a firearm to convey
a lock/unlock code.
[0082] A firearm safety system may be provided, as well. The system
may comprise at least one processor, and either a plurality of
these and/or other firearms or connections thereto. A database
stores a record for each said firearm, with each said record
including contact information (e.g., telephone number, email
address, etc.) for at least one person (e.g., an owner of the
firearm, person charged with its custody, etc.). An alert module of
the system may be configured to, in cooperation with the at least
one processor, receive lock and unlock codes for the firearms and
transmit received lock and unlock codes to the firearms when
provided over a communication link from a verified user, and
generate and transmit alert messages using the contact information
when unauthorized and/or unexpected uses and/or movements of the
respective firearms are detected. For instance, the alert module
may be further configured to automatically send a lock signal to a
firearm when an unauthorized and/or unexpected use and/or movement
is detected. Related methods of operating the firearms and/or
systems also are contemplated herein.
[0083] The forgoing example embodiments are intended to provide an
understanding of the disclosure to one of ordinary skill in the
art. The forgoing description is not intended to limit the
inventive concept described in this application, the scope of which
is defined in the following claims.
* * * * *