U.S. patent application number 15/299319 was filed with the patent office on 2018-03-01 for systems and methods for calibrating a conducted electrical weapon.
This patent application is currently assigned to TASER International, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is TASER International, Inc.. Invention is credited to Valerie Renee Barry Barber-Axthelm, Eric Heindel Goodchild, Siddharth Heroor, Magne H. Nerheim.
Application Number | 20180058824 15/299319 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 61225960 |
Filed Date | 2018-03-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180058824 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nerheim; Magne H. ; et
al. |
March 1, 2018 |
SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CALIBRATING A CONDUCTED ELECTRICAL
WEAPON
Abstract
Systems and methods for calibrating a conducted electrical
weapon ("CEW") to provide a predetermined amount of current for
each pulse of the stimulus signal. Providing the predetermined
amount of current, close thereto, increases the effectiveness of
the stimulus signal in impeding locomotion of a human or animal
target. The calibration process enables a CEW to calibrate the
amount of charge in a pulse of the stimulus signal in the
environmental conditions where the tester operates and also in the
field where the environmental conditions may be different from the
environmental conditions during calibration.
Inventors: |
Nerheim; Magne H.; (Paradise
Valley, AZ) ; Barber-Axthelm; Valerie Renee Barry;
(Seattle, WA) ; Goodchild; Eric Heindel;
(Scottsdale, AZ) ; Heroor; Siddharth; (Glendale,
AZ) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TASER International, Inc. |
Scottsdale |
AZ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
TASER International, Inc.
Scottsdale
AZ
|
Family ID: |
61225960 |
Appl. No.: |
15/299319 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62379165 |
Aug 24, 2016 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01R 15/165 20130101;
G01R 17/02 20130101; F41H 13/0012 20130101; F41H 13/0025 20130101;
G01R 35/00 20130101; G01R 31/385 20190101; G01R 15/16 20130101;
G01R 35/005 20130101; G01R 31/3191 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F41H 13/00 20060101
F41H013/00; G01R 31/36 20060101 G01R031/36 |
Claims
1. A method performed by a handle of a conducted electrical weapon
("CEW") for calibrating a stimulus signal of the handle, the
stimulus signal for impeding locomotion of a human or animal
target, the method comprising: providing a pulse of the stimulus
signal to a tester; receiving a message regarding an amount of
charge provided by the pulse, the amount of charge measured by the
tester; comparing the amount measured by the tester to a
predetermined amount of charge; responsive to comparing, adjusting
the amount of charge provided by a next pulse of the stimulus
signal; repeating providing, receiving, comparing, and adjusting
until the amount of charge measured by the tester is about the same
as the predetermined amount of charge; measuring a voltage across a
capacitance of the handle, the voltage related to the amount of
charge measured by the tester; discharging the capacitance; while
measuring an elapse of time, providing a current to charge the
capacitance to the voltage; recording a duration of the elapse of
time, the duration of the elapse of time for calibrating the handle
to provide about the amount predetermined of charge by one or more
subsequent pulses of the stimulus signal.
2. The handle of claim 1 wherein the amount of charge is about the
same as the predetermined amount of charge when the amount of
charge is the predetermined amount of charge plus or minus three
microcoulombs.
3. The handle of claim 1 wherein the amount of charge is about the
same as the predetermined amount of charge when the amount of
charge is the predetermined amount of charge plus or minus five
percent of the predetermined amount of charge.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein discharging the capacitance
comprises discharging the capacitance so that a magnitude of the
voltage across the capacitance is about zero.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising discharging the
capacitance prior to providing.
6. The method of claim 1 wherein: providing the pulse charges the
capacitance; and measuring comprises measuring the voltage across
the capacitance that results from providing the pulse whereby the
voltage is related to the amount of charge measured by the
tester.
7. A method performed by a handle of a conducted electrical weapon
("CEW") for calibrating a stimulus signal of the handle, the
stimulus signal for impeding locomotion of a human or animal
target, the method comprising: providing a pulse of the stimulus
signal to a tester; receiving a message regarding an amount of
charge provided by the pulse, the amount of charge measured by the
tester; measuring a voltage across a capacitance of the handle, the
voltage related to the amount of charge measured by the tester;
discharging the capacitance; while measuring an elapse of time,
providing a current to charge the capacitance to the voltage;
recording a duration of the elapse of time, the duration of the
elapse of time for calibrating the handle to provide the amount of
charge by each of one or more subsequent pulses of the stimulus
signal.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising discharging the
capacitance prior to providing.
9. The method of claim 7 wherein: providing the pulse charges the
capacitance; and measuring comprises measuring the voltage across
the capacitance that results from providing the pulse whereby the
voltage is related to the amount of charge measured by the
tester.
10. The method of claim 7 wherein discharging the capacitance
comprises discharging the capacitance so that a magnitude of the
voltage across the capacitance is about zero.
11. The method of claim 7 wherein providing the current comprises
providing the current from a circuit that provides a constant
current.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the constant current is
substantially constant over a range of temperature.
13. The method of claim 7 wherein discharging the capacitance
comprises discharging the capacitance so that a magnitude of the
voltage across the capacitance is about zero.
14. The method of claim 7 wherein the amount of charge is about the
same as a predetermined amount of charge.
15. A handle of a conducted electrical weapon ("CEW") that
cooperates with a provided tester for calibrating a stimulus signal
of the handle, the stimulus signal for impeding locomotion of a
human or animal target, the handle comprising: a processing
circuit; a capacitance; a current source that provides a current; a
timer; a signal generator; wherein the processing circuit: performs
an operation to provide a pulse of the stimulus signal from the
signal generator to the tester, provision of the pulse charges the
capacitance to a first voltage; receives a message regarding an
amount of charge provided by the pulse of stimulus signal, the
amount of charge measured by the tester; records a magnitude of the
first voltage, the first voltage related to the amount of charge
measured by the tester; discharges the capacitance; measures an
elapse of time while the current source charges the capacitance to
the first voltage; and record a duration of the elapse of time, the
duration of the elapse of time for calibrating the handle to
provide the amount of charge by one or more subsequent pulses of
the stimulus signal.
16. The handle of claim 15 wherein the processing circuit further
discharges the capacitance prior to performing the operation to
provide the pulse.
17. The method of claim 15 wherein: the first voltage is related to
the amount of charge measured by the tester; and the current source
charges the capacitance to the first voltage whereby the duration
of the elapse of time is related to the amount of charge.
18. The method of claim 15 wherein the processing circuit
discharges the capacitance until a magnitude of the voltage across
the capacitance is about zero.
19. The method of claim 15 wherein the amount of charge is about
the same as a predetermined amount of charge.
20. The method of claim 15 wherein the current is substantially
constant over a range of temperature.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to calibrating a
stimulus signal of a conducted electrical weapon ("CEW") in
cooperation with a tester.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0002] Embodiments of the present invention will be described with
reference to the drawing, wherein like designations denote like
elements, and:
[0003] FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a system that
creates an environment (e.g., ecosystem) for calibrating,
transmitting information (e.g., data) related to calibration, and
storing information related to calibration according to various
aspects of the present invention;
[0004] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of an implementation of
the CEW of FIG. 1;
[0005] FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of an implementation of
the tester of FIG. 1;
[0006] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram showing messages communicated
between the CEW and the tester;
[0007] FIG. 5 is a diagram of an implementation of a circuit of the
tester of FIG. 1 for detecting a launch signal;
[0008] FIG. 6 is a diagram of another implementation of a circuit
of the tester of FIG. 1 for detecting a launch signal;
[0009] FIG. 7 is a diagram of an implementation of a circuit of the
tester of FIG. 1 for measuring a pulse of the stimulus signal.
[0010] FIG. 8 is a diagram of an implementation of a circuit of the
CEW of FIG. 1 for providing a pulse of the stimulus signal and
measuring a pulse of the stimulus signal.
[0011] FIGS. 9A and 9B are a flow chart of a method for calibrating
a CEW according to various aspects of the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a method performed by a CEW,
after calibration, to generate a reference voltage that relates to
a calibrated amount of charge according to various aspects of the
present invention;
[0013] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method performed by a CEW,
after calibration, for adjusting an amount of charge delivered by
the pulses of a stimulus signal for providing a calibrated charge
per pulse.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
[0014] A conducted electrical weapon ("CEW") is a device that
provides a stimulus signal through a human or animal target. A
stimulus signal inhibits locomotion of the target. Locomotion may
be inhibited by interfering with voluntary use of skeletal muscles
and/or causing pain in the target. A stimulus signal that
interferes with skeletal muscles causes the skeletal muscles to
lockup (e.g., freeze, tighten, stiffen) so that the target may not
voluntarily move.
[0015] A stimulus signal may be more effective at causing skeletal
muscle to lock up if a minimum amount of charge is provided by the
stimulus signal into target tissue. A stimulus signal may include a
series of pulses. Each pulse of the stimulus signal provides an
amount of charge through the target. The pulses are delivered at a
pulse rate. Providing a predetermined amount of charge or about the
same as (e.g., close to) a predetermined amount of charge per pulse
may improve the effectiveness of the stimulus signal in impeding
the locomotion of the target. Providing the predetermined amount of
charge, or close thereto, by each pulse of the stimulus signal may
increase the likelihood of locking up the skeletal muscle of the
target to impede locomotion of the target.
[0016] A pulse of a stimulus signal may be referred to as a pulse
of current.
[0017] A CEW may require periodic calibration to increase the
likelihood that the CEW provides the predetermined amount of charge
per pulse. A CEW may cooperate with a tester to calibrate (e.g.,
measure, adjust, standardize) the amount of charge provided by a
pulse of a stimulus signal. A CEW may measure the amount of charge
delivered by each pulse of a stimulus signal independent of a
tester. A CEW may adjust (e.g., change, increase, decrease) the
charge delivered by one or more pulses of a stimulus signal.
[0018] During calibration, a CEW may produce a single pulse of the
stimulus signal. The CEW measures a voltage that represents the
amount of charge (e.g., coulombs) provided by the single pulse. The
tester receives the single pulse of the stimulus signal and
measures the amount of charge provided by the pulse. The tester may
present (e.g., provide) different loads (e.g., impedance,
resistance) to the CEW into which the pulse is delivered. The
tester reports the amount of charge that it measured for the pulse
to the CEW. Because the tester is periodically calibrated using
accurate measurement instruments, the amount of charge as measured
by the tester is used by the CEW to determine whether the circuits
of the CEW are delivering a predetermined amount of charge with
each pulse. A CEW may receive a message from the tester regarding
the amount of charge measured by the tester for a pulse of the
stimulus signal to determine whether its circuits are providing the
predetermined amount of charge.
[0019] A CEW may include a handle and one or more deployment units
(e.g., cartridges). Deployment units removeably insert into the
handle. A deployment unit includes one or more wire-tethered
electrodes that are launched by a propellant toward a target to
provide the stimulus signal through the target. A signal generator
(e.g., stimulus generator) in the handle generates the stimulus
signal for delivery through the target via the launched electrodes.
The cooperation of a handle and one or more deployment units is
more fully disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/259,913
filed Sep. 8, 2016 and is herein incorporated by reference for all
purposes.
[0020] A CEW may operate in an ecosystem to communicate with other
electronic devices. For example, ecosystem 100, shown in FIG. 1,
may include handle 110, tester 120, electronic device 130, dock
140, network 150, and server 170. Ecosystem 100 enables handle 110
to cooperate with tester 120 for calibrating handle 110. The
ecosystem enables handle 110 or the power supply (e.g., battery
module, power magazine) of handle 110 to cooperate with dock 140 to
transfer data from handle 110 to server 170 via dock 140 and
network 150. Ecosystem 100 further enables handle 110 to
communicate with electronic device (e.g., smart phone, tablet,
computer) 130. One or more deployment units (not shown) may be
coupled to handle 110 while handle 110 interacts with electronic
device 130. Preferably, the one or more deployment units are
removed from handle 110 while handle 110 interacts with tester
120.
[0021] Ecosystem 100 enables tester 120 to transfer data to server
170 via network 150. Tester 120 may transfer data that originates
with (e.g., is generated by) tester 120. Tester 120 may transfer
data that it receives from any source including handle 110. Data
originated by tester 120 includes all measurements made by tester
120, all data recorded while tester 120 is calibrated or its
operation verified, and all information provided to tester 120 by
an operator. Data that is originated by tester 120 may also or
exclusive be transferred to server 170 via handle 110, electronic
device 130 or dock 140, and network 150.
[0022] In an implementation, handle 110 transfers data to a battery
pack (not shown) inserted into the handle. The battery pack
provides energy to handle 110 to perform the operations of handle
110. The battery pack has electronic circuits for receiving data
from handle 110. When the battery pack is separated from handle
110, battery pack retains the data that it received from handle
110. When the battery pack is coupled to dock 140 to recharge the
battery, the battery pack transfers the data from handle 110 to
dock 140. A battery pack may further include a wireless
communication circuit for transmitting the data from handle 110 to
dock 140 when the battery pack is within range of dock 140. The
battery pack may transfer the data while being recharged.
[0023] A handle cooperates with one or more deployment units to
provide a stimulus signal through a target. A handle controls, at
least in part, the generation of the stimulus signal, launching the
electrodes from a deployment unit, communicating with other devices
in the ecosystem, receiving instructions from a user, detecting
physical quantities (e.g., charge per pulse), and storing
information.
[0024] A network enables electronic devices to exchange data (e.g.,
information). A network may include nodes. A communication link
(e.g., data link) permits the transfer of information between nodes
of the network. A communication link may include a wired or
wireless connection. A node of a network may include a server. A
server may provide and/or receive data via other nodes and
communication links of the network.
[0025] An electronic device may send or receives data. An
electronic device may be a node in a network. An electronic device
may be stationary or portable. An electronic device may present
information on a display of the electronic device. An electronic
device may receive information from a user via a user interface. An
electronic device may perform calculations and/or analyze data. An
electronic device may perform a calculation and/or analyze data and
provide (e.g., transmit) the result to another device. An
electronic device may communicate with other devices via a wired or
wireless connection. An electronic device may include a smart phone
carried by a user. An electronic device may include a tablet
device, a portable computer, and/or a mobile data terminal in a
vehicle. An electronic device may operate as an intermediary
between a CEW and a node of the network, such as a server.
[0026] A tester cooperates with a handle to calibrate the amount of
charge provided by a pulse of a stimulus signal as discussed above
and herein.
[0027] An understanding of how a handle cooperates with a tester to
calibrate the charge provided by a pulse of a stimulus signal and
how a handle communicates with other devices in ecosystem 100 may
be explained by discussing non-limiting implementations of handle
110 and tester 120.
[0028] Handle 200 of FIG. 2 is an implementation of handle 110.
Handle 200 performs the functions of a handle and/or handle 110
discussed above and herein. Handle 200 includes processing circuit
210, memory 220, high voltage circuit 230, bay 240, bay 250,
communication circuit 260, and user interface 270. Processing
circuit 210 includes timer 212, detector 214, current source 216.
High voltage circuit 230 includes launch generator 232, stimulus
generator 234, detector 236. High voltage circuit 230 may provide
electrical signals via conductors L1, P1, N1 to bay 240 and LN, PN,
and NN to bay 250. Electrical signals (e.g. L1, P1, N1, LN, PN, NN)
may be differential or referenced to a common ground. Detector 236
may include measurement capacitor CMH. User interface 270 may
include safety 272 and trigger 274. Memory 220 may include logs
222. Processing circuit 210 may communicate with and/or control
high voltage circuit 230, memory 220, bay 240, bay 250,
communication circuit 260, and user interface 270 via bus 280. Bus
280 may include any conventional data and/or control bus.
[0029] A processing circuit includes any circuitry and/or
electrical/electronic subsystem for performing a function. A
processing circuit may include circuitry that performs (e.g.,
executes) a stored program. A processing circuit may include a
digital signal processor, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, an
application specific integrated circuit, a programmable logic
device, logic circuitry, state machines, MEMS devices, signal
conditioning circuitry, communication circuitry, a conventional
computer (e.g., server), a conventional radio, a network appliance,
data busses, address busses, and/or a combination thereof in any
quantity suitable for performing a function and/or executing one or
more stored programs.
[0030] A processing circuit may further include conventional
passive electronic devices (e.g., resistors, capacitors, inductors)
and/or active electronic devices (op amps, comparators,
analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, current
sources, programmable logic). A processing circuit may include
conventional data buses, output ports, input ports, timers, memory,
and arithmetic units.
[0031] A processing circuit may provide and/or receive electrical
signals whether digital and/or analog in form. A processing circuit
may provide and/or receive digital information (e.g., data) via a
conventional bus using any conventional protocol. A processing
circuit may receive information, manipulate the received
information, and provide the manipulated information. A processing
circuit may store information and retrieve stored information.
Information received, stored, and/or manipulated by the processing
circuit may be used to perform a function and/or to perform a
stored program.
[0032] A processing circuit may control the operation and/or
function of other circuits and/or components of a system. A
processing circuit may receive status information regarding the
operation of other components, perform calculations with respect to
the status information, and provide commands (e.g., instructions)
to one or more other components, for example, for the component to
start operation, continue operation, alter operation, suspend
operation, or cease operation. Commands and/or status may be
communicated between a processing circuit and other circuits and/or
components via any type of bus including any type of conventional
data/address bus.
[0033] A memory stores information. A memory provides previously
stored information. A memory may provide previously stored
information responsive to a request for information. A memory may
store information in any conventional format. A memory may store
electronic digital information. A memory may store information
organized in a data structure and/or database.
[0034] A memory includes any semiconductor, magnetic, optical
technology, or any combination thereof for storing information. A
memory may receive information from a processing circuit for
storage. A processing circuit may provide a memory a request for
previously stored information. Responsive to the request the memory
may provide stored information to a processing circuit. A memory
includes a collection (e.g., group, system) of memories that
cooperate to store and/or retrieve information.
[0035] A memory includes any digital circuitry for storing program
instructions and/or data. Storage may be organized in any
conventional manner (e.g., program code, buffer, circular buffer,
data structure). Memory may be incorporated in and/or accessible by
a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, a sensor, a controller,
and a processing circuit.
[0036] A high voltage circuit of a CEW may provide a voltage, in
the range of 500 to 100,000 volts. The high voltage circuit may be
coupled to the wire-tethered electrodes to allow delivery of a high
voltage to a human or animal target. A pulse of a stimulus signal
may include an ionization portion and a lower voltage portion. The
magnitude of the voltage of the ionization portion is between
50,000 and 100,000 volts. The ionization voltage may ionize air in
a gap between the electrodes and the target. Ionizing air in a gap
establishes a low impedance ionization path between the high
voltage circuit and the target for delivering a current through
target tissue. A high voltage in the range of about 50,000 volts
can ionize air in a gap of up to about one inch.
[0037] After ionization, the ionization path persists (e.g., remain
in existence) as long as a current is provided via the ionization
path. After ionization, the high voltage circuit provides a current
at a lower voltage for impeding locomotion of the target by causing
pain or muscle lock up. This current may be referred to as the
muscle voltage. The magnitude of the voltage of the muscle portion
of the stimulus pulse is between 500 and 10,000 volts. When the
current provided at the lower voltage ceases or is reduced below a
threshold, the stimulus signal ends, the ionization path collapses
(e.g., ceases to exist), and the electrode is no longer
electrically coupled to the target.
[0038] A stimulus generator generates (e.g., provides) the stimulus
signal. As discuss herein, a stimulus signal includes a series of
pulses of current. A stimulus generator may generator one pulse of
the stimulus signal. After each pulse of the stimulus signal, the
stimulus generator may adjust its circuitry prior to providing a
next pulse of the stimulus signal. Adjustments may include charging
a capacitance to a voltage, enabling a switch, and disabling a
switch. A processing circuit may control in whole or in part the
operation of a stimulus generator. A processing circuit may perform
all or part of the operations of a stimulus generator. A stimulus
generator may also be referred to as a signal generator.
[0039] A bay is a receptacle (e.g., chamber) in a handle of a CEW
that accepts (e.g., receives) a deployment unit (e.g., cartridges).
A deployment unit may be removeably inserted (e.g., positioned,
placed) in a bay. A handle may include one or more bays that
receive a respective deployment unit. A deployment unit may contain
a filament (e.g. wire, tether), one or more electrodes, a
pyrotechnic (e.g. propulsion) for launching the electrodes to
deliver a current through a target.
[0040] For example, a deployment unit (not shown) may be removeably
inserted into bay 240 or bay 250 respectively to launch electrodes
toward target to provide a current from high voltage circuit 230
through the target. Launch generator 232 of high voltage circuit
230 may provide an electrical signal for launching the electrodes
from a deployment unit. Stimulus generator 234 may provide the
stimulus signal. During calibration, deployment units are removed
from all bays of the handle and bay inserts (e.g., couplers,
connectors) from the tester, discussed below, are inserted into the
bays of the handle. The inserts remain in the bays during
testing.
[0041] A communication circuit may transmit and/or receive
information (e.g., data). A communication circuit may transmit
and/or receive (e.g., communicate) information via a wireless link
and/or a wired connection. A communication circuit may communicate
using wireless (e.g., radio, light, sound, vibrations) and/or wired
(e.g., electrical, optical) mediums. A communication circuit may
communicate using any wireless (e.g., Bluetooth, Bluetooth low
energy, Zigbee, WAP, WiFi, NFC, IrDA) and/or any wired (e.g., USB,
RS-232, CAN, Firewire, Ethernet, UART, I2C) communication
protocols.
[0042] A communication circuit may receive information from a
processing circuit for transmission. A communication circuit may
provide received information to a processing circuit.
[0043] A communication circuit in one device (e.g., CEW) may
communicate with a communication circuit in another device (e.g.,
smart phone). Communications between two devices may permit the two
devices to cooperate in performing a function of either device.
[0044] A user interface may include one or more controls (e.g.,
switch, touch screen, button, trigger, safety switch) that permit a
user to interact and/or communicate with a device to control (e.g.,
influence) the operation (e.g., functions) of the device.
[0045] A user interface may provide information to a user. A user
may receive visual and/or audible information from a user
interface. A user may receive visual information via devices that
visually display information (e.g., LCDs, LEDs, light sources,
graphical and/or textual display, display, monitor, touchscreen). A
user interface may include a communication circuit for transmitting
information to an electronic device for presentation to a user. For
example, a user interface may wirelessly transmit information to a
smart phone for presentation to a user.
[0046] A user interface may include voice to text or voice to
instructions to a processor so that a user may interact with the
user interface audibly.
[0047] Tester 300 of FIG. 3 is an implementation of tester 120.
Tester 300 performs the functions of a tester and/or tester 120
discussed above and herein. Tester 300 may include bay insert 340
and 350, processing circuit 310, memory 320, calibration interface
330, test circuit 360, and user interface 370. A test circuit may
include launch tester 362, and load circuit 364. Load circuit 364
may include measurement capacitor CMT. User interface 370 may
include LEDs 372 and display 374. Memory 320 may include logs 322.
Test circuit 360 may further include a circuit (e.g., bay detector)
for detecting which bay of the handle provides a pulse of the
stimulus signal.
[0048] Processing circuit 310, memory 320, and user interface 370
may perform the functions of a processing circuit, a memory, and a
user interface respectively as discussed above.
[0049] A bay insert is a plug (e.g. male fitting) of the tester
that may be inserted into a bay (e.g., female receptacle) of a
handle. The bay receives and at least partially contains the plug.
A bay insert may be placed into a bay in place of a deployment unit
during calibration. A bay insert may include conductors (e.g.,
terminals). A bay may include conductors. Inserting a bay insert
into a bay electrically couples the conductors of the bay insert to
the conductor of the bay.
[0050] For example, bay insert and bay include the conductors
labeled L1 (e.g., launch 1), P1 (e.g., positive stimulus 1), N1
(e.g., negative stimulus 1), LN (e.g., launch N), PN (e.g.,
positive stimulus N), and NN (e.g., negative stimulus N)
respectively. Electrical signals (e.g. L1, P1, N1, LN, PN, NN) may
be differential or referenced to a common ground. Inserting a bay
insert into a bay electrically couples the signals of the bay
insert to their matching counterpart (e.g., L1 to L1, P1 to P1, and
so forth) in the bay. An insert may further include one or more
conductors that electrically couple the tester to the handle so
that the handle may communicate with the tester.
[0051] In an implementation, tester 300 includes bay insert 340 and
bay insert 350. During testing, bay insert 340 and bay insert 350
are inserted into bay 240 and bay 250 of handle 200
respectively.
[0052] A calibration interface enables communication between the
tester and a user. Via a calibration interface, a tester may
provide information and/or instructions to a user and a user may
provide information and/or instructions to the tester. The
calibration interface enables a user, preferably a trained
technician, to calibrate the tester. Calibrating a tester enables
the tester to accurately measure physical quantities (e.g., charge
per pulse, voltage magnitude, charge magnitude, time), provide
accurate information for calibrating CEWs, operate reliably during
calibration, and perform its operations consistently during the
testing of many different CEWs.
[0053] A calibration interface may include a display that is
viewable by a user, one or more indicators (e.g., LEDs, information
on the display), one or more controls (e.g., switches, touchscreen)
for a user to provide information and/or instructions to the tester
during calibration of the tester, and one or more ports (e.g.,
connectors) for connecting instruments (e.g., volt meter, digital
volt meter, current meter, ohm meter) to the tester to calibrate
the tester.
[0054] A test circuit receives signals from a CEW. The signals may
include signals used by a CEW to launch electrodes from a
deployment unit and stimulus signals. A stimulus signal may be
provided to the tester by the CEW as a single pulse or a series of
single pulses under the control of the handle. A test circuit in
cooperate with a processing circuit may measure (e.g., determine,
detect) and record (e.g., store) characteristics of a pulse (e.g.
pulse width, voltage, current, average current, and charge)
provided by a handle. A test circuit may further measure and record
the shape of the pulse (e.g., signal) over time. A test circuit may
further detect and report the bay insert (e.g. bay insert 340, 350)
and the signals (e.g. L1, LN, P1, PN, N1, NN) associated with each
bay insert that provided the pulse received by the test
circuit.
[0055] A test circuit may include a load circuit. A load circuit
may present a load (e.g., impedance, resistance) to a handle. The
amount of the load presented may be selectable. A selectable load
may be presented to a handle during testing and calibration of the
stimulus signal. The load presented to the signals used to launch
the electrodes may or may not be selectable. A load may also be
used to detect a connection to a bay.
[0056] In an implementation, shown in FIG. 7, load circuit 364
includes resistors RP125-1, RP125-N, RP175, and RP 200 for
receiving the positive portion of the stimulus pulse provided via
bay 240 and 250 and resistors RN125-1, RN125-N, RN175, and RN200
for receiving the negative portion of the stimulus pulse provided
via bay 240 and 250. The values of the resistors RP125/RN125,
RP175/RN175, and RP200/RN200 are 120 ohms, 175 ohms and 200 ohms
respectively. Switches 720 and 722 are controlled by processing
circuit 210 at the request for handle 200 to set the impedance seen
by the handle 200 to 250 ohms, 600 ohms, or 1000 ohms.
[0057] A load circuit may further include a measurement capacitor.
A measurement capacitor may receive and store an electric charge.
The voltage across the measurement capacitor is proportional to the
amount of charge stored on the capacitor. A processing circuit may
measure the voltage across the capacitor. A processing circuit may
determine (e.g., compute, calculate) the charge stored on the
measurement capacitor.
[0058] In an implementation, load circuit 364 includes measurement
capacitor CMT shown in FIG. 7. The charge stored on measurement
capacitor CMT after test circuit 360 receives a pulse of the
stimulus signal from handle 200 represents the amount of charge
provided by the pulse. Processing circuit 310 may measure the
voltage across measurement capacitor CMT at terminal 740.
Processing circuit 310 may use the voltage measured across
measurement capacitor CMT to calculate the charge provided by the
pulse and stored on measurement capacitor CMT. The amount of charge
provided by the pulse, as measured across measurement capacitor
CMT, may be reported to handle 200.
[0059] Prior to receiving a next pulse from handle 200, processing
circuit 310 may close switch 730 to discharge measurement capacitor
CMT. Discharging measurement capacitor CMT removes the charge
stored on measurement capacitor CMT from a previous pulse and
prepares measurement capacitor CMT to store the charge from a next
pulse of the stimulus signal.
[0060] In an implementation, load circuit 364 includes resistor R10
as shown in FIG. 7. The waveform shape (e.g., rise time, fall time,
pulse duration, pulse magnitude) of a pulse may be captured by
processing circuit 310 across resistor R10. Processing circuit 310
may measure the voltage across R10 at terminal 742. Processing
circuit 310 may use the voltage measured across R10 to calculate
the charge provided by the pulse. The information (e.g.,
characteristics) measured by tester 300 with respect to a pulse of
the stimulus signal may be reported to handle 200. Resistor R10 may
operate as a voltage divider in load circuit 364. In an
implementation, resistor R10 is 10 ohms.
[0061] Test circuit 360 also includes launch tester 362 for
receiving the signals provided by a handle 200 for launching
electrodes from a deployment unit. Launch tester 362 may identify
whether a launch signal was provided by bay 240 (e.g., L1) or bay
250 (e.g., LN). In an implementation of launch tester 362, launch
tester 510 in FIG. 5 includes gaps of air GP1 and GPN. The length
of gaps GP1 and GPN may be set so that a launch signal has a
minimum voltage threshold to be able to ionize air in gaps GP1 and
GPN. The light from the ionization (e.g., arc) coincident with
ionization causes current to flow in photo transistors 530 and 532
respectively thereby indicating that the launch signals were
received. The flow of current in photo transistors 530 and 532 may
be detected by processing circuit 310 via a change in the voltage
at nodes 520 and 522.
[0062] In another implementation of launch tester 362, launch
tester 610 of FIG. 6 includes light emitting diodes LED1 and LEDN.
The diodes may be selected so that a launch signal has a minimum
voltage threshold to cause the LEDs to emit light. The light from
LED1 and LEDN causes current to flow in photo transistors 630 and
632 respectively thereby indicating that the launch signals were
received. The flow of current in photo transistors 630 and 632 may
be detected by processing circuit 310 via a change in the voltage
at nodes 620 and 622.
[0063] The functions of a user interface are discussed above. In an
implementation of tester 300, user interface 370 includes light
emitting diodes (e.g., LEDs) 372 and display 374.
[0064] A display may be used to present information to the user.
Information may include text and/or video information. Visual
information presented by a display may further include audio
information that relates to and/or explains the video information.
A display may include touch screen technology for providing a
display of information and for receiving input (e.g., instructions)
from a user. A touch screen display may present one or more
controls (e.g., icons) for manual selection by a user.
[0065] During the process of calibrating a handle, the handle and
the tester communicate with each other. Through the communications,
the handle controls the tests that are performed by the tester. The
handle requests and receives test results from the tester. The
information communicated between the handle and the tester may be
accomplished in any suitable manner. Communication may include
sending and/or receiving digital data and/or analog signals.
[0066] An implementation, the process of communication to perform
calibration that occurs between handle 200 and tester 300 includes
request 402, ready 404, send signal 406, request results 408, send
result 410, and end test 412.
[0067] In request 402, handle 200 sends a test request to tester
300. A test request may include parameters to specify test set up
such as bay number to be tested, load impedance, and test type
(e.g., stimulus, launch). Because a test is not performed until a
test request is formed and provided by handle 200 to tester 300,
handle 200 controls which tests are performed.
[0068] In ready 404, tester 300 sends a ready signal to handle 200.
After tester 300 receives a test request, processing circuit 310 of
tester 300 initializes the tester and sets the circuits of test
circuit 360 to perform the test requested. When tester 300 is ready
to receive the signal from handle 200, tester 300 sends a ready
signal to handle 200.
[0069] In send signal 406, handle 200 sends a test signal (e.g.
launch signal, stimulus signal) to tester 300. Tester 300 detects
the signal sent by handle 200 and measures (e.g. voltage, charge,
bay) the stimulus. Processing circuit 310 records the results of
the test measurements (e.g., indicia of the test measurements). In
send signal 406, handle 200 not only sends the stimulus pulse to
tester 300, but handle 200 also measures characteristics of the
pulse independent of tester 300.
[0070] In request result 408, handle 200 sends a results request to
tester 300. Tester 300 receives a results requests, processing
circuit 310 prepares a message that reports results of test
measurements.
[0071] In send result 410, tester 300 sends a message to handle 200
that contains the results of a test (e.g., amount of charge
delivered by a pulse of the stimulus signal, detection of launch
signal). Handle 200 receives the test results from tester 300. The
processing circuit 210 of handle 200 may store test results in
memory 220. Handle 200 may transfer test results to a server 170
via a network 150.
[0072] In test end 412, handle 200 sends a message to tester 300
that test session is ended.
[0073] Processes request 402, ready 404, send signal 406, request
results 408 and send result 410 may be repeatedly performed, under
the control of handle 200, until calibration is accomplished.
[0074] Handle 200 repeatedly sends test request 402 to tester 300
for the same or different tests and requests the test results for
each test until handle 200 has sufficient information to calibrate
its operation to within the specified ranges of operation. When
tester 200 has the information it needs to adjust its own
operation, tester 200 sends test end 412 message to tester 300 to
terminate the test.
[0075] If after repeated tests, tester 200 cannot bring its
operation into the range of desired performance, tester 200
provides a notice of the failure to the user, tester 300, and/or
the agency of the user and sends test end 412 message to terminate
the test.
[0076] Circuit 800 of FIG. 8 is an implementation of a high voltage
circuit of handle 200 that provides the stimulus pulse. Circuit 800
includes a stimulus generator 234 and a detector 236. The stimulus
generator 234 includes capacitors CI, CMP, CMN, transformers T710,
T712, T714, T716, and switches S720, S722, S724, S726. The detector
236 includes measurement capacitor CMH and switch S728. Capacitors
CI, CMP, and CMN are part of the stimulus generator and are charged
to provide a stimulus pulse. The polarity of the charge on
capacitor CMP is the opposite of the polarity of the charge on CMN.
In this example, we will suppose that voltage across capacitors CI
and CMP is positive with respect to ground while the voltage across
capacitor CMN is negative.
[0077] After the capacitors are charged, processing circuit 210 of
handle 200 selects one positive electrode and one negative
electrode. The positive electrodes (e.g. electrode P1, electrode
PN) are those electrodes that are coupled to capacitor CMP through
the secondary winding of transformers T710 and T712 and the
negative electrodes (e.g. electrode N1, electrode NN) are those
electrodes that are coupled to capacitor CMN through the secondary
winding of transformers T714 and T716. When processing circuit 210
closes the switches (e.g., SCR) on one negative and one positive
electrode, for example electrode P1 and electrode N1, the current
from capacitor CI discharges into the primary winding of the
transformer coupled to the selected electrodes. In this example,
switch S720 and switch S724 are closed so that the charge from
capacitor CI discharges into the primary winding of transformers
T710 and T714. The current in the primary winding induces a current
at a higher voltage (e.g., 50,000 volts) in the secondary winding
which causes ionization in a gap of air between the selected
electrodes and the target as discussed above. Most of the charge on
capacitor CI is spent (e.g., used) ionizing air in the gap. Once
the ionization path is established, the charge from capacitors CMP
and CMN discharges through the target via the ionization path. The
discharge of capacitors CI, CMP, and CMN produces a pulse of a
stimulus signal.
[0078] Measurement capacitor CMH may be used to measure the charge
(via voltage VMH) sent to the electrodes into the target or into
the load circuit of the tester. The voltage VMH across measurement
capacitor CMH may be measured at terminal 802 by processing circuit
210. The charge stored on measurement capacitor CMH after the
discharge of capacitors CI, CMP, and CMN represents the amount of
charge provided by the pulse of the stimulus signal. Processing
circuit 210 may use the voltage measured across measurement
capacitor CMH to calculate the charge provided by the pulse and
stored on measurement capacitor CMH.
[0079] Prior to sending a next pulse, processing circuit 210 may
close switch S728 to discharge measurement capacitor CMH.
Discharging measurement capacitor CMH removes the charge stored on
measurement capacitor CMH from a previous pulse and prepares
measurement capacitor CMH to store the charge from a next pulse of
the stimulus signal.
[0080] In the case of measuring the charge provided by a pulse of
the stimulus signal, send result 410 sends the amount of charge
measured by tester 300 to handle 200. Because handle 200
independently measured the amount of charge (via voltage VMH)
provided by the same pulse of the stimulus signal, as discussed
above, handle 200 is in a position to record the voltage VMH across
measurement capacitor CMH that represents the predetermined amount
of charge as reported by tester 300. The comparison of the
independently measured charge enables handle 200 to adjust its
circuits and its operations so that each pulse of a stimulus signal
has the highest likelihood of providing a predetermined amount of
charge. Providing a predetermine amount of charge with each pulse
of the current increases the likelihood of interfering with
locomotion of a target by locking up the muscles of the target.
[0081] In an implementation, the predetermined amount of charge is
63 microcoulombs per pulse. Preferably, each pulse of the stimulus
signal provides the predetermined amount of charge per pulse.
Factors that determine the predetermined amount of charge for
impeding locomotion of a target include the number of pulse
provided in a stimulus signal, the pulse rate, the pulse width, the
pulse profile (e.g., shape), and time between pulses. The
predetermined amount of charge may, taking the other factors of the
stimulus signal into account, may fall in a range of 40
microcoulombs per pulse to 100 microcoulombs per pulse.
[0082] A pulse of a stimulus signal provides about the same amount
of charge (e.g., close to) as the predetermined amount of charge
when the pulse of the stimulus signal provides an amount of charge
that is the predetermined amount of charge pulse or minus five
percent (5%) of the predetermined amount of charge. For an
implementation in which the predetermined amount of charge is 63
microcoulombs, a pulse of the stimulus signal provides about the
same amount of charge as the predetermined amount of charge when
the pulse provides between 63 microcoulombs minus five percent
(e.g., 3.15 microcoulombs), which is 59.85 microcoulombs and 63
microcoulombs plus five percent (e.g., 3.15 microcoulombs), which
is 66.15 microcoulombs. For an implementation in which the
predetermined amount of charge is 100 microcoulombs, a pulse of the
stimulus signal provides about the same amount of charge as the
predetermined amount of charge when the pulse provides between 100
microcoulombs minus five percent (e.g., 5 microcoulombs), which is
95 microcoulombs and 100 microcoulombs plus five percent (e.g., 5
microcoulombs), which is 105 microcoulombs.
[0083] Methods 900, 1000, and 1100 are performed by a handle and/or
a tester to calibrate a handle. Method 900 is performed by the
cooperation of a handle, for example handle 200, and a tester, such
as tester 300. Process 1000 is performed by a handle, such as
handle 200, after calibration of the handle and during
initialization just after arming the handle for use. Method 1100 is
performed by a handle, such as handle 200, while the handle is
providing a stimulus signal. Each method is discussed below.
[0084] Method 900 is performed by a handle. It includes processes
short 904, charge 906, charge 908, remove 910, pulse 912, measure
914, report 916, compare 918, record 920, increase 922, decrease
924, compare 926, discharge 928, start time 930, charge 932, end
time 934, set 936, store 938, exit 940.
[0085] When handle 200 provides a pulse of the stimulus signal via
the selected electrodes a path for current flow is established. The
path is from the positive stimulus capacitor (CMP) through the
positive electrode (e.g. P1, PN), the load circuit 364 of tester
300, the negative electrode (e.g. N1, NN), the negative stimulus
capacitor (CMN), and the measurement capacitor (CMH) of handle 200.
At the beginning of the pulse, the voltage (VMH) on measurement
capacitor CMH begins at a value of zero volts. The charge is
removed from measurement capacitor CMH by closing switch S728 at
the start of charging the stimulus capacitors CMP and CMN. When
closed, switch S728 shorts measurement capacitor CMH. Once the
stimulus capacitors are charged and it is time to release a pulse
of the current, switch S728 is opened and the current of the pulse
flows through all of the components of the above path.
[0086] As the current flows through the path, the charge the
stimulus capacitors CMP and CMN is transferred to the measurement
capacitor CMH. As the pulse of the stimulus signal ends, the amount
of charge delivered by the pulse of the stimulus signal is stored
on measurement capacitor CMH. The voltage (VMH) on handle
measurement capacitor CMH relates to the amount of charge delivered
by the pulse of the stimulus signal. The amount of charge reported
by the tester 300 is the amount of charge collected by measurement
capacitor CMH, so the voltage VMH across measurement capacitor CMH
relates to the amount of charge reported by tester 300.
[0087] When tester 300 reports that the pulse of the stimulus
signal delivered the predetermined amount of current, handle 200
knows that the amount of charge delivered by the pulse is the
predetermined amount of charge. Handle 200 then knows that the
amount of charge on measurement capacitor CMH and the voltage VMH
across measurement capacitor CMH represents the predetermined
charge for the current environmental conditions. Handle 200 records
the voltage across measurement capacitor CMH as the golden voltage
of handle 200 (e.g., golden voltage, Vgolden) for the current
environmental conditions. Under the environmental conditions,
handle 200 knows that each time it measures Vgolden across
measurement capacitor CMH that handle 200 has delivered the
predetermined amount of charge in the pulse.
[0088] In process discharge 904, the handle initializes measurement
capacitor CMH to measure the amount of charge provided by a pulse
of the current. Measurement capacitor CMH is initialized by
removing the charge stored on measurement capacitor CMH. For
example, processing circuit 210 closes switch S728 to discharge
measurement capacitor CMH. Discharging measurement capacitor CMH
removes the charge stored on measurement capacitor CMH from a
previous pulse and prepares measurement capacitor CMH to store the
charge from a next pulse of the stimulus signal. For example,
processing circuit 210 discharges measurement capacitor CMH by
closing switch S728 so that measurement capacitor CMH is grounded,
thereby removing all charge stored by measurement capacitor
CMH.
[0089] In process charge 906, the handle 200 charges capacitors CMP
and CMN to a voltage so that capacitors CMP and CMN will provide a
target amount of charge. The target amount of charge is the
predetermined amount of charge discussed above to provide a more
effective stimulus signal. Processing circuit 210 may set target
voltages (e.g., VMPT, VMNT), discussed in more detail below, to
which capacitors CMP and CMN respectively are charge prior to
providing a pulse of the stimulus signal. Target voltages VMPT and
VMNT are adjusted as discussed below to change the amount of charge
provided by a pulse of the stimulus signal with the goal of
providing the predetermined amount of current or an amount close
thereto. On a first iteration of process charge 904, the target
voltages VMPT and VMNT for charging capacitors CMP and CMN
respectively (e.g., VMPT across capacitor CMP, VMNT across
capacitor CMN) may be set by estimating the target voltages based
on stored data, by using empirical data to determine preliminary
values, or to default values stored by handle 200. Processing
circuit 210 controls the charging of capacitors CI, CMP and CMN.
Processing circuit 210 maintains in memory the values of the target
voltages VMPT and VMNT and controls the charging process so that
capacitors CMP and CMN are charged to the target voltages.
[0090] In process charge 908, the handle charges ionization
capacitor CI to a target voltage. As discussed above, capacitor CI
provides the ionization portion of the current pulse. For example,
processing circuit 210 of handle 200 controls the charging of
capacitor CI.
[0091] In process remove 910, the handle removes the short from
measurement capacitor CMH. This is timed to happen just before a
pulse of the stimulus signal is sent. Measurement capacitor CMH is
initialized to start collecting charge delivered by the pulse of
the stimulus signal. For example, processing circuit 210 opens
switch S728 to allow measurement capacitor CMH to collect charge
from a pulse of the stimulus signal.
[0092] In process pulse 912, the handle 200 may send a pulse of the
stimulus signal to tester 300. The pulse of current is a pulse of a
stimulus signal as discussed above. For example, processing circuit
210 may select the signals (e.g., P1, N1, PN, NN) of bay 240 and/or
bay 250 that provide the pulse to the signals (e.g., P1, N1, PN,
NN) of bay inserts 340 and 350. Pulse generation is discussed
above.
[0093] After handle 200 provides the pulse of the stimulus signal
to tester 300, process measurement 914 measures the voltage VMH on
measurement capacitor CMH at terminal 802. For example, processor
210 measures the voltage across measurement capacitor CMH.
[0094] In process report 916, handle 200 receive a message from
tester 300. The information provided in the message includes the
amount of charge measured by tester 300 for the pulse that was
received and for which handle 200 has measured the voltage across
measurement capacitor CMH. Tester 300 determines the amount of
charge provided by a pulse by measuring the voltage across
capacitor CMT and calculating the amount of charge on the
capacitor. As discussed above, the amount of charge on capacitor
CMT after the current pulse has been received represents the amount
of charge delivered by the current pulse.
[0095] Handle 200 uses the reported amount of charge for the pulse
to the voltage measured across measurement capacitor CMH. The
amount of charge reported by tester 300 informs handle 200 that in
the environment in which the test is being performed, the voltage
measured across measurement capacitor CMH means that handle
provided a specific amount of charge.
[0096] The term environment includes the physical characteristics
of handle 200 and its ambience. Physical characteristics of the
ambience of an environment include any conventional physical
property that occurs in an area including ambient temperature,
humidity, presence of direct sun light, presence of moisture (e.g.,
rain), and particulates (e.g., smoke, fog). Physical
characteristics of a handle include any conventional physical
property of a handle including operating temperature of the handle,
age of the components of the handle, and presence of moisture
(e.g., condensate).
[0097] For example, if handle 200 measures voltage V1 across
measurement capacitor CMH and tester 300 reports 60 microcoulombs,
handle 200 knows that each time it measures voltage V1 across
measurement capacitor CMH, it has provided a pulse that delivered
60 microcoulombs. If handle 200 measures voltage V2 across
measurement capacitor CMH and tester 300 reports 65 microcoulombs,
handle 200 knows that each time it measures voltage V2 across
measurement capacitor CMH, it has provided a pulse that delivered
65 microcoulombs or about 65 microcoulombs. Handle 200 can use the
information that relates the voltage across measurement capacitor
CMH to an amount of charge to adjust its own circuits to provide
the predetermined (e.g., target) amount of charge. For example,
handle 200 can adjust, either increase or decrease, the voltage on
capacitors CMP and CMN primarily and CI secondarily to increase or
decrease the amount of charge provided in a pulse of the stimulus
signal. By adjusting the amount of charge on the capacitors (e.g.,
CI, CMP, CMN) of the high voltage circuit (e.g., circuit 800),
handle 200 can use the information provided by tester 300 to
determine the circuit settings that deliver the predetermined
amount of charge.
[0098] The handle may use measurements (e.g. voltage across CMH)
from several pulses and use corresponding reports for each pulse
from the tester to average test data (e.g. simple moving average,
weighted moving average) to determine the amount of charge
delivered by any one pulse.
[0099] The relationship between the voltage across measurement
capacitor CMH and the reported amount of charge applies only in the
environmental conditions (e.g., temperature, humidity) of the
calibration environment at the time the measurements are performed.
In a different environment, as discussed below, the relationship
between the voltage across measurement capacitor CMH and the amount
of charge provided by a pulse of the stimulus signal may be
different. The physical characteristics of the environments may be
different.
[0100] In process comparison 918, the amount of charge (e.g., QMT)
reported by tester 300 to handle 200 in process report 916 is
compared to the amount of charge that has been predetermined to
improve the effectiveness of the stimulus signal. As discussed
above, providing the predetermined amount of charge or about the
same as a predetermined amount of charge per pulse may improve the
effectiveness of the stimulus signal thereby resulting in skeletal
muscle lockup. If the amount of charge delivered by the pulse
provided in process 912 is about the same as the predetermined
amount of charge, handle 200 may perform further processes
(processes 920 and 928-938, method 1000, method 1100) so that
handle 200 can deliver pulses of current that provide the
predetermined amount of charge, or close thereto, in an environment
that is different from the calibration environment. If the amount
of charge delivered by the pulse is the same or about the same as
the predetermined amount of charge, execution moves to process
record 920.
[0101] If the amount of charge delivered by the pulse provided in
process 912 is not the same or about the same as the predetermined
amount of charge, execution moves to process compare 926 and
following processes (e.g., 922-924) so that handle 200 may adjust
the charge delivered by a next pulse of the stimulus signal so that
it may be closer to the predetermined amount of charge.
[0102] In process comparison 926, the amount of charge reported by
tester 300 is compared to the predetermined charge to determine
whether the reported amount of charge is greater than the
predetermined amount of charge. If the amount of reported charge is
greater than the predetermined charge, handle 200 determines that
it should decrease the amount of charge delivered by a next pulse
of the stimulus signal and execution moves to process decrease 924.
If the amount of reported charge is not greater than the
predetermined charge, handle 200 determines that it should increase
the amount of charge delivered by the next pulse of the stimulus
signal and execution moves to process decrease 924. As discussed
above, handle 200 adjusts the amount of charge delivered by a pulse
by adjusting the amount of charge stored on capacitors CMP and CMN
prior to delivering the pulse.
[0103] In process increase 922, handle 200 increases the amount of
charge stored on capacitors CMP and CMN prior to delivering a next
pulse of the stimulus signal. The amount stored on capacitors CMP
and CMN is increased by charging the capacitors to a higher voltage
prior to delivering the pulse. Processing circuit 210 may maintain
a record of the voltages to which capacitors CMP and CMN are
charged for each pulse provided. Processing circuit 210 may use the
record of voltages and the information regarding the amount of
charge provided by each pulse to determine a target voltage, VMPT
and VMNT, for capacitors CMP and CMN respectively. Processing
circuit 210 may adjust the target voltage up or down, in the case
of process increase 922 the adjustment is up, to adjust the voltage
to which capacitors CMP and CMN are charged and thereby the amount
of charge delivered by a pulse.
[0104] Adjusting the target voltages VMPT and VMNT up increases the
voltage to which processing circuit 210 charges capacitors CMP and
CMN prior to providing a pulse of the stimulus signal. Charging a
capacitor to a higher voltage increases the amount of charge stored
on the capacitor. Processing circuit 210 may have knowledge of the
values (e.g., capacities) of capacitors CMP and CMN and may even
calculate the amount of charge stored on capacitors CMP and CMN;
however, handle 200 relies on tester 300 to accurately measure and
report the amount of charge delivered by a pulse, so processing
circuit 210 does not have a need to calculate the amount of charge
stored on capacitors CMP and CMN. However, processing circuit 210
may calculate the amount of charge on capacitors CMP and CMN or the
increase in the amount of charge on capacitors CMP and CMN if it is
needed or desirable for determining new values for target voltages
VMPT and VMNT.
[0105] Process decrease 924 performs the inverse process of process
increase 922. In process decrease 924, handle 200 decreases the
amount of charge stored on capacitors CMP and CMN prior to
providing a pulse. As discuss above, processing circuit 210 may use
stored information to adjust target voltages VMPT and VMNT downward
so that the next pulse of the stimulus signal provides less charge
that is possibly closer to the predetermined amount of charge.
Processing circuit may perform the same types of operations as
discussed with respect to process increase 922, but in a way to
decrease the amount of charge delivered by the next pulse of the
stimulus signal.
[0106] Processes 904-918 and 922-926 are repeated until process 918
determines that the amount of charge delivered by the pulse of the
stimulus signal is about the same as the predetermined (e.g.,
target) amount of charge. Once handle 200 has adjusted (e.g., set)
its operation so that the predetermined amount of charge is
delivered, execution moves to process record 920.
[0107] In process record 920, processing circuit 210 records (e.g.,
stores) the value of voltage VMH, measured across measurement
capacitor CMH in the most recent execution of process measure 914.
This measured value of VMH is referred to as the golden voltage of
handle 200 (e.g., golden voltage, Vgolden) because it is the
voltage across measurement capacitor CMH just after delivery of a
pulse of the stimulus signal that provided the predetermine amount
of current or an amount close thereto. In the environment in which
the calibration is being conducted (e.g., calibration environment),
each time the voltage across measurement capacitor CMH is the
golden voltage, or close thereto, the amount of charge delivered by
the pulse of the stimulus signal was the predetermined amount of
charge or close thereto. In other words, handle 200 now has the
information that it needs to adjust its circuits to provide the
predetermined amount of charge for the environment in which it is
presently operating (e.g., operating environment).
[0108] Process record 920 may also record voltages VMPT and VMNT.
Voltages VMPT and VMNT may be recalled from memory and capacitors
CMP and CMN charged to VMPT and VMNT respectively.
[0109] If handle 200 were to remain in the environment prevalent
during calibration (e.g., cooperating with tester 300), each time
handle 200 measured Vgolden across measurement capacitor CMH, it
would know that the pulse that was just delivered provided the
predetermined amount of charge. However, handle 200 will be used in
environmental conditions that differ from the calibration
environment. Further, the components of handle 200 change with time
thereby changing the voltage measured across measurement capacitor
CMH over time. In different environmental conditions, for example a
different temperature, measuring Vgolden across measurement
capacitor CMH may not mean that the predetermined amount of charge
was delivered by the pulse because the capacitance of measurement
capacitor CMH changes with temperature. As environmental conditions
change or the age of the components, the voltage across measurement
capacitor CMH will change when the predetermined amount of charge
is delivered.
[0110] Equation no. 1 below highlights the issue of the change in
environmental conditions. In equation no. 1 below, the amount of
charge Q is equal to the capacitance of measurement capacitor CMH
multiplied by the voltage measured across measurement capacitor
CMH.
Q=C*V. Equation no. 1
[0111] It is desirable to determine the voltage across measurement
capacitor CMH in different environmental conditions while
measurement capacitor CMH holds the predetermined amount of charge
so that in different environmental conditions handle 200 may
determine whether a pulse provided the predetermined amount of
charge.
[0112] Fortunately, the amount of charge provided to a capacitor
may be determined in another way that is independent of
capacitance. In equation no. 2 below, the amount of charge Q is
equal to the magnitude of the current multiplied by the duration of
time of the current.
Q=I*t Equation no. 2
[0113] Processing circuit 210 of handle 200 may include a current
source and a timer. A current source may provide current such that
the charge provided per unit time is fairly constant regardless of
the environment in which the current source operates. A current
source that provides charge per time that varies little over
temperature and/or operating voltage may be referred to as a
constant current source or a temperature insensitive (e.g.,
independent) current source. In an implementation, the current
provided by a current source over the operating temperature and
voltage of the current source may vary plus or minus three percent
(3%). Providing a current that varies plus or minus three percent
over a range of temperature and/or voltage may be considered to be
substantially constant.
[0114] A timer may measure an elapse of time. A time may start
counting, count for a duration of time, then stop counting. The
count of the timer represents the time that elapsed while the timer
was counting. The length of the elapse of time is the duration of
the elapse or the duration of time during which the counter was
counting. A duration of time is a period of time.
[0115] The variation of the current source and the operation of the
timer over temperature may be fairly minimal, so that processing
circuit may charge a capacitance with the predetermined amount of
charge in any environmental conditions. Once a capacitance, in
particular measurement capacitor CMH has been charged with the
predetermined amount of charge, the voltage across measurement
capacitor CMH represents the target voltage for providing the
predetermined amount of charge in a pulse.
[0116] To determine the target voltage across measurement capacitor
CMH to provide the predetermined amount of charge in any
environmental condition, handle 200, while it is in the
environmental conditions of tester 300, uses its current source to
convert Vgolden to a golden time (Tgolden). If a known amount of
current is provided for a Tgolden amount of time, the amount of
charge provided is the predetermined amount of charge regardless of
environmental conditions.
[0117] To determine Tgolden, processing circuit 210 uses its
current source to charge measurement capacitor CMH to Vgolden while
measuring the charging time, which is Tgolden, using a timer. Since
Vgolden represents a predetermined amount of charge while handle
200 is in the calibration environment, Tgolden represents the
amount of time it takes to put the predetermined amount of charge
on measurement capacitor CMH using the current source. Because the
amount of current provided by the current source changes little
over temperature and the accuracy of the timer also changes little
over temperature, Tgolden represents the amount of time it takes
for the current source to charge measurement capacitor CMH with the
predetermined amount of charge over all environmental
conditions.
[0118] While handle 200 is still in the calibration environment
(e.g., proximate to tester 300) handle 200 may perform additional
processes (e.g., 928-938) to determine Tgolden so that voltage
across measurement capacitor CMH when it holds the predetermined
amount of charge in all environmental conditions may be
determined.
[0119] In process discharge 928, handle 200 initializes the voltage
across measurement capacitor CMH to a known value by shorting
measurement capacitor CMH to ground. Shorting measurement capacitor
CMH to ground removes all charge from measurement capacitor CMH.
Process discharge 928 performs the same operations and achieves the
same result as process discharge 908. Execution proceeds to process
start time 930.
[0120] In process start time 930, handle 200 initializes a timer
and prepares the timer to measure a period of time. For example,
processing circuit 210 includes a microprocessor that initializes
one of its timers to zero and instructs the timer to start counting
up. The count of the timer increments in accordance with a clock
(e.g., crystal, oscillator). With many crystals, the frequency of
the crystal varies little (e.g., 0.50 ppm) over the temperature
range of operation of the crystal, so that a period of time counted
by a timer varies little over temperature. Execution proceeds to
process charge 932.
[0121] In charge 932, a current source of processing circuit 210
provides a current to charge measurement capacitor CMH while
processing circuit 210 monitoring the voltage across VMH. The timer
initialized above starts counting at about the same time that the
current source starts providing its current to measurement
capacitor CMH. When processing circuit 210 detects that the voltage
across measurement capacitor CMH is equal to Vgolden control moves
to process end time 934.
[0122] In process end time 934 and process set 936, processing
circuit 210 stops the count of the timer started in process time
930 and records the value of the timer in non-volatile memory as
the golden time of handle 200 (Tgolden). The golden time represents
the duration of time that the current source provides a current to
charge measurement capacitor CMH to the golden voltage. Storing
Tgolden allows the processing circuit 210 to later to calibrate the
stimulus signal by determining the voltage across measurement
capacitor CMH that represents providing the predetermined amount of
charge or close thereto for the operating environmental conditions.
Storing Tgolden for later retrieval permits a handle to calibrate
the amount of charge provided by a pulse of the current in the
calibration environment and in any other environmental condition
wherever the handle is operating. Storing Tgolden enables a handle
to calibrate the stimulus signal in environments that differ from
the calibration environment.
[0123] In process exit 938, the handle determines calibration is
complete and the handle exits the calibration mode.
[0124] Handle 200 performs method 1000 self-calibrate while in use
in the field in the current environmental conditions. Handle 200
may perform method 1000 each time the handle is activated for use
(e.g., armed). Method 1000 includes processes arm 1002, retrieve
1004, charge 1006, set 1008, end 1010.
[0125] In process arm 1002, the user of the CEW manipulates (e.g.,
switches, moves) the safety switch on the CEW to the armed
position. Arming handle 200 causes processing circuit 210 to
perform method 1000 to self-calibration handle 200. Processing
moves to process 1004.
[0126] In process retrieve 1004, the processing circuit 210
retrieves from nonvolatile memory Tgolden. Processing moves to
process 1006.
[0127] In process discharge 1006, handle 200 initializes the
voltage across measurement capacitor CMH to a known value by
shorting measurement capacitor CMH to ground. Shorting measurement
capacitor CMH to ground removes all charge from measurement
capacitor CMH. Process discharge 1006 performs the same operations
and achieves the same result as process discharge 908 and 928.
Execution proceeds to process charge 1008.
[0128] In process charge 1008, the processing circuit 210 uses a
current source to charge measurement capacitor (CMH) for the
duration of time specified by Tgolden as counted by a timer of
processing circuit 210. Processing circuit 210 starts the timer and
providing the current at about the same time. Providing the
constant current to measurement capacitor CMH for the duration
Tgolden charges measurement capacitor CMH with the predetermined
amount of charge. The voltage across measurement capacitor CMH
after being charged with the predetermined amount of charge is the
voltage that will be on measurement capacitor CMH each time a pulse
provides the predetermined amount of charge for the current
environmental conditions. This voltage is referred to as the
operational target voltage. Processing moves to process 1010.
[0129] In process set 1010, processing circuit 210 measures the
voltage across measurement capacitor CMH and stores the value as
the operational target voltage. Processing circuit 210 compares the
voltage across measurement capacitor CMH after delivery of each
pulse and compares the voltage to the operational target voltage to
determine whether the pulse delivered the predetermined amount of
charge. Processing circuit 210 uses the result of the comparison to
adjust its operation so that the charge delivered by each pulse is
as about the same as the predetermined amount of charge as
possible. The processes performed to adjust operation of handle 200
is discussed below with respect to method 1100.
[0130] In process end 1012, the processing circuit 210 finishes its
self-recalibration.
[0131] After handle 200 has completed self-calibration method 1000,
handle 200 may deliver a stimulus signal. A stimulus signal
includes a series of current pulses. Handle 200 performs method
1100, each time the trigger is pulled, to attempt to deliver the
predetermined amount of charge with each pulse of the stimulus
signal.
[0132] Method 1100 includes processes pull trigger 1102, discharge
1104, charge 1106, remove 1108, pulse 1110, measure 1112, decision
1114, compare 1116, increase 1118, decrease 1120, compare 1122, and
end 1124.
[0133] In process pull 1102, the user of the CEW has pulled the
trigger to launch the electrodes from a deployment unit (e.g.,
cartridge) toward a target to deliver the stimulus signal through
the target. The CEW prepares itself to provide the pulses of the
stimulus signal. For example, processing circuit 210 may detect the
pull of trigger 274. Processing circuit 210 may perform the
processes of method 1100, in whole or part, or control other
components, such as stimulus generator 234, launch generator 232,
and detector 236 to perform method 1100. Execution moves to process
discharge 1104.
[0134] In process discharge 1104, the handle initializes
measurement capacitor CMH to measure the amount of charge provided
by a pulse of the current. Measurement capacitor CMH is initialized
by removing the charge stored on measurement capacitor CMH (e.g.,
initializing to zero). For example, processing circuit 210 closes
switch S728 to discharge measurement capacitor CMH. Discharging
measurement capacitor CMH removes the charge stored on measurement
capacitor CMH from a previous pulse and prepares measurement
capacitor CMH to store the charge from a next pulse of the stimulus
signal. Processing circuit 210 discharges measurement capacitor CMH
by closing switch S728 ground capacitor CMH to remove all charge
stored on measurement capacitor CMH. Execution moves to process
charge 1106.
[0135] In process charge 1106, the CEW charges stimulus capacitors
CMP and CMN to a target voltage VMPT and VMNT respectively in
preparation of providing a pulse charge through a target. The
amount of charge stored on CMP and CMN may be adjusted for each
pulse to deliver the predetermined amount of charge to the target.
The initial values of VMPT and VMNT may be set by estimating the
target voltages based on stored data, by using empirical data to
determine initial values, or by using default values stored by
handle 200. Execution moves to process remove 1108.
[0136] In process remove 1108, the handle removes (e.g., opens) the
short across measurement capacitor CMH. Removing the short across
CMH is timed to happen just before a pulse of the stimulus signal
is provided by stimulus generator 234 to selected cartridge.
Measurement capacitor CMH is initialized so that it may collect the
charge provided by the next pulse of the current. For example,
processing circuit 210 opens switch S728 to allow measurement
capacitor CMH to collect charge from a pulse of the stimulus signal
that is about to be delivered by capacitors CMP and CMN in process
1110. Execution moves to process pulse 1110.
[0137] In process pulse 1110, handle 200 provides a current pulse
to the electrodes that have been selected to provide the pulse of
the stimulus signal. For example, the processing circuit 210
selects signal P1 and signal N1 of bay 240 to provide the pulse of
the stimulus signal to electrodes P1 and N1. Processing circuit 210
closes switch S720 and S724 which causes a release of current from
ionization capacitor CI to into the primary windings of
transformers T710 and T 714. A high voltage is induced onto the
secondary windings of transformers T710 and T714. The high voltage
of the transformers creates an ionization path between the
electrodes P1 and electrode N1 to the target. Once the ionization
path is established, the charge from stimulus capacitors CMP and
CMN discharges through the target via the ionization path. The
discharge of charge from CI, CMP, CMN through the selected
electrodes creates current pulse 1110. After delivery of the
current pulse, execution moves to process 1112.
[0138] After handle 200 provides the pulse of the stimulus signal,
process measurement 1112 measures the voltage VMH on measurement
capacitor CMH at terminal 802. For example, processor 210 measures
the voltage across measurement capacitor CMH. The voltage VMH
represents the amount of charge delivered by the pulse of the
stimulus signal provided in process pulse 1110 for the present
environmental conditions. Execution moves to process decision
1114.
[0139] In process decision 1114, processing circuit 210 determines
whether all of the stimulus pulses of the stimulus signal have been
provided. The CEW sends out a predetermined number of current
pulses for each stimulus signal. Processing circuit tracks the
number of pulse that should be sent in a series and the number of
pulses that have been sent, so it can determine whether all of the
pulses of a series have been sent. If all of the pulses of a
stimulus signal have been provided, execution moves to process end
1124. If all of the pulses of the stimulus signal have not been
provided, execution moves to compare 1116
[0140] The pulse provided in process 1116 charges capacitor CMH to
voltage VMH. After the pulse has been delivered, process compare
1116 compares voltage VMH to the operational target voltage that
was determined method 1000. The operational target voltage, as
discussed above, represents the predetermined amount of charge or
an amount close thereto for the present environmental conditions.
As discussed above, providing the predetermined amount of charge or
about the same as a predetermined amount of charge for each pulse
may improve the effectiveness of the stimulus signal. If the amount
of charge delivered by the pulse is the same or about the same as
the predetermined amount of charge, execution moves to process
discharge 1104.
[0141] If the amount of charge delivered by the pulse provided in
process 1110 is not the same or about the same as the predetermined
amount of charge, execution moves to process compare 1122 and
subsequent processes 1118 and 1120 to adjust the charge delivered
by a next pulse of the stimulus signal so that the next pulse
provides an amount of charge that is closer to the predetermined
amount of charge.
[0142] In process compare 1122, the voltage VMH across measurement
capacitor CMH as created by the pulse provided in process pulse
1110 is compared to the operational target voltage to determine
whether the voltage VMH is greater than the operational target
voltage. If the voltage VMH is greater than the operational target
voltage, handle 200 determines that the previous pulse provided
more than the predetermined amount of charge, so the amount of
charge provided by the next pulse of the stimulus signal should be
decreased. If the voltage VMH is not greater than the operational
target voltage, handle 200 determines that the previous pulse
provided less than the predetermined amount of charge, so the
amount of charge provided by the next pulse of the stimulus signal
should be increased. If the amount of charge for the next pulse of
the stimulus signal needs to be increased, execution moves to
process increase 1118; otherwise, execution moves to process
decrease 1120.
[0143] Handle 200 adjusts the amount of charge delivered by a next
pulse of the current by adjusting the amount of charge stored on
capacitors CMP and CMN prior to delivering the next pulse. The
amount of charge for the next pulse is adjusted in process increase
1118 and process decrease 1120.
[0144] In process increase 1118, handle 200 increases the amount of
charge stored on capacitors CMP and CMN so that the next pulse of
the stimulus signal provides more charge. The amount of charge
stored on capacitors CMP and CMN is increased by charging
capacitors CMP and CMN to a higher voltage prior to delivering the
pulse. Processing circuit 210 may maintain a record of the voltages
to which capacitors CMP and CMN are charged for each pulse
provided. Processing circuit 210 may use the record of voltages and
the information regarding the amount of charge provided by each
pulse to determine target voltages, VMPT and VMNT, to which
capacitors CMP and CMN respectively are charged. Execution proceeds
to process discharge 1104 where the process of providing the next
pulse of the stimulus signal begins.
[0145] In process decrease 1120, handle 200 decreases the amount of
charge stored on capacitors CMP and CMN so that the next pulse of
the stimulus signal provides less charge. The amount of charge
stored on capacitors CMP and CMN is decreased by charging
capacitors CMP and CMN to a lower voltage prior to delivering the
pulse. The record of voltages with respect to capacitors CMP and
CMN discussed above may be used to determine target voltages VMPT
and VMNT. Execution proceeds to process discharge 1104 where the
process of providing the next pulse of the stimulus signal
begins.
[0146] In process end 1124, the processing circuit 210 end the
execution of method 1100.
[0147] The foregoing description discusses preferred embodiments of
the present invention, which may be changed or modified without
departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the
claims. Examples listed in parentheses may be used in the
alternative or in any practical combination. As used in the
specification and claims, the words `comprising`, `comprises`,
`including`, `includes`, `having`, and `has` introduce an open
ended statement of component structures and/or functions. In the
specification and claims, the words `a` and `an` are used as
indefinite articles meaning `one or more`. When a descriptive
phrase includes a series of nouns and/or adjectives, each
successive word is intended to modify the entire combination of
words preceding it. For example, a black dog house is intended to
mean a house for a black dog. While for the sake of clarity of
description, several specific embodiments of the invention have
been described, the scope of the invention is intended to be
measured by the claims as set forth below. In the claims, the term
"provided" is used to definitively identify an object that not a
claimed element of the invention but an object that performs the
function of a workpiece that cooperates with the claimed invention.
For example, in the claim "an apparatus for aiming a provided
barrel, the apparatus comprising: a housing, the barrel positioned
in the housing", the barrel is not a claimed element of the
apparatus, but an object that cooperates with the "housing" of the
"apparatus" by being positioned in the "housing". The invention
includes any practical combination of the structures and methods
disclosed. While for the sake of clarity of description several
specifics embodiments of the invention have been described, the
scope of the invention is intended to be measured by the claims as
set forth below.
[0148] The location indicators "herein", "hereunder", "above",
"below", or other word that refer to a location, whether specific
or general, in the specification shall be construed to refer to any
location in the specification where the location is before or after
the location indicator.
* * * * *