Institutional Weapons System

Abstract

A system of weapon oversight and control is revealed. One or more Authorized Weapon Operators are authenticated, and the weapons are authorized for use by a Remote Authority who is updated in real time by 360 by 360 video and sound as to who is wielding the weapon, the location of the weapon, and the current use of the weapon. The weapon is authorized and deauthorized to fire or not fire by the Remote Authority, giving oversite and operability of the weapon to the Remote Authority.

Claims

1. A weapon, comprising: a forward camera coupled to an end of the weapon, the forward camera captures images in front of the barrel of the weapon; a 360-degree camera coupled to or within the gun, the 360-degree camera captures images in a 360-degree field around the weapon; an operator camera coupled to of the weapon, the operator camera captures images of the operator of the weapon; and a transceiver configured for receiving a signal to activate and/or deactivate the weapon based upon the images in front of the barrel of the weapon, images in the 360-degree field around the weapon, and images of the operator of the weapon.

2. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the forward camera is coupled below a muzzle of the weapon.

3. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the forward camera is a plurality of cameras, such as a wide field of view camera and a 180-degree field of view camera.

4. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the 360-degree camera is a plurality of cameras coupled to or coupled with and around the weapon.

5. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the 360-degree camera comprises two lenses for capturing a 360 by 360 field of view image.

6. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the 360-degree camera comprises one or more cameras coupled to or coupled within the frame and positioned with overlapping fields of view forming a 360 by 360 field of view.

7. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the operator camera comprises one or more cameras positioned to obtain a clear view of an operator of the weapon.

8. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the transceiver provides data indicative of a location of the weapon to a remote authority.

9. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the transceiver provides data indicative of video.

10. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the transceiver provides bi-directional audio communication with a remote authority.

11. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the user is authenticated by a remote authority via the transceiver.

12. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the weapon is authorized by a remote authority via the transceiver.

13. The weapon of claim 1, wherein the weapon is de-authorized by a remote authority via the transceiver.

14. The weapon of claim 1, further comprising a rear camera coupled to the weapon via the transceiver.

15. The weapon of claim 14, further comprising a microphone coupled to the weapon via the transceiver.

16. The weapon of claim 15, wherein the rear camera and the microphone provide images and audio from behind the operator, which are transmitted to a remote authority.

17. The weapon of claim 1, further comprising at least one detector positioned near a trigger of the weapon, wherein when an operator's finger is one or near the trigger authorization is initiated and/or maintained.

18. The weapon of claim 17, wherein when the operator's finger is no longer detected by the detector, the weapon deauthorizes.

19. The weapon of claim 18, wherein the detector is optical, mechanical, sonic, capacitive, inductive, or other electronic or emissions detectors.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0034] The disclosure can be better understood referencing the following drawings. The elements of the drawings are not necessarily to scale relative to each other, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Furthermore, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0035] FIG. 1 is an exemplary firearm having components of an aspect of the present disclosure incorporated into a firearm in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] FIG. 2 is the firearm of FIG. 1 showing camera views as incorporated into or otherwise attached to the firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a camera of the firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1 and depicting the various camera overlapping views.

[0038] FIG. 4 is an exemplary firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1 having Microphones, 360-degree Cameras, an Authorized Weapon Operator Camera, and a Rear Camera and Microphone to provide both sound and video views around and behind the Authorized Weapon Operator.

[0039] FIG. 5 is an exemplary firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1 further having a grip.

[0040] FIG. 6 is an exemplary firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1 further having a trigger sensor.

[0041] FIG. 7 is an exemplary floor plan such as a school or office area.

[0042] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an information and communications system for the firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1.

[0043] FIG. 9 is a block diagram further detailing and information and communications system for the firearm such as is shown in FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0045] FIG. 1 is an exemplary Weapon 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The Weapon 1 comprises components for performing various aspects of the present disclosure. The Weapon 1 is shown as a two handled military format, but the present disclosure is equally applicable to all weapons or firearms of any type or format including pistols and long guns. Thus, other types of weapons may be used in other embodiments. While all types of firearms and their respective modes of action are included in the present disclosure, in one embodiment the firearm discharges a round via a barrel or other delivery system appropriate to the addressed environment. Note that the term barrel incorporates all types of discharge or other delivery systems as may incorporate the present disclosure. For example, in a closed environment, such as a school, a short-range weapon such as a shotgun with an appropriate load, such as a light weight shot or rubber bullets, is highly desirable. Pistols, rifles, or other firearms with non-penetrating rounds are similarly applicable. Chemical laden projectiles are also desirable in appropriate situations.

[0046] The Weapon 1 is shown as a two handled pistol but may also be any type or class of firearm to include a pistol, long gun, rifle, or shotgun, or other lethal or non-lethal weapon as desired.

[0047] The Weapon 1 further comprises a Forward Camera 2. The Forward Camera 2 is coupled at the end of Weapon 1 in proximity to a Muzzle 8. In this regard, it may be coupled above, below, or to the side of the Muzzle 8. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the Forward Camera 2 is coupled below the Muzzle 8 on the Weapon 1. In one embodiment, the Forward Camera 2 may be a plurality of cameras, such as a wide field of view camera, and further comprising a 180-degree field of view camera as desired for the application

[0048] The Weapon 1 further comprises a 360-degree Camera 3. The 360-degree Camera 3 is a single or plurality of cameras positioned in or on the frame of Weapon 1 to form a 360 by 360-degree field of view around the Weapon 1. The 360-degree Camera 3 may be coupled to or coupled inside the Weapon 1 approximately two-thirds of the way down the Weapon 1, a distance d from the Muzzle 8. This placement is an approximation of the Golden Ratio (1.618 to 1.00) and is preferred to best locate the camera viewing angles for implementation on a given Weapon 1.

[0049] A 360-degree field of view 360-degree Camera 3 with only two lenses is currently the most common type and can accommodate a full 360 by 360-degree field of view angle with only two lenses. However, other types of cameras may be used to obtain the 360 field of view in other embodiments. FIG. 1 further comprises four 360-degree Camera 3 (one is out of view behind the Weapon 1), but one, two, three or more 360-degree Camera 3 may be used to form a full 360 by 360 field of view. With four cameras, the cameras are coupled to or coupled within the Weapon 1 at ninety-degree angles. Multiple cameras with a smaller but overlapping field of view are also a preferred embodiment to accomplish the 360-degree Camera 3 function. Note that the camera system may suit a particular application, including adaption to or further forming a particular aspect of a Weapon 1.

[0050] The Weapon 1 further comprises an Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 and a Transceiver 5. Transceiver 5 comprises the transmitter, receiver and location functions. In this regard, while the 360 Camera 3 may satisfy the requirement of having a complete and full view of the person holding and operating Weapon 1, Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 is provided to assure this is fulfilled. Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 is coupled on the Weapon 1 and captures images of the operator of the Weapon 1.

[0051] In this regard, the Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 is one or more cameras positioned to obtain a clear view of the person holding and operating Weapon 1. In one embodiment, the Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 is mounted on the Transceiver 5. The mounting and position of Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 is independent of Transceiver 5. Only a designated person is authenticated and authorized by the Remote Authority 20 (not shown) to operate the Weapon 1.

[0052] Transceiver 5 provides data indicative of a location of the Weapon 1, video transmission to, and bi-directional audio communication with, the remotely located Remote Authority 20 (not shown), the Remote Authority 20 (not shown) having authentication verification, authorization and deauthorization control and oversight of Weapon 1.

[0053] Transceiver 5 provides location information to the Remote Authority 20 and to the person holding Weapon 1 as per the application. Transceiver 5 further receives the authorization or deauthorization signals to set the state of the Weapon 1 to authorized or deauthorized for discharge.

[0054] In one embodiment, the Weapon 1 may be further authenticated and authorized by the receipt of an authorization signal or by an authorization signal in combination with the entry of an optional security code by the Authorized Weapon Operator 24.

[0055] Handles 6 contain ammunition, batteries, electronics, or other components as best fits the present application and operating environment.

[0056] Weapon 1 is shown pointed in the direction of the target and away from the Authorized Weapon Operator as per typical firearms. In one embodiment, the Muzzle 8 is a noise reduction type to include any type of sound suppressor, suppressor, or sound moderator, to include any muzzle device that reduces the acoustic intensity of the muzzle report, or sound of the discharge, and optionally eliminates or reduces the muzzle flash of the discharge as per the preferred application of the present invention.

[0057] FIG. 2 further illustrates the principal camera aspects and camera views captured by the Forward Camera 2, the 360-degree Camera 3, and the Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 as incorporated into or otherwise attached to the Weapon 1. This camera aspect is comprised of individual components, including the Forward Camera 2, the various 360×360-degree Cameras 3, and Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4. Together the cameras provide the Camera Views 7. Camera views 7 are the respective views of the various cameras incorporated into Weapon 1. The Camera Views 7 are shown at about a 90-degree field of view. In one embodiment, the various fields of view are of any angle or width as desired for the present application to include 180 degrees or more per each camera, singly or in combination. The Camera Views 7 are considered to extend to infinity as per any optical device. By means of the various cameras as previously described in FIG. 1, it is in this manner that a 360 by 360 field of view may be readily acquired around Weapon 1.

[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates the various Camera Views 7 overlapping fields of view from 360 Cameras 3. Four 360 Camera 3 are shown, but only two opposing 360 Camera 3 may be necessary utilizing current technology to form a full 360 by 360 field of view. The Camera Views 7 are considered to extend to infinity as per any optical device. The Muzzle 8 is not shown.

[0059] FIG. 4 is an exemplary Weapon 1 of the present disclosure. The Weapon 1 comprises Microphones 9, 360-degree Cameras 3, Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4, and Rear Camera and Microphone 10.

[0060] These components provide a sound and video view around and behind the Authorized Weapon Operator 24 (not shown) that is transmitted to Remote Authority 20 (not shown). Rear Camera and Microphone 10 provide observation, both video and audio, of areas ordinarily blocked by the Authorized Weapon Operator. The Rear Camera and Microphone 10 are connected to the Transceiver 5 by wire, sound, radio, or optical means as best fits the preferred application. The Camera View 7 is considered to extend to infinity as per any optical device and is shown with a preferred Camera View 7 of a hemisphere approximating 180 by 180 degrees behind the Authorized Weapon Operator. The rear camera and Rear Camera and Microphone 10 are on the back of the Authorized Weapon Operator such as to provide a view behind the Authorized Weapon Operator.

[0061] FIG. 5 is the Weapon 1 further comprising a grip sensor 11. Grip Sensor 11 detects the Authorized Weapon Operator being in operable possession of the Weapon 1. When any Grip Sensor 11 is depressed or otherwise actuated and the Weapon 1 is authorized by Remote Authority 20 (not shown) the Weapon 1 may be discharged. When any Grip Sensor 11 is no longer depressed the Weapon 1 is deauthorized and remains deauthorized until the Authorized Weapon Operator has control of the Weapon 1 through depressing one or more Grip Sensor 11 and the Weapon 1 is reauthorized by Remote Authority 20. Grip Sensor 11 is any type of sensor as is applicable to the present application to include mechanical, optical, pressure, thermal or other type of sensor. In this manner if the Weapon 1 is taken from the Authorized Weapon Operator the Weapon 1 deauthorizes and cannot be discharged.

[0062] FIG. 6 is the Weapon 1 further comprising a trigger, wherein the Authorized Weapon Operator's finger, being on or near the discharge apparatus such as the trigger of Weapon 1, is detected by a Grip Detector 12 to initiate or maintain authorization to discharge Weapon 1. When the Authorized Weapon Operator's finger is not or is no longer detected by Grip Detector 12 the Weapon 1 deauthorizes. In this manner if the Weapon 1 is taken from the Authorized Weapon Operator the Weapon 1 deauthorizes and cannot be discharged. Grip Detector 12 is any manner of detection of the presence of an Authorized Weapon Operators finger to include but not limited to optical, mechanical, sonic, capacitive, inductive or other electronic or emissions means as may be applicable to the present disclosure.

[0063] FIG. 7 illustrates an example floor plan such as a school or office area. In the case of a school or other institutions, multiple Weapons 1 are housed in Cabinets 17 that are situated at strategic positions in the Principal's Office 14, Classrooms 15, outside on the Grounds 16, and in the Entrance Hall 18. In this depiction, Principal's Office 14 acts as the authority and issues Weapon 1 (not shown) Authorization 13 when required. Optionally, Remote Authority 20 (not shown) may be remotely located at the Remote Authority Office 19 (not shown) and have oversight and control of authorization and deauthorization of any number of Weapons 1 at one or more institutions, facilities or areas. The Principal's Office 14 may optionally unlock or otherwise allow access to Cabinets 17. Cabinets 17 are preferred to be normally locked and the contents unavailable until Principal's Office 14, Remote Authority Office 19, or other authority as per the preferred implementation of the present invention unlocks or otherwise provides access to them.

[0064] In one embodiment, the Weapon 1 provides a means for the authorization or deauthorization of one or more Weapons 1, Weapons 1 being operated by an individual or group of individuals. Additionally, authentication, authorization and deauthorization status may be determined by Remote Authority 20 as to time, geographic location, weapon, class of weapon, weapon type, Authorized Weapon Operator singly or by any grouping or arrangement, or any other criteria or any combination thereof. It is a further embodiment that Weapon 1 automatically deauthorized if Weapon 1 does not receive the predetermined one or more authorizing signals for a predetermined time.

[0065] FIG. 8 illustrates a Weapon Screen 23 providing information to the Remote Authority 20 that incorporates all the active Weapon locations, and their relevant status, within a defined area or structure indicated by their respective numeric or other identifications on Display 21, and the current video views of each Weapon 1 on Control Screen 22. The Weapon Screen 23, Remote Authority 20 and associated controls and infrastructure are preferred to be located in a Principal's Office 14, Remote Authority Office 19 or other area or facility as best accommodates the preferred application of the present invention. Weapon Screen 23 provides full control, including authorization and deauthorization, of any and all Weapons 1, singly and in any grouping, to the Remote Authority 20. In the present disclosure Remote Authority 20 comprises either an individual or group of persons, or the authorization and deauthorization system inclusive of procedure, hardware and software, processing means, or both.

[0066] Display 21 displays a representation of the physical layout of the structure, floor or other appropriate depiction of the operational area indicating the respective location of each authorized Weapon 1. The location of each authorized Weapon 1 is depicted in the Display 21 with the respective identification of each Weapon 1 displayed. In the present example four each Weapon 1, specifically 3, 6, 8, 9 and 11, are shown within the displayed structural layout, the layout in this case representing a floor area such as a school or other building, or an area displayed as a map. The location of all Weapons 1 is optionally displayable, including all Weapon 1 both in or removed from their respective Cabinets 17 or other storage.

[0067] Control Screen 22 displays the various views from each Weapon 1 including the Forward Camera 2, the various 360 cameras 3, and Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4. In particular, the Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 displays the image of the Authorized Weapon Operator 24 or any unauthorized or other person holding the Weapon 1. The Forward Camera 2 displays whatever or whomever the Weapon 1 is pointed at. The various 360 cameras 3, in combination with the Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4, Forward Camera 2 and the rear camera and Rear Camera and Microphone 10 together provide a more complete view of the operating environment of Weapon 1 and various views are preferred to be displayed on the Control Screens 22 as best fit a particular application or situation. Control Screen 22 further provides the sound as preferred to Remote Authority 20 as received by any or all Microphones 9.

[0068] Control Screen 22 is further preferred to display the Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 image of the person utilizing the Weapon 1, and also a stored image or images of the Authorized Weapon Operator or operators for ready comparison of the images by Remote Authority 20. In one embodiment, a stored image or images of the Authorized Weapon Operators may be presented to the Remote Authority for easy comparison and certainty of authentication and authorization.

[0069] These displays and screens inform the Remote Authority 20 in real time of the location, who has possession, the current authorized or deauthorized status, and the current operation of each of the Weapon 1.

[0070] Remote Authority 20 has complete control over the status of each Weapon 1, and has complete authority and capability to immediately authenticate, authorize or deauthorize, individually and collectively in any grouping, any Weapon 1 within the functional, procedural and physical limits of this disclosure.

[0071] Further, Remote Authority 20 has all provided communication ability with all Weapons 1, both individually and as a group or subgroup, and the respective Authorized Weapon Operator or other unauthorized person holding any Weapon 1 regardless of the authorized or deauthorized status of any particular Weapon 1.

[0072] FIG. 9 details a Weapon Screen 23 displaying information that incorporates all the active Weapon 1 locations, and their relevant status, within a defined area or structure indicated by their respective numeric or other identifications on Display 21, and the current video views of each Weapon 1 on Control Screen 22.

[0073] Display 21 displays a representation of the physical layout of the structure, floor or other appropriate depiction of the operational area indicating the respective location of each authorized Weapon 1. The location of each authorized Weapon 1 is depicted in the Display 21 with the respective identification of each Weapon 1 displayed. In the present example five each Weapon 1, specifically 3, 6, 8, 9 and 11, are shown within the displayed structural layout, the layout in this case representing the respective floor area or areas. Customized representations are preferred to best accommodate each installation or area of coverage. The locations of all Weapon 1 are optionally displayable, including all Weapon 1 both in or removed from their respective Cabinets 17.

[0074] Control Screen 22 displays the various views from each Weapon 1 including the Forward Camera 2, the various 360 cameras 3, and Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4. In particular, the Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4 displays the image of the Authorized Weapon Operator 24 or any unauthorized or other person holding the Weapon 1. The various and selected views from each Weapon 1 are selectable and controllable by Screen Controls 26 for each Viewscreen 27 as denoted by an individual designation or number. The Weapon Location 28 of each Weapon 1 is preferred to be displayed in a manner such that Remote Authority 20 has full cognizance of the location of each Weapon 1 and it relationship to all other Weapons 1.

[0075] The Forward Camera 2 displays whatever or whomever the Weapon 1 is pointed at, in this case Perpetrator 25. The various 360 Cameras 3, in combination with the Authorized Weapon Operator Camera 4, Forward Camera 2 and the Rear Camera and Microphone 10 together provide a more complete view of the operating environment of Weapon 1 and various views are preferred to be displayed or displayable on the Control Screens 22 as best fit a particular application or situation. Control Screen 22 further provides the sound or sounds as preferred as received by any or all microphones 10.

[0076] Remote Authority 20 has complete control over the status of each Weapon land has complete authority and capability to immediately authorize or deauthorize, individually and collectively in any grouping, any Weapon 1 within the physical, functional and procedural limits of this disclosure as best suit the particular application and situation.

[0077] In one embodiment, all information from any camera or combination of cameras, and by any microphone or combination of microphones, and any location or other information received, computed, derived, or otherwise generated, be recorded in its entirety, or partially as preferred, and be fully available for future analysis, to meet all data or other requirements of a particular implementation or application.

[0078] In one embodiment, the Remote Authority 20 has full bi-directional audio communication capability with any or all Authorized Weapon Operators, or with any person or persons in possession of a Weapon 1, authorized or unauthorized, via the apparatus of Weapon 1 or other means as may best fit the desired application. It is a preferred embodiment that the Remote Authority 20 have full control over the use of Weapons 1 in activities to include police and military groups, hunting, schools, military establishments, prisons, and the confines of other controlled or restricted facilities, seasons, times or areas. It is a further preferred embodiment that Remote Authority 20 have full control within prescribed constraints wherein the Weapon 1 is any class or category or type of weapon or firearm, said signal authorizing or deauthorizing single or multiple or specific types or classes of Weapons 1.

[0079] The present disclosure further provides means and methods for immediate access to armed force when needed, provided with complete control and oversight, preventing the use of armed force unless the armed force is authenticated and authorized by a Remote Authority.

[0080] The Authorized Weapon Operator 24 is authenticable, and the Weapon 1 is authorizable and de-authorizable remotely, and supplemental or secondary authorization may be established for a predetermined operating time and location, or a predetermined mode for reauthorization of deauthorization controlled by a Remote Authority.

[0081] Authorization, deauthorization and viewing capability is dependent on the requirements of the preferred application, and all possible implementations, while application dependent, are preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0082] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including trade, technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terms weapon, gun and firearm are used interchangeably both in the singular and plural forms, and incorporate singly, jointly or as a group all physical and functional attributes of the embodiment and application of the present invention. The terms discharge and fire are used interchangeably as best fits the disclosure of the present embodiment. It is further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well known functions and common constructions are not described for brevity.