Pistol Activity Recording Device

Abstract

A device mountable on a pistol holster configured for detecting when a pistol is removed from the holster and, when removed, for activating a controller to receive, process, and record in memory audio signals from a microphone and to receive, process, and record in memory motion and compass direction signals. A connector is provided for transferring signal data to an external device configured with software for analyzing the acoustical characteristic of gunshots.

Claims

1. A device for recording pistol activity, the device comprising: a printed circuit board (PCB) mountable to a holster; a controller mounted on the PCB; an output connector coupled to the controller for outputting data stored in the memory to an external device; a memory coupled to the controller for storing data received from the controller; a battery coupled to the controller and memory for supplying electrical power to the controller and memory; a microphone coupled to the power supply and controller for generating audio signals to the controller for recordation in the memory; a spring-loaded lever rotatably mounted to the PCB and positionably dependent on the presence or absence of a pistol in the holster; a potentiometer coupled to the controller and positioned in a cooperative relationship with the lever to rotate synchronously with the lever and generate to the controller a resistance to electrical current corresponding to the angle of the lever; and wherein the controller is configured to activate the microphone for generating audio signals to the controller for recordation in the memory if the resistance to electrical current deviates more than a predetermined amount from the resistance to electrical current measured when the lever rests on a pistol positioned in the holster.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a clock coupled to the controller for providing date-time stamps for the controller to apply to the audio signals.

3. The device of claim 1, further comprising an accelerometer mounted to the PCB and coupled to the controller for generating to the controller motion signals indicative of motion along three axes, which motion signals are recordable by the controller in the memory.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a compass mounted to the PCB and coupled to the controller for generating to the controller direction signals indicative of direction of motion along three axes, which direction signals are recordable by the controller in the memory.

5. The device of claim 1, further comprising a gyroscope mounted to the PCB and coupled to the controller for generating to the controller gyroscopic signals indicative of orientation along three axes, which gyroscopic signals are recordable by the controller in the memory.

6. The device of claim 1, further comprising a record switch mounted on the device for activating the controller to receive and record to the memory the audio signals.

7. The device of claim 1, further comprising an indicator coupled to the controller to indicate that recording is active.

8. The device of claim 1, further comprising an indicator coupled to the controller to indicate battery status.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured for encrypting signals stored in memory.

10. The device of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured for recording audio signals for a predetermined period of time.

11. The device of claim 1, further comprising: motion and compass direction indicators coupled to the controller for generating to the controller signals indicative of motion and compass direction, which motion and compass direction signals the controller stores in the memory; and wherein the controller is configured for recording, for a predetermined period of time, audio signals and motion and compass direction signals.

12. The device of claim 1, further comprising an output connector mounted on the PCB and coupled to the controller for outputting data stored in the memory to a computer configured with acoustical characteristic software configured for analyzing gunshots recorded by the device against gunshots from the gun in question.

13. The device of claim 1, further comprising: an accelerometer mounted to the PCB and coupled to the controller for generating to the controller motion signals indicative of motion, which motion signals are recordable by the controller in the memory; and an output connector mounted to the PCB and coupled to the controller for outputting motion data stored in the memory to a computer configured with motion characteristic software configured for analyzing motion recorded by the device and for generating to a graphical display a graphical image representing motion of the user.

14. The device of claim 1 wherein the holster is made from Kydex®.

15. A method for recording pistol activity, the method comprising steps of: mounting a printed circuit board (PCB) to a holster, the PCB including: a controller mounted on the PCB; an output connector coupled to the controller for outputting data stored in the memory to an external device; a memory coupled to the controller for storing data received from the controller; a battery coupled to the controller and memory for supplying electrical power to the controller and memory; a microphone coupled to the power supply and controller for generating audio signals to the controller for recordation in the memory; a spring-loaded lever rotatably mounted to the PCB and positionably dependent on the presence or absence of a pistol in the holster; a potentiometer coupled to the controller and positioned in a cooperative relationship with the lever to rotate synchronously with the lever and generate to the controller a resistance to electrical current corresponding to the angle of the lever; positioning a pistol in the holster with the lever resting on the pistol; applying an electrical current through the potentiometer, measuring the resistance imposed by the potentiometer, and storing the measured resistance as a calibration resistance; determining if a subsequent resistance to electrical current applied to the potentiometer deviates more than a predetermined amount from the calibration resistance; upon a determination that the subsequent resistance to electrical current applied to the potentiometer deviates more than a predetermined amount from the calibration resistance, activating the microphone for generating audio signals to the controller for recordation in the memory; and encrypting signals stored in memory.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising: generating to the controller signals indicative of motion and compass direction; storing the motion and compass direction signals in the memory; and recording, for a predetermined period of time, audio signals and motion and compass direction signals.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: generating to the controller motion signals indicative of motion; recording the motion signals in the memory; and outputting motion data stored in the memory to a computer configured with motion characteristic software configured for analyzing motion recorded by the device and for generating to a graphical display a graphical image representing motion of the user.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, and the advantages thereof, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] FIG. 1 exemplifies a pistol in a holster to which is attached a pistol activity recording device embodying features of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 2 exemplifies the pistol of FIG. 1 in the process of being removed from the holster of FIG. 1;

[0014] FIG. 3 shows the pistol of FIG. 1 totally removed from the holster of FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 4 exemplifies a printed circuit board utilized in the pistol activity recording device of FIGS. 1-3;

[0016] FIG. 5 exemplifies a printed circuit board for use in an alternate embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIG. 6 exemplifies a block diagram showing various components and interconnections of the various components in one embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIG. 7 is a screenshot exemplifying acoustical characterizations of a gunshot;

[0019] FIG. 8 exemplifies an alternate embodiment of a holster for which the invention may be used;

[0020] FIG. 9A exemplifies a switch mounted on the holster of FIG. 8;

[0021] FIG. 9B is a cross-section of the pistol and holster of FIG. 9A taken along the line 9B-9B of FIG. 9A;

[0022] FIG. 10 exemplifies one ancillary device that may be used in connection with the device of FIGS. 1-9B to insert in the barrel of a gun which does not holster;

[0023] FIG. 11 exemplifies an alternative ancillary device that may be used in connection with the device of FIGS. 1-9B to insert in the barrel of a gun which does not holster;

[0024] FIG. 12 exemplifies a Kydex® holster with a switch mounted therein;

[0025] FIG. 13 shows a switch internal to the Kydex® holster of FIG. 12; and

[0026] FIG. 14 is a flow chart exemplifying steps of operation of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Refer now to the drawings wherein depicted elements are, for the sake of clarity, not necessarily shown to scale and wherein like or similar elements are designated by the same reference numeral through the several views. In the interest of conciseness, well-known elements may be illustrated in schematic or block diagram form in order not to obscure the present invention in unnecessary detail, and details concerning various other components known to the art, such as printed circuit boards, and components thereof necessary for the operation of many electrical devices, have not been shown or discussed in detail inasmuch as such details are not considered necessary to obtain a complete understanding of the present invention, and are considered to be within the skills of persons of ordinary skill in the relevant art. Additionally, as used herein, the term “substantially” is to be construed as a term of approximation.

[0028] It is noted that, unless indicated otherwise, many functions described herein may be performed by a processor such as a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic data processor, a computer, or the like, in accordance with code, such as program code, software, integrated circuits, and/or the like that are coded to perform such functions. Furthermore, it is considered that the design, development, and implementation details of all such code would be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art based upon a review of the present description of the invention.

[0029] The term “pistol” is used herein to represent any weapon that a person may carry in a holster, such as a knife, stun gun, pepper spray, and the like.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 100 generally designates a pistol activity recording system incorporating a holster 104 carrying a pistol 102. A pistol activity recording device 106 is secured to the holster and includes a holster switch lever 108. As discussed in further detail below, if lever 108 moves more than 20° clockwise or counterclockwise, shown by arc 108a, that is indicative that pistol 102 has been removed from holster 104, as shown more clearly in FIGS. 2 and 3. Accordingly, movement of the lever 108 in the clockwise direction is shown in FIG. 2 with the partial removal of pistol 102 from holster 104. Movement of the lever 108 in the counter-clockwise direction is shown in FIG. 3 with the full removal of pistol 102 from holster 104.

[0031] FIGS. 4-6 exemplify two embodiments 200 and 202 and an electrical schematic 204 of a printed circuit board (“PCB”) constituting pistol activity recording device 106 embodying features of the present invention, preferably including the following. It is noted that downwardly pointing triangular arrows in FIG. 6 represent ground.

[0032] A controller 250, also referred to as a microcontroller, controls operations of device 106. A memory 252 is coupled to controller 250 for storing program code and data generated and used by controller 250. Memory 252 is preferably an embedded micro SD card that is not easily accessible by a user, and which has a capacity of preferably at least 4 GB, up to about 64 GB.

[0033] A battery 260 is provided on the underside (as viewed in FIG. 4) of the PCB for supplying power to the PCB and its components. Battery 260 is preferably a rechargeable lithium ion battery that holds a charge of 4.5 to 5.5 volts. A power management module 254 preferably includes a battery charger 259 for charging battery 260, and a power regulator 258 for maintaining a voltage such as 3.3 volts to the components of the PCB.

[0034] There are preferably four light emitting diodes (“LEDs”) indicators. A first LED 264, preferably green, indicates that the system is on and in a standby mode. The system is not doing anything obvious, but every approximately 0.5 seconds, an electronic log report is made, for example, that the pistol is in the holster and in standby mode. A second LED 265, preferably yellow, indicates that the person is wearing a holster. If the person hits the interface button on the front of the device, it starts recording, just as if the weapon were drawn, and will record for preferably thirty minutes, with all sensors live, and will automatically shut down at the sooner of thirty minutes or the battery dead. A third LED 266, preferably red, indicates that the device is active and a weapon is deployed. The device records for up to the sooner of four hours or until the battery is dead or the device runs out of memory. A fourth LED 267, preferably blue, indicates that data is being transferred from the device.

[0035] Two user switches are provided: a Power ON/OFF switch 256, and a user push record switch (“US”) 262. Record switch 262 will preferably provide at least 30 minute increments of record time from the moment a user switch is pressed.

[0036] Micro USB connector 268 is preferably USB-C coupled to controller 250 for transferring data to and from device 106 and for providing battery charge when the USB cable is powered by an external source. USB 268 may operate as a flash drive host when a USB flash drive is connected. ON/OFF switch 256 must be in ON position and battery sufficiently charged to support a flash drive.

[0037] A remote enable connector 1224 and 324 (FIGS. 9A and 12, respectively) facilitates connecting to controller 250 an external switch connector for accessories to enable the recorder.

[0038] A real time clock (“RTC”) 272 coupled to controller 250 is preferably set when manufactured and includes its own power source, preferably a battery 270 that can power the RTC for an extended time, such as seven years. RTC 272 is used by controller 250 for appending date-time stamps to data recorded in memory 252.

[0039] A motion detector (“MD”) 274 is coupled to controller 250 and preferably includes components such as an accelerometer, gyroscope, and compass for detecting motion, acceleration, direction of motion, and orientation of a user during an altercation. The data generated is preferably received and managed and encrypted by controller 250 and stored in memory 252.

[0040] A microphone 276 is coupled to controller 250 for receiving audio generated during an altercation. The audio is preferably recorded at 44.1 kHz with a bit depth of at least 16, preferably 32. More or less audio resolution may be used as suitable or as desirable. Microphone 276 is preferably supplemented with an amplifier 278 connected between microphone 276 and controller 250, and the amplifier preferably includes Automatic Gain Control (“AGC”). Microphone 276 is preferably replaceable should the unit get wet.

[0041] The ON/OFF switch 256 powers on and off device 106. When switch 256 is OFF, operation of the device is disabled, with exception of the battery charging function 259. User push record switch 262 may be pressed by a user to initiate recording or audio and motion. An external switch connect 257 is effective in connecting an external switch to initiate recording, as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 8-13.

[0042] Lever 108 (FIGS. 1-4) is coupled to a potentiometer 280 which is coupled to controller 250 for generating resistance to electrical current by which controller 250 can detect an amount of angular movement of lever 108. In operation, the lever is calibrated when pistol 102 is positioned in holster 104. This is done by positioning pistol 102 in holster 104 while device 106 is powered off. Then, when it is powered on, controller 250 stores in memory 252 the angle of lever 108 (determined by resistance imposed by potentiometer 280). Then, if that angle deviates by a predetermined amount, such as a deviation greater than 20° (see arc 108a in FIG. 1), that is indicative that pistol 102 is being, or has been, removed from holster 104, and audio and motion should begin recording, as discussed in further detail below.

[0043] FIG. 5 shows an alternate embodiment PCB 202 of PCB 200 which is similar to that shown in FIG. 4, but for the absence of potentiometer 280 and lever 108. PCB 202 facilitates use with remote switches, such as discussed below with respect to FIGS. 8-13.

[0044] FIG. 6 depicts the components discussed above with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5, and their respective interconnections. As depicted in FIG. 6, in furtherance of the foregoing, a holster connection and activity detection module 500 is coupled for two-way communication via lines 502 and 504 with external switch (holster switch or lever potentiometer) connect 257. Module 500 is connected to a wake timer 261 via a line 506, and to controller 250 via lines 508 and 510, as discussed in further detail below.

[0045] In operation, when device 106 is enabled by one of the switch inputs 256 or 262 via line 508, the unit is preferably configured to record audio, motion, and compass direction of motion for a predetermined period of time, such as 30 minutes or more. After the predetermined period of time, the unit shuts down to conserve battery charge. Operation is indicated by a Run Indicator red LED 266. Audio and motion recording is activated by one of user push record switch 262 (FIGS. 4 and 6), holster switch 108 (FIGS. 1 and 4), a closed remote switch 1206 (FIGS. 9A and 9B) or 302 (FIG. 13) (used in a purse or carry pouch clip option), and wake timer 261 (FIG. 6) coupled between potentiometer 280 and controller 250. Once activated, module 500 receives via lines 502 and 504 holster switch or lever potentiometer measurements from external switch connect 257. The holster switch or lever potentiometer measurements are communicated to controller 250 via line 510 for processing. Alternatively, for the lever potentiometer connection, module 500 may receive via line 512 the holster lever position setting from controller 250, and determine the differential lever measurement between the setting and actual lever position. The determined differential lever measurement would be sent via line 510 to controller 250. It is believed that the design of module 500 to perform as described herein would be apparent to a person having ordinary skill in the art and, therefore, will not be described in further detail herein, except insofar as necessary to describe the invention.

[0046] When USB power 254 is applied, the lithium-ion (Li-ion) type rechargeable battery 260 will recharge and charge status will be presented. The charge indicator will light 266 when power is applied for about 2 seconds minimum and then indicate charging status.

[0047] Each device 106 is preferably provided with a unique 128 bit serial number that is applied for device tracking and record file encryption. The serial is embedded in controller 250 during manufacturing and is applied to all recordings of data.

[0048] A recorded data event is maintained in one of two formats: Two time-stamped and time-sequenced files where one file contains audio data and one file contains motion data, or one file contains all of the event data. File(s) will preferably be encrypted by a unique algorithm that includes unit serial number and a digital pass key to decrypt.

[0049] Audio recording at memory 252 will provide playback, preferably compliant to a 44.1 KHz or 48 KHz Wave file. Motion detector 274 will preferably provide a 100 Hz sample rate.

[0050] Recorded files will preferably be maintained on SD memory card 252 until memory space is required by a new recording event. The files are preferably removed in sequence of oldest first (FIFO) as memory space is needed.

[0051] Recorded files at memory 252 will preferably be copied to a connected USB flash drive automatically in order of most recent file to the oldest file. Files will preferably be copied until SD memory card 252 files are copied complete or USB flash memory is full, whichever occurs first. USB flash memory will preferably not be formatted or existing files erased or modified.

[0052] The Record Status green LED indicator 264 will preferably flash at about a 1 second rate during USB file transfers and go out when complete. If an error occurs connecting the USB or transferring at least one event set of files, the green status light 264 will preferably go out and the red battery light 266 will preferably flash about twice a second for five seconds.

[0053] USB connection 268 will preferably stop any recording in process and close the record file. This file will preferably be the first file copied to the USB flash drive.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, by way of example but not limitation, device 106 would preferably be characterized as follows: [0055] Mechanical Size: 4 inches long, 0.8 inches wide, 0.6 inches High maximum [0056] Battery Life: sufficient to record for at least one hour (e.g., 220 maH capacity) [0057] Charging Supply: +4.5V to +5.5V, 100 ma typical (2.5 hour full charge rate) [0058] Real Time Clock: +/−30 minutes per year, 7 years minimum run time [0059] Weight: TBD (6 oz estimated-AL 6061) [0060] Microphone: 60 dB Gain minimum, AGC controlled (low distortion/no clipping)

[0061] Connector, switch, and indicator locations may be adjusted depending on various factors, such as mechanical packaging.

[0062] FIG. 7 exemplifies a screen display 700 generated by an external computer (not shown) showing acoustical characteristic software for analyzing gunshots recorded by the device against gunshots from the gun in question. Screen display 700 includes a menu bar 702 for controlling functionality of the software. Gyroscopic data 718, compass (magnetometer) data 720, and motion data 722, all along color-coded x, y, and z coordinate axes, are displayed in motion on screen 700. A visual of how that data affected the user is shown graphically in screen portions 704-712. Screen portion 704 displays a frontal view of the user, while 706 shows a right side view, 708 a left side view, 710 a top view, and 712 a back view. For example, if a user is knocked down, it would be reflected in each view accordingly. Screen portion 714 displays audio in decibels, on the vertical axis, with time on the horizontal axis. In a preferred embodiment, the decibel waves shown move from right to left with current time shown by a stationary line 715.

[0063] In a further embodiment, FIGS. 8-9B exemplify an alternate embodiment of the invention, useful when a pistol is not kept in a holster on, for example, a person's belt. A Kydex® or similar trigger guard 1200 is adapted with a mechanical switch 1206 to activate the Record function when pistol 102 is removed from the trigger guard. Switch 1206 is secured to trigger guard 1200 through hole 1204. Switch 1206 is electrically connected to controller 250 through a tether cable 1208 comprising wires 1224, which preferably connect to controller 250 through external connection 257. Cable 1208 preferably passes through a hole 1212 into an interior portion of trigger guard 1200, and is secured to trigger guard 1200 by restraint 1210 and to a purse or pouch or the like via a hook such as a carabiner 306 secured on cable 1208 via a tie 1222. Additionally, trigger guard 1200 provides an extra layer of protection by enclosing the trigger, and it is easily adaptable to any weapon. A trigger guard would preferably include tether cable 1208 and carabiner 306.

[0064] In a still further embodiment, FIGS. 10 and 11 exemplify ancillary devices 150 and 170, respectively, that may be used in connection with the device 106 of FIGS. 1-7 to insert in the barrel of a gun which does not holster, but which may be stored elsewhere, such as in a purse or pouch. When a pistol is removed from a purse, the device 150 or 170 is dislodged from the barrel, allowing a flexible metal strip, such as the strip 156 or 172 to expand and close a circuit which activates (i.e., closes) a switch to record subsequent activity, as would the holster switch lever 108.

[0065] In a still further embodiment, FIGS. 12 and 13 utilize a Kydex® trigger guard 300 as described above with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9. A switch 302 however is mounted under the pistol barrel and is configured for sending a signal through a tether cable 304 if pistol 102 is removed from the trigger guard. Tether cable 304 comprising wires 324 is secured to a purse or pouch or the like via a hook such as a carabiner 306 secured on tether cable 304 via a tie 322.

[0066] FIG. 14 exemplifies steps 1400 in the operation of the invention. Beginning in step 1402, execution proceeds to step 1404 wherein a determination is made whether pistol 102 has been removed from holster 104. If it is not determined that pistol 102 has been removed from holster 104, then execution remains at step 1404; otherwise, execution proceeds to step 1406. While not shown, a person may alternatively override step 1404 by activating record switch 262 to manually initiate recording and proceed directly to step 1406. In step 1406, controller 250 is activated and green status LED 264 lights up. In steps 1408-1414, audio signals are received and encrypted, a date-time stamp is appended to the encrypted audio data, and the encrypted audio signal is recorded in memory 252. Steps 1410 and 1412 may be reversed. In steps 1418-1424, motion signals are received and encrypted, a date-time stamp is appended to the encrypted motion data, and the encrypted motion signal is recorded in memory 252. Steps 1420-1422 may be reversed. At step 1416, a determination is made whether to quit recording due to a timeout (e.g., after 30 minutes), or due to low battery power. If not, then execution returns to steps 1408 and 1418.

[0067] It is understood that the present invention may take many forms and embodiments. Accordingly, several variations may be made in the foregoing without departing from the spirit or the scope of the invention. For example, capacitive touch activation may be utilized to operate the device, e.g., to power on the device, or activate the record function.

[0068] In another example, Near Field Sensing (NFS), a system that communicates in one direction, may be employed by sensing the presence of a small fixed magnetic field that can be strategically positioned on the weapon to signify that the weapon is either in the holster or has been deployed by closing a switch.

[0069] In a still further example, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a weapon deployment indicator much like NFS, but it relies on radio signals transmitted back from an RFID chip and a transmitter is positioned on the weapon to discern whether a weapon is either in the holster or has been deployed.

[0070] In a still further example, Bluetooth and/or Near Field Communication (NFC) may be used to transfer and store data on a phone, activate the phone's audio and/or visual recording system, establish a GPS location, and automatically dial 911 and send data, such as a user's location.

[0071] Having thus described the present invention by reference to certain of its preferred embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than limiting in nature and that a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are contemplated in the foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such variations and modifications may be considered obvious and desirable by those skilled in the art based upon a review of the foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.