SOUND TRIGGERED FIREARM

Abstract

Apparatus and methods facilitating the discharge of a firearm by sound are disclosed. The present invention relates to methods and means of firing a firearm on the firearms receipt of a sound avoiding the use of a mechanical trigger facilitating the grip of the firearm not changing during the act of firing avoiding any motion by the shooter therefore improving the accuracy of the aim of the firearm. No personalization or additional security is incorporated in the firearm.

Claims

1. The method of a firearm configured with means to initiate the firing of a round or rounds upon receipt of an audio signal further comprising; a firearm having a frame with a handle, a barrel carried by said frame, and an audio initiated firing system initiating the discharge of a bullet through said barrel; an audio discharge initiation system being comprised of one or more microphones positioned either on or remotely from the firearm to receive an audio signal, said audio signal being generated by the shooter; means for recording and storing an audio signal, said audio signal being generated by the shooter and recorded by one or more Microphones positioned to receive an audio signal; means to compare the recorded audio signal to an audio signal received by a microphone, received either locally at the firearm or remotely via a communication signal, and discharging the firearm upon the audio signals matching within predefined parameters.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising the firearm discharge further controlled by a tilt sensor.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising the firearm discharge further controlled by a fire control button.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising a countdown timer controlling the selectable period in which the firearm can be discharged.

5. The method of claim 1 further comprising discharging the firearm upon receipt of the signal of an unvoiced alveolar lateral click sound made by the shooter.

6. The method of claim 1 further comprising means of a remotely located headset facilitating a microphone further facilitating the attached or remote control of the discharge of the firearm; a communication system between a remote microphone and the firearm; the communication system signal being transmitted and received by either electrical, electromagnetic, radio, optical, or any combination thereof.

7. The method of claim 1 further comprising the firearm receiving an audio signal; comparing the received audio signal to the recorded audio signal; the audio signals not matching and the gun reverting to an initial condition;

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the firearm receiving an audio signal; comparing the received audio signal to the recorded audio signal; the audio signals matching and the gun firing.

9. The method of claim 1 further receiving an audio signal of a determined frequency and amplitude to include a human produced audio signal and firing upon receipt of the audio signal.

10. The method of claim 1 further a trigger firing the firearm after initiation of the Fire button.

11. The method of claim 1 further comprising a trigger allowing the firing of the firearm within a predetermined time after initiation of the Fire Button.

12. The method of claim 1 further comprising upon the firearm firing the shot the firearm reverts to a no-fire or manual fire condition.

13. The method of claim 1 further comprising that the firearm be activated or deactivated solely by the condition of an authorizing button.

14. The process of a firearm configured with means to initiate the firing of a round or rounds upon receipt of a signal; one or more Microphones receiving an audio signal; a Fire/Record Select Switch selected for the recording of an audio signal; the audio signal being compared to a recorded signal; the received audio signal matching the recorded audio signal; the receiving audio microphone going into safe mode; the firearm discharging.

15. The process of a remote firearm communication and control comprising: a firearm configured with means to initiate the firing of a round or rounds upon receipt of a predetermined signal; the signal sent to the firearm by a cable connection, a radio or an optical communication; the firearm receiving the predetermined signal and discharging the firearm.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0047] FIG. 1 illustrates the principal components of the present invention. It is comprised of the individual components including a Firearm 1, a Microphone 2, a Fire/Record Select Switch 3, a Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4, a Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5, a Fire Button 13, an Optical Receiver 16, and a Change of Position Detector 17.

[0048] FIG. 2 illustrates the principal components of the present invention. It is comprised of the individual components including a Firearm 1, a Microphone 2, a Fire/Record Select Switch 3, a Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4, a Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5, a Manual Trigger 6, a Fire Button 13, an Optical Receiver 16, and a Change of Position Detector 17.

[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a Headset 12 comprised of Frame 7, Headset Microphone 8, Connector 9, Radio/Interface 10, Ear Protection 11, Command To Fire 14, and an Optical Transmitter 15.

[0050] FIG. 4 illustrates a handgun comprised of the individual components including a Firearm 1, Trigger 6, a Microphone 2, a Fire/Record Select Switch 3, Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4, Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5, a Fire Button 13, an Optical Receiver 16, and a Change of Position Detector 17.

[0051] FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level logic flow of a Microphone 2 initiated firing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] 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.

[0053] In regard to the following description of the Figures, the terms and their preferred embodiments follow.

[0054] FIG. 1 illustrates the principal components of the present invention. The term Firearm 1 refers to a firearm of any type to include all rifles, handguns, specialty and military firearms. Firearms are typically those that throw a projectile using compressed gas, though other methods and means are possible and are included in the present disclosure. It is comprised of a stock, body and barrel, a Microphone 2, placed in a position near the mouth of the shooter when the firearm is held in the typical shooting orientation, a Fire/Record Select Switch 3, Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4, Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5, Fire Button 13, an Optical Receiver 16, and a Change of Position Detector 17.

[0055] The Microphone 2 is any type of device that can receive a sound or pressure wave of any type and frequency and produce a signal.

[0056] The Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is a three or more position switch. In one position the Firearm 1 is selected to be in a fire mode, in particular in a mode to receive a signal from Microphone 2, compare that signal to a stored signal such as a sound, and if the signals match within a predetermined manner fires the Firearm 1. In the Record position it allows a sound received by Microphone 1 to be received and stored for future comparison. An off position is provided to support various implementations of the present invention.

[0057] The firearm incorporates means to record the sound command to fire the gun as generated by the shooter through Microphone 2. The Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is preferred as a three or more position switch to include an off position. The Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is set to Record and the shooter speaks the sound to fire the gun into Microphone 2. This sound is recorded and stored within the electronics of the gun (not shown). When the shooter is ready to fire, the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is set to Fire. The time that the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 remains in the Fire position is preferred to be limited to a few seconds, and 10 seconds is a preferred embodiment. If no command to Fire is given by the shooter within the time allotted (the 10 seconds) the gun reverts to a no-fire condition. Within the time allotted, the shooter aims the weapon and when ready makes the fire sound into the Microphone 2. This sound is then compared by the electronics (not shown) to the sound made by the shooter during recording. If these sounds are matching within prescribed constraints the gun will fire the round. If they do not the gun will not fire. All of the recording and fire command activities and actions may also be accomplished through the use of a Headset 12 as shown in FIG. 3 through Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4, and/or Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5. All inputs of the command to fire from the various devices are through the Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4, the Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5, or the Optical Transmitter 15 and the Optical Receiver 16.

[0058] A preferred embodiment of the present invention that is a simpler alternative to comparing a recorded sound to a command to fire sound is to simply fire when the Microphone 2 receives a sound within the given time as initiated by the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 that is within the predetermined frequency range, duration and amplitude. For example, a preferred method of the present invention is the use of the click sound to initiate the firearm. The technical name for a sound of this type is an unvoiced alveolar lateral click as previously stated. This click is within a consistent frequency range, duration and amplitude for almost all persons as previously stated. A circuit to interpret the sound signal and initiate firing is preferred to be a Band Pass filter comprised of capacitors, resistors, and coils or their circuit equivalents. In this manner the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is not used or required to be incorporated into the firearm.

[0059] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use of an Optical Receiver 16. The Optical Transmitter 15 mounted on Headset 12 (FIG. 3) transmits a command to fire via an optical signal to Optical Receiver 16. This action may be initiated by pressing Fire Button 13.

[0060] The Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is selected in the fire position. In this manner no sound is made by the shooter to fire the weapon.

[0061] The Level 17 detects the vertical angle of the Firearm 1. The orientation of the Firearm 1 in terms of the vertical angle is compared to the preset of Level 17, and a signal from Level 17 is returned indicating that the Firearm 1 is or is not within the allowed vertical angle limits. When the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is in the Fire position, and/or the Fire Button 13 is pressed depending on the desired operation of the Firearm 1, the Level 17 detects the current vertical orientation of Firearm 1 and allows or disallows operation of Firearm 1. If the vertical orientation of Firearm 1 changes by an amount preset by the manufacturer, or set by a user determined amount, the Level 1 signal prevents firing of the Firearm 1 and reverts Firearm 1 to a no-fire condition. In this manner the Firearm 1 cannot inadvertently fire when the gun is lowered or holstered, preventing accidents.

[0062] The allowed angle and the limits of that angle at which Firearm 1 may be operated are either preset by the manufacturer or set by the user. For example, if the Firearm 1 is to be used to fire on a target, and the target will be within plus or minus 10 degrees of 5 degrees above the horizontal, the Level 17 limits are set to plus 15 degrees, and minus 5 degrees, then the shooter takes aim, the Firearm 1 is pointed at 5 degrees above the horizontal, and the shot can be made. If the Firearm 1 is lowered or raised outside of its 20 degree allowed vertical range the Firearm 1 reverts to a no fire condition.

[0063] FIG. 2 illustrates the principal components of the present invention. It is comprised of the individual components including a Firearm 1, comprised of a stock, body and barrel, but in this case a trigger is provided, Trigger 6. A Microphone 2 is provided and normally placed in a position near the mouth of the shooter when the firearm is held in a shooting orientation, a Fire/Record Select Switch 3, Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4, Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5, Optical Receiver 16, a Change of Position Detector Safety 17, and a Fire Button 13.

[0064] Manual Trigger 6 is a squeezable trigger to initiate firing of Firearm 1. It requires Fire Button 13 to be depressed and optionally the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 to be in the Fire or off positions as desired for the particular firearm and its preferred function.

[0065] In this case the gun may be fired as a regular firearm by depressing the Fire Button 13 and using the Trigger 6, or when the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is in the Fire position, respond to the sound received through Microphone 2 as in the FIG. 1 explanation. In this manner the firearm may act both as a somewhat regular firearm with the ability to become a high accuracy firearm eliminating any inaccuracy introduced by the Trigger 6 as desired.

[0066] A preferred embodiment of the present invention that is a simpler alternative to comparing a recorded sound to a command to fire sound is to simply fire when the Microphone 2 receives a sound within the given the time as initiated by the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 that is within a predetermined frequency range, duration and amplitude as previously discussed.

[0067] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use of Fire Button 13. The Fire Button 13 is located on the firearm such that it is easily depressed during the normal grip. When Fire Button 13 is pressed by the shooter it allows the manual operation of Trigger 6 to fire Firearm 1. When Fire Button 13 is pressed and held the Firearm 1 is preferred to operate much as a standard firearm in that pulling Trigger 6 will cause Firearm 1 to fire. Fire Button 13 is preferred to be operable as a function of the natural grip of the firearm as desired. The Fire Button 13 is preferred to be a momentary plunger snap action pushbutton that is normally open, or equivalent, conducting electricity in the depressed position. While the Fire Button 13 is depressed the gun is placed into a fire condition and may fire immediately, or upon receipt of the sound signal to fire, or by comparison to a prerecorded sound signal, or to a sound level and duration/frequency, being received by Headset Microphone 8. In this manner the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is not used or required to be incorporated into the firearm.

[0068] FIG. 3. Illustrates the Headset 12, comprised of Headset Microphone 8, Headset Microphone Line 9, Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Transmitter 10, Headset retainer 7, Command To Fire 14, Optical Transmitter 15 and Earpieces 11.

[0069] Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4 is a wired connection to Headset 12 providing a conduction path for sending and receiving signals to and from the Firearm 1.

[0070] Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5 is a radio wave communications link between the Firearm 1 and the Headset 12. When it is connected functions on the Firearm 1 such as the Microphone 2 and others as required are disabled and the Headset 12 provides these functions.

[0071] Frame 7 is the headset frame for Headset 12. It is preferred to be suitable for holding the mechanisms it supports firmly but comfortably on a person's head.

[0072] Radio/Interface 10 is the Headset 12 radio communications link to the Firearm 1 via Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5. It is a radio wave communications link between the Firearm 1 and the Headset 12. This link may be one way or bi-directional as required for the particular implementation of the present disclosure.

[0073] Command To Fire 14 button is mounted on Headset 12, and when pressed by the shooter issues a command to Firearm 1 to fire. This command is sent by either or all of the connections between the Headset 12 and the Firearm 1 as preferred for the particular application of the present invention. This signal may be sent by Connector 9 through Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4, or by Optical Transmitter 15 and received by Optical Receiver 16, or sent and received by Radio/Interface 10 and Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5. In this manner no sound is made by the shooter to fire the weapon. The Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is optionally required to be incorporated into the firearm and, if it is incorporated, is preferred to be set to the Fire position.

[0074] Optical Transmitter 15 is mounted on Headset 12 and transmits a signal to Optical Receiver 16 on the Firearm 1 when the Command To Fire 14 is pressed, or other action is made such as speaking into Headset Microphone 8. When the signal is received the Firearm 1 may be made to fire as per the particular configuration as desired.

[0075] Ear Protection 11 provides hearing protection to the wearer of Headset 12.

[0076] Headset 12 incorporates functions and embodiments to operate Firearm 1 both when the shooter is holding Firearm 1 and remotely, when the Firearm 1 and the shooter are separated and the shooter is not holding Firearm 1. Independent power (not shown), such as batteries, are incorporated into Headset 12 as required for the preferred application.

[0077] Headset Microphone 8 performs the same function as Microphone 2, and is any type of device that can receive a sound or pressure wave of any type and frequency and produce a signal.

[0078] Connector 9 is a cable of the desired length and physical characteristics to connect Headset 12 to Firearm 1 via any means as desired. A preferred means is electrical and mechanical. Connector 9 provides electrical power to Headset 12 from Firearm 1 and sends and receives signals as per the desired implementation of the present invention.

[0079] The Headset 12 is placed over the head of the shooter, and Headset Microphone Line 9 is plugged into Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4 on the gun. When this happens, the firearm mounted Microphone 2 is made inoperable and is functionally replaced by Headset Microphone 8. Alternatively, Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5 and Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Transmitter 10 may be activated and the shooter actually be situated some distance from the gun. In this manner a trainer could be employed with a beginner shooter or other positions and operations could be conducted that required the shooter and the gun to be separated. Optionally the Optical Transmitter 15 and Optical Receiver 16 may be used to also accomplish this task without radio transmission.

[0080] Earpieces 11 are preferred to attenuate the shot noise to protect the shooters ears and may incorporate communication devices, ear plugs or ear plug retainers as desired.

[0081] It is a preferred embodiment of the present invention that, using the Headset Microphone Line 9, and Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Transmitter 10 or Headset Microphone Line 9, a communications link is remotely established with the weapon, the weapon may be remotely mounted and fired from a distance, with the shooter not in close proximity or in contact with the weapon. The weapon may be mounted on a tripod or other support or mount and precisely aimed at the desired target. The shooter then gives the command to fire and the weapon fires. In this manner the shooter is not exposed and the weapon may be fully operational at a distance.

[0082] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use of an Optical Receiver 16. The Optical Transmitter 15 mounted on Headset 12 transmits a command to fire via an optical signal to Optical Receiver 16. This action may be initiated by pressing the Command To Fire 14 button. In this manner no sound is made by the shooter to fire the weapon. In this manner the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is optionally required to be incorporated into the firearm.

[0083] It is a preferred embodiment that the Headset 12 incorporate an Optical Command 15 that transmits an optical command to Optical Receiver 16 mounted on the weapon. In this manner the command to fire may not be jammed by radio interference.

[0084] It is a preferred embodiment that the Headset 12 incorporate a Command To Fire 14 button that when pressed issues the fire command to the weapon. In this manner the need to speak a fire command is eliminated and the shooter is completely silent.

[0085] FIG. 4 illustrates the principal components of the present invention when applied to a handgun or other firearm not suitable for shouldering. It is comprised of the individual components including a Firearm 1, comprised of a grip, body and barrel, and in this case an optional trigger is provided, Trigger 6, a Microphone 2, a Fire/Record Select Switch 3, Headset Microphone/Fire Command Jack 4, Remote Microphone/Fire Command Radio Link 5, Optical Receiver 16, and a Fire Button 13.

[0086] In this case the gun may be fired as a regular firearm using the trigger, and when the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is in the Fire position, respond to the sound received through Microphone 2 as in the FIG. 1 explanation. In this manner the firearm may act as a regular firearm with the ability to become a high accuracy firearm eliminating any inaccuracy introduced by a trigger being pulled.

[0087] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use of Fire Button 13. The Fire Button 13 is located on the grip of the pistol shown such that it is easily depressed during the normal gripping of the firearm. While the Fire Button 13 is depressed the gun is placed into a fire condition and may be fired upon receipt of the sound signal to fire or when the trigger is pulled. In this manner the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is not used or required to be incorporated into the firearm.

[0088] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use of an Optical Receiver 16. The Optical Transmitter 15 mounted on Headset 12 transmits a command to fire via an optical signal to Optical Receiver 16. This action may be initiated by pressing Fire Button 13 or by making a pre-recorded sound into Headset Microphone 8. In this manner no sound is made by the shooter and to fire the weapon. In this manner the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is optionally required to be incorporated into the firearm.

[0089] FIG. 5 illustrates a high-level logic flow for a sound-controlled firing and recording sequence. When the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is in the Record position, the sound made into Microphone 2 is recorded and stored. When the Fire/Record Select Switch 3 is set to the Fire position, the sound made into Microphone 2 is compared to the stored sound. If the sounds match within the prescribed parameters the gun fires, and if not within the prescribed parameters the gun resets. If there is no stored sound the gun will fire and then reset.

[0090] 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 gun and firearm are used interchangeably both in the singular and plural forms. 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.