US20110209259A1

US20110209259A1 - Gunfire Detection and Satellite Positioning Tracking System for a Bullet-Proof Vest

Info

Publication number: US20110209259A1
Application number: US12/349,997
Authority: US
Inventors: Charles Chu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-12-04
Filing date: 2009-01-07
Publication date: 2011-09-01
Also published as: TW201022622A

Abstract

A gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest, including a detector, fitted with a GPS (Global Satellite Positioning System) tracker, located within a bullet-proof vest, the GPS tracker being provided with a GPS receiving circuit, a microprocessor and a signal transmission circuit. The detector detects circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets, and the detected information is transmitted to the microprocessor. The GPS receiving circuit receives geographic positioning satellite coordinate signals, which are then matched with an internal prestored geographic data base to obtain the position of the bullet-proof vest, which is then transmitted to the microprocessor. Accordingly, the microprocessor transmits the position of the bullet-proof vest and circumstances regarding being hit by bullets to a remote server using the signal transmission circuit, whereupon relevant authorities are notified, thereby speeding up emergency aid to personnel and rescue of casualties.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(a) Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest, and more particularly to a GPS (Global Satellite Positioning System) tracking system able to transmit the circumstances regarding a bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets to a remote server.
(b) Description of the Prior Art
Since development of the global satellite positioning system (GPS) by the American Military, and after the government made the GPS open to public use, there has been continuous advancement in related technology and technical products, including application in various industries and at various levels, greatly increasing the standard of living of people and improving convenience in daily life, even accelerating notification of emergencies and the speed of medical rescue.
The global satellite positioning system consists of several space satellites, ground control stations and GPS receivers. Currently, there are 24 space satellites orbiting the Earth, and each of the space satellites equally maintain transmission of geographic position satellite coordinate signals carrying satellite orbit data and time for every type of terrestrial GPS receiver to receive. The ground control stations are responsible for tracing and controlling operation of each of the space satellites, as well as being responsible for correcting and maintaining each of the space satellites, thereby enabling normal continual transmission of each type of parameter data to the GPS receivers.
However, satellite navigators of the prior art are only able to indicate current position, route direction and neighboring buildings, and are not used to record the circumstances regarding a bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets, resulting in the inability to effectively speed up the rescue of personnel, and thus limiting use range thereof. Hence, there is still a need for developmental design of other uses for satellite navigators.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Hence, in light of the shortcomings of the aforementioned prior art, the inventor of the present invention, having accumulated knowhow and manufacturing experience of a diverse range of GPS (Global Satellite Positioning System) products, attentively researched various methods to resolve the shortcomings, which, following continuous research and improvements, culminated in the design of a completely new gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest of the present invention.
The objective of the present invention is to provide the gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest with the facility to transmit the circumstances regarding a bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets to a remote server, and thereby speed up emergency aid to personnel and rescue of casualties.
According to the aforementioned objective, the gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest of the present invention comprises a detector disposed in a bullet-proof vest. The detector is fitted with a GPS tracker, and the GPS tracker is provided with a GPS receiving circuit, a microprocessor and a signal transmission circuit, wherein the detector is able to detect the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets, and the detected information is transmitted to the microprocessor of the GPS tracker. The GPS receiving circuit of the GPS tracker is able to receive geographic positioning satellite coordinate signals, after which the geographic positioning satellite coordinate signals are matched with an internal prestored geographic data base to obtain the position of the bullet-proof vest, whereupon the position is transmitted to the microprocessor. When in use, the microprocessor obtains the position of the bullet-proof vest from the GPS receiving circuit, and obtains the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets from the detector, whereupon the signal transmission circuit transmits the information obtained to a remote server. Accordingly, the remote server is then able to immediately notify the relevant authorities of the information, thereby speeding up emergency aid to personnel and rescue of casualties.
To enable a further understanding of said objectives and the technological methods of the invention herein, a brief description of the drawings is provided below followed by a detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an external elevational view of a bullet-proof vest of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a circuit block diagram of a gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention relates to a gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, which show the gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest of the present invention, wherein a detector 11 is disposed within a bullet-proof vest 10. The detector 11 is provided with a GPS (Global Satellite Positioning System) tracker 21, and the GPS tracker 21 is provided with a GPS receiving circuit 22, a microprocessor 23 and a signal transmission circuit 24, wherein the detector 11 and the GPS tracker 21 are connected together. The detector 11 is able to detect the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest 10 being hit by bullets, and the detected information is transmitted to the microprocessor 23 of the GPS tracker 21.
The microprocessor 23 of the GPS tracker 21 is separately connected to the GPS receiving circuit 22 and the signal transmission circuit 24. The GPS receiving circuit 22 of the GPS tracker 21 is able to receive geographic positioning satellite coordinate signals, after which the geographic positioning satellite coordinate signals are matched with an internal prestored geographic data base to obtain the position of the bullet-proof vest 10, whereupon the position is transmitted to the microprocessor 23.
According to the assembly of the aforementioned components, when in use, the microprocessor 23 obtains the position of the bullet-proof vest 10 from the GPS receiving circuit 22, and obtains information on the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest 10 being hit by bullets from the detector 11, whereupon the information is transmitted to a remote server 31 through the signal transmission circuit 24. At which time, the remote server 31 immediately notifies the relevant authorities of the information, thereby speeding up emergency aid to personnel and rescue of casualties.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the detector 11 can be installed to user firearms or vehicles, thereby enabling use in other configurations.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the signal transmission circuit 24 can be connected to the remote server 31 through wired means, thereby enabling the microprocessor 23 to transmit the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest 10 being hit by bullets and position of the bullet-proof vest 10 to the remote server 31 through wired transmission means.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the signal transmission circuit 24 can be connected to the remote server 31 through wireless means, thereby enabling the microprocessor 23 to transmit the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest 10 being hit by bullets and position of the bullet-proof vest 10 to the remote server 31 using wireless transmission means (such as: using RF (radio frequency) signals).
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a battery 12 is located within the bullet-proof vest 10, the battery 12 being connected to the detector 11, thereby enabling electric power to be supplied to the detector 11 and the GPS tracker 21.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the battery 12 can be a rechargeable battery (such as: high performance Lipoly (Lithium Polymer) rechargeable battery), which has a flexible external form and is convenient to recharge, moreover, the battery 12 can be connected to a solar panel (not shown in the drawings) located on the bullet-proof vest 10, thereby enabling electric power converted from solar energy received by the solar panel to charge the battery 12, thus enabling the battery 12 to maintain a fully charged state; or a battery charger can be used to charge the battery 12 and enable the battery 12 to maintain a fully charged state. Accordingly, electric power can be supplied to the detector 11 and the GPS tracker 21 for long periods of time.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, a switch (not shown in the drawings) is fitted to a fastener of the bullet-proof vest 10, and one end of the switch is connected to the detector 11 of the bullet-proof vest 10, while another end is connected to the battery 12. When using the bullet-proof vest 10, fastening of the fastener causes the switch to be in a current conducting (ON) state, thereby causing the battery 12 to supply power to the detector 11 and the GPS tracker 21. When the bullet-proof vest 10 is not being used, unfastening of the fastener causes the switch to be in a power-off (OFF) state, thereby causing the battery 12 to stop supplying power to the detector 11 and the GPS tracker 21. Accordingly, when not in use, the switch is closed, thereby achieving a power saving function.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the GPS receiving circuit 22 can use GPS, A-GPS (Assisted Global Satellite Positioning System) or GPSone (GPS One, Global Satellite Positioning System One) satellite positioning technology, and the GPS information, including a combination of circumstances related to the bullet-proof vest 10, such as time, position, altitude and speed, are transmitted to the remote server 31.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, communication media of the signal transmission circuit 24 includes various kinds of wireless communication, such as: RF, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet radio Services), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or satellite to satellite communication.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, when the GPS signal is weak, then the microprocessor 23 can control the signal receiving circuit 24 to replace the GPS positioning signal with a GSM or CDMA base station positioning signal LBS (Location Based Service)/GPSone (GPS One), or a function that automatically records the last time and position is used to record the position of the bullet-proof vest 10.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, when the detector 11 has not detected that the bullet-proof vest 10 has been hit by bullets within a period of time, then together with the GPS tracker 21, they are directed to enter a sleep mode, thereby achieving a power saving objective.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the detector 11 can use a thin-film switch or an impact sensor to detect the circumstances regarding being hit by bullets.
Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the detector 11 is able to detect the acting force when hit by bullets, and a trigger code for the acting force is transmitted to the microprocessor 23, thereby enabling the microprocessor 23 to transmit the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest 10 being hit by bullets and position of the bullet-proof vest 10 to the remote server 31, while simultaneously transmitting the trigger code for the acting force to the remote server 31 for inquiry use.
In conclusion, the gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest of the present invention is assuredly provided with an innovative structure not found in the prior art. Moreover, no similar products have been seen in any publication or in the market; the present invention is thus provided with undoubted originality. In addition, the present invention is provided with unique characteristics and functionality that are without comparison in the prior art. Hence, the incomparable advancement of the present invention clearly complies with the essential elements as required for a new patent application. Accordingly, a new patent application is proposed herein.
It is of course to be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention and that a wide variety of modifications thereto may be effected by persons skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest, comprising:

a bullet-proof vest, a detector is disposed within the bullet-proof vest, and the detector is able to detect the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets, whereupon the detected information is transmitted to a microprocessor of a GPS (Global Satellite Positioning System) tracker;

a GPS tracker fitted to the detector and connected thereto, the GPS tracker is provided with a GPS receiving circuit, the microprocessor and a signal transmission circuit, and the microprocessor is separately connected to the GPS receiving circuit and the signal transmission circuit; the GPS receiving circuit is able to receive geographic positioning satellite coordinate signals, and then the geographic positioning satellite coordinate signals are matched with an internal prestored geographic data base to obtain the position of the bullet-proof vest, whereupon the position is transmitted to the microprocessor;

whereby the microprocessor obtains the position of the bullet-proof vest from the GPS receiving circuit, and obtains the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets from the detector, whereupon the signal transmission circuit transmits the information obtained to a remote server, which notifies the relevant authorities, thereby speeding up emergency aid to personnel and rescue of casualties.

2. The gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest according to claim 1, wherein the detector is installed to user firearms or vehicles.

3. The gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest according to claim 1, wherein the signal transmission circuit is connected to the remote server through wired means, thereby enabling the microprocessor to transmit the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets and position of the bullet-proof vest to the remote server through wired transmission means.

4. The gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest according to claim 1, wherein the signal transmission circuit is connected to the remote server through wireless means, thereby enabling the microprocessor to transmit the circumstances regarding the bullet-proof vest being hit by bullets and position of the bullet-proof vest to the remote server through wireless transmission means.

5. The gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest according to claim 1, wherein a battery is located within the bullet-proof vest, and the battery is connected to the detector, thereby enabling electric power to be supplied to the detector and the GPS tracker.

6. The gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest according to claim 5, wherein the battery is a rechargeable battery, which is connected to a solar panel located on the bullet-proof vest, thereby enabling electric power converted from solar energy received by the solar panel to charge the battery, thus enabling the battery to maintain a fully charged state and supply electric power to the detector and the GPS tracker for long periods of time.

7. The gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest according to claim 1, wherein the GPS receiving circuit uses GPS, A-GPS (Assisted Global Satellite Positioning System) or GPSone (GPS One, Global Satellite Positioning System One) satellite positioning technology, and the GPS information elated to the bullet-proof vest, including a combination of time, position, altitude and speed, are transmitted to the remote server.

8. The gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest according to claim 1, wherein communication media of the signal transmission circuit includes various kinds of wireless communication, including: RF (Radio Frequency), GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications), GPRS (General Packet radio Services), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity) or satellite to satellite communication.

9. The gunfire detection and satellite positioning tracking system for a bullet-proof vest according to claim 1, wherein when the detector has not detected that the bullet-proof vest has been hit by bullets within a period of time, then together with the GPS tracker, they are directed to enter a sleep mode.