CA2565484A1 - Weapon system comprising module identification - Google Patents
Weapon system comprising module identification Download PDFInfo
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- CA2565484A1 CA2565484A1 CA002565484A CA2565484A CA2565484A1 CA 2565484 A1 CA2565484 A1 CA 2565484A1 CA 002565484 A CA002565484 A CA 002565484A CA 2565484 A CA2565484 A CA 2565484A CA 2565484 A1 CA2565484 A1 CA 2565484A1
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- Prior art keywords
- identifier
- weapons
- module
- modules
- recorded
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A11/00—Assembly or disassembly features; Modular concepts; Articulated or collapsible guns
- F41A11/02—Modular concepts, e.g. weapon-family concepts
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F41—WEAPONS
- F41A—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS COMMON TO BOTH SMALLARMS AND ORDNANCE, e.g. CANNONS; MOUNTINGS FOR SMALLARMS OR ORDNANCE
- F41A17/00—Safety arrangements, e.g. safeties
- F41A17/06—Electric or electromechanical safeties
- F41A17/063—Electric or electromechanical safeties comprising a transponder
Abstract
Disclosed is a weapon system that is composed of several modules (6). Each module (6) is provided with an identification while the modules (6) can be combined to different weapon configurations (8, 9), each of which corresponds to an ID set formed from the identifications of the individual modules (6).
Identifications can be detected using a detecting apparatus (1) which is designed so as compare a detected ID and/or detected IDs to an ID or an ID set registered in said detecting apparatus and generate a piece of output data corresponding to the result of the comparative operation. The IDs can be detected and optionally modified by means of a machine and are especially provided in the form of transponders which are incorporated into the respective module (6).
Identifications can be detected using a detecting apparatus (1) which is designed so as compare a detected ID and/or detected IDs to an ID or an ID set registered in said detecting apparatus and generate a piece of output data corresponding to the result of the comparative operation. The IDs can be detected and optionally modified by means of a machine and are especially provided in the form of transponders which are incorporated into the respective module (6).
Description
Weapons System with Module Identifiers The present invention relates to a weapons system with several modules, in which individual modules are provided with an identifier, and assists weapons logistics in such cases when individual weapons made up of several modules or individual weapons modules are issued to individual users or user groups and each instance of issuance and return is registered and documented not only with respect to each weapon but also with respect to each module. This is the case, for example, in military or police applications.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a weapons module suitable for the weapons system according to the invention as well as a corresponding weapon configuration.
The term "module" thereby describes individual functional components forming the weapon itself, such as handle piece with trigger device, weapon barrel, shoulder rest, breechblock carrier, hand piece, etc. and attachment parts, mounting parts and accessory parts, such as cartridge magazines, carrying handle, shoulder strap, sight devices, target optics, target assistance devices, etc.
Current weapons systems are primarily made up of standardized functional modules or components, which can be configured for different weapons depending on the type of use. As a general rule, the individual weapons are stored, maintained and managed centrally and are handed out to individual weapon users or user groups for each specific use. In order to ensure the fast and safe supply with weapons for each specific purpose, a large number of different, serviceable complete weapons, which partially contain identical modules, must be available. For example, in the military field, different weapons configurations are required for normal field uses than for practice or commando uses. Thus, several complete weapons must be available simultaneously for each user, so that weapons that are configured differently can be maintained and available for use. Accordingly, this required many individual modules. At the same time, the use and application for all of these weapons and weapons modules must be documented in a reliable and reproducible manner. This primarily occurs via inventory, issuance, return and use lists, which must be compared with each other. At the same time, different issuance and return locations may need to be taken into consideration. The associated logistical effort is correspondingly high and time-consuming.
In conventional systems, as disclosed in DE 100 62 239 Al, complete weapons have an identifier (serial number, barcode, transponder). Individual modules cannot be identified due to this type of identifier.
The object of the present invention is to reduce this logistics effort, improve the quality of the available logistics information and to reduce the total number of modules.
This object is solved by a weapons system, which has several modules and in which each module is provided with an identifier, and the modules can be combined into different weapons configurations, each of which correspond to an identifier record made up of the individual identifiers, wherein identifiers and identifier records can be recorded with a recording device, which compares recorded identifiers and/or identifier records with identifiers and/or identifier records registered in the recording device and creates corresponding output information. This type of recording device allows the logistical management of weapons modules and complete weapons based on the individual identifiers and the formed identifier records. The comparison with registered identifiers or identifier records allows the practical implementation of a logistical concept, in which the weapons no longer need to be maintained in a completely configured state, but can also be maintained in a partially complete state or even disassembled. At the same time, the error rate drops during recording in contrast to manual recording.
Further advantages are that the number of required weapons modules can be decreased for the sufficient supply to weapons-bearing units with weapons configured for specific uses. Additionally, errors in the configuration of weapons can be detected and thus avoided early and before use and a cross-storage-location inventory reconciliation is possible for an area-wide weapons system, wherein several perhaps changing locations (military, police) can be taken into consideration.
Claim 2 specifies registerable identifier information, with which the comparison operations can be implemented. Thus, all possible identifiers of all modules associated with the weapons system can be entered. Thus, it is for example possible in a storage area to assign modules to be recorded to certain weapons systems. In this manner, different weapons systems can also be jointly managed in one storage area.
The saving of available identifiers allows constant inventory control and can always be updated via the recording of the identifiers of removed modules. With certain saved or savable identifier combinations, it can e.g. be determined whether the recorded identifier combination of a certain weapon configuration corresponds with an authorized identifier combination.
That is, it can be checked whether modules were combined or attached in a permissible manner. It can thus be determined whether a certain sight device, which is configured for a certain barrel length, also fits a barrel contained in a certain configuration. Errors in the configuration of weapons can be detected early and safely and can be corrected before the weapon is used.
The available identifier combinations can provide direct information about whether and, if applicable, in what quantity a certain weapon configuration can be combined out of the available modules (identifiers). Thus, it can be detected before the configuration of a certain weapon whether and, if applicable, in which quantity a requested identifier combination (or module combination) can be implemented from the available inventory. The saving of the module combinations identified during issuance or return (complete weapons) also shows which weapons or modules were issued or handed back and documents the frequency of use and thus the actual demand for certain modules and module combinations. This data ensures need-based availability without having to procure too many modules.
The information stated in claim 3, which can be output as the result of certain performed comparison operations, shows e.g. whether a recorded or requested module is even known for a certain weapons system or whether a certain module is available or whether or not, as already explained above, a recorded module combination (e.g. during issuance) is permitted, whether or not a recorded module combination is released for a certain user and, finally, whether or not a recorded module combination corresponds with the requested module combination for a certain user.
Claim 4 concerns the networking of recording devices, so that data recorded and registered at several locations can be compared with each other. In accordance with claim 5, the recording devices can also comprise input devices, via which registered identifiers and/or identifier combinations can be entered or changed. This enables easy maintenance of the database. This also includes the output device specified in claim 6, which outputs the corresponding information to a user in a suitable manner.
The embodiments in accordance with claims 7, 8 and 9 concern identifier designs, in which the identifier has a classifying and an identifying part, wherein the classifying part denotes the module type and the identifying part, e.g. in the form of a serial number, individualizes each individual module. Thus, it is also possible to find specific individual modules and combine them together, which may fit together particularly well (e.g. a certain sight and a weapon barrel).
If the identifier then also has a modifiable identifier component (claim 8), then the use of a module can be coded in the identifier itself in a modifiable manner (e.g. the number of uses, duration of use) and thus maintenance cycles can be determined based one the intensity of use.
At the same time, as specified in claim 9, other information on the withdrawal storage location, configuration time, history of configuration and/or use or duration and frequency of use and/or maintenance and revision information are included in the identifier in all or certain weapons modules.
The embodiment in accordance with claim 9 concerns the equipping of a recording device with a read/write device, which can both record and change identifiers.
The embodiments in accordance with claims 10 through 12 correspond with embodiments in which the identifier itself is provided with and the recording of the identifiers are realized with transponder technology or RFID technology. The identifiers can thereby be recorded and changed without contact and over considerable distances, so that the system almost works in passing (import, export of identifier), without requiring additional recording steps. The embodiments of the transponders in accordance with claims 11 and 12 thereby concern special weapon-specific embodiments, wherein, in accordance with claim 11, such transponders can also be installed in metallic and in particular in steel components and/or a create a non-detachable connection (claim 12) with the respective module, so that the transponders or the RFID tag cannot be removed without considerable damage to the transponder itself and/or the weapons module.
The weapons modules in accordance with the invention and in accordance with claims 13 and 14 can e.g. be weapon barrels, handle pieces, trigger/lock units, housing, magazines, shafts (hand pieces or shoulder rests), target/sight devices and module carriers, but also other components or accessory parts, which are used in weapons.
Claim 15 only concerns a weapons configuration, which is configured from modules provided with identifiers. Weapons systems, in particular for light individual weapons (assault rifles), are often made up of modules that can be configured differently for each specific use.
One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described based on the attached drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows two exemplary weapons configurations I and II.
Fig. 2 provides and example for the structure of a weapon identifier.
Fig. 3 illustrates the tabular assignment of different weapons identifiers/modules to identifier records/weapons configurations.
Fig. 4 shows the schematic representation of a logistics system for managing a weapons system in accordance with the invention.
Fig. I shows two weapons configurations I, II, which are made up of different modules, wherein the modules are labeled as follows:
Al: Short weapon barrel A2: Long weapon barrel B: Lock unit Cl: Fixed shoulder rest C2: Fold-away shoulder rest Dl: Handle piece with trigger device (single fire) D2: Handle piece with trigger device (single fire and constant fire) El: Short magazine E2: Long magazine Fl: Hand piece F2: Hand piece with handle G1: Grain G2: Notch G3: Optical sight device Each of the modules is thereby provided with identifiers, which can be read by a machine. These identifiers can be designed as barcodes or RFID tags (transponders), each of which has identifier information corresponding to the weapons module. This identifier information can be provided in a fixed manner or in a modifiable manner. The identifiers are designed such that all identifiers (weapons configurations/weapons modules) associated with an identifier record can be recorded together in a collision-free manner by a corresponding recording device. In order to simultaneously record (read) or modify (write) the identifiers associated with an identifier recorded on transponders, the recording device much be set up such that it uses a suitable anti-collision process together with a corresponding read/write device.
Such procedures can e.g. be an ALOHA procedure (slotted ALOHA procedure, dynamic S-ALOHA
procedure, etc.), a binary search algorithm or a dynamic binary search procedure.
Fig. 2 shows the general structure of an identifier, which is made up of four modules here, namely the module type (A), the module variant (1), a serial number (001) and a variable component (V).
Through this structure, it is possible to record the module type and variant when recording the identifier as well as a sequential serial number, which identifies each individual part. In the case of transponder identifier models that are modifiable (writeable), the variable portion can be changed via a corresponding read/write device, i.e. it can record changing information. Such information can, for example, be maintenance data, usage data, etc. (see above).
Alternatively, module type, variant and serial number can also be replaced by a single serial number, which is assigned to one specific weapons module, from which the module type and variant can then be identified via a saved identifier key.
Fig. 3 shows an allocation table, which allocated the identifier records of the weapons configurations (I, II) shown in Fig. 1 to the available modules Al through G3.
In this type of identifier record table, potential or permissible identifier records can be represented, which can be registered in the recording device. The comparison of recorded identifier information from module configurations or requested identifier records with these specified identifier records then provides e.g. information on the availability of modules or helps detect configuration errors.
Fig. 4 shows an example of a system for managing a weapons system in accordance with the invention. The exemplary embodiment assumes that the modules are equipped with transponders.
Suitable transponders for the system in accordance with the invention are e.g.
RFID data carriers with a save feature. Their designs can range from simple read-only transponders to transponders with cryptographic functions. Transponders with a save feature generally contain a memory (e.g. a RAM, ROM, EEPROM or FERAM) and an HF interface for power supply and communication with the read/write device. The HF interface thereby forms the interface between the transfer channel from the read device to the transponder and the digital circuit elements of the transponder itself. In general, it corresponds with the classic modem (modulator/demodulator), as it is also used for analog data transfer via telephone lines. The HF interface of the transponder has a load or backscatter modulator (or another procedure, e.g. frequency divider), which is activated by the digital transmission data in order to send data back to the read device.
Passive transponders, i.e.
transponders without their own power supply, are supplied with power via the HF field of the read/write device. The HF interface of the transponder antenna thereby takes power and simultaneously provides it rectified to the chip as a regulated supply voltage. The transponders can be provided with their own microprocessors, which execute data transfer from and to the transponder, sequence control of commands, file management and cryptographical algorithms.
It is also possible to equip transponders with sensor functions, so that e.g.
temperature, humidity, shock, acceleration or other physical variables can be recorded in the transponder and can be output by a read/write device. Thus, for example, critical operating variables can be captured for weapons. Examples are the maximum attained temperature of a weapon barrel or the number of shots fired. The recording of such variables allows the detection or prevention of overstraining and damage to certain parts (barrel overheating) in that these parts are e.g.
replaced after a certain number of shots has been fired.
Glass transponders, the inductors of which are coiled around a highly permeable ferrite rod (ferrite antenna), are suitable for the installation of transponders in a metallic environment. In the case of an installation in an obiong depression of the metal surface, the transponder can be read out without incident. Even the covering of such an arrangement with a metal cover is possible if it is fastened between the two metal surfaces with a narrow gap of dielectric material (paint, plastic).
The field lines running parallel to the metallic surface can thus enter the hollow area via the dielectric gap so that the transponder can be read. So-called disk tags (disk-shaped transponders) can also be embedded between metal plates. The top and bottom sides of the tags are covered with metallic foil made of a highly permeable amorphous metal, each of which cover only one half of the tag so that a magnetic flow through the inductor of the transponder is created on the gap between the two foil parts so that it can be read.
For installation in non-metallic bodies, there are a number of flat, rod-shaped or other transponder designs that can be glued on/in, poured in, screwed in or that are so flat that they can even be applied along the surfaces.
The logistics environment illustrated in Fig. 4 serves to manage a weapons system in accordance with the invention. The central unit forms a recording device 1, which is connected with an input/output device 2, a storage area 3 and an issuance/return area 4 for data exchange (thin lines).
The data exchange can thereby take place wired or wirelessly (for example, via a radio network).
The recording unit 1 is linked with other recording units 1' through 1"' and can also exchange data with them. The recording units 1' through 1"' can be provided at different locations and are integrated in an environment similar to that of recording unit 1. The recording devices 1' through 1"' are e.g. provided at different locations where the same weapons system is also available. The recording unit 1 is formed by a computer that has a memory area 5, in which identifiers or identifier combinations are saved. Individual modules 6 belonging to the weapons system are located in the storage area 3. The module inventory in the storage area 3 is shown in the memory area 5 of the recording device. The modules 6 are transfer to the issuarlce/return area 4 for packaging and thereby pass by a read/write device 7, which records the indicators of module 6 and transfer them to the recording unit 1, so that they data existing in the memory area 5 is appropriately compared, i.e. the withdrawal is registered and the data is modified accordingly via the data existing in the storage area 3.
The modules 6 are then combined into complete weapons 8, 9 (weapons configurations I, II) in the issuance/return area 4 and are issued to users 10, 11. During issuance, the identifier records of the weapons 8, 9 are again recorded by a read/write device 7 and transferred to the recording unit 1, in which comparison operations are performed, and which provides to an output device 12 output information corresponding with the result of the comparison operation. It can thereby be shown e.g.
whether the issued weapons configuration complies with a permitted weapons configuration, i.e.
whether the weapons are correctly configured in the issuance/return area 4 and/or whether the issued weapons configuration meets the requested weapons configuration.
Requested weapons configurations can e.g. be entered in the recording device 1, which then determines whether the requested configurations can be formed from the modules 6 available in the storage area 3, via the input/output unit 2 and the associated input unit 13. The corresponding weapons modules 6 are then displayed in the storage area 3 so that the modules 6 can be commissioned there and transferred to the issuance/return area 4, where they are then appropriately packaged. The corresponding data can be displayed via another output unit (not shown) in the storage area 3 or can be made available via a list created in a printer 15.
In this manner, the module inventory of the storage area 3 is also depicted in the memory unit 5 of the recording device 1; the identifier records of the issued weapons 8, 9 are also registered so that issued weapons can also be easily and reliably recorded.
Upon return, the users 10, 11 return their weapons 8, 9 to the issuance/return area 4. The identifier records are thereby recorded in the read/write device 7 and are reported to the recording device 1, which can thereby update the data on the issued weapons. In the issuance/return area 4, the weapons are disassembled into their modules 6 and are returned to the storage area via the read/write device 7. The identifier records of the modules are thereby recorded again and are reconciled with the corresponding data from the storage area.
The total inventory and the use of the weapons system can be monitored at any time and at any location through networking with other recording units 1' through 1"', which are e.g. located at other locations, where the same weapons system is stocked and managed. It is also possible that the weapons are issued at one location and returned to another location without needing to perform complicated inventory reconciliation. By evaluating of the inventory and usage data, the distribution of the modules can be performed at different locations in a usage-optimizing manner and the total number of modules is minimized, since procurement is based on actual demand.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the storage area 3 and issuance/return area 4 are shown separately; however, it is possible to connect these two areas and only record the issuance of complete weapons 8, 9 via a read/write device 7. The available module inventory is then reconciled using the recorded identifier records.
Furthermore, the invention relates to a weapons module suitable for the weapons system according to the invention as well as a corresponding weapon configuration.
The term "module" thereby describes individual functional components forming the weapon itself, such as handle piece with trigger device, weapon barrel, shoulder rest, breechblock carrier, hand piece, etc. and attachment parts, mounting parts and accessory parts, such as cartridge magazines, carrying handle, shoulder strap, sight devices, target optics, target assistance devices, etc.
Current weapons systems are primarily made up of standardized functional modules or components, which can be configured for different weapons depending on the type of use. As a general rule, the individual weapons are stored, maintained and managed centrally and are handed out to individual weapon users or user groups for each specific use. In order to ensure the fast and safe supply with weapons for each specific purpose, a large number of different, serviceable complete weapons, which partially contain identical modules, must be available. For example, in the military field, different weapons configurations are required for normal field uses than for practice or commando uses. Thus, several complete weapons must be available simultaneously for each user, so that weapons that are configured differently can be maintained and available for use. Accordingly, this required many individual modules. At the same time, the use and application for all of these weapons and weapons modules must be documented in a reliable and reproducible manner. This primarily occurs via inventory, issuance, return and use lists, which must be compared with each other. At the same time, different issuance and return locations may need to be taken into consideration. The associated logistical effort is correspondingly high and time-consuming.
In conventional systems, as disclosed in DE 100 62 239 Al, complete weapons have an identifier (serial number, barcode, transponder). Individual modules cannot be identified due to this type of identifier.
The object of the present invention is to reduce this logistics effort, improve the quality of the available logistics information and to reduce the total number of modules.
This object is solved by a weapons system, which has several modules and in which each module is provided with an identifier, and the modules can be combined into different weapons configurations, each of which correspond to an identifier record made up of the individual identifiers, wherein identifiers and identifier records can be recorded with a recording device, which compares recorded identifiers and/or identifier records with identifiers and/or identifier records registered in the recording device and creates corresponding output information. This type of recording device allows the logistical management of weapons modules and complete weapons based on the individual identifiers and the formed identifier records. The comparison with registered identifiers or identifier records allows the practical implementation of a logistical concept, in which the weapons no longer need to be maintained in a completely configured state, but can also be maintained in a partially complete state or even disassembled. At the same time, the error rate drops during recording in contrast to manual recording.
Further advantages are that the number of required weapons modules can be decreased for the sufficient supply to weapons-bearing units with weapons configured for specific uses. Additionally, errors in the configuration of weapons can be detected and thus avoided early and before use and a cross-storage-location inventory reconciliation is possible for an area-wide weapons system, wherein several perhaps changing locations (military, police) can be taken into consideration.
Claim 2 specifies registerable identifier information, with which the comparison operations can be implemented. Thus, all possible identifiers of all modules associated with the weapons system can be entered. Thus, it is for example possible in a storage area to assign modules to be recorded to certain weapons systems. In this manner, different weapons systems can also be jointly managed in one storage area.
The saving of available identifiers allows constant inventory control and can always be updated via the recording of the identifiers of removed modules. With certain saved or savable identifier combinations, it can e.g. be determined whether the recorded identifier combination of a certain weapon configuration corresponds with an authorized identifier combination.
That is, it can be checked whether modules were combined or attached in a permissible manner. It can thus be determined whether a certain sight device, which is configured for a certain barrel length, also fits a barrel contained in a certain configuration. Errors in the configuration of weapons can be detected early and safely and can be corrected before the weapon is used.
The available identifier combinations can provide direct information about whether and, if applicable, in what quantity a certain weapon configuration can be combined out of the available modules (identifiers). Thus, it can be detected before the configuration of a certain weapon whether and, if applicable, in which quantity a requested identifier combination (or module combination) can be implemented from the available inventory. The saving of the module combinations identified during issuance or return (complete weapons) also shows which weapons or modules were issued or handed back and documents the frequency of use and thus the actual demand for certain modules and module combinations. This data ensures need-based availability without having to procure too many modules.
The information stated in claim 3, which can be output as the result of certain performed comparison operations, shows e.g. whether a recorded or requested module is even known for a certain weapons system or whether a certain module is available or whether or not, as already explained above, a recorded module combination (e.g. during issuance) is permitted, whether or not a recorded module combination is released for a certain user and, finally, whether or not a recorded module combination corresponds with the requested module combination for a certain user.
Claim 4 concerns the networking of recording devices, so that data recorded and registered at several locations can be compared with each other. In accordance with claim 5, the recording devices can also comprise input devices, via which registered identifiers and/or identifier combinations can be entered or changed. This enables easy maintenance of the database. This also includes the output device specified in claim 6, which outputs the corresponding information to a user in a suitable manner.
The embodiments in accordance with claims 7, 8 and 9 concern identifier designs, in which the identifier has a classifying and an identifying part, wherein the classifying part denotes the module type and the identifying part, e.g. in the form of a serial number, individualizes each individual module. Thus, it is also possible to find specific individual modules and combine them together, which may fit together particularly well (e.g. a certain sight and a weapon barrel).
If the identifier then also has a modifiable identifier component (claim 8), then the use of a module can be coded in the identifier itself in a modifiable manner (e.g. the number of uses, duration of use) and thus maintenance cycles can be determined based one the intensity of use.
At the same time, as specified in claim 9, other information on the withdrawal storage location, configuration time, history of configuration and/or use or duration and frequency of use and/or maintenance and revision information are included in the identifier in all or certain weapons modules.
The embodiment in accordance with claim 9 concerns the equipping of a recording device with a read/write device, which can both record and change identifiers.
The embodiments in accordance with claims 10 through 12 correspond with embodiments in which the identifier itself is provided with and the recording of the identifiers are realized with transponder technology or RFID technology. The identifiers can thereby be recorded and changed without contact and over considerable distances, so that the system almost works in passing (import, export of identifier), without requiring additional recording steps. The embodiments of the transponders in accordance with claims 11 and 12 thereby concern special weapon-specific embodiments, wherein, in accordance with claim 11, such transponders can also be installed in metallic and in particular in steel components and/or a create a non-detachable connection (claim 12) with the respective module, so that the transponders or the RFID tag cannot be removed without considerable damage to the transponder itself and/or the weapons module.
The weapons modules in accordance with the invention and in accordance with claims 13 and 14 can e.g. be weapon barrels, handle pieces, trigger/lock units, housing, magazines, shafts (hand pieces or shoulder rests), target/sight devices and module carriers, but also other components or accessory parts, which are used in weapons.
Claim 15 only concerns a weapons configuration, which is configured from modules provided with identifiers. Weapons systems, in particular for light individual weapons (assault rifles), are often made up of modules that can be configured differently for each specific use.
One exemplary embodiment of the present invention is described based on the attached drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows two exemplary weapons configurations I and II.
Fig. 2 provides and example for the structure of a weapon identifier.
Fig. 3 illustrates the tabular assignment of different weapons identifiers/modules to identifier records/weapons configurations.
Fig. 4 shows the schematic representation of a logistics system for managing a weapons system in accordance with the invention.
Fig. I shows two weapons configurations I, II, which are made up of different modules, wherein the modules are labeled as follows:
Al: Short weapon barrel A2: Long weapon barrel B: Lock unit Cl: Fixed shoulder rest C2: Fold-away shoulder rest Dl: Handle piece with trigger device (single fire) D2: Handle piece with trigger device (single fire and constant fire) El: Short magazine E2: Long magazine Fl: Hand piece F2: Hand piece with handle G1: Grain G2: Notch G3: Optical sight device Each of the modules is thereby provided with identifiers, which can be read by a machine. These identifiers can be designed as barcodes or RFID tags (transponders), each of which has identifier information corresponding to the weapons module. This identifier information can be provided in a fixed manner or in a modifiable manner. The identifiers are designed such that all identifiers (weapons configurations/weapons modules) associated with an identifier record can be recorded together in a collision-free manner by a corresponding recording device. In order to simultaneously record (read) or modify (write) the identifiers associated with an identifier recorded on transponders, the recording device much be set up such that it uses a suitable anti-collision process together with a corresponding read/write device.
Such procedures can e.g. be an ALOHA procedure (slotted ALOHA procedure, dynamic S-ALOHA
procedure, etc.), a binary search algorithm or a dynamic binary search procedure.
Fig. 2 shows the general structure of an identifier, which is made up of four modules here, namely the module type (A), the module variant (1), a serial number (001) and a variable component (V).
Through this structure, it is possible to record the module type and variant when recording the identifier as well as a sequential serial number, which identifies each individual part. In the case of transponder identifier models that are modifiable (writeable), the variable portion can be changed via a corresponding read/write device, i.e. it can record changing information. Such information can, for example, be maintenance data, usage data, etc. (see above).
Alternatively, module type, variant and serial number can also be replaced by a single serial number, which is assigned to one specific weapons module, from which the module type and variant can then be identified via a saved identifier key.
Fig. 3 shows an allocation table, which allocated the identifier records of the weapons configurations (I, II) shown in Fig. 1 to the available modules Al through G3.
In this type of identifier record table, potential or permissible identifier records can be represented, which can be registered in the recording device. The comparison of recorded identifier information from module configurations or requested identifier records with these specified identifier records then provides e.g. information on the availability of modules or helps detect configuration errors.
Fig. 4 shows an example of a system for managing a weapons system in accordance with the invention. The exemplary embodiment assumes that the modules are equipped with transponders.
Suitable transponders for the system in accordance with the invention are e.g.
RFID data carriers with a save feature. Their designs can range from simple read-only transponders to transponders with cryptographic functions. Transponders with a save feature generally contain a memory (e.g. a RAM, ROM, EEPROM or FERAM) and an HF interface for power supply and communication with the read/write device. The HF interface thereby forms the interface between the transfer channel from the read device to the transponder and the digital circuit elements of the transponder itself. In general, it corresponds with the classic modem (modulator/demodulator), as it is also used for analog data transfer via telephone lines. The HF interface of the transponder has a load or backscatter modulator (or another procedure, e.g. frequency divider), which is activated by the digital transmission data in order to send data back to the read device.
Passive transponders, i.e.
transponders without their own power supply, are supplied with power via the HF field of the read/write device. The HF interface of the transponder antenna thereby takes power and simultaneously provides it rectified to the chip as a regulated supply voltage. The transponders can be provided with their own microprocessors, which execute data transfer from and to the transponder, sequence control of commands, file management and cryptographical algorithms.
It is also possible to equip transponders with sensor functions, so that e.g.
temperature, humidity, shock, acceleration or other physical variables can be recorded in the transponder and can be output by a read/write device. Thus, for example, critical operating variables can be captured for weapons. Examples are the maximum attained temperature of a weapon barrel or the number of shots fired. The recording of such variables allows the detection or prevention of overstraining and damage to certain parts (barrel overheating) in that these parts are e.g.
replaced after a certain number of shots has been fired.
Glass transponders, the inductors of which are coiled around a highly permeable ferrite rod (ferrite antenna), are suitable for the installation of transponders in a metallic environment. In the case of an installation in an obiong depression of the metal surface, the transponder can be read out without incident. Even the covering of such an arrangement with a metal cover is possible if it is fastened between the two metal surfaces with a narrow gap of dielectric material (paint, plastic).
The field lines running parallel to the metallic surface can thus enter the hollow area via the dielectric gap so that the transponder can be read. So-called disk tags (disk-shaped transponders) can also be embedded between metal plates. The top and bottom sides of the tags are covered with metallic foil made of a highly permeable amorphous metal, each of which cover only one half of the tag so that a magnetic flow through the inductor of the transponder is created on the gap between the two foil parts so that it can be read.
For installation in non-metallic bodies, there are a number of flat, rod-shaped or other transponder designs that can be glued on/in, poured in, screwed in or that are so flat that they can even be applied along the surfaces.
The logistics environment illustrated in Fig. 4 serves to manage a weapons system in accordance with the invention. The central unit forms a recording device 1, which is connected with an input/output device 2, a storage area 3 and an issuance/return area 4 for data exchange (thin lines).
The data exchange can thereby take place wired or wirelessly (for example, via a radio network).
The recording unit 1 is linked with other recording units 1' through 1"' and can also exchange data with them. The recording units 1' through 1"' can be provided at different locations and are integrated in an environment similar to that of recording unit 1. The recording devices 1' through 1"' are e.g. provided at different locations where the same weapons system is also available. The recording unit 1 is formed by a computer that has a memory area 5, in which identifiers or identifier combinations are saved. Individual modules 6 belonging to the weapons system are located in the storage area 3. The module inventory in the storage area 3 is shown in the memory area 5 of the recording device. The modules 6 are transfer to the issuarlce/return area 4 for packaging and thereby pass by a read/write device 7, which records the indicators of module 6 and transfer them to the recording unit 1, so that they data existing in the memory area 5 is appropriately compared, i.e. the withdrawal is registered and the data is modified accordingly via the data existing in the storage area 3.
The modules 6 are then combined into complete weapons 8, 9 (weapons configurations I, II) in the issuance/return area 4 and are issued to users 10, 11. During issuance, the identifier records of the weapons 8, 9 are again recorded by a read/write device 7 and transferred to the recording unit 1, in which comparison operations are performed, and which provides to an output device 12 output information corresponding with the result of the comparison operation. It can thereby be shown e.g.
whether the issued weapons configuration complies with a permitted weapons configuration, i.e.
whether the weapons are correctly configured in the issuance/return area 4 and/or whether the issued weapons configuration meets the requested weapons configuration.
Requested weapons configurations can e.g. be entered in the recording device 1, which then determines whether the requested configurations can be formed from the modules 6 available in the storage area 3, via the input/output unit 2 and the associated input unit 13. The corresponding weapons modules 6 are then displayed in the storage area 3 so that the modules 6 can be commissioned there and transferred to the issuance/return area 4, where they are then appropriately packaged. The corresponding data can be displayed via another output unit (not shown) in the storage area 3 or can be made available via a list created in a printer 15.
In this manner, the module inventory of the storage area 3 is also depicted in the memory unit 5 of the recording device 1; the identifier records of the issued weapons 8, 9 are also registered so that issued weapons can also be easily and reliably recorded.
Upon return, the users 10, 11 return their weapons 8, 9 to the issuance/return area 4. The identifier records are thereby recorded in the read/write device 7 and are reported to the recording device 1, which can thereby update the data on the issued weapons. In the issuance/return area 4, the weapons are disassembled into their modules 6 and are returned to the storage area via the read/write device 7. The identifier records of the modules are thereby recorded again and are reconciled with the corresponding data from the storage area.
The total inventory and the use of the weapons system can be monitored at any time and at any location through networking with other recording units 1' through 1"', which are e.g. located at other locations, where the same weapons system is stocked and managed. It is also possible that the weapons are issued at one location and returned to another location without needing to perform complicated inventory reconciliation. By evaluating of the inventory and usage data, the distribution of the modules can be performed at different locations in a usage-optimizing manner and the total number of modules is minimized, since procurement is based on actual demand.
In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the storage area 3 and issuance/return area 4 are shown separately; however, it is possible to connect these two areas and only record the issuance of complete weapons 8, 9 via a read/write device 7. The available module inventory is then reconciled using the recorded identifier records.
Claims (15)
- Claims Weapons system, which has several modules and in which each module (6) is provided with a machine-readable identifier, and the modules (6) can be combined into different weapons configurations (8, 9), each of which correspond to one identifier record made up of individual identifiers, wherein the identifiers of the modules (6) can be recorded by means of a recording device (1), which is set up such that it compares a recorded identifier with a registered identifier or an identifier record and creates output information according to the result of the comparison operation.
- Weapons system in accordance with claim 1, wherein the registered identifiers and/or identifier records have in particular at least one of the following identifiers and/or identifier records: possible identifiers of all modules (6) belonging to a specific weapons system;
available identifiers of modules (6) available in one specific storage area (3); recorded identifiers of modules (6) removed from a storage area (3); permitted identifier combinations of possible weapons configurations; available identifier combinations of configurable weapons (8, 9) made up of modules (6) available in a storage area (3);
requested identifier combinations of weapons (8, 9) to be configured; recorded identifier combinations of configured weapons (8, 9) made up of modules removed from the storage area (3). - Weapons system in accordance with one of the previous claims, wherein the output information corresponding to a comparison operation corresponds in particular to one of the following pieces of information: module (6) known/unknown; module (6) available/not available; recorded module combination permitted/not permitted; recorded module combinations released/not released; recorded module combination meets/does not meet the requested module combination.
- Weapons system in accordance with one of the previous claims, wherein several recording devices (1, 1', 1", 1"') are networked together to exchange information.
- Weapons system in accordance with one of the previous claims, wherein the recording device (1) has an input unit (2) for entering identifiers and/or identifier combinations in a memory area (5).
- Weapons system in accordance with one of the previous claims, wherein the recording device (1) is connected with an output unit (12, 13, 15) for outputting the information to a user.
- Weapons system in accordance with one of the previous claims, wherein the identifier has a classifying identifier part corresponding to specific module type and/or an identifying identifier part corresponding to a certain module (6).
- Weapons system in accordance with one of the previous claims, wherein the identifier has an identifier component that can be modified by the recording device (1), which can contain in particular one of the following pieces of information: issuance storage area, configuration time, configuration/usage history, usage duration/frequency, maintenance/revision information.
- Weapons system in accordance with one of the previous claims, wherein the recording device (1) is connected with a read/write device (7) for recording and changing the identifier.
- 10. Weapons system in accordance with one of the previous claims, wherein the identifier is provided in a transponder, in particular in an RFID tag.
- 11. Weapons system in accordance with claim 10, wherein the transponder can be installed in a metallic section of a module (6) and has in particular a ferrite rod as an antenna.
- 12. Weapons system in accordance with claim 10 or 11, wherein the transponder is connected in a non-detachable manner with the respective module (6).
- 13. Weapons module for a weapons system with several modules (6), in which each module (6) is provided with an identifier and the modules (6) can be combined into different weapons configurations, each of which correspond with an identifier record made up of individual identifiers, wherein identifiers and identifier records can be recorded by means of a recording device (1) with a controller that is set up such that it compares a recorded identifier and/or a recorded identifier record with a registered identifier or an identifier record in a memory area (5) assigned to the controller and creates output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation.
- 14. Weapons module in accordance with claim 13, which is in particular one of the following module types: weapon barrel, handle piece, trigger/lock unit, housing, magazine, shaft, magazine, target/sight device, module carrier (e.g. Picatinny rail).
- 15. Weapons configuration, in particular an assault rifle, which belongs to a weapons system with several module (6), in which each module (6) is provided with an identifier and the modules (6) can be combined into different weapons configurations, each of which correspond to an identifier record made up of the individual identifiers, wherein identifiers and identifier records can be recorded by means of a recording device (1) with a controller that is set up such that it compares a recorded identifier and/or a recorded identifier record with a registered identifier or an identifier record in a memory area (5) assigned to the controller and creates output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE200410025719 DE102004025719B3 (en) | 2004-05-26 | 2004-05-26 | Weapon system with module IDs, weapon module and weapon configuration |
| DE102004025719.1 | 2004-05-26 | ||
| PCT/EP2005/004880 WO2005119159A1 (en) | 2004-05-26 | 2005-05-04 | Weapon system comprising module identification |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2565484A1 true CA2565484A1 (en) | 2005-12-15 |
Family
ID=34967132
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002565484A Abandoned CA2565484A1 (en) | 2004-05-26 | 2005-05-04 | Weapon system comprising module identification |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP1749180A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2565484A1 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE102004025719B3 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2005119159A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9791231B1 (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2017-10-17 | Philip Scott Lyren | Firearm with user authentication to remove or add components |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE102009040756B3 (en) * | 2009-09-10 | 2011-04-07 | J.G. ANSCHÜTZ GmbH & Co. KG | Gun e.g. handgun, for use during e.g. police operation, has presence identification card detected permanently or in short intervals such that identification card-recognition device is released for delivering of shot |
| DE102020006480A1 (en) | 2020-10-21 | 2022-04-21 | Labetherm GmbH | Handgun System |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NL129581C (en) * | 1963-03-22 | |||
| IL124362A0 (en) * | 1998-05-07 | 1999-11-30 | H G Tek Ltd | Weapon tag |
| DE10062239C2 (en) * | 2000-12-14 | 2003-06-26 | Heckler & Koch Gmbh | Handgun with individual identification |
-
2004
- 2004-05-26 DE DE200410025719 patent/DE102004025719B3/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2005
- 2005-05-04 EP EP05740459A patent/EP1749180A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2005-05-04 WO PCT/EP2005/004880 patent/WO2005119159A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2005-05-04 CA CA002565484A patent/CA2565484A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US9791231B1 (en) * | 2016-04-07 | 2017-10-17 | Philip Scott Lyren | Firearm with user authentication to remove or add components |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| DE102004025719B3 (en) | 2005-10-06 |
| EP1749180A1 (en) | 2007-02-07 |
| WO2005119159A1 (en) | 2005-12-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Discontinued |