DE102004025719B3 - Weapon system with module IDs, weapon module and weapon configuration - Google Patents

Abstract

In a weapon system which consists of several modules (6), each module (6) is provided with an identifier and the modules (6) can be combined to different weapon configurations (8, 9). Each weapon configuration (8, 9) corresponds to an identifier set formed from the identifiers of the individual modules (6). Identifiers can be detected by means of a detection device (1), which is set up in such a way that it compares a detected identifier and / or detected identifiers with an identifier registered in the detection device (1) and generates output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation , The identifiers can be detected by machine and if necessary can be changed and are provided in particular as transponders built into the corresponding module (6).

Description

The The present invention relates to a multi-module weapon system. in which individual modules are provided with an identifier, and serves the weapon logistics in such cases, in which from several Modules composite single weapons or individual weapons modules to individual users or user groups, and every issue and return process not only weapon-specific but also module-specific registered and documented. This is for example in military or police applications of the case.

Of Furthermore, the invention relates to a weapon system according to the invention matching weapon module and a corresponding weapon configuration.

Of the Concept module refers to individual, the weapon itself forming Functional components, such as Handle with trigger, gun barrel / tube, Buttstock, Closure carrier, handpiece, etc. and accessories, installation and accessories, such as cartridge magazines, carrying handles, carrying straps, sighting devices, Target Optics, Aids, etc.

today Weapon systems consist of largely standardized functional modules or components that vary according to the type of use Weapons are configurable. The individual weapons are in usually centrally stored, maintained and managed centrally and use-specific issued to individual weapon users or user groups. To one fast and secure supply of weapons for every specific application must ensure one size Number of different, ready - to - use complete weapons to use Part contain identical modules, be kept. For example are in the military Area for normal field operations other weapon configurations required than for practice or commandos. So there must be several at the same time complete weapons for every user available so that differently configured weapons held ready for use can be. This requires a corresponding number of individual modules. At the same time must for all these Weapons and weapons modules their use and use dependable and be traceable documented. This happens mainly via inventory, Issue, return and usage lists that need to be balanced against each other. simultaneously have to in certain circumstances different issue and return locations considered become. The associated logistical effort is corresponding high and elaborate.

In conventional systems, such as in DE 100 62 239 A1 revealed, complete weapons carry an identifier (serial number, barcode, transponder). Individual modules are not identifiable by such an identifier.

The Object of the present invention is this logistics effort to reduce the quality the available Logistics information to improve and the total module quantity too to reduce.

These Task is solved by a weapon system, which has several modules and in which each module is provided with an identifier and the modules can be combined to different weapon configurations are each one of the individual identifiers formed identifier set , where identifiers and identifier sets with a detection device ascertainable are that captured Identifiers and / or identifier sets compares with registered in the detection device identifiers or identification sets and generates a corresponding output information. Such a detection device allows the logistical handling of weapons modules and complete Weapons based on the individual identifiers and the formed identification sets. Of the Comparison with registered identifiers or identifier sets allowed the practical implementation of a logistical concept in which the Weapons no longer need to be kept fully configured, but only partially assembled or dismantled can be kept ready. At the same time sinks the error rate in the capture as opposed to manual capture.

Further Advantages are that the Number of Weapon Modules Required for Sufficient Supply the weapon-leader Units with mission-specific weapons are reduced can be. additionally can Error in configuring the weapons detected early before use and thus be avoided and it is a warehouse location-spanning Inventory adjustment for a coverage introduced Weapon system possible, where several may be changing locations (military, Police) can be.

Claim 2 indicates recordable identification information with which the comparison operations can be performed. Thus, all possible identifiers of all the weapon system belonging modules can be entered. This makes it possible, for example, for modules to be accommodated in a storage area to certain weapon systems assign. In this way, different weapon systems can be jointly managed in a storage area.

The Storage available Identifiers allows a permanent Inventory control and can over the Capture of identifiers of removed modules should always be updated. With certain stored or storable identifier combinations let yourself For example, determine whether the detected identifier combination of a certain weapon configuration of an approved identifier combination. This means, it can be checked whether modules are in permissible Were combined or were grown. That is how it can be determined be whether a particular sighting device on a particular tube length is tuned to that too in a particular configuration contained tube fits. Failure to configure weapons can be detected early and safely be corrected and before the use of the weapon.

The available Identification combinations can directly information about it give, if and if so in what number a certain weapon configuration the available Modules (identifiers) can be combined. So can already before to recognize the configuration of a particular weapon, whether and if necessary in which number a requested identifier combination (resp. Module combination) from the available Inventory can be realized. The storage of the at the Issue or return certain module combinations (complete weapons) shows at any time, which weapons or modules were issued or returned and documented the frequency of use and thus the actual Demand of certain modules and module combinations. These data allow a needs-based availability ensure the modules are procured without too many modules have to.

The in claim 3 information that as a result of certain carried out Comparative operations can be output, for example, whether a detected or requested module at all for a certain weapon system is known or a particular module is available or whether, as explained above, a detected Module combination (for example, in the output) is allowed or not, a detected Module combination for a particular user is released or not, and finally, whether a detected Module combination of the requested module combination for one specific user or not.

claim 4 relates to the networking of detection devices, so that at several Places registered and recorded Data can be compared with each other. According to claim 5, the Detecting devices in addition input devices include, about entered the registered identifiers and / or combinations of identifiers or changed can be. This makes it easy to maintain the database. This also belongs the output device specified in claim 6, the corresponding information appropriately to a user or user.

The Further developments according to claim FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 relate to identifier configurations in which the identifier has a classifying and an identifying part, wherein the classifying part identifies the module type and the identifying part, for example in the form of a serial number each individual module is individualized. It is also possible to do that find out individual modules and combine them with each other possibly especially good match (for example, a particular visor and a weapon race).

If the identifier then additionally another changeable one Identification component (claim 8), then the use of a module in the identifier itself are changeably encoded (e.g. Number of uses, duration of use) and thus maintenance cycles dependent on determined by the intensity of use or use. simultaneously can, as specified in claim 9, further information about a Entnahmemager, a configuration time, the configuration and / or Usage history or duration and frequency of use and / or maintenance and revision information on each or specific weapon modules be included in the identifier.

The Training according to claim 9 relates to the equipment of the detection device with a read-write device which detect both identifiers as well as change can.

The versions according to claims 10 to 12 correspond to versions, where the identifier itself and the detection of identifiers with Transponder or RFID technology is realized. The can Identifiers contactless and significant Detected distances and be changed so that System practical in-passing works (reading in, reading from Identifier), without additional Acquisition operations required are. The designs the transponder according to claim 11 and 12 relate to special weapon-specific designs, wherein according to claim 11 such transponders also in metallic and in particular also are installed in steel components and / or a permanent connection (claim 12) with the respective module, so that the transponder or the RFID tag not without significant damage to the transponder itself and / or the weapon module is removable.

The inventive weapons modules according to claim 13 and 14 can e.g. Gun barrels, grips, Deduction / closure units Housings, magazines, shafts (Handpiece or shoulder rests) aiming / sighting devices and module carrier but also other components or accessories used in weapons become.

claim 15 finally concerns a weapon configuration made up of tagged modules is configured. In particular weapon systems for light individual weapons (Assault rifles) often consist of modules that are specific to the mission be configured.

One embodiment the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings, in which:

1 two exemplary weapon configurations I and II shows.

2 gives an example of the structure of a weapon identifier.

3 illustrates the tabular assignment of different weapon IDs / modules to ID phrases / weapon configurations.

4 the schematic representation of a logistics system for handling a weapon system according to the invention.

1 shows two weapon configurations I, II, which are composed of different modules, whereby the modules are designated as follows:

A1

short barrel

A2

long barrel

B

shutter unit

C1

firm buttstock

C2

foldable buttstock

D1

Handle with trigger device (Single shot)

D2

Handle with trigger device (Single fire and duration

Fire)

E1

short magazine

E2

long magazine

F1

handpiece

F2

Handpiece with handle

G1

grain

G2

backsight

G3

optical sight

The Modules are each provided with identifiers that are machine are readable. These identifiers can be implemented as a barcode or as an RFID tag (transponder), each carry a the weapon module corresponding identification information.

These Identification information can be provided fixed or changeable. The identifiers are executed that all belonging to an identifier set Identifiers (weapon configuration / weapon modules) together without collision can be detected by a corresponding detection device.

Around the identifiers associated with an identifier set to detect (read) or close to transponders almost simultaneously change (Describe), the detection means is arranged so that they together with a suitable read / write device a suitable Anti-collision method used. Such methods may e.g. an ALOHA method (slotted ALOHA method, dynamic S-ALOHA method or the like), a binary search algorithm or even a dynamic binary search method be.

2 shows a principal identification structure, which consists of four elements, namely the module type (A), the module variant (1), a serial number (001) and a variable component (V). With this structure, it is possible to detect module type and variant when acquiring the identifier as well as a serial number that identifies each individual part. For transponder identification executions, which are changeable (writable), the variable component can be changed via a corresponding read-write device, ie it can record changing information. Such information may be, for example, maintenance data, mission data, or the like (see above).

alternative can Module type, variant and serial number also by a single serial number be replaced, each associated with a specific weapon module is then identified by the module type and variant via a stored identification key can be.

3 shows a mapping table that contains the labels of the in 1 shown weapon configurations (I, II) assigns the available modules A1 to G3. In such an identifier set table, possible or permissible identifier sets that can be registered in the capture device can be mapped. The comparison of detected identifier information of module configurations or requested identifier sets with these predetermined identifier sets then yields, for example, information about Availability of modules or helps to detect configuration errors.

4 shows by way of example a system for managing a weapon system according to the invention. The embodiment assumes that the modules are equipped with transponders.

suitable Transponder for the system according to the invention are e.g. RFID data carriers with memory function. You can as simple read-only transponders to transponders with cryptographic Functions be designed. Transponder with memory function included a memory (e.g., a RAM, ROM, EEPROM or FERAM) in the basic structure and an RF interface for powering and communicating with the read / write device. there the RF interface forms the interface between the transmission channel from the reader to the Transponder and the digital circuit elements of the transponder itself. In principle, it corresponds to the classical modem (modulator-demodulator), as well as analogue data transmission over telephone lines is used. The transponder's RF interface has one Load or backscatter modulator (or other methods, e.g., frequency divider), which is driven by the digital transmission data to data to send back to the reader. Passive transponders, ie transponders without their own power supply be over the RF field of the read / write device energized. The RF interface picks up the transponder antenna Current and sets this rectified the chip as a regulated supply voltage to disposal. The transponders can be provided with its own microprocessors, which data transfer from and to the transponder the sequencing of commands, the file management and execute cryptographic algorithms.

It is possible, too, Equip transponder with sensor functions, so that, for example, temperature, Humidity, shock, acceleration or other physical variables in the transponder can be recorded and read by a read / write device can be. So can e.g. For Weapons critical operating sizes are detected. For example, maximum reached temperatures of a gun barrel or the delivered Number of shots. The capture of such sizes allowed it, overstressing occurred and damage on certain parts to recognize (pipe overheating) or to prevent by giving these parts, for example, after a certain number of shots be replaced.

To the Installation of transponders in a metallic environment are glass transponders suitable, the coil on a high-permeability ferrite rod (ferrite antenna) are wound. When installed in an elongated recess of the metal surface of the Transponder can be read easily. Even the cover of a such arrangement with a metal lid is possible if this with a narrow gap dielectric material (paint, plastic) between the two metal surfaces is attached. With that you can parallel to the metal surface extending field lines over enter the dielectric gap in the cavity, so that the transponder can be read. Also called disk tags (disk-shaped transponders) can be embedded between metal plates. For this purpose, the and underside of the tags with metal foils of high permeability amorphous Applied metal, which cover only one half of the day, so that am Gap between the two sub-films through a magnetic flux the coil of the transponder is created, so that it is readable.

to Assembly in non-metallic body There are a variety of flat, rod-shaped or other types of transponders, which can be glued on, glued in, screwed in or the so flat they are even along the surfaces can be applied.

In the 4 illustrated logistics environment is used to handle a weapon system according to the invention. The central unit forms a detection device 1 for data exchange (thin arrows) with an input / output unit 2 , a storage area 3 and an issue / return area 4 connected is. The data exchange can take place via lines or by wire (for example via a radio data network). The registration unit 1 is with other registration units 1' to 1''' networked and can also exchange data with these. The registration units 1' to 1''' may be provided in different locations, and are in a similar environment as the detection unit 1 involved. The registration units 1 to 1''' are intended for example at different locations where the same weapon system is also available. The registration unit 1 is formed by a computer that has a storage area 5 in which identifiers or identifier combinations are stored. In the warehouse area 3 There are individual modules belonging to the weapon system 6 , The module stock in the warehouse area 3 is in the storage area 5 imaged the capture device. The modules are used for assembly 6 in the output return area 4 pass and pass while a read-write device 7 indicating the identifiers of the modules 6 detected and to the detection unit 1 passes, so that in the memory area 5 existing data, ie the removal is registered and the data on the storage area 3 existing modules 6 be adapted accordingly.

In the issue / return area 4 then become the modules 6 to complete weapons 8th . 9 (Weapon configurations I, II) completed and to users 10 . 11 output. At issue the labels of weapons become 8th . 9 again from a read / write device 7 detected and to the detection unit 1 in which comparison operations are performed, and the output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation to an output device 12 supplies. It can be displayed, for example, whether the output weapon configuration corresponds to an approved weapon configuration, ie whether the weapons in the output / return area 4 properly configured and / or the output weapon configuration matches a requested weapon configuration. For example, requested weapon configurations may be via the I / O device 2 and the associated input device 13 into the detection device 1 which then determines if the requested configurations are in the storage area 3 available modules 6 can be formed. The appropriate weapons modules 6 will be in the storage area 3 displayed so that the modules 6 can be picked there and to the issue / return area 4 can be handed over, where they are then assembled accordingly. The corresponding data can be stored in the storage area via another output unit (not shown) 3 be displayed or via a in a printer 15 provided list.

In this way, on the one hand constantly the module inventory of the storage area 3 in the storage unit 5 the detection device 1 displayed; In addition, the identification sets of the issued weapons 8th . 9 registered, so that also issued weapons can be detected easily and reliably.

When returning the users give 10 . 11 their weapons 8th . 9 in the issue / return area 4 back. In this case, the identifier sets in the read-write device 7 detected and to the detection device 1 reported, which can use it to update the data on issued weapons. In the issue / return area 4 the weapons will be back in their modules 6 disassembled and the read / write device 7 returned to the storage area, thereby the identification sets of the modules are again registered and the appropriate data over the inventory are adjusted.

About networking with other detection devices 1' to 1''' For example, if they are located in other locations where the same weapons system is maintained and managed, the overall inventory and use of the weapon system at each site can be monitored at all times. It is also possible that the weapons are issued at one location and returned to another, without a costly inventory adjustment must be made. By evaluating the inventory and usage data, the distribution of the modules can be optimized for different locations and the total number of modules can be minimized since their procurement is matched to the actual requirements.

In the in 4 illustrated embodiment are storage area 3 and issue / return area 4 However, it is also possible to connect these two areas and only output complete weapons 8th . 9 via a read / write device 7 capture. The available module stock is then reconciled using the entered identifier records.

Claims (15)

Weapon system comprising several modules and in which each module ( 6 ) is provided with a machine-readable identifier and the modules ( 6 ) to different weapon configurations ( 89 ), which correspond in each case to an identifier set formed from the individual identifiers, identifiers of the modules ( 6 ) by means of a detection device ( 1 ) adapted to compare a detected identifier with a registered identifier and an identifier set, respectively, and generate output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation. A weapon system according to claim 1, wherein the registered identifiers and / or identifier sets, in particular at least one of the following identifiers and / or identifier sets comprise: possible identifiers of all modules belonging to a specific weapon system ( 6 ); available identifiers of in a particular warehouse area ( 3 ) available modules ( 6 ); entered identifiers from a storage area ( 3 ) removed modules ( 6 ); approved identifier combinations of possible weapon configurations; available identifier combinations from off in a storage area ( 3 ) available modules ( 6 ) configurable weapons ( 8th . 9 ); Requested identifier combinations of weapons to be configured ( 8th . 9 ); entered identifier combinations from the warehouse area ( 3 ) removed modules ( 6 ) configured weapons ( 8th . 9 ). Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the output information corresponding to a comparison operation corresponds in particular to one of the following information: 6 ) known / unknown; Module ( 6 ) available / not available; Module combination entered / not permitted; detected module combinations released / not released; detected module combination corresponds / does not correspond to the requested module combination. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of detection units ( 1 . 1' . 1'' . 1''' ) are networked with each other for data exchange. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device ( 1 ) an input unit ( 2 ) for entering identifiers and / or identifier combinations in a memory area ( 5 ) having. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device ( 1 ) with an output unit ( 12 . 13 . 15 ) for outputting the information to a user. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier comprises a classifying, a specific module type and / or an identifying, a specific module ( 6 ) has corresponding identifier part. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier is a by the detection device ( 1 ) comprises a variable identifier component, which in particular may contain one of the following information: withdrawal storage area, configuration time, configuration / usage history, duration / frequency of use, maintenance / revision information. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device ( 1 ) with a read / write device ( 7 ) is connected for detecting and changing the identifier. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier in a transponder, in particular in an RFID tag is provided. A weapon system according to claim 10, wherein the transponder is in a metallic portion of a module ( 6 ) and in particular has a ferrite rod as an antenna. Weapon system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the transponder indissoluble with the respective module ( 6 ) connected is. Weapon module for a multiple modules ( 6 ) weapon system, in which each module ( 6 ) is provided with an identifier and the modules ( 6 ) can be combined to form different weapon configurations, each of which corresponds to an identifier set formed from the individual identifiers, identifiers and identifier sets being determined by means of a detection device (FIG. 1 ), which is set up in such a way that it stores a detected identifier and / or a detected identifier set with a memory area allocated in a controller ( 5 ) compares a registered identifier or an identifier set and generates an output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation. Weapon module according to claim 13, which in particular one of the following module types is: weapon barrel, grip, trigger / shutter unit, Casing, Magazine, shaft, magazine, aiming / sighting device, module carrier (e.g. Picatinny rail). Weapon configuration, in particular an assault rifle, resulting in a multiple modules ( 6 ), in which each module ( 6 ) is provided with an identifier and the modules ( 6 ) can be combined to form different weapon configurations, each of which corresponds to an identifier set formed from the individual identifiers, identifiers and identifier sets being determined by means of a detection device (FIG. 1 ), which is set up in such a way that it stores a detected identifier and / or a detected identifier set with a memory area allocated in a controller ( 5 ) compares a registered identifier or an identifier set and generates an output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation.