JP2009509122A - Systems and methods for multi-function electronic weapons - Google Patents

Abstract

  The electronic non-lethal weapon includes a first control that activates a firing function, a second control that does not initiate any firing function, and a signal generator. In response to the second control, the signal generator supplies an arc to alert the target or applies an electric shock to the target. For example, in use, a weapon may cooperate with a deployment unit having a first electrode and a second electrode. The first control initiates the firing of the first electrode toward the first target on the first actuation. The first control starts firing the second electrode toward the second target in the second operation. The signal generator is responsive to a single actuation of the second control to provide a first current through the first electrode to apply an electric shock to the first target and to apply an electric shock to the second target. A second current is supplied through the second electrode.

Description

  Embodiments of the present invention relate to weaponry including electronic control devices.

  Conventional electronic weapons are, for example, contact stun devices, batons, defenses, stun guns, pistols, rifles, mortars, grenades, which are generally suitable for ensuring compliance with security and law enforcement, among other devices Includes ammunition, projectiles, landmines, and area protection devices. This type of weapon, when used against a human or animal target, prevents the target from using skeletal muscle by flowing current through a portion of the target tissue. All or part of the electronic circuit can be propelled towards the target. In critical applications of electronic weapons, stop terrorist attacks and prevent the conduct of violence to illegally control facilities, equipment, operators, innocent citizens, and law enforcement personnel it can. In other important applications of electronic weapons, suspects are arrested by law enforcement officers, and detainee coordination can be maintained by guards. Electronic weapons generally include a circuit that generates a stimulus signal and one or more electrodes. In operation, for example, to stop terrorist actions, the electrodes are propelled from the electronic weapons toward the person whose actions are to be stopped or controlled. After deposition, sufficient pulsed current is drawn between the electrodes to prevent human skeletal muscle use. Interfering with the use of skeletal muscle may include involuntary, repetitive, strong muscle contractions at a rate of 5-20 contractions / second.

  Research shows that the strength of muscle contraction and the range of the human body affected by muscle contraction depend on several factors, including the range of conduction, charging, or discharge of the human body due to pulsed currents. ing. The range generally increases with increasing distance between the electrodes. A suitable minimum distance is typically about 7 inches. The electrodes are usually stored in close proximity before propulsion and spread away in flight toward the target. It is desirable to improve the accuracy with which the electrode strikes the target.

  Conventional electronic weapons are intended to be applied in a limited number of situations. User interfaces that can perform multiple functions are important for applications where a single weapon with multiple functions is desired, as well as weapons that can control multiple targets in a single encounter. Is.

Conventional electronic weapons provide a single stimulus signal for all applications. It is desirable to provide a unique stimulus signal for each of several application scenarios.
In many countries, government officials are obliged to explain to citizens about the proper use of force against suspects. In order to facilitate data collection and data analysis, it is desirable to improve the data communication capabilities and user interface of electronic weapons.

  It would be desirable to provide anti-terrorist agencies, law enforcement agencies, and security agencies with electronic weapons that can be easily customized for use specific to these different agencies.

  Many forms of electronic weapons are powered from a limited power source such as a battery. Battery power savings extend the period of use of weapons, which is the period until the battery needs to be recharged. It is desirable to use the electrical energy provided by the battery more efficiently.

  Conventional electronic weapons have limited applications, limited effective range, and limited accuracy. With the present invention, for the first time, highly accurate and reliable electronic weapons having a longer useful life, longer range, and multiple functions can be produced within current economic limits. It was.

  A defined deployment unit for an electronic weapon includes a mechanism or circuit that describes the deployment unit with respect to the electronic weapon and a mechanism or circuit that propels the first electrode of the deployment unit in response to the electronic weapon. The first electrode conducts current through a human or animal target and prevents movement of the target.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same name indicates the same element.

  By eliminating some of the problems that appeared in conventional electronic weapon systems, an electronic weapon system with greater utility and improved accuracy can be obtained. A conventional electronic weapon is a contact (subject to being referred to herein as a target) by bringing (or bringing in close proximity) at least two terminals of the weapon against the skin or clothing of the target. Or a proximity stun function (also called a local stun function) can be implemented. Another conventional electronic weapon is to fire an electrode with one or more wires from a weapon to the target so that the electrode is close to or pierces the target's skin or clothing. A remote stun function can be implemented to submit the target. In both the local stun function and the remote stun function, an electrical circuit is formed to flow a pulsed current through a portion of the target tissue to prevent control of the skeletal muscle by the target. When the terminal or electrode is in close proximity to the target tissue, an arc is formed in the air to complete the circuit for flowing current through the target tissue.

  An electronic weapon system according to various aspects of the present invention can selectively perform a local stun function and a remote stun function without an operator intervention and mechanical modification of the electronic weapon system. The local stun function is available on the front of the weapon system, whether or not a (used or unused) cartridge is loaded. To provide multiple operations of the remote stun function, a plurality of unused cartridges may be loaded individually, by clips, or by a magazine prior to use of the electronic weapon system.

  The electrode, tether wire, and firing system are typically packaged as a cartridge that is mounted on an electronic weapon to form an electronic weapon system used in a single remote stun. After deployment of the electrode, the used cartridge is removed from the electronic weapon and replaced with another cartridge. The cartridge may include several electrodes that are fired as a set at a time, fired as a set at various times, or fired individually. The cartridge may have several sets of electrodes, each for firing independently in a manner similar to a magazine.

  Electronic weapon systems according to various aspects of the present invention are ready to use several cartridges. For example, if the initially attempted remote stun function is not successful (eg, the electrode goes off the target or the electrode is shorted), the operator can intervene without changing the electronic weapon system mechanically. Two cartridges can be used. Several cartridges may be mounted simultaneously (eg, as a clip or magazine) or sequentially (eg, any cartridge may be removed and replaced independently of other cartridges).

  The accuracy of the remote stun function depends, among other things, on whether the trajectory of each electrode fired far from the electronic weapon is repeatable. Conventional cartridges include a delivery cavity for holding the electrode prior to delivery and guiding the electrode for a short period of initial deployment. Deployment is usually achieved by sudden outgassing (eg pyrotechnic gas generation or compressed gas cylinder rupture). The electrodes and delivery cavity are sealed to avoid contamination. As the electrode is deployed, it pulls the wire tether out of the wire containment so that the wire tether extends behind the electrode to the weapon during flight.

  Conventional cartridges are configured to provide a suitable range of effective distances. The range of effective distance is the appropriate spread of the electrode (e.g., when the target is at a specified range distance from the weapon (e.g., about 2 to 5 meters (about 6 to 15 feet)) due to collision with the target. Greater than about 15 cm (about 6 inches).

  Electronic weapon systems according to various aspects of the present invention each support the use of a set of cartridges having different ranges of effective distance, where each cartridge (or magazine) has a different indication of its capabilities (or This is partly due to giving the weapon a code that determines the ability. Cartridges, clips, and magazines are specific examples of devices generally referred to herein as deployment units. The electronic weapon system may operate to fire a specific cartridge (or a specific electrode set of a cartridge having several sets of electrodes) suitable for a specific application of a remote stun function.

  The greater utility and / or improved accuracy described above is achieved by an electronic weapon system constructed and operative in accordance with various aspects of the present invention. To give an example and clarify the presentation, consider the electronic weapon system 100 of FIGS. The electronic weapon system 100 includes a launch device 102 that cooperates with one (or more) set of cartridges 104. The cartridge 104 may be a separate unit or a mechanical assembly of cartridges. In either configuration, multiple sets are referred to herein as deployment units 104. The deployment unit 104 comprises a set of cartridges 105 and 106, which may be mounted on the firing device 102 individually or as a set, for example, with one or more clips or magazines. . The deployment unit 104 may include two or more (eg, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more) cartridges. As each cartridge is used, the cartridge may be replaced individually. The cartridges in the deployment unit 104 may be the same or may be different (eg, different in capability, manufacturer, date of manufacture, among others).

  Firing devices include any device that operates one or more deployment units. The launch device may be packaged as a contact stun device, batons, defenses, stun guns, pistols, rifles, mortars, grenade bullets, projectiles, land mines, or area protection devices. For example, a handgun-type firing device may be manually held by an operator to actuate one or more cartridges at a time from a set or magazine of cartridges. A landmine-type launch device (also referred to as an area denial device) may be remotely activated (or a sensor such as a trip wire) to fire one or more cartridges substantially simultaneously. May be activated). The grenade bullet firing device may be activated by a timer to fire one or more cartridges substantially simultaneously. The projectile launch device may be actuated by a timer or target sensor to fire multiple electrode sets to multiple targets. The function of these various launch devices can be understood from a functional block diagram applicable to these launch devices. For example, the functional block diagram of FIG. 1 shows launch device 102 that includes a control 120, a display 122, data communications 124, application specific functions 126, processing circuitry 130, and deployment unit control 140. Deployment unit control 140 includes a configuration reporting function 142 having a detector function 143 (eg, having one or more detectors), a firing control function 144, and a stimulus signal generator 146. The components of launch device 102 cooperate to provide all of the functions previously described. Other combinations of fewer than all of these functions may be implemented according to the present invention. A deployment unit 104 implemented in accordance with various aspects of the invention may include one or more cartridges, one or more magazines of cartridges, and / or one or more clips of cartridges. A weapon system according to various aspects of the present invention may include one or more physically separate deployment units, for example, to ensure redundancy, for backup, or for placement covering an area. .

  The firing device 102 communicates with each cartridge 105 and 106 of the deployment unit 104 via an electrical interface 107. Interface 107 allows firing device 102 to provide power, firing control signals, and stimulation signals to each cartridge. The various signals of these signals may be common to each cartridge, or (preferably) unique. Each cartridge 105 and 106 may provide a signal to the firing device 102 that conveys, for example, an indication of capability, as described above and further described below.

  The various forms of launch device 102 described above may be controls activated by a target (e.g., an area dial device), controls activated by an operator (e.g., a handgun type device), or controls (e.g., operated by timing or sensor circuitry). For example, a grenade bullet device). The control includes any conventional manual or automatic interface circuit, such as a manual switch or relay. The control may be implemented using a graphical user interface (eg, a graphical display, pointing device, or touch screen display).

  For a handgun type device, the controls 120 may include any one or more of safety controls, trigger controls, range priority controls, and stimulus controls. Safety controls (e.g., binary switches) may be read by the processing circuit 130 to implement global enable or disable of trigger and stimulus circuit elements (144, 146). The trigger control may be read by the processing circuit 130 to perform actuation (144) of the propulsion unit (116) within a particular cartridge (105). The range priority control is read by the processing circuit 130 and the processor of the cartridge that operates in response to the next activation of the trigger control according to a range of effective distances for the intended application indicated by the range priority control. You may choose by. When activated, the stimulation control may trigger another delivery of one or more stimulation signals for local stun function by a terminal (not shown) of the firing device 102 or a contactor 118 of the cartridge 105. The contactor 118 may deliver additional stimulation signals via terminals for local stun functions or via electrodes for remote stun functions.

  Control may be implemented using any indicator / detector described herein. Such an embodiment may facilitate maintaining a hermetic seal of the launch device. For example, safety controls, trigger controls, range priority controls, and / or stimulus controls are within the hermetic seal of a launch device that detects magnets moved by the manually moving portion of the control and the position and / or movement of the magnets. It may be implemented using a reed switch arranged in

  The display presents information, and may further present the control icons described above. Any conventional display may be used. For example, the display 122 may receive information from the processing circuit 130, present the information to the operator of the launch device 102, and receive input (eg, a touch screen function) that is reported back to the processing circuit 130.

  The data communication function implements wired transmission / reception and / or wireless transmission / reception of data using any conventional protocol and circuit. Through data communication, processing circuitry 130 receives updated configuration information describing software implemented by processing circuitry 130, display for display 122, launch device 102 and / or deployment device 104, and is collected by processing circuitry 130. Data may be reported.

  Application specific functions communicate with the processing circuit 130 to facilitate more efficient use of the launch device 102 in specific applications or types of applications. Application specific functions 126 may provide software to processing circuitry 130 and may include sensors and I / O devices. The alert-type local stun function and the remote stun function are referred to herein as primary functions.

  The processing circuit includes any circuit that performs a function according to a built-in program. For example, the processing circuitry 130 may include a processor and memory, and / or a conventional sequential machine that executes microcode or assembly language instructions from the memory. The processing circuitry may include one or more microprocessors, microcontroller application specific integrated circuits, digital signal processors, programmable gate arrays, or programmable logic devices.

  The configuration reporting function includes any function that collects information describing the operating conditions and configuration of the electronic weapon system. The collected information may be the result of a configuration report function or a functional test performed by another circuit or processor. The collected information is reported to other functions (eg, data communication function 124, processing circuit 130, memory 114) by the configuration report function or simply made available by the configuration report function. Also good. For example, the configuration report function 142 of the deployment unit 140 cooperates with the indicator (s) or performs data communication with the deployment unit indicator (s) (eg, indicators of the cartridges 105 and 106). A detector 143 that reports the results to the processing circuit 130. The processing circuit 130 may use these results to properly perform any alert-type local stun function and remote stun function using appropriate portions of one or more deployment units 104. . Further, the processing circuit 130 may interact with the data communication function 124 and / or the deployment unit control function 140 to transfer the collected information to the memory of another system or deployment unit.

  For example, a description of the configuration of the launch device 102 and the currently installed deployment unit (s) is preferably collected along with the functional test results and stored in the memory 114 immediately before or after deployment of the cartridge 105. . The same information collected may relate to the performance of a particular key function (eg, for a particular day, time, operator, and / or location) combined with audio data, video data, and other data. , May be transferred by the data communication function 124 immediately or at an appropriate time (eg, at the end of the operator's shift).

  The detector communicates with one or more indicators described above. For example, the detector 143 may include an independent sensor that detects each indicator 112 of each cartridge in the deployment unit. In one embodiment, the detector 143 is a circuit having a reed relay to detect the presence of a magnet (or flux circuit) of the appropriate polarity and / or strength at one or more locations proximate to the cartridge 105. including. The position defines the previously described code that is detected by the detector 143 and read by the processing circuit 130 to govern the operation of the electronic weapon system 100. The deployment unit may have multiple indicators (eg, one set of indicators for each cartridge). The detector may have a corresponding plurality of sensors (eg, reed relays).

  The launch control function provides a signal sufficient to activate the propulsion unit. For example, launch control function 144 provides an electrical signal for the operation of an electrically igniting pyrotechnic detonator. The interface 107 is implemented using one conductor (eg, pin) for each propulsion 116 and a return electrical path through the body of the propulsion 116, the body of the cartridge 105, and / or the body of the launch device 102. May be.

  The stimulation signal generator includes a circuit that generates a stimulation signal for passing current through the tissue of the target for compliance with pain and / or to prevent skeletal muscle activation by the target. Any conventional stimulus signal may be used. For example, the stimulus signal generator 146, in one embodiment, may deliver approximately 5 seconds of 19 pulses / second, each pulse carrying approximately 100 microcoulombs of charge through the tissue in approximately 100 microseconds. In other embodiments, the stimulus signal generator 146 provides a stimulus program as described below. The stimulation signal generator 146 may have a common interface in parallel (eg, to operate simultaneously) for all cartridges in the deployment unit 104, or for each cartridge 105, 106 (shown). May have individual interfaces that operate independently.

  The firing device 102 configured in accordance with various aspects of the present invention fires any one or more electrodes of the deployment unit 104 for remote stun functions and provides stimulation signals to any combination of electrodes. . For example, the launch control function 144 may provide a unique signal for each of several interfaces 107, and each cartridge of the deployment unit has one independently operating interface 107. The stimulation signal generator 146 may provide a unique signal for each of several sets of electrodes, and each cartridge of the deployment unit has one independently working set of terminals. In one implementation, firing device 102 provides a local stun function by coupling stimulation signal generator 146 to any one or more terminals located on a face of the firing device. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, such terminals cooperate with the cartridge's wire housing to similarly activate the cartridge's electrodes for a remote stun function.

  Operation of an electronic weapon system having such a launch device and deployment unit facilitates multi-function operation. For example, a set of electrodes is first deployed for a remote stun function, and then a set of terminals (eg, for an unused cartridge) is used for a local stun function, or (eg, an audible warning and / or It may be used to display arcs (as a visual warning). When two or more sets of electrodes are deployed for a remote stun function, the remote stun function may be performed with respect to the selected target or targets (eg, the stimulation signal is electroded in a fast sequence). Or provided simultaneously to multiple electrodes).

  The cartridge includes an electrode to which one or more wires are connected, a wire storage for each electrode, and a propulsion unit. Thin wires are sometimes called filaments. By installing a deployment unit having a cartridge relative to the firing device 102, the firing device 102 determines the capacity of at least one, preferably all, cartridges of the deployment unit. The launch device 102 may write information stored by the cartridge (eg, among other things, the identity of the launch device, the identity of the operator, the configuration of the launch device, the GPS location of the launch device, the date and time, the main function being performed).

  By activation of the control 120 of the firing device 102, the firing device 102 provides a stimulus signal for local stun function. By actuation of another control 120 of the firing device 102, the firing device 102 provides a firing signal to one or more cartridges of the deployed deployment unit 104, and each cartridge used for the remote stun function. A stimulation signal may be provided for. The determination of which cartridge (s) to fire may be accomplished by the firing device 102 with reference to installed cartridge capabilities and / or operator activation of controls. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the firing signal has a voltage substantially lower than the voltage of the stimulation signal, and the firing signal and the stimulation signal are in accordance with the control 120 of the firing device 102 and / or fired. Depending on the configuration of the device 102, it may be provided simultaneously or independently.

  As previously described, the cartridge includes an optional consumable package having one or more wire-connected electrodes. Thus, a magazine or clip is a type of cartridge. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, the cartridge 105 (106) of FIG. 1 includes an interface 107, an indicator 112, a memory 114, a propulsion 116, and a contactor 118. In another embodiment, the indicator 112 is omitted and the memory 114 performs the function of providing any or all of the instructions described below with reference to the indicator 112. In another embodiment, the memory 114 is omitted to reduce cartridge cost and complexity.

  Interface 107 supports communication in any conventional manner and as described herein. Interface 107 may include mechanical and / or electrical structures for communication. Communication may include conducting electrical signals (eg, connectors, spark gaps), supporting magnetic circuits, and sending optical signals.

  The indicator includes any device that provides information to the launch device. The indicator cooperates with the launch device for automatic communication of indicators that convey information from the indicator to the launch device. Information may be communicated in any conventional manner, including that the indicator emits a signal, or that the indicator modulates the signal emitted by the launch device. Information may be conveyed by any conventional property of the communication signal. For example, the indicator 112 may be an electrical, magnetic, or optical passive circuit or component to affect a charge, current, electric field, magnetic field, magnetic flux, or radiation (eg, light) emitted by the launch device 102. May be included. The presence (or absence) of charge, current, electromagnetic field, magnetic flux, or radiation at one or more specific times may be used to convey information through interface 107. The relative position of the indicator relative to the detector within the launch device 102 may convey information. In various embodiments, the indicator may comprise one or more of any of resistance, capacitance, inductance, magnet, magnetic shunt, resonant circuit, filter, optical fiber, reflective surface, and memory device. Good.

  In one implementation, indicator 112 includes a conventional passive radio frequency identification tag circuit (eg, having an antenna or acting as an antenna). In another embodiment, indicator 112 includes a specular surface or lens that directs light emitted by launch device 102 to a predetermined location in a detector or sensitive area within launch device 102. In another implementation, indicator 112 includes a magnet whose position and polarity is detected by firing device 102 (eg, by one or more reed switches). In yet another embodiment, the indicator 112 includes one or more portions of a magnetic circuit whose presence and / or its relative position can be detected by the remaining portions of the magnetic circuit within the launch device 102. In another embodiment, indicator 112 is coupled to firing device 102 by a conventional connector (eg, a pin and socket). Indicator 112 may include an impedance through which a current provided by firing device 102 passes. This latter approach is preferred for simplicity, but may be unreliable in a polluted environment.

  Indicators 112 of various embodiments include any combination of the above communication technologies. Indicator 112 may communicate using analog and / or digital techniques. When more than one bit of information is conveyed, the communication may be serial, time multiplexed, frequency multiplexed, or in parallel (eg, multiple technologies or the same technology). May be transmitted on multiple channels).

  The information indicated by indicator 112 may be encoded and communicated (e.g., an analog value carries a numeric code, and the communicated value provides an index in the launch device that more fully describes the meaning of the code. Tell the table). The information includes, for example, the usage (eg, one, multiple, remaining) available from this cartridge (eg, may correspond to the amount of electrode pairs in the cartridge), for each remote stun usage. Effective distance range, whether cartridge is ready for next remote stun use (eg, fully used cartridge indication), effective distance range for all or next remote stun use, cartridge Manufacturer, cartridge manufacture date and time, cartridge capacity, cartridge capacity shortage, cartridge model identifier, cartridge serial number, compatibility with launch device, cartridge installation orientation (eg, different capabilities in each orientation (eg, effective Distance), where multiple orientations may be used), and / or Deployment unit and / or including any value (s) stored in memory 114 (eg, stored at the manufacturer, stored by any firing device when a cartridge is installed for a particular firing device) Or a description of the cartridge 105 may be included.

  The memory includes any analog or digital information storage device. For example, the memory 114 may include any conventional non-volatile semiconductor memory, magnetic memory, or optical memory. The memory 114 may include any of the information described above and may include any software implemented by the launch device 102. The software may include a driver for this particular cartridge to facilitate proper (eg, plug and play) operation of indicator 112, propulsion 116, and / or contactor 118. Such functions may include stimulation signals specific to the use that the cartridge is supplied to achieve. For example, a launch device may be compatible with four types of cartridges, namely military, law enforcement, commercial security, and civilian personal defense, and according to software read from memory 114, certain launch control signals Alternatively, a stimulation signal may be applied.

  The propulsion unit propels the electrode away from the launch device and toward the target. For example, the propulsion unit 116 may include a compressed gas container that pushes the electrode from the cartridge 105 toward the target (not shown) by the expanding gas that opens and escapes from the container. The propulsion unit 116 additionally or alternatively includes conventional pyrotechnic gas generation capabilities (eg, explosives, smokeless explosives). Preferably, the propulsion unit 116 includes an electrically enabled pyrotechnic detonator that operates at a relatively low voltage (eg, less than about 1500 volts) compared to the stimulus signal delivered through the contactor 118. Including.

  The contactor causes the stimulation signal to be in proximity to or in contact with the tissue of the target (eg, animal or person). Contactor 118 may perform both a local stun function and a remote stun function, as described above. For the remote stun function, the contactor 118 includes electrodes that are propelled away from the cartridge 105 by the propellant 116. Contactor 118 provides electrical continuity between stimulation signal generator 146 in firing device 102 and a terminal for local stun function. The contactor 118 also provides electrical continuity between the stimulus signal generator 146 in the firing device 102 and the fixed end of the wire tether for each electrode for remote stun function. The contactor 118 receives a stimulation control signal from the interface 107 and may further include a stimulation signal generator (eg, to supplement or replace the stimulation signal generator 146 of the firing device 102).

  Signals in the interface 107 between the firing device 102 and one or more deployment units (eg, magazines or cartridges) are communicated between the firing device and the cartridge described above with reference to FIG. It may be the same, substantially the same, or similar.

  Another embodiment of an electronic weapons system according to various aspects of the invention operates using a magazine, as described above. The magazine may include a package having a plurality of cartridges or a package having a plurality of cartridge functions without packaging each cartridge as a separable unit. In addition, the magazine may provide some functionality in common for all electrodes in the magazine (eg, a shared propulsion system, indicator, or memory function).

  The magazine provides mechanical support and may further provide communication support for multiple cartridges. The cartridge for use in the magazine may be the same in structure and function as the cartridge 105 described above, except that the indicator 112 and memory 114 are omitted. The indicator and memory functions described above may be achieved by the magazine for all cartridges that are part of the magazine. The magazine indicator and / or memory may store or convey information regarding multiple installations, cartridges, and usage. Such magazines may be reloaded with cartridges and installed / removed / reinstalled on some firing devices so that a change is detected or recorded (eg, when using a remote stun function) At the appropriate time), the cartridge date, time, description, and firing device description may be detected, indicated, stored, and / or retrieved. Usage may be recorded to facilitate periodic maintenance, warranty coverage, failure analysis, or replacement.

  Electronic weapon systems according to various aspects of the present invention may include independent electrical interfaces for launch control and stimulus signal transmission. The firing control interface for a single shot cartridge may include one signal and ground. The firing control signal may be a binary signal with a relatively low voltage. Stimulation signals may be available independently for the local stun function with and without the cartridge installed in the firing device. The stimulus signal may be available for a remote stun function after the cartridge propulsion is activated.

  The deployment unit includes several (eg, two or more) sets of terminals for warning and / or local stun functions, and each set of several (eg, two) electrodes for remote stun functions. The above set may be included. The set may include more than one terminal or electrode. The firing of the electrodes may be done individually (eg, for an effective place when the target is too close for the flying electrodes to properly separate) or (eg, without interruption) Or as a set). In one embodiment, the set of terminals and the set of electrodes are packaged as a cartridge, and the deployment unit comprises several such cartridges. Before the cartridge electrodes are fired, the set of terminals of the electronic weapons (eg, part of the launch device or part of the cartridge) may perform a display (eg, warning) function or a local stun function. . In one embodiment, after firing, only the remote stun function is performed from the used cartridge, and other cartridges are available for local stun function or display function. The deployment unit includes two or more cartridges each having one or more independent interfaces, thus facilitating the multiple functions described herein.

  For example, after a first cartridge of such a deployment unit is deployed toward the first target, the stimulus signal generator 146 operates to provide a warning function or a local stun function using the other terminals of the deployment unit. May be. The second target may be involved in a second remote stun function. Thereafter, other terminals of the deployment unit may be used for another warning function or local stun function. The deployment unit may have a cartridge configuration (eg, not installed at all, partially installed, or all installed; none used, some used, or all Independent of (used), a terminal for warning function and / or local stun function may be included.

  An electronic weapon system according to various aspects of the present invention provides an operator interface that facilitates the use of multiple functions of the system. The operator interface includes methods implemented by the processor and methods implemented by the operator. For example, the processing circuit 130 of FIG. 1 implements a state transition method for the operator interface 200 of FIG. 2A. In the state transition method, only one state, shown as an oval, is active at some time. In order to go from one state to another, the criteria specified by the appropriate arrows that leave the current state and reach the next state must be met. In other words, when the criteria are met, the method state changes to the next state. When the method is currently in that particular state, actions specific to that particular state may be performed. Controls detected by the processing circuit 130 include safety (on / off), trigger (set / release), stimulus (set / release), and warning (set / release).

  In one embodiment, the stimulus and alert controls are implemented together as one control, and the terminal for the local stun function serves as an alert device. A terminal intended for local stun function will display a visible arc with a loud popping sound when the target is not in close proximity to the terminal. The combination of stimulus control and warning control activates both warning and stimulus when set and stops both warning and stimulus when released.

  In response to detecting the application of power (eg, connected battery power), the operator interface implemented by processing circuit 130 begins at sleep state 202. At a minimum, only critical functions that preserve battery power (eg, to maintain date and time, maintain volatile memory contents, detect specific controls) are implemented in sleep state 202. Critical functions may be implemented without activating the processor of processing circuit 130. By detecting the use of the control with safety off, the operator interface 200 proceeds to the report state 204. Any of a variety of information held in or available to the processing circuit 130 may be reported to the operator in state 204. The operator activates other conventional controls (eg, hypertext links or menu items) to receive additional or different reports and / or specify new or changed configuration preferences. The reporting action may continue at state 204 until the end of safety control or a change in safety control is detected. The operator interface 200 returns to the sleep state 202 if the operator indicates that the reporting action has been achieved, or if a period of time has elapsed with no further changes in control.

  In response to detecting an active data communication signal of data communication function 124 or a change upon installation or removal of a deployment unit where data communication (eg, an indicator or memory) is desired, operator interface 200 sleeps. State 202 may be left and proceed to data transfer state 205. Data transfer according to any suitable protocol may continue at state 205 until the end of safety control or a change in safety control is detected. When new software is received, the configuration of the electronic weapons system may be automatically changed to install and / or execute the received software. Operator interface 200 may be modified or replaced by received software operations. Assuming there is no such modification or replacement, the operator interface 200 goes to sleep when the data communication is abandoned or terminated, or when a period of time has elapsed with no further changes in control. Return.

  In response to detecting that the safety control is in the “off” state, operator interface 200 proceeds from states 202, 204, and 205 to ready state 206. Any major function may be triggered from the ready state 206. The capabilities of the electronic weapons system (eg, remaining battery capacity, available cartridge range for the next remote stun function, or selected cartridge range) are displayed sequentially or on demand by conventional operator controls. May be.

  In response to detecting that the alert control is set, the operator interface 200 proceeds from the ready state 206 to the alert state 207. While in state 207, any suitable audible or visual warning circuit may be activated. In one embodiment, the audible alert issues a command directed to the target, such as “Stop! Throw away your weapon! Put your hand on your head!”. As explained above, the stimulus signal generator may provide a loud, visible arc between terminals intended for local stun function as a warning. The operator interface 200 returns to the ready state when the warning control is released.

  In response to detecting that the trigger control is set, the operator interface 200 proceeds from the ready state to the firing state 208 and is designated by the configuration of the electronic weapon system before entering the firing state 208. Immediately fire one or more electrodes from one or more cartridges. If the trigger control is released quickly, the operator interface 200 proceeds from the fire state 208 to the run state 209. If not released (eg, an appropriate period of time has passed and trigger control is not released), the operator interface 200 proceeds from the firing state 208 to the stretch state 210.

  In another example, the processing circuit 130 of FIG. 1 implements a state transition method for the operator interface 250 of FIG. 2B. The operator interface 250 includes a sleep state 202, a launch state 208, and a run state 209 as previously described. The interface 250 may further include a report state 204, a data transfer state 205, a warning state 207, and a stretch state 210 (not shown) as described above. Independently, the operator interface 250 includes a fire ready state 252, a stimulus ready state 254, a run state 256, and a run state 258. As described below, run states 256 and 258 perform the functions described above with reference to run state 209, except that different state transitions are provided for run states 256 and 258.

  In response to detecting that the safety control is in the “off” state, the operator interface 250 proceeds from the sleep state 202 to the ready to fire state 252. In response to detecting that the trigger control is set, the operator interface 250 proceeds from the fire ready state 252 to the fire state 208 where the electrodes are fired and the trigger is triggered as described herein. When control is released, operation continues in the run state 209, where a stimulation current to be conducted through the target tissue is generated until done. Upon completion of the function of the run state 209, the operator interface 250 proceeds to the stimulus ready state 254.

  While in the stimulus ready state 254, the stimulus control operation proceeds to the run state 258 operation. While in the stimulus ready state 254, the trigger control operation provides a subsequent run state 256 operation. However, when the operation of the run state 256 ends, the operator interface 250 returns to the stimulus ready state 254. Subsequent firing can only occur after at least one operation of stimulus control. This policy is pre-achieved in response to a stimulus control operation from either state 254 or state 256 to run state 258.

In the run state 258, when the operation of the run state 258 is complete, the operator interface 250 proceeds to the fire ready state 252.
When the trigger control is set in the run state 258, the operator interface 250 proceeds to the fire state 208.

  If it is detected that the safety control is in the “on” state, the operator interface 250 transitions from the fire ready state 252 or the run state 258 to the sleep state 202 (shown), and the run state 256, the run state 209, And from other states (not shown) including stimulus ready state 254 to stimulus state 254.

  Stimulation signals according to various aspects of the present invention are intended to ensure compliance by the target at the will of the operator of the electronic weapon system. Multi-function weapons according to various aspects of the present invention provide the operator with a mechanism to ensure compliance in different applications using different stimulus signals. Submission may be as a result of the pain felt by the target and / or as a result of hindering the target from using the skeletal muscle. As a first example, the force on the target to obtain submission may be relatively greater than the force on the client to maintain submission. A stimulus signal suitable in this first example may include a strike phase with any number of hold phases. The energy expenditure for the hold phase may be less than the energy expenditure for the strike phase. As a second example, the initial force on the target may be reasonably smaller than the subsequent force on the target that has decided to resist submission. A stimulus signal suitable in this second example may include any number of hold stages with one or more strike stages. Various energy expenditure strike and hold phases may be available to the operator for various applications. For example, the duration of a phase may be adjusted by the operator during that phase.

  As described above, the duration of a stage may be extended from an initial duration to a maximum duration in the stretch state 210 if trigger control is not released. The initial duration may be a factory setup duration, a user configurable setup duration, or an extended recent duration. The display may report the remaining duration including extension and count up when the trigger control is held without releasing. An operator who wishes to extend a stage, for example by 25 seconds, may observe the display about 5 to 25 seconds in advance and then release the trigger control. The strike phase or hold phase may be extended. As shown in FIG. 2, the first stage performed after launch is extended by the operation of the trigger control.

  In other embodiments according to various aspects of the invention, a control different from the trigger control may be used, a certain type of stage extended may be specified by the operator, and / or (current or future). The identified stage can be identified for extension. For example, depending on the reconfiguration by the operator, the nth (eg, first, second, third) stage may be selected for extension, regardless of type. In another example, all stages of a particular type (eg, all hold stages after the initial strike stage) are extended. In order to allow the target to breathe more effectively, an electronic weapon system according to various aspects of the present invention provides a rest phase (e.g., by operator control) that does not contain enough stimulation to impede the breathing of the target. It may be introduced). In suitable applications, the extension may be negative to provide a decrease in the duration of the identified or predetermined stage of the stimulus signal.

  In response to detecting the release of trigger control, the operator interface 200 proceeds from the stretch state 210 or the fire state 208 to the run state 209 as described above. In the run state 209, the strike phase and hold phase durations are measured and the stimulus signal generator is controlled to achieve the desired strike phase, hold phase, and rest phase durations. Once achieved, the operator interface 200 proceeds from the run state 209 to the ready state 206. The run state 209 may be aborted and the operator interface 200 proceeds from the run state to the report state 204 (not shown) in response to detecting that the safety control is in the “on” state.

  In response to the stimulus control being set, operator interface 200 may proceed from ready state 206 to run state 209. As a result, predetermined durations (as opposed to stretched durations) of the strike, hold, and rest phases are measured in the run state 209 as described above.

  A launch device according to various aspects of the invention may support an operator configurable set of functions selected from an open set of functions. The set of open functions may include a programmable control of the stimulus signal generator. The operator configuration for the selected function may include field installation of a set of modules in communication with the processor of the launch device. Operator selection may be based on addressing a mix of anticipated uses for an electronic weapon system, as described above. When multiple units of an electronic weapon system are required in a tactical operation, a mixture of electronic weapon system configurations may be used to more effectively achieve the tactical operation. To achieve some or all of these functional capabilities, a launch device according to various aspects of the present invention includes an interface that accepts members of an open set of functions. The interface supports member functions and supports software transfer from the member to the processing circuit 130 to integrate the member functions into the operation of the electronic weapon system.

  For example, the launch device 300 of FIG. 3 may include a structure that performs all of the functions previously described with reference to the launch device 102 and further facilitates a multi-function electronic weapon system. Launch device 300 includes a built-in function 310 that couples to processing circuit 130, a tactical function bus 306 that couples to processing circuit 130, a deployment unit I / O function 332, and processing circuit 130. Tactical function bus 306 provides power and communication signals between processing circuit 130, open auxiliary function set 328, memory 326, and stimulus signal generator 330. Because the processing circuit 130 and the stimulus signal generator 330 are coupled to the bus 306, auxiliary functions coupled to the bus 306 provide status, report status, perform adjustments to the configuration, and control. Both processing circuit 130 and stimulus signal generator 330 may be accessed for purposes including implementation. The launch device 300 constitutes a platform for use-specific electronic weapons and multi-use electronic weapons. Multiple units with the capabilities of the launch device 300 (and as unique a set of auxiliary functions as possible) can be used together to achieve tactical objectives and can also work together automatically Good.

  Built-in functions 310 include control 312, display 314, audio I / O 316, data I / O 318, and rechargeable subassembly 321. The components of built-in function 310 may communicate with processing circuit 130 using conventional circuitry and software. The control 312 and the display 314 implement the operator interface 200 (120, 122) described above. In various other embodiments according to the present invention, the built-in function 310 is described with reference to any or all of the auxiliary functions described with reference to the auxiliary function 328 and / or the rechargeable subassembly 321. May include any function of the rechargeable subassembly.

  The audio I / O 316 includes a conventional microphone and a conventional speaker with appropriate digital conversion for use by the processing circuit 130. The audio output can be sent to the operator of launch device 300 (eg, at a volume level similar to a mobile phone), to other operators (eg, tactical personnel and reinforcement personnel) (eg, at a volume level similar to police radio), Alternatively, it may be directed to a target and potential target (eg, at a volume level similar to a loudspeaker). The speaker may be omitted in an embodiment where recording is desired without sound output. The audio input may be transmitted (eg, live streaming) and / or stored (eg, for later download, transmission, or analysis).

  The data I / O 318 implements the data communication function 124 described above. Data I / O 318 includes a buffer memory for queuing outgoing messages when data communication links become available and for holding received information awaiting access by processing circuitry 130. But you can. Data I / O 318 may monitor the availability of potential communication links and automatically receive information and / or send queued messages.

  Rechargeable subassembly 321 includes memory 320, battery 322, and camera 324, each coupled to bus 304. Components of the rechargeable subassembly 321 may communicate with the processing circuit 130 over the bus 304. Because the rechargeable subassembly 321 is frequently removed and replaced for charging, the bus 304 provides a mechanically and electrically reliable interconnect between the rechargeable subassembly 321 and the processing circuit 130. Make things. Bus 304 includes communication signals and power signals. Appropriate transmitter and receiver circuitry may be used within launch device 300 and rechargeable subassembly 321 when bus 304 coupling includes wireless coupling. In one implementation, the power signals are coupled using a magnetic circuit (eg, inductive coupling) for wireless transfer of energy to launch device 300. When rechargeable subassembly 321 is removed from launch device 300 and mounted in a charging cradle (not shown), inductive coupling causes wireless transmission of energy from cradle to battery 322 to charge battery 322. Support forwarding. Communication signals may be coupled from the bus 304 to either the launch device 300 or the cradle by magnetic, electrostatic, wireless, and / or optical circuit elements. For operation of launch device 300 and rechargeable subassembly 321 in harsh environments where there is a risk of dust and liquid contamination, magnetic coupling of power signals and wireless communication of communication signals is preferred.

  A deployment unit I / O 332 includes a plurality of magazines each having an indicator and / or memory as described above and / or each having an indicator and / or memory as described above. In cooperation with one or more deployment units, including a plurality of cartridges. The deployment unit I / O 332 implements the configuration report and launch control functions of the deployment unit control 140 described above. Deployment unit I / O 332 includes circuitry and periodically determines the configuration of installed deployment units and reports the latest results of these decisions to processing circuit 130 or is utilized by processing circuit 130. Software or firmware may be included to facilitate this.

  Auxiliary functions include any function that improves the effectiveness of the launch device in any tactical operation. For example, launch device 300 includes a bus 306 and a number of ports enabled by the bus, so any auxiliary functionality packaged as a module is installed on one of the number of ports. Also good. A set of auxiliary modules preferred by the operator may be installed to cooperate with the launch device 300 and also to each other as described above. Since the auxiliary functions form an open set, new modules may be designed to be received at one or more ports of the port for future implementation of additional auxiliary functions.

  In one implementation, launch device 300 provides a port on bus 306. One or more auxiliary functions are performed on each of a set of operator replaceable modules. Any one module may be attached to the port. Each module may provide a next port for receiving another set of modules.

  The positioning system function is an auxiliary function for determining the physical position of the module and consequently the launch device. For example, a conventional global positioning system (GPS) receiver may be incorporated into the positioning system module (328) with appropriate port interface circuitry and software. In cooperation with the processor and the GPS module (328), at a particular date and time (eg, when a major function is performed) associated with data stored or communicated by the processing circuit 130. The physical location can be easily included. The cooperation of the GPS module (328), the processing circuit 130, and the stimulus signal generator 330 allows the regulation of jurisdictions (eg, to prevent the use of arcs when a fire hazard exists in a part of the facility). The stimulus signal program can be easily adjusted according to the physical position (to be within range). With the cooperation of the GPS module (328), processing circuitry 130, and data I / O function 318 or RF link auxiliary module (328), signal power suitable for the use of a particular communication channel, technology, or its physical location May be facilitated.

  The user identification function is an auxiliary function for determining information useful for identifying the operator of the launch device. For example, conventional personal identification techniques may be incorporated into a user identification (UID) module (328) with appropriate port interface circuitry and software. Personal identification technologies include thumb fingerprints, retinal scans, voice recognition, and other biological sensor technologies. In other implementations, conventional barcode, badge, and radio frequency identification (RFID) tag technology may be used. RFID tags can be jewelry (eg, rings, bracelets, necklaces, watches), clothes (eg, badges, patches, buttons, belt buckles, belts, gloves, helmets) or other personal electronic devices (eg, cell phones, (Police radio, emergency alert device). The tag may be passive or may include a transmitter or transponder. In one implementation, the data I / O 318 further includes a transmitter and / or receiver used to detect an indicator of operator identification.

  Coordination of the UID module (328), processing circuitry 130, and stimulus signal generator 330 may include adjusting the stimulus program according to user identification (eg, training, consumer, security, law enforcement, and military applications) The form may be different). In other words, the same launch device is provided to different users and each automatically generates an appropriate stimulus program.

  Disabling stimulus signal generation in the absence of an authorized UID may be implemented by cooperation of the UID module (328) and the stimulus signal generator function. The authorized UID may be stored (eg, memory 320 and / or 326) for comparison with the detected UID. Storing voice, video, and / or data (eg, time, date, GPS location) and / or (eg, via an RF link) upon detection of an attempted operation when there is no authorized UID Transmission may begin. Storage and / or transmission may assist authorities in tracking the operation of the launch device by unauthorized persons.

  A memory (or memory 326 or 320) that is part of the UID module (328) may be used to list registered user identities. Registration may be accomplished by an operator interface and by software loaded from memory 320. Registration may be individual or comprehensive (eg, allow all members of the police team to use launch devices issued to any other member of the police team) ) If an attempt to use launch device 300 is made by an unregistered user (eg, user identification is not detected or a mismatch occurs by UID module (328)), launch device 300 advises the operator. , May block some or all of the functions (eg, block all major functions, but if any, via RF links to authorities or other methods to report location and user identification Enable data communication).

  The RF link function is used for communication between launch devices for communication with a conventional RF accessible information system or for wireless data communication in cooperation with data I / O 318 as described above. This is an auxiliary function. For example, conventional wireless transmitters and receivers may be incorporated into an auxiliary module (328) with appropriate port interface circuitry and software. The RF link module (328) may facilitate the exchange of information between the launch device and any server or user on the Internet.

  Data that may be sent from launch device 300 may include responses to broadcast or challenge signals. Data includes user identification, launch device identification, date and time, control operations (eg, safety, trigger, stimulus, range priority set and / or release), auxiliary function controls (eg, camera on / off, laser aiming) Device on / off) and / or device status (eg, battery capacity, deployment unit remaining capacity). Data communication over the RF link synchronizes the date and time of launch device 300 with the master authority for the date and time (eg, branch office, tactical lead launch device, remote tactical headquarters, cellular network, wireless base authorities (GPS, WWV)) It may help to make it happen. Communication over the RF link may help to enable and / or disable the use of any function of launch device 300.

  With the cooperation of one or more RF links, processing circuitry 130, and voice I / O function 316, in particular, multiple directional antennas in which the capability of the RF link is used in accordance with conventional ad hoc network technology. The launch device 300 has all conventional radiotelephone, network terminal, and network node functions (e.g., radio dispatch, secure voice communication between hubs such as launch devices, computers, and cell phone antenna towers) , Public mobile phones, emergency communication network terminals or nodes, ad hoc network terminals or nodes).

  The RF link replaces the microphone and speaker of the audio I / O function 316 to facilitate higher quality audio input for recording by the launch device 300 and / or a more understandable audio output from the launch device 300. Voice I / O may be implanted into and out of a remote headset or helmet with microphone and / or speaker functionality.

  The camera function is an auxiliary function for recording video moving images. Video recording may be related to the use of key functions. For example, a conventional video camera may be incorporated into a camera module (328) with appropriate port interface circuitry and software. The cooperation of camera module (328), processing circuit 130, and memory 320 or 326 facilitates the same functionality that rechargeable subassembly 321 would be available from camera 324 when implemented without camera 324. It may be. The camera 324 may operate simultaneously with the camera module (328), for example for different fields of view or viewing angles and / or different (eg, infrared, visible, polarized, filtered) sensitivities. The camera function (324, 328) may cooperate with the RF link function (328) to perform broadcast of live video or recorded video in any conventional format (eg, file transfer, live streaming). Good. Broadcast may facilitate use by another launch device (eg, for live viewing). Broadcasts to tactical stations may facilitate live viewing, analysis, and / or record keeping. Broadcasting or downloading to the archival station may facilitate forming or maintaining a record of power usage.

  By using a force recorder (or transmitter) according to various aspects of the present invention, the deployment unit (332) and stimulus signal generator (330) functions may be omitted. For example, use of a force recorder (or transmitter) may include audio and / or video recording and download (or transmission) capabilities. In another embodiment, the use of a force recorder (or transmitter) can be used as described herein for audio I / O (316), processing circuitry (130), camera (324, 328), RF Link (328), illumination (328), and range finder functions may be included.

  The illumination function is an auxiliary function (eg, map reading light) for illuminating the target or area desired by the operator. Any conventional illuminator may be incorporated into the lighting module (328) with appropriate port interface circuitry and software. Illumination directed by the processing circuit 130 can easily aim the electronic weapon system at the target, or confuse the sense of direction of the target with bright flash light, send out emergency light signals, and / or cameras The lighting necessary to improve the use of 324 or camera module (328) can be readily achieved.

  Other auxiliary functions (not shown) include a range finder function and a target identification function. The range finder estimates the distance from a specific cartridge (or firing unit) to a specific target. Processing circuit 130 may provide a particular cartridge type via bus 306. A particular cartridge may be identified by the user (eg, repetitively), identified according to application / tactical operation, or identified according to the results of the distance measurement function. If all cartridges are in one location, identification of a particular cartridge may be omitted. The distance measurement function may include any conventional distance sensing and measurement technique. For example, the distance may be determined from the propagation delay from the pulsed output signal received and reflected input signal received from the pulsed energy (eg, voice, radio, or laser light) reflected by the target. The target may be identified by processing circuit 130 (eg, using a camera and / or lighting function) or by a distance measurement function (eg, a conventional laser spot on the target).

  The processing circuit may include a conventional built-in program machine implemented using conventional circuitry, firmware, and operating system software. For example, the processing circuit 130 may be implemented using a single microprocessor or microcontroller. The processing circuit 130 implements methods for configuration management, enable / disable primary functions, and / or auxiliary functions, cartridge selection for primary functions, stimulus adjustment, data recording, and data communication.

  A method for configuration management, implemented by processing circuitry 130 according to various aspects of the present invention, may include one or more of the following operations in any practical order. The operations include (a) determining the function description of the current stimulus signal generator 330, (b) determining the function description of the current auxiliary function 328, and (c) function description of the current expansion unit. (D) software that supports the current signal generator, the current auxiliary function, and / or the current deployment unit is stored in the memory 320, 326, the memory of the processing circuit 130 (not shown), the deployment unit Determining whether it is available and up-to-date with respect to memory and buffered or available data communication via data I / O 318, (e) processing as required Updating the software in the program memory available to the circuit 130; (f) any of the launch devices 300; Performing non-destructive functional tests for all functions; (g) storing function description information in any of the memories 320, 326 and the memory of the expansion unit; and (h) memories 320, 326, Communicating and / or storing function description information in the deployment unit's memory and buffered or available data communications via data I / O 318.

  A method for enabling / disabling a primary function and / or an auxiliary function performed by processing circuit 130 according to various aspects of the present invention includes one or more of the following operations in any practical order: May be included. The operations include: (a) determining available battery capacity (eg, to reduce the possibility of a voltage drop while the main function is enabled); (b) the environment is the main function or Determining environmental factors (e.g., temperature, water vapor pressure, humidity) to determine whether an auxiliary function is suitable to be performed (e.g., adjustments are made for the intended function); c) a step of notifying the operator of enabled functions and available functions to be enabled by operator instructions; (d) disabled functions and available functions to be disabled by operator instructions The step of notifying the operator of the function, and (e) the function specified by the operator needs to be executed. Whether it is a step of performing a method of determining an operator interface.

  A cartridge selection method implemented by the processing circuit 130 according to various aspects of the present invention may include one or more of the following operations in any practical order. The operations include: (a) determining the description of all working cartridges; (b) operator preference for remote stun function capability (eg selection of electrode range suitable for range of effective distance, target clothing) (C) notify the operator when the operator's preferences cannot be met (eg, the operator prefers a long effective distance, but all current cartridges have a short effective distance) (D) determining the firing order of the working cartridge according to the description of the working cartridge, operator preferences, and firing order policy; (e) working with the deployment unit to activate a particular working cartridge It is a step to do. The firing order policy may be implemented in program logic. The firing sequence policy can be used when there is no suitable operator preference or to resolve ambiguity in exceptional cases (eg, if the operator wants to use an intermediate effective distance, When only long distance cartridges can be used, long distance cartridges will be used). Operator preferences may be indicated in any conventional manner and / or by the “range” preference control described herein.

  A stimulation signal according to various aspects of the present invention may include a stimulation program having one or more stimulation subprograms, a group of submission signals, and / or a submission signal. To give an example and to clarify the presentation, consider the stimulus program 420 and component parts shown in FIGS. In FIG. 4A, two stimulation programs 402, 404 are shown.

  The stimulation program 402 consists of a warning stage. The stimulus program 402 may follow the operation of alert control. The warning phase, in one embodiment, does not electrically stimulate the target. Nevertheless, the warning phase eliminates the need for additional warning function circuitry using a stimulus signal generator that provides an arc between the terminals of the electronic weapon system 100 for the warning function as previously described. May be. The warning phase, in the first embodiment, cannot provide current through the target tissue (eg, the warning function terminal is not located on the exposed surface of the electronic weapons system 100). The alerting phase, in another embodiment, provides an alerting function, as well as a local stun function that allows current to flow through the target tissue. In a preferred embodiment, the stimulus signal generator is used to provide a warning function, suitable for a warning arc, and as a local stun function, suitable for conducting a strike or hold stage current through the target tissue. .

  The stimulation program 404 consists of five stages of the sequence. The five stages are a strike stage from time T1 to time T2, a rest stage from time T2 to time T3, a hold stage from time T3 to time T4, another rest stage from time T4 to time T5, and from time T5 to time T6. Is the hold stage. The stimulation program 404 may follow the operation of the trigger control. The relative duration may be a period other than the illustrated period, and the relative duration may be extended in the duration 406 as described above.

The notification phase is shown following the stimulation program 404 and describes a special phase.
The stimulation program includes any suitable sequence of stimulation subprograms. In accordance with various aspects of the present invention, a library of stimulation subprograms is defined and stored in the memory of the electronic weapon system 100. For example, the library of the stimulus subprogram 420 includes the WARN subprogram 422, the STRIKE1 subprogram 424, the STRIKE2 subprogram 426, the HOLD1 subprogram 428, the HOLD2 subprogram 430, the HOLD3 subprogram 432, the ADVISE1 subprogram 434, and the ADVISE2 subprogram 436. including. Each subprogram (eg, 422) includes one or more submission signal groups (eg, 440).

  The submission signal group (eg, 442) includes a plurality of submission signals (eg, 460). For example, a group of compliance signals (eg, 442, 444) may be characterized by a repetition rate when the compliance signals are all the same and regularly spaced in a temporal sequence. In other embodiments, the obedience signal group can be a variety of different obedience signals and various (e.g., for different purposes such as primarily to cause distress and / or primarily to prevent movement of skeletal muscle). , Increasing, decreasing, increasing and decreasing, random) intervals.

  The compliance signal (eg, 462) is sufficient to ionize the air in the intervening air gap, thereby causing the target to feel pain and / or one or more of the skeletal muscles. Prevent control by the target. When the compliance signal results in pain and / or skeletal muscle contraction, the duration of the pain and / or contraction may define a period of time referred to as the effective duration of the compliance signal. The effective duration may be defined in terms of a compliance signal waveform that falls within a model in a standard target tissue. A standard target may have the average characteristics of a typical target population. The inventors have discovered that a resistance (RB) of about 400 ohms is a suitable model for targets of adults who are in good health and not under the influence of drugs or alcohol. .

  The compliance signal may have a waveform that matches the resonant circuit response driving the load. The resonant circuit driving the load provides a type of waveform 462 known as weak attenuation, a type of waveform 464 known as critical damping, or a type of waveform 466 known as overdamped. Also good. Depending on the resonant circuit and the load, apparent variations between these types can occur. For the standard target tissue model described above, the waveform provided by the circuit disclosed herein is typically represented as weak attenuation.

  The waveform at both ends of the RB may include a series of portions each appearing as weak attenuation, critical attenuation, and excessive attenuation. With a first circuit configuration (eg, according to FIG. 8A with the switch SWA closed) to generate an arc and complete a circuit for conducting stimulation current through the target tissue, and A combined (eg, shaped) waveform may be provided by a second circuit configuration (eg, according to FIG. 8B with switch SWB closed) to maintain the stimulation current. The signal source impedance and load in the first configuration may be different from the signal source impedance and load in the second configuration. Furthermore, the target tissue may present varying loads (eg, different resistances) as a function of current, charge, and / or local heating caused by the current. As a result, the waveform appears to be weakly attenuated (in any combination), critically attenuated, or overdamped during operation of the first configuration, and weakly attenuated during the second configuration, It may appear critically damped or overdamped. The configuration may vary depending on any switching technique described herein (eg, spark gap, semiconductor switch).

  In general, a submission signal group (eg, 442) accomplishes the purpose of a certain stage (eg, strike, hold, notification). The compliance signal (eg, 462) may be adjusted in intensity (eg, energy, current, voltage, amount of charge, rate, or amplitude). As a result, the submission signal group 440 may include a uniform submission signal 444 or a series of different submission signals 442, 446. In general, a high intensity compliance signal results in greater energy expenditure from the launch device. A relatively high intensity compliance signal can have suitable characteristics for stopping the target. A relatively low intensity obedience signal advises the target to obey the operator of the launch device due to discomfort and / or pain, although not enough to significantly impede use by the target of the skeletal muscle Is enough. One or more submission signal groups of the stimulation subprogram may be the same or may form a series of different submission signal groups. Variations in the compliance signal 460, the compliance signal group 440, the stimulation subprogram 420, and the stimulation program 440 may be responsive to the estimated battery capacity to conserve battery capacity.

  The submission signals may be interleaved and serial. For example, higher and lower compliance signals 446 may be delivered to the same target. In another example, a series of submission signals may be sent to multiple targets simultaneously. In yet another example, a series of submission signals may be sent to several targets, each target receiving the next submission signal for that series. For example, a compliance signal received by each target (eg, one pulse per target) may have a certain pulse repetition rate so that the repetition rate of the series is a multiple of the pulse repetition rate received by each target. It may be.

  A stimulus adjustment method implemented by the processing circuit 130 according to various aspects of the present invention may include one or more of the following operations in any practical order. The operations include: (a) determining operator privileges with respect to the right to specify stimulation program adjustments; (b) determining all current cartridge descriptions; (c) operator for local stun capability. Determining the preference; (d) determining the operator preference for remote stun capability; (e) determining the working capacity of the launch device; and (f) notifying the operator when the operator preference cannot be met. A step of notifying (eg, the operator prefers a stimulus greater than the current cartridge capacity or greater than the firing device capacity), (g) a regulated stimulus program, a stimulus subprogram, a submission signal with a uniform submission signal Group and / or with different intensity submission signals (2 (3) a stimulus program adjusted with operator identification; (3) linearly decreasing, linearly increasing, alternating high intensity and low intensity) Storing and / or communicating a description of and: (i) providing control to a stimulus signal generator to perform a regulated stimulus program.

  A data recording method implemented by the processing circuit 130 in accordance with various aspects of the present invention may include one or more of the following operations in any practical order. The operations include: (a) outputting an audible prompt requesting information from the operator to the operator; (b) receiving a voice response by the operator; (c) storing or communicating the voice response; d) determining a symbol corresponding to the voice response; and (e) storing or communicating the symbol. Data recording may be desired for so-called “use of force” reports related to the operation of the launch device. The prompt may be an abbreviated suggestion of a complete request for information to be written on the written instruction sheet used by the operator to accomplish preparing the “Use of Force” report. . If the prompt is a complete request for information, a written instruction sheet need not be used. An operator interface similar in some respects to a conventional stenographer note recorder may be implemented to allow review and editing of the voice response. Voice response or symbolic voice response communication may be buffered as described above. Storing and / or communicating may include associating operator identification with information stored or communicated.

  A data communication method implemented by processing circuitry 130 according to various aspects of the present invention may include one or more of the following operations in any practical order. The operations include: (a) determining the identity of the operator of the launch device; (b) determining the identity of the launch device; (c) determining the physical location of the launch device; Determining whether it is available for communication; (e) receiving a request for information from the communication link; (f) identifying an operator, identifying the launch device, and the physical location of the launch device Preparing information including one (or all), and (g) transmitting information on the link. To determine whether a link is available for communication, launch device 300 may be used with a cradle (not shown) that links cradle optical I / O to display 314 optical I / O. To provide a wireless link for data communication with a cradle (not shown) that also allows charging of energy to the battery 322 without removing the rechargeable subassembly 321 from the launch device 300, the bus 304 is It may be extended.

  A launch device according to various aspects of the present invention includes operator controls arranged for convenient and intuitive use by an operator. For example, the handgun-type firing device 500 of FIGS. 5 and 6 includes a main body 501, a handle 502, a safety control 504, a trigger control 506, a stimulus control 508, an operator preference control 510, a menu control 512, a cartridge ejection control 514, a laser target. Of the illuminator 516, a plurality of cartridges 522, 524, 526 installed in the front surface 520 of the launch device 500, a rechargeable subassembly 532 installed in the bottom surface 530 of the handle 502, a module (the illumination module 542 is shown) It includes a module bay 540 having a port for installation, and a display 602 (FIG. 6). In FIG. 5, cartridges 522, 524, and 526 are shown without the front cover of each cartridge. As a result, a circular delivery tube for electrodes and an oval wire storage are visible. If all three cartridges are used up, the device 500 will appear to be shown with one filament wire extending from each oval wire storage. Each cartridge 522, 524, and 526 has two terminals (not shown) (one terminal for each wire housing) to support the arc with respect to each two terminals of the firing device 500 shown. Terminals 535 and 536 of firing device 500 are arranged symmetrically with respect to cartridge 526 and support an arc for cartridge 526. The terminals for cartridges 522 and 524 are arranged symmetrically for similar functions.

  The safety control 504 according to various aspects of the present invention may be implemented as a two-position rotating lever on both sides of the body 501. By arranging a small magnet inside each lever and arranging a reed relay inside the main body 501 at the extreme end of the rotational movement of each lever, the hermetic sealing of the main body 501 is lowered. Instead, lever position detection may be achieved. In another embodiment, the levers on both sides are mechanically coupled to move as a unit and the magnetic component is omitted for one of the levers.

  According to various aspects of the invention, the lever may implement more than one control. For example, the three positions of lever 504 may implement a combination of functions for safety control (504) and operator preference control (510). For example, the operator preference function may indicate a “range” (effective distance) preference of the type described with reference to control 510. The three positions may be as follows: (1) Safety is on, (2) Safety is off, range preference is short, (3) Safety is off, range preference is long. The control 510 may be omitted or may be of different preferences (eg, stimulus adjustment preferences, lighting preferences, wireless link preferences) or different controls (eg, alert functions that are separate from the stimulus functions as described above). May be used for

  The trigger control 506 according to various aspects of the present invention may be implemented as a two-position rotary lever that pivots on an axis within the body 501 and is equipped with a spring return to resemble a conventional pistol sensation. . Since the movable part of the trigger control 506 may include a magnet for activating the reed relay in the main body 501, lever position detection is achieved without reducing the hermetic seal of the main body 501. The operator pushes the trigger lever into the handle 502 to set the control and opens the trigger lever to release the control.

  The stimulus control 508 according to various aspects of the present invention may be implemented as a two-position spring return button having a magnet in the movable part and a reed relay in the body 501, so that button position detection is performed in the body 501. The position detection of the lever is achieved without reducing the hermetic seal. In operation, the stimulus control 508 may appear to the operator as a normally open instantaneous contact switch. The operator presses a button in the main body 501 to set the control, and releases the button to release the control.

  The operator preference control 510 according to various aspects of the present invention may be implemented as a two-position spring return button with a magnet in the movable part and a reed relay in the body 501 so that button position detection Lever position detection is achieved without reducing the 501 hermetic seal. The operator presses a button in the main body 501 to set the control, and releases the button to release the control.

Menu control 512 may be implemented in a manner similar to operator preference control 510.
A cartridge removal control 514 (eg, a release button) mechanically disengages the cartridge retention latch for all cartridges in the front surface 520. The operator chooses to remove the cartridge (eg, cartridge 522 because it has been used) or replace and reload the cartridge (eg, replace the short range cartridge 524 with a longer range cartridge). There is a case.

  Target illumination may be provided by a laser or general illumination (eg, spotlight, projector). For example, laser illumination to identify a particular target (eg, to aim at launch tactical coordinates visible to other law enforcement officers and / or to provide an environment for video recording). It may be provided by a laser target illuminator 516 and / or by an auxiliary illumination function 328,540. The laser target illuminators 516 and 540 may cooperate with the distance measuring function described above. For example, any suitable modulated illumination may be provided by the laser 516 for reception by the photodetector of the auxiliary module in the bay 540.

  The handle 502 has a cavity for receiving the rechargeable subassembly 532 above the bottom surface 530 of the handle. In one embodiment, the rechargeable assembly includes a camera (not shown) having a lens facing the target.

  Display 602 can include any of the information previously described (eg, operating information, configuration information, status, battery capacity, test results, visual prompts, menus for selecting information to display, and for review and / or revision. Configuration settings). Display 602 may be used as an optical I / O transmitter and / or transceiver for data communication function 124 (318), as described above.

  The microphone may record the voice of the operator's voice (eg, instant tactical dialogue, response to prompts, voice directed to the target), ambient voice, or voice from the target. One or more microphones (not shown) may be placed on one or both surfaces 604 arranged symmetrically on the display 602. A microphone (not shown) may be placed on the sensitive front surface 520 along an axis directed toward the target.

  A speaker (eg, a warning or loudspeaker) may provide voice prompts to the operator, tactical assistance personnel for the operator, or target. The surface 604 or 606 may include one or more speakers (not shown) (eg, symmetrical about the center of the body portion 501). The first or one or more additional speakers may be located on the back of the module bay 540, on the side of the body 501, or on the bottom of the body 501 below the stimulus control 508. Conventional omnidirectional sound emitters may be used at any of the locations so that the sound is directed to the operator, the target, or both.

  The deployment unit control provides a circuit that interacts with the digital control from the processing circuit 130 and a circuit that interacts with one or more deployment units having indicators and cartridges. The interface between the processing function and the deployment unit control function may include a charge control signal, a stimulus control signal, and a firing signal. For example, by including a charge control signal 724 that is functionally independent of the stimulus control signal 726, a compliance signal (460), a compliance signal group (440), a stimulation subprogram (420), and (410) ) Stimulation program adjustment is facilitated, including designation by the processing circuit 130 of parameters that define or revise one or more of the stimulation programs. According to various aspects of the present invention, the deployment unit control 140 of FIGS. 1 and 7 includes a charging function 702, a storage function 704, a discharging function 706, a firing function 708, and a detector 710. The firing circuit 708 provides a signal 730 and may operate as described above with reference to the firing control 144. Detector 710 provides a signal 732 and may operate as described above with reference to detector 143. The charging function 702, the storage function 704, and the discharging function 706 may cooperate to implement the stimulus signal generator described above. Processing circuit 130 may receive a digital (eg, originating from an analog-to-digital converter) feedback signal (not shown) from charging function 702, storage function 704, and / or discharging function 706. The processing circuit 130 receives other feedback information including the cartridge status (730, 732).

  The charging function according to various aspects of the present invention receives battery power and provides energy to the energy store at a voltage higher than the battery power without exceeding the current and voltage capabilities of the battery. A circuit that performs the charging function may provide energy in pulses having a certain duty cycle, a certain pulse repetition rate, and each pulse amplitude. These parameters may be constant throughout charging or may be adjusted by the processing circuit depending on the state of the battery being detected and the state of the storage function being detected. Charging in response to the charge command of the charge control signal may be accomplished for one submission signal or set of submission signals. In one implementation, charging function 702 receives battery power signal 722 and charging control signal 724 and provides energy to storage function 704. The charging control signal 724 may include one or more digital and / or analog signals for communicating specifications to the charging function 702.

  A storage function according to various aspects of the present invention receives stored energy from a charging function and accumulates the received energy for discharge. Storage may be accomplished using inductive or capacitive components. For example, the storage function 704 includes one or more capacitors collectively referred to as capacitance.

  The discharge function according to various aspects of the present invention receives energy from the storage function and provides one or more submission signals to the deployment unit in response to the stimulus control signal for the local stun function or the remote stun function. . The circuit that performs the discharge function may provide a stimulation program, stimulation subprogram, compliance signal group, or compliance signal specified by the processing circuit. The stimulation program, stimulation subprogram, compliance signal group, and parameters of the compliance signal may be communicated to the discharge function by a stimulation control signal. For example, the processing circuit 130 with knowledge of the voltage and capacitance of the reservoir 704 (eg, by software configuration, by feedback signal) specifies the amplitude and / or duration of one or more submission signals, and this specification May be communicated to the discharge function 706 by a stimulus control signal 726. The discharge control signal 726 may include one or more digital and / or analog signals for communicating specifications to the discharge function 706. The amplitude and duration of one embodiment is sufficient to carry approximately 100 microcoulombs of charge into the target tissue per submission signal when interference with skeletal muscle target control is desired. The submission signal group may be characterized by a repetition rate of about 15-19 submission signals per second, between about 5-10 seconds, when interference with control of the skeletal muscle target is desired. Less transfer charge per submission signal, less submission signal per second, and / or a shorter duration of the submission signal group may constitute a suitable submission (e.g. warning) effect on the target. .

  The compliance signal combines the energy from the first capacitance of the reservoir 704 with a first voltage suitable to establish one or more arcs to complete the circuit through the target, and Generated by the discharge function 706 by combining energy from the second capacitance at a second voltage lower than the first voltage to deliver the remainder of the compliance signal after sufficient time for arc formation has elapsed. May be. Discharge in response to the discharge command of the discharge control signal may be achieved for one submission signal or set of submission signals.

Each compliance signal when applied to the target may exhibit an electrical waveform characteristic that is weakly attenuated, critically attenuated, or overdamped. 8A and 8B show a simplified electrical model of the storage and discharge functions (800, 801) coupled to the target by the deployment unit in the case of a remote stun function. The components of FIGS. 8A and 8B are electrically complete, as is usually the case for circuits that model electrical phenomena. In FIG. 8A, the primary circuit 802 includes a storage function capacitance CA coupled by a switch SWA on the primary side of a step-up transformer model TD having a primary winding resistance RP. Capacitance CA stores an energy at a voltage VA according to expression ^0.5 * ^CA * VA ^2. The secondary circuit 804 discharges against the secondary side of the transformer TD having the secondary winding resistance RS, the electrode of the deployment unit modeled as resistance RF and capacitance CF (for example, a target garment or skin piercing electrode). Filaments that connect the wires connecting to the function), as well as the target resistance modeled as RB. Terminals E1 and E2 correspond to electrodes that are fired towards the target and ultimately placed near or in the target tissue. At suitable compliance signal voltages and currents, the human body has little electrical resistance, but the value of RB is different for different amplitudes, different waveforms, and different repetition rates. The combined effect of all gaps that are bridged before transferring charge to the target is denoted as model spark gap G. The energy stored for sending the compliance signal is not completely delivered to and dissipated in resistor RB, and the voltage divider across RS is composed of RS, RF, and RB Note that is determined by: The model of FIG. 8B shows the electrical state after the spark gap has conducted forming a complete circuit through the target tissue. Here, the capacitance model CD of the storage function is coupled via the switch model SWB passing through the secondary winding of the transformer model TD. Capacitance CD stores an energy at a voltage VD according to expression ^0.5 * ^CA * VD ^2. Whether the compliance signal waveform is an overdamping waveform, a critical damping waveform, or an underdamping waveform modeled by the circuit 806, or is an overdamping waveform or a critical damping waveform modeled by the secondary circuit 804? Note that it may also have an underdamping waveform. As before, the energy stored for the remaining delivery of the compliance signal is not completely delivered to the resistor RB and dissipated in the resistor RB.

  The model of FIGS. 8A and 8B may be applied to the local stun function, omitting the resistance and capacitance of the filament wire to the electrode. In particular, RF and CF may be omitted. The terminals E1 and E2 of the model correspond to terminals that can be brought close to or in contact with the target.

  The deployment unit control described above may be implemented in accordance with various aspects of the present invention using the circuit techniques shown in FIGS. The deployment unit control of FIG. 9 includes a charging function 702, a storage function 704, and a discharging function 706. The discharge function 706 provides a plurality of conductor pairs (911, 912 (not shown), 916) 910 that are part of the interface 107 to one or more deployment units 104 described above. In FIG. 9, the storage function 704 is implemented using three capacitances, each having a different plate-to-plate voltage. In one implementation, windings W1, W2, and W3 have nominal voltage specifications of 2000, 1000, and 2000, respectively, where winding W3 is in opposite polarity with respect to windings W1 and W2. The series windings W1 and W2 provide charging pulses having an amplitude (s) of up to about 3000 volts peak for a charging capacitance C6 of up to about 3000 volts. Series windings W2 and W3 provide charge pulses having a minimum amplitude of about -3000 volts peak (s) for a charge capacitance C5 of about -3000 volts minimum. Winding W2 provides a charge pulse having an amplitude (s) of up to about 1000 volts peak for a charge capacitance C4 of up to about 1000 volts. The voltages on capacitances C4, C5, and C6 may be sampled and fed back to processing circuit 130. The effectiveness of charging may be determined by the processing circuit 130. The prediction of the voltage drop state of the battery 322 may be calculated by the processing circuit 130. As a result, adjustments to the charge pulse amplitude, stimulation program, stimulation subprogram, compliance signal group, or compliance signal strength may be made to reduce the risk of a potential voltage drop condition. Further, instead of operator preferences, certain policies may be followed, and notifications to the operator may be provided when operator preferences are not followed.

  Launch control circuitry according to various aspects of the present invention may provide an indication (730) that each of several cartridges is ready and may respond to a digital launch control signal (728) for each launch. . For example, the launch control circuit 1000 of FIG. 10 includes a digital feedback circuit and a plurality of deployment circuits A-N 1002.

  Includes a comparator (eg, for a window between thresholds or limit values), an A / D converter 1004 (not shown), or a microcontroller with A / D, D / A, and / or comparator functions Any conventional digital feedback circuit may be used to provide firing data (including, for example, cartridge status such as an indication that it is ready).

Each deployment circuit has a relatively low voltage of current sufficient to activate a conventional pyrotechnic detonator (modeled as resistors R _{PRIMER-A to} R _PRIMER-N ) as previously described (eg, , Having a peak voltage amplitude of less than about 1000 volts, preferably less than about 300 volts, such as about 150 volts. The processing circuit 130 has independent controls for each detonator A-N. The processing circuitry 130 may be used to determine, for example, whether a particular detonator is ready, whether a particular detonator has been used, and / or to identify the functional capabilities of a cartridge. The detonator resistance may be monitored (eg, the electrical characteristic may be an indicator (112) describing the cartridge, as described herein).

In another embodiment according to various aspects of the present invention, detecting the characteristics of the detonator serves both the launch function and the indicator function. For example, R _PRIMER may be an impedance (Z _PRIMER ) having electrical properties that serves as the indicator (112) described above. Electrical characteristics may be determined using impulse, pulse, frequency, or frequency sweep waveforms. Any conventional detector (143) for amplitude, phase, or frequency may be used to determine the index with which the Z _PRIMER is associated with the cartridge or magazine placed therein. The memory 320, 326 may include a table that cross-references the electrical characteristics for the appropriate description of the cartridge.

The stimulus control circuit according to various aspects of the present invention may provide a compliance signal with a relatively high voltage dictated by the processing circuit 130. For example, the stimulus control circuit 1100 of FIG. 11 is responsive to a plurality of stimulus control signals, one for each pair of terminals or electrodes. Stimulation control circuit 1100 includes a plurality of stimulation circuits 1102, each supporting one pair of terminals or electrodes for a local stun function or a remote stun function. Each stimulation circuit 1104, 1106 has a step-up transformer TD1106, TD1126 having a primary winding and a secondary winding pair. Each primary winding is in series with an independent SCR Q1106, Q1126 that acts as a switch. The gate of each SCR is driven by each stimulus control signal (A-N) amplified by a transistor circuit consisting of Q1102 and R1102 to provide a gate signal SCA (Q1104 and R1104 provide SCN). Each secondary circuit includes a transformer secondary winding coupled from one side to a stored energy source (eg, capacitance C5 or C6) and from the other side to a terminal or electrode. As a result, for example, when one stimulus control signal (STIMULUS CONTROL _A ) is asserted, SCR Q1106 conducts and a third stored energy source (eg, capacitance C4) is passed through one primary winding. It becomes possible to discharge. As a result of the initial discharge, a high voltage pulse (eg, about 50,000 volts) is available across the terminal or electrode 911 to ionize air in the air gap in series with the terminal or electrode. After ionization, capacitances C5 and C6 carry a discharge current through the ionized air and target. Note that the same set of capacitors may be reused for each desired stimulation circuit signal (eg, 911 and / or 916). As a result, providing stimulation to several targets is accomplished by asserting a stimulation control signal in turn for each target. Submission signal groups or stimulation subprograms may be interleaved.

  In another stimulus control circuit according to various aspects of the present invention, several sets of terminals and electrodes (910) may simultaneously conduct independent stimulus signals. For example, the stimulus control circuit 1200 of FIG. 12 provides an electrically independent stimulus signal to each of N pairs of terminals or electrodes simultaneously in response to one stimulus control signal SCA described above. . Ionization is accomplished simultaneously for all pairs of terminals or electrodes by a single stored energy source (eg, capacitance C4) in series with all primary windings. Each secondary circuit includes an independent energy store to support the current through each target after ionization. As shown, the secondary circuit of transformer TD1202 includes capacitors C1202 and C1204, and the secondary circuit of transformer TD1222 includes capacitors C1222 and C1224.

  In another stimulus control circuit according to various aspects of the present invention, operation of the terminals and electrodes (910) may be independent (eg, similar to circuit 1100) or may be simultaneous (eg, , Similar to circuit 1200). For example, the stimulus control circuit 1300 of FIG. 13 includes a plurality of stimulus circuits 1304-1306 1302 (amount N), each circuit (as described above with reference to FIG. 11) with a respective stimulus control signal SCA. ~ Respond to SCN. Each stimulation circuit includes a primary winding and a secondary winding for each terminal or electrode (two secondary windings are shown). Each secondary circuit includes a capacitance to continue the current through the target after ionization.

  The transformer may support one pair of terminals or electrodes, as shown in FIGS. In other stimulus control circuits according to various aspects of the present invention, the transformer may support multiple pairs of terminals or electrodes. As a first example, the transformer TD1402 of FIG. 14 can be replaced with any transformer of any particular stimulation circuit of FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 to provide three pairs of terminals or electrodes for that particular stimulation circuit. May be supported. A transformer TD1402 is coupled to a first storage capacitance (eg, C6) on one side and to a first terminal or electrode on the other side to provide current through the target after ionization. Includes line W1402. Transformer TD1402 further includes a secondary winding W1404 coupled to the second terminal or electrode of first pair 911 and coupled to the third terminal or electrode. Transformer TD1402 further includes a secondary winding W1406 coupled to the fourth terminal or electrode of second pair 912 and coupled to the fifth terminal or electrode. The transformer TD1402 is further coupled to a sixth terminal or electrode of the third pair 916 and a secondary winding coupled to a second storage capacitance (eg, C5) for providing current through the target after ionization. W1408 is included. The technique shown in FIG. 14 may be extended to support four or more pairs of terminals or electrodes.

  As a second example, the transformer TD1502 of FIG. 15 is replaced with any transformer of any particular stimulation circuit of FIGS. 11, 12, and 13 so that two pairs of terminals or electrodes for that particular stimulation circuit are used. May be supported. Transformer TD 1502 is coupled to a first storage capacitance (eg, C6) on one side and to a first terminal or electrode on the other side to provide current through the target after ionization. Line W1502 is included. The transformer TD1502 further includes a shunt from the second terminal or electrode of the first pair 911 to the third terminal or electrode. The transformer TD1502 is further coupled to a fourth terminal or electrode of the second pair 916 and a secondary winding coupled to a second storage capacitance (eg, C5) for providing current through the target after ionization. Includes W1504. The technique shown in FIG. 15 may be extended to support more than two pairs of terminals or electrodes.

  In another stimulus control circuit according to various aspects of the present invention, several energy sources are available in the primary circuit. For example, circuit 1600 of FIG. 16 includes capacitors C1602 and C1604 that are charged to a common voltage (eg, about 2000 volts). The primary circuit further includes spark gaps G1602 and G1604, each having a breakdown voltage of about 2000 volts. When the capacitor is being charged or charged, gap G1602 has little voltage, if any, across it. When charged beyond the breakdown voltage of the gap G1604, the terminal or electrode 916 is activated and a current through the target is formed from the charge stored in the capacitors C1614 and C1615. As soon as the gap G1604 conducts, the voltage across the gap 1602 rises and then causes the gap G1602 to conduct. When gap G1602 conducts, terminal or electrode 911 is activated and a current through the target is formed from the charge stored in capacitors C1612 and C1613. One advantage of the circuit 1600 is provided by a pair of capacitors (C1612, C1613) in which the charge for the current for the terminal or electrode 911 differs from the capacitor for the terminal or electrode 916 (C1614, C1615) and is isolated. Thus, if the terminal or electrode 916 shorts (eg, becomes ineffective with respect to the target), subsequent firing or use of the terminal or electrode 911 is unaffected.

  A switch (eg, SWA or SWB in FIGS. 8A and 8B) may be implemented for operation or control with a relatively high voltage (eg, spark gaps G1602 and G1604 in FIG. 16) or a relatively low voltage. In some implementations, a semiconductor switch (eg, operated by signals SCA, SCN of FIGS. 11-15) may be desired. For cost and reliability purposes, the circuit 1700 of FIG. 17 may be used instead of any switches in the circuit described herein. During operation of circuit 1700, capacitor C1702 is higher than the breakdown voltage of gap G1712 but lower than the combined value of the breakdown voltage of gap G1712 (eg, 1000 volts) and the breakdown voltage of gap G1714 (eg, 300 volts). Charged to a voltage (eg, 1000 volts). When the semiconductor FET Q1704 is activated and the node voltage VN between the gaps is pulled near zero volts, the spark gap G1712 will conduct. As current flows through that node, voltage VN rises rapidly to be sufficient to cause conduction of gap G1714. Thereafter, the energy in capacitor C1702 is primarily discharged through a series circuit of gaps G1712, G1714 and any series load (not shown) such as a transformer winding. In effect, a relatively low voltage signal, a gate firing voltage VF (eg, less than about 10 volts) controls when capacitor C 1702 discharges through the load. Resistors R1712 and R1714 reduce the trapped charge between the spark gap and override the FET leakage current when the spark gap ends conducting.

  Devices according to various aspects of the present invention provide for contraction of the target skeletal muscle to impede movement by the target. The device is used with a defined deployment unit that deploys the electrode away from the device. The electrode conducts current through the target. The apparatus includes a stimulus signal generator that determines a current and a detector that detects an indicator describing the deployment unit from the deployment unit.

  Another apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention provides for contraction of the target skeletal muscle to impede movement by the target. The device is used with a defined deployment unit that deploys the electrode away from the device. The electrode conducts current through the target. The apparatus comprises a terminal, a generating means for generating an electric arc to alert the target without conducting current through the target, a conducting means for conducting current in series through the terminal and the target, and deployment of the electrodes. Initiating means for starting and an operator interface are included. The operator interface facilitates repeated operation of one or both of the generating means and the conducting means before deploying the electrodes. The operator interface further facilitates repeated operation of one or both of the conducting means and the starting means after deployment of the electrodes, with each operation of the starting means being due to a respective further electrode of the deployment unit.

  Another apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention provides for contraction of the target skeletal muscle to impede movement by the target. The device is used with a defined deployment unit that deploys the electrode away from the device. The electrode conducts current through the target. The apparatus includes a stimulus signal generator and circuitry. The stimulus signal generator determines the current. The stimulation signal generator includes an energy storage device. The circuit initiates electrode deployment without reducing the energy stored by the energy storage device.

  Another apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention provides for contraction of the target skeletal muscle to impede movement by the target. The device is used with a defined deployment unit that deploys multiple sets of electrodes away from the device. Each set of electrodes includes a plurality of respective electrodes. Each set of electrodes conducts a respective stimulation current through skeletal muscle. The apparatus includes an energy storage circuit and a discharge stage. The energy storage circuit is charged to provide a first current, a second current, and a third current. The first current is provided at a first peak voltage magnitude. The second current is provided at a second peak voltage magnitude that is greater than the first magnitude. The third current is provided at a third peak voltage magnitude that is also greater than the first magnitude. The second and third voltage magnitudes are of opposite polarity. Each discharge phase provides a respective stimulation current. The discharge stage comprises a respective transformer for each set of electrodes. Each transformer has a respective primary winding for the primary circuit responsive to the first current. Each transformer has a respective secondary winding for a secondary circuit that supplies a respective stimulation current for each electrode of the set. At least one respective secondary circuit conducts a second current. At least one other respective secondary circuit conducts the third current. The fourth voltage between any two specific electrodes of the set in response to the first current is sufficient to ionize the air and complete the series circuit through the skeletal muscle. A fifth voltage between the particular electrodes in response to the second and third currents provides a stimulation current through the series circuit at a voltage less than the fourth voltage.

  Another apparatus according to various aspects of the invention provides for skeletal muscle contraction to impede movement. The device is used with a defined deployment unit that deploys multiple sets of electrodes away from the device. Each set of electrodes includes a plurality of respective electrodes. Each set of electrodes conducts a respective stimulation current through skeletal muscle. The apparatus includes a stimulus signal generator, an interface to the deployment unit, a detector, four manually operated controls, and a controller. The stimulation signal generator provides a stimulation current. The interface to the deployment unit includes a respective signal for firing each set of electrodes and means for coupling a stimulus signal generator to the fired set of electrodes. The detector detects a respective effective distance indicator for each set of electrodes of the deployment unit. The third and fourth controls have no effect without the operation of the first control. The controller selects a set of electrodes to deploy according to the operation of the second control and the detected indicator. The selected interface signal is asserted in response to the controller to deploy the selected set of electrodes according to the operation of the third control. The controller controls the stimulus signal generator to provide a stimulus signal to at least the deployed set of electrodes in accordance with the operation of the fourth control.

  The method according to various aspects of the present invention is implemented by an apparatus that provides for contraction of the target skeletal muscle to impede movement by the target. The device is used with a defined deployment unit that deploys the electrode away from the device. The electrode conducts current through the target. The method includes: (a) storing in a memory of the device the time of deployment performed by the device; (b) receiving a radio signal indicating that the reader is within communication range of the device; and (C) transmitting the identification of the device associated with the indication of the time of deployment by radio link in any order.

  Another method according to various aspects of the present invention is performed by an apparatus that provides for contraction of the target skeletal muscle to impede movement by the target. The device is used with a defined deployment unit that deploys the electrode away from the device. The electrode conducts current through the target. The method comprises the steps of: (a) storing the time of deployment performed by the device in the memory of the device; (b) transmitting an identification of the device associated with the indication of the time of deployment by means of an optical signal; Including in order.

  Another apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention provides for contraction of the target skeletal muscle to impede movement by the target. The device is used with a defined deployment unit that deploys the electrode away from the device. The electrode conducts current through the target. The apparatus includes a bus, a plurality of ports, and a controller. Each port couples the module to a bus. The controller communicates with each module to couple to the bus and determine a description of each module.

  Another apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention provides for contraction of the target skeletal muscle to impede movement by the target. The device is used with a defined deployment unit that deploys the electrode away from the device. The electrode conducts current through the target. The apparatus includes a stimulation signal generator for determining a current and a stimulation signal generator to provide a first type of stimulation signal to the electrode by deployment of the electrode and a second type of subsequent stimulation signal after deployment. And a controller for instructing.

  Another apparatus according to various aspects of the present invention provides for contraction of the target skeletal muscle to impede movement by the target. The device is used with a defined deployment unit that deploys the electrode away from the device. The electrode conducts current through the target. The apparatus includes a memory, a microphone, an output device, and a controller on the output device that provides a prompt for the operator of the apparatus and stores an indication of an answer to the prompt received via the microphone in the memory.

  Any practical combination of the previous structures and methods may be implemented in a device for local stun function without remote stun capability. For example, a shielded device without a remote stun function may include all functions described with reference to launch device 102 that omits the following functions. Configuration reporting function 142 and launch control function 144 may be omitted from deployment unit control 140. The indicator 112, memory 114, and propulsion unit 116 functions may be omitted from the cartridge 105. Interface 107 may be simplified and only maintain signals for the terminals of contactor 118. The operator interface 200 or 250 may be implemented without the firing state 208. Then, the launch control function may be omitted from the deployment unit I / O 332.

  The foregoing description describes preferred embodiments of the present invention, which may be changed or modified without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the claims. For the purpose of clarity of explanation, several embodiments of the invention have been described, but the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims.

2 is a functional block diagram of an electronic weapon system according to various aspects of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 2 is a state diagram of various operator interfaces and processes that each support the operator interface of the system of FIG. FIG. 2 is a state diagram of various operator interfaces and processes that each support the operator interface of the system of FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of a launch device according to various aspects of the invention that may be used in the system of FIG. 4A is a signal definition diagram for the terminal and electrode signals of the system of FIG. FIG. 4B is a signal definition diagram for the terminal and electrode signals of the system of FIG. FIG. 4C is a signal definition diagram for the terminal and electrode signals of the system of FIG. FIG. 4D is a signal definition diagram for the terminal and electrode signals of the system of FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the gun of the system of FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of a gun embodiment of the system of FIG. It is a functional block diagram of the expansion | deployment unit control function of the system of FIG. FIG. 8A is a schematic diagram of a model of the cooperation state of the system and target of FIG. FIG. 8B is a schematic diagram of a model of the cooperative state of the system and target of FIG. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the deployment unit control function of FIG. 7. 10 is a schematic diagram of a portion of the discharge function of FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the discharge function of FIG. 9; 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the discharge function of FIG. 9; 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the discharge function of FIG. 9; 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the discharge function of FIG. 9; 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the discharge function of FIG. 9; 10 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a portion of the discharge function of FIG. 9; FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a switch for stimulation control of the discharge function of FIGS.

Claims (26)

A first control that activates the firing function;
A second control that does not trigger any firing function,
A signal generator for performing at least one of applying an electric shock to the target and supplying an arc to warn the target in response to the second control.   The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the signal generator applies an electric shock to the target in response to the second control.   3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the signal generator applies an electric shock to the target to stop the movement of the target.   3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the signal generator supplies current through the target to apply an electric shock to the target in response to the second control.   3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the signal generator supplies current through the target to apply an electric shock to the target in response to the first control. The apparatus of claim 2.
Further comprising a processing circuit coupled between the second control and the signal generator;
The processing circuit is responsive to the second control to control the signal generator to supply a current determined by the processing circuit;
The apparatus, wherein the signal generator supplies the current through the target to apply an electric shock to the target. The apparatus of claim 2.
A terminal for contacting the target;
The apparatus, wherein the signal generator supplies a current through the terminal and the target to apply an electric shock to the target.   3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the signal generator performs a local stun function for applying an electric shock to the target.   3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the signal generator performs a remote stun function for applying an electric shock to the target. The apparatus of claim 2.
Further comprising an electrode fired away from the device in response to the first control;
The apparatus, wherein the signal generator supplies current through the electrode and the target to apply an electric shock to the target. The apparatus of claim 2.
Working with the specified deployment unit,
The deployment unit comprises a terminal for contacting the target and an electrode fired away from the target in response to the first control;
Prior to firing the electrode, the signal generator responds to the second control by supplying current through the terminal and the target to deliver an electric shock to the target without firing the electrode. Do the equipment. The apparatus of claim 2.
A further deployment unit,
The deployment unit includes a terminal and an electrode that is fired away from the target in response to the first control;
An apparatus wherein, prior to firing the electrode, the signal generator supplies current through the terminal to alert the target without firing the electrode in response to the second control.   The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first control is a trigger.   The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first control is a user-actuated trigger.   The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the second control is a user actuated switch. The apparatus of claim 2.
Working with the specified deployment unit,
The deployment unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode,
The first control initiates firing of the first electrode toward the first target in an initial actuation;
The first control initiates the firing of the second electrode towards the second target in a second actuation;
The signal generator supplies a first current through the first electrode to apply an electric shock to the first target in response to a single actuation of the second control; and the second target A device for supplying a second current through the second electrode to apply an electric shock to the device. A method implemented by an apparatus comprising:
In response to a first control, initiating firing of the electrode of the device toward the target;
Supplying a current through the electrode and the target to deliver an electric shock to the target in response to a second control and without initiating any firing function.   18. The method of claim 17, wherein current through the target stops movement of the target.   18. The method of claim 17, wherein further in response to the first control, the signal generator provides a second current through the electrode to apply an electric shock to the target.   18. The method of claim 17, further responding to the second control and through a terminal of the device for local stun function to deliver an electric shock to the target without activating any firing function. 2. The method further comprising providing two currents.   21. The method of claim 20, wherein supplying the second current is performed before a step performed in response to the first control.   18. The method of claim 17, further comprising repeating the step of supplying a respective current to repeatedly apply an electric shock to the target for each of a plurality of actuations of the second control.   18. The method of claim 17, further comprising supplying an arc to further respond to the second control and alert the target without triggering any firing function.   18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first control is activated by the target. The method of claim 17, wherein
Further initiating firing of the second electrode of the device toward a second target in further response to the first control;
Supplying the current comprises supplying a second current through the second electrode and the second target to apply an electric shock to the second target.   26. The method of claim 25, wherein the current comprises a first plurality of pulses, the second current comprises a second plurality of pulses, and supplying the second current comprises the first And interleaving the second plurality of pulses in time with respect to a plurality of pulses.

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