TWI805990B - Round counting system for firearm with detachable magazine, and non-transitory, tangible computer readable storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

This disclosure describes systems, methods, and apparatus for detecting and displaying a number of rounds in a firearm magazine comprising a maximum number of N rounds. The magazine may comprise a follower, magnets on the follower, and <N magnetic switches arranged along a path of the magnets when the follower moves along a length of the magazine, the switches configured to activate based on a magnetic field exceeding a threshold, and a first antenna arranged on an inside of the magazine and parallel to a firing direction of the firearm, and configured to wirelessly transmit a round count indication to a second wireless antenna on the firearm, the round count indication based on the round count data, the second wireless antenna affixed to an inside of a magazine well of the firearm and mostly overlapping with the first antenna.

Description

Ammunition counting system and non-transitory tangible computer readable storage medium for firearms with detachable magazines

The present invention relates generally to gun ammunition/bullet counting. In particular, but not limited to, the present invention relates to systems, methods and apparatus for wirelessly counting a number of ammunition left in a magazine.

U.S. Patent No. 9,612,068 discloses a magnet (180) that can be coupled to a spring to support a clipboard and a sensor that can be coupled to another part of the magazine or firearm and configured to detect the proximity of the magnet (180). Letter element (145). For example, the signaling element (145) may comprise a reed switch or Hall effect sensor. The proximity of the magnet (180) is converted by the signaling element (145) into a signal indicative of the bullet status of the firearm (105). The signaling element (145) may then send a wired or wireless signal to a reporting element (130, 135) to display a remaining ammunition count to the firearm user. There are no sensors in the magazine.

U.S. Patent No. 9,784,511 discloses a magnet (33) on the catch plate (38) or compression spring (34), which causes a tactile indicator (44) to physically displace on one of the exteriors of the magazine to thereby provide A tactile indication of the position of the support spring.

US Patent No. 8215044 discloses a Gray coded ferromagnetic strip disposed along the magazine to indicate a position of the catch plate and thus the ammunition count of a magazine.

International Patent No. WO2018172738 discloses an ammunition counting device for monitoring the number of ammunition contained in a firearm magazine. The system includes a magnet mounted to the catch plate and a plurality of reed switches arranged in a spaced apart arrangement along a length of the magazine. When the catch plate is in a given position, the adjacent reed switch is activated and provides a signal indicative of the number of rounds in the magazine.

US Patent No. 5,303,495 discloses a pistol with a grip that fully encloses a magazine. The firearm also includes a permanent magnet (92) mounted on a top rail of a stock spring 93 and a series of Hall effect switches surface mounted on a mylar substrate (95) in the hollow handle of the firearm (94). The number of Hall Effect switches (94) is equal to the number of cartridges to be counted, and the switches (94) are positioned spaced apart at the location where the magnet (92) will be positioned directly adjacent to one switch 94 when each cartridge is fired. One cartridge diameter. Hall effect switches (94) are actuated one at a time. There are no sensors in the magazine.

U.S. Publication No. 20110252682 discloses a receptor member (41) (such as a Hall effect sensor) in the grip of a long gun or in the magazine chamber, the sensor of which is located on one of a cartridge lifter (22) One of magnetic field strength of magnet (24). In the case of long guns, the present invention proposes that only the last cartridge in the magazine (21) needs to be monitored, therefore, the receiver member (41) is placed in an area adjacent to the upper part of the magazine (21) (i.e. in the magazine chamber). There are no sensors in the magazine.

The following presents a simplified summary related to one or more aspects and/or embodiments disclosed herein. Accordingly, the following summary should not be viewed as an extensive overview related to all aspects of consideration and/or embodiments, nor should the following summary be considered to identify aspects related to all aspects of consideration and/or embodiments. Key or critical elements relating to an embodiment or defining a category associated with any particular aspect and/or embodiment. Therefore, the following summary is only used to present certain concepts in a simplified form related to one or more aspects and/or embodiments of the mechanisms disclosed herein before the detailed description that is presented below.

Some embodiments of the invention can be characterized as an ammunition counting system for a firearm having a detachable magazine, the system including a magazine, a clip plate including one or more magnets, and the magazine includes: magnetic switches disposed substantially along a path of the one or more magnets as the clip carrier moves along a length of the magazine, the magnetic switches configured to or a plurality of magnets relative to a position of the magnetic switches and a respective magnetic field at the magnetic switches exceeding a threshold; and a first antenna configured to be at least partially mounted on the In a region of the magazine within a magazine chamber of a firearm parallel to a firing direction of the firearm, the first antenna is configured to indicate one of the magnetic switches or one of the active magnetic switches, at least one of ammo count data or an ammo count indication is wirelessly transmitted to a second wireless antenna on the firearm, wherein the first antenna wirelessly receives power from the firearm, and wherein the power from the firearm is used to and the magnetic switch, and wherein the second wireless antenna is configured to be attached to an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm and has an area substantially overlapping an area of the first antenna.

Another embodiment of the invention can be characterized as a method of retrofitting a magazine including a carrier plate using an ammunition counting system, the method comprising: mounting one or more magnets to the carrier plate On; when the spring plate moves along a length of the magazine, <N magnetic switches are substantially arranged along one path of the one or more magnets, where N is the number of cartridges that can be loaded in the magazine a maximum number of magnetic switches configured to exceed a threshold based on a position of the one or more magnets relative to the <N magnetic switches and a respective magnetic field at the magnetic switches to activate; in an area of the magazine configured to at least partially fit within a magazine chamber of the firearm and parallel to a firing direction of the firearm, a first antenna is arranged, and the first antenna is assembled state to wirelessly transmit at least one of an indication of one of the <N magnetic switches or an indication of active magnetic switches, ammunition count data, or an ammunition count indication to a second wireless antenna on the firearm, wherein the first The antenna is configured such that an area of the first antenna defined by a height and a width is primarily aligned with an area of the second wireless antenna coupled to an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm.

Yet another embodiment of the invention can be characterized as a method of manufacturing a magazine having a round counting system, the magazine including a carrier plate, wherein the carrier plate includes one or more magnets, the method comprising: When the spring plate moves along a length of the magazine, <N magnetic switches are substantially arranged along a path of the one or more magnets, where N is the maximum number of cartridges that can be loaded in the magazine number of magnetic switches configured to actuate based on a position of the one or more magnets relative to the <N magnetic switches and a respective magnetic field at the magnetic switches exceeding a threshold value; a first The antenna is disposed in a region of the magazine configured to fit at least partially within a magazine chamber of the firearm, the first antenna being configured so that one or more active magnetic switches of the <N magnetic switches at least one of an indication of a switch, ammo count data, or an ammo count indication is wirelessly transmitted to a second wireless antenna on the firearm, wherein the first antenna wirelessly receives power from the firearm, and wherein the Electricity is used to power the <N magnetic switches, wherein the first antenna is configured such that an area of the first antenna bounded by a height and width is primarily coupled to an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm A region of the second wireless antenna is aligned.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention can be characterized as a non-transitory tangible computer readable storage medium encoded with processor readable instructions to perform functions for detecting and displaying ammunition remaining in one or more firearm magazines As a method of a number of barrels, each firearm magazine includes: a spring support plate, which includes one or more magnets; magnetic switches, etc. Disposed substantially along a path of the one or more magnets while moving a length, the magnetic switches configured to activate based on a respective magnetic field at the magnetic switches exceeding a threshold, the method comprising: or multiple unique identifiers are assigned to one or more first antennas, wherein each unique identifier is associated with a first antenna; identifying a respective ammunition for each firearm magazine inserted into the firearm's magazine chamber count indication; for each firearm magazine inserted into the magazine chamber of the firearm, temporarily store the respective ammunition count indication and the unique identifier assigned to the first antenna of the respective firearm magazine, one of the second a use of the wireless antenna configured to receive the unique identifier after the respective firearm magazine is inserted into the magazine chamber; and displaying a respective ammunition count indication of the one or more firearm magazines on the firearm on a user interface, wherein the user interface is selected from the group consisting of: a number displayed on a red dot scope or an aiming display, a frequency of a blinking light, a color of one or more lights, A number displayed on a multi-pixel display, a number of lit LED lights on a LED display, an audible signal, a fuel gauge indicator or a bar graph indicator. The user interface may also reside outside the firearm, such as in augmented reality glasses or a commander display, to name two non-limiting examples.

In some aspects, the present invention alleviates some of the problems that the industry has not solved for more than three decades by combining some or all of the following: (1) using Hall effect switches instead of Hall effect sensors; (2) ) A hall effect switch is arranged along one of the full lengths of the spring support path, so that there is a consistent signal strength and a high signal-to-clutter ratio at each cartridge position; (3) a magnetic sensor or switch is arranged in the magazine, and the magnetic sensor (4) attach a planar or "thin" (eg, about 2 mm to about 6 mm thick) near-field communication (NFC ) the antenna is placed in the magazine chamber; (5) a processor is placed in the magazine to process the sensor signal before transmission across the wireless connection; energy.

(1) Hall effect switch

Most systems rely on Hall effect sensors rather than Hall effect switches to detect a magnet in a pallet, as these more advanced sensors can better determine the position of a magnet when used individually ( For example, a Hall Effect sensor provides an analog signal that is proportional to the magnetic field strength and thus distance, while a single Hall Effect switch provides a high or low signal that varies with a threshold magnetic field). For the purposes of this invention, a "Hall effect switch" is configured to provide a digital or at least one of a pulsed or square wave output as compared to a fluctuating or sinusoidal analog output by a "Hall effect sensor" magnetic switch. In some contexts, Hall effect sensors are susceptible to many of the variables mentioned above with respect to Radetec sockets. Systems using Hurricane Effect sensors typically require user calibration due to their susceptibility to these variables. In addition, Hall effect sensors also require an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to process their signals, which increases the computational complexity of a system using these sensors. The inventors of the present invention have unexpectedly discovered that the simpler Hall-effect switches need not An ADC and calibrated and can provide a more accurate kicker position than an array of Hall effect sensors equal to or greater than the number of cartridge positions in the magazine.

To implement a Hall-effect switch array where the number of magnetic switches is <N, a processor can be used to evaluate the signals from the array and two solutions are pursued: (1) When only a single magnetic switch or Hall-effect switch is active (2) when the two magnetic switches or Hall effect switches are active, the spring plate may be located approximately between the two magnetic switches. Using these two schemes, the processor can differentiate each cartridge position even with <N or N/2 or N/3 or N/4 magnetic or Hall effect switches. In some cases, reducing the number of switches can also be used to reduce cost and complexity.

Another advantage of using magnetic or Hall-effect switches is that the processor can analyze the switch Output and determine a number of cartridges without storing any state or other data in memory. Thus, in some embodiments, a processor may be implemented with less or no cache/memory. Alternatively, this implementation may allow a processor with cache/memory to optimize cache/memory usage for ammo counting processing.

(2) Sensors arranged along one full length of the magazine

Although Hall effect sensors can be used to estimate the distance to a moving magnet using a single sensor, these systems also introduce errors because each cartridge position must be associated with a unique magnetic field strength. By positioning the magnetic field sensing sensors along the entire length of one of the magazines, the sensors can be configured such that each cartridge position can be associated with a consistent magnetic field strength thereby greatly reducing errors. This also helps avoid calibration challenges seen in prior art.

(3) Sensors inside the magazine

Most existing systems use sensors external to the magazine because this simplifies manufacturing and design. This also avoids the challenge of having to wirelessly transmit data from the magazine to the firearm. However, in some instances, these systems are not accurate enough for practical implementation, which can be overcome by choosing a more complex route of positioning the sensors within the magazine. For example, US Patent No. 9612068 vaguely mentions that ammunition count information can be wirelessly transmitted to a display, but provides no favorable details surrounding this so-called wireless embodiment. WO2018172738 also vaguely states that a wireless chip can be implemented, but does not further discuss the relevant details required to implement such a wireless embodiment. Accordingly, the challenges associated with obtaining ammunition count data from the magazine to the firearm are not addressed in detail in the art. Aspects of the invention relate to achieving more consistent magnetic field strength measurements, for example, by providing little material between the springboard magnet and the magnetic field strength sensor. Furthermore, the strongest possible magnetic field can be picked up by positioning the sensor or switch closer to the spring plate than in the prior art, which can also be used to minimize errors.

(4) Antenna in the magazine chamber

In fact, the wireless communication between the magazine and the firearm is fraught with many challenges that known systems do not recognize and cannot solve. For example, most wireless technologies are power hungry. Electricity requires bulky batteries, and therefore, power-hungry wireless systems result in bulky firearms that are somewhat detrimental to field use. While there are known low-power wireless protocols such as Near Field Communication (NFC), these operate only at very short distances and signals typically have difficulty passing through anything but air (for example, passing through components of a gun would cause data transmission errors). Furthermore, because a firearm is a high tolerance device and is designed to fit into the smallest available space, additional space for inserting or deploying an antenna on a firearm is severely limited. However, the inventors have discovered that there are two unused areas in close proximity to one of the firearms so that no metal components are needed between them, which proves to be an ideal location for one of the two intercommunicating planar NFC antennas. That is, in the magazine forward portion of one of the magazine tapers, there is a space in the polymer magazine that can be cut to fit a planar NFC antenna without compromising the structural integrity of the magazine. There is also a depression in the left side of an AR-15 magazine chamber that does not touch the magazine and is just deep enough (eg, depth: 0.0175+/-0.0075 inches (0.44+/-0.19mm), width: 1.77 inches (45mm ), height: 2 inches (50.8mm)) to fit a thin film without interfering with magazine insertion and removal (for example, thickness: 0.010 inches (0.25mm), height: 1.6 inches (40.64mm), W: 1.050 inches (26.67mm)) planar NFC antenna. In some cases, the NFC antenna may be fabricated on a dielectric substrate such as ROGERS RT/DUROID or RO3000 or DiClad series composites/laminates, gallium arsenide (GaAs), GaN, epoxy or for high frequency A microstrip patch antenna on any other composite or substrate in the application).

Even after the inventors found a solution to get a low-power wireless system into the magazine compartment by avoiding metal interference between the antennas, this solution created a new problem: how to save the wires between the antennas inside the magazine compartment. Take one of the displays provided on the outside of the receiver. Again, the high tolerances of a gun don't leave much, if any, room to run the wiring between these two components. Unexpectedly, the substrate of the planar NFC antenna is flexible, and the inventors realized that a portion of the NFC circuit board could flex around a bottom of the magazine chamber and then adhere to an exterior of the magazine chamber (see, for example, FIG. 14. Figures 16 and 17) where a connection to an RF cable can be made thereby avoiding having to drill/machine any openings in the receiver to provide a routing path for a conventional cable.

In some embodiments, an antenna may be configured within the magazine chamber of a slightly thicker dimension, such as greater than 2mm but less than 6mm or less than 10mm. In some cases, an antenna may be embedded into a wall of the magazine chamber (eg, a front wall of the magazine chamber near the trigger guard). In some instances, an antenna may be built into a portion of the trigger guard adjacent to the magazine chamber or partially built into the trigger guard and extend partially into the magazine chamber as tolerances allow.

(5) Processor in magazine

Another challenge of placing the sensors in the magazine is minimizing the bandwidth requirements of the wireless connection. Prior art uses a processor within or on the firearm (eg, receiver) to process raw data signals from one or more sensors. If this same technique were applied to the inventor's Hall effect switch approach, more than thirty separate data streams would be wirelessly passed through the NFC connection. To avoid this burden of the NFC connection, the inventors discovered that placing a processor on the magazine to process the Hall effect switch signal allows a single indication of the ammo count to be communicated across the NFC connection thereby greatly reducing the processing requirements of the NFC connection.

(6) Wireless power transmission to the magazine

Reducing cost and weight means minimizing the number of batteries required for the ammo counting system. Fewer batteries not only reduce cost and complexity, but also reduce logistical and maintenance concerns. Prior art systems include a battery on the firearm, but usually not used to power any components on the magazine. when While one magazine draws power, the prior art uses a second magazine on battery. The inventors have implemented a system that has a single battery but is also able to provide power to the magazine. Specifically, the NFC connection can unexpectedly pass both data and power to allow the magazine to upload ammunition count data to the firearm while passing power back to the magazine in the opposite direction.

It can be seen that an effective ammunition counting system for firearms with a magazine insertable into a magazine chamber, such as an AR-15 and most semi-automatic long guns, is a complex challenge requiring more than just design choices. A holistic approach requires overcoming a number of challenges. Each inventive discovery typically results in a new challenge to be solved, and an inventive balance of interests must be found to arrive at a system level solution. The industry has sought an effective, reliable and accurate solution for ammunition counting for over 30 years with little progress (eg, US Patent No. 5,303,495 from 1992 uses a sensor for each cartridge). Although this challenge has existed for decades, no one has come up with a solution as simple, low power, lightweight, accurate and reliable as the one disclosed in this article.

Alternative

In some cases, a reed switch may be a viable alternative to one of the Hall effect switches. Like a Hall effect switch, a reed switch may be an example of an electrical switch that operates using an applied magnetic field. Reed switches are mainly available in two variants: normally open and normally closed switches. A normally open reed switch can be opened or disconnected under the influence of a magnetic field, while a normally closed (or closed) reed switch (such as those found in flip phones or laptop computers) can be opened or closed in a magnetic field. Start flowing the current. In some cases, a normally closed reed switch may be implemented in an ammunition counting system. For example, a normally closed reed switch is activated when a magnet on a spring plate is adjacent to the reed switch. In such cases, a magnetic processing circuit connected to a plurality of reed switches (e.g., N/2+1) arrayed along the interior of the magazine can identify which reed switch has been activated and from there determine the position of the catcher. location (and ammo count). Such an embodiment would enable a low power application since the reed switch requires no external power to operate.

In some contexts, capacitive tape encoders may be utilized in an ammunition counting system. Capacitive tape encoders may use a high frequency reference signal to measure a change in capacitance as a measure of displacement (ie, linear or rotational). An ammunition count can be determined by analyzing the change in capacitance as the catch plate moves through the magazine. In one example, capacitive sensors, such as those found in digital calipers, may be arrayed along the interior of the magazine. In some cases, the kicker plate may comprise a circuit board, and a plurality of rectangular notches (or grids) may be engraved into a metal band inside the magazine. In some cases, the grid on the circuit board and metal strips can form a grid of capacitors. Additionally, the rectangular notches can be aligned and misaligned with the circuit board to cause capacitance changes as the catch plate moves along the interior of the magazine. In some cases, a processor within the magazine or firearm can determine a position of the clip plate within the magazine (and a round count) based on analyzing this variable capacitance.

，其中ε₀=8.854×10^-12F/m(空間之電容率)，k=板之間的介電材料之相對電容率(自由空間為1，空氣約為1，其他介質>1)，A=板之面積，d=板分離距離。在一些實施例中，電容可隨著托彈板之板與彈匣底板之間的距離變動而變動(即，電容隨著距離增大而減小)，因為其他因數係恆定的。在此等情況中，一電容偵測器 或另一處理器可使電容與一已知托彈板位置相關且判斷彈匣中之剩餘彈藥之一數目。 In another example, spring inductance can be used to determine a catcher position, which can then be used to determine a number of ammunition remaining. For example, the spring inductance changes as the spring plate moves and compresses or relaxes the spring. A coil inductance detector or another device configured to measure an inductance can detect the spring inductance and correlate the spring inductance to a known clipboard position and thus a quantity of ammunition remaining. Additionally or alternatively, a capacitance value can be measured to determine the position of a spring plate. In one example, the catch plate and the magazine bed may each comprise a metal plate on their bottom and top sides, respectively. In this way, a capacitor can be formed from plates separated by air gaps, where air is the dielectric material. In some cases, the capacitance of a capacitor formed from two metal plates with a dielectric material between the two plates (i.e., a parallel plate capacitor) is given by:

, where ε ₀ =8.854×10 ^-12 F/m (permittivity of space), k=relative permittivity of the dielectric material between plates (free space is 1, air is about 1, other media>1), A=area of the board, d=separation distance of the board. In some embodiments, the capacitance may vary as the distance between the striker plate and the magazine floor varies (ie, the capacitance decreases with increasing distance), since the other factors are constant. In such cases, a capacitance detector or another processor can correlate the capacitance with a known kicker position and determine a number of rounds remaining in the magazine.

In some contexts, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags may be utilized in an ammunition counting system. For example, an RFID tag can be placed on the magazine holder to accurately determine its position in the magazine. In some examples, an RFID reader can be placed on the weapon (such as on the magazine chamber, trigger guard, or elsewhere on the receiver) and can be determined based on a time delay in the signal received from the RFID tag The position of the spring board. In some other cases, a unique RFID tag can be embedded within each ammunition of the magazine (e.g., attached to or within each cartridge), and the magazine ammunition counting system can be based on the RFID reader scanning left The ammunition in the magazine is used to determine the number of consumed (or remaining) ammunition. Therefore, the RFID reader can also be used to identify the empty state of the magazine without RFID tag identification.

In some embodiments, the treatment may be performed on the gun side, the magazine side, or the crack between the magazine side and the gun side. For example, a processor on the gun side (referred to herein as a "gun processor") or a processor on the magazine side (referred to herein as a "magazine processor") could be configured to receive One of the parallel plate capacitors One of the capacitance of one of the parallel plate capacitors One of the indications. The firearm and/or magazine processor can use this single capacitance reading to first determine a distance between the clip plate and the floor of the magazine, based on which the firearm and/or magazine processor can determine the amount of air remaining in the magazine. One of the number of ammunition. Similarly, the firearm and/or magazine processor may receive a single inductance reading of the spring coupling the catch plate to the bottom plate of the magazine. The processor can determine a distance between the kick plate and the bottom plate and an ammunition count of the magazine based on the inductance. In other cases, the firearm and/or magazine processor may recognize active magnetic or Hall-effect switches (i.e., switches that output a positive or high signal based on the magnetic field strength at the switch exceeding a magnetic field threshold) to determine the magazine The position of the inner one support spring plate. The catch plate position can then be used to determine a round count or the number of rounds left in the magazine.

102: Guns

104: Magazine

106: support spring board

108: magnet

110: compression spring

112: Magnetic sensor

114: support spring plate seat

115: fork tines

116: Processing Circuitry/Processor

118: Transmitter

120: Receiver

122: display device

202: Digitizer

204: digital comparator

206: Reference signal

304: Analog Comparator

306: Reference signal

404: switch

502: Magazine/Magazine Circuit Board

504:Magnetic Sensor/Switch

506: Circuit system

508: Cartridge

510: circuit board

512: Bottom plate

514:Near Field Communication (NFC) Antenna

600: Ammunition counting system based on magnetic sensor

602: Magazine

604:Weapon Systems/Weapons

606:Magnetic Sensor Array/Magnetic Switch

608: Processor

610: NFC chip

612: NFC antenna

614: NFC antenna

616: NFC chip

618: Second processor

620: display

622: Radio Frequency (RF) Radio

624: RF antenna

700: Media Access Controller (MAC)

702: user interface

704: serial communication

706: Board/Microcontroller Unit (MCU)

706-a: Firmware

706-b: Driver

706-c:MCU

708: Digital input/output (I/O) stream

710: sensor

800: Sequence Diagram

801: Initialization

802: not in sleep mode

803:Read and process output from magazine sensor

804: Convert ammo count data to ammo count indication

805:Transmit ammo count to UI

806:Switch to low power/sleep mode

900: Ammunition Counting System

901: The first reference junction

902: Second reference junction

903: The third reference junction

904: The fourth reference junction

905: Compression spring/main support spring

906: Coil inductance detector/detection circuit system

1000: Ammo Counting System

1001-a: NFC inductive coupling antenna

1001-b: NFC inductive coupling antenna

1002: sensing circuit system

1003: Weapon system circuit system

1100: block diagram

1112: display part

1120: non-volatile memory

1122: busbar

1124: Random Access Memory (RAM)

1126: Processing part

1127: Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)

1128: Transceiver component

1130: input component

1132: output part

1200: Guns

1201: Sensor/Switch Array

1202:Magazine Antenna

1300:Detailed drawing

1400: Isometric cross-section drawing

1401: Trigger assembly

1402: Magazine room

1403: NFC antenna

1404: Depression / Magazine Room

1500: RF cable

1600-a: NFC circuit board

1600-b: NFC circuit board

1600-c: NFC circuit board

1601: flexible lower part

1700:Detailed drawing

1800: Magnet Position Sensing

1805: Hall effect switch

1805-a: Sensor/Switch

1805-b: switch

1805-c: switch

1805-d: Second sensor/switch

1810: Magnets

1815: support springboard

1900: Magnet Position Sensing

1905: Hall Effect Sensor/Switch

1905-a: First sensor/switch

1905-b: Second sensor/switch

1905-c: Third sensor/switch

1910: Magnets

1915: Spring board

2000: Magnet position sensing

2005: Hall effect switch

2005-a: switch

2005-b: switch

2005-c: switch

2010: Magnets

2015: spring board

2101: display shell

2201: Ammo count

2202: Ammo fired since last reset

2203: Fuel Gauge Ammo Count Indicator

2300: Wireless Mesh Network Communication System

2301:magazine

2302: Magazine Sensing Circuit System

2303: weapon system

2304: Wireless mesh network

2305: Wireless Mesh Network

2307: Grip

2310: battery source

2400: Ammunition Counting System

2401: Magazine

2402: High radar profile object

2403: notch

2410: spring board

2412: Magazine room

2420: Guns

2601:Planar antenna/NFC antenna

2702: Magnetic processing circuit

2703: extra loop

2800: block diagram

2801:magazine

2802: NFC Antenna/NFC Antenna System

2803: display assembly

2804: magnet

2805: Hall effect switch

2806: MCU

2807:EEPROM/NFC tag

2808: filter

2809-a: NFC antenna coil

2809-b: NFC antenna coil

2810: Connector

2811: Coaxial/RF cable

2812: RF connector

2812-a: Plug RF Connector

2812-b: RF connector

2813: NFC reader

2814: MCU reader

2815: regulator

2816: battery

2817: Accelerometer

2818: Ambient light sensor

2819:EEPROM

2820:Bluetooth module

2821: Backlight

2822: In-Pixel Memory (MIP)

2823:Menu button

2824:LED Controller

2825:Serial Wire Debug (SWD) interface

2826: External Crystal Oscillator/Clock

2827: Battery Monitor

3100: method

3102: Configuration

3104: configuration

3106: Configuration

3200: method

3202: Install

3204: configuration

3206: Configuration

3208: Install

3300: method

3302: Identification

3304: Judgment

3306: get

3400: NFC antenna

3404: Input/Output Connection

3406: poor order

3500: NFC antenna

3504: Input/Output Connection

3506: poor order

3508: Curved or Semicircular Length/Curved or Semicircular Section

3600: NFC antenna

3604: Input/Output Connections

3700:NFC antenna

3704: Input/Output Connection

3706: curved section

3708: Linear segment

3800: NFC antenna

3804: Input/Output Connection

3806: Bending section

3808: Linear segment

3900:NFC antenna

3902a: Loop

3902b: Secondary conductors

3904: Input/Output Connection

3906: both sides

4000: NFC antenna

4002a: conductor loop

4002b: Conductor loops

4100: method

4102: block

4104: Decision block

4106: block

4108: block

4110: block

4200: Flowchart

4202: block

4204: Decision block

4206: block

4208: Decision block

4210: block

4212: block

4214: Decision block

4216: block

4218: Show magazine ammo count

4220: block

4222: block

4300: method

4302: install

4304: Configuration

4306: configuration

4308: configuration

4400: method

4402: Configuration

4404: Configuration

4406: Configuration

4500: method

4502: assign

4504: identification

4506: temporary storage

4508: show

Various objects and advantages of the present invention and a more complete understanding will be appreciated and more readily understood by referring to the following detailed description and the appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 is a side view of a firearm receiver and a detachable magazine illustrating one embodiment of a magnetic sensor based ammunition counting system.

2A and 2B are high-level circuit diagrams of a magnetic sensor-based ammunition counting system showing Hall effect sensors, analog-to-digital converters (ADCs), comparators, and magnetic processing circuitry.

3A and 3B are high level circuit diagrams of a magnetic sensor based ammunition counting system showing Hall effect switches, comparators and magnetic processing circuitry.

Figure 4A shows a processor receiving signals from Hall effect switches, where each cartridge position has a Hall effect switch; Figure 4B shows a processor receiving signals from Hall effect switches, where every two cartridge positions The cartridge position has a hall effect switch.

5 is an isometric view of the detachable magazine of FIG. 1 showing an array of magnetic sensors, circuitry for processing signals from the sensors, cartridges, a catch plate, a catch A magnet and an NFC antenna on the board.

FIG. 6 is a circuit diagram of an ammunition counting system based on a magnetic sensor.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a media access controller (MAC) controlling the processor in FIG. 6 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram of the MAC in FIG. 7 .

Figure 9 is a side view of a firearm receiver and a detachable magazine in which compression springs are used as part of the counting system, according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 10 shows one of the NFC interfaces that can be used to transmit ammo count information from the magazine A side view of a gun receiver and a detachable magazine to the weapon. Figure 10 also shows the placement of a battery in the grip of a firearm according to an alternative embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a computer system according to various embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 12 is a side view of the firearm and detachable magazine (in Figure 5) showing the area for mounting the magazine antenna and magnetic field sensing sensor.

Figure 13 is a detailed view of the detachable magazine in Figure 12.

Figure 14 depicts an isometric view of the trigger assembly and magazine chamber in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 15 depicts an RF connector and cable for use with an NFC antenna and/or weapon system display.

16A-16C show different views of the NFC circuit board flexed around the bottom of the magazine chamber.

Figure 17 is a detailed diagram of the NFC antenna and circuit board.

Figures 18, 19 and 20 illustrate one, two and three magnets on the springboard for magnetic position sensing using Huoyu effect sensors or switches, respectively.

Figure 21 illustrates a display housing for mounting on a weapon according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22 illustrates an example of a user interface in the display housing of Figure 21 for displaying ammunition counts.

Figure 23 illustrates the use of a wireless mesh network communication system to transmit information from the magazine sensing circuitry to a display on the weapon or from the magazine sensing circuitry to/from other magazines One of the ammo counting systems.

24 is a side view of a firearm receiver and a detachable magazine illustrating an ammunition counting system utilizing an UHF or millimeter wave (mmW) transceiver in accordance with an alternate embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 25 is a detailed view of the magazine chamber in Figure 24 showing the notch.

Figure 26A is a front view of the magazine plate of Figure 5 showing the PCB layout.

Figure 26B is a detailed view of the magazine plate in Figure 26A.

Figure 27A is a rear view of the magazine plate of Figure 26A showing the PCB layout.

Figure 27B is a detailed rear view of the processing circuitry of the magazine plate of Figure 27A.

28A and 28B are high-level system block diagrams according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 29 is a low-level system block diagram of the display in FIG. 28. FIG.

Figure 30 is a low-level system block diagram of one of the magazines in Figure 28.

Figure 31 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a magazine with an ammunition counting system.

Figure 32 is a flowchart of a method of installing an ammunition counting system on a firearm.

33 is a flowchart of a method of obtaining the number of ammunition in a magazine using an ammunition counting system having an array of Hall effect switches.

34 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna that generally forms a loop but has features that help increase inductive coupling and communication between the antenna and a corresponding antenna (not shown) on the opposite side of the NFC interface. Quantity of several orders of difference.

Figure 35 shows wrapping on either side of one of the curved or semicircular lengths of the NFC antenna An embodiment of an NFC antenna comprising several differential stages.

Figure 36 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna comprising two types of coils formed from the same conductor.

Figure 37 shows one embodiment of an NFC antenna with two linear sections and one curved section and two input/output connections.

Figure 38 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna with three linear sections parallel to each other and two curved sections connecting the three linear sections together.

Figure 39 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna comprising a loop and secondary conductors shorting both sides of the loop.

Figure 40 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna comprising two loops arranged in a substantially concentric manner.

41 illustrates one method of performing ammunition counting using an array of sensors or Hall effect switches, a processor, and a wireless NFC interface between a magazine and a firearm.

Figure 42 is a flowchart of an ammunition count display routine according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 43 illustrates a method for retrofitting a magazine with an ammunition counting system, according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 44 illustrates a method of manufacturing a magazine with an ammunition counting system, according to one or more embodiments.

Figure 45 illustrates a method for detecting and displaying a number of cartridges remaining in one or more firearm magazines, according to one or more embodiments.

Priority claims under 35 U.S.C. § 119

This patent application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/003,041, entitled "Determination of Round Count by Hall Switch Encoding" and filed on March 31, 2020, and claims the title "Determination of Round Count by Hall Switch Encoding" Hall Switch Encoding" and the priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/965,761 filed on January 24, 2020. This patent application is also a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 16/635,692, entitled "Determination of Round Count by Hall Switch Encoding" and filed on January 31, 2020, U.S. Patent Application No. 16/635,692 No. 35 U.S.C.371 titled "Determination of Round Count by Hall Switch Encoding", filed on October 22, 2019 and published as PCT application No. PCT/US2019/057460 of WO2020/086598, a national application , PCT application No. PCT/US2019/057460 claims the priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/748,602 entitled "Determination of Round Count by Hall Switch Encoding" and filed on October 22, 2018. All of the above applications are assigned to the assignee of the present application and are expressly incorporated herein by reference.

Although decades have been spent trying to develop an accurate, durable, low-cost and reliable ammunition counting system for small arms (this application refers to an earlier ammunition counting system filed as early as 1992), all challenges have not been resolved to achieve Commercial interests. For example, RADETEC (Rade Technologies) has developed two main lines of ammunition counters: one is part of a gun handle and uses a magnet on the kick plate and a magnetic field sensor in the gun handle to estimate the magnet's relationship to the sensors. The other is for rifle mounts such as the AR-15, and this system again uses one of the kick plates The magnet uses a magnetic field sensor in the magazine chamber or receiver to detect the distance between the magnet and the sensor. Both systems rely on analog magnetic field sensors that are prone to low signal-to-noise ratios and thus false readings. In addition, two of these systems also use "long range" magnetic field sensing. Magnetic field strength decreases exponentially with distance (eg r ² ), so even small distance increases can have a profound effect on field strength. By locating the magnet inside the magazine and the sensor outside the magazine (in the handle or receiver), the magnetic field is greatly reduced by the time it reaches the sensor. Also, with long gun versions, the magnets are even further away for full or nearly full magazines since the sensor is only located on the magazine chamber or receiver. In addition, a layer of material (eg, metal) between the magnet and sensor further interferes with and degrades the magnetic field detected at the sensor, and the thickness of this material is often not uniform along the length of the magazine. For example, in long gun versions, the magazine chamber does not extend along the entire length of the magazine, which means that different materials and material thicknesses are inserted between the magnet and the sensor(s) for different clip carrier positions. All of these factors result in a system that suffers from high and varying signal-to-noise ratios and ultimately leads to inaccurate ammunition counts. From the viewpoint of ease of use, Radetec technology also requires the user to calibrate the system before use, and this calibration is inconvenient.

The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration." Any embodiment described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as better or superior to other embodiments.

It should be noted first that the flowchart and block diagrams in the following figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, some blocks in such flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code that includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It should also be noted that Each block of the block diagrams and/or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and/or flowcharts, can be implemented by a special purpose hardware-based system which performs the specified function or action, or a combination of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

The following illustration and detailed description of various embodiments will assist the reader in understanding and understanding the inventive concepts mentioned above.

Figure 1 is a side view of a firearm receiver and a detachable magazine illustrating one embodiment of a magnetic sensor based ammunition counting system. The firearm 102 may include a magazine 104 having a clip plate 106 and one or more magnets 108 or a compression spring 110 attached to the clip plate 106 . Magazine 104 may also include a magnetic sensor array 112 (eg, magnetic switches such as Hall effect switches). Array 112 may span the entire height of magazine 104 or some subset thereof. For example, if the magnet(s) 108 are located at a seat 114 of the magazine 106, the magazine may have prongs 115 that prevent the seat 114 from reaching the bottom of the magazine 104 when the magazine 104 is fully loaded. The bottom of the array 112 may be approximately aligned with a location of the magnet(s) 108 or approximately at the height of the magazine rest 114 above the bottom of the magazine 104 . Array 112 may extend to a top of magazine 104 or to a location below a top of magazine 104 .

When one or more magnets 108 are within a threshold detection range of one or more magnetic sensors 112, the sensors 112 may generate a detection signal and provide this to a magnetic sensor for processing Circuitry 116. The processing circuitry may compare the signal from the sensor 112 to determine the position of the kick plate 106 and convert this position to a number of ammunition remaining (or the number of ammunition expended). The ammunition count may then be communicated to a transmitter 118 which wirelessly transmits the ammunition count to a wireless receiver 120 and to a display device 122 . As shown, the display device 122 is a digital display attached to an exterior of a red dot oscilloscope, but this is by no means limiting. For example, the display device 122 can be configured on a firearm (such as integrated in an oscilloscope a digital display attached to an exterior of an oscilloscope, a digital display coupled to an exterior of a firearm receiver, a digital display disposed on a visible portion of the magazine 104, etc.), but can also be configured On a user (eg in a display in glasses/goggles). Display device 122 may be part of an oscilloscope (such as a red dot scope) or iron sight, but may also be a display separate from a sight/aiming member. Although the transmitter 118 and receiver 120 are shown inches apart, in other embodiments these may be NFC interfaces and each may be disposed within a few millimeters, for example where the transmitter is located just under the magazine chamber and the receiver The trigger 120 is located on a portion of the trigger guard closest to the bottom of one of the magazine chambers.

A typical magnetic sensor 112 begins to detect the one or more magnets 108 at a distance, and the strength of this detection increases as the one or more magnets 108 get closer to the sensor 112 . Thus, for example, when each sensor 112 generates a voltage proportional to the magnetic field generated by the one or more magnets 108 , this voltage will increase as the one or more magnets 108 approach the sensor 112 . When the voltage exceeds a threshold, the processing circuitry 116 can determine that the spring plate 106 is close to the sensor 112 whose voltage exceeds the threshold.

Each sensor 112 may include an analog-to-digital converter 202 followed by a digital comparator 204 that compares the digital signal from the digital converter 202 with a reference signal 206 or threshold value. When the digital comparator 204 finds that the signal from the digital converter 202 exceeds the reference signal 206 , a detection signal may be generated and passed to the magnetic sensor processing circuitry 116 .

FIG. 2A shows a variation in which each sensor 112 includes an analog-to-digital converter 202 , a reference signal 206 and a comparator 204 , where the output of comparator 204 is provided to processing circuitry 116 . FIG. 2B illustrates an embodiment in which the output of each sensor 112 is converted to a digital number and then passed to the processing circuitry 116, and wherein the comparators of the processing circuitry 116 204 judges whether each signal exceeds the reference signal 206 .

In one embodiment, the sensor 112, converter 202, comparator 204, and processor 116 may be configured on a circuit board or other substrate attached to an interior surface of a magazine. This can be performed during manufacture of a magazine or during modification of a magazine. For example, an adhesive may be applied to a rear side of the substrate and the substrate may be passed into the interior of the magazine and then brought against one side of the magazine to secure it to the magazine via the adhesive. In one embodiment, a groove may be formed on one of the interior surfaces of the magazine, wherein the groove may be shaped and sized to allow the substrate to be attached within the groove (i.e., the groove is slightly larger than and/or deeper than the substrate). In some instances, a grinder, drill, or CNC head capable of spinning about an axis perpendicular to the direction in which the tool bit is inserted into the magazine may be used to remove material laterally from the interior of one of the magazines to form the grooves .

Alternatively, a groove may be formed on an outer surface of the magazine, and the sensor 112, converter 202, comparator 204 and processor 116 may be configured on a circuit board or on other substrates. Next, a thin cover can be applied to the circuit board to protect it. Alternatively, the circuit board may be overmolded into one of the outer surfaces of the polymer magazine (eg, a low temperature overmolding may be used).

In another embodiment, holes may be drilled through a magazine, wherein the holes may be spaced a distance from each other. In some embodiments, the sensor 112 may be fixed within the holes (towards the interior of one of the holes). The converter 202 , comparator 204 and processor 116 may be attached to the exterior of the magazine, and electrical leads may be formed between each of the sensors and the converter 202 , comparator 204 and processor 116 . The leads may be formed on one of the outer surfaces of the magazine. Alternatively, a groove may be formed on one of the exteriors of the magazine. In such cases, the converter 202, comparator 204, and processor 116 may be mounted within the recess, and a cover layer may be applied on top of the converter 202, comparator 204, and processor 116 to cover them Attaches to the magazine and protects it from damage. For example, having a relatively low melting temperature An epoxy or polymer (eg, below one of the melting points of the solder used to make the electrical connections to the converter 202, comparator 204 and processor 116) can be liquefied and cast in the converter 202, comparator 204 and process 116 to attach them to the magazine.

FIG. 3A shows a variation in which each sensor 112 may include an analog comparator 304 that compares the analog output of the sensor 112 to a reference signal 306 . When the analog comparator 304 finds that the signal from the sensor 112 exceeds the reference signal 306 , a detection signal may be generated and passed to the magnetic sensor processing circuitry 116 . FIG. 3B illustrates an embodiment in which the output of each sensor 112 is passed to processing circuitry 116 , and wherein comparator 304 of processing circuitry 116 determines whether each signal exceeds a reference signal 306 .

In another embodiment, each sensor 112 can transmit its signal in analog or digital form (where an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) is interspersed between the sensor and the magnetic sensor processing circuitry 116) Provided to magnetic sensor processing circuitry 116 . Magnetic sensor processing circuitry 116 may then process these signals and determine a position of kickback 106 . For example, the magnetic sensor processing circuitry 116 may be programmed or wired to determine which of the sensors 112 with the strongest signal is closest to the kickback 106 . Magnetic sensor processing circuitry 116 may be hardwired with data or contained in memory providing a location for each sensor 112 .

In some examples, the reference signal 206 may be a threshold value against which the output value of the sensor 112 is compared before being passed to the magnetic sensor processing circuitry. In one embodiment, the threshold value may be slightly lower than the output value of one of the sensor(s) 112 when the magnet is approximately equidistant from the two sensors. For example, when a magnet is positioned between two adjacent sensors and the output voltages from the sensors are 2V and 2.1V respectively, the reference signal 206 may be set to <2V (eg, 1.95V). In such cases, the output readings from the more distant sensors may not be passed to the processing circuitry (ie, if <1.95 volts). In some embodiments, an operational amplifier (or op-amp) can be used as a voltage comparator. The polarity of the output circuit of an operational amplifier depends on the polarity of the difference between two input voltages (ie, the input voltage and the reference voltage), therefore, an operational amplifier can be used as a voltage comparator.

For example, comparator 204 (or 304) may comprise an operational amplifier, wherein a first reference voltage (e.g., reference signal 206) is applied to an inverting input of the operational amplifier, and the voltage compared to the reference voltage (i.e., from The output of sensor 112) is applied to the non-inverting input. In some examples, a resistor divider (i.e., for a constant reference) or a battery source, diode, or potentiometer (i.e., for a variable reference) can be used to set the comparator's input reference voltage (i.e., reference signal 206 or 306). The output voltage of the operational amplifier may depend on the value of the input voltage relative to a reference voltage. For example, if the input voltage is less than the reference voltage, the output voltage is negative; if it is equal to the reference voltage, the output voltage is zero; if it is greater than the reference voltage, the output voltage is positive. Thus, based on the polarity and/or magnitude of the output voltage from the comparator or operational amplifier, only signals exceeding the reference signal 206 (306) may be filtered and passed to the circuitry 116 for further processing.

The array 112 may include one sensor for each cartridge, where each sensor 112 is generally disposed at a location where a cartridge will stop. However, in other embodiments, there may be one sensor 112 per two cartridges: when one sensor 112 produces a strong signal and two adjacent sensors 112 produce much weaker signals, the magnetic sensing The sensor processing circuitry 116 can determine that the magnet(s) 108 are closest to the sensor 112 providing a strong signal; and when two adjacent sensors 112 provide approximately the same signal, the magnetic sensor processing circuitry 116 can determine The magnet(s) 108 are located between the two sensors 112 . This configuration can reduce the number of sensors 112 and thus reduce the complexity and cost of array 112 .

In one embodiment, instead of attaching a different magnet(s) 108 to the spring holder 106, the spring holder 106 can be made of a material that incorporates or is made of a magnetic material manufacture. For example, in some embodiments, a polymer spring 106 may be utilized having magnetic threads or particles incorporated into the polymer prior to molding and/or curing. In some other cases, the sensor 112 may be positioned on the kicker plate, and the magnet(s) 108 may be aligned along the interior of the magazine.

In one embodiment, the sensor 112, comparator 304, and processor 116 may be configured on a circuit board or other substrate attached to an interior surface of a magazine. This can be performed during manufacture of a magazine or during modification of a magazine. For example, an adhesive may be applied to a rear side of the substrate and the substrate may be passed into the interior of the magazine and then brought against one side of the magazine to secure it to the magazine via the adhesive. In one embodiment, a recess just larger and just deeper than the base plate may be formed on an inner surface of the magazine such that the base plate may be attached within the recess. For example, a grinder, drill, or CNC head capable of spinning about an axis perpendicular to the direction in which the tool bit is inserted into the magazine can be used to remove material laterally from inside one of the magazines to form the grooves.

In another embodiment, holes may be drilled through a magazine at a spaced distance from each other and the sensor 112 may be fixed within the holes (towards the interior of one of the holes). The comparator and processor can be attached to the exterior of the magazine and electrical leads can be formed between each of the sensors and the comparator and processor. The leads may be formed on one of the outer surfaces of the magazine. Alternatively, a groove can be formed on one of the exteriors of the magazine, the comparator and processor can be attached within the groove, and a cover can be applied on top of the comparator and processor to attach them to the magazine and protect it from damage. For example, an epoxy or polymer with a relatively low melting temperature (e.g., lower than the melting point of the solder used to make the electrical connections to the comparator and processor) can be liquefied and cast over the comparator and processor .

FIG. 4A depicts a processor 116 receiving signals from Hall effect switches 404, one Hall effect switch 404 per cartridge position.

Figure 4B depicts a processor 116 receiving signals from Hall effect switches 404, where there is one Hall effect switch 404 for every two cartridge positions and there is an additional Hall effect switch 404 (not shown), but an additional Hall effect switch 404 is not necessarily required. Usually, there is one more measurement state than the number of cartridges, ie, the empty magazine state. For example, for a 7 round magazine, there are 7 cartridge positions plus an empty magazine rest plate position. Accordingly, it may be desirable to have "N+1" Hall effect switches 404, where "N" is one of the number of ammunition in the magazine. However, in some cases, the same result can be achieved using only "N" Hall effect switches 404 . For example, the processor 116 may be coded/programmed to determine that the striker is in the empty position when the non-Hall effect switch 404 is activated. Accordingly, "N" or "N+1" Hall effect switches 404 may be implemented.

In both FIGS. 4A and 4B , dashed lines indicate possible cartridge positions, but these are for illustration only and are by no means limiting. It is generally aligned with a lower half of each switch 404 . However, in other embodiments, the cartridge position may be aligned with a middle, upper half, bottom, top, or even offset from switch 404 .

Although the magnet(s) 108 are shown not being well aligned with the sensor 112 and the Hall effect switch 404, in other embodiments the magnet(s) 108 may be aligned with the sensor 112 and the Hall effect switch 404. allow.

In one embodiment, Hall effect switch 404 and processor 116 may be disposed on a circuit board or other substrate attached to an interior surface of a magazine. This can be performed during manufacture of a magazine or during modification of a magazine. For example, an adhesive may be applied to a rear side of the substrate and the substrate may be passed into the interior of the magazine and then brought against one side of the magazine to secure it to the magazine via the adhesive. In one embodiment, a recess may be formed on one of the interior surfaces of the magazine just larger and just deeper than the base plate so that the base plate may be attached within the recess. For example, a grinder, drill, or CNC head capable of spinning about an axis perpendicular to the direction in which the tool bit is inserted into the magazine can be used to remove material laterally from inside one of the magazines to form the grooves.

In another embodiment, holes may be drilled through a magazine at a spaced distance from each other and the switch 404 may be secured within the holes (towards the interior of one of the holes). Processor 116 may be attached to the exterior of the magazine and electrical leads may be formed between each of switches 404 and comparator 116 . The leads may be formed on one of the outer surfaces of the magazine. Alternatively, a groove may be formed on an exterior of the magazine, the processor 116 may be attached within the groove, and a covering may be applied on top of the processor 116 to attach them to the magazine and protect it from damage. For example, an epoxy or polymer with a relatively low melting temperature (eg, lower than the melting point of the solder used to make the electrical connection to the processor 116 ) may be liquefied and cast over the processor 116 .

5 shows circuitry implementing a magnetic sensor/switch array 504 for processing signals from the sensors/switches 504 (not visible in FIG. 5, but see, for example, magnetic processing circuit 2702 in FIG. 27, An isometric view of a magazine 502 such as a processor, cartridges 508, a catch plate and at least one magnet on the catch plate. The switch array 504 may be disposed on one of the interior or exterior of the magazine 502 housing or even integrated as a layer within the housing material. The circuitry may be disposed on a circuit board 510 , such as a printed circuit board (PCB), or a circuit assembly that may include electrical traces from the sensor or switch array 504 . In the illustrated embodiment, the sensor or switch array 504 is disposed on the same circuit board or assembly as the circuitry, but in other embodiments, the switch array 504 can be on a board and the circuitry can be on a A second board. Alternatively, the circuitry may be on a circuit board or circuit assembly and the array 504 may not be configured on a board (e.g., the sensors/switches and electrical traces may be integrated into the magazine 502 housing itself or printed on the magazine 502 housing itself). cassette 502 housing itself). In some other cases, the circuitry and array 504 may be located external to the magazine, such as in a handle of the firearm or any other part of the firearm. Although in FIG. 5 the circuitry is located on one of the back sides of the board (ie, the side facing the page), in other embodiments the circuitry may be located on the front side of the board (ie, the side facing away from the page). Circuitry provides an ammunition count signal to a wireless Transmitter (such as an NFC chip), the wireless transmitter can wirelessly transmit the ammunition count signal from the magazine 502 to a wireless receiver or transceiver, such as in the magazine chamber of the firearm, on the trigger guard, in the magazine chamber An antenna at a base, on an exterior of the magazine chamber or on another part of the firearm. The circuitry 506 may be configured proximate to the switch array 504 on one side of the magazine 502 , or may be configured proximate to or as part of a floor 512 of the magazine 502 . In one embodiment, the wireless transmitter may be disposed in an upper half or an upper 1/3 or an upper 1/4 of the magazine. In one embodiment, a wireless transmitter may be disposed in an upper region of a magazine configured to be disposed within a magazine chamber (eg, see FIGS. 12 and 16A ).

+1)(例如30彈藥彈匣中之16個)。無論組態如何，一額外開關(N+1)可用於偵測空狀態，或處理演算法可用於基於N個開關或

+1個開關來識別空狀態。在一些實例中，可利用諸如霍爾效應感測器之磁場感測感測器來代替磁性開關或霍爾效應開關。 Switch array 504 may include one switch for each cartridge (eg, 30 in a 30-round magazine). Switch array 504 may include one switch for each cartridge followed by an additional switch (eg, 31 for a 30-round magazine). Alternatively, switch array 504 may contain one switch for every two cartridges (e.g., 15 in a 30-round magazine) or one switch for every two cartridges plus 1 (

+1) (e.g. 16 out of 30 ammo magazines). Regardless of the configuration, an extra switch (N+1) can be used to detect an empty state, or a processing algorithm can be used based on N switches or

+1 switch to recognize empty state. In some examples, a magnetic field sensing sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, may be utilized in place of the magnetic switch or the Hall effect switch.

The circuit board 510 may be attached to one of the interior surfaces of the magazine 502 during manufacture of the magazine. For example, a groove may be formed on an interior of the magazine 502 and the circuit board 510 may be adhered within the groove. Next, a protective layer is optionally formed on the circuit board, which is thin enough or made of a material that does not significantly hinder the magnetic field. In some embodiments, the circuit board or assembly may be overmolded from one of the materials used to form the magazine, where, for example, the material may be transparent or substantially transparent to magnetic fields. The layer of material overlying the circuit board can also be chosen to be as thin as possible to thereby optimize the magnetic field penetration through this layer. Alternatively, a magazine can be modified to contain circuit board 510 . Again, a groove can be formed in the magazine 502 One of the inside, and the circuit board 510 can be adhered in the groove. However, in another embodiment, the circuit board 510 can be made thin enough (eg, less than .5 mm or less than .1 mm) to be inserted into the magazine 502 and adhere to One of the inner surfaces of the magazine 502 . Although the helical NFC antenna 514 is shown as being located on the circuit board 510 within the magazine, in other embodiments the NFC antenna 514 may be formed on or adhered to an outer surface of the magazine 502 and passed through One or more electrical vias pass through the wall of the magazine 502 for electrical coupling to the circuit board 510 . Although the NFC antenna 514 will be described later as operating in conjunction with another NFC antenna within a magazine compartment (e.g., FIG. or an NFC antenna on the outside of the receiver).

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of a circuit diagram of a magnetic sensor-based ammunition counting system 600 . System 600 includes a magazine 602 and a weapon system 604 . A magazine may include a clip plate with one or more magnets that follow a straight or curved path as the number of ammunition/cartridges in the magazine changes. A magnetic sensor array 606 (eg, magnetic switches such as Hall effect switches) may be arranged along the path traveled by one or more magnets such that one or more switches 606 closest to the one or more magnets produces a strongest signal. Each switch 606 communicates with a processor 608, such as a microprocessor or microcontroller, which receives signals from the switches 606 and determines a position of the kickback based on the signals. In some cases, a microcontroller is a small integrated circuit designed to handle a specific operation in an embedded system. A typical microcontroller includes a processor, memory, and input/output (I/O) peripherals on a single chip.

The processor 608 then determines a number of ammunition remaining in the magazine 602 based on the position of the catch plate and communicates this information to a near field communication (NFC) chip 610 . In some embodiments, magnetic switch 606 may have a binary output. For example, the magnetic switch 606 can be configured to be based on a position of one or more magnets relative to the magnetic switch and a respective position at the magnetic switch 606. The magnetic field exceeds a magnetic field threshold to activate. In some cases, the magnetic switch 606 can output a high signal (ie, when the magnetic field exceeds a threshold value) or a low signal (ie, when the magnetic field is below a threshold value) in the form of a digital or square wave or pulse output . NFC chip 610 then communicates with an NFC chip 616 on weapon 604 via NFC antennas 612 and 614 . NFC chip 616 then processes the wireless signal and passes the resulting output to a second processor 618 on weapon 604 . The processor 618 can be configured to display the ammunition count on a display 620 and/or optionally communicate the ammunition count to an optional RF radio 622 which communicates the ammunition count to other devices via an optional RF antenna 624 (eg a display on the user's glasses). In some embodiments, the NFC antenna 612 in the magazine 602 may be parallel to one of the firing directions of the firearm. In other words, the NFC antenna 612 can be arranged along one side of the magazine instead of its spine or along one side of the magazine that is wider and longer than both ends. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 608 may also be disposed along a side of the magazine parallel to a firing direction.

In one embodiment, the NFC chips 610 , 616 may also transfer power from the weapon 604 to the magazine 602 . In other words, they can transfer data and power simultaneously and in opposite directions. Various known protocols can be used to transfer power and data over this wireless channel. For example, a battery can store power in the handle or grip of the weapon 604, and an NFC interface can transfer power from the battery (eg, wirelessly) to the magazine 602 to power the processor 608 and optionally the magnetic sensor array 606 . It should be noted that Hall effect switches typically use an external power source, whereas reed switches require no external power.

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a block diagram of a media access controller (MAC) 700 that controls the microcontroller hardware responsible for interacting with wired, optical, and/or wireless transmission media. A board 706 (e.g., a printed circuit board, embedded system board, etc.) may include components for a microcontroller unit (MCU) 706-c, one or more drivers 706-b, and firmware 706-a (i.e., Hardware that provides low-level control of the device's hardware (software/code). In some cases, MCU hardware 706-c may communicate 704 in serial with a user interface 702 of a firearm. User interface 702 may be used to display a firearm One of the ammunition counts of the magazine, the number of ammunition consumed, the remaining battery power, etc. In some cases, the user interface may be an example of a user interface and display housing that will be further described with reference to FIGS. 21 and 22 . In one embodiment, the magazine may include a user interface 702, such as in the form of an LCD display that presents ammunition counts to the user. The LCD display can receive power when the value changes, but otherwise can be unpowered thereby allowing the LCD to operate whether or not a magazine is coupled to the firearm. Additionally or alternatively, the user interface 702 may be configured to display ammunition counts for a plurality of magazines staged by the firearm with or without totaling a total transfer associated with the firearm, as described later in this disclosure. Will describe.

The MCU hardware 706-c may also receive a digital input/output (I/O) stream 708 from one or more sensors 710 located in the magazine of the firearm. In some cases, sensor 710 may be a Hall effect switch, Hall effect sensor, reed switch, or the like. As previously described, a Hall Effect switch can provide a digital or at least pulse or square wave output, while a Hall Effect sensor can provide an analog output and therefore requires an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) (not shown in the figure). shown), as depicted in Figure 2.

FIG. 8 illustrates the relationship between the MCU 706 in FIG. 7 , the magazine bullet sensor 710 (such as a magnetic field sensing sensor or a magnetic switch), and the user interface 702 (such as a screen/display for displaying ammo counts). A sequence diagram 800 of one embodiment of the communications of . MCU 706 may be in serial communication with user interface 702 and may receive digital I/O streams from one or more magazine sensors 710 . In some cases, one or more magazine sensors 710 may be substantially evenly spaced from each other and may be aligned along the interior of one of the magazines. MCU 706 may be instantiated by processor 608 in FIG. 6 .

In 801, MCU 706 may initialize. In some cases, the initialization may be triggered in response to turning on the ammo counting system, an accelerometer within the magazine (or firearm) due to motion of the firearm, or any other user action. If MCU 706 or sensor 710 is not in 802 In sleep mode (ie, while the system is still initializing), the MCU 706 may begin reading and processing the output from the magazine sensor 710 (ie, ammo count data) in 803 . At 804, the MCU 706 can convert the ammo count data into an ammo count indication. For example, the ammunition count data may include an indication of the number of active magnetic field sensing sensors (such as Hall effect switches or sensors, reed switches, etc.), based on which the MCU 706 can determine whether a cartridge includes a magnet. A position of the plate in the magazine and an indication of the ammo count.

At 805 , MCU 706 may transmit ammunition count 805 to user interface 702 . In some cases, MCU 706 may be coupled to a first planar antenna (such as a microstrip patch antenna or any other antenna fabricated on a PCB) and the first planar antenna may transmit ammo count indications to a first planar antenna on the firearm. Two planar antennas (eg located within the magazine chamber of one of the firearms). The user interface 702 may communicate with the second planar antenna via one or more RF cables and connectors (see, eg, FIG. 15).

In some other cases, the MCU 706 may be located on the side of the firearm opposite the side of the magazine. In such cases, ammunition count data can be transferred wirelessly between the two antennas before being processed. In some scenarios, for example, if the ammunition counting system's battery or power supply is on the firearm, the two antennas can also transfer power via an NFC connection. In one example, the battery may be located within the grip of the firearm. Ripple power can be connected across NFC to save power, and a wake-up algorithm can be implemented to save power when the gun is not in use. Such an algorithm may be based, for example, on movement sensed via an accelerometer. When not in use, the ammo counter can enter a lower power mode.

After receiving the ammo count indication 805, the user interface 702 may display the ammo count to the user. In 806, if the MCU 706 is not receiving any further I/O from the magazine sensor 710 (eg, the firearm is not in use or after a certain level of inactivity), the MCU 706 and/or the sensor may switch to low power /sleep mode. Unlike Reed Switches, Hall Effect Switches or Sensing The converter requires external power to operate, therefore, a sleep mode can be used to save power.

FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of an ammunition counting system 900 . Here, a compression spring 905 is used as part of the counting system. As the spring plate moves and compresses or relaxes the spring 905, the inductance of the spring changes. A coil inductance detector 906 in the base of the magazine or located elsewhere in the magazine can detect this inductance and correlate this to a known catcher position and thus a number of ammunition remaining. The spring support plate can also include a first reference junction 901 and a second reference junction 902 , and the magazine can include a third reference junction 903 and a fourth reference junction 904 . These contacts can be used for calibration sensing. For example, when the first contact 901 is in contact with the third contact 903, the system may know that the kicker is at a full height position, ie, there is no ammunition in the magazine. When the second contact 902 is in contact with the fourth contact 904, the system can know that the spring support is at a minimum height position, that is, fully loaded. In another embodiment, the first reference junction 901 and the second reference junction 902 may be a single junction or a part or all of the spring plate may conduct electricity and thereby operate as a junction.

In one embodiment, the limit of the inductance can be tracked to self-calibrate the unit at no load, the spring 905 will be the longest and have the maximum inductance. When fully loaded, spring 905 will be the shortest and have the least inductance. In this way, the detection circuitry is able to "tune" and learn the full load/no load limits and infer intermediate values between the full load extremes and the no load extremes.

In one embodiment, a helical wire may be inserted into the main bracket spring 905 or fabricated into or attached to the spring 905 . This helix can be coupled to a top of the main support spring 905 and thereby create a return loop to enhance inductance measurement. In one embodiment, the detection circuitry 906 can inject current into the spring 905 or loop to enhance the inductance that can be measured. The helix can be wound in the same direction as the main spring 905 so that it will also facilitate inductance measurements thereby making the measurements more sensitive.

In another embodiment, a multi-layer spring (such as conductor-insulator-conductor body), which integrates the return function within the mainspring itself. The two conductor layers will be electrically connected at the top near the kickback but electrically isolated during the trip from the top to the bottom of the magazine.

In some other cases, the spring 905 may be coated with an insulator, such as an oxide layer, to prevent the conductive parts of the spring from touching each other when compressed. In some instances, such a system needs to be calibrated for different ammunition sizes and weights because the compression and inductance of the springs can vary.

Figure 10 illustrates an ammunition counting system 1000 in which an NFC interface is used to pass information from the magazine sensing circuitry to the weapon (such as a display on the weapon) or to a stronger wireless transmitter on the weapon (which can transmit Ammunition counts are communicated to a receiver/display on a user or other remote entity). In some cases, the NFC interface may include two NFC inductively coupled antennas 1001-a and 1001-b. As shown in the picture, the NFC interface can be placed on the bottom of one of the magazine chambers and near the trigger guard. One half of the interface can be attached to the weapon (eg, either side of the trigger guard) and the other half can be integrated into each magazine for use with the weapon. In this way, each magazine can transmit ammo count information to the weapon. The NFC interface can also be coupled to a power source on the weapon, such as a battery or weapon system circuitry 1003 , and this interface can wirelessly transmit power from the weapon to the magazine and its sensing circuitry 1002 . The trigger guard side of the interface can be attached to the trigger guard or integrated with the trigger guard. Additionally, the trigger guard may then provide a routing path from this side of the NFC interface (ie, the trigger guard side) to a processor and/or battery in the grip or stock (eg, weapon system circuitry 1003 ).

In one embodiment, an NFC chip can have a unique ID (eg, a 64-bit ID or 128-bit ID). This ID gives each magazine a unique identification or serial number, which can be used for tracking and inventory purposes, among other purposes. Alternatively, a serial number can be encoded or hardwired into the processor or microcontroller. Alternatively, a serial number can be distributed between the processor and the NFC chip. In other cases, a first substantially planar antenna (i.e., NFC antenna) of the magazine may be assigned a unique ID, And, for example, a second substantially planar antenna (i.e., an NFC antenna) on an interior of a magazine chamber of a firearm can be configured to read the first antenna after a magazine is inserted into the magazine chamber of the firearm. Essentially a unique ID associated with a planar antenna. In some embodiments, the firearm processor and optionally the magazine processor can be configured to store the magazine's unique ID and ammunition count after the magazine is inserted into the magazine chamber. In this manner, the firearm processor may be configured to stage each magazine and store both an indication of the ammunition count and the unique identifier for the plurality of magazines after each magazine is inserted into the magazine chamber. In some cases, an indication of the ammo count for any magazines previously inserted into the magazine chamber or staged by the processor may be displayed via a user interface of the firearm.

In some embodiments, for example, the firearm or magazine processor may be configured to display a warning on the firearm display when the total ammunition count of one of the plurality of magazines falls below a threshold. In some instances, the ammo counting system can be configured to display a most recently recorded magazine ammo count for each of a plurality of magazines in a firearm to thereby provide the user with an on-load, even current Magazines not in firearms.

In some scenarios, eddy currents may be induced within a conductor (eg, NFC antenna 1001-a) due to the motion of a magnet on the springboard relative to the NFC antenna 1001-a. In some embodiments, eddy currents can also be used to power the NFC connection and processing of these signals can occur on the weapon. Alternatively, the eddy current signal could be processed on the magazine and communicated to the weapon via an NFC connection.

Although the present disclosure generally refers to a substantially planar antenna, in some embodiments other antenna shapes may be used. For example, a magazine may include a substantially planar antenna, while a firearm (eg, a magazine chamber) includes a non-planar antenna, such as a coil antenna coiled about a longitudinal axis (eg, the TC0502HF NFC SMD antenna manufactured by PREMO). Such an antenna may have dimensions on the order of millimeters in each axis (eg, less than 6 mm per side) and a capacitance of 10 pF to 100 pF. The magazine side antenna can also have different positions, such as embedded in the trigger guard or extending from the trigger guard or Recessed within or partially extending from the magazine over-insertion stop. In other words, the magazine side antenna may be disposed on the spine of the magazine rather than on one side of the magazine.

The methods described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be embodied directly in hardware, in processor-executable code encoded in a non-transitory tangible processor-readable storage medium, or in a combination of both. For example, referring to FIG. 11 , there is shown a block diagram depicting physical components that may be used to implement an ammunition counter (and generally processor 116 or Hall switch encoding circuitry 116 or the processor in FIG. 33 ) according to an exemplary embodiment. 1100. As shown, in this embodiment, a display portion 1112 and non-volatile memory 1120 are coupled to a bus 1122, which is also coupled to random access memory ("RAM") 1124, a processing Section (which includes N processing elements) 1126, an optional field programmable gate array (FPGA) 1127, and a transceiver element 1128 including N transceivers. Although the components depicted in FIG. 11 represent physical components, FIG. 11 is not intended to be a detailed hardware diagram; thus, many of the components depicted in FIG. 11 may be implemented by common construction or distributed among additional physical components. In addition, after consideration, other existing and to-be-developed physical components and structures can be used to implement the functional components described with reference to FIG. 11 .

The display portion 1112 (eg, memory in pixels (MIP) 2822 in FIGS. 21 and 22 , 28 ) generally operates to provide a user interface to a user, and in some embodiments, the display is composed of a Oscilloscopes for firearms, LCD/LED displays mounted to a firearm, a pair of goggles or glasses worn by a user of a firearm, electronic paper (e.g. electronic ink) attached to a weapon or user, and a touchscreen The screen display is realized. In general, non-volatile memory 1120 is non-transitory memory used for storing (e.g., persistent storage) data and processor-executable code, including executable code associated with implementing the methods described herein . For example, in some embodiments, non-volatile memory 1120 contains boot loader code, operating system code, file system code, and non-transitory processor executable code to facilitate The processing of the signals of the magnetic sensors described above (eg, FIGS. 31 to 33 and/or FIGS. 41 to 45 ) is performed.

In many embodiments, the non-volatile memory 1120 is implemented by flash memory (eg, NAND or ONENAND memory), but other memory types may also be utilized upon consideration. Although program code from non-volatile memory 1120 may be executed, executable code in non-volatile memory is typically loaded into RAM 1124 and executed by one or more of the N processing elements in processing portion 1126 .

N processing elements typically operate in conjunction with RAM 1124 to execute instructions stored in non-volatile memory 1120 to enable processing of signals from magnetic sensors, for example for determining a number of ammunition remaining in a magazine. For example, a non-transitory processor for distinguishing the position of the spring plate between or aligned with one of the Hall effect switches (where one switch is used for every two positions (see FIG. 4B)) could be The execution code can be persistently stored in the non-volatile memory 1120 and executed by the N processing elements in conjunction with the RAM 1124 . Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that the processing portion 1126 may include a video processor, digital signal processor (DSP), microcontroller, graphics processing unit (GPU), or other hardware processing components or a combination of hardware and software processing components ( For example, an FPGA or an FPGA that includes digital logic processing). In some embodiments, the correlation between the various Hall effect switch signals or signal pairs and the catch plate/magnet position (and thus the ammunition count) may be stored in non-volatile memory 1120, such as in a look-up table .

Additionally or alternatively, the processing portion 1126 may be configured to implement one or more aspects of the methods described herein (e.g., based on sensing by one or more of the magnetic sensors/switches 112, 404, 504, etc. The position of one or more of the magnets on the undercarriage is measured to determine the ammunition count, or as seen in FIGS. 31 to 33 and/or FIGS. 41 to 45). For example, non-transitory processor readable instructions may be stored in non-volatile memory 1120 or RAM 1124 and, when executed on processing portion 1126, cause processing portion 1126 to identify a position of the kickback within the magazine (eg, FIG. 31 to 33 and/or or Figures 41 to 45). Alternatively, non-transitory FPGA configuration instructions may be persistently stored in non-volatile memory 1120 and accessed by processing portion 1126 (e.g., during startup) to configure the hardware configurable portion of processing portion 1126 to implement Hall Function of switch encoding circuitry 116 (or processor for determining ammunition count based on hall effect switch signal).

The input assembly 1130 is operative to receive a signal (such as an output or voltage from the magnetic sensor/switch 112, 404, 504, etc.) indicative of one or more aspects of the position of the kickback and thus the ammunition count. The input component 1130 can also receive signals sent from the magazine's circuitry/processor 116 via the NFC interface. The signal received at the input component may include, for example, a voltage from one Hall effect switch indicating that the switch is active or a voltage from two Hall effect switches indicating that the switch pair is active. Signals received at the input components may include, for example, analog or digital signals from the magnetic sensors/switches 112, 404, 504, and the like. The output components generally operate to provide one or more analog or digital signals to effectuate an operational aspect of the magazine communicating ammunition count information to the weapon. For example, output portion 1132 may provide ammunition counts as described above with reference to the figures. The depicted transceiver component 1128 includes N transceiver chains that can be used to communicate with external devices via a wireless or wired network. Each of the N transceiver chains may represent a transceiver associated with a communication scheme (eg, Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Profibus, NFC, etc.). The transceiver component 1128 can be an NFC component and can be configured to send and receive data and power simultaneously. Transceiver assembly 1128 may also be a stronger second transceiver configured on the weapon such that NFC transfers data from the magazine to the second transceiver which then uses a stronger radio transmitter to count the ammunition Transmitted to a receiver/display remote from the weapon (eg on a user or a user's goggles/glasses). As another example, output portion 1132 may provide a voltage indicative of ammunition counts from the processor to a display.

Figure 12 depicts a sensor/switch array with in or coupled to the magazine 1201 and a side view of the firearm 1200 with magazine antenna 1202. In some cases, magazine antenna 1202 may be an example of an NFC antenna. In addition, the magazine antenna 1202 and optionally a magazine handler (not shown in the figure) can be disposed on one side of the magazine parallel to a firing direction of the firearm. A second wireless antenna (not shown) on firearm 1200 may have an area that is substantially aligned with and/or overlaps an area of antenna 1202 (see, eg, FIG. 16 ). FIG. 12 also shows an alternative shape of the antenna 1202 compared to the shape of the antenna shown in FIG. 5 . FIG. 13 shows a detailed view 1300 of sensor array 1201 and magazine antenna 1202 in FIG. 12 . Although magazine antenna 1202 is shown as having an L-shape, in other embodiments, other shapes for magazine antenna 1202 may be implemented. Magazine antenna 1202 also encompasses an area that can be considered to have a height and a width. The antenna may be substantially planar thereby enabling it to fit within the magazine without modifying the functional dimensions of the interior or exterior of the magazine.

Figure 14 is an isometric cross-sectional view 1400 of a trigger assembly 1401 and magazine chamber 1402 illustrating an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, an NFC antenna 1403 , such as a planar NFC antenna, may be disposed in a recess 1404 in the magazine chamber 1402 . As described above with reference to FIG. 10, one half of the NFC interface (i.e., the NFC antenna 1403) can be attached to the weapon and the other half (i.e., a second NFC antenna, not shown) can be integrated into each magazine to communicate with the weapon. Weapons are used together. In this way, each magazine can wirelessly transmit ammo count information to the weapon. As previously described, in some cases each magazine may be identified when inserted into a magazine chamber of a firearm (e.g., using a unique identifier to stage (if not previously staged) or based on a previous assignment unique identifier). Additionally, the magazine or firearm processor can determine a ammo count when a magazine is initially inserted into the firearm and can store the ammo count to memory along with the associated magazine ID. In this manner, a firearm or magazine processor can be configured to track ammunition counts for a plurality of magazines used by a user of the firearm. In some embodiments, the firearm or magazine processor can be configured to, for example, A warning is displayed on the firearm display when the total ammunition for one of the magazines falls below a threshold. In some instances, the ammo counting system can be configured to display one of the most recently recorded magazine ammo counts for one or more magazines in the firearm, which even includes ammunition in magazines not currently inserted in the firearm one of the displayed. In some embodiments, the NFC interface can also be coupled to a power source on the weapon, such as a battery or weapon system circuitry, and this interface can wirelessly transmit power from the weapon to the magazine and magazine sensing circuitry.

Wired access may be provided between the antenna 1403 inside the magazine chamber 1402 to a display on the outside of the receiver. In such cases, the NFC antenna 1403 and its circuit board or circuit assembly can be fabricated on a flexible substrate or a substrate with a flexible portion. In an example, a portion of the NFC circuit board or assembly may be flexed around a bottom of the magazine chamber 1402 and then attached (eg, adhered) to an exterior of the magazine chamber, as further described with reference to FIG. 16 . This portion of the NFC circuit board on the exterior of the magazine chamber 1402 may then be coupled to an RF cable also disposed on the exterior of the magazine chamber 1402 (see FIG. 15 ). This design does not require any modifications to the receiver (such as drilling/machining openings) to provide a routing path for conventional cables or flex circuits. In an alternative embodiment, a wiring connection may be made through the magazine release switch, eg, through a magazine release switch having a wiring aperture. It should be noted that FIG. 14 shows only one embodiment of the antenna 1403 and that other shapes and positions of the antenna 1403 can also be implemented without departing from the scope or spirit of the present invention. In one example, the firearm NFC antenna 1403 may be disposed on a bottom surface of the magazine chamber 1402 such that it is concentrically disposed around an NFC antenna on the magazine (e.g., the magazine NFC antenna is disposed circumferentially around an upper portion of the magazine , so that it roughly aligns with the gun's NFC antenna). In another example, a magazine NFC antenna may be mounted on an exterior surface of the magazine, while the NFC antenna may be disposed on an interior of one of the magazine chambers. In this case, the coil of the magazine chamber NFC antenna may be crimped or coiled around an inner surface of the magazine chamber so that it is identical to the wire of the magazine NFC antenna coiled or coiled around an outer surface of the magazine The circles are roughly aligned. In other words, the coil of the magazine chamber NFC antenna can be wound around the inner periphery of the magazine chamber. In some aspects, for example, the coil of the magazine compartment NFC antenna may appear to surround the coil of the magazine NFC antenna if both antennas project onto the same plane. In an alternative, a magazine NFC antenna can be placed on one of the outer surfaces of the magazine, a circuit board including a processor and/or magnetic or Hall effect switches can be placed inside the magazine, and one of the magazine compartments Vias or other conductive apertures may enable an electrical connection between these internal and external components of the magazine. Alternatively, a planar flex circuit configured to, for example, descend from the circuit board and wrap around one of the bottom edges of the magazine and turn up to the antenna along the outer surface of the magazine can be utilized. In another configuration, a first coil antenna (such as an NFC antenna) may be mounted at or near a flange on the magazine, wherein the first coil antenna or flange may be coupled to another coil on the magazine chamber The antennas are roughly aligned. Another embodiment sees a magazine chamber funnel or similar addition to the bottom of the magazine chamber that is thick enough to accommodate the firearm side NFC antenna. In some embodiments, antenna 1403 may be adhered to magazine chamber 1402 during manufacture of the firearm or during a retrofit procedure.

Although FIG. 14 shows an antenna 1403 on a flexible substrate shaped to fit within a recess 1404 characteristic of an AR-style magazine chamber, if the antenna 1403 is used in a different mount, the antenna 1403 and the flexible substrate The shape and size can be adjusted to fit other unique features of the magazine chamber. In particular, the flexible substrate may be shaped and sized to fit snugly within a unique feature of the magazine chamber of another seat that may or may not include a recess such as recess 1404 . For example, when a firearm has a wider recess 1404, a flexible substrate can be formed that fits tightly within the wider recess 1404. The antenna 1403 may or may not be enlarged. Furthermore, because the antenna 1403 can be installed in a factory or by a user using uncomplicated and imprecise tools and components, the flex substrate can be sized to fit snugly within a recess or other feature of the magazine chamber , and this tight fit can make it easier for a worker or home user to align the antenna 1403 with a desired location (ie, with the magazine One of the antennas is aligned). In some cases, the antenna 1403 and flexible substrate can be manufactured to fit magazine chambers of various types, sizes and shapes, wherein different magazine chambers can have different recesses or other structural features whereby each requires a different flexible substrate shape and size. For such a generic antenna set, one antenna 1403 could be used, but the flex substrate could contain lines, perforations, etc., which could be used to mark the outlines on the flex substrate for different seats. When a user needs to modify the flexible substrate to fit a different magazine chamber 1404, the user can cut and separate the "waste" flexible substrate along the lines or perforations to form a flexible substrate that fits tightly within a different magazine chamber 1404. substrate. Alternatively, perforations may allow a user to pull out additional flexible substrates.

When polymer or other non-metallic magazine chambers are used, one of the firearm sides of the NFC interface (ie, the firearm side of the NFC antenna) can be disposed on one of the exteriors of the magazine chamber. So far, the firearm side of the NFC antenna has been described as being located inside the magazine chamber, in large part because the metal magazine chamber prevents the wireless signal from the magazine to one of the exteriors of the magazine chamber. However, when the magazine chamber does not interfere with the wireless signal (for example, when the magazine chamber is non-metallic or transparent to the wireless signal), the NFC signal can be passed directly to an external antenna thus avoiding placing one of the NFC interfaces on the side of the gun Compromises and design challenges within the magazine chamber and then having to route data and power to one outside of the magazine chamber.

Figure 15 shows an example of an RF cable 1500 used to connect the antenna 1403 to a display mounted on the weapon. In some cases, RF cable 1500 is detachable, which can be used to provide strain relief on the antenna attachment. Additionally or alternatively, detachable cable 1500 may also include a connector with strain relief for attaching to a display. In some examples, a connector can be attached to both the antenna and the display and connected via an RF cable.

Figures 16A, 16B and 16C respectively illustrate flexing around the bottom of the magazine chamber (e.g., flexible lower portion 1601) and then attaching (e.g., adhering) to an exterior of the magazine chamber (where an RF cable may be generated) (such as the RF cable 1500 in Figure 15) of the NFC circuit board 1600-a, Different views of 1600-b and 1600-c. FIG. 17 shows a detail view 1700 of an NFC antenna 1403 including a flexible lower portion 1601 of a circuit board that wraps around the bottom of the magazine chamber. As described with reference to Figure 14, the left side of an AR-15 magazine chamber may include a recess 1404 that does not contact the magazine and is just deep enough (eg, depth: 0.0175+/-0.0075 inches (0.44+/-0.19mm) , width: 1.77 inches (45mm), height: 2 inches (50.8mm)) to assemble a thin substantially planar NFC antenna 1403 (for example, thickness: 0.010 inches (0.25 mm) without interfering with magazine insertion and removal mm), height: 1.6 inches (40.64mm), W: 1.050 inches (26.67mm)). In some examples, the NFC antenna 1403 may be fabricated on a dielectric substrate such as ROGERS RT/DUROID or RO3000 or DiClad series composites/laminates, gallium arsenide (GaAs), GaN, epoxy, or for electromagnetic A microstrip patch antenna (such as copper or another highly conductive material) on any other composite or substrate in high frequency applications. As shown in the figure, the antenna 1403 may cover an area smaller than the main area of the circuit board. For example, while the main portion of the circuit board in FIG. 17 has a height and a width, the antenna 1403 has a smaller width and a much smaller height (e.g., approximately one-half the height of the main portion of the circuit board) .

In some other cases, planar NFC antenna 1403 may comprise a highly conductive trace (such as copper) fabricated on a substrate or a dielectric circuit board in the shape of a coil, a circle, an ellipse, or any other continuous shape. In some embodiments, a continuous metal layer (ie, the ground plane) may be bonded to the second side of the substrate (ie, the side that does not include the antenna trace). The substrate thickness should be selected to at least ensure that the planar NFC antenna 1403 fits within the magazine chamber of the receiver. In addition, the substrate material and thickness can also be selected based on one or more antenna performance parameters such as resonant frequency, directivity, gain, return loss, bandwidth, and the like. For example, a high frequency (smaller wavelength) application requires a thinner substrate than a low frequency application. In addition to the substrate material/thickness, the 2D geometry of the NFC antenna can also affect its radiation pattern, beam width, etc., and different shapes can be selected for different scenarios.

For example, Figures 34-40 show alternative NFC antenna patterns, but these different shapes have little effect on inductive coupling, power, etc. On the other hand, the number of turns in the NFC antenna affects the inductive coupling between the two sides of the NFC interface. In some embodiments, the NFC antenna (eg magazine and/or firearm side) may also include a second layer of coils and thus may have a three-dimensional shape. For example, inductive coupling between NFC antennas on both sides of the NFC interface can be enhanced by increasing the number of coils. In some cases, the coil count of an NFC antenna can be increased radially or vertically (eg, by adding layers to the NFC antenna(s), which can be used to increase inductance and enhance coupling between NFC antennas. Similarly, two NFC antennas can be configured on the magazine (one on each side of the magazine) but wired in parallel so that they both transmit the same signal to the NFC-connected side of the firearm. Doubling this antenna sending the same signal can increase the inductance and thus allow each of the NFC antenna pair to be smaller than an embodiment where only one NFC antenna is used on the magazine.

In some embodiments, the magazine can include both an NFC antenna and a non-NFC antenna, so that longer distance transmissions via the non-NFC antenna can also be made in parallel with or instead of NFC transmissions. In another embodiment, a single NFC antenna can be configured to transmit via both NFC and non-NFC (see, eg, US Patent No. 9793616, which is incorporated herein by reference).

In some embodiments, the reader side of the NFC antenna (typically the magazine side of the interface) may include a larger antenna than the transmit side (typically the magazine side of the interface). This size difference allows greater tolerance when placing both sides of the interface, as either can deviate slightly from the ideal alignment, while still ensuring that all or most of the smaller antenna is always aligned with some portion of the larger antenna. For example, the larger of the two antennas may be 30mm x 30mm and the smaller may be 20mm x 20mm. It should be noted that larger antennas draw more power than smaller antennas. Therefore, it is desirable to balance ease of alignment with low power draw.

In other embodiments, the NFC antenna may include two different NFC coils on each of the transmit and receive sides of the interface (see, eg, FIG. 40 ). A first of these antennas can be configured to transmit data, while a second can be configured to transmit power. Similarly, an NFC antenna formed from two separate interfaces can enhance coupling and thus data and power transfer. In this example, two separate interfaces imply two separate pairs of inductively coupled coils, eg, a first pair of inductively coupled coils and a second pair of also inductively coupled coils. In one embodiment, the magazine may include a first coil on a first side of the ammunition stack (e.g., a first side of the magazine parallel to the firing direction of the firearm) and a second side of the ammunition stack (e.g. A second coil on a second side of the magazine opposite to the first side, wherein the second side is also parallel to the firing direction of the gun. Additionally, the magazine chamber may include a third coil on a first side of the magazine chamber aligned with and coupled to the first coil in the magazine and one of the magazine chambers coupled to the second coil in the magazine A fourth coil on the second side. Alternatively, each of two pairs of NFC antennas (eg, two interfaces and four antennas) may be configured at an angle (eg, orthogonal or 90°) relative to the other pair to thereby minimize coupling between the pairs. In some scenarios, configuring NFC antenna pairs such that they are orthogonal to each other can be used to minimize signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Additionally or alternatively, such a configuration may also allow the two NFC antenna pairs to operate via different protocols and/or transmit different data.

FIG. 18 illustrates magnet position sensing 1800 using Hall effect switches 1805 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a single magnet 1810 is positioned on a spring plate 1815 and the number of Hall effect switches 1805 is N/ 2 or N/2+1. In some cases, the magazine may be lined with magnets instead of Huoyu effect switches. In such cases, one or more Hall effect switches and associated electronics may be placed on the springboard. As shown, in the 0 position (eg, empty magazine), the magnet 1810 may be sensed by a sensor or switch 1805-a. Then, at the 1 position (an odd position), the magnet 1810 can be sensed by two adjacent switches 1805-b and 1805-c. It should be noted that in this example, "P" refers to the pitch distance that the carrier spring 1815 moves for each ammunition, and the distance between the switches 1805 Two (2) pitch distances apart. Thus, in the 1 position, the magnet 1810 on the spring plate 1815 will be approximately equidistant from the first two switches 1805-b and 1805-c. Similarly, at the 2 position (an even position), the magnet may align with the second sensor or switch 1805-d because it has moved two (2) pitch distances from the 0 position. Thus, it can be seen that for a single magnet 1810 on the kickback plate 1815, the magnet 1810 is sensed by a single sensor or switch 1805 at even positions and by two adjacent switches 1805 at odd positions. Figures 19 and 20 show different embodiments using two and three magnets 1910 and 2010 on spring plates 1915 and 2015, respectively. Figure 19 can also be implemented using Hall Effect sensors, where the output of each sensor can be provided to a comparator so that only sensors seeing a particular signal strength will be temporarily registered as an active sensor.

As mentioned above, unlike reed switches, Hall effect switches require a power supply to operate. For efficient power management of a Hall switch, only the switch that actively senses a magnet needs to be powered. When a magnet moves away from the currently active sensor, the sensor generates a digital signal (eg, an interrupt). In such cases, since the active switches for the next state are known, they can only be actuated until the position of the magnet on the kickback is determined. Therefore, the amount of current drawn by the switch can be minimized to extend battery life. In some scenarios, an accelerometer may be installed to wake up the ammo counting system. For example, an accelerometer may be configured to detect movement of the kickback to allow the Hall effect switch to be turned off when the weapon is inactive or during storage. Additionally or alternatively, the Hall switch may be turned off after some inactive period (eg, 30 seconds, 60 seconds, 90 seconds, etc.), and may be periodically (eg, every 10 seconds, 20 seconds, 30 seconds, etc.) The most recent active Hall sensor is polled to check for a state change before resuming operation. In other cases, an accelerometer may be coupled to the kick plate, where the accelerometer may be in electronic communication with the magazine processor. Additionally, the accelerometer can be configured to recognize an upward "snap" movement of one of the catch plates, which can indicate that one of the uppermost rounds in the magazine is loaded into the chamber after firing the gun. In these cases, the magazine processor can be based on measurements from the accelerometer Decrements the current ammo count by 1. In some cases, an accelerometer coupled to the kick plate may only provide acceleration readings above a threshold, which may be used to filter out false readings associated with normal movement of the firearm. In some examples, the data from the Hall effect switch can be combined with other data including, but not limited to, capacitance data associated with an air gap between the spring plate and the base plate, spring inductance data, and/or used to identify when It is necessary to update the accelerometer data of an ammo count (such as subtracting 1) to use.

19 illustrates magnet position sensing 1900 using a Hall effect sensor or switch 1905 in which two magnets 1910 are positioned approximately three (3) sections apart on a spring plate 1915 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. distance. As shown in the figure, in the 0 position, the magnet can be sensed by the first three (3) sensors or switches 1905-a, 1905-b, and 1905-c, with one of the first sensors 1905-a The output may have the highest magnitude and the outputs from the second sensor 1905-b and the third sensor 1905-c have equal but smaller magnitudes. For example, at the 1 position, the first and second sensors 1905 may have an equal magnitude and the third sensor 1905 may have a greater magnitude. In this way, the processor or MCU hardware can distinguish between a 0 position and a 1 position, such as by using a comparator, even if the same number of sensors 1905 are active. Similar to Figure 18, N/2 or N/2+1 Hall effect switches can be deployed in this setup.

FIG. 20 illustrates magnet position sensing 2000 using Hall effect switches 2005 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In this example, three magnets 2010 are positioned four (4) pitch distances apart (or between three (3) and four (4) pitch distances apart) on the spring plate 2015 . Furthermore, N/3 Hall effect switches 2005 are required in this setup. Similar to FIGS. 18 and 19 , a processor can determine the kick plate 2015 position and subsequent ammunition count based on analyzing and comparing the output from the active switch 2005 . In the 0 position, switches 1, 2, and 4 (ie, switches 2005-a, 2005-b, and 2005-c) may be active. Similarly, in the 1 position, switches 1, 3 and 4 are active. in 2 places Centered, switches 2, 3 and 4 are active. In this embodiment, Hall effect sensors may also be implemented. Although more complex than FIG. 19 from a magnet and handling standpoint, FIG. 20 may provide a cheaper solution because fewer Hall effect switches/sensors 2005 are required (eg, N/3 vs. N/2).

In both examples of Figures 19 and 20, a stronger magnet capable of triggering more switches than a weaker magnet can be used. Thus, for example, the spring catcher magnet may trigger three Hall effect switches at a time, and less than three Hall effect switches when the spring catcher is in other positions. This embodiment may allow for more accurate sensing of the spring plate position or may allow for the use of fewer Hall effect switches (eg <N/2 switches).

Fig. 21 shows an example of a display housing mounted on a weapon according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the display housing 2101 may include a screen or a display (see FIG. 22 ) having a user interface including display graphics and control buttons. In some examples, display housing 2101 may be used to indicate ammo count 2201 , ammo fired since last reset 2202 , a fuel gauge ammo count indicator 2203 along the side and/or top of the display for quick reference, and the like. The user interface/display may also implement features such as a flashing indicator or the ability to change brightness (i.e., set by the user or automatically based on ambient light). For example, different colored lights may be used to indicate ammo counts or a range of ammunition remaining in the magazine. An oscilloscope, such as a red dot oscilloscope, may include one or more LEDs around its perimeter to provide an indication of the ammo count. In another embodiment, a light ring around the scope can be used to indicate ammo counts (eg, via brightness, color, or number of lit LEDs). Such visual indicators may also be integrated into or overlaid onto the aiming optics (eg, via an add-on such as a COTI Thermal overlay). In addition to or instead of light indicators, audio and tactile feedback indicators may also be used.

In some cases, a user may use one or more buttons to change the display type. The user interface can also communicate wirelessly (eg Bluetooth) with other devices such as another soldier's weapon/body device or a command unit. The display housing 2101 can be powered by an internal battery, and this same battery can provide power to the magazine through the NFC connection. Alternatively, the display housing 2101 may receive power from a battery stored in the stock or grip of the firearm. In some embodiments, power may be provided via an electrified auxiliary rail.

As previously described, in some embodiments, the display housing can be configured to indicate an ammo count for a plurality of magazines staged by the firearm (e.g., a different ammo count for each magazine or an aggregated total for all magazines) ). In some examples, after a magazine is inserted into a magazine chamber of a firearm, the NFC antenna in the magazine chamber can be configured to, for example, receive information from the magazine handler and/or the NFC antenna in the magazine Receive one of the unique identifiers associated with the magazine. In some cases, the unique identifier and magazine charge count may be stored by the firearm processor in its internal memory or another memory device electronically coupled to the firearm. In some cases, the user is able to view an indication of the ammunition count for multiple magazines in the firearm that were previously used by the same user (or other users). For example, by way of non-limiting example, display housing 2101 may display multiple ammo counts for multiple magazines on a red dot scope display.

Figure 23 is shown for communication from a magazine 2301 to a weapon system 2303 (such as weapon system circuitry and display) or for communication between the magazine 2301 and other devices or even other magazines (not shown) A wireless mesh network communication system 2300 . Magazine sensing circuitry 2302 may establish a wireless mesh network 2304 for magazine-to-weapon communication, such as for transmitting and displaying a magazine ammunition count on weapon system 2303 . In some cases, a weapon system may include at least one display housing similar to display housing 2101 described with respect to FIGS. 21 and 22 . Additionally or alternatively, magazine sensing circuitry 2302 may establish a wireless mesh network 2305 for communicating with other magazines. In some cases, magazine sense circuitry 2302 may be a reference Consider an example of an ammunition counting system or magazine handling circuit depicted in any of the figures in this text.

Wireless mesh networks 2304 and/or 2305 may operate using, to name a few non-limiting examples, the Thread protocol, the Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol, or the Zigbee protocol. In some scenarios, the magazine 2301 may normally be in a dormant state (ie, to conserve power). Additionally, if the number of ammunition in the magazine changes (increases or decreases), the magazine can wake up, send a new ammo count and a unique magazine ID to the weapon system 2303, and then return to a dormant state. In some cases, the wake-up procedure may be based in part on triggering one of the accelerometers in the weapon or magazine 2301 . In one example, the accelerometer may be mounted on the spring plate, although other locations are contemplated in different embodiments. In some cases, the accelerometer on the kick plate can also be used in conjunction with other data (such as from magnetic or hall effect switches) to infer an accurate ammunition count. In some cases, magazine 2301 may also report an ammo count and unique ID to any other nearby magazines or firearms on mesh network 2305. Magazine sensing circuitry 2302 may be embedded on one side of magazine 2301 along with a battery source. Alternatively, the battery source 2310 may be located in the grip 2307 of the firearm, as shown. In other cases, the battery source may be located at or near or in the display or weapon system 2303 . It should be noted that battery source 2310 may be rechargeable or rechargeable (ie, primary or secondary type).

FIG. 24 illustrates an ammunition counting system 2400 utilizing an ultra high frequency (UHF) radar or mmW transceiver (eg, operating around 60 GHz) according to an embodiment of the invention. In some contexts, a mmW transceiver can transmit electromagnetic waves and analyze their reflections from objects, which can be referred to as active scanning. In some other cases, a mmW transceiver may only use ambient radiation and/or radiation emitted from a human body or object to generate images or detect objects, which may be referred to as passive scanning.

As shown in FIG. 24 , a firearm 2420 may include a magazine 2401 , an object 2402 having a high radar profile on a carrier plate 2410 mounted on the magazine 2401 , and a notch 2403 in front of the magazine chamber 2412 . A mmW transceiver can be used to transmit UHF waves (notch 2403 may allow UHF waves to pass through the magazine chamber 2412) and then detect the reflected waves to detect the position of the kick plate 2410 within the magazine 2401. In some cases, the kicker position (and ammunition count) may be determined based on the time it takes for the reflection (ie, time delay), the phase of the reflected wave, any frequency changes, etc. In other words, by analyzing small changes in the reflected signal over time, the mmW transceiver and its processing circuitry can be used to accurately locate the position of the kick plate 2410 within the magazine 2401 and thus count the ammunition.

In some cases, the mmW-based ammunition counting system 2400 requires limited modification of the magazine 2401 other than the addition of a high radar profile object 2402 on the feed plate. Furthermore, since the mmW transceiver is placed on the weapon and all processing is done on the reflected waves received at the transceiver, there is no need for batteries in the magazine. However, such a system requires minor modifications to the magazine chamber (i.e., notch 2403 in magazine chamber 2412, also seen in FIG. 25 ), and overall power requirements may be comparable to or greater than using Hall effect switches in the magazine, But smaller than RFID tags.

Figure 26A is a front view of the magazine plate 502 in Figure 5, showing the PCB layout and a substantially planar antenna 2601, such as an NFC antenna. FIG. 26B is a detailed view of the NFC antenna 2601 of the magazine plate 502 in FIG. 26A.

FIG. 27A is a rear view of the magazine plate 502 of FIG. 26A showing a magnetic processing circuit 2702 of the magazine plate. FIG. 27B is a detailed diagram of the magnetic processing circuit 2702 in FIG. 27A. An example of magnetic processing circuitry 2702 is processor 608 in FIG. 6 . The magazine plate in FIGS. 26 and 27 can be the circuit board 510 seen in FIG. 5 or the circuit board seen in FIGS. 12 and 13 or also in FIG. 16 .

Some jurisdictions enforce regulations that limit the number of rounds a magazine can have (eg, 10 rounds or less, 30 rounds or less, etc.). In such cases, separate ammunition counting systems (i.e., with different numbers of Hall effect switches) would need to be created for the 10 and 30 off or sensor or reed switch). A single PCB can accommodate both sizes, although the number of switches or sensors needs to vary for different magazine sizes. In some cases, the magnetic processing circuit 2702 may include an additional circuit 2703 that may be switched off (eg, for a smaller magazine) and kept for a larger magazine. In some other cases, additional loop 2703 may be formed when connecting two pins on magnetic processing circuit 2702 . In such cases, the extra circuit 2703 can initially be left "open" for a smaller magazine (ie, both pins left unconnected or open) and "shorted" before being installed in a larger magazine (or vice versa). In some embodiments, the two pins can be shorted by soldering (i.e., soldering both ends of a wire to the first pin and the second pin), or both pins can use the same bus on the PCB row to connect with each other. In this way, only a single PCB needs to be designed and produced, and additional circuits can be used to optimize the production of different versions of the magazine and ammo counting system.

The circuit board shown in Figures 26 and 27 can be adhered to an interior of a magazine during manufacture or in a retrofit procedure. For example, the circuit board can be thin enough to slide into the interior of the magazine and be adhered to the inner surface of the magazine so that the circuit board does not interfere with the operation/movement of the catch plate. Alternatively, a groove shaped to accept a circuit board may be formed on the inside of one of the magazines, eg, via drilling or CNC milling.

28 depicts a magazine 2801 comprising a magazine circuit board (also shown as magazine circuit board 502 in FIGS. 5, 26 and 27), a substantially planar antenna (such as an NFC antenna) on the firearm. 2802) and a block diagram 2800 of an embodiment of an ammunition counting system of a display assembly 2803.

Magazine 2801 may include one or more magnets 2804 and a catch plate. The magnet can be mounted on the springboard with an optional accelerometer. Additionally, the magazine circuit or circuit board may contain a number of Hall effect switches 2805 or <N Hall effect switches 2805 (eg, N/2, N/3, N/4, N/2+1, N/3+1, or N/4+1). The circuit board or assembly may also include a processor including MCU 2806 and an EEPROM 2807 and an NFC antenna coil 2809-a. The NFC antenna coil can be fabricated on a printed circuit board. In some examples, EEPROM 2807 may be an integrated circuit (IC). The circuit also optionally includes a filter 2808 and an NFC controller (eg, NFC tag 2807).

The NFC antenna system 2802 on the firearm may include an NFC antenna coil 2809-b whose area may substantially overlap with an area of the NFC antenna coil 2809-a. The NFC antenna system 2802 may also include a connector 2810, a coaxial (or RF) cable 2811 and a plug-in RF connector 2812-a. One or more subcomponents of NFC antenna system 2802 may be interconnected to each other via one or more bus bars. In some cases, one or more bus bars may be used to exchange both power and data.

Display assembly 2803 may include an RF connector 2812 for receiving from NFC antenna 2802, as described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 . The display assembly 2803 may also include an NFC reader 2813, an MCU reader 2814, a regulator 2815, a battery 2816, an accelerometer 2817 (optional), an ambient light sensor 2818 (optional), a EEPROM 2819 , a Bluetooth module 2820 , a backlight 2821 , a display (such as in-pixel memory (MIP)) 2822 and one or more menu buttons 2823 . As shown, one or more subcomponents of display assembly 2803 may be connected to MCU reader 2814 via one or more bus bars. In some embodiments, a separate NFC connection can be used between the firearm and the display assembly 2803 to thereby simplify the digital connection between the display assembly 2803 and the firearm (e.g., an NFC receiver on the display assembly 2803 and the magazine chamber). without a wired connection between the devices).

FIG. 29 shows a low-level block diagram of one embodiment of a display assembly 2803 . As shown, one or more subassemblies of display assembly 2803 may be connected via one or more bus bars. Connect to MCU reader 2814.

Display assembly 2803 may include an RF connector 2812-b for receiving from NFC antenna system 2802 (not shown), as further described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15 . The display assembly 2803 may also include an MCU reader 2814 connected to: NFC reader 2813, an adjuster 2815, one or more menu buttons 2823, LED controller 2824, an accelerometer 2817 (optional ), an ambient light sensor 2818 (optional), a battery monitor 2827, an EEPROM 2819, a Bluetooth module 2820, and a display (eg, memory in pixel (MIP)) 2822.

Additionally, a regulator 2815 (eg, a 3V regulator) can be connected to a battery 2816 , which can be connected to a battery monitor 2827 . In some examples, LED controller 2824 may be connected to backlight 2821 , where the brightness of the backlight may be adjusted based on an output from ambient light sensor 2818 . In some examples, MCU reader 2814 may also communicate with a serial wire debug (SWD) interface 2825 to enable a tester to access system memory, peripherals, and/or debug registers. In some scenarios, NFC reader 2813 may be connected to an external crystal oscillator or clock 2826 (eg, operating at 27.12 MHz), which may be used in place of MCU reader 2814 or NFC reader 2813 One of the built-in internal oscillator. In some cases, when using serial communication or when a fast clock or accurate timing is required, the built-in oscillator is susceptible to errors, and the external clock 2826 can be used to improve accuracy.

FIG. 30 shows a low level block diagram of one embodiment of a magazine 2801 . FIG. 30 implements one or more aspects of the graphs described herein, which include at least FIG. 28B.

Turning now to FIG. 31, a method 3100 of manufacturing a magazine with a round counting system is now described. In some cases, the magazine may include at least one overtravel stop and a catch plate, wherein the catch plate includes one or more magnets.

The method may include deploying 3102 a magnetic field sensing sensor (e.g., <N magnetic switches or sensors) substantially along a path of one or more magnets as the clipper moves along a length of the magazine, where N is A maximum number of cartridges that can be loaded in a magazine, the sensor generates ammunition count data based on the position of one or more magnets relative to the magnetic field sensing sensor. In some cases, a magnetic switch, such as a Hall effect switch, may be used in place of the sensor.

The method may also include placing a first substantially planar surface at or above the overtravel stop (or in an area of a magazine configured to at least partially fit within a magazine chamber of the firearm). The antenna is disposed 3104 on an interior of one of the magazines, the first substantially planar antenna configured to transmit a bullet count indication from the magazine to a second substantially planar antenna on the firearm, the bullet count indication being based on the bullet count data. In some examples, the second substantially planar antenna can transmit power from, for example, a power source located on a firearm (eg, a gun grip) to the first substantially planar antenna in a direction opposite to the data flow. In this way, the magnetic processing circuitry and sensors in the magazine can receive power without the need for a power supply in the magazine.

Additionally, the method may include configuring 3106 the first substantially planar antenna such that an area of the first substantially planar antenna defined by a height and a width is primarily coupled to a second substantially planar antenna coupled to an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm. One of the areas of the planar antenna is aligned.

FIG. 32 illustrates a method 3200 of installing an ammunition counting system on a firearm. The method may include installing 3202 a detachable magazine including at least one overtravel stop and a catch plate including one or more magnets.

The method may further comprise deploying 3204 magnetic field sensing sensors (e.g., <N) substantially along a path of one or more magnets as the clip carrier moves along a length of the magazine, where N is loadable on the magazine A maximum number of cartridges in which the sensor generates ammunition count data based on the position of one or more magnets relative to a magnetic field sensing sensor. Similar to Figure 31, in some implementations For example, a magnetic switch such as a Hall effect switch can be used in place of the sensor.

In some cases, the method may include placing a first magazine at or above the overtravel stop (or in an area of a magazine configured to at least partially fit within a magazine chamber of the firearm). A substantially planar antenna is disposed 3206 on the interior of one of the magazines. The method may also include mounting 3208 a second substantially planar antenna on an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm such that an area of the first substantially planar antenna is substantially aligned with an area of the second substantially planar antenna , wherein the first substantially planar antenna and the second substantially planar antenna are configured to exchange ammunition count indications and power based on ammunition count data via a near field communication (NFC) connection.

It should be noted that methods 3100 and 3200 may be OEM or retrofit procedures.

FIG. 33 illustrates a method 3300 of obtaining the number of ammunition in a magazine using an ammunition counting system having an array of Hall effect switches. Method 3300 can be implemented by one or more processors receiving computer readable instructions from one or more tangible programmable computer readable media. The processor can receive data from and provide data and instructions to other parts of the system, such as from an array of Hall effect switches. The system includes at least one processor on or in the magazine for evaluating data from the Hall effect switch array. In some cases, this processor may be referred to as a magazine processor. Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be located on the firearm. In addition, the system includes at least an array of Hall effect switches and an electrical connection between the switches and the processor. If located on the magazine, the magazine processor can be configured to transmit ammo count data to a wireless interface across an air gap between the magazine and the firearm. This may include an NFC interface with two opposing NFC antennas, one NFC antenna disposed on or in the magazine and one NFC antenna disposed on the firearm (eg in the magazine chamber). The firearm side of the NFC interface can be configured to pass the ammo count to a second processor on the firearm (ie, a firearm processor). The ammo count can be used by this second processor in various ways (such as sending commands to a display or sending the ammo count out of the firearm).

In some embodiments, the number of switches deployed in method 3300 may (but need not) be <N. Additionally, the method 3300 can be performed via an analog device inside the magazine, an analog device outside the magazine (such as on a receiver or an oscilloscope), a digital device inside the magazine, a digital device outside the magazine (such as on a receiver or an oscilloscope). oscilloscope) or a combination of analog and digital devices. For example, an analog sensor such as a Hurricane effect switch can be used to generate an analog signal that a digital processor can analyze to determine a position of the catch plate, the last cartridge and thus a number of rounds left in the magazine . It should be noted that N represents the ammunition capacity of the magazine. In some cases, the method can include identifying 3302 a number of active Hall effect switches. In some contexts, a processor such as a magazine and/or firearm processor may be used to evaluate signals from the Hall effect switch array.

The method may further include determining 3304 a position within the magazine of a kicker plate including a magnet based on the number of identified active Hall effect switches. For example, if a single Hall effect switch is active, the processor can be programmed to identify a A first ammunition count where each Hall effect switch provides a unique signal or each Hall effect switch is coupled to a different input on the processor. Either way, the processor is configured to differentiate signals from each of the various Hurricane switches. In some cases, the processor may be configured to store in memory (e.g., on the processor or another memory device in electronic communication with the processor). Alternatively, there may be two active Hurricane switches (eg, "1" or "3" positions in FIG. 18). In this case, the processor may be programmed to correlate this identification of a second ammunition count based on two active signals from two adjacent Hall effect switches. In some other cases, if two Hall effect switches are active, the spring catch may be located approximately between the two switches, as shown in FIG. 18 .

Although method 3300 refers to only a single magnet interacting with one or two Hall effect switches, in other embodiments more than two magnets may be used, such as the two magnets shown in FIG. 19 or the magnets shown in FIG. of three magnets.

In some cases, the method may also include obtaining 3306 the number of ammunition in the magazine based on determining the position of the clip catch within the magazine. For example, using the two schemes described in 3304, a processor can distinguish each cartridge position even with <N Hurricane switches.

FIG. 41 illustrates a method 4100 for obtaining the number of ammunition in a magazine using an ammunition counting system having an array of Hall effect switches. Method 4100 can be implemented by a processor receiving computer readable instructions from one or more tangible programmable computer readable media. In some cases, a computer-readable medium may be configured on a processor or a system-on-a-chip identical to a processor. The processor can receive data from and provide data and instructions to other parts of the system, such as from an array of Hall effect switches. The system includes at least one processor on or in the magazine for evaluating data from the Hurricane Effect switch array, also referred to as a magazine processor. In some cases, the processor may be located on the firearm and may be referred to as a firearm processor. The system may further include at least an array of Hall effect switches and an electrical data connection between the switches and a processor, such as a magazine processor. If located on the magazine, the magazine processor can be configured to transmit ammo count data to a wireless interface across an air gap between the magazine and the firearm. This may include an NFC interface with two opposing NFC antennas, one NFC antenna disposed on or in the magazine and one NFC antenna disposed on the firearm (eg in the magazine chamber). In some embodiments, the firearm side of the NFC interface can be configured to pass the ammo count to a second processor on the firearm. The ammo count can be used by this second processor in various ways (such as sending commands to a display or sending the ammo count out of the firearm).

A processor, such as a magazine processor, can be configured to monitor signals from Hall effect switches in the array to determine a round count in the magazine. These may be analog signals. Alternatively, the analog signal may first pass through an analog-to-digital converter to thereby provide a digital signal to the processor. In some embodiments, the processor is configured to analyze several different signal configurations from the Hall effect switches. However, to reduce the number of switches used, the processor can be configured to determine an ammo count based on signals from fewer switches (or sensors) than a number of cartridges that can be loaded into the magazine. For example, N can be defined as a maximum number of ammunition that a magazine can hold. In one embodiment, there may be N/2 switches, and the processor may be configured to determine an accurate ammo count based on signals from N/2 switches (or sensors). This allows for fewer switches per ammunition position, thereby reducing cost. However, to implement this cost reduction, the processor needs to determine the ammunition position in the magazine by distinguishing between a position aligned with or adjacent to a switch and a position between two switches.

In some scenarios, when one or both signals are received by the processor (block 4102), the processor may be configured to first determine whether one or both signals are received (decision block 4104). Decision 4104 requires a determination of whether one or both signals are received (ie, a magnet on the kickback is aligned with a switch or with a position between two switches). If the processor determines that a single switch is active, it may be configured to look up a lookup table using an identification of the active switch and responsively receive an ammo count (block 4106). Alternatively, if the processor determines that the two magnetic switches are active, it may be configured to look up a lookup table using the identification of the two active switches and responsively receive an ammo count (block 4108). In some cases, other techniques for matching a set of signals to a corresponding value may be implemented without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some embodiments, the magazine processor can be configured to transmit ammunition counts corresponding to the active switch or switches via an NFC antenna or another substantially planar antenna in the magazine. In some cases, this may include transmitting (block 4110) the ammunition count across a wireless NFC interface to another processor, such as A firearm processor), the processor may convert ammunition counts into display instructions directing a display to indicate ammunition counts via a display or other means, such as described with respect to FIGS. 21 and 22 .

As previously described, in some cases, the NFC interface may include: a magazine side of the NFC interface, which may include a first NFC or other type of antenna (such as a first substantially planar antenna); A firearm side, which may include a second NFC or other type of antenna (eg, a second substantially planar antenna). In some embodiments, the magazine side antenna may be disposed within the magazine, eg, within a recess in the magazine covered with an insulating or dielectric material, such as a polymer similar to the polymer from which the magazine may be formed. In some other cases, the magazine side antenna (ie, the first substantially planar antenna) and/or the circuit board or circuit assembly coupled to the antenna may be overmolded from the same material used to form the magazine. In some examples, the firearm-side antenna (ie, the second substantially planar antenna) may be disposed within one of the magazine chambers of the firearm. In some cases, the first substantially planar antenna may be disposed in an area of a magazine configured to at least partially fit within a magazine chamber of a firearm parallel to a fire direction of the firearm. Furthermore, both the first substantially planar antenna and the second substantially planar antenna may be substantially aligned such that one antenna (e.g., the gun-side antenna) completely covers the other antenna (e.g., the antennas are aligned and one antenna is larger than the other) an antenna). The gun side antenna can be configured on a circuit board or flexible circuit board and shaped and sized to self-align with the features of the magazine chamber so that the gun side antenna can be easily installed by a factory worker or user and still maintain Align with magazine side antenna.

In another aspect of the invention, an ammo counting kit can be added to a firearm. In one embodiment, the kit may include a modified magazine and an antenna attachable to the firearm. In another embodiment, the kit may include a replacement magazine plate for an existing magazine, a magazine sub-assembly and an antenna attachable to the firearm. One of the methods of modifying a firearm using a kit may consist of A magazine with a magnet replaces the magazine of the firearm with a magazine or adds a magnet to an existing magazine. Modifications may also include adding a Hall effect switch array to the magazine. This addition may involve sliding a thin circuit board into the magazine and adhering it to one of the inner surfaces of the magazine in a final position similar to that seen in FIG. 5 . Alternatively, holes can be drilled through one side of an existing magazine into the interior of the magazine so that a Hall effect switch can be secured in each hole. A processor can then be attached to one of the interior or exterior of the magazine, and electrical leads can be formed between the switch and the processor. For example, the leads may run along an exterior surface of the magazine and may be individually attached or deposited on the surface of the magazine. Alternatively, the leads may be attached as part of a single thin circuit board attachable to one of the exteriors of the magazine, still in electrical communication with the Hurricane Effect switch. For example, a small amount of fluid conductor can be deposited in each of the aforementioned holes and in contact with each Hall effect switch to serve as an electrical "path" between each switch and an outer surface of the magazine. A circuit board or electrical leads may then be conductively coupled to the vias and the processor. In another alternative, one of the inner or outer surfaces of the magazine may be hollowed out or initially formed with an elongated depression. A circuit board can then be attached to one of the surfaces of the recess and the circuit board can be overmolded thereby securing it to the magazine and protecting the board from impact, corrosion, dust, and the like. In another embodiment, conductive ink can be printed directly onto the surface of the magazine or into the previously mentioned recesses instead of the circuit board.

Although a circuit board or circuit assembly (such as a PCB, Hall effect switches, processor, and/or magazine antenna) has been described substantially as being located inside the magazine, in other embodiments, these components may be located outside the magazine. A distribution between internal and external. For example, a Hall effect switch and processor can be disposed inside the magazine and an NFC antenna can be disposed on one of the outer surfaces of the magazine. Alternatively, the Hall effect switch may be disposed inside the magazine and the processor and antenna may be disposed on one of the outer surfaces of the magazine. In any of these variations, a flexible circuit board may be utilized, wherein the flexible circuit board or assembly may be wrapped or folded around a bottom of the magazine to provide a gap between the inner and outer components of the magazine for information and and/or one of the electrical paths of electricity. Alternatively, one or more passages may be used to connect the inside and outside of the magazine internal components. In some cases, fewer channels than one of the Hall effect switches may be used. In such cases, multiplexing can be used to send multiple signals from the plurality of Hall effect switches through a single path to the processor on the outer surface of the magazine. In some embodiments, a processor such as a magazine processor may be configured to recover individual signals through a process known as demultiplexing (or demuxing). In some cases, a passageway may refer to any hole or opening between the interior and exterior surfaces of the magazine, wherein the hole or opening is filled or primarily filled with a conductive material.

Additionally, in some cases, the processor may include or be coupled to an antenna such as an RF or NFC antenna. Additionally, another substantially planar antenna, such as an NFC antenna, may be attached (or glued) to an interior of the magazine chamber, such as shown in FIG. 14 . In some embodiments, a flat thin flexible wire/conductor from the antenna can be wrapped or folded around a lower edge of the magazine chamber to thereby provide an electrical connection to a component on an exterior of the firearm, such as a display . In this manner, a firearm and magazine can be retrofitted such that the ammunition counting system and method disclosed herein can be implemented on a firearm that does not otherwise have an ammunition counting system.

Although the NFC antenna is generally shown as a planar coil structure (see, eg, FIG. 14), various other antenna shapes may be implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention. Figures 34-40 show some variations of antennas such as the planar coil antenna seen in Figure 5, the antenna 1403 in Figures 14 and 17, and the planar coil antenna seen in Figures 26A and 26B.

FIG. 34 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna 3400 that generally forms a loop but with features to enhance inductive coupling between this antenna 3400 and a corresponding antenna (not shown) on the opposite side of the NFC interface and Several orders of flux 3406. As shown in the figure, NFC antenna 3400 may include two input/output connections 3404 . Additionally, NFC antenna 3400 may include conductive traces fabricated on a substrate or a dielectric circuit board, wherein each conductive trace includes a loop and one or more differential stages 3406. This illustration helps show that other topologies than a planar coil can be used for the NFC antenna.

FIG. 35 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna 3500 that includes differential steps 3506 on both sides of a curved or semicircular length 3508 of the NFC antenna 3500 . 34, antenna 3500 may include a conductive trace having one or more differential steps 3506 and at least one curved or semicircular section 3508, wherein one or more differential steps 3506 are disposed in at least one curved or semicircular section 3508. on one or more sides of the shaped section 3508. This antenna 3500 contains two input/output connections 3504 . This illustration shows that even one NFC antenna with a topology other than a coil topology can also be deployed.

Figure 36 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna 3600 comprising two types of coils formed from the same conductor. In other words, the NFC antenna may include a conductive trace fabricated on a substrate or dielectric circuit board, similar to the antennas depicted in FIGS. 34 and 35 . In particular, this variant shows a set of rectangular loops or a rectangular coil and a set of rhomboid loops. In addition, two input/output connections 3604 are also used.

FIG. 37 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna 3700 comprising conductive traces fabricated on a substrate or a dielectric circuit board, where each conductive trace includes two linear segments 3708 and a curved segment 3706 . Additionally, NFC antenna 3700 includes two input/output connections 3704 .

38 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna 3800 comprising conductive traces fabricated on a substrate or a dielectric circuit board, wherein each conductive trace includes three linear segments 3808 parallel to each other and the three linear segments 3808 are parallel to each other. Segment 3808 connects two curved segments 3806 together. This NFC antenna 3800 also includes two input/output connections 3804 .

39 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna 3900 comprising conductive traces fabricated on a substrate or a dielectric circuit board, where each conductive trace includes a loop 3902a and Short-circuit the secondary conductor 3902b on both sides 3906 of the loop 3902a. This NFC antenna 3900 also includes two input/output connections 3904 .

Figure 40 shows an embodiment of an NFC antenna 4000 comprising one conductive trace fabricated on a substrate or a dielectric circuit board, where each conductive trace includes two separate conductor loops 4002a and 4002b. In this embodiment, the two separate conductor loops have a rectangular shape and different dimensions. However, in other embodiments the two loops may have overlapping conductor segments. In some embodiments, one of the conductor loops can be configured to send or receive power, while the second conductor loop can be configured to transmit data. Alternatively, both loops 4002a and 4002b may be configured to transmit the same or separate data streams.

FIG. 42 shows a flowchart 4200 of an embodiment of a magazine ammunition count display program. The method in flowchart 4200 can be implemented by a processor receiving computer readable instructions from one or more tangible programmable computer readable media. In some cases, a computer-readable medium may be configured on a processor or a system-on-a-chip identical to a processor. The processor can receive data from and provide data and instructions to other parts of the system, such as from an array of Hall effect switches. The system includes at least one processor on or in the magazine for evaluating data from the Hall effect switch array, which may be referred to as a magazine processor. In some cases, the processor may be located on the firearm and may be referred to as a firearm processor. The system may also include at least an array of Hall effect switches and an electrical data connection between the switches and the processor. If located on the magazine, the processor may transmit ammo count data to a wireless interface across an air gap between the magazine and the firearm. This may include an NFC interface with two opposing NFC antennas, one NFC antenna disposed on or in the magazine and one NFC antenna disposed on the firearm (eg in the magazine chamber). In some cases, the NFC antenna in the magazine and/or on the firearm may be parallel or substantially parallel to one of the firing directions of the firearm. In other words, the magazine NFC antenna can be mounted along one side of the magazine instead of the spine. In some embodiments, the firearm side of the NFC interface The ammo count can then be passed to a second processor on the firearm. The ammo count can be used by this second processor in various ways (such as sending commands to a display or sending the ammo count out of the firearm).

As previously described, a processor such as a magazine processor can be configured to monitor signals from Hall effect switches in the array to determine a count of ammunition in the magazine. These may be analog signals. Alternatively, the analog signal may pass through an analog-to-digital converter to thereby provide a digital signal to the processor. In some embodiments, the processor can be configured to analyze several different signal configurations from the Hall effect switches. Additionally, to reduce the number of switches used, the processor can be configured to determine a round count based on signals from fewer switches (or sensors) than a number of cartridges that can be loaded into the magazine. For example, N can be defined as a maximum number of ammunition that a magazine can hold. In one embodiment, there may be N/2 switches, and the processor may be configured to determine an accurate ammo count based on signals from N/2 switches (or sensors). In some other cases, N/3 or N/4 switches may be utilized. In some aspects, reducing the number of switches per ammunition position can be used to reduce the cost and/or complexity of installing an ammunition counting system. It should be noted, however, that in order to implement this cost reduction, the processor needs to determine the ammunition position in the magazine by distinguishing between the position of a magnet that is aligned or adjacent to a switch and the position of a magnet between two switches.

In some cases, the process may begin at block 4202, where the processor may determine a unique identifier (or ID) associated with the magazine. In some embodiments, a magazine's NFC chip or antenna may be associated with a unique identifier. In such cases, for example, an NFC antenna on the firearm or in the magazine chamber of the firearm could retrieve the unique ID after a magazine is inserted into the magazine chamber. In some embodiments, a processor (eg, a firearm processor) may be configured to direct the firearm display to display the current ammunition count of one of the magazines. In some embodiments, a user can also view the most recently recorded ammo gauge for any other magazines previously staged by the firearm and/or inserted into the firearm's magazine chamber. number.

In decision block 4204, the processor may determine whether the bolt of the firearm (if present) is open. In some cases, the firearm may include an optical sensor, for example at or near a buffer tube, for determining whether the bolt is open. In some cases, the firearm processor can be coupled to the optical sensor and can determine whether the bolt is open or closed based on measurements from the optical sensor. Other types of sensors for determining the state of the bolt are contemplated in various embodiments. In some cases, if the bolt is determined to be open in decision block 4204, the processor may determine that the chamber of the firearm is empty. In such cases, the processor may set a chambered ammunition counter (ie, corresponding to the presence or absence of an ammunition in the chamber) to zero (block 4206). As shown, after block 4206, the process may include determining a magazine charge count at block 4216 and displaying the magazine charge count on a visual display of the firearm at block 4218. In some cases, the determination and display may be performed according to the techniques described in this disclosure, including at least FIG. 41 .

Alternatively, if it is determined in decision block 4204 that the bolt is not open, the processor may determine in decision block 4208 whether the bolt has been cycled. Alternatively, the processor may determine whether an ammunition is present in the chamber based on readings from the optical sensor or another sensor near the buffer tube. If yes, the processor may set the chamber count to one in block 4210. Additionally, the process may include determining a magazine charge count at block 4220 and displaying the magazine charge count at block 4222 (or transmitting the charge count to a display). In some cases, the processor may also be configured to display a total ammo count (ie, chamber count and magazine ammo count) in addition to displaying the magazine ammo count. For example, in block 4222, the process may include adding 1 (i.e., the chamber count) to the magazine ammo count determined in block 4220 and displaying the result on the firearm's visual display (or transmitting the ammo count to to a display).

In some cases, if it is determined in decision block 4208 that the bolt is not cycled, then The procedure may include waiting for the bolt to cycle/load (block 4212). After the bolt is loaded, the routine may include determining, in decision block 4214, whether the ammo count has been updated. For example, the routine may include determining whether the ammo count has been decremented by one based on the loading of an ammunition into the chamber. If so, the process may include: setting the chamber count to 1 at block 4210; determining the magazine ammo count at 4220; and displaying the ammo count (e.g., magazine ammo count and/or including chamber count for total ammunition count).

Turning now to FIG. 43, a method 4300 of retrofitting a magazine using an ammunition counting system is now described. In some cases, the magazine may include at least one overtravel stop and a catch plate.

In some embodiments, method 4300 may include mounting 4302 one or more magnets on the kickback.

Additionally, the method may include deploying 4304 a plurality of magnetic switches (e.g., <N magnetic switches, such as Hall effect switches) substantially along the path of the one or more magnets as the clipper moves along a length of the magazine, wherein N is one of the maximum number of cartridges that can be loaded in the magazine. In some embodiments, magnetic switches can be configured to activate based on one or more magnets exceeding a threshold relative to one of the <N magnetic switches and a respective magnetic field at the magnetic switches. In one example, when the magnetic field detected by a magnetic switch exceeds a magnetic field threshold, the switch may output (eg, a digital or pulse output) a high signal. Conversely, the magnetic switch can output a low signal when the magnetic field detected by the switch is below the magnetic field threshold. In some cases, magnetic field sensing sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, may be used in place of magnetic switches.

Method 4300 may also include firing at or above an overtravel stop (or in an area of a magazine configured to at least partially fit within a magazine chamber of a firearm parallel to one of the firearms) direction) disposing 4306 a first substantially planar antenna inside one of the magazines Above, the first substantially planar antenna is configured to wirelessly transmit at least one of an indication of one or more active magnetic switches, ammunition count data, or an ammo count indication from the magazine to a second substantially planar antenna on the firearm. planar antenna. In some examples, the ammo count indication may be based on ammo count data, wherein the ammo count data is related to a latch position within the magazine, and the ammo count indication is related to a number of ammunition remaining in the magazine. In other words, the first substantially planar antenna can pass raw data (i.e., an indication of an active magnetic switch), semi-processed data (i.e., ammunition count data), or fully processed data (i.e., an indication of ammo count) to the second Essentially a planar antenna. In some embodiments, the first substantially planar antenna may deliver raw data or semi-processed data based on no magazine processor or limited computing power of a magazine processor, respectively. In other cases, the second substantially planar antenna may directly receive a final ammo count indication that may be displayed on the firearm display with minimal processing required on the firearm side. In some examples, the second substantially planar antenna may transmit power in the opposite direction (i.e., opposite to the data flow), for example, from a power source located on the firearm (e.g., the grip or stock of the firearm) to the first substantially planar antenna. Antenna on the plane. In this way, the magnetic processing circuitry and sensors or switches in the magazine can receive power without the need for a power source in the magazine. As mentioned above, Hall effect switches require a power source to operate.

In some embodiments, the method may further comprise configuring 4308 the first substantially planar antenna such that an area of the first substantially planar antenna defined by a height and a width is primarily coupled to a first second portion of an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm. One of the two substantially planar antennas is aligned in area. Additionally, the first and second substantially planar antennas may be examples of NFC antennas, although other types of RF antennas may be utilized in different embodiments. In some cases, the size and shape of the NFC antenna may be based in part on the data and power requirements of the ammunition counting system. In some embodiments, the first substantially planar antenna (e.g., the magazine-side antenna) may have different (e.g., smaller) dimensions than the second substantially planar antenna, which may be used to facilitate alignment of the two antennas because the larger Antenna can be substantially overlaps the smaller antenna, even if it is not perfectly aligned with the smaller antenna.

Turning now to FIG. 44, a method 4400 of manufacturing a magazine with an ammunition counting system is now described. In some cases, the magazine may include at least one overtravel stop and a catch plate, wherein the catch plate includes one or more magnets. In some examples, method 4400 implements one or more aspects of the diagrams described herein.

The method may include deploying 4402 a plurality of magnetic switches (e.g. < N magnetic switches such as Hall effect switches) substantially along a path of one or more magnets as the clipper moves along a length of the magazine, where N is One of the maximum number of cartridges that can be loaded in a magazine. In some embodiments, magnetic switches can be configured to activate based on one or more magnets exceeding a threshold relative to one of the <N magnetic switches and a respective magnetic field at the magnetic switches. In one example, when the magnetic field detected by a magnetic switch exceeds a magnetic field threshold, the switch may output (eg, a digital or pulse output) a high signal. Conversely, the magnetic switch can output a low signal when the magnetic field detected by the switch is below the magnetic field threshold. In some cases, magnetic field sensing sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, may be used in place of magnetic switches.

Method 4400 may also include firing at or above an overtravel stop (or in an area of a magazine configured to at least partially fit within a magazine chamber of a firearm parallel to one of the firearms) direction) disposing 4404 a first substantially planar antenna on an interior of the magazine, the first substantially planar antenna configured to transmit an indication of one or more active magnetic switches, ammo count data, or a ammo count indication At least one of them is wirelessly transmitted from the magazine to a second substantially planar antenna on the firearm. In some examples, the ammo count indication may be based on ammo count data, wherein the ammo count data is related to a latch position within the magazine, and the ammo count indication is related to a number of ammunition remaining in the magazine. In other words, the first substantially planar antenna can convert raw data (i.e., an indication of an active magnetic switch), semi-processed data (i.e., ammunition count data) or finished The fully processed data (ie, the ammo count indication) is passed to the second substantially planar antenna. In some embodiments, the first substantially planar antenna may deliver raw data or semi-processed data based on no magazine processor or limited computing power of a magazine processor, respectively. In other cases, the second substantially planar antenna may directly receive a final ammo count indication that may be displayed on the firearm display with minimal processing required on the firearm side. In some examples, the second substantially planar antenna may transfer power in the opposite direction (i.e., opposite to the data flow), for example, from a power source located on the firearm (e.g., the gun grip) to the first substantially planar antenna . In this way, the magnetic processing circuitry and sensors or switches in the magazine can receive power without the need for a power source in the magazine. As mentioned above, Hall effect switches require a power source to operate.

Additionally, the method may include configuring 4406 the first substantially planar antenna such that an area of the first substantially planar antenna defined by a height and a width is predominantly coupled to a second substantially planar antenna coupled to an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm One of the regions is aligned.

FIG. 45 illustrates a method 4500 for detecting and displaying a number of cartridges remaining in one or more firearm magazines, each firearm magazine comprising: a kick plate comprising one or more magnets; magnetic switches disposed substantially along a path of one or more magnets as the catcher moves along a length of the magazine, and wherein the magnetic switches are configured to exceed a Threshold value to start. In some embodiments, the magnetic switches may include Hall effect switches, although other types of magnetic switches, such as reed switches, are contemplated in different embodiments. Alternatively, in some embodiments, magnetic field sensing sensors, such as Hall effect sensors, may be utilized in place of magnetic switches. Method 4500 implements one or more aspects of the diagrams described herein. Additionally, method 4500 can be implemented by a non-transitory tangible computer-readable storage medium encoded with processor-readable instructions.

In some instances, non-transitory tangible The computer-readable storage medium (also described with respect to FIG. 11 ) can be configured to assign 4502 one or more unique identifiers to one or more first substantially planar antennas, where each unique identifier is associated with a first Essentially planar antennas are associated.

Method 4500 may further include identifying 4504 a respective ammo count indication for each firearm magazine inserted into a magazine chamber of the firearm. In some embodiments, method 4500 may include, for each firearm magazine inserted into a magazine chamber of the firearm, temporarily storing 4506 a respective ammo count indication and a unique identifier assigned to the first substantially planar antenna of the respective firearm magazine , wherein a second substantially planar antenna is configured to receive the unique identifier after the respective firearm magazine is inserted into the magazine chamber. In some embodiments, the first and second substantially planar antennas may be examples of NFC antennas, although other types of RF antennas are also contemplated. As mentioned above, in some cases, the first substantially planar antenna may be disposed in an area of a magazine configured to at least partially fit within a magazine chamber of a firearm and/or to fire parallel to one of the firearms. direction. Additionally, the first substantially planar antenna may be configured to transmit data (e.g., an indication of an active magnetic switch, ammo count data, ammo count indication) to and wirelessly receive from the second substantially planar antenna. electricity. In some cases, the second substantially planar antenna may be coupled to a power source or battery in the firearm, where the power source or battery may be located, to name a few non-limiting examples, in the stock, at the trigger guard, or on the trigger guard Nearby, in the grip of one of the guns.

In some cases, staging may include storing the ammo count indication and unique identifier for each magazine previously inserted into the firearm and the ammo count indication and unique identifier for a magazine currently in the firearm. In some embodiments, the ammo count indication and the unique identifier may be stored in the firearm's memory, such as the internal memory of the firearm processor or another memory device of the firearm in electronic communication with the firearm processor. In addition, ammo count indications and unique identifiers can also be stored to the magazine processor's internal memory, which allows a user to recall other ammo previously displayed to the user. Ammo count indication for other magazines, even if the user is using a temporary magazine in a different firearm.

In some embodiments, method 4500 may further include displaying 4508 indications of respective ammunition counts for one or more firearm magazines on a user interface on the firearm, wherein the user interface is selected from the group consisting of: A number (or numbers) displayed on a red dot scope or an aiming display, a frequency of a flashing light, a color of one or more lights, a number displayed on a multi-pixel display, an LED display A number of LED lights on, an audible signal, a fuel gauge indicator or a bar graph indicator. In some cases, the user is able to filter what is displayed on the user interface based on one type of weapon (such as, to name a few non-limiting examples), automatic or semi-automatic rifles, pistols, shotguns, sniper rifles, heavy weapons. Ammo count indicator. This can be applied when the display is linked to multiple weapons and thus multiple reader antennas/processors. For example, the display may provide a squad leader with transfer information for all weapons in a squad or may provide transfer information for multiple weapons carried by a single soldier or law enforcement officer.

additional embodiment

Some embodiments of the invention can be characterized as an ammunition counting system for a firearm having a detachable magazine, the system including a magazine including at least one kick plate including one or more magnets, and the magazine includes: <N magnetic field sensing sensors arranged substantially along a path of the one or more magnets as the kickback moves along a length of the magazine, wherein N being a maximum number of cartridges that may be loaded in the magazine, the sensors generating ammunition count data based on the position of the one or more magnets relative to one of the <N magnetic field sensing sensors; and a first substantially planar antenna located on an interior of the magazine disposed in a region of the magazine configured to at least partially fit within a magazine chamber of the firearm, the wireless antenna assembled to wirelessly transmit an ammunition count indication from the magazine to a substantially planar second wireless antenna on the firearm; and the substantially planar second wireless antenna configured to attach to the An interior of a magazine chamber of a firearm having an area substantially overlapping an area of the first substantially planar antenna.

Other embodiments of the invention can also be characterized as an ammunition counting system for a firearm having a detachable magazine, the system including a magazine including a kick plate including one or more magnets, and the magazine includes: Hall effect switches disposed substantially along a path of the one or more magnets, where N is a maximum number of cartridges that can be loaded in the magazine, the the Hall effect switches each generate a high or low signal based on a position of the one or more magnets relative to each of the Hall effect switches; and a magazine processor coupled to the Hall effect switches and configured to convert the high or low signal from each of the hall effect switches into a single ammo count indication of the magazine; a magazine antenna located inside one of the magazines on, disposed in an area of the magazine configured to fit at least partially within a magazine chamber of the firearm, the magazine antenna configured to wirelessly transmit an indication of the ammunition count from the magazine to the firearm a magazine chamber antenna above; and the magazine chamber antenna configured to attach to an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm and having an area that substantially overlaps an area of the magazine antenna.

Other embodiments of the invention can be characterized as a method of manufacturing a magazine having a round counting system, the magazine including a clip carrier, wherein the clip clip includes one or more magnets, the method comprising: <N magnetic field sensing sensors are disposed substantially along a path of the one or more magnets when the spring plate moves along a length of the magazine, where N is the number of cartridges loadable in the magazine a maximum number of sensors generating ammunition count data based on the position of the one or more magnets relative to one of the <N magnetic field sensing sensors; and configured to at least partially fit within one of the firearms A first substantially planar antenna is disposed on an interior of the magazine in a region of the magazine within the magazine chamber, the first substantially planar antenna configured to indicate an ammunition count Wirelessly transmitted from the magazine to a substantially planar second wireless antenna on the firearm, the ammo count indication is based on the ammo count data, wherein the first substantially planar antenna is configured such that the first substantially planar antenna is defined by a height and a width An area of a substantially planar antenna is substantially aligned with an area of a second substantially planar antenna coupled to an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm.

Other embodiments of the invention can be characterized as a method of installing an ammunition counting system on a firearm, the method comprising: installing a detachable magazine including a carrier plate comprising one or more magnets, and the magazine includes: <N magnetic field sensing sensors arranged substantially along a path of the one or more magnets as the kickback moves along a length of the magazine, where N is a maximum number of cartridges that can be loaded in the magazine for which the sensors generate ammunition count data based on the position of the one or more magnets relative to one of the <N magnetic field sensing sensors; and a first substantially planar antenna located on an interior of the magazine disposed in a region of the magazine configured to fit at least partially within a magazine chamber of the firearm; and a second substantially planar antenna The upper planar antenna is mounted on an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm such that an area of the first substantially planar antenna is substantially aligned with an area of the second substantially planar antenna, the first substantially planar antenna The antenna and the second substantially planar antenna are configured to exchange a round count indication and power based on the round count data via a near field communication connection.

Other embodiments of the invention can be characterized as a non-transitory tangible computer readable storage medium encoded with processor readable instructions to perform functions for detecting and displaying a number of cartridges remaining in a firearm magazine A method in which the firearm magazine includes a clip plate and the clip clip includes one or more magnets, the method comprising: as the clip clip moves along a length of the firearm magazine substantially along the or a path of multiple magnets < N magnetic field sensing sensors, where N is a maximum number of cartridges that can be loaded in the firearm magazine, the sensors are based on the relative Ammunition count data is generated at one of the <N magnetic field sensing sensors Disposing a first substantially planar antenna on an interior of a firearm magazine in a region of the magazine configured to at least partially fit within a magazine chamber of the firearm, the first substantially planar antenna The antenna is configured to exchange ammunition count indications and power based on the ammunition count data with a second substantially planar antenna coupled to an interior of a magazine chamber of the firearm via a near field communication connection, wherein the first a substantially planar antenna configured such that an area of the first substantially planar antenna defined by a height and a width is predominantly coupled to an area of the second substantially planar antenna coupled to the interior of the magazine chamber of the firearm alignment.

In some embodiments, the magazine may include a display indicating the ammunition count. This display can be powered by power delivered from the firearm to the magazine via the NFC interface. When the magazine is removed from the firearm, the display can go into a static mode that consumes no power (eg LCD). Alternatively, such a magazine display could be powered via a battery on the magazine.

Although this disclosure has discussed specific locations of the magnets on the spring clip (generally oriented to place the magnets as close as possible to the Hall effect switches), in some embodiments the magnets may be placed on other portions of the clip.

Embodiments herein have discussed a magnet and a distance between the magnet and the Hall effect switches that allows one or both switches to engage each time or exceed a switching threshold. However, in some embodiments, a stronger magnet or multiple magnets may be used, and in such cases, when the spring catcher is in a particular position, three or more switches may be engaged, which may result in more Reliable springboard position sensing and/or may result in the ability to use fewer than N/2 switches.

Portions of the invention are presented in the form of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary bit signals stored in a computing system memory, such as a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examples of techniques used by those ordinary in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm leading to a desired result One of the self-consistent sequences of operations or similar processing. In the present invention, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Usually, but not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, values or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are labels of convenience only. Unless expressly stated otherwise, it should be understood that in this specification, discussions using terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "judging" and "identifying" or the like refer to terms such as one or more Actions or programs of a computer or a computing device similar to an electronic computing device that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities in a memory, register or other information storage device, transmission device, or display device of a computing platform .

Some portions are presented in the form of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data bits or binary bit signals stored in a computing system memory, such as a computer memory. These algorithmic descriptions or representations are examples of techniques used by those ordinary in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. An algorithm is a self-consistent sequence of operations or similar processes leading to a desired result. In the present invention, operations or processing involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Usually, but not necessarily, these quantities take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to these signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, values or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these and similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are labels of convenience only. Unless expressly stated otherwise, it should be understood that in this specification, discussions using terms such as "processing", "computing", "calculating", "judging" and "identifying" or the like refer to terms such as one or more Actions or programs of a computing device such as a computer or a similar electronic computing device, which manipulate or transform information stored in memory, registers or other information storage devices, transmission devices or operating Data expressed as physical electronic or magnetic quantities in the display device of a computing platform.

Those skilled in the art should understand that aspects of the present invention may be embodied as a system, method or computer program product. Thus, aspects of the present invention can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (which includes firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which etc. may generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module," or "system." Furthermore, aspects of the present invention may be in the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media having computer-readable code embodied thereon.

As used herein, the recitation "at least one of A, B, and C" is intended to mean "A, B, C, or any combination of A, B, and C." The above description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

102: Guns

104: Magazine

106: support spring board

108: magnet

110: compression spring

112: Magnetic sensor

114: support spring plate seat

115: fork tines

116: Processing Circuitry/Processor

118: Transmitter

120: Receiver

122: display device

Claims (10)

An ammunition counting system for a firearm having a detachable magazine, the system includes: a magazine, a spring plate, the plate includes one or more magnets, and the magazine includes: a plurality of Hall effect switches disposed substantially along a path of the one or more magnets as the carrier moves along a length of the magazine, the Hall effect switches configured to be based on the one or more a position of the magnet relative to the Hall-effect switches and a respective magnetic field at the Hall-effect switches exceeding a threshold to activate; and a first antenna configured to be at least partially mounted on the In a region of the magazine within a magazine chamber of the firearm parallel to a direction of fire of the firearm, the first antenna is configured to switch one or more active Hall effect switches of the Hall effect switches At least one of an indication of a switch, ammo count data, or an ammo count indication is wirelessly transmitted to a second wireless antenna in the magazine chamber or trigger guard of the firearm, wherein the first antenna is wirelessly received from the firearm power, and wherein the power from the firearm is used to power the Hall effect switches; and the second wireless antenna has an area that substantially overlaps an area of the first antenna. The system of claim 1, wherein the second wireless antenna is shaped and sized to fit within a recess in the magazine chamber. The system of claim 1, wherein the magazine includes <N Hall effect switches, where N can be A maximum number of cartridges loaded in the magazine. The system of claim 1, wherein the first antenna is associated with a unique identifier, and wherein the second wireless antenna is configured to receive the unique identifier. The system of claim 4, further comprising a firearm processor configured to be coupled to the firearm and in electrical communication with the second wireless antenna, the firearm processor comprising a tangible computer readable code encoded with computer readable instructions media, and wherein the firearm processor is configured to store an indication of ammunition count and the unique identifier associated with the first antenna and another indication of ammunition count and previously inserted into the magazine chamber of the firearm The unique identifier associated with an antenna of the other magazine. The system of claim 5, wherein the magazine includes <N Hall effect switches, where N is a maximum number of cartridges that can be loaded in the magazine. The system of claim 1, wherein the first antenna is disposed under an outer layer of the magazine or is overmolded from a material used to form the magazine. The system of claim 1, wherein the first antenna includes a first independent conductor loop and a second independent conductor loop, the second independent conductor loop having a size different from that of the first independent conductor loop, and wherein the second independent conductor loop A separate conductor loop is configured to receive power from the second wireless antenna and the second separate conductor loop is used to transmit data to the second wireless antenna. The system of claim 8, wherein the magazine includes <N Hall effect switches, where N is a maximum number of cartridges that can be loaded in the magazine. A non-transitory tangible computer readable storage medium encoded with processor readable instructions to perform a method for detecting and displaying a number of cartridges remaining in one or more firearm magazines, each firearm magazine The magazine includes: a spring support plate, which includes one or more magnets; Hall effect switches, which are substantially along the one or more magnets when the spring support plate is moved along a length of the magazine. A path configuration of magnets, the Hall effect switches configured to activate based on a respective magnetic field at the Hall effect switches exceeding a threshold, the method comprising: assigning one or more unique identifiers to one or more first antennas, wherein each unique identifier is associated with a first antenna; identifying a respective ammunition count indication for each firearm magazine inserted into a magazine chamber of the firearm; each firearm magazine in the magazine chamber to temporarily store the respective ammunition count indication and the unique identifier assigned to the first antenna of the respective firearm magazine, wherein the second wireless antenna is configured to receiving the unique identifier after a respective firearm magazine is inserted into the magazine chamber; and displaying a respective ammunition count indication of the one or more firearm magazines on a user interface on the firearm, wherein the user interface selected from the group consisting of: a number displayed on a red dot scope or an aiming display, a frequency of a blinking light, a color of one or more lights, a Numerals, a number of lit LED lights on an LED display, an audible signal, a fuel gauge indicator or a bar graph indicator.

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