US20200355452A1

US20200355452A1 - Institutional Weapon System

Info

Publication number: US20200355452A1
Application number: US16/717,803
Authority: US
Inventors: Dorothy Devine Burdine; Lavada Sue Pitts; Robert Van Burdine
Original assignee: Area Denial Systems LLC
Current assignee: Area Denial Systems LLC
Priority date: 2019-05-10
Filing date: 2019-12-17
Publication date: 2020-11-12

Abstract

A system of firearm control by an institution is revealed. One or more firearms are authorized by a remote officer who is updated in real time by 360 by 360 video and sound as to who is wielding the weapon and the current use of the weapon. The firearm is authorized and deauthorized to fire or not fire by the remote officer, giving oversite and operability of the firearm to the institution.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

DISCUSSION OF THE PRIOR ART

Present day firearms are fired by an individual. Currently, cameras attached to the weapon only record events for later review. There is no remote oversight or real time control over the firearms ability to discharge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure relates to the remote authorization and deauthorization of a firearms ability to discharge. In particular it relates to the remote oversight and authorization or deauthorization of a firearm or group of firearms in a known and restricted operating environment such as a building, school, area of land or other institutional setting. In this manner only an authorized operator, herein known as an Authorized Weapon Operator, can discharge the weapon. It further relates to the remotely authorizing authority being updated in real time as to the current situation around the firearm. This disclosure applies to all weapons to include firearms and to all areas and modes of operation.
The present invention dictates that if the authorized weapon is taken from an Authorized Weapon Operator the weapon de-authorizes thereby preventing its use. The invention further comprises a received signal such as a radio, sound or optical signal, coded or not coded, the signal authorizing, de-authorizing, or reauthorizing the weapon as required and as per the application. The invention further comprises a received signal such as a radio, sound or optical signal, coded or not coded, with the loss of the signal or the loss of the code carried by the signal causing a de-authorizing the weapon. In all cases a remotely located authority controls the use of the weapon and the weapon can only operate within a determined area or space.
Embodiments of the invention provide for the safe storage of weapons in a weapons free structured environment such as a classroom. When a threat arises the authorization for use of the weapon is given by the remotely located authority, and after the threat has passed the weapon is de-authorized to prevent unauthorized operation. In this manner a plurality of security or offensive operations may be enabled and controlled under different conditions. Embodiments of the present invention provide a means of containment of weapons, access to weapons, and authorization and de-authorization for the operation of weapons. In particular embodiments, the invention includes a means to authorize both the release and use of weapons from both, or either of, a central or a distributed source. As desired per the application, authorizers such as security personnel, principals, or other empowered individuals may briefly authorize the use of the weapons according to the security plan of the establishment.
In one embodiment of the invention the weapon checks for detection of an authorizing signal and upon signal detection authorizes. For example, when the alarm is given alerting an intrusion into a school, an authorization may be automatically given by the principal's office or security officer to authorize weapons. The weapons are remotely (and/or locally) monitored as to who is in possession of the weapon, and the weapon is remotely authorized, deauthorized or reauthorized as best fits the situation.
If the user loses contact with the weapon, the weapon deauthorizes. In this manner an authorized weapon cannot be taken from an authorized user and used against them or anyone else. An authorization signal from the controlling office has to be received by the weapon to reauthorize. The authorized weapon can be introduced into a sensitive area such as a classroom for use against an assailant without the risk of the weapon being accessible to or usable by anyone other than an authorized user.
The method in which the present invention is utilized will vary depending on the application and the user. Different Authorized Weapon Operators will follow different protocols in order to utilize their weapons.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including trade, technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terms weapon and firearm are used interchangeably as to context. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well known functions or constructions may not be described in detail for brevity and/or clarity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the principal components of an aspect of the present invention incorporated into a firearm.

FIG. 2 further illustrates the principal camera aspects and camera views of the present invention as incorporated into or otherwise attached to the firearm.

FIG. 3 illustrates the various camera overlapping views.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention incorporated into the firearm.

FIG. 5 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention, a grip sensor.

FIG. 6 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention, a trigger sensor.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example institutional floor plan such as a school or office area.

FIG. 8 illustrates an information and communications method.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will of course be appreciated that in the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
Schools and other institutions where people regularly come and go are occasionally subject to assault by one or more armed assailants. While these attacks are rare in the United States, in other countries the incidence can be much higher. The results of such attacks are devastating, often resulting in the deaths of children and personnel. There is a clear consensus of the need to limit or prevent these attacks.
Some have advocated and implemented the use of armed guards, or even armed teachers, as a means of stopping such attacks before they can proceed to their devastating end. Others point to the issues of introducing weapons into the classroom environment.
School shootings clearly have a political impact, spurring some to ask for more stringent gun control laws. In the United States, the National Rifle Association is opposed to such laws, and some groups have called for fewer gun control laws in general, citing cases of armed students ending shootings and halting further loss of life, and claiming that the prohibitions against carrying a gun in schools do not deter the gunmen. They point to cases such as shootings at Columbine and Red Lake High Schools, where the presence of an armed police officer alone did not prevent the shootings.
Areas in the US have allowed “armed classrooms” in an attempt to deter or truncate future attacks, presumably by changing helpless victims into armed defenders. In 2008, Harrold Independent School District in Texas became the first public school district in the U.S. to allow teachers with state-issued firearm-carry permits to carry their arms in the classroom; special additional training and ricochet-resistant ammunition were required for participating teachers. Students at the University of Utah have been allowed to carry permitted concealed pistols since a State Supreme Court decision in 2006. In addition to Utah, Wisconsin and Mississippi each have legislation that allow students, faculty and employees to carry concealed weapons on their public university's campuses. Other states have enacted various legislations and rules in response to the need to defend the classroom.
The issue with arming teachers is the introduction of deadly force into the classroom that is present at all times. Control and security issues with these weapons, as well as clear regulation and authorization for the use of force remain current issues that are addressed by the present invention.
FIG. 1 illustrates the principal components of an aspect of the present invention incorporated into a Firearm 1. The Firearm 1 is shown as a two handled military format but the present invention is equally applicable to all firearms of any type or format including pistols and long guns. While all types of firearms and their respective modes of action are included in the present disclosure, it is a preferred embodiment that the firearm discharge a round via a barrel or other delivery system appropriate to the addressed environment. For the present disclosure, the term barrel incorporates all types of discharge or other delivery systems as may incorporate the present invention. For example, in a close environment such as a school a short-range weapon such as a shotgun with an appropriate load, such as a light weight shot, is highly desirable. Pistols, rifles or other firearms with non-penetrating rounds are a preferred embodiment.
The Firearm 1 is shown comprised as a handled pistol but is further preferred as any type or class of firearm to include a pistol, long gun, rifle or shotgun, or other lethal or non-lethal weapon as desired. Forward Camera 2 is a camera as desired for the application and is preferred to be a camera further comprising one or a multiplicity of cameras, such as a wide field camera, and further comprising a 180-degree field of view camera as desired for the application.
360 Camera 3 is a single or plurality of cameras positioned in or on Firearm 1 to form a 360 by 360 degree field of view around the Firearm 1. 360-degree field of view cameras with only two lenses are currently the most common type and can accommodate a full 360 by 360 degree field of view angle with only two lenses. FIG. 1 illustrates four 360 Camera 3 (one is out of view behind the Firearm 1), but only two 360 Camera 3 are required utilizing current technology to form a full 360 by 360 field of view. The camera system as suits a particular application, including adaption to or further forming a particular aspect of a Firearm 1, is the preferred embodiment of the present invention.
While the 360 Camera 3 may satisfy the requirement of having a complete and full view of the person holding and operating Firearm 1, Operator Camera 4 is provided to assure this requirement is fulfilled. Operator Camera 4 is one or more cameras positioned to obtain a clear view of the person holding and operating Firearm 1, and is shown mounted on the Transmitter/Receiver/Location 5. The mounting and position of Operator Camera 4 is independent of Transmitter/Receiver/Location 5 and is dependent on the preferred application. Only a designated person, the Authorized Weapon Operator, is typically authorized by the Authority 20 (not shown) to operate the Firearm 1.
Transmitter/Receiver/Location 5 provides location of the Firearm 1, video transmission to, and bi directional audio communication with, the remotely located Authority 20, the Authority 20 having authorization and deauthorization control and oversight of Firearm 1.
Transmitter/Receiver/Location 5 provides location information to the remote Authority 20 and to the person holding Firearm 1 as per the application. Transmitter/Receiver/Location 5 further receives the authorization or deauthorization signals to set the state of the Firearm 1 to authorized or deauthorized for discharge.
It is a further preferred embodiment that the Firearm 1 be further authorized by the receipt of an authorization signal in combination with the entry of a security code by any means as preferred.
Handles 6 are preferred to contain ammunition, batteries, electronics or other components as best fits the present application and operating environment.
Gun Barrel 8 is shown pointed in the direction of the target and away from the Authorized Weapon Operator as per typical firearms. Gun Barrel 8 is preferred to be of a noise reduction type to include any type of sound suppressor, suppressor or sound moderator, to include any muzzle device that reduces the acoustic intensity of the muzzle report, or sound of the discharge, and optionally eliminates or reduces the muzzle flash of the discharge as per the preferred application of the present invention.
FIG. 2 further illustrates the principal camera aspects and camera views of the present invention as incorporated into or otherwise attached to the Firearm 1. This camera aspect is comprised of individual components, including the Forward Camera 2 (Gun Barrel 8 not shown), the various 360 Cameras 3, and Operator Camera 4. Together these cameras provide the various Camera Views 7. Camera Views 7 are the respective views of the various cameras incorporated into Firearm 1. The Camera Views 7 are shown at about a 90 degree field of view and it is a preferred embodiment of the present invention that the various fields of view be of any angle or width as desired for the present application to include 180 degrees or more per each camera, singly or in combination. The Camera Views 7 are considered to extend to infinity as per any optical device. By means of the various cameras as previously described in FIG. 1, it is in this manner that a 360 by 360 field of view may be readily acquired around Firearm 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates the various Camera Views 7 overlapping fields of view from 360 Cameras 3. Four 360 Camera 3 are shown, but only two opposing 360 Camera 3 are required utilizing current technology to form a full 360 by 360 field of view. The Camera Views 7 are considered to extend to infinity as per any optical device. The Gun Barrel 8 is not shown.
FIG. 4 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention incorporated into Firearm 1. Microphones 9, 360 Cameras 3, Operator Camera 4, and Rear Camera and Microphone 10 provide a sound and video view around and behind the Authorized Weapon Operator that is transmitted to Authority 20 (not shown). Rear Camera and Microphone 10 provide observation, both video and audio, of areas ordinarily blocked by the person operating Firearm 1, the Authorized Weapon Operator. Rear Camera Connector 11 connects Rear Camera and Microphone 10 to Transmitter/Receiver/Location 5 by wire, sound, radio or optical means as best fits the preferred application. The Camera View 7 is considered to extend to infinity as per any optical device an is shown with a preferred Camera View 7 view angle of approximately 180 by 180 degrees.
FIG. 5 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention, Grip Sensor 11. Grip Sensor 11 detects the Authorized Weapon Operator being in operable possession of the Firearm 1. When any Grip Sensor 11 is depressed or otherwise actuated and the Firearm 1 is authorized by Authority 20 (not shown) the Firearm 1 may be discharged. When any Grip Sensor 11 is no longer depressed the Firearm 1 is deauthorized and remains deauthorized until the Authorized Weapon Operator has control of the Firearm 1 through depressing one or more Grip Sensor 11 and the Firearm 1 is reauthorized by Authority 20. Grip Sensor 11 is preferred to be any type of sensor as is applicable to the present application to include mechanical, optical, pressure, thermal or other type of sensor. In this manner if the Firearm 1 is taken from the Authorized Weapon Operator the Firearm 1 deauthorizes and can't be discharged.
FIG. 6 illustrates a further aspect of the present invention wherein the Authorized Weapon Operator's finger, being on or near the discharge initial apparatus such as the trigger of Firearm 1, is detected by Detection 12 to initiate or maintain authorization to discharge Firearm 1. When the Authorized Weapon Operator's finger is not or is no longer detected by Detection 12 the Firearm 1 deauthorizes. In this manner if the Firearm 1 is taken from the Authorized Weapon Operator the Firearm 1 deauthorizes and can't be discharged. Detection 12 is preferred to be any manner of detection of the presence of an Authorized Weapon Operators finger to include but not limited to optical, mechanical, sonic, capacitive, inductive or other electronic or emissions means as may be applicable to the present invention.
FIG. 7 illustrates an example institutional floor plan such as a school or office area. In the case of a school, multiple Firearm 1 are housed in Cabinets 17 that are situated at strategic positions in Office 14, Classrooms 15, outside on the Grounds 16, and in the Entrance Hall 18. In this depiction Central Office 14 acts as the central authority and issues Firearm 1 (not shown) Authorization 13 when required. Optionally, Authority 20 (not shown) may be remotely located at the remote Authority Office 19 and have oversight and control of authorization and deauthorization of any number of Firearm 1 at one or a number of institutions, facilities or areas. Central Office 14 may optionally unlock or otherwise allow access to Cabinets 17. Cabinets 17 are preferred to be normally locked and the contents unavailable until Central Office 14, Authority Office 19, or other authority as per the preferred implementation of the present invention unlocks or otherwise provides access to them.
It is a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a means for the authorization or deauthorization of one or more Weapon 1, Weapon 1 being operated by an individual or group of individuals. It is a further preferred embodiment of the present invention that authorization and deauthorization status be further determined by Authority 20 as to time, geographic location, weapon, class of weapon, weapon type, Authorized Weapon Operator singly or by any grouping or arrangement, or any combination thereof. It is a further embodiment that Weapon 1 automatically deauthorized if Weapon 1 does not receive the predetermined one or more authorizing signals for a predetermined time.
FIG. 8 illustrates a Weapon Screen 23 providing information to the Authority 20 that incorporates all the active Firearm 1 locations, and their relevant status, within a defined area or structure indicated by their respective numeric or other identifications on Display 21, and the current video views of each Firearm 1 on Control Screen 22. The Weapon Screen 23, Authority 20 and associated controls and infrastructure are preferred to be located in a Central Office 14, Authority Office 19 or other area or facility as best accommodates the preferred application of the present invention. Weapon Screen 23 provides full control, including authorization and deauthorization, of any and all Weapons 1, singly and in any grouping, to the Authority 20. In the present disclosure Authority 20 comprises either the individual or group of persons, or the authorization and deauthorization system inclusive of procedure, hardware and software, processing means, or both.
Display 21 displays a representation of the physical layout of the structure, floor or other appropriate depiction of the operational area indicating the respective location of each authorized Firearm 1. The location of each authorized Firearm 1 is depicted in the Display 21 with the respective identification of each Firearm 1 displayed. In the present example four each Firearm 1, specifically 9, 6, 3 and 11, are shown within the displayed structural layout, the layout in this case representing a floor area such as a school or other building. The location of all Firearm 1 are optionally displayable, including all Firearm 1 both in or removed from their respective Cabinets 17.
Control Screen 22 displays the various views from each Weapon 1 including the Forward Camera 2, the various 360 Cameras 3, and Operator Camera 4. In particular, the Operator Camera 4 displays the image of the Authorized Weapon Operator or any unauthorized or other person holding the Weapon 1. The Forward Camera 2 displays whatever or whomever the Firearm 1 is pointed at. The various 360 Cameras 3, in combination with the Operator Camera 4, Forward Camera 2 and the Rear Camera and Microphone 10 together provide a more complete view of the operating environment of Weapon 1 and various views are preferred to be displayed on the Control Screens 22 as best fit a particular application or situation. Control Screen 22 further provides the sound as preferred to Authority 20 as received by any or all Microphones 9.
Control Screen 22 is further preferred to display the Operator Camera 4 image of the person shouldering the Weapon 1, and also the stored image of the Authorized Weapon Operator or operators for ready comparison of the images by Authority 20.
These displays and screens inform Authority 20 in real time of the location, who has possession, the current authorized or deauthorized status, and the current operation of each of the Firearm 1.
Authority 20 has complete control over the status of each Firearm 1, and has complete authority and capability to immediately authorize or deauthorize, individually and collectively in any grouping, any Firearm 1 within the functional and procedural limits of this disclosure.
Further, Authority 20 has all provided communication ability with all Firearm 1, both individually and as a group or subgroup, and the respective Authorized Weapon Operator or other unauthorized person holding any Weapon 1 regardless of the authorized or deauthorized status of any particular Firearm 1.
It is a preferred embodiment that all information from any camera or combination of cameras, and by any microphone or combination of microphones, and any location or other information received, computed, derived or otherwise generated, be recorded in its entirety, or partially as preferred, and be fully available for future analysis, to meet all data or other requirements of a particular implementation or application.
It is a preferred embodiment that the Authority 20 have full bi-directional audio communication capability with any or all Authorized Weapon Operators, or with any person or persons in possession of a Firearm 1, authorized or unauthorized, via the apparatus of Firearm 1 or other means as may best fit the desired application. It is a preferred embodiment that the Authority 20 have full control over the use of Firearms in activities to include police and military groups, hunting, schools, military establishments, prisons, and the confines of other controlled or restricted facilities, seasons, times or areas. It is a further preferred embodiment that Authority 20 have full control within prescribed constraints wherein the firearm is any class or category or type of weapon, said signal authorizing or deauthorizing single or multiple or specific types or classes of firearms.
The present disclosure further provides means and methods for immediate access to armed force when needed, provided with complete control and oversight, preventing the use of armed force unless the armed force is remotely authorized.
The Firearm is authorizable and de-authorizable remotely, and supplemental or secondary authorization may be established for a predetermined operating time or a predetermined mode for reauthorization of deauthorization controlled by a central control.
Authorization, deauthorization and viewing capability is dependent on the requirements of the preferred application, and all possible implementations, while application dependent, are preferred embodiments of the present disclosure.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including trade, technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terms gun and firearm are used interchangeably both in the singular and plural forms, and incorporate singly, jointly or as a group all physical and functional attributes of the embodiment and application of the present invention. The terms discharge and fire are used interchangeably as best fits the disclosure of the present embodiment. It is further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the specification and relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein. Well known functions and common constructions are not described for brevity.

Claims

1. The method of a firearm authorization and deauthorization to discharge system comprising:

a) a firearm having a frame, a barrel carried by said frame, a discharge authorization and deauthorization system carried by said frame in operational connection with said barrel, said discharge authorization and deauthorization system adapted to enable or disable the ability of the firearm to discharge through said barrel;

b) said discharge authorization and deauthorization system being remotely authorized or deauthorized, the authorization authority being remotely located from the firearm;

c) an authorizable device carried by said frame and adapted to receive and evaluate authorizing signals, said authorizable device placing the firearm in an operational, dischargeable condition when said authorizing device receives the predetermined one or more authorizing signals, and placing the firearm in a non-dischargeable, deauthorized condition when said authorizing device receives a deauthorizing signal or does not receive the predetermined one or more authorizing signals for a predetermined time;

d) the authorizable device carried by said frame in contact with the remotely located authorization authority, said authorization and deauthorization being further controlled by remote means as a signal receivable over an area providing simultaneous control of a single or multiple firearms;

e) a signal being transmitted from an authorization authority providing authorization for the discharge of firearms;

f) a signal being transmitted from an authorization authority deauthorizing the use of Firearms;

g) said signal authorizing single or multiple or specific types or classes of firearms;

h) an authorization system authorizing a firearm for discharge;

i) an authorization system where the authorized device is a firearm.

2. The method of claim 1 further comprising discharge authorization and deauthorization control of the firearm individually and in combination by means of: a) a signal from an authority b) a signal from an authority and the entry of a security code by the authorized weapon operator.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the weapon further comprises video and audio transmission and recording means; a) video comprises a 360 by 360 view around the firearm and the Authorized Weapon Operator; b) audio comprises a 360 by 360 receiving area around the firearm and the Authorized Weapon Operator; c) audio is bi-directional with the authorization authority.

4. The method of claim 1 in which the firearm provides radio and optical transmission means of sound, images, and video to an authorization control authority.

5. The method of claim 1 where the authorization Authority is remote from the firearm and incorporates video and audio means for recording and displaying the audio and video transmission from the remotely located firearm.

6. The method of claim 1 where the authority displays the image of the person shouldering the firearm and the stored images of the authorized operators for ready comparison of the images facilitating authorization and deauthorization decisions.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein the firearm is any class or category or type of weapon, said signal authorizing or deauthorizing single or multiple or specific types or classes of firearms;

8. The method of claim 1 further comprising the cessation of authorization on detection of loss of authorization signal.

9. The method of claim 1 further comprising means for multiple and simultaneous authorization and deauthorization of firearms, controlling the use of firearms in activities to include police, military, schools, prisons, and the confines of other controlled, defined or restricted facilities or areas.

10. The method of claim 1 further comprising authorization and deauthorization parameters including time, location, geographic location, history, class of firearm, and combinations thereof.