WO2005119159A1

WO2005119159A1 - Weapon system comprising module identification

Info

Publication number: WO2005119159A1
Application number: PCT/EP2005/004880
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ernst Mauch; Michael Schumacher
Original assignee: Heckler & Koch Gmbh
Priority date: 2004-05-26
Filing date: 2005-05-04
Publication date: 2005-12-15
Also published as: EP1749180A1; DE102004025719B3; CA2565484A1

Abstract

Disclosed is a weapon system that is composed of several modules (6). Each module (6) is provided with an identification while the modules (6) can be combined to different weapon configurations (8, 9), each of which corresponds to an ID set formed from the identifications of the individual modules (6). Identifications can be detected using a detecting apparatus (1) which is designed so as compare a detected ID and/or detected IDs to an ID or an ID set registered in said detecting apparatus and generate a piece of output data corresponding to the result of the comparative operation. The IDs can be detected and optionally modified by means of a machine and are especially provided in the form of transponders which are incorporated into the respective module (6).

Description

Name weapon system with module

The present invention relates to a weapon system having a plurality of modules, in which individual modules are provided with an identifier, and is used for weapon logistics in cases in which individual weapons composed of several modules or also individual weapon modules are issued to individual users or user groups, and every issue and return process is not only registered and documented in a weapon-specific but also in a module-specific manner. This is the case, for example, in military or police applications.

Furthermore, the invention relates to a weapon module suitable for the weapon system according to the invention and to a corresponding weapon configuration.

The term module designates individual functional components that form the weapon itself, such as Handle with trigger mechanism, gun barrel / barrel, shoulder rest, breech holder, handpiece, etc. and attachments, installation parts and accessories, such as cartridge magazines, carrying handles, carrying straps, sights, aiming optics, aiming aids, etc.

Today's weapon systems consist of largely standardized functional modules or components that can be configured for different weapons depending on the type of use. The individual weapons are usually stored, maintained and managed centrally and securely and issued to individual weapon users or user groups on a mission-specific basis. In order to ensure a quick and safe supply of weapons for each specific application, a large number of different, ready-to-use complete weapons, some of which contain identical modules, must be kept in stock. For example, in the military field, different weapon configurations are required for normal field operations than for training or command missions. This means that several complete weapons must be available to each user at the same time so that differently configured weapons can be kept ready for use. This requires a corresponding number of individual modules. At the same time, the use and application of all these weapons and weapon modules must be documented in a reliable and comprehensible manner. This is mainly done via inventory, output, return and usage lists, which must be compared with each other. At the same time, different delivery and return locations may have to be taken into account. The logistical effort involved is correspondingly high and complex.

In conventional systems, as disclosed in DE 100 62 239 AI, complete weapons have an identifier (serial number, barcode, transponder). Individual modules cannot be identified using such an identifier.

The object of the present invention is to reduce this logistic effort, to improve the quality of the available logistic information and to reduce the total module quantity.

This object is achieved by a weapon system which has a plurality of modules and in which each module is provided with an identifier and the modules can be combined to form different weapon configurations, each of which corresponds to an identifier set formed from the individual identifiers, identifiers and identifier sets being able to be detected by a detection device which compares detected identifiers and / or identifier sets with identifiers or identifier sets registered in the detection device and generates a corresponding output information. Such a detection device allows the logistical handling of weapon modules and complete weapons on the basis of the individual identifiers and the identifier sets formed. The comparison with registered identifiers or identifier sets enables practical implementation a logistical concept in which the weapons no longer have to be kept fully configured, but can only be kept partially assembled or disassembled. At the same time, the error rate in the acquisition decreases in contrast to manual acquisition.

Further advantages consist in the fact that the number of weapon modules required for a sufficient supply of the weapon-carrying units with mission-specifically configured weapons can be reduced. In addition, errors in the configuration of the weapons can be recognized early and thus avoided, and a cross-location inventory comparison is possible for a nationwide weapon system, whereby several locations (military, police) that may change may be taken into account.

Claim 2 specifies identifiable identification information with which the comparison operations can be carried out. In this way, all possible identifiers of all modules belonging to the weapon system can be entered. This makes it possible, for example, to assign modules to be accommodated in a storage area to specific weapon systems. In this way, different weapon systems can also be managed together in one storage area.

The storage of available identifiers allows constant inventory control and can always be updated by entering the identifiers of modules that have been removed. With certain stored or storable combinations of identifiers, it can be determined, for example, whether the combination of identifiers detected corresponds to a specific weapon configuration of an approved combination of identifiers. This means that it can be checked whether modules have been combined or added in an admissible manner. In this way it can be determined whether a certain sighting device, which is matched to a certain tube length, is also in a certain configuration. ration contained pipe fits. Errors in the configuration of weapons can be detected early and safely and corrected before using the weapon.

The available combination of identifiers can provide direct information as to whether and, if so, in how many a certain weapon configuration can be combined from the available modules (identifiers). In this way, it can be recognized before the configuration of a specific weapon whether and, if so, in what number a requested combination of identifiers (or module combination) can be realized from the available stock. The storage of the module combinations (complete weapons) determined at the time of issue or return shows at any time which weapons or modules were issued or returned and documents the frequency of use and thus the actual need for certain modules and module combinations. This data makes it possible to ensure that the modules are available as required without having to procure too many modules.

The information mentioned in claim 3, which can be output as a result of certain comparison operations carried out, show, for example, whether a detected or requested module is known at all for a specific weapon system or whether a specific module is available or whether, as already explained above, a detected one Module combination (for example, in the output) is allowed or not, a registered module combination is released for a specific user or not and finally whether a recorded module combination corresponds to the requested module combination for a specific user or not.

Claim 4 relates to the networking of detection devices so that registered and recorded data can be compared with one another at several locations. According to claim 5, the detection devices can additionally include input devices via which registered identifiers and / or combinations of identifiers can be entered or changed. So is one easy maintenance of the database possible. This also includes the output device specified in claim 6, which outputs the corresponding information in a suitable manner to a user.

The further developments according to claims 7, 8 and 9 relate to identifier designs in which the identifier has a classifying and an identifying part, the classifying part identifying the module type and the identifying part individualizing each individual module, for example in the form of a serial number. This also makes it possible to find out certain individual modules and combine them with one another, which may fit together particularly well (e.g. a certain visor and a gun barrel).

If the identifier then additionally has a changeable identifier component (claim 8), the use of a module in the identifier itself can be coded changeably (for example the number of uses, duration of use) and thus maintenance cycles depending on the intensity of use or use be determined. At the same time, as stated in claim 9, further information about a removal warehouse, a configuration time, the configuration and / or usage history or usage duration and frequency and / or maintenance and revision information on each or certain weapon modules can be included in the identifier become.

The development according to claim 9 relates to equipping the detection device with a read / write device that can both detect and change identifiers.

The designs according to claims 10 to 12 correspond to designs in which the identifier itself and the detection of the identifiers is implemented using transponder or RFID technology. The identifiers can be recorded and changed over a long distance without contact, so that the system works practically in passing (reading in, reading out reading from identifier) without additional recording operations being required. The designs of the transponders according to claims 11 and 12 relate to special weapon-specific designs, such transponders also being mountable in metallic and in particular in steel components and / or in a permanent connection (claim 12) to the respective module that the transponder or the RFID tag cannot be removed without considerable damage to the transponder itself and / or the weapon module.

The weapon modules according to the invention according to claims 13 and 14 can e.g. Gun barrels, grips, trigger / breech units, housings, magazines, shafts (handpiece or shoulder rests) can be target / sighting devices and module carriers, but also other components or accessories that are used for weapons.

Claim 15 finally relates to a weapon configuration that is configured from modules provided with identifiers. Weapon systems for light individual weapons (assault rifles) in particular often consist of modules that are configured differently depending on the application.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 shows two exemplary weapon configurations I and II.

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

3 illustrates the tabular assignment of different weapon identifiers / modules to identifier sets / weapon configurations. Fig. 4 is a schematic representation of a logistics system for handling a weapon system according to the invention.

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

AI Short weapon barrel A2 Long weapon barrel B: Locking unit Cl Fixed shoulder rest C2 Foldable shoulder rest Dl Handle with trigger (single fire) D2 Handle with trigger (single and continuous fire)

El Short magazine E2 Long magazine Fl handpiece F2 handpiece with handle Gl grain G2 rear sight G3 optical sighting device

The modules are each provided with identifications that are machine-readable. These identifiers can be designed as barcodes or as RFID tags (transponders), each of which carries identification information corresponding to the weapon module. This identifier information can be fixed or changeable. The identifiers are designed in such a way that all identifiers (weapon configuration / weapon modules) belonging to an identifier set can be detected together by a corresponding detection device without collision. In order to detect (read) or change (write) the identifiers belonging to an identifier set on transponders almost simultaneously, the detection device is set up so that it uses a suitable anti-collision method together with a corresponding read / write device. Such methods can be, for example, an ALOHA method (slotted ALOHA method, dynamic S-ALOHA method or the like), a binary search algorithm or else a dynamic binary search method.

Fig. 2 shows a basic identifier structure, which here consists of four elements, namely the module type (A), the module variant (1), a serial number (001) and a variable component (V). This structure makes it possible to record the module type and variant when entering the identifier, as well as a serial number that identifies each individual part. In the case of transponder ID designs that can be changed (written), the variable portion can be changed using a corresponding read / write device, i.e. it can take up changing information. Such information can be, for example, maintenance data, application data, or the like (see above).

Alternatively, the module type, variant and serial number can also be replaced by a single serial number, each of which is assigned to a specific weapon module, from which the module type and variant can then be identified using a stored identification key.

FIG. 3 shows an assignment table which assigns the identifier sets of the weapon configurations (I, II) shown in FIG. 1 to the available modules AI to G3. Possible or permissible identifier sets that can be registered in the detection device can be mapped in such an identifier set table. The comparison of recorded identifier information from module configurations or requested identifier sets with these predetermined identifier sets then yields e.g. Information about module availability or helps to identify configuration errors.

Fig. 4 shows an example of a system for managing a weapon system according to the invention. The exemplary embodiment assumes that the modules are equipped with transponders. Suitable transponders for the system according to the invention are, for example, RFID data carriers with a storage function. They can be configured as simple read-only transponders up to transponders with cryptographic functions. The basic structure of transponders with a memory function include a memory (eg RAM, ROM, EEPROM or FERAM) and an HF interface for power supply and communication with the read / write device. The HF interface forms the interface between the transmission channel from the reader to the transponder and the digital circuit elements of the transponder itself. In principle, it corresponds to the classic modem (modulator-demodulator), as is also used for analog data transmission via telephone lines. The HF interface of the transponder has a load or backscatter modulator (or other method, eg frequency divider), which is controlled by the digital transmission data in order to send data back to the reader. Passive transponders, i.e. transponders without their own power supply, are supplied with energy via the HF field of the read / write device. The HF interface takes current from the transponder antenna and makes it available to the chip in the same direction as the regulated supply voltage. The transponders can be provided with their own microprocessors, which carry out the data transmission from and to the transponder, the sequence control of commands, the file management and cryptographic algorithms.

It is also possible to equip transponders with sensor functions so that, for example, temperature, humidity, shock, acceleration or other physical quantities can be recorded in the transponder and read out by a read / write device. For example, critical operating parameters for weapons can be recorded. For example, the maximum temperatures reached by a gun barrel or the number of shots fired. The recording of such quantities makes it possible to detect overstressing and damage to certain parts (pipe overheating) or to prevent change, for example, by these parts according to a certain

Number of shots to be exchanged.

Glass transponders whose coils are wound on a highly permeable ferrite rod (ferrite antenna) are suitable for installing transponders in a metallic environment. When installed in an elongated recess in the metal surface, the transponder can be read easily. Even covering such an arrangement with a metal cover is possible if it is fastened with a narrow gap of dielectric material (lacquer, plastic) between the two metal surfaces. The field lines running parallel to the metal surface can thus enter the cavity via the dielectric gap, so that the transponder can be read. So-called disk tags (disk-shaped transponders) can also be embedded between metal plates. For this purpose, the top and bottom of the tags are applied with metal foils made of highly permeable amorphous metal, each of which only covers one half of the tag, so that a magnetic flux through the coil of the transponder arises at the gap between the two sub-foils, so that it can be read out is.

For mounting in non-metallic bodies, there are a large number of flat, rod-shaped or other transponder designs which can be glued on, glued in, poured in, screwed in or which are so flat that they can even be applied along the surfaces.

The logistics environment shown in FIG. 4 is used to handle a weapon system according to the invention. The central unit forms a recording device 1, which is connected to an input / output unit 2, a storage area 3 and an output / return area 4 for data exchange (thin arrows). The data exchange can take place via lines or wirelessly (for example via a radio data network). The detection unit 1 is networked with further detection units 1 'to 1' * 'and can also exchange data with them. The registration units 1 'to 1''' can be different locations are provided, and are in a similar

Environment integrated as the registration unit 1. Detection units 1 to ¹¹¹ are provided, for example, at different locations where the same weapon system is also available. The detection unit 1 is formed by a computer which has a memory area 5 in which identifiers or combinations of identifiers are stored. In the storage area 3 there are individual modules 6 belonging to the weapon system. The module inventory in the storage area 3 is shown in the storage area 5 of the detection device. For assembly, the modules 6 are transferred to the output return area 4 and pass through a read / write device 7, which detects the identifiers of the modules 6 and transfers them to the detection unit 1, so that the data present in the memory area 5 are correspondingly compared, ie Removal is registered and the data on the modules 6 present in the storage area 3 are adapted accordingly.

In the issue / return area 4, the modules 6 for complete weapons 8, 9 (weapon configurations I, II) are then completed and issued to users 10, 11. During the dispensing, the identification sets of the weapons 8, 9 are again acquired by a read / write device 7 and transferred to the acquisition unit 1, in which comparison operations are carried out and which delivers an output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation to an output device 12. It can be displayed, for example, whether the weapon configuration output corresponds to an approved weapon configuration, ie whether the weapons in the output / return area 4 are configured correctly and / or whether the weapon configuration output corresponds to a requested weapon configuration. Requested weapon configurations can be entered, for example, via the input / output unit 2 and the associated input device 13 into the detection device 1, which then determines whether the requested configurations can be formed from the modules 6 available in the storage area 3. The corresponding weapon modules 6 are then displayed in the storage area 3, so that the modules 6 can be picked there and transferred to the output / return area 4, where they are then packaged accordingly. The corresponding data can be displayed via a further output unit (not shown) in the storage area 3 or made available via a list created in a printer 15.

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

Upon return, the users 10, 11 return their weapons 8, 9 to the issue / return area 4. The identifier sets are recorded in the read / write device 7 and reported to the detection device 1, which can thus update the data on weapons issued. In the issue / return area 4, the weapons are disassembled into their modules 6 and returned to the storage area via the read / write device 7, the identifier sets of the modules are recorded again and the corresponding data on the stock level is compared.

The total inventory and the use of the weapon system can be monitored at any location at any time by networking with other detection devices 1 'to 1' ¹ ', which are located, for example, at other locations where the same weapon system is maintained and administered. It is also possible that the weapons are issued at one location and returned at another, without having to carry out an expensive inventory comparison. By evaluating the inventory and usage data, the distribution of the modules can be optimized for different locations and the total number of modules can be minimized because their procurement is tailored to actual needs. In the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the storage area 3 and the issue / return area 4 are shown separately, but it is also possible to connect these two areas and to record only the issue of complete weapons 8, 9 via a read / write device 7. The available module inventory is then compared using the recorded identifier records.

Claims

Expectations

1. weapon system which has a plurality of modules and in which each module (6) is provided with a machine-readable identifier and the modules (6) can be combined to form different weapon configurations (8, 9), each of which corresponds to an identifier set formed from the individual identifiers, The identifiers of the modules (6) can be detected by means of a detection device (1) which is set up in such a way that it compares a detected identifier with a registered identifier or an identifier set and generates output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation.

2. Weapon system according to claim 1, wherein the registered identifiers and / or identifier sets, in particular have at least one of the following identifiers and / or identifier sets: possible identifiers of all modules (6) belonging to a specific weapon system; available identifiers of modules (6) available in a specific storage area (3); detected identifiers of modules (6) removed from a storage area (3); permitted combinations of identifiers of possible weapon configurations; available combinations of identifiers of weapons (8, 9) configurable from modules (6) available in a storage area (3); requested combinations of identifiers of weapons to be configured (8,9); detected combinations of identifiers of weapons (8, 9) configured from the storage area (3), modules (6) configured.

3. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the output information corresponding to a comparison operation corresponds in particular to one of the following information: module (6) known / unknown; Module (6) available / not available; registered module combination approved / not approved; registered module combinations released / not released; The module combination entered corresponds / does not correspond to the requested module combination.

4. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of detection units (1, 1 ', 1 ", l' ¹¹ ) are networked with one another for data exchange.

5. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (1) has an input unit (2) for entering identifiers and / or combinations of identifiers in a memory area (5).

6. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (1) is connected to an output unit (12, 13, 15) for outputting the information to a user.

7. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier has a classifying, corresponding to a certain module type and / or an identifying, corresponding to a certain module (6) identifier part.

The ^■ in particular may contain one of the following information 8. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier comprises a variable by the detecting means (l) identifier ingredient: issue storage area, configuration, timing, configuration / use history, use duration / - frequency maintenance / revision information.

Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detection device (1) with a writing / Reading device (7) for detecting and changing the identifier is connected.

10. Weapon system according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the identifier is provided in a transponder, in particular in an RFID tag.

11. Weapon system according to claim 10, wherein the transponder can be installed in a metallic section of a module (6) and in particular has a ferrite rod as an antenna.

12. Weapon system according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the transponder is permanently connected to the respective module (6).

13. weapon module for a weapon system comprising several modules (6), in which each module (6) is provided with an identifier and the modules (6) can be combined to different weapon configurations, each of which corresponds to an identifier set formed from the individual identifiers, where identifiers and identifier sets can be detected by means of a detection device (1) having a controller which is set up in such a way that it compares a detected identifier and / or a detected identifier set with an identifier or an identifier set registered in a memory area (5) assigned to the controller and one output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation is generated.

14. Gun module according to claim 13, which is in particular one of the following module types: gun barrel, handle, trigger / breech unit, housing, magazine, stock, magazine, aiming / sighting device, module carrier (eg Picatinny rail).

5. ^' weapon configuration, in particular an assault rifle, which belongs to a weapon system having a plurality of modules (6), in which each module (6) is provided with an identifier and the modules (6) can be combined to form different weapon configurations, each of which is from the Corresponding to the individual identifier set formed, whereby identifiers and identifier sets can be detected by means of a detection device (1) which has a controller and is set up in such a way that it registered a detected identifier and / or a detected identifier set with a memory area (5) assigned to the controller Compares the identifier or a set of identifiers and generates output information corresponding to the result of the comparison operation.