Mobile acoustic event detection, recognition and location system

• US 20080008044A1
• Filed: 07/07/2006
• Published: 01/10/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 07/07/2006
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Patterson Research, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Patterson Research, Inc.
• Inventors: Noland, Bryan, Patterson, Frank, Gudgel, Judson M., Oppenheimer, Reed Jules
• Application Number:
  US11/482,899
• Publication Number:
  US 20080008044A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 367/128
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/22 Position of source determined by co-ordinating a plurality of position lines defined by path-difference measurements G01S5/28 takes precedence

Abstract

A system for detecting acoustic events comprising a wearable sensor comprising: a microprocessor; a microphone communicating with the microprocessor; a GPS module; a wireless network system; and a display screen; wherein: the microphone is in communication with the microprocessor allowing the microprocessor to detect the acoustic event; the GPS functions to determine the location of the wearable sensor; the wireless network system allows for the interfacing and sharing of data between the sensor and other components of the system for detecting acoustic events; and the system for detecting acoustic events functions to triangulate the location and time of the acoustic event, may be used to detect gunshots. Other acoustic events such as a patient alarm may also be detected using the system.

Claims

1. A man wearable acoustic sensor comprising:

a housing configured to be man wearable;

a microphone;

a processor housed in said housing, said processor in communication with said microphone to detect an acoustic event and determine a time of arrival for said acoustic event;

a GPS receiver in communication with said processor for providing position information to said processor;

a network interface; and

a display for displaying information concerning said acoustic event to a user.

2. A portable sensor for detecting and providing a time of arrival of an acoustic event produced in the environment comprising:

a housing configured to be man wearable;

a microphone acoustically coupled to the environment, such that said microphone provides a signal representative of acoustic waves received at said sensor;

a microprocessor housed in said housing, said microprocessor being in electrical communication with said microphone such that a digital representation of said signal is present in said microprocessor;

an absolute time clock in digital communication with said microprocessor such that said microprocessor can obtain synchronized time from said absolute time clock; and

a network interface in digital communication with said microprocessor such that said microprocessor can communicate over a wireless network,

wherein when a predetermined event is received at said microphone, said microprocessor obtains a time of arrival from said absolute time clock and transmits said time of arrival over said wireless network.

3. A system for detecting acoustic events comprising

a wearable sensor comprising:

a microprocessor;

a microphone communicating with the microprocessor;

a GPS module;

a wireless network system; and

a display screen;

wherein;

the microphone is in communication with the microprocessor allowing the microprocessor to function to detect the acoustic event;

the GPS functions to determine the location of the wearable sensor;

the wireless network system allows for the interfacing and sharing of data between the sensor and other components of the system for detecting acoustic events; and

the system for detecting acoustic events functions to triangulate the location and time of the acoustic event.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the wearable sensor is incorporated into a hat or helmet.

5. The system of claim 3 wherein the wearable sensor is incorporated into a vest, or carried in a utility belt or day pack pocket.

6. The system of claim 3 wherein the wearable sensor is attached to a weapon or body armor.

7. The system of claim 3 wherein the wearable sensor is incorporated into a cell phone, radio, or walkie-talkie.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein the microphone of the sensor also functions as a microphone for the cell phone, radio, or walkie-talkie.

9. The system of claim 3 wherein the display of the sensor has a dual function.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein the display functions as a targeting scope.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein the display functions to display data regarding the location of the wearer.

12. The system of claim 9 wherein the display functions as a night vision display.

13. The system of claim 3 additionally comprising a power supply.

14. The system of claim 13 wherein the power supply is a battery.

15. The system of claim 14 wherein the battery is integrated into the sensor.

16. The system of claim 3 additionally comprising a network interface.

17. The system of claim 16 wherein the interface is an Ethernet interface.

18. The system of claim 16 wherein the interface is a Bluetooth interface.

19. The system of claim 3 wherein the acoustic event is a gunshot.

20. The system of claim 3 wherein the determination of the time and location of the acoustical event is done in real time.