Firearm system for data acquisition and control

• US 20080039962A1
• Filed: 05/07/2007
• Published: 02/14/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 05/23/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Michael Mcrae
• Original Assignee: Michael Mcrae
• Inventors: McRae, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 8,464,451 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/90
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 17/06 Electric or electromechanical safeties F41A17/04, F41A17/08 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F41A 9/53 Charged-condition indicators, i.e. indicating the presence of a cartridge in the cartridge chamber
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 1/38 Telescopic sights specially adapted for smallarms or ordnance telescopic sights in general G02B; Supports or mountings therefor
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/88 Lidar systems specially adapted for specific applications
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations

Abstract

A microprocessor circuit that is used to monitor and control a firearm. The microprocessor circuit accomplishes this by monitoring various sensor & control inputs, and acting on these inputs to execute user defined functions. The microprocessor circuit can use the sensory input to determine firearm statistics. These statistics can include the number of times the firearm has been shot, the efficiency of the firearm automatic action, range-to-target, and et cetera. The firearm system can also use a combination of sensors to fabricate a bullet chronograph whereby the muzzle velocity of a cartridge can be determined. These statistics can be date-stamped and recorded into memory. Statistics from Law Enforcement firearms can be used for courtroom evidence and police reporting. These statistics can also be used for firearm maintenance and warranty repair. The microprocessor circuit can display the statistical data to the user via simple light emitting diodes, or sophisticated liquid crystal displays. Data can also be downloaded to a computer docking station as well. The microprocessor circuit can also display the information within the optics of a riflescope. When used in conjunction with a laser range finder sensor, the microprocessor circuit can adjust the electronic cross-hairs (reticle) to compensate for the bullet trajectory.

Claims

1. A firearm system for monitoring a firearm, comprising of:

a. a microprocessor circuit,

b. one or more sensors for monitoring firearm components whereby firearm statistics can be obtained,

c. a memory for storing the microprocessor code and firearm statistics,

d. a battery for powering the microprocessor circuit,

e. a display means whereby the firearm statistics can be viewed.

2. The firearm system of claim 1 wherein said microprocessor circuit includes an inputting means by which the user can input data and commands into said microprocessor circuit.

3. The firearm system of claim 1 wherein said microprocessor circuit includes a control output means by which said microprocessor circuit can control certain firearm components.

4. The firearm system of claim 1 wherein said microprocessor circuit includes a real-time-clock whereby the firearm statistics can be time-stamped to identify the time and date at which a statistic took place.

5. The firearm system of claim 1 wherein said microprocessor circuit includes a wireless transceiver for transmitting and receiving data and commands.

6. The firearm system of claim 1 wherein said microprocessor circuit includes a data port for connection to a computer docking station.

7. The firearm system of claim 1 wherein said microprocessor circuit includes an electronic serial number.

8. The firearm system of claim 1 wherein said microprocessor circuit includes a security access means that must be satisfied before said firearm system can be accessed.

9. The firearm system of claim 1 in which said display means includes the ability to adjust a scope cross-hairs (reticle) and or aiming mark whereby said firearm system can automatically compensate for bullet trajectory.

10. The firearm system of claim 1 in which said system is incorporated into a spotting scope or binoculars, which includes an integrated range finder, whereby the range to target and trajectory compensations can be determined.

11. A method for monitoring a firearm, comprising the steps of:

a. acquiring the status of one or more firearm components whereby statistics concerning the status of the firearm can be obtained,

b. performing computations on the status of firearm components whereby firearm performance and associated statistics can be realized,

c. displaying said status, performance, and statistics to the user.

12. The method of claim 11 further including the step of recording said status, performance, and statistics for future evaluation.

13. The method of claim 12 further including the step of date &

time stamping said status, performance, and statistics as they are recorded for future evaluation.

14. The method of claim 12 further including the step of transferring said recorded status, performance, and statistics to a computer docking station.

15. The method of claim 11 further including the step of inputting user data and commands that alter said steps of acquiring statuses and performing computations.

16. The method of claim 11 further including the step of controlling firearm components.

17. The method of claim 11 further including the step of remotely sending and receiving data and control commands.

18. The method of claim 11 further including the step of identifying itself whereby the hardware associated with it can be uniquely distinguished from other similar hardware.

19. The method of claim 11 further including the step of requiring a security access means to be satisfied before the method can be utilized.

20. The method of claim 11 further including the step of acquiring the range to target, performing computations using said range information, and a displaying step of adjusting a scope'"'"'s cross-hairs (reticle) and or aiming mark whereby said firearm system can automatically compensate for bullet trajectory.

21. The method of claim 11 further including the step of acquiring the range to target, and performing computations using said range information whereby the trajectory compensations can be displayed to the user.