Firearm threat detection, classification, and location using wideband radar
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method comprising:
- transmitting radio frequency signals towards a weapon;
receiving radio frequency signals reflected from the weapon;
comparing the received radio frequency signals to a library of empirically derived radio frequency signatures for a plurality of different objects; and
providing data characterizing the weapon based on the comparison,wherein the transmitted radio frequency signals cover a range of frequencies that are propagated down one or more weapon barrels, andthe radio frequency signatures each characterize a corresponding weapon barrel.
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Abstract
An aimed or aiming firearm can be detected before it is able to shoot. Wideband radar signals can be used to identify the barrel of a firearm when the radar antenna and barrel are aiming at or near each other. Signal processing correlates reflected signals to the characteristics of specific firearms of interest, and alerts the user when someone is pointing such a firearm at them. Modern wideband radar systems with fast signal processing speed can enable real-time detection of firearm threats in crowded and cluttered areas before they shoot, which has never before been possible. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and articles are also described.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method comprising:
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transmitting radio frequency signals towards a weapon; receiving radio frequency signals reflected from the weapon; comparing the received radio frequency signals to a library of empirically derived radio frequency signatures for a plurality of different objects; and providing data characterizing the weapon based on the comparison, wherein the transmitted radio frequency signals cover a range of frequencies that are propagated down one or more weapon barrels, and the radio frequency signatures each characterize a corresponding weapon barrel. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method comprising:
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transmitting radio frequency signals towards a zone of interest containing a plurality of firearms from a first location; receiving radio frequency signals reflected from the zone of interest; comparing the received radio frequency signals to a library of empirically derived radio frequency signatures for a plurality of different firearms to identify firearms in the zone of interest; determining using the received radio frequency signals whether the identified firearms in the zone of interest are aimed at the first location or whether they are aimed at a different location; providing data characterizing at least one firearm in the zone of interest.
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14. A weapon threat detection system comprising:
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an outbound antenna apparatus that transmits an outbound radio frequency signal toward a potential threat; an inbound antenna that receives an inbound reflected radio frequency signal from the potential threat; and at least one processor coupled to a data store, the data store storing a library of empirically derived radar signatures for a plurality of different weapons; wherein the processor is configured to analyze the inbound reflected radio frequency signals to determine whether the potential threat includes a weapon barrel pointed in the direction of the receiving antenna apparatus and to identify the weapon by comparing the inbound reflected radio frequency signal to the library of empirically derived radar signatures. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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Specification