WO2016016744A1

WO2016016744A1 - Electronic system for firearm with fired shot detection means and transmission means

Info

Publication number: WO2016016744A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/054742
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fausto Caravaggi; Franco Gussalli Beretta
Original assignee: Fabbrica dArmi Pietro Beretta SpA
Current assignee: Beretta SpA
Priority date: 2014-07-31
Filing date: 2015-06-24
Publication date: 2016-02-04
Anticipated expiration: 2017-01-31

Abstract

An electronic system. (10) for a firearm (1) adapted to interact with a smartphone, comprising: - Detection means (100) of an acceleration on the firearm (1) comprising: i) a detection device (110) of the acceleration generating an electrical signal (E) depending on the acceleration; ii) an assessment processing unit (151) that is switched on and powered by said electrical signal (E); iii) a memory (152); wherein the assessment processing unit (151) distinguishes' the acceleration undergone on the firearm, identifies and stores the status of shot fired; - transmission means (200) interacting with the electronic device (500) comprising: a) a transmission processing unit (251); b) an energy accumulator (280) which powers the transmission processing unit (251), when it is put in connection with the transmission processing unit (251).

Description

DESCRIPTION

"ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR FIREARM WITH FIRED SHOT DETECTION

MEANS AND TRANSMISSION MEANS"

[0001] The present invention relates to an electronic system for a firearm, and to the firearm integrating such electronic system, or on which such electronic system is mountable. Specifically, the electronic system is adapted to interact with an electronic device, such as a smartphone, or a tablet, or more generally an electronic device, portable or wearable by the user of the firearm such as a smartwatch.

[0002] Preferably, the firearm which the present invention relates to is a rifle. In general the firearm of the present invention is a portable firearm.

[0003] In particular, the electronic system of the present invention is in the field of smart weapons; namely the type of weapons able to communicate with the user and provide information, or warning signals regarding the conditions of the firearm or its operating mode.

[0004] Added to this is the fact that electronic devices, such as smartphones, or tablets, or "wearable devices" as the smartwatch, are widespread on a large scale and have achieved high levels of calculation efficiency. Electronic devices are in fact known of equipped with a series of sensors and internal components, such as the GPS, adapted to detect and provide the user with a series of the most varied information.

[0005] In the firearms sector the most important and significant event in the life of a firearm is the event of shooting; for example it may be very important to establish the precise moment of a shot and/or number of shots fired.

[0006] There is thus a market demand for an electronic system which has as its main aim that of detecting and transmitting information of a "fired shot". Preferably said electronic system is required to place the firearm in communication with an electronic device in such a way that the user can make use of said information by means of his own electronic device.

[0007] In particular, the electronic system must perform said data transmission in a reliable manner. In the first place it must be adapted to send precise information of a fired shot and not information of another type of event occurring to the firearm such as a fall. Secondly, it must be adapted to carry out and guarantee the transmission of information over as long a period as possible.

[0008] In meeting said main requirements, it is requested that the electronic system not encumber the firearm which it is mounted on or integrated in so as not to change the basic physical characteristics such as its barycentre, or affect its firing behaviour. In other words, the electronic system must have limited dimensions and/or weight .

[0009] To date, in fact, there is no electronic system meeting all the above requirements at the same time; electronic systems are in fact known of in which a compromise has been reached, for example by choosing their effectiveness at detecting a fired shot or at being effective over time, sacrificing the dimensions which are, in fact, very important.

[0010] The electronic system of the present invention ha the purpose of meeting all the above requirements at the same time, unlike the solutions of the prior art. In other words, the electronic system of the present invention is adapted to interact with an electronic device having an extraordinary effectiveness, both in detecting the status of the shot fired, and in its viability over time, containing the size and weight thereof to the maximum.

[0011] Such purpose is achieved by a firearm according to claim 1 and by the rifle integrating it according to claim 12.

[0012] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will be evident from the characteristics described below and claimed in the dependent claims.

[0013] The characteristics and advantages of the electronic system according to the present invention will be evident from the description given below, made by way of a non- limiting example, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

[0014] - figure 1 shows a firearm, in particular a rifle, on which the electronic system of the present invention is integrated;

[0015] - figure 2a is a logical block diagram relative to the electronic system of the present invention according to a preferred embodiment, in a first operating configuration;

[0016] - figure 2b shows the logical block diagram in figure 2a in a second operating configuration;

[0017] - figure 3a shows a logical block diagram relative to the electronic system of the present invention according to a further preferred embodiment, in a first embodiment;

[0018] - figure 3b shows the logical block diagram in figure 3a in a second operating configuration;

[0019] - figures 4a, 4b and 4c show three schematic diagrams of the detection device comprised in the electronic system of the present invention according to three preferred embodiments. [0020] With reference to the appended drawings, reference numeral 1 globally denotes a firearm in its entirety, preferably a rifle; while reference numeral 10 indicates, instead; an electronic system for a firearm 1.

[0021] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic system 10 is adapted to be integrated in . the firearm 1. In other words the firearm 1 is designed in such a way as to provide a space inside it, a housing, to contain the electronic system 10; preferably the space, or the housing, is created on the butt of the rifle, so as not to have to upset the mechanical part of the firearm, and also to be easily mountable on a firearm already in the ^■ possession of the user by merely replacing the butt of the firearm.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment, the electronic system 10 is mountable on the firearm 1, for example by a mechanical coupling; preferably, in fact, the firearm 1 is provided with appropriate seats, or guides, for example a Picatinny rail, with which to perform the mounting and locking of the electronic system 10.

[0023] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic system 10 is adapted for interacting with an electronic device 500, preferably a smartphone, or a tablet, or a wearable electronic device, such as a smartwatch.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic system 10 comprises detection means, 100, adapted to detect an acceleration on the firearm 1, for example due to a status of shot fired, and transmission means 200 adapted to interact with the electronic device 500.

[0025] Preferably, the detection means 100 comprise a detection device 110 adapted to detect the acceleration undergone by the firearm 1 and adapted to generate an electrical signal E having physical features that are a function of the physical features of said acceleration. In other words, the detection device 110 is adapted to create an electrical signal E when the firearm 1 is accelerated due to a mechanical stress. In yet other words again, when the firearm 1 is shaken, or moved, or falls on the ground, or is used, or when a shot is fired, the detection device 110 is adapted to detect the acceleration undergone by the firearm 1, generating the electrical signal E.

[0026] Depending therefore on the intensity of acceleration said electrical signal E is more or less intense. Preferably, the peak intensity of acceleration occurs with the firing event, which thus has clearly specified physical characteristics (presenting said peak intensity) and which thus allows the detection device, 110 to create an electrical signal E, in turn, with very specific physical characteristics (in turn, in fact, it presents a very high intensity) .

[0027] Specifically, in addition, it is to be noted that the firing of different ammunition gives rise to different accelerations and thus intensity peaks/ According to the above description, therefore, the electric signal E is consequently adapted to have physical characteristics which also make it possible to distinguish the type of cartridge fired.

[0028] According to a preferred embodiment, the detection device , 110 comprises a housing 111, a permanent magnet 112 adapted to slide inside the housing 111 upon the acceleration action undergone by the firearm 1, and a coil 115 placed in such a way as to enclose the housing 114, in such a way that the variation of the magnetic field due to the motion of the permanent magnet 112 generates the electrical signal E. Preferably, therefore, depending on the intensity of the acceleration action on the permanent magnet 112 the latter is moved into the housing 111 with a predefined speed thereby varying the magnetic field induced by it; depending on the speed of movement of the permanent magnet 112 a predetermined type of electrical signal E is generated by the coil 115.

[0029] In addition, preferably, the detection device 110 comprises stop means 113 adapted to act on the permanent magnet 112 to oppose its motion, wherein the stop means 113 comprise at least one thrust spring or at least one thrust magnet of opposite polarity to the permanent magnet. This way, the permanent magnet 112 has a rest position, which it is kept in by the stop means 113, in which it generates no electric signal E (figures 4a, 4b and 4c schematically show three embodiments of the detection device 110 in which the magnet is held in the rest position by the stop means) .

[0030] In such preferred embodiment, the electric signal E is generated only when the acceleration action exceeds the action of the stop means 113. The . stop means 113 are consequently adapted to serve as a first filter (of the mechanical type) , so that minimum accelerations on the firearm, for example those due to handling, or transport of the firearm, do not result in the generation of any electrical signal E.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, the detection means 100 comprise an assessment processing unit 151 adapted to switch-on after the reception of the electrical signal E and adapted to be powered-on by the electrical signal E itself.

[0032] In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the detection means comprise a memory 152.

[0033] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, the assessment processing unit 151 is adapted to assess the physical features of the electrical signal E to distinguish the type of acceleration undergone on the firearm, detect the fired shot condition and store it in the memory 152.

[0034] Consequently in this embodiment it is to be noted that said list of components comprised by the detection means 100 is exhaustive. In other words, the detection means consist of a detection device 110, an assessment processing · unit 151 and a memory 152. Specifically, in fact, the detection device 110 generates the energy needed to switch on and supply the assessment processing unit 151, which thanks to this energy assesses the characteristics of the electric signal E by establishing whether or not this is due to a- shot fired, and having identified said status of shot fired stores it in the memory 152. No other component is therefore necessary, such as a power supply or an energy accumulator such as a battery, for the performance of said detection operations .

[0035] Specifically, the assessment processing unit 151, when not switched on and powered by the electric signal E, is totally turned off (it is not in a sleep mode) not having electrical energy inside it.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission means 200 which are adapted to interact with the electronic device 500 comprise a transmission processing unit 251 having the precise function of being adapted to interact with the electronic device 500 to transmit the information stored in the memory 152, preferably in the manner described below.

[0037] In addition, the transmission means 200 comprise an energy accumulator 280 adapted to power the transmission processing unit 251, so as to allow said sending of information. Preferably, said energy accumulator 280 is a battery .

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment, the energy accumulator 280 is placed in connection with the transmission processing unit 251 upon the command of the assessment processing unit 151 once the fired shot condition has been identified. In other words, the energy accumulator 280 is activated and powers the transmission processing unit only when needed, specifically, only when the assessment processing unit 151 assesses the status of shot fired.

[0039] Preferably, the assessment processing unit 151, powered by the electric signal E, is adapted to act as a push-button for the energy accumulator 280, when said electrical signal is recognised as due to a shot. After being turned on, the energy accumulator 280 is managed by the transmission processing unit 251, in particular, it is the transmission processing unit 251 which controls the switching off of the energy accumulator 280 when interaction with the electronic device 500 is concluded.

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, said interaction between the electronic system 10, in particular the transmission processing unit 251, and the electronic device 500 is via Bluetooth protocol, preferably by means of "Bluetooth Low Energy" protocol.

[0041] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, the electronic system comprises recognition means 300 adapted to allow the mutual recognition between the electronic system 10 and electronic device 500, .and thus allow mutual communication between them.

[0042] Preferably, the recognition means 300 comprise a button 310 operable manually by the user to perform, on command, said recognition. In fact, upon operating the button 310, the energy accumulator 280 powers the transmission processing unit 251, which transmits an identification message.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment, the transmission processing unit 251, powered by the energy accumulator 280, transmits the information stored to the memory 152 along with the identification message.

[0044] Preferably, the assessment processing ^· unit 151 is adapted to store in the memory 152 in an incremental manner the number of times it has identified the fired shot condition.

[0045] Moreover, according to a preferred embodiment, the assessment processing unit 151 is adapted to store in the memory 152 the physical features of the last electrical signal E assessed, in which it has identified the fired shot condition.

[0046] In particular, since the assessment processing unit 151 is normally turned off completely, and following the shot fired event, switched on and powered by the electrical signal E, the counting of the shots fired and/or storing of information relating to the last shot signal occurs regardless of what happens subsequently in the logic circuit, for example, regardless of the successful outcome of sending the data via transmission means 200 to the electronic device 500. In other words the detection by the detection means 100, and thus the counting of the shots fired occurs incrementally continuing effectively regardless of the sending of the data and/or regardless of the charging of the energy accumulator 280; counting in fact continues with the energy accumulator 280 flat.

[0047] According to a preferred embodiment, as said earlier, to send the shot fired datum, the transmission processing unit 251 and the electronic device 500 interact creating a mutual connection.

[0048] Specifically, the transmission processing unit 251 sends at least one message in broadcast to the electronic device 500 containing an identification message (preferably, in addition to which other information is also sent relating to the electrical signal E) ; at this point, the electronic device 500 recognises the message in broadcast and sends at least one connect message to the transmission processing unit 251 creating the mutual connection via which the transmission of information takes place, including over the course of time, and thus during the lifetime of the firearm 1.

[0049] Preferably, therefore, only the electronic device 500 connected to the electronic system 10 after completing the recognition procedure, uses the •information sent by it.

[0050] The electronic system 10 of the present invention further comprises a software installed on the electronic device 500; said software may be for example an application, or app, to use a vocabulary typical of the smartphone, tablet or wearable electronic devices sector such as smartwatches.

[0051] Specifically, said software is adapted to use the information sent by the transmission processing unit 251.

[0052] Preferably, in fact, the software is adapted to relate the shot fired information transmitted to it with a plurality of information and data obtainable depending on the characteristics of the electronic device 500, such as the time or date, or the geographical location. The software is therefore adapted to lay out the information acquired, for example of an entire hunt, in a tabular manner, or is even adapted to display it graphically, for example on a map.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, moreover, it is the software itself which is adapted to receive the identification message sent by the transmission unit 251 and thus to recognise the electronic system 10 present on the firearm 1 to send it the message to connect, thus concluding the recognition and directly using the information sent by the transmission means 200.

[0054] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic system 10 comprises an assessment microprocessor 150 which the assessment processing unit 151 is mounted on, adapted to be switched on and powered by the electric signal E, and on which the memory 152 is mounted.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment, the electronic system 10 further comprises a transmission microprocessor 250 comprising the transmission processing unit 251.

[0056] According to a possible further preferred embodiment_/ the assessment processing unit 151 and the transmission processing unit 251 are mounted on the same .microprocessor.

[0057] Innovatively, the electronic system of the present invention, as well as the firearm comprising it, are adapted to achieve the objectives set out and required by the market; the electronic system of the present invention is adapted to provide an electronic system adapted to signal the shot fired event in a reliable and effective manner, limiting at maximum its overall dimensions.

[0058] Advantageously, the detection means are self- powered, in such a way as not to require an energy accumulator to run them, consequently allowing counting of the shots fired lasting over time, not being tied to the charging of a battery.

[0059] Moreover, advantageously, the detection means are also adapted to filter in the first place the accelerations on the firearm not due to the shot fired, but for example due to a fall or shaking; in particular the detection device also fulfils this function by a ^■ first filter of the accelerations to which the firearm is subj ected .

[0060] Advantageously, the electronic system of the present invention is very simple in its realization compared to the known electronic systems, thus proving economical in its construction and reliable in its operation.

[0061] Moreover, advantageously, the electronic system has a decidedly limited energy consumption. Consuming the energy of transmission of the data only when the shot fired event occurred is detected is, in fact, an advantage. A further advantageous aspect is that since it requires only little energy, small batteries may be used.

[0062] A further advantageous aspect is that the electronic system of the present invention has a minimum number of components, smaller than that of the solutions of electronic systems of the prior art.

[0063] Advantageously, only the electronic device which recognises the electronic system can use the shot fired information.

[0064] Moreover, advantageously, multiple electronic devices are adapted to recognize the electronic system, for example the user can manage the information with his own smartphone, tablet or smartwatch.^'

[0065] A further advantageous aspect lies in the simplicity of the electronic system-electronic device recognition operations .

[0066] Yet a further advantageous aspect is that of performing recognition operations using the information stored in the memory, which is powered by the battery during said operations, not being powered by the electric signal E (which is not present in these) .

[0067] Advantageously, using the software installed on the electronic device, the shot fired status information is managed by the latter; the electronic device depending on its characteristics can connect shot fired information with a multiplicity of information, such as temporal and/or geographical, and/or weather, and/or specifications of the shot fired, such as the type of cartridge .

[0068] A person skilled in the art may make variations to the electronic system described above or replace^■ elements with others functionally equivalent so as to satisfy specific requirements. In addition, each variant described as belonging to a possible embodiment may be realised independently of the other embodiments.

Claims

1. Electronic system (10) for a firearm (1) mountable or integrated on said firearm (1), adapted to interact with an electronic device (500), preferably a smartphone, comprising:

- detection means (100) of an acceleration on the firearm (1), for example due to a fired shot condition, comprising :

i) a detection device (110) adapted to detect the acceleration undergone by the firearm (1) and adapted to generate an electrical signal (E) having physical features that are a function of the physical features of said acceleration;

ii) an assessment processing unit (151) adapted to switch-on after the reception of the electrical signal

(E) and adapted to be powered-on by the electrical signal (E) itself;

iii) a memory (152);

wherein the assessment processing unit (151) is adapted to assess the physical features of the electrical signal (E) to distinguish the type of acceleration undergone on the firearm, detect the fired shot condition and store it to the memory (152) ; - transmission means (200) adapted to interact with the electronic device (500) comprising:

a) a transmission processing unit (251) adapted to interact with the electronic device (500) to send the information stored to the memory (152);

b) an energy accumulator (280) adapted to power the transmission processing unit (251) ; wherein the energy accumulator (280) is placed in connection with the transmission processing unit (251) upon the control of the assessment processing unit (151) once the fired shot condition has been identified.

2. Electronic system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the detection device (110) comprises a housing (111), a permanent magnet (112) adapted to slide inside the housing (111) upon the acceleration action undergone the firearm (1), and a coil (115) placed in such a way as to enclose the housing (114), in such a way that the variation of the magnetic field due to the motion of the permanent magnet (113) generates the electrical signal (E) .

3. Electronic system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the detection device (110) further comprises stop means (113) adapted to act on the permanent magnet (112) to oppose its motion, wherein the stop means (113)_, comprise at least one thrust spring or at least one thrust magnet of opposite polarity to the permanent magnet.

4. Electronic system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein, as a result of the connection between the energy accumulator (280) and transmission processing, unit (251)', the transmission processing unit (251) controls the energy accumulator (280) controlling the switching off thereof when the interaction with the electronic device (500) has ended.

5. Electronic system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the interaction between the electronic system (10), in particular the transmission microprocessor (251), and the electronic device (500) is via Bluetooth protocol.

6. Electronic system (10) according to claim 5, wherein the interaction between the electronic system (10), in particular the transmission microprocessor (251) , and the electronic device (500) is via "Bluetooth Low Energy" protocol.

7. Electronic system (10) according tb any one of the preceding claims, comprising:

- recognition means (300) adapted to allow the mutual recognition between the electronic system (10) and the electronic device (500), comprising:

m) a button (310) operable manually by the user to perform such a^' recognition; wherein upon operating the button (310), the energy accumulator (280) powers the transmission processing unit (251), which transmits an identification message.

8. Electronic system (10) according to claim 7, wherein the transmission processing unit (251) , powered by the energy accumulator (280) , transmits the information stored to the memory (152) along with the identification message.

9. Electronic system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in order to send the fired shot data, the transmission processing unit (251) and the electronic device (500) interact by creating a mutual connection, wherein the transmission processing unit (251) sends at least one message in broadcast to. the electronic device (500) including an identification message, the electronic device (500) recognizes the broadcast message and sends at least one connect message to the transmission processing unit (251) creating the mutual connection through which the transmission of information occurs.

10. Electronic system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic device (500) has software, such as an application, adapted to relate the fired shot information transmitted through the electronic system (10) with a plurality of information and data • obtainable according to the features of the electronic device (500), such as ■ the time or date, or the geographical position.

11. Electronic system (10) according to claim 10, wherein the software installed on 'the electronic device (500) is adapted to receive the identification message sent by the transmission unit (251) and recognize, therefore, the electronic system (10) to send the connect message thereto .

12. Electronic system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assessment processing unit (151) is adapted to store to the memory (152) in an incremental manner the number of times it has identified the fired shot condition.

13. Electronic system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assessment processing unit (151) is adapted to store to the memory (152) the physical features of the last electrical signal (E) assessed in which it has identified the fired shot condition.

14. Electronic system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an assessment microprocessor (150) comprising said assessment processing unit (151) and said memory (152), adapted to be switched on and powered by the electrical signal ^' (E) , and a transmission microprocessor (250) comprising said transmission processing unit (251).

15. Firearm (1) comprising an electronic system (10) according to any one of_, the preceding claims, wherein said firearm (1) is a rifle.