IL144994A - Method and system for remotely controlling the operation of a firearm and recording its activity - Google Patents

Description

'im'p-'DEJ ϋΐω^ι ',ρϋ» ■·¾ π7ιΐ39 7 ID pimn mp:i7 romrn ntrtii METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A FIREARM, AND RECORDING ITS ACTIVITY METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR REMOTELY CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF A FIREARM, AND RECORDING ITS ACTIVITY Field of the Invention The present invention relates to firearm control. More particularly, the invention relates to a method and system for monitoring, identifying, supervising and controlling the operation of a firearm, including disabhng/locking a firearm, from a remote control center (RCC).

Background of the Invention Numerous firearms of different kinds are kept by official security, military and police forces. Additionally, as our society becomes more violent, the number of civilians who carry firearms for committing acts of violence, such as robberies and terrorism, is rapidly growing, and so. does the number of civilians who acquire firearms for self-defense. As a consequence, there are. numerous firearms in private, hands, whether they have been legitimately or illegally acquired. Such firearms pose a great risk to the well being of innocent people. Besides the criminal aspect of carrying firearms, there is a problem of mishandling or misusing firearms by individuals, which leads in many cases to accidents and fatal injuries.

Today's society needs a way for meticulously supervising the distribution, possessions and activation of firearms, whether they are carried by civilians or by official sectors, such as the military and police forces. .

One way for limiting or reducing the number of firearms possessed by the public is . to simply collect them from law obedient civilians and to forbid any- futuristic gun. sells. However, in several countries the public's right for self-defense is strictly kept. Therefore, a practical tradeoff would be allowing civilians to posses firearms, but to keep close surveillance and/or control over the' operation of these firearms, and even to remotely disable the operation of these firearms, so as to prevent operating them abusively.

Currently, there are conventional ways for the registration of firear activities. Prior art references disclose means for identifying, a rightful firearm holder, which is capable of locking the trigger, or a safety-catch, of a firearm in cases where said firearm is held by an unauthorized person.

US Patent 4,541,191 discloses a weapon utilization recorder, which automatically records the time at which a weapon is utilized. The disclosed system is essentially designed for police use, as a major purpose of this system is to keep track of police officers' use of their weapons in order to determine whether" the use of their weapons was justified under the circumstances, and to prevent the miscarriage of justice and help clear up questions regarding police brutality.' Accordingly, each activation of a .weapon is recorded in a recording module contained within the weapon. The recording module contained in the weapon is connected, whenever required, to an external reader that allows reading the weapon's serial numbers and time log (i.e. specifying the times at which the firearm was utilized) that is stored therein. The reader is typically located at the police station or other central location, and would be used periodically to determine the utilization status of the weapon or alternatively, whenever the need arises.. However, according to this disclosure, a weapon owner must bring his weapon to a predefined inspection location for allowing the authorities an , access to the time and data stored in his weapon. Therefore, there is no 'real-time' surveillance of a weapon's utilization in such a system. Furthermore, a weapon owner might pretend, after abusing the law, not being able to appear at the police station for inspection. Meanwhile, the trace of a crime can be blurred, e.g. by damaging the electronics contained in the weapon. Additionally, the : weapon user may pretend to have lost his weapon, in which case there is no evidence for his weapon being involved in an act of crime.

US Patent 5,915,936 discloses a firearm with an identification safety system for preventing its use by an unauthorized user. Several modules are disclosed in this disclosure, the tasks of which are identifying the palm of the user who grasps the butt section of the firearm, and locking the trigger of the firearm whenever other than the firearm owner is grasping, said firearm. However, there is no registration or record of said firearm utilization, and the judgment regarding utilizing the weapon, is entirely up to the., weapon's owner. Consequently, such weapons cannot be associated with any law abusing.

Other prior art references disclose ways for remotely locating objects, e.g. for locating a stolen car. However, there are no systems that combine the capabilities of locating a firearm, identifying its holder/owner and gaining control over it (e.g. to selectively enable or disable/lock of- said firearm) from a remotely located control center.

It would -be,- therefore, advantageous to provide a system which would allow state authorities, such as the police, to have a real-time information regarding the number of weapons retained in a predefined area including their exact geographic locations, serial numbers, owners and the current status of each weapon, such as "Loaded", "Safety-Catch Released", "Magazine-In/Out" etc. another significant feature is, that such a system would offer the authorities an option to disable, from a remotely located control center, individual weapons on the basis of predefined rules.

It is an object o'f the present invention, to provide a firearm having identification safety system that interacts with an RCC, which overcomes ; • the shortcomings of the conventional systems.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a firearm and an RCC for identifying authorized users o the. firearm.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a firearm and an RCC for preventing use of the firearm by unauthorized persons.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system that allows real-time remote central surveillance, recording the utilization, supervising and enabhng/disabling of individual weapons.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a system that allows real-time location . capturing of individual firearms by a remote surveillance and control center.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the description proceeds" Summary of the Invention By using the term 'firearm' it is meant to include guns, rifles, weapons, cannons, and in fact every weaponry system, whether simple, sophisticated, computerized or non-computerized weaponry system. However, the principles of the method herein disclosed might be utilized also in systems that do not involve weaponry.

The present invention is directed to a method for allowing official authorities identifying, monitoring, supervising and controlling in 'real-time' the distribution and operation of firearm from a remote control center (RCC) unit. More particularly, the invention is directed to a method and system for allowing a firearm to interact with a RCC unit for the purpose of identifying , monitoring, supervising and controlling said firearm by said' RCC unit. The present invention is also directed to a method and system for providing a RCC unit with 'real- time' geographic location data signal related to the location of a firearm.

It should be noted that a major purpose of the RCC is registering real-time (live') utilization (i.e. discharging) of firearms. Whenever a firearm is utilized, a corresponding 'utilization' signal is generated in the firearm and transmitted to the RCC. Accordingly, a warning signal, such as a warning siren and/or a flashing light, is activated. These types of 'utilization' signaling is distinctive in relation to signaling indicative of other states of a firearm, especially from a state of distress. According to : one aspect of the invention, whenever the safety-catch of a firearm is released (i.e. the firearm being prepared to be utilized), it is assumed that the firearm holder, or owner, is in a . state of distress. Accordingly, a proper procedure might be employed hy the proper authorities. For example, a corresponding message might be sent to a police station that is closest to the firearm . holder/user. Additional actions might be taken simultaneously as well.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each firearm contains a single ('smart') electronic microchip, which is assigned a unique serial number and/or secrete code. The electronic . microchip handles data related to status of a. firearm, e.g. position of its safety-catch, status of the. firearm magazine, utilization of said firearm (i.e. pulling its trigger), including the time of utilization. Other tasks that are performed by the electronic microchip are: identification of the firearm user, activating a locking mechanism in order to prevent misusing a firearm, geographic location of the firearm, interpreting data signals received as queries from RCC and transmitting (corresponding) coded data signals to the RCC, after which the RCC may correspondingly respond.

According to one embodiment of the present, invention, all of the above-mentioned data types, including the unique serial number and/or secrete code of said firearm, are handled by the 'smart' electronic microchip that is installed in the firearm, and transmitted from the firearm to an RCC. An RCC unit responds to the received (from a firearm) data signals, the respond of which depends on the received data signals and on a predefined set. of rules. A typical response from an RCC would be ■ transmitting an instruction to a firearm to activate its locking. mechanism (e.g. lock the firearm trigger). According to one aspect of the present invention, the 'smart' electronic microchip is capable of self-diagnosis, for identifying any try to sabotage, break or damage it by a user. Additionally, the self-diagnosis of the 'smart' electronic microchip allows it to identify its own malfunctioning, and to transmit a message to an RCC accordingly. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a 'smart' electronic microchip is also capable of independently (i.e. regardless of a RCC operation) activating the "Locking" mechanism of a ' firearm in which it is installed.

It should be noted that whenever a specific function(s) .malfunctions, e.g. failing to identify a firearm holder/owner, the malfunctioning function(s) is 'isolated', and the" system as a whole still continues to operate, while compensating for the specific malfunctioning function(s). This capability - 13 need arises. Additionally, a RCC is intended to receive data transmitted from a firearm ancL respond accordingly; According to the present invention, the RCC. comprises a . wireless communication interface (WCI), an Input/Output Interface (I/O Interface), a display (an option) and a main computer. The WCI of the RCC and the WCI of a firearm allowing establishing a wireless communication channel, over which said RCC and firearm exchange data. The WCI of the RCC further comprises a receiver, a transmitter and a modulator. It should be noted that a WCI might be implemented in several ways, as receiving, transmitting, coding and decoding techniques are well known in the art of communications. .

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a main computer is contained within a RCC and connected to the WCI and to a data network, by means of a data/control bus. The main computer includes means for storing a permanent data relating to geographical map(s) of selected area(s), wherein firearm(s) are likely to be present, another means for storing the current geographic location of a firearm, another .means for storing data relating to identities (ID's) of firearm(s) and their owners/users and another means for storing data relating to the status of a firearm, such as the status of a safety-catch of a firearm. - 9 is feasible due to the smart microchip contained in the firearm, which analyses the malfunctioning functions of the firearm and updates the RCC correspondingly.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a firearm includes a timing means for producing a time signal representative of elapsed time, a recorder means for recording the time of activation of said firearm and means for identifying a firearm user and preventing the use of said firearm by an unauthorized user. The improvement in combination therewith includes a communication means (i.e. in a firearm), a RCC and a wireless communication channel that allows communicating with a firearm for the purpose of monitoring, supervising and controlling said firearm.

The firearm A firearm with a Wireless Communication Interface (W CI) is disclosed in the present invention, said WCI is intended for transmitting data representative of said firearm status to a remote control center (RCC), and for receiving data representative of instructions or queries from a RCC. - 10 According to the present invention, the wireless communication interface (WCI) includes at .least a modulator, a power transmitter and a receiver. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, the WCI is. connected by means of a data/control bus to a controller, of which functions are: - receiving data from identifjdng elements within a firearm, said data related to said firearm status. For example, US Patent 5,915,936 and US Patent 4,541,191 disclose a firearm with an identification safety system for preventing its use by an unauthorized person, and a weapon utilization recorder, respectively. - activating the locking mechanism of a firearm in order to allow or prevent the use of said firearm; - interpreting coded data/instructions signal received from a remote RCC; - responding to coded data/instructions signal received from an RCC by forwarding coded data signal to a modulator and transmitting the modulated signal; - sending control signals to the receiver, transmitter and modulator; and - sending signal(s) to a display, such as a Light Emitting Diode (LED), for visualizing to the firearm user the current status of his firearm. - 1 1 •The present invention is also characterized in that a firearm also includes an integral module/function for allowing determining its current geographic location. Accordingly, another function of the controller is to . control the operation of said module. According to the present invention, locating a firearm may be carried out by either of the following ways: 1) Multiple Transmitting Antennas1 (MTA)- according to this technique,. / a plurality of antennas are spread over a predefined area. These antennas transmit data to a module that is contained in an object, of which geographic location is to be determined. The module receives these data signals and determines therefrom its geographic location; and 2) Multiple Receiving Antennas' (MRA) - according to this technique, a plurality of antennas are spread over a predefined area. These antennas receive a transmission from a firearm, of which geographic location is to be determined.

A cellular system is an example for the MBA technology, and the Global Positioning System (GPS) is an example for the MTA technology.

According to the present invention, the controller initiates transmission of data to RCC, via a wireless communication channel. Additionally or - 12 alternatively, the controller transmits data to a RCC upon receiving a request from a RCC to send it a specific data (i.e. a RCC being a 'master' and a firearm being a 'slave').

Preferably, a firearm further comprising: a) means for identifying the firearm user; b) . means for distinctively/uniquely identifying the firearm (e.g. using a serial and/or secrete code); c) means for allowing identifying the location and status of the firearm; d) means for producing data that is indicative of the firearm location; e) . means for storing logging time-data related to chronological utilization of the firearm; . f) means for locking the firearm; and g) communications means for transmitting the above-mentioned data (i.e. ID . of a firearm and its user, data signal being indicative of the location of said firearm, the firearm status and the timing of each utilization of the firearm), and for receiving queries from RCC.

The Remote Control Cente (RCC) unit An RCC is also disclosed in the present invention, said RCC is intended for transmission of queries related to the status of a specific firearm, and instructions to said firearm in order to limit its operation whenever a The main computer interprets data received at its WCI and responds accordingly. The corresponding response of the main computer is forwarded to its WCI for transmission to a firearm for whom said transmission is intended.

An operator of the main computer may retrieve relevant data that is displayed on the screen/monitor of the main computer. However, a larger display may also be conspicuously installed in the RCC room and connected to the main computer, on which a map (e.g. of city) is shown, for visualizing the geographic location of every firearm retained in the covered area. Other types of data signals may also be forwarded from the main computer to the display, such as the status of the firearm(s).

As mentioned, the main computer responds to data received from a firearm. The response of the main computer, e.g. transmission of a "Lock" signal to a firearm, may be initiated automatically in accordance with a predefined set of rules and/or manually (i.e. by the operator of the computer). However, according to the present invention, under certain circumstances a firearm may be allowed to "Lock" itself, e.g. whenever a firearm holder is identified by said firearm as an unauthorized user.

Preferably, an RCC further comprising: a) means for receiving data signals from a (remote) firearm; b) means for transmitting queries to a (remote) firearm; c) a main computer, for interpreting the receive data, for generating a response to be transmitted to a firearm, for creating queries to be transmitted to a firearm, and for communicating with other, essentially similar, RCC units and networks; d) a display, for conspicuously visualizing selected data; e) a data/control bus for exchanging data between said main computer and said receiver and transmitter; and f) a data network, for allowing exchanging data between RCC units and other networks (i.e. external networks).

Deployment of RCC units .

According to the present invention, several strategies for deploying RCC units may be applied, depending on the required coverage area of e.g. a city, country etc. Additionally, a secondary RCC. system may be deployed as a backup. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, every RCC unit is connected to other (remote) RCC units by means of a data network, so as to allow data to be exchanged between RCC units that are connected to said data network, thereby forming a RCC network that is full}' 'updated, coordinated and synchronized network for supervising and controlling firearms.

The data network, which connects the RCC units, may be implemented by utilizing satellites and/or Internet and/or other like infrastructures. Additionally, the data network may utilize a wireless communication and/or an optical and/or cable infrastructure(s).

According to one embodiment of the present invention, other than the RCC units are also connected to the RCC network for exchanging data, such as the data network of a Health Authority or a Police.

Brief Description of the Drawings ■The above and other characteristics and advantages of the invention will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limitative detailed description of preferred embodiments thereof, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 illustrates a general layout and functioning of a firearm having a utilization recorder and an identification safety system (prior art); .Fig! 2A. illustrates a block diagram of a firearm capable of interacting ..with a remote , control center (RCC), according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and - ' . Fig. 2B illustrates a block diagram of a control cente capable of interacting with a remote firearm and with other similar control centers, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention..

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments Fig. 1 illustrates a general layout and functioning of a utilization recorder and an identification safety system 101, which is included in a firearm 15. Input device 11 is designed to sense the identity of the firearm 15 owner. For example, a pressure sensor may be positioned in the butt section 15c of firearm 15 for sensing grasping of the butt section by a palm of a user, and a scanning sensor may be connected for scanning a palm print of the palm of the user and generating a data signal representative of the scanned palm print upon sensing grasping of the butt section by the pressure sensor. The data signal (i.e.. palm print) that is sensed by input device 11 is then forwarded to Microcontroller 10, wherein it is compared to the data signals stored in memory 12.

Microcontroller 10 controls safety mechanism 13 of firearm 15 to operate in a first position (i.e. "Locking" hammer 15a and/or trigger 15b of firearm 15) upon determining that the received data signal does not match any of the data signals stored in memory 12, and controls safety mechanism 13 to operate in a second position . upon determining that the received data signal matches one of the data signals stored in memory 12.

, - ·· - .. Each time a control signal indicative of a palm print of an authorized user is received by Microcontroller 10, the microcontroller stores in Data Log 18 the date,, time and user of the firearm for later retrieval as a log indicating use of firearm 15. Retrieving the log is carried out by connecting an external programmer/reader 16, through input port 17, to Data and Control Bus 28 (Fig. 2A). Reader 16 may be a part of a programmer, of which task is to allow programming the 'smart' electronic microchip 201 (Tig. 2A).

Power supply 14 provides the power for the electronic circuitry and to the electro-mechanical device(s) (e.g. solenoid). .

Fig. 2A illustrates a block diagram of a firearm, which is, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, capable of interacting with an RCC. Essentially, the same utilization recorder and identification safety system 101 as illustrated in Fig. 1 are utilized in the present invention. However, the present invention is characterized by utilizing a wireless communication channel(s) 29 and 20 for transmitting real-time data signal(s), being representative of the current status of a. firearm, to an RCC, as well as for receiving instructions from an RCC, such as "Send the current geographic location of the firearm". The present invention is also characterized by other unique features, one of which is utilizing said RCC for transmitting queries to a firearm and receiving corresponding responses from it. A query may relate, to any. aspect of a firearm, such as "Trigger position", "Safety-catch status", "Magazine status", "Last 'n' operations of the firearm", "Location of the firearm", "The firearm owner's ID" etc. Such queries may be initiated by an RCC on a periodical basis as routine surveillance, or whenever the need arises, such as immediately after a crime has been committed. Alternatively, or additionally, firearm 15 automatically initiates transmitting its status to an RCC on a periodic basis. Alternatively, or additionally, firearm 15 automatically initiates transmitting changes in its status to an RCC immediately after such a change is encountered by its integral sensors 11 and controller 10 (Fig. 1).

Another unique feature is utilizing technologies similar to those that have been designed for indicating the geographic location of objects, such as stolen cars, or for navigation (e.g. when hiking, cross-country skiing, ballooning, flying, and sailing), for locating a firearm. One well known such system is the. Global Positioning System (GPS). The GPS is a "constellation" of 24 well-spaced satellites that orbit the Earth.and make it. possible for . people with ground receivers to pinpoint their geographic location. The location accuracy is anywhere from 100 to 10 meters for most equipment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a special GPS module 24 (Fig. 2A) is developed, which is capable of interacting with the existing GPS constellation, therewith producing/generating a data/location signal representative of the firearm geographic location. The data/location signal , is then transmitted, over a wireless communication channel by means of antenna 24a, to a RCC.

Still referring to Fig. 2A, coded data signals are forwarded from the firearm sensory 11 and control 10 (Fig. 1) to Modulator 21, wherein a data-carrying signal is modulated by said coded data signals. The modulated signal, is then amplified in a Power Transmitter 22, from . which the amplified modulated signal is transmitted, over a wireless communication channel 29, to a RCC.

Receiver 23 receives queries, in the form of instructions, from a RCC. The received instructions are forwarded to -the controlIer-10 (Fig. 1), wherein they are decoded. Immediately after, controller 10 responds to said instructions by e.g. transmittin by Power Transmitter 22 the geographic location of the firearm 15, as calculated/determined by GPS module 24. It should be noted, that other techniques than the GPS may be utilized to generate a data which is indicative of a firearm location.

Data/Control bus 28 is utilized for synchronizin between the various modules (i.e. 21 to 24). It allows controller .10 (Fig. 1) to accept location data signal from GPS module 24, coded instructions data signals from receiver 23, and to forward various coded data signals to Modulator 21, just before said coded data is transmitted over data communication channel «'29 to a RCC.

According to the present invention, display 15d comprises at least one visual indication for indicating the status of a firearm. Exemplary displays are a Light Emitted Diode (LED) or a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), for which green color indicates a firearm being operable, while red color indicates a firearm being disabled (i.e. 'locked'). According to the present invention, locking a firearm is initiated from a RCC and/or from controller iOthat resides within the firearm.

Preferably, antennas 22a, 23a and 24a are the same antenna, and the ....·■ functions of utilizati n recorder and identification safety system 101 and . modules 21 to 24 are contained in a single electronic microchip 201.

Fig. 2B illustrates a block diagram of a remote control center (RCC) 202 capable of interacting with a remote firearm and with other similar control centers, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Interaction between a Remote Control Center (RCC) 202 and a firearm is carried out over a wireless communication channel(s) 29 and 20. As is described hereinbefore, the preferred solution is having only one antenna for both receiving and transmitting data.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, receiver 25 receives at antenna 25a from a satellite 33. and over a wireless communication channel 29, a data-carrying signal. The receiver demodulates the received signal, after which the original coded data is forwarded, through Input/Output Interface 31, to computer 30, wherein said coded data is interpreted. Input/Output Interface 31 may be a standalone device, or it may reside within computer 30.

Various actions · may be taken, said actions being dependent on the interpreted coded data. Some actions may be initiated automatically by the RCC. (i.e.. by computer 30), while other actions may be initiated by an operator who operates computer 30. An general example for an automatic respond by a RCC is a case wherein a firearm carrying user enters into predefined places, wherein any firearm within said predefined places is to be locked to prevent misuse of the firearm(s). A more specific case can relate to crowded places, such as a football stadium, in which case the RCC may transmit a "Locking" command to every firearm that has been identified as .being present in said football stadium, thereby making it inoperable. 'Knowing' the presence of a firearm in a predefined place is allowed, since the firearm transmits data to the RCC, a portion of which relates to the geographic location of said firearm. The geographic location (i.e. coordinates) of the firearm is then compared to a computerized map, wherein predefined areas are electronically 'marked-up' . for the sake of said comparison. Additionally or alternatively, instead of comparing a firearm geographic location to an electronic map, whether contained in computer 30 memory or elsewhere, the (range or set of) coordinates of the predefined areas can be equally or simultaneously maintained in a database (not shown) in computer 30 (or elsewhere), the content of which -can be very easily accessed and updated whenever the need arises.

It should be noted that a decision taken by the RCC to inactivate a firearm, on the basis of location of the firearm, is considered to be an extreme measure. Accordingly, such inactivation measure will be rarely taken. In general,, the extent of the control, which the RCC has over a firearm, may vary, depending on the preferred operation strategy. Moreover, according to the present invention, there exists an option of special category of firearms, which includes firearms having a unidirectional communication with the RCC. Normally, firearms belonging to this category will only transmit to the RCC a data representative of their utilization, which is a minimal requirement' from the system disclosed herein. ■ · -■ ■:' .

An example for a manual respond by the RCC operator is a case wherein the police are planning to raid on a suspicious house for busting criminals. In this case, if any of the residents of the targeted house has a firearm in his/her possession, this firearm will be manually locked by a RCC operator . prior to the police raid, in order to protect the lives of the police officers and minimize the potential risk to innocent civilians in close proximity to the targeted house.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, all of the above-mentioned transmissions, i.e. from a RCC to remote firearms are carried out by forwarding coded instructions or data from computer 30 to modulator 26, amplifying the modulated signal in a Power Transmitter 27 and transmitting the data carrying (modulated) signal by antenna 27a and over a wireless communication channel 20, to the relevant firearm. It should be clear, that each firearm has an electronic microchip · with a unique code, for allowing the RCC to direct instructions to (the) intended firearm, as well for identifying said firearm, by the RCC, whenever a transmission from a firearm is received by the RCC.

Display ■ ' 50 (an option) may be installed conspicuously in a control room of a RCC, showing the current status of firearms in a specific vicinity or area, such as the number of firearms, the exact geographic location of each firearm and the state of the safety-catch in each firearm. This display is not necessary, as the computer's 30. screen may prove to be adequate.

Referring again to Fig. 2B, several same RCC (i.e. 202 and 202/1 to 202/m) may be deployed over a predefined area according to any strategy, so as to allow coverage of surveillance and control over firearms contained within preferred area(s). For example, RCC 202/1 may cover the area of one city while RCC 202/2 may cover the area of another city. The coverage of a city (i.e. by the RCC system deployment) may be either limited/partial, e.g. to potentially crowded places such as football stadiums and theaters, or full. Likewise the coverage of a state/country.

In order to increase the reliability of the system as a whole, several RCC may be deployed to essentially cover same area(s), a number of which may be in a "Standby" mode.

A firearm owner may leave an area covered by one RCC (e.g. 202/1), and enter an area covered by another RCC (e.g. 202/2). Therefore, according to the present invention, each RCC unit is capable of forwarding data relating to every firearm in area(s) under its surveillance/control to other remote RCC units, thereby achieving a sj'stem that is fully coordinated and synchronized. A synchronized system has several advantageous, such as preventing simultaneous transmissions of instructions from multiple RCC units to a same firearm. In order to allow synchronizing between multiple RCC units, a data network 32 is established, over which updating data is exchanged between said multiple RCC units. Data network 32 may be the Internet or other public or private data network. However, since data, which is exchanged between firearm(s) and RCC units is expected to be highly classified, a private and secured network would be the preferred solution. It should be noted that other elements than RCC units may connect to network 32 in order to broaden the system, thereby enhancing said system performance and attributes. For example, network 32 may be connected to a network 32a, which may represent the computer of the Health Authorities, thereby allowing the RCC system to lock a firearm if its owner is registered as being mentally ill. According , to another embodiment of the present invention, network 32a is a computer of the Border Police, thereby allowing the RCC system to lock a firearm whenever its owner is abroad. According to still another embodiment of the present invention, network 32a is . the Traffic Police Computer, thereby allowing the RCC system to lock a firearm whenever, its owner is reported as being involved in a Tiit and run' accident.

RRC units, such as 202 and 202/1 to 202/m, may communicate! with each other by utilizing a satellite 33 or a cellular-like network that resembles a conventional telephone cellular network.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system is utilized for identifying a person in distress situations. For that purpose jvvhenever a gun holder releases the safety-catch of his gun, thereby allowing the gun to be discharged, a distress situation is assumed by the system (i.e. RCC). The system automatically, or manually, forwards the relevant information to the proper authorities, which carry out the necessary procedure or steps. Additionally, or alternatively, the public may be equipped with a small (distress) device, which would mimic releasing of a safety-catch of a gun.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the firearm contains all the elements described above. In another embodiment, the elements are divided between the firearm and a special device (hereinafter referred to as 'electronic holster/pouch'). Preferably, the elements/components that are included in the electronic holster/pouch are those being space consuming. Such elements may be, for example, antenna(s), sensory components, power supply and/or power charger. Additional elements, such as electronic microchips and other electronic circuitry, may be also transferred from a firearm to its corresponding electronic holster/pouch. The firearm and its corresponding electronic holster/pouch are functionally connected to each other, and transmission to, and receiving from, the LCC may be carried out by a transmitter contained either in the firearm, or in its electronic holster/pouch. According to the present invention, the firearm may be utilized while in its electronic holster/pouch, or outside (i.e. detached from) it. Accordingly, the firearm, or its electronic holster/pouch, may transmit to the RCC additional signal, which indicates whether the firearm is contained/attached to its electronic holster/pouch or detached from it. An exemplary electronic holster/pouch is a device that includes a GPS antenna, a communication relay (i.e. between a firearm and its electronic holster/pouch), a rechargeable power supply and a power charger for charging the power supply of the firearm.

The above examples and description have of course been provided only for the purpose of illustration, and are not intended to limit the invention in any way. As will be appreciated by the skilled person, the invention can be carried out in a great variety of ways, employing more than one technique from those described above, all without exceeding the scope of the invention.

Claims (44)

1. 2999/01 144994/2 30 A system for real-time monitoring,, supervising and controlling, by at least one Remote Control Center (RCQ-unit, of the operation of a firearm, comprising: a) at the firearm: a.l) a microchip, comprising: a.1.1) sensing means for acquiring: (i) a first data related to the identity of said firearm and user of said firearm; (ii) a second data related to the current status of said firearm; (iii) a third data related to the geographic location of said firearm; a.1.2) recording means for recording the time at which said firearm is utilized; a.1.3) first communications means for receiving a query from said at least one RCC unit and for transmitting to said RCC unit a data signal, said data signal conveys at least one data from the group comprising said first data, said second data, said third data and time of each utilization of said firearm; and 12999/01 144994/2 31 a.1.4) a programmable controlling means, for accepting programming and signals relating to the identity of the firearm and its user, to the firearm status and location, for interpreting said data, and for generating corresponding coded data signal for transmission to said at least one RCC unit by the communications means. a.2) a power source, for powering said means, at the at least one RCC-unit: b. l) second. communications means for receiving from said firearm said first, second and third data signals, and said firearm status and location data signals, and for transmitting queries to said firearm; ' b.2) comparator unit for comparing said first data to a forth data stored in said at. least one RCC-unit; b.3) display means for displaying a corresponding map, on which a real-time location and other data relevant to said firearm is displayed; and b.4) input means for allowing response in accordance with the received second data, the comparison result of step b.2), the firearm location and a predefined set of rules being dependent on various classifications of firearms. 12999/01 144994/2 32

2. A system according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of RCC units being deployed and interconnected by a data network, for extending the coverage area(s) in which firearms being located.

3. A system according to claim 2, wherein said RCC units exchange data between themselves, allowing them to be coordinated and "synchronized with each other.

4. A system according to claim ¥2, wherein a firearm is monitored and controlled by the closest RCC unit, the closest RCC being determined by the firearm location.

5. A system according to claim 1. wherein the coverage, area of the at least one RCC u n.i is sporadic, continuous, or a combination thereof.

6. A system according to claim 2, wherein the network is connected to other data networks,, so as to enhance the attributes of the RCC units.

7. A system according to claim 2, wherein dedicated RCC units are used for backup, for increasing the reliability of monitoring and controlling of firearms. 12999/01 144994/2 33

8. A system according to claim 1, wherein the sensing, recording and communications means are contained in a single electronic microchip.

9. A system, according to claim 1, wherein the microchip is provided with the capability for running a self-diagnosis procedure in firearms, for detecting malfunctions, and for allowing compensation for such malfunctions.

10. A system according to claim 1, wherein the firearm comprises locking/disabling mechanism which can be activated in accordance with a local decision made inside the firearm or by a remote decision made by the at least one RCC unit and sent by said at least one RCC unit to said firearm.

11. A system according to claim 1, wherein the firearm location of a firearm is determined by the firearm transmitting a 'beacon' signal, said beacon signal being received by multiple antennas of which geographic coordinates are known by a central computer, said computer calculates the location of said firearm and forwards data signal related to said location to said at least one RCC unit, said antennas being spaced over an area wherein potential firearms are to be monitored, supervised and controlled. 12999/01 144994/2 34

12. A system, according to claim 1, wherein a firearm , is classified according to one, or more, categories, said categories being selected from the group of: "Light", "Heavy", "Private", "Public", "Police", "Military", "Security", "Bodyguards", "Automatic", "Semi-automatic", "Residence of a firearm user", "Gun/Rifle", "Permission from said at least one RCC u n.i to utilize a firearm is not required".

13. A method according to claim 2, wherein the data network is one or a combination of networks selected from the group of: Internet, Private Network (PN), Satellite Network (SN), Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN).

14. A system according to claim 2, wherein the data network is connected to other networks selected from the group of: Police, Health Authorities, Interior Office, Ammunition selling shops, Army, Border Police, Traffic Police.

15.. A system according to claim 1, wherein a firearm has a unique identity for making it distinctive.

16. A system according to claim 1, wherein the status of. a firearm is selected from any combination of: "Firearm Locked (or unlocked)", 12999/01 144994/2 . - · · 35 "Safety-catch .Released", "Magazine In/Out)", "Number and time of each of 'n' last utilizations of the firearm", "Validity of a license of a firearm", "Firearm moved from last location", "firearm is contained/attached to its electronic holster/pouch".

17. A system according to claim 1, wherein the firearm is attached to or •contained within a corresponding electronic holster/pouch' containing the means specified in a. l) and/or in a.2).

18. IS. A system according to claim 17, wherein the firearm may be utilized either regardless of the electronic holster/pouch or in combination with the electronic holster/pouch.

19. A system according to claim 1, wherein the firearm can be utilized without identifying the firearm user.

20. A system according to claim 1, wherein the microchip further comprising a . diagnostic procedure for detecting- malfunctions of the firearm, and for compensating for said malfunctions.

21. A sj'stem according to claim 1, wherein the query relates at least to one aspect of the firearm, said aspect being chosen from the group: 12999/01 144994/2 36 "Trigger position", "Safety-catch status", "Magazine status", "Last 'n' utilizations of the firearm", "Location of the firearm", "The firearm owner's ID".

22. A system according to claim 2, wherein the data network is implemented by utilizing satellites and/or Internet and/or computer network and/or wireless communications and/or optical infrastructure and/or cable infrastructure.

23. A system according to claim 16, wherein whenever the "Safety-catch" is in its "Released" status the firearm holder/user is assumed by the at least one RCC unit to be in distress.

24. A method for. 'real-time' monitoring, supervising and controlling, by at least one Remote Control Center (RCC) u it, of the operation of a firearm, comprising the steps: a) at the firearm: a.l) acquiring a first data related to the identity of a firearm and user of said firearm; a.2) acquiring a second data related to the current status of said firearm; 12999/01 144994/2 ■ 37 a.3) acquiring a third data related to the geographic location of said firearm; a.4) whenever said firearm is utilized, recording the time at which said firearm is utilized; and a.5) whenever required, receiving a query from said RCC and transmitting to said RCC unit a data signal, said data signal related to at least one data from the group comprising said first data, said second data, said third data and said time of each utilization of said firearm; at the at least one RCC unit: b. l) whenever required, receiving, from said firearm, said first, second and third data signals; b.2) comparing said first data to a forth data being stored in said RCC, for allowing a corresponding response by said at least one RCC unit: b.3) displaying a corresponding map, on which a real-time location and other data relevant to said firearm is displayed; and b.4) responding in accordance with the received second data (i.e. firearm status), the comparison result of step b.2), the firearm location and a predefined set of rules being dependent on various classifications of firearms. 12999/01 144994/2 38

25. A method according to claim 24, comprising a plurality of RCC units being deployed and interconnected by a data network, for extending the coverage area(s) in which firearms being located.

26. A method according to claim 25, wherein said RCC units exchange data between themselves, thereby allowing said RCC units to be coordinated and synchronized with each other.

27. A method according to claim v25, wherein a firearm is monitored and controlled by the closest RCC unit, the closest being determined by the firearm location.

28. A method according to claim 24, wherein the coverage area of the at least one RCC unit is sporadic, continuous, or a combination thereof.

29. A method according to claim 25, wherein the data network is connected to other data networks, so as to enhance the attributes of the RCC units.

30. A method according to claim 25, wherein dedicated RCC units are used for backup, for increasing the reliability of monitoring and controlling of firearms. 12999/01 144994/2 39

31. A method according to claim 24, wherein the firearm is provided with the ability for running a self-diagnosis procedure, for detecting malfunctions, and for allowing compensation for such malfunctions.

32. "A" method according to claim 24, wherein, the firearm, comprises locking/disabling mechanism which can be activated in accordance with a local decision made inside the firearm or by a remote decision made by the RCC and sent by said at least one RCC unit to said firearm.

33. A method according to claim 24, wherein the location of a firearm is determined by the firearm transmitting a 'beacon1 signal, said beacon signal being received by multiple antennas of which geographic coordinates are known by a central computer, said computer calculates the location of said firearm and forwards data signal related to said location to said at least one RCC unit, said antennas being spaced over an area wherein potential firearms are to be monitored, supervised and controlled.

34. A method according to claim 24, wherein a firearm is classified according to one, or more, categories, said categories being selected 12999/01 144994/2 40 from , the group of: "Light", "Heavy", "Private", "Public", "Police", . "Military", "Security", "Bodyguards", "Automatic", "Semi-automatic", "Residence of a firearm user", "Gun/Rifle", "Permission from said at least one RCC unit to utilize a firearm is not required".

35. " A rhe'thod "according to claim 25, wherein the data network is one or a combination of networks selected from the group of: Internet, Private Network (PN), Satellite Network (SN), Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN).

36. A method according to claim 25, wherein the data network is connected to other networks from the group of: Police, Health Authorities, Interior Office, Ammunition selling shops, Army, Border Police, Traffic Police.

37. A method according to claim 24, wherein a firearm has a unique identity for making it distinctive.

38. A method according to claim 24, wherei the status of a firearm is selected, from any combination of: "Firearm Locked (or unlocked)", "Safety-catch Released", "Magazine In/Out)", "Number and time of 'n' last utilizations of the firearm", "Validity of a license of a firearm", 12999/01 144994/2 41 "Firearm moved from last location", "'firearm is contained/attached to its electronic holster/pouch", said status being transmitted from a firearm to said at least one RCC unit upon receiving a corresponding query from said at least one RCC unit.

39. A method according to claim 24, wherein the firearm is attached to or contained within a corresponding electronic holster/pouch containing a power source for powering the firearm, a recording means for recording the time at which said firearm is utilized, means for allowing acquiring the location of said firearm, means for allowing sensing the status of said firearm and communications means for allowing data exchange between said firearm and the at least one RCC unit.

40. A method according to claim 39, wherein the firearm may be utilized either regardless of the electronic holster/pouch or in combination with the electronic holster/pouch.

41. A method according to claim 24, wherein identifying the firearm user is not mandatory for the utilization of said firearm.

42. . A method according to claim 24, wherein the query relates at least to one aspect of the firearm, said aspect being chosen from the group: 42 "Trigger position", "Safety-catch status", "Magazine status", "Last 'n' utilizations of the firearm", "Location of the firearm", "The firearm owner's ID".

43. A method according to claim 25, wherein the data network is implemented by utilizing satellites and/or Internet and/or computer network and/or wireless communications and/or optical nfrastructure and/or cable infrastructure.

44. A method according to claim 38, wherein whenever the "Safety-catch" in its "Released" position the firearm holder/user is assumed by the least one RCC unit to be in distress. '