WO2009022031A1

WO2009022031A1 - Authentification and authorization device

Info

Publication number: WO2009022031A1
Application number: PCT/ES2007/070150
Authority: WO
Inventors: Raúl DELGADO ACARRETA
Original assignee: Delgado Acarreta Raul
Priority date: 2007-08-07
Filing date: 2007-08-07
Publication date: 2009-02-19
Also published as: AU2007357824A1; CN101809401A; BRPI0721918A2; EP2175225A1; US20110113664A1; CA2695673A1; EP2175225A4

Abstract

Authentification and authorization device for a firearm (11) comprising a transmitter device (20) to be carried by an authorizable marksman (15) and a receiver device (21) which unlocks or locks use of the firearm (11) depending on a selectable electric feature associated with the authentification and authorization signal generated by the transmitter device (20) carried by an authorizable marksman (15).

Description

AUTHENTICATION AND AUTHORIZATION DEVICE OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[000I] The present invention relates to an authentication and authorization device for the use of a firearm by an authorized and trained shooter for such use.

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE

[0002] In general, the use of a firearm is restricted to its availability and to the possession of the necessary knowledge to do so, without prejudice to the possession of the corresponding governmental authorization. Therefore, in the case of anything unlikely that a person authorized for possession and use of the weapon, such as a civilian at his home, a member of a police force or a soldier in a military action, is removed or taken away from his regulatory weapon could be used, even against you, without being able to avoid it. [0003] Other risk situations occur in the event of a weapon falling and accidental firing. There are also known cases in which a weapon, briefly neglected by its owner, usually in a safe environment such as the family home, is handled by an inexperienced person or a minor causing fatal accidents by a fortuitous firing. [0004] Systems for restricting the use of firearms are known in the state of the art, for example, from patents US5603179, US6185852, US20030163942, US20030136043 or US20040031180, where identification systems are described by sensors that read some characteristic Biometric of the shooter such as a predetermined finger, a predetermined area of the hand, an electronic "image" of a predetermined finger or even the way in which different parts of a handle are pressed.

[0005] From the US patent application US20030070343, a shooter uses a biometric recognition system by means of an image or by typing code, which is activated before undertaking the risk action and enables it to use the weapon, through electromagnetic radiation or ultrasound, provided it is within a certain range, suggested as of A few meters. A disadvantage of the referred system is that any person can use the weapon when it is within said radius of action, there being the impossibility of significantly reducing said area and guaranteeing its correct operation at the same time. [0006] From US Patent US6678984, it follows that a shooter, by means of a transmitter, sends his identification to the weapon using a current conduction circuit, without detailing how he obtains secure electrical connections throughout the entire circuit nor the closing path of the electrical circuit from the weapon to the handle transmitter. [0007] From the known prior art it follows that the current identification and authorization systems of the shooter are inaccurate since there may be difficulties while reading the biometric characteristics of the shooter, because the shooter will not always grab the weapon of In the same way, neither the sensor will be placed, exactly, under the same precise body area, based on the speed with which a situation advises to grasp the weapon.

[0008] In other situations, the reading area may be impregnated with sand, mud or water or covered in thick gloves recommended by the weather. That is, the shooter may be surprised and compromised because the identification system does not identify and authenticate him correctly, therefore, the shooter is unable to use the weapon in that situation.

[0009] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a device that allows reliable and secure authentication and authorization of a predetermined authorized shooter to use a predetermined firearm, safely restricting the number of shooters that can make use of the firearm's weapon. fire. CHARACTERIZATION OF THE INVENTION

[001O] The present invention seeks to solve one or more of the drawbacks set forth above by means of an authentication and authorization device for firearms as claimed in claim 1. Embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims. [001I] An object of the invention is to provide an authentication and authorization device for a firearm that restricts the use of the aforementioned weapon to at least one predetermined authorized shooter, therefore preventing the use thereof to unidentified and authorized third parties.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide an authentication and authorization device comprising a sending device that generates a predetermined authentication and authorization signal consisting of an electric field of reduced field strength that is transmitted, by means of a capacitive coupling to the body. of the shooter and this, by another capacitive coupling to a receiving device included in the firearm.

[0013] Still another object of the invention is to provide an emitting device that is transportable on the body of the shooter or in any garment that belongs to the proper clothing thereof or is included in another object that carries the shooter such as an electronic device. portable, a portable mechanical and / or electromechanical device such as a watch or the like.

[0014] Furthermore, it is another object of the invention to provide a sending device that generates and emits, through one of its outputs, a predetermined authentication and authorization signal to the receiving device included in the firearm. Once said signal is received and processed by the receiving device, the shooter is accredited and authorized to use the firearm.

[0015] Yet another object of the invention is to provide an authentication and authorization device comprising a programmable sending device and receiving device to facilitate the addition or removal of a shooter to authorized shooters to use the firearm.

[0016] Still another object of the invention is to provide a receiving device that once receives the authentication and authorization signal from a sending device used by a shooter who wishes to use the weapon, is capable of generating and transmitting to one of its outputs a unlock signal so that the shooter is allowed to use the firearm, from that moment, while the receiving device continues to receive the authentication and authorization signal.

[0017] At the moment when the device stops receiving said signal, the receiving device generates and transmits a blocking signal from one of its outputs, therefore, the firearm cannot be used. Alternatively, the receiving device stops generating and transmitting an unlocking signal from one of its outputs and the weapon is blocked. [0018] Still another object of the invention is that the receiving device generates and transmits an electrical blocking and / or unblocking signal to an electromagnetic system included in the weapon that acts on the operation of the firing kinematic chain and / or on some of your insurance, freeing or blocking your operation. In the case of electrically and / or electronically operated firearms, the blocking and / or unblocking signal blocks or allows the progression of an electric firing signal.

[0019] As a result of the reduced scope of the characteristics of the signal generated by the emitting device, only a few centimeters, the use of the firearm is restricted to an authorized fence nearby or in contact with the weapon.

[0020] Still another object of the invention is to provide an electrically powered transmitter and receiver device by means of an electric power source such as a long-lasting rechargeable battery or battery. [0021] Another object of the invention is to provide a sending and receiving device that each includes a display screen to show useful information for the authorized shooter. For example, information regarding the state of blocking or unlocking the weapon, the state of charge of the corresponding source of electrical energy or similar. [0022] Still another object of the invention is to provide a lightweight authentication and authorization device of small dimensions and easy to use. Also, in the event of an anomaly or malfunction, the authentication and authorization device can be temporarily disabled by the shooter, so that the firearm can be used by any shooter.

[0023] Still another object of the invention is to provide an authentication and authorization device with great autonomy of operation, since both the emitting device and the receiver are made by means of low-consumption electronic circuits and which remain in a state of rest until receiving a activation signal, deactivating and returning to the state of rest or low consumption when they stop receiving the activation signal.

[0024] Another object of the invention is to show, through the display screen, other information inherent to the weapon, such as, for example, the barrel temperature, the number of cartridges fired or the number of cartridges available in the gun.

BRIEF STATEMENT OF THE FIGURES

[0025] A more detailed explanation of the invention is given in the following description and based on the attached figures:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an authentication and authorization device according to the invention,

[0027] Figure 2 schematically shows a sending device and a receiving device included in the authentication and authorization device according to the invention, and

[0028] Figures 3a and 3b show in a perspective view of a possible location of the receiving device in a short weapon and in a long weapon according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [0029] In relation to Figures 1, 3a and 3b, a block diagram of the authentication and authorization device 10 of a firearm 11 is illustrated, for example, a gun, a rifle.

[003O] The authentication and authorization device 10 comprises a sending device 20 carried by an authorized and authorized shooter 15 to use the firearm 11, and a receiving device 21 which can be located in the gun 11.

[003I] The sending device 20 generates and emits towards the gun 11, by one of its outputs, authentication and authorization signals relating to an electrical characteristic of an electric field, towards the receiving device 21. Likewise, the transmitter 20 is capable of receiving signals generated and transmitted from the receiver 21 to it, in order to be used by the shooter accredited and authorized to use the weapon 11. For example, if the weapon 11 is unlocked or blocked, state of charge of an electrical power supply relative to the receiver 21 or any relevant information of the gun 11. [0032] The body of the authoritative handle 15 itself can serve as a means of bidirectional transmission of signals exchanged between sender 20 and receiver 21.

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic of an embodiment of the transmitter 20 comprising a first programmable logic control means or microprocessor 2Om, a first signal generator 2Og and a first source 2Op of electrical energy such as a battery, battery or similar that feeds the other components of the emitter 20.

[0034] In addition, the transmitter 20 includes first electrical input / output terminals 2Oe such as electrodes 2Oe that do not need to electrically contact the body of the handle 15 authorized to use the weapon 11, so that the authentication and authorization signals generated by the first generator 2Og based on information provided from the microprocessor 2Om, they flow through the body of the authorized handle 15 towards the receiving device 21. Also, the emitting device 20 comprises a first display screen 2Od where information related to the weapon is shown eleven.

[0035] Similarly, Figure 2 schematically illustrates, also, an embodiment of the receiver 21 comprising a second programmable logic control means or microprocessor 2 Im and a second source 2 Ip of electrical energy such as a battery, battery or the like. feeds the rest of the receiver's components 21.

[0036] The receiver 21 includes a few second input / output terminals 2 le such as electrodes 21e that also do not need to be electrically connected with the body of the shooter authorized to use the gun 11, to receive the authentication and authorization signal emitted from the device emitter 20, generating and transmitting, in turn, an unlocking signal through a third electrical terminals 2 It, so that the gun 11 is operative for firing.

[0037] Likewise, signals generated by the second generator 2 Ig, based on information provided from the microprocessor 2 Im, are transmitted to the sending device 20 through the second terminals 2 le, flow through the body of the authorized shooter and generate an electrical signal at the first 2Oe terminals that reach the first logic control means programmable or microprocessor 2Om.

[0038] Also, the receiving device 21 comprises a second display screen 2 Id where information about the weapon 11 is shown.

[0039] In connection with Figures 3a and 3b, where a location of the receiver 21 in the weapon 11 such as a rifle, a gun or the like is shown. The second display screen 21d is preferably positioned around the aiming system of the weapon 11 itself, so that the screen itself is oriented towards the view of the authorizable shooter 15 and, therefore, within its field of vision of the aiming system. [0040] Obviously, the transmitter 20 is carried by the authoritative handle 15. It is activated by acting on an on and off switch, not shown in the drawings.

[0041] Since the emitting device 20 can have different locations depending on its physical dimensions such as a watch, a bracelet, insertable in any garment that the authorized shooter 15 sees, within the shooter's own body 15, consequently, the Switch will take a form appropriate to its location and its activation and deactivation will also be appropriate to such location.

[0042] When the sending device 20 is activated the first 2Og generator, based on information received from the first 2Om microprocessor, generates a continuous authentication and authorization signal and / or with a predetermined programmable periodicity by means of the first 2Om microprocessor, which it is transmitted through the first output terminals 2Oe to the weapon lia through the body of the own authorized shooter 15.

[0043] The first 2Og signal generator comprises a generator of electric fields that are transmitted to the user 15 by capacitive coupling, that is, without direct electrical contact between the electrodes 2Oe and the authoritative handle 15. The signal is transmitted when the separation between the electrodes 2Oe and the handle body 15 is less than a predetermined distance measured in a few centimeters, being interrupted when the value of the distance between the emitter 20 and the handle 15 It is greater than the aforementioned distance.

[0044] The signals transmitted to the shooter 15 in the form of a weak electric field are they transmit from this to the gun 11 in the same way, being picked up by the second input / output terminals 21e of the receiver 21, without the need for direct electrical contact with the handle 15. Also the signal transmission is carried out when the separation between the The body of the handle 15 and the electrodes 21e is less than a predetermined distance measured by a few centimeters, being interrupted when the value of the distance between the handle 15 and the receiver 21 is greater than that distance.

[0045] When the authentication signal is received at the receiver 21 through the electrodes 21e it reaches the second programmable logic control means or microprocessor 2 Im, which analyzes it to see if it has been emitted from an authorized sender 20, that is, each transmitter-receiver assembly is characterized by an encoded electric field, for example, by frequency, amplitude and / or phase modulation.

[0046] Once the received authentication signal is evaluated and based on the values stored in a second storage memory, not shown in the figures, electrically connected to the second microprocessor 2 Im or included in it, the micro 2 Im generates and transmits the corresponding unlocking signal, through the third terminals 2 It, to the electromagnetic device, not shown in the figures, for the unlocking of the firing mechanism of the weapon 11 being able to actuate it.

[0047] On the contrary, when the receiver 21 stops receiving the authorization signal and / or does not come from an authenticated and authorized transmitter 20, the electromagnetic device keeps the firing mechanism of the gun 11 blocked preventing the firing of shots with the same . [0048] The aforementioned electromagnetic device includes a magnetic core that in its operation interferes with the movements of the firing kinematic chain of the weapon 11 or of some of its mechanical locks preventing or allowing the normal operation of the weapon 11.

[0049] In another embodiment the magnetic core of the electromagnetic device is at least one of the parts of the firing kinematic chain of the weapon 11 or of some of its mechanical locks.

[005O] In electrically and / or electronically operated weapons, said electromagnetic device is replaced by an electrical circuit that transmits and / or electrically cuts off the transmission of a gun trigger signal 11.

[005I] In those cases in which the weapon 11 could not be unlocked due to exceptional circumstances, for example, low level of battery or battery voltage or malfunction of the electronic circuits, the weapon 11 would remain, until these conditions disappeared abnormal, in a permanent state of blocking or unlocking, at the will of the authorized shooter 15, by means of a button arranged for this purpose or because the device 10 is thus programmed.

[0052] Both sender 20 and receiver 21 are programmable. The transmitter 20 through push-buttons arranged for this purpose and the receiver 21 from the transmitter 20 using the information described in the preceding paragraphs as a means of transmitting information. In this way it is possible to add or remove one or more emitters 20 related to authorized handles 15 and receivers 21 relative to the corresponding weapons can be added or removed. Therefore, independent groups of authorized handles 15 associated with a weapon can be created or group of weapons 11.

[0053] The programming of both the transmitter 20 and the receiver 21 can be carried out remotely and independently, using an air interface, electromagnetic radiation visible or not by the human eye or by electric fields or the like.

[0054] The receiver 21 of the authentication and authorization device is manufactured as a component that is coupled, housed or embedded in the frame of the IOL in any of its components so that if it is equipped with the second screen 2 Id, This is displayed at all times by the shooter 15 when making a shot, that is, it is directed towards the shooter 15.

[0055] The indication of the state of blocking or unlocking the weapon 11 can be transmitted by means of electrical connections or through any means of transmission of information via air interface to a system for receiving and processing information and / or to a third display screen , not shown in the drawings, that is part of the shooter's equipment or is away from it.

[0056] Both the emitter 20 and the receiver 21 comprise a source of electrical power 2Op, 2 Ip such as a battery, battery or the like of reduced dimensions and long life that supplies electrical energy to the corresponding electronic circuitry, also being rechargeable batteries.

[0057] To extend the life of the 2Op, 2 Ip batteries, the first and second display screen 2Od, 21 d show their information for a predetermined period of time in order not to distract attention from the shooter 15 longer than necessary and prevent it from being located in the dark. The rest of the time they remain off except when they have to show new information relevant to the user 15, for example that the 2Op, 2 Ip battery is close to being depleted or that the unlocking of the weapon has occurred due to the failure of an electronic circuit.

[0058] The information of both screens 2Od, 21d will be displayed with different degrees of light intensity according to the ambient light existing at each moment to facilitate viewing. This will reduce significantly when the ambient light is low or there is darkness and will increase in the opposite case.

[0059] The authentication and authorization device 10 of the weapon 11 may also include push-buttons to perform additional functions such as, for example, that the display screens 2Od, 21 d do not display information, lock or unlock the use of the weapon indefinitely 11. [ 0060] The 2Od, 21 d display screens can be of the LCD, electroluminescent, plasma, coherent light or similar liquid crystal type, due to the fact that these technologies imply low power consumption.

[0061] Likewise, the authentication and authorization device 10 described can be used to display on the display screens 2Od, 21d relevant information referring to the weapon 11, its conditions of use or its status. For example, the number of shots fired with the magazine carrying the gun 11, the total number of shots fired over the life of the gun 11, the number of cartridges left in it, or at the barrel temperature, measured with appropriate probes. [0062] The embodiments and examples set forth herein are presented as the best explanation of the present invention and its practical application and thus allow those skilled in the art to practice and use the invention. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the description and the examples above have been presented for the purpose of illustration and only as an example. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise manner described. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of the previous teaching without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims.

Claims

1. Authentication and authorization device for firearms (11) to restrict its use to at least one authorized shooter (15); characterized in that the authentication and authorization device (10) comprises an emitting device (20), transportable by the shooter (15) accredited and authorized to use the weapon (11), which generates and emits through first electrical output terminals / input (2Oe) an authentication and authorization signal to a receiving device (21) included in the weapon (11).

2. Device according to claim 1; characterized in that the authentication and authorization signal is a selectable electrical characteristic associated with an encoded electrical field.

3. Device according to claim 2; characterized in that the selectable electrical characteristic associated with the electric field is encodable by frequency, amplitude and / or phase modulation.

4. Device according to claim 3; characterized in that the receiving device (21) receives an electrical signal relating to the authentication and authorization signal emitted by the sending device (20), generating and transmitting, in turn, through electrical second input / output terminals (2Ie). , an unlocking signal through a third electrical terminals (2It) so that the weapon (11) is operative for firing.

5. Device according to claim 4; characterized in that the authentication and authorization signal generated by the first generator (2Og) flows through the body of the authorized shooter (15) towards the receiving device (21) without the existence of electrical contact or between the first electrical input / output terminals (2Oe) and the handle (15) or between the handle (15) and the second electrical input / output terminals (2Ie) of the receiver (21).

6. Device according to claim 5; characterized in that the authentication signal is transmitted only when the separation between the handle (15) and the second electrical input / output terminals (2Ie) is equal to or less than a predetermined distance.

7. Device according to claim 6; characterized in that the Signal transmission between the sending device (20) and the receiving device (21) is bidirectional.

8. Transmitter device connectable to a receiving device (21); characterized in that the sending device (20) generates and emits towards the receiving device (21) an authentication and authorization signal relating to a selectable electrical characteristic of an electric field encodable by frequency, amplitude and / or phase modulation.

9. Device according to claim 8; characterized in that the authentication and authorization signal is programmable by means of a first programmable logic control means (2Om).

10. Device according to claim 9; characterized in that the sending device (20) comprises the first programmable logic control means (2Om) electrically connected to a first generator (2Og) of authentication and authorization signals, in turn, electrically connected to a first source (2Op) of electric power, first electrical input / output terminals (2Oe) without electrical contact with the handle body (15) so that the authentication and authorization signal generated flows through the handle body (15) to the receiving device (21) .

11. Device according to claim 10; characterized in that the emitting device (20) is transportable by the authoritative handle (15).

12. Device according to claim 11; characterized in that the sending device (20) is programmable by means of the first programmable logic control means (2Om).

13. Receiving device connectable to a sending device (20); characterized in that the receiving device (21) receives a selectable electrical characteristic relative to an authentication and authorization signal generated by the sending device (20), generating and transmitting, in turn, an unlocking signal through a third electrical terminals ( 2It) so that the weapon 11 is operative for firing.

14. Device according to claim 13; characterized in that the receiving device (21) comprises a second programmable logic control means (2Im) electrically connected to a second generator (2Ig), to its once, electrically connected to a second source (2Ip) of electrical energy, a few second electrical input / output terminals (2Ie) through which the selectable electrical characteristic is received and a third electrical input / output terminals (2It) through which the unlocking signal of the use of the weapon (11) is transmitted.

15. Device according to claim 14; characterized in that the receiving device (21) comprises a second micro (2Im) that generates and transmits the corresponding unlocking signal, through the third terminals (2It) towards an electromagnetic device that releases the firing mechanism of the weapon (11) .

16. Device according to claim 15; characterized in that the magnetic core of the electromagnetic device is a part outside those that integrate the kinematic chain of firing or some of the mechanical locks of the weapon (11)

17. Device according to claim 15; characterized in that the magnetic core of the electromagnetic device is at least one of the parts of the weapon's own kinematic firing chain (11) or of some of the weapon's mechanical locks (11)

18. Device according to claim 15; characterized in that the electromagnetic device (21) is replaceable by is an electrical circuit that transmits and / or electrically cuts off the transmission of a trigger signal in an electrically and / or electronically operated weapon (11).

19. Device according to claim 15; characterized in that the receiving device (21) is configured to be inserted into the body of the firearm (11).

20. Device according to claim 19; characterized in that the receiving device (21) is programmable by the second programmable logic control means (2Im)