Abstract:
The present invention relates to a firearm aiming device and includes a camera mounted on a handgun for relaying images to a monitor carried on the torso of the user.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to handguns and more particularly to a device that increases the safety of the user or operator. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Gun mounted cameras are know from U.S. Pat. No. 5,711,104 to Schmitz among others. System like that taught by Schmitz require that the user or operator aim the weapon solely with the aid of the camera. 
     SUMMARY 
     In contrast to the prior art the present invention discloses a camera adapted for mounting on a handgun. The camera may be used to sight the weapon or the conventional open sight associated with the weapon may be used. The change over between sighting techniques is done without any change to the hardware configuration of the weapon. 
     A light is also fixed to the gun and this may be used to inspect the field of view. In operation the light is powered by a connection to a user pack or unit that houses batteries and a camera display system. The weight and volume of the user pack is low and the console unit maybe mounted on the torso or arm of the user. 
     An optional transmitter is provided to transmit the camera image to a remote site. An optional GPS (Global Positioning System) may be also be included in the system along with a motion detector. 
     In use the user may use the weapon and its associated camera and light to investigate a crime scene while the user is hidden from view and therefore protected. Only the user&#39;s hand may be exposed. In the event that the user is injured, the motion detector may set off an alarm and send the position of the user to the remote site. In the context of a police raid the ability to track the position, status and the observations of each officer from a remote location can materially aid the organization and execution of the raid. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Throughout the several views of the drawing like reference numerals indicate identical structures wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the system; 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of the parts of the system; and, 
     FIG. 3 is flow chart showing an automatic feature of the system. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     FIG. 1 shows a handgun assembly  10  and the user control unit  12 . The user control pack is coupled to the handgun assembly through a short cable  14 . The relative sizes of the handgun and user control unit allow the user pack or unit to be mounted on the body of the user with a strap or the like. The small size of the control unit will allow it to be mounted on the forearm or torso of the user. In these locations it is readily available for use without hampering the ability of the user to move about. A handle  31  is also provided to manipulate the unit without attaching the unit to the torso or arm. 
     The handgun assembly  10  includes a solid state camera (CCD device)  16  and a tactical light  18 . In general these items may be mounted in front of the trigger guard on a handgun  20  which places them “out of the way” so that there is a minimal impact on the normal handling character of the handgun  20 . The cable  14  may be supplied in various lengths to allow the user to minimize the total length of cable in use. A set of cross hairs  23  can be printed or taped on the display  26  to permit aiming of the gun while using the camera  16 . It is important that the use of the camera  16  does not interfere with the use of the normal open sights  21 . It is preferred to mount the camera under the barrel in front of the trigger guard. It is also preferred to mount the light under the camera. 
     FIG. 2 shows the internal architecture of the user control unit  12 . The power supply  20  is preferable a battery pack with rechargeable and replaceable cells preferred. The power source supplies power to the transmitter  22  the GPS receiver  24  and the camera display  26 . A switch  28  is available to the user to turn off the display. In a similar fashion a switch  30  can be used to turn off the light  18  and a switch  32  can be used to turn off the transmitter  22 . In use the motion detector will be activated whenever the user is in motion. A simple mercury switch can be used to detect gross motion. If the user is inactive for a time the transmitter will be turned on and the postion from the GPS receiver will be transmitted to a remote site. If a policeman is “down” then aid can be sent immediately. This automatic feature is optional. 
     In a typical scenario the policeman user will enter a building and use the gun with its associated light and camera to view the scene without exposing the policeman to a line of fire. For example the gun can be held around a corner without the body of the office being visible. In this mode the user will observe the scene on the control unit display screen  26  mounted to his body. 
     FIG. 3 shows a flow chart for implementing a process that can optionally be performed by the device. In process  50  the motion detector generates a signal indicative of motion. If motion is detected the process return and starts again as indicated by decision  60 . If the officer is “down” and no motion is detected the GPS receiver is turned on in process  54  by decision  62 . While the GPS receiver is acquiring position information the transmitter is turned on process  56  and the next the GPS based location is sent out through the transmitter  22  and antenna  34  (seen in FIG.  2 ).