Patent Publication Number: US-2003229499-A1

Title: Voice-activated locking mechanism for securing firearms

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001] I. Field of the Invention  
       [0002] The present invention relates to firearm security. More specifically, the present invention relates to a redundant voice-activated locking mechanism for securing a gun to prevent firing of the gun by unauthorized persons.  
       [0003] II. Discussion of the Prior Art  
       [0004] The Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees that the “right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.” Those that choose to exercise this right assume the responsibility of ensuring that their weapons are secured and do not impose an unreasonable risk to the life, health and property of others. Since the Second Amendment was enacted in over 200 years ago, gun manufacturers have developed increasingly sophisticated technology to prevent firearms from being misused. Guns are routinely equipped with safeties to prevent misfiring. Various gun locks have also been developed to prevent children from firing the weapon. Locking gun cases have been developed not only to prevent children from gaining access to the weapon, but also to prevent theft of the weapon. Such locks and cases have typically been operated by a key or by entry of a secret combination.  
       [0005] Several problems exist with prior art gun locks and locking gun cases. First, the keys can be lost rendering the lock inoperable. Second, the keys can be found by children or others who can use the key to open the lock and gain access to the gun. Similarly, combinations for locks can be forgotten. Owners, therefore, often write down the combination. If a child learns the combination, the child will have unfettered access to the gun. further, such locks are only effective if they are used. If the gun lock or the gun case is left unlocked, the gun is not properly secured. Finally, mechanical locks can be easily picked by thieves or other criminals. They serve as a deterrent against theft but are not capable of preventing unauthorized persons from firing the gun.  
       [0006] In recent years, electronic locks have been developed. See, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,022,175 to Baker et al on Feb. 24, 1976. These typically include a solenoid that moves a safety between on and off positions, a memory for storing an access code, an input mechanism such as a keyboard for entering an access code, a comparator for comparing the entered code with the code stored in memory, control logic, and a battery. Often, the memory is a random access memory. If power is lost, the data stored in memory is lost causing the lock to become inoperable. Also, the access codes, typically a sequence of numbers, must be relatively short. Over time, an unauthorized person could determine what the access code is and use it to open the lock. Such mechanisms also do not prevent children who learn the code from gaining access to the weapon and provide no greater security than mechanical combination locks. Still another problem is that in an emergency situation when access to the gun is needed by the owner or an authorized person, that person may simply not remember the code.  
       [0007] More recently, various parties have developed locking arrangements that use voice technology to operate a lock or some other piece of security equipment. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,706,399 which issued to Bernard F. Bareis discloses a vehicle security alarm system which is controlled by speech. Various functions are accomplished using specific spoken commands. A microphone converts speech to time-variant voltage levels which are digitized using an analog-to-digital converter. A speech recognition subsystem monitors the digitized signals. When control words are recognized, output signals are generated. The output signals are employed to operate door locks, a siren or horn, vehicle lights, the vehicle&#39;s engine or the like. The speech recognition subsystem also has speaker verification capabilities. Specifically, voice template data is stored in a memory. As one speaks into the microphone, the speech characteristics are compared to the template data to verify that the command was spoken by an authorized user. Another speaker identification and verification system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,522,012 to Mammone et al dated May 28, 1996.  
       [0008] An application of voice recognition technology to firearm safety is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,528 which issued to James W. Teetzel on Nov. 5, 1996. This patent describes a voice-activated locking apparatus that includes a locking mechanism which prevents activation of the weapon when the trigger is pulled. The locking mechanism includes a microphone connected to a voice recognition chip. The voice recognition chip evaluates the words spoken into the microphone to verify that the speech pattern of the voice corresponds to only that of an authorized user. If this evaluation indicates the words were spoken by an authorized user, the locking mechanism is unlocked and the gun can be fired if the trigger is pulled.  
       [0009] Several problems exist with the voice-activated weapon lock described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,570,528. First, the voice pattern of authorized users will vary depending upon levels of fatigue or stress. The system disclosed in the &#39;528 patent does not account for this. Second, the system disclosed in the &#39;528 patent does not address the possibility of voice duplication. High grade voice recording and playback equipment is readily available and a recording of an authorized user&#39;s voice could be used to activate the lock described in the &#39;528 patent. Third, the &#39;528 patent does not provide a system which automatically locks the gun if predetermined conditions exist for improved safety.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010] An object of the present invention is to provide a firearms locking device which uses a voice print unique to an authorized user to actuate the locking device.  
       [0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide such a locking device which accounts for voice variations of the authorized user due to fatigue, stress, illness or other factors.  
       [0012] Still another object of the present invention is to provide such a locking device that is not susceptible to being opened by unauthorized personnel employing voice duplication technology.  
       [0013] A further object of the invention is to provide such a locking device having a second level of security which can be set and changed by an authorized user.  
       [0014] An additional object of the invention is to provide such a locking device which further includes automatic locking and unlocking features programmable by an authorized user.  
       [0015] Still a further object of the invention is to provide such a locking mechanism which includes non-volatile memory for storing voice prints, codes and logic parameters and a backup power source so that the locking mechanism can always be activated by an authorized user.  
       [0016] These and other objects are all achieved by providing a sophisticated locking mechanism that can either be coupled to a weapon to prevent firing of the weapon by unauthorized users or coupled to a case to prevent unauthorized access to the weapon itself. The locking mechanism will include a microprocessor for performing logic and control functions, non-volatile memory for storing voice prints, access codes and other parameters related to the operation of the locking mechanism. Main and backup power sources are provided to ensure the lock can be activated at any time. A microphone and analog-to-digital converter is also provided for entry of voice samples and commands. One or more data entry keys can also be provided.  
       [0017] The locking mechanism of the present invention creates a voice print using multiple samples which are averaged so that the locking mechanism can account for voice variations due to fatigue or stress. A separate authentication code is also required to activate the lock so that voice duplication, alone, will not be sufficient to activate the lock. Similarly, the locking mechanism includes a user selectable, time variable activation feature so that the locking mechanism automatically locks after a predetermined period of time. The locking mechanism can also be programmed to automatically lock if one or more selectable control words are picked up by the microphone. 
     
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
     [0018]FIG. 1 is a side view of a hand gun equipped with the locking mechanism of the present invention.  
     [0019]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the locking mechanism of the present invention.  
     [0020]FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing the operation of the locking mechanism of the present invention.  
     [0021]FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.  
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
     [0022]FIG. 1 shows a hand gun  1  equipped with the locking mechanism  10  of the present invention. The locking mechanism  10  includes an electronics package  12 , a microphone  14 , a pair of batteries  16  and  18  coupled to electronics package  12  by a switch  20 , and a solenoid  22 . The various components of the locking mechanism  10  are mounted within the handle  2  of the gun. The gun  1  has a safety  3  which is capable of being moved by a lock member, such as solenoid  22 , between a lock position in which firing of the gun is precluded and an unlocked position in which the gun can be fired.  
     [0023]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the locking mechanism  10 . As shown, the electronics package  12  includes a process controller  24 , which could be a microprocessor, for controlling the functions of the locking mechanism  10 . The electronics package  12  also includes non-volatile memory  26  in which programmable parameters are stored. The type of non-volatile memory used can vary. It should be programmable and it should also not lose data stored therein if there is a disruption in power.  
     [0024] As shown in FIG. 2, the electronics package  12  also has an analog-to-digital converter  28 . This A-D converter is used to digitize the signals generated by the microphone  14  so that these signals can be processed by the process controller. The electronics package  12  also has a key pad  30  that can be used for programming and operating the locking mechanism  10 . While not shown, a small speaker or visual display, (such as one or more light emitting diodes) can be provided to convey information to a user of the gun  1 .  
     [0025] The electronics package  12  is powered by a battery. In fact, two batteries  16  and  18  are provided. These are separately connectable to the electronics package  12  by the switch  20 . Typically, the switch  20  will be set so the main battery  16  is electrically coupled to the electronics package  12 . When the switch  20  is set in this position, there will be no discharge of power from the back-up battery. In the event the main battery  16  is fully discharged, a user can actuate the switch  20  to connect the back-up battery to the electronics package  12  so that the gun  1  and locking mechanism  10  remain usable until the user has an opportunity to charge or change the main battery  16 . Because all of the programmable parameters of the locking mechanism are stored in the non-volatile member  12 , there is no need to reprogram the locking mechanism even if the main battery  16  is fully discharged for an extended period of time. All the user needs to do is move the switch  20  to engage the back-up battery  18  to restore full functionality to the locking mechanism  10 .  
     [0026]FIG. 3 is a flow chart which will be used to explain the manner in which locking mechanism  10  operates and the many advantages it offers. A user can activate the system by depressing a key on the key pad  30 . The process controller  24 , upon receipt of the signal indicating a key has been depressed, checks to see if the electronics package  12  has been programmed. If not, the process controller  24  automatically enters the program mode.  
     [0027] In the program mode, a number of parameters are set. These are all stored in the non-volatile memory  26 . First, a plurality of voice samples are provided by the owner or other authorized user of the gun. The microphone and A-D converter are used to create digital electronic signals representative of each voice sample. These are processed by the process controller  24  and stored in memory  26 . From these voice samples, a voice print is created. This voice print is also stored in memory  26 . There are several reasons why multiple voice samples are used to create the voice print. One is to ensure greater accuracy. Another is so that the system can account for voice variations due to fatigue or stress of the authorized user. As discussed in greater detail below, the voice print is later compared to a user&#39;s speech pattern to determine whether the user is authorized to use the gun.  
     [0028] The present invention does not rely exclusively on voice pattern recognition to ensure that unauthorized users are unable to fire the gun. To operate the gun, the user must also enter a correct access code. Access codes can either be an alphanumeric code entered using the key pad  30  or a specific word spoken into the microphone  14 . In the program mode, the user can set separate access codes later used to reenter the program mode or to actuate the solenoid  22  to unlock the gun. These codes are also stored in the non-volatile memory  26 .  
     [0029] For added security, the system also can be programmed to deactivate the locking mechanism  10  for a set period of time if the user&#39;s voice does not match the voice print of an authorized user stored in memory or if the wrong access code is entered. In the program mode, the user can set the period of time during which the locking mechanism would be deactivated. The user can also set the number of invalid voice prints that are rejected before the system deactivates as well as the number of invalid access codes that are rejected before the system deactivates. These parameters, again, are stored in the non-volatile memory  26 .  
     [0030] Still another safety feature of the present invention is the ability of the locking mechanism  10  to automatically lock the gun  1  if the gun has been unlocked for a predetermined period of time. The length of this period of time is also a programmable parameter which, again, is stored in the nonvolatile memory.  
     [0031] The system also is designed so that “lock” commands can be programmed and stored in the non-volatile memory. Typically, these will be a voice “lock” command that can be entered via the microphone  14  and also a “lock” command that can be entered using the keypad  30 . If an unauthorized user has gained access to the gun and the gun is unlocked, the authorized user can speak the “lock” command code to relock the gun. This is an important safety feature, particularly if a criminal has successfully wrestled the gun away from the authorized user. If the authorized user has possession of the gun, he can lock it by either speaking a “lock” command or by entering a “lock” command using the keypad  30 .  
     [0032] Once all of the above-described parameters are stored in memory, the system exits the program mode, the system has been initialized, and the gun is ready for safe use and storage. Upon subsequent receipt of a start signal by the process controller  24 , the system will bypass the program mode unless the program access code is entered. Specifically, the process controller  24  will wait to receive a voice sample from the user via the microphone  14 . Upon receipt of the voice sample, the controller  24  compares it with the voice print stored in memory  26 . If there is no match, the system checks to see how many consecutive non-matches there have been. If the number of non-matches is less than the number set during the program phase, the processor waits for the next voice sample picked up by the microphone  14 . If the number of non-matches equals the number set during the program phase, the controller deactivates the locking mechanism for the period of time set during the program phase.  
     [0033] As indicated above, even a successful match by the process controller  24  of the voice sample with the voice print stored in memory  26 , will not be enough to unlock the gun  1 . There must also be a match with an access code. Thus, after the voice sample and voice print match, the system compares the access code received (either via the keypad  30  or the microphone  14 ) with the access codes stored in memory  26  during programming. If the voice matches but the access code does not, the access code is rejected and the system checks to see if the number of successive unsuccessful access code entries is less than or equal to the programmed number of rejected access codes. So long as the number of successive unsuccessful access codes is less than the programmed number, the user can continue to try different access codes. As soon as the number of consecutive rejected access codes equals the programmed number, the locking mechanism will automatically deactivate for the predetermined period of time set during the program mode.  
     [0034] If there is a voice match and an access code match, the system determines whether the matched access code was the program access code or the unlock access code set in the program mode. If the program access code was entered, the system reenters the programming mode and the user can change any of the programmable parameters stored in memory. If, on the other hand, the unlock access code was entered, the solenoid  22  is actuated to unlock the safety  3  of the gun  1 .  
     [0035] Once the safety  3  has been unlocked buy the solenoid  22 , the controller  24  monitors signals from the microphone  14  and keypad  30 . If a lock command is received either via the microphone  14  or keypad  30 , the controller  24  sends a signal to the solenoid  22  causing it to relock the safety  3 . In the event that the lock command is received via the microphone  14 , the controller  24  compares the voice pattern of the person speaking the command with the voice print of the authorized user(s) stored in memory and only actuates the solenoid  22  to move the safety  3  into the locked position if the voice pattern of the speaker matches the voice print of an authorized user. Thus, an authorized user such as a police officer could issue the voice lock command and successfully disable the gun. Someone who is not an authorized user (such as a criminal) could not issue a lock command and disable the policeman&#39;s gun.  
     [0036] Not only will the controller  24  send a lock signal to the solenoid  22  if a lock command is received, but the controller  24  will also issue such a signal after a predetermined period of time after the safety  3  is unlocked. This provides additional security, the level of which is dependent upon the time-out parameter set in the program mode.  
     [0037]FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the electronics locking mechanism  10  has an electronics package  12 . The electronics package  12  consists of a process controller  24  which is coupled to both a non-volatile memory  26  and a smart card port  32  for data storage. The process controller receives inputs from two sources, the key pad  30  and the microphone  14  via the analog-to-digital converter  28 . The electronics package is powered by batteries  16  and  18 . The electronics package  12  controls the operation of a solenoid  22  (or some other suitable device) to actuate the safety of the gun.  
     [0038] A highly sophisticated voice recognition system is used by the locking mechanism  10  shown in FIG. 4 to ensure the gun cannot be used by unauthorized personnel or in an unintended manner. The voice recognition scheme utilized adopts a three-prong approach. First, the lock mechanism  10  will not operate unless there is a smart card coupled to the smart card port  32 . The smart card acts as a key. Second, a voice print is created and stored on a smart card utilizing a predetermined number of voice samples. These voice samples are averaged for frequency range and volume to negate inflection variations due to stress. The voice print is used to identify an authorized user. Third, separate speech patterns (frequency patterns) are associated with access codes used to activate various specified safety functions. These frequency patterns are stored on the smart card. These functions include locking the fire arm, unlocking the firearm and initiating a time out interval at the end of which the firearm is locked. Once set up is complete, the voice recognition system not only requires a smart card coupled to the port  32 , but also “listens” for the voice of an authorized user and also “listens” for specific words (frequency patterns) associated with an access code. Only when a smart card is in the port  32  and the voice of an authorized user delivers the specific words required to activate a feature of the locking mechanism will the process controller  24  deliver signals to the solenoid to lock or unlock the gun.  
     [0039] The locking mechanism  10  shown in FIG. 4 is also designed to accommodate initial set-up of the locking mechanism and alteration of that set-up to add or delete authorized users. Specifically, a master access code is stored in memory. This master access code is pre-set at the factory, cannot be changed, is required to enter the programming mode, and is unique to the locking mechanism of the gun. The key pad is used to enter this code to cause the locking mechanism to enter the program mode.  
     [0040] A principal difference between the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 versus the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is that the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 employs the use of smart card technology. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, a smart card must be inserted into the firearm (i.e. coupled to the smart card port  32 ) to enable the firearm to function. When the smart card is removed, the controller  24  locks the safety and the firearm is rendered totally inoperable until the smart card is reinserted. The voice print used to identify an authorized user and the frequency patterns associated with the access codes can be stored on the smart card as opposed to the non-volatile memory  26 . Each user can be given his or her own smart card. Thus, a user must insert his or her smart card into the gun and say the right words to activate a function of the locking mechanism.  
     [0041] If desired, the non-volatile memory of the locking mechanism can keep track of who has used the gun, how many shots were fired, and even the time and date each shot was fired. To provide this functionality, the process controller  24  can have a built-in clock. Either the microphone  14  of some other sensor can be used to detect the firing of a shot and send an appropriate signal to the controller. A code uniquely identifying the user can also be stored in the smart card.  
     [0042] The locking mechanism of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 thus has three levels of safety: (1) if the smart card is not inserted, the locking mechanism will not operate; (2) if the voice print of the user does not correspond to the voice print stored on the smart card, the locking mechanism will not operate; and (3) if the user does not say the right word or combination of words, the locking mechanism will not perform the requested function. The smart card port  32  preferably has a compact, integral design and is located so the smart card can be inserted into the grip, grip plate, frame or magazine well of the gun and, thus, coupled to the port  32 .  
     [0043] The analog-to-digital converter  28  converts the analog voice patterns generated by the microphone  14  to a digital signal. In the programming mode, the digital signal is sent to the process controller  24  to create and store on the smart card the voice pattern used in recognition of an authorized user. The controller  24  also uses the digital signals from the analog-to-digital converter  28  to create and store on the smart card the specific voice patterns to be associated with the event codes that, when matched, activate a function of the locking mechanism. In the operative mode, the microphone  14  and analog-to-digital converter  28  are used to transmit voice samples to the process controller  24 . The process controller first compares these samples to the voice print stored on the smart card to see if there is a match between the user and the authorized user associated with the smart card. The process controller then compares these samples to the specific patterns stored on the smart card associated with the event codes that activate the various functions of the locking mechanism. Only if there is both a user match and an event code match will the controller  24  issue the instructions necessary to perform the function associated with the access code. When it is desirable to store information related to each shot fired, the microphone and analog-to-digital computer also send signals indicative of a fired shot to the controller  24 .  
     [0044] The battery  16 / 18  associated with the locking mechanism of FIG. 4 has a low drain and compact design. Watch or calculator batteries could be used. Also, a “low power” indicator (not shown) can be provided to indicate when a battery charge is required.  
     [0045] The foregoing provides a description of a sophisticated locking mechanism. While it has been described for use on a handgun, the same locking mechanism can be adapted for use on rifles, shotguns and other weapons without deviating from the invention. This locking mechanism can also be used on gun cases.  
     [0046] Further, the locking mechanism of the present invention can easily be adapted to that there are multiple authorized users, each having their own voice prints stored in memory. All of the other parameters can be set differently for each different authorized user.  
     [0047] If so desired, the system can also be adapted to store information regarding which authorized user unlocked the gun, when each user unlocked the gun, the number of shots fired when the gun was unlocked, and other data related to gun operation. To accomplish this, one would add a simple clock chip (unless there was already a clock associated with the controller). This data could be transmitted to a display for later viewing.  
     [0048] The foregoing is presented to describe a preferred embodiment of the present invention and various alternatives and enhancements that could be made. Those skilled in the art will recognize that various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the invention. Thus, the foregoing description is not intended to be limiting and the scope of the invention is defined by the claims.