Patent Publication Number: US-11049378-B2

Title: Deterrent device communication system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/858,041, filed Dec. 29, 2017, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,395,497, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/583,245, filed Dec. 26, 2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,885,530, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/921,274, filed Dec. 27, 2013. The entire disclosures of the above applications are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to communication systems and devices and more particularly to communication devices and systems that can be used in cooperation with a deterrent device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The decision to use a deterrent device such as a firearm in a response to a home invasion is not a decision that is made lightly. Many homeowners would prefer to allow trained law enforcement professionals to address such situations. However, when confronted with the possibility of a home invasion it may be necessary to make a split second decision as to whether to reach for a firearm or to reach for a telephone. This gives a homeowner a difficult choice between arming to defend oneself and remaining disarmed and distracted while attempting to contact law enforcement officials. 
     It is known to equip firearms with gunshot detectors and notification systems that advise local authorities when the firearm is discharged. Examples of this include but are not limited to US Pat. Pub. No. 2006/0042142 entitled Gunshot Detector Notification System, U.S. Pat. No. 8,339,257 entitled Firearm and System for Notifying Firearm Discharge and US Pat. Pub. No. 2012/0062388 entitled Firearms Management System. However, such approaches merely notify authorities that firearm has been discharged and do not achieve the goal of preventing the need for the homeowner to discharge the weapon. Additionally, firearm interlock systems are known that prevent firearms from being used in certain areas or regions. For example, US Pat. Pub. No. 2002/0170219 entitled Dischargeable Hand Weapons Having Reduced Criminal Usefulness describes a firearm control system that limits the geographical area in which the firearm will discharge to an area where the firearm is kept for defense. However, this does nothing to assist the homeowner in the case of a home invasion. 
     Additionally, many of these systems require that a cellular telephone be integrated into the firearm. This creates difficulties in that incorporating such technologies into the firearm typically requires a significant alteration in weapon design, balance, handling and ultimately utility. 
     What is needed therefore is an integrated approach to home defense allowing a homeowner to seek help from law enforcement while maintaining an active and ready deterrent capability. 
     The challenge of maintaining a firearm or other deterrent device in a ready position during a home invasion while also attempting to communicate with police or other law enforcement authorities can be complicated when a homeowner chooses to retreat into a hiding place while waiting for seeking law enforcement help. In such circumstances, the dilemma of whether to focus on manipulating a deterrent device or a telephone can extend for a significant period of time. 
     Despite these challenges it can be critical for a homeowner to maintain communications with law enforcement personnel during a home invasion. For example, such communications can be important in helping to direct law enforcement personnel to particular portions of the home where the perpetrator may be found. Such communications can also be used to help ensure that law enforcement is aware of locations of the home where the homeowner or other family members may be found so as to lessen the risk that the homeowner or family members will be confused with the perpetrator and to lessen the risk that law enforcement will take actions that may endanger a homeowner or other family members. 
     Accordingly, what is needed is a new personal defense system that enables communication between a homeowner with law enforcement personnel while allowing the homeowner to maintain an active and ready defensive position. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one aspect, a deterrent device communication system is provided with deterrent device communication apparatus linked to the deterrent device for movement therewith and having an audio capture circuit, an audio output circuit, a transmitter of less than 100 mW power, a receiver; and a controller that determines when an activation sensor senses a condition indicating that the deterrent device is in a ready condition and that, after such determining causes the audio input circuit and the transmitter to cooperate to transmit wireless signals from which sounds sensed at the deterrent device can be reproduced and to cause the receiver and audio output circuit to generate sounds based upon wireless audio bearing signals received from the intermediate communication device. An intermediate communication device that detects the wireless signals transmitted by the deterrent device communication apparatus, and a control system that causes the intermediate communication device to open a communication path between the intermediate communication device and an emergency response center and uses the opened communication path to send signals to the emergency response center from which the emergency response center can reproduce the sounds sensed at the deterrent device. 
     The intermediate communication device further uses communication path to receive signals from which sounds sensed at the emergency response center can be reproduced and generates the wireless audio bearing signals. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of a deterrent device of the prior art. 
         FIG. 2  shows rear view of a deterrent device of the prior art. 
         FIG. 3  shows a system diagram of a deterrent device wireless communication system. 
         FIG. 4  is a right, top back isometric view of a first embodiment of a deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . 
         FIG. 5  is a left, top isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a right, top, back isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4  joined to the firearm of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic side view of one embodiment of deterrent device communication apparatus. 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic side view of another embodiment of deterrent device communication apparatus. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear elevation of the deterrent device of  FIGS. 1 and 2  with a cutaway to reveal an embodiment of deterrent device communication apparatus mounted within the deterrent device. 
         FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of deterrent device communication apparatus of  FIGS. 3-8  having an image capture system. 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate, respectively, side and front assembly views of another embodiment of a deterrent device communication apparatus. 
         FIG. 13  illustrates a deterrent device having a deterrent device communication apparatus maintained in a holder shown as a holster and an embodiment of an activation sensor comprises a sensor that can detect when deterrent device is removed from the holder. 
         FIG. 14  is a front and side isometric view of a further embodiment of a deterrent device communication apparatus joined to a deterrent device. 
         FIG. 15  is a schematic view of a further embodiment of the deterrent device communication apparatus of  FIG. 14  joined to a deterrent device. 
         FIG. 16  is a front and side isometric view of yet another embodiment of a deterrent device communication apparatus joined to a deterrent device. 
         FIG. 17  is a schematic view of an embodiment of the deterrent device communication apparatus of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a first embodiment of a prior art deterrent device  20 . As is illustrated in  FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, deterrent device  20  comprises a handheld firearm shown here as a representative semi-automatic pistol. In other embodiments, deterrent device  20  can be, but is not limited to, a rifle, shotgun, revolver or other form of firearm, a chemical irritant disperser, a non-lethal projectile launcher, or a directed energy weapon such as device that emits a sonic, optical or electrical discharge alone or in combination with a projectile that will cause a person confronted with such a homeowner wielding such a deterrent device  20  to be less likely to be aggressive. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , deterrent device  20  is shown as a Glock 17/17L/18/19/20/21 and 22 manufactured by Glock, GmbH of Austria and the Sigma 9 mm 17/17L/18/22/24 manufactured by Smith &amp; Wesson of Springfield, Mass. In this embodiment, deterrent device  20  has a pistol grip frame  21  that holds a magazine  16  that contains a number of rounds of ammunition. The ammunition is spring biased in a direction toward a reciprocating firing chamber  22  (also referred to as a slide). Cartridges from spent rounds are ejected through ejection slot  15  when the reciprocating chamber  22  moves to the left or backward under recoil action following discharge. A barrel  25  extending from the reciprocating chamber  22  is connected to the pistol grip frame  21  via a modified take-down latch  36 . 
     Disposed beneath reciprocating chamber  22  is a recoil chamber  23 . Within recoil chamber  23  is an optional laser sight  33  that emits a laser beam along an axis  28  and that in this embodiment also performs the functions of conventional recoil spring guide rod. A recoil spring  32 , which surrounds laser sight  33 , extends between an apertured projection  24  of reciprocating chamber  22  at one end of the recoil chamber  23  and an annular seat  35  of laser sight  33  at the other end of recoil chamber  23 . 
       FIG. 2  is a back view of the embodiment of deterrent device  20  of  FIG. 1  showing various gripping surfaces. As is shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  deterrent device  20  has a first side grip  40  opposing a second side grip  42 , and a rear grip surface  44  opposite a front grip surface  46 . Conventionally, during gripping, a right handed user will wrap a thumb of the right hand around side grip  42  and a palm and fingers of the right hand will wrap against rear grip surface  44 , and side grip  40  and onto front grip surface  46 . For enhanced accuracy, many right handed users are trained to raise their left hand against deterrent device  20  so that a palm of the left hand cups magazine  16  and side grip surface  42 . Firing of deterrent device  20  is accomplished by inserting a finger into trigger guard  34 , and pulling trigger  38  toward rear grip surface  44 . A threshold amount of pull force is required in order to draw trigger  38  to a position where deterrent device  20  discharges. The amount of pull force that is required is set at a level that is sufficient to avoid inadvertent discharge of deterrent device and is typically on the order of around one or more kilograms of pull force. 
     It will be appreciated from this that the maintenance of such a two-handed a grip precludes manipulating a communication device. 
     Grip surfaces  40 ,  42 ,  44  and  46  are conventionally at least partially provided with some form of roughening pattern such as, diamond, stripes, or pyramidal cut patterns illustrated in  FIG. 2 . These roughening patterns enhance the ability of a user to grip deterrent device  20  by providing increased friction between deterrent device  20  and the hand(s) of the user. Additionally, such roughening patterns provide channels into which substances that may be on the hand of the user can flow during gripping of deterrent device  20  so as to allow a clean contact between deterrent device  20  and at least a portion of the hand(s) of the user. 
     When deterrent device  20  is held in anticipation of use, the user will typically apply significant gripping force to ensure proper aiming of deterrent device  20 , to prevent being disarmed, and in anticipation of any kickback or recoil that arises when deterrent device  20  is discharged. It is difficult to do this while also attempting to manipulate a communication device such as a cellular phone. 
     Turning to is  FIG. 3 , there is shown a system diagram of a first embodiment of a deterrent device communication system  48  including a deterrent device communication apparatus  50  that is linked for movement with deterrent device  20  and a first embodiment of a local communication intermediate  110 . 
     Deterrent device communication apparatus  50  can be linked for movement with deterrent device  20  in any fashion that allows deterrent device communication apparatus  50  to remain with deterrent device  20  when deterrent device  20  is in a ready position. Various mechanisms will be illustrated and described herein that establish a linkage between deterrent device  20  and deterrent device apparatus  50 . These are not exclusive. This linkage can be made by way of fixing, joining, mounting, assembling, fusing or otherwise forming any structure that holds deterrent device communication apparatus  50  to deterrent device and is inclusive of the use of any type of fasteners, arrangements of pins and pin mountings adhesive bonding, whether through the use of adhesive materials between deterrent device  20  and deterrent device communication apparatus  50  or other forms of adhesive bonding, the use of welding, soldering, fasteners, rail mountings, slide mountings, compression fitting and any other known mechanism for forming such a bond including encasing enclosing or framing deterrent device communication system within components of deterrent device  20  or components that are joined to deterrent device  20 . Such a linkage can be established by creating an attraction between magnetic, vacuum or other forces between deterrent device  20 . Other mechanisms can also be used. Deterrent device  20  can be linked to deterrent device communication apparatus in a rigid manner that allows little freedom of movement of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  or that allows freedom of movement consistent with what is described and claimed herein. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , deterrent device communication apparatus  50  has an activation sensor  60  mounted to deterrent device  20  and detects when deterrent device  20  transitions from a first, unused state, to a second state where deterrent device  20  is ready for use. 
     In one embodiment, activation sensor  60  can take the form of any kind of sensor that can detect when deterrent device  20  is gripped. Examples of such sensors can include but are not limited to pressure sensors, thermal sensors, switches, piezoelectric devices, and skin conduction sensors. When deterrent device  20  transitions from an unused state to a ready state, activation sensor  60  causes a change in an electrical, optical, or other wired or wireless signal received by a controller  100 . 
     An interface system  70  is also mounted to deterrent device  20  and has at least an audio output circuit  72  with at least one circuit capable of generating human perceptible sounds and an audio input circuit  74  with at least one circuit capable of sensing sounds in the environment around deterrent device  20 . 
     A wireless communication system  80  is mounted to deterrent device  20  and has a transmitter  82  and a receiver  84  capable of exchanging wireless communication signals with a separate local communication intermediate  110 . 
     In this embodiment, controller  100  detects a signal from activation sensor  60  indicating that a user has transitioned deterrent device  20  from an unused state to a ready state and controller  100  causes transmitter  82  to transmit a transition signal indicating that this transition has occurred and causes receiver  84  to begin actively sensing for signals from local communication intermediate  110 . Further, controller  100  causes audio input circuit  74  to sense sounds in the environment around deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and causes wireless communication system  80  to send signals including signals indicative of the sensed sounds to local communication intermediate  110 . 
     Local communication intermediate  110  has a control system  120  and a wireless communication system  130  with a receiver system  132  that is capable of receiving signals from deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and a transmitter system  134  that is capable of transmitting signals that can be received by deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . Additionally, receiver system  132  is capable of receiving signals from and transmitter system  134  is capable of sending signals to an external communication network  140  through which local authorities can be contacted. Receiver system  132  and transmitter system  134  can receive and/or transmit signals to external communication network  140  by way of wired or wireless communication circuits. 
     When receiver system  132  of local communication intermediate  110  detects a transition signal generated by deterrent device communication apparatus  50 , receiver system  132  provides a signal to control system  120  indicating that a transition signal has been received. In response to this, control system  120  uses transmitter system  134  to generate signals directed to external communication network  140  to open a communication path with an emergency response center  142 . Thereafter control system  120  causes receiver system  132  and transmitter system  134  to wirelessly relay signals including audio signals between deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and personnel at emergency response center  142  such as local law enforcement personnel or emergency response managers. 
     In one embodiment of this type, intermediate communication device  110  has a control system  120  with a programmable processor having a software program, application or other programmable instructions that when executed by the processor causes the intermediate communication device  110  to receive the wireless communication signals transmitted by the deterrent device communication apparatus and to open a communication path to emergency response center  142  in response to the received wireless communication signals. 
     It will be appreciated from the foregoing that simply by grasping a deterrent device  20  that is equipped with a deterrent device communication system  48 , a homeowner can prepare to defend himself or herself while simultaneously opening line of communication with law enforcement or emergency response personnel. This advantageously brings the person holding deterrent device  20 , who is likely in an unfamiliar and frightening situation, into immediate contact with law enforcement or emergency response personnel allowing trained personnel to help guide the person through the situation. Preferably, with such guidance, and with the timely intervention of law enforcement personnel the use of the deterrent device  20  will be unnecessary. Additionally, information obtained during such communications can help law enforcement and emergency response personnel to better assess the situation and provide guidance to law enforcement officers who are dispatched to the home. 
     The use of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  also advantageously enables the person holding deterrent device  20  to focus motor and visual effort on the management and direction of deterrent device  20  and eliminates the risks attendant with attempting to operate both a deterrent device  20  a local communication intermediate  110 . 
       FIG. 4  is a right, top back isometric view of a first embodiment of a deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and  FIG. 5  is a left, top isometric view of the embodiment of  FIG. 4 .  FIG. 6  illustrates the embodiment of  FIG. 4  joined to the firearm of  FIGS. 1 and 2 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6  deterrent device communication apparatus  50  has a housing  200  conforming to a profile of rear grip surface  44  of deterrent device  20 . Two holes  202  and  204  are provided through housing  200  and are aligned with a passageway (not shown) in deterrent device  20  when housing is assembled against deterrent device  20 . A roll pin (not shown) is be inserted through holes  202  and  204  to join housing  200  to deterrent device  20 . 
       FIG. 7  is a schematic side view of the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6  alongside a rear grip surface  44 . In this embodiment, activation sensor  60  takes the form of a momentary switch  62 . Switch  62  is positioned in an opening  206  of housing  200  between a flexible cover  208  and rear grip surface  44  shown partially in  FIG. 7 . When a user grasps a deterrent device  20  equipped with deterrent device communication apparatus  50  switch  62  changes state creating a signal which controller  100  can determine that deterrent device  20  has been brought to a ready position. 
     As is described above, when controller  100  makes this determination, controller  100  causes wireless communication system  80  to generate a transition signal that can be sensed by local communication intermediate  110  causing local communication intermediate  110  to use external communication network  140  to open a wireless communication path between deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and law enforcement or emergency response authorities. Controller  100  causes wireless communication system  80  and audio output circuit  72  to cooperate to reproduce any audio content sent from law enforcement authorities and also causes audio input circuit  74  to capture audio signals in the environment about deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and further causes wireless communication system  80  to generate wireless signals that can be received by local communication intermediate  110  and transmitted thereby to emergency response center  142 . 
     In some circumstances it may be beneficial to limit the extent to which people other than the person holding deterrent device  20  can overhear messages from audio output circuit  72 . To limit the extent to which this can occur, the embodiment of  FIGS. 4-6  includes a sound focusing element  76  between audio output circuit  72  and an audio output opening  230  in housing  200 . In this embodiment, sound focusing element  76  comprises a conical structure that channels sound waves generated by audio output circuit  72  along a narrow path that is generally directed toward the user and presumably away from others. This approach also helps to prevent the possibility that sounds captured by audio input circuit  74  will include sound emitted by audio output circuit  72 , thus preventing feedback related problems. 
     In the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 4-6 , audio input circuit  74  is positioned proximate to an audio capture opening  232  in housing  200 . As is shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , in this embodiment, audio capture opening  232  is optionally positioned on a left side of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  while audio output opening  230  is positioned on a right side of deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . This optional arrangement can be made to further lower the risk that unwanted feedback will corrupt communications. 
     Additional optional features shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 3-6  include a manual user input  78 . This manual user input can take the form of any kind of device that can sense a manual user input and provide a signal to controller  100 . In one embodiment, the manual user input  78  can comprise a mute button enabling a user to silence audio output circuit  72  if necessary to enable the user to conceal his or her location. In another embodiment the manual user input  78  can be used to provide volume adjustments for audio output circuit  72 . In still another embodiment, manual user input  78  can include a setting that instructs controller  100  to terminate communications. 
     Another additional optional feature shown in  FIGS. 3-6  is a door area  240  positioned proximate to a power source  248  that allows easy access to power source  248  when it is necessary to change power source  248  and that does so without requiring that deterrent device communication apparatus  50  to be replaced. 
     In one mode of operation controller  100  is programmed to maintain communication with emergency response personnel until a release code is transmitted from the emergency response center. This allows law enforcement personnel to advise the user of deterrent device  20  that law enforcement authorities are aware that deterrent device  20  has been brought to a state of readiness and monitoring communications, leaving a person who has accessed the firearm for less noble purposes than home defense in the position of explaining why the weapon has been accessed and, if the user refuses to do so, law enforcement personnel can react. 
     Alternatively, in one embodiment, manual user input  78  can have the ability to receive an encoded entry communications with emergency response center  142 . For example, manual user input  78  can have a plurality of inputs with each input having plurality of settings that must be set properly in order to allow a user to handle deterrent device  20  while deterrent device communication apparatus  50  is attached thereto without initiating contact with law enforcement authorities. For example, this may be used to allow handling of deterrent device  20  for purposes such as cleaning and maintenance of deterrent device  20 . 
     In one alternate embodiment, shown in  FIG. 8 , deterrent device communication apparatus  50  has a deterrent device sensor  90  that detects that deterrent device  20  is proximate to deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . In one example, deterrent device sensor  90  is positioned proximate to one or more of holes  202  and  204  and provides a signal to controller  100  when an effort is made to remove deterrent device communication apparatus  50  from deterrent device  20 . 
     Alternatively, deterrent device sensor  90  can sense the presence of deterrent device  20  such as by remaining in a first state when deterrent device  20  and deterrent device communication apparatus  50  are mounted together and transitioning to a second state deterrent device  20  and deterrent device communication apparatus  50  are separated. When separation is made controller  100  can determine whether manual user input  78  is in an appropriate state to authorize removal of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and can initiate contact with authorities when the state of manual user input  78  is not consistent with owner authorization of the removal of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  from deterrent device  20 . 
     Deterrent device sensor  90  can take many forms. For example, deterrent device sensor  90  can take the form of a micro-switch, dome switch, momentary switch, or other electromechanical optical switch positioned to sense the presence or absence of a surface of deterrent device  20  within a range of positions proximate to deterrent device communication apparatus  50  or that detect the presence or absence of fasteners joining deterrent device communication apparatus  50  to deterrent device  20  such as by detecting the presence or absence of a mounting pin at either of holes  202  and  204 . 
     Alternatively, where deterrent device  20  has a frame made from a ferrous material, deterrent device  20  can use a transducer that varies its output as a function of changes in a magnetic field proximate thereto. In one example of this type, a deterrent device sensor  90  can comprise a Hall effect sensor. 
     Deterrent device sensor  90  can take other forms, including optical sensors that detect ambient or reflected light levels between deterrent device  20  and deterrent device communication apparatus  50 , conductivity sensors that sense a change in the conductivity between deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and deterrent device  20  or between fasteners that join deterrent device communication apparatus  50  to deterrent device  20 . 
     In other embodiments, deterrent device communication apparatus  50  or any components thereof can be mounted to deterrent device  20  other than by way of housing  200  For example, the embodiment of FIG.  9  illustrates a rear schematic view of deterrent device  20  having an embodiment of a deterrent device communication apparatus  50  that is mounted to deterrent device  20  by incorporating various components of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  into areas of deterrent device  20  proximate to side grips  40  and  42  and frame  21 . As is shown in the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , an activation sensor in the form of a switch  62  is positioned between second grip  42  and frame  21  that changes state when second grip  42  is pressed against frame  21 . Additionally, in this embodiment, wireless communication system  80  and controller  100  are positioned in a region between frame  21  and an exterior surface of second grip  42 . An optional additional activation sensor shown as a switch  64  is provided in the embodiment of  FIG. 8  allowing for sensing of a gripping force on an opposite side of frame  21 . 
     Controller  100  is connected to switch  62  and optionally to switch  64  and detects when a signal from switch  62  or switch  64  indicates that deterrent device  20  has transitioned from an unused state to a ready state. 
     Controller  100  is also connected to interface system  70  and wireless communication system  80  and operates as is generally described above when a transition is detected. In the embodiment of  FIG. 8 , audio input circuit  74  is illustrated positioned generally at or between second grip  42  and frame  21  and an input channel  92  is positioned to allow sounds to reach audio input circuit  74  through second grip  42 . Similarly audio output circuit  72  is illustrated positioned generally at or between second grip  42  and frame  21  and an output channel  94  is positioned to allow sounds from audio input circuit  74  through second grip  42 . In this embodiment, input channel  92  is located on an upper region of second grip  42  to lower the risk that input channel  92  will be covered when a user grips deterrent device  20 . Similarly, in this embodiment, output channel  94  is located in a lower region of second grip  42  to lower the risk that output channel  94  will be covered when a user grips deterrent device  20 . As is also shown in this embodiment, input channel  92  and output channel  94  are located apart from each other vertically in order to lower the risk of feedback based interference. 
     In any embodiment, either controller  100  or control system  120  can be programmed to include data with any initial or subsequent transmission to law enforcement personnel. This data can include preprogrammed information such as a name, image, biometric data, or identification information for the owner of or authorized user(s) of deterrent device  20 , an address where deterrent device  20  is stored, and the type of deterrent device  20 . Other arrangements are possible. 
     A common problem experienced when people use cellular telephones to contact 911 type emergency centers is that such centers do not have inherent abilities to detect the location of the cellular phone. Similar problems occur when Internet-based communications are used to communicate with local emergency response centers. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a user of the deterrent device communication system  48  can preprogram local communication intermediate  110  so that local communication intermediate  110  will contact a specific emergency center that can be most helpful to the homeowner. Information identifying such a preferred emergency contact center can be stored in deterrent device communication apparatus  50  or in intermediate communication device  110  for use as needed. Additionally, a prioritized list of emergency response centers can also be stored in similar fashion against the possibility that a preferred emergency response center is unavailable. 
     Similarly, deterrent device communication apparatus  50  or intermediate communication device  110  can provide location information directly to the local authorities to avoid any confusion as to the location of the deterrent device. Such information can be statically programmed or dynamically determined using GPS or other location information. 
     In any embodiment, control system  120  can be programmed not to provide any outward indication that control system  120  received the transition signal and has initiated communication with law enforcement personnel. In this way, a homeowner does not have to be concerned that a local communication intermediate  110  left in a place where it might be observed by a home invader will reveal that the phone is being used to contact authorities. 
     It is well known that cellular telephone technologies require significant amounts of power to operate such that the light and mid-weight batteries that are used give cellular telephones even a few days of standby time would greatly increase the size and weight of a firearm or other deterrent device and still require essentially constant recharging. 
     Accordingly, wireless communication system  80  and wireless communication system  130  can comprise circuits or systems that are adapted to use well known communication standards such the Bluetooth communication standard in order to communicate between deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and intermediate communication device  110  and that allow transmitter  82  to generate signals that are less than 100 mW in power, and that in some embodiments can be as low as 2.5 mW or lower in order to establish communication with intermediate communication device  110 . By controlling the power output of such a transmitter, smaller batteries on the order of 10 cubic centimeters in volume or smaller can be used. Intermediate communication device  110  can use conventional cellular protocols such as GSM or CDMA to establish communication with external communication network  140 . 
     Alternatively, local communication intermediate  110  can use for example a wired telecommunication network, data communication network other than a telecommunication network or Internet based telephony or other Internet based communications to open a communication path enabling two way communications with local law enforcement personnel or emergency response personnel. For example, the intermediate communication device  110  can take the form of a tablet computing device such as a Nexus tablet sold by Google, Inc. Mountain View, Calif., or an iPod or iPad sold by Apple Computer, Inc. Cuppertino Calif., a personal computer, a wireless router, any programmable computing device, telecommunications equipment or a server. Intermediate communication device  110  can also take the form of a combination of dedicated hardware devices capable of performing the functions required by any embodiment described herein. 
     Additionally, in some embodiments, local communication intermediate  110  can comprise a security monitoring system. Such a system can include for example security systems having perimeter, motion or other security sensors. Where such a systems acts as a local communication intermediate  110  such systems can optionally provide information to emergency response personnel based upon perimeter, motion or other sensors in the home or environment. For example, such systems may detect movement of the perpetrator within the home or the breaking of or opening of a window or door as a means of exit for the perpetrator and may provide this information to the homeowner or to emergency response personnel. For example, in one embodiment a home security system may sense the opening of a door or movement in a particular area of the home and provide a synthesized voice indicating which door has been opened or in what room of the home motion has been detected. Alternatively, information can be transmitted by the home security system type local communication intermediate to local law enforcement or emergency response personnel from which such emergency response personnel can determine what has transpired and can advise the homeowner. 
     A local communication intermediate  110  of the type that has a can be configured to contact an emergency response center associated with private security monitoring services such as those offered by ADT Corporation, Boca Raton, Fla., USA, and others. In such cases, communication can be established between deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and an emergency response center at the security monitoring services that can provide guidance to the homeowner and can also connect the homeowner with local law enforcement personnel. In cases where such monitoring services also employ private security personnel such personnel can be dispatched. 
     It will be appreciated that while the foregoing discussion has described the importance of deterrent device communication system  48  in the context of a home invasion, deterrent device communication system  48  is not so limited. Indeed, deterrent device communication system  48  may be useful in any perimeter defense circumstance including but not limited to during a criminal invasion of an apartment, mobile home, or campsite. Deterrent device communication system  48  can also be useful during invasions of other spaces including commercial and governmental spaces. 
       FIG. 10  shows another embodiment of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  described herein in reference to  FIGS. 3-8  having an image capture system  250 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , image capture system  250  has an aperture  252  allowing light into housing  200 , an optional lens system  254 , an image sensor  256 , and a signal processor  258 . In operation, light from a scene is focused by lens system  254  to form an image on image sensor  256 . Lens system  254  can have one or more elements. Lens system  254  is preferably of a fixed focus type. However, lens system  254  can optionally be adjustable to allow the user or manufacturer to provide focus or zoom adjustments. In some embodiments, scene focusing can be accomplished without lens system  254  by providing an aperture  252  that is sized and positioned apart from image sensor  256  so as to cause an image to form on image sensor. 
     Light from the scene that is focused by lens system  254  onto image sensor  256  is converted into image signals representing an image of the scene. Image sensor  256  can comprise a charge coupled device (CCD), a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS), or any other electronic image sensor known to those of ordinary skill in the art. The image signals can be in digital or analog form. Signal processor  258  receives image signals from image sensor  256  and transforms the image signal into a digital image in the form of digital data. In the embodiment illustrated, signal processor  258  has an analog to digital conversion capability. Alternatively, a separate analog to digital converter (not shown) can be provided to convert the image signals into digital data which is then provided to signal processor  258 . In this latter embodiment, signal processor  258  can comprise a digital signal processor adapted to convert the digital data into a digital image. The digital image can comprise one or more still images, multiple still images and/or a stream of apparently moving images such as a video segment. Where the digital image data comprises a stream of apparently moving images, the digital image data can comprise image data stored in an interleaved or interlaced image form, a sequence of still images, and/or other forms known to those of skill in the art of video. 
     Signal processor  258  can apply various image processing algorithms to the image signals when forming a digital image. These can include but are not limited to color and exposure balancing, interpolation and compression. 
     It will be appreciated that incorporating an image capture system  250  into deterrent device communication apparatus  50  can have a number of effects on the design of deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . For example this can significantly increase both the volume and the rate at which wireless communication system  80  is required to capture, process, and transmit data to local communication intermediate  110 . Such increases, in turn, can cause an increase in power consumption of deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . Accordingly, in some embodiments, it can be useful to provide an image capture system  250  that is arranged in ways that reduce volume and extent amount of data to be processed and/or that reduces the amount of image processing that must be performed before such image data can be sent to local communication intermediate  110 . 
     In one aspect the volume of video data that must be transmitted can be controlled by limiting the resolution of image sensor  256  to resolution levels that can be useful to law enforcement or emergency response personnel but that limit the volume of image information so as to allow deterrent device communication apparatus  50  to maintain a size and weight that do not interfere with normal handling and operation of deterrent device  20 . For example, image sensor  256  can take the form of a VGA image sensor having 640 rows and 480 columns of picture elements, or a Quarter VGA image sensor having 480 rows and 240 columns of picture elements, or even a Quarter Quarter VGA image sensor having 160 rows and 120 columns of picture elements. However, it will be understood that these sizes are provided by way of illustration only and that it may be or may become practical to incorporate imagers that are larger than these example imagers while still allowing deterrent device communication apparatus  50  to maintain an unobtrusive weight and size profile. 
     Alternatively, the rate at which image sensor  256  captures images can be adjusted to reduce the overall volume of and the rate at which image data must be processed and transmitted by deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . For example, image capture rates of 30 frames per second are known to provide video streams that do not appear to have significant amounts of flicker in them. However, image capture rate rates as low as one frame every other second may be useful to law enforcement and emergency response personnel. It will be appreciated that careful definition of the image capture rate can also be used to control the amount of data that must be captured, processed and transmitted in order to help allow deterrent device communication apparatus  50  maintain a desirable size and weight profile. In general, the capture, processing and transmission of image streams at lower frame rates requires less energy than the capture, processing and transmission of image streams at higher frame rates. Additionally, in some cases, the cost, size, and complexity of equipment required to capture, process, and transmit image streams having lower frame rates will be lower than the size, complexity and cost of equipment required to, process and/or transmit image streams at higher frame rates. 
     In further embodiments, the extent to which image frames are processed to form video streams within deterrent device communication apparatus  50  can be adjusted so as to reduce power, memory or processing requirements of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  the weight or size of deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . For example, the size, complexity, weight, cost or power consumption of image processing systems within deterrent device communication apparatus  50  may be lower when image processing systems are required to do less processing of the captured images than when such image processing systems are required to do more processing of the captured images. 
     In various embodiments herein, image sensor  256  may be a conventional color image sensor capable for providing color information for each pixel. However, in other embodiments, image sensor  256  can take the form of a monochrome imager. In some embodiments, the monochrome imager may provide advantages terms of increased sensitivity at each picture element, reduced processing requirements as the need to perform color interpolation is eliminated, and smaller video streams as data for only one color channel must be included in the video stream. 
     Image sensor  256  can be sensitive to both visible wavelengths of light as well as wavelengths that are not visible such as infrared light. In some embodiments of this type, an image capture sensor that is sensitive to visible wavelengths of light will also be sensitive to adjacent invisible wavelengths. This can create image artifacts in the visible images. Accordingly, some image sensors and image capture systems use infrared filters to block such artifacts and such imager and image capture systems can be made at least partially sensitive in the infrared wavelengths by removing these filters. Optionally, image capture system  250  and image sensor  256  can include capabilities to enable low light image capture. 
     It will be appreciated that transmitting streaming video data can require the use of a higher high speed data communication protocol than transmitting only audio data. In one embodiment, deterrent device communication apparatus  50  can utilize high speed local communication protocols such as those defined in the Institute for Electronic and Electrical Engineers standard 802.11 including but not limited to 802.11b, 802.11g, 802.11n and any successors thereto. However in other embodiments, any other local communication protocol can be used. Optionally communications between deterrent device communication apparatus  50  and local communication intermediate  110  can be encrypted using for example Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) or other known encryption strategies. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate, respectively, side and front assembly views of another embodiment of a deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . In this embodiment, deterrent device  20  comprises a firearm assembly  270  and a separable handle  280 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 11 and 12 , firearm assembly  270  comprises all of the components necessary to enable a bullet to be discharged from firearm assembly  270  when trigger  274  is moved. 
     In the embodiment that is illustrated in  FIGS. 11 and 12  components of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  takes the form of a separable handle  280  that has a handle housing  282  with a recess area  284  shown in phantom in  FIG. 12  into which firearm assembly  270  can be positioned. When firearm assembly  270  is positioned in recess area  284 , openings  286  and  288  in handle housing  282  align with a passageway  272  in firearm assembly  270  into which a screw  276  or other fastener can be located in order to hold firearm assembly  270  and separable handle  280  together. Firearm assembly  270  and separable handle  280  can be joined together in other ways. 
     Deterrent device communication apparatus  50  includes interface system  70 , with audio input circuit  74 , optional sound focusing element  76 , manual user input  78 . Additionally a  72  is provided to allow manual user input and an activation sensor  60  is positioned in an area where a gripping or other condition from which it can be determined whether deterrent device  20  has been moved from an unused position to a ready position. A controller  100  and wireless communication system  80  are also provided and operate as is generally described in greater detail above. Components of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  can be assembled to, joined to, mounted to, fixed to or fabricated in situ or along with separable handle  280 . 
     As is shown in this embodiment, this arrangement provides opportunities for alternative physical locations for arrangements of components of deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . For example, in this embodiment, an image capture system  250  with an aperture  252  allowing light into housing  200 , an optional lens system  254 , an image sensor  256 , and a signal processor  258  are positioned forward of handle portion  282  and are arranged to capture an image of a scene including a portion of the scene that includes a target area within which a deterrent such as a projectile, chemical dispersant, directed energy or other deterrent is directed. 
     In the embodiment that is illustrated in  FIG. 11 , aperture  252  and image sensor  256  are shown arranged parallel to a passageway of barrel  25 . However, in other embodiments, aperture  252  and image  256  can be arranged along non-parallel axes. 
     As is shown in  FIG. 12 , in this embodiment image capture system  250  is positioned under firearm assembly  270 . In one embodiment, this can be done to reduce the width of the combined deterrent device  20  and deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . 
     As is also shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 11 and 12  deterrent device communication apparatus  50  can incorporate an optional light emitter  294 . Light emitter  294  can take the form of an illuminator or the form of a strobe that emits a brief flash of light or a series of flashes of light to dazzle an intruder and to provide improved target recognition or image quality. Light emitter  294  can also take the form of an aiming laser such as a bore aligned laser. In embodiments where image sensor  256  is sensitive to non-visible wavelengths of light such as infra-red and ultra-violet light in addition to visible wavelengths, light emitter  294  can generate supplemental non-visible light to enhance the quality of the image captured by image capture sensor  254 . In another alternative embodiment, light emitter  294  can include more than one type of light emitter such as a laser aiming device and a visible illuminator. Light emitter  294  can be selectively activated through one or more user controllable switches  296  and  298  positioned on housing  282 . 
     As is also shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12 , activation sensor  60  can be positioned as is generally described above and as is shown in  FIGS. 11 and 12  as activation sensor  60   a , or in an alternative embodiment an activation sensor can be positioned as shown by activation sensor  60   b , or elsewhere on housing  282 . In circumstances where housing  280  has flexible a grip surface such as side grip surfaces  290  and  292 , activation sensor  60  can be positioned between side grip surfaces  290  and  292  and housing  282  to sense gripping in such areas as is generally described in greater detail elsewhere herein. 
     In other embodiments, activation sensor  60  can be adapted to sense other actions indicating that deterrent device  20  has been brought from an unused position to a ready position. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in  FIG. 13 , deterrent device  20  is maintained in a holder  300  shown as a holster and activation sensor  60  comprises a sensor that can detect when deterrent device  20  is removed from a holder  300  shown in  FIG. 13  as a holster. In one embodiment, activation sensor  60  can take the form of contact sensor that can sense pressure applied against housing  200  by holder  300  such as a mechanical switch or piezoelectric sensor or any other transducer that can sense the release of some pressure against housing  200 . 
     In another embodiment, activation sensor  60  can take the form of a Hall effect sensor, radio frequency sensor or other sensor that can detect a change in a magnetic or electromagnetic field surrounding housing  200 . In one example of such an embodiment, holder  300  has a magnet positioned near an opening  302  generating a magnetic field in holder  300  the intensity of which will weaken as deterrent device  20  is removed from holder  300 . In still another embodiment, activation sensor  60  can take the form of a light sensor that detects a change in an amount of light received by activation sensor  60  as deterrent device  20  is removed from holder  300 . Other methods and sensors for detecting the removal of deterrent device  20  from holder  300  can be used in like fashion. Holder  300  can take other forms including but not limited to lockable weapon holders such as a mechanically or electro-mechanically locked enclosure. 
       FIG. 14  is a side front isometric view of a deterrent device  20  having yet another embodiment of a deterrent device communication apparatus  50  while  FIG. 15  is schematic view of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  of  FIG. 14  with a cut away portion of deterrent device  20 . In this embodiment, deterrent device communication apparatus  50  has a housing  306  with a mounting portion  308  that is mechanically joined to deterrent device  20  by way of a rail structure  312 . As is shown here, housing  306  in this embodiment contains an, activation sensor  60 , an interface system with an audio output circuit  72 , and audio input circuit  74 , a sound focusing element  76 , and a manual user input  78 , a wireless communication system  80 , a controller  100 , and a power source  248  such as a battery. In the embodiment that is illustrated, power source  248  can comprise a battery that stores enough power to enable 30 minutes of communications. 
     In this embodiment, housing also contains an optional image capture system  250  having a lens  254  that receives light from a scene through an aperture  252  in housing  306  an image sensor  256  and a signal processor  258 . These components generally operate as is described above when activation sensor  60  senses a condition from which it can be determined that deterrent device  20  is in a ready state. 
     In this embodiment, activation sensor  60  is shown taking the form of a slide switch  310  that a user can slide to activate deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . When this occurs, activation sensor  60  and controller  100  cooperate with other components of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  to operate as is generally described above and any and all components of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  may be located in a housing  200  that is joined to the rail structure  312  of deterrent device  20 . 
     The embodiment of  FIGS. 14 and 15  is optionally provided with a directed sound concentrator  77  that concentrates sounds from a direction of the user of deterrent device  20  so that the user can speak quietly yet still be heard by emergency response personnel receiving a transmission from deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . In one embodiment of this type directed sound concentrator  77  can be positioned on one side of deterrent device communication apparatus  50 , while sound focusing element  76  is positioned on an opposite side of deterrent device communication apparatus  50 . Directed sound concentrator  77  in this embodiment comprises a conical shaped structure that receives and concentrates sound waves from a direction of the user of deterrent device onto audio input circuit  74 . Both sound focusing element  76  and directed sound concentrator  77  can be fixed or adjustable. In one embodiment, adjustable sound focusing or directed sound concentration can be achieved as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,862,278 entitled “Video camera microphone with zoom variable acoustic focus”. 
     As is also illustrated in  FIG. 15 , in this embodiment an optional light emitter  294  is provided. In one embodiment, light emitter  294  can be activated when slide switch  310  is moved to a proper position. Alternatively, a separate switch  322  can be mounted to deterrent device  20  and joined so that deterrent device communication apparatus  50  can be connected thereto and activated way of this manipulation of switch  310 . 
     In an alternative embodiment, illustrated in a front side isometric view in  FIG. 16  and in a schematic view in  FIG. 17 , components of deterrent device communication apparatus are in the form of two modules shown here as  50   a  and  50   b  which are located in separated housings such as housing  200  and housing  306  on deterrent device  20 . In this embodiment, for example, image capture system  250  an optional light emitter  294  and optional power supply  285  can be located in housing  320  of module  50   b  while activation sensor  60  and other components of deterrent device communication apparatus  50  are located in housing  200  of module  50   a . Data or other signals can be shared between those components in module  50   a  and those components in module  50   b  by way of wired or wireless communications directly or by way of intermediate communication device  110 . In this regard, module  50   b  can incorporate communication circuits  81  that can communicate with communication system  80  or with intermediate communication device  110 , an interface system  71  that can for example sense audio signals, generate audio signals, and sense user input actions such as may be necessary to separately activate or deactivate module  50   a  or components thereof. 
     It will be appreciated from the foregoing that deterrent device communication apparatus, can have a size and can be positioned in ways that are not obtrusive and that do not interfere with normal operation and handling of deterrent device  20 . For example, deterrent device communication system can have a total volume that is less than 9 cubic centimeters. Additionally, the system can be defined to have a power supply  248  such as battery that can be smaller than be for example smaller than about 4 cubic centimeters in volume. 
     The invention is inclusive of combinations of the embodiments described herein. References to “a particular embodiment” and the like refer to features that are present in at least one embodiment of the invention. Separate references to “an embodiment” or “particular embodiments” or the like do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or embodiments; however, such embodiments are not mutually exclusive, unless so indicated or as are readily apparent to one of skill in the art. The use of singular or plural in referring to the “method” or “methods” and the like is not limiting. The word “or” is used in this disclosure in a non-exclusive sense, unless otherwise explicitly noted. Drawings herein may be to scale for particular embodiments; however, they are not necessarily to scale for all embodiments. The reference to singular elements such as for example and without limitation a “circuit” or a “fastener” will be understood to include one such element as well as combinations of more than one “circuit” or “fastener” unless stated otherwise. 
     The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be understood that variations, combinations, and modifications can be effected by a person of ordinary skill in the art within the spirit and scope of the invention.