Patent Publication Number: US-2023146388-A1

Title: Detecting magazine types using magnets

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of the present invention relate to a conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”). 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The subject matter of the present disclosure is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. A more complete understanding of the present disclosure, however, may best be obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures. 
         FIG.  1    is a perspective view of a conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”), in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  2    is a schematic view of a CEW, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  3 A  is a front perspective view of a magazine for a CEW, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  3 B  is a rear perspective view of a magazine for a CEW, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating an example processing unit for a CEW, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a magazine having magnets for type detection, in accordance with various embodiments. 
         FIG.  6    is a flow chart illustrating a method for detecting magazine types by a CEW, in accordance with various embodiments. 
     
    
    
     The figures depict various embodiments for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following discussion that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles described herein. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Systems, methods, and apparatuses may be used to interfere with voluntary locomotion (e.g., walking, running, moving, etc.) of a target. For example, a CEW may be used to deliver a current (e.g., stimulus signal, pulses of current, pulses of charge, etc.) through tissue of a human or animal target. Although typically referred to as a conducted electrical weapon, as described herein a “CEW” may refer to a conducted electrical weapon, a conducted energy weapon, an electronic control device, and/or any other similar device or apparatus configured to provide a stimulus signal through one or more deployed projectiles (e.g., electrodes). 
     A stimulus signal carries a charge into target tissue. The stimulus signal may interfere with voluntary locomotion of the target. The stimulus signal may cause pain. The pain may also function to encourage the target to stop moving. The stimulus signal may cause skeletal muscles of the target to become stiff (e.g., lock up, freeze, etc.). The stiffening of the muscles in response to a stimulus signal may be referred to as neuromuscular incapacitation (“NMI”). NMI disrupts voluntary control of the muscles of the target. The inability of the target to control its muscles interferes with locomotion of the target. 
     A stimulus signal may be delivered through the target via terminals coupled to the CEW. Delivery via terminals may be referred to as a local delivery (e.g., a local stun, a drive stun, etc.). During local delivery, the terminals are brought close to the target by positioning the CEW proximate to the target. The stimulus signal is delivered through the target&#39;s tissue via the terminals. To provide local delivery, the user of the CEW is generally within arm&#39;s reach of the target and brings the terminals of the CEW into contact with or proximate to the target. 
     A stimulus signal may be delivered through the target via one or more (typically at least two) wire-tethered electrodes. Delivery via wire-tethered electrodes may be referred to as a remote delivery (e.g., a remote stun). During a remote delivery, the CEW may be separated from the target up to the length (e.g., 15 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, etc.) of the wire tether. The CEW launches the electrodes towards the target. As the electrodes travel toward the target, the respective wire tethers deploy behind the electrodes. The wire tether electrically couples the CEW to the electrode. The electrode may electrically couple to the target thereby coupling the CEW to the target. In response to the electrodes connecting with, impacting on, or being positioned proximate to the target&#39;s tissue, the current may be provided through the target via the electrodes (e.g., a circuit is formed through the first tether and the first electrode, the target&#39;s tissue, and the second electrode and the second tether). 
     Terminals or electrodes that contact or are proximate to the target&#39;s tissue deliver the stimulus signal through the target. Contact of a terminal or electrode with the target&#39;s tissue establishes an electrical coupling (e.g., circuit) with the target&#39;s tissue. Electrodes may include a spear that may pierce the target&#39;s tissue to contact the target. A terminal or electrode that is proximate to the target&#39;s tissue may use ionization to establish an electrical coupling with the target&#39;s tissue. Ionization may also be referred to as arcing. 
     In use (e.g., during deployment), a terminal or electrode may be separated from the target&#39;s tissue by the target&#39;s clothing or a gap of air. In various embodiments, a signal generator of the CEW may provide the stimulus signal (e.g., current, pulses of current, etc.) at a high voltage (e.g., in the range of 40,000 to 100,000 volts) to ionize the air in the clothing or the air in the gap that separates the terminal or electrode from the target&#39;s tissue. Ionizing the air establishes a low impedance ionization path from the terminal or electrode to the target&#39;s tissue that may be used to deliver the stimulus signal into the target&#39;s tissue via the ionization path. The ionization path persists (e.g., remains in existence, lasts, etc.) as long as the current of a pulse of the stimulus signal is provided via the ionization path. When the current ceases or is reduced below a threshold (e.g., amperage, voltage), the ionization path collapses (e.g., ceases to exist) and the terminal or electrode is no longer electrically coupled to the target&#39;s tissue. Lacking the ionization path, the impedance between the terminal or electrode and target tissue is high. A high voltage in the range of about 50,000 volts can ionize air in a gap of up to about one inch. 
     A CEW may provide a stimulus signal as a series of current pulses. Each current pulse may include a high voltage portion (e.g., 40,000-100,000 volts) and a low voltage portion (e.g., 500-6,000 volts). The high voltage portion of a pulse of a stimulus signal may ionize air in a gap between an electrode or terminal and a target to electrically couple the electrode or terminal to the target. In response to the electrode or terminal being electrically coupled to the target, the low voltage portion of the pulse delivers an amount of charge into the target&#39;s tissue via the ionization path. In response to the electrode or terminal being electrically coupled to the target by contact (e.g., touching, spear embedded into tissue, etc.), the high portion of the pulse and the low portion of the pulse both deliver charge to the target&#39;s tissue. Generally, the low voltage portion of the pulse delivers a majority of the charge of the pulse into the target&#39;s tissue. In various embodiments, the high voltage portion of a pulse of the stimulus signal may be referred to as the spark or ionization portion. The low voltage portion of a pulse may be referred to as the muscle portion. 
     In various embodiments, a signal generator of the CEW may provide the stimulus signal (e.g., current, pulses of current, etc.) at only a low voltage (e.g., less than 2,000 volts). The low voltage stimulus signal may not ionize the air in the clothing or the air in the gap that separates the terminal or electrode from the target&#39;s tissue. A CEW having a signal generator providing stimulus signals at only a low voltage (e.g., a low voltage signal generator) may require deployed electrodes to be electrically coupled to the target by contact (e.g., touching, spear embedded into tissue, etc.). 
     A CEW may include at least two terminals at the face of the CEW. A CEW may include two terminals for each bay that accepts a magazine (e.g., deployment unit). The terminals are spaced apart from each other. In response to the electrodes of the magazine in the bay having not been deployed, the high voltage impressed across the terminals will result in ionization of the air between the terminals. The arc between the terminals may be visible to the naked eye. In response to a launched electrode not electrically coupling to a target, the current that would have been provided via the electrodes may arc across the face of the CEW via the terminals. 
     The likelihood that the stimulus signal will cause NMI increases when the electrodes that deliver the stimulus signal are spaced apart at least 6 inches (15.24 centimeters) so that the current from the stimulus signal flows through the at least 6 inches of the target&#39;s tissue. In various embodiments, the electrodes preferably should be spaced apart at least 12 inches (30.48 centimeters) on the target. Because the terminals on a CEW are typically less than 6 inches apart, a stimulus signal delivered through the target&#39;s tissue via terminals likely will not cause NMI, only pain. 
     A series of pulses may include two or more pulses separated in time. Each pulse delivers an amount of charge into the target&#39;s tissue. In response to the electrodes being appropriately spaced (as discussed above), the likelihood of inducing NMI increases as each pulse delivers an amount of charge in the range of 55 microcoulombs to 71 microcoulombs per pulse. The likelihood of inducing NMI increases when the rate of pulse delivery (e.g., rate, pulse rate, repetition rate, etc.) is between 11 pulses per second (“pps”) and 50 pps. Pulses delivered at a higher rate may provide less charge per pulse to induce NMI. Pulses that deliver more charge per pulse may be delivered at a lesser rate to induce NMI. In various embodiments, a CEW may be hand-held and use batteries to provide the pulses of the stimulus signal. In response to the amount of charge per pulse being high and the pulse rate being high, the CEW may use more energy than is needed to induce NMI. Using more energy than is needed depletes batteries more quickly. 
     Empirical testing has shown that the power of the battery may be conserved with a high likelihood of causing NMI in response to the pulse rate being less than 44 pps and the charge per a pulse being about 63 microcoulombs. Empirical testing has shown that a pulse rate of 22 pps and 63 microcoulombs per a pulse via a pair of electrodes will induce NMI when the electrode spacing is at least 12 inches (30.48 centimeters). 
     In various embodiments, a CEW may include a handle and one or more magazines (e.g., deployment units, etc.). The handle may include one or more bays for receiving the magazine(s). Each magazine may be removably positioned in (e.g., inserted into, coupled to, etc.) a bay. Each magazine may releasably electrically, electronically, and/or mechanically couple to a bay. A deployment of the CEW may launch one or more electrodes from the magazine and toward a target to remotely deliver the stimulus signal through the target. 
     In various embodiments, a magazine may include two or more electrodes (e.g., projectiles, cartridges, etc.) that are launched at the same time. In various embodiments, a magazine may include two or more electrodes that may each be launched individually at separate times. In various embodiments, a magazine may include a single electrode configured to be launched from the magazine. Launching the electrodes may be referred to as activating (e.g., firing) a magazine or electrode. After use (e.g., activation, firing), a magazine may be removed from the bay and replaced with an unused (e.g., not fired, not activated) magazine to permit launch of additional electrodes. 
     In various embodiments, and with reference to  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a CEW  1  is disclosed. CEW  1  may be similar to, or have similar aspects and/or components with, any CEW discussed herein. CEW  1  may comprise a housing  10  and a magazine  12 . It should be understood by one skilled in the art that  FIG.  2    is a schematic representation of CEW  1 , and one or more of the components of CEW  1  may be located in any suitable position within, or external to, housing  10 . 
     Housing  10  may be configured to house various components of CEW  1  that are configured to enable deployment of magazine  12 , provide an electrical current to magazine  12 , and otherwise aid in the operation of CEW  1 , as discussed further herein. Although depicted as a firearm in  FIG.  1   , housing  10  may comprise any suitable shape and/or size. Housing  10  may comprise a handle end opposite a deployment end. A deployment end may be configured, and sized and shaped, to receive one or more magazine  12 . A handle end may be sized and shaped to be held in a hand of a user. For example, a handle end may be shaped as a handle to enable hand-operation of CEW  1  by the user. In various embodiments, a handle end may also comprise contours shaped to fit the hand of a user, for example, an ergonomic grip. A handle end may include a surface coating, such as, for example, a non-slip surface, a grip pad, a rubber texture, and/or the like. As a further example, a handle end may be wrapped in leather, a colored print, and/or any other suitable material, as desired. 
     In various embodiments, housing  10  may comprise various mechanical, electronic, and/or electrical components configured to aid in performing the functions of CEW  1 . For example, housing  10  may comprise one or more triggers  15 , control interfaces  17 , processing circuits  35 , power supplies  40 , and/or signal generators  45 . Housing  10  may include a guard (e.g., trigger guard). A guard may define an opening formed in housing  10 . A guard may be located on a center region of housing  10  (e.g., as depicted in  FIG.  1   ), and/or in any other suitable location on housing  10 . Trigger  15  may be disposed within a guard. A guard may be configured to protect trigger  15  from unintentional physical contact (e.g., an unintentional activation of trigger  15 ). A guard may surround trigger  15  within housing  10 . 
     In various embodiments, trigger  15  be coupled to an outer surface of housing  10 , and may be configured to move, slide, rotate, or otherwise become physically depressed or moved upon application of physical contact. For example, trigger  15  may be actuated by physical contact applied to trigger  15  from within a guard. Trigger  15  may comprise a mechanical or electromechanical switch, button, trigger, or the like. For example, trigger  15  may comprise a switch, a pushbutton, and/or any other suitable type of trigger. Trigger  15  may be mechanically and/or electronically coupled to processing circuit  35 . In response to trigger  15  being activated (e.g., depressed, pushed, etc. by the user), processing circuit  35  may enable deployment of (or cause deployment of) one or more magazine  12  from CEW  1 , as discussed further herein. 
     In various embodiments, power supply  40  may be configured to provide power to various components of CEW  1 . For example, power supply  40  may provide energy for operating the electronic and/or electrical components (e.g., parts, subsystems, circuits, etc.) of CEW  1  and/or one or more magazine  12 . Power supply  40  may provide electrical power. Providing electrical power may include providing a current at a voltage. Power supply  40  may be electrically coupled to processing circuit  35  and/or signal generator  45 . In various embodiments, in response to a control interface comprising electronic properties and/or components, power supply  40  may be electrically coupled to the control interface. In various embodiments, in response to trigger  15  comprising electronic properties or components, power supply  40  may be electrically coupled to trigger  15 . Power supply  40  may provide an electrical current at a voltage. Electrical power from power supply  40  may be provided as a direct current (“DC”). Electrical power from power supply  40  may be provided as an alternating current (“AC”). Power supply  40  may include a battery. The energy of power supply  40  may be renewable or exhaustible, and/or replaceable. For example, power supply  40  may comprise one or more rechargeable or disposable batteries. In various embodiments, the energy from power supply  40  may be converted from one form (e.g., electrical, magnetic, thermal) to another form to perform the functions of a system. 
     Power supply  40  may provide energy for performing the functions of CEW  1 . For example, power supply  40  may provide the electrical current to signal generator  45  that is provided through a target to impede locomotion of the target (e.g., via magazine  12 ). Power supply  40  may provide the energy for a stimulus signal. Power supply  40  may provide the energy for other signals, including an ignition signal, as discussed further herein. 
     In various embodiments, processing circuit  35  may comprise any circuitry, electrical components, electronic components, software, and/or the like configured to perform various operations and functions discussed herein. For example, processing circuit  35  may comprise a processing circuit, a processor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, logic circuitry, state machines, MEMS devices, signal conditioning circuitry, communication circuitry, a computer, a computer-based system, a radio, a network appliance, a data bus, an address bus, and/or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, processing circuit  35  may include passive electronic devices (e.g., resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.) and/or active electronic devices (e.g., op amps, comparators, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, programmable logic, SRCs, transistors, etc.). In various embodiments, processing circuit  35  may include data buses, output ports, input ports, timers, memory, arithmetic units, and/or the like. 
     In various embodiments, processing circuit  35  may include signal conditioning circuitry. Signal conditioning circuitry may include level shifters to change (e.g., increase, decrease) the magnitude of a voltage (e.g., of a signal) before receipt by processing circuit  35  or to shift the magnitude of a voltage provided by processing circuit  35 . 
     In various embodiments, processing circuit  35  may be configured to control and/or coordinate operation of some or all aspects of CEW  1 . For example, processing circuit  35  may include (or be in communication with) memory configured to store data, programs, and/or instructions. The memory may comprise a tangible non-transitory computer-readable memory. Instructions stored on the tangible non-transitory memory may allow processing circuit  35  to perform various operations, functions, and/or steps, as described herein. 
     In various embodiments, the memory may comprise any hardware, software, and/or database component capable of storing and maintaining data. For example, a memory unit may comprise a database, data structure, memory component, or the like. A memory unit may comprise any suitable non-transitory memory known in the art, such as, an internal memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), solid state drive (SSD), etc.), removable memory (e.g., an SD card, an xD card, a CompactFlash card, etc.), or the like. 
     Processing circuit  35  may be configured to provide and/or receive electrical signals whether digital and/or analog in form. Processing circuit  35  may provide and/or receive digital information via a data bus using any protocol. Processing circuit  35  may receive information, manipulate the received information, and provide the manipulated information. Processing circuit  35  may store information and retrieve stored information. Information received, stored, and/or manipulated by processing circuit  35  may be used to perform a function, control a function, and/or to perform an operation or execute a stored program. 
     Processing circuit  35  may control the operation and/or function of other circuits and/or components of CEW  1 . Processing circuit  35  may receive status information regarding the operation of other components, perform calculations with respect to the status information, and provide commands (e.g., instructions) to one or more other components. Processing circuit  35  may command another component to start operation, continue operation, alter operation, suspend operation, cease operation, or the like. Commands and/or status may be communicated between processing circuit  35  and other circuits and/or components via any type of bus (e.g., SPI bus) including any type of data/address bus. 
     In various embodiments, processing circuit  35  may be mechanically and/or electronically coupled to trigger  15 . Processing circuit  35  may be configured to detect an activation, actuation, depression, input, etc. (collectively, an “activation event”) of trigger  15 . In response to detecting the activation event, processing circuit  35  may be configured to perform various operations and/or functions, as discussed further herein. Processing circuit  35  may also include a sensor (e.g., a trigger sensor) attached to trigger  15  and configured to detect an activation event of trigger  15 . The sensor may comprise any suitable sensor, such as a mechanical and/or electronic sensor capable of detecting an activation event in trigger  15  and reporting the activation event to processing circuit  35 . 
     In various embodiments, processing circuit  35  may be mechanically and/or electronically coupled to control interface  17 . Processing circuit  35  may be configured to detect an activation, actuation, depression, input, etc. (collectively, a “control event”) of control interface  17 . In response to detecting the control event, processing circuit  35  may be configured to perform various operations and/or functions, as discussed further herein. Processing circuit  35  may also include a sensor (e.g., a control sensor) attached to control interface  17  and configured to detect a control event of control interface  17 . The sensor may comprise any suitable mechanical and/or electronic sensor capable of detecting a control event in control interface  17  and reporting the control event to processing circuit  35 . 
     In various embodiments, processing circuit  35  may be electrically and/or electronically coupled to power supply  40 . Processing circuit  35  may receive power from power supply  40 . The power received from power supply  40  may be used by processing circuit  35  to receive signals, process signals, and transmit signals to various other components in CEW  1 . Processing circuit  35  may use power from power supply  40  to detect an activation event of trigger  15 , a control event of control interface  17 , or the like, and generate one or more control signals in response to the detected events. The control signal may be based on the control event and the activation event. The control signal may be an electrical signal. 
     In various embodiments, processing circuit  35  may be electrically and/or electronically coupled to signal generator  45 . Processing circuit  35  may be configured to transmit or provide control signals to signal generator  45  in response to detecting an activation event of trigger  15 . Multiple control signals may be provided from processing circuit  35  to signal generator  45  in series. In response to receiving the control signal, signal generator  45  may be configured to perform various functions and/or operations, as discussed further herein. 
     In various embodiments, signal generator  45  may be configured to receive one or more control signals from processing circuit  35 . Signal generator  45  may provide an ignition signal to magazine  12  based on the control signals. Signal generator  45  may be electrically and/or electronically coupled to processing circuit  35  and/or magazine  12 . Signal generator  45  may be electrically coupled to power supply  40 . Signal generator  45  may use power received from power supply  40  to generate an ignition signal. For example, signal generator  45  may receive an electrical signal from power supply  40  that has first current and voltage values. Signal generator  45  may transform the electrical signal into an ignition signal having second current and voltage values. The transformed second current and/or the transformed second voltage values may be different from the first current and/or voltage values. The transformed second current and/or the transformed second voltage values may be the same as the first current and/or voltage values. Signal generator  45  may temporarily store power from power supply  40  and rely on the stored power entirely or in part to provide the ignition signal. Signal generator  45  may also rely on received power from power supply  40  entirely or in part to provide the ignition signal, without needing to temporarily store power. 
     Signal generator  45  may be controlled entirely or in part by processing circuit  35 . In various embodiments, signal generator  45  and processing circuit  35  may be separate components (e.g., physically distinct and/or logically discrete). Signal generator  45  and processing circuit  35  may be a single component. For example, a control circuit within housing  10  may at least include signal generator  45  and processing circuit  35 . The control circuit may also include other components and/or arrangements, including those that further integrate corresponding function of these elements into a single component or circuit, as well as those that further separate certain functions into separate components or circuits. 
     Signal generator  45  may be controlled by the control signals to generate an ignition signal having a predetermined current value or values. For example, signal generator  45  may include a current source. The control signal may be received by signal generator  45  to activate the current source at a current value of the current source. An additional control signal may be received to decrease a current of the current source. For example, signal generator  45  may include a pulse width modification circuit coupled between a current source and an output of the control circuit. A second control signal may be received by signal generator  45  to activate the pulse width modification circuit, thereby decreasing a non-zero period of a signal generated by the current source and an overall current of an ignition signal subsequently output by the control circuit. The pulse width modification circuit may be separate from a circuit of the current source or, alternatively, integrated within a circuit of the current source. Various other forms of signal generators  45  may alternatively or additionally be employed, including those that apply a voltage over one or more different resistances to generate signals with different currents. In various embodiments, signal generator  45  may include a high-voltage module configured to deliver an electrical current having a high voltage. In various embodiments, signal generator  45  may include a low-voltage module configured to deliver an electrical current having a lower voltage, such as, for example, 2,000 volts. 
     Responsive to receipt of a signal indicating activation of trigger  15  (e.g., an activation event), a control circuit provides an ignition signal to magazine  12  (or an electrode in magazine  12 ). For example, signal generator  45  may provide an electrical signal as an ignition signal to magazine  12  in response to receiving a control signal from processing circuit  35 . In various embodiments, the ignition signal may be separate and distinct from a stimulus signal. For example, a stimulus signal in CEW  1  may be provided to a different circuit within magazine  12 , relative to a circuit to which an ignition signal is provided. Signal generator  45  may be configured to generate a stimulus signal. In various embodiments, a second, separate signal generator, component, or circuit (not shown) within housing  10  may be configured to generate the stimulus signal. Signal generator  45  may also provide a ground signal path for magazine  12 , thereby completing a circuit for an electrical signal provided to magazine  12  by signal generator  45 . The ground signal path may also be provided to magazine  12  by other elements in housing  10 , including power supply  40 . 
     In various embodiments, a bay  11  of housing  10  may be configured (to receive one or more magazine  12 . Bay  11  may comprise an opening in an end of housing  10  sized and shaped to receive one or more magazine  12 . Bay  11  may include one or more mechanical features configured to removably couple one or more magazine  12  within bay  11 . Bay  11  of housing  10  may be configured to receive a single magazine, two magazines, three magazines, nine magazines, or any other number of magazines. 
     Magazine  12  may comprise one or more propulsion modules  25  and one or more electrodes E. For example, a magazine  12  may comprise a single propulsion module  25  configured to deploy a single electrode E. As a further example, a magazine  12  may comprise a single propulsion module  25  configured to deploy a plurality of electrodes E. As a further example, a magazine  12  may comprise a plurality of propulsion modules  25  and a plurality of electrodes E, with each propulsion module  25  configured to deploy one or more electrodes E. In various embodiments, and as depicted in  FIG.  2   , magazine  12  may comprise a first propulsion module  25 - 1  configured to deploy a first electrode E 0  and a second propulsion module  25 - 2  configured to deploy a second electrode E 1 . Each series of propulsion modules and electrodes may be contained in the same and/or separate magazines. 
     In various embodiments, a propulsion module  25  may be coupled to, or in communication with one or more electrodes E in magazine  12 . In various embodiments, magazine  12  may comprise a plurality of propulsion modules  25 , with each propulsion module  25  coupled to, or in communication with, one or more electrodes E. A propulsion module  25  may comprise any device, propellant (e.g., air, gas, etc.), primer, or the like capable of providing a propulsion force in magazine  12 . The propulsion force may include an increase in pressure caused by rapidly expanding gas within an area or chamber. The propulsion force may be applied to one or more electrodes E in magazine  12  to cause the deployment of the one or more electrodes E. A propulsion module  25  may provide the propulsion force in response to magazine  12  receiving an ignition signal, as previously discussed. 
     In various embodiments, the propulsion force may be directly applied to one or more electrodes E. For example, a propulsion force from propulsion module  25 - 1  may be provided directly to first electrode E 0 . A propulsion module  25  may be in fluid communication with one or more electrodes E to provide the propulsion force. For example, a propulsion force from propulsion module  25 - 1  may travel within a housing or channel of magazine  12  to first electrode E 0 . The propulsion force may travel via a manifold in magazine  12 . 
     In various embodiments, the propulsion force may be provided indirectly to one or more electrodes E. For example, the propulsion force may be provided to a secondary source of propellant within propulsion system  125 . The propulsion force may launch the secondary source of propellant within propulsion system  125 , causing the secondary source of propellant to release propellant. A force associated with the released propellant may in turn provide a force to one or more electrodes E. A force generated by a secondary source of propellant may cause the one or more electrodes E to be deployed from the magazine  12  and CEW  1 . 
     In various embodiments, each electrode E 0 , E 1  may each comprise any suitable type of projectile. For example, one or more electrodes E may be or include a projectile, an electrode (e.g., an electrode dart), an entablement projectile, a payload projectile (e.g., comprising a liquid or gas substance), or the like. An electrode may include a spear portion, designed to pierce or attach proximate a tissue of a target in order to provide a conductive electrical path between the electrode and the tissue, as previously discussed herein. 
     Control interface  17  of CEW  1  may comprise, or be similar to, any control interface disclosed herein. In various embodiments, control interface  17  may be configured to control selection of firing modes in CEW  1 . Controlling selection of firing modes in CEW  1  may include disabling firing of CEW  1  (e.g., a safety mode, etc.), enabling firing of CEW  1  (e.g., an active mode, a firing mode, an escalation mode, etc.), controlling deployment of magazine  12 , and/or similar operations, as discussed further herein. In various embodiments, control interface  17  may also be configured to perform (or cause performance of) one or more operations that do not include the selection of firing modes. For example, control interface  17  may be configured to enable the selection of operating modes of CEW  1 , selection of options within an operating mode of CEW  1 , or similar selection or scrolling operations, as discussed further herein. 
     Control interface  17  may be located in any suitable location on or in housing  10 . For example, control interface  17  may be coupled to an outer surface of housing  10 . Control interface  17  may be coupled to an outer surface of housing  10  proximate trigger  15  and/or a guard of housing  10 . Control interface  17  may be electrically, mechanically, and/or electronically coupled to processing circuit  35 . In various embodiments, in response to control interface  17  comprising electronic properties or components, control interface  17  may be electrically coupled to power supply  40 . Control interface  17  may receive power (e.g., electrical current) from power supply  40  to power the electronic properties or components. 
     Control interface  17  may be electronically or mechanically coupled to trigger  15 . For example, and as discussed further herein, control interface  17  may function as a safety mechanism. In response to control interface  17  being set to a “safety mode,” CEW  1  may be unable to launch electrodes from magazine  12 . For example, control interface  17  may provide a signal (e.g., a control signal) to processing circuit  35  instructing processing circuit  35  to disable deployment of electrodes from magazine  12 . As a further example, control interface  17  may electronically or mechanically prohibit trigger  15  from activating (e.g., prevent or disable a user from depressing trigger  15 ; prevent trigger  15  from launching an electrode; etc.). 
     Control interface  17  may comprise any suitable electronic or mechanical component capable of enabling selection of firing modes. For example, control interface  17  may comprise a fire mode selector switch, a safety switch, a safety catch, a rotating switch, a selection switch, a selective firing mechanism, and/or any other suitable mechanical control. As a further example, control interface  17  may comprise a slide, such as a handgun slide, a reciprocating slide, or the like. As a further example, control interface  17  may comprise a touch screen, user interface or display, or similar electronic visual component. 
     The safety mode may be configured to prohibit deployment of an electrode from magazine  12  in CEW  1 . For example, in response to a user selecting the safety mode, control interface  17  may transmit a safety mode instruction to processing circuit  35 . In response to receiving the safety mode instruction, processing circuit  35  may prohibit deployment of an electrode from magazine  12 . Processing circuit  35  may prohibit deployment until a further instruction is received from control interface  17  (e.g., a firing mode instruction). As previously discussed, control interface  17  may also, or alternatively, interact with trigger  15  to prevent activation of trigger  15 . In various embodiments, the safety mode may also be configured to prohibit deployment of a stimulus signal from signal generator  45 , such as, for example, a local delivery. 
     The firing mode may be configured to enable deployment of one or more electrodes from magazine  12  in CEW  1 . For example, and in accordance with various embodiments, in response to a user selecting the firing mode, control interface  17  may transmit a firing mode instruction to processing circuit  35 . In response to receiving the firing mode instruction, processing circuit  35  may enable deployment of an electrode from magazine  12 . In that regard, in response to trigger  15  being activated, processing circuit  35  may cause the deployment of one or more electrodes. Processing circuit  35  may enable deployment until a further instruction is received from control interface  17  (e.g., a safety mode instruction). As a further example, and in accordance with various embodiments, in response to a user selecting the firing mode, control interface  17  may also mechanically (or electronically) interact with trigger  15  of CEW  1  to enable activation of trigger  15 . 
     In various embodiments, CEW  1  may deliver a stimulus signal via a circuit that includes signal generator  45  positioned in the handle of CEW  1 . An interface (e.g., cartridge interface, magazine interface, etc.) on each magazine  12  inserted into housing  10  electrically couples to an interface (e.g., handle interface, housing interface, etc.) in handle housing  10 . Signal generator  45  couples to each magazine  12 , and thus to the electrodes E, via the handle interface and the magazine interface. A first filament couples to the interface of the magazine  12  and to a first electrode. A second filament couples to the interface of the magazine  12  and to a second electrode. The stimulus signal travels from signal generator  45 , through the first filament and the first electrode, through target tissue, and through the second electrode and second filament back to signal generator  45 . 
     In various embodiments, CEW  1  may further comprise one or more user interfaces  37 . A user interface  37  may be configured to receive an input from a user of CEW  1  and/or transmit an output to the user of CEW  1 . User interface  37  may be located in any suitable location on or in housing  10 . For example, user interface  37  may be coupled to an outer surface of housing  10 , or extend at least partially through the outer surface of housing  10 . User interface  37  may be electrically, mechanically, and/or electronically coupled to processing circuit  35 . In various embodiments, in response to user interface  37  comprising electronic or electrical properties or components, user interface  37  may be electrically coupled to power supply  40 . User interface  37  may receive power (e.g., electrical current) from power supply  40  to power the electronic properties or components. 
     In various embodiments, user interface  37  may comprise one or more components configured to receive an input from a user. For example, user interface  37  may comprise one or more of an audio capturing module (e.g., microphone) configured to receive an audio input, a visual display (e.g., touchscreen, LCD, LED, etc.) configured to receive a manual input, a mechanical interface (e.g., button, switch, etc.) configured to receive a manual input, and/or the like. In various embodiments, user interface  37  may comprise one or more components configured to transmit or produce an output. For example, user interface  37  may comprise one or more of an audio output module (e.g., audio speaker) configured to output audio, a light-emitting component (e.g., flashlight, laser guide, etc.) configured to output light, a visual display (e.g., touchscreen, LCD, LED, etc.) configured to output a visual, and/or the like. 
     In various embodiments, and with reference to  FIGS.  3 A and  3 B , a magazine  312  for a CEW is disclosed. Magazine  312  may be similar to any other magazine, deployment unit, or the like disclosed herein. 
     Magazine  312  may comprise a housing  350  sized and shaped to be inserted into the bay  11  of a CEW handle, as previously discussed. Housing  350  may comprise a first end  351  (e.g., a deployment end, a front end, etc.) opposite a second end  352  (e.g., a loading end, a rear end, etc.). Magazine  312  may be configured to permit launch of one or more electrodes from first end  351  (e.g., electrodes are launched through first end  351 ). Magazine  312  may be configured to permit loading of one or more electrodes from second end  351 . Second end  351  may also be configured to permit provision of stimulus signals from the CEW to the one or more electrodes. In some embodiments, magazine  312  may also be configured to permit loading of one or more electrodes from first end  351 . 
     In various embodiments, housing  350  may define one or more bores  353 . A bore  353  may comprise an axial opening through housing  350 , defined and open on first end  351  and/or second end  352 . Each bore  353  may be configured to receive an electrode (or cartridge containing an electrode). Each bore  353  may be sized and shaped accordingly to receive and house an electrode (or cartridge containing an electrode) prior to and during deployment of the electrode from magazine  312 . Each bore  353  may comprise any suitable deployment angle. One or more bores  353  may comprise similar deployment angles. One or more bores  353  may comprise different deployment angles. Housing  350  may comprise any suitable or desired number of bores  353 , such as, for example, two bores, five bores, nine bores, ten bores, and/or the like. 
     In various embodiments, magazine  350  may be configured to receive one or more cartridges  355 . A cartridge  355  may comprise a body  356  housing an electrode and one or more components necessary to deploy the electrode from body  356 . For example, cartridge  355  may comprise an electrode and a propulsion module. The electrode may be similar to any other electrode, projectile, or the like disclosed herein. The propulsion module may be similar to any other propulsion module, primer, or the like disclosed herein. 
     In various embodiments, cartridge  355  may comprise a cylindrical outer body  356  defining a hollow inner portion. The hollow inner portion may house an electrode (e.g., an electrode, a spear, filament wire, etc.). The hollow inner portion may house a propulsion module configured to deploy the electrode from a first end of the cylindrical outer body  356 . Cartridge  355  may include a piston positioned adjacent a second end of the electrode. Cartridge  355  may have the propulsion module positioned such that the piston is located between the electrode and the propulsion module. Cartridge  355  may also have a wad positioned adjacent the piston, where the wad is located between the propulsion module and the piston. 
     In various embodiments, a cartridge  355  may comprise a contact  357  on an end of body  356 . Contact  357  may be configured to allow cartridge  355  to receive an electrical signal from a CEW handle. For example, contact  357  may comprise an electrical contact configured to enable the completion of an electrical circuit between cartridge  355  and a signal generator of the CEW handle. In that regard, contact  357  may be configured to transmit (or provide) a stimulus signal from the CEW handle to the electrode. As a further example, contact  357  may be configured to transmit (or provide) an electrical signal (e.g., an ignition signal) from the CEW handle to a propulsion module within the cartridge  355 . For example, contact  357  may be configured to transmit (or provide) the electrical signal to a conductor of the propulsion module, thereby causing the conductor to heat up and ignite a pyrotechnic material inside the propulsion module. Ignition of the pyrotechnic material may cause the propulsion module to deploy (e.g., directly or indirectly) the electrode from the cartridge  355 . 
     In operation, a cartridge  355  may be inserted into a bore  353  of a magazine  312 . The magazine  312  may be inserted into the bay  11  of a CEW handle. The CEW may be operated to deploy an electrode from the cartridge  355  in magazine  312 . Magazine  312  may be removed from the bay  11  of the CEW handle. The cartridge  355  (e.g., a used cartridge, a spent cartridge, etc.) may be removed from the bore  353  of magazine  312 . A new cartridge  355  may then be inserted into the same bore  353  of magazine  312  for additional deployments. The number of cartridges  355  that magazine  350  is capable of receiving may be dependent on a number of bores  353  in housing  350 . For example, in response to housing  350  comprising four bores  353 , magazine  350  may be configured to receive at most four cartridges  355  at the same time. As a further example, in response to housing  350  comprising two bores  353 , magazine  350  may be configured to receive at most two cartridges  355  at the same time. 
     Magnetic Magazine Type Detection 
     Magazines of conducted electrical weapons (CEW) comprise a set of magnetic elements having positions, polarities, and magnitudes corresponding to a type of magazine. The CEW uses sensors to detect an indicator magnet indicating that a magazine is inserted into a bay  11  of the CEW. The CEW additionally uses sensors to detect information about the set of magnetic elements and determines, based on the detected information, a type of the magazine. Types of magazines can determine a number of factors relevant to operation of the CEW in conjunction with a given magazine, such as a number of cartridges acceptable in the magazine, a type of cartridges acceptable within a magazine, capabilities of a magazine, and/or the like. 
       FIG.  4    is a block diagram illustrating an example processing circuit  35  for a CEW, in accordance with various embodiments. In the embodiment of  FIG.  4   , the example processing circuit  35  comprises a magnet sensor  405 , an indicator detector  410 , a magazine type detector  415 , a magazine type info store  420 , and a CEW controller  425 . In other embodiments, the processing circuit may comprise additional, fewer, or different modules, and modules may perform differently than described herein. 
     The magnet sensor  405  comprises one or more sensors configured to detect magnetic elements in magazines received in a bay  11  of the CEW  1 . In some embodiments, the one or more sensors detect one or more physical properties of the magazine. For example, in some embodiments, the one or more sensors are hall effect sensors. In other embodiments, the one or more sensors may be magneto-resistive, magneto-diode, magneto-transistor, or other types of magnetometers configured to detect magnetic elements in cartridges received in a bay  11  of the CEW  1 . In other embodiments, the one or more sensors may additionally or instead detect other physical properties of the magazine  12 , such as, for example, one or more of: Indicia printed on the magazines, physical indents, extrusions, other markings on the magazines, or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the magnet sensor  405  is configured to, responsive to detecting one or more magnetic fields or other physical properties, capture and transmit information about the one or more detected magnetic fields or other physical properties to the indicator detector  410 . Information about the one or more detected magnetic fields may comprise, for example, a position of a magnetic element causing the detected magnetic field; a polarity of the magnetic field; a magnitude of the magnetic field; and the like. 
     The indicator detector  410  receives information about one or more detected magnetic fields from the magnet sensor  405  and determines whether a detected magnetic field of the one or more detected magnetic fields corresponds to an indicator magnet. An indicator magnet (e.g., a first magnet) is a magnetic element in a magazine  12  that indicates to a processing circuit of a CEW  1  that the cartridge has been inserted to the bay  11  of the CEW. In some embodiments, the indicator magnet may have a fixed polarity. In some embodiments, the indicator magnet may have a fixed position on the magazine  12 . In some embodiments, the indicator magnet may have a fixed magnitude. In other embodiments, the indicator magnet may have one of a set of fixed positions, magnitudes, and/or polarities, e.g., such that a magnetic field detected within a set of positions, magnitudes, and/or polarities indicate to the processing unit of the CEW  1  that the magazine  12  has been received by the CEW. 
     In some embodiments, the magazine type detector  415  performs a check for one or more additional magnetic elements (e.g., a second magnet, a third magnet, a fourth magnet, etc.) responsive to the indicator detector  410  detecting an indicator magnet and determines, based on one or more additional magnetic elements, a magazine type of a magazine  12  received by the CEW  1 . In other embodiments wherein the magazine does not comprise an indicator magnet, the magazine type detector  415  performs a check for one or more magnetic elements responsive to the indicator detector  410  detecting a magnetic element of the one or more magnetic elements, e.g., a magnetic element that is not an indicator element. In other embodiments wherein the magazine does not comprise an indicator magnet, the magazine type detector  415  performs a check for one or more magnetic elements responsive to other stimuli, e.g., a magazine being inserted into a bay of the CEW  1 , an action by a user of the CEW, an instruction received by a remote entity to perform the check, and the like. 
     In some embodiments, the magazine type detector  415  receives information describing one or more detected magnetic fields and accesses the magazine type info store  420  to determine a magazine type corresponding to the received information describing the one or more detected magnetic fields. The information describing the one or more magnetic fields may comprise a set of respective positions, polarities, and/or magnitudes corresponding to a set of magnetic elements. In some embodiments, e.g., in embodiments wherein the indicator magnet has a fixed position, polarity, and magnitude, the information describing the one or more magnetic fields may exclude information describing an indicator magnet. In other embodiments, the received information may comprise other information about physical properties of the received magazine  12 , such as information describing indicia printed on the surface of the magazine, indents, extrusions, other markings on the surface of the magazine, and the like. 
     The magazine type info store  420  stores and maintains information describing magazine types and magnetic elements or other physical properties corresponding to the magazine types. For example, in some embodiments, magazines comprise three magnetic elements. The three magnetic elements may comprise one indicator magnet and two additional magnetic elements, or may comprise three magnetic elements without an indicator magnet. In other embodiments, magazines comprise fewer or more magnetic elements. Each magazine of a magazine type comprises a fixed set of positions, polarities, and/or magnitudes for each of the magnetic elements. The magazine type info store  420  maintains information describing each fixed set of positions, polarities, and/or magnitudes for known magazine types. As such, based on the information describing the one or more detected magnetic fields and information stored by the magazine type info store  420 , the magazine type detector  415  identifies a magazine type having magnetic elements corresponding to the information. 
     In some embodiments, the magazine type info store  420  additionally stores and maintains information describing one or more additional properties of magazine types. For example, the cartridge type info store  420  may identify a magazine type as comprising (or capable of accepting) a plurality of electrodes E. In another example, the magazine type info store  420  may store information describing a required method of propulsion for the magazine type, a required activation event, a particular type of cartridge, or the like. As a further example, the magazine type info store  420  may store information indicating a type of cartridges acceptable by the magazine, such as a standard cartridge, a virtual reality cartridge, and/or the like. 
     The CEW controller  425  performs one or more actions responsive to a determination of a magazine type of a magazine  12  received by a CEW  1 . In some embodiments, the CEW controller  425  may modify one or more settings or parameters of the CEW  1 , such as modifying a number of consecutive deployments of cartridges by the CEW prior to requiring a new cartridge or a new magazine, modifying a required activation event, modifying a control signal, modifying a propulsion event, and/or the like. In other embodiments, the CEW controller  425  may modify a display or control interface of the CEW  1 , e.g., by displaying an identifier of the magazine type and/or a remaining number of cartridges and/or electrodes E in the magazine on a display of the CEW, a display of a client device communicatively coupled to the CEW, or the like. In other embodiments, the CEW controller  425  may modify an aiming apparatus of the CEW based on electrode deployment trajectories associated with one or more bores of the magazine type. For example, modifying the aiming apparatus may comprise adjusting one or more aiming lasers to accurately align with the electrode deployment trajectories associated with one or more bores of the magazine type. In other embodiments, the CEW controller  425  may modify (e.g., enable or disable) one or more accessory components of the CEW, such as, for example, a flashlight, an aiming laser, an audio output component, and/or the like. 
       FIG.  5    is a perspective view of a magazine having magnetic elements for type detection, in accordance with various embodiments. As discussed in conjunction with  FIGS.  1 - 2   , magazines  12  may comprise one or more electrodes E and are configured to be inserted into a bay  11  of a CEW  1 . For example, a magazine  12  may comprise a single electrode E or may comprise a plurality of electrodes. Magazines  12  are associated with a magazine type, which identifies parameters associated with the magazine. For example, a magazine type may identify a number of electrodes E associated with the magazine  12  or with a cartridge of the magazine. In another example, a magazine type may identify other parameters associated with the magazine  12  as discussed in  FIGS.  1 - 2   , e.g., activation events, control signals, propulsion events or methods, and the like. 
     The magazine  12  comprises a set of magnetic elements  505 ,  510 . In some embodiments, a first magnetic element is an indicator magnet  505 . As discussed previously, the indicator magnet  405  is a magnetic element in a magazine  12  that indicates to a processing unit of a CEW  1  that the cartridge has been inserted to the bay  11  of the CEW. In some embodiments, the indicator magnet  405  may have fixed properties across one or more cartridge types, such as a fixed position on the cartridge, a fixed polarity, and/or a fixed magnitude, so as to be readily identifiable by the CEW  1 . In other embodiments, the indicator magnet  505  may vary in position, polarity, and/or magnitude across one or more cartridge types. 
     One or more additional magnetic elements  510  (e.g., magnetic element  510 A, magnetic element  510 B, etc.) may have differing positions, polarities, and magnitudes across one or more cartridge types, such that each cartridge type corresponds to a unique set of properties of additional magnetic elements. For example, a first cartridge type may have an indicator magnet  505  having a fixed position, polarity, and magnitude, and additional magnetic elements  510 A-B having a set of properties A and B, while a second cartridge type may have an indicator magnet  405  having the same fixed position, polarity, and magnitude, and additional magnetic elements  510  having sets of properties B and C. As shown in the embodiment of  FIG.  5   , the magazine  12  comprises one indicator magnet  505  and two additional magnetic elements  510 A-B for a total of three magnetic elements. In other embodiments, the magazine  12  may comprise additional magnetic elements, fewer magnetic elements, and magnetic elements in positions different than illustrated in  FIG.  5   . 
     In some embodiments, the indicator magnet  505  and the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  are held within the magazine  12  by one or more mechanical components  515 . In other embodiments, the indicator magnet  505  and the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  may instead or additionally be held within the magazine  12  using mechanical components not shown here, such as via clamping or other locking mechanisms within the magazine body. In other embodiments, the indicator magnet  505  and the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  may instead or additionally be held within the magazine  12  using other means, such as being magnetically fixed within the magazine, fixed using an adhesive, and/or the like. 
     In various embodiments, the indicator magnet  505  and/or the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  may be located in any suitable position within or on a magazine. For example, the indicator magnet  505  and/or the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  may be located in a position capable of enabling the indicator magnet  505  and/or the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  to interface with components of the CEW handle capable of determining the physical properties of the indicator magnet  505  and/or the one or more additional magnetic elements  510 . For example, although depicted in  FIG.  5    as being disposed proximate a top of a magazine, it should be understand that the indicator magnet  505  and/or the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  may also be disposed proximate a bottom of a magazine, a side of a magazine, a rear end of a magazine, and/or any other suitable position. Further, although depicted in  FIG.  5    as the indicator magnet  505  and/or the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  each being disposed together, it should be understood that one or more of the indicator magnet  505  and/or the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  may also be positioned separately. For example, the indicator magnet  505  may be disposed in a first location on the magazine and the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  may be disposed in a second location on (or within) the magazine different from the first location. Similarly, and as a further example, one or more of the additional magnetic elements  510  may be disposed in different locations on (or within) the magazine. 
     In some embodiments, one or more of the indicator magnet  505  and/or the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  may be coupled to an exterior surface of the magazine. In some embodiments, one or more of the indicator magnet  505  and/or the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  may be disposed within the magazine. In some embodiments, one or more of the indicator magnet  505  and/or the one or more additional magnetic elements  510  may be disposed within the magazine and at least partially protrude (or be exposed) through an exterior surface of the magazine. 
       FIG.  6    is a flow chart illustrating a method for detecting magazine types by a CEW, according to some embodiments. For example, and in accordance with various embodiments, the method may include one or more steps for detecting magnetic elements in cartridges and determining cartridge types based on the magnetic elements by a CEW. In other embodiments, the method may include one or more steps for detecting magnetic elements in cartridges to determine when cartridges are inserted to a CEW. 
     A CEW  1  comprises a bay  11  for receiving one or more magazines  12  and a housing  10  comprising one or more electrical components. The one or more electrical components comprise at least a processing circuit and one or more sensors for detecting magnetic elements  505 ,  510  and/or other physical properties of magazines within the CEW  1 . The CEW  1  receives  605  a magazine  12  into the bay  11  of the CEW. In some embodiments, the bay  11  of the CEW  1  and/or the magazine  12  may comprise mechanical components for receiving the cartridge, aligning the cartridge, and/or locking the cartridge into place. 
     The CEW  1  may perform a check for one or more magnetic elements. The one or more magnetic elements may each have a physical property. The physical property may comprise a respective position on the magazine, a respective polarity, and/or the like. The check may be performed by the CEW by detecting the one or more magnets, detecting each physical property of the one or more magnets, and/or the like, in accordance with various embodiments. 
     For example, the CEW  1  detects  610  an indicator magnet  505  (e.g., a first magnet) of the magazine  12 . The indicator magnet  505  is a first magnet in the magazine  12  having a first position and a first polarity. In some embodiments, the indicator magnet  505  has a standard position and polarity across one or more magazine types. 
     For example, the CEW  1  detects  615  one or more additional magnets  510  (e.g., a second magnet, etc.). The CEW  1  may detect the one or more additional magnets  510  together with detecting the indicator magnet  505 . The CEW  1  may detect the one or more additional magnets  510  responsive to detecting the indicator magnet  505 . The one or more additional magnets  510  may have one or more respective positions on the cartridge and one or more respective polarities. The one or more respective positions may be a set of standard positions on a cartridge, and the one or more respective polarities may be positive, negative, or neutral, and may vary in magnitude. 
     The CEW  1  determines  620  a cartridge type of the cartridge. The CEW  1  may determine the cartridge type responsive to detecting the indicator magnet  505 , the one or more additional magnets  510 , a CEW operation (e.g., a safety switch being disabled or enabled, operation of a user interface, a motion detected by a motion detector, etc.), and/or the like. The CEW  1  may determine the cartridge type based on the detected indicator magnet  505 , the detected one or more additional magnets  510 , physical properties of the magazine, and/or the like. 
     In some embodiments, the CEW  1  locally stores information describing a set of additional magnets  510  having respective positions and respective polarities corresponding to one or more cartridge types. The locally stored information may also describe properties of the indicator magnet, physical properties of one or more magazines, and/or the like corresponding to one or more cartridge types. In some embodiments, the locally stored information may be stored in a data store (e.g., memory unit) of the CEW  1 . The data store of the CEW may comprise a mapping of information about the one or more magnetic elements and a corresponding magazine type. 
     In other embodiments, the CEW  1  may establish a communication connection with a remote entity, e.g., a vehicle system, a client device, a body-worn camera, or a cloud or other server, and may access or receive information describing sets of additional magnets  510  having respective positions and respective polarities corresponding to one or more cartridge types. The remote entity may also store information describing properties of the indicator magnet, physical properties of one or more magazines, and/or the like corresponding to one or more cartridge types. In some embodiments, the remote entity may store the information in a data store (e.g., memory unit). The data store of the remote entity may comprise a mapping of information about the one or more magnetic elements and a corresponding magazine type. 
     Based on the cartridge type of the magazine  12 , the CEW  1  may perform one or more actions, such as one or more of: modifying one or more settings of the CEW (e.g., a number of expected consecutive deployments of electrodes E prior to reloading a new cartridge); modifying information on a display or control interface of the CEW (e.g., displaying a cartridge type on a user display); and/or the like. 
     In embodiments of  FIG.  6   , the method may be performed by a CEW  1 . In other embodiments, the method may be performed in part or in whole by other entities. Further, in other embodiments, the method may comprise additional or fewer steps, and the steps may be performed in a different order than described in conjunction with  FIG.  6   . 
     CONCLUSION 
     The foregoing description of the embodiments has been presented for the purpose of illustration; it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the patent rights to the precise forms disclosed. Persons skilled in the relevant art can appreciate that many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above disclosure. 
     Any of the steps, operations, or processes described herein may be performed or implemented with one or more hardware or software modules, alone or in combination with other devices. In one embodiment, a software module is implemented with a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium containing computer program code, which can be executed by a computer processor for performing any or all of the steps, operations, or processes described. 
     Embodiments may also relate to an apparatus or system for performing the operations herein. Such an apparatus or system may be specially constructed for the required purpose, and/or it may comprise a general-purpose device selectively activated or reconfigured by a computer program stored in the apparatus or system. Such a computer program may be stored in a non-transitory, tangible computer readable storage medium, or any type of media suitable for storing electronic instructions, which may be coupled to a computer system bus. Furthermore, any computing systems referred to in the specification may include a single processor or may be architectures employing multiple processor designs for increased computing capability. 
     Finally, the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and it may not have been selected to delineate or circumscribe the patent rights. It is therefore intended that the scope of the patent rights be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by any claims that issue on an application based hereon. Accordingly, the disclosure of the embodiments is intended to be illustrative, but not limiting, of the scope of the patent rights, which is set forth in the following claims. 
     Examples of various exemplary embodiments embodying aspects of the invention are presented in the following example set. It will be appreciated that all the examples contained in this disclosure are given by way of explanation, and not of limitation.