Patent Publication Number: US-2022236037-A1

Title: Proportional-response conductive energy weapon and method

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a hand-held device that is configured to assess a threat with one or more sensors and deliver an electric charge to a target whose efficacy is proportional to the assessed threat. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a hand-held device configured to discharge a plurality of electrode wires and deliver a non-lethal amount of electric energy proportional to the threat as assessed by the one or more sensors. 
     Non-lethal devices that impart an incapacitating amount of electricity, commonly referred to as conductive energy weapons (CEWS), are used by many law enforcement and military forces. A 24,000-use case study shows that the use of CEWS shows a 60% reduction in suspect injury relative to use of conventional weapons. 
     A common CEW is sold under the TASER® by Axon Enterprise, Inc. located in Scottsdale, Ariz. A TASER® CEW delivers current using two darts, propelled by gunpowder or springs, each of which tows insulated wire from spools in the launcher. Typical pistol style launchers have two pairs of darts, and a 15 ft to 30 ft effective range. 
     There are other CEWs that utilize liquid or molten conductive beams. However, the ionic conductors (like salt water) generally have too much resistivity to carry the relatively high required peak currents. 
     Metal alloys that are molten at ambient temperature (NaK, mercury, gallium) are generally corrosive, poisonous, and/or expensive. The beams they form generally break up by Rayleigh instability. 
     Metal alloys that are molten above ambient temperature can be extruded to freeze in flight; such beams tend to shatter as air drag slows them down. Further, maintaining reservoirs of alloy at elevated temperature in a standby mode requires a significant amount of energy to compensate for heat loss. Such a hand-held device will require a significant amount of volume for insulation. Both are problematic for a portable design. 
     Other CEWS that transmit electric energy to a target include a rigid baton or probe. In some instances, the baton or probe can telescope to increase the range. However, the range of a rigid CEW is generally within the engagement range of the target individual, and they can be grasped by a potential target. 
     Finally, in some instances the CEWS can utilize a laser to ionize one or more conductive channels in the air. However, the laser based CEWS are expensive, potentially lethal and blinding, and in many instances impractical. 
     Whatever the previously disclosed CEWS, each CEW lacks one or more sensors that are configured to assess a threat and adjust an electric charge based upon the sensed or assessed threat. The one or more sensors can be utilized to adjust the electric charge through the full range of threats from a mildly aggressive or self-dangerous offender that would require a less aggressive charge to overwhelmingly aggressive opponents threatening the imminent death of the operator which would require a maximally aggressive amount of electric charge to incapacitate the person. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure, in its various combinations, either in apparatus or method form, may also be characterized by the following listing of items: 
     An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of delivering an electric charge to a remote target with a CEW. The method includes using one or more sensors in communication with the CEW to determine a threat level of a situation and contacting the target with at least one electrode wire discharged from the CEW. The method further includes applying an electric charge along the at least one electrode wire so that electrical charge flows between the CEW and the remote target based upon the determined threat level of the situation. 
     In some embodiments, the CEW is equipped with a controller that provides feedback to the controller regarding the sensed threat and/or the effectiveness of the CEW. In some embodiments, the controller can send feedback of effectiveness of the CEW by providing signals regarding physical inputs, such as pressure, to the controller such as through the use of a joystick. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure includes a method of delivering an electric charge to a remote target with a CEW. The method includes using one or more sensors in communication with the CEW to determine a threat level of a situation. The method includes pressurizing a reservoir of metallic conductor initially at a temperature below its melting point, and flowing the metallic conductor through an orifice to form a continuous wire with axial velocity, so that a user might direct the axial velocity of the wire to intercept the remote target. The method includes applying an electric charge along the wire so that electrical charge flows between the reservoir and the remote target based upon the determined threat level of the situation. 
     Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a conductive energy weapon (CEW). The CEW includes a battery and, a high voltage pulse generator electrically coupled to the battery. The CEW includes one or more conductive contacts electrically coupled to the high voltage pulse generator through a conductive wire for each conductive contact and a drive configured to propel the one or more conductive contacts from the CEW. The CEW includes an actuator configured to cause the drive to propel the one or more conductive contacts from the CEW. The CEW includes one or more sensors configured to send signal, and a controller configured to receive and process the signals from the one or more sensors to determine a threat level, wherein the controller sends a signal to the pulse generator to cause a train of pulses to the one or more conductive contacts that is proportional to the determined threat level. 
     This summary is provided to introduce concepts in simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the disclosed or claimed subject matter and is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the disclosed or claimed subject matter. Specifically, features disclosed herein with respect to one embodiment may be equally applicable to another. Further, this summary is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Many other novel advantages, features, and relationships will become apparent as this description proceeds. The figures and the description that follow more particularly exemplify illustrative embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The disclosed subject matter will be further explained with reference to the attached figures, wherein like structure or system elements are referred to by like reference numerals throughout the several views. Moreover, analogous structures may be indexed in increments of one hundred. It is contemplated that all descriptions are applicable to like and analogous structures throughout the several embodiments. 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic view of a hand-held conductive energy weapon. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of another hand-held conductive energy weapon. 
         FIG. 3  is a schematic view of a cold, metal based extrusion of the hand-held conductive energy weapon. 
         FIGS. 4A-4F  is a schematic view of the conductive energy weapon being used on multiple targets in a room. 
         FIG. 5  is schematic view of a conductive energy weapon having a sensor for sensing current through extruded beams. 
         FIG. 6  is schematic view of a conductive energy weapon having an ultrasonic range sensor. 
         FIG. 7  is schematic view of a conductive energy weapon having a LIDAR ranging sensor. 
         FIG. 8  is schematic view of a conductive energy weapon having a gyroscope for determining rotation of the conductive energy weapon. 
         FIG. 9  is schematic view of a conductive energy weapon having an accelerometer. 
         FIG. 10  is schematic view of a conductive energy weapon having a structured light range mapping sensor. 
         FIG. 11  is schematic view of a conductive energy weapon having a radar ranging sensor. 
         FIG. 12  is schematic view of a conductive energy weapon having a stereoscopic imaging 
         FIG. 13  is schematic view of a conductive energy weapon having a magnetic current loop ranging. 
         FIG. 14  is a schematic view of a conductive energy weapon equipped with a video camera configured to provide video to an image analyzer. 
         FIG. 15A  is a flow chart illustrating steps taken prior to engaging a target with the conductive energy weapon. 
         FIG. 15B  is a flow chart illustrating steps taken while engaging a target with the conductive energy weapon. 
     
    
    
     While the above-identified figures set forth one or more embodiments of the disclosed subject matter, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the disclosure. In all cases, this disclosure presents the disclosed subject matter by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope and spirit of the principles of this disclosure. 
     The figures may not be drawn to scale. In particular, some features may be enlarged relative to other features for clarity. Moreover, where terms such as above, below, over, under, top, bottom, side, right, left, etc., are used, it is to be understood that they are used only for ease of understanding the description. It is contemplated that structures may be oriented otherwise. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure relates to a hand-held conductive energy weapon (CEW) that provides an electric charge based upon one or more sensed or assessed threats. Because the CEW has one or more sensors that assesses a threat, the CEW is capable to assess where the present incident lays on a scale from protecting the target from himself or herself with no threat to the user of the CEW to protecting the user of the CEW from imminent bodily harm or death from the target&#39;s aggression. To the extent possible, the CEW is able to assess where the immediate incident is on this use-of-force gray scale, and adjusts its actions appropriately. One advantage of this measured response is that it optimizes the output of the CEW for the well-being of both the operator and the target. 
     The balanced-response concept of adjusting the electric charge to the sensed assessed threat can be utilized with any CEW. Exemplary CEW device that can utilize the balanced-response concept include superplastic metal extrusion, dart based electric contact, propulsion of liquid or molten conductive beams, batons that can be a fixed length or telescoping in nature and a laser to ionize one or more conductive channels in the air. Whatever the type of CEW, sensors and controls within the CEW are able to assess a threat level and deliver a proportional amount of electric charge to aid in dissipating the threat while protecting the well-being of both the operator and the target(s). By way of non-limiting example, the voltage, current, frequency of electrical pulses, dose duration, and number of electric pulses can be manipulated based upon the sensed threat. When using a CEW with superplastic metal extrusion technology, a rate of extrusion can also be manipulated based upon the sensed threat, which allows a sweep rate to be controlled. 
     In an exemplary, non-limiting example, the balanced-response concept is disclosed herein as being used with a CEW based upon superplastic metal extrusion. A CEW using superplastic material has the advantage that it is more difficult to miss the target. For example, if one of two beams are missing the target, the operator is capable of guiding the beams both onto the target, similar to directing water through a hose, or steering a flashlight beam. The ability to steer the metal beam may be one of the more important implementation advantage of superplastic metal extrusion over existing CEWs. 
     Further using the CEW using superplastic metal extrusion allows multiple targets to be quickly engaged. If the user sweeps the beams in horizontal arcs, several offenders per second can be electrically struck. 
     Under the right process conditions, solid metal (even room temperature metal) can be extruded to form solid wire at high speed, such as between about 10 meters/second and about 40 meters/second. Superplastic forming can be accomplished with aluminum alloys, though it is can also be done with titanium and iron alloys. However, by way of example, forming a 100 micron diameter wire at 30 meters/second is such an extreme case of superplasticity that an additional property of the metal appears to be important: lack-of-work-hardening. An exemplary lack-of-work hardening metal is indium and an indium-based alloy, such as an indium/tin alloy. 
     A CEW of the present disclosure is illustrated at  10 . The CEW  10  include first and second electrically conductive projectiles  12  and  14  contained within a housing  17 . The conductive projectiles or electric contacts  12  and  14  include superplastic metal extrusion beams, dart based electric contacts propelled by springs or gunpowder, propulsion of liquid or molten conductive beams, batons that can be a fixed length or telescoping in nature and a laser to ionize one or more conductive channels in the air that are caused to be discharged by a propellent or a force  15  imparted on the projectiles  12  and  14 . 
     The CEW  10  includes one or more sensors. As illustrated, the CEW  10  can include a plurality of sensors including but not limited to a gyroscope  16   a , an accelerometer  16   b , a beam current monitor (not shown), and video camera or a range finder  16   c , such as a Lidar range finder. The gyroscope  16   a  and the accelerometer  16   b  can be one axis, two axis or three axis devices. However, any number of sensors and types of sensors can be utilized in the CEW to implement the balanced-response concept. 
     In some embodiments, the CEW  10  is equipped with a transmitter/receiver  34  configured to receive signals from one or more external sensors  30 . The sensors  30  are wirelessly coupled to the receiver through a wireless connection  32  such as, but not limited to, a body camera, cameras mounted on physical structures such as buildings or poles, cameras on drones, a cellular telephone with GPS to provide the location of the user, a second CEW  10  being used by another person, thermal sensors that are typically in a building and array microphones that can be installed in cities to locate gunshots. However, other sensors external to the CEW  10  can communicate with and provide information to the CEW  10  to provide the balanced response to a threat. The external sensor  34  can be wirelessly coupled to the transmitter/receiver  34  by a wide area network (WAN) or a local wireless network, such as a Bluetooth® connection. 
     Additionally, the transmitter/receiver  34  can transmit information to other CEWs  10  or to personnel engaged in the threat situation or to others at a remote location. For instance, the determined threat level can be transmitted to other CEWs  10  and audio and video can be transmitted to interested third parties, such as law enforcement and elected officials. The CEW  10  includes a battery  18  that is in communication with high voltage pulse generator  20  that is configured to send a train of pulses through the projectiles  12  and  14  to a target  22 . However, in situations where the CEW is mounted in a fixed location, such as in a building or structure, the power can be hard wired to the CEW. 
     The CEW  10  includes a controller  24  that receives signals from the sensors  16   a ,  16   b  and  16   c  and processes the received signals to aid in assessing a threat level. After the threat level is determined the controller  24  causes the high voltage pulse generator  20  to send a train of pulses through the conductive projectiles  12  and  14 , typically through conductive wires  11  and  13  attached to the projectiles  12  and  14 , in a measured response to the target  22 . 
     The CEW  10  includes an actuator  26  that causes the projectiles  12  and  14  to be propelled toward the target  22 . The user&#39;s interaction with the actuator  26  can provide feedback to the controller regarding the effectiveness of CEW  10  relative to the target(s), such as the amount of force placed on the actuator. By way of non-limiting example, a joystick controller can be utilized which can accept a physical input, such as pressure that can be sensed by the controller. An exemplary joystick is a joystick manipulated by the user&#39;s thumb. Alternatively, a trigger with a displacement or force sensor can be used or an actuator that receives a remote signal to cause the propellant or force to discharge the electric contacts 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , a CEW is illustrated at  10 A. The CEW  10 A includes substantially all of the elements of the CEW  10 . However, the sensor  16   c  is a video camera, such as a two-dimensional video camera. The signals from the video camera  16   c  are sent to an image processor  17  that processes the signals from the video camera  16   c . By way of non-limiting example, the video camera  16   c  can be utilized to determine the change in location of a target or targets, aid in determining whether the threat is charging toward the user of the CEW or retreating from the user of the CEW and/or determining a change of position of the target or targets. A change of position includes standing to sitting or laying down and the opposite where the target stands from a sitting or prone position. It should be noted that in some instances, detecting changes in a sequence of images may more readily determine the change of position of the target when compared to a static image analysis. 
     An exemplary, non-limiting superplastic metal extruder is illustrated at  110  in  FIG. 3 . The CEW  110  has a housing  112  that retains first and second extruders  114  and  116  that include first and second barrels  118  and  120  and first and second pistons  122  and  124  that move within the barrels  118  and  120 , a respectively. 
     Each barrel  118  and  120  is configured to retain a cylinder  126  and  128  of solid metallic material  125  and  127  that is extruded through extrusion tips  119  and  121  by forcing the pistons  122  and  124  into the barrels  118  and  120  with a drive  130  coupled to the pistons  122  and  124 . The drive  130  is powered by a motor  132  that is suppling energy from a battery pack  134  within the housing. 
     The CEW  110  includes a plurality of sensors  146   a ,  146   b  and  146   c  that are utilized to assess a threat risk. The sensor  146   a  can be a three-axis gyroscope, the sensor  146   b  can be an accelerometer and the sensor  146   c  can be a range finder, such as a Lidar range finder. However, any number of sensors and types of sensors can be utilized in the CEW to implement the balanced-response concept. 
     The CEW  110  also includes a modulated high voltage generator  136  coupled to the battery pack  132  where the high voltage generator is electrically coupled to the first and second extruders. The high voltage generator  136  is configured to send pulses of high voltage electricity to a target  144  once engaged by extruded threads  140  and  142 . Pulsing the voltage and current through the threads  140  and  142  optimizes the nervous system coupling for incapacitation without paralyzing muscles, which can occur with continuous direct current. 
     The CEW  110  also includes a controller  38  that controls at least the length of time the motor  132  is actuated, which in turn controls the length of time that threads  140  and  142  are extruded from the extrusion tips  119  and  121 . If the motor  132  is a variable speed motor, the controller  138  can also control the rate of extrusion by controlling the speed of the motor  132 . The controller  138  can also control the rate, length and duration of the pulses sent from the high voltage generator  136  to the target  144  through the threads  140  and  142 . 
     The sensors  146   a ,  146   b  and  146   c  send a signal to a controller  138  which are used to determine a threat level. After the threat level is determined the controller  138  causes the high voltage pulse generator  136  to send a train of pulses through the beams  40  and  42  and/or control the extrusion rate of the beams  140  and  142 . 
     In some embodiments, the CEW  110  is equipped with a transmitter/receiver  137  configured to receive signals from one or more external sensors  150 . The sensors  150  are wirelessly coupled to the receiver through a wireless connection  152  such as, but not limited to, a body camera, cameras mounted on physical structures such as buildings or poles, cameras on drones, a cellular telephone with GPS to provide the location of the user, a second CEW  10 ,  10 A and/or  110  being used by another person, thermal sensors that are typically in a building and array microphones that can be installed in cities to locate gunshots. However, other sensors external to the CEW  10  can communicate with and provide information to the CEW  10 ,  10 A and/or  110  to provide the balanced response to a threat. The external sensor  150  can be wirelessly coupled to the transmitter/receiver  137  by a wide area network (WAN) or a local wireless network, such as a Bluetooth® connection. 
     Additionally, the transmitter/receiver  137  can transmit information to other CEWs  10 ,  10 A or  110  or to personnel engaged in the threat situation or to others at a remote location. For instance, the determined threat level can be transmitted to other CEWs  10 ,  10 A or  110  and audio and video can be transmitted to interested third parties, such as law enforcement and elected officials. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the drive  130  is configured as a threaded engagement of threaded rod  131  coupled the motor and threadably engaging a threaded bore within a plate  133  attach to the pistons  122  and  124 . Knowing the pitch of the threaded rod  131  and the rate of rotation and the duration of rotation allows the controller to determine velocity of the pistons  122  and  124  within the barrels  118  and  120 . The velocity of the pistons provides feedback to the controller  138  such that drive force on the material and/or the extrusion pressure can be determined and controlled. Further, factoring in the duration of rotation, the cross-sectional area of the material and the cross-sectional area of apertures in the extrusion tips  119  and  121  allows the controller  138  to determine a velocity of the extruded thread, the length of the extruded thread and the amount of material remaining in the barrel  118  and  120  that remains available for extrusion. However, other drive mechanisms are within the scope of the present disclosure. 
     Further, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , the power source for the CEW  110  is a battery pack  134  carried by the CEW. However, in situations where the CEW is mounted in a fixed location, such as in a building or structure, the power can be hard wired to the CEW. 
     In operation, a user of the CEW  110  locates a remote target  144  to be incapacitated. The operator causes the controller  138  which energizes the motor  132  and causes the drive  130  to rotate the threaded rod  131  which moves the plate  133 . As the plate moves  133 , the pistons  122  and  124  are driven into the barrels  118  and  120  which applies pressure to the metallic material  125  and  127 . As pressure is applied to the material  125  and  127 , the threshold pressure P t  is reached, which causes shear through the nozzles  119  and  121 , which raises the temperature of the material proximate the nozzles  119  and  121 . The combination of the pressure and temperature proximate the nozzles  119  and  121  causes the threads  140  and  142  to be extruded at velocities that can, at times, penetrate clothing of the target  144 , such that the high voltage generator  126  can send pulses of current along the threads  140  and  142  to provide an incapacitating, non-lethal amount of current to the target  144 . However, typically the circuit is completed by a spark jumping from the thread  140  to the skin, and from the skin back to the other thread  142 . The air ions generated by that spark create an ion channel that makes it much easier for subsequent pulses to complete the same circuit. 
     The threads  140  and  142  typically have a substantially circular cross-section. However, the threads  140  and  142  can have other cross-sectional configurations. 
     The CEWS  10 ,  10   a  and  110  are illustrated as hand-held, side arm CEWS. However, the mechanisms of the disclosed CEWS can be utilized in long arm CEWS, CEWS mounted to buildings or structures and/or mounted to aerial drones. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4A-4F , the CEW  110  is utilized to control a crowd in a 15′×20′ room with seven aggressors arrayed around a CEW user.  FIGS. 4A-F  illustrate how a person with a single CEW of the present disclosure can incapacitate numerous targets with a single sweeping extrusion. In  FIG. 4A , the user  400  enters a room with potential targets  410 - 422 . After determining each target was a threat, the user  400  extruded a thread  402  and contacts target  410  in  FIG. 4B , target  412  in  FIG. 4C , target  414  in  FIG. 4D , targets  416  and  418  in  FIG. 4E  and targets  420  and potentially target  422  in  FIG. 4F . It is anticipated that the entire encounter that immobilized six or seven threats could be completed in less than two seconds. 
     Each of the CEWs  10 ,  110  include one or more sensors to acquire data that is used to assess the level of a threat. The CEW  10 ,  100 ,  150  then uses the assessed threat to vary the electric charge used on the target. However, the CEWs  10 ,  110  can include trigger and safety switches to act as overrides to automatic proportional response. No action is taken without both the trigger and the safety being activated. Manual escalation or de-escalation of the force level can be performed by manual indications and network interactions as well. 
     If, for example, multiple targets are being engaged, each for a shortened time, as in  FIGS. 4A-4F , the beam current is more indicative of when beams are contacting a target than the pointing direction of the CEW. Since relatively high peak currents are required for the short contact durations, the energy in the pulse trains may be increased once contact is detected, and reduced subsequently, so that an inter-beam arc is not started when the beams break contact with a target. In some embodiments a current can be measured in the extruded beams to monitor the amount of energy delivered to a target. By way of non-limiting example, referring to  FIG. 5 , a sensor  202  in a CEW  200  determines current in the extruded beams  204 ,  206  and into the target  208 . The current can be measured by voltage drop across a resistor, by transformed-coupled current measurement, by Hall effect, and by other known techniques. 
     In what follows, a plurality of sensors within the CEWs are discussed which can be used to assess the real time threat level of the environment, and how the CEW utilizes the assessed threat by the CEW to respond to that threat level. It is noted that the sensors are being described individually on a single CEW. However, any combination of sensors can be utilized on a single CEW. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a CEW  210  utilizes a range sensor  212 , such as an ultrasonic range sensor. Ultrasonic range sensors  212  give real-time line-of-sight range data out to 20 feet and beyond of a target  214 . The velocity of the target  212  can be derived from the rate of change of range. A negative velocity (toward the user) might express a higher threat level than a positive velocity (away from the user). 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , a CEW  220  includes another range sensor  222 , such as a LIDAR range sensor. Lidar range sensors  222  provide roughly 1 inch resolution ranging out to 40 feet and beyond, often with the ability to scan in one or two dimensions. A lidar sensor with a positioning servo allows range to be monitored in the plane  224  of the line of sight to the target  226 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 8 , a CEW  230  is illustrated that utilizes an electronic gyroscope  232 . The CEW desires to know the rate of change of the pointing direction, which can be provided, for example, by an electronic gyroscope  232 . A typical gyroscope is a three-axis gyroscope. Combining the gyroscope  232  with line-of-sight ranging by sensors  212 ,  222  or any other line-of-sight sensor allows the CEW to construct a 2-D or 3-D range map. The gyroscope  232  provides rate-of-rotating information (available in up to 3 axes); a high sweep rate by the operator while launching beams  234 ,  236  is, for example, a likely measure of a high threat level by the target  238 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 9  a CEW  240  includes an accelerometer  242  to determine inertial position changes of the CEW  240 . Since the CEW  240  is not likely to be stationary during an incident, inertial position changes, as well as the ‘down’ direction can be determined. This data is valuable for generating a range map. Rapid motion of the CEW by the user also implies a higher potential threat level. 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , a CEW  250  includes a structured light source  252  and a video camera  254  with post processing. The speed of this approach makes the structured light source  242  and the video camera  254  attractive for developing a 3D image of the incident area. Differences between sequential range images show candidate aggressors  256  along with their postures and velocities. 
     Referring to  FIG. 11 , a CEW  260  includes a short-range radar sensor  262 . The short-range radar sensor  262  is effective in determining relative velocity of the target  264 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 12 , a CEW  270  includes at least two video cameras  272  and  274 . The plurality of video cameras  272  and  274  provide stereoscopic video. The stereoscopic video can generate 3D object maps from the differences between separated video images. Since the range information gets more precise the closer the target  276  is to the CEW  270 , this type of sensor data can be desirable. 
     Referring to  FIG. 13 , a CEW  280  is illustrated having a sensor  282  that is configured to utilize magnetic current loop ranging of a target  288  engaged by two metal beams  284 ,  286  engaging the target  288 . A completed circuit using the beams  284 ,  286  through a target  288  creates the magnetic current loop. The peak current rises and falls on the order of 10 us, so the associated broadcast wavelength is on the order of a kilometer. As such, the loop always appears small compared to the wavelength. As the peak currents tend to be on the order of an amp, significant RF power is radiated during the current pulses. By comparing the driven current (using a transformer-coupled resistor, or a Hall sensor, or similar device) through the beams  284 ,  286  with the RF signal received by a separate current loop antenna arranged to couple to the emission from the beam current loop, an estimate can calculated for the range of the target  288 . The larger the received-signal to beam-current ratio is, the longer the range. 
       FIG. 14  illustrated a CEW  290  equipped with a front-facing video camera  292  and associated image processor (such as illustrated and described in  FIG. 2 ). The combination of camera  292  and processor would remove the effects of pointing changes of the camera  292  with respect to its surroundings. The camera  292  and imaging processor detect changes over time in the resulting stabilized images, where those changes define a moving figure or target  294 . The image processor would then attempt to extract information such as whether the target  294  is changing configuration (threat increasing as the vertical-to-horizontal aspect ratio increases) or size (threat decreasing as the target  294  retreats). The change in aspect/ratio or size is then used to aid in providing a proportional response to the detected threat. 
     Generally, the richer the sensor data, the better certainty is possible of the current threat situation. Sensor fusion where any combination of the disclosed sensors can be utilized in the CEW to generate situational awareness from raw data.  FIGS. 15A and 15B  provide flow charts that exemplify the utilization of one or more sensors to determining the response of an CEW to an ongoing incident. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15A , the steps leading to a situational assessment is illustrated at  300 . At step  302 , an initial assessment or alignment is completed. At step  304 , the user determines whether or not the interlocks, such as the safety is on or not or other interlocks are engaged. Once the safety is disengaged, coordinates of the situation are determined at step  306 . The coordinates are determined by the sensors disclosed above and include, GPS by a magnetometer, inertial position, time of day of the incident, geographic risk level, range map, whether 1D, 2D or 3D, validation of the user and whether use of force is allowed. 
     Once use of force is determined to be allowed, the process moves to Level  1  at step  308 . At Level  1 , the entity or target is assessed by the sensor(s). The assessment includes, but is not limited to, line of sight target velocity, aggressor/bystander location and count, aggressor/bystander velocity, aggressor/bystander size, aggressor/bystander posture and/or rate of change of the aggressor count. Once the entity is assessed at step  308 , the situation is assessed at step  310 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 15B , the situation assessment of step  310  is illustrated along with impact assessment, refinement and finally engaging the target(s). At step  310 , the trigger indicator is determined and the electrodes are launched or extruded if the fixed electrodes on the front of the CEW are not already making contact. At step  312 , a determination is made whether beams or darts are contacting the target. If the beams are contacting the target, the stun state, additional trigger indicator is referenced and accumulated dose of electric energy is monitored on the contact target. 
     Whether or not the beams are contacting the target in step  312 , the sensors are used to determine one or more of CEW sweep rate, sounds of gunshots detected, additional trigger indication, assigned aggressor count and threat level, estimated stimulation duration, estimated required beam velocity, estimated beam start up time, estimated battery drain rate and estimated time of material in chamber. At step  314 , the threat level is set, the beam velocity is selected, the current frequency and amplitude is set and audio/visual feedback is set for the threat level. 
     At step  316 , the impact assessment (Level  3 ) is determined. The impact assessment includes assessing fibrillation risk and accumulated electric charge dosing on the target(s). 
     At step  318 , the refinement determinations (Level  4 ) is determined. The refinement determinations include, but are not limited to, modifying the extrusion of the beams if a new cartridge is required to complete action, if the battery level is low and the steering of beams off target. 
     At step  320 , it is determined whether the CEW has timed out. If yes, CEW reverts to a Level  0  mode. The steps in  FIGS. 15A and 15B  allows the user to utilize the sensed risk assessment to automatically adjust the electric energy dosage to the target. 
     The CEW operating system is an endless loop, starting with Level  0  at step  302 . When the safety is on, the processor is held asleep for a time period. When the time period finishes, the processor wakes up and checks the safety again, conserving battery power. 
     When the safety is off, the CEW is placed in active incident state. If the state of the safety has just changed, an incident timer is started. If GPS is available, the coordinates are recorded. If inertial accelerometers or gyros or tilt meters are available, the local orientation, velocity, acceleration, angular velocities, and angular accelerations of the CEW are recorded. If risk data associated with the time of day or geography are available, they are noted. If 1-D range data is available, the range and relative velocity and acceleration of the in-line target is noted. If 2-D range data is available, the 1-D version is extracted, and the location and velocity of candidate targets (aggressors or bystanders) is noted. If 3-D range data is available, the 2-D version is extracted, and the size and posture of the candidate targets is noted. The proper user is validated, and a check is made whether there are restrictions in place on the use of force, whether for this use, this location, or this time of day. This data is acquired in step  306   
     If use-of-force is allowed, processing proceeds to Level  1  at step  308 . For the line-of-sight target, as well as the surrounding aggressors/bystanders (if that data is available), a determination for each target is made as to its threat level. There are many ways this determination can be calculated; what follows is an example of the principle. 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     Threat 
                     n 
                   
                   = 
                   
                       
                     
                       
                         
                           α 
                           0 
                         
                         ⁢ 
                         
                           s 
                           as 
                         
                       
                       + 
                       
                         
                           α 
                           1 
                         
                         ⁢ 
                         trig 
                       
                       - 
                       
                         
                           α 
                           2 
                         
                         ⁢ 
                         
                           
                             r 
                             ¨ 
                           
                           n 
                         
                       
                       - 
                       
                           
                         
                           
                             
                               α 
                               3 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             
                               
                                 r 
                                 ¨ 
                               
                               n 
                             
                           
                           - 
                           
                             
                               α 
                               4 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             
                               r 
                               n 
                             
                           
                           + 
                           
                             
                               α 
                               5 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             
                               A 
                               n 
                             
                           
                           + 
                           
                             
                               α 
                               6 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             
                               o 
                               n 
                             
                           
                           + 
                           
                             
                               α 
                               7 
                             
                             ⁢ 
                             
                               ω 
                               2 
                             
                           
                         
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   
                     Equation 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     1 
                   
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     a 0  through a 6  are positive coefficients. s as  is a signal that increases from zero with the likelihood that a gunshot sound has been detected during the incident. trig is increases as the trigger pull force or travel increases. r n  is the radial range to the nth target; {grave over (r)} n  and {tilde over (r)} n  are the related velocities and accelerations. A n  is the apparent area of the target, normalized to its range. o n  is the orientation of the target, where −1 is apparently-prone and 1 is apparent-standing-vertically. ω is the current rotational sweep rate of the CEW. The coefficients are selected so that, if the target is some combination of being small, distant, prone, or moving away, Threat n  for that target will be negative, and the target is considered a bystander. Conversely, if there have been gunshots, if the trigger is being pulled vigorously, if the CEW is being swept quickly, if the target is close or charging or accelerating towards the user, Threat n  will be relatively large and positive. In this scenario, the total threat level is the sum of the individual threat levels. 
     There is a special case where the CEW is being pressed into contact with a target previously discussed at step  312 . In this contact stun state, most of the situation assessment is mute, and the threat level is set to a default positive value. 
     Table 1 below indicates how different situation considerations are associated with sensor data. 
     
       
         
           
               
               
               
             
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Weight 
                 Metric 
                 Sensors 
               
               
                   
               
             
            
               
                   
               
            
           
           
               
               
               
            
               
                 13 
                 Contact electrodes in use 
                 Ultrasonic/force/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 current 
               
               
                 12 
                 Sound of gunshots 
                 Microphone 
               
               
                 11 
                 Velocity of aggressor(s) w.r.t. the 
                 TOF/SL/ultrasonic/ 
               
               
                   
                 operator 
                 LIDAR/RADAR/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 video 
               
               
                 10 
                 Number of aggressors involved in the 
                 TOF/SL/ultrasonic/ 
               
               
                   
                 incident 
                 LIDAR/RADAR/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 video/gyro/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 accelerometer 
               
               
                 9 
                 Rate of change of the number of 
                 TOF/SL/ultrasonic/ 
               
               
                   
                 aggressors 
                 LIDAR/RADAR/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 video/e-gyro/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 accelerometer 
               
               
                 8 
                 Range of aggressor(s) w.r.t. the operator 
                 TOF/SL/ultrasonic/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 LIDAR/RADAR/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 video 
               
               
                 7 
                 Size of the aggressor(s) 
                 Video/LIDAR 
               
               
                 6 
                 Posture of the aggressor(s) 
                 Video/LIDAR 
               
               
                 5 
                 Rate of change of the posture of the 
                 Video/LIDAR 
               
               
                   
                 aggressor(s) 
               
               
                 4 
                 Number of non-combatants involved in the 
                 TOF/SL/ultrasonic/ 
               
               
                   
                 incident 
                 LIDAR/RADAR/ 
               
               
                   
                   
                 video 
               
               
                 3 
                 Duration of the incident 
                 — 
               
               
                 2 
                 Geography of the incident 
                 GPS/LAN/Wi-Fi 
               
               
                 1 
                 Time of day of the incident 
                 — 
               
               
                   
               
            
           
         
       
     
     The superplastic extrudate is propelled out of the CEW if the threat level is greater than zero. The commanded velocity of extrusion is determined by the target range and the rate of sweep of the CEW, where b 1  are scaling coefficients: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     V 
                     beamz 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       v 
                       0 
                     
                     + 
                     
                       
                         b 
                         1 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         
                           r 
                           n 
                         
                         ++ 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         b 
                         2 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         
                           r 
                           . 
                         
                         n 
                       
                     
                     + 
                     
                       
                         b 
                         2 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         ω 
                         2 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   
                     Equation 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     2 
                   
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     When the alloy chambers empty, a reload cycle is required. For example, in the revolver configuration, the pistons are quickly withdrawn, the revolver cylinder is advanced, and the pistons are pressed through the new seals into contact with new alloy slugs. This action is automatically performed during extrusion when the operating system detects the requirement. 
     The current pulse frequency is selected as follows, where c 2  is a scaling coefficient: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     f 
                     pulse 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       f 
                       0 
                     
                     + 
                     
                       
                         Threat 
                         n 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       Δ 
                       ⁢ 
                       
                           
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         f 
                         1 
                       
                     
                     + 
                     
                       
                         ω 
                         2 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         c 
                         2 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   
                     Equation 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     3 
                   
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     The pulse frequency has an upper limit imposed of about 60 Hz, or well into the tentanic regime. The pulse frequency lower limit is about 5 Hz. A typical low-level stationary threat might produce a pulse rate of 20 Hz. 
     The charge transmitted per pulse is selected as follows, where d 2  is a scaling coefficient: 
     
       
         
           
             
               
                 
                   
                     C 
                     pulse 
                   
                   = 
                   
                     
                       C 
                       0 
                     
                     + 
                     
                       
                         Threat 
                         n 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         C 
                         1 
                       
                     
                     + 
                     
                       
                         ω 
                         2 
                       
                       ⁢ 
                       
                         rd 
                         2 
                       
                     
                   
                 
               
               
                 
                   ( 
                   
                     Equation 
                     ⁢ 
                     
                         
                     
                     ⁢ 
                     4 
                   
                   ) 
                 
               
             
           
         
       
     
     The lower limit charge is 0.03 millicoulombs. A typical low-level stationary threat might produce a charge-per-pulse of 0.1 millicoulombs. If the CEW is being swept quickly and the target is at long range, so that the engagement time might be 0.1 seconds, the charge-per-pulse might be 1 millicoulomb. 
     The target beam currents are the target charge per pulse divided by a normalized pulse duration. Shorter pulse durations require higher drive voltage, allowing better clothing penetration, but risking arcing between the beams. Typical pulse durations are between 1 usec and 30 usec; pulse duration tends to be a characteristic of the drive circuit. These are provided at step  314 . 
     It is useful to the operator, the bystanders, and the aggressors to know the threat level that the CEW has perceived. This information can be broadcast in synthetic speech, in a modulated siren, and/or in the intensity/color/flashing rate of lights. 
     With the threat levels, target beam currents, and commanded beam velocities are determined, processing proceeds to Levels  3  and  4  (Steps  316  and  318 ). If a target has been receiving stimulation for several seconds, the current level can be reduced. If the beams might be contacting the center of mass of the target in a manner that is more likely to produce fibrillation, the current level can be reduced (Step  316 ). 
     If new alloy cartridges or loads might be needed in the next several seconds, the extrusion velocity might be reduced. If the battery gas gage indicates that the batteries are low, the extrusion velocity and the current pulse drive frequency might be reduced. If the CEW is relatively stationary, the beams are oriented to miss a near-on-axis target, and there are torque converters on board to allow the angular orientation of the CEW to be adjusted, the operating system might steer itself so that the beams intercept the target. 
     At this point, sensor data fusion is complete. The superplastic extrusion velocity and beam current pulses are generated as commanded, and the operating system returns to repeat the analysis process at step  320 . 
     The real-time threat assessment by the operator, indicated, for example, by the vigor of the trigger pull, can be stored together with the threat assessment of the CEW to give a more complete record of a use-of-force incident. A 3-D map of aggressors and bystanders is particularly useful in reconstructing the situation. The beam velocities, current pulse frequencies, and pulse charge levels should be recorded as well. 
     The present disclosure has described proportional response in with respect to a metal extrusion-based CEW. However, the proportional response devices, sensors and methods are not limited to a metal extrusion-base CEW. Rather, the proportional response devices, sensors and methods can be utilized with any CEW, including, but not limited to CEWs that deliver current using a plurality darts, propelled by gunpowder, each of which tows insulated electrode wire from spools in the launcher, such as those sold under the TASER® designation. 
     Although the subject of this disclosure has been described with reference to several embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. In addition, any feature disclosed with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated in another embodiment, and vice-versa.