Patent Abstract:
A firearm monitoring system according to the present invention senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger on a weapon and generates a warning, notification, status or control signal when the user finger position is proximate the trigger. One embodiment generates and conditions an excitation stimulus (e.g., interrupted by the presence of a trigger actuator), drives a sensor with that stimulus, detects the user finger position through a change in the sensor output, and generates an appropriate signal for a downstream warning or other device (e.g., alarm, radio unit, laser sighting system, etc.). In this embodiment, the sensor may detect the presence of an object or finger penetrating a trigger guard plane. Another embodiment utilizes a set of sensors to detect the placement of a user trigger finger relative to the trigger. In addition, various types of output alarms may be utilized (e.g., visual and audio alarms, etc.).

Full Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Technical Field 
         [0002]    The present invention pertains to firearms and firearm training devices. In particular, the present invention pertains to a firearm monitoring device that senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger relative to the firearm trigger. In the case of a training application or embodiment, the monitoring device produces an alarm in response to detecting incorrect handling of the firearm (e.g., incorrect position of the user hand or trigger finger relative to the firearm trigger). When employed with an actual firearm, the monitoring device may alternatively transmit a warning message in response to detection of the user hand or trigger finger near the firearm trigger to notify personnel associated with the user (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.) that the user is in a situation likely to result in discharge of the user firearm (e.g., accidental discharge when the user hand or finger placement is unintentional, combat, shootout, engaging a dangerous suspect, etc.). 
         [0003]    2. Discussion of Related Art 
         [0004]    Several police officers and civilians are injured or killed by accidental discharges from firearms each year. Many of these accidental discharges can be traced to improper placement of the trigger finger when the firearm is drawn or used to cover an individual. The trigger finger should always be placed outside the trigger guard of the firearm until the shooter is ready to pull the trigger and actuate the firearm. Ideally, the trigger finger should rest parallel to the barrel just above the trigger guard. Although this proper placement is emphasized during firearm training, numerous poor habits may develop for several reasons. For example, a plastic training weapon is typically employed to simulate an actual firearm during defensive tactics training (e.g., self defense, hand to hand combat, etc.). When the firearm is used as a blunt object or striking weapon for defensive tactics, the most comfortable place for the trigger finger is inside the trigger guard. Since the plastic training device does not actually discharge, this placement does not seem dangerous. However, the problem develops when this technique is transferred to an actual weapon that may discharge. For example, when a police officer is utilizing a firearm to guard a suspect with the officer trigger finger placed inside the trigger guard, there is a great risk of an accidental discharge. 
         [0005]    Further, a phenomenon exists, commonly referred to as “sympathetic reflex”, where one hand performs a gripping motion or grips an object and the other hand tends to perform the same action unless commanded to conduct a different task. Thus, if an officer with a firearm drawn grabs at a suspect with one hand while the other hand or finger is placed within the trigger guard, the trigger quite possibly may be actuated consequently discharging the firearm. 
         [0006]    Moreover, poor habits may be developed on a shooting range. In particular, most shooting courses utilized by law enforcement provide timed exercises or drills with the elapsed time starting the moment a target faces a shooter. The shooter subsequently draws a firearm and fires a set amount of rounds into the target in the allotted time interval (e.g., three shots/four seconds, etc.). Due to the time constraints and point system utilized by these types of exercises in combination with the certainty of actuating the firearm (unlike the majority of real world scenarios), many shooters place their trigger finger into the trigger guard while the firearm is brought to the ready position. These actions result in an incorrect technique since the trigger finger should only enter the trigger guard when the shooter is ready to shoot. 
         [0007]    In addition, a firearm user may intentionally or unintentionally position their hand or finger into the firearm trigger guard. This action produces a situation containing high physical risk to the user and bystanders since discharge of the firearm is likely. However, the risk is often unapparent to those affected, or unknown to others that may be able to lend assistance to diffuse the situation (e.g., law enforcement officers in the field, police dispatch, military, etc.). 
       OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0008]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to monitor handling of a firearm. 
         [0009]    It is another object of the present invention to detect and indicate improper handling of a firearm during firearm training. 
         [0010]    Yet another object of the present invention is to alert shooters, firearm training instructors or other parties when a shooter trigger finger is placed near the firearm trigger. 
         [0011]    Still another object of the present invention is to employ a firearm monitoring device that trains users to handle a firearm with proper technique. 
         [0012]    A further object of the present invention is to detect and indicate the proper position of a user trigger finger relative to a firearm trigger guard during firearm training. 
         [0013]    Yet another object of the present invention is to monitor user handling of a firearm and transmit a warning message in response to determining that the user is engaged in a situation likely to result in discharge of the firearm (e.g., accidental discharge when the user hand or finger placement is unintentional, combat, shootout, engaging a dangerous suspect, etc.). 
         [0014]    Still another object of the present invention is to monitor user handling of a firearm and provide a warning message to affiliated personnel (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.) in response to detecting placement of the user hand or finger near the firearm trigger. 
         [0015]    The aforesaid objects may be achieved individually and/or in combination, and it is not intended that the present invention be construed as requiring two or more of the objects to be combined unless expressly required by the claims attached hereto. 
         [0016]    According to the present invention, a firearm monitoring system senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger on a weapon and generates a warning, status or control signal when the position of a user finger is in the proximity of a weapon trigger (e.g., the trigger of an actual weapon, training weapon, or other trigger actuated device). The present invention ensures generation of the warning signal in response to actuation or “firing” of the weapon or device, either intentionally or unintentionally, based on the detected position of interest. One embodiment of the present invention system generates and conditions an excitation stimulus (e.g., that is interrupted or modified by the presence of a finger or trigger actuator), drives a finger position sensor with the excitation stimulus, detects the position of the user finger through a change in the output of the finger position sensor (e.g., detects a change in the excitation stimulus, while rejecting sources of noise external to the system, and conditions an electrical output that varies with a change in the stimulus), and generates a signal with timing properties appropriate for the input requirements of a downstream warning, recording, notification, or control system (e.g., sighting system with laser transmission (e.g., red-dot), radio unit, etc.). The generation of the excitation stimulus may be performed by a modulator to generate a signal that the finger position sensor may discern from noise in the environment. In this embodiment, the sensor is employed within or near the region of the trigger guard and positioned and oriented to detect the presence of an object or finger penetrating the plane of the trigger guard. 
         [0017]    Another embodiment of the present invention utilizes a set of sensors to detect the placement of a user trigger finger relative to the trigger. In addition, various types of output alarms may be utilized (e.g., visual and audio alarms, etc.), or the alarm event may be transmitted and/or logged. For example, a warning message may be transmitted to affiliated personnel (e.g., law enforcement or a police dispatch, military, etc.) to automatically request assistance for the firearm user (e.g., police officer, soldier, etc.). 
         [0018]    The above and still further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of specific embodiments thereof, particularly when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals in the various figures are utilized to designate like components. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]      FIG. 1  is a view in elevation of an exemplary firearm employing the firearm monitoring system according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is an electrical schematic diagram of the control circuitry of the firearm monitoring system of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is an electrical schematic diagram of the timing circuitry of the firearm monitoring system of  FIG. 1  for driving an alarm unit or other device (e.g., laser sighting system, radio unit, etc.). 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a view in elevation of an exemplary firearm employing an alternative embodiment of the firearm monitoring system according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is a block diagram of the control circuitry of the firearm monitoring system of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is an electrical schematic diagram of the detection control circuit of the firearm monitoring system of  FIG. 4 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0025]    An exemplary firearm employing a firearm monitoring system according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 1 . The firearm monitoring system senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger and produces an alarm in response to detecting the trigger finger in the proximity of the trigger. In the case of a training application or embodiment, the monitoring system produces an alarm in response to detecting incorrect handling of the firearm (e.g., incorrect position of the user hand or trigger finger relative to the firearm trigger). When employed with an actual firearm, the monitoring system may alternatively transmit a warning message in response to detection of the user hand or trigger finger near the firearm trigger to notify personnel associated with the user (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.) that the user is in a situation likely to result in discharge of the user firearm (e.g., accidental discharge when the user hand or finger placement is unintentional, combat, shootout, engaging a dangerous suspect, etc.). 
         [0026]    Specifically, firearm monitoring system  100  includes a light source  12 , a circuit board  14  including control circuitry, a power source or battery  15 , a tubular member  16 , a light detector  17  and an alarm unit  18 . By way of example only, firearm  6  is implemented by a conventional hand-gun and includes a barrel  8 , a hammer  9 , a trigger  10  disposed within a trigger guard  11  and a grip  19 . Further, the firearm monitoring system may include or be coupled to a conventional laser sighting system  90  and/or a radio unit  94 . The laser sighting system may be disposed above barrel  8  to project a laser beam indicating a potential impact location due to firearm actuation. The radio unit (and associated circuitry) may be disposed within firearm  6  adjacent alarm unit  18  or, alternatively, may be disposed within a firearm accessory, such as laser sighting system  90 , to transmit a warning message or distress signal as described below. The radio unit is preferably implemented by a conventional low power transmitting device (e.g., for short distance transmissions) with suitable dimensions for placement within the firearm or a firearm accessory (e.g., laser sighting system, etc.), but may be implemented by any suitable conventional or other radio, transmitting and/or transceiving device. In any event, the firearm may be implemented by any conventional actual or mock firearms (e.g., hand-gun, rifle, shotgun, etc.). 
         [0027]    Light source  12  is disposed within the upper distal portion of trigger guard  11  and is oriented to transmit a light beam into an interior area  13  of the trigger guard. The light source is preferably implemented by a conventional infrared (IR) light emitting diode (LED) producing a non-visible light beam, but may be implemented by any suitable light or other energy source (e.g., laser, sound, RF, magnetic, etc.). Light source  12  is coupled to and controlled by control circuitry on circuit board  14 . The circuit board receives and distributes power from power source or battery  15 . 
         [0028]    Tubular member  16  is disposed within an intermediate portion of trigger  10 , preferably in the forward or distal face of the trigger, and is positioned and geometrically oriented with respect to light source  12  to receive the light beam generated by the light source while rejecting sources of light noise and interference (e.g., indirect or extraneous light emissions, etc.). Light detector  17  is disposed at the proximal end of the tubular member to detect the received light beam from light source  12 . The light detector is preferably implemented by a conventional infrared (IR) light detector, but may be implemented by any suitable light or other energy detector (e.g., laser, sound, RF, magnetic, etc.). 
         [0029]    The tubular member may be constructed of any suitable materials, and is typically hollow or includes a channel (not shown) of sufficient dimensions to enable a light beam from light source  12  to pass therethrough for detection by light detector  17 . The tubular member is disposed within the firearm and extends from trigger  10  through firearm grip  19  toward circuit board  14 . The interior of the tubular member is preferably dark in color or black. This enables the tubular member to reject or absorb environmental light emissions from extraneous sources, thereby allowing light emitted by light source  12  to pass from the entrance of the tubular member to light detector  17  disposed at the tubular member proximal end as described above. 
         [0030]    The light source and tubular member (and, hence, light detector  17 ) are disposed at opposing sides of trigger guard internal area  13  to provide and detect the presence of a light beam transmitted across that area, thereby enabling detection of the presence of a user finger. In particular, the positioning and alignment of the tubular member with the light source enables a significant portion of light energy reaching the light detector to be interrupted by the presence of a user finger or other mechanical obstruction within internal area  13  of trigger guard  11 . The change in light energy reaching light detector  17  results in a change in the electrical output of the light detector. Control circuitry of circuit board  14  detects this change in the light detector output, generates output timings appropriate for alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94 , and drives the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit to indicate the detected condition as described below. 
         [0031]    Alarm unit  18  is preferably implemented by a buzzer, but may be implemented by any suitable audio and/or visual indicator (e.g., LED, buzzer, speaker, display, etc.). The alarm unit is disposed at the proximal end of the firearm toward hammer  9  and is coupled to circuit board  14 . When a user incorrectly handles firearm  6  during training by prematurely placing a user finger in the trigger guard, the finger placement interrupts a light beam transmitted from light source  12  toward tubular member  16  (and, hence, light detector  17 ) as described above. This beam interruption is detected by the control circuitry and an alarm may be produced by alarm unit  18  to indicate improper handling of the firearm. Further, the firearm monitoring system may actuate laser sighting system  90  to produce a laser transmission (e.g., red-dot, etc.) to indicate improper handling of the firearm during training (e.g., improper placement of the user trigger finger, etc.). The laser sighting system is coupled to circuit board  14 . 
         [0032]    When employed with an actual firearm, the monitoring system may alternatively transmit a warning message or distress signal in response to detection of the user hand or trigger finger near the firearm trigger to notify personnel associated with the user (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.) that the user is in a situation likely to result in discharge of the user firearm (e.g., accidental discharge when the user hand or finger placement is unintentional, combat, shootout, engaging a dangerous suspect, etc.). In this case, radio unit  94  relays a warning message or distress signal to affiliated personnel of the user (e.g., law enforcement, military, etc.) to indicate that the user is in a situation likely to result in discharge of the firearm. The message or signal is preferably in the form of, or includes, a digital or other code identifying the situation, but may include any desired information. For example, radio unit  94  may transmit a warning message to police radio equipment (e.g., in a nearby vehicle) for forwarding to a police dispatch (e.g., dispatch communications equipment) or other officer radio units in order to enable police to send assistance. The radio unit is coupled to circuit board  14 . 
         [0033]    Firearm  6  may be implemented as a mock or training firearm with the components of the firearm monitoring system (e.g., light source  12 , tubular member  16 , light detector  17 , circuit board  14 , battery  15 , alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90 , etc.) mounted on and/or within the firearm components (e.g., trigger  10 , trigger guard  11 , grip  19 , etc.) in the manner described above, and/or mounted on external surfaces of and/or adjacent corresponding firearm components (e.g., trigger  10 , trigger guard  11 , grip  19 , etc.) to detect the presence of a user finger within the trigger guard area in the manner described above (e.g., with the light source and tubular member aligned, etc.). Alternatively, the firearm monitoring system components (e.g., light source  12 , tubular member  16 , light detector  17 , circuit board  14 , battery  15 , alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90 , radio unit  94 , etc.) may be mounted on external (and/or internal) surfaces of, and/or adjacent corresponding components of, an actual firearm or other weapon (e.g., trigger  10 , trigger guard  11 , grip  19 , etc.) to detect the presence of a user finger within the trigger guard area in the manner described above (e.g., with the light source and tubular member aligned, etc.) to enable monitoring of an actual weapon (e.g., a user may train with their own firearm or other weapon, warning or distress messages may be sent during use of the firearm in the field, etc.). 
         [0034]    An exemplary control circuit of circuit board  14  for the firearm monitoring system according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Control circuit  75  controls light source  12  and processes information from light detector  17  to generate a signal appropriate to drive alarm unit  18  or other device (e.g., laser sighting system  90 , radio unit  94 , warning device, control device, data logging or recording device, etc.). Specifically, control circuit  75  includes a transmission control circuit  71  to control emissions from light source  12 , a reception control circuit  72  to process signals received from the light source and a timing circuit  38  ( FIG. 3 ). Transmission control circuit  71  includes light source (or IR LED)  12 , an oscillator  50  and a buffer  70 . The oscillator includes NAND gates  20 , 21 , resistors  24 ,  25  and a capacitor  26 . An input of NAND gate  20  is coupled to a supply voltage  73  (Vcc; e.g., 5V DC) via a resistor  29 , while the other NAND gate input is coupled to resistor  24  disposed within an oscillator feedback path. The output of NAND gate  20  is coupled to the inputs of NAND gate  21 , where the output of NAND gate  21  is coupled to a feedback network including resistors  24 ,  25  and capacitor  26 . Resistor  24  is coupled to an input of NAND gate  20  as described above, while resistor  25  is coupled to a junction between NAND gates  20 ,  21  and to resistor  24 . Capacitor  26  is disposed between the output of NAND gate  21  and resistor  25 . This feedback configuration is suitable to enable oscillator  50  to produce an output voltage varying at a frequency of approximately 38 KHz. Resistors  24 ,  25  and capacitor  26  may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, etc.). 
         [0035]    The output of oscillator  50  is coupled to a buffer  70  via a resistor  30 . The buffer includes NAND gates  22 ,  23  and a resistor  31  disposed between the NAND gates. The output of oscillator  50  is coupled to the inputs of NAND gate  22 , where the output of NAND gate  22  is coupled to the inputs of NAND gate  23  via resistor  31 . NAND gates  22 ,  23  form a buffer and are coupled through a resistor  27  to light source (or a cathode of IR LED)  12 . Resistor  27  may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, etc.). 
         [0036]    NAND gates  20 ,  21 ,  22  and  23  may be implemented by a conventional single 74C00, 74AHC00, or 74HC00 quad NAND gate CMOS IC device. The quad NAND gate CMOS IC device and light source (or an anode of IR LED)  12  are coupled to and/or powered by supply voltage  73  (Vcc). Resistors  29 , 30  and  31  limit the input current and quad NAND gate CMOS IC device power consumption, and respectively couple inputs of NAND gates  20 ,  22  and  23  to the previous stage or appropriate logic level. Resistors  29 ,  30  and  31  may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, etc.). Alternatively, the oscillator and buffer arrangement may be implemented by a conventional  555  timer used and configured as an oscillator to generate the output voltage varying at a frequency of approximately 38 KHz described above. This timer and timer  41  described below for timing and control logic circuitry  38  ( FIG. 3 ) may be implemented on the same chip or integrated circuit in order to reduce the quantity of chips for the implementation. 
         [0037]    Reception control circuit  72  includes light detector  17 , an inverting transistor  33  and a transistor switch  34 . Infrared light, produced by light source (or IR LED)  12  and modulated at a frequency of 38 KHz via oscillator  50 , passes through internal area  13  ( FIG. 1 ) of trigger guard  11  for reception by tubular member  16  and energizes light detector or receiver module  17  disposed at the proximal end of the tubular member as described above. The light detector may be implemented by a model type IRM-8601S available from Everlight Electronics Co., Ltd., and is sensitive to a center frequency of 38 Khz to match the frequency of the signal produced by light source (or IR LED)  12 . The output voltage of light detector  17  is coupled to a base of inverting transistor  33 , preferably an NPN type transistor. Inverting transistor  33  forms a voltage inverter with the transistor emitter coupled to ground and the collector coupled to supply voltage  73  (Vcc) via a resistor  35 . Resistor  35  may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, etc.). The transistor switch is preferably an NPN type transistor with the base coupled to the collector of transistor  33 , the emitter coupled to ground and a collector  37  coupled to supply voltage  73  (Vcc) via an output load or resistor  36 . 
         [0038]    If internal area  13  of trigger guard  11  between light source  12  and light detector  17  is unobstructed, the light detector output voltage is sufficient to bias inverting transistor  33  to conduct current from resistor  35  coupled to supply voltage  73  (Vcc) and reduce the voltage at the base of transistor switch  34  to approximately zero volts. This causes the transistor switch to enter an off state and produce a detector high output signal at collector  37  of transistor switch  34 . However, when a user finger or other obstruction is present within internal area  13  of the trigger guard, the light signal transmitted between the light source and light detector is interrupted, thereby causing the voltage provided from light detector  17  to the base of inverting transistor  33  to be reduced to approximately zero volts. Consequently, the collector of inverting transistor  33  transitions to a high voltage, and bias current is supplied to the base of transistor switch  34  from resistor  35  coupled to supply voltage  73  (Vcc). This causes transistor switch  34  to saturate and supply power to output load or resistor  36 , thereby producing a detector active low output signal at collector  37 . Resistor  36  may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, etc.). Alternatively, alarm unit  18  or other warning device or indicator (e.g., buzzer, annunciator light, laser sighting system  90 , radio unit  94 , etc.) may serve as the output load and be driven by transistor switch  34  for actuation during the interval a user finger is detected within the trigger guard area as described below. 
         [0039]    The output load resistance (or resistor  36 ) produces a detector active low output signal (e.g., alert_n as viewed in  FIGS. 2-3 ) at collector  37  of transistor switch  34  in response to interruption of the light beam as described above. Collector  37  of transistor switch  34  is coupled to the input of timing and control logic circuitry  38  ( FIG. 3 ) to provide the detector output signal to circuitry  38  and generate alert signals via alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94 . An exemplary timing and control logic circuit  38  of the firearm monitoring system according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Specifically, circuitry  38  includes a timer  41  and a differentiator  76 . The detector output signal remains active at a low voltage during interruption of the light beam from light source (or IR LED)  12  to light detector  17  as described above. Alert signal timing control is accomplished by initially conditioning the detector output active low signal through differentiator  76 . The differentiator includes a capacitor  39  coupled to collector  37  of transistor switch  34  ( FIG. 2 ) and a resistor  40  coupled between capacitor  39  and supply voltage  73  (Vcc). Capacitor  39  and resistor  40  may include any characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, etc.) sufficient to provide a suitable RC time constant substantially less than the smallest desired alert duration interval, and convert the active low detector output signal to a negative pulse of short duration. 
         [0040]    Differentiator  76  is coupled to timer  41 . The timer may be implemented by a  555  timer IC configured in the monostable operating mode, and includes a trigger input  61 , a threshold input  62 , a discharge input  63  and a timer output  64 . This type of device produces a high level logic signal at timer output  64  in response to receiving a sufficient signal on trigger input  61 . The trigger input is activated by a low level signal (e.g., the detector active low output signal as conditioned by differentiator  76 ). The timer output signal remains in the high state until a sufficient signal is received on threshold input  62 . Once this occurs, the timer output signal enters a low state. Alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94  may be coupled to timer  41 , where the timer output signal is utilized to drive the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit (e.g., during high level logic states of the timer output: the alarm unit provides an alarm indication; the laser sighting system produces a laser beam or dot; and the radio unit transmits the warning message or distress signal). 
         [0041]    Differentiator  76  is coupled to the trigger input of timer  41 , while the timer threshold and discharge inputs are each coupled to supply voltage  73  (Vcc) through a resistor  42  and to ground via a capacitor  43 . Resistor  42  and capacitor  43  may include any suitable characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, etc.). While light detector  17  receives the beam transmitted from light source  12 , a detector high output signal is generated by reception control circuit  72  ( FIG. 2 ) and provided to differentiator  76  as described above. The resulting conditioned signal (e.g., a high signal) produced by differentiator  76  is applied to trigger input  61  of timer  41 . Since this signal is insufficient to trigger timer  41  as described above, the timer produces a low level logic signal at timer output  64 , thereby maintaining alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94  in a disabled state. 
         [0042]    However, during interruption of the beam generated by light source  12  (e.g., due to a user finger placed in the trigger guard area), a detector output active low signal is generated by reception control circuit  72  ( FIG. 2 ) and provided to differentiator  76  for conditioning as described above. The resulting short duration or conditioned pulse (e.g., low or negative level) produced by differentiator  76  is applied to trigger input  61  of timer  41  (e.g., with capacitor  43  initially discharged), thereby controlling the timer to produce a high level logic signal at timer output  64  and drive alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94  to provide an alarm or warning indication, a laser beam transmission and/or a warning or distress message transmission, respectively. Capacitor  43  begins charging toward the supply voltage (Vcc) and, upon reaching a sufficient level, provides a suitable signal on threshold input  62  (and discharge input  63 ) to cause timer  41  to produce a low level logic signal at timer output  64  and discharge capacitor  43  (e.g., to initialize the capacitor for the next cycle). The low level logic signal disables alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94 . The timer basically produces a positive pulse that drives alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94  to respectively produce an alarm indication, a laser transmission and a warning message or distress signal transmission during the width of each pulse (e.g., the time interval a generated pulse remains in the high level logic state). The duration of the warning signal or transmission, generated by alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94 , is controlled by the characteristics of resistor  42  and capacitor  43  (e.g., controlling the charge time of the capacitor to trigger the threshold input). A variable resistance may be applied to timer  41  (e.g., resistor  42  may be a variable resistor, etc.) to control the charge time of capacitor  43  and enable adjustment of warning signal durations and transmissions (e.g., from zero (e.g., warning disabled) to several seconds, provide flash or beeps, etc.). 
         [0043]    The alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit may alternatively serve as the output load within reception control circuit  72  and be driven by transistor switch  34 . In this case, the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit are actuated during the interval a user finger is detected within the trigger guard area. In addition, the control circuitry may alternatively include a processor (e.g., microprocessor, controller, etc.) to control transmissions by light source  12 , process received signals by light detector  17 , and produce appropriate signals to drive alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90 , radio unit  94  and/or other devices (e.g., for a predetermined time interval, during the interval a user finger is detected, etc.). 
         [0044]    Operation of the firearm monitoring system is described with reference to  FIGS. 1-3 . Initially, transmission control circuit  71  controls light source  12  to transmit a modulated light beam across internal area  13  of trigger guard  11  toward tubular member  16  (and light detector  17 ) as described above. A user grips firearm  6  in an appropriate manner to perform a drill, exercise or other activity for training purposes, or in response to a situation arising when employed in the field. During the training activity, the user handles the firearm in a manner for firearm actuation. The proper procedure is to move the firearm into a ready position for firing with a user finger outside the trigger guard area. In the case of a situation in the field, the user may place the finger appropriately for discharge of the firearm. 
         [0045]    While the user maintains the user finger outside the trigger guard area, light detector  17  receives the beam transmitted from light source  12  and a detector high output signal is generated by reception control circuit  72  ( FIG. 2 ) as described above. The detector high output signal is provided to timing circuitry  38 . Since this signal is insufficient to trigger the timing circuitry, the circuitry produces a low level logic signal to maintain alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94  in a disabled state as described above. 
         [0046]    However, when the user places a finger in the trigger guard area, the light beam transmitted by light source  12  is interrupted. Reception control circuit  72  senses the change in output from light detector  17  and produces a detector active low output signal that is provided to timing circuitry  38 . The timing circuitry generates an appropriate waveform to drive alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94  to provide a suitable indication (e.g., audio and/or visual, transmission, etc.) of the user finger placed proximate the trigger. This may indicate improper handling of the firearm during a training activity, or a situation in the field likely to result in discharge of the firearm by the user. 
         [0047]    An alternative embodiment of the firearm monitoring system is illustrated in  FIG. 4 . Specifically, firearm  6  is substantially similar to the firearm described above and, by way of example only, includes barrel  8 , hammer  9 , trigger  10  disposed within trigger guard  11  and grip  19 . Firearm monitoring system  200  is similar to firearm monitoring system  100  described above and includes one or more sensors  80 , a circuit board  92  including sensor control circuitry, power source or battery  15  and alarm unit  18 . Further, the firearm monitoring system may include or be coupled to laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94 . The laser sighting system may be disposed above barrel  8  to project a laser beam indicating a potential impact location due to firearm actuation as described above. The radio unit (and associated circuitry) may be disposed within firearm  6  adjacent alarm unit  18  or, alternatively, may be disposed within a firearm accessory, such as laser sighting system  90 , to transmit a warning message or distress signal as described above. Firearm  6  may alternatively be implemented by any conventional actual or mock firearms (e.g., hand-gun, rifle, shotgun, etc.). 
         [0048]    Sensors  80  are disposed within and/or on the interior surface of trigger guard  11  and/or the exterior surface of trigger  10 . The sensors are preferably implemented by conventional pressure or contact sensors and detect contact or pressure applied by a user finger to trigger  10  and/or trigger guard  11 . The sensors may be disposed at any suitable locations within the trigger guard area (e.g., on or within the trigger guard perimeter, trigger, etc.) and be configured to be responsive to any degree of pressure or contact sufficient to detect the presence of a user finger in that area. The sensors are coupled to sensor control circuitry on circuit board  92 . The circuit board receives and distributes power from power source or battery  15 , and processes the output from sensors  80 , generates output timings appropriate for alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94 , and drives the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit to indicate the sensed condition as described below. 
         [0049]    Alarm unit  18  is preferably implemented by a buzzer, but may be implemented by any suitable audio and/or visual indicator (e.g., LED, buzzer, speaker, display, etc.). The alarm unit is disposed at the proximal end of the firearm toward hammer  9  and is coupled to circuit board  92 . When a user places a user finger in the trigger guard, the finger placement is detected by one or more sensors  80 . The presence of the user finger within the trigger guard area is detected by the sensor control circuitry and an alarm may be produced by alarm unit  18  to indicate improper handling of the firearm during a training activity. Further, the firearm monitoring system may actuate laser sighting system  90  to produce a laser transmission (e.g., red-dot, etc.) to indicate the placement of the user trigger finger proximate the trigger during the training activity, while radio unit  94  may transmit a warning message or distress signal in response to this finger placement when the firearm is employed in the field as described above. 
         [0050]    Firearm  6  may be implemented as a mock or training firearm with the components of the firearm monitoring system (e.g., sensors  80 , circuit board  92 , battery  15 , alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90 , etc.) mounted on and/or within the firearm components (e.g., trigger  10 , trigger guard  11 , grip  19 , etc.) in the manner described above, and/or mounted on external surfaces of and/or adjacent corresponding firearm components (e.g., trigger  10 , trigger guard  11 , grip  19 , etc.) to detect the presence of a user finger within the trigger guard area in the manner described above. Alternatively, the firearm monitoring system components (e.g., sensors  80 , circuit board  92 , battery  15 , alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90 , radio unit  94 , etc.) may be mounted on external (or internal) surfaces of and/or adjacent corresponding components of an actual firearm or other weapon (e.g., trigger  10 , trigger guard  11 , grip  19 , etc.) to detect the presence of a user finger within the trigger guard area in the manner described above in order to enable monitoring of an actual weapon (e.g., a user may train with their own firearm or other weapon, warning or distress messages may be sent during use of the firearm in the field, etc.). 
         [0051]    An exemplary sensor control circuit of circuit board  92  for firearm monitoring system  200  according to the present invention is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . Sensor control circuit  85  processes information from sensors  80  to generate signals appropriate to drive alarm unit  18  or other device (e.g., laser sighting system  90 , radio unit  94 , warning device, control device, data logging or recording device, etc.). Specifically, control circuit  80  includes a detection control circuit  82  to process signals received from sensors  80 , and timing circuit  38  to generate appropriate signals to drive the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit. 
         [0052]    Referring to  FIG. 6 , detection control circuit  82  is substantially similar to reception control circuit  72  ( FIG. 2 ) described above and includes sensors  80  in place of light detector  17 . The outputs of sensors  80  may be combined and/or processed in any suitable fashion (e.g., logic OR or other operations, inverted, etc.) by any conventional or other devices (e.g., gates, circuitry, etc.) within or coupled to the sensors, and are provided to the base of inverting transistor  33  to generate appropriate signals for timing circuit  38 . This enables the detection control circuit to produce suitable signals for timing circuit  38  in response to a detection by any quantity of sensors  80 . 
         [0053]    Briefly, when sensors  80  do not detect the presence of a user finger, the resulting sensor output voltage is sufficient to bias inverting transistor  33  to conduct current from resistor  35  coupled to supply voltage  73  (Vcc) and reduce the voltage at the base of transistor switch  34  to approximately zero volts. This causes the transistor switch to enter an off state and produce a high output signal at collector  37  of transistor switch  34 . However, when a user finger or other obstruction is present within the trigger guard area, the sensors detect the presence of the finger, thereby causing the voltage provided from sensors  80  to the base of inverting transistor  33  to be reduced to approximately zero volts. Consequently, the collector of inverting transistor  33  transitions to a high voltage, and bias current is supplied to the base of transistor switch  34  from resistor  35  coupled to supply voltage  73  (Vcc). This causes transistor switch  34  to saturate and supply power to the output load or resistor  36 , thereby producing an active low output signal at collector  37 . 
         [0054]    Timing circuit  38  is substantially similar to the timing circuit ( FIG. 3 ) described above and generates appropriate signals to drive alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94 . Basically, when sensors  80  do not detect the presence of a user finger within the trigger guard area, a high output signal is generated by detection control circuit  82  as described above and provided to differentiator  76  of timing circuit  38 . The resulting conditioned signal (e.g., a high signal) produced by differentiator  76  is applied to trigger input  61  of timer  41  as described above. Since this signal is insufficient to trigger timer  41  as described above, the timer produces a low level logic signal at timer output  64 , thereby maintaining alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94  in a disabled state. 
         [0055]    However, in response to detection of a user finger in the trigger guard area by one or more sensors  80 , an output active low signal is generated by reception control circuit  82  as described above and provided to differentiator  76  of timing circuit  38  for conditioning. The resulting short duration or conditioned pulse (e.g., low or negative level) produced by differentiator  76  is applied to trigger input  61  of timer  41  (e.g., with capacitor  43  initially discharged), thereby controlling the timer to produce a high level logic signal at timer output  64  and drive alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94  to provide an alarm or warning indication, laser beam transmission and/or warning message or distress signal transmission, respectively. Capacitor  43  begins charging toward the supply voltage (Vcc) and, upon reaching a sufficient level, provides a suitable signal on threshold input  62  (and discharge input  63 ) to cause timer  41  to produce a low level logic signal at timer output  64  and discharge capacitor  43  (e.g., to initialize the capacitor for the next cycle). The low level logic signal disables the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit. The timer basically produces a positive pulse that drives the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit to respectively produce an alarm indication, a laser transmission and a warning message transmission during the width of each pulse (e.g., the time interval a generated pulse remains in the high level logic state) as described above. The duration of the warning signal or transmission, generated by alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94 , is controlled by the characteristics of resistor  42  and capacitor  43  (e.g., controlling the charge time of the capacitor to trigger the threshold input). A variable resistance may be applied to timer  41  (e.g., resistor  42  may be a variable resistor, etc.) to control the charge time of capacitor  43  and enable adjustment of warning signal durations and transmissions (e.g., from zero (e.g., warning disabled) to several seconds, provide flash or beeps, etc.). 
         [0056]    The sensor control circuitry may alternatively include a processor  84  ( FIG. 5 ) (e.g., microprocessor, controller, etc.) to process signals received from sensors  80  and produce appropriate signals to drive alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90 , radio unit  94  and/or other devices (e.g., for a predetermined time interval, during the interval a user finger is detected, etc.). In addition, the alarm unit, laser sighting system and/or radio unit may serve as the output load within detection control circuit  82  and be driven by transistor switch  34  to be actuated during the interval a user finger is detected within the trigger guard area in substantially the same manner described above. 
         [0057]    Operation of firearm monitoring system  200  is described with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 . Initially, a user grips firearm  6  in an appropriate manner to perform a drill, exercise or other activity for training purposes, or in response to a situation arising when employed in the field. During the training activity, the user handles the firearm in a manner for firearm actuation. The proper procedure is to move the firearm into a ready position for firing with a user finger outside the trigger guard area. In the case of a situation in the field, the user may place the finger in an appropriate position to discharge the firearm. 
         [0058]    While the user maintains the user finger outside the trigger guard area, sensors  80  do not detect the presence of the user finger in the trigger guard area and a high output signal is generated by detection control circuit  82  ( FIG. 6 ) as described above. The high output signal is provided to timing circuitry  38 . Since this signal is insufficient to trigger the timing circuitry, the circuitry produces a low level logic signal to maintain alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94  in a disabled state as described above. 
         [0059]    However, when the user places a finger in the trigger guard area, one or more sensors  80  detect the presence of the finger. Detection control circuit  82  processes the sensor signals and produces an active low output signal that is provided to timing circuitry  38 . The timing circuitry generates an appropriate waveform to drive alarm unit  18 , laser sighting system  90  and/or radio unit  94  to provide a suitable indication (e.g., audio and/or visual, transmission, etc.) of the user finger placed proximate the trigger. This may indicate improper handling of the firearm during a training activity, or a situation in the field likely to result in discharge of the firearm by the user. 
         [0060]    It will be appreciated that the embodiments described above and illustrated in the drawings represent only a few of the many ways of implementing a method and apparatus for monitoring handling of a firearm. 
         [0061]    The firearm monitoring systems may be utilized with any type of actual or dummy (e.g., training or mock and incapable of firing live projectiles, etc.) firearm or other weapon including trigger actuation (e.g., hand-gun, rifle, shotgun, machine gun, cross-bow, flame-thrower, etc.). The monitoring systems may utilize any conventional transmitters and detectors emitting and detecting any type of energy (e.g., optical, light, infrared, RF, magnetic, sound or acoustics, mechanical waves or vibrations, etc.), and may accommodate a variety of usage environments (e.g., thermal, RFI, EMI, audio and/or light spectrum background interference, etc.). The monitoring systems may be available in the form of kits for installation on an actual or training weapon, and/or may be available as a weapon (e.g., an actual or dummy weapon) including system components integrated therewith and/or mounted thereon. 
         [0062]    The light source may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other devices (e.g., LEDs, laser modules, vibrators, speakers, etc.) transmitting any suitable energy wave (e.g., optical, light, infrared, RF, magnetic, sound or acoustics, mechanical waves or vibrations, etc.). The light source may be disposed at any suitable location on or within the weapon (e.g., trigger guard, barrel, grip, etc.) via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.) and may be oriented or positioned in any fashion to enable reception of an emitted signal by the detector. The emitted light or other energy may be visible or invisible (e.g., white light, infrared, etc.), may be of any color or power level, may have a pulse of any desired duration and may be modulated in any fashion (e.g., at any desired frequency or unmodulated) or encoded in any manner to provide any desired information. 
         [0063]    The light detector may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other detection devices (e.g., receiver, sensors, microphones, etc.) receiving and detecting any suitable energy wave (e.g., optical, light, infrared, RF, magnetic, sound or acoustics, mechanical waves or vibrations, etc.). The light detector may be disposed at any suitable location on or within the weapon (e.g., trigger guard, trigger, barrel, grip, etc.) via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.) and may be oriented or positioned in any fashion to enable reception of an emitted signal by the light source. The detector may be configured to detect the emitted light or other energy beam including any characteristics (e.g., modulation, frequency, encoding, etc.). 
         [0064]    The sensors may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other sensing devices detecting any desired characteristics of a user finger, hand or other body portion. The systems may be designed with one or more hand or finger position sensors to detect either correct or incorrect hand or finger placement on the weapon for training. The sensors may be implemented by any suitable sensor type (e.g., optical, inductive, capacitive, thermal, resistive, ultrasonic, motion, pressure (e.g., mechanical, sound, force, etc.), etc.) and may be disposed at any suitable locations on or within the weapon (e.g., trigger guard, trigger, barrel, grip, etc.) via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.) and may be oriented or positioned in any fashion to enable detection of the user hand, finger or other body portion. Additional sensors and/or logic may be employed to accommodate both right and left handed users. In addition, supplemental materials may be employed for placement on the user hand and/or finger to aid in the detection of hand and finger position. 
         [0065]    The tubular member may be of any quantity, shape, size or length, and may be constructed of any suitable materials molded or cast within the weapon. The tubular member may be disposed at any suitable locations on or within the weapon (e.g., trigger guard, trigger, barrel, grip, etc.) via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.) and may be oriented or positioned in any fashion to enable reception of an emitted signal by the light source. The light detector may be positioned at any suitable location on or within the tubular member, or may be utilized without the tubular member to receive the emitted signal. The tubular member may be hollow or include a channel of any quantity, shape or size to enable the emitted signal to pass therethrough. The channel may extend in any suitable directions. The tubular member interior may include any coating or other surface to reduce noise and/or interference (e.g., dark color, filters, etc.), and/or filters may be employed by the systems for noise reduction. 
         [0066]    The alarm unit may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other suitable devices providing a warning or alarm indication (e.g., audio, visual, speaker, buzzer, lights or LEDs, display, etc.). The alarm unit or other devices may be disposed at any location on or remote from the weapon and receive signals in any manner (e.g., wires, wireless, etc.). The monitoring systems may further actuate and/or be coupled to any suitable systems (e.g., laser sighting system, control system, data recordation or logging system, etc.). 
         [0067]    The laser sighting system may be implemented by any conventional or other sighting or transmission devices projecting a laser or other energy beam (e.g., light, etc.). The laser sighting system may be disposed at any suitable location on the weapon via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.). 
         [0068]    The radio unit may be implemented by any conventional or other radio, transmitting or transceiving devices transmitting information (e.g., message, signal, etc.) in any suitable energy form (e.g., IR, RF, etc.) and at any desired frequencies. The signal may contain any desired information or codes, and may be modulated and/or encoded in any fashion (e.g., modulated, unmodulated, encrypted, etc.). The radio unit may transmit messages any suitable distances (e.g., locally to nearby devices, remotely to equipment located at further distances, etc.) and to any suitable equipment (e.g., computer systems, relay systems, etc.). The radio unit may be disposed at any suitable location on or within the weapon or a weapon accessory (e.g., laser sighting system, etc.) via any conventional or other techniques (e.g., brackets, adhesives, clamps, etc.). The radio unit may be employed to interface any existing organization communications equipment and may be utilized for various applications (e.g., law enforcement, security, military, entertainment, training or gaming applications, etc.). 
         [0069]    The alarm unit or other devices (e.g., laser sighting system, radio unit, control system, data recordation or logging system, etc.) may be employed either individually, or in any combinations, for any training, field or other applications, and may be actuated for any desired time interval in response to detection of a user finger or hand, or may be actuated during the interval the user finger or hand is detected by the system. 
         [0070]    The control circuitry may include any quantity of conventional or other components (e.g., gates, resistors, capacitors, transistors, IC devices, etc.) arranged in any fashion to perform the functions described herein. The supply voltage may provide any suitable voltage to the circuit. The systems may be powered by the battery or other portable power source, or may be configured to receive power from a common wall outlet jack. The control circuitry may generate any suitable signals of any desired levels or values and in any form (e.g., analog, digital, active high, active low, etc.) to perform the functions described herein (e.g., drive the timing circuit, drive the alarm unit or other device, indicate detection of the emitted beam, etc.). The signals may have any desired values to drive other circuits or devices (e.g., active high, active low, etc.), while the circuitry (e.g., transmission control circuit, reception control and detection control circuits, timing circuit, etc.) may be implemented utilizing any desired logic or polarities (e.g., inverted and/or non-inverted logic, NPN or PNP bipolar transistors, MOS transistors, etc.). 
         [0071]    The transmission control circuit may include any quantity of any conventional or other components (e.g., gates, resistors, capacitors, etc.) arranged in any fashion to control emission of the beam. The oscillator may be implemented by any conventional or other oscillator or circuitry and may modulate the emitted beam in any suitable fashion (e.g., any desired frequency, encoding, etc.). The buffer may be implemented by any conventional or other buffer or circuitry. The gates may be implemented by any quantity of any conventional or other components (e.g., transistors, diodes, IC devices, gate arrays, etc.) and may be arranged for any suitable logic schemes (e.g., TTL, ECL, etc.). Alternatively, the transmission control circuit may include a conventional 555 timer used and configured as an oscillator to generate the output voltage varying at any desired frequency. The circuit components may include any desired characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, any types of transistors (e.g., NPN, PNP, FET, etc.), etc.). 
         [0072]    The reception control and detection control circuits may include any quantity of any conventional or other components (e.g., resistors, capacitors, transistors, etc.) arranged in any fashion to process a received beam. The components of the circuits may include any desired characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, any types of transistors (e.g., NPN, PNP, FET, etc.), etc.) and may provide signals for the timing circuit of any desired levels or values (e.g., high, low, analog, digital, etc.). 
         [0073]    The timing circuit may include any quantity of any conventional or other components (e.g., gates, resistors, capacitors, etc.) arranged in any fashion to provide any suitable signals of any desired level or value (e.g., high, low, analog, digital, etc.) to drive the alarm unit or other device (e.g., laser sighting system, radio unit, data recordation or logging system, control system, etc.). The differentiator may be implemented by any conventional or other differentiator or circuitry and may condition a signal to any desired level or form (e.g., pulse of any desired level, duration or frequency, etc.). The timer may be implemented by any conventional or other timer or circuitry (e.g., transistors, IC devices, processor, logic or gate arrays, etc.) and may provide signals in any suitable form (e.g., pulse train of any frequency, waveform, high, low, analog, digital, etc.). The circuit components may include any desired characteristics (e.g., resistance, capacitance, etc.). The timing circuit may be configured to alter the behavior of the alarm or other device in any fashion (e.g., alter the temporal conditions required to activate or reset the alarm or device, alter the interval of alarm or other device actuation, etc.). 
         [0074]    It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the applications described above, but may be utilized for any weapons for any suitable purposes (e.g., military, law enforcement, civilian training, security, etc.). Further, the present invention may employ any suitable sensing and notifying arrangements to indicate the presence of a user finger, hand or other body portion in the proximity of a trigger of an actual or training weapon. Moreover, the various components of the systems (e.g., sensors, detector, control circuitry, alarm unit or other device, etc.) may be local to or remote from each other and transfer signals in any desired fashion (e.g., wired, wireless, etc.). 
         [0075]    From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the invention makes available a novel method and apparatus for monitoring handling of a firearm, wherein a firearm monitoring device senses the position of a user hand or trigger finger and produces an alarm or transmission in response to detecting placement of the trigger finger proximate the firearm trigger. 
         [0076]    Having described preferred embodiments of a new and improved method and apparatus for monitoring handling of a firearm, it is believed that other modifications, variations and changes will be suggested to those skilled in the art in view of the teachings set forth herein. It is therefore to be understood that all such variations, modifications and changes are believed to fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 5