BACKGROUND

Typically, firearm tracking systems have been very limited, often requiring complex manufacturing steps in order to enable a determination of whether a weapon has been used. These systems typically have issues with reliability, have poor performance (e.g., short battery life), lack the ability to add new features, and suffer other limitations.

Separately, systems for providing remote support to firearm users are also typically very limited. For example, a remote support user monitoring a deployment of firearm users within a deployment location, such as a combat zone, relies on the information reported to him or her in order to make appropriate decisions regarding providing support for those users. However, these conventional systems require a remote support user to manually analyze information about the firearm users and to manually determine how to support those firearm users, which may, in at least some cases, take more time than is available. For example, during an active fire fight between firearm users and hostile combatants, the amount of time it takes to determine to deploy reinforcements, deliver additional ammunition, or otherwise support the firearm users can dictate the success of the engagement. Accordingly, a need exists for improved systems that involve recording and tracking activities of individuals, including more advanced methods and systems for tracking discharges from firearms and more advanced methods for monitoring conditions of firearms, other assets, and users within a deployment location and automating actions to perform for remotely supporting those firearm users, such as in preparation for, during, and/or after an engagement with a hostile threat.

SUMMARY

A firearm monitoring and remote support system is configured to collect signals representing real-time conditions of firearms, devices, and users within a deployment location. Those signals can be used to detect threats within the deployment location, to determine responses to perform based on those threats, or otherwise to support users of the firearms. For example, sensors within firearms and/or other assets can be used to determine that one or more firearms are drawn on a specific target within the deployment location. In another example, sensors within a firearm can be used to determine that the ammunition supply for the firearm is depleted or nearly depleted. Appropriate responses to such situations, such as by ordering for reinforcements, additional ammunition deliveries, or the like, can be automated based on the sensor information. The firearm monitoring and remote support system is further configured to output one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The GUIs may be used for visualizing information associated with users of firearms and/or threats detected nearby those users. The GUIs may further be used to generate, review, and/or approve actions to take in response to a threat detection, for example, to provide support to the users of the firearms for engaging the detected threats.

In embodiments, a system for firearm monitoring and remote support is provided. The system comprises a connection point and a server device. The connection point receives signals from a plurality of firearms within a deployment location, the signals including sensor information recorded using sensors of the firearms. The server device runs application software that receives the signals from the connection point and processes the signals to generate a GUI representing positions and orientations of the firearms within the deployment location, the GUI further representing cones of fire for each of the firearms, wherein the application software automatically updates the GUI based on signals indicating changes in the positions and orientations of one or more of the firearms, wherein the updated GUI represents the cones of fire for at least two of the firearms as coalescing, wherein the coalesced cones of fire are used to detect a threat within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, the sensors include one or more of geolocation sensors, image sensors, or inertial motion sensors.

In embodiments of the system, the cones of fire are represented in the GUI based on measurements recorded using the inertial motion sensors of respective firearms, and the measurements indicate a change in orientation of the respective firearms.

In embodiments of the system, the change in orientation of a firearm refers to an orientation of the firearm changing from one of a gripping orientation or a drawing orientation to one of a pointing orientation or a firing orientation.

In embodiments of the system, the GUI includes one or more views including a top-down geographic view of the deployment location, and the positions and orientations of the firearms are represented within the top-down geographic view.

In embodiments of the system, the one or more views further include one or more of a three-dimensional firearm orientation view, a two-dimensional recoil tracking view, or a user body camera feed view.

In embodiments of the system, the updated GUI further represents the detected threat within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, the updated GUI includes visual prompts representing information relating to one or more users of the firearms, the detected threat, or both.

In embodiments of the system, the updated GUI includes a legend of icons represented within the updated GUI, the icons corresponding to one or more users of the firearms, the detected threat, or both.

In embodiments of the system, the connection point receives some of the signals from wearable devices worn by users of the firearms, and the application software uses sensor information included in the signals received from the wearable devices to update the GUI.

In embodiments of the system, the connection point receives some of the signals from robotic devices, and the application software uses sensor information included in the signals received from the robotic devices to update the GUI.

In embodiments of the system, the connection point is one of a plurality of connection points which receives signals used by the application software to generate or update the GUI.

In embodiments of the system, a size of a cone of fire of a firearm represented within the GUI is based on one or both of a skill level of a user of the firearm or a type of the firearm.

In embodiments, a method for firearm monitoring and remote support is provided. The method comprises generating a GUI including a top-down geographic view of a deployment location and cones of fire of firearms within the deployment location, the cones of fire representing positions and the orientations of the firearms determined based on first sensor information received from one or more sensors of each of the firearms; receiving second sensor information from at least one of the firearms, the second sensor information indicating a change in one or both of the position or the orientation of the at least one of the firearms; responsive to receiving the second sensor information, automatically updating the GUI according to the second sensor information, the updated GUI representing a change to at least one of the cones of fire causing the at least one of the cones of fire and at least one other cone of fire to coalesce; and responsive to automatically updating the GUI, outputting instructions for displaying or rendering the GUI to one or more computing devices.

In embodiments of the method, the method further comprises detecting a threat within the deployment location based on the coalesced cones of fire; and further automatically updating the GUI to represent the detected threat within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the method, the cones of fire are represented in the GUI based on measurements recorded using sensors of respective firearms, and the measurement recorded using the sensor of a firearm refers to an orientation of the firearm changing from one of a gripping orientation or a drawing orientation to one of a pointing orientation or a firing orientation

In embodiments of the method, the sensors include one or more of geolocation sensors, image sensors, or inertial motion sensors.

In embodiments of the method, the first sensor information and the second sensor information are received using a connection point, and the method further comprises deploying the connection point within the deployment location; and configuring the connection point to receive signals from the firearms.

In embodiments of the method, the GUI further includes one or more of a three-dimensional firearm orientation view, a two-dimensional recoil tracking view, or a user body camera feed view.

In embodiments of the method, automatically updating the GUI according to the second sensor information comprises updating the one or more of a three-dimensional firearm orientation view, a two-dimensional recoil tracking view, or a user body camera feed view based on the second sensor information.

The firearm monitoring and remote support system allows various parties, such as managers and supervisors, to collect real-time information relating to assets within a deployment location, for example, to support users of firearms during engagements with hostile threats, to prepare those users for such engagements, or to aide those users after such engagements. This includes the capability of the technology to report information in real-time, allowing the rapid use of the collected information, such as for situational awareness and rapid response to critical situations. By collecting real-time firearms data, managers, dispatchers, and the like can respond more efficiently to hostile threats and also more effectively monitor conditions of users of the firearms, including, but not limited to, the ammunition supply for the firearm and the health of the user.

In embodiments, a firearms activity monitoring system is provided, comprising a series of ruggedized sensors, configured to be built into the grips of a firearm, dedicated to providing real-time firearms activity monitoring, including firearm location, orientation, and discharge monitoring. In embodiments, the system is an “install and forget” device, independent of the firing mechanism (that is, in such embodiments, the system does not prevent discharges), that collects objective data on firearms usage and orientation. In turn, the data collected has a host of applications among security forces, ranging from augmenting critical first response systems to minimizing response times and improving situational awareness, to machine learning in automating radio transmissions and predictive firearm maintenance. Inventory control and firearms accountability are also possibilities with this potentially life-saving technology. This device brings the Internet-of-Things (IoT) into the world of firearms. In embodiments, a firearms activity monitoring system may be combined with other functionality that may prevent discharges through methods such as trigger locks, barrel blocks, etc. and require user identification such as biometric fingerprint scanners, palm recognition, and RFID scanners

The firearms activity monitoring system allows various parties, such as managers and supervisors, to collect objective, rather than subjective, firearms data. This allows better oversight and accountability of all firearms usage. This includes the capability of the technology to report information in real-time, allowing the rapid use of the collected information, such as for situational awareness and rapid response to critical situations. By collecting real-time firearms data, managers, dispatchers, and the like can respond more efficiently to incidents and also provide accurate reporting of information after an incident involving a firearm.

As noted above, the expensive price tag associated with hardware, storage, and data transmission fees has resulted in identification of cost as a problem with other monitoring systems like body cameras that have been adopted due to public pressure. The firearm monitoring systems disclosed herein augment other systems like body cameras and can render such systems much more cost-effective.

As noted above, for insurance companies, firearms used by the client represent a liability. In embodiments, data from the firearm monitoring system may be used to help companies that provide insurance (such as to private security firms); for example, it may be possible to negotiate a lower insurance premium as a result of using a monitoring system that demonstrates effectiveness and completion of training, adherence to safe practices, and the like by the personnel of the insured. With a device that increases accountability and inventory management, the risks and costs associated with insuring security firms decreases, thereby creating cost savings for both insurance companies and security firms.

In embodiments, the present disclosure includes a system for monitoring a user of a firearm. The system includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) configured to be disposed inside a grip of the firearm for measuring the motion of the firearm. The system also includes an event detection system for detecting a detected event that includes at least one of gripping of the firearm, raising of the firearm, aiming of the firearm, and discharging of the firearm based on the motion of the firearm as measured by the IMU. The system further includes a communication system for wirelessly communicating the detected event.

In embodiments, the detected event is communicated to a camera system.

In embodiments, the camera system includes a camera located in sufficient proximity to view the firearm.

In embodiments, the camera system includes a body camera system worn by the user of the firearm.

In embodiments, the body camera initiates recording upon receiving the communication of the detected event.

In embodiments, the body camera initiates recording upon the firearm being at least one of gripped, raised and aimed.

In embodiments, the event detection system and the communication system are configured to be disposed inside the grip of the firearm.

In embodiments, the IMU is configured to count each discharge of the firearm.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a firearm usage tracking system configured to detect the firearm being pointed toward another firearm or a user in conjunction with supporting systems.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a firearm usage tracking system configured to detect the firearm and at least another firearm and configured to visually display locations of the at least two firearms.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a firearm usage tracking system configured to detect a set of firearms in an inventory, to count each discharge of each of the firearms in the set of firearms, and to communicate total discharges from each of the firearms.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a firearm usage tracking system configured to detect a set of firearms in an inventory across a mesh network and to determine a location of a first firearm from the set of firearms based on a detected location of at least a second firearm in the set of firearms.

In embodiments, the present disclosure includes a firearm usage monitoring system configured to store data about movement of a firearm by a user. The system includes a grip on the firearm that is configured to be held by a hand of the user and permit the hand of the user to also reach a trigger of the firearm. The system also includes a nine-axis motion monitor including a microprocessor, a tri-axis gyroscope, a tri-axis accelerometer and a tri-axis compass configured to communicate data about movement, orientation, and direction of the firearm. The system further includes memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor and to the nine-axis motion monitor and a GPS module connected to the microprocessor and the memory. In embodiments, data about the position of the firearm is transmitted from the nine-axis motion monitor and the GPS module and stored in the memory. In embodiments, the nine-axis motion monitor, the microprocessor, the memory, and the GPS module are configured to be disposed inside a grip of the firearm.

In embodiments, the grip on the firearm is configured to be held by the hand of the user and permit the hand of the user to also reach a safety of the firearm.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a hard-wired data and power connection configured to receive data and power from a wired source.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a serial communication system (e.g., a UART to USB controller) communicatively coupled to the hard-wired data and power connection and configured to send data to and receive data from the hard-wired data and power connection. In embodiments, the microprocessor is configured to send data to and receive data from the serial communication system.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a low dropout regulator electrically coupled to a battery and the serial communication system. In embodiments, the low dropout regulator steps down voltage from the battery to more efficiently power the serial communication system.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a camera system that includes a body camera that is activated when there is a change in position of the firearm transmitted from one of the nine-axis motion monitor and the GPS module.

In embodiments, the present disclosure includes a system for monitoring firearms in a set of the firearms. Each of the firearms is associated with a user in a set of users. The system includes a machine learning system and a sensory analysis module that connects to the machine learning system and is configured to receive multi-modal sensory inputs from firearm usage tracking systems associated with the firearms, sensors that detect the users, and sensors that detect an environment around the set of firearms and the set of users. The system includes a set of candidate intents generated by the machine learning system based on at least a portion of the multi-modal sensory inputs. The system also includes an action plan based on the set of candidate intents generated by the machine learning system. In embodiments, the action plan is in response to at least one of a change in condition of one of the users of the firearms, change of state of one of the firearms from the set of firearms, a change of environment around the firearms.

In embodiments, the machine learning system is configured to determine that one of the users from the set of users is in distress based on at least one sensor detecting human states of the user indicative of distress and at least one firearm sensor that detects motion and orientation of the firearm indicative of lack of discharge for a predetermined period. In embodiments, the action plan from the machine learning system is configured to request assistance for the user in distress.

In embodiments, the machine learning system is configured to activate camera systems in anticipation of an event based on at least one sensor detecting human states of the user and at least one firearm sensor that detects motion and orientation of the firearm indicative of imminent discharge of at least one firearm of the set of firearms.

In embodiments, the machine learning system is configured to generate inventory action plans detailing needs for ammunition in anticipation of its consumption by the firearms from the set of firearms based on IMUs in each of the firearms that detects motion and orientation of the firearm to count each shot based on discharges from the firearms of the set of firearms.

In embodiments, a monitoring system for a firearm comprises an IMU, a communication circuit, and a microcontroller. The IMU is configured to generate data indicative of at least one of a movement of the firearm, an orientation of the firearm, or a direction of the firearm. The communication circuit is configured to communicate the data generated using the inertial measurement unit to a device external to the firearm. The microcontroller is configured to deliver power from a power source to at least one of the inertial measurement unit or the communication circuit. In embodiments, at least the IMU is disposed within an action structure of the firearm. In embodiments, at least the IMU is disposed on a rail of a firearm or within an accessory coupled to a rail of the firearm. In embodiments, at least the IMU is disposed within a barrel structure of the firearm. In embodiments, at least the IMU is disposed within a stock structure of the firearm or within a component of a stock structure of the firearm.

A firearm usage monitoring system is configured to store data about location, movement, orientation, and direction of a firearm while in use and includes a hard-wired data and power connection, configured to receive data and power from a wired source. A serial communication system (e.g., a UART to USB controller) is communicatively coupled to the hard-wired data and power connection and configured to send data to and receive data from the hard-wired data and power connection. A microprocessor is configured to send data to and receive data from the serial communication system. A nine-axis motion monitor is communicatively coupled to the microprocessor module further comprising a tri-axis gyroscope, a tri-axis accelerometer and a tri-axis compass configured to communicate data about movement, orientation, and direction of the firearm. Memory is communicatively coupled to the microprocessor and to the nine-axis motion monitor. Data about the location and position of the firearm in 3D space is transmitted from the nine-axis motion monitor and GPS and then stored in the memory.

In embodiments, a firearms activity monitoring system is provided, comprising a series of ruggedized sensors, configured to be built into the grips of a firearm, dedicated to providing real-time firearms activity monitoring, including firearm location, orientation, and discharge monitoring. In embodiments, the system is an “install and forget” device, independent of the firing mechanism (that is, in such embodiments, the system does not prevent discharges), that collects objective data on firearms usage and orientation. In turn, the data collected has a host of applications among security forces, ranging from augmenting critical first response systems to minimizing response times and improving situational awareness, to machine learning in automating radio transmissions and predictive firearm maintenance. Inventory control and firearms accountability are also possibilities with this potentially life-saving technology. This device brings the Internet-of-Things (IoT) into the world of firearms. In embodiments, a firearms activity monitoring system may be combined with other functionality that may prevent discharges through methods such as trigger locks, barrel blocks, etc. and require user identification such as biometric fingerprint scanners, palm recognition, and RFID scanners

The firearms activity monitoring system allows various parties, such as managers and supervisors, to collect objective, rather than subjective, firearms data. This allows better oversight and accountability of all firearms usage. This includes the capability of the technology to report information in real-time, allowing the rapid use of the collected information, such as for situational awareness and rapid response to critical situations. By collecting real-time firearms data, managers, dispatchers, and the like can respond more efficiently to incidents and also provide accurate reporting of information after an incident involving a firearm.

As noted above, the expensive price tag associated with hardware, storage, and data transmission fees has resulted in identification of cost as a problem with other monitoring systems like body cameras that have been adopted due to public pressure. The firearm monitoring systems disclosed herein augment other systems like body cameras and can render such systems much more cost-effective.

As noted above, for insurance companies, firearms used by the client represent a liability. In embodiments, data from the firearm monitoring system may be used to help companies that provide insurance (such as to private security firms); for example, it may be possible to negotiate a lower insurance premium as a result of using a monitoring system that demonstrates effectiveness and completion of training, adherence to safe practices, and the like by the personnel of the insured. With a device that increases accountability and inventory management, the risks and costs associated with insuring security firms decreases, thereby creating cost savings for both insurance companies and security firms.

In embodiments, the present disclosure includes a system for monitoring a user of a firearm. The system includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) configured to be disposed inside a grip of the firearm for measuring the motion of the firearm. The system also includes an event detection system for detecting a detected event that includes at least one of gripping of the firearm, raising of the firearm, aiming of the firearm, and discharging of the firearm based on the motion of the firearm as measured by the IMU. The system further includes a communication system for wirelessly communicating the detected event.

In embodiments, the detected event is communicated to a camera system.

In embodiments, the camera system includes a camera located in sufficient proximity to view the firearm.

In embodiments, the camera system includes a body camera system worn by the user of the firearm.

In embodiments, the body camera initiates recording upon receiving the communication of the detected event.

In embodiments, the body camera initiates recording upon the firearm being at least one of gripped, raised and aimed.

In embodiments, the event detection system and the communication system are configured to be disposed inside the grip of the firearm.

In embodiments, the IMU is configured to count each discharge of the firearm.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a firearm usage tracking system configured to detect the firearm being pointed toward another firearm or a user in conjunction with supporting systems.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a firearm usage tracking system configured to detect the firearm and at least another firearm and configured to visually display locations of the at least two firearms.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a firearm usage tracking system configured to detect a set of firearms in an inventory, to count each discharge of each of the firearms in the set of firearms, and to communicate total discharges from each of the firearms.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a firearm usage tracking system configured to detect a set of firearms in an inventory across a mesh network and to determine a location of a first firearm from the set of firearms based on a detected location of at least a second firearm in the set of firearms.

In embodiments, the present disclosure includes a firearm usage monitoring system configured to store data about movement of a firearm by a user. The system includes a grip on the firearm that is configured to be held by a hand of the user and permit the hand of the user to also reach a trigger of the firearm. The system also includes a nine-axis motion monitor including a microprocessor, a tri-axis gyroscope, a tri-axis accelerometer and a tri-axis compass configured to communicate data about movement, orientation, and direction of the firearm. The system further includes memory communicatively coupled to the microprocessor and to the nine-axis motion monitor and a GPS module connected to the microprocessor and the memory. In embodiments, data about the position of the firearm is transmitted from the nine-axis motion monitor and the GPS module and stored in the memory. In embodiments, the nine-axis motion monitor, the microprocessor, the memory, and the GPS module are configured to be disposed inside a grip of the firearm.

In embodiments, the grip on the firearm is configured to be held by the hand of the user and permit the hand of the user to also reach a safety of the firearm.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a hard-wired data and power connection configured to receive data and power from a wired source.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a serial communication system (e.g., a UART to USB controller) communicatively coupled to the hard-wired data and power connection and configured to send data to and receive data from the hard-wired data and power connection. In embodiments, the microprocessor is configured to send data to and receive data from the serial communication system.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a low dropout regulator electrically coupled to a battery and the serial communication system. In embodiments, the low dropout regulator steps down voltage from the battery to more efficiently power the serial communication system.

In embodiments, the system of the present disclosure includes a camera system that includes a body camera that is activated when there is a change in position of the firearm transmitted from one of the nine-axis motion monitor and the GPS module.

In embodiments, the present disclosure includes a system for monitoring firearms in a set of the firearms. Each of the firearms is associated with a user in a set of users. The system includes a machine learning system and a sensory analysis module that connects to the machine learning system and is configured to receive multi-modal sensory inputs from firearm usage tracking systems associated with the firearms, sensors that detect the users, and sensors that detect an environment around the set of firearms and the set of users. The system includes a set of candidate intents generated by the machine learning system based at least a portion of the multi-modal sensory inputs. The system also includes an action plan based on the set of candidate intents generated by the machine learning system. In embodiments, the action plan is in response to at least one of a change in condition of one of the users of the firearms, change of state of one of the firearms from the set of firearms, a change of environment around the firearms.

In embodiments, the machine learning system is configured to determine that one of the users from the set of users is in distress based at least one sensor detecting human states of the user indicative of distress and at least one firearm sensor that detects motion and orientation of the firearm indicative of lack of discharge for a predetermined period. In embodiments, the action plan from the machine learning system is configured to request assistance for the user in distress.

In embodiments, the machine learning system is configured to activate camera systems in anticipation of an event based at least one sensor detecting human states of the user and at least one firearm sensor that detects motion and orientation of the firearm indicative of imminent discharge of at least one firearm of the set of firearms.

In embodiments, the machine learning system is configured to generate inventory action plans detailing needs for ammunition in anticipation of its consumption by the firearms from the set of firearms based on IMUs in each of the firearms that detects motion and orientation of the firearm to count each shot based on discharges from the firearms of the set of firearms.

In embodiments, a monitoring system for a firearm comprises an IMU, a communication circuit, and a microcontroller. The IMU is configured to generate data indicative of at least one of a movement of the firearm, an orientation of the firearm, or a direction of the firearm. The communication circuit is configured to communicate the data generated using the inertial measurement unit to a device external to the firearm. The microcontroller is configured to deliver power from a power source to at least one of the inertial measurement unit or the communication circuit. In embodiments, at least the IMU is disposed within an action structure of the firearm. In embodiments, at least the IMU is disposed on a rail of a firearm or within an accessory coupled to a rail of the firearm. In embodiments, at least the IMU is disposed within a barrel structure of the firearm. In embodiments, at least the IMU is disposed within a stock structure of the firearm or within a component of a stock structure of the firearm.

A firearm monitoring and remote support system is configured to collect signals representing real-time conditions of firearms, devices, and users within a deployment location. Those signals can be used to detect threats within the deployment location, to determine responses to perform based on those threats, or otherwise to support users of the firearms. For example, sensors within firearms and/or other assets can be used to determine that one or more firearms are drawn on a specific target within the deployment location. In another example, sensors within a firearm can be used to determine that the ammunition supply for the firearm is depleted or nearly depleted. Appropriate responses to such situations, such as by ordering for reinforcements, additional ammunition deliveries, or the like, can be automated based on the sensor information. The firearm monitoring and remote support system is further configured to output one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The GUIs may be used for visualizing information associated with users of firearms and/or threats detected nearby those users. The GUIs may further be used to generate, review, and/or approve actions to take in response to a threat detection, for example, to provide support to the users of the firearms for engaging the detected threats.

In embodiments, a system for firearm monitoring and remote support is provided. The system comprises a plurality of firearms within a deployment location, response infrastructure, and a server device. Each firearm includes one or more sensors that record sensor information used to produce a signal. The response infrastructure is configured for deployment to the deployment location. The server device runs application software that uses the signals received from each of the firearms to detect a threat within the deployment location and causes the deployment of the response infrastructure to the deployment location. The response infrastructure supports users of the plurality of firearms in addressing the detected threat.

In embodiments of the system, the application software processes the signals received from each of the firearms to determine cones of fire of the firearms, in which a cone of fire of a firearm represents an expected area of potential fire for the firearm.

In embodiments of the system, the application software uses the cones of fire to detect the threat within the deployment location by determining that two or more of the cones of fire coalesce on a single location within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, the application software verifies the detected threat using a video stream from a camera within the deployment location, in which the video stream indicates the threat at the single location within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, sizes of the cones of fire differ based on skill levels of users of the firearms.

In embodiments of the system, the one or more sensors included in a firearm include a sensor configured to detect a discharge of the firearm. The application software uses the sensor information indicative of the discharge of the firearm to determine to detect the threat. The response infrastructure includes a vehicle configured to deliver reinforcements to the deployment location to support users of the firearms.

In embodiments of the system, the one or more sensors included in a firearm include a sensor configured to detect an ammunition inventory for the firearm. The application software uses measurements indicative of the ammunition inventory for the firearm to determine to deliver ammunition to the deployment location. The response infrastructure includes a vehicle configured to deliver the ammunition to the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, the sensor configured to detect the ammunition inventory for the firearm is further configured to identify a type of the firearm. Information indicating the type of the firearm is used by the application software to identify the ammunition to deliver to the deployment location

In embodiments of the system, the system further comprises a wearable device worn by a user of at least one firearm of the plurality of firearms. The wearable device includes one or more sensors that record information indicative of a health status of the user. The application software uses the health status of the user to determine to request a delivery of medical support for the user to the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, the responsive infrastructure includes an unmanned aerial vehicle configured to deliver medical items to the deployment location responsive to the requested delivery of medical support for the user.

In embodiments of the system, the application software processes the sensor information against information stored within a knowledgebase to detect the threat.

In embodiments of the system, the one or more sensors include one or more of an inertial motion unit, a geolocation sensor, a pressure sensor, or a discharge sensor.

In embodiments of the system, the system further comprises a connection point within the deployment location that receives the signals from the plurality of firearms and transmits the signals to the server device.

In embodiments, a method for firearm monitoring and remote support is provided. The method comprises producing, at a device within a deployment location, a signal including sensor information recorded using one or more sensors of the device; transmitting, from the device, the signal to a server device running application software; processing, by the application software, the signal to detect a threat within the deployment location; determining, by the application software, an action to perform in response to the detected threat; and deploying, by the application software, response infrastructure to perform the action.

In embodiments of the method, the method further comprises determining, by the application software, a severity of the threat based on the sensor information and based on information stored within a knowledgebase, in which determining the action to perform in response to the detected threat comprises determining the action to perform based on the severity of the threat.

In embodiments of the method, the information stored within the knowledgebase is used to compare the sensor information against a threshold or other condition associated with the detected threat, wherein the severity of the threat is based on a result of the comparison.

In embodiments of the method, the application software automatically determines the action to perform in response to the detected threat without manual user intervention, in which the application software includes functionality for manual user verification of the automatically determined action.

In embodiments of the method, the method further comprises producing a second signal including second sensor information recorded after the sensor information used to detect the threat; transmitting the second signal to the server device; processing, by the application software, the second signal to determine a second action to perform for remote support of a user of a device at which the second signal is produced; and deploying, by the application software, second response infrastructure to perform the second action.

In embodiments of the method, the device is a firearm. The one or more sensors include a sensor configured to detect an ammunition inventory for the firearm. The action to perform includes a delivery of ammunition to the deployment location. The second response infrastructure includes a vehicle configured to deliver the ammunition to the deployment location.

In embodiments of the method, the device is a wearable device. The one or more sensors include a sensor configured to detect information indicative of a health status of the user of the device. The action to perform includes requesting a delivery of medical support to the deployment location. The second response infrastructure includes a vehicle configured to deliver the medical support to the deployment location.

The firearm monitoring and remote support system allows various parties, such as managers and supervisors, to collect real-time information relating to assets within a deployment location, for example, to support users of firearms during engagements with hostile threats, to prepare those users for such engagements, or to aide those users after such engagements. This includes the capability of the technology to report information in real-time, allowing the rapid use of the collected information, such as for situational awareness and rapid response to critical situations. By collecting real-time firearms data, managers, dispatchers, and the like can respond more efficiently to hostile threats and also more effectively monitor conditions of users of the firearms, including, but not limited to, the ammunition supply for the firearm and the health of the user.

A firearm monitoring and remote support system is configured to collect signals representing real-time conditions of firearms, devices, and users within a deployment location. Those signals can be used to detect threats within the deployment location, to determine responses to perform based on those threats, or otherwise to support users of the firearms. For example, sensors within firearms and/or other assets can be used to determine that one or more firearms are drawn on a specific target within the deployment location. In another example, sensors within a firearm can be used to determine that the ammunition supply for the firearm is depleted or nearly depleted. Appropriate responses to such situations, such as by ordering for reinforcements, additional ammunition deliveries, or the like, can be automated based on the sensor information. The firearm monitoring and remote support system is further configured to output one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The GUIs may be used for visualizing information associated with users of firearms and/or threats detected nearby those users. The GUIs may further be used to generate, review, and/or approve actions to take in response to a threat detection, for example, to provide support to the users of the firearms for engaging the detected threats.

In embodiments, a system for firearm monitoring and remote support is provided. The system comprises a connection point and a server device. The connection point is located within a deployment location and receives and compresses a signal from a firearm within the deployment location. The signal includes sensor information recorded using one or more sensors of the firearm. The server device runs application software that receives the compressed signal from the connection point, decompresses the signal to restore the sensor information, and uses the restored sensor information to detect a threat within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, the server device receives compressed signals from a plurality of connection points including the connection point, in which at least some connection points of the plurality of connections are located within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, the application software detects the threat within the deployment location based on the restored sensor information produced by decompressing the compressed signal received from the connection point and based on other restored sensor information produced by decompressing another compressed signal received from another connection point of the plurality of connection points.

In embodiments of the system, the other compressed signal received from the other connection point is produced using one or more sensors of a wearable device.

In embodiments of the system, the other compressed signal received from the other connection point is produced using one or more sensors of a stationary device.

In embodiments of the system, the application software uses the restored sensor information to detect the threat within the deployment location based on a change in an orientation of the firearm indicated within the restored sensor information. The change in the orientation of the firearm represents a change in orientation from one of a gripping orientation or a drawing orientation to one of a pointing orientation or a firing orientation.

In embodiments of the system, the firearm is a first firearm. The application software further processes a signal produced at a second firearm. The signal produced at the second firearm indicates a change in an orientation of the second firearm. The application software updates cones of fire of the first firearm and of the second firearm based on the changes in orientation of the first firearm and of the second firearm, wherein the application updated cones of fire.

In embodiments of the system, the transmission of the signal from the firearm to the connection point is automated and responsive to the production of the signal at the firearm.

In embodiments, a method for firearm monitoring and remote support is provided. The method comprises receiving, at a connection point within a deployment location, a signal from a device located proximate to the connection point within the deployment location, the signal including sensor information recorded using one or more sensors of the device; compressing, at the connection point, the signal to produce a compressed signal; transmitting, from the connection point, the compressed signal to a server device running application software for remote support of a user of the firearm; responsive to the server device receiving the compressed signal from the connection point, decompressing, using the application software, the compressed signal to restore the sensor information; and detecting, using the application software, a threat within the deployment location based on the restored sensor information.

In embodiments of the method, the signal is a first signal and the device is a first firearm, and the method further comprises receiving, at the connection point, a second signal from a second device located proximate to the connection point within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the method, compressing the signal to produce the compressed signal comprises compressing the first signal; compressing the second signal; and producing the compressed signal based on the compressed first signal and based on the compressed second signal.

In embodiments of the method, a lossy compression technique is used to compress one or both of the first signal or the second signal.

In embodiments of the method, the first device is a first firearm and the second device is a second firearm. The sensor information recorded using the sensors of each of the first firearm and the second firearm indicates a change in orientation from one of a gripping orientation or a drawing orientation to one of a pointing orientation or a firing orientation.

In embodiments of the method, detecting the threat within the deployment location based on the restored sensor information comprises detecting the threat within the deployment location based on the change in orientation of the first firearm and based on the change in orientation of the second firearm.

In embodiments of the method, detecting the threat within the deployment location based on the change in orientation of the first firearm and based on the change in orientation of the second firearm comprises updating cones of fire of the first firearm and of the second firearm based on the changes in orientation of the first firearm and of the second firearm; determining that the updated cones of fire coalesce; and detecting the threat within the deployment location based on the coalesced cones of fire.

In embodiments of the method, the restored sensor information is first restored sensor information, the compressed signal is a first compressed signal, and the connection point is a first connection point. Detecting the threat within the deployment location based on the restored sensor information comprises detecting the threat within the deployment location based on the first restored sensor information and based on second restored sensor information, in which the second restored sensor information is produced by decompressing a second compressed signal received from a second connection point within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the method, the second connection point produces the second compressed signal based on a signal including sensor information recorded using one or more sensors of a wearable device.

In embodiments of the method, the second connection point produces the second compressed signal based on a signal including sensor information recorded using one or more sensors of a mobile robot.

In embodiments of the method, the first connection point and the second connection point form a mesh network.

In embodiments of the method, decompressing the compressed signal to restore the sensor information to the uncompressed form comprises: denoising, using the application software, the compressed signal; and decompressing, using the application software, the denoised compressed signal to restore the sensor information.

The firearm monitoring and remote support system allows various parties, such as managers and supervisors, to collect real-time information relating to assets within a deployment location, for example, to support users of firearms during engagements with hostile threats, to prepare those users for such engagements, or to aide those users after such engagements. This includes the capability of the technology to report information in real-time, allowing the rapid use of the collected information, such as for situational awareness and rapid response to critical situations. By collecting real-time firearms data, managers, dispatchers, and the like can respond more efficiently to hostile threats and also more effectively monitor conditions of users of the firearms, including, but not limited to, the ammunition supply for the firearm and the health of the user.

A firearm monitoring and remote support system is configured to collect signals representing real-time conditions of firearms, devices, and users within a deployment location. Those signals can be used to detect threats within the deployment location, to determine responses to perform based on those threats, or otherwise to support users of the firearms. For example, sensors within firearms and/or other assets can be used to determine that one or more firearms are drawn on a specific target within the deployment location. In another example, sensors within a firearm can be used to determine that the ammunition supply for the firearm is depleted or nearly depleted. Appropriate responses to such situations, such as by ordering for reinforcements, additional ammunition deliveries, or the like, can be automated based on the sensor information. The firearm monitoring and remote support system is further configured to output one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs). The GUIs may be used for visualizing information associated with users of firearms and/or threats detected nearby those users. The GUIs may further be used to generate, review, and/or approve actions to take in response to a threat detection, for example, to provide support to the users of the firearms for engaging the detected threats.

In embodiments, a system for firearm monitoring and remote support is provided. The system comprises a plurality of connection points within a deployment location and a server device. Each connection point of the plurality of connection points is configured to receive signals produced at one or more firearms proximate to the connection point within the deployment location. Each connection point of the plurality of connection points is further configured to communicate the received signals to a server device located outside of the deployment location. The server device runs application software that receives the signals from each of the connection points and uses the sensor information included in the signals to detect a threat within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, the system further comprises one or more mobile computing devices intermediate to the connection points and to the one or more firearms, in which ones of the mobile computing devices receive the signals from ones of the firearms and ones of the connection points receive the signals from the ones of the mobile computing devices.

In embodiments of the system, peer-to-peer communications between the one or more mobile computing devices are enabled using the plurality of connection points.

In embodiments of the system, the application software transmits an indication of the detected threat to the mobile computing devices.

In embodiments of the system, at least some of the connection points batch the signals and communicate the batches to the server device, in which the application software processes the batches to detect the threat within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, the at least some of the connection points batch the signals based on times at which the signals are received from one of the one or more firearms.

In embodiments of the system, the at least some of the connection points batch the signals based on types of the firearms from which the signals are received.

In embodiments of the system, the plurality of connection points forms a mesh network for extending communication coverage within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the system, one or more non-firearm assets connects to the mesh network and produces at least some signal of the signals which are communicated to the server device using one of the connection points of the plurality of connection points.

In embodiments of the system, each connection point of the plurality of connection points is configured to receive the at least some of the signals based on proximities of one of the one or more non-firearm assets to the connection point.

In embodiments, a method for firearm monitoring and remote support is provided. The method comprises receiving, at a first connection point within a deployment location, a first signal produced at a first device located proximate to the first connection point within the deployment location, the first signal including sensor information recorded using one or more sensors of the first device; receiving, at a second connection point within the deployment location, a second signal produced at a second device located proximate to the second connection point within the deployment location, the second signal including sensor information recorded using one or more sensors of the second device; receiving, at a server device running application software for remote support of users of the first device and the second device, the first signal and the second signal; and processing, using the application software, the first signal and the second signal to detect a threat within the deployment location.

In embodiments of the method, the first connection point is configured to receive signals from a plurality of devices including the first device, and the method further comprises prioritizing connections between ones of the plurality of devices and the first connection point to conserve network bandwidth.

In embodiments of the method, the connections are prioritized based on one or more of a time since a last established connection between a device of the plurality of devices and the first connection point, a type of the device, a type of signal or information communicated from the device, a distance between the device and the first connection point, information associated with a user of the device, or an amount of bandwidth required for the connection with the device.

In embodiments of the method, the first connection point batches the signals received from the plurality of devices and communicates the batches to the server device.

In embodiments of the method, the user of the first device has a first mobile computing device that receives the first signal from the first device and the user of the second device has a second mobile computing device that receives the second signal from the second device. The first connection point receives the first signal from the first mobile computing device and the second connection point receives the second signal from the second mobile computing device.

In embodiments of the method, the method further comprises, responsive to detecting the threat within the deployment location, transmitting, from the server device, an indication of the detected threat to one or both of the first mobile computing device or the second mobile computing device.

In embodiments of the method, the first connection point includes a geolocation sensor. Measurements recorded using the geolocation sensor are transmitted to the server device and used by the application software to determine a location of the threat with respect to a location of the first connection point.

In embodiments of the method, at least one of the first device or the second device is a firearm. The firearm includes an inertial motion unit which measures changes in an orientation of the firearm. A signal produced based on the measurements of the inertial motion unit is produced responsive to a determination that an orientation of the firearm has changed from one of a gripping orientation or a drawing orientation to one of a pointing orientation or a firing orientation.

In embodiments of the method, the method further comprises, responsive to detecting the threat within the deployment location, transmitting, from the server device, a command to response infrastructure to cause a deployment of the response infrastructure to the deployment location.

In embodiments of the method, the first connection point and the second connection point are included in a mesh network at the deployment location, in which the mesh network represents a network of connections between the first device, the second device, and one or more other devices located at the deployment location.

The firearm monitoring and remote support system allows various parties, such as managers and supervisors, to collect real-time information relating to assets within a deployment location, for example, to support users of firearms during engagements with hostile threats, to prepare those users for such engagements, or to aide those users after such engagements. This includes the capability of the technology to report information in real-time, allowing the rapid use of the collected information, such as for situational awareness and rapid response to critical situations. By collecting real-time firearms data, managers, dispatchers, and the like can respond more efficiently to hostile threats and also more effectively monitor conditions of users of the firearms, including, but not limited to, the ammunition supply for the firearm and the health of the user.

