Electrode deployment based on location changes
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202180094060.2
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2020-12-21
- Filing Date
- 2021-12-21
- Publication Date
- 2026-10-27
- Estimated Expiration
- 2041-12-21
Smart Images

Figure CN116964404B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a conducted electrical weapon ("CEW"). Specifically, the CEW can be configured to deploy one or more electrodes based on changes in the location associated with the CEW. Brief description of the attached figures
[0002] The subject matter of this disclosure is specifically pointed out and clearly claimed in the concluding section of the specification. However, a more complete understanding of this disclosure can be best obtained by referring to the detailed description and claims, when considered in conjunction with the following illustrative drawings. In the following drawings, the same reference numerals denote similar elements and steps throughout.
[0003] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a conductive electric weapon according to various embodiments is shown;
[0004] Figure 2A-2B This invention illustrates a method for automatically deploying electrodes based on the positional changes of a conductive electric weapon, according to various aspects of this disclosure.
[0005] Figure 3 A method for automatically deploying electrodes based on location changes, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown;
[0006] Figure 4 A method for automatically deploying electrodes based on location changes, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown;
[0007] Figure 5 A method for automatically deploying electrodes based on location changes, according to various aspects of this disclosure, is shown;
[0008] Figure 6 A method for automatically deploying an electrode array according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown;
[0009] Figures 7A-7B Example electrode arrays that can be deployed in response to different activation signals according to various aspects of this disclosure are shown; and
[0010] Figure 8 A method for automatically deploying electrodes based on time variations according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown.
[0011] For simplicity and clarity, the elements and steps in the accompanying drawings are illustrated and are not necessarily presented in any particular order. For example, steps that may be performed simultaneously or in different orders are shown in the drawings to aid in understanding embodiments of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation
[0012] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein is illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. While these embodiments have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice this disclosure, it should be understood that other embodiments may be implemented, and logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings herein. Therefore, the detailed description herein is presented for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting purposes.
[0013] The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, and not solely by the examples described. For example, steps narrated in any method or process description may be performed in any order and are not necessarily limited to the presented order. Furthermore, any reference to the singular includes the plural embodiments, and any reference to more than one component or step may include the singular embodiments or steps. Additionally, any reference to attachment, fixing, coupling, or connection may include permanent, removable, temporary, partial, complete, and / or any other possible attachment options. Furthermore, any reference to non-contact (or similar phrases) may also include reduced contact or minimal contact. In all figures, surface shading may be used to denote different parts, but does not necessarily indicate the same or different materials.
[0014] Systems, methods, and apparatuses can be used to interfere with the autonomous movement of a target (e.g., walking, running, moving, etc.). For example, conductive electric weapons can be used to transmit (e.g., conduct) electrical current (e.g., stimulation signals, current pulses, charge pulses, etc.) through the tissues of a human or animal target. Although referred to herein as conductive electric weapons, conductive electric weapons (“CEW”) can mean electric weapons, conductive electric weapons, energy weapons, conductive energy weapons, and / or any other similar apparatus or device configured to provide stimulation signals through one or more deployed projectiles (e.g., electrodes).
[0015] The stimulus signal carries an electrical charge and enters the target tissue. This stimulus signal can interfere with the target's voluntary movement. The stimulus signal may induce pain. Pain can also be used to cause the target to stop moving. The stimulus signal can cause the target's skeletal muscles to stiffen (e.g., lock up, freeze, etc.). Muscle stiffening in response to a stimulus signal is known as neuromuscular insufficiency (“NMI”). NMI disrupts the target's voluntary muscle control. The target's inability to control its muscles interferes with the target's movement.
[0016] Stimulation signals can be transmitted through the target via terminals coupled to the CEW. Delivery via the terminals can be referred to as local delivery (e.g., local stun, driven stun, etc.). During local delivery, the terminals are brought close to the target by positioning the CEW near the target. The stimulation signals are transmitted through the target tissue via the terminals. To provide local delivery, the CEW is typically positioned within the target's arm's reach, and the terminals of the CEW are moved to contact or approach the target.
[0017] Stimulation signals can be delivered through the target via two or more wire-tethered electrodes. Delivery via wire-tethered electrodes can be referred to as remote delivery (e.g., remote stunning). During remote delivery, the CEW can be separated from the target by the length of the wire tether (e.g., 15 feet, 20 feet, 30 feet, etc.). The CEW launches the electrodes toward the target. As the electrodes travel toward the target, the corresponding wire tethers unfold behind the electrodes. The wire tethers electrically couple the CEW to the electrodes. The electrodes can be electrically coupled to the target, thereby coupling the CEW to the target. In response to the electrodes connecting to target tissue, impacting target tissue, or positioning close to target tissue, the current can be provided through the target via the electrodes (e.g., a circuit can be formed through the first wire tether and the first electrode, the target tissue, and the second electrode and the second wire tether).
[0018] Terminals or electrodes that contact or approach target tissue transmit stimulation signals through the target. Contact between the terminal or electrode and the target tissue establishes electrical coupling with the target tissue. Electrodes may include puncture devices that can pierce the target tissue to make contact with the target. Terminals or electrodes approaching the target tissue may use ionization to establish electrical coupling with the target tissue. Ionization can also be referred to as arc discharge.
[0019] During use (e.g., during deployment), the terminals or electrodes can be separated from the target tissue through clothing or air gaps. In various embodiments, the CEW's signal generator can provide a stimulation signal (e.g., current, current pulses, etc.) at a high voltage (e.g., in the range of 40,000 to 100,000 volts) to ionize the air in the clothing or the air in the gap separating the terminals or electrodes from the target tissue. The ionized air establishes a low-impedance ionization path from the terminals or electrodes to the target tissue, which can be used to deliver the stimulation signal to the target tissue via the ionization path. The ionization path persists (e.g., remains present, continues, etc.) as long as the pulsed current providing the stimulation signal via the ionization path persists. When the current stops or decreases below a threshold (e.g., amperes, voltage), the ionization path collapses (e.g., ceases to exist) and the terminals or electrodes are no longer electrically coupled to the target tissue. Without an ionization path, the impedance between the terminals or electrodes and the target tissue is very high. High voltages in the range of approximately 50,000 volts can ionize air in gaps up to approximately one inch wide.
[0020] CEW can provide a stimulation signal as a series of current pulses. Each current pulse may include a high-voltage portion (e.g., 40,000–100,000 volts) and a low-voltage portion (e.g., 500–6,000 volts). The high-voltage portion of the stimulation signal pulse can ionize the air in the gap between the electrode or terminal and the target to electrically couple the electrode or terminal to the target. In response to the electrode or terminal being electrically coupled to the target, the low-voltage portion of the pulse delivers a certain amount of charge to the target tissue via an ionization path. In response to the electrode or terminal being electrically coupled to the target through contact (e.g., touching, inserting into tissue, etc.), both the high and low portions of the pulse deliver charge to the target tissue. Typically, the low-voltage portion of the pulse delivers most of the charge of the pulse to the target tissue. In various embodiments, the high-voltage portion of the stimulation signal pulse may be referred to as the spark or ionization portion. The low-voltage portion of the pulse may be referred to as the muscle portion.
[0021] In various embodiments, the signal generator of the CEW may provide a stimulation signal (e.g., current, current pulse, etc.) only at low voltages (e.g., less than 2,000 volts). Low-voltage stimulation signals may not ionize air in clothing or in gaps separating terminals or electrodes from target tissue. CEWs with signal generators that provide stimulation signals only at low voltages (e.g., low-voltage signal generators) may require the deployed electrodes to be electrically coupled to the target via contact (e.g., touching, inserting into tissue, etc.).
[0022] The CEW may include at least two terminals on its surface. The CEW may include two terminals for each compartment housing a deployment unit (e.g., a cartridge case). These terminals are spaced apart from each other. In response to the deployment unit's electrodes not being deployed within the compartment, a high voltage applied across the terminals will cause ionization of the air between the terminals. An electric arc between the terminals may be visible to the naked eye. In response to the firing electrodes not being electrically coupled to a target, the current supplied via the electrodes may arc across the terminals on the surface of the CEW.
[0023] When electrodes transmitting stimulation signals are spaced at least 6 inches (15.24 cm) apart so that current from the stimulation signal flows through at least 6 inches of the target tissue, the likelihood of the stimulation signal causing non-invasive nausea and vomiting (NMI) increases. In various embodiments, the electrodes are preferably spaced at least 12 inches (30.48 cm) apart on the target. Because the terminals on a CEW are typically spaced less than 6 inches apart, stimulation signals transmitted through the target tissue via the terminals may not cause NMI, but only pain.
[0024] A series of pulses may include two or more pulses that are time-separated. Each pulse delivers a certain amount of charge to the target tissue. In response to the electrodes being appropriately spaced (as described above), the likelihood of inducing NMI increases with the amount of charge delivered per pulse, ranging from 55 microcoulombs to 71 microcoulombs per pulse. The likelihood of inducing NMI increases when the pulse delivery rate (e.g., rate, pulse rate, repetition rate, etc.) is between 11 pulses per second (“pps”) and 50 pps. Pulses delivered at higher rates can provide less charge per pulse to induce NMI. Pulses delivering more charge per pulse can be delivered at lower rates to induce NMI. In various embodiments, the CEW may be handheld and uses a battery to deliver the pulses of the stimulation signal. In response to a higher amount of charge per pulse and a higher pulse rate, the CEW can use more energy than is required to induce NMI. Using more energy than required will deplete the battery more quickly.
[0025] Empirical tests have shown that, in response to pulse rates of less than 44 pps and a charge per pulse of approximately 63 microcoulombs, battery power can be preserved with a high probability of inducing non-molecular noise (NMI). Empirical tests have also shown that, with an electrode spacing of at least 12 inches (30.48 cm), a pulse rate of 63 microcoulombs per pulse and 22 pps through a pair of electrodes will induce NMI.
[0026] In various embodiments, the CEW may include a handle and two or more deployment units. The handle may include one or more chambers for receiving the deployment units. Each deployment unit may be removably positioned (e.g., inserted, coupled, etc.) within a chamber. Each deployment unit may be releasably electrically, electronically, and / or mechanically coupled to a chamber. Deployment of the CEW may direct one or more electrodes toward a target to remotely transmit stimulation signals through the target.
[0027] In various embodiments, the deployment unit may include a single electrode. The deployment unit may deploy (e.g., fire) a single electrode individually. Firing the electrode may be referred to as activating (e.g., firing) the deployment unit. After use (e.g., activation, firing), the deployment unit may be removed from the chamber and replaced with an unused (e.g., unfired, unactivated) deployment unit to allow the firing of additional electrodes.
[0028] Embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure include systems, methods, and apparatus for deploying multiple electrodes using a conductive electric weapon including a position sensor. The conductive electric weapon may include multiple deployable electrodes. The conductive electric weapon may be configured to conduct electrical stimulation signals through the multiple electrodes to a target. The position sensor may detect one or more of the following: the spatial position of the conductive electric weapon, the orientation (e.g., direction) of the weapon, and the target position of the conductive electric weapon.
[0029] In various embodiments, the conductive electric weapon may be configured to automatically deploy electrodes based on changes associated with the conductive electric weapon. These changes may include positional changes associated with the conductive electric weapon. The positional change may include an orientation angle exceeding a threshold angle (e.g., an angle threshold). Alternatively or additionally, the positional change may include a spatial position (e.g., a distance) exceeding a threshold distance (e.g., a distance threshold). Alternatively or additionally, the positional change may include a target position change exceeding a threshold spacing (e.g., an interval threshold). In various embodiments, the changes associated with the conductive electric weapon may include time changes following the deployment of the electrodes from the conductive electric weapon.
[0030] For example, refer to Figure 1 The CEW 100 is disclosed. The CEW 100 may be similar to any conductive electric weapon discussed herein, or have aspects and / or components similar to any CEW discussed herein. The CEW 100 may include a housing 105 and one or more deployment units 136 (e.g., cartridges). For example, the CEW 100 may include a first deployment unit 136-1, a second deployment unit 136-2, and a third deployment unit 136-3. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 1 This is an illustrative representation of CEW 100, and one or more components of CEW 100 may be located in any suitable position inside or outside housing 105. The handle of CEW 100 may include housing 105 and one or more components of CEW 100 integrated with housing 105. The handle of CEW 100 may be detachable from components of CEW 100, wherein such components may be selectively coupled to housing 105, such as magazine 134 and deployment unit 136.
[0031] The housing 105 can be configured to house various components of the CEW 100, which are configured to deploy the deployment unit 136, supply current to the deployment unit 136, and otherwise assist the operation of the CEW 100, as further discussed herein. Although in Figure 1 While depicted as a firearm, the housing 105 may include any suitable shape and / or size. The housing 105 may include a handle end 112 opposite to the deployment end 114. The deployment end 114 may be configured, sized, and shaped to receive one or more deployment units 136. The handle end 112 may be sized and shaped for use by a user. For example, the handle end 112 may be shaped as a handle to allow the user to manually operate the CEW. In various embodiments, the handle end 112 may also include a contour shaped to fit the user's hand, such as an ergonomic grip. The handle end 112 may include a surface coating, such as a non-slip surface, grip pads, and / or rubber texture. As another example, the handle end 112 may be wrapped in leather, color printing, and / or any other suitable material, as needed.
[0032] In various embodiments, housing 105 may include various mechanical, electronic, and / or electrical components configured to assist in performing the functions of CEW 100. For example, housing 105 may include one or more control interfaces 140, processing circuitry 110, power supply 160, and / or signal generator 120. Housing 105 may include a protective element 145. The protective element 145 may define an opening formed in housing 105. The protective element 145 may be located on a central region of housing 105 (e.g., as shown in the image). Figure 1 (as depicted in the illustration), and / or located in any other suitable location on the housing 10. The control interface 140 may be disposed within the protective element 145. The protective element 145 may be configured to protect the control interface 140 from unintentional physical contact (e.g., unintentional activation of a trigger of the control interface 140). The protective element 145 may surround the control interface 140 within the housing 105.
[0033] In various embodiments, control interface 140 may include a user control interface. The user control interface may be configured to be manually actuated by a user of CEW 100. The user control interface may include a trigger. The user control interface may be coupled to an outer surface of housing 105 and may be configured to move, slide, rotate, or otherwise be physically pressed or moved upon application of physical contact. For example, control interface 140 may be actuated by physical contact applied to control interface 140 from within protective member 145. Control interface 140 may include a mechanical or electromechanical switch, button, or trigger, etc. For example, control interface 140 may include a switch, button, and / or any other suitable type of trigger. Control interface 140 may be mechanically and / or electronically coupled to processing circuitry 110. In response to control interface 140 being actuated (e.g., pressed, pushed, etc. by a user), processing circuitry 110 may enable the deployment of one or more deployment units 136 from CEW 100, as further discussed herein.
[0034] In various embodiments, power supply 160 may be configured to supply power to various components of CEW 100. For example, power supply 160 may provide energy for operating electronic and / or electrical components (e.g., parts, subsystems, circuits, etc.) and / or one or more deployment units 136 of CEW 100. Power supply 160 may provide electrical power. Providing electrical power may include providing current at a voltage. Power supply 160 may be electrically coupled to processing circuitry 110 and / or signal generator 120. In various embodiments, power supply 160 may be electrically coupled to control interface 140, which includes electronic features and / or components. In various embodiments, power supply 160 may be electrically coupled to control interface 140, which includes electronic features or components. Power supply 160 may provide current at a voltage. Power from power supply 160 may be provided as direct current (“DC”). Power from power supply 160 may be provided as alternating current (“AC”). Power supply 160 may include a battery. The energy source 160 may be renewable, depletable, and / or replaceable. For example, the power source 160 may include one or more rechargeable or disposable batteries. In various embodiments, energy from the power source 160 may be converted from one form (e.g., electrical, magnetic, thermal) to another to perform the functions of the system.
[0035] Power supply 160 can provide energy for performing the functions of CEW 100. For example, power supply 160 can supply current to signal generator 120, which is provided through the target to impede the target's movement (e.g., via deployment unit 136). Power supply 160 can provide energy for stimulation signals. Power supply 160 can provide energy for other signals, including ignition signals and / or activation signals, as discussed further herein.
[0036] In various embodiments, processing circuitry 110 may include any circuitry, electrical components, electronic components, and / or software configured to perform the various operations and functions discussed herein. For example, processing circuitry 110 may include processing circuitry, a processor, a digital signal processor, a microcontroller, a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device, a logic circuit, a state machine, a MEMS device, a signal conditioning circuit, a communication circuit, a computer, a computer-based system, a radio, a network device, a data bus, an address bus, and / or any combination thereof. In various embodiments, processing circuitry 110 may include passive electronics (e.g., resistors, capacitors, inductors, etc.) and / or active electronics (e.g., operational amplifiers, comparators, analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, programmable logic, SRCs, transistors, etc.). In various embodiments, processing circuitry 110 may include data buses, output ports, input ports, timers, memories, arithmetic units, and / or counters, etc.
[0037] Processing circuit 110 can be configured to provide and / or receive electrical signals in digital and / or analog form. Processing circuit 110 can provide and / or receive digital information via a data bus using any protocol. Processing circuit 110 can receive information, manipulate received information, and provide manipulated information. Processing circuit 110 can store information and retrieve stored information. Information received, stored, and / or manipulated by processing circuit 110 can be used to perform functions, control functions, and / or perform operations or run stored programs. For example, processing circuit 110 can receive position information from position sensor 170 and perform one or more operations based on the position information. Processing circuit 110 may include a clock (e.g., a clock circuit, circuitry configured to perform clock operations, etc.) and perform one or more operations based on a current time series provided via said clock. In embodiments, said clock may include one or more of timer circuitry and counter circuitry configured to generate an output signal representing the current time series, which processing circuit 110 can use to determine a time period or duration. The clock allows processing circuit 110 to identify the amount of time (e.g., elapsed time) that has elapsed since the previous operation was performed.
[0038] Processing circuitry 110 can control the operation and / or functions of other circuits and / or components of CEW 100. Processing circuitry 110 can receive status information about the operation of other components, perform calculations based on that status information, and provide commands (e.g., instructions) to one or more other components. Processing circuitry 110 can command another component to start operation, continue operation, change operation, pause operation, or stop operation, etc. Commands and / or status can be transmitted between processing circuitry 110 and other circuits and / or components via any type of bus, including any type of data / address bus (e.g., SPI bus).
[0039] In various embodiments, processing circuitry 110 may be mechanically and / or electronically coupled to control interface 140. Processing circuitry 110 may be configured to detect activation, actuation, pressing, input, etc. (collectively, “activation events”) at control interface 140. In response to the detection of an actuation event, processing circuitry 110 may be configured to perform various operations and / or functions, as further discussed herein. Processing circuitry 110 may also include a sensor (e.g., a trigger sensor) attached to control interface 140 and configured to detect activation events at control interface 140. The sensor may include any suitable mechanical and / or electronic sensor capable of detecting activation events at control interface 140 and reporting activation events to processing circuitry 110.
[0040] In various embodiments, processing circuitry 110 may be mechanically and / or electronically coupled to control interface 140 to receive an activation signal. This activation signal may include one or more mechanical and / or electrical signals. For example, the activation signal may include a mechanical signal received by control interface 140 and detected by processing circuitry 110 as an activation event. Alternatively or additionally, the activation signal may include an electrical signal received by processing circuitry 110 from a sensor associated with control interface 140, wherein the sensor may detect an activation event of control interface 140 and provide the electrical signal to processing circuitry 110. In embodiments, control interface 140 may generate an electrical signal based on an activation event of control interface 140 and provide the electrical signal as an activation signal to processing circuitry 110.
[0041] In this embodiment, the processing circuit 110 may receive the activation signal from a different circuit or device. For example, the activation signal may be received via a wireless communication circuit (not shown). The activation signal may be received from a different circuit or device separate from the processing circuit 110 and the CEW 100. The activation signal may be received from a circuit different from the processing circuit 110 and the CEW 100, or from a circuit or external device located outside of the processing circuit 110 and communicating with the processing circuit 110 and the CEW 100. For example, the activation signal may be received from a remote control device that wirelessly communicates with the processing circuit 110 of the CEW 100 and the processing circuit 110 of the CEW 100.
[0042] In various embodiments, the control interface 140 can be repeatedly actuated to provide multiple activation signals. For example, the trigger can be pressed multiple times to provide multiple activation events of the trigger, wherein each time the trigger is pressed, the activation signal is detected, received, or otherwise determined by the processing circuitry 110. Each of the multiple activation signals can be received individually by the CEW 100 via the control interface 140.
[0043] In various embodiments, the control interface 140 can be actuated multiple times within a period of time to provide a series of activation signals. Each activation signal in the sequence can be received at different discrete times during this period. For example, the trigger of CEW 100 can be actuated at a first time within a period of time to provide a first activation signal, and then actuated again at a second time within the same period to provide a second activation signal. During this period, CEW 100 can receive the activation signal sequence, including the first and second activation signals, via the trigger. CEW 100 can receive the activation signal sequence via the control interface 140 and perform at least one function in response to each activation signal in the sequence.
[0044] In an embodiment, the control interface 140 can be actuated for a duration to provide an activation signal for that duration. The activation signal can be provided to the processing circuitry 110 during this duration. For example, the control interface 140 can be actuated (e.g., pressed) to initiate activation at a first time, and the control interface 140 can be continuously actuated during this duration until a second time. The processing circuitry 110 can detect the activation signal at the first time based on the actuation of the control interface 140. The processing circuitry 110 can also detect the end of the activation signal at the second time based on the de-actuation (e.g., release) of the control interface 140. During this duration, the processing circuitry 110 can continuously receive the activation signal from the control interface 140. During this duration, the processing circuitry 110 can periodically detect the activation signal to confirm that the activation signal is continuously provided during this duration. During this duration, the processing circuitry 110 can continuously check (e.g., measure, sample, etc.) the signal received via the electrical connection to the control interface 140 to confirm that the signal is consistently received during the duration. During the second time period, the processing circuit 110 can detect that the activation signal is no longer being received via the control interface 140. When the activation signal is received via the control interface 140, the CEW 100 can be configured to perform at least one function based on receiving and continuously receiving the activation signal over a period of time. The at least one function can also end when the first activation signal ends (e.g., is terminated, no longer detected, no longer received, etc.). When a second activation signal is received after the first activation signal, another set of one or more operations can be performed based on receiving the second activation signal over a second duration, the second activation signal and the second duration being different from the first activation signal and the first time period during which the first activation signal was received. In alternative or additional embodiments, the CEW 100 can be configured to automatically perform multiple operations, including deploying one or more next electrodes, regardless of whether the activation signal is continuously received after the CEW 100 deploys the first electrode in response to the initial reception of the activation signal.
[0045] In various embodiments, CEW 100 may include a position sensor (e.g., a position detector) configured to detect the position associated with CEW 100. This position sensor may be integrated with CEW 100. The position sensor may be integrated with the handle of CEW 100. For example, CEW 100 may include position sensor 170. Position sensor 170 may be configured to detect the position of CEW 100. The position may be detected along an axis, in a plane, and / or in three-dimensional space. Position sensor 170 may include one or more sensors. These one or more sensors may each include various types of sensors to detect motion or other characteristics associated with CEW 100. For example, sensors (e.g., detectors) may include radar-based sensors, infrared sensors, microwave sensors, gyroscopes, ultrasonic detectors, acoustic sensors, optical sensors, vibration detectors, electromagnetic sensors, accelerometers, and inertial measurement units (IMUs). In embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure, position sensor 170 may include a gyroscope.
[0046] In an embodiment, the position sensor 170 may include a distance sensor. This distance sensor may be configured to detect the physical distance between the CEW 100 and a location remote from the CEW 100 (e.g., a remote location). The location remote from the CEW 100 may include a target location. The distance sensor may be configured to detect the distance between the CEW 100 and the target location at the target location when the electrodes are deployed from the CEW 100. In an embodiment, the distance sensor may include an ultrasonic, infrared, LIDAR (light detection and ranging), and / or time-of-flight sensor configured to detect the distance between the CEW 100 and the target location at the target location. The distance sensor may be configured to transmit a signal and detect the distance between the CEW 100 and the target location based on the reflection of the signal from the target location (e.g., the transmitted signal reflected back to the position sensor 170 of the CEW 100).
[0047] In an implementation, the position of CEW 100 may include the orientation of CEW 100. This orientation can be detected (e.g., measured) by position sensor 170. The orientation may include the direction (e.g., orientation direction) in which CEW 100 is oriented (e.g., aligned) at a given point in time. This direction may correspond to the direction from which one or more electrodes may be deployed from CEW 100. In an embodiment, the direction may be determined in one or more planes. For example, the direction may be detected in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground plane. In an embodiment, the direction may be detected in multiple planes, enabling the determination of the three-dimensional orientation of CEW 100.
[0048] In this embodiment, the orientation of the CEW 100 can be detected at different points in time. For example, the CEW 100 may point in a first direction at a first time and in a second direction at a second time. The CEW 100 may rotate from the first direction to the second direction. The first direction may define an orientation angle relative to the second direction. Changes in the position of the CEW 100 may include the orientation angle of the CEW 100 between the first and second directions.
[0049] In an embodiment, the orientation angle can be measured in at least one plane. For example, the orientation of CEW 100 can be measured in a vertical plane perpendicular to the ground layer (e.g., the ground plane). Alternatively or additionally, the at least one plane can include a diagonal plane extending in a parallel or horizontal direction and a vertical or perpendicular direction relative to the ground layer and / or the ground plane. In an embodiment, the angle can be measured in a plane that defines a maximum angle relative to a reference direction and the current direction in which the CEW (e.g., CEW 100) can be oriented. The angle can include the maximum angle between a previous direction in which the CEW was oriented and the current direction in which the CEW is oriented, wherein the maximum angle is located in a vertical plane, a horizontal plane, a transverse plane, or a diagonal plane including at most one of a vertical axis, a horizontal axis, or a transverse axis.
[0050] In an embodiment, the position of CEW 100 may include the spatial location of CEW 100. This spatial location may be detected (e.g., measured) via position sensor 170. The spatial location may include the relative physical location of CEW 100 at a given point in time. In an embodiment, the spatial location may be determined along one or more axes. For example, the spatial location may be detected along a vertical axis perpendicular to the ground plane. The spatial location may include the height of CEW 100. In an embodiment, the spatial location may be detected in multiple planes, enabling the determination of the three-dimensional spatial location of CEW 100.
[0051] In this embodiment, the spatial position of the CEW 100 can be detected at different points in time. For example, the CEW 100 can be physically positioned at a first spatial location at a first time and at a second spatial location at a second time. The difference between the first and second spatial locations can define the movement distance of the CEW 100. This distance can be defined in a direction between the first and second spatial locations. This direction can include a linear direction between the first and second spatial locations.
[0052] In an embodiment, the distance can be measured along one or more axes. For example, the distance can be measured along a vertical axis (where CEW 100 can move between a first spatial position and a second spatial position). The three-dimensional movement of CEW 100 between the first and second spatial positions can include a vertical distance along the vertical axis, a horizontal distance along the horizontal axis between CEW 100 and the target position, and / or a lateral distance perpendicular to the horizontal axis. The vertical axis can be defined as one or more of the following: perpendicular to the ground, the ground plane, and the position of the target relative to CEW 100.
[0053] In one embodiment, the position sensor 170 can detect the position of the CEW 100 over time. For example, a first position can be detected at a first time, and a second position can be detected at a second time. In another embodiment, the time for detecting the position can include the time after the electrode has been deployed from the CEW 100. In yet another embodiment, the time for detecting the position can include the time after the electrode has been previously deployed from the CEW 100.
[0054] In an embodiment, the position change of the CEW 100 can be detected by a position sensor 170. The position sensor 170 can detect a first position of the CEW 100 (e.g., a first orientation and / or a first spatial position, etc.) at a first time the electrodes are deployed, and a second position of the CEW 100 (e.g., a second orientation and / or a second spatial position, etc.) at a second time the electrodes are deployed. The processing circuit 110 can be configured to compare the first position and the second position to determine a position change of the CEW 100. This position change may include the difference between the first position and the second position.
[0055] In various embodiments, CEW 100 may include an audio output device 180. The audio output device 180 may include an audio transducer. In embodiments, the audio output device 180 may include a speaker or other type of audio transducer configured to output one or more auditory indications.
[0056] In various embodiments, the audio output device 180 may include one or more output devices configured to provide one or more auditory indicators regarding the operation of the CEW 100. For example, the audio output device 180 may be configured to provide one or more audio indicators (e.g., sound) upon receiving an activation signal. The one or more auditory indicators may be provided upon receiving an activation signal. Alternatively or additionally, one or more auditory indicators may be provided separately when one or more electrodes are deployed. The audio indicators may include a first auditory indicator at one or more first times during the receipt of the activation signal and a second auditory indicator at one or more second times during the receipt of the activation signal, wherein the first auditory indicator differs from the second auditory indicator. For example, the first auditory indicator may include a first tone of a first length and / or a first frequency, and the second auditory indicator may include a second tone of a second length and / or a second frequency, respectively, different from the first length and the first frequency.
[0057] In various embodiments, processing circuitry 110 may be electrically and / or electronically coupled to power supply 160. Processing circuitry 110 may receive power from power supply 160. The power received from power supply 160 may be used by processing circuitry 110 to receive signals, process signals, and send signals to various other components in CEW 100. Processing circuitry 110 may use the power from power supply 160 to detect activation events of control interface 140 and generate one or more control signals in response to the detected activation event. These control signals may be based on actuation of control interface 140. These control signals may be electrical signals.
[0058] In various embodiments, processing circuitry 110 may be electrically and / or electronically coupled to signal generator 120. Processing circuitry 110 may be configured to send or provide control signals to signal generator 120 in response to detecting actuation of control interface 140 (e.g., a trigger of control interface 140). Processing circuitry 110 may be configured to send or provide control signals to signal generator 120 in response to receiving an activation signal. Multiple control signals may be provided in series from processing circuitry 110 to signal generator 120. In response to receiving control signals, signal generator 120 may be configured to perform various functions and / or operations, as further discussed herein.
[0059] In various embodiments, and again refer to Figure 1Signal generator 120 can be configured to receive one or more control signals from processing circuitry 110. Signal generator 120 can provide an ignition signal to one or more deployment units 136 based on the control signals. Signal generator 120 can provide a stimulation signal to one or more deployment units 136 based on the control signals. Signal generator 120 can be electrically coupled to processing circuitry 110 and / or deployment unit 136. Signal generator 120 can be electrically coupled to power supply 160. Signal generator 120 can use power received from power supply 160 to generate an ignition signal. For example, signal generator 120 can receive an electrical signal having a first current and voltage value from power supply 160. Signal generator 120 can convert the electrical signal into an ignition signal having a second current and voltage value. The converted second current and / or converted second voltage value may be different from the first current and / or voltage value. The converted second current and / or converted second voltage value may be the same as the first current and / or voltage value. Signal generator 120 can temporarily store power from power supply 160 and rely entirely or partially on the stored power to provide an ignition signal. Signal generator 120 can also rely entirely or partially on power received from power supply 160 to provide an ignition signal without requiring temporary power storage. Signal generator 120 can use the power received from power supply 160 to generate a stimulation signal. Signal generator 120 can convert the electrical signal provided from power supply 160 to provide the stimulation signal. Each of the ignition signal and the stimulation signal can be provided as an output signal from signal generator 120. In embodiments, the ignition signal and the stimulation signal can be provided in response to the same or different control signals from processing circuitry 110.
[0060] Signal generator 120 may be wholly or partially controlled by processing circuitry 110. In various embodiments, signal generator 120 and processing circuitry 110 may be separate components (e.g., physically different and / or logically discrete). Signal generator 120 and processing circuitry 110 may also be a single component. For example, control circuitry within housing 105 may include at least signal generator 120 and processing circuitry 110. Control circuitry may also include other components and / or arrangements, including those components and / or devices that further integrate the corresponding functions of these elements into a single component or circuit, and those components and / or devices that further separate certain functions into separate components or circuits.
[0061] Signal generator 120 can be controlled by a control signal to generate an ignition signal having one or more predetermined current values. For example, signal generator 120 may include a current source. The control signal may be received by signal generator 120 to activate the current source at a current value. Additional control signals may be received to reduce the current of the current source. For example, signal generator 120 may include a pulse width modulation circuit coupled between the current source and the output of the control circuitry. Signal generator 120 may receive a second control signal to activate the pulse width modulation circuitry, thereby reducing the non-zero period of the signal generated by the current source and the total current of the ignition signal subsequently output by the control circuitry. The pulse width modulation circuitry may be separate from the circuitry of the current source, or alternatively, integrated within the circuitry of the current source. Various other forms of signal generator 120 may be employed alternatively or additionally, including those that apply voltages across one or more different resistors to generate signals with different currents. In various embodiments, signal generator 120 may include a high-voltage module configured to deliver a current with a high voltage. In various embodiments, the signal generator 120 may include a low-voltage module configured to deliver a current having a low voltage (e.g., 2,000 volts).
[0062] In response to receiving an actuation signal (e.g., an activation event) instructing the control interface 140, the control circuitry provides an ignition signal to one or more deployment units 136. For example, the signal generator 120 may provide an electrical signal as an ignition signal to the first deployment unit 136-1 in response to receiving a control signal from the processing circuitry 110. In various embodiments, the ignition signal may be separate from and different from the stimulus signal. For example, the stimulus signal in the CEW 100 may be provided to circuitry within the first deployment unit 136-1 that is different from the circuitry providing the ignition signal thereto. The signal generator 120 may be configured to generate the stimulus signal. In various embodiments, a second separate signal generator, component, or circuitry (not shown) within the housing 105 may be configured to generate the stimulus signal. The signal generator 120 may also provide a ground signal path to the deployment unit 136, thereby completing the circuitry for the ignition signal provided by the signal generator 120 to the deployment unit 136. The ground signal path may be provided to the deployment unit 136 by other elements within the housing 105, including a power supply 160.
[0063] Signal generator 120 can generate at least two output signals 122. The at least two output signals 122 may include an ignition signal. The at least two output signals 122 may include a stimulation signal. The at least two output signals 122 may include at least two different voltages, wherein each of the at least two different voltages is determined relative to a common reference voltage. The at least two signals may include a first output signal 122-1 and a second output signal 122-2. The first output signal 122-1 may have a first voltage. The second output signal 122-2 may have a second voltage. The first voltage may be different from the second voltage relative to a common reference voltage (e.g., ground, a first voltage, a second voltage, etc.). Selector circuitry 150 may couple the first output signal 122-1 and the second output signal 122-2 to deployment unit 136. Selector circuitry 150 may couple the output signals 122 via a conductive interface (not shown) between the handle of CEW 100 and deployment unit 136. Selector circuit 150 can be configured to selectively couple output signal 122 to deployment unit 136 based on one or more control signals received by selector circuit 150 from processing circuit 110. For example, selector circuit 150 may include one or more switches that, in response to one or more controls from processing circuit 110, selectively couple one or more output signals 122 to one or more corresponding deployment units 136. The at least two output signals 122 can be coupled to separate, respective electrical signal paths within CEW 100. The at least two output signals 122 can be provided to a remote location via separate, respective electrical signal paths between CEW 100 and a remote location. Coupling the at least two electrical signals 122 through a load at the remote location enables the transmission of electrical signals at the remote location, wherein the electrical signals include currents determined based on at least two different voltages of the at least two output signals 122 and the resistance of the load. For example, a stimulation signal can be provided at a remote location based on a first voltage of a first output signal 122-1, a second voltage of a second output signal 122-1, and a load at a remote location, wherein the current of the stimulation signal is determined based on the resistance of the load and the voltage difference between the first voltage and the second voltage.
[0064] In various embodiments, deployment unit 136 may include a propulsion module 132 and a projectile. The projectile may include an electrode 130. Each deployment unit of deployment unit 136 may include a separate propulsion module and a projectile. For example, a first deployment unit 136-1 includes a first electrode 130-1 and a propulsion module 132-1, a second deployment unit 136-2 includes a second electrode 130-2 and a propulsion module 132-2, and a third deployment unit 136-3 includes a third electrode 130-3 and a propulsion module 132-3. Providing a signal to the electrode (e.g., providing an ignition signal from the handle of the CEW 100 to the electrode of electrode 130) may include providing a signal to the deployment unit, wherein the electrode is positioned in the deployment unit prior to deployment. The signal may be provided to the electrode via the deployment unit, wherein the electrode is positioned in the deployment unit prior to deployment. For example, an ignition signal can be provided to the electrode via a propulsion module that converts the electrical signal of the ignition signal into a mechanical signal (e.g., force) that causes the electrode to be deployed from a deployment unit including the electrode and the propulsion module. As another example, an electrical signal of a stimulation signal can be electrically coupled to the electrode via a housing and / or filament of the deployment unit including the electrode.
[0065] In various embodiments, each electrode of electrode 130 can be configured to provide a single conductive signal path between CEW 100 and a remote location upon deployment. For example, each electrode of electrode 130 may include a single electrical conductor. Furthermore, each electrode of electrode 130 may be coupled to CEW 100 via a respective wire. Each wire may also include a single conductor. Therefore, in various embodiments, each electrode of electrode 130 may be selectively coupled to one of the first output signal 122-1 and the second output signal 122-2 at a given time. For example, at a given time, the first electrode 130-1 may be coupled to either the first output signal 122-1 or the second output signal 122-2; the second electrode 130-2 may be coupled to either the first output signal 122-1 or the second output signal 122-2; and the third electrode 130-3 may be coupled to either the first output signal 122-1 or the second output signal 122-2. In various embodiments, at a given time, each electrode of electrode 130 may be coupled to a first voltage of the first output signal 122-1 or a second voltage of the second output signal 122-2. In embodiments, at least one electrode of electrode 130 may be decoupled from signal generator 120. For example, at a given time, first electrode 130-1 may be coupled to one of the first output signal 122-1 and the second output signal 122-2; second electrode 130-2 may be coupled to another of the first output signal 122-1 and the second output signal 122-2 that is different from the first electrode 130-1; and third electrode 130-3 may be decoupled from both the first output signal 122-1 and the second output signal 122-2. As described above, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the remote delivery of the circuit (including the current of the stimulation signal) is determined based on two different voltages provided at a remote location.
[0066] Magazine 134 can be releasably engaged with housing 105. Magazine 134 may include a plurality of launch tubes, each of which is configured as a deployment unit in a fixed deployment unit 136. Magazine 134 may be configured to fire electrodes 130 housed in deployment units 136, which are mounted in each of the plurality of launch tubes of magazine 134. Magazine 134 may be configured to receive any suitable or desired number of deployment units 136, such as, for example, one deployment unit, two deployment units, three deployment units, six deployment units, nine deployment units, ten deployment units, etc.
[0067] In various embodiments, the propulsion module 132 may be coupled to or communicate with a corresponding projectile in the deployment unit 136. The propulsion module 132 may include any device capable of providing propulsion within the deployment unit 136, such as a propellant (e.g., air, gas, etc.) or a primer. The propulsion force may include a pressure increase caused by rapidly expanding gas in the area or chamber. Propulsion from each propulsion module 132 may be applied to a corresponding projectile 130 in the deployment unit 136 to cause the deployment of the electrode 130. The propulsion module 132 may provide corresponding propulsion in response to receiving one or more corresponding ignition signals from the corresponding deployment unit 136.
[0068] In various embodiments, propulsion force can be applied directly to the projectile. For example, the first propulsion force can be provided directly to the first electrode 130-1 via a propulsion module 132-1. The propulsion module 132-1 can be in fluid communication with the first electrode 130-1 to provide propulsion force. For example, the propulsion force from the propulsion module 132-1 can travel to the first electrode 130-1 within the housing or channel of the first deployment unit 136-1. In other embodiments, propulsion force can be provided indirectly to the electrode. For example, the propulsion module may include a piston, plug, or other intermediate component physically disposed between a detonator or other propellant, wherein the propulsion force is coupled to the electrode via the intermediate component.
[0069] In various embodiments, each projectile of deployment unit 136 may include any suitable projectile type. For example, a projectile may be or include an electrode 130 (e.g., an electrode dart). Each electrode of electrode 130 may include a spear-shaped portion designed to pierce or attach near target tissue to provide a conductive path between the electrode and the tissue. For example, first deployment unit 136-1 may include a first electrode 130-1, second deployment unit 136-2 may include a second electrode 130-2, and third deployment unit 136-3 may include a third electrode 130-3. Electrodes 130 may be deployed sequentially from deployment unit 136 in time. In embodiments, as further discussed herein, a single electrode (e.g., first electrode 130-1 or second electrode 130-2) is fired in response to an ignition signal.
[0070] As described above, the likelihood of a stimulation signal causing non-homogeneous movement (NMI) at the target increases when the stimulation signal is delivered through a minimum distance of at least six inches between the two electrodes that are remotely positioned. To establish this minimum distance, the two electrodes can be simultaneously deployed from the CEW at a fixed relative angle between them. This fixed relative angle can include a non-zero angle between a first direction in which the first electrode is emitted from the CEW and a second direction in which the second electrode is emitted from the CEW. Depending on this fixed relative angle, the distance between the two electrodes increases with the distance between the two electrodes and the CEW. For example, simultaneously emitting two electrodes at a fixed relative angle of 3.5 degrees allows a minimum distance to be established at a remote location at least nine feet from the CEW. However, the same fixed angle cannot establish a minimum distance for distances less than eight feet between the CEW and the remote location.
[0071] Furthermore, the likelihood of a stimulus signal inducing non-homing injury (NMI) in the target increases with the increase in the distance between the two electrodes through which the stimulus signal is delivered remotely. A fixed relative angle during emission between the electrodes allows for a minimum spacing for a given distance; however, a fixed relative angle may prevent the establishment of a spacing greater than the minimum spacing for a given distance. For example, a fixed relative angle may allow for a minimum spacing of six inches at a given distance, but this fixed relative angle may also prevent a larger spacing, such as twelve or fifteen inches, at a given distance, although such a larger spacing has a greater likelihood of inducing NMI.
[0072] Embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure overcome these and other problems. In particular, embodiments according to various aspects of the invention enable the establishment of a minimum distance between two electrodes at a remote location without requiring the electrodes to be deployed from the CEW at a fixed relative angle. Various embodiments also enable the electrodes to be automatically deployed in response to a minimum set of inputs received by the conductive electric weapon. This set of inputs may include changes detected by the CEW. These changes can be detected by the CEW's processing circuitry. In some embodiments, the changes can be detected independently of and / or independently of any input received via the CEW's control interface. These changes can be detected by the CEW's position sensors.
[0073] In various embodiments, electrode deployment based on position changes of a conductive electric weapon can be provided. For example, according to various embodiments and references Figure 2A-2BAn exemplary CEW 200 can be configured to automatically deploy electrodes based on changes in the position of a conductive electric weapon (i.e., CEW 200). The changes in position may include the orientation angle of the conductive electric weapon. CEW 200 may include a handle 210, a user control interface, and one or more tethered electrodes. CEW 200 may also include a position sensor. The handle 210 may be oriented in one or more directions 255 relative to an orientation axis 220. The tethered electrodes may include electrodes 230 coupled to CEW 200 via conductive wires 232. CEW 200 may receive an activation signal 240 via the user control interface. The user control interface may include a trigger. In response to the activation signal 240 and changes in the position of CEW 200, CEW 200 is configured to deploy electrodes 230 toward a target location 260. In embodiments, CEW 200 may correspond to various CEWs disclosed herein, including CEW 100 (reference 200). Figure 1 A brief description of CEW).
[0074] At the first time, and referring to Figure 2A The activation signal 240 can be received via a trigger of the CEW 200. In response to the activation signal 240, the CEW 200 can deploy the first electrode 230-1. The first electrode 230-1 may comprise a single electrode. The first electrode 230-1 can be deployed individually from the handle 210 of the CEW 200 at a given time upon receiving the activation signal 240. The first electrode 230-1 can be deployed separately in time from each of the other electrodes of the electrode 230. During the deployment of the first electrode 230-1 from the CEW 200, the first electrode 230-1 can remain electrically connected to the CEW 200. The first electrode 230-1 can be deployed in a first direction (e.g., a first orientation, a first orientation direction, etc.) 255-1. While the first electrode 230-1 is deployed in the CEW 200, the position detector of the CEW 200 (e.g., position sensor 170, briefly referenced)... Figure 1 The position of the CEW 200, including a first direction 255-1, can be detected. Information about the position at a first moment can be stored by the CEW 200 for comparison with subsequent positions of the CEW 200. The first direction 255-1 can be determined relative to an orientation axis 220. In an embodiment, the orientation axis 220 can correspond to the physical position of the position sensor of the CEW 200. The first direction 255-1 can include a first direction along which the handle 210 is oriented when the first electrode 230-1 is deployed from the CEW 200. During (e.g., simultaneously) and after the deployment of the first electrode 230-1 from the handle 210, an activation signal 240 can continue to be received via a trigger. Deploying the first electrode 230-1 to a target position 260 can provide partial circuitry to the target position 260.
[0075] After the initial time point, a position change can be applied to CEW 200. This position change can be manually applied to CEW 200. For example, CEW 200 can rotate about orientation axis 220 to cause (e.g., create, establish, provide, etc.) a position change in CEW 200. The position change can include rotation of CEW 200. Based on the position change, CEW 200 can sweep across target position 260. As CEW 200 moves after the initial time point, the position of CEW 200 can continue to be detected via one or more position detectors of CEW 200.
[0076] In the second instance, based on the change in position, the CEW 200 can automatically deploy another electrode of electrode 230. For example, a simple reference... Figure 2B The CEW 200 can automatically deploy the second electrode 230-2 according to changes in the position of the CEW 200. The second electrode 230-2 may include a single electrode. The single electrode may include an independent electrode relative to the first electrode 230-1. The second electrode 230-2 may be deployed individually from the handle 210 of the CEW 200 at a second time after receiving an activation signal. The second electrode 230-2 may be deployed temporally separately relative to each of the other electrodes of the electrode 230. When the second electrode is deployed from the CEW 200, the second electrode 230-2 may maintain a conductive connection with the CEW 200 via a second filament 232-2. The second electrode 230-2 may be deployed in a second direction (e.g., a second orientation, a second orientation direction, etc.) 255-2. The second direction 255-2 may be detected at a second time by a position detector (e.g., position sensor 170, briefly referenced). Figure 1 The second direction 255-2 can be determined relative to the orientation axis 220. The second direction 255-2 can include the second direction in which the handle 210 is oriented when the second electrode 230-2 is deployed from the CEW 200. The handle 210 can be as follows: Figure 2A The first position shown and as Figure 2B The second position shown can be rotated about the orientation axis 220. When the CEW 200 moves to the second position, the first electrode 230-1 can remain electrically connected to the CEW 200.
[0077] In an embodiment, the activation signal 240 can be received continuously between a first time and a second time. Between the first and second times, the activation signal 240 can be received continuously via a trigger of the CEW 200. In response to the continuously received activation signal 240, automatic deployment of the second electrode 230-2 of the CEW 200 can be enabled. Unless the activation signal 240 is continuously received until the second time point and / or a change in the position of the CEW 200 is detected at the second time, deployment of the second electrode 230-2 can be prevented (e.g., disabled) in embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure.
[0078] In this embodiment, based on the position change detected by the CEW 200, the firing of electrode 230 toward target location 260 can be simplified and accelerated. For example, such an embodiment can eliminate the need for repeatedly actuating the control interface of the CEW 200 (e.g., being terminated and reapplied via a second actuation of a trigger) to deploy another electrode. Utilizing the maintained activation signal 240, a position change can be applied to the CEW 200 after the first electrode has been deployed to allow the deployment of another electrode, thereby simplifying a series of additional inputs that may need to be received before the CEW 200 deploys another electrode.
[0079] In an embodiment, the change in position may include the orientation angle of the CEW 200. For example, referring to... Figure 2B The angle 250 can be defined between a first direction 255-1 and a second direction 255-2. Automatic deployment of the second electrode 230-2 may include detecting positional changes including the angle 250.
[0080] In an embodiment, the orientation angle 250 may be compared to an angle threshold. For example, CEW 200 may be configured to deploy one or more electrodes after the position of CEW 200 has changed by a minimum angle relative to the orientation of CEW 200 when the previous electrode was deployed. The previous electrode may include a first electrode deployed based on a received activation signal (e.g., briefly referenced). Figure 2AThe first electrode 230-1). The preceding electrode may alternatively or additionally include the most recently deployed electrode from an electrode array sequentially deployed from the CEW 200. Detecting a change in position may include determining an angle between the orientations of the handle 210 and comparing that angle to the angle threshold. When the position change is less than the threshold angle value, the CEW 200 may not automatically deploy another electrode. When the position change is less than the angle threshold, the CEW 200 may repeatedly detect the current position (e.g., current orientation) of the CEW 200. Detection may be repeated until the CEW rotates to an orientation angle greater than the angle threshold (e.g., orientation angle 250). When the position change is equal to or greater than the threshold angle value, the CEW 200 may automatically deploy another electrode to provide complete circuitry to the target location via the first electrode and the other electrode.
[0081] In various embodiments, the threshold angle value may include a predetermined angle. This predetermined angle can be selected to establish a minimum spacing between deployed electrodes at a predetermined distance. For example, the threshold angle value may include an angle of 3.5 degrees, 5 degrees, or 12 degrees. Alternatively or additionally, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the threshold angle value may include an angle of at least 3.5 degrees, at least 5 degrees, or at least 12 degrees. Alternatively or additionally, the threshold angle value may include an angle less than 3.5 degrees, less than 5 degrees, or less than 12 degrees. By setting such a predetermined angle threshold, a minimum spacing between electrodes in a series of deployed electrodes can be established, and placing two electrodes of a plurality of electrodes close to each other at a target location can be avoided. Furthermore, electrodes can still be selectively deployed from the CEW in a controlled manner. By enabling the processing circuitry of the CEW 200 (e.g., briefly referred to...) Figure 1 The processing circuit 110) can establish an angle threshold, which can adjust the relative angle between the deployed electrodes. This relative angle is not limited by the fixed angle of the deployment unit configured to deploy two electrodes at a fixed angle simultaneously.
[0082] In various embodiments, the positional change of the CEW may include alternating or additional motions of the CEW. This additional motion may include another physical motion of the CEW, different from rotation of the CEW. This additional motion may include translation (e.g., physical transfer) of the CEW. The positional change may include movement of the CEW along one or more axes of motion. For example, according to various embodiments and references... Figure 3An exemplary CEW 300 can be configured to detect position changes, including spatial position changes of a conductive electric weapon. The CEW 300 may include a handle 310 and one or more wire-tethered electrodes. The handle 310 may be physically positioned in one or more spatial locations 320. The wire-tethered electrodes may include electrodes 330 coupled to the CEW 300 via conductive wires 332. The CEW 300 may receive an activation signal 340 via a user control interface of the CEW 300. In response to the activation signal 340 and a position change of the CEW 300, the CEW 300 may be configured to deploy electrodes 330 toward a target location 360. In embodiments, the CEW 300 may correspond to one or more CEWs disclosed herein, including CEW 100 and / or CEW 200 (briefly referenced). Figure 1 and 2A -2B).
[0083] At the first time, and referring to Figure 3 The CEW 300 can receive an activation signal 340. The activation signal 340 can be received via the CEW 300's user control interface (e.g., a trigger). In response to the activation signal 340, the CEW 300 can be configured to deploy a first electrode 330-1. The first electrode 330-1 may comprise a single electrode. The first electrode 330-1 can be deployed individually from the handle 310 of the CEW 300 upon receiving the activation signal 340. In an embodiment, the first electrode 330-1 can be deployed at the start of the duration of receiving the activation signal 340. The first electrode 330-1 can be deployed separately in time from each of the other electrodes of the electrode 330. When the first electrode 330-1 is deployed from the CEW 300, the first electrode 330-1 can maintain a conductive connection to the CEW 300 via a first filament 332-1.
[0084] An activation signal 340 can be received when the CEW 300 is located at a first spatial position 320-1. The first spatial position 320-1 can be determined relative to a reference position on the handle 310 of the CEW 300. For example, each spatial position 320 including the first spatial position 320-1 can be detected at a physical location of one or more position detectors located within the handle 310 of the CEW 300. The position of the CEW 300 including the first spatial position 320-1 can be determined by the position detector (e.g., a simple reference) when the first electrode 330-1 is deployed from the CEW 300. Figure 1 The position sensor 170 detects the position. Information about the initial position can be stored by the CEW 300 for comparison with one or more subsequent positions of the CEW 300.
[0085] In an embodiment, a first spatial position 320-1 can be determined relative to the height of the CEW 300. This height may include a first height 360-1 when the first electrode 330-1 is deployed from the CEW 300. An activation signal 340 can continue to be received during and after the deployment of the first electrode 330-1 from the handle 310. Deploying the first electrode 330-1 to a target position 360 can provide partial circuitry to that target position 360.
[0086] After the initial time period, a position change can be applied to CEW 300. This position change can be applied manually to CEW 300. For example, the height of CEW 300 can vary relative to the target position 360. In other exemplary embodiments, in addition to or as an alternative to the height of CEW 300, the lateral position of CEW 300 can vary. Depending on the position change, CEW 300 can sweep across (e.g., along, parallel to, etc.) the target position 360. As CEW 300 moves after the initial time period, the position of CEW 300 can continue to be detected via one or more position detectors of CEW 300.
[0087] At a second time, depending on the change in position, the CEW 300 can automatically deploy another electrode of electrode 330. For example, the CEW 300 can automatically deploy a second electrode 330-2 based on a change in the position of the CEW 300. The second electrode 330-2 may include a single electrode. The single electrode may include a separate electrode relative to the first electrode 330-1. The second electrode 330-2 can be deployed individually from the handle 310 of the CEW 300 at a second time after receiving the activation signal 340. The second electrode 330-2 can be deployed temporally separately relative to each of the other electrodes of electrode 330. When the second electrode 330-2 is deployed from the CEW 300, it can maintain a conductive connection with the CEW 300 via the second filament 332-2. Between the first time and the second time when the second electrode 330-2 is deployed from the CEW 300, the first electrode 330-1 can maintain a conductive connection with the CEW 300 via the first filament 332-1. The second electrode 330-2 can be deployed at a second spatial position 320-2. The second spatial location 320-2 can be determined by at least one position detector of the CEW 300 (e.g., briefly referred to...). Figure 1The position sensor 170 detects the second time. The second spatial position 320-2 can be determined relative to the position along one or more axes of motion of the CEW 300. For example, the second spatial position 320-2 may include a second height 360-2 of the CEW 300 different from the first height 360-1. The second spatial position 320-2 may include a second position in which the handle 310 is physically positioned when the second electrode 330-2 is deployed from the CEW 300. The handle 310 can move between the first spatial position 320-1 and the second spatial position 320-2, such as... Figure 3 As shown. When the CEW 300 moves to the second position, the first electrode 330-1 can remain electrically connected to the CEW 300.
[0088] In an embodiment, the activation signal 340 can be received continuously between a first time and a second time. The activation signal 340 can be received continuously between the first time and the second time via the same user control interface (e.g., a trigger) of the CEW 300. In response to the continuous reception of the activation signal 340, automatic deployment of the second electrode 330-2 of the CEW 300 can be enabled. Unless the activation signal 340 is received continuously at each time between the first time and the second time and / or the activation signal 340 is detected at each spatial position 320 between the first spatial position 320-1 and the second spatial position 320-2 of the CEW 300, deployment of the second electrode 330-2 can be prevented (e.g., disabled) in embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure.
[0089] In this implementation, the firing of electrode 330 toward target location 360 based on position changes detected by CEW 300 can be simplified and accelerated. For example, such an embodiment can eliminate the need for repetitive actuation of the CEW 300's user control interface to disengage and then re-engage in order to deploy another electrode. Because the activation signal is maintained, position changes can be used to reduce the amount and complexity of inputs that would otherwise be required to deploy the second electrode to the target location. The second electrode can be deployed without receiving further input via a given user control interface, allowing the CEW's orientation to maintain a single focus, and requiring only a single input for continuous deployment of electrodes toward the target location.
[0090] In an embodiment, the change in position may include the distance traveled by the CEW 300. For example, refer to Figure 3The distance 325 can be defined between the first spatial position 320-1 and the second spatial position 320-2. The distance 325 can include the vertical distance between the first height 360-1 and the second height 360-2. In other embodiments, the distance 325 can include a vertical distance, a lateral distance, a depth distance perpendicular to the vertical and horizontal axes, or a combination of vertical, lateral, and / or depth distances, providing the diagonal distance between the first spatial position 320-1 and the second spatial position 320-2. Automatic deployment of the second electrode 330-2 can include detecting positional changes including the distance 325.
[0091] In an embodiment, distance 325 can be compared to a distance threshold. For example, CEW 300 can be configured to deploy one or more electrodes after the position of CEW 300 has changed by a minimum distance relative to the spatial position of CEW 200 when the previous electrode was deployed. The previous electrode may include a first electrode (e.g., first electrode 330-1) deployed according to a received activation signal 340. The previous electrode may alternatively or additionally include the most recently deployed electrode in an array of electrodes sequentially deployed from CEW 300. For example, the previous electrode may include a second electrode in an array having three or more electrodes. Detecting a change in position may include determining a distance (e.g., distance 325) between positions 320 of handle 310 and comparing that distance to a distance threshold. When the change in position is less than the distance threshold, CEW 300 may not automatically deploy another electrode. For example, a change in position including a second distance 370-1 between a first height 360-1 and a third height 360-3 may be less than the distance threshold. The second distance 370-1 may be less than the distance threshold and therefore insufficient to allow another electrode to be deployed. When the position change is less than a distance threshold, CEW 200 can repeatedly detect its current position (e.g., current spatial position). This detection can be repeated until the CEW has shifted a distance greater than the distance threshold (e.g., distance 325). When the position change is equal to or greater than the threshold, CEW 300 can automatically deploy another electrode to provide complete circuitry to the target location via the first electrode and the other electrode. For example, if handle 310 further moves a third distance 370-2 from a third height 360-3 to a second height 360-2, the second distance 370-1 and the third distance 370-2 may be equal to or greater than the distance threshold, thus sufficient to deploy another electrode from CEW 300 after detection. In an embodiment, the second distance 370-1 and the third distance 370-2 may be equal to or greater than distance 325. In an embodiment, distance 325 may include the linear distance between the first spatial position 320-1 and the second spatial position 320-2. Distance 325 can be a linear distance in a plane perpendicular to the direction between CEW 300 and target position 360.
[0092] In various embodiments, the distance threshold may include a predetermined distance. This predetermined distance can be selected to establish a minimum spacing between the deployed electrodes in a constant orientation of the CEW. For example, the distance threshold may include a distance of five inches, seven inches, or nine inches. Alternatively or additionally, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the threshold may include a distance of at least five inches, at least seven inches, or at least nine inches. By setting such a predetermined distance threshold, a minimum spacing can be established between electrodes in a series of deployed electrodes, and placing two electrodes of a plurality of electrodes too close to each other at a target location can be avoided. Using this arrangement, automated deployment of electrodes can be provided in a selective and controlled manner.
[0093] In various embodiments, changes in the position of the CEW may include alternating or additional movements of the CEW. These additional movements may include the relative physical position of the CEW. The additional movements may include movement of the CEW relative to a target and / or a target location. The additional movements may include rotation of the CEW and / or vertical and / or lateral translation of the CEW. The additional movements may also include movement in the direction between the target location and the CEW (e.g., depth translation of the CEW). The additional movements may include movement of the target detected by the CEW (i.e., movement of the target location). The additional movements may be determined relative to the target and / or the target location. The additional movements may be determined based on the distance between the CEW and the target and / or the target location. Detecting changes in position may also include detecting the distance between the CEW and the target location and / or the target.
[0094] In various embodiments, detecting a change in the position of the CEW may include detecting a change in the target position of the CEW. For example, according to various embodiments and references Figure 4An exemplary CEW 400 may include a handle 410 and one or more tethered electrodes. The CEW 400 may be configured to automatically deploy electrodes based on changes in position, including changes in a target position detected by the CEW 400. The handle 410 may be physically positioned in one or more locations 420. Each location 420 may include a physical location of the CEW 400, such as an orientation 440 (e.g., one or more directions) or spatial location. Alternatively or additionally, each location 420 may include a relative physical location between the CEW 400 and a target location 460. The tethered electrodes may include electrodes 430 coupled to the CEW 400 via conductive wire 432. The CEW 400 may be oriented toward the target location 460 to deploy electrodes 430 toward a target location 425 at the target location 460. In response to a change in the target position of the CEW 400, the CEW 400 may be configured to automatically deploy at least one next electrode of electrodes 430 toward the target location 460. In an embodiment, the change in target position can be determined based on the positional change of CEW 400 and / or the positional change of target position 460. In an embodiment, CEW 400 may correspond to one or more CEWs disclosed herein, including those briefly referenced. Figure 1-3 CEW 100 and / or CEW 200 and / or CEW 300.
[0095] At the first time, and referring to Figure 4 The CEW 400 can receive an activation signal 445. The activation signal 445 can be received via the CEW 400's user control interface (e.g., a trigger). The CEW 400 can be configured to deploy a first electrode 430-1 in response to the activation signal 445. The first electrode 430-1 may comprise a single electrode. The first electrode 430-1 can be deployed individually from the handle 410 of the CEW 400 upon receiving the activation signal 445. In an embodiment, the first electrode 430-1 can be deployed at the beginning of the duration of receiving the activation signal 445. The first electrode 430-1 can be deployed temporally separately from each of the other electrodes of the electrode 430. When the first electrode 430-1 is deployed from the CEW 400, the first electrode 430-1 can maintain a conductive connection to the CEW 400 via a first wire 432-1.
[0096] At a given moment, the CEW 400 can be located at a first position 420-1. The first position 420-1 can be determined relative to a reference position on the handle 410 of the CEW 400. For example, each position 420, including the first position 420-1, can be detected at the physical location of one or more position sensors located within the handle 410 of the CEW 400. When the first electrode 430-1 is deployed on the CEW 400, the position sensor (e.g., a simple reference...) Figure 1 The position sensor 170 can detect the position of the CEW 400, including the first position 420-1. Information about the first position 420-1 at a first moment can be stored by the CEW 400 for comparison with one or more subsequent positions of the CEW 400.
[0097] The CEW 400 can be directed toward a first target location 425-1 at a first moment. The first target location 425-1 may include a position at target location 460 where the first electrode 430-1 is deployed when the CEW 400 fires it. The first target location 425-1 may include the impact point of the first electrode 430-1 at target location 460. The first target location 425-1 may include a portion of the physical surface of the target located at target location 460. The first target location 425-1 can be visually indicated by the CEW 400 before the first electrode 430-1 is deployed. For example, the CEW 400 may include a laser sight configured to illuminate the first target location 425-1 at target location 460 before the CEW deploys the first electrode 430-1.
[0098] In an embodiment, detecting the first position 420-1 may include detecting a first target position 425-1. The first target position 425-1 may be detected via a position sensor of the CEW 400. For example, the CEW 400 may include a position sensor (e.g., simple reference). Figure 1The position sensor 170 includes a distance sensor. The distance sensor can be configured to detect the physical distance between the CEW 400 and a remote location. The distance sensor can be configured to detect the distance between the CEW and a target position 425-1 at the target location 460 at a first moment after the first electrode 430-1 is deployed from the CEW 400. In embodiments, the distance sensor may include an ultrasonic, infrared, LIDAR (light detection and ranging), and / or time-of-flight sensor configured to detect the distance between the CEW 400 and the target position 425-1 at the target location 460. The distance sensor can be configured to transmit a signal and detect the distance between the CEW 400 and the target location 460 based on the reflection of the signal from the target location 460 (e.g., the transmitted signal is reflected back to the position sensor of the CEW 400). Alternatively or additionally, the distance sensor may detect the distance based on one or more properties of at least one of the electrodes in the electrodes 430. For example, the time and / or voltage at which an electrode (e.g., first electrode 430-1) conducts an electrical signal through the target and target location 460 can be used to determine the distance between the CEW 400 and the target location 460. Determining the distance may also include determining the initial time of electrode deployment and / or the initial time of the applied voltage to determine the electrode's time of flight, and thus the distance 460 between the electrode and the target location. The initial time of the applied voltage can indicate when the electrode couples to the target. The timing of the electrode coupling to the target and the timing of the electrode deployment can indicate the electrode's time of flight. The distance can also be calculated based on the time of flight and the predetermined speed at which the electrode is deployed from the CEW. This distance, measured based on the electrical signal conducted through the target by one or more electrodes, can then be used to calculate the interval at the target location between the last deployed electrode and the next electrode before automatically deploying the next electrode toward the target location. Information about the first target location 425-1 can be stored by the CEW 400 for subsequent processing.
[0099] In an embodiment, detecting the first position 420-1 may include detecting a first target position 425-1 in three-dimensional space. The first target position 425-1 may be detected in three-dimensional space by a position sensor of the CEW 400. The position sensor may include a distance sensor as described above. The position sensor may also include an orientation sensor and / or a motion sensor configured to detect the three-dimensional position of the CEW 400. For example, the position sensor may include, as briefly referenced... Figure 2A-2BThe gyroscope of the CEW200 under discussion. A position sensor can be configured to detect the spatial position and / or orientation associated with a first position 420-1 of the CEW400. The spatial position may include one or more of the height and lateral position (e.g., position along the horizontal axis) of the CEW400. The spatial position may also include a depth position defined along an axis perpendicular to the vertical axis and the lateral axis (through which height and lateral position are defined, respectively). The orientation of the CEW400 may include the orientation direction of the CEW400 in one or more spatial planes. The first position 420-1 of the CEW400 can be determined based on the information detected by the position sensor. A first target position 425-1 can be detected relative to the first position 420-1. For example, the first target position 425-1 can be detected based on the position of the CEW400 in combination with the distance between the CEW400 and the target position 460 detected by the distance sensor of the CEW400.
[0100] After the initial time, a positional change can be applied to CEW 400. This positional change can be applied manually to CEW 400. CEW 400 can be repositioned from the first position 420-1 to the second position 420-2. After the initial time, one or more of the following can be modified (adjusted, increased, decreased, etc.): the height of CEW 400, its lateral position perpendicular to the target position 460, and / or the distance between CEW 400 and the target position 460. Alternatively or additionally, the orientation of CEW 400 can be modified between the first and second time points. For example, as... Figure 4 As shown, the handle 410 can be moved away from the target position 460 in the horizontal direction 422 to increase the distance between the handle 410 and the target position. The handle 410 can also be moved in the vertical direction 424 to reduce the height of the CEW 400. The handle 410 can be further moved in the lateral direction 426 to change the lateral position of the handle 410. The spatial position difference between the first position 420-1 and the second position 420-2 can be determined based on the distance of movement of the CEW in each of the horizontal direction 422, the vertical direction 424, and the lateral direction 426. The handle 410 can remain generally oriented toward the target position 460, but the relative orientation of the CEW 400 toward the target position 460 may vary. For example, the first position 420-1 of the CEW 400 may include a first orientation 440-1 (e.g., a first direction in each of one or more spatial planes). For illustrative purposes, the reference direction between the centerlines of the CEW 400 and the target position 460 is... Figure 4 The dashed line indicates the direction of CEW400. Figure 4The reference direction can be set in a horizontal plane, in which both the CEW 400 and the target position 460 are set. A first orientation 440-1 can include one or more angles between the reference directions. The first orientation 440-1 can include one or more orientation directions of the CEW in a corresponding spatial plane perpendicular to the reference direction. After a position change is applied to the CEW 400, a second position 420-2 can include a second orientation 440-2 of the CEW 400 (e.g., a second direction in each of the one or more spatial planes). The positional difference between the first orientation 440-1 and the second orientation 440-2 can include an angle between the direction of the first orientation 440-1 and the direction of the second orientation 440-2 in each of the one or more spatial planes. Between the first position 420-1 and the second position 420-2, the CEW 400 can remain oriented toward the target position 460. In some embodiments, the positional difference between the first position 420-1 and the second position 420-2 can be determined based on a change in the target position 425 at a remote location. After the initial detection, the positional changes of the CEW 400 can be continuously detected, including the relative positional changes between the CEW and the target position.
[0101] At a second time, depending on the change in position, the CEW 400 can automatically deploy the next electrode of electrode 430. For example, the CEW 400 can automatically deploy a second electrode 430-2 based on a change in the position of the CEW 400. The second electrode 430-2 may include a single electrode. The single electrode may include a separate electrode relative to the first electrode 430-1. The second electrode 430-2 can be deployed individually from the handle 410 of the CEW 400 at a second time after receiving the activation signal 445. When the second electrode 430-2 is deployed from the CEW 400, it can maintain a conductive connection with the CEW 400 via the second filament 432-2. Between the first time and the second time when the second electrode 430-2 is deployed from the CEW 400, the first electrode 430-1 can maintain a conductive connection with the CEW 400 via the first filament 432-1. When the CEW 400 moves to the second position, the first electrode 430-1 can maintain conductive coupling with the CEW 400.
[0102] In an embodiment, the second electrode 430-2 may be deployed at the second location 420-2. The second location 420-2 may be determined by at least one position detector of the CEW 400 (e.g., simple reference). Figure 1The position sensor 170) detects the second position 420-2 at a second time. The second position 420-2 may include a spatial position (e.g., a second spatial position) determined along one or more axes of motion of the CEW 400. For example, the second position 420-2 may include a second height of the CEW 400 varying according to its position along the vertical direction 424, a second lateral position varying according to its position along the lateral direction 426, and a different distance from the target position 460 varying according to its position along the depth direction 422. The second position 420-2 may include at least one second orientation toward which the handle 410 faces when the second electrode 430-2 is deployed from the CEW 400. The second position 420-2 may include the orientation of the CEW 400. For example, unlike the first orientation 440-1, the second position 420-2 may include a second orientation 440-2 relative to the target position 460. The second position 420-2 may include a second spatial position in which the handle 410 is physically located when the second electrode 430-2 is deployed from the CEW 400. Handle 410 can move between a first position 420-1 and a second position 420-2, such as Figure 4 As shown. Automatic deployment of the second electrode 430-2 may include detecting the second position 420-2 and deploying the second electrode according to the second position 420-2.
[0103] In an embodiment, detecting the second location 420-2 may include detecting a second target location 425-2. The second target location 425-2 may include a second physical location at the target location 460. The second target location 425-2 may include another portion of the physical surface of the target located at the target location 460. The second target location 425-2 may include a different location at the target location 460. After the first electrode 430-1 is deployed, the second target location 425-2 may be visually indicated by the CEW 400. For example, the CEW 400 may include a laser sight configured to illuminate the second target location 425-2 at the target location 460 after the first electrode 430-1 is deployed by the CEW. This laser sight may include the same laser sight deployed to illuminate the first target location 425-1.
[0104] In an embodiment, detecting the second position 420-2 may include detecting a second target position 425-2 via a position sensor of the CEW 400. The second target position 425-2 may be detected using the same position sensor used to detect the first target position 425-1. Detecting the second position 420-2 may include detecting the distance between the CEW 400 and the target position 460. For example, a second distance between the CEW 400 and the target position 460 at a second time may be detected via a position sensor of the CEW 400. The second distance may differ from the first distance between the CEW 400 and the first target position 425-1 at the target position 460 when the electrode 430-1 is deployed from the CEW 400 at a first time. Detecting the second position 420-2 may include detecting the orientation of the CEW 400 relative to the target position 460. For example, a second orientation angle 440-2 of the CEW 400 at a second time may be detected via a position sensor of the CEW 400. The second orientation angle 440-2 of the CEW 400 may differ from the first orientation angle 440-1 when the first electrode 430-1 is deployed from the CEW 400 at the first time. Detecting the second position 420-2 may include detecting the relative spatial position of the CEW 400 with respect to the target position 460. For example, the second spatial position of the CEW 400 at the second time may be detected via a position sensor of the CEW 400. The second spatial position may differ from the first spatial position 440-1 of the CEW 400 when the electrode 430-1 is deployed from the CEW 400 at the first time. The second spatial position may include the vertical position (e.g., height) and lateral position of the CEW 400.
[0105] In an embodiment, target position 425 may include a relative position. The relative position may be determined relative to the position of CEW 400. The relative position may be determined as a spatial position differing along three or more axes. For example, the spatial position of a first target position 425-1 may include the difference in distance, height, and / or lateral position perpendicular to the distance and height relative to the spatial position of the first position 420-1. The spatial position of a second target position 425-2 may include the difference in distance, height, and / or lateral position perpendicular to the distance and height relative to the spatial position of the second position 420-2.
[0106] In an embodiment, a relative position associated with target position 425 can be determined at target position 460. For example, the relative position can be determined at a distance from first position 420-1 relative to a reference plane at target position 460. This distance can include a predetermined distance. For example, the distance can include a predetermined distance of fifteen feet, twenty feet, or twenty-five feet. Alternatively or additionally, the distance can include a detection distance between first position 420-1 and target position 460 detected by the position sensor of CEW 400. In other embodiments, the distance detected during electrode deployment can be used as a default distance at which the target position is located to calculate the target position for the next electrode to be deployed. The distance between the CEW and the target position used to detect the next target position can include a previously measured distance that is further modified (e.g., increased or decreased) based on changes in spatial position along the depth direction detected by the position sensor of the CEW. Each target position can be determined based on the position of the CEW 400. For example, the target position can include a spatial position in three-dimensional space determined at a distance from the spatial position of the CEW 400 in the direction of CEW 400 orientation.
[0107] In an embodiment, detecting the second position 420-2 may include detecting a change in the target position. The change in the target position may include an interval at the target position 460. For example, referring to... Figure 4 The interval 450 may be defined between the first target position 425-1 and the second target position 425-2. The interval 450 may include a measurable physical distance between two positions remote from the CEW 400. The interval 450 may be detected at the CEW 400. The interval 450 may be detected at a location remote from the target position 460. For example, the CEW 400 may detect the interval at a spatial location remote from (away from, far from, etc.) the target position 460. The interval 450 may include a distance. This distance may correspond to a distance along the target position 460 and / or to a target located at the target position 460. This distance may be different from the distance between the CEW 400 and the target position 460. The interval 450 may include a distance along one or more axes. For example, the interval 450 may include a distance defined in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical direction 424. Alternatively or additionally, the interval 450 may include one or more of a vertical distance, a distance in three-dimensional space, and a distance in a reference plane at the target position.
[0108] In an embodiment, detecting a change in target position may include comparing a reference position with a current position. The reference position may be compared with the current position to determine distance. The reference position may include a previous current position where the electrode was deployed from the conductive electric weapon. The current position may include the position of the conductive electric weapon at a second time after the deployment of the electrode associated with the reference position and before the deployment of the next electrode from the conductive electric weapon. For example, detecting a change in target position 425 of CEW 400 may include comparing a first position 420-1 with a second position 420-2 to detect a position change including an interval 450. Comparing the first position 420-1 and the second position 420-2 may include comparing a first target position 425-1 and a second target position 425-2. For example, the first target position 425-1 may include a first spatial position in three-dimensional space, and the second target position 425-2 may include a second spatial position in three-dimensional space. The first target position 425-1 and the second target position 425-2 may include corresponding spatial positions at target positions away from CEW 400. The interval 450 may include the difference between the first spatial position and the second spatial position in one or more planes. Detecting changes in the target position can include detecting intervals of 45° in one or more reference planes.
[0109] In an embodiment, a change in the position of CEW 400 may include a change in the target position. The change in the target position may include a distance at the target position 460. For example, referring to... Figure 4 The interval 450 may be defined between the first target position 425-1 and the second target position 425-2. The interval 450 may include a distance along one or more axes. For example, the interval 450 may include a distance in a vertical direction parallel to the vertical direction 424. Alternatively or additionally, the interval 450 may include one or more of the following: a vertical distance and a distance in three-dimensional space. Automatic deployment of the second electrode 430-2 may include detecting changes in the target position including the interval 450.
[0110] In an embodiment, the interval 450 may be compared to a threshold. This threshold may include an interval threshold. The threshold may include a predetermined value associated with the likelihood of causing NMI at the target location 460. For example, the threshold may include at least five inches, at least six inches, at least seven inches, at least nine inches, or at least twelve inches. After the previous electrode has been deployed, the CEW 400 may be configured to deploy one or more electrodes after a change in the position of the CEW 400 is sufficient to establish a target location change equal to or greater than the threshold. The previous electrode may include a first electrode (e.g., first electrode 430-1) deployed in response to a received activation signal 445. The previous electrode may alternatively or additionally include the most recently deployed electrode from an array of electrodes sequentially deployed from the CEW 400. For example, the previous electrode may include a second electrode in an array having three or more electrodes. Detecting a change in position may include detecting a change in the target location. Detecting a change in the target location may include determining a distance (e.g., interval 450) between the target location 425 associated with the handle 410 and comparing that distance to the interval threshold. When the position change includes a target position change less than a threshold, the CEW 400 may not automatically deploy another electrode. For example, a target position change between the first target position 425-1 and the second target position 425-2 that is less than a predetermined threshold may not be sufficient to deploy another electrode. When the position change is less than an interval threshold, the CEW 400 may repeatedly detect the position of the CEW 400 (e.g., the current target position). This detection may include repeatedly detecting the distance between the CEW 400 and the target position 460. This detection may be repeated until the CEW is repositioned relative to the target position to establish an interval greater than the interval threshold (e.g., the target position difference). When the target position change associated with the change in target position is equal to or greater than the threshold, the CEW 400 may automatically deploy another electrode to provide complete circuitry to the target position via the previous electrode and the other electrode.
[0111] In various embodiments, the spacing threshold may include a predetermined distance. This predetermined distance can be selected to establish a minimum spacing between electrodes deployed at a remote location (e.g., target location 460). For example, the spacing threshold may include a distance of five inches, six inches, seven inches, nine inches, or twelve inches. Alternatively or additionally, according to various aspects of this disclosure, the threshold may include a distance (e.g., an interval) of at least five inches, at least six inches, at least seven inches, at least nine inches, or at least twelve inches. By setting such a predetermined spacing threshold, a minimum spacing between electrodes in a series of deployed electrodes can be established, and placing two electrodes of a plurality of electrodes close to each other at the target location can be avoided. Using this arrangement, automated deployment of electrodes can be provided in a selective and controlled manner.
[0112] In various embodiments, electrode deployment based on changes in the position of a conductive electric weapon can be provided. These changes in position enable the relative determination and automatic selection of the spacing of one or more second electrodes based on the movement of the conductive electric weapon. The spacing can be automatically selected, and the deployment timing of each subsequent electrode can be automatically determined independently of the speed at which the conductive electric weapon moves (e.g., sweeps) along the target location, thereby enabling rapid selection of the target location of the electrodes. For example, according to various embodiments and referenced... Figure 5 An exemplary method 500 for automatically deploying electrodes based on location changes can be provided according to various aspects of this disclosure. Method 500 can be performed by a conductive electric weapon. The conductive electric weapon can be configured to conduct electrical stimulation signals via a plurality of electrodes. Each of the plurality of electrodes can be deployed from the conductive electric weapon. The conductive electric weapon can be configured to perform actions such as... Figure 5 The operation shown and / or otherwise disclosed in this disclosure. Conductive electric weapons may correspond to one or more CEWs disclosed herein, including those briefly referenced. Figures 1 to 4 The CEW 100, CEW 200, CEW 300, and / or CEW 400 are described. Method 500 may include automatically deploying electrodes based on changes in the position of the CEW 200, CEW 300, and / or CEW 400, as described above with reference to Figures 2 to 400. Figure 4 The method 500 illustrates a combination of blocks (e.g., operations) that can be implemented according to one embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that method 500 and / or any other implementation herein may utilize additional and / or fewer blocks, components, and / or systems (including those discussed with respect to other figures and / or known in the art). Figure 5 Each arrow shown may illustrate an example sequence of operations, where an operation may be performed before another, as indicated by the direction of the arrow. Furthermore, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the ordering of various embodiments and blocks described is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, this includes configurations by a processor (e.g., briefly referenced) Figure 1 The computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions can perform one or more of the processes disclosed herein, including a processor and a non-volatile memory for storing instructions.
[0113] In embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure, automatically deploying electrodes based on position changes may include one or more of the following: receiving an activation signal 510, deploying an electrode 520, detecting a reference position 530, detecting whether an activation signal is continuously received 540, detecting a current position 550, comparing the current position with a reference position to determine a position difference 560, comparing the position difference with a threshold 570, deploying the next electrode 580, or determining whether another electrode is included in the array 590.
[0114] Receiving activation signal 510 may include receiving an activation signal for a first electrode among a plurality of electrodes configured to be deployed at a first time. The activation signal may be received via a control interface of the conductive electric weapon. For example, the activation signal may be received via a trigger of the conductive electric weapon. The activation signal may include one or more of activation signals 240, 340, and / or 445 as simply referred to in Figures 2-4.
[0115] Upon receiving an activation signal 510, the deployment electrode 520 can be executed. This electrode may include a first electrode. The electrode may include a first electrode among a plurality of electrodes configured for deployment by a conductive electric weapon. The electrode may include a first electrode in an electrode array selectable according to the activation signal. For example, the electrode may include one or more of first electrodes 230-1, 330-1, or 430-1 as briefly described with reference to Figures 2-4. The electrode may include a single electrode. Deployment electrode 520 may include providing an ignition signal to a deployment unit via a processor of the conductive electric weapon, the electrode being positioned in the deployment unit prior to deployment. The ignition signal may be provided to the electrode via the deployment unit. The ignition signal may be provided to the deployment unit via a handle. For example, a single, individual ignition signal may be provided from the handle of the conductive electric weapon to a first electrode among a plurality of electrodes.
[0116] Deploying electrode 520 may include deploying the electrode at a certain time. This time may include a first time within the period during which the electrode array is deployed in response to an activation signal. This time may include the start time of the duration during which the activation signal is received by the conductive electric weapon. This time may include the start time of the duration during which the activation signal is received by the conductive electric weapon. This time may be the instantaneous time when the activation signal is received. The electrode may be deployed immediately upon receiving the activation signal via a user control interface.
[0117] Based on the deployment electrode 520, a reference position detection 530 can be performed. This reference position may include a first position. The first position may include a first position of the conductive electric weapon. The first position may include a first position of the handle of the conductive electric weapon. The reference position detection 530 may include detecting the position of the conductive electric weapon when the electrode is deployed. This position may be detected via a position detector of the conductive electric weapon. For example, a gyroscope of the conductive electric weapon may provide information about the position of the conductive electric weapon to the processing circuitry (e.g., position sensor 170 may provide information to a brief reference). Figure 1 The processing circuit 110 provides position information. The position can be detected by the processing circuit of the conductive electric weapon via a position detector. The position information can be stored in the conductive electric weapon (e.g., in a brief reference). Figure 1 The processing circuit 110 is used for subsequent processing by the conductive electric weapon.
[0118] In an embodiment, the reference location may include the physical location of the conductive electric weapon. For example, the reference location may include one or more of the following: the orientation of the conductive electric weapon or the spatial location of the conductive electric weapon. Detecting the reference location 530 may include detecting the orientation and / or spatial location of the handle of the conductive electric weapon when deploying electrodes from the conductive electric weapon (e.g., during deployment 520). For example, the location may include one or more of the following: a simple reference... Figure 2A and 3 The first direction 255-1 and the first spatial position 320-1 are mentioned.
[0119] In various embodiments, the reference position may include a relative position (e.g., a first relative position) between the conductive electric weapon and a remote position. The relative position may be determined based on the physical position of the conductive electric weapon. The relative position may be determined based on the physical position of the remote position. The relative position may be determined based on the distance from the conductive electric weapon to the remote position (e.g., a first distance). The relative position may include a target position (e.g., a first target position). The target position may be determined relative to the physical position of the conductive electric weapon. The target position may include a spatial position away from the conductive electric weapon. For example, the target position may include a remote spatial position located at a distance from the spatial position of the conductive electric weapon along the direction of the CEW orientation. The reference position may be determined based on the physical position of the CEW and / or the target position, including the difference between these physical positions. For example, the reference position of the CEW400 at a first time may include one or more of the following: simple reference. Figure 4The first position 420-1, the first direction of CEW400 orientation, the distance between handle 410 and target position 460, or the first target position 425-1.
[0120] In an embodiment, the detection reference position 530 may include the detection target position (e.g., a first target position). For example, the detection reference position 530 may include a simple reference. Figure 4 The first target position 425-1 is detected. The target position can be detected relative to the position of the CEW. For example, the first target position 425-1 can be detected relative to the first position 420-1 of the CEW 400. The target position can be further detected based on one or more of the spatial position or orientation of the position. The orientation and / or spatial position of the CEW can be detected as described above. For example, detecting the reference position 530 may include detecting one or more of the following: simple reference. Figure 4 The spatial position of the first position 420-1, or the first orientation 440-1 of the first position 420-1.
[0121] In various embodiments, the target position can be further detected based on the distance between the CEW and the target position. This distance can be detected by a distance sensor of the CEW. Alternatively, the distance can include a predetermined distance and / or a distance measured via one or more electrodes deployed from the conductive electric weapon. For example, to detect a first spatial position 425-1, a first distance can be determined between the CEW 400 and the target position 460. Detecting a reference position 530 can include detecting the first distance between the handle 410 and the target position 460. The target position can be calculated based on the distance to the spatial position of the conductive electric weapon and / or the distance in the direction of the CEW orientation. For example, detecting the first target position 425-1 can include calculating the first target position 425-1 based on a first distance and at least one of the spatial position of the first position 420-1 or the first orientation 440-1. The detection reference position 530 may include calculating the first target position 425-1 as a spatial position located at a determined distance from the first position 420-1 and / or a spatial position located at a determined distance from the CEW 400 in at least one direction along the first orientation 440-1 toward which the CEW 400 is oriented. Upon detection of the first target position 425-1, the handle of the CEW 400 may store information about the first target position 425-1 for further processing. For example, this information may be stored to enable the determination of the interval at the target position 460 relative to the first target position 425-1.
[0122] After deploying electrode 520 and detecting reference position 530, a change in detection position can be performed. In an embodiment, detecting a change in position may include one or more of the following: detecting whether an activation signal is continuously received 540, detecting the current position 550, comparing the current position with the reference position to determine a position difference 560, or comparing the position difference with a threshold 570.
[0123] In various embodiments, detecting a change in location may include detecting whether an activation signal is continuously received at 540. The activation signal may be the same activation signal detected at operation 510. Activation may be received over a period of time. This duration may include a continuous time period. The user control interface of the weapon may be actuated during this duration to provide the activation signal. Detecting whether the activation signal is continuously received may include detecting the activation signal at a second time after a first time when the activation signal is initially received and / or detected by the conductive electric weapon. The second time may include an intermediate time in the duration before the activation signal is no longer detected and / or received by the conductive electric weapon. The second time may include the end time of the duration during which the activation signal is received. In embodiments, the duration may include at least one second, at least three seconds, at least five seconds, or at least seven seconds. When an activation signal is detected at detection 540, it can be determined that the activation signal is continuously received between the deployment of an electrode (e.g., a first electrode, a preceding electrode, etc.) and the deployment of the next electrode (e.g., a second electrode, a subsequent electrode, another electrode, etc.).
[0124] In various embodiments, detecting whether the activation signal 540 is continuously received may be optional. Detecting whether the activation signal 540 is continuously received may be excluded from method 500. Method 500 may include receiving an activation signal 510 associated with the deployment of the first electrode, and then automatically deploying one or more next electrodes independently of whether an activation signal is subsequently received. One or more next electrodes may be deployed regardless of whether the same or different activation signals are received. The next electrode may be deployed independently of (e.g., no, regardless, etc.) whether an activation signal is detected after the first electrode is deployed. The next electrode may be deployed based on a detected change in position, regardless of whether activation signals (including the same activation signal associated with the deployment of the first electrode) are continuously received by the conductive electric weapon. According to various aspects of this disclosure, the activation signal associated with the deployment of the first electrode may be interrupted before the deployment of the next electrode (e.g., the second electrode) in the electrode array. Although the activation signal is interrupted, the next electrode may be automatically deployed based on a detected change in the physical and / or relative position of the conductive electric weapon, thereby reducing the amount of processing required by the conductive electric weapon relative to the required detection 540.
[0125] Method 500 can terminate when no activation signal is detected at detection 540. Deployment of the next electrode can be prevented when no activation signal is detected. For example, activation can be interrupted when a stimulation signal has been successfully conducted through at least two previously deployed electrodes out of a plurality of electrodes. Activation can be terminated alternatively and / or additionally when a stimulation signal is no longer needed from the conductive electric weapon. Activation can be stopped, and method 500 can terminate regardless of whether each of the plurality of electrodes has been deployed. Method 500 can terminate based on the lack of detection of an activation signal, regardless of whether each electrode in the electrode array used for activation has been deployed. Deployment of the electrode array can be terminated when no activation signal is detected.
[0126] In various embodiments, the current position 550 of the conductive electric weapon can be detected. Detecting the current position 550 can be performed in response to receiving 540 or alternatively in response to detection 530. The current position may include a second position. Detecting the current position 550 may correspond to a reference position 530 for a later repeated detection. Detecting the current position 550 may include detecting the position of the conductive electric weapon after at least one previous electrode has been deployed. The current position can be detected via a position detector of the conductive electric weapon. For example, a gyroscope of the conductive electric weapon can provide information about the position of the conductive electric weapon to processing circuitry (e.g., position sensor 170 can provide information to a brief reference). Figure 1 The processing circuit 110 provides position information. The position can be detected by the processing circuit of the conductive electric weapon via a position detector.
[0127] In various embodiments, the current location may include a second physical location of the conductive electric weapon. For example, the current location may include one or more of a second orientation or a second spatial location of the conductive electric weapon. Detecting the current location 550 may include detecting the orientation and / or spatial location of the conductive electric weapon at a time after the time when an electrode was previously deployed from the conductive electric weapon (e.g., the current time). Detecting the current location 530 may include detecting the orientation and / or spatial location of the conductive electric weapon before deploying the next electrode. For example, the current location may include one or more of the following: briefly referenced Figure 2B and Figure 3 The second direction 255-2 and the second spatial position 320-2.
[0128] In various embodiments, the current position may include the relative position (e.g., a second relative position) between the conductive electric weapon and a remote position. The relative position may be determined based on the physical position of the conductive electric weapon. The current position may be determined based on the physical position of the remote position. The physical position of the conductive electric weapon may be determined after the time of electrode 520 deployment, and / or a different physical position relative to the physical position may be detected at the detection reference position 530. The current position may be determined based on the distance from the conductive electric weapon to the remote position (e.g., a second distance). The relative position may include another target position (e.g., a second target position). The target position may be determined relative to the physical position of the conductive electric weapon. For example, the target position may include a remote second spatial position located at a second distance away from the second spatial position of the conductive electric weapon along a second direction oriented along the conductive electric weapon. The current position may be determined based on the physical position of the CEW and / or the target position, including the difference between these physical positions. For example, the current position may include a brief reference. Figure 4 One or more of the following: second position 420-2, second direction in which CEW 400 is oriented, second distance to target position 460, or second target position 425-2.
[0129] In an embodiment, detecting the current position 550 may include detecting a target position (e.g., a second target position). The second target position may be detected before deploying the next electrode toward the second target position. For example, detecting the current position 550 may include detecting a simple reference. Figure 4 The second target position 425-2 is described above. The target position can be detected relative to the position of the CEW. For example, the second target position 425-2 can be detected relative to the second position 420-2 of the CEW 400. The target position can be further detected based on one or more of the spatial position or orientation of the position. The orientation and / or spatial position of the CEW can be detected as described above. For example, the second target position 425-2 can be further detected based on one or more of the following: the spatial position of the second position 420-2, or the second orientation 440-4 of the second position 420-2. Detecting the current position 550 may include detecting a simple reference. Figure 4 One or more of the following: the spatial position of the second position 420-2 or the second orientation 440-2 of the second position 420-2.
[0130] In various embodiments, the target position can be further detected based on the distance between the CEW and the target position. This distance can be measured by a range sensor of the conductive electric weapon. Alternatively or additionally, the distance can include a predetermined distance or a previously measured distance. For example, the distance can include a first distance measured at detection 530. In some embodiments, the distance can also be determined by adjusting the first distance based on the position difference between a first spatial position of the conductive electric weapon (e.g., as detected at detection 530) and the current spatial position detected via a position sensor of the conductive electric weapon. For example, to detect a second spatial position 425-2, a second distance can be determined between the CEW 400 and the target position 460. Detecting the current position 550 can include detecting the second distance between the handle 410 and the target position 460. The target position can be calculated based on the distance to the spatial position of the conductive electric weapon and / or the distance in the direction of the CEW orientation. Detecting the current position 550 can also include calculating the target position based on the distance to the spatial position of the conductive electric weapon and / or the direction along the CEW orientation. For example, detecting the second target position 425-2 may include calculating the second target position 425-2 based on a second distance and at least one of the following: the spatial position of the second position 420-2 or the second orientation 440-2 of the second position 420-2. The second target position 425-2 may be calculated as a spatial position located at a distance determined from the spatial position of the second position 420-2 and / or a spatial position located at a distance determined from the CEW 400 in at least one direction along the second orientation 440-2 toward which the CEW 400 is oriented. Once the second target position 425-2 is detected, the handle of the CEW 400 may store information about the second target position 425-2 for further processing.
[0131] Based on the detection of the current position 550, a comparison 560 between the current position and a reference position can be performed. The comparison 560 can be performed to determine (e.g., calculate, etc.) the amount of movement of the conductive electric weapon. This amount of movement may include, for example, rotation and / or translation of the conductive electric weapon. This amount of movement may include the positional difference of the conductive electric weapon. This positional difference may include the difference in the physical position of the conductive electric weapon between a first time before the deployment of the previous electrode and the current time. The comparison of the current position and the reference position 560 may include one or more of the following: subtracting the current position from the reference position, determining the difference between the current position and the reference position in at least one of a direction or plane, and determining the absolute value of the difference between the reference position and the current position.
[0132] In various embodiments, the position difference may include the angle between a first direction (e.g., a first orientation) and a second direction (e.g., a second orientation) of the conductive electric weapon. Detecting a position change may include detecting the first orientation of the conductive electric weapon at the first moment the first electrode is deployed via a position detector. Detecting a position change may include detecting a second orientation of the conductive electric weapon that differs from the first orientation via a position detector. Detecting a position change may include calculating the angle between the first and second directions to determine the position difference. For example, an angle 250 between the first direction 255-1 and the second direction 255-2, simply referring to FIG2, may be detected. This angle may be detected (e.g., determined) within a single plane of motion. This single plane may include a vertical plane of motion. This single plane of motion may include a diagonal plane of motion.
[0133] In various embodiments, the position difference may include a distance. This distance may be defined between a first spatial position and a second spatial position of the conductive electric weapon. Detecting a position change may include detecting the first spatial position of the conductive electric weapon at the first moment the first electrode is deployed via a position detector. Detecting a position change may also include detecting a second spatial position of the conductive electric weapon that differs from the first spatial position via a position detector. The distance may include a linear distance between the first and second spatial positions.
[0134] In various embodiments, the position difference may include an interval. This interval may include an interval at a remote location. This interval may be defined between a first target location and a second target location of the conductive electric weapon. Detecting a position change may include detecting the first target location of the conductive electric weapon via a position detector at the first moment the first electrode is deployed. Detecting a position change may include detecting a second target location of the conductive electric weapon that is different from the first spatial location via the position detector. The interval may include a linear distance between the first and second target locations. The first target location may include a spatial location far from the conductive electric weapon. The second target location may include another (e.g., a second) spatial location far from the conductive electric weapon. The second spatial location may be the same as or different from the first spatial location. The second spatial location may be detected after the first spatial location has been detected.
[0135] According to comparison 560, a comparison 570 between the position difference and a threshold can be performed. The threshold can be configured to cause another electrode to be deployed at the target location at a predetermined interval between the other electrode and the previous electrode. In some embodiments, the threshold can be determined relative to a predetermined deployment distance between the conductive electric weapon and the target location. For example, the threshold can be selected based on a predetermined deployment distance of at least ten feet, at least fifteen feet, at least twenty feet, at least twenty-five feet, at least thirty feet, or greater than thirty-five feet. In other embodiments, the threshold can be determined based on a distance measured by the conductive electric weapon. For example, a first angle threshold or a first distance threshold can be selected when a first distance is detected, and a second angle threshold or a second distance threshold can be selected when a second distance is detected. The first distance can be less than the second distance. In some embodiments, the first angle threshold can be greater than the second distance threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the first distance threshold can be greater than the second distance threshold. A threshold can be selected to provide a minimum interval at a minimum deployment distance for automatically deploying another electrode toward the target location. The threshold can include one or more of an angle threshold, a distance threshold, an interval threshold, or a combination of an angle threshold and a distance threshold. When the position difference is equal to or greater than a threshold (e.g., exceeding the threshold), a position change can be detected according to various aspects of this disclosure. According to comparison 570, a position change can be detected in response to the position difference being equal to or greater than the threshold. When the position difference is less than the threshold, a position change may not be detected according to comparison 570. When no position change is detected according to comparison 570, detection 550 can be repeated in the next iteration. When the position difference is less than the threshold, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the detection at the current position can be repeated. Repeated detection can be performed until a position change is detected.
[0136] In an embodiment, detecting a change in position may include comparing a position difference with a distance threshold. The position difference may include a distance. Comparing the distance may include determining that the distance is equal to or greater than the distance threshold. For example, a simple reference... Figure 3 The distance 325 between the first spatial position 320-1 and the second spatial position 320-2 can be compared with a distance threshold. The distance threshold can be five inches. The distance threshold can be at least three inches, at least five inches, at least seven inches, at least nine inches, or at least eleven inches. When the position difference is equal to or greater than the distance threshold, a position change can be detected. When the position difference is less than the distance threshold, a position change may not be detected.
[0137] In an embodiment, detecting a position change may include comparing the difference between the position and the orientation angle with an angle threshold. The position difference may include the orientation angle. Comparing the angles may include determining that the angle is equal to or greater than the angle threshold. In an embodiment, the angle threshold may be five degrees. The angle threshold may be at least three degrees (e.g., greater than three degrees), at least five degrees, at least seven degrees, at least nine degrees, or greater than eleven degrees. For example, simply referring to FIG2, the angle 250 between the first direction 255-1 and the second direction 255-2 is compared with the angle threshold. When the position difference is equal to or greater than the angle threshold, a position change can be detected. When the position difference is less than the angle threshold, a position change may not be detected.
[0138] In an embodiment, detecting a change in position may include comparing a position difference with an interval threshold. The position difference may include an interval. Comparing the interval may include determining that the interval is equal to or greater than the interval threshold. For example, a simple reference... Figure 4 The interval 450 between the first target position 425-1 and the second target position 425-2 can be compared with an interval threshold. This distance threshold can be six inches. The distance threshold can be at least three inches, at least five inches, at least six inches, at least seven inches, at least nine inches, at least eleven inches, or at least twelve inches. When the position difference is equal to or greater than the interval threshold, a position change can be detected. When the position difference is less than the interval threshold, a position change may not be detected.
[0139] When a position change is detected, the automatic deployment of the next electrode 580 can be performed. The next electrode may include a second electrode. The second electrode may be automatically deployed after the first electrode. For example, the next electrode may include a brief reference. Figure 2B , Figure 3 and Figure 4 One or more of the second electrode 230-2, second electrode 330-2, or second electrode 430-2 are mentioned. Deploying the next electrode 580 may include providing an ignition signal (e.g., a second ignition signal) to a deployment unit housed in the handle of the conductive electric weapon via the processing circuitry of the conductive electric weapon. Providing the ignition signal may include providing the ignition signal to an electrode via the deployment unit, wherein the electrode is disposed in the deployment unit.
[0140] Deploying the next electrode 580 may include deploying the electrode at a specific time. This time may include a second time within the period during which the electrode array is deployed in response to an activation signal. This time may include an intermediate time within the duration during which the activation signal is received by the conductive electric weapon. This duration may include a continuous time period from the first time to the time of deployment of the next electrode.
[0141] In an embodiment, deploying the next electrode 580 may include generating an auditory indication. The auditory indication (e.g., converted into sound) may be output via an audio output device of the conductive electric weapon. For example, the audio output device 180 of the CEW may generate the auditory indication based on the deployment of the next electrode. In an embodiment, the auditory indication may include one of a first auditory indication and a second auditory indication, wherein the first auditory indication is different from the second auditory indication. The first auditory indication may include a first tone having one or more of a first length and a first frequency. The second auditory indication may include a second tone having one or more of a second length and a second frequency. The first auditory indication may be generated for a first electrode or an intermediate electrode (e.g., a second electrode) of an array comprising three or more electrodes. In an embodiment, the second auditory indication may be generated for the last electrode of the electrode array. For example, a first auditory indication may be generated for the first and second electrodes in a sequence of three deployed electrodes, while a second auditory indication may be generated for the third electrode in a sequence of three deployed electrodes. In an embodiment, the auditory indication may be generated for the last deployed electrode in the array, rather than for one or more previously deployed electrodes in the array. One or more previously deployed electrodes in the array may include all previously deployed electrodes in the array.
[0142] In an embodiment, the next electrode may include a subsequent electrode in the electrode array. For example, the next electrode may include a third electrode. The third electrode may be automatically deployed after the second electrode is automatically deployed in a previous execution of automatic deployment 580. The third electrode may be automatically deployed based on one or more of a third position, a third orientation angle, and / or a third spatial position determined by detection 550. The third position may differ from the first and second positions. The third spatial position may differ from the first and second spatial positions. The third orientation angle may differ from the first and second orientation angles. The third electrode may be automatically deployed based on one of comparisons 560 and 570, according to one or more of a second position difference, a second distance, a second orientation angle, and / or a second threshold. In an embodiment, a position difference between the third position and one of the first and second positions may be determined. The second distance may be determined between the third spatial position and one of the first and second spatial positions. The second orientation angle may be determined between one of the first and second orientations and the third orientation. In an embodiment, one or more operations for detecting position changes may be repeated to automatically deploy each subsequent electrode in the electrode array after the first electrode in the array.
[0143] In various embodiments, comparison 560 may include measuring the distance between the location of the conductive electric weapon and the target. This distance may differ from the distance measured at detection 550. This distance may include a deployment distance (e.g., the deployment range). This distance may be measured via a first electrode and a second electrode. For example, the conductive electric weapon may detect the time of flight between deploying the second electrode and detecting the second electrode at the target location via the first electrode. For example, the first electrode may detect the second electrode via a signal provided by the second electrode at the target location. This signal may include a low-voltage signal. The first electrode may detect the signal when it is conducted to the first electrode via the target at the target location, wherein each of the first and second electrodes is electrically coupled to the target such that the signal can be conducted via the target. In other embodiments, the second distance may be detected by a range sensor of the conductive electric weapon as described above.
[0144] In an embodiment, the deployment distance can be used to adjust a threshold. The threshold can be adjusted to determine an adjusted threshold. For example, the threshold can be set relative to a default value when deploying the first and second electrodes. The default value can correspond to a default distance. For deployment distances greater than the default distance, adjusting the threshold can include decreasing the threshold. For deployment distances less than the default distance, adjusting the threshold can include increasing the threshold. For deployment distances equal to the default distance, adjusting the threshold can include keeping the threshold unchanged. Automatic deployment of a third and / or subsequent electrode among multiple electrodes can be performed based on a comparison with the adjusted threshold. This adjustment allows for the establishment of a minimum interval between the third or subsequent electrode and at least one of the first or second electrodes. This minimum interval can be established based on the deployment distance between the detected target location and the conductive electric weapon.
[0145] In an embodiment, and based on the automatic deployment of the next electrode 580, it is determined whether another electrode 590 is included in the electrode array. The electrode array may include a subset (e.g., less than all) of a plurality of electrodes deployable from a conductive electric weapon. For example, a magazine of a conductive electric weapon may include ten undeployed electrodes, and a first electrode array of such a plurality of electrodes may include three of the ten electrodes available for deployment at a given time during operation of the conductive electric weapon. The electrodes of the plurality of electrodes of the conductive electric weapon associated with each array may be predetermined. The conductive electric weapon may be configured to deploy the array in response to a single activation signal (e.g., the same activation signal). For example, a first array may be deployed based on a first activation signal, and a second array may be deployed based on a second activation signal. The array may be deployed upon receiving an activation signal (e.g., initial deployment and automatic deployment). When no more activation signals are received, method 500 may terminate. When at determination 590, another next electrode is included in the array and has not yet been deployed, detection 540 may be repeated for that next next electrode. Method 500 can end when, at point 590, another electrode is not included in the array.
[0146] In various embodiments, determining whether the electrode array includes another electrode 590 may include detecting the connection status between the deployed next electrode and the target. For example, determining 590 may include coupling a voltage to the next deployed electrode and detecting an electrical signal in response to that voltage. The electrical signal may include an electrical signal coupled through the target via the deployed next electrode and a previously deployed electrode. The electrical signal may be detected based on the voltage and / or current of the electrical signal received at the handle of the CEW. The connection status may be determined based on the detected electrical signal. When an electrical signal (e.g., a non-zero voltage or current, equal to or greater than a threshold voltage or current, etc.) is detected, the connection status may include the next deployed electrode being coupled to the target. When no electrical signal is detected (e.g., zero voltage or zero current, less than a threshold voltage or current), the connection status may include the next deployed electrode being decoupled from the target. In some embodiments, when the connection status includes the next deployed electrode being connected (e.g., coupled) to the target, it may be determined that the array does not include another electrode. The connection status of the connection may indicate that a conductive path has been established through the target to provide a stimulation signal, and that the deployment of another electrode is not required. When the next deployed electrode is detected to be coupled to the target, it may not be necessary to provide an additional circuit path between the CEWs to deliver the stimulation signal to the target at a remote location. When the connection status includes the next deployed electrode being disconnected from the target (e.g., decoupled), it can be determined that another electrode is included in the array. This additional electrode can provide an additional circuit path that can be used to deliver the stimulation signal to the target when it is determined that the previously deployed electrode is ineffective in delivering the stimulation signal.
[0147] In various embodiments, determining 590 may include detecting the connectivity status of each deployed electrode. Detecting the connectivity status of each deployed electrode may include generating a number of connected electrodes. When the number of electrodes coupled to the target is less than a threshold number, it may be determined at determining 590 that another electrode is available in the array. The threshold number may include a predetermined number of connected electrodes. For example, the threshold number may include two, three, four, or more than four electrodes. When the number of electrodes coupled to the target is equal to or greater than the threshold number, it may be determined at determining 590 that another electrode is not available in the array. Based on the detected connectivity status, electrical coupling can be provided for potential NMIs (Non-Missing Interference) of the target, while minimizing the number of deployed electrodes according to the predetermined threshold number of connected electrodes.
[0148] In various embodiments, determining whether an electrode array includes another electrode 590 may include detecting the interval between two previously deployed electrodes. For example, deployment distance may be detected as described above. Furthermore, detected positional changes may be used in conjunction with deployment distances to calculate the interval between two or more electrodes associated with the detected positional change. When the interval is less than an interval threshold, it can be determined that another electrode is included in the array, and detection 540 may be repeated. When the interval is greater than the interval threshold, it can be determined that another electrode is not available for the array, and method 500 may terminate. The interval threshold may include a distance associated with causing NMI. For example, the interval threshold may include at least six inches, at least nine inches, or at least twelve inches. Therefore, the array of deployed electrodes may continue to be deployed until a predetermined interval has been established at the target location. The number of electrodes deployed in the array and according to the activation signal may be adjusted based on whether an interval has been established at the target location. This arrangement minimizes the number of electrodes that could potentially cause NMI and can be automatically deployed in a controlled manner from the conductive electric weapon. After an interval is detected, each subsequent array of the conductive electric weapon may be automatically selected (defined, redefined, set, etc.) to include a single electrode.
[0149] In various embodiments, methods for automatically deploying one or more electrode arrays are provided. For example, refer to... Figure 6 The exemplary method 600 can be performed by a conductive electric weapon to deploy one or more electrode arrays. The conductive electric weapon may include one or more CEWs disclosed herein, including those briefly referenced... Figures 1 to 4The CEW 100, CEW 200, CEW 300, and / or CEW 400 are described above. The conductive electric weapon can be configured to deploy multiple electrodes. For example, the conductive electric weapon may include a magazine capable of accommodating multiple deployment units, each deployment unit including an individually deployable electrode. According to aspects of this disclosure, the conductive electric weapon can be configured to perform one or more operations to selectively deploy one or more electrodes in an electrode array. Multiple electrodes can be selectively deployed based on multiple electrode arrays. Such operations may include one or more of the following: receiving an initial activation signal 610, deploying one or more electrodes in the next array 620, determining whether another array is available 630, receiving a next activation signal 640, or deploying a single electrode 650.
[0150] In various embodiments, the array can be deployed based on an activation signal. The activation signal can be the same activation signal. Each electrode in the electrode array can be deployed in response to the same activation signal. The activation signal can include a continuously received signal. The activation signal can be received continuously at the corresponding deployment time of each electrode in the electrode array. In other embodiments, each electrode deployed after the first electrode in the array can be deployed automatically, regardless of whether the same activation signal is received after the deployment of the first electrode.
[0151] In various embodiments, the array may include two or more electrodes. The number of two or more electrodes in the array may be predetermined. The maximum number of electrodes in each array that can be deployed in response to a corresponding activation signal can be predetermined. For example, the number of two or more electrodes may be selected based on a mode (e.g., configuration, setting, etc.) selected via the user control interface of the conductive electric weapon. In embodiments, the plurality of electrodes may include two electrodes, three electrodes, four electrodes, or more than four electrodes. The two or more electrodes may include a first electrode and two or more next electrodes. The two or more electrodes may include a subset (e.g., less than all) of a plurality of electrodes that can be deployed from the conductive electric weapon. The two or more electrodes may include a subset of electrodes in the conductive electric weapon magazine at a given time. The two or more electrodes may include fewer than all electrodes that can be deployed from the magazine of the conductive electric weapon at a given time. The conductive electric weapon may select the two or more electrodes according to the firing tubes of the magazine. For example, a first subset of firing tubes may be selected to receive a corresponding first ignition signal in response to a first activation signal, and a second subset of firing tubes may be selected to receive a corresponding second ignition signal in response to a second activation signal. In an embodiment, the transmitting tube may include different subsets of the plurality of transmitting tubes.
[0152] In various embodiments, the two or more electrodes of the array can be deployed sequentially. For example, one or more next electrodes in the array can be deployed after the first electrode of the array has been deployed. The first electrode can be deployed at a first time, and each of the one or more second electrodes (e.g., next electrodes) of the array can be deployed at a subsequent corresponding second time (e.g., the next time) in chronological order after the first time. The two or more electrodes of the array can be deployed sequentially based on a single activation signal associated with the array and the positional changes of the weapon between each sequential pair of electrodes of the two or more electrodes in the array.
[0153] In various embodiments, the two electrode arrays may include different numbers of electrodes. The first array may include a first number of electrodes, which is less than or greater than a second number of electrodes in the second array. For example, the first array may include three electrodes, and the second array may include two electrodes. In embodiments, a conductive electro-optical weapon may be configured to deploy a first array with a larger number of electrodes before deploying a second array with a smaller number of electrodes relative to the first array. The first array may include electrodes different from those in the second array. According to various aspects of this disclosure, the same electrodes may not be included in the two different arrays.
[0154] In various embodiments, each array having two or more electrodes can be deployed based on different activation signals. Activation signals can be received sequentially, such that the two or more arrays are deployed sequentially according to each activation signal. For example, a first array can be deployed in response to a first activation signal, and a second array can be deployed in response to a second activation signal. The first activation signal can terminate before the second activation signal is initially received. The second array can be configured to be deployed when the first activation signal is received, but the second array can be prevented from deployment until the second activation signal is received.
[0155] In various embodiments, and for the purpose of initiation, receiving an initial activation signal 610 may be performed. The initial activation signal may include a first activation signal. The initial activation signal may include a sequential first activation signal among a series of activation signals received during the service life of the conductive electric weapon. Upon receiving the initial activation signal, multiple electrodes may be provided for deployment from the conductive electric weapon. The initial activation signal may be received after the multiple electrodes have been loaded into the conductive electric weapon. Alternatively or additionally, the initial activation signal may be received when the conductive electric weapon includes deployable electrodes for at least two electrode arrays. The initial activation signal may be received via a user control interface of the conductive electric weapon. Receiving the initial activation signal 610 may correspond to receiving a brief reference. Figure 5 The activation signal 510.
[0156] Upon receiving an initial activation signal, deployment of one or more electrodes 620 in a next array can be performed. This next array may include a first array. The next array may include an initial array of multiple arrays, which the conductive electric weapon is configured to deploy upon receiving the first activation signal. Deploying one or more electrodes in the next array may include a brief reference. Figure 5 One or more operations 520-590 of the method 500.
[0157] In various embodiments, conductive electric weapons can be configured to deploy multiple arrays. For example, briefly refer to... Figures 7A-7B Multiple electrode arrays can be deployed from a conductive electric weapon in response to different activation signals. The CEW 700 may correspond to one or more CEWs disclosed herein, including those briefly referenced. Figure 1-4 The CEW 100, CEW 200, CEW 300 and / or CEW 400 mentioned above. Figure 7A An example view of the deployment end of a CEW 700 is shown, from which multiple electrodes are configured for deployment from the CEW 700. The CEW 700 is configured to deploy multiple arrays. The multiple arrays may include three arrays. The multiple arrays may include a first array 710, a second array 720, and a third array 730. The CEW 700 may also be configured to deploy a single electrode 740. The first array 710, the second array 720, and the third array 730 may be deployed based on different corresponding activation signals received by the CEW 700. The first array 710 may be deployed based on a first activation signal. The second array 720 may be deployed based on a second activation signal different from the first activation signal. The third array 730 may be deployed based on a third activation signal different from the first and second activation signals. Each of the first array 710, the second array 720, and the third array 730 may include the same number of electrodes. Each of the first array 710, the second array 720, and the third array 730 may include at least two electrodes. The first array 710 may include three electrodes, and the second array 720 may include three electrodes. The first array 710 may include a first electrode and a second electrode that are different from each of two or more electrodes in the second array 720. The first array 710 may also include a third electrode that is different from each electrode in the second array 720 and the third array 730. The first electrode 710 includes a first three-electrode array, and the second array 720 includes a second three-electrode array. While the first array 710, the second array 720, and the third array 730 are shown as specific electrode arrays including the CEW 700, embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure may include different combinations of electrodes for the arrays, including arrays of one row of electrodes from a conductive electric weapon and one or more electrodes from different rows and / or columns.
[0158] In the alternative exemplary configuration, Figure 7B An exemplary view of the deployment end of an alternative conductive electric weapon according to various aspects of this disclosure is shown. Magazines and multiple launch tubes may be visible at the deployment end of the conductive electric weapon. CEW 705 may correspond to CEW 700 with different array configurations. CEW 705 may include multiple arrays different from CEW 700. The same magazine may be used in each of CEW 700 and CEW 705, although different sets of arrays may be deployed from CEW 700 and CEW 705 depending on the respective configuration of each of CEW 700 and CEW 705. CEW 705 may be configured to deploy multiple arrays. The multiple arrays may include more than three arrays. The multiple arrays may include four arrays. The multiple arrays may include a first array 750, a second array 760, a third array 770, and a fourth array 780. Multiple arrays may be deployed based on different corresponding activation signals received by CEW 705. The first array 750 may be deployed based on a first activation signal. The second array 760 can be deployed based on a second activation signal different from the first activation signal. The third array 770 can be deployed based on a third activation signal different from the first and second activation signals. The fourth array 780 can be deployed based on a fourth activation signal different from the first, second, and third activation signals. At least two of the plurality of arrays may include different numbers of electrodes. For example, a first number of the different numbers may include three electrodes, and a second number of the different numbers may include two electrodes. The plurality of arrays may include at least two three-electrode arrays and at least two two-electrode arrays. The first array 750 may include a first three-electrode array. The second array 760 may include a second three-electrode array. The third array 770 may include a first two-electrode array. The fourth array 780 may include a second two-electrode array. Although the first array 750, the second array 760, the third array 770 and the fourth array 780 are shown as specific rows of electrodes including CEW 705, embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure may include different combinations of electrodes for arrays, including arrays in which electrodes of the same array are not adjacent to each other, one row of multiple rows of electrodes is provided, and / or different rows and / or columns include the launch tubes of conductive electric weapons.
[0159] In various embodiments, deploying electrodes in the next array 620 may include deploying one or more electrodes from the first array 710 or 750. In embodiments, deploying electrodes in the next array may include deploying a simple reference. Figures 7A-7B One or more electrodes in the second array 720 or 760, the third array 730 or 770, or the fourth array 780.
[0160] In response to the deployment of one or more electrodes 620 in the next array, and referring to Figure 6 The system can perform a determination of whether another array is available 630. Determining whether another array is available may include detecting each launch tube of a conductive electric weapon in which an undeployed electrode is provided. When a set of launch tubes associated with an array includes a corresponding undeployed electrode, the next or other array (e.g., another array) can be determined to be available. For example, when a corresponding electrode is provided in each launch tube associated with a second array 720 of the CEW 700 after a first array 710 has been deployed. When each launch tube in a set of launch tubes associated with an array does not include a corresponding undeployed electrode, the next or other array (e.g., another array) can be determined to be unavailable. Alternatively or additionally, another array can be determined to be available when several undeployed electrodes associated with an array are determined to be available. For example, the other or next array may have an associated number of electrodes (e.g., two electrodes, three electrodes, at least two electrodes, at least three electrodes, etc.). When the CEW detects a predetermined number of undeployed electrodes, the other or next array can be determined to be available, regardless of the launch tube in which each corresponding electrode of the predetermined number of undeployed electrodes is provided.
[0161] Alternatively or additionally, conductive electric weapons can be configured to deploy a predetermined array sequence. When the most recently deployed array is not the last array in the predetermined array sequence, it can be determined that other arrays are available. When the most recently deployed array is the last array in the predetermined array sequence, it can be determined that other arrays are unavailable. For example, for an array sequence including a first array 750, a second array 760, a third array 770, and a fourth array 780, when the previously configured arrays include a brief reference... Figure 7B When one of the first array 750, the second array 760, or the third array 770 is mentioned, but excluding the fourth array 780, it can be determined that the next array is available.
[0162] When it is determined that the other array or the next array is available, receiving the next activation signal 640 can be performed. The next activation signal may include a subsequent or second activation signal that is different from the initial or first activation signal. The next activation signal may be received via the same user control interface of the conductive electric weapon. Before the next activation signal is received, the deployment of the next array from the conductive electric weapon can be prevented (e.g., disabled).
[0163] When it is determined that the other arrays are unavailable, at least one single electrode may be deployed. The at least one single electrode may comprise a standalone electrode. The at least one single electrode may be deployed upon receiving a next activation signal. For example, the at least one single electrode may include a brief reference. Figure 7AThe electrode 740. After multiple prior electrodes in one or more prior arrays have been deployed, at least one single electrode allows another electrode to be individually pointed at the target location. In other embodiments, the conductive electric weapon may not include the at least one single electrode, or may be configured to deploy a single electrode after one or more arrays have been deployed. In such embodiments, method 600 may terminate when it is determined that the other arrays are unavailable.
[0164] In various embodiments, variations associated with the conductive electric weapon may include temporal variations. According to various aspects of this disclosure, automated electrode deployment based on temporal variations of the conductive electric weapon can be provided. Temporal variations can enable the automatic determination of the deployment of one or more second electrodes during the movement of the conductive electric weapon. The initial time at which the first electrode is deployed by the conductive electric weapon can be selected, and the subsequent deployment time for each subsequent electrode can be automatically determined. The subsequent deployment time can be automatically determined independently of the speed at which the conductive electric weapon moves (e.g., sweeps) along the target location, thereby enabling each subsequent electrode to be selected quickly. The subsequent deployment time can be automatically determined independently of the amount by which the conductive electric weapon moves (e.g., sweeps) along the target location, thereby enabling each subsequent electrode to be deployed reliably. For example, according to various embodiments and referenced... Figure 8 An exemplary method 800 for automatically deploying electrodes based on time variations can be provided according to various aspects of this disclosure. Method 800 can be performed by a conductive electric weapon. The conductive electric weapon can be configured to conduct electrical stimulation signals via a plurality of electrodes. Each of the plurality of electrodes can be deployed from the conductive electric weapon. The conductive electric weapon can be configured to perform actions such as... Figure 8 The operation shown and / or otherwise disclosed in this disclosure. Conductive electric weapons may correspond to one or more CEWs disclosed herein, including those briefly referenced. Figures 1 to 4 The CEW 100, CEW 200, CEW 300 and / or CEW 400 mentioned above.
[0165] Method 800 describes a combination of blocks (e.g., operations) that can be implemented according to one embodiment. Those skilled in the art will recognize that method 800 and / or any other implementation herein may utilize additional and / or fewer blocks, components, and / or systems (including those discussed with respect to other figures and / or known in the art). Furthermore, unless explicitly indicated otherwise, the ordering of various embodiments and blocks described is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. As understood by those skilled in the art, this includes configurations for use by a processor (e.g., briefly referenced) Figure 1The computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions executed by the processing circuitry 110 (which includes a processor and a non-volatile memory for storing instructions) can perform one or more of the processes disclosed herein.
[0166] In embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure, automatically deploying electrodes based on time changes may include one or more of the following: receiving an activation signal 810, deploying electrodes 820, detecting a reference time 830, detecting whether activation signals are continuously received 840, detecting the current position 850, comparing the current time with the reference time to determine a time difference 860, comparing the time change with a threshold 870, deploying the next electrode 880, or determining whether another electrode is included in the array 890. In embodiments, one or more steps of the method may include one or more corresponding features or characteristics of corresponding steps of method 500 and / or method 600. For example, according to various aspects of this disclosure, receiving an activation signal 810 may correspond to receiving an activation signal 510 and / or receiving an initial activation signal 610 or one or more of these.
[0167] Receiving the activation signal 810 may include receiving an activation signal for a first electrode among a plurality of electrodes configured to be deployed at a first time. The activation signal may be received via a control interface of the conductive electric weapon. The activation signal may be received by the processing circuitry of the conductive electric weapon. For example, the activation signal may be received via a trigger of the conductive electric weapon.
[0168] Upon receiving an activation signal 810, an electrode deployment 820 can be performed. This electrode may include a first electrode. The electrode may include a first electrode among a plurality of electrodes configured for deployment by a conductive electric weapon. The electrode may include a first electrode in an electrode array selectable according to the activation signal. For example, the electrode may include one or more of first electrodes 230-1, 330-1, or 430-1 as briefly described with reference to Figures 2-4. The electrode may include a single electrode. For example, deployment electrode 820 may include individually providing a single ignition signal to a first electrode among a plurality of electrodes. The single electrode may be deployed from the conductive electric weapon in response to the single ignition signal.
[0169] Deploying electrode 820 may include deploying electrodes at a first location on a conductive electric weapon. This location may include a first position in a position sequence, at which the electrode array is deployed in response to an activation signal. In an embodiment, deploying electrode 820 may correspond to a deployment brief reference. Figure 5 The electrode 520.
[0170] According to the deployment electrode 820, a detection reference time 830 can be performed. The detection reference time 820 may include detecting the current time of the conductive electric weapon deployment electrode. The detection reference time 820 may alternatively or additionally include detecting the current time when the conductive electric weapon receives an activation signal. The current time may be detected via a clock (e.g., clock circuitry) of the conductive electric weapon. For example, the processing circuitry may include a clock configured to track (e.g., maintain) a time period. This time period may include one or more of the following: absolute time (e.g., time of day) or relative time (e.g., duration elapsed relative to an initial time). The time period may include a sequence of current times (e.g., current time values). In some embodiments, detecting the current time may include resetting a timer, wherein the current time includes a default initial time or start time (e.g., zero milliseconds or other time units). When deploying the electrode, the processing circuitry may be configured to identify the current time of the time period via a clock. The detection reference time 820 may include information obtained by the processing circuitry (e.g., a brief reference time). Figure 1 The processing circuit 110 identifies the current time and stores it in the memory of the conductive electric weapon. The current time can be stored in the conductive electric weapon for subsequent processing. Detecting the reference time 820 may include obtaining the current time via the processing circuit and storing it as a reference time for subsequent processing by the conductive electric weapon. The reference time may include a first current time among multiple current times from which multiple electrodes are deployed by the conductive electric weapon.
[0171] After deploying electrode 820 and detecting reference time 830, detection of time change can be performed. In an embodiment, detection of time change may include one or more of the following: detecting whether activation signal is continuously received 840, detecting current time 850, comparing current time with reference time to determine time change 860, or comparing time change with threshold 870.
[0172] In various embodiments, detecting time changes may include detecting whether an activation signal 840 is continuously received. The activation signal may be the same activation signal detected upon receiving activation signal 810. The activation may be received over a period of time. This period may include a continuous time interval. The weapon's user control interface may be actuated during this period to provide the activation signal. In embodiments, detecting whether an activation signal 840 is continuously received may correspond to a brief reference. Figure 5 The detection process 540 involves checking whether an activation signal is continuously received. If no activation signal is detected during detection 840, method 800 can terminate.
[0173] In various embodiments, detecting whether the activation signal 840 is continuously received may be optional. Method 800 may exclude detecting whether the activation signal is continuously received 840. Method 800 may include receiving an activation signal 810 associated with the deployment of the first electrode, and then automatically deploying one or more next electrodes independently of whether an activation signal is subsequently received. The next electrode may be deployed independently of (e.g., regardless of, regardless of, etc.) whether an activation signal is detected after the first electrode is deployed. The next electrode may be deployed based on the detection of a position change, regardless of whether activation signals including the same activation signal associated with the deployment of the first electrode are continuously received by the conductive electric weapon. According to various aspects of this disclosure, the activation signal associated with the deployment of the first electrode may be interrupted before the deployment of the next electrode (e.g., the second electrode) in the electrode array.
[0174] In various embodiments, and when an activation signal is detected at detection 840, the current time 850 of the conductive electric weapon can be detected. The current time may include a second current time. The current time may include a second current time of a time period tracked by the conductive electric weapon, which is different from a reference time. The current time may be subsequent (e.g., after) in chronological order of the reference time detected at detection 830. Detecting the current time 850 may correspond to a later-repeated detection reference time 830. Detecting the current time 850 may include detecting the current time after at least one previous electrode has been deployed. The current time may be detected via processing circuitry of the conductive electric weapon. For example, the processing circuitry may include a clock configured to generate a current time sequence for the duration of use of the conductive electric weapon. The current time may be detected via a position detector via processing circuitry of the conductive electric weapon. The current time may include relative time, absolute time, or elapsed time. Detecting the current time 850 may include storing the current time in the memory of the conductive electric weapon (e.g., a brief reference). Figure 1 In the memory of the processing circuit 110.
[0175] In various embodiments, the current time can be detected independently of the position of the conductive electric weapon. For example, detecting the current time 850 may include detecting the current time when the conductive electric weapon is positioned at the same location as or at a different location than the detection reference time 830. The current time can be detected separately from information about the position of the conductive electric weapon provided by a position sensor incorporated into the conductive electric weapon. Therefore, for the conductive electric weapon, the degree to which its position changes or remains unchanged can be controlled independently.
[0176] Based on the detected current time 850, a comparison 860 between the current time and a reference time can be performed. The current time may include the current time detected at the time of detection 850. The comparison 860 can be performed to determine (e.g., calculate, etc.) a time quantity. This time quantity may include the duration that has elapsed relative to the reference time. The time quantity may include the time difference during the use or activation of the conductive electric weapon. The position difference may include the time difference between the first time when the previous electrode was deployed and the current time. For example, the previous electrode may include one of the following: an electrode deployed when electrode 820 is deployed, or a next electrode deployed in a previous instance before the deployment of the next electrode 880, as discussed further below. The first time may include one or more of the following: the reference time and the previous current time, wherein the previous current time was detected in a previous instance before the detection of the current time 850, which was executed immediately before the previous instance of the deployment of the next electrode 880. Comparing the current position and the reference position 860 may include subtracting the reference time from the current time to determine the time difference. In an embodiment, comparison 860 may include identifying the current time, wherein the current time itself indicates the time that has elapsed.
[0177] According to comparison 860, a comparison 870 between the time difference and a threshold can be performed. The threshold can be configured to allow deployment of another electrode with a predetermined delay (e.g., duration, elapsed time, etc.) relative to the time taken for the previous electrode to be deployed from the conductive electric weapon toward the target location. The threshold can be selected based on the average and / or estimated velocity of the conductive electric weapon's movement after electrode deployment (e.g., average position change). The threshold can be selected such that, based on the average and / or estimated velocity of movement, the subsequently deployed electrode is estimated to obtain a minimum interval relative to the previously deployed electrode at the target location. The threshold can be selected to provide the minimum delay required to reposition the conductive electric weapon to obtain the minimum interval. The threshold can include a threshold time (e.g., a threshold time value, a threshold delay, etc.). For example, the threshold can include a value equal to or less than 0.25 seconds, equal to or less than 0.5 seconds, equal to or less than 0.75 seconds, equal to or less than 1.0 second, or equal to or less than 2.0 seconds. When the time difference is equal to or greater than the threshold (e.g., exceeding the threshold time), a time change can be detected according to various aspects of this disclosure. When the time difference is equal to or greater than the threshold, a time change can be detected according to comparison 870. When the time difference is less than the threshold, the time change may not be detected according to comparison 870. If no time change is detected according to comparison 870, the detection can be repeated in the next iteration 840.
[0178] When a time change is detected, the automatic deployment of the next electrode 880 can be performed. The next electrode may include a second electrode. The second electrode can be automatically deployed after the first electrode. For example, the next electrode may include separate simple reference electrodes. Figure 1 , 2B One or more of the second electrode 130-2, second electrode 230-2 or second electrode 330-2 as described in 3.
[0179] Deploying the next electrode 880 may include deploying the electrode at a second time. This time may include a second current time detected in the most recently executed instance of detecting the current time 850. The second time may include a second time within the period during which the electrode array is deployed in response to an activation signal. This time may include an intermediate time of the duration during which the activation signal is received by the conductive electric weapon. This duration may include a continuous time period from the first time to the time of deploying the next electrode.
[0180] In this embodiment, configuring the next electrode 880 can correspond to a simple reference. Figure 5 The deployment of the next electrode 580 is described. For example, deploying the next electrode 890 may include one or more functions that generate an auditory indication. The next electrode may include a subsequent electrode in the electrode array. For example, the next electrode may include a third electrode. The third electrode may be automatically deployed after the second electrode was automatically deployed when the automatic deployment 880 was previously performed. The third electrode may be automatically deployed based on a third time. The third time may be determined relative to the previous time of the first electrode in the deployment array and / or the previous time of the next electrode in the deployment array. In an embodiment, one or more operations for detecting time changes may be repeated to automatically deploy each subsequent electrode in the electrode array after the first electrode in the array. In an embodiment, and based on the automatic deployment of the next electrode 880, it is determined whether another electrode is included in the electrode array 890. Determining whether another electrode is included 890 may correspond to a simple reference. Figure 5 The determination 590 includes whether another electrode is included. When at determination 890, the array does not include another electrode, method 800 can end.
[0181] When it is determined that another next electrode is included in the array at point 890 and has not yet been deployed, detection 840 can be repeated for that next next electrode. Repeat detection 840 may include setting the current time detected at the current detection time 850 as a reference time. Repeat detection 840 may also include setting the current time detected at a previous instance at the current detection time 850 before deploying electrode 880 as a reference time. For example, a time delay may be applied between each pair of sequential electrodes deployed in the electrode array. In this arrangement, the same threshold may be used for the next electrode in the electrode array. Alternatively or additionally, a reference time as detected at reference time 830 may be maintained. In this arrangement, each electrode deployed after the first electrode may be delayed relative to the current time of the first electrode deployed in the electrode array.
[0182] In an embodiment, different thresholds can be applied to the next electrode in the electrode array. Each next electrode can be associated with a different threshold. This threshold can vary depending on the order in which the electrodes are deployed in the electrode array. For example, a second electrode in the electrode array may be deployed when a first time difference is determined (e.g., at comparison 870) to be equal to or greater than a first threshold, and a third electrode in the electrode array may be deployed when a second time difference is determined (e.g., at comparison 870) to be equal to or greater than a second threshold different from the first threshold.
[0183] In an embodiment, the threshold may be increased for the next electrode in the electrode array. The threshold may be increased for each next electrode in the electrode array. For example, a first threshold, compared to a first time difference between the current deployment time (e.g., a reference time) of the first electrode in the electrode array and the current deployment time of the second electrode, may be greater than a second time difference between the current deployment time of the second electrode and the current deployment time of the third electrode in the electrode array. For example, the first threshold may be less than 0.5 seconds, while the second threshold may be greater than 0.5 seconds. A third threshold, compared to the time difference between the current time of the third electrode and the current time associated with the deployment of the fourth electrode in the electrode array, may be further greater than the second threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the threshold may include the same threshold between two pairs of electrodes deployed in the electrode array.
[0184] In various embodiments, systems, methods, and apparatus are provided for automatically deploying electrodes from a conductive electric weapon based on changes detected by the electrodes. This change may include positional changes, such as those discussed according to method 500, and / or temporal changes, such as those according to a brief reference. Figure 5 and Figure 8The method discussed in method 800. Changes detected by the conductive electric weapon can be independent of (e.g., disregarded, regardless of, differentiated from, distinguished from, etc.) activation signals or other inputs received via the user control interface of the conductive electric weapon. After the first electrode can be selectively deployed from the conductive electric weapon, the second electrode can be automatically deployed by the conductive electric weapon. For example, a method performed by a conductive electric weapon configured to conduct electrical stimulation signals via multiple electrodes may include deploying the first electrode of the plurality of electrodes at a first time, and automatically deploying the second electrode of the plurality of electrodes based on the deployment of the first electrode. The first and second electrodes may each comprise a corresponding single, individually deployed electrode. An ignition signal can be provided from the handle of the conductive electric weapon to the individually deployed unit comprising each electrode to fire each electrode in the electrode array. Such an arrangement may include a brief reference to method 500 and / or method 800. Figure 5 and 8 One or more features, characteristics, and / or steps are discussed.
[0185] Various additional steps, features, characteristics, or combinations thereof may be included in any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein. In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the position sensor may include a gyroscope. In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the conductive electro-optical weapon may also include a plurality of single-casing cartridges, wherein each of the plurality of cartridges includes a different corresponding electrode among a plurality of electrodes.
[0186] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the first electrode may be deployed based on an activation signal received via a user control interface of a conductive electric weapon. In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the first electrode may be deployed immediately based on an activation signal received via a user control interface. In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the method or operation may further include receiving the activation signal for a duration. This duration may include a continuous time period. Alternatively or additionally, a trigger of the user control interface may be actuated for this duration to provide the activation signal. Alternatively or additionally, the first electrode may be deployed at the beginning of this duration. Alternatively or additionally, the activation signal may be received continuously between the deployment of the first electrode and the automatic deployment of the second electrode.
[0187] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, deploying the first electrode may include deploying a single first electrode. Alternatively or additionally, automatically deploying the second electrode may include deploying a single second electrode. Alternatively or additionally, the second electrode may be deployed automatically, regardless of whether an activation signal is received at a second time during the deployment of the second electrode. Alternatively or additionally, an activation signal may not be received at the second time during the automatic deployment of the second electrode. Alternatively or additionally, the activation signal may be terminated before the automatic deployment of the second electrode.
[0188] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, a change in position may include an angle between a first direction and a second direction of the weapon. Alternatively or additionally, detecting a change in position may include detecting, via a position detector, the first direction of the conductive electric weapon at the first moment the first electrode is deployed. Alternatively or additionally, detecting a change in position may include detecting, via a position detector, a second direction of the conductive electric weapon that differs from the first direction. Alternatively or additionally, detecting a change in position may include comparing the angle to an angle threshold. Alternatively or additionally, comparing the angle may include determining that the angle may be equal to or greater than the angle threshold. In some embodiments, the angle threshold may be five degrees. Alternatively or additionally, the angle threshold may be greater than three degrees. Alternatively or additionally, the angle may be determined within a single plane of motion. In some embodiments, the single plane may include a vertical plane of motion. Alternatively or additionally, the single plane may include a diagonal plane of motion.
[0189] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the position change may include the distance between a first spatial position and a second spatial position of the conductive electric weapon. Alternatively or additionally, the position change may include detecting the first spatial position of the conductive electric weapon at the first moment the first electrode is deployed via a position detector. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the position change may include detecting a second spatial position of the conductive electric weapon different from the first spatial position via a position detector. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the position change may include comparing the distance to a distance threshold. Alternatively or additionally, comparing the distance may include determining that the distance is equal to or greater than the distance threshold. In some embodiments, the distance threshold may be five inches. Alternatively or additionally, the distance threshold may be greater than three inches. In any of the above exemplary embodiments, the distance may include a linear distance between the first spatial position and the second spatial position.
[0190] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, detecting a change in position may include detecting a change in target position. Alternatively or additionally, the change in target position may be detected relative to a target position remote from the conductive electric weapon. Alternatively or additionally, the change in target position may include an interval. Alternatively or additionally, the change in target position may include an interval at a remote position relative to the spatial position of the conductive electric weapon. Alternatively or additionally, detecting a change in position may include detecting a first position of the conductive electric weapon at a first moment of deployment of the first electrode. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the first position may include detecting a first distance between the conductive electric weapon and the target position at the first moment. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the first position may include detecting a first target position. Alternatively or additionally, detecting a change in position may include detecting a second position of the conductive electric weapon after the first moment of deployment of the first electrode. Alternatively or additionally, the second position may include detecting a second distance between the conductive electric weapon and the target position after the first moment. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the second position may include detecting a second target position different from the first target position. Alternatively or additionally, detecting a change in position may include detecting an interval between the first target position and the second target position. Alternatively or additionally, detecting a change in position may include comparing the interval to an interval threshold. In some embodiments, comparing the interval may include determining that the interval may be equal to or greater than the interval threshold. Alternatively or additionally, automatically deploying the second electrode may include automatically deploying the second electrode based on the interval being determined to be equal to or greater than the interval threshold. In some embodiments, the interval threshold may be six inches. Alternatively or additionally, the interval threshold may be one or more of at least five inches, at least six inches, at least seven inches, at least nine inches, or at least twelve inches. Alternatively or additionally, detecting a change in target position may include detecting the change in target position independently of the time difference between the deployment of the first electrode and the deployment of the second electrode.
[0191] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the method or operation may further include measuring the distance between the position of the conductive electric weapon and the target. In some embodiments, the distance may be measured via a first electrode and a second electrode. In some embodiments, the distance may be detected via a position detector of the conductive electric weapon.
[0192] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, an adjusted threshold is determined based on the distance between the conductive electric weapon and the target's position. Alternatively or additionally, the method or operation may also include automatically deploying a third electrode based on a second position change and the adjusted threshold.
[0193] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the third electrode may be automatically deployed. Alternatively or additionally, after the automatic deployment of the second electrode, a second position change of the conductive electric weapon is detected via a position detector of the conductive electric weapon; and based on the second position change, the third electrode of a plurality of electrodes is automatically deployed. Alternatively or additionally, the second position change may include one or more of a second distance, a second orientation angle, or a second interval. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the second position change may include detecting one or more of the following: a third spatial position, which is different from the first spatial position and the second spatial position; a third target position; and a third orientation angle, which is different from the first angle and the second angle. Alternatively or additionally, a second distance may be determined between the third spatial position and one of the first spatial position and the second spatial position. Alternatively or additionally, a second angle may be determined between the third orientation and one of the first orientation and the second orientation. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the second position change may include detecting a third position of the conductive electric weapon and comparing the third position with the first position to determine the second position change. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the second position change may include comparing the second position change with a threshold. Alternatively or additionally, the threshold may be the same threshold compared to the position change. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the second position change may include determining that the second position change exceeds the position change threshold.
[0194] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, an array of multiple electrodes may be deployed. Alternatively or additionally, the method or operation may include deploying multiple electrode arrays, wherein a first array of the multiple electrode arrays may include a first electrode and a second electrode. In some embodiments, each of the multiple arrays may be deployed according to a different corresponding activation signal received by a conductive electric weapon. Alternatively or additionally, each of the multiple arrays may include the same number of electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, two of the multiple arrays may include different numbers of electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, a first number of the different numbers may include three electrodes, and a second number of the different numbers may include two electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, the first array may include a third electrode different from the first and second electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, a second array of the multiple arrays may include two electrodes different from the first and second electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, a second array of the multiple arrays may include three electrodes different from the first and second electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, the first array may include a first three-electrode array, and the second array of the multiple arrays may include a second three-electrode array. Alternatively or additionally, the multiple arrays may include three arrays. Alternatively or additionally, each of the three arrays may include at least two electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, each of the three arrays may include at least three electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of arrays may include at least one three-electrode array and at least one two-electrode array. Alternatively or additionally, the plurality of arrays may include at least two three-electrode arrays and at least two two-electrode arrays. Alternatively or additionally, the method or operation may further include: deploying a first array of the plurality of electrodes based on receiving a first activation signal via the user control interface of the conductive electric weapon; and deploying a second array of the plurality of electrodes, different from the first array, based on receiving a second activation signal via the user control interface of the conductive electric weapon, wherein the first array may include a first electrode and a second electrode.
[0195] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the method or operation may further include: generating a first auditory indication via an audio transducer of the conductive electric weapon upon deployment of the first electrode; and generating a second auditory indication via the audio transducer upon deployment of the second electrode, wherein the first auditory indication is different from the second auditory indication. Alternatively or additionally, the second electrode may be the last electrode in an electrode array including the first electrode and the second electrode. Alternatively or additionally, the conductive electric weapon may be configured to deploy each electrode in the electrode array based on the same activation signal. Alternatively or additionally, the electrode array may include one or more intermediate electrodes sequentially deployed between the first electrode and the second electrode, and wherein the first auditory indication may be generated based on the deployment of each of the one or more intermediate electrodes. Alternatively or additionally, the first auditory indication may include a first tone having one or more of a first length and a first frequency, and the second auditory indication may include a second tone having one or more of a second length and a second frequency. Alternatively or additionally, the method or operation may include deploying a third electrode among a plurality of electrodes prior to the first electrode; and generating the first auditory indication via the audio transducer in response to deployment of the third electrode.
[0196] In exemplary embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure, a method may be provided. This method may be performed by a conductive electric weapon configured to conduct electrical stimulation signals via a plurality of electrodes. The method may include: deploying a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes; detecting a change associated with the conductive electric weapon based on the deployment of the first electrode; and automatically deploying a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes based on the change. Alternatively or additionally, the method may include deploying a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes; detecting a time change via the conductive electric weapon based on the deployment of the first electrode; and automatically deploying a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes based on the time change.
[0197] In exemplary embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure, a conductive electric weapon may be provided. The conductive electric weapon may be configured to conduct electrical stimulation signals through a target, the weapon comprising: a plurality of electrodes, including a first electrode and a second electrode; and processing circuitry coupled to the plurality of electrodes, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform operations including: deploying the first electrode at a first time; detecting a time change relative to the first time based on the deployment of the first electrode; and automatically deploying the second electrode at a second time based on the time change.
[0198] In exemplary embodiments according to various aspects of this disclosure, a handle for a conductive electric weapon may be provided. The handle of the conductive electric weapon may be configured to conduct electrical stimulation signals, the handle comprising: a signal generator configured to provide a plurality of ignition signals; and processing circuitry coupled to the signal generator and configured to electrically couple the plurality of ignition signals to a plurality of electrodes received by the handle, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform operations including: providing a first ignition signal of the plurality of ignition signals to a first electrode of the plurality of electrodes; detecting a time change based on the provision of the first ignition signal; and automatically providing a second ignition signal to a second electrode of the plurality of electrodes based on the time change.
[0199] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, the change may include one or more of a change in location or a change in time. Alternatively or additionally, the time change may include a time difference relative to a first time and a current time after the first time, wherein the first electrode is deployed at the first time. Alternatively or additionally, the time change may include elapsed time after the first time, wherein the first electrode is deployed at the first time. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry may include a clock, and detecting the time change may include detecting the first time via the clock. Alternatively or additionally, the processing circuitry may include a clock, and detecting the time change may include detecting the current time via the clock. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the time change may include comparing the time difference to a time threshold. Alternatively or additionally, comparing the time difference may include determining that the time difference is equal to or greater than the time threshold. In some embodiments, the time threshold may be less than 0.25 seconds. Alternatively or additionally, the time threshold may be one or more of less than 0.5 seconds, less than 0.75 seconds, less than 1.0 second, or less than 2.0 seconds. Alternatively or additionally, detecting the time change may include detecting the time change independently of the position change of the conductive electric weapon.
[0200] In any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein, detecting time changes may include detecting time changes independently of whether the conductive electric weapon receives an activation signal after a first time.
[0201] The foregoing description discusses implementations (e.g., embodiments) that can be changed or modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Examples listed in parentheses may be used alternatively or in any practical combination. As used in the specification and exemplary embodiments, the words “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” “comprises,” and “having” describe open-ended statements about component structure and / or functionality. In the specification and exemplary embodiments, the words “a” and “an” are used as indefinite articles to indicate “one or more.” In illustrative embodiments, the term “provided” is used to explicitly identify an object that is not a claimed or necessary object but performs the function of the artifact. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, “an apparatus for aiming a provided bucket, the apparatus comprising: a housing in which the bucket is located,” where “bucket” is not a claimed or necessary element of the apparatus but an object that mates with the “housing” of the “apparatus” by being located within the “housing.”
[0202] In the specification, the location indicators “here,” “below,” “above,” “under,” or other words relating to location, whether specific or general, shall be interpreted as referring to any location in the specification, whether that location precedes or follows the location indicator.
[0203] The methods described herein are illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply any particular process of any embodiment to be performed in the order presented. Words such as “then,” “afterward,” and “next” are not intended to limit the order of processes and are instead used to guide the reader through the description of the methods.
[0204] Therefore, the scope of this disclosure is not limited in any way other than by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, wherein, unless expressly stated otherwise, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean “one and only one”, but rather “one or more”. Furthermore, where phrases similar to “at least one of A, B, or C” are used in the claims, such phrases are intended to be interpreted as meaning that in one embodiment only A may be present, in another embodiment only B may be present, in another embodiment only C may be present, or in a single embodiment any combination of elements A, B, and C may be present; for example, A and B, A and C, B and C, or A and B and C. As used herein, numerical terms such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may refer to a given set of one or more elements, regardless of any order associated with that set. For example, a “first” electrode may include a given electrode that may be deployed before or after a “second” electrode, without any further recounted order limitation.
Claims
1. A method executed by a conductive electric weapon configured to conduct electrical stimulation signals via a plurality of electrodes, the method comprising: Deploy the first electrode of the plurality of electrodes from the conductive electric weapon; Based on the deployment of the first electrode, a position change of the conductive electric weapon or target is detected via a position detector of the conductive electric weapon, wherein the position change is detected after the first electrode is deployed; and Based on the change in position, the second electrode of the plurality of electrodes is automatically deployed from the conductive electric weapon.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Detecting the position change includes: detecting the first position of the conductive electric weapon at the first moment when the first electrode is deployed, via the position detector.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, Detecting the position change includes: detecting the second position of the conductive electric weapon via the position detector after the first electrode is deployed and before the second electrode is automatically deployed.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein, Detecting the position change includes comparing the first position of the conductive electric weapon with the second position of the conductive electric weapon to determine the position difference.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein detecting the position change comprises: Determine that the position difference is greater than a threshold to detect the position change.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein the threshold comprises at least one of an angle threshold, a distance threshold, and an interval threshold.
7. The method of claim 4, wherein detecting the position change comprises: Determine that the position difference is less than a threshold; as well as In response to determining that the position difference is less than the threshold, the second position is repeatedly detected before the second electrode of the plurality of electrodes is automatically deployed.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Detecting changes in the position of the conductive electric weapon or target includes detecting at least one of the following: The angle between the first direction of the conductive electric weapon at a first time and the second direction of the conductive electric weapon at a second time; and The distance between the first spatial position of the conductive electric weapon at the first time and the second spatial position of the conductive electric weapon at the second time.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein detecting the position change further comprises: At the moment the first electrode is deployed, the distance between the conductive electric weapon and the remote location is detected; as well as The interval between the first target position of the conductive electric weapon at the remote location and the second target position of the conductive electric weapon at the remote location is detected based on the distance between the conductive electric weapon and the remote location, and at least one of the following: the angle between the first direction and the second direction of the conductive electric weapon, and the distance between the first spatial position and the second spatial position of the conductive electric weapon.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein automatically deploying the second electrode comprises: Based on the change in location, a single electrode is automatically deployed.
11. A conductive electric weapon configured to conduct an electrical stimulation signal through a target, the conductive electric weapon comprising: Multiple electrodes, including a first electrode and a second electrode; A position sensor is configured to detect multiple positions of the conductive electric weapon or target; as well as Processing circuitry, coupled to the plurality of electrodes and the position sensor, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform operations including: Deploy the first electrode immediately; Based on the deployment of the first electrode, a position change of the conductive electric weapon or target is detected via the position sensor, wherein the position change is detected after the first time interval; and Based on the position change, the second electrode is automatically deployed at a second time after the first time.
12. The conductive electric weapon according to claim 11, wherein, The position sensor includes at least one of a motion sensor and a rotation sensor.
13. The conductive electric weapon according to claim 12, wherein, The position sensor also includes a distance sensor configured to detect the distance between the conductive electric weapon and the target at the first time the first electrode is deployed.
14. The conductive electric weapon of claim 11, wherein detecting the position change comprises: The position of the conductive electric weapon at the first time the first electrode is deployed is detected by the position sensor; The position of the conductive electric weapon is detected via the position sensor at a second time after the first time when the first electrode is deployed; The first position is compared with the second position to determine the position difference; as well as Determine that the position difference is greater than a threshold to detect the position change.
15. The conductive electric weapon of claim 11, wherein the position change of the conductive electric weapon or the target includes at least one of the following: The angle between the first direction of the conductive electric weapon at a first time and the second direction of the conductive electric weapon at a second time; The distance between the conductive electric weapon's first spatial position at the first time and its second spatial position at the second time; and The interval between a first target position away from the conductive electric weapon and a second target position away from the conductive electric weapon, wherein the conductive electric weapon is directed from a first position of the plurality of positions toward the first target position, and the conductive electric weapon is directed from a second position of the plurality of positions toward the second target position.
16. The conductive electric weapon according to claim 11, wherein, The operation also includes: After the second electrode is automatically deployed, a second position change of the conductive electric weapon is detected via the position sensor of the conductive electric weapon; and Based on the second position change, the third electrode of the plurality of electrodes is automatically deployed at a third time after the second time, wherein each of the first electrode, the second electrode and the third electrode is deployed in response to the same activation signal received via the control interface of the conductive electric weapon.
17. A handle for a conductive electric weapon configured to conduct electrical stimulation signals, the handle comprising: A position detector configured to detect multiple positions of the handle or target of the conductive electric weapon; as well as Processing circuitry, coupled to the position detector and configured to electrically couple the electrical stimulation signal to a plurality of electrodes housed by the handle, wherein the processing circuitry is further configured to perform operations including: A first ignition signal is provided to the first electrode of the plurality of electrodes; Based on the provision of the first ignition signal, a position change of the handle or target of the conductive electric weapon from a first position among the plurality of positions to a second position among the plurality of positions is detected via the position detector, wherein the position change is detected after the first ignition signal is provided; and Based on the position change, a second ignition signal is automatically provided to the second electrode among the plurality of electrodes.
18. The handle according to claim 17, wherein, The position detector includes at least one of a gyroscope and an accelerometer integrated with the handle of the conductive electric weapon.
19. The handle of claim 17, wherein the position change includes at least one of the following: The rotation of the handle of the conductive electric weapon; The handle of the conductive electric weapon moves along one or more axes of motion; and A target position change at a target location away from the handle of the conductive electric weapon, wherein the target position change includes an interval between a first target location and a second target location at the target location, and wherein the conductive electric weapon moves from the first location of the plurality of locations toward the first target location, and the conductive electric weapon moves from the second location of the plurality of locations toward the second target location.
20. The handle of claim 17, wherein detecting the position change comprises: At the first moment of providing the first ignition signal, the first position of the handle of the conductive electric weapon is detected via the position detector; At a second time following the first time after providing the first ignition signal, the second position of the handle of the conductive electric weapon is detected via the position detector; and The position change is detected based on the position difference between the first position and the second position, wherein: The first position includes at least one of a first direction of the handle of the conductive electric weapon and a first spatial position of the handle of the conductive electric weapon; and The second position includes at least one of the second direction of the handle of the conductive electric weapon and the second spatial position of the handle of the conductive electric weapon.
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