Acoustic Gunshot Localization Using TDOA Hyperbola Intersection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack the ability to rapidly and accurately identify the location of firearm discharges, which hinders the swift response of first responders to public shootings.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising microphone devices and locator devices that utilize intersecting constant-time hyperbolas to determine the location of firearm discharges by processing acoustic and identification signals, enabling precise identification of the shooter's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional detection methods are used, then system complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and response speed of firearm discharge location are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the detection area into multiple zones with microphone devices strategically positioned throughout. Each microphone device independently detects acoustic signals and determines its own location, then all data is processed centrally to calculate the firearm discharge location through hyperbolic intersection methods, achieving high precision through distributed segmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or manual detection methods with an acoustic field-based electronic system. Microphone devices capture acoustic waves from firearm discharges, and electronic processing using time difference of arrival (TDOA) and hyperbolic geometry calculations substitutes mechanical location determination, achieving superior precision and speed.
2Loss of time
If rapid identification of firearm discharge location is achieved, then response time is reduced, but detection and measurement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning multiple microphone devices with known locations throughout the monitoring area before a firearm discharge occurs. Each device continuously monitors acoustic signals and maintains readiness, so when a discharge happens, the system can immediately process the acoustic signals and calculate location without delay for setup or calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as intermediaries that carry information about the firearm discharge from the source to multiple microphone devices. By measuring the time differences of arrival of these acoustic intermediaries at different positions, the system can calculate the discharge location through hyperbolic intersection, converting a complex measurement problem into a solvable geometric problem.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid and accurate localization of firearm discharges, facilitating timely engagement of shooters and victim search by first responders.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of microphone devices 16 are positioned within the area 12 to be monitored and receive acoustic signals (such as those resulting from firearm discharges)
Implementation Method 2
processing circuitry 20 is configured to process the information regarding the received acoustic signals and the identified locations of the microphone devices 16 to identify the location of the firearm discharge
Data Source
AI summary
Firearm discharge location systems and associated methods are described. According to one aspect, a firearm discharge location system includes a plurality of microphone devices individually configured to receive acoustic signals of a firearm discharge and to generate information regarding the received acoustic signals of the firearm discharge, a locator system configured to identify a plurality of locations of the microphone devices during the generation of the information regarding the received acoustic signals of the firearm discharge by the microphone devices, and processing circuitry configured to use the identified locations of the microphone devices and the information regarding the received acoustic signals of the firearm discharge to identify the location of the firearm discharge.