Digital Firearm Identification With Single-Wire Cartridge EEPROM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microscopic markings on spent shells are difficult to decipher and do not effectively record essential firearm information such as make, model, and serial number, as required by California Gun Law AB 1471.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a Single Wire Output (SWO) capable microprocessor in the pistol, a single wire EEPROM on the cartridge, and a single wire interface between the pistol and the cartridge, which writes information like serial number, make, and model onto the cartridge before firing, along with GPS coordinates and discharge time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microscopic markings are used to record firearm information on spent shells, then the recording method is simple and passive, but the markings are difficult to decipher and reliability is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/passive microscopic marking system with an electronic data storage system. Instead of relying on physical etchings that are difficult to read, the invention uses an EEPROM chip to store digital firearm information, which can be easily read and decoded by electronic devices, thereby significantly improving reliability while maintaining acceptable complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of firearm identification information (serial number, make, model) and stores it in electronic form on the EEPROM chip attached to the spent shell. This digital copying approach replaces the analog microscopic markings, making the information much easier to decipher and more reliable for forensic analysis.
2Loss of information
If electronic data storage is implemented on cartridges, then information recording capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by attaching the EEPROM chip to the cartridge case before the cartridge is loaded into the firearm. The chip is pre-configured with the necessary interfaces and structure to receive data from the firearm's microprocessor when the cartridge is chambered. This preliminary preparation simplifies the manufacturing process compared to attempting to integrate electronics directly into the cartridge assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the cartridge case as an intermediary carrier for the EEPROM chip. Rather than integrating electronics directly into the firearm or the bullet, the chip is attached to the cartridge case, which serves as a convenient intermediate platform that is already part of the ammunition assembly process, thereby easing manufacturing requirements.
3Device complexity
If a single wire interface is used between pistol and cartridge, then connection simplicity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the single wire interface multi-functional by using it for both power supply and bidirectional data communication between the pistol's microprocessor and the cartridge's EEPROM. This universal usage reduces the number of separate connections needed, simplifying the overall interface design while the contact point is engineered to achieve the necessary precision through standardized mounting features.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the electrical interface requirements to a single, well-defined contact point between the pistol and cartridge. Rather than distributing multiple connections across different locations, all power and data signals are transmitted through one precisely engineered contact area, which can be manufactured with high precision using standardized techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
Digital Recording is provided using SWO technology wherein a microprocessor is located in a pistol and a single wire EEPROM is mounted on each cartridge used by the pistol. Power and data can be sent over a single wire from the microprocessor to the single wire EEPROM to communicate information about the pistol, such as the serial number, make, and model of the firearm. A system for recording a firearm discharged event has an authorized database that records at least GPS coordinates of an event related to the firearm discharge.