Firearm Localization Using Laser-Acoustic Fusion to Reduce False Alarms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing firearm detection devices suffer from low accuracy, high false alarm rates, bulkiness, complexity, and high manufacturing and usage costs, particularly when detecting snipers in densely populated areas.
Innovation Solution
A firearm locating device that integrates a laser emitter, detectors, microphones, and a signaler to precisely determine the firing position of a sniper by combining laser detection with sonic boom and muzzle blast data, using a wearable system with a processor to calculate the position accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If acoustic detection devices are used to locate firearm, then detection coverage is omnidirectional, but accuracy is moderate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines acoustic detection devices with optical detection devices into a single integrated system. The acoustic device determines direction and position by measuring time of arrival of sound using multiple microphones, while the optical device detects muzzle flash position. The processing unit correlates data from both devices to achieve high accuracy localization without the complexity of each system operating independently.
2Measurement precision
If optical detection devices are used to locate firearm, then accuracy can be high at long distances, but false alarm rate is relatively high
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback through correlation of data from both acoustic and optical devices. The processing unit cross-validates optical detections with acoustic detections, where the acoustic signal serves as confirmation. This feedback mechanism reduces false alarms by requiring agreement between two independent detection modalities before confirming a firearm location.
3Measurement precision
If known detection devices are used, then detection capability is provided, but device size is particularly bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into separate acoustic and optical subsystems that can be independently optimized and positioned. The acoustic device with its array of microphones and the optical device with its detector are distinct modules processed by a separate processing unit. This segmentation allows each component to be minimized in size while maintaining overall detection capability.
4Measurement precision
If known detection devices are used, then detection function is provided, but manufacturing and usage costs are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit serves multiple functions: it processes acoustic signals from the microphone array, processes optical signals from the detector, correlates data from both sources, and determines the final firearm position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate processing systems for each detection modality, reducing overall system complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining high detection accuracy.
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
The device provides precise localization of snipers with minimal false alarms, is easy to wear and manage, and reduces manufacturing and operational costs, enabling swift and accurate response to sniper threats.
Implementation Method 1
at least one detector (2) defining a sensitive surface (2a) configured to detect the laser
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of generally equidistant microphones and positioned or forming a microphone array
Data Source
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A method (100) is provided for detecting a firearm (10) equipped with a laser-emitting emitter; the method (100) comprises a laser detector (2); three microphones (3) configured to detect a sound; a clock; a signaler (4) configured to indicate the firing position of said firearm (10); and a board determining the firing position of the firearm (10) based on the laser of the emitter detected by the detector (2) and the detection and timing of the sonic boom and muzzle blast detected by each of the microphones (3).