Firearm Automatic Target Acquisition and Firing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current firearms require multiple actions and user intervention for accurate target identification and bullet release, which can be time-consuming and less effective in dynamic situations, especially when the target or shooter is moving.
Innovation Solution
A firearm equipped with real-time image sensors and a computer that automatically identifies targets and releases bullets when the firearm is aimed correctly, using a combination of sensors and a firing window module to predict the best moment for hitting the target, allowing continuous automatic firing as long as the trigger is engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the user manually identifies the target, aims the firearm, and squeezes the trigger to release a bullet, then the user has control over the shooting action, but the time required to neutralize a threat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm system performs target identification, aiming calculation, and firing decision autonomously. The image sensor continuously captures target data, the computer automatically calculates firing solutions considering recoil and target motion, and the system releases bullets without requiring manual re-aiming or trigger manipulation beyond initial engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical aiming and target identification with an automated system using image sensors and computer processing. The mechanical process of manually tracking and re-aiming the firearm is substituted by electronic image analysis and automated firing control that continuously adjusts for recoil and target movement.
2Productivity
If the firearm releases additional bullets automatically based on user behavior, then the shooting rate increases, but the system may fire bullets when the user is not pointing the firearm at a target
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors multiple parameters including image sensor data, firearm orientation, and trigger state to determine when firing is appropriate. The computer processes real-time feedback from these sources to make accurate firing decisions, ensuring bullets are only released when both the target is identified and the firearm is properly aimed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary target identification and aiming verification before releasing bullets. The computer calculates the firing solution in advance, considering factors like recoil compensation and target motion prediction, ensuring that bullets are released only when the calculated trajectory will intersect with the target.
3Speed
If the user must release the trigger and start over to fire at a new target, then the system maintains control, but the response time to engage new targets increases
Solution Approach 1:
The firearm system maintains continuous target acquisition and firing capability without requiring trigger release. The image sensor continuously tracks targets, the computer continuously calculates firing solutions, and the system remains ready to fire at new targets as they appear within the field of view, enabling seamless transition between targets.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the EMFC system fires additional bullets based on user behavior, then continuous firing is achieved, but the system lacks adaptability to moving targets
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts firing solutions based on real-time target motion detection. The computer analyzes sequential image data to determine target velocity and direction, then continuously updates the firing solution to compensate for target movement, enabling accurate engagement of moving targets through adaptive recalculation of ballistic parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A firearm that automatically controls the release of bullets, including one or more sensors that provide real-time sensor data of the view in front of the firearm, a computer that identities legitimate targets in the real-time sensor data, without user intervention, a trigger sensor that determines directly or indirectly if the trigger is engaged, wherein as long as the trigger is engaged, the firearm is configured to continuously acquire real-time sensor data, identify legitimate targets and automatically release bullets when the firearm is directed toward the identified targets.