Gunshot Detection System Using Neural Network Classification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gunshot locating systems are inadequate for accurately identifying and locating the source of gunfire in military or urban settings due to lack of portability, high costs, and inability to determine the type of weapon used or correct signal processing errors.
Innovation Solution
A portable system using a rectangular tetrahedral array of closely spaced acoustic transducers, a neural network classifier, and a video camera to detect, classify, and triangulate gunshot sounds, providing real-time location and type of weapon information via a Digital Signal Processor and internet link.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a plurality of sensors are permanently placed at regular intervals along an x-y grid with dedicated telephone lines to transmit sound data to a central data processing center, then gunshot location can be determined, but the system lacks portability and requires high infrastructure investment
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the gunshot detection functionality into portable sensor units that can be deployed in various configurations rather than requiring a fixed grid infrastructure. Each sensor unit is self-contained and can operate independently, enabling portable deployment while maintaining detection capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical infrastructure of dedicated telephone lines and fixed sensor placements with wireless communication capabilities and mobile computing devices. This substitution eliminates the need for physical infrastructure while maintaining data transmission and processing functions.
2Reliability
If a hard wired alarm system with transducers, amplifiers, and signal filters is used, then gunshot detection is achieved, but the system is too costly and lacks adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses universal computing devices and software-based signal processing that can perform multiple functions including gunshot detection, classification, and location determination. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized hardware components, thereby reducing overall system cost while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from fixed hardware-based signal processing to flexible software-based processing that can be configured and adjusted. This allows the system to adapt to different environments and requirements without requiring costly hardware modifications.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are placed at a density of six to ten sensors per square mile, then gunshot location can be determined, but the system is inadequate for determining weapon type and shooter identity
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds analytical dimensions beyond simple location determination by incorporating acoustic feature extraction and classification capabilities. This allows the system to analyze weapon type and shooter characteristics from the same acoustic data used for location determination, extracting multiple types of information from a single data source.
4Productivity
If prior art gunshot locating systems are used, then basic gunshot detection is achieved, but signal processing errors such as false positive gunshot signals cannot be corrected
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where classification results and signal analysis outcomes are used to refine and adjust detection parameters in real-time. This feedback loop allows the system to learn from false positives and improve accuracy while maintaining rapid detection response.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary classification and analysis of acoustic signals before final gunshot determination. By pre-processing and pre-classifying signals, the system can identify and filter out false positives early in the detection process, improving overall reliability without sacrificing detection speed.
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 system effectively identifies and locates the source of gunfire, determines the type of weapon, and corrects signal processing errors, enhancing accuracy and portability for military operations and crime investigation.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of acoustic transducers in an array... to detect... gunshot sounds
Implementation Method 2
a neural network classifier... to classify... gunshot sounds
Implementation Method 3
triangulate gunshot sounds, providing real-time location... via a Digital Signal Processor
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic event location and classification system comprising an array of at least two acoustic transducers arranged spaced from one another; a central data processing unit for receiving signals from the acoustic transducers and processing the signals to determine a event type and location; and an internet or LAN connection for transmitting event type and location data to a third party, wherein the central data processing unit uses a DSNN to determine the event type and generalized cross correlation functions between microphone pairs to determine the event location.