Holster Weapon Detector with Electromagnetic Placement Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing weapon detection systems for holsters are limited by the need for specific mechanical brackets that are not universally compatible with different holster models, leading to improper placement and inaccurate triggering of cameras when weapons are drawn or returned.
Innovation Solution
A detector system that includes a sensor circuit and processor to determine an optimal mounting location on a holster by measuring inductance, impedance, and frequency, providing visual, tactile, or audible feedback to ensure accurate detection of weapon presence or absence, and transmitting signals to initiate or stop recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical brackets are used to attach sensors to holsters, then the sensor can be mounted on the holster, but the bracket must be designed specifically for select holster models and firearms, limiting compatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical bracket systems with an electromagnetic sensing system. Instead of using physical brackets that must be mechanically compatible with specific holster models, the system uses a sensor circuit that detects the presence of a firearm through electromagnetic fields, eliminating the need for mechanically compatible brackets while achieving universal holster compatibility
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor circuit is designed to work with multiple holster types without requiring model-specific brackets. The same sensor circuit can detect firearms in different holster configurations (holster-only mode, holster-with-plate mode, thigh holster mode) by measuring changes in electromagnetic properties, making the system universally applicable across various holster models
2Measurement precision
If sensors are placed in specific locations on the holster, then detection accuracy is improved, but improper placement leads to erroneous triggering or failure to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs a preliminary calibration process where it measures the baseline electromagnetic properties of the holster in different configurations (holster-only, holster-with-plate, thigh holster) before actual detection occurs. This preliminary measurement allows the system to establish reference values for each configuration, enabling accurate detection without requiring manual placement adjustment by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor circuit continuously monitors electromagnetic changes and provides feedback to determine whether a firearm is present. By comparing real-time measurements against the calibrated baseline values for different holster configurations, the system automatically adjusts its detection threshold to maintain high accuracy across various placement scenarios, eliminating the need for precise manual placement
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
Ensures reliable detection of weapon removal or insertion, allowing for precise triggering of recording systems, regardless of holster type, and reducing false triggers or misses.
Implementation Method 1
obtaining measurements via a sensor located within the detector as the detector is moved about a surface of the provided holster
Implementation Method 2
detecting values of one of inductance, impedance, and frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A detector for detecting the removal and/or insertion of a firearm out of and/or into a holster. The detector may transmit a message each time the firearm is removed from the holster. A recording system may receive the message and determine whether or not it will begin recording the data it captures. A detector may detect the change in a magnitude of an inductance and/or an impedance of a circuit to detect insertion and removal of the firearm into and out of the holster. A placement mode may be invoked to determine an optimal mounting location of the detector relative to the holster. The optimal mounting location may be a location of maximum sensitivity of the detector with respect to the weapon and/or a location wherein the measurements obtained via the detector exceed a threshold. The detector may provide indicia corresponding with the optimal mounting location.