Weapon-Tracking Geolocation with Indoor Usage Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tracking devices for weapons lack accurate and reliable methods to determine geolocation and usage, particularly in indoor environments, and do not effectively communicate this information to remote systems.

Innovation Solution

A weapon-tracking device that utilizes satellite navigation signals and indoor positioning systems to determine geolocation, coupled with sensors to detect weapon usage, and transmits device state data to a remote computer system for processing and communication to client devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If satellite navigation signals are used for geolocation, then outdoor positioning accuracy is improved, but indoor positioning capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegeolocation accuracyVSAvoidindoor positioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tracking device integrates multiple positioning systems (GPS for outdoor, Wi-Fi triangulation and Bluetooth for indoor) to provide universal geolocation capability across both indoor and outdoor environments. This multi-functional approach allows the device to adapt to different operational contexts and maintain positioning accuracy regardless of location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses intermediate positioning technologies (Wi-Fi access points, Bluetooth beacons) as mediators to bridge the gap between satellite-based GPS and indoor positioning requirements. These intermediaries enable the device to determine location indoors by triangulating signals from available wireless infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If sensor readings are continuously monitored to detect weapon use, then detection reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweapon usage detection reliabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device implements periodic sampling of sensor data rather than continuous monitoring, checking accelerometer, gyroscope, and other sensor readings at predetermined time intervals. This periodic approach maintains detection reliability by capturing weapon usage events while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the weapon's own operational characteristics (recoil, muzzle flash, sound) as self-indicating features that trigger detection. The sensors detect these inherent physical phenomena generated during weapon discharge, allowing the system to identify usage events without requiring external power-intensive monitoring mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of information

If device state data is transmitted immediately upon weapon use detection, then information availability is improved, but transmission frequency and energy use increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinformation availabilityVSAvoidtransmission frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device pre-processes sensor data locally and prepares device state information for transmission before actual weapon usage occurs. By having data ready in advance and using event-triggered transmission only when usage is detected, the system ensures information is available when needed while minimizing unnecessary transmission frequency and associated energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Provides accurate geolocation and usage data of weapons, both indoors and outdoors, enabling effective monitoring and communication of weapon status to remote systems.

Implementation Method 1

determining a geolocation of a weapon-tracking device attached to a weapon based on a wireless signal received by the weapon-tracking device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSatellite navigation signals:

Implementation Method 2

receiving, with a processor of the weapon-tracking device, a sensor reading using a sensor attached to the weapon-tracking device, wherein the sensor is sensitive to a use of the weapon

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250290718A1Geolocation-reporting weapon-tracking device

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 INPIXON

AI summary

Provided is a method that includes determining a device geolocation based on a satellite signal received by a weapon-tracking device and receiving a sensor reading using a sensor attached to the weapon-tracking device, wherein the sensor is sensitive to a use of the weapon. The instructions include determining that a change in the sensor reading satisfies a change threshold and, in response to a determination that the change threshold is satisfied, transmitting device state data to a wireless signal receiver via a wireless signal, wherein the device state data comprises a device identifier and the device geolocation. The instructions further include storing the device identifier and the device geolocation in a data server in communication with the wireless signal receiver and transmitting a message based on the device identifier and device geolocation to a client from the data server.