Bionic body armor

Abstract

A method of protecting a target from a projectile propelled from a firearm comprises detecting an approaching projectile, continuously monitoring the projectile and transmitting an actual position of the projectile to a controller, computing an estimated projectile trajectory based upon the actual position of the projectile, determining an actual position of a target with a plurality of position sensors and a plurality of attitude sensors, determining whether the estimated projectile trajectory coincides with the actual position of the target, and triggering a plurality of muscle stimulators operably coupled to the controller and to the target when the estimated projectile trajectory coincides with the actual position of the target, wherein the muscle stimulators stimulate the target to move in a predefined manner, and wherein the target moves by an amount sufficient to avoid any contact with the approaching projectile. The projectile may be detected in the detecting step by emitting an electromagnetic wave from a projectile detector and receiving the electromagnetic wave after the electromagnetic wave has been reflected back toward the projectile detector by the projectile.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the protection of an individual against a projectile propelled from a firearm. More particularly, the present invention relates to a body armor system and its method of use that is capable of detecting a projectile propelled from a firearm, computing the trajectory of the projectile, and moving the individual out of the path of the projectile to avoid being hit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Historically, certain individuals have been exposed to the threat of assassination because of their status in society. Examples of these individuals include, but are not limited to, high ranking politicians, clerics, successful industrial entrepreneurs, and military personnel. These individuals tend to be most vulnerable during those times when they are publicly addressing large crowds, making them easy targets for snipers.

In the past, the only effective protection against “sniper fire” has been to wear bullet proof body armor. Numerous types of bullet proof body armor are available, many of which are constructed of multiple layers of ballistic fabric or other ballistic-resistant materials assembled into a ballistic panel. However, bullet proof body armor is typically heavy, clumsy, and uncomfortable to wear, and generally leaves the head of the individual wearing the body armor completely unprotected and exposed. Furthermore using armor-piercing ammunition renders body-armors even less effective and desirable.

When a marksman (such as a sniper) is attempting to fire a projectile from a firearm, the marksman typically prefers to be as far away from the target as possible, thus giving him or her a head start for the escape after the firing. As an example, the longest reported sniper hit was from a distance of about 2500 meters, resulting in a time of flight of about 4 seconds for the projectile/bullet. Had the target been aware of the inbound projectile, avoiding it by simply walking away would have been possible. As almost everyone can appreciate, the best protection against the damage caused by an impacting projectile is to avoid being hit in the first place.

Based on the foregoing, there exists a need for an improved system and method for protecting an individual against the potential damage caused by being impacted by a projectile propelled from a firearm.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention solves the foregoing problems by providing a method of protecting a target from a projectile propelled from a firearm comprising detecting an approaching projectile, continuously monitoring the projectile and transmitting an actual position of the projectile to a controller, computing an estimated projectile trajectory based upon the actual position of the projectile, determining an actual position of a target with a plurality of position sensors and a plurality of attitude sensors, determining whether the estimated projectile trajectory coincides with the actual position of the target, and triggering a plurality of muscle stimulators operably coupled to the controller and to the target when the estimated projectile trajectory coincides with the actual position of the target, wherein the muscle stimulators stimulate the target to move in a predefined manner, and wherein the target moves by an amount sufficient to avoid any contact with the approaching projectile. The projectile may be detected in the detecting step by emitting an electromagnetic wave from a projectile detector and receiving the electromagnetic wave after the electromagnetic wave has been reflected back toward the projectile detector by the projectile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating one exemplary embodiment of a bionic body armor system in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating time of flight as a function of distance for a typical projectile fired from a firearm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the figures below. However, generally speaking, the present invention includes a body armor system and its corresponding method of use. The body armor system according to the present invention includes a detection unit adapted to detect a projectile fired from a firearm at a target and to signal the presence of the projectile, along with its actual position, to a controller unit. The controller unit is configured to compute the trajectory of the projectile and determine whether the trajectory intersects with the position of the target, which may be known through position and attitude sensors operably coupled to the target. If a threat to the target is detected, electro-actuators connected to the muscles of the target may stimulate the muscles in a predefined way, the goal of the muscle stimulation being to move the body of the target out of the trajectory of the projectile. If this is not possible, the body of the target may at least be moved into a position so that it is unlikely that any of the vital organs will be damaged through the impact of the projectile.

In the context of the present invention, “attitude” refers to detecting the target “posture”. For example, in the aerospace field, gyros may used to determine the “attitude” of a vehicle with respect to a horizon. With respect to the present invention, it might be sufficient to know, for example, the position in space of the two extremities of an arm, from which every point of the rest of the arm may be computed. Alternatively, if the position of only one point is known, the attitude information (e.g., acquired with gyros or strain sensors) may be used to compute the other points, such as those corresponding to where the arm extends.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating body armor system 10 in accordance with the present invention. Body armor system 10 generally includes bullet detector 12, sensor link 14, controller 16, position sensors 18, and muscle stimulators 20. The various components of body armor system 10 will now be described in reference to one exemplary use of the body armor system to protect a target (i.e., a person) from a projectile (i.e., a bullet) fired from a sniper rifle.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, body armor system 10 begins to take action after a projectile 22 is fired from a sniper rifle (not shown). A typical projectile fired from a sniper rifle exits the muzzle of the rifle at a speed of about 900 meters per second, and slows down by only a negligible amount during its flight. To allow accurate shooting over long distances, the mass of the projectile must be sufficiently high. Therefore, virtually all projectiles in use are made of or contain metal. Projectile detector 12 is positioned to emit electromagnetic (EM) waves 23A toward the approaching projectile 22. Because metals reflect electromagnetic (EM) waves, as illustrated by waves 23B returning toward projectile detector 12, projectile 22 may be detected by projectile detector 12 as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, projectile detector 12 may be a radar system or the like. However, other types of EM waves, including but not limited to light (laser) waves, microwaves, and millimeter band waves, may be used to detect an approaching projectile. The propagation time of EM waves is very short with respect to the time of flight of projectile 22, and therefore, may be neglected.

The speed of projectile 22 may be generally comparable for all types of rifles. Therefore narrowband Doppler-shift in the reflected signal due to the high speed facilitates distinguishing projectile 22 from the background and allows for a more efficient detection despite the radar-cross-section of the projectile being very small. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the direction of the bullet (i.e., towards the target) is known for each direction which is scanned with projectile detector 12. Furthermore, different types of transducers may be used for detection of projectile 22 at different points in time. For example, one or more omni directional Doppler transducers may be employed for initial detection of projectile 22, and one or more phased array transducers may be employed for the subsequent tracking of projectile 22. In general, providing a projectile detector having multiple transducers may allow more efficient and accurate tracking while also providing redundancy in case one of the transducers is disarmed or damaged.

Once projectile 22 has been detected by projectile detector 12, a signal is generated by means of sensor link 14 to controller 16. Sensor link 14 may be either wireless or wire/fiber based. Regardless of whether sensor link 14 is “wired” or wireless, appropriate means, such as coding, may be used to prevent sensor link 14 from being compromised (i.e., “hacked”) by aggressors or to prevent false alarms from being sent to controller 16. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, in alternative embodiments controller 16 may be integrated together with projectile detector 12.

Controller 16 receives the signals sent from projectile detector 12 via sensor link 14 and processes the signals in order to monitor the real-time position of projectile 22. Based upon these signals, controller 16 also computes an estimated trajectory 24 of projectile 22. For the computation of the estimated trajectory 24, input from one or more additional sensors 26 operably coupled to controller 16 may be used. For example, a wind sensor may be operably coupled to controller 16 in order to provide controller 16 with real-time information regarding wind speed and direction such that the estimated trajectory 24 may be adjusted accordingly. Other types of “external” sensors may include, but are not limited to, humidity and atmospheric pressure sensors.

The estimated trajectory 24 may then be compared with the actual position and attitude of target 28 to detect whether a point of intersection exists. The position of target 28 may be continuously transmitted over status link 30, which may be either wired or wireless and which is preferably protected against any means of interference and hacking. In order to continuously provide accurate position and attitude readings from the target, including all of the target's extremities, sensors 18 may be worn by the target and connected to a transmitter. In particular, a plurality of sensors 18 and muscle stimulators 20 may be integrated into specially designed clothing worn by the target. Alternatively, sensors 18 and muscle stimulators 20 may be provided on a special garment worn underneath “street clothes” selected by the target. Sensors 18 may be selected from any suitable type of sensor as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art. For example, sensors 18 may include (differential) GPS, gyros, accelerometers, strain-sensors, and the like.

Based upon the estimated trajectory 24, if controller 16 detects that projectile 22 will likely hit target 28, an intelligent algorithm run by a processor within controller 16 will decide by what movements target 28 can most effectively avoid impact by projectile 22. Such avoidance strategies may be based upon, for example, predefined reaction/movement patterns or other algorithms. Once the optimal avoidance strategy has been selected, controller 16 uses control link 32 to trigger muscle stimulators 20 in the desired manner and in accordance with the optimal avoidance strategy. In particular, once controller 16 determines the optimal avoidance strategy, muscle stimulators 20 are designed to contract the muscles to which they are operably coupled in a predefined, known manner in order to move target 28 (or a portion thereof) out of the estimated trajectory 24 in order to avoid any impact between projectile 22 and target 28. Muscle stimulation may preferably be achieved with electrical current pulses, although many alternatives exist including, but not limited to, acoustical energy, microwaves, and laser light. Control link 32 may also be wired or wireless, and is preferably protected against any means of interference and hacking.

The optimal avoidance strategy may take into account many factors, including how fit the target is (e.g., age, BMI, weight, height, “pace-maker”). Furthermore, different strategies may lead to “success” for different individuals. For example, “throwing” both arms toward one direction may be sufficient to help move a light body toward the opposing direction. However, if the target is heavy/overweight, the arms will have a disproportionately lower mass, and merely throwing both arms toward one direction may not produce the same effect. Accounting for the ratio between muscle-mass and total body weight may also allow the algorithm to determine what maximum body-accelerations are feasible. Furthermore, the optimal avoidance strategy may take into account the surroundings of the target, such as obstacles that may obstruct movement of the target.

Muscle stimulators 20 may be worn, for example, as part of a special garment having electrodes structured to contact the target's muscles. In particular, the electrodes may be structured to directly or indirectly contact the target's skin. Whether the contact is direct or indirect does not matter so long as the stimulators make sufficient electrical contact to enable repeatable, predefined muscle movements.

The power-source for delivering the electrical pulses from muscle stimulators 20 may be carried or worn by target 28. During the process of delivering pulses from muscle stimulators 20 to various muscles of target 28, controller 16 may continuously monitor the target's position and adjust the stimulus signals accordingly. In this manner, real-time changes in the estimated trajectory 24 and the position of target 28 may be taken into account to increase the reliability of body armor system 10 as an impact avoidance method.

In addition or as an alternative to muscle stimulators 20 that merely actuate muscle movement in a predefined, known manner in order to move one or more of the target's extremities out of the estimated trajectory 24 of projectile 22, muscle stimulators that are configured to transmit a high voltage, low amperage electrical charge into the target may be used. These “stimulators” may have a similar effect as a typical Taser device, also known as a “stun gun,” wherein the transmitted electrical charges are sufficient to quickly cause the target to drop to the ground. In other words, instead of focusing on the movement of one or more of the target's extremities, controller 16 (via control link 32) may trigger muscle stimulators 20 to transmit high voltage, low amperage electrical charges in order to drop target 28 to the ground in a manner similar to that resulting from the use of a Taser device. While such high voltage, low amperage electrical charges may cause momentary pain to target 28, this result is much more desirable than the alternative, which includes a high likelihood of death or serious injury.

Besides protecting target 28, body armor system 10 may also be used to record the entire trajectory of the bullet in order to document the point of origin of projectile 22. This may be useful to, for example, track down the position of the marksman. The position of the marksman may then be used to obtain evidence of the shooting, such as by having a camera automatically take pictures of the marksman immediately after the projectile has been fired.

For purposes of reliability and improved operation, body armor system 10 may incorporate one or more redundant components. For example, a plurality of projectile detectors 12, sensor links 14, controllers 16, status links 30, and control links 32 may be utilized. Furthermore, many of the components may be integrated with one another as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 2 is a graph illustrating time of flight (measured in seconds) as a function of distance (measured in meters) for a typical projectile. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, the amount of time available for the system and method described in FIG. 1 depends upon the distance from which the projectile is fired, and thus, the time of flight of the projectile. For example, considering a rather short, 200 meter shot, a time of flight of about 200 milliseconds is available from the time of firing until the impact. The typical contraction time of human muscles is between about 40 milliseconds and 80 milliseconds, thus providing sufficient headroom for the electronics to compute the optimal avoidance strategy and initiate evasive muscle stimulation (which will only be limited by the ability of the body to follow the electrical stimulus). However, considering a very long, 1400 meter shot, a much longer time of flight of about 2 seconds is available to compute the optimal avoidance strategy and initiate muscle stimulation. Thus, as the firing distance increases, the amount of time it takes to compute the avoidance strategy and initiate muscle stimulation becomes less critical. Therefore, the system and method of the present invention are able to stimulate less radical movements with less chances for side-effects, such as pain or injuries.

As those skilled in the art will appreciate, while the invention is applicable to the protection of individuals, it is also possible to extend its application to the protection on numerous individuals at the same time. For example, the invention may be useful in battlefield scenarios where a single system may be configured to protect an entire group of soldiers.

Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method of protecting a target from a projectile propelled from a firearm comprising:

detecting an approaching projectile propelled from a firearm, wherein the projectile is detected by emitting an electromagnetic wave from a projectile detector and receiving the electromagnetic wave after the electromagnetic wave has been reflected back toward the projectile detector by the projectile;

continuously monitoring the projectile and transmitting an actual position of the projectile to a controller;

computing an estimated projectile trajectory based upon the actual position of the projectile;

determining an actual position of a target with a plurality of position sensors and a plurality of attitude sensors;

determining whether the estimated projectile trajectory coincides with the actual position of the target; and

triggering a plurality of muscle stimulators operably coupled to the controller and to the target when the estimated projectile trajectory coincides with the actual position of the target, wherein the muscle stimulators stimulate the target to move in a predefined manner, and wherein the target moves by an amount sufficient to avoid any contact with the approaching projectile.