Method and apparatus for detecting and identifying firearms

Abstract

A system for detecting the presence of firearms and identifying their unique status includes a radiofrequency identification chip supported within each firearm either by the manufacturer or by later retrofit. The RFID chip stores the unique serial number for the firearm, preferably in nonvolatile form. A reader for the chips may be used to transmit an interrogating signal from a distance which causes the chip to send a responsive signal including its serial number. The reader picks up the serial number and provides it to an associated computer. The serial number so obtained may be used with databases to maintain inventories of firearms or determine the history of firearms.

1 . A method of detecting firearms, comprising: 
 embedding a transponder unit encoded with a serial number for the firearm in the firearm; and    transmitting an interrogating radiofrequency signal from a reader which is received by the transponder and causes the transponder to trigger transmission of a responding signal for reception by the reader, including an identification of the serial number of the firearm.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1  wherein the transponder comprises an RFID unit.  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 2  where the RFID unit is a single chip.  
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1  further including transmitting the serial number of the firearm from the reader to a computer having access to a database relating to the firearm.  
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4  in which the database is located remotely from the computer and communication between the two is wireless.  
   
   
       6 . A system for detecting firearms comprising: 
 a plurality of firearms having RFID chips embedded within them, each RFID chip being encoded with the serial number of the associated firearm;    a reader for transmitting a radiofrequency interrogating signal which may be picked up by RFID chips within its transmission area and will trigger the RFID chips responding to a signal, including the serial number of the associated handgun for reception by the reader; and    a computer operative to receive the serial numbers received by the reader and to generate an output signal.    
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 6  in which the RFID chips are digital and passive, using the energy in the interrogating signal to generate a responding signal.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the RFID chips are active, employing a battery to power the chip.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 6  wherein the RFID chip is supported in a cavity formed in the hand stock of the firearm.  
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9  wherein the RFID chip is supported within the cavity on a base of a radiofrequency absorbing material.  
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the radiofrequency absorbing material is an elastomer.  
   
   
       12 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the RFID chip is formed on a polyester film with an imprinted antenna embedded with a silicon chip.  
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 10  wherein the RFID chip is formed on polyester film with an etched antenna embedded with a silicon chip.  
   
   
       14 . A firearm for use with a firearm detection and identification system, comprising: 
 a cavity formed on the surface of the firearm; and    an RFID chip supported within the cavity, the RFID chip being encoded with the serial number of the firearm;    whereby an RFID chip reader can determine the presence and serial number of the firearm bearing the chip remotely.    
   
   
       15 . The firearm of  claim 14  further including an RF absorbing elastomer base separating the chip from the cavity.  
   
   
       16 . The firearm of  claim 15  wherein the RFID chip is formed on a polyester film with a printed antenna embedded with a silicon chip.