Firearms management system

Abstract

A device, system, and associated methods for the management of firearms for locating, tracking, monitoring, indentifying discharge, and related management tasks are disclosed. In one embodiment, a firearm is disclosed having a processor adapted for storing information and receiving and acting upon command and a location monitor adapted to provide specific geographic location information. The processor and location monitor can be integrally formed in a single electronic device. The firearm also includes a connectivity port and a connectivity cable. The system can also include a monitoring station and a configuration computer. In at least one embodiment, a firearm utilizes a processor and a GPS monitor for locating, tracking, monitoring, indentifying discharge, and related management tasks.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A firearm for locating, tracking, monitoring, and/or indentifying discharge comprising:
 a processor;   a location monitor for providing specific geographic location information of the firearm;   a connectivity port for coupling the firearm to a computer; and   a power source powering said processor and location monitor;   wherein, said processor receives and transmits the provided location based information from said location monitor via said connectivity port.   
     
     
         2 . The firearm of  claim 1 , whereby, the firearm is located, tracked, monitored and/or identifies discharge. 
     
     
         3 . The firearm of  claim 1 , wherein said power source, said processor and said location monitor are integrally formed in a single electronic device. 
     
     
         4 . The firearm of  claim 1 , wherein said location monitor includes a GPS (global positioning satellite) system. 
     
     
         5 . The firearm of  claim 1 , wherein said processor, said location monitor, and said connectivity port are located within or on the firearm in a location whereby normal operation of the firearm is not impeded. 
     
     
         6 . The firearm of  claim 5 , wherein said processor and said location monitor are located near the serial number identification strip. 
     
     
         7 . The firearm of  claim 6 , wherein the firearm being a handgun and said processor and said location monitor are located near the serial number on or near a slide in the handgun, and said connectivity port is embedded within the handgrip base. 
     
     
         8 . The firearm of  claim 5 , wherein said processor and said location monitor, and said connectivity port are disposed within the firearm,
 whereby the locating, tracking, monitoring, and/or indentifying discharge capabilities of the firearm are unknown to the casual observer.   
     
     
         9 . The firearm of  claim 1 , wherein said connectivity port includes a cabled connection being a USB (universal serial bus) port. 
     
     
         10 . The firearm of  claim 1 , wherein said connectivity port includes a wireless port,
 whereby, the firearm can be wirelessly coupled to the computer.   
     
     
         11 . The firearm of  claim 1 , wherein the firearm is selected from the group consisting of: a handgun, a pistol, a revolver, a rifle, a shotgun, and a weapon that does not discharge ammunition. 
     
     
         12 . The firearm of  claim 1 , wherein the firearm is configured for communication through a public access network, a private access network, or combinations thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The firearm of  claim 1 , wherein the computer is a monitoring station of a firearm management system. 
     
     
         14 . A firearm management system for locating, tracking, monitoring, and/or indentifying discharge comprising:
 a firearm comprising:
 a processor; 
 a location monitor for providing specific geographic location information of the firearm; 
 a connectivity port for coupling the firearm to a computer; and 
 a power source powering said processor and location monitor; and 
   at least one monitoring station for communicating with the firearm via the connectivity port;   wherein, said processor receives and transmits the provided location based information from said location monitor via said connectivity port to said at least one monitoring station.   
     
     
         15 . The firearm management system of  claim 14 , whereby, the firearm is located, tracked, monitored and/or identifies discharge. 
     
     
         16 . The firearm management system of  claim 14 , wherein the firearm is utilized in triangulation based location techniques. 
     
     
         17 . The firearm management system of  claim 14  further comprising a configuration computer connectable to the firearm for conducting management tasks. 
     
     
         18 . The firearm management system of  claim 14  further including at least one connectivity cable to couple the firearm to the configuration computer. 
     
     
         19 . A method for the management of firearms comprising:
 providing a firearm comprising:
 a processor; 
 a location monitor for providing specific geographic location information of the firearm; 
 a connectivity port for coupling the firearm to a computer; and 
 a power source powering said processor and location monitor; and 
   receiving and transmitting location based information and navigation information wherein, said processor receives and transmits the provided location based information from said location monitor via said connectivity port;   whereby, the firearm is located, tracked, monitored and/or identifies discharge.   
     
     
         20 . The method for the management of firearms of  claim 19  wherein the firearm is utilized in triangulation based location techniques.