Magazine Ammunition Rounds Detection and Alert Module

Abstract

A module for detecting and notifying of the presence of ammunition in an ammunition magazine is provided, comprising a spring and a follower for containing and advancing ammunition within the magazine. A central processing unit with access to memory having executable instruction data thereon, at least one motion sensor for sensing motion of the firearm, an eccentric motor, a connector providing remote digital access to the processor, and a battery bay for accepting a battery, at least one sensor for detecting position of the spring or follower. An amount of ammunition is thereby discerned by the central processing unit based upon the position of the spring or follower.

1 . A module for detecting and notifying of the presence of ammunition in an ammunition magazine mounted in a firearm comprising:
 a spring and a follower for containing and advancing ammunition within the magazine;   a first magnet mounted to the follower and a second magnet mounted in an area of a stock of the firearm enabled to accept a magazine;   a first Hall sensor mounted in an area of the firearm enabling detection of the first magnet and a second Hall sensor mounted in an area of the firearm enabling detection of the second magnet;   wherein the second Hall sensor detects the second magnet on the magazine and sends signal data to a micro-controller unit (MCU) to power up and the first Hall sensor detects the first magnet on the follower and sends second signal data to the MCU which determines an amount of ammunition in the magazine based on a position in the magazine of the first magnet when detected.   
     
     
         2 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein detection of a safety switch connected to the MCU being switched to an off position wakes the system. 
     
     
         3 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the MCU is mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB) having a battery, the PCB mounted within the stalk of the firearm. 
     
     
         4 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein an accelerometer is mounted on the PCB enabled to detect shots fired from the firearm after the determination of amount of ammunition in the magazine and sends data to the MCU which counts down the amount of ammunition. 
     
     
         5 . The module of  claim 2 , wherein an eccentric motor is mounted on the PCB and vibrates in a pattern to alert a user of the firearm of an amount of ammunition or of a last shot of ammunition in the magazine. 
     
     
         6 . The module of  claim 5 , wherein the PCB is retained in a housing and is mounted on the firearm outside of the stock. 
     
     
         7 . The module of  claim 1 , wherein the Hall sensors send signal data to a controller on a smartphone which powers up an instance of software which determines an amount of ammunition in the magazine. 
     
     
         8 . The module of  claim 7 , wherein the software causes a display on the phone to at least communicate shots fired and an amount of ammunition remaining. 
     
     
         9 . The module of  claim 8 , wherein the smartphone vibrates a set amount of bursts signifying a same amount of ammunition in the magazine. 
     
     
         10 . The module of  claim 9 , wherein the smartphone utilizes audio and flashing lights to indicate an amount of ammunition in the magazine.