EP1570227A1

EP1570227A1 - Safety device and method for weapons and cartridges

Info

Publication number: EP1570227A1
Application number: EP03750539A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Herbert c/o SimonsVoss Technologies AG MEYERLE
Original assignee: Armatix GmbH
Current assignee: Armatix GmbH
Priority date: 2002-12-11
Filing date: 2003-09-12
Publication date: 2005-09-07
Also published as: DE10257901A1; US7770316B2; AU2003270189A1; US20060117632A1; DE10257901B4; WO2004053422A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for firing a cartridge (3) for weapons and to a method and a device for safeguarding the firing of a cartridge for weapons. The invention provides a cartridge that comprises a safety mechanism. In another preferred embodiment, the weapon reads an identification from the cartridge and uses said identification, together with additional data to calculate a cartridge password. The latter is transmitted to the cartridge, which then decides whether or not to fire. The invention therefore provides devices and methods, which safeguard the weapon against inadvertent and/or unauthorised use. In addition, the inventive device and method also safeguard the cartridge against inadvertent, improper and/or unauthorised firing. Biometric data of the operator, such as a fingerprint, can also be used in the calculation of the cartridge password.

Description

Safety device and method for firearms and cartridges

The invention relates to a method and a device for firing a cartridge for firearms and a method and a device for securing the firing of a cartridge for firearms.

Today's systems or methods for firing cartridges for firearms or for securing firearms can basically be classified into different categories.

On the one hand, firearms can be secured by external mechanisms and devices. These can, for example, be arranged so that they can be locked on the trigger of the weapon or in the cartridge chamber, so that the trigger is not pulled off or a cartridge is inserted. Firearms are also kept for safekeeping in special weapon cabinets etc. Such measures are usually used to protect against unauthorized use of the weapon (s).

On the other hand, firearms can be secured by integrated mechanical security mechanisms. As a rule, a mechanical mechanism prevents a shot from being released by hindering a relevant movement sequence in the weapon or in the weapon lock. For example, the trigger can be prevented from being pulled through by a lock, which prevents the firing pin from being tensioned or released and thus prevents a shot from being fired. The firing pin itself can also be locked in its, preferably untensioned, position, so that the firing pin cannot strike the primer of a cartridge. Another possibility is to place a lock between the firing pin and the cartridge so that the firing pin cannot come into contact with the cartridge or the primer. The ones just described Securing mechanisms are particularly suitable for preventing accidental or unintentional firing of a shot, but can also be used to prevent unauthorized use.

Firearms can also be electronically secured. This can be done on the one hand by electronically actuating a mechanical lock, as described above, or on the other hand, in the case of electronically firing weapons, by blocking or interrupting the ignition circuit. The common feature of electronic security is that it can incorporate additional security measures that can prevent not only the accidental release of a shot, but also the unauthorized use of a weapon.

US Pat. No. 5,461,812 describes a method by which a weapon can only be brought from a secured to a ready-to-use state by means of a confirmed registered signal. The trigger is only activated if the correct identification signal has been transmitted. For this purpose, the system has microcircuits which are integrated in the handle of the weapon, and a ring which has a transponder and is worn by the user on the hand used as a shooting hand. If the weapon is now picked up by the user, a switch arranged on the handle of the weapon switches on a transmitter which communicates with the transponder arranged in the finger ring. If the exchanged data match the expected data, the weapon is fired.

DE 37 17 149 describes a detonator ignition element which is designed as part of an integrated electronic circuit. Here, an explosive or a pyrotechnic compound is exposed to the effect of the energy released by the device. The device can be formed by a resistance device, by a semiconductor device or by a field effect device. The integrated circuit includes timer, test, control, communication, and lockout circuits to form a standalone or computer controlled blasting system.

WO 01/79777 describes an electronic security device for a firearm and associated electronically coded ammunition. In order to secure weapons against unauthorized use, the triggering device is switched in such a way that it is only released when an electronic circuit of the weapon is to be worn by the user and when the trigger is pulled requested transponder sends back a valid license code. Furthermore, an electronically ignitable ammunition and a suitable design of the weapon are proposed, the weapon containing a real-time clock so that the time and date of each activation of the weapon can be stored. The ammunition also contains a code to be identified, the type of ammunition, which can be read by the weapon via a contact arrangement. This can, for example, prevent the weapon from being fired with unsuitable ammunition, which could result in a dangerous barrel widening, for example.

The embodiments known in the prior art for securing firearms have various disadvantages. Most systems only prevent an unintentional release of a shot. The known systems can also only provide limited resistance to unauthorized use of the weapon, since the locking or deactivation mechanisms can be bypassed or overridden. The known systems also have the disadvantage that they cannot prevent the use of the ammunition. This can, for example, continue to be used or fired by unauthorized persons, for example with a weapon that is not secured or cannot be secured. There is also the risk of the cartridge being ignited by external influences, for example by the action of force or by exposure to mechanical or electrical energy, which can, for example, happen accidentally.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a method and a device which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art. Another or alternative object of the invention is to provide a method and a device with which or with which a cartridge for firearms can be detonated or which enables such a cartridge to be detonated safely. Another or alternative object of the invention is to provide a cartridge for firearms that can only be fired in an associated weapon and / or by an authorized user. Further objects of the invention are to overcome further disadvantages of the prior art.

This object (s) are achieved with the features of the claims. The invention is based on the basic idea of providing a cartridge having a securing mechanism. Another basic idea one The preferred embodiment according to the invention is that the weapon reads a, preferably individual, identifier from the cartridge and calculates this together with further data to form a cartridge password. This cartridge password is sent to the cartridge. The cartridge itself decides whether to fire or not.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the cartridge has an energy barrier which prevents the supply of energy for igniting the cartridge. This energy barrier can only be released by transmitting an enable signal. This release signal is preferably transmitted in the form of a password.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, the cartridge has at least one memory in which the identifier and the cartridge password are stored. In this case, the storage is preferably carried out in such a way that the identifier can be read out, whereas the cartridge password itself cannot be read out and is used by the cartridge only for comparison with the received password. To use the cartridge, the identifier is read out and offset using an algorithm for the cartridge password. This cartridge password is transmitted to the cartridge and compared by it with the saved cartridge password. If the stored and the transmitted cartridge password match, the cartridge can be ignited, allowed or triggered. The pairing of password and cartridge password in the cartridge can be generated according to a preferred embodiment with any algorithm and password and can be individual for each cartridge. The setting can be made by the manufacturer, the dealer, etc. Subsequent changes are also possible, provided that the correct password has been transmitted to the cartridge.

The cartridge itself can be kept very simple since it does not have to calculate the algorithm. It only compares the transmitted cartridge password with the saved one.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, the cartridge contains or receives an additional identifier of the buyer, so that it can only be used by the buyer. In a further embodiment according to the invention, the cartridge enables a function check. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the device for securing the ignition of the cartridge is arranged in the primer. This has the advantage, among other things, that the cartridge itself does not have to be changed or can be produced by the known methods, while only the structure of the primer has to be adapted.

A device according to the invention for firing a cartridge for firearms, which is arranged in the cartridge, furthermore preferably has an interface which corresponds to a corresponding interface of the weapon. Data can be exchanged between the cartridge and the weapon via this interface. Furthermore, the device preferably has an identifier memory in which the identifier required for calculating the cartridge password is stored. In a further preferred embodiment, further data relating to the cartridge and / or the buyer are stored in the identification memory.

The device preferably also has a password control device in which the cartridge password is stored. The cartridge password is preferably stored securely against manipulation and reading. The password control device compares the cartridge password transmitted by the weapon with the stored one. If the transmitted and stored password match, the cartridge is ignited.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, the device has an energy barrier device or energy barrier which prevents the energy supplied to the cartridge from igniting it. In a preferred embodiment, the energy barrier is designed to be secure against manipulation by large electrical energies such as high voltage, high frequency, etc. The impediment to the flow of energy through the energy barrier device is preferably removed by successful cartridge password transmission and verification.

The device in the cartridge is preferably also protected against attacks by electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal energies and / or radiation. This is preferably done by a certain measure of at least one of these energies causing a preferably permanent destruction of the ability to ignite the cartridge. In a further embodiment according to the invention, the device also has an ignition converter which effects the conversion of electrical energy to release the, preferably chemically, stored energy of an ignition charge of the cartridge. Such a reaction is preferably carried out thermally, electrochemically, by radiation or by further principles or processes known in the prior art. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ignition converter triggers a pre-ignition charge, which in turn ignites the actual ignition charge.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the energy barrier device is connected upstream of the ignition converter, so that the energy transmitted for ignition can only reach the ignition converter via the energy barrier device. The energy barrier device is preferably designed as a combination of fuse elements, short-circuit elements, high-voltage switches, surge arresters or capacitors. In a preferred embodiment, the energy barrier device, if enabled, only allows energy to pass in the form of radio frequency.

In a preferred embodiment, the energy barrier is released by the password control device, preferably after a successful comparison of the transmitted and the stored cartridge password. In a further preferred embodiment, the ignition converter can be deactivated, for example by destruction.

Another device according to the invention for firing a cartridge for firearms is arranged in the weapon. Such a device according to the invention preferably has a cartridge interface or a cartridge interface for communication with the cartridge. Cartridge data can preferably be read out via the cartridge interface, data can be transmitted to the cartridge, and the ignition energy can be transferred to the cartridge. The cartridge interface is preferably designed as a serial electronic interface. The device also preferably has a controller for central sequence control, for coordinating all modules and / or for monitoring the operating states.

Furthermore, the device preferably has a crypto controller which calculates the cartridge password on the basis of the cartridge identifier. Are additional data, such as user-specific data, used to calculate the cartridge password If a password, at least one authorization profile, user data and / or cartridge data is required, these are included in the calculation. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the crypto controller preferably stores sensitive data, such as, for example, a secret, user-specific password, securely against any reading and manipulation. In a further preferred embodiment, the crypto controller monitors time and other restrictions on the use of weapons.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the device also has a trigger sensor which determines when the shot is to be fired. The trigger sensor preferably transmits the corresponding data to the controller. Furthermore, the device according to the invention preferably has an ignition pulse generator which processes electrical ignition energy and makes it available for igniting the cartridge.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, the device preferably has a data interface, an authentication interface and / or a data memory. The data interface preferably reads in data on the ammunition, reads in data on the weapon user and / or reads out the weapon data. The transmission or data exchange is preferably wireless, via memory cards and / or via chip cards. The authentication interface is used to authenticate the weapon user. Authentication is preferably carried out using a transponder, biometrics, tip code, remote query or the like. The data memory is preferably used for storing cartridge data, logging all weapon activities and / or logging operating data. The data is preferably stored in encrypted form. The data store preferably records weapon activities, such as, for example, authentications or attempts to authenticate, activities of the data interface and / or firing shots. The operating data taken into account or recorded preferably includes battery status, loads such as mechanical shocks, extreme temperatures and / or maintenance, etc.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, a device according to the invention enables protection against inadvertent or unintentional release of a shot. The activation of the cartridge and / or the transmission of the cartridge password can depend on the position of a mechanical safety lever or the like. In further preferred embodiments of devices according to the invention, time-dependent backup is also possible. Such additional security allows the weapon and / or cartridge to be used only at a specific point in time, for a specific period of time and / or in a specific period of time.

The invention further provides a method corresponding to the functions and functional relationships of the described inventive devices.

The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

Show it:

1 shows a functional diagram of embodiments according to the invention, FIG. 1a showing a preferred embodiment of a device arranged in a weapon and FIG. 1b showing a preferred embodiment of a device arranged in a cartridge;

2 shows an exemplary arrangement of two devices according to the invention in a weapon and in relation to one another; and

Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of a detail of a cartridge for firearms, in which a device according to the invention is arranged.

FIG. 1 a shows a functional diagram of a preferred embodiment of a device 1 arranged in a weapon according to the invention. The device according to the invention shown has a cartridge interface 2 for communication with the cartridge 3 or with a device 11 arranged in the cartridge, preferably as a serial electronic interface is trained. Cartridge data are preferably read out by means of the cartridge interface 2, data are sent to the cartridge 3 and / or the ignition energy is transferred to the cartridge 3. This ignition energy, which is preferably in the form of electrical energy, is processed by the ignition pulse generator 4. The cartridge interface 2 preferably further exchanges data with the controller 5. The controller 5 is preferably used for the central sequence control and for the coordination of all modules or devices and for monitoring the operating states. The cartridge interface 2 continues to transmit the one received by the cartridge Cartridge identification to the crypto controller 6, which calculates the cartridge password based on the cartridge identification. Depending on the embodiment of the device according to the invention and / or on the structure of the algorithm used to calculate the cartridge password, the cartridge password is additionally calculated on the basis of a user-specific password, at least one authorization profile, user data, position or location data, weapon data and / or cartridge data. For this purpose, the crypto controller 6 receives and / or stores further data which are transmitted to it, for example, via at least one data interface 7 or at least one authentication interface 8. Furthermore, the crypto controller 6 preferably stores a user-specific password and other sensitive data. The storage is preferably carried out securely against any reading and manipulation. Furthermore, the crypto controller 6 preferably monitors time and other restrictions on the use of weapons.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the device has a GPS system or can be connected to it, the location or position data is recorded and transmitted to the cryto controller 6 and / or the controller 5.

The crypto controller 6 is preferably designed such that it has a high security against manipulation or a high security against unauthorized reading of data. Here, the security-relevant data, such as the algorithm, are preferably protected against unauthorized reading and manipulation. Chips, such as those used on smart cards, are preferably used for this purpose.

The authentication interface 8 is preferably used to carry out the authentication of the user. Such authentication is preferably carried out by means of a transponder which the user has or which is arranged on the user. In a further preferred embodiment, the authentication is carried out by checking the biometric data of the user, for example by means of biometric sensors or the like. For example, a fingerprint or the like can be used for authentication by means of biometric data. Identification is also preferably carried out using voice control and the like. Entering a code or tip code or remote access offers further authentication options. The data recorded by the authentication interface 8 are sent to the crypto Controller 6 transmits, which compares this with stored data and / or uses this to calculate the cartridge password.

Further data can be read into the device via the data interface 7. Data can be read in wirelessly, via memory cards, via chip cards and / or via sensors or the like. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the data are read in via the data interface by means of a combination of the mentioned and / or further paths. The data interface 7 is preferably used to read in data on the ammunition, the weapon user and the weapon. The read data are transmitted to the crypto controller 6 and / or the controller 5. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the data interface 7 also serves to read out data from the device.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, the crypto controller (6) is designed such that at least part of the crypto controller (6) is assigned to at least one user and / or that at least part of the crypto controller (6) is assigned to the ammunition and / or that at least part of the crypto controller (6) is assigned to the weapon. The corresponding parts are designed such that they are related to each other. For example, a user is assigned to certain weapon types. This user is therefore prevented from using other weapons or weapon types.

In preferred embodiments, the described parts are designed as a representable, in a preferred embodiment interchangeable, part of the crypto controller (6), for example as a chip, or in the form of a stored assignment that can be transmitted by means of data or password transmission or the like. done, executed.

Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment, the device has a trigger sensor 9 which determines, depending on the actuation of the trigger, when a shot is to be fired. The trigger sensor 9 transmits the corresponding data to the controller 5, which in turn causes the ignition energy processed by the ignition pulse generator 2 to be transmitted to the cartridge 3 via the cartridge interface 2. If the cartridge password has been correctly determined, the cartridge 3 permits ignition so that a shot is fired. Furthermore, the device has a data memory 10 which stores cartridge data, operating data and / or weapon activities and preferably their relationships to one another. In the embodiment shown, the data is preferably stored via the controller 5. The data can furthermore preferably be read out via this via the data interface 7.

1b shows a preferred embodiment according to the invention of a device 11 arranged in a cartridge 3. The device 11 initially has an interface or an interface 12 which, with the weapon, preferably with an interface or a cartridge interface 2, has a corresponding one in the Gun arranged device 1 communicates. The interface 12 reads out the cartridge identification, which is preferably stored in a recognition memory 13, and transmits it to the weapon or the device 1 arranged in the weapon, here via the cartridge interface 2. Furthermore, the interface 12 receives that from the weapon or that in the weapon Arranged device 1 calculated cartridge password and transmits this to a password control device or password control 14. In the password control 14, the cartridge password is stored securely against manipulation and reading. The password control 14 compares the received password with the stored cartridge password. If the passwords match, the password control 14 releases an energy barrier 15 so that this allows ignition energy to reach the ignition converter 16. If the stored cartridge password does not match the one received, the password control 14 does not release the energy barrier 15, so that ignition of the ignition converter 16 is prevented.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the energy barrier 15 is arranged directly in front of the ignition converter. In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, the energy barrier 16 is integrated into the interface in such a way that in the blocked state it allows the data and the energy required for the data exchange to pass through, but not the energy required for the ignition.

If the device receives an ignition energy or an ignition pulse via the interface 12, it only reaches the ignition converter 16 via the energy barrier 15. The energy barrier 15 only allows the ignition energy to reach the ignition converter 16, provided that it has been activated by the password control 14 , The energy barrier 15 is preferably made of a combination of fuse elements, short-circuit elements, high-voltage switches,

Surge arrester and / or capacities trained. In a preferred one Embodiment according to the invention, the energy can only pass the energy barrier 15 in the form of high frequency.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the energy barrier (15) inhibits or redirects electrical energy introduced in such a way that no unauthorized ignition is possible. The energy barrier preferably has at least one element for burning through against manipulatively introduced energy, which element inhibits or interrupts the current flow due to manipulatively introduced energy. In a further preferred embodiment, the energy barrier is designed in such a way that it guides manipulatively introduced energy past the ignition converter. Furthermore, the energy barrier is preferably designed in such a way that it permanently deactivates the ignition converter due to manipulatively introduced energy.

If the energy barrier 15 is released, an ignition energy or an ignition pulse can reach the ignition converter 16. This converts the ignition energy or the ignition pulse so that the stored energy of an ignition charge is released. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the ignition energy is electrical and the storage energy of the primer charge is preferably chemical. The ignition energy is preferably converted thermally, electrochemically or by radiation.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the ability to ignite the cartridge is permanently destroyed, preferably when appropriate circumstances occur. This can be, for example, the effect of violence, attacks with mechanical, electrical, chemical and thermal means, manipulation or ignition attempts using electrical energy and / or the like.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, permanent destruction of the ability to ignite the cartridge is preferably achieved in that the support plate for electronics and ignition device is arranged in such a way that it cannot / cannot be removed without destroying the primer or its own destruction, and that only the contact is accessible to the outside and the electronic components are protected on the inside. The primer is also preferably connected to the cartridge so that it cannot be removed and replaced as a whole. In a further preferred embodiment, the identification memory 13 contains further data on the cartridge, such as, for example, the date of manufacture, the type of primer charge, the projectile, the caliber, etc.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, a device arranged in the weapon according to FIG. 1a and a device arranged in the cartridge according to FIG. 1b communicate. The two devices preferably communicate via cartridge interface 2 and interface 12.

FIG. 2 shows a device according to the invention consisting of a device 1 according to the invention arranged in the weapon and a device 11 according to the invention arranged in the cartridge. FIG. 2 shows a firearm 17 designed as a revolver, in which a cartridge 3 is arranged ready to fire. The cartridge 3 has a device 11 according to the invention. Furthermore, the weapon 17 has a device 1 according to the invention with an authentication interface 8, crypto controller 6, controller 5, etc. As already described, the device 1 receives a cartridge identification stored in the identification memory 13 of the cartridge 3 and calculates this in the crypto controller 6 for the cartridge password. To carry out the calculation or to correctly calculate the cartridge password, user-specific are furthermore provided in the preferred embodiment according to the invention

Authentication data and / or authorization profiles required. In a preferred embodiment, this data flows into the algorithm. In this case, the cartridge 3 can only be used by a predetermined user or by a predetermined user group, who is identified on the basis of certain features or data. In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, these data are required for executing the algorithm, ie they serve as an additional security or authorization requirement. The cartridge password is therefore only calculated if the legitimate user has been authenticated or the cartridge password is only calculated correctly if the required authentication data has been received. The user is preferably authenticated via the authentication interface 8, which is designed as a transponder interface and / or biometric sensor etc. In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the device 1 is designed such that it requires a plurality of user data for authentication or can use alternative authentication data. The authentication interface 8 furthermore consists in a preferred embodiment according to the invention of several different authentication interfaces.

If the cartridge identification was read out by the device 1 arranged in the weapon, the user was authenticated via the authentication interface 8 and / or necessary data was received via the data interface 7 and the cartridge password was calculated and transmitted to the cartridge or device 11, a shot can be released , The activation of the cartridge 3 or the energy barrier 15 by transmission of the correct cartridge password takes place in preferred embodiments before or with actuation of the trigger or transmission of the ignition energy or the energy pulse.

In a preferred embodiment of the device 1 arranged in the weapon or the device 11 arranged in the cartridge 3, the crypto controller 6 or the algorithm running therein and / or the controller 5 or its sequence control can be changed or reprogrammed become. Such changes are preferably carried out via the data interface 7 after the identification or authentication of the legitimate user via the authentication point 8. In a further embodiment according to the invention, the crypto controller 6 or a part thereof can be exchanged or exchanged, similar to a SIM card in a cell phone.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention, the cartridge password can be changed or adapted to a new algorithm or the like. For this purpose, the password can be reprogrammed using an appropriate reading and transmission device. The prerequisite for this is, however, that the original cartridge password is correctly transmitted.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, the cartridge receives a buyer's identification when it is purchased, which is stored in the identification memory 13 and is transmitted to the weapon 17 together with the cartridge identification. The buyer identification can preferably be stored via the controller 5 with the data already described in the data memory 10 of the weapon.

In a further embodiment according to the invention, the cartridge can only be used in certain weapon types due to special entries in the cartridge identification. Thus, for example, automatic weapons can be excluded. 3 shows a preferred embodiment according to the invention for arrangement in the cartridge 3. In this preferred embodiment, the device 11 is designed as a primer or is integrated into it. 3 shows a preferred embodiment according to the invention of a device 11 designed as a primer, which has a carrier 18, a contact 19 and a chip or microchip 20. The carrier 18 is arranged on the bottom of a cartridge 15 such that it closes an opening formed in the bottom of the cartridge 3. A contact 19 is arranged on the outward-facing side of the carrier 18. The contact 19 is part of the interface 12. A microchip 20, which has further elements or devices of the device 11, is arranged on the side of the carrier device 18 that points inside the cartridge 3. The carrier device preferably contains further elements, such as fuses and surge arresters. If the correct cartridge password and an ignition pulse are transmitted to the device 11, the ignition converter 16 ignites a pre-ignition charge 21, which in turn ignites an ignition charge 22.

The functions and functional relationships described above in connection with the description of the devices according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of a method according to the invention.

In a preferred embodiment of a method according to the invention, a secured cartridge is unlocked by transmitting a cartridge password to the cartridge. In a further preferred embodiment, the cartridge password is calculated on the basis of an identifier that can be read from the cartridge. In further preferred embodiments, the cartridge is unlocked by releasing an energy barrier, this release taking place only with or after transmission of the correct cartridge password.

The invention thus provides devices and methods with which the weapon is secured against accidental and / or unauthorized use. Furthermore, the device and method according to the present invention not only allow the weapon to be secured, but also the cartridge to be secured against accidental, improper and / or unauthorized firing. The arrangement of the device in the primer also enables simple development and manufacture and simple installation in existing cartridges or known cartridge designs, since the cartridge itself does not need to be changed.

By means of a device according to the invention or a method according to the invention, the possibilities of attack for manipulation are extremely small and are shifted to an area where manipulation is very difficult and even if this would lead to success, this can only be used for a single shot. The part of the security mechanism located in the weapon is preferably designed in the form of a cryptocontroller, which can nevertheless be manufactured very economically with a high level of security against manipulation. Chips, such as those used for example on smart cards, can preferably be used here. The method further ensures that neither the replacement of the cryptocontroller nor its bypassing enable unauthorized use of the weapon. Furthermore, the circuit complexity in the cartridge is kept very low by a device according to the invention or a method according to the invention, since there is no need for computationally complex cryptography.

Further advantages of the invention lie in overcoming the disadvantages of the prior art

Technology and result from the discussion above.

Claims

Patent claims

1. Device for firing a cartridge for firearms, the device (11) being arranged in the cartridge (3), and

an interface (12) for communication with a device (1) arranged outside the cartridge,

a control device (14) and

has a safety device which can be activated by a signal transmitted by the control device (14).

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein the safety device is designed as an energy barrier (15).

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the device has an ignition converter (16).

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein the ignition converter (16) causes ignition of the cartridge (3) in dependence on an ignition energy supplied via the interface (12).

5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ignition energy depending on the activation of the safety device or energy barrier (15) is conducted to the ignition converter (16).

6. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the safety device or energy barrier (15) inhibits the ignition energy, interrupts and / or bypasses the ignition converter (16).

7. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the ignition converter (16) can be permanently deactivated with a corresponding external action.

8. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device has a memory (13).

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein the stored data can be read at least partially from the memory (13).

10. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (14) compares stored and received data.

11. The device according to claim 10, wherein the control device (14) only enables the backup if the stored and received data match and thus enables ignition.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 or 11, wherein at least the data used for comparison can not be read from the memory without authorization.

13. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device has at least one chip or microchip (20).

14. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is designed as a primer or is integrated into such.

15. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is protected against attacks by electrical, mechanical, chemical, thermal energies and / or radiation.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein such attacks permanently destroy the ability to fire the cartridge.

17. Device for releasing a cartridge for firearms, the device being arranged in the weapon (17), and

an operating device (6) that calculates the safety data, and

has a cartridge interface (2) for communicating with a cartridge (3) and for transmitting the unlocking data.

18. The device according to claim 17, wherein the device has at least one data interface (7) and / or at least one authentication interface (8).

19. The apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein the device comprises a controller (5).

20 Apparatus according to claim 17-19, wherein the operation device (6) is designed such that at least part of the operation device (6) of the weapon and / or at least part of the operation device (6)

Ammunition and / or at least part of the operating device (6) is assigned to a user.

21. Device according to one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the device has a trigger sensor (9).

22. Device according to one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the device has a data memory (10).

23. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the device comprises an ignition pulse generator (4).

24. Device according to one of claims 17 to 23, wherein the authentication interface (8) is designed as a transponder interface and / or as a biometric sensor.

25. The device according to any one of claims 17 to 24, wherein the operation device (6) and / or the data memory (10) is designed in this way are that data can be stored and / or edited securely against unauthorized reading and manipulation.

26. Device for securing the release of a shot of a firearm, comprising at least one device according to one of claims 1 to 16 and at least one device according to one of claims 17 to 25.

27. Ammunition for firearms, characterized in that the ammunition has a safety device which can be unlocked by transmitting predetermined data.

28. Ammunition for firearms according to claim 27, comprising a device according to one of claims 1 to 16.

29. A method for securing cartridges for firearms, the cartridge being releasable by transmitting data.

30. A method for securing cartridges for firearms, comprising the following steps:

Reading a cartridge ID,

Determining a cartridge password based on the cartridge identification and, transmitting the cartridge password to the cartridge,

the cartridge only permits ignition if the correct password has been determined.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein user, weapon, and / or environmental data are required to perform the determination of the cartridge password and / or for the correct determination of the cartridge password.