EP2345863B1 - Firearm with interface for firearm modules - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates generally to firearms and, more particularly, to a firearm that may be used with different replaceable modules, each allowing different modes of operation of the firearm.

Background of the invention

Also in firearms controllers in the form of hardware and software are becoming increasingly popular. An example of this are controls that prevent unauthorized use of firearms or allow their authorized use.

Firearms controls are conventionally designed to provide control functions and modes of operation established in weapon manufacture. However, the legal framework and the social expectations regarding the use of firearms are constantly changing. For example, changes to legal requirements to increase safety in the use of firearms (eg preventing the use of a firearm by unauthorized persons and / or in unauthorized areas) are provided again and again. Also, due to unauthorized use of weapons, possible crimes result in the general public's desire for higher security standards and levels for firearms. Furthermore, firearms from the police and military should provide more and more different functions and operating modes. In all cases, it has hitherto been necessary to appropriately modify the firearms, if at all possible, for example by mechanical, structural modification, replacement of hardware and / or software of the control. Even the replacement or modification of software is associated with high costs, because the usual example in conventional software applications simple software update in firearms for security reasons is not suitable.

State of the art

The WO 98/55817 A1 discloses a firearm with a firearm module, which is insertable into a receptacle (magazine shaft) which is formed in the grip of the handle of the firearm. Information can be exchanged between a control of the firearm and the firearm module via an interface in the interior of the receptacle in the grip.

The DE 101 36 287 A1 discloses a firearm with a device identifying the shooter, which forms a handle of the gun in the case of a firearm which does not have a magazine receptacle in the grip of its grip, or forms the grip back in the case of a firearm with a magazine receptacle.

The WO 02/08683 A1 discloses a firearm with a firearm module, which is also in a receptacle (magazine shaft), which is formed in the grip of the handle of the firearm used. Information can be exchanged between a control of the firearm and the firearm module via an interface in the interior of the receptacle in the grip.

The US 2006/0086032 A1 discloses a mechanical firearm having a receptacle for receiving information from the vicinity of the firearm during use, such as a camera, a microphone, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, and the like. Furthermore, a memory device (eg a FLASH memory card) is provided, which can be detachably connected to the firearm.

Object of the invention

The object of the present invention is to provide measures and means which make it possible to easily supplement and / or modify the functions and / or operating modes that can be provided by a firearm.

Summary of the invention

To achieve this object, the present invention provides a system according to the independent claim. Preferred embodiments are given in the dependent claims and the following description.

Brief description of the drawings

Fig. 1

eine schematische perspektivische Darstellung einer erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffe,

Fig. 2

eine schematische Explosionsdarstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffe von Fig. 1,

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffe von Fig. 1 mit abgenommener Abdeckung/Schusswaffenmodul,

Fig. 4

eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffe von Fig. 1 mit abgenommener Abdeckung/Schusswaffenmodul und betätigtem Magazinentriegelungshebel und teilweise entnommenen Magazin,

Fig. 5

eine schematische Darstellung der erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffe von Fig. 1 mit abgenommener Abdeckung/Schusswaffenmodul und ohne Magazin,

Fig. 6

eine schematische Darstellung einer Ausführungsform eines Schusswaffenmoduls,

Fig. 7

eine Abbildung einer erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffe mit teilweise abgezogener Abdeckung/Schusswaffenmodul,

Fig. 8

eine Abbildung der erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffe von Fig. 7 mit abgezogener Abdeckung/Schusswaffenmodul,

Fig. 9

eine Abbildung der Schusswaffenmodulschnittstelle der erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffe von Fig. 7 und einer Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffenmoduls, und

Fig. 10

eine Abbildung der erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffe von Fig. 7 mit Ausführungsformen eines erfindungsgemäßen Schusswaffenmoduls und einer Abdeckung für die Schusswaffenmodulschnittstelle.

In the following description, reference is made to the attached drawings, which show:

Fig. 1

a schematic perspective view of a firearm according to the invention,

Fig. 2

a schematic exploded view of the firearm according to the invention of Fig. 1 .

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of the firearm according to the invention of Fig. 1 with cover removed / firearms module,

Fig. 4

a schematic representation of the firearm according to the invention of Fig. 1 with removed cover / firearm module and actuated magazine release lever and partially removed magazine,

Fig. 5

a schematic representation of the firearm according to the invention of Fig. 1 with cover removed / firearms module and without magazine,

Fig. 6

a schematic representation of an embodiment of a firearm module,

Fig. 7

an illustration of a firearm with partially withdrawn cover / firearm module according to the invention,

Fig. 8

an illustration of the firearm according to the invention of Fig. 7 with cover removed / firearm module,

Fig. 9

an illustration of the firearm module interface of the firearm according to the invention of Fig. 7 and an embodiment of a firearm module according to the invention, and

Fig. 10

an illustration of the firearm according to the invention of Fig. 7 with embodiments of a firearm module according to the invention and a cover for the firearm module interface.

Description of preferred embodiments

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

As shown in the figures, a firearm 2 comprises a handle 4 with a removable and exchangeable handle back 6. If one decreases the handle back 6, one gains access to a hidden area through which, for example, the preferably replaceable power supply (not shown), eg in the form of battery (s) and / or accumulator (s), in order to exchange, charge, etc. Furthermore, different handle backs may be used, e.g. to use handles that are adapted to the respective user.

In the handle 8 of the handle 4, a removable magazine 10 is provided which can be unlocked by actuation of a Magazinentriegelungshebels 12 and from the magazine shaft (not labeled) can be removed; this is for example in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 illustrated.

Furthermore, the firearm 2 includes a trigger 14 and a trigger guard 16 and a closure 18 with rear sight 20 and grain 22. The closure 18 cooperates in a conventional manner with a closing spring 24, which in the assembled state via the barrel 26 of the firearm 2 guided forces can exert the closure 18. The barrel 26 is arranged together with a hammer 28 on a so-called sheet metal cage 30, the other, in particular metallic components of the firearm 2 carries or covers. The sheet-metal cage 30 can be inserted from above into the open-top grip 4, which completely may be constructed of plastic or plastic parts includes. In the region of the upper end of the handle 8, the sheet metal cage 30 reaches into the grip 4 so far that inside the handle 8 there is space for the arrangement of the magazine 10, the power supply and a firearm control (not shown).

Between the rear underside of the closure 18 and the handle back 6, an optical display 32 is arranged, which can specify one or more operating states of the firearm 2. The optical display 32 may comprise one or more LEDs and / or one or more LCD elements and / or other optical signals providing means. The optical display 32 can indicate, for example, whether the firearm 2 is unlocked or secured and / or - as explained in more detail below - is released for firing or not. Such operating conditions may be e.g. indicated by green (unlatched / released) and red light signals (saved / not enabled), between operating conditions by e.g. intermittent light signals (views) and permanent light signals can be distinguished.

For example, a red steady light signal may indicate that the firearm 2 is locked for use by an authorized person, and may indicate a green steady light signal that the firearm 2 is enabled for use by an authorized person so that a shot may be fired ,

Also, a red continuous light signal may indicate that the firearm 2 (mechanically) is secured so that an authorized person can not fire a shot, a red-looking light signal may indicate that the firearm 2 is indeed (mechanically) so unlocked that a Authorized person could not fire a shot, but a release of the firearm 2 is not present, may give a green-looking light signal that the firearm 2 is approved for use by an authorized person, but the firearm 2 is still (mechanically) secured, so that no firing is possible and may indicate a green steady light signal that the firearm 2 is (mechanically) released and released for use by an authorized person so that a shot may be fired.

Viewing light signals may also indicate erroneous operating conditions, such as a firearm module or interface cover improperly connected to the firearm 2, which are further described below.

In the area of the trigger 16, as seen in the direction of travel in front of the trigger 16, a firearm module / interface cover release 34 is disposed. The firearm module / interface cover release 34 may be e.g. be actuated against a spring bias surface, levers, pushers and the like. Actuation of the firearm module / interface cover release 34 actuates a member 36 which serves to secure a firearm module or interface cover to the firearm 2. The element 36 may be, for example, a latch, hook, nose, detent, etc. and cooperate with a correspondingly formed structures on a firearm module or an interface cover.

In the front area at the running below the barrel, an interface 38 is arranged, which is connected on the one hand with the control of the firearm 2 and on the other hand is provided for connection to a correspondingly executed interface of a firearm module. The interface 38 can be designed for electrical and / or optical and / or inductive and / or magnetic signal, data and / or information transmission between a firearm module and the control of the firearm 2. Data, signals, control commands, information etc. between the interface 38 and the control of the firearm 2 can be transmitted electrically and / or optically and / or inductively and / or magnetically; the same applies to transfers between the interface 38 and a firearm module. Any necessary conversion may be provided by the interface 38, for example, to convert firearm control electrical signals into optical signals for a firearm module, and vice versa; this also applies to any other different types of transmission.

The interface 38 may also be configured to supply energy of the power supply of the firearm 2 to a firearm module for its operation so far required; e.g. in the case of a firearm module having a passive component (e.g., memory comprising software) that does not require power to use it, for example by accessing it through the control of the firearm 2, no power transfer across the interface may be required. Preferably, however, the interface 38 may in principle be designed for energy transmission in order to be suitable for any firearm modules.

The interface 38 shown by way of example comprises four contacts, two contacts for information transmission and two contacts for energy transmission. In other embodiments, the interface 38 may include more or fewer contacts and / or be implemented as a bus interface. In the case of optical, inductive and / or magnetic transmission, the interface 38 may have corresponding inputs and outputs.

In the aforementioned front region of the grip 4, a guide 40 can be provided, by means of which a firearms module can be guided on the firearm for attachment there and / or can be held positively and / or non-positively on the firearm. Furthermore, there is arranged a closure fuse 42. The closure lock 42 ensures that the closure 18 can not be removed from the firearm 2. Im example in Fig. 3 shown unactuated state of the closure fuse 42, the closure 18, for example, for cleaning, etc. are removed from the firearm 2. It can also be provided that the unactuated state of the closure lock 42 allows the closure 18 to be moved backwards, for example when a shot is fired by the closing spring 24, and releases from the firearm 2. This may provide another backup of the firearm 2.

The latch 42 is actuated and secures the latch 18 when a firearm module or interface cover is attached to the firearm 2. This can be achieved, for example, by an operative connection of the closure lock 42 and a suitably designed structure on the firearm module or interface cover.

For example, shows Fig. 1 a gun attached to the firearm 2 firearm module 44 or an interface cover 46. In the representations of Fig. 1-5 For example, it is assumed that firearm modules 44 and interface cover 46 have the same shape. Opposite shows Fig. 10 a firearm module 44 and an interface cover 46 of different design.

The interface cover 46 serves to protect the interface 38 and to actuate the security lock 42. The latter to allow use of the firearm (in particular a firing) without firearms module 44. The interface cover 46, as well as any firearms module 44, is secured to the firearm 2 by means of the member 36, optionally in combination with the guide 40. Actuation of the firearm module / interface cover release 34 allows the interface cover 46 or firearm module 44 to be removed. This is for example in Fig. 3 illustrated.

Fig. 6 and 9 show embodiments of firearm modules 44. There are shown a firearm module housing 48 and electronics 50 housed therein and a firearm module interface 52. In contact with the firearm 2 arranged state the firearm module interface 52 and the interface 38 of the firearm 2. This enables communication between the firearm module 44 or its electronics and the control of the firearm 2.

The interface 52 shown by way of example comprises four contacts, two contacts for information transmission and two contacts for energy transmission. In other embodiments, the interface 52 may include more or fewer contacts and / or be implemented as a bus interface. In the case of optical, inductive and / or magnetic transmission, the interface 52 may have corresponding inputs and outputs.

• Eine Einrichtung (z.B. mit Elektronik (mit fest verdrahteter Logik und/oder Softwaresteuerung) und wenigstens einem Sensor) zur Positionsbestimmung der Schusswaffe (z.B. eine GPS-basierte Einrichtung und/oder eine Einrichtung zur Positionsbestimmung mittels in einem bestimmten Bereich (z.B. Schießstand) vorhandenen Referenzen (z.B. Sender) beispielsweise unter Verwendung von Laufzeitmessung),
• eine Einrichtung zur Erfassung von Fingerabdrücken mit beispielsweise in dem Schusswaffenmodul 44 angeordneter Elektronik (mit fest verdrahteter Logik und/oder Softwaresteuerung) und einem an der Außenseite des Schusswaffenmoduls 44 angeordneten und/oder dort zugänglichen Fingerabdrucksensor,
• eine Einrichtung zur Erfassung von DNS mit beispielsweise in dem Schusswaffenmodul 44 angeordneter Elektronik (mit fest verdrahteter Logik und/oder Softwaresteuerung) und einem an der Außenseite des Schusswaffenmoduls 44 angeordneten und/oder dort zugänglichen DNS-Sensor,
• eine Einrichtung zur Erfassung von Infrarot- und/oder anderen drahtlos übertragbaren optischen Signalen mit beispielsweise in dem Schusswaffenmodul 44 angeordneter Elektronik (mit fest verdrahteter Logik und/oder Softwaresteuerung) und einem oder mehreren an der Außenseite des Schusswaffenmoduls 44 angeordneten und/oder dort zugänglichen Sensoren,
• eine Einrichtung zur Erfassung von Bluetooth- und/oder anderen drahtlos übertragbaren Funksignalen mit beispielsweise in dem Schusswaffenmodul 44 angeordneter Elektronik (mit fest verdrahteter Logik und/oder Softwaresteuerung) und einem oder mehreren an der Außenseite des Schusswaffenmoduls 44 angeordneten und/oder dort zugänglichen und/oder in dem Schusswaffenmodul 44 angeordneten Empfängern,
• eine Einrichtung zur Erfassung von Sprachsignalen mit beispielsweise in dem Schusswaffenmodul 44 angeordneter Elektronik (mit fest verdrahteter Logik und/oder Softwaresteuerung) und wenigstens einem an der Außenseite des Schusswaffenmoduls 44 angeordneten und/oder dort zugänglichen Mikrophon,
• eine Einrichtung mit Steuerungshardware und/oder Software zur wenigstens teilweisen Steuerung der Schusswaffe 2 in Zusammenarbeit mit der Steuerung der Schusswaffe 2 oder um diese wenigstens zeitweise zu ersetzen.

For example, firearm modules 44 may include at least one of the following components:

• A device (eg with electronics (with hardwired logic and / or software control) and at least one sensor) for determining the position of the firearm (eg a GPS-based device and / or a device for position determination by means of references in a certain area (eg shooting range) (eg transmitter) using, for example, transit time measurement),
• a device for detecting fingerprints with, for example, electronics (with hardwired logic and / or software control) arranged in the firearm module 44 and a fingerprint sensor arranged on the outside of the firearm module 44 and / or accessible there,
• a device for detecting DNA with, for example, electronics (with hardwired logic and / or software control) arranged in the firearm module 44 and a DNA sensor arranged on the outside of the firearm module 44 and / or accessible there,
• a device for detecting infrared and / or other wirelessly transferable optical signals with electronics arranged in the firearm module 44 (with hard-wired logic and / or software control) and one or more sensors arranged on the outside of the firearm module 44 and / or accessible there .
• a device for detecting Bluetooth and / or other wirelessly transferable radio signals with, for example, electronics (with hard-wired logic and / or software control) arranged in the firearm module 44 and one or more on the outside the firearm module 44 arranged and / or accessible there and / or arranged in the firearm module 44 receivers,
• a device for detecting speech signals with, for example, electronics (with hardwired logic and / or software control) arranged in the firearm module 44 and at least one microphone arranged on the outside of the firearm module 44 and / or accessible there,
• a device with control hardware and / or software for at least partial control of the firearm 2 in cooperation with the control of the firearm 2 or to replace them at least temporarily.

Firearm modules 44, each comprising only one such device, and / or firearm modules 44 may be provided which comprise at least two such devices.

It is preferably provided that only certain firearm modules 44 can be used with the firearm 2. For this purpose, the permitted firearm module or modules 44 may have an identification which is provided, for example, in the state arranged on the firearm 2 via the interfaces 52 and 38 of the control of the firearm 2. The identifier may e.g. are present in an access-safe memory of the firearm modules 44, which can be read out by the control of the firearm 2.

Preferably, the control of the firearm 2 is associated with and / or integrated into a device (not shown) by means of which, for example, by means of a clock carried by a user of the firearm, signals (eg a transponder integrated in the clock) can be detected, that of the firearm indicate that the current user is authorized to use these firearms. When the firearm controller receives such an enable signal, it releases the firearm, i. the user can give a shot. This release can be signaled by the optical display 32, for example. If there is no such release signal, the firearm controller locks the firearm 2, i. no shot can be fired. The blocking can also be signaled by the optical display 32.

This lock / unlock function may be used or disabled in conjunction with the backup / disabling functions provided by firearm modules 44 described below and by any of the following be replaced by firearm modules 44 provided backup / lock or release functions. In the first case, the firearm 2 is disabled when the control of the firearm 2 or a firearm module 44 locks the firearm 2, and the firearm 2 is released when both the firearm control and the firearm module 44 release the firearm 2. In the second case, only the respective firearms module 44 is responsible for the blocking or release of the firearm 2.

In the case of a firearm module having means for determining position, the firearm 2 may be disabled if it is outside a predetermined range, e.g. outside a shooting range. When the firearm 2 is within the predetermined range (e.g., in the shooting range), the firearm 2 is released. Both are detected by the firearm module by means of position determination, wherein depending on the position of the firearm 2 generates a release signal for the control of the firearm 2 and transmitted via the interfaces 52 and 38 to this. Upon receiving the release signal, the firearm controller releases the firearm 2. If there is no release signal, the firearm will remain locked. It can also be provided, when positioning outside a predetermined range, to generate a blocking signal by means of the firearm module, upon receipt of which the firearm control blocks the firearm 2.

In the case of a firearm module having a means for detecting fingerprints, the firearm 2 may be disabled if it detects a fingerprint not associated with a person authorized to use firearms. If a fingerprint associated with a person authorized to use a firearm is detected, the firearm 2 is released. Both are detected by the firearm module by means of fingerprint detection, wherein in the case of the fingerprint of an authorized person generates an enable signal for the control of the firearm 2 and transmitted via the interfaces 52 and 38 thereto. Upon receiving the release signal, the firearm controller releases the firearm 2. If there is no release signal, the firearm will remain locked. It can also be provided to generate a blocking signal by means of the firearm module upon detection of a fingerprint of an unauthorized person, upon receipt of which the firearm control locks the firearm 2.

In the case of a firearm module having a means for detecting DNA, the firearm 2 may be disabled if it detects a DNA not assigned to a person authorized to use firearms. When a DNA associated with a person authorized to use a firearm is detected, the firearm becomes 2 Approved. Both are detected by the firearm module by means of DNA detection, wherein in the case of the DNA of an authorized person, an enable signal for the control of the firearm 2 is generated and transmitted via the interfaces 52 and 38 thereto. Upon receiving the release signal, the firearm controller releases the firearm 2. If there is no release signal, the firearm will remain locked. It can also be provided to generate a blocking signal by means of the firearm module upon detection of a DNA of an unauthorized person, upon receipt of which the firearm control blocks the firearm 2.

In the case of a firearm module having means for detecting infrared and / or other wirelessly transmissible optical signals, the firearm 2 may be disabled if it detects a signal indicating that the firearm 2 may be used. If no signal is detected indicating that the firearm 2 is allowed to be used, or a signal indicating that the firearm 2 is not allowed to be used is detected, the firearm 2 is released. In the case of a signal indicating that the firearm 2 is allowed to be used, a firing control 2 enable signal is generated and transmitted to it via the interfaces 52 and 38. Upon receiving the release signal, the firearm controller releases the firearm 2. If there is no release signal, the firearm will remain locked. It may also be contemplated, in the absence of a signal indicating that the firearm 2 may be used, or on a signal indicating that the firearm 2 may not be used, to generate a blocking signal by means of the firearm module upon receipt thereof the firearm control locks the firearm 2. A signal indicating that the firearm 2 may be used and / or a signal indicating that the firearm 2 may not be used may, e.g. be generated by a transmitter, which is arranged for example on / in a target, wherein - depending on the direction in which such a signal is expected - the firearms module 44 may have a correspondingly arranged sensor. By way of example, the firearm module 44 can have an IR sensor on its side pointing in the firing direction, which receives a signal from a IR transmitter arranged there, indicating that the firearm 2 may be used, if the firearm 2 is aligned with a target and / or a signal indicating that the firearm 2 must not be used

In the case of a firearm module 44 having means for detecting Bluetooth and / or other wireless transmissible wireless signals, the firearm 2 may be disabled if it detects signal indicating that the firearm 2 may be used. If no signal is detected indicating that the firearm 2 is allowed to be used, or a signal is detected indicating that the firearm 2 may not be used, the firearm 2 is released. In the case of a signal indicating that the firearm 2 is allowed to be used, a firing control 2 enable signal is generated and transmitted to it via the interfaces 52 and 38. Upon receiving the release signal, the firearm controller releases the firearm 2. If there is no release signal, the firearm will remain locked. It may also be provided, in the absence of a signal indicating that the firearm 2 is allowed to be used, or in the case of a signal indicating that the firearm 2 may not be used, to generate a blocking signal by means of the firearm module 44 Receive the firearms control the firearm 2 locks. A signal indicating that the firearm 2 may be used and / or a signal indicating that the firearm 2 may not be used may be generated by, for example, a cellular phone, computer, etc.

In the case of a firearm module 44 having means for detecting speech signals, the firearm 2 may be disabled if it detects a speech signal or speech indicating that the firearm 2 may be used. If no speech signal or speech is detected indicating that the firearm 2 is allowed to be used, or a speech signal or speech is detected indicating that the firearm 2 is not allowed to be used, the firearm 2 is released. In the case of a voice signal or voice indicating that the firearm 2 may be used, a firing control 2 enable signal is generated and transmitted to it via the interfaces 52 and 38. Upon receiving the release signal, the firearm controller releases the firearm 2. If there is no release signal, the firearm will remain locked. It may also be contemplated, in the absence of a voice signal or voice indicating that the firearm 2 may be used, or a voice signal or language indicating that the firearm 2 may not be used, to provide a blocking signal by means of the firearm module 44 upon receipt of which the firearms control locks the firearm 2. Such speech detection may also be integrated into the above-mentioned clock, with which enable signals (e.g., transponder signals) may be transmitted to the firearm controller,

Further, a firearm module 44 may include means with control hardware and / or software for at least partially controlling the firearm 2 in cooperation with, or at least temporarily replacing, the firearm 2 control. Such a firearm module 44 allows, for example, to provide functions and / or modes of the firearm 2 that are not provided or supported by their own firearm control. In this case, such a firearm module 44, the controller completely take over the firearm 2 or control it together with the integrated firearms control.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

2

firearm

4

grip

6

backstrap

8th

Handle

10

magazine

12

Magazinentriegelungshebel

14

deduction

16

trigger guard

18

shutter

20

backsight

22

grain

24

closing spring

26

run

28

hammer

30

sheet metal cage

32

optical display

34

Schusswaffenmodul- / Schnittstellenabdeckungsentriegelung

36

element

38

interface

40

guide

42

safety lock

44

Firearms module

46

Interface cover

48

Firearms module housing

50

electronics

52

Firearms module interface

Claims (5)

1. System with a firearm (2) and a firearm module (44), wherein

   - the firearm comprises

   - a handle (4),

   - a barrel (26),

   - a firearm control integrated in the firearm (2), and

   - an externally accessible interface (38) for detachable connection to a replaceable firearm module (44) and for transmission of information between the firearm control and the firearm module (44),

   - the firearm module (44) comprises

   - an interface (52) for releasable connection to the interface (38) of the firearm, which is configured for the transmission of information between the firearm control and the firearm module (44);

   wherein

   - the firearm module (44) comprises at least a release device, configured to detect whether a condition allowing the use of the firearm (2) is fulfilled, and, if so, to generate an enabling signal and transfer it via the interface of the firearm module (44) and the interface of the firearm (2) to the control of the firearm (2), and

   - the firearm control is configured, upon receipt of the enabling signals from the firearm module (44) to release the firearm for firing a shot,

   characterized in that
   the interface (38) is arranged in the front region at the end of the barrel below the barrel (26).
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the firearm controller is configured to detect signals indicating an authorization of a current user of the firearm (2) and to release the firearm (2) for firing a shot only upon receipt of such a signal.
3. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the firearm module (44) has an identifier indicating that the firearm module (44) may be used with the firearm (2), and the detection via the interface (52) of the firearm module (44) and of the interface (38) of the firearm (2) provides control of the firearm.
4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the firearm module (44) comprises at least one of the following release devices:

   - a device for determining the position of the firearm,

   - a device for fingerprint capture,

   - a device for detecting DNA,

   - a device for detecting infrared and / or other wirelessly transmissible optical signals,

   - a device for detecting Bluetooth and / or other wirelessly transferable radio signals,

   - a device for detecting speech signals.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein the release device of the firearm module (44) is adapted to generate the enabling signal when

   - the device for determining the position of the firearm determines that the firearm is within a predetermined range and / or

   - the device for fingerprint capture detects a fingerprint of a person authorized to use a firearm, and / or

   - the device for detecting DNA detects a DNA of a person authorized to use a firearm, and / or

   - the device for detecting infrared and / or other wirelessly transmissible optical signals dictates such a signal indicating that the firearm (2) may be used, and / or

   - the device for detecting Bluetooth and / or other wirelessly transferable radio signals dictates such a signal indicating that the firearm (2) may be used, and / or

   - the device for detecting speech signals detects a speech signal or speech indicating that the firearm (2) may be used.

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