ShotSpotter Patents
ShotSpotter, Inc., possesses several patents that are the result of nearly two decades of innovation in the area of acoustic gunshot location technology. ShotSpotter GLS technology is protected by the patents listed below and other domestic and foreign patents pending. Contact us for more information.
- 5,504,717: System for effective control of urban environment security
- 5,703,835: System for effective control of urban environment security
- 5,973,998: Automatic real-time gunshot locator and display system
- 6,847,587: System and method for identifying and locating an acoustic event
- 6,965,541: Gun shot digital imaging system
- 7,139,222: System and method for protecting the location of an acoustic event detector
- 7,266,045: Gunshot detection sensor with display
- 7,411,865: System and method for archiving data from a sensor array
- 7,420,878: System and method for precision acoustic event detection
- 7,474,589: Acoustic location of gunshots using combined angle of arrival and time of arrival measurements
- 7,532,542: System and method for improving the efficiency of an acoustic sensor
- 7,586,812: Systems and methods of identifying/locating weapon fire including return fire, targeting, laser sighting, and/or guided weapon features
- 7,599,252: Acoustic location of gunshots using combined angle of arrival and time of arrival measurements
- 7,602,329: Systems and methods of tracking and/or avoiding harm to certain devices or humans
5,504,717: System for effective control of urban environment security |
| Application Number: |
08/250743 |
| Publication Date: |
04/02/1996 |
| Filing Date: |
05/27/1994 |
| Abstract: |
A security system for detecting and reporting gunshot events for control of urban environment security which includes a communication link coupled to a plurality of pole units arranged in a dense grid. Each of the plurality of pole units includes a microphone, a data acquisition unit coupled to said microphone, a signal processor for discriminating gunshot events, and a communication interface apparatus coupled at an input to the signal processor. The communication interface also has an output coupled to the communication link, where the communication interface transmits and receives data on the communication link. A central processor is coupled to the communication link so as to receive data from and transmit data to the plurality of pole units. The central processor and the plurality of pole units operate so as to detect and locate gunshot events sensed by one or more of the plurality of pole units. |
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5,703,835: System for effective control of urban environment security |
| Application Number: |
08/627323 |
| Publication Date: |
12/30/1997 |
| Filing Date: |
4/1/1996 |
| Abstract: |
A security system for detecting a gunshot event. A communication link, and a number of pole units are arranged in a dense grid. Each one of the pole units includes a microphone and a signal conditioning and thresholding unit coupled to the microphone. The signal conditioning and thresholding unit outputs a detection signal in response to an event when an output signal from the microphone exceeds a peak background average. A data acquisition and signal processing unit is coupled to the signal conditioning and thresholding unit for discriminating gunshot events. The data acquisition and signal processing unit remains in a powered down stand-by mode so as to conserve energy until a detection signal is received. The data acquisition and signal processing unit includes apparatus for identifying a gunshot event by measuring an initial pulse time duration and subsequent pulse pattern features, and a communication interface coupled at an input to the data acquisition and signal processing unit. A central processor is coupled to the communication link so as to receive data from the pole units where the central processor and the pole units operate so as to detect and locate gunshot events sensed by one or more of the pole units. |
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5,973,998: Automatic real-time gunshot locator and display system |
| Application Number: |
08/904979 |
| Publication Date: |
10/26/1999 |
| Filing Date: |
8/1/1997 |
| Abstract: |
A system to accurately and rapidly present the location of gunfire or other explosive events to dispatchers uses a sparse set of distributed acoustic sensors mounted on rooftops or utility poles to allow triangulation of the gunfire sounds. If a fourth signal confirms that an explosive event occurs at a position triangulated from three other signal, then the system announces an event to dispatchers. The system tests various sensor triads against various criteria and selects the best triad for making the triangulation calculation. In the case where multiple gunshots are present, the system can automatically determine a velocity, thus helping identify and respond to drive-by shootings. The system presents a confirmed location on a computer map of the protected community showing where on a specific property the gunfire occurred. The dispatchers can listen to the event and can view wave forms or spectra to assist in discriminating gunshots from other explosive events. If a dispatcher is confident that a gunshot has been detected, law enforcement officers can be directed to the reported location. A printout of the event is generated so police can later show the event location to the residents and inquire why it occurred there. A history of events is maintained for community problem-solving. |
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6,847,587: System and method for identifying and locating an acoustic event |
| Application Number: |
10/248511 |
| Publication Date: |
1/25/2005 |
| Filing Date: |
1/24/2003 |
| Abstract: |
A system and method for detecting, identifying, and fixing the location of the source of an acoustic event. The inventive system includes: a plurality of sensors dispersed at somewhat regular intervals throughout a monitored area; a communication network adapted to deliver information from the sensors to a host processor; and a process within the host processor for determining, from the absolute times of arrival of an event at two or more sensors, a position of the source of the event. Acoustic events are detected and analyzed at each sensor so that the sensor transmits over the network: an identifier for the sensor; an identifier for the type of event; and a precise absolute time of arrival of the event at the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the system also identifies the type of weapon firing a gunshot. |
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6,965,541: Gun shot digital imaging system |
| Application Number: |
10/704183 |
| Publication Date: |
11/15/2005 |
| Filing Date: |
11/7/2003 |
| Abstract: |
Disclosed is a method for recording one or more images of a source area where an impulse sound has initiated. The recording is performed by at least one of a plurality of units that include a camera, a computing device, and a connection to a network. The method comprises the steps of detecting and calculating a range and direction of the impulse sound source; slewing the camera to align its optical axis with a direction of the impulse sound; determining whether the impulse sound was a gunshot; recording images of the source area; and alerting a plurality of neighboring units to perform the recording step. |
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7,139,222: System and method for protecting the location of an acoustic event detector |
| Application Number: |
10/905795 |
| Publication Date: |
11/21/2006 |
| Filing Date: |
1/20/2005 |
| Abstract: |
A system and method for protecting sensor positions in an array of acoustic sensors which make up a gunfire locator system. The inventive system includes a purity of sensors and a host computer. Each sensor includes: a microphone for receiving acoustic information; a processor for processing acoustic information to detect an acoustic event and determine a time of arrival; a GPS receiver; an encryption module for encrypting transmitted sensor positions; and a network interface for transmitting sensor positions and times of arrival. The host computer includes: a network interface for receiving sensor transmissions; an encryption module for deciphering sensor positions; and a CPU. |
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7,266,045: Gunshot detection sensor with display |
| Application Number: |
11/042414 |
| Publication Date: |
9/4/2007 |
| Filing Date: |
1/24/2005 |
| Abstract: |
A system for locating and identifying an acoustic event such as gunfire. The inventive system employs a plurality of man wearable acoustic sensors for detecting gunfire, each acoustic sensor having a display associated therewith for displaying information concerning the acoustic event to a user. In preferred embodiments, the sensor includes a microphone for receiving acoustic information; an A/D converter; a processor for processing the digitized signal to detect a gunshot and determine a time of arrival; a GPS receiver for determining the position of the acoustic sensor; and a network interface for bidirectional communication with a system server. Preferably the display comprises: an LCD; and an electronically readable compass. When the display and acoustic sensor are in separate housings, the acoustic sensor includes a transmitter and the display includes a receiver for transferring the gunshot information. |
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7,411,865: System and method for archiving data from a sensor array |
| Application Number: |
11/318422 |
| Publication Date: |
8/12/2008 |
| Filing Date: |
12/23/2005 |
| Abstract: |
A system and method for archiving and retrieving information from an array of remote sensors. In a preferred embodiment the invention is incorporated in a gunshot detection and location system to preserve audio information surrounding a gunshot event for later review or analysis. In a preferred embodiment the system includes a plurality of acoustic sensors deployed in an array, a computer for processing gunshot information from the sensors, and a mass storage device for temporary archival of audio information. When a gunshot event is detected, the location of the audio information of the data within the spool is stored in an index to facilitate later retrieval of the information. |
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7,420,878: System and method for precision acoustic event detection |
| Application Number: |
10/905760 |
| Publication Date: |
9/2/2008 |
| Filing Date: |
1/20/2005 |
| Abstract: |
A system and method for providing precision locations for sensors which make up an array of sensors in a gunshot detection system. In a preferred embodiment sensors employ a commercial GPS which reports a sensor position or a group of pseudoranges to GPS satellites. A server collects differential information from a differential node and, in one preferred embodiment, calculates a precision position for each sensor by adjusting the reported position or pseudoranges with the differential information. In another preferred embodiment differential information is sent from the host to individual sensors which calculate their own precision positions. Differential information may be latitude and longitude corrections, pseudorange corrections, ionospheric delay, GPS satellite clock drift, or other corrective term which will improve the accuracy of a sensor position. |
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7,474,589: Acoustic location of gunshots using combined angle of arrival and time of arrival measurements |
| Application Number: |
11/546529 |
| Publication Date: |
1/6/2009 |
| Filing Date: |
10/10/2006 |
| Abstract: |
A gunshot location system computes candidate gunshot locations [314] from angle-of-arrival information [304, 308] and time-of-arrival information [312] provided by acoustic sensors [300, 302]. In addition to an angle, each sensor calculates an angular uncertainty [306, 310] from impulses received at four or more microphones having rotational symmetry. An intersection of one or more time-of-arrival hyperbolas with one or more angle-of-arrival beams [322] is used to determine a candidate gunshot location. In simple environments, a location can be confirmed with just two sensors allowing sensor density to be significantly reduced, while in complex environments including reflections, blocking, and interfering acoustic events, the additional angle-of-arrival information improves location accuracy and confidence, allowing elimination of candidate locations inconsistent with the combined time-of-arrival and angle-of-arrival information. |
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7,532,542: System and method for improving the efficiency of an acoustic sensor |
| Application Number: |
11/040823 |
| Publication Date: |
5/12/2009 |
| Filing Date: |
1/21/2005 |
| Abstract: |
The present invention provides a system for identifying and locating an acoustic event. In a preferred embodiment a gunshot detection sensor includes an audio sensor which detects gunshots in combination with a GPS engine which provides location and timing in conjunction with a host system. This allows an acoustic sensing weapon locator which is integrated for size and portability. The inventive mobile military gunshot detector requires a battery or fuel cell at its heart to operate. By managing the power consumption, batteries can be down-sized and the time between changes or recharges can be dramatically extended allowing soldiers to carry less weight and transport fewer replacement batteries into a hostile environment. |
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7,586,812: Systems and methods of identifying/locating weapon fire including return fire, targeting, laser sighting, and/or guided weapon features |
| Application Number: |
11/981827 |
| Publication Date: |
9/8/2009 |
| Filing Date: |
10/30/2007 |
| Abstract: |
A system and method for detecting, identifying, and fixing the location of the source of an acoustic event. The inventive system includes: a plurality of sensors dispersed at somewhat regular intervals throughout a monitored area; a communication network adapted to deliver information from the sensors to a host processor; and a process within the host processor for determining, from the absolute times of arrival of an event at two or more sensors, a position of the source of the event. Acoustic events are detected and analyzed at each sensor so that the sensor transmits over the network: an identifier for the sensor; an identifier for the type of event; and a precise absolute time of arrival of the event at the sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the system also identifies the type of weapon firing a gunshot. |
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7,599,252: Acoustic location of gunshots using combined angle of arrival and time of arrival measurements |
| Application Number: |
12/172163 |
| Publication Date: |
10/6/2009 |
| Filing Date: |
7/11/2008 |
| Abstract: |
A gunshot location system computes candidate gunshot locations [314] from angle-of-arrival information [304, 308] and time-of-arrival information [312] provided by acoustic sensors [300, 302]. In addition to an angle, each sensor calculates an angular uncertainty [306, 310] from impulses received at four or more microphones having rotational symmetry. An intersection of one or more time-of-arrival hyperbolas with one or more angle-of-arrival beams [322] is used to determine a candidate gunshot location. In simple environments, a location can be confirmed with just two sensors allowing sensor density to be significantly reduced, while in complex environments including reflections, blocking, and interfering acoustic events, the additional angle-of-arrival information improves location accuracy and confidence, allowing elimination of candidate locations inconsistent with the combined time-of-arrival and angle-of-arrival information. |
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7,602,329: Systems and methods of tracking and/or avoiding harm to certain devices or humans |
| Application Number: |
11/982421 |
| Publication Date: |
10/13/2009 |
| Filing Date: |
10/31/2007 |
| Abstract: |
The present invention relates to systems and methods of tracking and/or avoiding harm to certain devices or humans. According to one exemplary embodiment, a method of tracking individual assets may include obtaining position data of an asset via a GPS receiver in communication with a position sensor associated with the asset, processing position data and sensor data via a processing component associated with the position sensor that receives the position data from the GPS receiver, and communicating sensor data to a host device via a communication interface associated with the position sensor and configured to enable wireless communication between the position sensor and the host device. |
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