I was right. Turns out IBM indeed has filed a patent to this effect. Patent #7484451 to be exact.
Here is the abstract from the actual patent.
A method of protecting a target from a projectile propelled from a firearm comprises detecting an approaching projectile, continuously monitoring the projectile and transmitting an actual position of the projectile to a controller, computing an estimated projectile trajectory based upon the actual position of the projectile, determining an actual position of a target with a plurality of position sensors and a plurality of attitude sensors, determining whether the estimated projectile trajectory coincides with the actual position of the target, and triggering a plurality of muscle stimulators operably coupled to the controller and to the target when the estimated projectile trajectory coincides with the actual position of the target, wherein the muscle stimulators stimulate the target to move in a predefined manner, and wherein the target moves by an amount sufficient to avoid any contact with the approaching projectile. The projectile may be detected in the detecting step by emitting an electromagnetic wave from a projectile detector and receiving the electromagnetic wave after the electromagnetic wave has been reflected back toward the projectile detector by the projectile.
Will it work? Who knows. What I do know is I would rather address a lethal threat with the appropriate level of lethal force. Preferably before I need to dodge a bullet.
I'm sure Chappy will weigh in on this with some real world wisdom at a later date.
Wait...What's the version of that in plain English? A way to intercept bullets??
ReplyDeleteBasically its a way to detect and plot the path, making it possible to 'dodge/evade' incoming fire. Technically, its very feasible, the military has has advanced counter-battery technology to detect the flight path of incoming artillery projectiles since the 60's. So, with the advent of faster processing power on the cheap, tracking incoming bullets would be fairly easy.
ReplyDeleteThe difference is that a arty round is generally sub 1000fps, where rifle fire might be 2000fps or highter.
Just let me shoot back!
ReplyDeleteJust let me shoot back!
ReplyDeleteOk, so they can plot the trajectory lightning fast. They can send an impulse to my muscles just as quick. But are they seriously thinking that impulse is going to stimulate my muscles in such a way that I will move fast enough to avoid ANY common weapon at standard distances? An M16 round is what, 2850fps, fired at me from 300m/900ft, that's 1/3 second from weapon to me; in that time this crap is going to sense the bullet, triangulate, AND move me the f out of the way? Hmm.
ReplyDeleteAre they saying they can do this with the common weapons, from average distances? An M16 round travels at what, 2850fps? Fired at me from 300m, that's 1/3 of a second, and that nonsense is going to sense the incoming projectile, ping it, triangulate, and signal my muscles to get out of the way? Ok, a stretch, but lets say. My 1/3 of a second is going quick: how fast are my muscles going to move? WTF is it, a taser that interrupts my bodies electrical impulses and drops me like a stone? I do judo, and I'm used to being slammed hard, but that would have to put me on the ground so hard it'd do its own damage, if it was even possible.
ReplyDeleteSounds fun.