NCJ Number
191454
Journal
Law Enforcement Technology Volume: 28 Issue: 8 Dated: August 2001 Pages: 50-55
Date Published
August 2001
Length
6 pages
Annotation
This article examined the New Jersey Institute of Technology's (NJIT) research on the use of biometrics in a personalized weapons system specifically designed for smart gun technology.
Abstract
This article examined research undertaken by researchers at the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) in partnership with Taurus International Manufacturing Inc. of Florida in the development of a personalized weapons system for smart guns. The objective was to offer a safeguard that was appropriate for a gun in the home. There were several technological approaches studied but it was determined that only a biometric-based solution would eliminate dependence on the owner to provide the security expected of such a technology. The biometric approach uses not just the physical size of the shooter's hand but the way he squeezes the trigger and grips the gun as user authentication. In addition, there was the need to know how to read this information. NJIT developed the concept that embedded wafer-thin pressure sensors on the gun grip would capture the size of the user's hand and the way each finger is squeezing and applying pressure to the gun grip while pulling the trigger. A digital processor captures the information and an onboard computer chip decides whether the shooter is an authorized user. However, several questions regarding the grip-based personalized weapons system remain and consist of: (1) what is the power source of the system; (2) is it rugged enough to withstand a hostile environment; (3) who will maintain these weapons; and (4) what if other devices are created that would render it useless? In addition, there were questions that officers had before they would accept the change; would it make the job safer, better, and easier? Testing by law enforcement was seen as the only way to gain law enforcement's support behind the smart gun technology. It has to have the confidence of the line officer.