I don't know about you, but I'm in the market for a 'smart' gun. Forget the anti-gun nuts, I need one – even though I'm not quit sure what a 'smart' firearm is exactly. So I just did a little research online.
When
I checked Wikipedia, it defined a 'smart'
gun as
a
firearm that includes a safety feature that allow it to fire only
when activated by an authorized user. These safety features can
prevent misuse, accidental shootings, gun thefts, use of the weapon
against the owner, and self-harm. It does this by using RFID
chips and/or biometric fingerprint recognition technology.
However,
I think Wikipedia's definition is way too limited. It represents the
1st generation of crude 'smart' gun technology. I want a
'smart' gun that is so much more. Don't you? I don't just want a gun
with a chip that simply unlocks the gun. I want a gun with some real
sophisticated state-of-the-art 'smart technology'. Imagine a 'smart'
weapon that includes:
-
A precision tracking system that lets you lock on to a target 1000 feet away with a 'smart' scope and then fires a 'smart' bullet that goes around any obstacle and always scores a hit.
-
A capability to detect nearby targets and uses video technology to identify the target, its height, weight, and potential threat level.
-
A bluetooth interface to your 'smart' phone and/or 'smart' watch that lets you communicate with your nearby hunting party, in addition to using GPS to identify their positions.
-
A capability to operate and be fired remotely, in case a target is detected while you are temporarily preoccupied getting a drink, eating, relieving yourself…
Of
course, the 'smart' weapon will also need to have long lasting
batteries to power the chips, maybe have a solar power capability, a
camera and hard drive to capture your adventure, a small playback
screen, a direct interface to the Internet… and what about
anti-virus and hacking protection just in case… and an ability to
track multiple targets, a capability to fire laser energy bolts. I wonder if the energy bolt could also cook a small target, e.g. bird, squirrel...?
| According to an NBC News story, the U.S. Military is already testing TrackingPoint's 'smart rifles'. Unfortunately, these 'smart' rifles currently cost more than $10,000. See TrackingPoint's 'Smart' Precision Tracking Weapon on YouTube. |
By
now it should be obvious I'm not a hunter
or weapons
expert and don't really know what I'm talking about – except I do
know technology and I'm sure the
next generations
of 'smart' weapons will
contain many of these features.
Selected Links:
* Read about Hunting Near Lake Marion Near Summerton and Santee, S.C. - and don't forget to also visit the Summerton SC: Nature & Outdoor Recreation web site.
Future 'smart' rifles might take away from the fun of hunting for many sportsmen, but you can always use your bow or trusty old 'dumb' rifle.
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