Kevin Barnes, a passionate proponent of gun ownership and blockchain developer, identified the risks faced by firearm users globally – unauthorized user firing the firearm, tracing the location of firearm in case of theft and more. Thus, the concept of 'Trigard' powered by Blocksafe came into existence.

The Blocksafe network is the first blockchain-based system to manage smart gun functionality on the blockchain, adding unsurpassed security and privacy to every type of supported gun tech hardware solution. It provides the infrastructure for smart devices and locks that mount a gun.

Currently, Blocksafe is seeking to raise $55,000 in an ongoing crowd sale drive at https://www.smartdefense.tech, which will end on 15 July, 2016. Nearly $2,000 has been raised so far.

Speaking with EconoTimes, Barnes explained the working of the Blocksafe network, the first phase the funds raised in the crowdsale would finance, Trigard and more.

1. How did you come up with the idea of a blockchain-based system to manage smart gun functionality?  

KB: Being an avid gun lover, I was at a range teaching my wife to shoot various firearms. She wondered what she would do if she was overpowered by a thug while she was armed. At that moment the concept of 'Trigard' powered by Blocksafe was born.

I realized that globally all firearm users are susceptible to this risk. The concept of using the blockchain coupled with connection to the internet had come into focus and we called the technology 'Blocksafe'.

Blocksafe can be used to store and relay data from smart devices. This can be used to create a smart device for a gun network not limited to smart locks for firearms.

2. Could you explain in brief the working of the Blocksafe network?

KB: The Blocksafe network is a peer-to-peer network that consists of smart devices and the Blocksafe app on smartphones that connect to a blockchain based ledger.

The smart phone app initially is used to set up the smart device through Bluetooth, and will support a myriad of smart device solutions.

Smart device solutions send data to the local ledger in the device. Let’s say your smart magazine has one round left. That information is stored using encryption onto the local ledger of the device. The smart magazine’s ledger connects to the Blocksafe network and syncs that data to a network that is comprised of all smart devices and phone apps on the network. The data is encrypted so only the owner’s smartphone app can decrypt the data and be notified of how many rounds are left in the magazine.

These smart devices also receive instruction, which the owner can send via their smartphone app or www.ledger.host. For example, let’s say the owner decides the magazine should send an SMS to his wife to inform her how many rounds are in the magazine. This way she can grab more ammo to reload, and the owner can then have the magazine send him a notification back that his wife reloaded. This function could help those in law enforcement or armed security.

Smart locks can also be beneficial. For instance, a firearm owner can add three family members as authorized users to the smart lock that is mounted on his .40 Glock. His daughter has the firearm in her car. She is at a Walmart getting dog food, when suddenly the firearm owner gets an SMS that an unauthorized user has attempted to fire the weapon. The owner calls his daughter to ask is she is ok as he received SMS that an unauthorized discharge of the firearm was attempted. The owner can also use his app to determine the location of the smart device as the device synced its location (per the owner’s request) to the Blocksafe network. The location is only viewable by the owner.

In these instances, we see the Blocksafe network act as an encrypted messaging and data storage infrastructure for smart gun devices without any personal information being involved. Blocksafe network is the infrastructure for the next generation of smart gun devices without risk of privacy and hacks.

3. Are you also looking for investment? If so, can you share with us how our readers can take part in it?

KB: Yes, we are looking for investments from accredited investors. These investors may reach out to us at [email protected]. We are a fully reporting Georgia corporation.

4. The crowd sale drive is going to end next month. Would you like to tell us about your plans to get started with building the first phase of this technology?

KB: We are in development of the programming side of Blocksafe currently. The first phase that the funds would finance would be to complete the beta smart app development, a 3D printer, and another laptop to better render 3D models from prototypes such as, but not limited to, a smart lock and smart magazine.

5. We would also like to know about your upcoming blockchain powered smart lock ‘Trigard’. What exactly is its purpose? Would you like to tell us about the progress made so far?

KB: The purpose of Trigard is a storage lock for when a weapon is in an open location such as your car or not near a primary gun safe or box. It prevents anyone not authorized by the owner from firing the firearm, such as children. It also enables the location of the firearm if stolen.

We have top former engineering executives and talent from Intel and Apple, as well as firearm experts from the NRA and active shooter consultants who compiled the conceptual development. We also have vendors for all sensors and hardware on standby. Currently, the company that developed the fingerprint reader used at the World Bank is our choice for the Trigard smart lock. The device will be EMP proof and we will be releasing more details on www.ledger.host.

We thank Kevin for giving us his precious time and explaining in detail about the Blocksafe network and Trigard.