GB2318669A - Information relay system and infrared sensors for electronic intrusion monitoring - Google Patents

Abstract

A computer-like device collects and manipulates information regarding the security of the property and relays this information to concerned parties both within and without the property. The system INPUTS include (a) a telecommunications link (eg fibre optic cable) to/from correspondent equipment elsewhere, (b) a link (eg co-axial cable) from external sensor(s), (c) a link (eg via the common mains wiring) from internal sensor(s). The system OUTPUTS include (1) the telecommunications link as for input (a), (2) a number of outlets suitable to signal common televisions, (3) an outlet (via a suitable portal) to a printer. Both the inputs and outputs will be subject to keyboard/command device control/manipulation. The device may carry out the functions of a home computer. Infrared intruder detectors suitable for internal and external use are able to distinguish between different heat sources. The external sensor is in the form of a periscope with a rotatable head.

Description

Description 1 INFORMATION RELAY SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates generally to electronic security systems for the detection of intrusion by unauthorized persons and to relaying of useful information about an intrusion to another place in particular. The invention is designed to work in conjunction with other inventions currently under application for registration for patent, entitled INFRARED TRIGGERED ALL PURPOSE SENSOR INCORPORATING A PERISCOPE and INFRARED SENSOR/ANALYZER INCORPORATING A COMMUNICATION DEVICE.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Electronic security system have for a long time been designed and employed for the detection of intruders and their effectiveness in preventing crime has been substantial.

However, there are certain limitation to the systems currently on offer; in most system sold today either a bell or a siren is used as the primary resort to sound an alert, and this can be an overwhelming limitation if no one within earshot is interested in what is going on; the systems that offer some form of off-site monitoring such as intruder triggered bleepers/pagers and such, offer no palpable information as to the nature of the alert/intrusion. Finding out you are being burgled by pager whilst stuck in traffic or sat in a meeting cannot really be considered a great leap forward either.

Thus, a continuing and unaddressed need exists for a security system that can firstly detect an intrusion with accuracy as to the nature of the alert and secondly transmit this information for monitoring. The system should incorporate the wherewithal to have a number of options as to what to do with this information. It is towards fulfilling this need that this invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in one preferred embodiment thereof, comprises a housing holding the wherewithal by way of micro-processors and transmitter/receivers to collate and disseminate useful information regarding the security of the property in to which it is installed, the subscribing property.

The system will carry this in its software as its primary programming. With its ability to collate and disseminate information, the invention could be readily adapted to carry out secondary functions, not wholly connected to the integrity of the property in which it is installed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATION.

Fig. 1 is A FLOW DIAGRAM OF THE IMFORMATION PATHWAYS DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION IN A PREFERRED FORM Referring now in greater detail to the illustration that embodies principles of the invention in a preferred form (FIG. 1) The invention under consideration will be a computer like device, designed to sit under the television in the subscribing property. The flow of information within this device is outlined in fig.l. The system will, by following preprogrammed steps, go through a process whereby it will get a response to an alert, by someone directly- concerned with the property being intruded upon, rather than someone who just happens to live within earshot. The last resort for dispatching this information could be a paid for monitoring service, if no one directly concerned with the subscribing property can be alerted as to the alarm.

This computer will incorporate a large RANDOM ACCESS MEMORY (19) and a very large erasable/programmable memory in the form of a one and half giga-byte hard disc (12). It will contain a number of micro-processor for the handling of the various inputs and outputs and a CENTRAL PROCESSOR UNIT (CPU)(9)to carry out the various manipulations of data required. The RAM and the CPU will enable the invention to collect data from its sensors via appropriate micro-processors (2 & 3) and manipulate said data into coherent messages, ready for transmission. The hard disc will be able to record the sequence for any alert, being fed from the CPU output.

The second output for this CPU will be a transmitter, a RADIO FREQUENCY device (14), to generate a signal suitable for the television(s) in the subscribing property.

The third and most important output for the CPU will be to feed another transmitter(l6), one designed to output to the fibre-optic cable link, or other telecommunications link into the subscribing property.

The computer will also have sat astraddle its mains input a receiver/micro-processor(2), designed to pick up the transmissions made by the sensor in patent registration application entitled INFRARED SENSOR/ANALYZER INCORPORATING A COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE. This feature adds novelty to the invention, as no other computer-like device or modem has incorporated such a device previously.

The invention will be duly portal led, by way of a receiver/micro-processor (3) to accommodate the output from the external sensor(s) in patent registration application entitled INFRARED TRIGGERED ALL PURPOSE SENSOR INCORPORATING A PERISCOPE.

The invention will be duly portalled by way of a receiver/transmitter/micro-processor (1) to receive/transmit along a telecommunications link, to be able to communicate to corresponding equipment, other than on the subscribing property.

The invention will carry out the functions normally associated with a home computer and output its intelligence via the appropriate portals (21) to printer.

The invention will carry out the functions normally associated with a home computer and gather instruction via the appropriate portal from a keypad or other commanding device (8).

All this can be achieved by the correct placement of micro-processors and transmitters/receivers, to ensure that the relevant data is gathered from the sensors, their output collated, manipulated and then transmitted with accuracy.

The overall aim of the invention is to be able to receive, store and then disseminate information; this information will be, in the primary programming of the device be wholly concerned with the integrity of the property against intrusion.

However, given that information can flow into the device as well as out via the telecommunications link to the subscribing property, the device could be allocated secondary functions involving the recording and or transmitting of information.

Given all its capabilities to collect, manipulate and then disseminate information, the invention will truly be the information relay system an effective security system needs, more than simply the hybridisation of the micro-processors/ /modems/transmitters and receivers of its component. Also given the perceptivity level of the sensors of the system as a whole, the invention offers a far sperior level of monitoring for the security of the subscribing property than anything else currently on offer.

Description 2 INFRARED SENSOR/ANALYZER INCORPORATING A COMMUNICATION DEVICE TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates generally to electronic security systems for the detection of intrusion by unauthorized persons and to infrared detectors/ analyzers and communications devices in particular. The invention is designed to work in conjunction with another invention currently under application for registration for patent, entitled INFORMATION RELAY SYSTEM.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION Electronic infrared sensors have for a long time been designed and employed for the detection of intruders and their incorporation into security systems the world over is common place. They do however suffer greatly from having to be' wired in' by time-consuming and expensive cabling. Additionally, this wiring can detract substantially from the beauty of a carefully controlled interior. The more discreet the wiring, the more expensive it becomes. Conversely, the cheaper the wiring, the more indiscreet it becomes.

Thus, a continuing and unaddressed need exists for a sensory system that can overcome this handicap of obtrusiveness and use a system of communication which can circumvent the need for overt cabling. It is towards fulfilling this need that this invention is primarily directed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention, in one preferred embodiment thereof, comprises a housing holding the wherewithal to monitor a given range for infrared sources, convert this data to a suitable signal and transmit this signal down the mains wiring supplying the sensor with its 240v supply. A corresponding device along the same mains ring can then receive this message and manipulate it according to its programming. By using the very wiring used to supply the device with the electrical supply it needs to run, the need to hard wire the device is circumvented. The invention is designed to be simply plugged in anywhere in the subscribing property where there is a power point handy and will act as the intrusion monitor in that room.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING Fig. 1 is a side eievation in section.

THE REPRESENTATION IS FIGURATIVE AND NO INFERENCE ABOUT SCALE SHOULD BE MADE.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in greater detail to the drawing which illustrates the external appearance of a housing that embodies principles of the invention in a preferred form. The upper bulb (1) will house an infrared sensor (2) of quite high sophistication, able to isolate one heat source from another, thereby being able to number the heat sources within its range.

This analysis capability will extend to being able to differentiate up to three heat sources, and wherein having the means to recognise the fact that the number of heat sources is greater than three, if that is the case.

This sensor/analyzer (2) will be connected to the base of the device (5) by suitable connecting media, and this base will in turn house the micro-processor (3) requisite for communication with the base unit, the INFORMATION RELAY SYSTEM.

The said micro-processor will incorporate a transmitter (4) capable of generating a suitable signal and sit astraddle the 240v mains input (7), using this wiring to transmit its message to the INFORMATION RELAY SYSTEM. A corresponding receiver in the INFORMATION RELAY SYSTEM will pick up this message and decode it according to the programming of its software.

The neck (6) should be made from some elastic, flexible tubing to allow the subscriber point the device where he/she may.

The 'rise time' for the sensor/analyzer to be up and generating an intelligible signal carrying useful information, around 25 milliseconds.

Description 3 INFRARED TRIGGERED ALL PURPOSE SENSOR INCORPORATING A PERISCOPE TECHNICAL FIELD This invention relates generally to electronic security systems to guard against unwanted intruders, and more particularly, the application of a periscope/telescopic device to the sensor system. The sensor outlined herein is designed to work in conjunction with a central computer which in itself is the subject of patent registration application. That application is entitled INFORMATION RELAY SYSTEM.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Electronic devices have for a long time been designed and employed for the security of property and the detection of intruders. These devices have always been simple, single function objects, such as heat sensors, motion or proximity detectors. Their effectiveness however has always been limited by this simplicity and lack of cohesive interplay with what might be considered other parts of the security system. These sensors lack sufficient adaptability and are very limited in their application. This mono-functionality does not allow the system to adapt to changing requirements and generates no useful information in addition to a simple signal that a detection has been made. Anybody entering the area suspected of having been entered by unauthorized persons, has no palpable information about the nature nor the extent of the intrusion apart from that a sensor has been fired off. With heat sensors in particular, bogus alarms are common place.

Thus, a continuing and unaddressed need exists for an electronic sensory system that can detect and provide useful information about the nature of the intrusion. Only closed circuit television systems go anywhere near to addressing this need, but cctv has a host of problems the invention under consideration circumvents and cctv is cost-prohibitive in comparison to the invention.

The information gathered by the sensor must be converted by the device hoping to fulfil this need, to a signal suitable for transmission to a base station equipped to deal with such a communication ie the INFORMATION RELAY SYSTEM mentioned in the technical field. It is to the provision of such a sensory system that the invention under discussion is primarily dedicated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The preferred embodiment of the invention under discussion is a periscopic/telescopic device mounted atop a base housing the various electronic hardware required to analyze the electro-magnetic profile off the sensors range, from the image reflected into this base by the periscope/telescope device. The periscope/telescope is embodied in a circular tube, extending upwardly from the base accommodating a rotating sensor head at its upper end, which in turn houses the mirror arrangement for the function of the periscope aspect. The rotation of this head will be 360 degrees and be governed by the logistics circuitry in the base. Three passive infrared sensors will be arrayed along the middle of this periscope/telescopes periphery, to act as the triggering system for the sensor. The head will then turn its sensor head towards the radiation source, defined by which of the detectors is activated and bring its full sensory capabilities into play. The periscope will be used to reflect/refract the image of the intruder onto the analysis centre in the base, rather than trying to aim the whole sensory device at the target as cctv does. The logistics capability for such contrived interplay between detectors and real-time analysis will be housed in the base of the invention. This base will also incorporate the electronic circuitry to enable communication of its analysis to a central station located inside the property being protected by the system. Accordingly, a hard wire connection is needed to such a station from the sensor from its position somewhere near or actually on the outside perimeter of the property to be guarded.

The all purpose sensor as described herein will therefore have as its main objectives, to initially detect intruder(s), secondly to focus onto and analyze the electromagnetic spectrum being emitted by the intruder(s) and thirdly to relay this useful information to a central station. By using a sophisticated analysis plate and good quality mirrors in the periscope aspect, it is possible to generate extremely accurate data on the integrity of the subscribing property and the nature/extent of the intrusion.

The overall aim of the sensor is to put a high resolution analysis plate out near or on the perimeter of the protected property; use the periscope/telescope to lock and focus on to intruders and so optimise the efficiency of the analysis plate in its abilities. This is something cctv fails to do spectacularly, the only clear pictures coming from such systems when the perpetrators make a mistake and look directly into the camera. This system will not wait for others to make a mistake.

It will actively seek out and capture the likeness of the intruders using sophisticated electronics and state of the art optical devices.. The rest of the device is dedicated to relaying the results of the analysis plate to the central Information relay system situated in the house.

The alert sequence will be as follows: Intruder enters into the range of the sensor and by so doing, fires off one of the passive infrared detectors arrayed triangularly along the middle periphery of the sensor.

This detector triggers the inboard computer which sends a command to the motor in the upper periscope to turn the sensor head into the trisector covered by the stimulated detector.

Once the head is facing the right way, the computer centres the head onto the heat source and a proximity detector gauges the distance between the sensor and the intruder.

With this data available, the computer adjusts the telescopic elements and focuses in on the intruding heat source, now being able to bring high analysis capability to bear on the intruder. The quality of image perceived will not vary greatly no what the time of day as it is heat sources the system is monitoring primarily, which remain fairly consistent whatever the atmospheric conditions or the state of the light. Obviously, in good light, video quality pictures will be possible.

The 'rise time' for all the sensing and computations required to carry out this sequence adds up to less than one fiftieth of a second and the longest times taken in the sequence will be by the mechanical aspects of the sensor. However, the movements required for the sensor to function are fairly minute, so the whole sequence would not take more than two seconds to complete.

If another off the passive detectors ie triggers is fired off during this analysis cycle, the head merely rotates thus and repeats its procedure. Continuous monitoring is of a single heat source is patently feasible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1 is a side elevation.

The all purpose sensor is circular in plan view.

Fig. 2 is section off the upper periscope Fig 3 is a section through the lower periscope and the base.

ALL REPRESENTATIONS ARE FIGURATIVE AND NO INFERENCE ABOUT THE SCALE OF THE WHOLE OR ANY INDIVIDUAL COMPONENT SHOULD BE MADE.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring now in more detail to the drawing which illustrates the external appearance of a housing that embodies principles of the invention in a preferred form. The upper portion of the sensor, the periscope/telescope ( Fig.l & Fig.2) arrangement is seen to be circular in plan and of a length yet to be determined. It should be substantially constructed from aluminium, a readily available material already used in the construction of similar products. The various components of this aluminium should be fastened together by a cold-rivetting process.

About its middle periphery, the sensor will accommodate three passive infrared detectors( 14, 14a & 14b which act as the primary detectors of any intruders.

At its upper end, the periscope will house a bearing (16) for the accommodation of the rotating head (17) which will in turn incorporate a mirror assembly off three mirrors (8,15 & 17). These mirrors will themselves be seated on electrically powered mini actuators (9) which will adjust the mirrors so as to 'lock on' to the intruder(s). The logistics capability for these feats will be housed in the base section (19) of the sensor device. A motor (12) will sit adjunct to the upper bearing, creating the torque required for the rotation of the rotating head. The logistic for this feat will also sit in the base.

A lens arrangement at both the upper end and the lower end of the periscope(7 & 13) (again sited in electrical actuators), will provide the requisite telescopic capabilities for zoom and magnification purposes. The actuation will guide the lenses along their focal length so as to produce the optimum focus for the target( ie intruder) that the logistics circuitry in the base is programmed to monitor.

Referring now to FIG.3.

The base (1) will house the expensive parts of the sensor ie the chassis (2) holding the computerized aspects of the sensor and so as a provision for its safety and as a feature for fastening the sensor to the ground, it will sit approximately eight to ten inches below ground level.

The base (1) should be made from good quality galvanised steel, the top cover of this base having a substantially circular aperture, covered by a transparent dome made from a polycarbonate or perspex material (5). This aperture would allow the E.M.R. collected by the periscope/telescope aspect to enter the base and onto the analysis plate(4), placed centrally below the transparent cover.

An analysis plate is a device well known to persons of average know-how in the optical electronics field.

This analysis plate will catch the E.M.R.

reflected/refracted onto it by the upper arrangement, and communicate its raw data to the inboard computer(2). This computer will then manipulate this data and pass it to the central station located inside the property under protection.

The Analysis Plate (4) will sit centrally on a chassis(2) which will also house the requisite printed circuit boards for the functioning off the sensor as a whole, including the computerization required to make the periscope/telescope operate accordingly.

The upper plate of the base will also accord a fastening device for the cohesion of the upper part of the sensor, the periscope/telescope (6).

The semi-conductor technology in the form of printed circuit boards required to construct the preferred embodiment are not listed. The list of appropriate printed circuit boards and their application will be compiled at the end of the design process and said list will be added to this document as appendix 1.

Claims (6)

Claims 1 Clams1 CLAIMS 1. An INFORMATION RELAY SYSTEM as described above for the relaying of useful information regarding an intrusion by unauthorized persons in a monitored area, the subscribing property, comprises: a housing designed to sit under the television in the subscribing property; this housing will contain electrically powered components and so will accordingly have a standard household 240v supply; a CENTRAL COMPUTATION UNIT incorporating a CPU, a RAM, EPROMS, a DATA BUS, a hard disc and a number of micro-processors; a receiver capable of comprehending the output data from invention in patent registration application entitled INFRARED SENSOR/ANALYZER INCORPORATING A COMMUNICATIONS DEVICE; a micro-processor to handle this received data and make it available via the data bus to other components in the computer; a receiver capable of comprehending the output from invention in patent registration application entitled INFRARED TRIGGERED ALL PURPOSE SENSOR INCORPORATING A PERISCOPE; a micro-processor to handle this received data and make it available to other components in the computer; a receiver capable of comprehending the flow of information from the telecommunications link into the subscribing property; a micro-processor to handle input and make it available to other parts of the computer; a central computation unit to analyze the various inputs and to correlate these inputs into coherent messages and make these messages available along the information bus for the various micro-processors which govern the output of the transmitters in the invention; a micro-processor to prepare the manipulations of the cpu for transmission to the television(s) in the subscribing property; a transmitter capable of generating a radio frequency signal suitable said television(s); a micro-processor to prepare the manipulations of the cpu to transmission down the telecommunications link; a transmitter capable of generating a digital signal to correspondent equipment elsewhere; a micro-processor to control the input for the hard disc. 2. An INFORMATION RELAY SYSTEM as in claim 1 and wherein the invention incorporates the correct portals to relay a printing device 3. An INFORMATION RELAY SYSTEM as in claim 1 and 2, wherein the invention incorporates the correct portals to relay a command device such as a keypad. Claims 2 CLAIMS 1. An infrared sensor/analyzer incorporating a communications device as described above comprising: a housing designed to sit in a room in the property being monitored; said housing will incorporate electrically powered components and accordingly will require a 240v mains supply; an infrared sensor capable of distinguishing between one heat source and another and having the ability to advise as to how many heat sources it is detecting; having the means by way of a microprocessor to communicate the output of said sensor/analyzer to an adjunct component in the device; having the means by way of micro-processor to comprehend the output of the sensor/analyzer in the adjunct component; having the means by way of a micro-processor to convert the data resultant from said output from sensor/analyzer into a coherent message for correspondent equipment place along same ring main; having the means by way of a wave generator/transmitter to transmit said coherent message down the mains ring 2. An infrared sensor/analyzer as in claim 1 and herein incorporating by means of additional mechanical apparatus, which will be the subject of further claims submissions, a self-defence mechanism. Claims 3 CLAIMS

1. An infrared triggered all purpose sensor incorporating a periscope as described above, for detection of unauthorized persons within the monitored area comprising: a housing fashioned to sit on or near the perimeter of the area to be monitored; the housing will contain electrically powered components and so accordingly will have a standard 240v electrical input; three passive infrared sensors arrayed symmetrically along the middle periphery of the housing; the means by micro-processor in said housing to convert the output of these sensors into a command to activate the other aspects of the sensor; a sensor head sat atop the said housing, having within it the mirror arrangement, proximity detector and having adjunct the motor requisite to lock on to unauthorized persons; the means by micro-processor within said housing to command and govern all aspects of the movement requisite of the head for it to lock on to the unauthorized persons; a telescopic arrangement within said housing for zoom and magnification purposes; the means by micro-processor within said housing to adjust the focus of the said telescope according to output of the proximity detection aspect; a sensory plate comprising of electrically active optically sensitive substances; i) the means within said housing to analyze the output from such a plate, and the means to relay this output, to another place. To this end, the housing will have an output comprising off a co-axial cable.

2. A sensor as in claim 1 and wherein said sensor incorporates by way of its software the means to adapt to the variant conditions in each of the trisector monitored of its three passive infrared detectors.

3. A sensor as in claim 1 and wherein said sensor incorporates by way of its software the means to distinguish between harmless intrusive heat sources, for instance, cats dogs and foxes, and the heat source profile of humans and thereby prevent bogus alerts.

4. A sensor as in claim 1 and wherein said sensor incorporates by way off additional mechanical apparatus, which will be the subject of further claim submissions, a self defence mechanism.

5. A sensor as in claim 1 and wherein the said sensor incorporates by way of additional mechanical apparatus, which will be the subject of further claim submissions, a strobe/ flash unit for momentary illumination of the monitored range.

6. A sensor as in claim 1 and wherein the said sensor incorporates by way of additional mechanical apparatus, which will be the subject of further claims submissions, a self locking/unlocking bolt device for the conjunction of the periscope/telescope to the base.

Claims 4,5 and 6 are design features which may or may not be incorporated in the final construction of the sensor. Any further submissions to these claims will be added to this document as appendix 2.