GB2202954A - Security device - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a security device including a still camera and sensor adapted to operate the camera whenever an intruder is detected by the sensor. The camera is preferably of the kind which delivers an 'instant' print. <IMAGE>

Description

SECURITY DEVICE This invention concerns a security device designed to aid the identification and apprehension of thieves or other intruders and therefore act as a deterrent to crime.

Many domestic and commercial premises are equipped with a burglar alarm system of one kind or another. These systems which may be of greater or lesser complexity and sophistication usually have one thing in common, which is audible warning means adapted to be sounded upon detection of an intruder. Even when the system summons the police by telephone or radio the intruder will invariably have left the premises by the time they arrive. So, whilst the property of the owner of the premises is protected the system does little to aid the police in apprehension of the criminal. For this reason manufacturers of such systems are encouraged to provide a delay of five minutes or so between summoning aid and activating the audible warning means.

Such an arrangement greatly increases the chance of an arrest but leaves the owner's property open to vandalism and theft.

It is known to monitor premises to be protected with a television camera connected to a video recorder to obtain a visual record of any intruder to aid subsequent identification. Such a system is usually operated continuously greatly restricting the length of time during which surveillance can be maintained.

Attempts to operate the camera and recorder only upon detection of an intruder are not always successful because of the delay between activation of the system and recordal of a stable image enabling the wary intruder to escape without being filmed.

Also of course, these systems are quite costly.

The security device of the invention seeks to mitigate these problems.

According to the present invention there is provided a security device comprising a still camera and sensor means adapted upon detection of the presence of an intruder in the field of view of the camera to operate the camera.

The sensor may be adapted to activate audible warning means simultaneously with operation of the camera.

The sensor may be adapted to communicate with a security service or the police simultaneously with activation of the audible warning means.

The camera may be of the Polaroid (Registered Trade Mark) type providing an 'instant' print of the picture taken.

The camera may incorporate an electronic flash unit.

The device may include means to attract the intruder's attention to cause him to turn his face to the camera before the photograph is taken.

The invention will be further apparent from the following description with reference to the single figure of the accompanying drawing which shows in diagrammatic form one form of security device embodying same.

Referring now to the drawing, it will be seen that the security device essentially comprises a sensor to which in this example is a passive infra-red sensor adapted to close a switch 11 when an intruder moves into its field of view.

The switch 11 is connected with a control circuit 12 for a burglar alarm system including an alarm bell 13 and an auto-dialling unit 14.

The device also comprises a still camera 15 of the kind manufactured by Polaroid Corporation and which can deliver an 'instant' photographic print shortly after actuation of the shutter, which can be effected by a signal from control circuit 12 whenever switch 11 is closed. The device also includes a signalling unit 16 to such as a buzzer or light to attract attention immediately prior to operation of the shutter.

The camera 15 is mounted so that its field of view includes the area in which an intruder would be when detected by the sensor 10.

An electronic flash unit 17 is coupled with the camera 15 and automatically enabled upon operation of the camera shutter if prevailing light conditions so require for proper exposure, unless infra-red film is used.

In use, whenever the alarm system is armed from control circuit 12 and an intruder is detected by sensor 10, the camera 15, after first attracting the intruder's attention is operated to provide a photograph of the intruder. Simultaneously the bell 13 is sounded, probably causing the intruder to leave immediately. At the same time unit 14 is activated to summon the police, and although the intruder may have left by the time they arrive, he will be quite close and the police will know from the photograph whom they are seeking with a greatly enhanced chance of an arrest.

Even where the intruder is not immediately apprehended, as will likely be the case where no unit 14 is provided, the police can possibly identify him from a comparison of the photograph and their records or keep the photograph on file and challenge the intruder in connection with the incident if he is later apprehended in connection with a subsequent crime.

It will be appreciated that it is not intended to limit the invention to the above example only, many variations, such as might readily occur to one skilled in the art, being possible, without departing from the scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

Thus, for example, the camera may be housed in a secure enclosure to which access can only readily be gained by an authorised person such as keyholder.

Claims (5)

1. A security device comprising a still camera and sensor means adapted upon detection of the presence of an intruder in the field of view of the camera to operate the camera.

2. A security device according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is adapted to activate audible warning means simultaneously with operation of the camera.

3. A security device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the sensor is adapted to communicate with a security service or the police simultaneously with activation of the audible warning means.

4. A security system according to any preceding claim wherein the camera is of type providing an 'instant' print of the picture taken.

5. A security device according to any preceding claim wherein the camera incorporates an electronic flash unit.