GB2208557A

GB2208557A - Photo security system

Info

Publication number: GB2208557A
Application number: GB8718861A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Francis Sebastian Watters
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1987-08-10
Filing date: 1987-08-10
Publication date: 1989-04-05
Also published as: GB8718861D0

Abstract

An automatic camera B3 triggered by radio from any standard intruder detector A1 and in turn triggering a remote flash C3 and a siren C2 by radio. The camera is fitted with a dual timing device and allows time for an intruder to move into a room before taking a series of photographs. As it is remote from the detector and the flash and siren it can be concealed from view in a variety of ways. For example it may be concealed in a teapot, a glass fibre transmitting light through the spout to the camera. <IMAGE>

Description

p-Omo SCURITY SYST:'r This invention relates to a photographic system of intruder detection.

The invention proposes an intruder security system comprising a remote presence sensor having a signal generator and a photographic camera at a distance from the sensor which is operated in response to a signal from the signal generator.

Preferably the signal is transmitted without wires and includes a flash unit.

In a preferred form the camera is separate from the detection method and from the flash unit being coupled to both by radio.

This enables the camera to be hidden in everyday objects such as pictures, ornaments, etc. with little chance of discovery by the intruder. The use of an electronically operated Disc Camera can permit fifteen photographs to be taken whilst retaining low outlay. Eut other cameras may be used.

One further refinement is the addition of a flexible fibre glass lens extension which gives even greater scope for concealing the camera, if required.

REASONS FOR INVENTING THIS SYSTEM 1. Modern alarms scare burglar who rarely leaves empty handed.

2. Little or no notice is taken by neighbours or passers by when alarm sounds - often by accident.

3. Descriptions given to police by witnesses rarely lead to arrests.

4. Property taken is unlikely to be recovered and insurance premiums are high.

5. Modern alarm systems covering all doors, all windows and internal detectors with outside sirens are very expensive installations.

6. This invention is a system for one main room, therefore economical.

Little or no wiring is required. This system can couple to any existing burglar alarm.

7. This invention gives high percentage probability of intruder apprehension by taking a series of photographs.

8. Also high probability of property recovery.

9. Insurance premiums can be substantially lower.

10. Internal siren disorients burglar, not neighbours. Existing loudspeakers can be used.

11. Closed circuit television systems are too expensive for the average householder and can also be traced and the tape removed in an empty house, office or shop.

12. With no wiring to the camera (unit 'B') it is easy to conceal in everyday objects or facsimilies.

The basic application af this invention will now be described with references to accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1. shows a block flow chart of the effective action of the invention.

Figure 2. shows a typical installation layout of this invent ion.

Figure 3. shows some of the possible concealment techniques open to users of this invention with or without the flexible lens extension.

Referring to Figure 1. the initial detection of an intruder is made by a remote sensor " such as an ultra sonic or doppler type unit though other units can be used. (Al).

This is linked to a radio transmitter working on a crystal controlled frequency and with pulse modulation to Prevent interception (A2).

This transmitter passes a signal as soon as an intruder enters the room to (unit 'B').

(Unit 'B') comprises a radio receiver (eel) which recognises the pulse modulation signal and passes the signal to a dual timing device (32).

The final stage of timing is a five second (optional) delay.

This is to permit the intruder to move well inside the room.

The signal is then passed to stage 2, repeating timer which activates an electromagnetic release for the camera shutter and motor (B3).

The camera shutter makes contact when fully open and a modulated signal is passes by a radio transmitter (B4) on a different crystal controlled frequency to (unit 'C').

(Unit 'C') comprises (C1) a receiver which recognises the modulated signal from (B4) and passes the signal to (C2) the siren0 This is relayed to an electronic flash (C3) which is activated each time the camera shutter (33) is open.

Simultaneously, the siren activates a loudspeaker to confuse and disorient the intruder. This makes discovery of the hidden camera by the intruder highly unlikely and preserves any photographs taken.

The following modifications might be introduced: The delay mechanics may be t the sensor, and cause a delay before the signal is transmitted to the camera. The same signal can then be received by the flash unit, eliminating the transmitter at the camera.

The flash may be mounted en the sensor and be triggered directly by it, eliminating-the receiver at the flash unit.

The signal may be infra-red for both camera and flash.

The signal may be a flash of light from a flash unit mounted at the sensor. The camera then requires a light sensor.

The signals might be transmitted by wires provided they are adeouately hidden.

Claims

1. An intruder security system comprising a remote presence sensor having a signal generator and a photographic camera at a distance from the sensor which is operated in response to a signal from the signal generator.

2. A system as in claim 1 wherein the signal is transmitted without wires.

3. h system as in claim 1 which includes a flashlight unit which is at a distance from the camera but operates in synchronism there with.

4. A system as in claims 2 or 3 wherein the camera operates only after a delay following the sensing by the sensor of an intruder.

5. A system as in claim d wherein the delay is introfaceç at the sensor between the sensing and the transmission of the signal.

6. A system as in claim o wherein the delay is introduced at the camera after receipt of the signal from the sensor.

7. A system as in any preceding claim wherein the signal is carried as a radio wave, or as non-visible light radiation.

8. '. system as in claim 3 wherein the signal is a flash of light.

9. A system as in any preceding claim comprising a photogranhic camera with built in motor and wind-on facilities fitted to operate electronically by means of a radio modulated signal, and fitted to activate a flash at distance by a further radio modulated signal.

10. A system as in any preceding claim which includes means fcr activating the camera shutter a Dreset number of times at a preset interval.

11. A system as in any preceding claim wherein the camera is fitted with a fibre glass lens extension, which can permit flexible positioning of the outer segment of lens, facilitating the concealment of the camera.

12. An intruder security system substantially as herein described with reference to the drawings.