GB2282231A

GB2282231A - Security apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2282231A
Application number: GB9319607A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Macdonald Fursdon
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1993-09-22
Filing date: 1993-09-22
Publication date: 1995-03-29
Anticipated expiration: 2013-09-22
Also published as: GB2282231B; GB9319607D0

Abstract

Security apparatus (2) comprising a camera (4), detector means (6) for detecting the presence of an intruder, and switch means (8) for causing operation of the camera (4) consequent upon the detector means (6) detecting the presence of the intruder. <IMAGE>

Description

SECURITY APPARATUS This invention relates to security apparatus and, more especially, this invention relates to security apparatus for detecting and recording the presence of an intruder.

There are many different types of security apparatus. The majority of the known types of security apparatus are designed to activate alarm systems to deter intruders. The alarm systems usually involve the sounding of alarms and/or the switching on and off of lights. Such security apparatus is reasonably effective to deter intruders but it does not assist in the identification of the intruders.

Video recording security apparatus is known. It is often used in factories to provide a recording of events that have occurred in a predetermined time span, for example of several hours duration. The video recording security apparatus is expensive and complex. Furthermore, time is required to view each video recording in order to identify possible intruders.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide security apparatus which is of use in identifying an intruder, and which is considerably less expensive and complex than the known video recording security apparatus.

Accordingly, in one non-limiting embodiment of the present invention, there is provided security apparatus comprising a camera, detector means for detecting the presence of an intruder, and switch means for causing operation of the camera consequent upon the detector means detecting the presence of the intruder.

The security apparatus of the present invention can be used specifically to provide a positive visual identification of intruders. Furthermore, the security apparatus will only operate when the presence of an intruder is detected by the detector means so that unnecessary filming and the consequent waste of time in looking at such filming are avoided. Photographs taken by the security apparatus of the present invention are able to provide a permanent record of an intruder and may thus be used in helping to identify an intruder and also to provide evidence in court. The security apparatus of the present invention is especially advantageous in that it is able to be left unattended and it will operate automatically consequent upon the detector means detecting the presence of an intruder.

Preferably, the security apparatus is one in which the detector means and the switch means are such as to cause the camera to operate repeatedly until the intruder is no longer detected by the detector means. The camera may be arranged to operate repeatedly at any determined time intervals, for example at time intervals of five or ten seconds. Preferably, the time intervals at which the camera operates are adjustable so that the most appropriate time intervals can be chosen for the mode of use of the premises or area in which the security apparatus is to be installed.

The switch means may be a solenoid switch means.

Other types of switch means may be employed.

The detector means may be a passive infrared detector, a sonic detector, a magnetic detector, a vibration detector or a pressure detector. Other suitable and appropriate types of detector means may be employed.

Generally, the type of detectors currently used to activate alarms and/or switch on lights may be used.

The security apparatus may include a housing for at least the camera. Depending upon where the security apparatus is to be used, all of the parts of the security apparatus may be included in the housing, or only the camera may be included in the housing. For example, where the security apparatus is installed out of sight or out of reach, then all of the security apparatus can be contained within the housing and there will be little chance of an intruder trying to destroy the security apparatus if the intruder realises that he or she has been photographed.In cases where the security apparatus has to be installed at a position where an intruder may be able to get at the security apparatus and damage it, then different parts of the security apparatus may be located at different locations in order to ensure that once a photograph has been taken, the intruder cannot get to the photograph and destroy it.

Advantageously, the housing is in the shape of an object which is normal to the surrounding environment in which the security apparatus is to be installed, whereby the housing is rendered substantially not noticeable.

Where the security apparatus is to be used outside, then the housing may be in the shape of an object that is currently found outside. Thus, for example, the housing may be in the shape of a brick, a concrete block, a drainpipe, a drainpipe junction, a quarry stone, a gate post, a garden shrub, a bush, a pile of weeds, a tub, a tub plant, a bird bath, a hanging basket or a pile of garden rubbish. The housing may be in the shape of any suitable and appropriate type of object. Generally, the housing will be weatherproof when it is to be used outdoors.

When the security apparatus is to be used inside premises, then the housing may be in the shape of an object found inside the premises. Thus, for example, the housing may be in the shape of an object such as a standard lamp, an ornament, a vase or a wall clock. The housing may be in the shape of any suitable and appropriate object.

Where different housings are employed for different parts of the security apparatus, then the various parts of the security apparatus may be connected by mechanical, electrical, optical, sonic or any other suitable and appropriate means.

The security apparatus of the present invention may include mounting means. Any suitable and appropriate type of mounting means for enabling the security apparatus to be mounted in any suitable and appropriate manner may be employed.

Preferably, the security apparatus is battery operated. This enables the security apparatus to be completely portable, simple to operate and easy to install.

If desired however the security apparatus of the present invention may be mains operated, in which case a transformer will usually be used.

The security apparatus may include audio and/or visual alarm means, the alarm means being caused to operate by the switch means. Thus, for example, the alarm means can be arranged to operate at substantially the same time as the camera operates. The activation of the alarm means will help to avoid intruders remaining at the scene in an attempt to locate the position of the security apparatus with a view to destroying the photograph or photographs taken.

The security apparatus may be one in which the detector means has a field of detection which is substantially similar to a field of view of a lens of the camera. Such security apparatus will usually be used in cases, both indoors and outdoors, where it is desired to detect intruders over as wide a range of detection area as possible. The camera may have lenses of any suitable focal length.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the security apparatus may be one in which the detector means has a narrow field of detection, and in which a field of view of a lens of the camera is a wider field of view.

Such security apparatus may be especially useful in situations such as in stately homes where the security apparatus may be required just to protect an art treasure or an item of jewellery which is being viewed by members of the public. In this case, the detector means would need to be such that it did not detect and trigger the camera for bona fide members of the public viewing the object in question. Thus the detector means could have a narrow field of view focused on an area where the viewing public were not permitted, with the camera having the wider field of view so that once the camera was triggered, the whole general scene would be photographed thus including any nearby accomplices present.

The security apparatus of the present invention may include sensitivity control means for adjusting the sentivity of operation of the detector means. The use of such sensitivity control means enables the security apparatus to be set up in a wide variety of locations, and steps to be taken to ensure that false alarms are reduced to the minumum irrrespective of the location of the security apparatus. For example, false alarms caused by animals need to be avoided.

Advantageously, the security apparatus includes date and time recording means. The date and time recording means preferably records the date and time on the photograph or photographs taken by the camera. Any suitable and appropriate date and time recording means may be employed such for example as a "data back. The "Data Back" automatically imprints the information on the negative at the second of operation.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of first security apparatus; Figures 2 and 3 are front and side views respectively of second security apparatus; and Figure 4 shows third security apparatus.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown security apparatus 2 comprising a camera 4, detector means 6 for detecting the presence of an intruder, and switch means 8 for causing operation of the camera 4 consequent upon the detector means 6 detecting the presence of the intruder.

The detector means 6 and the switch means 8 are such as to cause the camera 4 to oprate repreatedly until the intruder is no longer detected by the detector means 6.

The camera 4 is arranged to operate every five seconds until the intruder is no longer detected by the detector means 6.

The camera 4 is a 35mm compact camera. The switch means 8 is a solenoid switch means which is held in position by a bracket 10. The switch means 8 has a plunger member 12 which is able to operate the picture taking button 14 of the camera 4 in order to enable the camera 4 to take pictures of the intruder as mentioned above.

The security apparatus 2 includes a built-in flash unit 16 for enabling the camera 4 to operate in dark conditions, for example at night.

The camera 4 is mounted in a housing 18 by adjustable camera mounting means 20. The adjustable camera mounting means 20 enables the camera 4 to be mounted and directed as may be desired with respect to the housing 18.

The housing 18 is a waterproof housing with a glass window for enabling a lens 22 of the camera to have a required field of view. The housing 18 is a straight sided housing as can be seen from Figure 1.

The flash unit 6 comprises a flash tube 24 and a reflector 26.

Referring now to Figures 2 and 3, there is shown second security apparatus in which similar parts as in Figure 1 have been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. Figure 2 shows a purpose made camera with the detector and flash built in as part of the camera itself. The mounting bracket is fixed to the camera. Figure 3 illustrates how the housing 18 is provided with a bracket 28 which fits over an upstanding arm 30 forming part of a wall mounting device 32. The wall mounting device 32 has an upstanding arm 34 which is provided with apertures 36 for enabling the 'arm 34 to be screwed or bolted to a wall (not shown).The arms 30, 34 extend in opposite directions from a joint member 38 which enables the arm 34 and therefore the entire housing 18 to be tilted at any suitable and appropriate angle with respect to the arm 34 and the wall to which the arm 34 is fixed. Generally, any commonly available mounting system can be used.

Figure 4 shows third security apparatus 2 in which similar parts as in Figure 1 have again been given the same reference numerals for ease of comparison and understanding. In Figure 4, the camera 4, the switch means 8 and the flash unit 16 are shown somewhat schematically in a housing 18 which is in the form of a drainpipe extension which extends at an angle from an existing drainpipe 40.

The housing 18 is thus tubular and it terminates in a dummy elbow 42. The housing 18 connects to the drainpipe 40 by a connecting portion 44 as shown. Figure 4 thus illustrates a situation where the housing 18 is formed to enable the security apparatus 2 to be used outside and to be merged into its surroundings. With such a housing 18, there is less likelihood of an intruder realising that he or she has been photographed. This in turn means that there is less likelihood of the intruder trying to damage the security apparatus 2 in order to destroy any photographs that have been taken.

Generally, the security apparatus 2 can be suitably located so that its field of surveillance covers any area or object to be monitored. After switching on, any intruder entering the monitored area will automatically be photographed every set period of seconds, until the intruder leaves the monitored area. If desired, different units of the security apparatus 2 may be secured together such that they can all be tripped by a single detector means or alternatively by multiple detector means. With such combined apparatus, it will be possible to cover a larger area to give more comprehensive surveillance.For example, a single piece of the security apparatus 2 could be arranged to operate at the actual scene to be under surveillance, whereas other separate units of the security apparatus 2 or parts of the same piece of security apparatus 2 could operate to provide a recording of possible connected activity, for example in the form of vehicles parked nearby, or activity in and around a premises likely to have been broken into.

It is to be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention described above with reference to the accompanying drawings have been given by way of example only and that modifications may be effected. Thus, for example, the security apparatus 2 may be provided with sensitivity control means for adjusting the sensitivity of operation of the detector means 6. The security apparatus may also be provided with means for controlling the predetermined time period after which the camera 4 will continue to operate whilst the intruder is detected by the detector means 6. The security apparatus may also include date and time recording means for providing the date and time on the photograph or photographs taken by the camera 4.

The camera used in the security apparatus of the present invention may be any suitable and appropriate type of camera. Thus, the camera may have a manual or fixed focused lens. An automatic focus will not normally be necessary but may be employed if desired. The camera may have automatic exposure, automatic film wind, and automatic date and time recording. The camera may have a remote shutter release socket which is preferably electrical. The camera should preferably be such as to facilitate easy film loading. Silent operation of the camera is also an advantage in helping to avoid an intruder knowing that he or she is being filmed. For special purposes, super definition or size considerations, larger or smaller cameras may be employed. Polaroid cameras may also be employed. The camera may be a separately made camera or it may be made integral with the detector means.The camera may have an integral electrical socket, for example a 3.5mm jack socket, to facilitate tripping of the camera shutter by electrical means. Where a remote trip connection facility is not available, then an electrical solenoid device such for example as shown in Figure 1 as forming part of the switch means 8, may be used to physically depress the existing camera shutter release button 14. The solenoid will usually be activated by an electrical pulse provided when the detector means detects the intruder.

With housings 18 such as those shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, the housing may be disguised to look like an exterior quartz halogen floodlight. The security apparatus 2 may also operate as a floodlight, providing that the quartz tube is cf an appropriate power rating. Heat insulation may also be required for the security apparatus 2. Generally, the housing can be in any suitable shape, size and colour. The housing can be fixed in any suitable and appropriate position, either externally or internally.

Generally, the housing can be fixed in any position where intruders are likely to cause theft and/or damage.

Cameras are currently available with fast films which should enable satisfactory photographs to be taken in most ambient light conditions without the use of the flash unit 16. The flash unit 16 can however be used as and when required, unless appropriate ambient lighting is provided by a floodlight. As mentioned above where a floodlight is used, the floodlight may be switched on by the detector means. In this case, a time delay circuit may be employed to allow the lighting filament of the floodlight to reach full luminance before the shutter of the camera is tripped.

The firing of a separate flash will make the security apparatus 2 immediately obvious to an intruder. In such cases, the flash unit may be separately mounted from the remainder of the security apparatus 2 so that the intruder will tend to look towards the flash unit rather than the remainder of the security apparatus 2. Alternatively, the surveillance apparatus 2 may be positioned such that it is generally out of reach of the intruder. For night time operation using a flash, advantageously the security apparatus is linked to an audible alarm in order to prompt the intruder to run away rather than to stop and investigate the possibility of being able to vandalise the security apparatus 2 and destroy any photographs taken.

Claims

1. Security apparatus comprising a camera, detector means for detecting the presence of an intruder, and switch means for causing operation of the camera consequent upon the detector means detecting the presence of the intruder.

2. Security apparatus according to claim 1 in which the detector means and the switch means are such as to cause the camera to operate repeatedly until the intruder is no longer detected by the detector means.

3. Security apparatus according to claim 2 in which the camera operates repeatedly at predetermined time intervals which are adjustable.

4. Security apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the switch means is a solenoid switch means.

5. Security apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the detector means is a passive infrared detector, a sonic detector, a magnetic detector, a vibration detector or a pressure detector.

6. Security apparatus according to any one of the preceding and including a housing for at least the camera.

7. Security apparatus according to claim 6 in which the housing is in the shape of an object which is normal to the surrounding environment in which the security apparatus is to be installed, whereby the housing is rendered substantially not noticeable.

8. Security apparatus according to claim 7 in which the housing is in the shape of an object that is found outside premises.

9. Security apparatus according to claim 7 in which the housing is in the shape of an object found inside premises.

10. Security apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including mounting means.

11. Security apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and which is battery operated.

12. Security apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including audio and/or visual alarm means, the alarm means being caused to operate by the switch means.

13. Security apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims in which the detector means has a field of detection which is substantially similar to a field of view of a lens of the camera.

14. Security apparatus according to any one of claims 1 - 12 in which the detector means has a narrow field of detection, and in which a field of view of a lens of the camera is a wider field of view.

15. Security apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including sensitivity control means for adjusting the sensitivity of operation of the detector means.

16. Security apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims and including date and time recording means.

17. Security apparatus according to claim 16 in which the date and time recording means records the date and time on the photograph or photographs taken by the camera.

18. Security apparatus substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.