GB2443848A

GB2443848A - A surveillance system with identification detection

Info

Publication number: GB2443848A
Application number: GB0623134A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Clayton John Davis
Original assignee: NITE LITE SECURITY SERVICES LT; Clarion Technologies Inc
Current assignee: NITE LITE SECURITY SERVICES LT; Clarion Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2006-11-20
Filing date: 2006-11-20
Publication date: 2008-05-21
Also published as: GB0623134D0

Abstract

A surveillance system 10 for monitoring an area, the surveillance system 10 having a surveillance unit 45, an identification signal detector 20, and a controller 30 which is operable to receive an identification signal from the identification signal detector 20 and to operate the surveillance unit 45 in the absence of an authorized identification detector signal being received, from the identification detector 20. In one embodiment the surveillance system 10 comprises a camera 45, a RFID signal detector 20, a motion detector 50 and a controller 30. If motion is detected and no authorised RFID signal is detected in the area, the controller 30 activates an alarm 70 and transmits an activation signal to the surveillance unit to operate the camera 45. The image data received by the surveillance unit 45 is transmitted to a security station for observation and/or recording. The system can be battery powered.

Description

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SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM

Background to the invention

The present invention relates to a surveillance system.

Surveillance systems are well known and are typically used to monitor areas where, for example, there is restricted personnel access and/or valuable materials are present which require supervision to ensure they are not removed from the area without authorisation, such as construction materials on a building site and the like.

Many conventional surveillance systems include cameras and operate using Digital Video Recorders (DVDs) or Personal Computers (PCs) and are typically used to monitor individuals entering or leaving an area and/or utilise motion detection units to detect the movement of an individual within a defined area being monitored.

The actual monitoring of the defined area may take place on site or may be undertaken remotely by transmitting camera images to a remote monitoring station.

Such transmission may take place via broadband or dial up via telephone or satellite.

Passive Infrared Devices (PER devices) may be installed to ensure triggering of each camera only when an intruder enters a defined radius from the camera.

If the defined area to be monitored includes a particularly busy area where monitoring is not required, such as a main road or the like, such areas often being areas of high levels of movement, the area may be masked such that movement within that area is not detected by the surveillance system. In addition, where there are areas within the defined area where activity is of particularly interest, such as doorways or particularly sensitive areas, these areas may be highlighted. Thus, surveillance systems may be highly bespoke to accommodate the individual requirements of the user and the area to be monitored.

However, conventional surveillance systems typically have high energy requirements, particularly where the surveillance system includes lighting to allow the surveillance system to he used at night. Many surveillance systems run constantly and thus the power requirement is constant. Even those surveillance systems that are activated on the detection of motion have a high power requirement as the surveillance system is constantly activated as soon as motion is detected. This power requirement is particularly high when monitoring areas with high levels of activity. :10

Thus, surveillance systems are conventionally mains powered. However, this carried limitations that the surveillance system may only by installed where a suitable mains supply is available. This clearly carried limitations where remote areas require monitoring or where surveillance is to take place on a construction site where utilities are still being installed. Although surveillance systems exist that are battery powered or solar powered, these systems are often not suitable for use at night, due to the high power requirement of the cameras and lights.

There is therefore a need for a surveillance system for monitoring an area which may be installed in areas where no mains power is required.

Summary of the Invention

The present invention seeks to address the problems of the prior art.

Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention provides a surveillance system for monitoring an area, the surveillance system having a surveillance unit, an identification signal detector, and a controller which is operable to receive an identification signal from the identification signal detector and to operate the surveillance unit in the absence of an authorised identification detector signal being received from the identification detector unit.

In this way, the surveillance unit is only activated when no authorised identification detector signal is received. This is particularly useful where, for example, the surveillance system is being used to monitor an area containing valuable materials, such as a construction site or the like, where theft of the materials is a constant problem. If the materials themselves are provided with a concealed authorised identifier which can be detected by the surveillance system and the material is removed from the site being monitored, the authorised signal will not longer be detected and the surveillance unit will be activated by the controller. This provides an effective way to monitor the removal of valuable materials and the like from an area being monitored.

In one embodiment, the surveillance system further comprises a motion detector unit, the controller being operable to receive motion detection signals from the motion detector unit and to operate the surveillance unit in the presence of a motion detection signal from the motion detector unit.

In this embodiment, despite the movement of individuals within an area being monitored, provided that the individuals have authorised identifiers which can be detected by the identification signal detector, the controller will not activate the surveillance unit. However, if motion is detected within the area being monitored and no authorised identification signal is detected, the controller will operate the surveillance unit, thereby activating surveillance cameras and the like. Thus, authorised traffic of individuals within the area being monitored will not result in activation of the surveillance system. This means that the power requirements of the system are reduced as the surveillance unit is only activated when motion is detected in the absence of an authorised identification signal.

This has the advantage that the surveillance system has lower power requirements than conventional surveillance systems. Thus, a surveillance system in accordance

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with the present invention may be installed without the need for mains connection.

For example, a surveillance system in accordance with the present invention may be powered using a battery. The battery may be a standard battery, or may be a rechargeable battery which can be recharged using sustainable energy resources such as solar or wind power or the like.

In a surveillance system in accordance with the present invention, the identification signal may be a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal, such as an active RFID or passive RFID.

The main distinction between passive and active RFID tags is that passive RFID tags require no internal power source, whereas active RFID tags require a power source and as a consequence can contain stored identifiable information. Thus, either may be used with a surveillance system in accordance with the present invention. Passive RFID tags may be provided to authorised individuals passing through the area to be monitored or provided on materials and the like within the area to be monitored, the presence of an authorised passive RFID tag being detectable by the identification signal detector. Alternatively, if active RFID tags are provided to authorised individuals passing through the area being monitored or provided on materials contained within the area being monitored, the active RFID can provide additional information to the identification signal detector, for example, information relating to the particular individual and the time at which they were within the area being monitored, or may provide information relating to the material on which the active RFID tag is provided, for example, the type of equipment or material, the date/time at which the equipment or material first entered the area being monitored etc. The surveillance unit preferably includes a camera.

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Thus, when the surveillance unit is activated, the camera would begin monitoring the activity within the area being monitored. Thus, the camera would be able to monitor the movements/activities of any unauthorised individual within the area whose motion in the absence of an authorised identification signal caused the controller to operate the surveillance unit.

Alternatively, operation of the surveillance unit may simply activate an alarm to alert security to the presence of an unauthorised individual or the unauthorised removal of material from the area being monitored. This simple form of surveillance system may be useful where there is on site security at the area being monitored and thus the cost of cameras and recordal equipment may be avoided.

Where the surveillance unit includes one or more cameras, once the surveillance unit is triggered by the controller, the camera may transmit pictures of the area being monitored to a remote station for viewing. In addition, the transmitted pictures may be recorded either on Site, at the remote station or at any other location, including recordal and online retention of the recorded images for future authorised access.

The operation of the surveillance system may activate an alarm. Such an alarm may comprise an audible alarm such as the sounding of a siren or the like, or may comprise a visible alarm such as the illumination of an light or screen message, or may be any other suitable alarm known to the skilled person and appropriate for alerting security or the like to the presence of an unauthorised individual within the area being monitored. The alarm may comprise an automatic telephone call or pager activation to a remote monitoring station and/or to an individual off site.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a method of monitoring an area comprising the steps of: a. Providing a surveillance unit for providing feedback from the area being monitored; b. Providing an identification signal detector for the detection of authorised identification signals; c. Providing a controller in communication with both the identification signal detector and the surveillance unit; and d. Detecting the presence or absence of an authorised identification signal; and e. Activating the surveillance unit in dependence upon the presence or absence of an authorised identification signal.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: f Providing a motion detector unit; and g. Activating the surveiJiance unit in dependence upon the presence of a detected motion within the area being monitored and the absence of an authorised identification signal.

A further aspect of the present invention proves a method of monitoring an area comprising the steps of: a. Providing a surveillance system in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; and b. Activating the surveillance system in the absence of a detected authorised identification signal.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of: c. Activating the surveillance system when motion is detected in the absence of an authorised identification signal.

Brief Description of the Drawings

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of a surveillance system in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a first method of operation of the embodiment of figure 1; Figure 3 illustrates a second embodiment of a surveillance system in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a second method of operation of the embodiment of figure 3.

Detailed Description of the Invention

A first embodiment of a surveillance system iii accordance with the present invention is described with reference to figures 1 and 2.

Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a surveillance system in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention.

The surveillance system 10 comprises an identification signal detector 20 operable to detect identification signals emitted from authorised identification tags 25. The identification lag 25 shown in figure 1 is an active RIFD. The identification signal detector 20 is in communication with a controller 30 to which identification signals detected by the identification are transmitted on receipt.

The surveillance system further comprises a surveillance unit 40 in communication with the controller and which is operable by the controller on transmission of an activation signal by the controller to the surveillance system 40. The surveillance system 40 includes a camera 45 for taking images (whether still or video images) when the surveillance unit is operated. The images taken using camera 45 are then transmitted to the controller 30, such transmission is preferably real time transmission.

The controller 30 is operable to transmit received images from the surveillance unit to any desired location 60, such as an on site security station, an off site security station or any remote location for viewing and/or recordal. Alternatively, or in addition, the images may be transmitted via broadband or dial-up satellite linkage to any desired online image storage location for future access by authorised personnel.

The controller 30 is further operable to activate an alarm 70 which may be on site or may be located off site. The alarm 70 may comprise any suitable audio or visual alarm signal to alert security or any other suitable off site individual that an unauthorised individual has been detected within the area being monitored or unauthorised removal of materials is taking place at the area being monitored.

Alternatively, or in addition, the controller may automatically make a telephone call or pager alert to alert a suitable individual or organisation to the security breach that has been detected at the area being monitored. The suitable individual may comprise any suitable security personnel or the like and the suitable organisation may comprise a police station or security firm or the like.

Figure 2 is a flow chart showing the operation of the surveillance system shown in figure 1.

The identification signal detector 20 checks for signals within the area being monitored (step A) and transmits information to the controller 30 relating to any detected signals. The controller determines, based on existing information provided at the controller, whether the detected signal is an authorised identification signal (step B).

If an authorised signal is detected then no action is necessary (step C).

However, if no authorised signal is detected, the controller 30 transmits an activation signal to the surveillance unit 40 to operate the camera 45 to provide image data from the area being monitored (step CI). In addition the controller 30 activates alarm 70 (which may be onsite and/or off site) and may also make an automatic telephone call or send a pager alert that there has been a breach of security at the area being monitored.

The image data received by the surveillance unit 40 is then transmitted to the controller 30 from the surveillance unit 40 and the controller onward transmits the image data to a security station 60 for observation and/or recordal (step D).

A further embodiment of a surveillance system in accordance with the present invention is described with reference to figures 3 and 4.

The surveillance system 10 of figure 3 further comprises a motion detector unit 50 for the detection of motion within the area being monitored. The motion detector unit 50 is in communication with the controller 30. On detection of motion within the area being monitored, the motion detector unit 50 transmits a motion detection signal to the controller 30.

This process is repeated throughout the surveillance process.

This embodiment is particularly useful where materials or equipment is tagged within an area being monitored and the concern is to be able to detect when/if the material or equipment is removed from the area. For example, this embodiment would be particularly useful on a construction site or the like or in public areas where access is not particularly restricted, but the potential theft of materials or equipment is a concern.

Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating the method of operation of the embodiment of figure 3.

The motion detector 50 checks for movement within the area being monitored (step A) and transmits information to the controller 30 relating to any motion detected.

At the same time the identification signal detector 20 checks for signals within the area being monitored and transmits information to the controller 30 relating to any detected signals.

If no motion is detected by the motion detector unit 50 within the area being monitored then no action is required.

If the controller 30 has received a signal from the motion detector 50 indicating that motion has been detected within the area being monitored, the controller determines whether an identification signal has been detected by the identification signal detector (step B). If an identification signal has been detected, the controller determines, based on existing information provided at the controller, whether the detected signal is an authorised identification signal (step C).

If an authorised signal is detected then no action is necessary (step D).

However, if no authorised signal is detected, the controller 30 transmits an activation signal to the surveillance unit 40 to operate the camera 45 to provide image data from the area being monitored (step Cl). In addition the controller 30 activates alarm 70 (which may be onsite and/or off site) and may also make an automatic telephone call or send a pager alert that there has been a breach of security at the area being monitored.

The image data received by the surveillance unit 40 is then transmitted to the controller 30 from the surveillance unit 40 and the controller onward transmits the image data to a security station 60 for observation and/or recordal (step Dl).

This process is repeated throughout the surveillance process.

This embodiment of a surveillance system is particularly useful where the area being monitored has restricted access and it is desirable to detect the movement of individuals within the area.

Although aspects of the invention have been described with reference to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiment shown and that various changes and modifications may be effected without further inventive skill and effort, for example, on a construction site, individuals who are authorised for access may be provided with authorised RFID tags embedded in their hard hats/safety equipment or other personal equipment in order to monitor their access to the site and to allow detection of unauthorised personnel on site. It would also allow the detection of individuals who were not wearing or carrying their hard hats or safety equipment and so could act as a safety monitoring system rather than simply as a security surveillance system.

It will also be appreciated that the surveillance system in accordance with the present invention may be used in extensive applications beyond the conventional surveillance systems. For example, the surveillance system of the present invention may be used to monitor access to a hospital drug area and the authorised removal of drugs from that area. However, the attempted access to the area by an unauthorised individual would be immediately detectable. Further, if RFID tags or other suitable tags were provided as part of the drug packaging, the unauthorised removal of the drugs would also be immediately detectable.

Finally, due to the fact that the surveillance system of the present invention is only activated in the absence of an authorised identification signal, the power requirements of the system are extremely low, allowing it to be installed without the need for mains connection and taking advantage of batter power, making it perfect for quick and simply installation in domestic and commercial settings and allowing it to be used in remote areas without mains provision as well as allowing monitoring of an area at night whilst avoiding high power requirement as light are only required when the cameras are activated rather than using a constantly activated camera system. There is also the additional advantage that light pollution is avoided at these areas being monitored as the lights would only need to be activated when required by the camera.

Claims

1. A surveillance system for monitoring an area, the surveillance system having a surveillance unit, an identification signal detector, and a controller which is operable to receive an identification signal from the identification signal detector and to operate the surveillance unit in the absence of an authorised identification detector signal being received from the identification detector unit.

2. A surveillance system in accordance with Claim 1 further comprising a motion detector unit, the controller being operable to receive motion detection signals from the motion detector Unit and to operate the surveillance unit in the presence of a motion detection signal from the motion detector unit.

3. A surveillance system in accordance with Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the identification signal is a radio frequency identification (RFID) signal.

4. A surveillance system in accordance with Claim 3, wherein the RFID signal is an active RFID signal.

5. A surveillance system in accordance with Claim 3, wherein the RFID signal is a passive RFID signal.

6. A surveillance system in accordance with any preceding Claim, wherein the surveillance unit comprises a camera.

7. A surveillance system in accordance with Claim 6, wherein on operation of the surveillance unit by the controller, the camera transmits pictures of the area being monitored to a remote station for viewing.

8. A surveillance system in accordance with Claim 6, wherein the camera transmits pictures of the area being monitored to a remote Station for recordal.

9. A surveillance system in accordance with any preceding Claim, wherein operation of the surveillance system activates an alarm.

10. A surveillance system in accordance with the present invention wherein the surveillance system is battery powered.

11. A method of monitoring an area comprising the steps of: a. Providing a surveillance unit for providing feedback from the area being monitored; b. Providing an identification signal detector for the detection of authorised identification signals; c. Providing a controller in communication with both the identification signal detector and the surveillance unit; and d. Detecting the presence or absence of an authorised identification signal; and e. Activating the surveillance unit in dependence upon the presence or absence of an authorised identification signal.

12. A method in accordance with Claim 11 further comprising the steps of: f. Providing a motion detector unit; and g. Activating the surveillance unit in dependence upon the presence of a detected motion within the area being monitored and the absence of an authorised identification signal.

13. A method of monitoring an area comprising the steps of: a. Providing a surveillance system in accordance with any one of Claims ito 10; and b. Activating the surveillance system in the absence of a detected authorised identification signal.

14. A method of monitoring an area in accordance with Claim 13, further comprising the steps of: c. Activating the surveillance system when motion is detected in the absence of an authorised identification signal.

15. A surveillance system substantially as hereinbefore described arid with reference to the accompanying drawings.

16. A method substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference to the accompanying drawings.