FR2844083A1 - Remote monitoring/manipulation alarm system telecommunications network interrogable/commandable and communicating via high rate line directly internet/mobile telephone when fixed line breakage - Google Patents

Abstract

The remote alarm monitoring and manipulation system is commandable and interrogable at a distance via a telecommunications network. The robot monitor(1A1) can communicate via a fixed high rate line directly from the internet or mobile telephone in the case of a fixed line breakage.

Description

The present patent application relates to specifications and applications

  news of patent application N 01 03365 from the same inventor, not published to date, and which will be published on 20 09

2002 under number 2 822 279.

  For the record, this patent claims a remote monitoring and remote handling robot connected to a portable terminal (essentially

  next generation UMTS) and the Internet.

  A main point of claim of this patent application concerns the capture of images and sounds of intrusions or disasters by a mobile or fixed camera following detection by appropriate sensors, then their almost immediate transfers to an Internet server. and a portable terminal, for example of the UMTS telephone type. It is recalled here that the sending of the images to the Internet server on the one hand, and to the portable terminal 15 on the other hand can be concomitant. Indeed, the computer linked by radio waves to the robot or to the fixed camera, is connected to the server by a broadband modem of the "ADSL" type for example, which is online continuously. It is therefore not necessary to wait for the numbering before being able to transfer the images to the server. At the same time, either from the computer or from the Internet server, images and sounds are transferred to the portable terminal. Likewise, since said terminal can also be online continuously, the owner of the system will then be instantly notified by the reception of the images and sound. It is claimed that the visualization of said images makes it possible to discriminate reality

of an intrusion or a disaster.

  In the event of an accidental or intentional break in the high-speed telephone line connecting the computer to the Internet server, a high-speed telecommunications chip, of the "UMTS" type for example, directly integrated into the robot or the fixed camera then takes over. , and instantly transfers images and sound to the Internet server as well as to the portable terminal. This system therefore offers additional security. The UMTS 35 chip integrated in the robot also makes it possible to control the latter directly from the portable terminal, without going through the Internet server. Indeed, it is not always necessary to have an archiving of images for all applications. This integrated chip can therefore complete and secure the computer connected to the robot by radio waves, or even replace it. The diagrams in FIGS. 1A, 1 B and 1 C describe the three possible operating modes: FIG. 1A: the robot (1A1) or the fixed camera, detectors, transmitters (1A2) assembly integrates a short range radio link, of "Bluetooth" type or other, as well as an optional UMTS chip. The robot (1A1) is in radio link with an interface (1A3) connected to a computer (1A4), itself equipped

  an ADSL broadband modem connected to a fixed line (1A5). This fixed line (1A5) is connected to the Internet server 15 of a telephone operator (1A6). This operator (lA6) is in.

  UMTS wireless broadband telephone link with the mobile

the system user (1A7).

  - Figure 1 B: either on command from the Internet server or from the portable terminal, or automatically following a break in the ADSL fixed line, the UMTS chip of the robot is activated. In this case, the robot (1B1) or the fixed system (1B2) is in UMTS wireless telephone link with the Internet server (1 B3). This server (1B3) is also in UMTS wireless telephone link with the user's mobile (1 B4). In this case, it is therefore necessary to mobilize two UMTS lines; however, as these two lines are only activated in case

  this is not a major disadvantage.

  - Figure 1C: in the event that there is no intrusion or fire alert, and you simply wish to control the robot remotely, it is not necessary to go through the Internet server. In this case, the robot (1C1) is directly in UMTS wireless connection with the portable terminal (1C2) or with a computer (1 C4) connected to a broadband fixed line of ADSL type

(1 C3).

  Note that the robot is offered in three versions: either it does not have a UMTS chip, and it communicates via the interface connected to the computer; either it also integrates a UMTS chip, and it can communicate directly in UMTS or via the interface, or finally, it only has the UMTS chip, and therefore the interface and the computer are no longer necessary. In the latter case, the short-range radio link ("Bluetooth" or other) is still retained to ensure communication with the auxiliary detectors or the remote control. When the surveillance area is very large, the robot is not necessarily able to monitor everything. The present patent application seeks to solve this problem: The mobile robot or the fixed camera have a radio link 10 which connects them to the computer. This radio link also makes it possible to connect the robot and the computer to auxiliary alarm detectors. These are fixed or even mobile boxes, incorporating detectors (infrared, radar, gas, smoke, contacts, vibrations, etc.), a standard or infrared camera and a radio transmitter. FIG. 2A describes such a box: a. detector (2A1) here represented as an infrared sensor, but which can be of any other type, triggers a camera (2A2) and infrared or visible lighting (2A3). The link with the robot or the interface is

  ensured by a transmitter (2A4) of short range (100 meters maximum).

  So, when the surveillance zone is extended, and cannot be ensured by the robot alone, these auxiliary detectors will make it possible to monitor other zones, and to send images and sounds from these zones in the event of intrusion or disaster. . As described in FIG. 2B, one can imagine for example the robot (2B1) positioned in a corridor, close to the entrance door, and an auxiliary detector (2B2) installed in the garage. If an intruder enters the garage, the alert process will then be exactly the same as from the robot, and the images and sounds will be transferred to the Internet server and the portable terminal. The other advantage of this device lies in the fact that it is difficult to spot by intruders. Once the robot is publicized and known to the general public, thieves will tend to be vigilant about the possible presence of the remote monitoring robot, and will be wary of it. However, it will be very difficult for them to locate these auxiliary detectors, hidden for example behind a green plant! It should be noted that these auxiliary detectors are small, and operate on batteries. Indeed, only the detector (s) are supplied continuously, the

  camera'and the radio transmitter are only activated when detected.

  When the robot has to perform precision tasks, the graphical screen of the portable terminal can be very small. The present patent application proposes an original technical solution: The portable terminal is equipped with a color graphic screen, sufficient to display the images and control the robot. In order to better immerse yourself in the scene that the robot "sees", you can optionally connect video glasses to the laptop. A version of this device even allows stereoscopy. For this, the robot does not have a camera, but two, spaced from each other laterally by a certain distance. The video glasses 15 integrate two separate small graphic screens. The portable terminal is then able to receive the images from the two cameras by alternating the digital data, and to transfer them to the glasses. The data transfer rates authorized by UMTS broadband makes it possible to manage the two cameras at the same time. If necessary, we can assign the image return data from the videophone to the second camera, to have two one-way cameras on the same side, instead of one

  bidirectional camera on both sides.

  These video glasses (in mono or stereoscopy) will also find their interest in viewing any type of images received by the

  portable: video film, Internet, videophone, etc ...

  FIG. 3A describes the mono process: the portable terminal (3A1) is connected to video glasses (3A2); the latter include two small LCD or other video screens (3A3) and (3A4) 30 linked together, thus providing the same image. The robot (3A5)

only has one camera (3A6).

  FIG. 3B describes the stereo method: the portable terminal (3B1) is connected to video glasses (3B2); the latter include two small LCD or other video screens (3B3) and (3B4) 35 connected separately to the laptop. The images provided by the two screens are different, thus ensuring a relief vision. The robot (3B5) is then equipped with two separate cameras (3B6) and (3B7). One can easily imagine the advantage of this device for controlling the robot, and particularly for grasping objects with the

pinch precisely.

  The robot consists of a main structure, metallic or plastic, which integrates all mechanical and electronic functions. The external appearance of the robot is given by shells of varied, interchangeable shapes, materials and colors. Thus, it is possible to modify at leisure the aesthetics of the robot, without touching the main structure. 10 One can imagine a futuristic presentation, metallic in color as in science fiction scenes; or give it a stylized animal form, or even more realistic in

  plush for baby monitoring ...

  This principle goes much further than simply changing the color as is done for mobile phones, since it also allows the shape and materials to be changed; it allows each user to adapt the presentation of his robot to his interior. The principle of recharging the batteries of the robot proposed in patent application N 01 03365 called upon a kind of plastic tree having tongues which entered into

  contacts with other tabs located under the robot gripper.

  In order to avoid cluttering this "tree", we would prefer to use a device equipped with two small columns equipped with infrared transmitters and receivers which automatically guide the robot to the charging site. The batteries can be recharged either using contacts arranged at the base of the robot, or without contact by magnetic induction. The side figure 4A describes the process: the rear of the robot (4A1) is positioned facing a base (4A3) which has two small towers (4A4) each incorporating two infrared transmitters and receivers (4A5). The rear legs of the robot (4A2) also incorporate infrared transmitters and receivers (4A6). This system automatically guides the robot to its charging base, and transfers energy via contacts (4A7), or by magnetic induction. The base (4A3) is connected to the mains. Figure 4B shows the device seen

from the back.

  The robot must be able to move fairly quickly (5 to 10 km / h!), Especially when it has to move towards a supposed fire source. However, the robot must also be able to perform slow and precise movements, such as grabbing a glass of water for example. To solve this problem, two solutions are proposed: - the maximum speeds of the different motors are configurable, and vary according to the tasks to be performed. 10 - the motor speeds increase in proportion to the

  activation time of the terminal control keys.

  In practice, keep the key pressed to obtain high movement speeds, and we will prefer small

  successive presses for precision maneuvers.

  Patent application N 01 03365 claims remote handling capabilities for the robot. Either a universal gripper is used, or specific actuators. The new claim of the present application relates to a system of interchangeable electric or pneumatic tools. 20 Instead of having a specific tool permanently mounted on the robot, an option allows the robot to change its tools according to the assigned task: for example, it will deposit on a kind of

  specific rack for its gripper, and exchange it with a sprinkler system equipped with a solenoid valve. This maneuver 25 can be performed remotely, from the portable terminal.

  A radio link remote control can be offered as an option.

  It allows the robot to be maneuvered without using the terminal or the Internet via a computer, for example directing it into the

  children's room to monitor the baby. A remote control version also includes a video screen.

  The first new application which the present patent application proposes to resolve concerns the sudden death of the newborn. We know that this is an apnea problem, and we must intervene as quickly as possible. There are systems which monitor the baby's breathing, either by specific sensors or by computer processing of an image, and which give the alert in the event of apnea. The novelty claimed by the present application lies in the fact that the robot not only detects possible apnea, but intervenes on the baby by shaking the bed or the basket in which it rests. For this, it is sufficient that the robot grips the edge of the bed or the bassinet firmly with its pliers. With the camera pointing at the baby, if apnea is detected, the robot will immediately cause fairly large vibrations, either by oscillating its neck, or by making slight front-back movements. Specialists agree that if the baby is reasonably shaken in the first few moments after apnea, then it is likely to start breathing again. The advantage of the present device is that the vibration starts only a few seconds after the apnea, preventing parents from losing precious seconds while waiting for them to intervene directly. Figure 5 shows the principle: the robot (5.3) monitors with its camera (5.5) the baby (5.2) who sleeps in his bed (5.1). The robot serves a bar of the bed with its clamp (5.4). If apnea is detected, the robot generates vibration movements which are intended to immediately wake the baby, while waiting for the arrival of

  parents alerted in the baby's room.

  The second new application concerns remote monitoring. There are many alarm and remote monitoring systems on the market. The previous patent application (N 01 03365) claims a mobile device or not, which allows not only to detect an alert, but also to verify the reality of said alert thanks to a camera which sends the images to a new mobile phone. generation, as well as on an Internet server. An intruder can then be filmed, and a dialogue can be set up with him from the mobile, or from the Internet server. Obviously, there is not much that can be done remotely if the intruder continues his crime, while waiting for the police. It is precisely this problem that the present novelty proposes to solve. Indeed, the robot has an optional function which allows, from the laptop or from the Internet server, to send towards the intruder a tear gas or liquid, soporific or any other, within the limits of the regulations in force in different countries. This function is either activated voluntarily or automatically upon detection of an intrusion. Figure 6 describes the process: the robot (6.1) includes a pressurized liquid or gas tank (6.2), which can be released by a solenoid valve (6.3), the outlet of which passes through a tube (6.4) which ends up on a nozzle (6.5) positioned not far from the camera (6.6). When the solenoid valve is controlled, voluntarily or automatically, the nozzle powerfully diffuses the product towards the aggressor. The latter can then be immobilized for the time necessary for the arrival of the police force; in any event, it is unlikely that the 15 intruder is still in a condition to continue his package! The third new application concerns fire fighting. Most fire alarms on the market are limited to an alert in the event of a disaster, more or less reliably. There are also known installations with water sprinklers 20 which flood the area under consideration. However, this system works very late. The problem that the present invention proposes to solve is to be able to intervene remotely on a fire from the start, while waiting for the arrival of the firefighters. For this, the robot is equipped with gas, smoke etc. detectors and 25 gives the alert both on the laptop and on the Internet server where a specialized remote monitoring service operates as already described in the previous one. patent application. The robot has a bottle containing an anti-fire product (water, dry ice, powder, etc.). In the event of a fire alarm, it suffices to direct the robot towards the hearth, which is facilitated by the camera and its lighting, then to order the opening of the solenoid valve which delivers the product in the manner of a conventional fire extinguisher . This operation can be controlled remotely either by the owner using his new generation laptop, or by a specialist operator of a specific remote monitoring service of the Internet server. The product expulsion nozzle is located not far from the camera, and can be oriented in any direction, in order to optimize extinction. As the gas or smoke detectors deliver analog information, it is then easy to move the robot quickly towards the fireplace, even if nothing is visible with the camera. For this, the terminal and the server have a "bar graph" on the display which lights up in proportion to the quantity of gas or smoke detected. We know that the first minutes are decisive in the fight against a fire; we can measure here all the interest of this device to intervene very quickly on a disaster, while waiting for the arrival of the firemen. This system concerns both the individual for his main or secondary residence, as well as businesses and industries. The principle is exactly the same as that described previously in Figure 6, except that the capacity of the tank

  (6.2) is more substantial, and the dimensions of the pipes (6.4) and 15 of the nozzle (6.5) much larger. Indeed, both the amount of.

  product expelled, that its flow should be comparable to what

  this is obtained with a standard fire extinguisher.

  The fourth new application concerns vehicle surveillance. Systems are known which warn, thanks to a "beeper", the owner of a vehicle in the event of an alarm, when said owner is within a limited perimeter. The first problem with these devices is that one is not sure of the reality of the vehicle being broken into. The second drawback is related to the short range of these systems. Systems are also known which make it possible to locate a vehicle after its flight,

  either by "GPS" type devices, or specific.

  Installation and subscription are expensive for one

  use - unfortunately - very hypothetical.

  The object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and effective response to the problem of burglaries and theft of vehicles.

  In this case, we obviously do not use a mobile robot, but a fixed device integrating camera, detectors, UMTS type broadband chip and autonomous power supply, installed discreetly in the vehicle. In the event of an attempted break-in, 35 different sensors are involved: forced lock, repeated shocks, volumetric, ultrasound, etc.

  The camera transfers images and sound via the UMTS chip to the remote monitoring Internet server on the one hand, and to the portable terminal on the other hand. The owner is immediately notified, and sees the image of the intruder on his laptop, at the same time as it is stored on the server. FIG. 7 describes the process: the vehicle (7.1) is equipped with a wide-angle camera (7.2) positioned, for example, in a housing common with the mirror (7.3). Different detectors: ultrasonic (7.7), moreover often fitted as standard in vehicles, shocks (7.6), locks (7.5) are connected to the central box (7. 8) incorporating the UMTS chip. In the event of a break-in, the box (7.8) 10 sends the images, and the owner as well as the central monitoring station are instantly notified by the reception of said images. The central unit (7.8) also incorporates a data storage device, making it possible to save a few minutes of video sequences. Indeed, if the vehicle is ever parked in a place where it does not receive the broadband network, the images can then be saved and retransmitted later. Furthermore, if the UMTS broadband network is necessary for the transfer of video sequences, the alarm also works with a standard "GSM" network, however limiting the video to a still image. In the event of direct assault by the owner, as is unfortunately more and more frequent, particularly at red lights, a judiciously placed alert button is used to alert the central station, to film and transfer the scene. The remote monitoring center can then immobilize the vehicle remotely (by cutting the injection electronics for example) very shortly after the flight. Otherwise, if the vehicle is immediately stopped when it is picked up, the thief could have a very violent reaction. Different functions can be integrated as an option: a loudspeaker in the car (7.9), allowing any dialogue with the intruder (directing him to leave the vehicle immediately because his photo is taken ...), servomotors actuating the camera in X and Y, nozzles (7.4) diffusing tear gas or other products, etc ... 35 It should be noted that this UMTS chip can also constitute the heart of the mobile telephone system of the vehicle, and therefore be..DTD: used in the same way as a conventional car phone.

  The advantage of the method is that it also allows the functions of the video intercom, using the surveillance camera installed near the rear view mirror on the one hand, and the multifunction graphic screen installed on the central console of most high vehicles. range. Obviously, on-board broadband offers many advantages: mobile office, traffic information, etc. The integration of this device into the vehicle is then

  remarkable, both functionally and aesthetically.

  If, despite everything, the thief manages to take the vehicle (by loading it onto a flatbed truck for example), it will be possible to locate the vehicle thanks to the cellular principle of UMTS. In the same way as for the surveillance of a residence, a specific Internet server ensures the remote surveillance of any attempt to break into the vehicle, as well as its location in the event of theft. It is easy to see the considerable advantage offered by such a device, particularly for monitoring luxury cars, trucks transporting precious goods, monitoring crimes in public transport, etc.

Claims (8)

  1) Mobile or fixed alarm device for remote monitoring and remote handling controllable and interrogable remotely via telecommunications networks, wireless or not, using technologies such as for example: ADSL, UMTS, GPRS, Wl-FI (IEEE standard) 802-1 la, b or g) or other, characterized in that the robot, mobile or not, can either communicate via a fixed broadband line, or integrate a high speed telecommunication chip, of the "UMTS" type or other , to make the robot controllable or searchable directly from the Internet or a mobile phone;   particularly in the event of a break in the fixed line.   2) Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the short-range radio link, of the "Bluetooth", "WI-FI" or other type, included in the robot, also allows it to communicate with auxiliary boxes, composed of : One or more detectors, PIR type, radar, contacts, shocks, smoke, gas or other A color or infrared camera Visible or infrared lighting A radio transmitter of the "Bluetooth", "WIFI" or other type A power supply, preferably at cells or batteries This system makes it possible to multiply the areas under surveillance with a single robot, and to film the intruder or the disaster from any of the auxiliary boxes; the radio link is either managed by the computer and its interface, or directly by the robot. The alert process towards an Internet server and towards a portable terminal makes it possible to discriminate the reality of an intrusion or a disaster, by sending the images and the sound of the scene detected.   3) Device according to all or part of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the portable terminal of the cell phone, PDA, laptop or other type can be connected to video glasses, delivering the image of the terminal's graphic screen on two small screens of the LCD or other type, placed before the eyes of the user. These two screens can either deliver the same image from a camera of the robot, or two separate images from two separate cameras of the robot, thus providing a stereoscopic vision which is particularly useful for better directing the robot. It is also claimed that these glasses allow viewing of films, the Internet, a contact or other; especially when these glasses are connected to a cellphone.   4) Device according to all or part of the preceding claims,   characterized in that all or part of the various motors ensuring the movement and the movements of the robot are at variable speed. Either, the motor speeds can be configured according to the tasks to be carried out, or the motors increase in speed in proportion to the activation time of the keys, virtual or not, on the terminal   portable or from the Internet server.   ) Device according to all or part of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the actuator, such as a gripper for example, can be detachable from the robot, and interchangeable with another tool. A locking device can be actuated remotely from the portable terminal or from the Internet, which releases the first tool in a suitable receptacle for gripping a second, watering of plants for example.   6) Device according to all or part of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the robot acts to try to wake the baby from the first moments following apnea, in order to prevent sudden infant death. The robot grasps the edge of the bed or cradle with its forceps, or other suitable tool. As soon as apnea is detected, the robot generates a more or less significant vibration towards the bed or the bassinet by the use of different motors for example. At the same time, the alert is triggered towards the parents' portable terminal, which can also be at close range on a "Bluetooth", "Wl-FI" or other radio link, as well as to the Internet server. of remote monitoring.   7) Device according to all or part of the preceding claims,   characterized in that the remote monitoring robot is capable, optionally, of expelling in the direction of an intruder or attacker, a liquid or gaseous product of the tear, soporific or other type. Either automatically upon detection, or on voluntary order from the portable terminal or from the Internet remote monitoring server, a pressure tank integrated into the robot, releases the product by the action of a solenoid valve, and expels said product by means of a jet   preferentially located near the camera.   8) Device according to all or part of the preceding claims,   characterized in that, optionally, the robot can attempt to extinguish a fire source while waiting for the arrival of the firefighters. When the appropriate gas or smoke detectors detect the start of a fire, the alert is given according to the usual procedure, but in addition, it is possible to direct the robot towards the hearth, and release a fire-retardant product. dry ice, water, powder or other type. The technical means implemented are the same as those described in the preceding claim (7), with the difference that the elements are dimensioned so as to have the same flow rate and the same pressure as a conventional fire extinguisher. The gas or smoke detectors deliver a signal of variable size, allowing the robot to be directed, automatically or not, towards the fire. This process can lead to a service of "firefighters" by Internet!   9) Device according to all or part of the preceding claims,   characterized in that a specific telemonitoring service by an operator allows the monitoring of vehicles, such as passenger cars, taxis, transport trucks   goods, public transport or other.   ) Device according to claim 9, characterized in a fixed installation on board the vehicle consisting of: - A set of burglar detectors, of volumetric type, ultrasound, shocks, locks, doors or others - A color or infrared camera directed towards the driver, which should preferably be positioned near the rear-view mirror - A central unit incorporating a broadband telecommunication unit of the "UMTS" type or other that can also be used for all other mobile telephone functions and related services of the vehicle, a data storage allowing the recording of a few minutes   video footage, and a backup battery.   - A circuit breaker or other vehicle immobilization device, connected to the control unit described above, which can be activated from a portable terminal or from the service Internet remote monitoring.   - An alert actuator connected to the same central unit, accessible from   driver in case of direct assault.   - A microphone and a loudspeaker dedicated to the hands-free functions of the telephone or videophone, also usable for communicate with the intruder.   - Optionally, one or more nozzles expelling a tear-type product for example, according to a   description similar to claim 7   In the event of an alert, the principle of remote monitoring by a specific Internet service, and of viewing the scene on a portable mobile is the same as that which has already been described previously. The device also works with a “GSM” or other type of network, however limiting the video to a still image. In the event that the vehicle is nevertheless stolen, it can then be located thanks to the cellular network of the mobile telephone network, whatever it may be.