AU2003101085A4

AU2003101085A4 - Alarm for a Reservoir of Liquid

Info

Publication number: AU2003101085A4
Application number: AU2003101085A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Hudson Bryce Hopewell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-07-12
Filing date: 2003-07-10
Publication date: 2006-11-09
Anticipated expiration: 2011-07-10

Description

WO 2004/008408 PCTiAU2003/000893 -1- Ccl

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O "Alarm For A Reservoir Of Liquid" 0 Field of the Invention oO The present invention relates to an alarm for a reservoir of liquid.

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0The present invention has particular utility as an alarm for a swimming pool, o however the invention is also applicable as an alarm for other bodies of liquid,

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Ssuch as dams, ponds, lakes, harbours, oceans, or liquid chemicalwaste dumps.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Background Art The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge in Australia as at the priority date of the application.

People having little or no swimming ability, such as young children, are susceptible to drowning when they enter a pool of water without supervision by someone able to rescue them if they get into difficulty in the water.

The present invention seeks to reduce to some extent the occurrence of such drownings.

WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -2- O Disclosure of the Invention 0 In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an alarm O for a reservoir of liquid, characterised in that the alarm comprises: sensing means for sensing a body moving within a selected distance from t said sensing means in a detection area formed by the reservoir and the oO 0 area in the vicinity of the reservoir; 0 0 supporting means for supporting the sensing means in the reservoir of 0 O liquid above the surface of the liquid; stabilising means for maintaining the sensing means in a position for sensing; and alerting means to generate an alert; whereby when the sensing means senses a body moving in the detection area the alerting means generates the alert.

Preferably, the alarm further comprises verifying means for verifying that a body moving in the detection area and sensed by the sensing means satisfies at least one selected criterion,whereupon the alerting means generates the alert.

More preferably, the verifying means comprises: data gathering means for gathering data relating to the body moving in the detection area; and processing means to make a comparison between the data gathered by the data gathering means and stored data that is stored in the processing means to verify that the body moving in the detection area satisfies the at least one selected criterion.

WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -3o Even more preferably, the data gathered by the data gathering means is visual 0 data about the body moving in the detection area.

cl Preferably, the supporting means supports the processing means.

0 Alternatively, the processing means is arranged to be located remote from the t supporting means.

oO 0 O Preferably, the processing means is a computer.

o Preferably, the stored data comprises data evidencing a human.

Cl Preferably, the at least one selected criterion is that the body moving in the detection area is human.

Preferably, when the alarm comprises verifying means, the alarm further comprises: transmitting means operatively associated with the verifying means to transmit a signal when the verifying means verifies that a body moving in the detection area and sensed by the sensing means satisfies the at least one selected criterion; and receiving means operatively associated with the alerting means to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitting means; whereby when the receiving means receives the signal transmitted by the transmitting means the alerting means generates the alert.

Preferably, the alarm further comprises: transmitting means operatively associated with the sensing means to transmit a signal when the sensing means senses a body moving in the detection area; and WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -4o receiving means operatively associated with the alerting means to receive 0 0 the signal transmitted by the transmitting means; Swhereby when the receiving means receives the signal transmitted by the transmitting means the alerting means generates the alert.

SPreferably, the receiving means is portable.

oO 0 o Preferably, the alerting means is portable.

0 Preferably, the detection area comprises an area of substantially 3600 around the sensing means.

Preferably, the sensing means comprises at least one dual sensing, microwave and passive infra-red detector.

Preferably, the sensing means comprises at least one passive infra-red detector.

Preferably, the sensing means comprises at least one microwave detector.

Preferably, the sensing means comprises a Fresnel lens.

Preferably, the supporting means is buoyant.

Preferably, the alarm further comprises control means for controlling the operation of the alarm.

More preferably, the control means is remote from the sensing means and the alerting means.

Preferably, the alarm further comprises testing means for testing whether the alarm is functioning correctly or incorrectly.

WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 o More preferably, the alarm further comprises warning means operatively 0 0associated with the testing means, whereby when the testing means determines that the alarm is functioning incorrectly, the warning means generates a warning.

0 Preferably, the supporting means supports the alerting means.

t Alternatively, the alerting means may be arranged to be located remote from the 0 O supporting means.

t' Preferably, the sensing means is supported by a telescoping member extending 0 o from the supporting means.

Preferably, the alarm further comprises a first energy source for providing energy to the alarm.

More preferably, the alarm further comprises a solar panel for charging the first energy source.

More preferably, the alarm comprises a second energy source for providing energy to the alarm in the event that the first energy source fails.

Preferably, the supporting means comprises a buoy.

Preferably, the stabilising means comprises an anchor.

More preferably, the anchor is attached to the supporting means.

Even more preferably, the anchor is attached to the supporting means by a telescoping rod.

Alternatively, the anchor is attached to the supporting means by a chain.

Preferably, the alert generated by the alerting means is audible and/or visual and/or tactile.

WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -6o Preferably, when the alert generated by the alerting means is audible, the alert

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0 comprises a siren.

0 Preferably, when the alert generated by the alerting means is visual, the alert

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comprises a light and/or an electronic message displayed on a display of a communication means.

oO 0 Preferably, the communication means is a mobile or cellular telephone.

0 Preferably, when the alert generated by the alerting means is tactile, the alert 0 0 comprises a vibration.

Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a first embodiment of an alarm for a pool in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a circuit diagram of an electronic circuit of the alarm for a pool shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of an alarm for a pool in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of a third embodiment of an alarm for a pool in accordance with an aspect of the present invention; Figure 5 is a top view of the alarm for a pool shown in Figure 4; and Figure 6 is a block diagram of the electronic circuit of the alarm for a pool shown in Figures 4 and WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -7o Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention 0 In Figure 1, there is shown a first embodiment of an alarm 11 for a pool of water in accordance with the present invention.

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The alarm 11 comprises sensing means in the form of a sensor array 15 for t sensing a body moving within a selected distance from the sensor array 15 in a oO O detection area formed by the area, i.e. space above the pool and the area, i.e.

O space, in the vicinity of the pool.

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O The sensor array 15 is arranged to be supported in the pool above the surface of the water in the pool by supporting means which may be provided in the form of a buoyant body, such as a buoy 13.

Additionally, the alarm 11 comprises alerting means in the form of a siren 17 for generating a high decibel alert sound, an alarm control 19 for controlling the operation of the alarm 11, a portable remote alarm control (not shown) for remotely controlling the operation of the alarm 11, and stabilising means in the form of an anchor 21 attached to the buoy 13 at a location opposed to the sensor array 15 to maintain the sensor array 15 in a position for sensing.

When the sensor array 15 senses a body moving in the detection area the siren 17 generates the high decibel alert sound.The alarm 11 will now be described in further detail.

The sensor array 15 comprises four dual sensing, microwave and passive infrared detectors 47 supported by a support member 29 extending from the buoy 13.

The detectors 47 are positioned at angular spacings of approximately 900 from each other around the support member 29. The detectors 47 provide detection coverage of a body moving in the detection area formed by the area, i.e. space, above the pool and the area, i.e. space, in the vicinity of the pool. This provides detection coverage of substantially 3600 around the sensor array WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -8o The detectors 47 may have a maximum range of detection of approximately 12

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0 metres, controllable by use of sensitivity controls (not visible in the drawings) located inside the detectors 47 to select a distance from the detectors 47 within which a body moving will be detected. Adjustment screws 49 are provided to adjust the vertical angle of detection of the detectors 47. By use of the sensitivity controls and the adjustment screws 49, the size of the detection area, i.e. space, oO can be varied as desired by a user.

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0 The buoy 13 has a hollow first section 23 and a hollow second section 0q separated by a plate 27 to define a first cavity (not visible in the drawings) and a O O second cavity (not visible in the drawings), respectively, inside the buoy 13. The plate 27 may be made of aluminium.

A condensation removing means (not visible in the drawings) is provided inside the buoy 13 to remove any condensation that may develop inside the first cavity and the second cavity.

Figure 2 of the drawings shows a circuit diagram of an electronic circuit 24 contained in the first cavity.

Returning to Figure 1, the electronic circuit 24 is connected to the sensor array the siren 17, and the alarm control 19 via wiring (not visible in the drawings). The electronic circuit 24 enables interaction between the sensor array 15, the siren 17, the alarm control 19, and the portable remote alarm control. When the sensor array 15 senses a body moving in the detection area, the electronic circuit 24 activates the siren 17 to generate the high decibel alert sound. If there is a fault in the sensor array 15, the alarm control 19, the electronic circuit 24, or in a power supply to the alarm 11, the electronic circuit 24 activates the siren 17 to generate a warning sound.

Power supply to the alarm 11 is provided by an energy source in the form of a first battery (not visible in the drawings) contained in the second cavity. The first battery is a lead acid sealed battery and is connected to the electronic circuit 24 via wiring (not visible in the drawings). A venting means (not visible in the WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -9- O drawings) is provided in the buoy 13 to allow gas produced by the first battery to

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N be vented from the second cavity. The venting means is a one way vent valve.

A second energy source in the form of a second battery (not visible in the

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drawings) contained in the second cavity and wired to the electronic circuit 24 is provided to provide power to the alarm 11 in the event that the first battery fails.

oO O The support member 29 is attached to the first section 23 of the buoy 13 and O extends from the buoy 13 in a direction opposed to the second section 25. The support member 29 may be telescopically extended to vary the distance between

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O the sensor array 15 and the first section 23 of the buoy 13.

A first rubber gasket 31 is provided between the plate 27 and the first section 23, and a second rubber gasket 33 is provided between the plate 27 and the second section 25. The gaskets 31 and 33 actas seals to prevent water entering the first cavity and the second cavity.

The first section 23 is substantially dome shaped and may be made of tinted Perspex TM thermoplastic resin.

The second section 25 may be made of Perspex TM thermoplastic resin and is also substantially dome shaped.

A tripod extension 28 having legs 28a extending from a base 28b supports the buoy 13 and is connected thereto. The ends of the legs 28a remote from the base 28b are connected to the buoy 13 between the first section 23 and the second section 25 of the buoy 13. The end of the base 28b remote from the legs 28a is connected to the anchor 21 by a telescoping rod A mounting plate 35 is attached to the end of the support member 29 remote from the buoy 13. The mounting plate 35 is substantially rectangular in shape and is connected to the support member 29 such that a centre axis of the mounting plate is aligned with a centre axis of the support member 29. The mounting plate has a first end 37, a second end 39 opposite the first end 37, a first face 41 WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 O directed toward the buoy 13 and a second face 43 directed away from the buoy

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Nl 13.

On the second face 43 of the mounting plate 35 there is provided a solar panel

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for charging the first battery. The solar panel 45 is connected to the first battery via wiring (not visible in the drawings) and a voltage regulator (not visible in the 0o drawings) to charge the first battery. The voltage regulator acts to prevent

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0overcharging of the first battery.

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0q The siren 17 is mounted to the first face 41 at the first end 37 of the mounting

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O plate The alarm control 19 is mounted to the first face 41 at the second end 39 of the mounting plate The alarm control 19 comprises a volume control (not visible in the drawings) for controlling the volume of the sounds generated by the siren 17. The alarm control 19 further comprises test sockets (not visible in the drawings) for testing the voltage of the first battery and the voltage regulator with a multimeter (not shown).

The alarm control 19 additionally comprises a power switch 19a enabling activation/deactivation of power supply to the alarm 11.

The portable remote alarm control enables remote control of arming/disarming and testing of the alarm 11 when power supply to the alarm 11 is activated by use of the power switch 19a.

The anchor 21 is attached to the buoy 13 by the telescoping rod 55 extending from the anchor 21 to the base 28b of the tripod extension 28. When the alarm 11 is positioned in a pool of water, the anchor 21 acts to maintain the alarm 11 in location in the pool and to stabilize the alarm 11 so that the sensor array 15 is positioned substantially upright relative to the surface of the water and is maintained in a position, i.e. orientation, for sensing.

WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -11 C-Il O In use, the alarm 11 is centrally located in a swimming pool filled with water. The

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Nl alarm 11 floats in the water such that the second section 25 of the buoy 13 and the anchor 21 are submerged beneath the water, and such that the first section 23 O of the buoy 13, the sensor array 15, the siren 17 and the alarm control 19 are above the surface of the water.

0O The detectors 47 are adjusted by use of the sensitivity controls and the 0 adjustment screws 49 so that the detection area is formed by the area above the 0 surface of the pool, or the area above the surface of the pool and the immediate o area surrounding the pool, as desired by a user.

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Power supply to the alarm 11 is then activated by use of the power switch 19a.

The voltage of the battery and the voltage regulator are then tested by use of the test sockets of the alarm control 19 with a multimeter. The volume of the sounds generated by the siren 17 is then set by use of the volume control.

The alarm 11 is then armed by use of the portable remote alarm control.

Once armed, the sensor array 15 monitors the detection area. When the sensor array 15 senses a moving body in the detection area, such as a young child, the sensor array 15 produces a detection signal. The detection signal is received by the electronic circuit 24. In response to receiving the detection signal, the electronic circuit 24 produces an alert signal which is received by the siren 17. In response to receiving the alert signal, the siren 17 generates the high decibel alert sound to alert a person within range of the sound that a body moving in the detection area has been sensed by the sensor array In this way, a person hearing the alert sound will be alerted that a body moving in the detection area has been sensed by the sensor array 15. This may mean that a person having little or no swimming ability may have entered the pool of water and be in danger of drowning. The person so alerted can then investigate the pool monitored by the alarm 11 and take action as appropriate.

WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -12- O If there is a fault in the sensor array 15, the alarm control 19, the electronic circuit

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N 24, or in a power supply to the alarm 11, the electronic circuit 24 produces a warning signal which is received by the siren 17. In response to receiving the o warning signal, the siren 17 generates the warning sound to warn a person within range of the sound that there is a fault in the sensor array 15, the alarm control 19, the electronic circuit 24, or in a power supply to the alarm 11. The person so 0O warned can then investigate the alarm 11 and take action as appropriate to

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correct the fault. In Figure 3, there is shown a second embodiment of an alarm

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111 for a pool of water in accordance with the present invention.

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0 The second embodiment of an alarm 111 comprises sensing means in the form of a sensor array (not visible in the drawings) for sensing a body moving within a selected distance from the sensor array in a detection area formed by the area, i.e. space, above the pool and the area, i.e. space, in the vicinity of the pool.

The sensor array is arranged to be supported in the pool above the surface of the water in the pool by supporting means which may be provided in the form of a buoyant body such as a buoy 113.

Transmitting means in the form of a transmitter (not visible in the drawings) is provided in the buoy 113 and is operatively associated with the sensor array to transmit an alert signal when the sensor array senses a body moving in the detection area.

Additionally, the alarm 111 comprises alerting means in the form of a siren (not shown) for generating a high decibel alert sound and an alert light (not shown) for generating an alerting light arranged to be located remote from the buoy 113 on a support structure (not shown), and a portable remote tactile alert (not shown) for generating an alerting vibration.

Receiving means is provided in the form of a first receiver (not shown) operatively associated with the siren and the alert light to receive the alert signal transmitted by the transmitter, and a second receiver (not shown) operatively associated with WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -13- O the portable remote tactile alert to receive the alert signal transmitted by the

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l transmitter.

Furthermore, the alarm 111 comprises an alarm control (not visible in the

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drawings) for controlling the operation of the alarm 111 arranged to be contained by the buoy 113, a portable remote alarm control (not shown) for remotely 0O controlling the operation of the alarm 111, and stabilising means in the form of an 0 anchor 121 attached to the buoy 113 to maintain the sensor array in a position for 0 sensing.

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O When the sensor array senses a body moving in the detection area the transmitter transmits the alert signal to the first receiver and the second receiver. When the first receiver receives the transmitted alert signal, the siren generates the high decibel alert sound and the alert light generates the alerting light. When the second receiver receives the transmitted alert signal, the portable remote tactile alert generates the alerting vibration.

Describing the alarm 111 in further detail, the sensor array comprises four Fresnel lenses 146 located in a hollow first section 123 of the buoy 113 and positioned at angular spacings of approximately 900 from each other around the first section 123.

The detectors (not visible in the drawings) of the sensor array are four dual sensing, microwave and passive infra-red detectors contained in a first cavity (not visible in the drawings) of the first section 123 and positioned in alignment with the respective Fresnel lenses 146. In combination with the Fresnel lenses 146, the detectors provide detection coverage of a body moving in the detection area formed by area, i.e. space, above the pool and the area, i.e. space, in the vicinity of the pool. This provides detection coverage of substantially 3600 around the sensor array.

The detectors may have a maximum range of detection of approximately 12 metres, controllable by use of sensitivity controls (not shown) provided on the portable remote alarm control to select a distance from the detectors within which WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -14- O a body moving will be detected. The vertical angle of detection of the detectors is

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N controllable by use of adjustment controls (not shown) provided on the portable remote alarm control. By use of the sensitivity controls and the adjustment controls on the portable remote alarm control, the size of the detection area, i.e.

space, can be varied as desired by a user.

t The buoy 113 comprises the hollow first section 123 and a hollow second section 00 0 125. The first section 123 and the second section 125 are separated by a plate O 127 to define the first cavity and a second cavity (not visible in the drawings), 0c, respectively, inside the buoy 113. The plate may be made of aluminium.

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An electronic circuit (not visible in the drawings), connected to the transmitter and an antenna 128, the sensor array and the alarm control via wiring (not visible in the drawings) is contained in the first cavity. The electronic circuit enables interaction between the sensor array, the transmitter, the first receiver and the siren and alert light, the second receiver and the portable remote tactile alert, the alarm control, and the portable remote alarm control.

When the sensor array detects a body moving in the detection area, the electronic circuit activates the transmitter to transmit the alert signal: to the first receiver to activate the siren and alert light to generate the high decibel alert sound and the alerting light; and to the second receiver to activate the portable remote tactile alert to generate the alerting vibration.

If there is a fault in the sensor array, the alarm control, the transmitter, the first receiver, the second receiver, or in a power supply to the alarm 111, the electronic circuit activates the transmitter to transmit a warning signal: WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 O to the first receiver to activate the siren and alert light to generate a

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N warning sound and a warning light; and Sto the second receiver to activate the portable tactile alert to generate a

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warning vibration.

SPower supply to the alarm 111 is provided by a first energy source in the form of a oO O battery (not visible in the drawings) contained in the second cavity. The battery is O a lead acid sealed battery and is connected to the electronic circuit via wiring (not 0 visible in the drawings).

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A venting means (not visible in the drawings) is provided in the buoy 113 to allow gas produced by the battery to be vented from the second cavity. The venting means is a one way vent valve.

A first rubber gasket (not visible in the drawings) is provided between the plate 127 and the first section 123, and a second rubber gasket (not visible in the drawings) is provided between the plate 127 and the second section 125. The gaskets act as seals to prevent water entering the first cavity and the second cavity.

The first section 123 is substantially dome shaped and may be made of tinted Perspex T M thermoplastic resin.

A solar panel 145 for charging the battery is provided on the first section 123 at a location opposed to the plate 127. The solar panel 145 is curved to conform with the curvature of the dome of the first section 123. The solar panel 145 is connected to the battery via wiring (not visible in the drawings) and a voltage regulator (not visible in the drawings) to charge the battery. The voltage regulator acts to prevent overcharging of the battery.

The second section 125 is substantially dome shaped and may be made of Perspex TM thermoplastic resin.

WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -16- O A screwed fitting connection 147 is provided on the second section 125 of the

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0 buoy 113 at a location opposed to the solar panel 145.

SThe siren and the alert light are mounted on the support structure remote from the

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buoy 113.The support structure may be a house. The siren and alert light are connected to the first receiver via wiring to receive signals from the transmitter.

0O O The portable remote tactile alert may be carried by a person. The portable tactile O alert is connected to the second receiver for receiving signals from the electronic transmitter.

O

The alarm control is contained in the first cavity of the first section 123. The alarm control comprises a power switch (not visible in the drawings) enabling activation/deactivation of power supply to the alarm 111. The power switch is operable by use of an operating button 149 provided on the first section 123.

The portable remote alarm control enables remote control of arming/disarming and testing of the alarm 111, the volume of the sounds generated by the siren and alert light, and the sensitivity and angle of detection of detectors of the sensor array, when power supply to the alarm is activated by use of the operating button 149.

The anchor 121 is attached to the buoy 113 by a telescoping rod 155 extending from the anchor 121 and connected to the screwed fitting connection 147 of the buoy 113 to connect the anchor 121 to the buoy 113. When the alarm 111 is positioned in a pool of water, the anchor 121 acts to maintain the alarm 111 in location in the pool and to stabilize the alarm 111 so that the sensor array is maintained in a position, i.e. orientation, for sensing.

In use, the alarm 111 is centrally located in a swimming pool filled with water. The alarm 111 floats in the water such that the second section 125 of the buoy 113 and the anchor 121 are submerged beneath the surface of the water, and such that the first section 123 of the buoy 113 is above the surface of the water.

WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -17- O Power supply to the alarm 111 is then activated by use of the operating button 0 149.

cl The detectors are adjusted by use of the sensitivity controls and the adjustment

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controls of the portable remote alarm control so that the detection area is formed by the area above the surface of the pool, or the area above the surface of the Spool and the immediate area surrounding the pool, as desired by a user.

0O O 0 The alarm 111 is then armed by use of the portable remote alarm control.

0 O Once armed, the sensor array monitors the detection area. When the sensor array senses a moving body in the detection area, the sensor array produces a detection signal. The detection signal is received by the electronic circuit. In response to receiving the detection signal, the electronic circuit activates the transmitter to produce and transmit an alert signal via the antenna 128 which is received by the first receiver and the second receiver.

In response to the alert signal the first receiver activates the siren and alert light to generate the high decibel alert sound and the alerting light to alert a person within range of the sound or light that a body moving in the detection area has been sensed by the sensor array. In response to the alert signal, the second receiver activates the portable remote tactile alert to generate the alerting vibration to alert a person in contact with the portable remote tactile alert that a body moving in the detection area has been sensed by the sensor array.

In this way, a person hearing the alert sound, seeing the alerting light or feeling the alerting vibration, will be alerted that a body moving in the detection area has been sensed by the sensor array.This may mean that a person having little or no swimming ability may have entered the pool of water and be in danger of drowning. The person so alerted can then investigate the pool and take action as appropriate.

If there is a fault in the sensor array, the alarm control, the transmitter, the first receiver, the second receiver, the electronic circuit, or in a power supply to the WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -18- O alarm, the electronic circuit activates the transmitter to produce and transmit via

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0 the antenna 128 a warning signal which is received by the first receiver, and the second receiver.

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In response to receiving the warning signal, the first receiver activates the siren and alert light to generate the warning sound and the warning light to warn a 0 person within range of the sound or light that there is a fault in the sensor array, 0O 0 the alarm control, the transmitter, the first receiver, the second receiver, the 0 electronic circuit, or in a power supply to the alarm 111. In response to receiving 0 the warning signal, the second receiver activates the portable remote tactile alert O to generate the warning vibration to warn a person in contact with the vibration that there is a fault in the sensor array, the alarm control, the transmitter, the first receiver, the second receiver, the electronic circuit, or in a power supply to the alarm 111. The person so warned can then investigate the alarm 111 and take action as appropriate to correct the fault.

A third embodiment of the invention is directed toward a modification of the alarm 111 of the second embodiment, and will now be described with reference to Figures 4 to 6 of the drawings. Corresponding numerals are used to denote like elements of the second and third embodiments.

The alarm 111 of the third embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the following respects: the anchor 121 is attached to the buoy 113 by a metal chain 150, rather than a telescoping rod; the antenna is contained in the first section 123 of the buoy 113; the shape of the first section 123 and the second section 125 of the buoy 113; and the transmitter is operatively associated with a verifying means to transmit the alert signal when the verifying means verifies that a body WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -19- O moving in the detection area and sensed by the sensing means satisfies

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N at least one selected criterion.

When the verifying means verifies that a body moving in the detection area and 0 sensed by the sensing means satisfies the at least one selected criterion, the transmitter transmits the alert signal to the first receiver and the second receiver.

0 When the first receiver receives the transmitted alert signal, the siren generates 0 the high decibel alert sound and the alert light generates the alerting light. When O the second receiver receives the transmitted alert signal the portable remote tactile alert generates the alerting vibration. O

O

The at least one selected criterion is that the body sensed to be moving in the detection area is of a particular type or class, e.g. that the body moving is a human being, a cat, a dog or other household pet.

In all other respects, the alarm 111 of the third embodiment is substantially the same as in the second embodiment, and shall not be described in further detail.

In the third embodiment, the first section 123 of the buoy 113 has a substantially dome shaped first portion 151 and a substantially funnel shaped second portion 153 flaring therefrom. The solar panel 145 for charging the battery is provided on the second portion 153 of the first section 123 of the buoy 113.

The second section 125 of the buoy 113 in the third embodiment is substantially cylindrically shaped.

The first section 123 may be made of tinted Perspex T M thermoplastic resin, whilst the second section 125 may be made of ultra violet treated acrylic/styrene blend plastic.

The verifying means of the third embodiment comprises data gathering means in the form of a digital camera 155 for gathering visual data about the body moving in the detection area sensed by the sensor array, and processing means in the form of a verifying computer (not visible in the drawings) to make a comparison WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 O between the visual data gathered relating to the body moving in the detection area

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0 and stored data that is stored in the verifying computer to verify that the body moving in the detection area is human. The stored data comprises data evidencing a human.

The digital camera 155 is contained in the first portion 151 of the first section 123 Sof the buoy 113 and is provided with two fish eye lenses 157 to gather visual oO O information data over the detection area. The digital camera 155 is in data O communication with the verifying computer to send visual information data t' gathered thereto.

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The verifying computer is contained in the first section 123 of the buoy 113 and comprises a central processing unit having a memory storing the stored data. The memory may be a hard drive or a Random Access Memory or other device capable of storing information. Application software stored in the memory controls the central processing unit to compare the visual data gathered by the digital camera 155 relating to the body moving in the detection area and the stored data to determine whether the body satisfies the at least one criterion, e.g. that the body moving in the detection area is human. If the comparison of the two sets of data determines that the at least one selected criterion is satisfied this verifies that the body satisfies the at least one selected criterion, and the alert is generated.

Such application software is well known to persons skilled in the art, and as such need not be described in any further detail herein.

Figure 6 of the drawings shows a block diagram of the electronic circuit of the third embodiment.

In the third embodiment, the electronic circuit enables interaction between the sensor array, the digital camera 155, the verifying computer, the transmitter, the first receiver and the siren and alert light, the second receiver and the portable remote tactile alert, the alarm control, and the portable remote alarm control.

When the sensor array senses a body moving in the detection area, the electronic circuit activates the digital camera 155 to gather visual information data over the detection area and to send the visual information data gathered to the verifying WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -21 O computer system. The verifying computer system then processes the visual

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0 information data received from the digital camera 155 to verify that there is a human in the detection area.

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If the verifying computer verifies that there is a human in the detection area, the electronic circuit activates the transmitter to transmit the alert signal: oO O to the first receiver to activate the siren and alert light to generate the 0 high decibel alert sound and the alerting light; and 0 O to the second receiver to activate the portable remote tactile alert to generate the alerting vibration.

If the verifying computer does not verify that there is a human in the detection area, the electronic circuit re-arms the alarm.

If there is a fault in the sensor array, the digital camera 155, the verifying computer, the transmitter, the first receiver, the second receiver, the electronic circuit, the alarm control, or in a power supply to the alarm 111, the electronic circuit activates the transmitter to transmit a warning signal: to the first electronic receiver to activate the siren and alert light to generate the warning sound and the warning light; and to the second electronic receiver to activate the portable tactile alert to generate the warning vibration.

In use, once the alarm is armed, the sensor array monitors the detection area.

When the sensor array senses a body moving in the detection area, the sensor array produces a detection signal. The detection signal is received by the electronic circuit. In response to receiving the detection signal, the electronic circuit produces a verification signal. The verification signal is received by the digital camera 155. In response to receiving the verification signal, the digital camera 155 gathers visual information data over the detection area and sends the WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -22o visual information data gathered to the verifying computer. The verifying computer 0 0 then processes the visual information data received from the digital camera 155 to determine whether there is a human in the detection area.

O

If the verifying computer verifies that there is a human in the detection area, the verifying computer produces a danger signal. If the verifying computer does not t verify that there is a human in the detection area the verifying computer produces 0 a no-danger signal. The danger, or alternatively no-danger, signal is received by 0 the electronic circuit.

0 0 In response to the danger signal, the electronic circuit activates the transmitter to produce and transmit the alert signal via the antenna which is received by the first receiver and the second receiver. In response to the alert signal the first receiver activates the siren and the alert light to generate the high decibel alert sound and the alerting light to alert a person within range of the sound or light that a body moving in the detection area has been sensed by the sensor array and has been verified as human. In response to the alert signal the second receiver activates the portable remote tactile alert to generate the alerting vibration to alert a person in contact with the portable remote tactile alert that a body moving in the detection area has been sensed by the sensor array and has been verified as human.

In response to the no-danger signal, the electronic circuit produces a re-arm signal and re-arms the alarm. In this way, an alert will not be generated unless a moving human has entered the detection area, avoiding false alarms from being raised.

If there is a fault in the sensor array, the digital camera 155, the verifying computer, the transmitter, the first receiver, the second receiver, the electronic circuit, the alarm control, or in a power supply to the alarm, the electronic circuit activates the transmitter to produce and transmit via the antenna a warning signal which is received by the first receiver, and the second receiver.

In response to receiving the warning signal, the first receiver activates the siren and alert light to generate the warning sound and the warning light to warn a WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -23o person within range of the sound or light that there is a fault in the sensor array,

O

0 the digital camera 155, the verifying computer, the transmitter, the first receiver, the second receiver, the electronic circuit, the alarm control, or in a power supply to the alarm 111. In response to receiving the warning signal, the second receiver

O

activates the portable remote tactile alert to generate the warning vibration to warn a person in contact with the vibration that there is a fault in the sensor array, oO the digital camera 155, the verifying computer, the transmitter, the first receiver,

O

0the second receiver, the electronic circuit, the alarm control, or in a power supply

O

0to the alarm 111.

0 O In a modification of the third embodiment of the invention, the siren and the alert light are supported by the buoy 113, rather than being mounted on a support structure remote from the buoy 113. In such a case, the alarm 111 does not comprise a first receiver operatively associated with the siren and the alert light.

Instead, the electronic circuit is wired to the siren and the alert light directly, and, in response to receiving the danger signal the electronic circuit activates the siren and the alert light to generate the high decibel alert sound and the alerting light, in addition to activating the transmitter to produce and transmit the alert signal via the antenna to be received by the second receiver as described previously.

In another modification of the third embodiment of the invention, the verifying computer is located in a structure remote from the buoy 113, rather than being contained in the first section 123 of the buoy 113. The structure may be a house.

In this case, which may be applicable where the verifying computer has a large volume, the digital camera 155 is provided with a data transmitter to transmit the visual information data gathered to a data receiver in data communication with the verifying computer. Additionally, in this case, the verifying computer comprises a verifying transmitter to transmit the danger or no-danger signal to a verifying receiver connected to the electronic circuit.

In a further modification of the third embodiment of the invention, the alarm 111 further comprises a third receiver operatively associated with a portable communications means to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitter. The WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -24o portable communication means has the form of a mobile or cellular telephone 0 having a display for displaying an electronic alerting message.

SIn response to receiving the danger signal, the third receiver activates the mobile 0 or cellular telephone to display the electronic alerting message to alert a person viewing the message that a body moving in the detection area has been sensed Sby the sensor array and has been verified as human. oO 0 0 The person so alerted may then operate the mobile or cellular telephone in known Smanner to communicate with an emergency service provider, such as 0 0 paramedics, to attend the pool. Alternatively, the person so alerted may operate the mobile or cellular telephone to transmit an emergency action signal to activate an emergency system fitted to the pool. The emergency system may comprise a pump that drains the pool of water in response to receiving the emergency action signal.

In a modification of the first, second or third embodiments of the invention, rather than having stabilising means in the form of an anchor, the alarm comprises stabilising means in the form of ballast provided inside the buoy, or attached to the outside thereof. In this case, the buoy is not maintained at a particular location in the pool, as in the situation where the stabilising means is an anchor. Rather, the buoy is free to float about the surface of the water in the pool, with the ballast acting to stabilise the buoy so that the sensor array is positioned substantially upright relative to the surface of the water and is maintained in a position, i.e.

orientation, for sensing as the buoy floats about the surface of the water.

In a further modification of the first, second or third embodiments of the invention, the alert sound generated by the siren is distinctive, so that a person familiar with the distinctive alert sound generated by the siren will recognise, on hearing the same, that an alarm in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention has sensed a body moving in the detection area of the sensor array of the alarm.

In a further modification of the second or third embodiments of the invention, the first receiver is powered by plugged connection to a mains supply power point, WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 O supplying power at an appropriate AC voltage, and further comprises a power

O

N warning electronic circuit powered by a battery. In this case, if the first receiver is plugged into the mains supply power point, but the power point is not turned on to O provide power to the first receiver, the power warning electronic circuit generates an audible power warning to alert a person hearing the audible power warning that power is not being provided to the first receiver.

oO 0 In another modification of the second or third embodiments of the invention, the O alarm further comprises testing means in the form of a diagnostic system receiver 8 operatively associated with a diagnostic computer system and a diagnostic O system transmitter, arranged to be located in a structure remote from the buoy 113. The structure may be a house.

In this case, when the electronic circuit, the sensor array, the transmitter, the first receiver and the siren and alert light, the second receiver and the portable remote tactile alert, the alarm control, and the portable remote alarm control (and the digital camera 155 and the verifying computer in the case of the third embodiment of the invention) are functioning correctly, the electronic circuit periodically activates the transmitter to transmit a healthy operation signal to the diagnostic system receiver at a selected transmission rate. The selected transmission rate is selected by a user.

The diagnostic computer system processes the rate at which transmitted healthy operation signals are received by the diagnostic system receiver to determine the actual transmission rate of healthy operation signals.

If there is a difference between the selected transmission rate and the actual transmission rate of healthy operation signals, for example, as a consequence of a malfunction in the electronic circuit or the transmitted healthy operation signals being intercepted, the diagnostic computer system activates the diagnostic system transmitter to transmit the warning signal: Sto the first receiver to activate the siren and alert light to generate the warning sound and the warning light; and WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -26o to the second receiver to activate the portable tactile alert to generate 0 0 the warning vibration.

SIf there is no difference between the selected transmission rate and the actual 0transmission rate of healthy operation signals, the diagnostic computer system does not activate the diagnostic system transmitter to transmit the warning signal, Sand instead continues to process the rate at which the transmitted healthy 0 operation signals are received by the diagnostic system receiver.

0 SIn further embodiments of the invention, the alarm may be provided with detectors 0 O other than dual sensing, microwave and passive infra-red detectors, such as for example, individual infra-red detectors or microwave detectors.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

2. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the alarm further comprises verifying means for verifying that a body moving in the detection area and sensed by the sensing means satisfies at least one selected criterion, whereupon the alerting means generates the alert.
3. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that the verifying means comprises: data gathering means for gathering data relating to the body moving in the detection area; and processing means to make a comparison between the data gathered by the data gathering means and stored data that is stored in the processing means to verify that the body moving in the detection area satisfies the at least one selected criterion. WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -28- O 4. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 3, characterised in that O the data gathered by the data gathering means is visual data about the body Smoving in the detection area. O An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterised in that the supporting means supports the processing means. 00 O 6. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterised in O that the processing means is arranged to be located remote from the supporting means. 0 0 NI"
7. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6, characterised in that the processing means is a computer.
8. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 7, characterised in that the stored data comprises data evidencing a human.
9. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 8, characterised in that the at least one selected criterion is that the body moving in the detection area is human. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 9, characterised in that the alarm further comprises: transmitting means operatively associated with the verifying means to transmit a signal when the verifying means verifies that a body moving in the detection area and sensed by the sensing means satisfies the at least one selected criterion; and receiving means operatively associated with the alerting means to receive the signal transmitted by the transmitting means; whereby when the receiving means receives the signal transmitted by the transmitting means the alerting means generates the alert. WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -29- o 11. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that 0 0 the alarm further comprises: Stransmitting means operatively associated with the sensing means to transmit a signal when the sensing means senses a body moving in the detection area; and oO O receiving means operatively associated with the alerting means to receive O the signal transmitted by the transmitting means; O o whereby when the receiving means receives the signal transmitted by the transmitting means the alerting means generates the alert.
12. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the receiving means is portable.
13. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, characterised in that the alerting means is portable.
14. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the detection area comprises an area of substantially 3600 around the sensing means. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensing means comprises at least one dual sensing, microwave and passive infra-red detector.
16. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensing means comprises an infra-red detector.
17. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensing means comprises a microwave detector. WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 O 18. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding O N claims, characterised in that the sensing means comprises a Fresnel lens.
19. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding O claims, characterised in that the supporting means is buoyant. in 20. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding oO O claims, characterised in that the alarm further comprises control means for O controlling the operation of the alarm. O O 21. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 20, characterised in that the control means is remote from the sensing means and the alerting means.
22. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the alarm further comprises testing means for testing whether the alarm is functioning correctly or incorrectly.
23. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 22, characterised in that the alarm further comprises warning means operatively associated with the testing means, whereby when the testing means determines that the alarm is functioning incorrectly, the warning means generates a warning.
24. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the supporting means supports the alerting means. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 24, characterised in that the alerting means is arranged to be located remote from the supporting means.
26. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sensing means is supported by a telescoping member extending from the supporting means. WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -31- O 27. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding 0 claims, characterised in that the alarm further comprises a first energy source Sfor providing energy to the alarm. O
28. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 27, characterised in that the alarm further comprises a solar panel for charging the first energy source. oo o 29. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 27 or 28, characterised in O that the alarm comprises a second energy source for providing energy to the q alarm in the event that the first energy source fails. O O An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the supporting means comprises a buoy.
31. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the stabilising means comprises an anchor.
32. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 31, characterised in that the anchor is attached to the supporting means.
33. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 32, characterised in that the anchor is attached to the supporting means by a telescoping rod.
34. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 32, characterised in that the anchor is attached to the supporting means by a chain. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the alert generated by the alerting means is audible.
36. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 35, characterised in that the alert generated by the alerting means comprises a siren. WO 2004/008408 PCT/AU2003/000893 -32- O 37. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding 0 claims, characterised in that the alert generated by the alerting means is visual. O
38. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 37, characterised in that the alert generated by the alerting means comprises a light. 00 O 39. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 37 or 38, characterised in O that the alert generated by the alerting means comprises an electronic message displayed on a display of a communication means. O O N 40. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 39, characterised in that the communication means comprises a mobile or cellular telephone.
41. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the alert generated by the alerting means is tactile.
42. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid as claimed in claim 41, characterised in that the alert comprises a vibration.
43. An alarm for a reservoir of liquid substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 and 2; Figure 3; or Figures 4 to 6 of the accompanying drawings.