AU615291B2 - Controlled access system - Google Patents

Description

COM MO NWE ALT H OF A U S T RA L I A PATENTS ACT 1952 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION (Original) 15291 FOR OFFICE USE Class Int. Class Application Number: Lodged: Complete Specification Lodged: Accepted: Published: Priority: Related Art: Name of Applicant: AUSTRALIAN ELECTRONIC SECURITIES PTY. LTD.

Address of Applicant: 24 Georges Road, THE PATCH. VIC. 3792.

Actual Inventor(s): Address for Service: -DAVIES COLLISON, Patent Attorneys, 1 Little Collins Street, Melbourne, 3000.

Complete specification for the invention entitled: C~ NTROLLED ACCESS SYSTEM" The following statement is a full description of this invention, incl:aLng the best method of performing it known to -1i 1:i Ja- "CONTROLLED ACCESS SYSTEM" 3 This invention relates generally to a monitoring 4 apparatus and more particularly to apparatus for detecting the unauthorized or indesired movement of objects from a 6 selected path or direction of travel.

7 The monitoring apparatus of the present invention has 8 many applications. One particular application for which it 9 is suited is in relation to the monitoring of movement of persons such as for example, in security sensitive areas 11 such as airports and the like. It will be readily apparent o, 12 however that the apparatus of the invention could be used in 0 13 other applications such as for example, for monitoring o o 14 movement of livestock and other animals. The apparatus may 15 also find use in the monitoring of the movement of objects 16 such as vehicles or articles in production lines or the 17 like.

18 It is an object of the present invention to provide an 19 improved monitoring appara-tus-which is relatively simple in construction, easy to install and simple to operate.

21 According to the present invention there is provided 22 monitoring apparatus for detecting unauthorized or undesired 23 movement of objects from a selected path or direction of 24 travel, the apparatus comprising sensing means which, in -or use, can be disposed at a preselected scrutinizing zonei-th- 26 -ni ng -means be-ing- ca-p-ab o sensing objects passing 27 through the scrutinizing zone. The sensing means includes 28 an -upstream sensor and a downstream sensor each being 29 capable of adopting either an activated condition or a deactivated condition, the upstream sensor and the 31 downstream sensor normally being in the deactivated 32 condition and being capable of activation by movement of an 33 object through the scrutinizing zone. The downstream sensor 34 is operatively connectible to indicating means such that, when in the activated condition, it can cause operation of 36 the indicating means. The monitoring apparatus further 37 includes control means operatively connected to the upstream 38 sensor such that when the upstream sensor is caused to adopt I/ r' 8 90426.arBpe. 009,acc. system, i i i- ;i Li 1- 2 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 .26 S 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 the activated condition the control means is caused to adopt an inhibiting mode whereby operation of the indicating means by the downstream sensor is inhibited for selected period of time.

The arrangement is such if an object passes the upstream sensor in the selected path or direction of travel, activation thereof causes the control means to adopt the inhibiting mode for a selected period of time such that the passage of an article past the downstream sensor will not cause operation of the indicating means. On the other hand, if the downstream sensor is activated in the absence of the control means being in the inhibiting mode the indicating means will be caused to operate.

In one preferred form of the invention the upstream and downstream sensors each comprise a photo electric beam assembly, which when in use, is disposed at the scrutinizing zone and arranged so that the beams, when operating, extend laterally across the zone with respect to the selected path or direction of travel 6f the objects under scrutiny.

Preferably each beam assembly comprises a beam transmitter on one side of the scrutinizing zone and a beam receiver on the other side. Photo electric beam assemblies of this type are known and it is not proposed to describe them in any further detail here.

When in operation, the beams are activated they adopt the activated condit 4 on) by the passage of an object through the beai. In the deactivated condition, when in operation the beam is transmitted unbroken from the transmitter to the receiver.

Preferably the photo electric beam assemblies are arranged side by side at the scrutinizing zone so that in operation, the beams extended laterally of the selected path or direction of travel and are substantially parallel and spaced apart from one another.

The photo electric beam assemblies may be mounted in any suitable housing. For example, the housing may comprise a pair of posts or pillars arranged so that one pillar is disposed to one side of the scrutinizing zone and the other 890426, aerspe.009, acc. system, I 3 1 pillar on the other side. Each pillar is adapted to have 2 mounted there on a respective receiver or transmitter for 3 the upstream and downstream photo electric beam assemblies.

4 It is preferred that the upstream and downstream beams are relatively close together so that any objects under scrutiny 6 can break both beams simultaneously if the object is 7 stationary and disposed between them.

8 Preferably the downstream sensor is operatively 9 connected to the indicating means such that when it is in the activated condition it causes a signal to be sent to 11 the indicating means to cause operation thereof. The signal 0 12 may be in the form of an electrical signal or pulse such as 0 13 a radio wave signal. It will be appreciated however that 14 the signal could be generated through an electronic circuit 15 re for example, hard-wired or even mechanically.

0 16 Preferably the indicator means comprises a radio 0 17 receiver which is adapted to receive a signal from a radio 18 transmitter operatively connected to the downstream sensor 19 via the control means. When the downstream sensor is activated. The signal is transmitted to the radio receiver 21 of the indicating means and thereafter may be capable of 22 transmission to one or more paging devices carried by 23 personnel.

24 The control means is preferably operatively connected to the upstream sensor and is operable to as to adopt the S 26 inhibiting mode when the upstream sensor is activated. In 27 one embodiment the control means is operatively connected to 28 the-downstream sensor so that in the inhibiting mode the 29 downstream sensor cannot be activated thereby preventing operation of the indicating means. In another embodiment 31 the control means is operatively connected to the indicating 32 means so that when in the inhibiting mode it prevents 33 directly operation of the indicating means.

34 Thus in the particular embodiment described above where the indicating means comprises a radio receiver the control 36 means when in the inhibiting mode, may either prevent the 37 second sensor sending the radio signal or alternatively 38 prevent the indicating means receiving the radio signal.

890426,arsape.0098cc. ystem, i. i; cs; 4 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 26 S 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 The upstream and downstream sensors are in a preferred embodiment, both operatively connected to the control means which in turn is operatively connected to a transmitting device for sending a signal to the indicating means.

Preferably the control means is arranged such that when the upstream sensor is activated it adopts the inhibiting mode whereby any signal received by the control means from the downstream sensor is blocked from delivery to the transmitter. When the downstream sensor is activated before the upstream sensor, a signal is transmitted from the downstream sensor to the control means and because the control means has not been caused to adopt the inhabiting mode the signal can be transmitted to the transmitting device for the transmission of a signal to the indicating means.

It will be appreciated that while transmission from the transmitting device to the indicating means is, in one preferred form a radio signal it could also be in the form of an electrical pulse in an electronic circuit.

There may further be provided a timer for controlling the duration of time in which the control means is in the inhibiting mode and or a second timer for controlling the duration of time of which the sianal is transmitted to the indicating means.

The control means may be in the form of an electronic circuit having an upstream signal receiving circuit section and a downstream signal receiving circuit section each been operatively connected to an inhibitor circuit section. The inhibitor circuit section may include a blocker element or a circuit breaker which is operable in response to a signal or pulse receiver from the upstream circuit section. The downstream circuit section transmits a signal through the inhibitor circuit section to the transmitter when in the inhibiting mode, i.e. when the circuit blocker or circuit breaker is closed the first timer forms part of the circuit containing the upstream signal receiving an inhibiting circuit section and is arranged to cause the circuit breaker or blocker to open for a selected duration. Preferable 89

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426 .arsspe.009.acc. system I r i. 5 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 i15 16 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 means is provided for varying the duration. The second timer forms part of the circuit containing the downstream signal receiving circuit section and the inhibitor circuit controlling the duration time of the transmission of the signal to the transmitter when the circuit breaker is closed.

Preferably the control circuit is powered through a battery such as a 12 volt suitably connected into the electric circuit. It will be appreciated that other power could be used such as for example the normal AC supply.

The monitoring apparatus of the present invention may include more than one scrutinizing zone. These zones being disposed at at selected locations along the path of travel.

Each zone may comprise a system of upstream and downstream sensors and control means as described above. Each control means from each zone may be operatively connected to an indicator means which is adapted to provide information as to where the object under scrutiny is.

Preferred embodiments of the invention will hereinafter be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of monitoring apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 2 is a general schematic view showing other operating features of the invention; Fig. 3 is a block diagram of a control means for use in apparatus according to the invention; Fig. 4 is a more detailed circuit diagram of the control means suitable for use in the invention.

In the embodiment shown in Figs. 1 and 2 the monitoring apparatus of the present invention is used for monitoring movement of people along a passage 50 in which the persons are required to move in the direction of arrow A there not permitted to return in the other direction.

The apparatus comprises three scrutinizing zones 1,2 and 3 which are in spaced relation along the passage At each zone there is provided an upstream photo elec'tric sensing beam 4 and downstream photo electric 890426, arsaspe.009,acc. system, i -e -1 6 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 16 S 17 18 19 21 22 23 24 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 sensing beam 6. A receiver and transmitter for each beam is mounted in respective pillars 8 which are disposed on opposite sides of passage 50. However as shown in Figure 3, the beams 4 and 6 are arranged in a circuit comprising a controller, a power source and a radio transmitter for transmitting a radio signal to an indicator which may be in the form of a pager transmitter.

A typical circuit diagram for the controller is shown in Figure 4 and the operation of the circuit will be hereinafter described.

The circuit illustrated in Figure 4 includes two LM 556 timers 20 and 21 which are configured so as to output high pulses for respective predetermined periods when triggered by a negative going pulse. The respective predetermined periods of the timers 20 and 21 are both adjustable by means of respective potentiometers 24 and 25. The upper timer in Figure 4 has its input coupled to a input Y which is connected to the relay contacts of the downstream beam 6 (Figs 1 and Whenever' the downstream beam 6 is interrupted the relay contacts are closed and the input Y is earthed, thereby triggering the upper timer 20. On triggering the upper timer 20 a high pulse is outputted for a predetermined period which activates a LED and a transistor, thereby causing a output GR to be brought into a low state. The output GR is connected directly to the negative terminal of the radio transmitter shown in Figure 3 and whenever it is in a low state the transmitter is activated so as to transmit an appropriate signal to an indicator such as a pager transmitter.

The upper timer 20 however also has its input coupled to an inhibit line which prevents the upper timer 20 being triggered by the input Y whenever the line is high. The inhibit line is coupled to the output of the lower timer 21 which in turn has its input coupled to and triggered by input G. The input G is connected to the relay contacts of the upstream beam 4 so that whenever this beam is interrupted the contacts close so as to trigger the lower timer 21. Once triggered the lower timer 21 outputs a high 890426. arnape.009. acc.system i 7 1 2 3 4 6 7 8 9 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 21 22 0 23 24 26 S 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 pulse for a predetermined period on the inhibit line.

The predetermined period of the lower timer 21 may be set between 3 seconds to 15 seconds and the predetermined period of the upper timer 20 may be set between a 1/2 second to 20 seconds. The predetermined period of the lower timer may be set to shorter periods of time by placing extra resistors in the series with the potentiometer associated with the lower timer.

The monitoring apparatus of the present invention has been described with reference to the monitoring of persons in a passageway however it will be appreciated that it could find other application.

For example, controlling the directional flow of trucks and the such like when entering loading areas.

This can be achieved by the use of a single detection zone controlling an automatic gate or boom.

Thf boom or gate will be connected to the CAS and left in the open position allowing access to the areas without the need of guards to supervise. Should a vehicle attempt to leave by the incorrect gate, the system will activate and the gate or boom will close preventing the vehicle from leaving.

A further improvement of the system would be to include a second gate that will be activated at the same time behind the vehicle, thus trapping the offender between.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention.

89 O426.arsspe.009,acc. ystem, i I-

Claims (9)

1. Monitoring apparatus for detecting unauthorized or undesired movement of objects from a selected path or direction of travel, the apparatus comprising sensing means which, in use, can be disposed at a preselected scrutinizing zone caaenbiin apablbeing Ie sensing objects passing through the scrutinizing zone, said sensing means including an upstream sensor and a downstream sensor each being capable of adopting either an activated condition or a deactivated condition, said upstream sensor and said downstream sensor normally being in said deactivated condition and being capable of activation by movement of an object through said scrutinizing zone, said downstream sensor being operatively connectible to indicating means such that, when in the activated condition, it can cause operation of the indicating means, the monitoring apparatus further including control means -operatively connected to said upstream sensor such that when said upstream sensor is caused to adopt said activated condition said control means is caused to adopt an inhibiting mode whereby operation of said indicating means by said downstream sensor is inhibited for selected period of time.

2. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 1 wherein upstream and downstream sensors each comprise a photo electric beam assembly, which, when in use, is disposed at the scrutinizing zone and arranged so that the beams, when operating, extend laterally across the zone with respect to the selected part or direction of travel of the objects under scrutiny.

3. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said photo electric beam assemblies are arranged side by side at the scrutinizing zone so that in operation, the beams extended laterally of the selected part or direction of travel aad are substantially parallel and spaced apart from one another.

4. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3 wherein said upstream and downstream beams are suffiQiently S&yymmdd&, arsspe.009.,monit.cl, '7 2 I- 1 I i -iji 14 'A -9- close together so that any objects under scrutiny can break both beams simultaneously if the object is stationary and disposed between them.

Monitoring apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said downstream sensor is operatively connected to said indicating means such that when it is in the activated condition it causes a signal to be sent to said indicating means to cause operation thereof.

6. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 5 wherein said indicator means comprises a radio receiver which is adapted to receive a signal from a radio transmitter operatively o connected to said downstream sensor via said control means such that when the downstream sensor is activated, the 0 signal is transmitted to the radio receiver of the indicating means.

7. Monitoring apparatus according to any preceding claim wherein said control means is operatively connected to said upstream sensor and is operable to as to adopt the inhibiting mode when said upstreanm sensor is activated, said control means being operatively connected to said downstream sensor so that in the inhibiting mode, said downstream sensor cannot be activated thereby preventing operation of the indicating means.

8. Monitoring apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said upstream and downstream sensors are both operatively connected to said control means which in turn is operatively connected to a transmitting device for sending a signal to said indicating means, said control means being arranged I such that when said upstream sensor is activated it adopts the inhibiting mode whereby any signal received by said control means from the downstream sensor is blocked from delivery to the transmitter, and when said downstream sensor is activated before the upstream sensor, a signal is transmitted from the downstream sensor to the control means and because the control means has not been caused to adopt the inhibiting mode the signal can be transmitted to the transmitting device for the transmission of a signal to the indicating meais. &yymmdd&. arsspe.009,monit.cl 1 'i

9. Monitoring apparatus according to any preceding claim further including a timer for controlling the duration of time in which the control means is in the inhibiting mode and/or a second timer for controlling the duration of time of which the signal is transmitted to the indicating means. Monitoring apparatus substantially as herein before described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated this 28th day of April, 1989. AUSTRALIAN ELECTRONIC SECURITIES PTY. LTD. DAVID THOMAS HUGGINS MANAGING DIRECTOR &yymmdd&.araBpe.009,monit.cl i: i