CN112771587B

CN112771587B - Device for accessing underground or ground municipal engineering infrastructure comprising intrusion detection means

Info

Publication number: CN112771587B
Application number: CN201980046252.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 亚历山德雷·富雷; 莫德·福雷斯蒂
Original assignee: EJ Emea SAS
Current assignee: EJ Emea SAS
Priority date: 2018-07-10
Filing date: 2019-07-02
Publication date: 2023-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2039-07-02
Also published as: WO2020012090A1; FR3083904A1; EP3821408A1; FR3083904B1; SG11202100197RA; CN112771587A

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for accessing underground or ground municipal engineering infrastructure, comprising an access door (1) for accessing a chamber. The device comprises at least one sensor capable of measuring a variable representative of a mechanical or thermal action acting on the access door (1) and transmitting a signal corresponding to the measured variable, and an analysis module configured to analyze the signal to detect an information characteristic of an attempted intrusion into the chamber in said signal based on a change over time of the measured variable. If such information is detected, an attempted intrusion alert is generated. The access device comprises a communication module (3) capable of transmitting said attempted intrusion alert.

Description

Device for accessing underground or ground municipal engineering infrastructure comprising intrusion detection means

The present invention relates to the field of solutions for accessing (access ) any type of underground or above-ground municipal engineering infrastructure (civil engineering infrastructures). The infrastructure is typically accessed via an access door (also referred to as a access cover or plug).

A door particularly enables access to underground or above ground municipal engineering infrastructure for viewing or inspection thereof. Municipal engineering refers in particular to public or private networks (hydraulic, electrical, gas, communication, etc.), except for domestic applications (e.g. home).

The infrastructure involved is, but is not exhaustive:

public infrastructure networks, such as networks for accessing natural resources or public energy: water networks (particularly reservoirs for drinking water or storage towers of the water tower type, purification networks dedicated to rainwater and waste water, fire outlets-also called fire hydrants-and corresponding networks), electric energy networks including electric cabinets (which may be installed on the ground, or underground, buried or partially buried), networks for the passage of communication cables (telephones, optical fibers, etc.);

-a private infrastructure network: water, energy, underground communication infrastructure (cable) or air communication infrastructure (e.g., antenna network).

The solutions for complete access generally comprise a access cover (door or plug), a frame to which the access cover is connected, sealed for example in the ground or on a fixed infrastructure, and a chamber located below (or behind) the access cover.

It is important to ensure that the resources (natural resources, energy or information sources) allocated by these infrastructures are checked. This constitutes a public and economic concern. For some applications, it is important to be able to check the infrastructure at any time, that is, to ensure continuity with respect to the availability of its information.

By definition, the access door constitutes an access point of the infrastructure. Although operations for inspecting or maintaining the infrastructure may be necessary via these access points, these access points constitute weaknesses related to the security of the infrastructure, as they may constitute intrusion points. Thus, for many applications, it is important to be able to detect unauthorized access to the infrastructure.

It should be noted that throughout this document the term intrusion is used to denote any unauthorized access and in particular includes intrusion into the access device.

Document US 8976038 describes a device that makes it possible to ensure that an access door, in particular a manhole cover, is in a closed position. The apparatus includes a sensor positioned in the chamber below the door and configured to pick up acoustic signals emitted at the location of the sensor and reflected by the door. When the door is open, the signal is not reflected, so the door opening can be determined. In response, the image sensor can sense an image of the scene, and/or information to open the door can be transmitted over a wireless network.

However, the known systems in the prior art make it possible at best to detect the opening of the door, but they do not solve the problem of intrusion infrastructure, because the intrusion may already be in progress, or the moment of the door (e.g. opening) does not correspond to the intrusion.

The present invention seeks to provide an access device for accessing an underground infrastructure that addresses some or all of the above-mentioned problems.

The present invention thus relates to an access device for accessing underground or above-ground municipal engineering infrastructure, comprising an access door having a closed position in which the access door closes a chamber and an open position in which the access door provides access to the chamber. The access device includes at least one sensor configured to measure a quantity and transmit a signal corresponding to the measured quantity. The measured quantity represents a mechanical or thermal action acting on the door and the analysis module is configured to analyze the signal to detect an information characteristic of the attempted intrusion into the chamber and, in the event that the information characteristic is detected, to generate an attempted intrusion alert. The access device includes a communication module configured to transmit the attempted intrusion alert. The analysis module detects information characteristics of the attempted intrusion by analyzing the measured quantity over time.

The processing of signals from one or more sensors makes it possible in the present invention to detect whether an attempted intrusion is taking place. Thanks to the communication module, it is possible to send an alarm before the intrusion into the chamber of the access device has actually occurred. Measures can be taken very quickly. Among these measures, it is conceivable to send an intervention team. Various measurements relating to the infrastructure involved may also be made. For example, for a communication network (e.g., a fiber optic network), the exchange of information on the network may be stopped immediately. For water networks, the passage of water may be cut off upstream or downstream of the access point concerned.

The analysis module may detect information characteristics of an attempted intrusion based on, inter alia, a parameter of the same signal or a correlation of parameters of multiple signals from different sensors.

The communication module may in particular comprise a wired or wireless communication means.

The communication module may be of the multiprotocol type.

The access device may include an impact or vibration sensor.

The access means may comprise an acoustic sensor.

The detection of the information characteristic of the attempted intrusion may be based at least in part on the frequency of the impact, vibration, or sound (detected by the sensor). The frequency may advantageously be correlated with data about the intensity of the impact, vibration or sound for detecting information characteristics of the attempted intrusion.

The access means may comprise an optical sensor or a temperature sensor for detecting thermal radiation. The detection of the information characteristic of the attempted intrusion may be based at least in part on a change in temperature or thermal radiation over time.

The access device may include at least one of the following sensors that sense the opening or closing of the door: mechanical contact sensor, door angle position sensor, accelerometer, optical sensor.

The access means may comprise a battery which is able to supply power to the communication module as the primary power source or which is able to supply power to the communication module in the event of a failure of the primary power source.

Other features and advantages of the invention will appear from the description below.

In the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example:

fig. 1 shows an access device according to an embodiment of the invention;

fig. 2 shows another example embodiment of an access device according to the present invention;

figure 3 is a graphical representation of a communication module that can be implemented in the present invention.

Fig. 1 shows a door 1 and a frame 2 connected thereto for closing or enabling access to a chamber (not shown in fig. 1). Fig. 1 is intended to present an example of a physical configuration for an access device, but the invention is applicable to many other configurations.

The door 1 is shown in an open position to enable access to the chamber via an opening 21 formed by the frame 2.

The door 1 may have various configurations. In the example shown in fig. 1, the door is formed of galvanized steel. According to other possible configurations, the door 1 may be cast iron (ductile, grey), stainless steel, composite. Thus, the door may be constructed of a single material, or different constituent materials may be combined. Thus, a portion of the surface of the plug may be made of a first material and the complementary surface may be made of another material. In particular, the plug may combine galvanized steel with a component comprising a specific coating, or for example the plug may be cast iron with an insert of another material.

This may in particular help to enable electromagnetic waves to be transmitted through the door 1, as described in detail below.

In the example of fig. 1, the door comprises a rigid outer skin 11, for example of galvanized steel. This outer skin corresponds to the visible part of the door 1 when the door 1 is in the closed position. The outer skin 11 covers the frame 2 or provides surface continuity with the frame 2, although the door 1 may be slightly convex with respect to the frame 2 and/or have a non-planar surface that is wholly or partially convex with respect to the frame 2.

Below the outer skin 11, the ribs 12 form compartments 13, 13'. The ribs 12 are substantially at right angles to the outer skin 11.

The frame 2 may also be formed of steel. Other constituent materials described above may alternatively be used. The frame 2 may in particular be of the same material as the door 1.

The sealing member 21 is used for final fastening by sealing at the opening of the chamber (not shown in fig. 1). For example, for an infrastructure to provide security, the chamber may be formed of reinforced concrete or mortar with fibrous filler. The chamber may be of composite material or any other material used in the municipal engineering arts.

The door 1 has a seat, that is to say a contact area in the closed position, which can be simply placed on the frame 2 or held in the frame 2.

The door 1 is connected to the frame so as to be able to be in an open position and a closed position, for example, the door 1 may be pivotally mounted relative to the frame 2 by a pivot 15. The door 1 may have a simple opening, that is, the door 1 may be opened using a simple lifting key, or it may have a higher or lower complexity locking system (e.g., only allowing the door 1 to be opened using a specific key). The locking system 16 may comprise two locking bolts which can be turned to bear under the frame 2 to prevent opening of the door 1.

In the present invention, the door 1 is equipped with a communication module 3.

The communication module 3 may in particular comprise an electronic unit 31 equipped with at least one antenna 32 enabling transmission of signals over a wireless network. Alternatively or additionally, the communication module 3 may allow wired communication.

The communication module 3 may be arranged in a compartment 13 formed by the rib 12 underneath the outer skin 11. The compartment 13 housing the communication module 3 is closed by an inner skin 14. The inner skin 14 is rigid. The inner skin 14 may be of an inorganic or organic material (e.g., of a plastic material, of a composite material) that may be reinforced to withstand mechanical (e.g., using a cutting tool) or thermal (e.g., using a torch) erosion. It may be metallic, for example of hot-dip galvanized steel, or of stainless steel.

Which provides protection for the communication module 3. One, more or all of the compartments 13, 13' formed by the ribs 12 may be closed by a rigid inner skin 14.

The antenna 32 of the communication module 3 may be positioned in the same compartment as the rest of the communication module 3. Alternatively, the antenna may be positioned in another compartment. In order to enable transmission of waves from the board 1, the positioning of the antenna is important. The antenna 32 (or one or more antennas of the communication module) may be provided in a compartment different from that of the electronic unit 31.

The position of the antenna is advantageously optimized so as to have the best possible transmission of electromagnetic waves through the door 1. However, in some applications, it may be considered to protect the antenna from external effects (e.g., attempting to intrude through the door). The configuration and position of the antenna may take into account in particular the configuration of the ribs 12, as well as the less damped areas of the electromagnetic waves present on the door 1: the region of lesser thickness than the remainder of the door 1, or of a different material than the remainder of the door, allows better passage of the waves, the presence of a keyhole or the like in the door.

When the communication module is configured to enable wireless communication, the communication module is integrated (positioned) in a fixed or adjustable manner to provide optimal transmission performance of the signal and, as a corollary, the smallest possible energy consumption.

Fig. 2 shows another example embodiment of an access device according to the present invention. Fig. 2 shows in particular another example of the physical construction of an access device to which the invention is applicable. Fig. 2 shows an access door 1, which is essentially circular, in contrast to the door of the device of fig. 1.

The frame 2 is substantially circular to match. Which provides access to the chamber 4.

In the example represented here, the plug or door 2 is generally made of cast iron (for example ductile iron). The frame 2 is formed of the same material. The door 1 is hinged to the frame 2 by means of a pivot 15. The locking means 16 enable the door 1 to be held in the closed position.

The rib 12 forms compartments 13, 13' below the upper skin 11 of the door 1. The compartment is open, that is to say no inner skin closes the compartment. In one compartment, a communication module is mounted, fastened to the inner surface of the upper skin 11 of the door 1. The fastening of the communication module 3 may be achieved by conventional mechanical fasteners, for example using screw fasteners. Other fastening means may be used, for example by means of magnets.

More specifically, the electronic unit 31 and the antenna 32 of the communication module are fastened into the same compartment 13.

An example of a communication module 3 that may be used in the present invention is shown diagrammatically in fig. 3.

The illustrated communication module comprises an electronic unit 31 and an antenna 32. The unit 32 comprises a microprocessor 33 configured to receive signals from at least one sensor 34, in which case two sensors 34 are used in the illustrated embodiment example.

The sensor 34 may be incorporated into the electronic unit 31 or connected to the electronic unit through a sensor port 35 as in the example shown. The electronic unit 31 may advantageously be waterproof and possibly airtight. Which may comprise a plastic material or a steel housing. The port of the electronic unit 31, whether it is the port of the sensor 35 or the port for connecting to a power supply as described below, or for example the port for connecting to an antenna, may advantageously be fluid-tight. The unused ports may be covered by a fluid-tight plug.

The signal indicative of the measured quantity sent by each sensor 34 may be analyzed to determine if an attempt to intrude into the chamber of the access device has occurred. In particular, the analysis module analyzes the signals transmitted by the sensor 34 to identify information features therein that attempt to intrude into the chamber. This characteristic information may come from a parameter of the signal, or from a correlation of a parameter of the same signal or from a correlation of signals from different sensors.

In the example shown here, the analysis module is formed by a microprocessor 33 of the electronic unit 31. In particular, the analysis module executes a computer program according to instructions that enable the signal (or signals) to be analyzed for the purpose of determining characteristics of the information of the attempted intrusion.

Thus, according to the envisaged embodiment, the analysis module may be integrated into the communication module, or different from the latter.

The sensor 34 may be of various types to measure various quantities, the analysis of which values and/or changes make it possible to determine the characteristics of the information of the attempted intrusion.

The sensor 34 may in particular measure an amount indicative of a mechanical or thermal action on the door 1.

In the example shown, the first sensor 34 is an impact or vibration sensor. The second sensor 34 is a temperature sensor.

The shock or vibration sensor may be based on an accelerometer, for example. Which makes it possible to detect a vibration-type or intense mechanical action applied to the door 1. Information characteristic of the attempted intrusion may then be detected based on the frequency of the detected impact or vibration. The intensity or power of one or more detected impacts may be used as a primary or additional parameter related to frequency. This makes it possible, for example, to detect attempts to break in due to repeated impacts on the door or its immediate environment, as well as attempts to break in due to violent mechanical attacks (for example due to the explosion of explosive fillers).

Based on the same prescription, this detection function may alternatively or additionally be provided by an audio sensor.

The temperature sensor is arranged to measure the temperature at a position of the inner surface of the door 1 or at a given point of the chamber 3 of the access device. The sensor may comprise various known techniques requiring contact or no contact with the area where the temperature is measured (e.g., a laser sensor). It may also be an optical sensor configured to detect thermal radiation, such as an infrared camera. A rapid rise in temperature may be a sign of an attempt to intrude through mechanical or thermal cutting (e.g. using a cutting torch) of the door 1 or its connection to the frame 2 of the access device.

The sensor 34 may also include a sensor of the open or closed position of the door, such as a mechanical contact sensor, a sensor of the angular position of the door, an accelerometer, or an optical sensor. Such a sensor makes it possible to detect the full or partial opening of the door. This enables intrusion into the infrastructure via the access device that is considered to be a confirmation if the opening is further detected outside the information feature of the attempted intrusion.

When an information characteristic of the attempted intrusion is detected, the analysis module sends an attempted intrusion alert. The communication module then transmits the intrusion alert over one or more wireless networks and/or over wired communications. The communication module may comprise means for encrypting the transmitted data.

The example shown in fig. 3 is a wireless communication module. The communication module 3 comprises at least one radio frequency module 37 capable of transmitting according to at least one wireless communication protocol. It is noted that the communication module may also be of the multi-protocol type, that is to say configured to transmit according to at least two words and/or a wireless communication protocol (simultaneously or alternatively, for example according to the availability of the network).

The protocol used may for example be selected in particular from the protocols of the internet of things.

Protocols that may be implemented in the present invention may be classified as follows.

The protocols used may include one or more wired communication protocols. For example, these wired communication protocols may be configured to communicate over fiber optic or cable.

The protocols used include at least one wireless communication protocol. The wireless communication protocol may be a short range communication protocol, and/or a medium range or long range communication protocol.

The wired network and the short-range communication network are thus mainly non-operational, that is, independent of the antenna network deployed by the operator.

In particular, the short range wireless communication protocol may be selected from: NFC, RFID, bluetooth, in particular bluetooth low energy technology, lifi and Zigbee (registered trademark). It is contemplated that alternative protocols of this type may be used, either known or in the future.

The medium range or remote communication protocol may be selected from: 4G, 5G, loRa, sigfox, NB-IoT, LTE-M, GPRS, GSM (registered trademark). It is contemplated that alternative protocols of this type may be used, either known or in the future.

The medium range or remote communication network may be of the operating or non-operating type. Currently, most networks that provide both very long range, portability, and optimal coverage are operational regardless of geographic location. Which is of interest to the operator.

In general, low-consumption, long-range transmission techniques are preferred. It may particularly use the 868Mhz-914Mhz band. In some use cases, short-range or medium-range transmission techniques may be used. These techniques may use, for example, the 433Mhz band. A repeater is then provided to transmit data over the long-range network to enable control of the access device from the remote platform.

These have the advantage of good network availability with respect to cellular communication protocols (GSM, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS/HSPA, LTE).

The communication module includes a power source. This power source may be a battery 36, and/or a connection to a power supply network (e.g., a national distribution network) and/or a local source (hydroelectric turbines, wind turbines, solar panels, etc.). The battery 36 may be of different types, in particular lithium ion type. This makes it possible to ensure sufficient autonomy of the communication module 3, for example two years under normal use conditions.

The battery 36 may be integrated into the electronic unit 31 or external to the unit as in the example shown in fig. 3. Additional or alternative other energy sources may be used: photovoltaic cells, connection to a power grid, and the like.

The invention developed may be included in a system for managing a set of devices for accessing one or more underground or above-ground municipal engineering infrastructures as described above.

The system comprises an access device for accessing at least one underground or above-ground municipal engineering infrastructure, with centralized management.

An attempted intrusion alert and optionally a confirmation of intrusion provided by a sensor for detecting door position is sent by the communication module to the server. This alarm is alerted to the operator responsible for taking the appropriate action or is handled by an automated system taking the appropriate action.

Of course, in order to take appropriate action, it may be necessary to identify the relevant access device. To this end, for example, each access device of the system may be associated with an identifier. When an access device communicates with a server, the access device transmits its identifier to enable identification of the access device. In a manner known per se, an identification algorithm may be used in the communication between the access device and the server, in order to enable a corresponding authentication to provide security for the communication.

The identification of the access device makes it possible to access information related thereto. In particular, the access device may be geographically located, for example, by loading location information associated with the access device when the access device is installed. This location information (e.g., coordinates of the latitude and longitude of the access device) may be recorded in computer memory at the time the access device is installed. This memory may be included at the location of the server S or remote therefrom.

Alternatively, the location information may be recorded in a memory located at the access device (e.g. in the communication module 3), this location information being appended together with the data sent by the access device.

The invention thus developed provides an access device for accessing underground or above-ground municipal engineering infrastructure, providing a way to make it possible to detect attempted intrusions in the access device, such as in particular intrusion attempts. Depending on the sensor implemented and the processing of one or more signals from the sensor performed, the device may take into account different forms of intrusion. The detection of the information characteristic of the attempted intrusion may be aided by confirmation of the intrusion so that measures appropriate for the situation may be taken as soon as possible.

Claims

1. An access device for accessing underground or above-ground municipal engineering infrastructure, comprising an access door (1) having a closed position in which the access door closes a chamber (4), and an open position in which the access door has a seat forming a contact area, placed on the frame, and a frame (2) in which the access door provides access to the chamber (4),

characterized in that the access means comprises: at least one sensor (34), namely an impact sensor, a vibration sensor, a sound sensor, or a temperature sensor or an optical sensor for detecting thermal radiation, configured to measure an amount representative of a mechanical or thermal action acting on the access door (1) in the closed position and to transmit a signal corresponding to the measured amount; and an analysis module configured to analyze the signal in order to detect an information characteristic of an attempted intrusion acting on the access door (1) in a closed position, and to generate an attempted intrusion alert in case the information characteristic is detected when the access door (1) is in a closed position,

the access device comprises a communication module (3) configured to send the attempted intrusion alert,

the analysis module detects the information characteristic of the attempted intrusion by analyzing the measured quantity over time, i.e. the frequency of the impact, vibration or sound over time, and/or the temperature or thermal radiation over time.

2. The access device of claim 1, wherein the analysis module detects the information characteristic of the attempted intrusion based on a correlation of a parameter of the same signal or a correlation of parameters of multiple signals from different sensors (34).

3. The access device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the frequency is related to data about the intensity of an impact, vibration or sound for detecting the information characteristic of the attempted intrusion.

4. The access device of any preceding claim, wherein the communication module comprises a wired communication device or a wireless communication device.

5. The access device of claim 4, wherein the communication module is of a multiprotocol type.

6. The access device of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one of the following sensors that sense opening or closing of the access door: mechanical contact sensor, door angle position sensor, accelerometer, optical sensor.

7. The access device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the access device comprises a battery (36) which is able to supply power to the communication module (3) as a main power source or which is able to supply power to the communication module (3) in case of a main power source failure.