EP1363256B1 - Security and monitoring device and operating method of such device - Google Patents

Abstract

The device comprises, on one part, a central management and control module, and on the other part, a peripheral video-camera unit coupled to a detector, the central module (1) and each peripheral unit (4) having an autonomous feed (7,7'). The central module and each peripheral unit of the camera (5)/detector (6) type, includes units (8,9) for transmitting and receiving radio-frequency for the synchronous bi-directional transmission between themselves of data or/and control signals, and in that each peripheral unit has a radiofrequency emitter (10) and the central module of the radiofrequency receiver (11), adapted for the preferentially intermittent unidirectional transmission of a video signal or images, a digital code, or an analogue authentication means being transmitted on a sub-carrier destined to transport the audio component of this video signal, this, in parallel with each flow of video transmitted towards the module (1).

Description

The present invention relates to the field of the protection of goods and persons, and relates to an intrusion monitoring and safety device, and a method of operating such a device.

There are already many types of electronic monitoring systems for sites or industrial and residential premises.

These systems are mainly divided into two categories, namely, wired systems, in which the various components of the system are interconnected by physical lines, and wireless systems, in particular radio frequency systems, in which the various components communicate by wireless transmission. .

WO 02/11449 or GB 2,064,189 disclose such systems.

Although systems in the second category are safer and easier to install, they are not flexible or safe because they implement unidirectional transmission between sensors or sensors and the plant.

They can thus be falsified data collected, especially in the case of systems incorporating video surveillance means by substitution of video signals transmitted to the alarm center.

In addition, said detectors or sensors generate a transmission to the central unit at each request, without coherence between the emissions of the different devices and without them being informed of the state of said central (activated or deactivated).

The present invention has the main purpose of overcoming the aforementioned drawbacks.

Secondly, it also aims to propose a device of the aforementioned type, that is to say wireless, with optimized consumption, easily scalable in terms of the number of functional components and strengthened against attempts to damage and out of order.

For this purpose, the main subject of the present invention is an intrusion monitoring and security device comprising, on the one hand, a central management and control module, integrating, in particular, data processing and management means, memory means programmable and transmitting / receiving means for RF bidirectional transmissions and secondly at least one video camera peripheral unit coupled to a detector, the central module and each peripheral unit having its own autonomous power supply. characterized in that the central module and each peripheral unit of the camera / detector type comprise radiofrequency transmission / reception means for synchronous intermittent bidirectional transmission between them of data and / or control signals, and in that each peripheral unit comprises a radiofrequency transmitter and the central module a radio frequency receiver, adapted for the unidirectional, preferably intermittent, transmission of video signals or images, a digital coding or a similar authentication means being transmitted on a subcarrier intended for the transport of the composan the audio of said video signals, in parallel with each video stream transmitted to the module.

• La figure 1 est une représentation schématique d'un dispositif selon l'invention ;
• La figure 2 est un schéma synoptique fonctionnel du module central faisant partie du dispositif de la figure 1 ;
• La figure 3 est une vue en coupe et en élévation latérale du boîtier renfermant le module central de la figure 2, et,
• La figure 4 est une vue partielle en perspective et partiellement écorchée du boîtier renfermant le module central.

The invention will be better understood, thanks to the following description, which refers to a preferred embodiment, given by way of non-limiting example, and explained with reference to the attached schematic drawings, in which:

• The figure 1 is a schematic representation of a device according to the invention;
• The figure 2 is a functional block diagram of the central module that is part of the device of the figure 1 ;
• The figure 3 is a sectional view and side elevation of the housing enclosing the central module of the figure 2 and,
• The figure 4 is a partial perspective view partially broken away of the housing enclosing the central module.

As shown by figures 1 and 2 In the appended drawings, the intrusion monitoring and security device comprises, on the one hand, a central management and control module 1, in particular integrating means 2, 2 'for data processing and management, means for programmable memory 14, 14 ', 14 "and transmitting / receiving means 3 for two-way radio-frequency or wired remote transmissions and, secondly, at least one video camera peripheral unit 5 coupled to a detector 6.

The programmable memory means may for example comprise a random access memory 14, a programmable logic 14 'and a so-called "flash" memory 14 ".

The implementation of a programmable logic 14 'for the acquisition of the images (by writing the pixels in the memory 14) will facilitate the manufacture and operation of the central module 1.

According to the invention, the central module 1 and each peripheral unit 4 comprises an autonomous power supply 7, 7 'proper, in that the central module 1 and each peripheral unit 4 of the camera 5 / detector 6 type comprise means 8, 9 radiofrequency transmit / receive transmission for synchronous bidirectional transmission between them of data and / or control signals, and each peripheral unit 4 comprises a radiofrequency transmitter 10 and the central module 1 a radio frequency receiver 11, adapted for unidirectional transmission, preferentially intermittent, video signals or images, a digital coding or similar authentication means being transmitted on a subcarrier for transporting the audio component of said video signals, in parallel with each video stream transmitted to the module 1 .

In order to limit the consumption at the peripheral unit or units 4, the activation, for a predetermined duration, of the video camera 5 of each peripheral unit 4 and the consecutive acquisition and transmission of one or more images ( s) towards the central module 1 are triggered, directly or indirectly, by the detector 6, for example in the form of presence or movement detector, of the peripheral unit 4 concerned, if necessary after validation by the central module 1.

Preferably, in case of detection of presence or movement in its field, the detector 6 of a peripheral unit 4 first informs the central module 1, which analyzes the information communicated by said detector 6, and then optionally sends a signal or an activation message from the corresponding video camera.

These provisions make it possible to avoid the transmission of unjustified images and allow interference-free management of the various video cameras of the device.

In addition, each of these units 4 may comprise lighting means 4, the irradiation zone of which substantially coincides with the acquisition zone of the video camera 5 of the unit concerned 4, the activation of said means of illumination. illumination 12 being synchronized with periods of effective image acquisition by said corresponding video camera.

These lighting means 12 will emit visible light in the general case, and in particular when using color video cameras, but may also emit in the infrared (invisible radiation) when the video cameras 5 are of the type black and white.

In addition, the antenna of the transmitter 10 may be oriented towards the central module 1 so as to increase the scope.

The transmission / reception means may for example use a frequency band around 868 MHz and the transmitter 10 a band around 2.4 GHz.

To reduce the consumption related to the processing of the video images received by the central module 1, the latter may include specific processing means and limit the amount of information to be processed.

So, as shown in figure 2 In the accompanying drawings, the processing and management means consist of a main microprocessor 2 and a microprocessor 2 'for signal processing, connected by a data bus 13 and an address bus 13' to different working memories 14 , 14 ", a programmable logic 14 ', as well as a decoder 15 of video signals, the image or at least one of the images received from the peripheral unit (s) 4 being reduced to resolution and compared to a corresponding reference image previously stored by means of said means 2, 2 'of processing and management, the latter possibly performing, in case of detection of a difference between the two compared images or a anomaly, a confirmatory verification by performing a new comparison of said images with each other with an increased resolution, before triggering an alert procedure.

Preferably, said at least one received image is compared, after reduction in resolution, to a reference image stored in one of the working memories 14 and corresponding to a normal situation (detection of an abnormal presence).

Moreover, in the case of the transmission of a sequence of several successive images, the comparison after reduction in resolution is performed, possibly in a repetitive manner, between two images of said sequence, if necessary according to the result of a first comparison of the first image of the sequence in question with a stored reference image (followed by a displacement of a presence).

By these measures, it leads to a reduction in calculation time and automatic filtering of noise and small details.

According to one characteristic of the invention, allowing rapid transmission of the various information and data describing the state of the intrusion monitoring and security device and the situation at the monitored premises, the central module 1 advantageously integrates software means of digital compression of video files and constitution of a communication interface with the communication supervisor (for example the Internet), as well as a software modem and audio synthesis means.

To ensure as complete protection as possible, by allowing the identification of incidents and anomalies of different natures, the device according to the invention may further comprise, as additional peripheral module (s), at least a detector 16 chosen from the group formed by the motion detectors, the opening detectors, the glass break detectors and the various types of domestic anomaly or malfunction detectors, each detector 16 being equipped with means 16 ', Radio frequency transmission / reception for bidirectional synchronous communication with the central module 1.

According to another characteristic of the invention, said device also comprises, as other peripheral modules, at least one control and programming keyboard 19, adapted in particular for a wall mounting and, where appropriate, at least one remote siren 17 and / or at least one remote control 18, each of these peripheral modules 17, 18, 19 being equipped with own radiofrequency transmission / reception means 17 ', 18', 19 'for bi-directional communication with the central module 1.

The siren 17 may alternatively also be integrated into the structure of the central module 1.

To allow easy identification of an authorized user, said keyboard 19 may be provided with a non-contact identification badge reader 20, implementing an electromagnetic interrogation field, said reader 20 being activated for a predetermined period by a proximity sensor 21, for example of the infrared type.

The proximity sensor 21 may operate either cyclically to minimize the consumption, or continuously to shorten the reaction time.

The badge reader 20 may for example be of the type described in the French patent application filed today in the name of the applicant and concerning a recognition unit of a badge or the like and a method implementing such a unit.

Furthermore, to increase the operating autonomy of the remote control 8, the latter is automatically switched to sleep mode in the event of a break in its connection with the central module 1 and is only reactivated following the pressing of any key. by the user and subsequent restoration of said link with the central module 1.

Thus, when the remote control 18 will leave the perimeter covered by the transmitting / receiving means 8, it will be deactivated and when it is reactivated by pressing a key, a restoration of the communication is achieved by means of asynchronous exchanges between said remote control 18 and the central module 1, this by scanning different radio frequency channels used and / or time slots.

In addition, by providing a buzzer at said remote control 18, it is possible to use the latter, through the communication path in return, as portable warning (mobile paging terminal).

In order to be able to guarantee good physical protection for the central module 1, the latter is mounted in a closed housing 22, which consists of two complementary half-shells, one of which is a lower 22 'form a fixing base and the other of which 22 "upper form cover, and comprises a contact 23 for opening detection and / or separation half-shells 22 ', 22", the latter being connected by force transmission columns 24, intended to provide support of said upper half-shell 22 "and keeping it at a distance from the lower half-shell 22 '.

Said contact 23 may, for example, detect a depression of the cover 22 "(violent shock of the hammer blow type), but also a forced separation (for example by cutting the side walls) into several parts of said cover 22.

In order to obtain a reinforced protection of the central module 1, the housing 22 comprises an intermediate shell 22 "'of protection, extending between the base 22' and the cover 22" and covering the printed circuit board or the fixed card 26 at the base 22 'and carrying the functional electronic and electrical components 2, 2', 13, 14, 14 ', 14 ", 15 of the central module 1 and in that each force transmission column 24 is constituted by on the one hand, by a rigid tube portion 28 formed integrally with the intermediate shell 22 "'and extending towards the base 22', on the other hand, by a bearing pad 29 receiving the base of the rigid tube portion 28 and, finally, by a sleeve 30 formed on the inner face of the lid 22 'and intended to bear on the intermediate shell 22 "' with the interposition of a washer 31 of a resilient material and / or elastic ( figures 3 and 4 ).

To avoid any attempt to neutralize the siren 7, the latter is housed in an independent housing 25, substantially similar, externally to the housing 22 enclosing the central module 1, the module 17 "restitution of the audible warning signal of said siren 17 being movably mounted on a compression trigger contact, normally deactivated.

The internal partitions of the housing 25 enclosing the siren can be arranged and shaped in such a way that in the case of an expansive foam injection (neutralization of the vibrating body of the siren), the expansion of said foam is directed towards said contact of triggering the siren for activation.

If necessary, a siren may also be mounted in the housing 22 enclosing the central module 1.

Finally, the device according to the invention can, especially when an elderly person and / or patient is present in the premises monitored, possibly incorporate at least one assistance medallion 26 portable, self-powered, equipped in particular with transmission means / radio frequency reception for establishing a communication with the central module 1.

In the event of an alarm being triggered, said medallion 26 will make it possible to measure the heart rhythm using at least two keys mounted on the casing of said medallion and whose surface is conductive, these two keys being arranged in such a way that they can not be used. accessible only through the fingers of a person (and not by the palm).

Witnesses (sound or light) of said medallion will indicate respectively that the measurement is not finalized and that the measurement is completed. The result of the measurement performed is sent to a remote listening center via the communication supervisor (Internet). However, said center can be alerted by means of a first reminder, as soon as the alert is triggered or the beginning of the fingertips on the keys concerned.

The invention also relates to a method of operating a monitoring device as described above.

This method consists essentially, in the event of detection of an incident or an anomaly by any of the modules 16 or peripheral units 4, to be constituted at the level of the central module 1 an electronic mail describing the incident or the anomaly on the basis of the data and / or information provided by the module 16 and / or the unit 4 concerned (s), then to make at least one call to one or more number (s) pre-recorded to announce the sending of said electronic mail and, finally, to then send the electronic mail consisting of a descriptive message accompanied, if necessary, an attached file, for example of the audio and / or video type in the form of a series of images, to one or more preprogrammed address (es).

The device according to the invention may also be used to remotely display live images provided by the video cameras 5 of the different peripherals 4. This operation may, for example, be performed by the user by calling home from the outside, via a telephone line, and by providing instructions adapted to the central module 1 after verifying its identity.

In an initialization phase of the monitoring device according to the invention, a first list of telephone numbers (callers) having a determined access (predetermined distinct functionality) to the central module 1 will be memorized. perform interventions and interrogations remotely.

A second list of phone numbers, as well as Internet transmission addresses (URLs), is stored as hierarchical recipients of voice calls and e-mails reporting incidents and / or anomalies at the premises level. monitored.

The management of the communications and the synchronization between the different modules constituting the device according to the present invention, as well as the operation of the latter, may for example be based on the method described in the application of the present invention. French Patent No. 02 05747 May 7, 2002 in the name of the plaintiff.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and shown in the accompanying drawings. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements or by substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of the invention, defined by the claims.

Claims (14)

1. Monitoring and anti-intrusion security device comprising, on the one hand, a central management and control module (1), which integrates in particular data processing and management means (2, 2'), programmable memory means (14, 14', 14") and transmission/receiving means (8, 9) for remote bidirectional transmissions via radiofrequencies and, on the other hand, at least one video-camera (5) peripheral unit (4) coupled to a detector (6), the central module and each peripheral unit having their own autonomous power supply (7,7'), said device being characterised in that the central module (1) and each peripheral unit (4) of the camera (5)/detector (6) type includes radiofrequency transmitting/receiving means (8, 9) for the intermittent, synchronous bi-directional transmission between themselves of data or/and control signals, and in that each peripheral unit (4) has a radiofrequency transmitter (10) and the central module (1) a radiofrequency receiver (11), adapted for the preferably intermittent unidirectional transmission of video signals or images, a digital code or similar authentication means being transmitted on a sub-carrier for transporting the audio component of said video signals, in parallel with each video flow transmitted to said module (1).
2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that the activation, for a predetermined period, of the video camera (5) of each peripheral unit (4) and the consecutive acquisition and transmission of one or more image(s) to the central module (1) are triggered directly or indirectly by the detector (6), for example in the form of a presence or movement detector, of the peripheral unit (4) concerned, if necessary after validation by the central module (1).
3. Device according to claim 2, characterised in that each peripheral unit (4) also comprises lighting means (12), the radiation zone of which merges virtually with the acquisition zone of the video camera (5) of the unit concerned (4), the activation of the said lighting means (12) being synchronised with periods of effective acquisition of images by the said corresponding video camera (5).
4. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the processing and management means consist of a main microprocessor (2) and a microprocessor (2') for processing signals, connected together by a data bus (13) and an address bus (13') with different working memories (14, 14"), with a random logic (14'), as well as a decoder (15) of video signals, the image or at least one of the images received from the peripheral unit(s) (4) being reduced in resolution and compared to a corresponding reference image stored previously, by means of said processing and management means (2, 2'), the latter conducting, if necessary, in the case of detecting a difference between the two compared images or an anomaly, a confirmatory verification by making a new comparison of said images with increased resolution before triggering an alarm procedure.
5. Device according to claim 4, characterised in that the said at least one received image is compared, after reduction in resolution, to a reference image stored in one of the working memories (14) and corresponding to a normal situation.
6. Device according to claim 4 or claim 5, characterised in that in the case of transmission of a sequence of several successive images, the comparison after reduction in resolution is carried out, possibly in a repetitive manner, between two images of said sequence, if necessary as a function of the result of a first comparison of the first image of the sequence considered with a stored reference image.
7. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the central module (1) integrates the software means of digital compression of video files and constitution of a communication interface with the internet, as well as a software modem and audio synthesis means.
8. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that it also comprises as peripheral module(s), at least one detector (16) selected from a group consisting of motion detectors, opening detectors, broken glass detectors and different types of detectors of anomalies or domestic malfunctions, each detector (16) being equipped with radiofrequency transmitting/receiving means (16') for synchronous bidirectional communication with the central module (1).
9. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that it also comprises, like other peripheral modules, at least one control and programming keypad (19), adapted in particular for fixing onto the wall and, if necessary, at least one offset alarm (17) and/or at least one remote control (18), each of these peripheral modules (17, 18, 19) being provided with their own radiofrequency transmitting/receiving means (17', 18', 19') for bidirectional communication with the central module (1).
10. Device according to claim 9, characterised in that the keypad (19) is provided with a non-contact identification badge reader (20), using an electromagnetic enquiry field, said reader (20) being activated, for a predefined period, by a proximity switch (21), for example of the infrared type, and in that the remote control (18) is automatically flipped into sleep mode when disconnected from its link with the central module (1) and is only reactivated after any key is pushed by the user and the said link with the central module (1) is re-established.
11. Device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the central module (1) is mounted in a closed housing (22), which consists of two complementary half-shells, a lower one of which (22') forms a securing base and the upper one of which (22") forms a cover, and comprises a contact (23) for detecting the opening and/or separation of the half-shells (22', 22"), the latter being connected by load transmission columns (24), intended to ensure the support of the said upper half-shell (22") and keeping it at a distance from the lower half-shell (22').
12. Device according to claim 11, characterised in that the housing (22) comprises an intermediate protection shell (22"') extending between the base (22') and the cover (22") and covering the printed circuit or board (26) fixed to the base (22') and bearing functional electronic and electric components (2, 2', 13, 14, 14', 14", 15) of the central module (1), and in that each load transmission column (24) consists, on the one hand, of a portion of rigid tube (28) formed in one piece with the intermediate shell (22"') and extending in the direction of the base (22') and, on the other hand, of a support point (29) receiving the base of the portion of rigid tube (28) and, finally, of a sleeve tube (30) formed on the interior surface of the cover (22') and designed to bear against the intermediate shell (22"') with the interposition of a washer (31) made of a resilient and/or elastic material.
13. Device according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the alarm (17) is located in an almost similar independent housing (25), on the exterior of the housing (22) closing the central module (1), the module (17") for reinstating the warning audio signal of the said alarm (17) being mounted movably on a compression triggering contact (17"'), normally deactivated.
14. Method of functioning of a monitoring device according to claim 8, characterised in that it consists, in the case of detecting an incident or an anomaly via any one of the modules (16) or peripheral units (4), of forming in central module (1) an electronic mail describing the incident or anomaly on the data base and/or information provided by the module (16) and/or the unit (4) concerned, then activating at least one call to one or more pre-recorded numbers to announce the sending of said electronic mail, and finally sending the electronic mail, consisting of an accompanying descriptive message, if necessary, an attached file, for example of the audio and/or video type or in the form of a series of images, to one or more pre-programmed address(es).

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