GB2031249A - An improved security system - Google Patents

Abstract

Security offices each carry a radio transmitter to report back to a central control desk when they reach particular patrol points on their beats. A simple adaptor is fitted to each radio transmitter. The adaptor has a plug attached to it by a flexible lead and the patrol man fits this into a special socket provided at each patrol point. This causes the transmitter to transmit a coded message particular to that patrol point which is received by a console at the control desk. The console is programmed each day with selected patrol routes, and automatically sets off an alarm if it does not receive the required coded messages within a preset time period. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION An improved security system This invention relates to a security system for use by security officers when patrolling an area of route to be kept under surveillance. In this description such security officers are referred to as "patrolmen".

There is a need for a security system which informs a communications centre reasonably promptly when a patrolman fails, within a given time interval,to reach each check-point. Such failure can be caused by an attack on the patrolman. Alternatively, it can be the fault of the patrolman himself who may omit to visit one or more of the checkpoints. Whatever the reason, the cause of the irregularity needs to be investivated promptly to ensure that the patrolman is safe and that there has been no breach of security.

It is common practice for patrolman to carry radio transmitters by which they can speak to a communications centre. However, the present way in which transmitters are used is not entirely satisfactory, since constant vigilance is required by an experienced supervisor at the communications centre to ensure that the patrolman reports from the correct places in the correct pre-arranged order and at pre-arranged times. Furthermore, this known system relies entirely on the patrolman giving his correct location.

This invention provides security apparatus comprising means for transmitting different codes from respective different check-points in a patrol route or area; a circuit for receiving and distinguishing between the transmitted codes; and indicating means from which the supervisor can establish whether the received codes concur with a prearranged schedule.

The invention also provides a method of patrolling a route or area using the apparatus defined in the immediately preceding paragraph; in which each check-point is visited and the different codes are transmitted to the receiving circuit.

The "indicating means" is preferablyvisual. For example, it can include a series or array of lamps which indicate when each signal is received from a check-point. These lamps are preferably located at appropriate positions on a plan, chart or other representation of the route or area being patrolled.

Of course, other indicators can be substituted for, or used in addition to, the lamps. Possibilities include: relay-operated flaps; liquid crystal devices and devices which change colour when heated. A print-out device can also be used, this producing permanent characters representing the check-points, the times at which the check-points are visited, and the identity of the patrolman.

The security system may include means for setting a particular order in which the check-points are to be visited. In this case the indicating means includes an alarm system which operates when the different codes are received in the wrong order.

The security apparatus also preferably includes means for setting a time period during which each check-point is to be visited. This time period can either be fixed in relation to a starting time or in relation to the time of visiting the previous checkpoint. When a facility for setting time periods is included, the indicating means incorporates an alarm system which operates when no code, or the wrong code, is received from the patrolman during the set time interval.

In one form of the invention the means for transmitting the codes includes an instrument, e.g. a portable radio transmitter, carried by the patrolman.

This instrument is adapted to co-operate with codedefining devices fixed at the different check-points so as to transmit the codes back to the receiving circuit. In this way, it is impossible for a patrolman to transmit a code appropriate to a particular checkpoint unless he is at that check-point.

The portable radio transmitter at present used for security purposes can easily be modified for the present invention by the addition of an adaptor to co-operate with the code-defining devices at the check-points. It is, therefore, expected that relatively little additional expense will be involved in incorporating the invention into existing security systems.

The code-defining devices fixed at the checkpoints can take many different alternative forms. In one system the patrolman plugs his transmitter into the code-defining device whereupon the power supply in the transmitter powers an electronic circuit incorporated in the code-defining device. The latter consequently generates a unique signal which is fed to, and transmitted by, the transmitter.

In another possible system, the code-defining device does not, itself, generate a signal to be transmitted but, instead, uniquely modifies a signal generated bythetransmitter. For example, the code-defining device could include a resistor or other electrical component of a particular value which is connected into a circuit, e.g. an oscillator of the transmitter to determine the transmitted signal.

In a third possible system, the transmitter is provided with a special plug or socket and is designed so that the transmitted signal depends on which of a number of different pairs of contacts of the plug or socket are connected together. In such a system, the said plug or socket mates with a similar socket or plug belonging to the code-defining device. The latter is arranged to connect the contacts of the first-mentioned plug or socket in a unique way, this resulting in a unique transmitted signal.

In yet another possible system, the code-defining device carries written instructions (e.g. a number).

This number or other information is entered into the transmitter through, for example, a keyboard.

The invention is not limited to the use of portable radio transmitters. It is possible, instead, to have a fixed transmitter at each check-point. It is also possible to transmit the code or codes by cable instead of by radio. An existing telephone system could conveniently be used for this purpose.

The transmitted codes preferably include a com ponent which identifies the particular patrolman who has transmitted it. The receiver at the communications centre must then be designed to recognise codes transmitted by different patrolmen; and preferably to indicate to a supervisor the identity of the patrolman who makes each transmission. In one possible system, where the transmitter has a keyboard, this keyboard can be used by the patrolman to transmit a secret code which identifies him.

In an alternative system, each transmitter includes a code-defining component which defines a similar identity code.

The identity of the patrolman transmitting a given signal can be indicated to the supervisor at the communications centre by using a cluster of different coloured light emitting diodes at various checkpoint positions on an indicator chart; diodes of different colours being illuminated for signals deriving from respective different patrolmen.

In systems where the display does not include a print-out system it is desirable to include some other memory device such as a magnetic tape or tape punching system. In this way a permanent record is kept of the check-points visited, the times of visitation and the identity of the, or each, patrolman.

A particular embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a portable transmitter/receiver and a code-defining-unit forming part of a security system constructed in accordance with the invention; and Figure 2 illustrates a control console located at a communications centre and forming another part of the same security system.

Figure 1 illustrates a portable transmitting/receiving apparatus 1 of conventional construction. It incorporates an on/off switch 2 which controls the receiving part of the apparatus, a button 3 which, when depressed, actuates the transmitting part of the apparatus, and a loudspeakerlmicrophone unit 4.

Attached to the transmitting part of the apparatus is a signal generating unit 5, which incorporates a keyboard. The unit 5 is connected by a flying lead in the form of a flexible cable 6 to a three-pin plug 7.

The plug 7 fits into code-defining-units fixed, for example, to a wall, at different check-points along a patrol route. One of these units is shown at 8. The code-defining unit 8 contains an electronic circuit powered by the power supply of the transmitter, which feeds a distinctive series of pulses to the unit 5 from whence they are transmitted to the communications centre.

Before a given period of duty, the patrolman is given a schedule listing the check-points he is to visit and showing the order in which they are to be visited. He is also given a secret identity code number. After switching on the switch 3 he proceeds to the first check-point, plugs the plug 7 into the check-point code unit 8, presses the transmitter button 3, enters his identity code using the keyboard, and waits until a tone signal is received from the communications centre indicating that his identity code and the code identifying the check-point have been received. The button 3 is then released, the plug 6 removed and the patrolman proceeds to the next check-point. This process is then repeated until all the listed check-points have been visited. The last check-point on the list may be the same as the first, this preferably being in, or within sight of, the communications centre.

Referring now to Figure 2, the control console at a communications centre comprises a chart or plan 9 showing the area to be patrolled. In the particular example illustrated this includes buildings or other areas, denoted by reference letters A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J, K and L. The chart has associated with it a number of groups of different coloured light emitting diodes. Each group is indicated at Al, A2, A3; B1, B2, B3; C1, C2; etc., and represents a check-point on an area to be patrolled.

Alongside the chart 9 is a print-out unit 10, having a hinged cover 11 and containing a supply of paper 12 on which the print-out is produced. The printed matter is displayed as shown through a window in the cover 11.

Next to the unit 10 is a radio transmitter/receiver 13 having a switch 13A which controls the whole console and a button 13B which, when depressed, turns the transmitter on. A loudspeaker/microphone unit 13C is also included.

Alongside the unit 13 is a digital proceesor 14 having an input keyboard 15, an alarm test switch 16 and an alarm cancel switch 17. The alarm, itself, is shown schematically at 18 at the top of the console.

It can be audible, e.g. a bell; or visual, e.g. a flashing light.

In operation of the communications centre the switch 14 is turned to its "on" position and the schedule of check-points to be visited is entered using the keyboard 15. For example, if the checkpoints to be visited are L1,A3,A2,A1, F1 etc., the keys, marked Land 1 are depressed followed by the "enter" key 19. The keys A and 3 are then depressed; again followed by the enter key 19. This is repeated until the whole schedule has been entered in the memory system of the processor. If a mistake is made the last entered entry can be cancelled using the key 20. The entire schedule is cancelled every time the master switch 14 is turned off.

When the first coded signal is received bythe unit 13 this is first separated by the processor 14 into two components representing the identity of the patrolman and the identity of the check-point respectively.

The component representing the identity of the check-point is compared with the first entry in the memory. If the entry in the memory concurs with the received code, a particular coloured LED of the appropriate group (e.g. group L1) is illuminated and a tone signal is transmitted to the patrolman thereby indicating that the signal has been registered. The particular colour of the illuminated LED is chosen by the processor 14 according to the code component identifying the patrolman. The second coded signal received is compared with the second entry in the memory and so on.

If at any time the received coded signal does not agree with that in the memory, the alarm 18 is actuated.

When each coded signal is received, a ten minute timer associated with the processor 14 is reset. If at any time a ten minute period elapses between received signals, the timer actuates the alarm.

Atwenty-four hour clock 21 is also included in the console. Each time a coded signal is received, the check-point is derived from, together with the identity of the patrolman and the time indicated by clock 21, is printed by the unit 10.

It is believed that a system similar to that which has been described would effectively improve the degree of security whilst also ensuring with absolute certainty that any mishap to the patrolman comes promptly to the attention of the console operator.

Furthermore, the degree of alertness required to supervise the console is minimal and this enables the system to be controlled with absolute reliability by a relatively inexperienced attendant at the communications centre. He can see at a glance how the, or each, patrolman is progressing and the alarm bell or lamp ensures that any irregularity is brought to his attention even if he loses concentration or falls asleep.

Claims (18)

1. Security apparatus comprising means for transmitting different cod(i', from respective different check-points in a control route or area; a circuit for receiving and distinguishing between the transmitted codes; and indicating means frorn which a supervisor can establish whether the received codes concur with a pre-arranged schedule.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 in which the "indicating means" is visual.

3. Apparatus according to claim 2 in which the "indicating means" includes a series or array of lamps which indicate when each signal is received from a check-point.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3 in which the lamps are located at appropriate positions on a plan, chart or other representation of the route or area being patrolled.

5. Apparatus according to any preceding claim including means for setting a particular order in which the check-points are to be visited; the indicating means including an alarm system which operates when the different codes are received in the wrong order.

6. Apparatus according to any preceding claim including means for setting a time period during which each check-point is to be visited.

7. Apparatus according to claim 6 including an alarm system which operates when no code, or the wrong code, is received from the patrol man during the set time interval.

8. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the means for transmitting the codes includes an instrument adapted to be carried by the patrol man and code-defining devices fixed at the different check-points, the said instrument being adapted to co-operate with these code-defining devices so as to transmit the codes back to the receiving circuit.

9. Apparatus according to claim 8 in which the said instrument is a portable radio transmitter adapted to co-operate with the code-defining devices at the check-points.

10. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which each code-defining device includes an electronic circuit which generates a unique signal which is fed to and transmitted by the transmitter.

11. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which each code-defining device uniquely modifies a signal generated by the transmitter.

12. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which the transmitter is provided with a plug or socket and designed so that the transmitted signal depends on which of a number of different pairs of contacts of the plug or socket are connected together; the code-defining device including a socket or plug adapted to mate with the said plug or socket of the transmitter; ihe code-defining device being arranged to connect the contacts of the plug or socket ot ihe transmitter in a unique way so as to result in a unique transmitted signal.

13. Apparatus according to claim 9 in which the code-defining device carries written instructions and in which the transmitter includes means which can be manipulated by the patrol man to enter the instructions into the transmitter.

14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1-8 including a fixed transmitter at each check-point.

15. Apparatus according to any preceding claim in which each code includes a component which indentifies the particular patrol man with which it is associated; the receiving circuit being designed to recognise codes transmitted by different patrol men and provide an indication of the identity of the patrol man who makes each transmission.

16. A method of patrolling a route or area using apparatus as defined in any preceding claim; in which each check-point is visited and the different codes are transmitted to the receiving circuit.

17. Apparatus substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings and substantially as illustrated therein.

18. A method of patrolling a route or area substantially as described with reference to the accompanying drawings and substantially as illustrated therein.