GB2293038A

GB2293038A - Security alarm system

Info

Publication number: GB2293038A
Application number: GB9418141A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Beddow
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-09-08
Filing date: 1994-09-08
Publication date: 1996-03-13
Also published as: GB9418141D0

Abstract

The system comprises at least one intruder detector 4, eg of infra-red or ultrasonic type, a control device 2 and at least one paging device 6. Upon detection of intrusion the detector transmits a radiation signal to the control device. Upon reception of the radiation signal the control device transmits a radiation signal to the paging device which produces a warning signal upon reception of the radiation signal. The control device may also be linked, by hardwire or wireless, to a light 8, a video camera 10 and a sounder 12. The paging device may also be used to provide an alert when the distance from an article 14 or a child exceeds a preset distance. The devices are self contained and the detectors could be located along driveways or pathways without the need for special wiring. <IMAGE>

Description

SECURITY SYSTEM The present invention relates to a security system and, in particular, to a home or building security system.

The invention has been made in order to fulfil the need for a useful door monitoring and/or security device for buildings and is particularly useful in the home or in a small business enterprise. An object of the invention is to provide a security system comprising self-contained units which could, for example, be located along driveways, pathways, or other nearby locations without the need for special wiring.

According to the invention there is provided a security system comprising one or more proximity detectors, a control device and one or more paging devices wherein each such proximity detector includes radiation transmission means, each such paging device includes radiation receiving means and the control device includes radiation transmission and receiving means.

Preferably the or each proximity detector includes a motion and/or heat sensor and each detector may be a self-contained unit with a power supply, such as a long life battery. A solar cell or the like may alternatively be used or in addition to supplement or recharge the battery.

The sensor may be an ultrasonic sensor or a passive infra-red detector.

Preferably the sensors are designed for outdoor use. The control device preferably has a battery back-up and suitable on/off switch means and status indication means such as light emitting diodes. Each paging device may include alarm means such as an audible alarm or a visible indicator.

The paging device may be battery operated and may be in the form of a key fob or pocket clip or the like. The detector may be incorporated in or adapted to fit on or in a briefcase, mobile phone or the like. Alternatively, the detector may be adapted to be attached to clothing such as a child's clothing. Thus, when a person wearing or holding a pager of the system of the invention goes a predetermined distance from the detector which is incorporated into a briefcase or child's clothing or the like, the pager alarm will activate thereby alerting the person's attention that he has left his briefcase or telephone behind. This can be achieved by means of radio waves or otherwise. Typically the alarm will activate at about fifteen meters.The security system may include responsive means such as lighting means, camera means and/or sound means which may be hard-wired or radiation linked to the control device so that such means is activated by the control device when a signal is received from the detector.

Thus, the invention can be used as a home or building security system that is capable of warning building occupants about the approach of persons, animals or vehicles. The detector unit may include a PIR sensor unit capable of detecting heat and motion and may be combined with a wireless transmitter.

The paging device may plug into an AC power source for example for indoor use at fixed locations. The security system of the invention offers the advantage of building occupants being informed of visitors well in advance and the paging devices may also be used to trigger the operation of other electronic and electrical equipment such as indoor and/or outdoor lights, security cameras, video recorders, alarm systems, telephone autodialers or the like.

Preferred features of the security system of the invention are the self-contained nature of the remote sensor/transmitter units, which could be located along driveways, sidewalks, or other nearby locations, without the need for special wiring efforts. The combination of long-life rechargeable batteries and solar cells could permit the sensor transmitters to operate with nominal maintenance requirements. A once-per-year battery check is all that is suggested in typical use. Self-contained pager receivers could also alert building occupants at any time to the presence of others on the property, while being small and compact for personal use. AC powered pager receivers could also be used to alert building occupants and perform other specialized security functions for the benefit of the potential user.

The security system of the invention could eliminate the need for a conventional doorbell system in many cases, as the building occupants could have plenty of advanced warning of an approaching vehicle or persons. Of course, the existing doorbell system could also be retained, and there may be some specific security advantages in this regard. If the "caller" did not depress the doorbell button or knock within a reasonable time, the building occupant would have to assume that the intent of the person loitering about the entrance was questionable. The building occupant could then take whatever appropriate measures were necessary to discourage the person's presence, whether it was turning on an outdoor light, calling for security assistance, etc.

With AC-powered pager receivers, such actions could also be automated for added convenience. These pager receivers could trigger lights, security cameras, alarms, telephone dialers, or other equipment commonly associated with a building security system.

The personal alarm paging receivers could also be useful and convenient for building occupants. Instead of having to place AC-powered alarm pagers in every room, each building occupant could be equipped with his own. In this manner, each person would always have a pager with them to constantly monitor the security status of the property about the building.

While the functional aspects of the security system could be very useful for home owners and business persons, the completely self-contained nature of operation could be even more desirable. A sensor/transmitter could be located high in a tree, on a telephone pole, attached under the eaves of a home or garage---all without any need for AC power or low-voltage wiring. This feature alone could provide the potential user with a powerful security system with nominal installation effort. With solar cells in the PIR sensor.transmitter units and a rechargeable battery, these security devices should operate for years at a time. Like a home smoke detector, a once-per-year test may be all that was needed to ensure proper operation.

The particular advantages of the security system include portability; robust for use in difficult environments; ease of use; ability to use with briefcases, mobile phones and the like; ease of installation; the fact that the units may be inconspicuous and tamper proof.

The invention will now be described further by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawing which is a schematic representation of a security system of the invention together with various optional components.

Referring to the drawing, a security system 1 comprises a main control unit 2 which preferably is mains powered with a battery back-up facility. The control unit receives radiation signals from a remote wireless ultrasonic and/or passive-infrared (hereinafter referred to as PlR)detector 4 which preferably has a long life battery associated therewith.

The detector 4 includes a sensor designed to detect motion and/or heat variations and the detector 4 includes a transmitter which transmits a signal to the main control unit 2 when such a variation is sensed. Upon receipt of a signal from the sensor 4, the control unit transmits a signal to a receiver unit which may for example be embodied in a key fob or pocket clip unit 6.

The control unit 2 may additionally be remote or hardwire linked to various other receiver units such as a light 8, which is preferably of high wattage, a video camera 10, which may be conventional or infra-red, and/or an alarm sounder 12, which preferably has a high output.

The detector unit may additionally or alternatively be incorporated into or adapted for use with various other items such as a briefcase 14, a mobile phone or the like.

In use, the sensor 4 acts as a proximity detector to warn of the approach of a person, animal or the like and transmits a signal to the control unit 2 which then transmits a signal to a remote pager unit 6, which should include some form of visual or audible alarm means, and optionally to one or more of a light 8, camera 10 or sounder 12 in order to activate such units.

Preferably a plurality of sensor units 4 are provided at suitable locations for example at the entrances to or in the grounds of a building to be protected. A unit could be provided in each of one or more rooms in a building It will be appreciated that the present invention is not intended to be restricted to the details of the above embodiment which is described by way of example only.

Claims

1. A security system comprising one or more proximity detectors, a control device and one or more paging devices wherein each such proximity detector includes radiation transmission means, each such paging device includes radiation receiving means and the control device includes radiation transmission and receiving means.

2. A security system according to claim 1, wherein the or each proximity detector includes a motion sensor and/or heat sensor.

3. A security system according to claim 2, wherein the sensor is an ultra sonic sensor or a passive infra-red detector.

4. A security system according to any preceding claim, wherein each detector is a self-contained unit with a power supply.

5. A security system according to claim 4, wherein the power supply comprises a battery and/or a solar cell.

6. A security system according to any of claims 2 to 5, wherein the sensor is designed for outdoor use.

7. A security system according to any preceding claim, wherein each paging device includes alarm means.

8. A security system according to any preceding claim, wherein the paging device is in the form of a key fob or pocket clip.

9. A security system according to any preceding claim, wherein the paging device is battery operated.

10. A security system according to any preceding claim, wherein the paging device may plug into an AC power source.

11. A security system according to any preceding claim, wherein the paging device is used to trigger the operation of other electronic and electrical equipment.

12. A security system according to claim 11, wherein the said electronic and electrical equipment includes any of the following:- indoor and/or outdoor lights, security cameras, video recorders, alarm systems or telephone autodialers.

13. A security system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control device has a battery back-up, suitable on/off switch means and status indication means.

14. A security system according to any preceding claim, including responsive means which is hard wired to the control device so that such means is activated by the control device when a signal is received from the detector.

15. A security system according to any of claims 1 to 13, including responsive means which is radiation linked to the control device.

16. A security system according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the responsive means includes lighting means, camera means and/or sound means.

17. A security system according to any preceding claim operative to warn building occupants about the approach of persons, animals or vehicles.

18. A security system according to any preceding claim, wherein a person or article wearing or holding a pager goes a predetermined distance from the detector resulting in activation of the pager alarm.

19. A security system according to claim 18, wherein the alarm activates at 15 metres.

20. A security system as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying diagram.