GB2375449A

GB2375449A - Public telephone structure with security camera.

Info

Publication number: GB2375449A
Application number: GB0205507A
Authority: GB
Inventors: George Roland Hill
Original assignee: Contra Vision Ltd
Current assignee: Contra Vision Ltd
Priority date: 2001-03-08
Filing date: 2002-03-08
Publication date: 2002-11-13
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-08
Also published as: GB0105654D0; GB0506200D0; GB0205507D0; GB2375449B

Abstract

A surveillance camera assembly comprises a surveillance camera 50 secured to a telephone mounting 10, e.g. a kiosk, in a manner such that the camera is directed onto an area surrounding the telephone mounting structure but cannot be directed onto the telephone. An alternative embodiment mounts the camera 50 on a pole (11, Figure 1). By directing the surveillance camera away from the telephone itself (and user), the privacy of the user is ensured. In addition, the assembly may have a second camera 60, that is directed to the user, and may incorporate illuminated advertisements.

Description

SURVEILLANCE CAMERA ASSEMBLY This invention concerns a surveillance camera secured to a telephone mounting structure, typically a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera operated

from a control centre by means of a telecommunications system through which the t surveillance images are also typically transmitted to the control centre. The surveillance camera is typically located either at or near the top of the telephone mounting structure, typically a telephone kiosk enclosure, directed onto the surrounding area. Such surveillance cameras may be overt, which deter wrongdoing, or covert, the surveillance being primarily to assist the identification and prosecution of wrong-doers. Covert observation cameras are typically masked by one-way vision materials, such as those disclosed in GB 2 165 292 (Hill).

Optionally, a second camera attached to the telephone mounting structure is directed towards the telephone, typically only activated by the pressing of a "panic button"by a telephone user or other occupant of the telephone kiosk, or activated by vibration above a certain level indicating vandalism or violence within or against the telephone kiosk or activated by an emergency service. The panic button operation of an internally directed second camera within a telephone kiosk will typically also activate a source of illumination to assist the operation of this second camera and any other independent external CCTV cameras which may be directed into or around the payphone kiosk.

The use of CCTV cameras is well-known, mainly in the form of overt CCTV cameras in retail establishments and on the sides of buildings overlooking public spaces, typically used as a deterrent to criminal behaviour and as a means

of identifying miscreants and bringing them to justice. Covert observation cameras are also known, as is the use of camera hides, for example camera hides incorporating one-way vision graphics according to GB 2 165 292 (Hill), disguised as another object, for example a box of chocolates, a sports bag, or other such device. Such one-way vision materials enable the use of high quality cameras to provide excellent images at long distance, unlike cameras looking through pinhole apertures, which are typically limited to providing relatively poor images at up to 2 or 3 metres. Bank and other alarm systems are known in which activation, typically by an employee pressing an alarm button, causes a substantial increase in the illumination level, typically to disorientate an intruder. Covert telephone"tapping"of conversations and other sound signals is well known.

Advertising on the glazed sides of telephone kiosks using panels according to GB 2 165 292 (Hill) is also known and that patent discloses the effects of varying the levels of illumination to either side of the panel.

The use of videophones comprising cameras to transmit the image of the user is known, as is the use of internet facilities in payphone kiosks. Telephone kiosks are known to be capable of supporting other equipment, such as microcell relay equipment for mobile telephone signals.

A telephone is typically operated by means of a telecommunications cable comprising a twisted pair of wires. Telephone kiosks are typically supplied by a supply telecommunications cable comprising at least five twisted pairs of wires and/or an ISDN and/or ASDL supply cable.

The problems of existing overt and covert observation systems are well documented. Overt CCTV camera installations directed onto streets, shopping

malls, stadium terraces, etc. are intended to be visible to deter wrong-doing, typically fixed onto supporting brackets which cantilever from walls sufficiently to allow the cameras to'pan'or rotate through 1800,'tilt'and'zoom', a so-called PTZ facility to direct and focus the camera onto the intended subject. The cable carrying the recorded images and control signals is typically exposed and visible and can be cut, for example by a determined criminal. The cameras themselves can be damaged, even attack by firearms being commonplace in some countries.

Overt cameras are consequently typically located at high level, well out of human reach, which means their effectiveness can easily be limited by a determined criminal by wearing a wide peaked or brimmed hat, which obscures the face of the criminal, making subsequent detection very difficult. The fixing of CCTV cameras requires substantial structural work, which typically includes drilling for bracket fixings and cable routing, causing damage to building facades. Special cable routes have to be established and maintained through typically tenanted buildings, causing disruption as well as direct cost. Low level cameras have been installed in Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) to observe the street side of these installations, typically through'pinholes'using so-called"pinhole cameras". These cameras are typically inserted inside the ATM machines, which are typically recessed into walls and cannot therefore pan through 180 to observe the street and their effective focal range is typically limited to a few metres immediately in front of the ATM. Remote, radio-controlled CCTV cameras are known, even being located on racing cars and other demanding situations.

However, such installations are relatively expensive and unreliable, the"breakup"of images being commonplace. It is known for camera hides not to contain

any camera, but still act as a deterrent to vandalism or other undesirable behaviour.

Existing means of monitoring traffic behaviour, such as speed monitoring, typically require special installations, such as cabling and fixing cameras to streetlighting poles. Such installations are clearly visible and typically cause only localised amendment to driver behaviour and do not provide a more widespread incentive for drivers to travel within speed limits.

According to the present invention, a surveillance camera assembly comprises a surveillance camera secured to a telephone mounting structure in a manner such that the surveillance camera is directed onto the area surrounding the telephone mounting structure but cannot be directed onto the telephone.

In the context of this invention, a surveillance camera is a device for recording visual images. Such a surveillance camera may also record sound signals but typically will not, in order to preserve customer privacy in public payphone and other such enclosures.

Surveillance cameras may be a film or digital camera, to produce single images, or may be a moving image camera, such as a video camera, sometimes referred to as a baseband video camera or analogue camera, typically requiring twin wires, typically in a"twisted pair"telecommunications cable to transmit the required image signal, and two additional wires, typically in a second"twisted pair"telecommunications cable, to transmit signals to control the pan, tilt, zoom and focus operations of the camera. Alternatively, the surveillance camera may be operated by radio, for example by a cellular communications system.

The telephone mounting structure may be any structure, for example just a vertical pole, such as structural steel tube. It may comprise side panels, for example one panel on plan, two panels on plan in a perpendicular or other relationship, or three panels on plan. A telephone kiosk enclosure typically comprises four side panels or may be circular or any other shape on plan, also comprising an access door opening, typically also comprising a roof to provide weather protection. Such telephone kiosk enclosures typically comprise several transparent panels of glass, polycarbonate, acrylic or other transparent material to enable telephone users to see out and passers-by to see in, both important safety features. As well as conventional public telephone kiosks, independent public toilet units and other independent street furniture structures may form the telephone mounting structure of the invention.

The telephone mounting structure is typically independent of any building and therefore the invention typically provides a 3600 surveillance capability of surrounding public space of footpaths, car parks, roads, shopping centre concourse areas, stadium forecourts, etc. , and the height of the surveillance camera is relatively low compared to overt CCTV cameras, which enables facial images to be recorded and transmitted, all of which represent substantial advantages over the prior art.

In a first embodiment, a telephone is located on a telephone mounting structure, such as a vertical pole or kiosk enclosure. The telephone mounting structure has a surveillance camera secured to it. If the supporting structure is a telephone kiosk enclosure, the surveillance camera is typically located on top or is located within it but is only capable of recording images

outside the telephone kiosk enclosure. The surveillance camera is typically capable of panning 360 , tilting over a range of elevational angles and zooming and focussing throughout the desired depth of field. The surveillance camera is optionally hidden from view, the possible means of obscuration including a oneway vision panel through which the camera is directed. The surveillance camera is typically operated by signals from a control centre through a telecommunications system or automatically according to a predetermined sequence of movements or by means of a tracking system. The telecommunications system is also capable of receiving the recorded images.

Typically, the telecommunications system is the public telecommunications cable system including the telecommunications supply cable to the telephone mounting structure. The recorded images are typically transmitted by means of the supply telecommunications cable, typically hidden from view underground, to a central control remote from the telephone mounting structure, optionally via one or more telephone exchanges. Telecommunications cables from the telephone and surveillance camera are typically connected to the telecommunication supply cable in a junction box at the base of the telephone mounting structure. All cabling to the surveillance camera is typically out of reach and/or also hidden from view and typically well protected from deliberate damage, one significant advantage over the prior art.

In a second embodiment, as well as the surveillance camera, a second camera is directed towards the telephone and typically any telephone user, typically inside a public telephone kiosk enclosure, again typically hidden by means including a one-way vision material. The camera is typically set to only

operate on the pressing of a"panic button"by an occupant of the enclosure. Typically, pressing the panic button also activates a first source of illumination to substantially increase the level of illumination of the telephone within the kiosk enclosure, both to assist the operation of the second surveillance camera and also to assist vision into the enclosure by any member of the public, police or other security force outside the enclosure or any independent CCTV camera, for example located on an adjacent building. The second camera may also be activated by a level of vibration caused by vandalism, for example breakage of a glass window, or vibration caused by attack upon a telephone kiosk occupant. The Emergency Services may also be automatically alerted. Pressing of the panic button, as well as activating the second camera and first source of illumination, may optionally cause the surveillance camera to pan automatically to face the direction of the exit door, to have most chance of recording the means of escape of any wrong-doer. A siren or other sound alarm may also be activated by the pressing of the panic button. Thus, any telephone user or other occupant of such telephone kiosk enclosures is provided with a substantially increased level of security for their personal safety, another advantage over the prior art.

The camera operation and the first source of illumination will typically be turned off after a predetermined time delay and/or exit from the enclosure, such that if the panic button is accidentally or otherwise pressed, the next occupant enjoys the desired level of privacy. The telecommunications cables from the second camera are also typically connected to the supply telecommunications cable in the junction box of the first embodiment.

In a third embodiment, otherwise similar to the first or second embodiment, a one-way vision sign, for example an advertisement of the type disclosed in GB 2 165 292 (Hill) is applied to a transparent panel of the telephone kiosk enclosure, typically providing good vision out of the enclosure. From outside the enclosure, an observer can focus on the advertisement or into the enclosure, to at least some degree, as the brain selects. The visibility of the design on the outside of the enclosure or vision into the enclosure is dependent upon a number of factors outlined in GB 2 165 292 (Hill), including the percentage opacity of the advertisement panel, the brightness and contrast of the advertisement design colours and the relative levels of illumination between the outside and inside of the telephone kiosk enclosure. The greater the relative illumination inside the enclosure compared to outside the enclosure, the better the view in. Thus the invention allows increased security in the form of visibility into such enclosures, even when one or more windows of the enclosure are covered with such one-way vision advertisements when the source of illumination inside the kiosk is activated. A second source of illumination may be located outside the kiosk enclosure, facing onto such an advertisement, to illuminate the advertisement in the hours of darkness and such second source of illumination may be automatically switched off on activation of the second camera and the first source of illumination, to assist vision into the payphone for security reasons. The invention thus provides a further advantage over the prior art.

In a fourth embodiment, similar to the second embodiment, an advertisement panel according to W097/25213 (Hill) is located on a transparent panel of the enclosure, typically illuminated according to the teaching of that

document by an internal second source of illumination. This other internal second source of illumination is typically a floodlight located within or near the ceiling of a kiosk enclosure and directed onto the inside of the advertisement panel comprising translucent portions and transparent portions, such that the sign is illuminated and is clearly visible from outside the'telephone kiosk enclosure during the hours of darkness. Typically, the pressing of the panic button will not only switch the first source of illumination onto the telephone and any telephone user as previously described but will simultaneously cut off this second source of illumination of such window advertisement, to further assist vision into the enclosure.

Telephones typically require a power supply, for example a 240 volt power supply in the UK. This supply will typically be sufficient for all the described sources of illumination and cameras in all the described embodiments.

Additional features may be added to the surveillance camera assembly, for example for a specific security operation a locking device may be fixed to an access door of the enclosure, for example which may be operated by the central control or Emergency Services operator, for example if a vandal is observed within the payphone, to increase the chances of the vandal being apprehended by the police, typically in conjunction with a two-way communications device to advise the locked-in occupant to stay calm and await the arrival of the police.

With any of these embodiments, a member of the public, police or other security force may telephone the Emergency Service or the control centre to help to guide the surveillance camera direction and so assist the possible apprehension of any criminal or other wrong-doer, without attracting the suspicion of such

person, as they would expect a telephone to be used in the normal course of events.

Any number of enclosures comprising the invention may be interlinked, to assist the tracking of any wrong-doer, for example surveillance cameras may be automatically directed towards an enclosure where an incident has occurred, to have most chance of tracking any escaping individual.

In a fifth embodiment, the surveillance camera comprises a vehicle or pedestrian recording device, for example a speed camera or radar device which can monitor vehicle speed on an adjacent road and may also record by static photograph or moving image a speeding vehicle or part of a vehicle, for example its registration plate. Public telephone kiosks are commonly located by the roadside and provide an ideal platform for overt or covert monitoring, which may be supplemented by an overt display affixed to a payphone, for example an illuminated"your speed is N m. p. h." sign, which is a proven active deterrent to continued speeding. The vehicle monitoring device will typically utilize the same junction box and telecommunication supply cable as the previously described components of the invention. Additionally, road surface mounted monitoring devices, such as a simple traffic counting device, can be connected to the same junction box and telecommunications supply cable.

Fig. l is a diagrammatic vertical cross-section of a surveillance camera assembly.

Fig. 2 is a vertical cross-section through a telephone kiosk enclosure.

Fig. 3 is an external elevation of a telephone kiosk enclosure.

Fig. 4 is a plan of a telephone kiosk enclosure.

Fig. l is a diagrammatic vertical cross-section through the first embodiment of the invention. Telephone mounting structure 11 can be of any form.

Telephone 150 is attached to telephone mounting structure 11 and is connected to a telecommunications system by means of telecommunications cable 152 typically comprising twin wires and telecommunications supply cable 200, optionally via junction box 136. Surveillance camera 50 is connected to control centre 130 by means of the telecommunications system by means of telecommunications cable 152. Telecommunications cable 152 typically comprises two wires to transmit the surveillance camera recording signals to control centre 130 by means of telecommunications supply cable 200 optionally via junction box 136. The control centre 130 can transmit pan, tilt and zoom signals to surveillance camera 50, typically by means of another two wires in telecommunications cable 152, which typically comprises the four wires in two"twisted pairs."The surveillance camera 52 can be directed onto the surrounding area only above the line of vision 51, which prevents surveillance camera 50 being used to observe the telephone 150 or any person using telephone 150, thus preserving privacy of use of telephone 150. Telephone 150 can be connected to control centre 130 via telecommunications cable 200, which may be by means of one or more intermediate telephone exchanges in the telecommunications system. Thus a person using telephone 150 may be connected to control centre 130. Optional camera hide 25 with one-way vision panel 38 ideally permits 360 panning of surveillance camera 50. One-way vision panel 38, for example, may be dark tinted glass or polycarbonate or other transparent material or partially metallized "one-way mirror"material or a panel according to GB 2 118 096 or GB 2 165 292.

Panels according to GB 2 165 292 typically have a design visible from outside, for example branding of a payphone company, which is particularly effective in obscuring vision inside the camera hide and thus the direction of surveillance camera 50. One-way vision panel 38 thus provides a deterrent to wrongdoing even if there is no camera in camera hide 25.' Figure 2 is a vertical cross-section illustrating embodiments 1, 2,3, 4 and 5. Not all the illustrated features are required in each embodiment. In embodiment 1, telephone mounting structure 11 is in the form of kiosk enclosure 10 comprising optional framing members 22, roof 24, predominantly transparent ceiling 14 and external glazing panels 12. Telephone 150 is operated by means of telecommunications cable 152, typically comprising twin wires, optionally via junction box 36, and by means of telecommunication cable 200. The kiosk enclosure 10 contains surveillance camera 50, which is typically sealed from the main enclosure 70 by ceiling 28. Surveillance camera 50 is mounted on pivot 53, which enables it to pan through 360 and optionally change its tilt angle of elevation and zoom, to enable it to record images over the desired depth of field through transparent or partially transparent panel 16, which is typically a one-way vision panel 38 surrounding the enclosure above ceiling level. This one-way vision panel 38 enables the surveillance camera 50 to record external images but obscures the camera from external view. Surveillance camera 50 is operated from and sends recorded images to a control centre 130 through telecommunications cable 52, optionally via junction box 136, and by means of telecommunications cable 200.

In the second embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, in addition to the above components of the first embodiment, second camera 60 is optionally located underneath ceiling 28 and is directed towards the inside 70 of the telephone kiosk enclosure 10, typically obscured by one-way vision panel 16 which is surrounded by transparent or translucent zones 14. Telecommunications cable 62 transmits any recorded images to control centre 130, optionally via junction box 136, and by means of telecommunications cable 200. Optional first source of illumination 40 and second camera 60 and optionally alarm 110 are typically operated by panic button 100 and may alternatively be activated by an instrument registering vibration levels within the enclosure, typically set to activate second camera 60 and first source of illumination 40 at vibration levels at or above that which would be associated with physical violence within the enclosure or, for example, breakage of glass or other transparent panel 12. Personnel monitoring device 120 switches off second camera 60 and first source of illumination 40 when the kiosk enclosure is vacated, typically after a minimum time period has elapsed.

In the third embodiment illustrated in Fig. 2, in addition to the components of the first embodiment and optionally the second embodiment, panel 66 is a sign such as an advertisement, typically with a design visible outside the enclosure. Panel 66 may be of the type disclosed in GB 2 165 292, having an opaque silhouette pattern, for example of dots or lines, which would typically be black on the inside to enable the best view out of the enclosure and may have a second design visible on the inside but not visible from the outside. Preferably, a second source of illumination 31 is in a housing, typically of polycarbonate or acrylic, comprising transparent soffit 35 and"blackboard reflector"surface 33, which

provide a substantially uniform illumination of panel 66 during the hours of darkness.

In the fourth embodiment illustrated by means of Fig. 2, in addition to the components of the first embodiment and optionally the second embodiment, panel 66 may be of the type disclosed in W097/25213'having a translucent"base pattern"and thus a mirror image of the design visible from the outside is visible from the inside. This latter type of panel is typically illuminated during the hours of darkness by second source of illumination 30, typically a floodlight providing a relatively uniform illumination of panel 66. Upon pressing the panic button 100, second source of illumination 30 would typically be switched off in conjunction with the switching on of first source of illumination 40, which does not illuminate panel 66. First source of illumination 40 is switched on in order to maximise visibility into the enclosure from outside, to the human eye or to any independent external CCTV camera.

In any of the above embodiments, optional source of illumination 34 illuminates optional backlit sign 38. Optional internal panels 42 isolate camera 60 and the sources of illumination 30,34 and 40 from mutual interference. It should be understood that transparent panel 14 may also comprise a vision control panel, typically a one-way vision panel according to GB 2 165 292, if it is desired to obscure the internal fitments above the false ceiling 14 when the sources of illumination 30 and/or 40 are switched off.

In a fifth embodiment also illustrated in Fig. 2, surveillance camera 50 is a vehicle speed monitoring device. Alternatively or optionally, vehicle monitoring

device 140 may comprise any surveillance device, such as a road-mounted vehicle counting device.

In all the above embodiments, telecommunications cable 200 may comprise a single cable with multiple wires or may comprise multiple cables, which may be contained within a service duct.' Fig. 3 is an external elevation of telephone kiosk enclosure 10 with roof 24, optional backlit display 38, transparent panel 16, typically a one-way vision panel allowing internal camera 50 an external view surrounding the enclosure. Frame members 22 support glazing panels 12 and occupant 20 is able to press internal panic button 100 or telephone the control centre or the Emergency Services.

Fig. 4 is a plan of enclosure 10 with roof 24.

The telephone mounting structures and other components illustrated in Figs. 1-4 should not be regarded as limitive in any way with regard to their construction or the physical relationships of the described components. Also, the telephone mounting structure may accommodate other equipment, such as internet access equipment, videophones and mobile phone microcell relay equipment.

All the described embodiments may be controlled via the internet and recorded data made available via the internet to the desired degree of public access or otherwise.

The invention overcomes many problems of CCTV and other surveillance or monitoring systems. Firstly hidden, overt cameras can be located at relatively low level to record peoples'faces. Secondly, the cables which may operate and transmit recorded images or other signals are hidden and protected from deliberate damage. Existing cables and/or cable routes are utilised, saving public disruption,

unsightliness and costs. The safety of public payphone facilities is increased.

Revenue can be gained from providing such a surveillance service, which will assist the viability of public telephones currently prejudiced by mobile cell phones. The invention also overcomes safety reservations concerning the use of one-way vision advertisements on payphones, another substantial revenue earner to financially support the provision of a public telephone service, which itself provides a public safety service, as well as an important means of communication.

Claims

Claims 1. A surveillance camera assembly comprising a surveillance camera secured to a telephone mounting structure in a manner such that the surveillance camera is directed onto the area surrounding the telephone mounting structure but cannot be directed onto the telephone.
2. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surveillance camera is connected to a telecommunications system.
3. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 2, wherein the surveillance camera is connected to a control centre via the telecommunications system.
4. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 3, wherein the telephone is connected to the telecommunications system and is connectable to the control centre.
5. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the surveillance camera is controllable by the control centre by means of the telecommunications system.
6. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the surveillance camera is a moving image camera.
7. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the surveillance camera is a closed circuit television camera.
8. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the surveillance camera is controllable in its direction by panning through 360 about a vertical axis.

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9. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the surveillance camera is controllable in its direction by tilting.
10. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the surveillance camera is controllable by zooming.
11. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein a second camera is attached to the telephone mounting structure and is directed onto the telephone.
12. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the second camera can be activated to record images only by means of a sensory device attached to the telephone mounting structure.
13. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sensory device is a panic button.
14. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein the sensory device is a vibration monitoring device.
15. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein activation of the sensory device also switches on a first source of illumination.
16. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the telephone mounting structure is a telephone kiosk enclosure.
17. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 16, wherein the telephone kiosk enclosure comprises a transparent panel.
18. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 17, wherein a partially transparent sign is attached to the transparent panel.
19. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein a second source of illumination is directed towards the transparent panel.

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20. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second source of illumination is located within the telephone kiosk enclosure and the advertisement panel comprises transparent portions and translucent portions.
21. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 19, wherein the second source of illumination is on the side of the transparent panel that is remote from the telephone and the advertisement panel comprises transparent portions and opaque portions.
22. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 19 as appendent on claim 12, wherein activation of the sensory device switches off the second source of illumination.
23. A surveillance camera assembly as claimed in claim 12, wherein activation of the sensory device activates a sound alarm.
24. A claim as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the surveillance camera is directed through a one-way vision panel (as defined herein).
25. A surveillance camera assembly substantially as defined herein with relevance to the drawings.