GB2377310A

GB2377310A - Vehicle alarm system having security centre

Info

Publication number: GB2377310A
Application number: GB0111894A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Philip Spencer; Ian Woolsey
Original assignee: BRANDCOM Ltd
Current assignee: BRANDCOM Ltd
Priority date: 2001-05-16
Filing date: 2001-05-16
Publication date: 2003-01-08
Also published as: GB0111894D0

Abstract

An alarm system for a mobile item of property such as a boat moored at a predetermined area. The alarm system includes an alarm condition detection means 1 mounted on the item, an alarm signal transmitter 4 in response to detection of an alarm condition, and a base station 2 or Global Control Centre 3 for detecting alarm signals transmitted by the transmitter. Each transmitted signal includes data specific to the item from which it is transmitted, and the base station includes means for identifying the original location from the item specific data in a detected alarm signal. A processor unit 20 linked to a CCTV camera may also be directed towards the original location identified from the detecting alarm signal.

Description

ALARM SYSTEM The invention relates generally to alarm systems and more particularly to mobile asset security systems that detect and report theft, intrusion or hazards such as fire, flood or gas leak.

Expensive assets such as homes, aeroplanes, boats or automobiles often have fitted an alarm system which alerts the owner or a security firm to any intrusion or hazard to the asset. Generally the alarm system will involve physical monitoring of the item of property. Often a security firm is employed to keep watch over the property. A particular problem is associated with mobile assets such as boats, aeroplanes and cars as generally these are not kept in the same area all of the time. This means that different security measures need to be taken depending upon the location of the mobile asset.

Using boats as an example; of the order of 1000 vessels per month are being stolen from US marinas, along with many more which either flood, catch fire, are vandalised or are the subject of fraud. Insurers are very interested in controlling this problem. However, marinas do not want to have to provide a 24 hour security guard and even if they did, this may not be sufficient given the size of marinas and the number of vessels moving in and out of berths around the clock.

Further, most mobile assets are generally left unattended (or unoccupied) for long periods of time. For example a yacht may be kept at a home port over winter months and may only be occupied for weekend periods over the summer. For a yacht owner to determine the state of their yacht or its mooring it is necessary for them to visit the yacht or have someone visit on their behalf and report back.

One security alarm system available for protecting, amongst other things, moveable assets is described in European patent specification EP-A-574 230. This discloses a property protection system having a central base station unit with a number of satellite item protection units, each associated with the item of property to be protected. The base station unit

periodically emits coded polling signals to the item protection units and receives responses from them. If an item protection unit fails to respond to the polling signal, an alarm condition is signalled. Bases station units may be present throughout the world. Each base station unit is responsible for a specific geographical area, but if the item protection unit is moved from the locality of its expected base station unit its new position can be found/tracked by triangulation from several base station units.

A further known security system is described in US Patent number US 5,319, 698. This discloses a security system for detecting and signalling the presence of abnormal security or hazardous conditions. The security system comprises sensor units which, when actuated, transmit coded signals through the atmosphere which identify each sensor unit and the individual unit of property on which it is located. A receiver on the individual unit recognises only the coded signals from the sensor units which are on the same individual unit as the receiver. A coded output signal is provided to a slave transmitter on the individual unit which identifies the particular sensor unit which was actuated. The slave transmitter provides a coded transmission signal to a local security station which identifies the particular sensor unit which was actuated and the individual unit where the actuated sensor resides. The local security station activates an alarm and dials a sequence of telephone numbers to provide a verbal alarm.

A problem associated with both of the above described property protection systems is that generally the area covered by a base station unit would be relatively large and thus even if an alarm condition is signalled it could be several minutes before the property is located and appropriate action taken and in this time the property could be stolen or damaged.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an alarm system which detects and reports hazard to or theft of mobile assets such as boats and aeroplanes, both whilst the asset is moving or is stationary, for example at a mooring and allows rapid response to the alarm.

Accordingly the invention provides an alarm system for a mobile item of property which it is intended should be positioned at a predetermined location within a predetermined area, the

alarm system comprising an alarm condition detection means mounted on the item of property, means for transmitting an alarm signal from the detection means in response to detection of an alarm condition, and a base station for detecting alarm signals transmitted from within the predetermined area, wherein each transmitted alarm signal includes data specific to the item of property from which it is transmitted and the base station comprises identifying means for identifying the predetermined location from the property item specific data in a detected alarm signal.

The present invention provides a system which allows the location of an item of property in a predetermined area monitored by the base station to be identified to the base station. For example, when a boat enters a marina it will be directed to a particular mooring. Using the alarm system of the present invention, if an alarm signal is generated the base station will be informed of the mooring at which the boat is located and will be able to take appropriate action at this site in response to the alarm signal. Without the alarm system of the present invention, if an alarm is signalled from a boat the security guard at the marina needs to recognise the alarm and then locate the boat from which the alarm is being sent in order to take appropriate action. If the alarm was due to fire inside the boat, the location of the boat with the fire may only become evident when flames are visible from outside the boat, by which time extensive damage may have been caused. The alarm system of the present invention allows rapid response to an alarm signal, even without the cause of the alarm signal being evident from outside of the boat.

The alarm system may comprise means for inputting to the detection means the identifying means for identifying the predetermined location.

The inputting means may comprise a data carrier which is insertable into a data carrier reader incorporated in the detection means.

The identifying means is generally issued by the base station and generally comprises information about the site in the area covered by the base station to which the property is

allocated (for example in the case of a marina, the identifying means would contain information regarding the mooring to which a boat was allocated).

Preferably the identifying means comprises a SIM card (Subscriber Identity Module card) like those used in the mobile telephone communications industry. The SIM card would carry information about the area covered by the base station and allow interaction between the base station and the detection means. For example, in a marina environment the SIM card would contain information about a particular mooring ; the mooring to which the property was allocated, such as the co-ordinates of that mooring. The detection means with SIM card inserted would therefore raise an alarm if the property left the vicinity of its allocated mooring or if an alarm condition was raised.

It is preferable that the property has an identifying means specific to its home location. When moving from one location to another it is generally necessary for the property to be provided with a different identifying means. Providing the new identifying means to the incoming property would both enable identification of the site covered by the base station to which the incoming property has been allocated and provide the base station with verification of the location of the property.

Alternatively, the data identifying the predetermined location may comprise a code identifying the detection means, means being provided for inputting to the base station data correlating the code to the predetermined location.

In this embodiment, information regarding an item of property may be held on a central database. When a boat, for example, which has its information xyz entered on a central database, enters a marina, it is allocated a mooring and the code for that mooring also entered on that central database, which information is accessible to the base station. Thus the alarm system is informed that boat xyz is present at a particular mooring.

Because a new identifying means is provided between base stations, the alarm system can cope with changes in frequencies between areas. For example it is well known that mobile

telephone in the USA and Europe use different frequencies. By using different identifying means between these areas the detection means is automatically set to the correct frequency.

The identifying means allows for standard adjustment between countries. It acts as a key to make hardware compatible.

Preferably the alarm system of the present invention further comprises means for directing one or more CCTV camera (s) towards the predetermined location identified from the detected alarm signal.

In practice each mobile item of property is fitted with detection means, either at the point of manufacture of the property, retrofitted or fitted in situ. The detection means may comprise a range of electronic components such as monitors and alarms which integrate with existing hardware and produce an activation signal in the event of disturbance, theft, fire or sinking and give precise details of location.

The detection means would generally comprise a plurality of sensors to detect hazard and also movement of the property. The sensors used will vary depending on the property to be protected. Taking a yacht as an example, the sensors may include any or all of the following: 1. Battery voltage sensor 2. Battery current sensor 3. Fire or smoke detectors 4. Engine start sensor (may indicate unauthorised use) 5. Engine running time sensor (for maintenance or to detect unauthorised use) 6. Bilge water level sensor 7. Engine oil level sensor 8. Fuel level sensor 9. Water level sensor 10. Intrusion sensor (unauthorised intrusion) 11. Cabin temperature sensor 12. Engine temperature sensor

13. Gas detectors; and 14. Position/motion sensors for unauthorised use or mooring failure.

The detection unit may optionally have actuators operatively associated with the sensors so as to perform a specific function in response to activation of a particular sensor. For example, if the bilge level sensor is activated this may actuate the bilge pump until the bilge level is reduced to a certain level. This allows the property to be self-maintaining to a certain extent.

The detection means may further comprise a panic button, for use for example to indicate personal attack or imminent danger.

The detection means may take the form of a data collection unit (DCU), which is preferably front-ended by a user keypad and user inserted identifying means. The keypad allows activation and de-activation of the alarm system by an authorised user, preferably using a PIN number or code.

The detection means is adapted to interface with sensors present on the property. Other technologies such as engine management systems, auto pilot, environment systems and fly by wire management may also be interfaced with the detection unit, optionally by telematics.

Information on the identifying means may be interfaced with the detection means.

The detection unit may have an interface to allow a boat owner to connect his Personal computer to the Internet via a radio link when in a marina. This will allow persons on the boat to send and retrieve e-mails and browse the Internet.

The detection means is preferably operatively associated with the base station by wireless communication means such as satellite, radio or mobile telephone communication, including the Global Positioning Satellite System (GPS) and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM). These wireless links ensure that all required data is transferred to

the base station. The detection means may automatically switch between types of wireless communication, e. g. UHF/GSM/GPS.

The predetermined areas where assets may be housed, such as marinas, are preferably fitted with electronic networks into which the assets connect electronically when in situ with the base station. The base station is preferably in constant communication with the detection means. Preferably the base station is installed with a camera system such as CCTV, Speed Dome Mono/Colour/infra red and optionally with a public address system, connected to the network of the base station. The camera system and monitors allow any position covered by the network of the base station to be viewed and recorded.

The alarm system preferably comprises controlling software for detecting activation of the detection means when they occur, identifying the type of activation (fire, intrusion, etc. ) and the location (using the identifying means) and directing cameras to the correct mooring coordinates. Pictures and/or text details of the activation may then be transmitted to local security personnel at the base station or to a remote site.

Preferably the base station is linked to a global control centre. The link may be wired or wireless, for example via computer datalink, or via modems over telecommunications lines or by radio communication. Preferred links include ISDN, secure Internet, satellite, or GSM.

The global control centre may be in constant communication with all base stations. There may be a system of periodic polling between the GCC and base station to provide the GCC of information as to whether the base station is on-line and active. This periodic polling may also be used between GCCs to check that all GCCS are on-line and active. If periodic polling between a base staion and GCC is used it is preferred that this is automated from the base station.

It is preferred that the GCC is only in communication with a base station on activation of an alarm. Using the GCC means that the base stations need not be manned around the clock.

Preferably the system is such that should the base station fail to respond to an alarm within a

predetermined period the global control centre is alerted. Preferably the global control centre is linked to the base stations in such a way to allow control of hardware at the base stations, such as cameras and monitors, PA systems, barriers, sprinkler system, etc.

As well as providing an alarm system when the property is stationary, the detection means on the property provides a tagging function. If the property is in distress the detection means may provide location data to the nearest base station, or the home base station or the GCC.

When for example a boat is at sea and an engine fault occurs, the security alarm system may down load engine management data direct to the engine supplier for immediate assistance.

Telematics may be used to address any fault in a totally integrated system.

Further, the property may comprise a panic or emergency button, operatively associated with the detection means. If the boat is in difficulty and urgent help is sought, the emergency button may be activated, to activate a signal to either a local base station or global control centre, said signal preferably providing the co-ordinates of the property.

Further, should property, such as a boat be stolen, the detection means could activate GPS and if applicable activate auto-pilot, which could in turn be controlled either by a local base station or by the global control centre so that the boat can be steered to safety.

It should be appreciated that the invention has mainly been described in relation to the item of property being a boat or yacht. It is envisaged that the invention will be equally applicable to other moveable assets such as aeroplanes, high performance cars and other vehicles such as plant equipment.

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows schematically a security alarm system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 illustrates a safe signal on the base station; Figure 3 illustrates an alarm code at the base station; Figure 4 illustrates the view on monitors at the base station for a safe signal; and Figure 5 illustrates the view on monitors at the base station for a fire.

Referring now to Figure 1 the alarm system according to an embodiment of the invention comprises three units; the detection unit 1, the base station 2 and the global control centre 3.

The detection unit 1 is fitted on the item of property to be protected, in this case a yacht. The detection unit includes a transmitter/receiver 4 for transmitting and receiving signals to and from the base station 2 and/or the global control centre 3, a data collection unit (DCU) for collating information from each of the component parts of the detection unit, and a power supply.

The detection unit 1 comprises a plurality of sensors 5-16, each of which detect a particular hazard and also movement of the property. The sensors indicated are: 5 Battery voltage/current sensor 6 Engine start sensor (may indicate unauthorised use) 7 Bilge water level sensor 8 Engine oil level sensor 9 Fuel level sensor 10 Water level sensor 11 Intrusion sensor (unauthorised intrusion) 12 Cabin temperature sensor 13 Engine temperature sensor 14 Fire or smoke detectors

15 Gas detectors; and 16 Position/motion sensors for unauthorised use or mooring failure.

The sensors/detectors are either hard wired to the detection unit or provide wireless signals, e. g. using radio waves. The detection unit will transmit an alarm signal if at least one of the sensors/detectors is activated. The alarm also may be audible or visual.

The detection unit 1 further includes a digital keypad 17 via which the user may transmit a PIN number to the detection unit to either arm or dis-arm the detection unit. The detection unit 1 may further include a receiver unit (not shown) which allows the PIN number to be input remote from the detection unit by a remote transmitter so that at least the alarm function of the detection unit is disarmed.

The detection unit 1 further comprises input 18 for a data carrier such as a SIM card. The SIM card is generally issued by the base station 2 and contains information about the location at which the property is to be kept. When the SIM card is placed in the input 18, information on the SIM card is interfaced with the detection unit and communication between the detection unit 1 and the base station 2 is allowed.

The base station 2 comprises a transmitter and a receiver 19, a power supply (not shown) and a processor unit 20. The processor unit 20 is in communication with CCTV, public address systems, barriers and alarm signals throughout the area covered by the base station 2 and is capable of activating particular systems when necessary. The operation of the base station 2 is monitored by on-site security staff.

The global control centre (GCC) 3 comprises a transmitter and a receiver 21, a power supply (not shown) and a processor unit 22. Like the base station 2, the processor unit 22 of the GCC 3 may be in communication with the CCTV, public address systems, barriers and alarm signals of a plurality of base stations and is capable of activating particular systems when necessary. The operation of the GCC is monitored around the clock by at least one security personnel.

In use the detection unit 1 sends signals to the base station via its transmitter 4 in a wireless link. The detection unit 1 receives signals from the base station via its receiver 4 in a wireless link. The base station can communicate with the detection unit in a wireless link and also with the GCC, preferably in a wired link, e. g. using an ISDN line or via modem.

The GCC is preferably networked with a plurality of base stations.

The alarm system according to a first embodiment of the invention is described in operation below, with reference to Figures 2 to 5 using a yacht in a marina as an example.

When a yacht enters a marina the captain will be given a SIM card and allocated a mooring.

When the SIM card is inserted in the input 18 of the detection unit 1 the base station is linked with that detection unit and armed. Once armed the SIM card information on the detection unit informs the base station of the mooring that the yacht is located in and the alarm status of the yacht.

Some of the sensors of the detection unit will be permanently armed, such as fire, flood, smoke etc. Other sensors will only become armed when necessary, e. g. intrusion devices, movement sensors may only become armed when the boat is left unattended. To arm these sensors user may either input the appropriate PIN number on the keypad 17 or enter the PIN number by remote control.

Once armed the detection unit and base station will communicate via a wireless link 25,26 at regular intervals to indicate an armed but safe state. This is the scenario shown in Figures 2 and 4, where all jetties 23 and moorings 24 are shown as safe, and an alarm monitor 27 in the base station and GCC shows no alarms present, and an identifier monitor 28 is blank. CCTV pictures 29 of the mooring at which the yacht is located show all is well.

If one or more of the sensors 5-16 receives an improper signal the detection unit autonomously signals the base station via its wireless link 25,26 and optionally the GCC via a

wired link 28,29 (alternatively the base station may signal the GCC via a wired link 30, 31) to raise an alarm. Also, if the detection unit fails to communicate with the base station at its required interval the base station will raise an alarm.

Once the alarm is raised the alarm monitor 25 in the base station and GCC shows the property from which the alarm signal was transmitted, and indicates which sensor 5-16 which was activated. As the base station has the details of the co-ordinates of the detection unit from the SIM card information, the base station can direct its appropriate hardware, e. g.

CCTV, sprinklers, public address system, to the vicinity of the property in distress. The identifier monitor 26 shows real time CCTV footage of the property containing the activated detection unit. Use of the CCTV cameras directed to the alarm should show a security guard why an alarm has been raised and this information may be relayed onto appropriate authorities. For example if an alarm is activated because of intrusion the security guard may use the system to relay information concerning the intruders to the appropriate authorities and can confirm that he has visual contact with the intruders.

Should the base station fail to respond to the alarm signal from the detection time within a pre-set time frame, e. g. within 5 minutes of the alarm being raised, the GCC may take over responsibility for the security of the property on which the alarmed detection unit is located.

This may happen when the base station is un-manned. Again, the GCC may then have visual contact with the property raising an alarm.

The GCC is capable of controlling the base station remotely, via a wired link such as ISDN or modem.

In the scenario shown in Figures 3 and 5 a yacht with identifier"boat 10"at mooring x of jetty 23 shows an alarm signal with code 3 on the monitor 27. CCTV screen 28 shows views of mooring x of jetty 23, both schematically and with real time images because the CCTV cameras of the base station 2 have been trained to the mooring x because of the information provided to the base station 2 from the detection unit dependent upon the information

provided on the inserted SIM card. The CCTV monitors 29 show the presence of a fire on the yacht in real time.

The link between the base station and GCC allows the GCC to monitor any activations of its alarm systems and to provide a fallback security system. Thus, even in the absence of a security guard at the base station the security alarm system allows the GCC to track the location of the alarmed detection unit and take appropriate action, e. g. turn on sprinkler systems in case of fire, actuate the bilge pump on the yacht in case of flood, lower barriers over the exit from the mariner in case of theft.

The alarm system described above comprise the following additional features: The item of property may be fitted with cameras which may give out real time images to the base station. Such images may be available to the boat owner or other client (such as the insurance company), e. g. as a dial-up system and preferably on the Internet. Therefore a boat owner who is remote from his property may be able to access real time visual pictures of his property to see its condition. This may be important for example if storm warnings have been issued for the particular area in which the boat is moored.

To avoid fraud by linking the alarm detection unit on one item of property to another of lesser values the GCC or home base station may hold library pictures or other information about the property identified by the identifying means. Preferably, when the identifying means links information about the property to the base station a library picture is shown and the base station or GCC asked to confirm that the library picture and property are the same, based on visual verification.

Insurance companies may use the alarm system to dial up and investigate the history, position, activation on insured property. All activations may be electronically and visually recorded, thus providing evidence for insurance claims.

The alarm system may have an in-built check in the form of an automatic signal sent to a base station or GCC to determine that the detection unit is working satisfactorily. The same can occur between GCCs and between base stations and GCCs to confirm that all parts of the alarm system are operational.

The alarm system may be accessed remotely, preferably in a system that is password protected. This may allow full mobile control by a security guard/team of an area covered by a base station or may allow a GCC to remotely control that area, by linking into software at the base station that controls the area. This means that a base station need not be manned constantly.

The alarm system may be upgraded using the identifying means, so that there is no need for an engineer to visit each item of property covered by the alarm system.

One further feature of the alarm system may be the provision of a visual check. In a busy marina environment for example it is all too easy to direct a yacht to a mooring, obtain a visual verification from CCTV cameras that the yacht is at the correct mooring and then find that a larger boat obscures the yacht from view. To avoid this situation the alarm system may have a built in polling system which asks the base station to confirm that the yacht can still be seen by CCTV cameras after a certain period. If it is obscured an alarm may be raised at the base station or GCC to ensure that the obscuring item is removed or the yacht moved to another location.

The major advantage of the alarm system described in accordance with the invention is that it provides total security over the mobile asset, both when mobile or in a fixed location, anywhere in the world. Other alarms systems do not provide such worldwide coverage.

Claims

Claims:

1. An alarm system for a mobile item of property which it is intended should be positioned at a predetermined location within a predetermined area, the alarm system comprising an alarm condition detection means mounted on the item of property, means for transmitting an alarm signal from the detection means in response to detection of an alarm condition, and a base station for detecting alarm signals transmitted from within the predetermined area, wherein each transmitted alarm signal includes data specific to the item of property from which it is transmitted and the base station comprises identifying means for identifying the predetermined location from the property item specific data in a detected alarm signal.

2. An alarm system according to claim 1 comprising means for inputting to the detection means the identifying means for identifying the predetermined location.

3. An alarm system according to claim 2 in which the inputting means comprises a data carrier which is insertable into a data carrier reader incorporated in the detection means.

4. An alarm system according to claim 1 in which the identifying means for identifying the predetermined location may comprise a code identifying the detection means, means being provided for inputting to the base station data correlating the code to the predetermined location.

5. An alarm system according to any preceding claim further comprising means for directing a CCTV camera towards the predetermined location identified from the detected alarm signal.

6. An alarm system according to any preceding claim in which detection means comprises a plurality of sensors.

7. An alarm system according to claim 6 in which the sensors include at least one of a battery voltage sensor, a battery current sensor, an engine start sensor, an engine running time sensor; a bilge water level sensor; an engine oil level sensor; a fuel level sensor, a water level sensor, an intrusion sensor, a cabin temperature sensor; an engine temperature sensor; fire or smoke detectors; gas detectors or position/motion sensors for unauthorised use or mooring failure.

8. An alarm system according to claim 7 further comprising actuators operatively associated with the sensors.

9. An alarm system according to any preceding claim in which the detection means comprises a data collection unit.

10. An alarm system according to claim 9 in which the DCU is operatively associated with the base site installation by wireless communication means including satellite, radio or mobile telephone communication, Global Positioning Satellite Systems and Global System for Mobile Communications.

11. An alarm system according to any preceding claim in which the identifying means comprises a SIM card.

12. An alarm system according to any preceding claim further comprising a global control centre operatively linked to the base site installation.

13. An alarm system according to claim 12 in which the link comprises ISDN, secure Internet, satellite, or GSM.

14. An alarm system according to claim 12 in which the global control centre is linked to the base site installations in such a way to allow control of hardware at the base site installations.

15. A security alarm system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.