GB2424981A - System for detecting the presence of an intruding body - Google Patents
System for detecting the presence of an intruding body Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2424981A GB2424981A GB0425807A GB0425807A GB2424981A GB 2424981 A GB2424981 A GB 2424981A GB 0425807 A GB0425807 A GB 0425807A GB 0425807 A GB0425807 A GB 0425807A GB 2424981 A GB2424981 A GB 2424981A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- sensor
- detecting
- array
- sensor array
- power source
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000009528 severe injury Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004575 stone Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002459 sustained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
- B61L23/00—Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains
- B61L23/04—Control, warning or like safety means along the route or between vehicles or trains for monitoring the mechanical state of the route
- B61L23/041—Obstacle detection
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
- G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B61—RAILWAYS
- B61L—GUIDING RAILWAY TRAFFIC; ENSURING THE SAFETY OF RAILWAY TRAFFIC
- B61L29/00—Safety means for rail/road crossing traffic
- B61L29/24—Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning
- B61L29/28—Means for warning road traffic that a gate is closed or closing, or that rail traffic is approaching, e.g. for visible or audible warning electrically operated
- B61L29/30—Supervision, e.g. monitoring arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G08—SIGNALLING
- G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
- G08B21/00—Alarms responsive to a single specified undesired or abnormal condition and not otherwise provided for
- G08B21/02—Alarms for ensuring the safety of persons
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
- Emergency Management (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Train Traffic Observation, Control, And Security (AREA)
Abstract
The invention provides a system for detecting the presence of an intruding body in an unsafe or prohibited area, comprising a control circuit 1, a battery power source 2, a sensor array 5,7,9,11, 12 and 13 and an alarm output array 16-18, the system being switched by a signal received from the sensor array from a dormant state in which a minimal current is drawn from the battery power source to an active state in which a greater current is drawn and in which warning information is generated and transmitted by the alarm output array.
Description
-1- 2424981
SYSTEM FOR DETECTING THE PRESENCE OF INTRUDING BODY
This invention concerns a system which is adapted to survey autornaticaj ly and continuously an area of potential danger, such as an unmanned railway level crossing, and which detects the presence therein of an intruding body and genorates an rm r pm pm -r 4 + em - 1 -, ---.-.- ,-. 4 1 aL Jy1id .
In recent years there have been a number of accidents on railway level crossings in which an approaching train has struck a body on the track at or near the road crossing point.
In some cases the body has been a motor vehicle, in others a pedestrian or an animal and in yet others a metaLlic object or block of stone or masonry which had been placed on the track by vandals. In some cases very severe damage has been sustained by the rolling stock of the train and by the track, and it has been necessary to close the line for repairs for an extended period and thus cause disruption of railway services and loss of revenue. Some cases have resulted in loss of life even to the extent of a number of fatalities.
Surveillance devices are known which monitor railway level crossings and transmit information as to the safe condition or otherwise of a crossing to a remote location, but such devices are generally expensive to install and rely on the availability of a mains electricity supply, so that they are not suitable for remote rural locations.
Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide e surveillance system, which is relatively simple and inexpensive to install and operate, for an area of potential danger, such as a railway level crossing, and which detects, and generates a warning signal at a remote location, of the presence of an intruding body in the area.
- -
Th invention orovides a system for detecting the presence of an intruding body in an unsafe or prohibited area, comprising a control circuit, a battery power source, a sensor array and an alarm output array, the system being switcl-ied by a signal received from the sensor array from a dormant state in which a minimal current is drawn from the battery power source to an active state in which a greater current is drawn and in which warning information is generated and transmitted by the alarm output array.
The battery power source is preferably charged for extended periods by means of a wind-powered generator and/or an array of solar-powered photovoltaic cells.
The sensor array sulLably comprises one or more of a passive infra-red sensor for detecting the presence of a heat-emitting body, a microwave sensor for detecting the presence of a solid object, a beam-break sensor, a pressure pad and a magnetic loop for detecting the presence of metallic bodies.
The alarm output array comprises one or more of a photographic camera, a visual and/or audible warning device and a telephone or radio transmitter adapted to activate an alarm in a remote location.
A light-emitting device, such as a light-emitting diode; is conveniently provided to indicate that the system is in its active state.
Preferably a circuit is provided which transmits to a remote location information confirming that each sensor in the sensor array is operative.
The system in accordance with the invention may conveniently be installed at a railway level crossing and used to detect the presence of an intruding body on or near the railway track.
Conveniently a switching circuit is provided which causes the control circuit to respond to a input from the sensor array only when gates on the level crossing are closed and/or warning lights are showing danger.
The following is a description of one embodiment of the invention, by way of example only, and is illustrated by means of the accompanying drawing in which: Figure l. is a block diagram of a system in accordance with the invention.
A system for detecting and warning of the presence of an intruding body on a railway level crossing shortly before the arrival of a train comprises a control circuit 1 to which power is provided by a rechargeable battery power source 2.
The battery power source is maintained at or near its optimum working voltage by means of a solar panel 3 comprising an array of photo-voltaic cells and a wind-powered generator 4.
The control circuit Is housed in a small weather- and interference-proof box near the level crossing.
An array of different sensors is provided to detect and give warning of the presence of an intruding body, for example a vehicle, a foreign solid object, an animal or a human being.
The sensor array comprises: (a) a passive mire-red sensor 5 which is adapted to detect the presence of a heat-emitting body 6, such as a motor vehicle, an animal or a human person; (b) a microwave sensor 7 which transmits a microwave beam and generates a signal if it detects that the microwave beam has been reflected back by a nearby solid object 8; (c) a beam break sensor 9 which is aligned 1:0 receive a beam generated by a distant light or laser source 10 and which generates a signal if the beam is interrupted; (d) a pressure pad 11 which responds when pressure is applied to it by a foot or a vehicle wheel; and (e) a magnetic loop 12 which is conveniently laid transversely across the roadway near to the railway tracks and which detects the presence of a metallic object such as a vehicle.
It is generally convenient if the control circuit responds to information sent to it by the sensors only if the arrival of a train is imminent. For this purpose a circuit 13 is provided which holds the control circuit 1 in its inactive state until the approach of a train is indicated by the closing of level crossing gates and/or by the activation of warning lights.
In order to minimise the consumption of power by the system, the control circuit is generally in a dormant state in which only a minimal current sufficient to maintain the sensors in an operative condition is drawn from the power source. When one of the sensors detects the presence of an intruding body, the control circuit is switched to an active state in which sufficient current may be drawn to power the devices in an alarm output array. The active state is conveniently indicated by means of a light-emitting diode 14 mounted on the housing for the control circuit.
A circuit 15 is provided which monitors each of the SGfl5OS and transmits to a remote location information confirming that each of the sensors is currently in an operative condition.
This circuit may also be adapted so that, in situations in which a plurality of level crossings is guarded by systems in accordance with the invention, a code identifying a particular level crossing may be transmitted to the remote location.
The alarm output array generally comprises: (a) an alarm circuit 16 which may be mounted on, or near to, the housing for the control circuit, and which activates an audible and/or visual warning: (b) a photographic camera 17, which may record an image off the intruding body either digitally or on photographic film; and (c) a telephone link and/or radio transmitter 18 which transmits a warning message to a remoto signal box or control centre and/or activates a warning in the cab of an approaching train. This device may also be used to transmit a radio signal by a link 19 to a remote flash gun 20 to illuminate the area during a time of darkness.
Claims (6)
1. A system for detecting the presence of an intruding body iii an unsafe or prohibted area, comprising a control circuit, a battery power source, a sensor array and an alarm output array, the system being switched by a signal received from the sensor array from a dormant state in which a minima.L current is drawn from the battery powec source to an active tate in which a greater current is drawn and in which warning information is generated and transmitted by the alarm output array.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the battery power source is charged for extended periods by means of a wind- powered generator and/or an array of solar-powered photo- voltaic cells.
3. A system according to claim I or 2, wherein the sensor array comprises one or more of a passive infra-red sensor for detecting the presence of a heat-emitting body, a microwave sensor for detecting the presence of a solid object, a beam- break sensor, a pressure pad and a magnetic loop for detecting the presence of metallic bodies.
4. A system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the alarm output array comprises one or more of a photographic camera, a visual and/or audible warning device and a telephone or radio transmitter adapted to activate an alarm in a remote location.
5. A system according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein a light-emiLting device is provided to indicate that the system is in its active state.
6. A system for detecting the presence of an intruding body as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
6. A system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a circuit is provided whic:r transmits to a remote location information confirming that each sensor in the sensor array is operative.
7. A. system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the system i. s instaLled at a railway level crossing and is used to detect the presence of an intruding body on or near the railway track.
8. A system according to claim 7, wherein a switching circuit is provided which causes the control circuit to respond to a input from the sensor array only when gates on the level crossing are closed and/or warning lights are showing danger.
9. A system for detecting the presence of an intruding body as horeinbefore described with reference to the accompanyIng drawing.
Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows
1. A system for etecting the presence of an intruding body in an unsafe or prohibited area, comprising a contro' circuit, a battery power source, a sensor array, comprising one or more of a passive infra-red sensor for detecting the presence of a heat-emitting body, a microwave sensor for detecting the presence of a solid object, a beam-break sensor, a pressure pad and a magnetic loop for detecting the presence of metallic bodies, and an alarm output array, comprising one or more of a photographic camera, a visual and/or audible warning device and a telephone or radio transmitter adapted to activate an alarm in a remote location, the system being switched by a signal received from the sensor array from a dormant state in which a minimal current is drawn from the battery power source to an active state in which a geater current is drawn and in which warning information is generated and transmitted by the alarm output array, wherein a light- emitting device is provided to indicate that the system is in its active state.
2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the battery power source is charged for extended periods by means of a wind-powered generator.
3. A system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a circuit is provided which transmits to a remote location information confirming that each sensor in the sensor array is operative.
4. A system according to any one of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the system is installed at a railway level crossing and is used to detect the presence of an intruding body on or near the railway track.
5. A system according to claim 4, wherein a switching circuit is provided which causes the control circuit to respond to a input from the sensor array only when gates on the level crossing are closed and/or warning lights are showing danger.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0425807A GB2424981B (en) | 2004-11-24 | 2004-11-24 | System for detecting the presence of an intruding body |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0425807A GB2424981B (en) | 2004-11-24 | 2004-11-24 | System for detecting the presence of an intruding body |
Publications (3)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB0425807D0 GB0425807D0 (en) | 2004-12-22 |
| GB2424981A true GB2424981A (en) | 2006-10-11 |
| GB2424981B GB2424981B (en) | 2010-10-27 |
Family
ID=33548774
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB0425807A Expired - Fee Related GB2424981B (en) | 2004-11-24 | 2004-11-24 | System for detecting the presence of an intruding body |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2424981B (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007021537A1 (en) * | 2005-08-18 | 2007-02-22 | General Electric Company | System and method for detecting a change or an obstruction to a railway track |
| ITTO20110417A1 (en) * | 2011-05-11 | 2012-11-12 | Duevi Snc Di Mora E Santese | INTRUSION DETECTOR SYSTEM |
Families Citing this family (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103778753A (en) * | 2013-12-31 | 2014-05-07 | 浙江圆融科技有限公司 | Air defense warning terminal device and operating method thereof |
Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0367402A1 (en) * | 1988-09-29 | 1990-05-09 | C & K Systems, Inc. | An intrusion detection system and a method therefor |
| WO1999045710A1 (en) * | 1998-03-06 | 1999-09-10 | Intel Corporation | Method and apparatus for powering on an electronic device with a video camera that detects motion |
| US20010010491A1 (en) * | 1999-11-02 | 2001-08-02 | Marneweck Willem J. | Signal discriminator for wake-up of a low power transponder |
| EP1291629A2 (en) * | 2001-09-10 | 2003-03-12 | Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. | Object detecting device with a pyroelectric sensor |
-
2004
- 2004-11-24 GB GB0425807A patent/GB2424981B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0367402A1 (en) * | 1988-09-29 | 1990-05-09 | C & K Systems, Inc. | An intrusion detection system and a method therefor |
| WO1999045710A1 (en) * | 1998-03-06 | 1999-09-10 | Intel Corporation | Method and apparatus for powering on an electronic device with a video camera that detects motion |
| US20010010491A1 (en) * | 1999-11-02 | 2001-08-02 | Marneweck Willem J. | Signal discriminator for wake-up of a low power transponder |
| EP1291629A2 (en) * | 2001-09-10 | 2003-03-12 | Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd. | Object detecting device with a pyroelectric sensor |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WO2007021537A1 (en) * | 2005-08-18 | 2007-02-22 | General Electric Company | System and method for detecting a change or an obstruction to a railway track |
| US7575201B2 (en) | 2005-08-18 | 2009-08-18 | General Electric Company | System and method for detecting a change or an obstruction to a railway track |
| ITTO20110417A1 (en) * | 2011-05-11 | 2012-11-12 | Duevi Snc Di Mora E Santese | INTRUSION DETECTOR SYSTEM |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB0425807D0 (en) | 2004-12-22 |
| GB2424981B (en) | 2010-10-27 |
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US20220145554A1 (en) | Smart guardrail | |
| US9564054B2 (en) | Wildlife warning system | |
| US11227492B2 (en) | Solar induction lamp and induction system using same | |
| US8469319B2 (en) | Railway sensor communication system and method | |
| US7196636B2 (en) | Railroad crossing warning system | |
| AU2013101353A4 (en) | Improvements to Pedestrian Crossings | |
| EP1752946A1 (en) | Device for detecting fixed or mobile obstacle | |
| CN100470595C (en) | Circumference all-weather defence system | |
| CA2955710C (en) | Railcar security system with car lighting | |
| US20180103240A1 (en) | Smart sign sleeve | |
| KR102158853B1 (en) | A device and method for preventing wrong drive | |
| CN208897086U (en) | The protection monitor system of railway line construction operation | |
| GB2424981A (en) | System for detecting the presence of an intruding body | |
| JP3190353U (en) | Snow cover monitoring device | |
| AU2013101243A4 (en) | Improvements to Railway Crossing Alert System | |
| KR20210043552A (en) | LED Lighting Apparatus for Safe of Crosswalk with Hybrid Self Generating System | |
| KR20130034427A (en) | System for managing traffic safety synthetically using photovoltaic energy | |
| KR102033922B1 (en) | Safety alarm system for pedestrians and vehicle drivers | |
| CN103729954A (en) | Self-powered manhole cover monitoring method and system | |
| CN204731975U (en) | Based on the harbor traffic supervisory systems of Internet of Things | |
| KR102489105B1 (en) | Road marker to prevent power wastage | |
| KR20180013076A (en) | System and Method for Sensing Obstacle | |
| CN110762462A (en) | Many mixed types wisdom street lamp | |
| CN114550399A (en) | Hydropower station safety electronic fence protection system and working method thereof | |
| KR20140128522A (en) | Remote supervisory system by using street lamp |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| COOA | Change in applicant's name or ownership of the application |
Owner name: SOMNER, TIMOTHY L Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): LANGLEY, BRIAN;SOMNER, TIMOTHY L;SENTRY POINT LIMITED Owner name: LANGLEY, BRIAN Free format text: FORMER APPLICANT(S): LANGLEY, BRIAN;SOMNER, TIMOTHY L;SENTRY POINT LIMITED |
|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20131124 |
|
| S28 | Restoration of ceased patents (sect. 28/pat. act 1977) |
Free format text: APPLICATION FILED |
|
| S28 | Restoration of ceased patents (sect. 28/pat. act 1977) |
Free format text: RESTORATION ALLOWED Effective date: 20150722 |
|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 20211124 |