GB2429098A

GB2429098A - Intruder alarm system

Info

Publication number: GB2429098A
Application number: GB0516382A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Teddy Shansonga
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2005-08-09
Filing date: 2005-08-09
Publication date: 2007-02-14
Also published as: GB0516382D0

Abstract

The present invention discloses a device that uses both PIR (8) and 3D stereo imaging detection systems (6) to automatically identify the nature, position and direction of travel of a triggering source within the surveillance zone. On verification of an intrusion into the surveillance zone, measured quantities of immobilising fluid are discharged through a nozzle (10) targeted to impact directly with the triggering source. Further measured quantities of immobilising fluid are discharged targeted to impact with the triggering source whilst the source remains active within the surveillance zone.

Description

INTRUDER ALARM SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an intruder alarm system with immobilisatjon capabilities that can be applied against an intruder entering an open space or enclosed surveillance zone.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Intruders are a growing and increasingly more menacing problem that businesses, homeowners and public service providers have to contend with. In most surveillance zones alarm systems are installed that incorporate various devices that are triggered by an intruder entering the surveillance zone, and in some installations these alarms are able to provide for remote reporting. CCTV cameras when installed in surveillance zones enable visual imaging and subsequent identification of an intruder.

Monitored locally or remotely by security personnel, business owners, or homeowners, a suitable combination of installed alarm systems will enable the location of the intruder within the surveillance zone to be identified in real-time and further action planned. Generally, for unmanned surveillance zones, by the time a response is mobilised, the intruder may have caused considerable damage to property, systems or occupants and could have left the scene taking valuables with them.

For manned surveillance zones, it is generally unclear to security personnel, business owners, or homeowners manning surveillance zones what level of personal danger they may expose themselves to should they attempt to confront an intruder or intruders. Legal ramifications relating to the determination of the correct amount of force to use against intruders and the possibility of facing armed intruders pose a difficult dilemma to those manning surveillance zones only cogitated once the alarm is triggered. The multiplicity of unknowns and possible physical danger to whole families, when the surveillance zone is a home, presents dilemmas that mere alarms are not adequately equipped to resolve and become a contributory cause of trauma to families who have experienced such incidents.

This invention addresses this series of problems by providing a nonlethal means by which an intruder or intruders who enter an open space or enclosed surveillance zone are automatically detected, monitored, individually targeted and immobilised before they are able to cause damage to property, systems or occupants. By safely and completely immobilising the intruder or intruders in or near the manned or unmanned surveillance zone, convictions of intruders are assured. For manned surveillance zones, this is achieved without exposing security personnel, business owners or homeowners and their families to unnecessary levels of personal danger.

DESCRIPTION OF PRIOR ART

Many disclosures have been made for various alarm devices aimed at increasing the sensitivity, accuracy and discriminatory nature of intruder detection. These devices whilst providing a measure of confidence by providing a deterrent when the intruder enters an enclosed surveillance zone, open space surveillance zones are beyond their effective scope of operation.

A number of devices have been disclosed that provide a means of deterring intruders from enclosed surveillance zones upon triggering of the alarm. A selection of such devices is exemplified by FR260691 I which discloses a device that releases tear gas into the surveillance zone; GB2270396 and GB2324636 which disclose devices that release thick smoke into the surveillance zone; DE19542950 which discloses a device that releases fog into the surveillance zone; EP 1530180 which discloses a device that uses intermittent illumination systems in the surveillance zone; and US6734789 which discloses a device that intermittently discharges a deterrent fluid into the surveillance zone as long as motion is being detected from an intruder within the surveillance zone. These disclosures have in common both their limitations to enclosed surveillance zones and the indiscriminating nature of their actions within the surveillance zone since their basis of operation is only to deter the intruder.

US2003 151509 exemplifies a device that can be used in open space surveillance zones and will individually target an intruder within a surveillance zone. In the disclosure of US2003 151509, location, speed and direction of travel of the intruder which maybe an armoured vehicle or tank is determined by an array of trip wires enabling the trajectory of munitions to be calculated for impact with the intruder.

The objective of this invention is to describe a device that can be applied effectively to both open space and enclosed surveillance zones; enhances intruder detection by combining two distinct motion detection systems; is able to determine the exact nature of the intrusion; can determine the exact position and direction of travel of the intruder within the surveillance zone; locks onto and follows the intruder within the surveillance zone; and upon verification of an unauthorised intrusion, discharges an immobilising fluid accurately targeted to impact with the intruder.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the device comprises the head unit mounted onto a stepper motor and is interconnected to a computer that in turn is able to communicate with and operate all electro-mechanical and imaging elements comprising the alarm system including the priming of the immobilising fluids from the fluid storage facilities connected to the multi-orifice nozzle.

The head unit is mounted securely onto the stepper motor so as to be freely rotatable by the stepper motor and comprises four distinct functional areas.

The first functional area, preferably located but not limited to a location on the head unit, is a primary motion detection area comprising but not limited to a number of passive infrared (PIR) motion detectors that provide segmented 360 degree coverage of the surveillance zone about the central axis of the stepper motor. These detectors connected to a computer provide the initial signal for the alarm system when triggered by an intruder within the surveillance zone. Computer algorithms compute the angle between the specific motion detector that initiated the signal and the functional datum position. The stepper motor then rotates the head unit through this angle bringing to bear upon the intruder the secondary 3D stereo imaging system. The preferred PIR motion detectors as described in this embodiment are of the type but not exclusively limited to the type of PIR motion detectors able to recognise and eliminate pets from triggering the alarm.

The second functional area is the virtual functional datum position. This position is programmed as the functional datum in all computer algorithms and functionally defines the accurate alignment of the head unit to the computed position of the intruder.

The third functional area is a secondary 3D stereo imaging area comprising but not limited to two digital cameras with infrared capabilities positioned at a horizontal equidistant from the virtual functional datum position. Using suitable digital signal processors and computer algorithms, the nature, and position - static or dynamic - of the intruder is computed and monitored with this 3D stereo imaging system. Real-time images captured by this 3D stereo imaging system tracking the intruder within the surveillance zone enable computations to be made in determining the intruder's compliance with appropriate verbal warnings issued. Additionally, these real-time images of the surveillance zone are available for surveillance purposes both remotely and locally and are also stored for reference.

The fourth functional area is the discharge zone comprising a multiorifice nozzle.

This is located on the virtual functional datum position and is the discharge point for the two-component immobilising fluid system described in the present embodiment.

An electrically operated helical screw located within the head unit adjusts the pivoted multi-orifice nozzle along the central axis parallel to the virtual functional datum enabling accurate trajectories to be computed for the two-component immobilising fluid system to impact with the intruder.

A stepper motor mounted securely and rigidly to a fixed support is able to freely rotate and accurately position the head unit to any rotational position as calibrated in computer algorithms. In addition to being able to achieve rapid and accurate positional settings of the head unit, the stepper motor is capable of holding firmly the final, sometimes transient, positional setting of the head unit facilitating for the imaging and discharge systems mounted thereon to operate with accuracy.

A strobe light mounted, but not exclusively limited to, the top of the head unit is activated once the immobilising fluid is discharged through the multi-orifice nozzle.

This strobe light remains activated until the alarm system is reset either locally or remotely.

Free and rapid movement of the head unit by the stepper motor is facilitated by a thrust bearing upon which the head unit rests and interfaces the head unit with the stepper motor.

Suitable computer algorithms control all interconnected electromechanjcal imaging, storage and communication elements of the alarm system enabling the alarm system to operate automatically. The computer accords the alarm system 3D image storage and retrieval capabilities, remote reporting, real-time 3D image transmission of the surveillance zone to a remote computer, system activation and deactivation either locally or remotely, and manual operation and programming of the system from a remote computer.

Suitable vessels separately store each component of the two-component immobilising fluid system. The vessels have suitable means of priming the fluid contained to various pressures as computed by appropriate computer algorithms based on the position of the intruder relative to the head unit.

Suitable standby battery power is connected to the intruder alarm system enabling operations to continue in the event of external power supply failure to the system.

Suitable solar panels recharge the standby battery power system ensuring the intruder alarm system continues to operate even when a sustained external power supply failure condition occurs, or for standard operations in surveillance zones located where there is no external power supply.

Speakers located in the vicinity of the head unit enable a selection of pre-recorded condition specific warning messages to be broadcast by the computer whilst intruder movement continues within the surveillance zone.

Upon verification of an unauthorjsed intrusion, in addition to remote reporting, an audible alarm is sounded through, but not limited to, sirens located in the vicinity of the surveillance zone.

A suitable receiver located in the vicinity of the head unit enables local activation and deactivation of the alarm system with a suitable transmitting remote control, although activation and deactivation from a remote computer is also possible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG I is a diagrammatic side view of the head unit mounted onto the stepper motor.

FIG 2 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the multi-orifice nozzle mounted in the head unit with a pivoting helical screw connected.

FIG 3 is a diagrammatic sectional view of the multi-orifice nozzle.

FIG 4 is a diagrammatic longitudinal sectional view of the converging orifices within the multi-orifice nozzle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERED EMBODIMENT

In the preferred embodiment, a two-part die cast conical head unit 1 is mounted onto the shaft of stepper motor 2 such that the stepper motor 2 can freely rotate the head unit I as shown in FIG 1. Thrust bearing 3 provides support for the head unit I as it rests onto the stepper motor 2. When the device in the preferred embodiment is used in an open space surveillance zone, stepper motor 2 is mounted rigidly to a rigid pole (not shown) fixed firmly into the ground and protruding sufficiently above the ground so as to accord the device clear and uninterrupted vision of the surveillance zone.

When the device is used in an enclosed surveillance zone, stepper motor 2 is mounted rigidly to a solid surface (not shown) within the room enclosing the surveillance zone, again so as to accord the device clear and uninterrupted vision of the surveillance zone. In both applications location suitability and effective performance range may lead to multiple device installations to ensure total coverage of the surveillance zone.

Head unit I has four functional areas 4, 5, 6 and 7 as indicated in FIG 1.

Functional area 4 is the primary motion detection area. This area comprises eight PIR motion detectors 8 individually positioned equidistant around the top of the head unit 1. When used for open space surveillance zones, the motion detectors 8 have an appropriate enviroimiental protection suitable for outdoor use. These motion detectors 8 have suitable operating ranges appropriate to the type of surveillance zone in consideration and incorporate pet recognition features. Individually connected to the computer, the angular position of each motion detector from the functional datum position 5 is calibrated and incorporated into suitable computer algorithms.

Functional area 5 is the virtual functional datum position. This is the functional system datum referenced in all computer algorithms and system operations.

Functional area 6 is the secondary 3D stereo imaging area. This area comprises two digital cameras 9 with infrared capability. When used for open space surveillance zones, digital cameras 9 have an appropriate environmental protection suitable for outdoor use. Digital cameras 9 are positioned equally spaced about the virtual functional datum position 5. In the preferred embodiment functional areas 4 and 6 are shown vertically displaced, but in an alternative embodiment, functional areas 4 and 6 can overlap to facilitate for a more compact head unit. Digital cameras 9 are connected to the computer (not shown) for 3D stereo imagery of the surveillance zone.

Functional area 7 is the discharge zone comprising multi-orifice nozzle 10. The multi- orifice nozzle is mounted within the head unit I in such a maimer as to pivot at point 11 when driven in the vertical plane by helical screw 12 operated by bi- directional electric motor 13 as shown in FIG 2.

FIG 3 shows the multi-orifice nozzle 10 that comprises central orifice 14 through which one component of the immobilising fluid flows and a series of interconnected orifices 15 through which the other component of the immobilising fluid flows.

In the present embodiment as shown in FIG 4, orifice 14 stands proud of the interconnected orifices 15 as indicated in the magnified sectional view of location 17 to prevent orifice 14 being blocked by the foam created as a result of the reaction of the two fluids occurring at the end of multi-orifice nozzle 10. FIG 4 also shows the Orientation of orifices 15 to enable the fluid being discharged from these interconnected orifices 15 to converge at virtual point 18 positioned beyond the end of the multi-orifice nozzle 10 but along the centre line of orifice 14.

FIG 2 also shows the connectors 20 and 21 through which each component of the two-component immobilising fluid system is separately fed to the multi-orifice nozzle 10. These are individually connected to respective fluid storage facilities.

An optional strobe light 19 positioned on top of the head unit 1 is activated when the immobilising fluid has been discharged and remains activated until the system is reset locally or remotely.

In its state of operational readiness, the intruder alarm uses the secondary 3D stereo imaging system 6 for constant surveillance of the surveillance zone. Sweeping the surveillance zone periodically, the alarm system uses appropriate digital signal processors and computer algorithms to compare the newly captured image of the surveillance zone with previously stored images of the surveillance zone. Unexpected changes between the two sets of images are reported locally and remotely by a series of appropriate warnings. Acquired images of the surveillance zone are stored in time order ensuring that when the alarm system is triggered, shape recognition computer algorithms reference for comparisons the latest stored images of the surveillance zone.

On detecting an intruder, the specific PIR motion detector 8 that has been triggered, signals its unique code to the computer. Based on system calibration information, computer algorithms compute the rotational angle necessary for stepper motor 2 to turn the head unit 1 to bring to bear onto the intruder the virtual functional datum position 5. The secondary 3D stereo imaging system 6 is then applied to the area where initial motion was detected by the primary motion detection system to determine the nature and exact position of the intrusion. In determining the nature of the intrusion, pre-programmed unique allowable shapes expected to enter the specific surveillance zone are compared to the shape of the current intruder using appropriate shape recognition computer algorithms. Should the shape of the intruder not match any of the stored shapes, an unauthorjsed intrusion of the surveillance zone is deemed to have occurred.

Occurring simultaneously with intruder identification using shape recognition computer algorithms is the determination and constant tracking of the absolute position of the intruder using digital signal processors. Depending on the speed of movement of the intruder a combination of high or low frequency computer imaging algorithms are used to continuously track the movement of the intruder. Appropriate adjustments to the rotational position of the head unit I and accompanying vertical adjustments to the multi-orifice nozzle 10 using the bi-directional motor 13 ensures that an optimised trajectory to impact the immobilising fluid with the intruder is always maintained. Radial positioning information of the intruder is used by computer algorithms to compute the priming pressure necessary for each component of the two- component immobilising fluid system to ensure effective impact with the intruder.

On confirmation of an intrusion into the surveillance zone appropriate verbal warnings are played through speakers (not shown) based on the computed position of the intruder. Should the intruder not be deterred, the intruder alarm is sounded using a siren (not shown). Simultaneously, remote reporting of an intrusion in progress occurs and measured quantities of the two-component immobilising fluid system are discharged through the multi-orifice nozzle 10 to impact with the intruder. Whilst movement of the intruder continues within the surveillance zone in a manner contrary to pre-programmed relative positions of the intruder and previously issued verbal warnings, further appropriate verbal warnings are issued and additional measured quantities of the two-component immobilising fluid system are discharged through the multi-orifice nozzle 10 to impact further with the intruder. The cycle continues until the intruder's movements within the surveillance zone cease or the intruder exits the surveillance zone. At this stage, the system returns to its state of operational readiness and an updated remote report of the status of the surveillance zone is transmitted.

Verbal warnings and sirens are turned off leaving only the strobe light illuminated until the system is reset.

The immobilising fluid described in the preferred embodiment is a twocomponent medium performance flexible foam system. The individual components of the two- component inimobilising fluid system mix at virtual position 18 on ejection from the multi-orifice nozzle 10. Within ten seconds of initial mixing, the two-component imniobilising fluid begins to cream achieving immobilising strength foam ninety seconds thereafter and full immobilising operational strength foam three hundred seconds thereafter.

Although the present invention has been fully described in connection with the preferred embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings that are used only for the purpose of illustration, those skilled in the art will readily conceive numerous changes and modifications within the framework of obviousness upon the reading of the specification herein presented of the present invention. Accordingly, such changes and modifications are, unless they depart from the scope of the present invention as delivered from the claims annexed hereto, to be construed as included therein.

Claims

What is claimed is: I. An intruder alarm system with a multi-functional head unit mounted onto a stepper motor and comprises: a. a primary detection system that accords the alarm system constant 3600 degree coverage of the surveillance zone; b. a more discerning secondary detection system enabling accurate identification of the nature of the triggering source, its exact position, speed and direction of travel within the surveillance zone; c. a discharge system with an adjustable nozzle enabling accurate computations of the trajectory for the discharge from the nozzle to impact with the triggering source; d. an interconnected computer which controls all electro-mechanical, imaging, storage and communication elements according the system automatic operation and remote reporting facilities; e. and a standby battery system enabling the system to operate independently of external power supplies.
2. A system as Claimed in Claim I, wherein the stepper motor is able to freely rotate the multi-functional head unit to bring relevant functional areas to bear onto a triggering source.
3. A system as Claimed in Claim 1, wherein the free and rapid movement of the multi-functional head unit by the stepper motor is facilitated by a thrust bearing which interfaces the head unit and the stepper motor.
4. A system as Claimed in Claim I, wherein the primary detection system comprises individual detection units positioned around the top of the head unit and act as the initial trigger for the alarm system when triggered by a source within the surveillance zone.
5. A system as Claimed in Claim 1, wherein the primary detection system comprises individual detection units not positioned on the head unit, but arranged to provide coverage of the surveillance zone and act as the initial trigger for the alarm system when triggered by a source within the surveillance zone.
6. A system as Claimed in Claim 1, Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the detection units incorporate infrared and pet recognition features.
7. A system as Claimed in Claim I, Claim 4 or Claim 5, wherein the detection units have appropriate environmental protection when used in open space surveillance zones.
8. A system as Claimed in Claim I, wherein the secondary detection system comprises two digital cameras according the alarm system 3D stereo imaging capabilities.
9. A system as Claimed in Claim 1, wherein the secondary detection system comprises a single digital camera according the alarm system 3D stereo imaging capabilities.
10. A system as Claimed in Claim 1, Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the digital cameras incorporate infrared capabilities.
11. A system as Claimed in Claim 1, Claim 8 or Claim 9, wherein the digital cameras have appropriate environmental protection when used in open space surveillance zones.
12. A system as Claimed in Claim 1, wherein the angle of the discharge nozzle is

adjustable.
13. A system as Claimed in Claim I or Claim 12, wherein the discharge nozzle has multiple orifices enabling multiple fluids to be transmitted independently through the nozzle.
14. A system as Claimed in Claim 13, wherein the multiple orifices are angled to converge at an imaginaty point beyond the centreline of the nozzle.
15. A system as Claimed in Claim 13 or Claim 14, wherein the central orifice stands proud of the end of the nozzle to avoid fluid reactions blocking the central nozzle.
16. A system as Claimed in Claims 1, 12, 13, 14 or 15, wherein the orifices are interconnected to independent fluid storage vessels.
17. A system as Claimed in Claim 16, wherein the fluid in the storage vessels can be pressurised for discharge through the nozzle.
18. A system as Claimed in Claim I, wherein the interconnected computer has computer algorithms that undertake all operational, analytical, comparison and communication tasks.
19. A system as Claimed in Claim 1, wherein a strobe light is attached to the top of the device to indicate operation of the discharge function.
20. A system as Claimed in Claim 1, wherein a speaker system is located in the vicinity of the device to enable pre-programed verbal warnings to be broadcast within the surveillance zone.
21. A system as Claimed in Claim I, wherein a siren system is located in the vicinity of the device to enable the alarm to be raised when a triggering source is verified within the surveillance zone.
22. A system as Claimed in Claim I, wherein a receiver is located in the vicinity of the device to enable the alarm system to be activated and deactivated locally by a transmitting remote control.