GB2494458A

GB2494458A - Security system for a vehicle having a goods compartment or trailer

Info

Publication number: GB2494458A
Application number: GB1115692.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gary Sweeney
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-09-12
Filing date: 2011-09-12
Publication date: 2013-03-13
Also published as: GB201115692D0

Abstract

A security system is provided for use in a multi-compartment vehicle such as a lorry having a goods compartment or trailer. The security kit comprises: a display console inside a first compartment (the cab or tractor), the display console being in wireless communication with at least one video camera, and at least one sensor, inside a second compartment (the goods compartment or trailer). The at least one sensor may comprise an air composition sensor for detecting levels of carbon dioxide CO2, oxygen O2, or carbon monoxide CO; or a motion sensor. The system may further comprise at least one camera external to the compartments. The camera and sensor may be co-located within a tamper resistant domed unit. The invention is particularly suited for detecting intruders or stowaways on board a heavy goods vehicle HGV.

Description

A SECURITY KIT

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a security kit, more particularly a security kit for vehicles having a goods compartment or trailer and separate tractor compartment or cab, for example articulated goods vehicles such as heavy or large goods vehicles (HGV, LGV) or semitrailer lorries.

BackQround Despite increasing environmental concerns, a majority of goods, produce and other items are transported in many countries via road haulage in HGVs or trucks.

The road haulage industry includes approximately 450,000 trucks on United Kingdom roads alone.

The companies operating these trucks are typically of vital importance to economies, and operate trans-nationally. For the trucks to operate efficiently is vital for these companies, and the nations they operate in.

Systems exist for tracking company trucks and vans such as through global positioning systems (GPS).

However it is not possible for a LGV operator or driver to control their trailer contents without opening the trailer, and accordingly for example as the HGV passes through border controls, it can be common for illegal immigrants to stow away.

Additionally there have been numerous occurrences of stowaways suffocating or dying within the trailer.

At the same time there is a chance that thieves may break into the trailer, as well as potential issues with a fire sniouldering, combustirig or starting in an unwatched and unmonitored closed goods compartment, and risking serious damage to the compartment, goods and/or personnel.

Border control officials frequently use handheld monitors to check vehicles, and in terms of seeing inside a vehicle, border controls have large and expensive x-ray machines. If any problem is found the driver and/or company may be found at fault, or it may too late.

Prior Art

Accordingly a number of patent applications have been filed in an attempt to resolve the problem, including the following: United States patent application US 2006 170 537 (MARRIOTT) discloses an intrusion detector for a vehicle, the detector being attachable to the vehicle, wherein the intrusion detector comprises a carbon dioxide detector responsive to the presence of carbon dioxide in a compartment of the vehicle, and wherein the intrusion detector is operable to generate an alarm if the concentration of carbon dioxide in the compartment exceeds a selected level.

Granted United States patent US 2005 280 515 (MAREK et al) discloses a device to detect the presence of a living being in a motor vehicle, comprising: a carbon dioxide sensor to measure a concentration value representing a carbon dioxide concentration in the motor vehicle; an analysis unit to compare at least one of the concentration value and a change value representing a change in the concentration value over time with at least one threshold; a transmitting device activated when at least one of the concentration value and the change value exceeds the threshold and emitting radiated signals; and a receiving device to activate an indicator device when the radiated signals are received.

Granted united States patent US 6 424 267 (SCHELL) discloses a method for determining a presence of an occupant in a trunk compartment based on a rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration in the compartment, said method comprising:(a) determining carbon dioxide leakage conditions into the trunk compartment; (b) determining a rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration over a predetermined period of time, in the trunk compartment; (c) establishing one or more carbon dioxide rate of change trigger values for said trunk compartment including: determining carbon dioxide rate of change data resulting from predetermined factors involving the presence of one or more persons in the trunk compartment, calculations involving at least a volume of the trunk compartment, assumptions for air leakage rates for the trunk compartment, one of natural and mechanical methods of ventilation in the trunk compartment, and carbon dioxide production rates for each occupant; (d) determining whether said rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration either one of meets and falls within a range of said respective one or more carbon dioxide rate of change trigger values; and (e) activating one or more alarm responses when said rate of change of carbon dioxide concentration either one of meets and falls within said range of said respective one or more carbon dioxide rate of change trigger values.

Granted European patent EP 1 932 338 (CHINIGO) discloses a security system for mass transit and mass transportation, whereby a substantial number of passengers and/or cargo items are transported by an inter-modal transportation vehicle, such as a bus, ship, train, subway, or aircraft, and comprising: a) a vehicle that transports substantial cargo and/or passengers, including a plurality of seats for crew and/or passengers, and a cargo hold whereby cargo is stored for transit, and said vehicle having at least one seat for a driver, pilot or operator, and said vehicle having at least one door or entry point through which people and/or cargo enter and exit; b) a first sensor and associated at each doorway and other predetermined points within the vehicle for sensing and outputting a first signal regarding the identity and presence of any identification media passing within detectable proximity of said first sensor; c) a second sensor mounted on the vehicle for sensing and outputting a second signal indicative of radioactive, explosive and/or bio-hazardous material located in the interior of the vehicle or in close outer proximity to the vehicle; d) a third sensor associated with each designated operator and passenger seat, for sensing and outputting a third signal indicative of a person occupying the associated seat; e) a fourth sensor associated with each seat belt associated with each seat for sensing and outputting a fourth signal indicative of a person seated in the associated seat and buckled in; f) an alarm actuated responsive to a predetermined signal; g) a display located within the vision of the vehicle operator for displaying collected data and information specifically correlated with the respective occupancy of seats and other conditions about the vehicle, and said display comprised of one or more selectable screens available to an operator with manual control by the operator of input and screen selection; h) means for indicating and displaying the identification and presence and location of each cargo item or person in the vehicle in response to the first signals received, and for comparing to any preloaded manifest in memory for generating a first difference signal; i) means for indicating and displaying all designated seating positions within the vehicle including information regarding the status of occupancy and seat belt use in accordance with the third and fourth signals; j) means for indicating and displaying any alarm within the system; k) a computer system for controlling the security system including an ItO for generating an input signal by a driver, operator, or authorized person, a memory and a processor to receive the signals and to initiate an alarm responsive thereto, said memory being enabled to store collected and collated data concerning the signals, the status of sensors and the status of the display, data including manifests and itinerary downloads; I) three modes of communication including i) a wireless dedicated communication network, ii) a conventional cellular wireless protocol, and iii) a satellite transceiver for satellite based communication outside modes i) and ii); m) a cellular wireless jamming device responsive to a signal generated by the processor; n) means for inputting information into the memory via the processor from hard-wired and wireless sources; o) whereby said processor is enabled to compare the identification of cargo or persons within the vehicle as received from the first sensor to relevant data stored into memory with information such as a passenger or cargo manifest, and to identify expected, permitted, or disallowed passengers or cargo, and responsive to a mismatch, initiate the predetermined signal to activate the appropriate alarm, and additionally, enables selection of differing methods of communication, and responsive to a predetermined alarm signal initiated from a sensor, to select or de-select a mode of communication to a remote location, and, in addition to the activate the cellular wireless jamming device.

United States patent application US 2009 005 936 (BROWNE et al) discloses a sensor assembly comprising: a sensor configured to detect a predetermined condition; a transmitter operatively connected to the sensor and configured to selectively transmit a wireless signal when the sensor detects the predetermined condition; at least one energy harvester configured to capture energy from the environment; wherein the sensor assembly is configured to transmit energy captured by the energy harvester to the transmitter.

In contrast the present invention provides a multiple vehicle means of monitoring the contents of a trailer of a goods vehicle that may be transposed from vehicle to vehicle and unobtrusively monitors for stowaways and theft.

Summary of the Invention

According to the present invention there is provided a security kit for a multi-compartment vehicle; comprising in use a console inside a first compartment in wireless communication with: at least one video camera and at least one sensor inside a second compartment.

In preferred embodiments the vehicle is goods vehicle with a cab being the first compartment and a second goods trailer compartment. Typically this would include a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) or large goods vehicle (LGV).

According to a second aspect of the present invention the sensor is equipped to sense levels of air quality and air composition.

This may be levels of carbon dioxide, oxygen or carbon monoxide.

The sensor(s) is/are ideally located within the vehicle goods compartment, such as trailer, and thereby monitors air quality within what is a largely sealed space.

In situations where the good compartment is vented or has cloth or flexible material sides it may be preferable that a plurality of sensors may be configured in a way that a plurality of sensor readings may be required to authenticate a reading.

Preferred embodiments combine the sensor or sensors with the camera providing a unit that may be secured to the roof of the goods compartment. For example a means of securing may be electro-magnetic, in order that the unit may be transferred from one compartment to another by the user as loads are changed.

The magnet is ideally very strong to prevent unauthorised removal of the unit, although termination of the electromagnet or its electromagnetic field may allow authorised users to remove the unit.

In further embodiments to prevent the unit from taking up valuable load space and/or being overly visible to persons seeking to remove it without authorisation the unit may be tucked into the corners. or otherwise dispersed.

A key or combination lock may be included to allow authorised users to activate or deactivate the electromagnet and all or any other features.

Ideally a flashing light emitting diode (LEO) on the unit could act in two ways, show the driver it was active; and deter any potential stowaways looking to get in the trailer.

The console is located within the vehicle tractor or cab compartment, preferably in a visible location to a driver, and/or in a portable format.

This allows a user to monitor the console and detect issues such as problems with delicate cargoes such as fertilisers. Problems would trigger visual and audible alarm in the cab and/or on the console.

In this way it is also possible to monitor whether the air quality changes in ways that are calibrated on the detector to indicate the presence of animals or persons, such as rising carbon dioxide levels. Air movement may also be detectable via a sensor.

In addition the sensor would be able to sense air quality changes that are indicative of burning, fires or other problems in the compartment or related to the goods.

The presence of stowaways andfor thieves may be detected easily by a register of changed air quality from breathing. Additionally or in the alternative unauthorised access to the compartment may be detectable, for example by register of air movements.

Further embodiments may be able to detect or monitor quantities of goods within the goods compartment, in order to ascertain changes.

For example a sensor may be included on the compartment bed, wherein weight may be monitored. Sai sensor may be integrated into the bed, or laid over or under it.

In some embodiments the cab mounted console relays C02, 02 and motion sensor readings, or camera footage to remote locations such as a head office, through an internet or wireless uplink.

Multiple kits should be able to uplink to a central database for monitoring by the haulage company without getting confused on the same frequency.

Ideally the kit could be linked to governmental border patrols.

Yet further embodiments of the console have a facility to locally upload or download data, software or other information for example through a universal serial bus (USB), wireless connectivity such as BLUETOOTH (Trade Mark). In this way updates may be easily accomplished to upgrade functionality of the kit.

Ideally therefore the console and/or unit have integrated tracker chips to help trace the cab or goods compartment in case of theft.

In preferred embodiments at least one extra camera is situated in use to allow a user to monitor the vehicle sides or bottom wherein the detector includes a video screen or display.

This camera may be situated under the goods compartment or trailer, for example to detect or monitor whether persons are hiding under the vehicle or attempting to gain access.

Preferably both and all cameras may be focussed or selected from the console. For a greater level of control of vision in the trailer, pan and tilt cameras could be used Ideally a standard static night vision or infra-red video camera may be mounted on the underside of the trailer to monitor the chassis for potential stowaways. This video camera mounted on the underside of the trailer is able to monitor areas of the chassis that the driver cannot typically see.

Further video cameras may be disposed about the goods compartment, for example on the compartment or cab's side, top or bottom, and/or between the cab and goods compartment.

According to a third aspect of the present invention the camera is equipped with means to function in low light levels, for example by means of increasing spectral range such as thermal imaging, active infra-red, image intensification, or by provision of a light source.

Fol example this light source may be stimulated when sensors detect movement, air quality changes or other stimulus.

A wide angle lens on the camera could cover the majority of the load area in the trailer. Ideally the camera may view 360 degrees.

In preferred embodiments the camera is activated by the sensors.

In yet further embodiments motion sensors are also included such as a sonic motion sensor to detect movement that may be missed on the camera. Such as a motion sensor would ideally automatically trigger a view from the camera to automatically appear on the console display so that the user can visually confirm the reading.

Yet further embodiments may include sensors that are used to detect when the trailer's load doors have been opened.

The kit could also be developed further for rail companies for monitoring of individual cars.

The invention has been described by way of examples only and it will be appreciated that variation may be made to the above-mentioned embodiments without departing Irom the scope of invention.

With respect to the above description then, it is to be realised that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent

B

relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Brief Description of Figures

Figures 1 show views of the preferred embodiment of a console in the kit; Figures 2 show views of the preferred embodiment of sensor and camera unit for use in a goods compartment; And Figures 3 show views of a preferred embodiment of a separate camera for use with the kit.

Detailed Description of Figures

The pictured and preferred embodiment of the camera and sensor unit as pictured in Figure 2 has a tamper proof dome to be placed in the centre of the roof, with vents around its edge for the monitoring of C02 and 02 levels.

The console's screen may be generally darkened or in power standby mode to save energy, and is triggered by a change from the norm in C02 and 02 levels, and/or changes above a certain level, or predefined combinations of sensor readings.

The cab console needs to be straightforward to read and operate and ideally on the console in order to facilitate easy use, the use of buttons could be avoided with the incorporation of touch screen technology A mouse wheel, rollerball or pad may also be used to pan around with a camera on a tilt and pan system as minimal buttons and function screens are vital to prevent the driver becoming distracted. If a pan and tilt camera is in use on the trailer pan wheel could be used to direct the camera around the trailer Typically the console is connected in use to the vehicle's electrical supply, through the cigarette or cigar socket.

Preferably the unit is powered by the vehicle through hard wiring, although further embodiments may have further, additional, supplementary or back-up energy sources. Such a backup power system is ideally in place to keep the kit live whilst the trailer is left unattended.

For example if the trailer is left parked separately to the cab, it is preferable that it can still link wirelessly to a remote headquarters with its own rechargeable power supply; which is charged when connected to a lorry.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims 1. A security kit for a multi-compartment vehicle; comprising in use a console inside a first compartment in wireless communication with: at least one video camera and at least one sensor inside a second compartment.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. A kit according to claim 1 wherein the sensor is equipped to sense air composition.</claim-text> <claim-text>3. A kit according to claims 1 or 2 wherein a sensor is equipped to detect motion.</claim-text> <claim-text>4. A kit according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein the camera is equipped with means to function in low light levels.</claim-text> <claim-text>5. A kit according to any preceding claim wherein the camera image will appear on the console if sensor readings become abnormal.</claim-text> <claim-text>6. A kit according to any preceding claim combined with at least one camera exterior to compartments.</claim-text> <claim-text>7. A method of monitoring a vehicle trailer according to any preceding claim.</claim-text> <claim-text>B. A kit according to any of claims 1 to 6 wherein a tamper-resistant domed unit includes the camera and sensor(s) and is situated in use in a trailer.</claim-text> <claim-text>9. A unit according to any of the preceding claims.</claim-text> <claim-text>10. A method of providing security to a vehicle according to any of the preceding claims.</claim-text>