GB2618533A

GB2618533A - An improved security system

Info

Publication number: GB2618533A
Application number: GB2206631.0A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hill Jason
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2022-05-06
Filing date: 2022-05-06
Publication date: 2023-11-15

Abstract

A security system (20,fig.3) for protecting an object such as an ATM (10,fig.3) comprises a housing 40 incorporating: a photo detector 44; a PIR sensor 48; a camera 46; a lighting system 50 including white lights 52, IR lights 54 and blue lights 56; and a controller 60. The system 20 operates in different modes according to the level of ambient light. Photo detector 44 compares the detected ambient light level to a predetermined threshold. If light levels are above the threshold, the system operates in day mode whereby the camera 46 operates in a colour mode. If light levels are below the threshold, the system operates in night mode whereby the camera 46 operates in an IR mode and the lighting system illuminates the IR lights 54. If motion is detected by the PIR sensor 48, the camera operates in a colour mode and the lighting system 46 illuminates the white lights 52. If the object is attacked, and an alarm signal is received therefrom, the system operates in an alarm mode whereby the camera operates in IR mode, white light is replaced with IR light, and blue light 56 is initiated in a strobing manner.

Description

An Improved Security System The present invention relates to a device for providing security to an object and the surrounding area, in particular for providing security and surveillance.

Various objects located in public places can be subject to attack and so it is of general interest to provide enhanced security for the benefit of users and surveillance to deter attackers. A typical object subject to frequent attack of this type is an Automated Teller Machine (ATM). These are located in public places and it is important for users to feel safe and secure when using them, but it is also important to try and deter attacks on them which frequently are attempts at robbery. Other examples include portable ticket offices or ticket machines, or shops which sell high value items such as jewellery.

Many known systems and arrangements are in place to try and provide security. The ATM machine itself is sometimes provided with lighting and a camera system. However, these lighting and camera systems are often not installed in effective or suitable positions to provide high quality and useable lighting and camera images which might be sufficient to deter attackers or for use by law enforcement officers when trying to identify and prosecute attackers.

There are also many known cameras and modes of operation. Cameras which are capable of operating in both visible light and infra-red modes are known. However, all the present systems have disadvantages, including the packaging and form of the housing. In many locations a discrete and compact surveillance package is required. Additionally, a discrete package has a preferred appearance and in some environments, such as conservation areas, a discrete appearance is a mandatory requirement.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved security and surveillance system and overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the known systems.

A further object is to provide such a system in a discrete and non-obtrusive form.

According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system for providing security to an object and a surrounding area comprising: a photo detector for determining ambient light levels and providing output signals to indicate if light levels are above or below a predetermined threshold; a FIR motion detector detecting motion in the surrounding area; at least one camera capable of operating in either or both of colour mode and infra-red modes and providing output signals to a recording or monitoring system; lighting means for illuminating the surrounding area, the lighting means comprising selectively operable infra-red, white light and blue light illumination; a controller, the controller receiving input signals from the photo detector and the FIR motion detector, the controller providing output signals to the camera and lighting means, if the ambient light levels are above a predetermined threshold operating at least one of the cameras in colour mode and if the ambient light levels are below the predetermined threshold operating at least one of the cameras in infra-red mode and using the lighting means to light the surrounding area with IR light, if motion is detected in a target area contained within the surrounding area and the ambient light levels are below the predetermined threshold level using the lighting means to light the surrounding area with white light and operating at least one camera in colour mode, an alarm system responsive to an alarm signal sent from the object and when an alarm signal is received from the alarm system, operating the blue light in a strobe manner and if the ambient light levels are below the predetermined threshold level lighting the surrounding area in IR light, operating at least one camera in IR mode and if the ambient light levels are above a predetermined threshold operating at least one of the cameras in colour mode lighting the surrounding area by blue light operating in a strobe manner.

An advantage of the present invention is that it provides a means of obtaining high quality images of a surveillance and target area at a wide range of light levels, from low ambient levels to high levels such as are encountered in bright sunlight.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security 30 system in which at least one camera can operate in colour mode and one can operate in IR mode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system in which each camera can operate in IR mode and colour mode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system in which at least one camera is a video camera.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system in which at least one camera is connected to a recording or monitoring system.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system in which the blue light is a strobe light.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system in which the system is provided with an audible alarm which can be sounded in the vent of receipt of an alarm signal from the target.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system in which the blue light is operated as a strobe light.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system in which the light sources are LED lights.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security system in which the system has a compact format.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a security zo system in which there is an adjuster for adjusting white light LED brightness between 25-100% of its maximum brightness.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a method of operating a security system for an object and its surrounding area, the method comprising: detecting ambient light levels by means of a photo detector, the photo detector providing an output signal determined by whether the light levels are above or below a predetermined threshold level; detecting motion in a target area located within the surrounding area by means of a PIR sensor; operating at least one camera and supplying an output from the at least one camera to a recording or monitoring system, when light levels are above the predetermined threshold level operating at least one camera in colour mode, when light levels are below the predetermined level, illuminating the surrounding area with IR light and operating at least one camera in IR mode; in the event that motion is detected within the target area by the PIR sensor illuminating the surrounding area with white light and changing the mode of operation of at least one camera to colour mode; when no further motion is detected by the PIR sensor, starting a timer to measure a predetermined time; if after the predetermined time no motion is detected, extinguishing the white light and illuminating the surrounding area with IR light, operating at least one camera in an IR mode; in the event an alarm signal is received from the object, changing the illumination of the surrounding area to IR light and activating a blue strobe light and operating the camera in an IR mode.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of operating a security system in which the alarm includes an audible alarm.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of 15 operating a security system in which one or more of the cameras is each operable in either or both of IP modes and full colour modes alarm.

A further advantage of the compact form factor and the design of the present invention is that it is more resistant to vandal attacks than other known systems.

A yet further advantage is that mounting the system above the object above human head height, it is not so easy to notice and much less easy to attack, so providing an improved surveillance and security system.

The invention will now be described in greater detail with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 shows a possible general arrangement for the location of a system according to the present invention; Figure 2 shows a plan view of an exemplary location of a system according to the present invention; Figure 3 shows an example of the system of the present invention as would be mounted near the target; Figures 3a and 3b show close up images of the system mounted on a wall and an example of a cross-section profile of the system.

Figure 4 shows the arrangement of the components of the system in more detail; Figure 5 shows the arrangement of the components comprising a number of sensors used in the present invention; Figure 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of the system. There now follows a detailed description of the drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a target object 10, such as an ATM mounted in a wall 11 of a building at a convenient height above a standing area 15. A security system 20 is preferably mounted above the target object 10 on the building wall. This system 20 is also suitable for providing security to an entrance of a shop selling high value items such as jewellery. In Figure 1 it is shown as mounted above the target object 10. Alternatively, the system 20 could be mounted at a similar height to and at least 0.5m above the ATM but to one side or the other. Preferably, the system is mounted on the wall above the target object at a height of between 2.5 to 4m from the ground. The system 20 is shown in a compact slim format extending across the wall and not protruding far from it in order not to detract from a building's appearance, particularly in conservation areas where there are restrictions on the type of modifications that can be made to buildings.

Figure 2 shows a plan view of an example of a location of a target object 10, a surveillance zone 12 and a target zone 14. The target zone 14 is normally expected to be smaller than contained the surveillance zone 12 and contained within it. The surveillance zone 12 can be illuminated by IR light from a source in the system to cover an IR Illumination area 18. A white light illumination area 16 can be illuminated by white light and extend further from the target object than the IR Illumination area 18. Typically, an IR illumination area 18 can extend to cover a distance from the target of 3-4m and white light illumination area 16 can extend to a greater distance of at least 4-5m. Typically, the surveillance zone 12 extends to cover a region in front of the target object 10 at angles of between 90 -150 degrees, if measured from a front face of the target object. In Figure 2 a person can be seen standing in close proximity to the target object and clearly within the target zone.

The target zone 14 comprises a smaller angle zone, with angles covering approximately 40 degrees in front of the target object. Typically, when the system 20 is mounted approx. 2.5m above ground level, the surveillance zone can extend to a radius of about 10m from the building wall. However, for operation of the cameras and using the available light at levels which will not unduly affect the surrounding area, particularly at night the IR illumination range is about 3-4m. Additionally, the surveillance zone 12 can be illuminated by a white light, and this is shown as a white light illumination area 16, which may extend beyond the surveillance zone.

Figure 3 shows one possible location of the system 20 mounted above the target 10.

Typically, the system would be mounted on or in a wall above the target object, such as an ATM or shop entrance or close to the target. In this example, the profile is such that the system 20 can nest neatly under an overhang from an upper part of the building. The target zone 14 will normally extend from the system 20 in a downwardly direction at between 20 and 85 degrees to the horizontal and including an arc having preferably around 35 degrees to enable a camera housed in the system to be able to capture an image or series of images of any person or object in the target zone 14.

Figures 3a and 3b show larger scale images of the system mounted on a wall and an example of a cross-section profile of the system. In this example, the system 20 has 20 a configuration which enables it to be mounted at an angle of about 450 to the horizontal and so create the desired surveillance zone.

Figure 3b shows an example of the sensor housing 40, having in this example, a triangular cross-section which enables it to be mounted in a compact manner in a building front. Camera lens cover 47 can be seen extending from the front of the system housing. The camera lens cover can be of an opaque nature or dark colour to disguise the camera or also to hide the direction in which the camera may be pointing, as is commonly known in the art.

Figure 4 shows the system 20 in more detail. System housing 40 encloses the components in a relatively flat and compact housing assembly. A flat compact housing 40 includes the advantages of a compact appearance that need not protrude a great distance from the wall upon which it is mounted, and also it can be less obtrusive to the eye and be resistant to vandal attacks. A sensor module 42 is located in the housing. Sensor module 42 includes a photocell detector 44 which detects ambient light levels and provides an output signal dependent upon whether the light levels detected are above or below a predetermined threshold level. Sensor module 42 also includes a passive infra-red (PIR) motion sensor 48 which detects motion in a predetermined area. In this application the passive infra-red (PIR) motion sensor 48 is arranged to detect motion in the surveillance zone 12, which includes the smaller target zone 14. Output from the photocell detector 44 and PIR sensor 48 are then used to determine a mode of operation of a camera 46 and a lighting system 50. Sensor housing 40 also includes a diffuser 45 for providing a diffuse and even light from the lighting system described in more detail below.

Although the system is shown in Figures 3a and 3b as having a triangular cross-section, it is also possible to house the system in a rectangular or other convenient section housing The compact form or shape in this invention is intended to mean a system housing that is a minimum of 0.5m in length and 0.1 m in height, and protrudes no more that about 0.05m form a wall on which it is mounted. Frequently for aesthetic purposes, the hosing may be up to 1.0m in length and about 0.1m in height.

Figure 5 shows an alternative arrangement of the system housing 40 in more detail. In this view, the diffuser 45 is not shown and has been removed. Camera 46 will normally be a camera capable of operating in daylight or relatively high ambient light levels and capturing colour images and also capable of operating in low light levels and capturing Infra-red images. The camera is preferably provided with a high-resolution image capturing means and wide-angle lens to enable it to capture images in both high and low ambient lighting levels and at both close and greater distances from the camera. Such systems are well known and the cameras are provided with lens systems which are changed as the illuminating light is changed to ensure optimal image capture. An output from the camera is then fed to a recording or a monitoring system, which will normally be remote from the target object.

Alternatively, two separate cameras 46 and 46' could be provided, one operating at the normal visible optical wavelengths and the other operating at IR wavelengths.

Outputs from the camera or cameras is fed to a remote recording or surveillance system (not shown but known in the art).

Photocell 44, mounted in the housing 40 detects ambient levels of light. Output from the photocell is sent to a controller 60 which determines whether to operate according to a high level or low level light mode. Lighting means comprises a source 52 providing visible light to illuminate the white light illumination area 16, which is normally greater than the surveillance zone 12. An IR source of light 54 provides IR light to illuminate the IR illumination area 18. The IR source is used to illuminate the surveillance zone 12 when the photocell sends a signal indicating low levels of ambient light.

The lighting system 50 is preferably also enclosed in the housing 40. The lighting system further includes one or more blue light strobes 56 operable to provide a visible alarm and also to disorientate an attacker. Each light source is selectively operable according to instructions from a controller 60. Controller 60 (not shown separately) is preferably housed in the housing 40. Alternatively, it is possible and may be convenient to house the controller in a remote location away from the housing 40.

Figure 6 shows a flow chart of the mode of operation of the system 20 when it is used to protect an ATM. The system is capable of operating in different modes according to the level of ambient light, normally the differences are between day and night. In normal operation, photocell 44 detects the ambient level of light and provides an output determined by the ambient light levels and whether or not they are above or below a predetermined threshold. If the output is above the threshold, the system operates in a day or daylight mode. In daylight mode, the camera 46 operates in colour mode and provides an output to the remote monitoring system (not shown).

If the photocell output is one indicating lighting levels are below a predetermined threshold, then the system operates in a so called "night mode". In night mode, the camera 46 operates in an IR mode, recording images in the IR light mode. The lighting system 50 illuminates the surveillance zone 12 and preferably a greater area with IR light to enable the camera to capture high quality IR mages. The output from the camera is fed to a remote recording or monitoring system.

In the event that motion is detected by the PIR motion sensor 48, a signal is sent from the sensor to the controller and the controller instructs the camera to change to operate in colour mode and the lighting system to replace the IR light with white light to illuminate the white light illumination area which includes the target zone 14. The camera should then be able to detect any object in the target zone and capture a high-quality image thereof. Additionally, if it is a user approaching or using an ATM, the white light should enable them to see and operate the ATM easily and provide them a sense of security whilst in the vicinity. After the motion is detected a timer is started and if after a predetermined length of time if motion is still detected, or detected again, the controller will instruct the system to remain in the same state with white light illuminating the target zone and the camera operating in colour mode. If, at the end of the time set by the timer, no further motion is detected the system will revert to the night time operation, with the white light being turned off, IR lighting resumed and the camera operating in IR mode.

In the event that the object 10 or ATM is attacked and an alarm signal is received from the object or ATM, the system will operate in an alarm mode. In alarm mode, any white light operating to illuminate the target zone is extinguished and replaced by IR light and the blue strobe light 56 is initiated. The camera 46 is then operated in IR mode. In this mode of operation, a quality image of any attacker should be obtained by the camera operating in the IR mode. The blue strobe lighting will confuse and disorientate an attacker whilst simultaneously signalling to anyone in the area that the ATM is under attack. Optionally, the system can be provided with an audible alarm which could also be sounded in these circumstances. The system can also send an additional alarm to an alarm receiving location, such as a police station or other security service provider.

The system can be easily deployed above an ATM or could equally be deployed above another possible target, such a s a jeweller shop, a mobile ticket office or other location handling high value goods or significant amounts of cash.

The system can be provided with either one or multiple cameras. Advantageously, a single camera can be easily controlled and a signal output can be provided to a remote monitoring or recording location. Cameras are readily available that can be adapted to operate at different light levels and different focal lengths. An advantage of the use of multiple cameras is that each may be optimised for a particular type of operation such as low light or bright light and near focus or a more distant focus with a greater depth of field.

It is also apparent that a camera can be one that captures only single images, but preferably at least one of the cameras in the system is a video camera or one 5 capable of capturing images of a moving object and recording moving objects.

Claims

CLAIMS1 A security system for providing security to an object and a surrounding area comprising: a photo detector for determining ambient light levels and providing output signals to the system indicating if light levels are above or below a predetermined threshold; a FIR motion detector detecting motion in the surrounding area; at least one camera capable of operating in either or both of colour mode and infra-red modes and providing output signals to a recording or monitoring system; lighting means for illuminating the surrounding area, the lighting means comprising selectively operable infra-red, white light and blue light illumination; a controller, the controller receiving input signals from the photo detector and the FIR motion detector, the controller providing output signals to the camera and lighting means, if the ambient light levels are above a predetermined threshold operating at least one of the cameras in colour mode and if the ambient light levels are below the predetermined threshold operating at least one of the cameras in infra-red mode and using the lighting means to illuminate the surrounding area with IR light, if motion is detected in a target area contained within the surrounding area and the ambient light levels are below the predetermined threshold level using the lighting means to illuminate the surrounding area with white light and operating at least one camera in colour mode, an alarm system responsive to an alarm signal sent from the object and when an alarm signal is received from the alarm system, operating the blue light in a strobe manner and if the ambient light levels are below the predetermined threshold level illuminating the surrounding area in IR light, operating at least one camera in IR mode and if the ambient light levels are above a predetermined threshold operating at least one of the cameras in colour mode.
2. A security system according to claim 1 in which at least one camera can operate in colour mode and one can operate in IR mode.
3. A security system according to claim 1 in which each camera can operate in IR mode and colour mode.
4. A security system according to any preceding claim in which at least one camera is a video camera.
5. A security system according to any preceding claim in which at least one camera is connected to a recording or monitoring system.
6. A security system according to any preceding claim in which the blue light is a strobe light.
7 A security system according to any preceding claim in which the system is provided with an audible alarm which can be sounded in the vent of receipt of an alarm signal from the target.
8. A security system according to any preceding claim in which the blue light is operated as a strobe light.
9. A security system according to any preceding claim in which the light sources are LED lights.
10. A security system according to any preceding claim in which the light source is arranged in a linear array, so as to disperse an even beam emission.
11. A security system according to any preceding claim in which there is an adjuster for adjusting white light LED brightness between 25 -100% of its maximum brightness.
12. A method of operating a security system for an object and its surrounding area, the method comprising: detecting ambient light levels by means of a photo detector, the photo detector providing an output signal determined by whether the light levels are above or below a predetermined threshold level; detecting motion in a target area located within the surrounding area by means of a P IR sensor; operating at least one camera and supplying an output from the at least one camera to a recording or monitoring system, when light levels are above the predetermined threshold level operating at least one camera in colour mode, when light levels are below the predetermined level, illuminating the surrounding area with IR light and operating at least one camera in IR mode; in the event that motion is detected within the target area by the PIR sensor illuminating the surrounding area with white light and changing the mode of operation of at least one camera to colour mode; when no further motion is detected by the P IR sensor, starting a timer to measure a predetermined time; if after the predetermined time no motion is detected, extinguishing the white light and illuminating the surrounding area with IR light, operating at least one camera in an IR mode; in the event an alarm signal is received from the object, changing the illumination of the surrounding area to IR light and activating a blue strobe light and operating at least one camera in an IR mode.
13. A method of operating a security system according to claim 13 in which the alarm includes an audible alarm.
14. A method of operating a security system according to claim 13 in which the one or more cameras is each operable in either or both of IR modes and full colour modes.