MXPA98005518A

MXPA98005518A - A system and method to detect an intr

Info

Publication number: MXPA98005518A
Application number: MXPA/A/1998/005518A
Authority: MX
Inventors: Heifler Nahy
Original assignee: Armament Development Authority Rafael
Priority date: 1996-01-08
Filing date: 1998-07-08
Publication date: 1999-09-01

Abstract

A system and method is provided to detect an intruder in an area to be protected. The system includes a plurality of detection units, each of the plurality of detection units having at least one infrared detector and a first field of view external to and directed generally along the perimeter and located within the area to be protected. The infrared detector can be a passive detector. The detection units include a camera for recording the intrusion within a second field of view and a controller. The controller includes means that respond to the output of the infrared detector, to determine when an intruder has entered the first field and activation means to activate the camera.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTING AN INTRUDER * FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates in general to systems for detecting intruders in a protected area and in particular to such systems using infrared detectors combined with cameras. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In the matter, the systems for protecting protected areas and detecting intruders are known. A The example of an intrusion detection system is an electronic or electrical barrier, which provides an alarm whenever there is an intrusion since such a change indicates that the barrier has been touched. Such systems only detect intrusion when the intruder enters or you are about to cross a Limite or a protected perimeter. Several existing security systems are exposed on pages 33-41 of an article titled "Was kann man erwarten - was ist zu beacten?" by Bernd Bull, published in vol 19, no 4 of the "Protector", September 1991 in Zurich. Other detection systems use cameras that continuously inspect the protected area. Any change in the view is visible to an operator, provided that the screen is continuously observed. Such - ^ * systems allow the operator to differentiate between the current view and a pre-registered view. In addition, cameras need to be connected all the time and during dark hours that require relatively light expensive, or special night cameras. Other detection systems actively seek out intruders, by continually exploring the area to be protected. An example of a scanning system seeks to detect objects that are not among the objects ^^ - 10 known from the background, or movement at a significant speed. If an intruder has been detected, scanning systems typically track the location of an intruder. Japanese Patent No. A 8055286 to Kawamoto Yuichi, describes an active infrared detector device that uses a plurality of detector poles so that when the infrared rays emitted by the infrared light source of a detector pole, are detected by the following detector pole. A disadvantage of active infrared detector devices, which can only detect objects that interrupt the beam of light emitted by the infrared light source between the transmission and reception detector poles. In this way, to detect objects outside a perimeter boundary, also it is necessary that the detector poles are located outside. S ^ Bw- SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved detection system for intruder, which includes detectors that include infrared detectors, passive, a CCD camera and a light projector that operates within a narrow angle of view. The infrared detectors initially detect the intruder that causes the camera to connect. If the 10 light conditions are scarce, the projected also connects and the light beam is projected to. along the narrow field of view, to provide sufficient illumination for the camera in order to clearly see the intruder. It is a further object of the present invention to provide an intruder detection system, which is also capable of tracking the intruder. A system for detecting at least one intruder in an air to be protected is provided, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a plurality of detection units, each of the plurality of detection units having at least one infrared detector and having a first field of view externally towards and directed generally along the perimeter and located within the area. to protect yourself The infrared detector can be a passive detector.

In addition, there is provided, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a method for detecting at least one intruder near an area to be protected having a perimeter. The method includes following steps: a) placing a plurality of detection units generally along the perimeter, separated at a predetermined distance and b) locating the detection units within the area to be protected. Each of the detection units includes at least one infrared detector having a first field of view. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of According to the present invention, the detection units include a camera for recording the intrusion within a second field of view and a controller. The controller includes means that respond to the output of the infrared detector, to determine when an intruder has entered the first field of view and activation means to activate the camera. The first field of view is narrower than the second field of view. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detection units include also a light projector to illuminate the movement within the second field of view during low light conditions. In addition, the light projector can respond to the activation of the camera. Further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first field of view is within a range of 10 ° ± 3 ° and the second field of view is wider than the first field of view by an angle within a range of 2 ° - 22 °. The first field of view covers the field of view of the adjacent detection unit. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, each of the controllers and each of the cameras is coupled to a central control and command unit. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central control and command unit includes a command and control system (CCS), coupled to the plurality of controllers, a digital communication channel coupling to the control system and command, a plurality of video recorders and a plurality of video monitors. Each of the video recorders and each of the video monitors are coupled to the CCS. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the central command and control unit also includes a video motion detection unit coupled to the CCS. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the video movement unit includes a plurality of channels, each channel coupled to the corresponding video output from one of the respective cameras. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes the steps of: * 10 a) determining when at least one intruder has entered the first field of view, b) activating a camera coupled to at least one infrared detector, the camera having a second field of view, - and c) recording images of the intrusion, by means of the camera. The first field of view is narrower than the second field of view. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes the step of illuminating the movement within the second field of view during low light conditions. Furthermore, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the illumination responds to the activation of the camera. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the step of activating a camera "When an intruder enters the first field of view, he activates the camera of at least one other detection unit. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes the steps of: a) transmitting a means of identifying the camera to a central control unit; and F b) transmit the images recorded to the unit of central control. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes the steps of registering and displaying the recorded images. further, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes the control unit that recognizes the activated chamber. In addition, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method also includes the step of tracking the detected intruder. Finally, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the step of tracking a plurality of intrusions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The present invention will be more fully understood and appreciated from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which, - Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an intrusion detection system; , constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of the detection unit of the system of Figure 1; Figure 2B is an exploded view of the system detection unit of Figure 2A; Figure 3A is a schematic plan view of the field of view of the infrared detectors and the camera of the system of Figure 1; Figure 3B is a schematic illustration in elevation view of the field of view of the infrared detectors and the camera of the system of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an illustration of the block diagram of an intrusion detection system, constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is an illustration of the detailed block diagram of the central control and command site of the intrusion detection system of Figure 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED MODALITY Reference is now made to Figures 1, 2, 3A and 3B, which illustrate a built-in detection system * and operative according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The intrusion detection system comprises at least one detection unit 10 located close to a perimeter 11 (such as a security barrier) of the area to be protected. The detection unit 10 is preferably located, so that the center of the field of view f of the unit is not along the perimeter but within the area to be protected 15. The detection unit 10 comprises at least one passive infrared (IR) detector 12, an outgoing light projector 14 and a camera 16 (Figures 2A and B). The detection unit 10 further comprises an energy source 18, such as a battery and a controller 20. Each IR sensor 12 comprises at least one row comprising a plurality of rays 22 (designated 22a, 22b, etc., Fig.3A). In order to cover a broader spectrum, each IR detector 12 preferably comprises the At least two rows of rays (22a and 22b). The horizontal angle between the two spokes 22a and 22b is typically 10 ° ± (Fig. 3A). The IR 12 detectors have a typical effective range of up to approximately 150 meters. In order to comprehensively cover an area 17, the detection units 10 are preferably located at a distance D, approximately every 100 meters, thus ensuring an adequate coating between the detection units 10.

Typically, the angle? between the perimeter 11 and the ray 22b (closest to the perimeter 11) is' of ± 5 ° from the barrier 11. The protruding light projector 14 can be any suitable type of light projector known in the art, which has an effective range of minus 130 meters The light projector 14 can be placed in a different location of the detection unit 10. The camera 16 can be any suitable type of highly sensitive camera adapted with lenses capable of photographing the distance of the IR detector 12, such as a charge coupled device (CCD) camera, a infrared camera (IR) or a millimeter wave camera (MMW). An example of a suitable camera is the Liliax PIH756 1/3"CCD model. The controller 20, which can either be attached to the detection unit 10, or be separated from it, determines from the infrared rays irradiated from the body of an intruder when the intruder has entered his field of view. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the light projector 14 and the camera 16 are normally inactive. When a Intruder, controller 20 causes camera 16 to operate.

The light projector 14 is only essential during the hours * of darkness and during low visibility. During periods of low light conditions, the detection of an intruder also causes the light projector 14 to be connected. The light projector 14 and camera 16 are generally synchronized to cover the same field of view (FOV). The FOV of the camera 16 is generally wider than that of the IR detector 12. ^ p The controller 20 sends signals to a site of control and central control (CCR) 30 (see Figure 4), which monitors a plurality of detection units 10. The output of each camera 16 can be inspected at the central control site (CCR) 30. The controller 20 can also be monitored. receive signals from the CCR. Figures 3A and 3B are views, in plan and in elevation, illustrating the field of view of the IR detectors 12 and the camera 16 respectively for the detection units 10. The FOV of the camera 16, referentially covers the FOV of the detector 12. The angle β that indicates the field of view (FOV) of the camera 16, is shown delineated by the dotted lines 24a and 24b. The angle ß of the FOV is greater than the angle and lies between the ray 22b of + 10 ° and the ray 22a of + 2 °. At In the example shown, the detector 12 has an angle of α of the FOV of 10 °, the angle ß of the FOV of the camera 16 is set at 20 ° and the angle Δ? It is 3 °. In this way, if there is a 5 ° coating on the protected side of the perimeter barrier 11, the IR detector 12 extends a angle d (2 °) beyond the camera 16. Reference is now made to Figure 3B, which illustrates the detection units 10 in elevation view. In the example, the detection units 10 are placed at a height (H) of 4 meters above the ground level, 10 in order to provide sufficient illumination for a distance exceeding 100 meters between the detection units 10. In this way, an intrusion attempt will be detected by the IR 12 detectors close to the perimeter barrier 11. The intruder will be hindered by the barrier 11 and due to the light projector 14 and the camera 16, it will be immediately visible on the monitors in the central control. Reference is now made to Figure 4, which illustrates an intrusion detection system, generally designated 100, constructed and operative in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 is an illustration of the block diagram of the main components of the intrusion detection system 100. Figure 5 is an illustration of the detailed block gF diagram of the central command and control site.

(CCR) 30 of the intrusion detection system 100. The intrusion detection system 100 comprises elements that are similar to the elements that have been previously described with respect to the previous preferred embodiment. These elements are designated similarly and will not be described further. The intrusion detection system 100 t comprises a plurality of detection units 10 (generally designated 112), located next to a security perimeter 11 of an area 15 to be protected. Each detection unit 10 comprises at least one passive infrared (IR) detector 12, an outgoing light projector 14, a camera 16, an energy source 18 (such as a battery) and a controller 20 (Figures 2A and 2B). The controller 20 sends signals to the central control and command site (CCR) 30, which monitors the plurality of detection units 10. The intrusion detection system 100 further comprises a video motion detector (VDM), generally designated 102, located at the CCR 30. The central command and control site (CCR) 30 comprises a digital communication channel (DCS) 104, a command and control system. control (CCS) 106, a plurality of video recorders (VCR) 108 and a plurality of video monitors 110.

The command and control system (CCS) 106 directs each of the plurality of controllers 20. Each of the outputs of the video camera is connected through four video line connections to the CCS 106, 5 which controls the plurality of cameras 16, through the digital communication channel (DCS) 104. The video motion detector (VDM) 102 comprises a plurality of channels, each of which serves one of the video channels of a video. of the cameras 16. The VDM 102 is any known in the subject system, to track the movement of a subject. Briefly, the VDM maintains a system record for each camera. The parameters of the system include the area of interest (AOI) for each camera taken during the night and day. Preferably, the AOI at night will be a view of the total line. Preferably, the system parameters for each camera also include the size, maximum and minimum, of the object, the time period of the AOI, the points of entry and exit and destination of the movement. The addition of the video motion detector 102 together with the VCRs 108 allows the control and command site 30 to graphically track an intruder and maintain a visual record of intrusions. When an intrusion occurs, which activates the IR detector 12, the corresponding camera 16 is activated. The camera transmits its identification number and begins to transmit the video images. The CCS 106 recognizes the identity of the camera from the initial signal 5 transmitted, selected. The camera continues transmitting the video images until it is turned off by the CCS 106 and its video output is disconnected from the video line. Normally (presumption), that is, unless there is an intrusion, all the cameras are disconnect and video signals are not provided to the video channels. At night, the necessary illumination is provided to the cameras 16 by the corresponding light projector 14. The light projector 14 is coupled to the camera 16, in order to operate in conjunction with the camera 16 but in order to ensure sufficient illumination, the light projector 14 is turned on just before the camera and off just after the output has been disconnected. Of video. 20 For example purposes only and to better describe the operation of the intrusion detection system 100, Figure 5 illustrates the command and control system (CCS) 106 comprising four pairs of VCRs 108 and video monitors 110, for recording and displaying, respectively, the video images supplied by selected cameras, with reference 16a, 16b, 16c Each of the VCRs 108 and the video monitors 110, are referred to with the suffix a, b, c, or d, 5 corresponding to one of the chambers 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d, respectively. In this way, the VCR 108a and the monitor 110a registers and displays, respectively, the video output of the camera 16a. sB In the example of figure 5, the detector of video movement 102 comprises four separate channels corresponding to the video channel output of each of the four selected cameras, 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d. In this way, when an intrusion occurs, the IR detector 12 is activated, the power supply 18 is turned on and the corresponding camera 16 is activated. The camera transmits its identification number and begins to transmit the video images. The CCS 106 recognizes the identity of the camera from the initial transmitted signal and activates one of the VCRs 108 to initiate recording of the video output. The output is displayed by the monitor 110 connected to the corresponding VCR. The VDM 102 rstreates the intrusion. The CCS operator has the option to activate the adjacent cameras (and light projectors, if required) in the system, to obtain a view of the activity along a larger perimeter extension. The addition of the VDM gives the operator an additional tool with which to decide if in fact an intrusion has occurred. The use of a VDM that has four channels, allows the monitoring of up to four cameras simultaneously. Four cameras can be connected to a single interface card and since it is only necessary activate the VDM when an intrusion is indicated when activating the IR detector, any of the four cameras can be inspected at any time. It is not essential to continuously have all cameras activated at any time. In this way, the detection system of intrusion 100 having a command and control system 106 comprising a single video motion detector (VDM) 102 with capacity for up to four video outputs, can successfully maintain surveillance along a security limit. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described above. Rather, the scope of the present invention is defined only by the following claims

Claims

f NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION Having described the present invention, it is considered as a novelty and therefore the property described in the following claims is claimed as property. 1. A system for detecting at least one intruder near an area to be protected, said area having a perimeter, the system comprising: a. a plurality of detection units, each of which includes at least one passive infrared detector having a first 10 is an external d of view towards and directed generally along said perimeter, said plurality of detection units being placed within the area to be protected, creating a detection zone of priority external to said perimeter, to detect said at least one intruder before 15 that said at least one intruder reaches said perimeter; and b. a camera for viewing and recording at least one intruder within a second d of view, said second d of view being wider than said first d of view.
2. A system according to claim 1, 20 characterized in that it also comprises: a. a controller in response to the output of said at least one passive infrared detector, for communication with a central command and control unit when at least one intruder has entered said first d of view, - and b. means of 25 activation to activate said camera.
3. A system according to claim 1 - 2 and characterized in that each of said plurality of detection units further comprises a light projector for illuminating movement within said second d 5 of sight during low light conditions.
4. A system according to claim 3, characterized in that said light projector responds to the activation of said chamber. ímk
5. A system according to any of the 10 previous claims and characterized in that said first d of view is within a range of 10 ° ± 3 °.
6. A system according to any of the preceding claims and characterized in that said The second d of view is wider than said first d of view by an angle within a range of 2 ° -22 °.
7. A system according to any of the previous claims and characterized in that said first d of view of one of the plurality of units 20 detection covers the d of view of the adjacent detection unit. A system according to claim 2 and characterized in that each of said chambers is activated by said central command and control unit. 9. A system according to claim 8 and characterized in that the central control and command unit comprises: a. a command and control system (CCS) coupled to said plurality of controllers; b. a digital communication channel coupled to said command and control system, to control the plurality of said cameras, - c. a plurality of video recorders, each of which is coupled to said CCS, each video recorder recording the output of one of the respective cameras, - and d. a plurality of video monitors, each of which is coupled to said CCS, each monitor displaying the output of one of the respective cameras. A system according to claim 9 and characterized in that said central control and command unit further comprises a video motion detection unit coupled to said CCS. A system according to claim 10 and characterized in that said video movement unit comprises a plurality of channels, each channel coupled to the corresponding video output of one of the respective cameras. 12. A method for detecting at least one intruder before said at least one intruder reaches the perimeter of an area to be protected, the method comprising the steps of: a. placing a plurality of detection units within said area to be protected, each of said plurality of detection units including at least one passive infrared detector f having a first external view d towards and directed generally along said perimeter in a predetermined distance, thus creating the plurality of detection units a priority detection zone external to said perimeter, to detect said at least one intruder, - b. communicate an intrusion to a central command and control unit, - and e. activate a camera to view and record said at least one intruder, said camera having a se >high field of view; said second field of view being wider than said first field of view. 13. A method according to claim 12, characterized in that the step of activating a camera 15 is controlled by said central command and control unit. A method according to any of claims 12-13, characterized in that it further comprises the step of illuminating the movement within said 20 second field of view during low light conditions. 15. A method according to claim 14, characterized in that the illumination responds to the activation of said chamber. 16. A method according to any of claims 12-13 and characterized in that the step of activating a camera when an intruder has entered said first field of view activates the camera of at least one other detection unit. 17. A method according to any of claims 13-16, characterized in that it further comprises the steps of: a. transmitting means for identifying said camera to a central control unit fBt; and b. transmit those registered images to 10 said central control unit. 1
8. A method according to any of claims 12-17 and characterized in that it further comprises the step of displaying said recorded images. 1
9. A method according to any of claims 12-18 and characterized in that it further comprises the step of recognizing said activated chamber. 20. A method according to any of claims 12-19 and characterized in that it further comprises the step of tracking said detected intruder. 21. A method according to any of claims 12-19 and characterized in that it further comprises the step of tracking a plurality of intrusions.