WO1990007170A1

WO1990007170A1 - Security and alarm system

Info

Publication number: WO1990007170A1
Application number: PCT/GB1989/001492
Authority: WO
Inventors: John Donovan
Original assignee: John Donovan
Priority date: 1988-12-13
Filing date: 1989-12-13
Publication date: 1990-06-28
Also published as: CA2005312A1; AU4747090A

Abstract

A security and alarm network system for separate and spaced premises or locations in which each premises or location is linked to each other premises or location by radio signal transmitting and receiving means controlled by a programmed computer adapted to be rendered active by inputting of predetermined code, sensor means in each premises or location being operatively linked to the respective microcomputer and being adapted to be activated by unauthorised intrusion, fire or other aggressive action, and the activated microcomputer being programmed to cause transmission of a radio alarm signal to the microcomputers in the other premises or locations where an audible and/or visual indication is given by the respective microcomputer.

Description

SECURITY AND ALARM SYSTEM

This invention relates to a security and alarm system especially but not exclusively for use in domestic premises.

Burglar or intruder alarm systems are generally electrically operated and comprise one or more detector devices adapted, when actuated by an intruder, to set off a loud alarm bell, siren or similar which can be heard not only in the premises intruded but also for a considerable surrounding distance. Generally, as a result of the loudness of the alarm bell, the intruder escapes before he or she can be apprehended and often the break-in is foiled as a result of the burglar alarm system.

A supplementary or alternative system for protection against burglaries is the well-known "HOME WATCH", scheme where distinctive signs are placed at strategic locations in a neighbourhood and individual houses also carry the distinctive sign. In this scheme groups of neighbours watch for unusual incidents which may involve potential burglars and report such incidents to a coordinator who advises the police who, in turn, investigate the incident.

The present invention makes use of aspects of both the • aforesaid systems.

A major aspect of the present invention is the linking of adjoining or adjacent domestic premises with a security and alarm system which signals in one premises the presence of an intruder in another premises without warning the intruder. As a result, the police can be summoned, without the intruder's knowledge, and the intruder apprehended.

This is effected, according to the present invention, by locating one or more detector devices in one premises, locating alarm means in a second premises, and linking the detector device(s) and alarm means electrically.

The arrangement is such that actuation of a detector device by an intruder sets off the alarm means, without the intruder's knowledge, permitting, as aforesaid, summoning of the police and apprehension of the intruder.

The equipment necessary for operation of the system is at least one detector device, for example a pressure pad, to be fitted at a required location in the premises to be protected, an electrical cable connecting the detector device to an electrical power source, for example electricity mains, in another premises, and, in circuit, with the electric cable and, within the other premises, an alarm, preferably a bell or buzzer.

The detector devices may"^{' "}be in addition to, or instead of pressure pads, presence or movement detectors or any other suitable form of detector device, or combinations of any of these.

The mains electricity supply is preferably reduced, by a transformer, to 12 volt thus rendering the system electrically safe.

The alarm means may in addition to being audible also be visual, for example a lamp, possibly flashing.

The electrical cable is preferably removably plugged into the detector device.

The electrical cable may include an on/off switch which would be located in the premises being protected.

The electrical supply may be battery, a 12 volt battery, for example, or a battery may be provided as a standby in case of electrical power failure.

The system may be wholly portable so that the locations of the detector device and alarm means can be easily and readily exchanged between adjoining or adjacent premises.

The security and alarm system according to the present invention is referred to by the Applicant as "NEIGHBOUR LINK".

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 illustrates a row of houses with adjacent or adjoining houses linked by the security and alarm system;

Fig. 2 is a diagrammatic illustration of the security and alarm system; and ^{^'}

Figs. 3 to 5 are block diagrams of a preferred radio transmission security iand alarm system according to the -present invention.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawings and in particular Fig. 2 there is diagrammatically illustrated two adjacent houses A 'and B.

In house A there is disposed at least one pressure pad 10 although further pressure pads such as 10A maybe fitted.

The pressure pad 10 is linked by an electric cable 11 to the adjacent house B.

The electrical cable is detachably connected to the pressure pad 10 at 12 and the cable incorporates in house A at 13 an on/off switch.

The cable 11 within house B is connected by an electrical plug 14 to the electricity mains.

The cable 11 incorporates a transformer 15 whereby the mains voltage is reduced to twelve volts thus rendering the system electrically safe, especially in house A where the cable 11 may require to be plugged into and out of the pressure pad 10 at 12.

The cable 11 in house B also has connected thereto an audible alarm 16 in the form of a bell or buzzer or similar.

17 indicates a twelve volt battery which may be- used as an alternative to the electricity mains supply or, more likely, as a standby in case there is a failure of electricity supply.

The systems operates in the following manner.

The owner of premises A intends to leave his premises A empty and he asks the owner of premises B to "plug him in".

If an intruder enters premises A and actuates the pressure pad 10 the owner of premises B will become aware of this by the sounding of the bell or buzzer 16. The owner of premises B can then immediately telephone the police who can come and catch the intruder in premises A in the act of burglary.

The system may be a permanent one between premises A and B, in which case there is likely to a reverse system between premises B and A.

The system may of course be wholly portable so that it can be set up to protect either premises A or premises B.

Fig. 1 illustrates a number of houses interlinked by the security and alarm system of the present invention there being indicated at 18 an intruder in premises A with the buzzer or bell 16 sounding in premises B.

As aforesaid, houses operating this linking security and alarm system will have a sticker or similar prominently displayed on a door or window indicating that they are part of the "NEIGHBOUR LINK" scheme and, subject to police and local authority approval, such signs may be placed at strategic intervals on lamps posts and other structures in a particular neighbourhood. The advantages of the system according to the present invention are that the alarm is given away from the intruded premises so that the intruder can more readily be caught; the cost of purchasing, installing, running and maintaining the system is relatively low; and installation of the system is easy and quick.

It is envisaged that there may be circumstances where .it is desired or preferred for the alarm also to sound and/or be visible in the intruded premises.

It will be manifest that even though the system is plugged into a neighbour's domestic electrical supply, no electricity is being used, unless the security and alarm system is activated.

The cable 11 may incorporate a circuit breaking system such that if the intruder became aware of the system and cut the cable 11 this would cause operation of the bell or buzzer 16 in the other premises, i.e. the system is what one might term "fail-safe".

The system made be employed in a single premises with the bell or buzzer 16 being located for example in a bedroom with the pressure pads 10 (10A) in downstairs rooms of the premises.

The system may be adapted to assist elderly persons in that the pressure pad 10 and buzzer 16 may be replaced by intercommunication units, or alternatively the system may be employed in the form described with reference to Fig. 2, pressure pads being provided at strategic locations within premises housing an elderly person so that if there is an accident the elderly person by pressing the pressure pad can warn his or her neighbour.

References herein and in the claims to microcomputer are to be read to include any suitable form of computer or microcomputer.

An alternative and preferred system to the hard wired system described above is a radio communication system which will obviate wiring between properties and across streets.

Reference is made to Figs. 3 to 5.

In each premises to be protected there is installed a main control and signalling unit 20 adapted to detect by appropriate sensors contained in one or more detector sub-units 21 problems such, for example, as intrusion, fire, the presence of smoke or a medical help call.

The detector sub-unit or units 21 is or are located, where appropriate, within the premises.

In Fig. 4 there is shown a detector sub-unit 21 containing a passive detector 22, i.e. an intruder sensor such, for example, as a pressure pad or a movement sensor, a smoke sensor 23 and a personal &larm control 24.

These sensors 22 to' 24 are connected to the main control and signalling unit by hard wire transmission link 25 and/or a radio transmission link 26.

Other alarm systems 27, for example a conventional burglar alarm system, may be operatively coupled to transmission links 25 and/or 26.

The main control and signalling unit 20 comprises a microcomputer 28 with associated control keyboard 29. The transmission links 25 and 26 are respectively connected to the microprocessor 28 via a hard wire entry port 30 and a radio signal receiver 31 which can also receive signals from other control and signalling units 20 disposed in other premises. Thus a radio network is created.

Also connected to the microcomputer 28 is a visual display 32, for example an LED, and an audible alarm 33, for example a buzzer or bell.

The microcomputer 28 is powered from mains electricity supply with a back-up battery supply, both generally indicated at 34.

The microcomputer 28 also has connected thereto a passive (intruder) sensor 35 and is connected to a radio transmitter 36 for signalling to other main control and signalling units 20 in other premises.

These main units 20 are self-contained so that they can be moved to different locations in the premises in which they are installed and are also rendered tamper-proof.

Due to possible radio transmission limitations (maximum

■-^**_.?- *_- -it.'. Λ _- ' transmitting power stipulation) each mam unit 20 may act as a relay station to "pass on" the signal -to locations-beyond the range of the location under attack. This is achieved by a networking arrangement contained in the operational computer program for these main units 20. Networks may overlap, particularly in densely populated, urban area. To ensure non-interference, from area to area, each network will transmit a unique code, within the transmitted data, to be recognised only by the network concerned and not by any near or overlapping network.

The location or premises under attack is identified, on each main unit 20 in the network, by means of a seven segment numerical display for example. In addition jjtfhen a main unit 20 "accepts" (cancels) an alarm the location of the accepting main unit 20 may also be displayed.

Each main unit 20 may be able to create zones of sub units, this will facilitate easy fault, location and also allow protection of only certain areas.

Unauthorised use of the system may be prevented by use of P.I.N. (Personal Identification Numbers) or other codes entered into the microcomputer 28 via the control keyboards 29.

When an intruder entry is made into a protected premises or area thereof the unit sensing that entry, which can be main unit 20 or sub-unit 21, will immediately inform any other main units 20 within transmitting range, via the microcomputer 28 and the transmitter 36.

An authorised person entering a protected premises or area will inform his main unit 20, by entering his PIN or other code into the microcomputer 20 via the control keyboard 29. This action will inform the microcomputer 28 that entry is authorised and the microcomputer 28 will automatically issue a cancellation code. The microcomputer 28, via the transmitter 36, will now inform all other main units 20 within range, and others by the network relay, and the initial entry signal will be seen as authorised and therefore cancelled.

If, after a prearranged delay, the "listening" main units 20 have- not received a cancellation signal they interpret the entry as an unauthorised entry and will immediately raise an alarm via the alarm 33 and will identify the problem main unit 20 via the display 32. ^",

'^* Persons at "listening" main units 20 away from the problem main unit 20, will have been made aware of problem via fhe alarm 33 and the display.32. Anyone at these distinct locations can^' ow accept^'the responsibility to take action with regard to the problem, for example informing^* the police. An entry on the control, keyboard 29 of their , main unit 20 will, via the microcomputer 28 and transmitter 36, inform all main units 20 in the network and will cancel the alarm.

Any main unit 20 in an area, whether armed or not, will act as a relay/pass on station. In summary, therefore, each microcomputer 28 is powered by power supply or, in the event of power failure, battery back-up, both designated at 34.

Information enters the microcomputer 28 via the control keyboard 29. The microcomputer 28 also receives information from sensor 35 or from an external force via the receiver 31 or the hard wire entry port 30.

The microcomputer 28 communicates with other main units 20 of the network via the transmitter 36.

Information is passed to the operators of each main unit 20, visually via the display 32, or audibly via the alarm 33, or both.

To set up the network a number of main units 20, are installed at separate premises or locations and are checked for communication. Each main unit 20 may have connected thereto one or more sub-units 21 and/or other sensing systems 27.

When a premises or location is to be vacated the authorised user will "arm" their main unit 20 by entering their Personal Identification Number (PIN) using the control keyboard 29. Correct entry of the number will be indicated and a delay will be instigated, to allow the protected premises to be vacated. After this delay the main unit 20 is -armed, the main unit 20 protecting its area with any sub units 21 protecting their area.

The signal sent by the armed main unit 20 is passed on, via the network to a number of "listening" main units 20, thus avoiding the problem of an alarm only being sounded in empty premises. Any alarm raised will continue to be raised, via the alarm 33 or the display 32 or both, until it is accepted by an outside "listening" main unit 20 or cancelled on the intruded/affected main unit 20 by the entering on the control keyboard 29 of an authorised PIN.

Claims

1. A security and alarm system for separate premises or locations, the system comprising, in each premises or location, a main control and signalling unit comprising a microcomputer adapted to receive an input signal for an operatively-associated sensor and/or a radio signal receiver and to transmit to one or more other remotely- located main control and signalling units via a radio signal transmitter, the microcomputer being controlled by a predetermined code adapted to be input to the microcomputer by an operator and being programmed to transmit via the radio signal transmitter to the other remotely-located main control and signalling unit or units any sensor input, or to receive via the radio signal receiver any radio signal transmitted from an aforesaid remotely-located main unit and to provide a visual and/or audible indication of such radio signal.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which the microcomputer is provided with a control keyboard for entry of the operator code.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 powered from the electricity mains and provided with a battery back-up.

4. A system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 comprising one or more sub-units of one or more sensors for disposition in preselected area of the premises or location, the or each sub-unit being operatively connected to the main control and signalling unit.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4, in which the or each sub- unit is connected to the main control and signalling unit by a hard wire link and/or a radio transmission/receiver link.

6. A security and alarm network system for separate and spaced premises or locations in which each premises or location is linked to each other premises or location by radio signal transmitting and receiving means controlled by a programmed computer adapted to be

' rendered active by inputting of predetermined code, sensor means in each premises or location being operatively linked to the respective microcomputer and being adapted to be activated by unauthorised intrusion, fire or other aggressive action, and the activated microcomputer being programmed to cause transmission of a radio alarm signal to the microcomputers in the other premises or locations where an audible and/or visual indication is given by the respective microcomputer.

7. A security and alarm network connecting spaced premises or locations by microcomputer-controlled radio links, the microcomputer in each premises or location being adapted to receive input from a sensor within the respective premises or location and to signal the other microcomputers via radio transmission and/or to receive radio alarm signals from one or more other microcomputers and to give an audible/visual indication thereof.

8. A security and safety system connecting adjacent premises or locations comprising detecting or sensing means and alarm means in each premises or location, means electrically connecting the detecting and sensing means of one premises or location with the alarm means of at least one other premises or location, whereby activation of the detecting or sensing means causes operation of the alarm means in one or more other premises or locations.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8, in which the electrical connection is made by cabling or hard wire.

10. A system as claimed in claim 8 or 9 in which the detecting ^• and sensing means comprises one or more selected from pressure pads, movement detectors, smoke detectors, inter alia.

11. A system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 in which the alarm means is audible and/or visual.