WO2010027462A2 - Système de sécurité à alimentation solaire - Google Patents

Système de sécurité à alimentation solaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010027462A2
WO2010027462A2 PCT/US2009/004956 US2009004956W WO2010027462A2 WO 2010027462 A2 WO2010027462 A2 WO 2010027462A2 US 2009004956 W US2009004956 W US 2009004956W WO 2010027462 A2 WO2010027462 A2 WO 2010027462A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
intruder
warning
detection
detection devices
remote
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2009/004956
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2010027462A3 (fr
Inventor
Robert Houston
Original Assignee
Solarbeam Security Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Solarbeam Security Llc filed Critical Solarbeam Security Llc
Priority to CN200980143085.6A priority Critical patent/CN102197416B/zh
Priority to CA2735732A priority patent/CA2735732A1/fr
Priority to AU2009288674A priority patent/AU2009288674A1/en
Publication of WO2010027462A2 publication Critical patent/WO2010027462A2/fr
Publication of WO2010027462A3 publication Critical patent/WO2010027462A3/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/181—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/183—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems by interruption of a radiation beam or barrier
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01M—CATCHING, TRAPPING OR SCARING OF ANIMALS; APPARATUS FOR THE DESTRUCTION OF NOXIOUS ANIMALS OR NOXIOUS PLANTS
    • A01M31/00—Hunting appliances
    • A01M31/002—Detecting animals in a given area
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/009—Signalling of the alarm condition to a substation whose identity is signalled to a central station, e.g. relaying alarm signals in order to extend communication range

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a perimeter monitoring techniques, and more particularly, but not exclusively relates to a solar powered perimeter security system for detecting intruders, among other things.
  • One embodiment of the present invention is a unique solar-powered device.
  • Other embodiments include unique methods, devices, and apparatus involving security systems and/or intruder monitoring towers.
  • security systems and/or intruder monitoring towers are unique methods, devices, and apparatus involving security systems and/or intruder monitoring towers.
  • the applications of such devices is the utilization of a perimeter beam to detect intrusion.
  • the security system employs solar towers for detecting an intruder.
  • the security system includes a receiver/processor communicating with electronic devices in the solar beam towers, the receiver/processor having an antenna, housing, and an indicator.
  • a detection beam is used to detect intruders.
  • the detection beam may be a photo-electric beam, an infrared beam, a laser beam, a microwave beam or a visible light beam, or a combination thereof.
  • the security system employs solar towers for detecting an intruder.
  • the security system includes a receiver/processor communicating with electronic devices in the solar beam towers, the receiver/processor having an antenna, a housing and an indicator.
  • the indicator includes information on the location of an intrusion.
  • Yet another embodiment includes a detection beam to detect intruders.
  • the alarms sent out by the solar powered perimeter beam apparatus may include an audible alarm, a visible alarm, a telephone dialer, a printer or a recording device.
  • a central unit exchanges information between the remote units via two way half-duplex radio device.
  • the beam apparatus can report events and selectively transmit an alarm to the central unit when a new event is detected.
  • the central unit can display a change in status, and may include various indicators and other working components such as LEDs, pushbuttons, and one or more remote unit boards.
  • a solar powered tower in one particular form includes a 20 watt solar panel, a stainless steel solar panel mounting bracket, a swivel clamping bolt, a swivel bracket O- ring, a swivel solar bracket, a solar cap O-ring, a solar cap opening mechanism, a solar base cap, and a stainless steel top plate.
  • the solar tower also includes frame support rods, a frame unit, a six inch frame tower, face shields, a battery clamp, a base unit, and face shield slots.
  • a security system employs multiple beam generators on a tower to generate multiple beams which extend to an adjacent tower.
  • the security system includes a receiver/processor and transmitter for communicating with electronic devices between the perimeter beam towers and a remote processing data collection station or unit.
  • Each tower typically houses a receiver/processor and transmitting device having an antenna, housing, and an indicator. The indicator can provide information about the detected location of an intrusion.
  • a solar panel according to this embodiment may be mounted to the perimeter beam tower to provide local power, eliminating the need to supply power from a remote source.
  • the solar panel is supported by a mounting bracket, a swivel clamping bolt, a swivel bracket O-ring, a swivel solar bracket, a solar cap O-ring, a solar cap opening mechanism, a solar base cap, and a stainless steel top plate.
  • the perimeter beam tower also includes frame support rods, a frame unit, a frame tower, face shields, a base unit, and face shield slots.
  • Another object of the present application is to provide a unique method, device, or apparatus involving a security system and/or intruder monitoring tower.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a security system employing solar towers for emitting a detection beam and a remote central unit, according to the present invention
  • Fig. 2 is an assembly view of a solar tower according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 is a front view illustrating a central unit circuit board, a radio transmission/reception device, a display and a speaker for a security system according to the present invention
  • Fig. 4 is a front view of the central unit circuit board illustrating connections for various working components to be connected to the back side of the central unit circuit board of Fig. 3;
  • Fig. 5 illustrates various LED's and pushbutton control features on the front side of the central unit circuit board;
  • Fig. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the receiver/processor and transmitter unit having a radio transceiver unit, a remote controlled camera and detector;
  • Fig. 7 is a front view of the remote unit board illustrating connections for various working components to be connected to the remote unit board of Fig. 6;
  • Fig. 8 is a split view of two faces on a solar tower beam unit as shown in Fig. 2, and carrying the electronic elements thereon;
  • Fig. 9 is a split view of the solar tower beam unit of Fig. 8 showing the electrical power supply connections therein;
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a display panel for a central unit;
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a security system employing a plurality of perimeter beam towers according to the present invention
  • Fig. 12 is an assembly view of a solar powered perimeter beam tower according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a tower housing base unit with support rods extending from the base unit;
  • Fig. 14 is a partial perspective view of a tower housing base unit, support rods, and frame unit;
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a tower housing frame unit inserted over support rods;
  • Fig. 16 is a perspective view of a top view of the tower frame unit prior to installation;
  • Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a clamping plate being installed upon the frame housing
  • Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a perimeter beam tower during installation, showing a housing frame and opposing face shields;
  • Fig. 19 is a perspective view of a face shield installation (left side) with a base cap positioned over alignment pins;
  • Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a perimeter beam tower showing a face shield installation (right side);
  • Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the top cap being installed upon the perimeter beam tower;
  • Fig. 22 is a bottom view of a solar cap and mechanism of Fig. 21;
  • Fig. 23 is a perspective view of a solar cap, swivel bracket, and solar panel mounted upon the solar base cap of the perimeter beam tower;
  • Fig. 24 is a perspective view of a swivel bracket mounted upon the solar base cap of the perimeter beam tower;
  • Fig. 25 is a breakaway view of the swivel bracket parts used in Fig. 24;
  • Fig. 26 is a perspective view of a complete perimeter beam tower with a solar panel mounted upon the top plate;
  • Figs. 27A, 27B, and 27C are assembled views of a perimeter beam tower;
  • Fig. 28A is a diagram of the perimeter beam tower utilizing a point to point dual detection beam
  • Fig. 28B is a diagram of the perimeter beam tower utilizing a point to point single dual detection beam
  • Fig. 28C is a diagram of the perimeter beam tower utilizing high/low point to point quad detection beams
  • Fig. 28D is a diagram of the perimeter beam tower utilizing multiple detection beams
  • Fig. 29 is a breakaway view of the perimeter beam tower prior to the assembly;
  • Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the perimeter beam tower with one of the face shields removed;
  • Fig. 31 is a top view of another version of the security system employing solar towers according to the present invention;
  • Fig. 32 is a top view of still another version of the security system employing solar towers according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 33 is a top view of still another version of the security system employing solar towers according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 34 is a top view of a version of the security system employing a different type of solar towers.
  • Fig. 35 is a schematic view of a representative tower for the system of Fig. 34.
  • Fig. 36 is a schematic view of a further version of a security system utilizing a break away fiber optic cable detector.
  • Fig. 37 schematically depicts a security system in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 38 schematically depicts a dedicated remote intruder warning device employed in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 37.
  • Fig. 39 schematically depicts a dedicated repeater device in accordance with the embodiment of Fig. 37.
  • Fig. 40 graphically depicts examples of intrusion detection in accordance with yet still another embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a security system 100 employing solar towers 120 for detecting an intruder 28.
  • the security system 100 includes a receiver/processor and transmitter unit 20 communicating with electronic devices in the solar beam towers 120, the receiver/processor and transmitter unit 20 having an antenna 22, housing 24, and an indicator 26.
  • the receiver/processor and transmitter unit 20 may be a single unit (such as a transponder) having an antenna 22, housing 24 and an indicator 26.
  • the receiver unit and processor unit and transmitter unit are separate, each operatively connected to an antenna 22 and an indicator 26.
  • the indicator 26 includes information on the location of an intrusion.
  • a photo-electric detection beam is used to detect intruders; however, an infrared beam, a laser beam, a microwave beam, a visible light beam, microphonic (acoustic detection) cables, ultrasound waves, radar waves, or any combination of detection beams may be used. In water applications, the detection beam may be sonar waves.
  • the alarms sent out by the solar powered perimeter beam apparatus 10 comprise at least one of: an audible alarm, a visual alarm, a telephone dialer, a printer, a recording device, and a satellite uplink.
  • the central (radio) unit of the present invention can exchange information between the remote units via a two way half-duplex radio.
  • the solar powered perimeter beam apparatus 10 according to the present invention is a radio data reporting system, which reports events and transmits an alarm when the detection beam is breached. The detection alarm is transmitted to the central unit when a new event is detected, and it is displayed there.
  • the security system 100 is a supervised-wireless perimeter security detection system for outdoor applications. The security system 100 provides easy deployment and installation.
  • the security system 100 includes a plurality of solar towers 120, each having beam devices 132 comprising a detection beam generator 130 for generating the detection beams B which extend between adjacent solar towers 120, and a master control receiver 140 which is a radio communication system corresponding to the receiver/processor and transmitter 20 of Fig. 1, and is alternatively designated processing unit 141.
  • the towers 120 are arranged to define intrusion detection zones Z between each pair, and collectively provide a security perimeter P, which can also be regarded as an intrusion detection zone or area.
  • Fig. 2 is an assembly view of one of the solar towers 120.
  • the security system 100 of Fig. 2 includes a 20 watt solar panel 30, a stainless steel solar mounting bracket 32, a swivel clamping bolt 34, a swivel bracket O-ring 36, a swivel solar bracket 37, a solar cap O-ring 38, a solar cap opening mechanism 40, a solar base cap 42, and a stainless steel top plate 44.
  • the security system 100 also includes frame support rods 46, a frame unit 47 (shown in Figs. 4 and 5), a six inch frame tower 48, face shields 49 (shown in Fig. 9), a battery clamp 50, a base unit 52, and face shield slots 58 (shown in Fig. 6).
  • the stainless steel solar mounting bracket 32 is mounted to the top of the swivel solar bracket 37, and the power cable from the solar array (not shown) passes through the center of the metal plate into the top of the swivel solar bracket 37.
  • the swivel solar bracket 37 is preferably a two-piece polycarbon swivel bracket that clamps together to allow the solar array panel to be positioned at different angles for viewing the sun.
  • the top piece thereof attaches to the solar mounting bracket 37, and the bottom piece will be inserted inside the swivel solar bracket 37, and the bottom piece will be inserted inside the swivel solar bracket 37 and through the top portion of the solar base cap 42.
  • the solar base cap 42 and the solar cap opening mechanism 40 (located inside the housing of the cap 42) permits access into the tower 120.
  • a special key may be used, for example, to raise and lower the solar cap 42, using a drill or a screw-type shaft positioned in the center of the solar cap 42.
  • Four alignment pegs 81 allow the solar cap 42 to move freely up and down.
  • a recessed opening in the solar cap 42 allows the swivel solar bracket 37 to be inserted along with a power wire.
  • Bolts are used to clamp together the top plate 44, the two frame rods 46, and the frame unit 47.
  • the frame unit 47 has a six foot main body which slides over the frame support rods 46 and attaches to the base unit 52.
  • the clamping plate (stainless steel top plate 44) bolts to the support rods 46, giving all three components the strength needed.
  • Open channels inside the solar tower 120 frame allow for the wiring of the equipment (not shown) to be installed inside the solar tower 120 frame.
  • the base unit 52 is preferably an oval-shaped polycarbonate member which is about eight inches wide, twelve inches long, and two inches high.
  • the base unit 52 is used to secure the main solar tower 120 frame to the ground.
  • the base unit 52 bolts to the support rods 46 to clamp the solar tower 120 frame unit together.
  • the base units 52 of the towers 120 are not secured to the ground.
  • Base units 52 in this version, are provided with means by which the towers may be moved from one position to another as desired to define the desired intruder detection area.
  • the intruder detection area is fully defined by the detection beams extending between the towers.
  • the intruder detection area is in the shape of a triangle with a tower at each of the base angles and the apex angle of the triangle. See Fig. 31, for example.
  • at least one of the towers is movable as desired.
  • two of the towers are movable with one of them being fixed.
  • all three towers are movable, and in still another version, two of the towers are fixed and one of the towers is movable.
  • the detection beam generators 130 and detection beam detectors 132 of adjacent towers are precisely aimed at each other such that the perimeter of the triangular secured area is totally defined by the detection beams extending between adjacent towers and the movement of any one tower will cause a change in the angles defined by the detection beams extending between all three towers and one or more of the detection beams will not be appropriately received by a detection beam detector and the alarm will sound as if an intruder had passed through one of the detection beams and interrupted the perimeter defined by the detection beams.
  • Each of the secured intruder detection areas in this version is a combination of a multi-sided geometrical area defined by straight lines.
  • Each of said areas consists of a plurality of contiguous triangular areas with a tower at each base angle and apex angle.
  • Each of said detection areas thus has a tower at each angle of each triangular portion thereof.
  • Each of said towers has a plurality of receivers, processors, and transmitters.
  • some of the towers may serve more than one of the plurality of continuous triangular areas so as to be located at the angles of several of the plurality of contiguous triangular areas of the multi-sided geometrical area defined by the detection beams extending between the towers.
  • Each of these towers would serve more than one triangular area and be provided with more than two receivers, processors and transmitters.
  • a pentagonal geometrically shaped intruder detection area there may be six or more spaced perimeter towers in a circular configuration between which detection beams extend with a central tower equally spaced from all of the perimeter towers which receive and send the detection beam back to each of the perimeter towers.
  • the central tower serves all of the different triangular detection areas that make up the pentagonal intruder detection area.
  • the central tower would have multiple detection beam generators and multiple detection beam detectors whereas each of the perimeter towers would have either one detector and two generators or two detectors and one generator as the case may be. See Fig. 33, for example.
  • the intruder detection area may define a geometrical area that is a parallelogram.
  • Each of the parallelogram areas may be defined by two contiguous triangles or four contiguous triangles depending upon whether or not a detection beam is extended between one pair of opposite towers or both pair of opposite towers.
  • Parallelogram areas may be defined by multiple contiguous triangular areas as illustrated in Fig. 30.
  • the detection equipment such as beam generators and the beam detectors
  • the detection equipment can be aimed separately so as to send and receive the detection beam as desired.
  • Each detection beam has a central axis which is positioned in the center of each generator and each detector and a cross-sectional area which is superimposed on the detector areas before the detection beam generators and detectors are fixed in each tower. Once fixed, any attempt to move the tower or to change the directional setting between the detection beam generators and detection beam detectors will set off the alarm.
  • the security system 100 also includes the face shields 49 (shown in Fig. 9), which are also preferably made of polycarbon plastic, and are U-shaped (i.e., shaped in a half- oval pattern). Each piece is about 5 1 A inches wide and six feet high.
  • the face shields 49 are inserted into the base unit 52 first. Then, the face shields 49 are inserted into channels in the frame unit 47.
  • the frame support rods 46 are preferably aluminum poles six feet high and 3 A inches in diameter. At each end of the rods 46 are welded-on nuts that bolt the base plate (base unit 52), the frame unit 47, and the clamping plate 44. Fig.
  • FIG. 3 is a further view of receiver 140 having a central unit circuit board 310, a radio transmission/reception device 320, a display 312, and a speaker 314 used to sound an alarm. (See Fig. 10 also).
  • the radio transmission/reception device 320 is preferably an FM RTX radio.
  • the security system as a whole includes at least two half-duplex two-way radios. This type of half-duplex system substantially prevents sabotage and detects intentional radio jamming.
  • the central unit circuit board 310 includes a CPU which communicates with the display 312 to indicate time, actions, and status of remotes (digital alarms and analog signals, battery voltage and board temperature).
  • This central unit circuit board 310 has sufficient memory to provide capability of storing events and printing them on an external standard printer (See printers 22a of Fig. 1, for example).
  • an external standard printer See printers 22a of Fig. 1, for example.
  • VHF or UHF radios are used to provide a 1-5 mile transmission range with 2 or 5 Watt transmission power levels, and/or a short range radio is used such as that provided by INOVONICS, which operates with about a 900 MHz carrier and has a range of 1500-5000 feet.
  • a different radio and/or wireless communication arrangement can be utilized.
  • Fig. 4 is a perspective view of working components mounted on the circuit board 310 of Fig. 3.
  • the central unit circuit board 310 of Fig. 4 includes a programming socket 331, a speaker output connection 332, and an alarm relay output connection 333.
  • the central unit circuit board 310 also includes a clock battery 334, a 12 volt DC battery 335, a display contrast control 336, and a display/printer output port 337.
  • the central unit circuit board 310 further includes a connector for an FM radio 338, a connector for a CPM-016-FM radio 339, a connector for a CPM-016-AM radio 340 (which is a connection for a standard ON-OFF-keying half-duplex radio), and a supply/charger connection 341 which is preferably made for connection to a source of voltage in the range of 14.5 volts DC to 18 volts DC and which is switchable to put the unit ON-OFF.
  • the programming socket 331 is used to program the central unit circuit board 310 by an external PC 200. (See Fig. 1, for example).
  • Fig. 5 illustrates the central unit LED's and pushbuttons on the central unit circuit board 310.
  • the central unit circuit board 310 includes an "ON” LED 362 which is lit when the battery and/or power supply is present on board, a "CLOCK” LED 364 (flashing at one pulse per second, indicating that the CPU is working), and an alarm memory LED 366 which is "ON" when an alarm has been detected and not yet reset.
  • the central unit circuit board 310 of Fig. 5 also shows a fault memory LED 368 which is "ON" when a telemetry fault has been detected and is not yet reset, and a reset button 369 which can be pushed to test the whole system after an alarm or fault detection, in which a polling cycle will be executed to all remotes.
  • the central unit circuit board 310 includes a clock/up button 370 and a set clock button 371.
  • buttons 370 and 371 are preferably used in combination to set a time, or change a time. Such operations, in many variations, are well known and are therefore not described further herein. It would be within the ambit of one having skill in the digital clock setting and control arts to configure, design, and/or make such a clock setting arrangement.
  • Fig. 6 illustrates a remote unit board 600 and associated devices. Specifically, Fig. 6 shows an Rtx radio 630, a remote controlled camera 610, and a radiation detector 620.
  • the remote unit board 600 is preferably a CPU equipped PC board having 12 volt DC operation, a solar panel/charger circuit, three different radio interfaces, a temperature sensor, a battery voltage sensor, four analog input channels (two of which are for temperature and battery voltage), a settable threshold for the four channel analog IN to generate an alarm, an eight digital alarm in - optical decoupled - normally low, a bi- directional polling and/or simple one-way only transmission (using dip switch settings), dip switch time settable telemetry transmission in the "only TX" equipped systems, a local check up capability to test the radio reception, and remote unit identification by dip switch settings.
  • At least two of the digital inputs are utilized to indicate corresponding diagnostic remote alarm conditions: (1) mechanical tampering or damage of the tower as indicated by a reed switch sensor, shock sensor, or the like and (2) fog presence, which may be detected as a function of humidity, temperature, and atmospheric pressure and/or with a corresponding sensor.
  • analog inputs corresponding to temperature, battery voltage and/or current, and solar panel voltage and/or current can be utilized to ascertain power availability and detect/report suspected failures or related problems. Accordingly, in addition to intruder information, tower tampering, tower damage, tower malfunction, and various tower environmental conditions can be advantageously reported by wireless communication techniques to the central station as part of the standard operation of the system.
  • Fig. 7 illustrates a connection of the remote unit board 600 of Fig. 6.
  • the remote unit board 600 includes a relay out 650 for contacts out for a remote command from the central unit 310 (to switch ON-OFF a radio, camera, flashlight, etc.), a connection for an ID number 652, a connection for a CPM-AM radio 654, a connection for a CPM-FM radio 656, a connection for an FCC FM radio 658, a reset button/switch 660, and a connection 662 for receiving/transmitting a setting and a transmission time.
  • the remote unit board 600 also includes a digital and analog "in” connection 664, a charger/solar panel power "in” connection 670, and a 12 volt DC battery “in” connection 672.
  • connection 664 it is possible to connect with eight digital alarm inputs and two analog inputs (0.25 volt DC ground ref., 01. volt DC res.). To generate an alarm, the digital input must be between 5 and 18 volts DC, at 1OmA.
  • Fig. 8 is an elevational view of a complete solar tower beam unit as in Fig. 2, and carrying the electronic elements thereon of Figs. 3-7.
  • Fig. 8 depicts a dual beam system.
  • tower 120 includes detection equipment 134.
  • detection equipment 134 includes two beam generators 130 and two corresponding beam detectors 132.
  • electric power source 630 that includes an electrical energy storage device 640 in the form of a battery 641 of electrochemical cells.
  • a guard beam form of tower 120 is illustrated; where like reference numerals refer to like features.
  • Fig. 9 further schematically depicts solar panel 30 with solar-to-electric energy converters 31.
  • Source 630 is illustrated as being inclusive of panel 30 and charge/storage circuitry 642 which is coupled between panel 30 and device 640 to provide for the storage of electrical energy in device 640 from panel 30.
  • Electric power consuming devices of power 120 are powered by source 630 as described throughout the present application.
  • the solar power security system 100 is a supervised, wireless perimeter security detection system for outdoor application, featuring easy deployment and installation. Individual solar towers 120 are custom designed to cover the area to be protected, including the features and options selected. Upon receipt, the solar towers 120 are bolted to their respective concrete base unit 52, the beam devices 130 are aligned, and the master control receiver 140 is plugged into a suitable electrical outlet.
  • the master control receiver 140 also designated processing unit 141
  • display panel 312 are installed in a guardhouse or central monitoring location.
  • a perimeter light and voice annunciation system will disclose the exact zone and location of any alarm signal received.
  • Red and yellow LED lights located around the display panel will show all activity from the solar beam towers 120. The red light indicates an alarm condition and the yellow light represents the zone(s) bypassed.
  • An RS 232 connection port is provided for remote video camera signals.
  • Fig. 10 illustrates a control panel/display form of processing unit 141; where like reference numerals represent like features.
  • the central station operator can input a "bypass schedule" that designates certain areas to be bypassed (not monitored) with the system during certain time periods on a recurring or nonrecurring basis. For example, it may be desirable to monitor a given entranceway only at night and/or to monitor a swimming pool only during hours when access is intended to be prohibited.
  • the master control receiver 140 will have the ability to send and receive information by duplex transmission, and provide a complete status of the perimeter security system 100.
  • Bypass buttons and other sounding devices will be installed in the system's display panel 312. All ancillary functions, such as low battery, signal loss, and alarm signals from any tower 120 will also be visible on the display panel 312.
  • the receiver 20 can interface with a standard PC computer 200 and software.
  • Computer 200 also includes a display.
  • the receiver 20 works much like the remote transmitters 320 located in the solar towers 120.
  • the receiver 20 uses a standard FCC approved transmitter 320, which is connected to an encoder printed circuit board 310.
  • the encoder board receives dialog from the beam tower 120 transmitter and gives the necessary information output to the display panel 312 and/or computer 200.
  • towers communicate with the central station over a secure, encrypted wireless data communication network instead of a radio of the type indicated, such as a wireless computer network corresponding to the IEEE 802.11 standard.
  • This form of communication can be used to communicate with any number of compatible network-interfaced devices such as a printer or wireless bridge to the internet.
  • communications from security towers and/or the central station to remote computers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs), laptops, multifunction digital communication devices and the like can be provided.
  • the transmitter 320 is preferably a 3 to 5 mile, 5 watt radio transmitter.
  • a decoder is preferably attached to the transmitter via RS 232 cable.
  • the decoder receives dialog from the beam detection unit, which is preferably a Pulnix BPIN200HF, and transmits this information to the receiver.
  • Both transmitter and receiver communicate in duplex mode between the tower(s) and the master control. This allows the control panel to send a signal to the transmitter to verify its status, or to activate the remote camera, check voltage on batteries, or turn on a microphone/speaker module to hear and talk, if needed.
  • the remote control camera 610 plugs into the existing transmitter, and when actuated, will photograph the activity or violation, and transmit the digital image via the radio transmitter 320.
  • the control receiver 140 located at the guardhouse will receive several photos for printing and documentation. Both still photographs and video transmission are to be considered within the scope of this disclosure.
  • a telemetry radio signal is transmitted to the command or master control receiver 140, designating the exact zone or location of the alarm.
  • the command receiver 140 is designed to notify security personnel via voice and zone display, beeper, hand-held radio or to a 24 hour central station.
  • the photoelectric beam is preferably a point-to-point multi-level quad beam (four path), having a range of up to 600 feet to 800 feet from tower 120 to tower 120. In this arrangement, all four beam paths must be broken simultaneously to activate an alarm.
  • a microwave unit may be used typically in a more controlled area, such as prisons or high security level applications.
  • the microwave unit offers total perimeter coverage, but usually for a range of from 15 feet to 150 feet from tower to tower.
  • an ultrasound beam unit may be used in the controlled area.
  • the ultrasound unit is very similar to the microwave unit.
  • a radar beam unit may be used.
  • the radar unit would allow for sensing ground level intruders as well as air intruders.
  • a sonar unit could be used in place of the radar unit and could be used to sense underwater intruders.
  • sonar sensing can be used in a swimming pool and wirelessly reported through one or more of the remote towers to indicate if anyone or anything is unexpectedly in the pool.
  • sonar can be used to monitor a lake, stream, or pond to determine is there is an undesired presence in such body of water.
  • microphonic cables may be buried underground to detect vibrations or other acoustic disturbances indicative of intrusion.
  • the cables extend between at least two solar towers 120.
  • the cables sense pressure from an intruder's weight.
  • One such cable is schematically illustrated in Fig. 28A as designed by reference numeral 135.
  • the radio communication 320 system can be of several types of systems, depending on the application or range needed.
  • One such system is a short range radio with a range of approximately 1,500 feet from tower to receiver.
  • Another system is a long range transmitter, having a range of up to 5 miles.
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view illustrating a security system 100a employing a plurality of perimeter beam towers 120, for detecting an intruder 28; where like reference numerals refer to like features.
  • the security system 100a includes a receiver/processor and transmitter 20 communicating with electronic devices in a remote central processing unit 140a.
  • the receiver/processor and transmitter 20 each have an antenna 22, housing 24, and an indicator 26.
  • the indicator 26 includes information on the location of an intrusion.
  • multiple detection beams are used to detect intruders 28.
  • the multiple detection beams may include an infrared beam, a laser beam, a microwave beam, a visible light beam, microphonic cables, ultrasound waves, radar waves, or any combination of detection beams may be used.
  • the detection beam may be sonar waves.
  • the security system 100a is a supervised-wireless perimeter security detection system for outdoor applications.
  • the security system 100a provides easy deployment and installation.
  • the perimeter beam towers 120 may be solar powered, or remotely powered where a suitable source of electrical power is available.
  • the security system 100a includes a plurality of perimeter beam towers 120, and at least one detection beam generator for generating multiple detection beams 56.
  • the detection beams 56 extend between adjacent towers 120 and a breach in the detection beams 56 signals an alarm.
  • a remote control master receiver is preferably used to communicate between perimeter beam towers 120.
  • the remote control master receiver is preferably a radio communication system corresponding to the receiver/processor 20 of Fig. 11.
  • the perimeter beam tower 120 housing 24, described below, is preferably constructed of a polycarbon composite fiber material. However, other suitable plastic or fiberglass materials are also contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
  • Fig. 12 is an exploded assembly view of perimeter beam tower 120a powered by a solar panel 30; where like reference numerals refer to like features.
  • Tower 120a can be used interchangeable with tower 120 as previously described.
  • Tower 120a of Fig. 12 includes a solar panel 30, which is preferably a 20 watt solar panel 30.
  • a solar mounting bracket 32 which is preferably made of stainless steel, or other corrosion resistant materials, is used to secure the solar panel 30 to the upper portion 3 Ia of a swivel clamp
  • the upper portion 31a of the swivel clamp 34 is adjustably secured to a lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34.
  • the upper portion 31a and lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34 are adjustably secured together with a suitable fastening means, such as a bolt
  • a swivel O-ring 36 is positioned between the upper portion 31 and the lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34.
  • the swivel clamp 34 allows the solar panel 30 to be positioned at different angles to better align the solar panel with the sun.
  • the perimeter beam tower may alternately be powered from a remote power supply source, such as 12 volt, 120 volt, or 240 volt electrical power.
  • the lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34 extends through a solar cap O-ring 38 into a swivel aperture 39 in the solar base cap 42.
  • the solar base cap 42 is mounted upon a top plate 44.
  • the solar base cap 42 has at least two alignment pins 81, and preferably four alignment pins 81, which are received in pin apertures 82 located in the top plate 44.
  • the alignment pins 81 allow the solar cap 42 to move freely up and down.
  • a solar cap 42 opening mechanism 40 provides access into the housing 24.
  • a power cable 60 extends from the solar panel 30 through the swivel clamp 34 and solar base cap 42, into the housing 24.
  • At least two support rods 46 are secured to the base unit 52, and extend up to the top plate 44.
  • the support rods 46 are from 5 feet high to 12 feet high, and are preferably from 6 feet to 8 feet high.
  • the support rods 46 are preferably aluminum rods.
  • the frame unit 47 slides over the support rods 46, where the frame unit 47 is secured to the base unit
  • the frame unit 47 is preferably of a height similar to the height of the support rods 46.
  • Opposing face shields 49 are preferably shaped in a half oval configuration, similar to a U-shaped design.
  • the face shields 49 are preferably made of a polycarbon plastic material.
  • the face shields 49 are preferably of a height similar to the height of the support rods 46.
  • the face shields 49 are inserted into the face shield slots 58 located on the frame unit 47.
  • a suitable fastening means 54 secures the top plate 44 and the frame unit 47 to the support rods 46.
  • the base unit 52 is preferably an oval shaped polycarbon molded unit, which is secured to the ground, or to a suitable foundation, such as a concrete footing (not shown) or is provided with means allowing movement of said towers when used to define a triangular intruder detections area as above described.
  • the means can be at least three supports chosen from the group of supports including wheels, feet, rollers, skids and combinations thereof.
  • a stainless steel solar mounting bracket 32 is mounted to the top of the swivel solar bracket 37.
  • a solar array panel is mounted upon the solar mounting bracket 32.
  • a power cable 62 from the solar array panel 30 passes through the center of the solar mounting bracket 32 into the top of the swivel solar bracket 37.
  • the swivel solar bracket 37 is preferably a two-piece polycarbon swivel bracket 37 that clamps together to allow the solar array panel 30 to be positioned at different angles for optimal alignment with the sun.
  • the upper portion 31a of the swivel clamp 34 attaches to the solar mounting bracket 37, and the lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34 is inserted inside the swivel aperture 39 in the top portion of the solar base cap 42.
  • the solar base cap 42 and the solar cap opening mechanism 40 (located inside the housing of the cap 42) permits access into the tower 120a.
  • a special key 45 may be used, for example, to raise and lower the solar cap 42, using a drill or a screw-type shaft positioned in the center of the cap unit.
  • Four alignment pegs 81 allow the solar cap 42 to move freely up and down.
  • a recessed opening in the solar cap 42 allows the swivel solar bracket 37 to be inserted along with a power wire.
  • a suitable top plate fastening means 51 is used to clamp together the clamping plate 44, the support rods 46, and the frame unit 47.
  • the frame unit 47 has a main body which slides over the frame support rods 46 and attaches to the base unit 52 with a base unit fastening means 51.
  • the clamping plate bolts to the support rods 46, giving all three components the strength needed.
  • Open channels 41 inside the frame unit 47 allow for the power cable 60 wiring to be installed.
  • An optional battery clamp 50 may be secured to the frame unit 47 to support one or more batteries 53 within the frame unit 47.
  • the base unit 52 is preferably an oval-shaped polycarbon member which is about 8 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 2 inches high.
  • the base unit 52 is secured with base unit fastening means 54 to the support rods 46 to clamp the frame unit 47 together.
  • Each face shield 49 is from 4 to 8 inches wide and substantially the height of the frame support rods 46.
  • the face shields 49 are inserted into the base unit 52 first. Then, the face shields 49 are inserted into channels provided in the frame unit 47.
  • Fig. 13 is an elevational view of the frame support rods 46 secured into the base unit 52.
  • Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the support rods 46 and the frame unit 47 secured to the base unit 52.
  • Fig. 15 is a perspective view of a beam housing frame unit 47 being installed over the support rods 46.
  • Fig. 16 is a top view in perspective of the frame unit 47 having face shield slots 58 and open channels 41 extending the length of the frame unit 47.
  • Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the beam housing clamping plate 44 being installed on top of the frame unit 47.
  • Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the beam housing frame 47 with opposing face shields 49 prior to installation in the face shield slots 58.
  • Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the face shield installation process showing the face shield 49 on the right side installed, and the face shield 49 on the left side being installed.
  • Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the face shield installation process of the face shield 49 on the right side of the figure. This view also shows the solar cap opening mechanism 40 atop the beam housing frame 47.
  • Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the solar base cap 42 and the swivel bracket O-ring
  • a plurality of alignment pins 81 aid in securing the solar base cap 42 to the top of the beam housing frame 47.
  • Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the solar cap opening mechanism 40 and the solar base cap 42, as seen from the underside thereof, showing the solar cap opening mechanism 40.
  • Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the solar panel 30 and solar mounting bracket 32, with the upper portion 31a of the swivel clamp 34 secured to the solar mounting bracket, and the lower portion of the swivel clamp 34 secured to the solar base cap 42. Where a solar panel 30 is not used, the top plate 44 may support a street light 62.
  • Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the swivel clamp 34 adjustably secured together with a fastening means 35.
  • a swivel O-ring 36 is positioned between the upper portion 31a and the lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34.
  • a solar cap O-ring 38 is positioned between the lower portion 33 of the swivel clamp 34 and the swivel aperture 39 in the solar base cap 42.
  • Fig. 25 is an exploded view of a swivel clamp 34 showing the upper portion 31a, the lower portion 33 and the swivel O-ring 36 shown assembled in Fig. 24.
  • Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the assembled solar tower beam unit 120 with the solar panel 30 installed.
  • Fig. 27A, Fig. 27B, and Fig. 27C are selective views of various forms of the perimeter beam tower with the face shields 49 removed, showing various electronic equipment mounted upon the frame unit 47; where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described.
  • the forms in Figs. 27B and 27C include an electrical power cable 60 that may be used in additional or as an alternative to solar panel sourced power.
  • Fig. 28A is a diagram showing a dual detector beam 56 extending between adjacent perimeter beam towers 120, with an acoustic (microphonic) detection cable 135.
  • Fig. 28B is a diagram showing a dual detector beam 56 extending between adjacent perimeter beam towers 120.
  • Fig. 28C is a diagram showing two dual detector beams 56 (collectively quad beams) extending between adjacent perimeter beam towers 120.
  • Fig. 28D is a diagram showing multiple detector beams 56 extending between adjacent perimeter beam towers 120.
  • Fig. 29 is a breakaway view of the perimeter beam tower 120, with a solar panel
  • Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the perimeter beam tower 120 with a solar panel 30 attached, and quad beam arrangement provided by detection equipment 134.
  • Fig. 34 is a top view illustrating a security system 100' employing solar towers 121 for detecting an intruder; where like reference numerals refer to like features previously described. Towers 121 are configured like towers 120 previously described with further details concerning certain optional modes of communication.
  • the security system 101 includes a remote processing unit 1000 communicating with electronic devices in the solar beam towers 121. Remote unit 1000 is similar to receiver/processor and transmitter unit 20 of system 100. Remote unit 1000 is configured to send and receive signals from solar beam towers 120.
  • Tower 121 includes electric power source 630 with solar panel 30, charging circuitry 642 and electric energy storage device 640 previously described.
  • source 630 of each tower 121 can include a different type of electric power source, such as a generator powered by an internal combustion engine, a wind turbine, or hydraulic flow, fuel cell, and/or a connection to a public electric power grid or the like.
  • Tower 121 further includes a wireless communication unit 1112.
  • Communication unit 1112 includes a receiver (RXR) 1114, a transmitter (TXR) 1116, and a processor 1118 to controlled two- way (bidirectional) wireless communications and associated signal processing as previously described in connection with board 600 previously described.
  • tower 121 is arranged to optionally operate processor 1118 in concert with RXR 1114 and TXR 1116 to logically define a wireless communication signal repeater as represented by reference numeral 1004.
  • Repeater 1004 detects wireless communication signals with the corresponding RXR 1114 that emanate from other recognized transmitting sources, such as other towers 121, and repeats these signals with the corresponding TXR 1116. These repeated signals can be detected by further receiving devices of different towers 121 and/or unit 1000. Accordingly, repeater 1004 facilitates relaying a signal from one tower 121 to the next and/or to/from unit 1000 either directly or by way of repeater 1004 of one or more other towers.
  • Such aspects of towers 121 can be desirable when one or more of the towers 121 is out of communication range of unit 1000 and/or one or more other of towers 121.
  • Tower 121 also includes detection equipment 134 as previously described, including one or more beam generators 130 and one or more beam detectors 132; however, other types of detection equipment previously described can be alternatively or additionally employed. Likewise, tower 121 can optionally include some or all of the other features of the previously described tower 120, such as a remote camera, alarm, indicator, and the like (See Figs. 6-9, for instance).
  • remote unit 1000 has a maximum communication range schematically represented by the range circle RR Towers 121 each have a corresponding limited communication range.
  • the illustrated towers 121 and corresponding communication ranges are individually designated as tower Tl, T2, T3, T4, T5, and T6 and range RTl, RT2, RT3, RT4, RT5, and RT6; respectively.
  • Tower communication ranges are collectively designated ranges RT.
  • Towers 121 are spaced apart from one another to define a number of connected detection zones/segments along a geographic border B that can be used to monitor border crossing.
  • a different type of open perimeter can be defined with towers 121 for security monitoring or otherwise, and/or a closed perimeter arrangement can be provided as defined in previous embodiments (Figs. 1, 11, 31-33, for instance).
  • solar beam towers 120 are all located outside of the maximum communication range RR except for tower Tl, which has range RTl overlapping range RR of unit 1000.
  • each of communication ranges RT overlaps at least on other of communication ranges RT. More specifically, ranges RTl, RT2, and RT3 each overlap the others; range RT3 also overlaps range RT4, and range RT5 overlaps ranges RT4 and RT6. In other embodiments, more or fewer towers 121 and/or overlapping communication ranges RT could be utilized.
  • an intrusion involving the crossing of border B is detected by one or more towers 121, such as tower T6. Because tower T6 is outside of the communication range RR, it cannot directly communicate the intrusion to unit 1000. Instead, repeater 1004 of each tower 120 is used to relay a corresponding signal to unit 1000 through a sequence of towers 120, such as towers T5, T4, T3, and Tl and/or T5, T4, T3, T2 and Tl . Intrusion detection by a different tower T2-T5 would likewise be out of range RR, but can be reported by relayed signaling through intervening repeaters 1004. It should be understood that commands from unit 1000 can be relayed to a tower 121 outside of ranged RR by repeater(s) 1004.
  • towers 121 can be deployed relative to ranges RT to assure that several are each within range of a given tower 121 to reduce the chance of communication disruption from a single point tower failure.
  • the overlap of ranges RTl, RT2, and RT3 provide a representative example of the kind of communication range overlap that could be extended to all other towers 121 in this alternative embodiment.
  • one or more repeaters could be utilized that are not associated with other functions/structures of the tower 121, solar powered or otherwise.
  • a mixture of different tower types some with and some without repeaters 1004 could be utilized, that also may be arranged with dedicated, "non-tower" repeaters.
  • Fig. 34 illustrates an Earth-orbiting communication satellite 1005 that is in wireless communication with unit 1000 and at least some of towers 121, such as those outside of communication range RR. Satellite 1005 could be used to relay signals between different towers 121 and/or directly between a given tower 121 and unit 1000. Further, satellite relaying of signals could be used in lieu of or in addition to the ground-based repeaters, such as repeaters 1004 of towers 121. While shown in connection with system 101, it should be appreciated that in other embodiments, satellite 1005 and communications otherwise, are absent.
  • Fig. 36 refers to another embodiment of the present invention in which a monitoring system 2000 includes solar tower 2005 that is used to monitor watercraft, outboard boat engines, and/or other vehicle or mobile device/structure 2010 resting at a designated location DL via a fiber optic detection method.
  • Tower 2005 includes a wireless transmitter 2012 and solar power 2014 along the lines discussed for other towers previously.
  • Tower 2005 also includes a detection arrangement 2020 with a sensor 2022 that can detect whether an a separation along an optical pathway OP has occurred through a correspondingly attached fiber optic cable 2024.
  • Fiber optic cable 2024 is wrapped around and/or placed through one or more apertures 2030 defined by device 2010 and includes a number of serially interconnected fiber optic couplers 2026.
  • couplers 2026 are easily pulled apart - separated - when trying to remove the device 2010.
  • the cable 2024 is connected at both ends to tower 2000 to define the pathway OP. Accordingly, if there is an attempt to remove the protected/monitored device (boat, engine, jet ski, engine , or the like) from the designated location DL, the movement pulls apart one or more of the couplers 2026 and breaks the optic pathway OP of the corresponding fiber optic cable loop. This breakage is sensed by sensor 2022, which triggers an alarm/intrusion condition and the tower communicates corresponding information with transmitter 2012 to a central station, such as a guard house, harbor master, and/or other destination using previously described techniques.
  • System 2000 may or may not be used with other intruder monitoring techniques previously described and/or may not be solar powered in other embodiments.
  • FIG. 37 depicts security system 3000 of one further embodiment of the present invention.
  • Security system 3000 includes a plurality of solar tower detection devices 3200, a plurality of dedicated remote intruder warning devices 3400, a plurality of dedicated repeater devices 3600 and a remote central processing unit 3800.
  • FIG. 37 various exemplary features, components and interrelationships therebetween are depicted.
  • the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiment of FIG. 37 and such components, features and interrelationships as are illustrated in FIG. 37 and described herein.
  • Tower detection devices 3200 are structured similar to the previously described towers 121, depicted schematically in FIG. 35. Like towers 121, each tower detection device 3200 includes electric power source 630 with solar panel 30, charging circuitry 642 and storage device 640.
  • Charging circuitry 642 is coupled to solar panel 30 and storage device 640 for providing power to tower detection device 3200.
  • each tower detection device 3200 also includes wireless communication unit 1112 coupled to charging circuitry 642, including repeater 1004, receiver (RXR) 1114, transmitter (TXR) 1116 and processor 1118, and is structured to send signals corresponding to intrusion detection.
  • Each tower detection device 3200 also includes respective detection equipment to define an intrusion detection zone Z between each different pair of the tower detection devices 3200, which are specifically designated in the depicted example of FIG. 37 as detection zones Zl -Z8.
  • the detection equipment employed in the present embodiment is the previously described detection equipment 134 of towers 121, and is coupled to and powered by electric power source 630.
  • Each tower detection device 3200 includes a plurality of beam generators 130 and a plurality of beam detectors 132 to establish a plurality of detection beams 56 between each pair of tower detection devices 3200.
  • Processor 1118 is structured to execute program instructions to determine which of the plurality of detection beams has been breached based on the output of beam detectors 132, and to generate a signal corresponding to intrusion detection for wireless transmission via transmitter 1116.
  • Processor 1118 is microprocessor-based and the operating logic is in the form of software programming instructions. However, it is alternatively contemplated that the operating logic may be in the form of any combination of software, firmware, hardware, or the like; and may reflect the output of discrete devices and/or integrated circuits, which may be co-located at a particular location or distributed across more than one location, including any digital and/or analog devices configured to achieve the same or similar results as a processor-based controller executing software or firmware based instructions, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • transmitter 1116 is structured to transmit the signal generated by processor 1118 for subsequent reception by other security system 3000 components that are in reception range, including other tower detection devices 3200, one or more dedicated remote intruder warning devices 3400, one or more dedicated repeater devices 3600 and remote central processing unit 3800.
  • processor 1118 may be structured to determine intruder-type information based on which of the beam detectors 132 detect an interruption in a detection beam 56 in the manner described below with respect to remote central processing unit 3800.
  • Intruder warning devices 3400 are referred to as being “dedicated” intruder warning devices to define that such units do not include and are not intended to include equipment for detecting intrusion, such as do tower detection devices 3200. Further, intruder warning devices 3400 are referred to as being “remote” intruder warning devices to define that the intruder warning devices 3400 are remote from the detection equipment that triggers the warning, such as one of tower detection devices 3200.
  • tower detection devices 3200 may, in some embodiments, include features structured to provide a warning to an intruder
  • tower detection devices 3200 are not “dedicated” as that modifying term is used and defined in connection with dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 and dedicated repeater devices 3600 because tower detection devices 3200 each include intruder detection equipment. Nonetheless, it should be understood that when the modifying term "dedicated” is absent from the description of a tower, device, or other feature, this description is intended to encompass both dedicated and undedicated forms.
  • one tower detection device 3200 may be used to provide a "remote" warning when triggered by detection equipment of another tower detection device 3200 as “remote” is defined herein.
  • repeater devices 3600 are referred to as "dedicated" repeater devices to indicate that the repeater devices are dedicated to being repeater devices, and do not include and are not intended to include equipment for detecting intrusion, such as towers do 3200. Nonetheless, it should be understood that when “dedicated” is absent from the description of a tower, device, or other feature, this description is intended to encompass both dedicated and undedicated forms as used herein.
  • Remote central processing unit 3800 is responsive to signals corresponding to intrusion detection to indicate when an intrusion is detected with one or more of tower detection devices 3200.
  • remote central processing unit 3800 is similar to the previously described remote processing unit 1000, and includes receiver 140 with central unit circuit board 310 and the corresponding central processing unit (CPU) described above, as well as radio transmission/reception device 320, display 312, and speaker 314.
  • Radio transmission/reception device 320 includes a wireless communications transmitter structured to transmit wireless signals, including wireless warning signals.
  • remote central processing unit 3800 is structured to send and receive wireless signals to and from tower detection devices 3200 and dedicated repeater devices 3600, as well as to send wireless signals to dedicated remote intruder warning devices 3400.
  • radio transmission/reception device 320 is structured to receive the signals corresponding to intrusion detection and to generate indications of the intrusion based on receiving the signals, e.g., for display via display 312.
  • Remote central processing unit 3800 is also structured to indicate information pertaining to an intruder that breaches one or more of detection beams 56.
  • central unit circuit board 310 is structured to execute operating logic to provide intruder-type information based at least in part on which one and/or how many of the plurality of beam detectors 132 of one or more of the tower detection devices 3200 indicate an interruption in the respective intrusion detection beam(s) 56 due to the intrusion, which is further described in an exemplary fashion below with respect to FIG. 40.
  • central unit circuit board 310 is microprocessor-based and the operating logic is in the form of software programming instructions.
  • the operating logic may be in the form of any combination of software, firmware, hardware, or the like; and may reflect the output of discrete devices and/or integrated circuits, which may be co-located at a particular location or distributed across more than one location, including any digital and/or analog devices configured to achieve the same or similar results as a processor-based controller executing software or firmware based instructions, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • FIG. 38 an embodiment of dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 is schematically depicted. In the embodiment of FIG. 38, various features, components and interrelationships therebetween are depicted. However, the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiment of FIG.
  • Dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 is spaced apart from tower detection devices 3200, and includes an aural warning device 3404, a warning driver module 3406, a timer 3408, a timer 3410, a strobe light 3412, a two-way wireless communication device 3414, and a remote intruder warning device power source 3430.
  • Aural warning device 3404 provides an audible output, and in the present embodiment is a speaker, although other audio output devices may be employed in addition to or in place of a speaker, such as a dedicated siren. In the form of a speaker, aural warning device 3404 may operate as a siren, and may also provide a variety of other sounds, including recorded and/or live human voices.
  • Aural warning driver module 3406 is structured to provide electrical signals to drive aural warning device 3404.
  • Aural warning device 3404 and warning driver module 3406 are structured to provide an audible warning to an intruder that enters the area sought to be protected by security system 3000.
  • Warning driver module 3406 is also structured to control the operations of visual warning device 3412 for providing a visual warning to the intruder.
  • warning driver module 3406 is microprocessor-based and the operating logic is in the form of software programming instructions.
  • the operating logic may be in the form of any combination of software, firmware, hardware, or the like; and may reflect the output of discrete devices and/or integrated circuits, which may be co-located at a particular location or distributed across more than one location, including any digital and/or analog devices configured to achieve the same or similar results as a processor-based controller executing software or firmware based instructions, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the warning may be in the form of a recorded human voice, a live human voice transmitted to dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400, e.g., from a human operator at remote central processing unit 3800, a synthesized human voice, a siren, and/or other warning sounds.
  • Timer 3408 is structured to turn off the warning after a predetermined amount of time, e.g., 30 seconds.
  • Timer 3410 is structured to delay the warning provided to the intruder for a predetermined amount of time after receiving the wireless warning signal indicating the intruder breach. In the present embodiment, the delay is two (2) minutes, although other delay time values may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the use of delay timer 3410 may prevent the intruder from becoming aware of his/her detection, which may help to prevent the intruder from departing the scene prior to the arrival of authorities, such as law enforcement officers.
  • delay timer 3410 may prevent the intruder from being able to readily determine where the detection took place, owing to the time delay between the detection and the provision of the warning, which may improve the overall security provided by security system 3000.
  • either timer 3408 and/or 3410 may be used to activate unit 3400 only during a selected portion of the day, week, or month on a periodic, aperiodic, or "one time only" basis. In certain forms, a night-only or weekend-only activation mode is used. Further, unit 3400 may be configured to provide for operator selection among these different modes of timer operation.
  • Visual warning device 3412 is structured to provide a visible warning to an intruder. In the present embodiment, visual warning device 3412 is a strobe light. However, it will be understood that other types of visible warning devices may be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention or it may be absent. Further in other forms only one of a visual or aural warning may be provided — but not both.
  • Two-way wireless communication device 3414 includes a transmitter 1114 and a receiver 1116.
  • Transmitter 1114 and receiver 1116 are described above with respect to other embodiments of the present invention.
  • receiver 1116 is structured to receive wireless warning signals generated at remote central processing unit 3800 and of tower detection devices 3200, and transmitted directly or via dedicated repeater devices 3600.
  • device 3414 may be in the form of an integrated transceiver or include a discrete, non-transceiver configuration form of transmitter 1114 and receiver 1116.
  • Remote dedicated intruder warning device 3400 is structured to provide the warning to the intruder in response to receiving one or more wireless warning signals.
  • Remote intruder warning device power source 3430 is similar to the previously described electric power source 630, and includes, for example, solar panel 30, charging circuitry 642, such as a voltage regulator, and storage device 640, e.g., in the form of a 12V storage battery.
  • Solar panel 30 is coupled to charging circuitry 642, which is coupled to and provides electrical power to aural warning device 3404, visual warning device 3412, warning driver module 3406, timer 3408, timer 3410, transmitter 1114, receiver 1116, and storage device 640.
  • dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 is structured to provide warnings only at night in response to an operator selection.
  • unit 3400 may use the output from a photovoltaic unit, such as solar panel 30, to detect darkness (nightfall) and correspondingly trigger activation.
  • the selection of whether to provide a warning only at night may be made by the operator of security system 3000, e.g., by placing warning driver module into a night-warning-only operating mode with an input.
  • FIG. 39 an embodiment of dedicated repeater device 3600 is schematically depicted.
  • Dedicated repeater device 3600 is structured to extend the wireless transmission range of tower detection devices 3200, dedicated remote intruder warning devices 3400 and remote central processing unit 3800 by repeating signals transmitted by tower detection devices 3200, dedicated remote intruder warning devices 3400 and remote central processing unit 3800 for subsequent reception by other instances of such components of security system 3000.
  • Dedicated repeater devices 3600 are structured for series operation, i.e., with two or more dedicated repeater devices arranged in series to repeat the wireless signal from one unit 3600 to the next in sequence.
  • Dedicated repeater device 3600 includes a repeater 3602 and a repeater device power source 3630 coupled to repeater 3602 for providing power thereto.
  • Repeater 3602 is a two-way wireless communication system structured similar to repeater 1004, and is coupled to transmitter 1114 and receiver 1116 for receiving and retransmitting wireless signals received from tower detection devices 3200, remote central processing unit 3800 and other dedicated repeater devices 3600.
  • Repeater 1004, transmitter 1114 and receiver 1116 are described above with respect to other embodiments of the present invention.
  • Repeater 3602 employs transmitter 1114 and receiver 1116 for receiving and retransmitting wireless signals received from tower detection devices 3200, remote central processing unit 3800 and other dedicated repeater devices 3600, and operates transmitter 1114 in response to the signals received at receiver 1116 to repeat the received signals.
  • repeater 1004 may include an integrated transceiver or include a discrete, non-transceiver configuration form of transmitter 1114 and receiver 1116.
  • Repeater device power source 3630 is similar to the previously described electric power source 630, and includes, for example, solar panel 30, charging circuitry 642, such as a voltage regulator, and storage device 640, e.g., in the form of a 12V storage battery.
  • Solar panel 30 is coupled to charging circuitry 642, which is coupled to and provides electrical power to repeater 3602, including transmitter 1114 and receiver 1116, and to storage device 640.
  • the depicted implementation example of security system 3000 includes eight (8) spaced apart tower detection devices 3200, identified in FIG. 37 as towers T1-T8.
  • the example of FIG. 37 illustrates eight (8) intrusion detection zones Z, illustrated as Zl -Z8, each of which is formed by the aforementioned plurality of detection beams 56, which together form an intrusion detection area supervised/protected by security system 3000.
  • Each dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 is structured to receive a wireless warning signal indicating an intruder breach of at least one of the intrusion detection zone Z, and structured to provide a warning to the intruder from a location disparate from the locations of the tower detection devices 3200. Hence, it is seen in FIG. 37 that each dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 is at a location disparate from the locations of the towers.
  • This approach allows, for example, an alarm to sound, thus providing a warning to the intruder, but with the alarm location being remote from the location where the breach (intrusion) of the intrusion detection zone occurred, it may be useful for protecting intruders from dangers existing in the area sought to be protected, and which may also reduce the likelihood of the intentional intruder determining where his/her presence was detected.
  • Further applications include those where the detection equipment utilized lacks any alarm or lacks a desired form of alarm, and unit 3400 is utilized separately to communicate with the equipment and provide the desired form of alarm.
  • FIG. 37 also depicts eight (8) dedicated repeater devices 3600, illustrated as Rl- R8.
  • Each dedicated repeater device 3600 in the present embodiment is structured to receive and repeat (including retransmission) signals from a tower detection device 3200, remote central processing unit 3800, and other dedicated repeater devices 3600 for subsequent reception by other elements of security system 3000.
  • dedicated repeater device 3600 is structured to receive a wireless warning signal or other wireless signal from a tower detection device 3200, remote central processing unit 3800, or another dedicated repeater device 3600 and to repeat the signal for subsequent reception by dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400, another dedicated repeater device 3600, or another tower detection device 3200.
  • lines L illustrate some possible wireless links of communication between the elements 3200, 3400, 3600 and 3800 of security system 3000, e.g., where the elements are within wireless communication range.
  • the depicted wireless links of communication include wireless links of communication L1-L8, L31, L32, L51, L61-L63, L71, L80-L84 and L380-384, which represent wireless communication paths between components of security system 3000.
  • wireless links of communication L1-L7 represent direct bidirectional wireless communication between respective pairs of towers T1-T8.
  • towers T8 and Tl are not close enough in proximity to communicate therebetween directly, and in order to avoid any possible inconvenience that may be associated with mounting a tower detection device 3200 in the depicted pond 3002, dedicated repeaters R4, R5 and R6, located adjacent the water of pond 3002, are employed to repeat signals for communication between towers T8 and T 1.
  • Links of communication L81 -L84 represent wireless communication between towers T8 and Tl via dedicated repeaters R4, R5 and R6.
  • Links of communication L31 and L32 represent wireless communications between tower T3, dedicated repeater Rl and dedicated remote intruder warning device A2.
  • Wireless link of communication L51 represents communications between tower T5 and remote central processing unit 3800.
  • Wireless links of communication L61-L63 represent communications between tower T6 and remote central processing unit 3800 via dedicated repeater devices R3 and R2.
  • Wireless links of communication L71 and L80 represent communication between towers T7 and T8, respectively, with dedicated remote intruder warning device A4.
  • Wireless link of communication L380 represents communication between remote central processing unit 3800 and dedicated remote intruder warning device A3.
  • Wireless links of communication L381-L383 represent the communication from remote central processing unit 3800 to dedicated remote intruder warning device Al via dedicated repeater devices R7 and R8.
  • dedicated repeater device R8 may be with within communication range of remote central processing unit 3800 from a spatial proximity perspective
  • dedicated repeater device R7 is employed due to the presence of a physical artifact 3004, such as a hill, a building or any other structure as might interfere with wireless communication, to provide for communications between remote central processing unit 3800 and dedicated repeater device R8 in order to complete a communication path to dedicated remote intruder warning device Al.
  • tower detection devices 3200, dedicated remote intruder warning devices 3400 and dedicated repeater devices 3600 may vary with the needs of the particular installation site of security system 3000, including the size of the area sought to be protected, the presence of structures, hills, lakes, rivers, etc., as may fall within the area sought to be protected, and the items sought to be protected.
  • Dedicated repeater devices 3600 extend the wireless communication range of tower detection devices 3200 and remote central processing unit 3800 by repeating the signals set by tower detection devices 3200 and remote central processing unit 3800 for subsequent receipt by other tower detection devices 3200, remote central processing unit 3800 (e.g., signals sent by a tower detection device 3200), and dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400.
  • the tower(s) 3200 that detects the breach wirelessly transmits a communication signal in response.
  • This signal may be sent directly to remote central processing unit 3800, e.g., via wireless link of communication L51 if the breach was detected at tower T5.
  • the wireless communication signal may be sent from the detecting tower to remote central processing unit 3800 via other towers, e.g., if the breach was detected at tower T4, the wireless communication signal may be transmitted from tower T4 to tower T5 via wireless link of communication L4, and may then be retransmitted by tower T5 to remote central processing unit 3800 via wireless link of communication L51.
  • the wireless signal may also be sent from the detecting tower to remote central processing unit 3800 via one or more dedicated repeater devices 3600.
  • the wireless signal indicating the breach may be transmitted by tower T6, received and repeated at dedicated repeater device R3 (wireless link of communication L61), which is then received and repeated at dedicated repeater devices R2 (wireless link of communication L62) for reception via wireless link of communication L63 at remote central processing unit 3800.
  • dedicated repeater device R3 wireless link of communication L61
  • dedicated repeater devices R2 wireless link of communication L62
  • the wireless signal may be sent between towers via dedicated repeater devices 3600.
  • a wireless communication signal generated and transmitted from tower T8 may be received and repeated at dedicated repeater device R4 (wireless link of communication L81), which is then received and repeated at dedicated repeater device R5 (wireless link of communication 82), which is then received and repeated at dedicated repeater device R6 (wireless link of communication L83) for reception at tower Tl via wireless link of communication L84, which may then retransmit the wireless signal.
  • a wireless warning signal is generated, e.g., at remote central processing unit 3800 based on the received wireless communication signal, and is transmitted to one or more dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400, thus providing a warning to the intruder from a location disparate from the locations of the towers, in response to the wireless communication signal.
  • the warning is at least one of an audible warning and a visible warning.
  • a wireless warning signal may be sent directly from a tower detection device 3200 for subsequent reception at a dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 without sending a wireless communication signal to remote central processing unit 3800 for subsequent generation and transmission of the wireless warning signal. That is, the warning signal may be initially transmitted from the tower detection device 3200 that detected the breach to a dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400, or a wireless communication signal may be transmitted from the detecting tower for subsequent reception at remote central processing unit 3800, which then generates and then transmits a wireless warning signal for reception by intruder warning device 3400.
  • tower Tl For example, if an intrusion is detected by tower Tl at intrusion detection zone Zl, tower Tl generates and transmits a wireless communication signal that may be passed, e.g., repeated, from tower T2 to towers T3, T4 and T5 via wireless links of communication Zl, Z2, Z3 and Z4 respectively, and then transmitted to remote central processing unit 3800 via wireless link of communication L51.
  • Remote central processing unit 3800 receives the wireless communication signal, and generates a wireless warning signal, which is sent to dedicated remote intruder warning device Al via dedicated repeater devices R7 and R8 and wireless links of communication L381, L382 and L383.
  • the wireless warning signal may also be sent to dedicated remote intruder warning device A3 directly from remote central processing unit 3800.
  • an intrusion at zone Z7 detected by either or both of towers T7 and T8, would result in transmission of a wireless warning signal directly to dedicated remote intruder warning device A4 via respective links of communication L71 and/or L81.
  • the detection of an intrusion by tower T3 would result in the transmission of a warning signal from tower T3, which would be received at dedicated repeater device Rl via link of communication L31, and repeated for subsequent reception at dedicated remote intruder warning device A2 via link of communication L32.
  • FIG. 40 aspects of the present invention as pertains to the breach of an intrusion detection zone Z are described.
  • various features, components and interrelationships therebetween are depicted.
  • the present invention is not limited to the particular embodiment of FIG. 40 and such components, features and interrelationships as are illustrated in FIG. 40 and described herein.
  • intrusion detection zone Z which are illustrated as vertically distributed detection beams 56A, 56B, 56C and 56D.
  • Bottom detection beam 56A is spaced above the bottom of tower detection devices 3200 by a distance HA.
  • Detection beam 56B is spaced above bottom beam 56A by a distance HB.
  • Detection beam 56C is spaced above detection beam 56B by a distance HC.
  • Top detection beam 56D is spaced above detection beam 56C by a distance HD.
  • a human intruder 3900 a nominal-sized animal intruder such as a dog 3910, an airborne intruder, such as a bird 3920, and a small land animal, such as a rabbit 3930.
  • a nominal-sized animal intruder such as a dog 3910
  • an airborne intruder such as a bird 3920
  • a small land animal such as a rabbit 3930.
  • Remote central processing unit 3800 is structured determine and indicate the intruder-type information in the form of an intruder size, based on which of the plurality of beam detectors 132 experience the interruption, and based on the vertical spacing between the beam detectors 132. For example, if the intrusion results in the interruption of detection beams 56A, 56B and 56C, remote central processing unit determines that the detected size of the intruder is a height greater than HA+HB+HC but less than HA+HB+HC+HD.
  • remote central processing unit 3800 is structured to provide a warning to the intruder based on the determined intruder-type information, for example, by providing the warning in the form of a human voice for human intruder 3900, and providing an unpleasant sound to a nonhuman intruder, such as dog 3910, bird 3920 or rabbit 3930. It will be understood that other warning types may be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • a small animal such as rabbit 3930 having a height of less than HA+HB were to pass between two tower detection devices 3200 into intrusion detection zone Z, the rabbit 3930 would only interrupt detection beam 56A.
  • the interruption of detection beam 56A is detected by a beam detector 32, in response to which transmitter 1116 transmits a wireless signal, e.g., to remote central processing unit 3800, either directly or via one or more of other tower detection devices 3200 and/or dedicated repeater devices 3600.
  • Remote central processing unit 3800 may then determine that the intruder is a small animal based on the fact that only beam 56A was interrupted, and transmit a warning signal to a dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 to provide a warning in the form of a shrill noise, such as a siren.
  • remote central processing unit may be programmed to not generate and transmit a warning signal if it is determined that the intruder is a small animal.
  • remote central processing unit 3800 determines that the intruder is human intruder 3900, and transmits a warning signal to a dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 to provide a warning in the form of a human voice, for example, instructing the human intruder 3900 to stay away from the restricted area.
  • a warning signal to activate visual warning device 3412 may also be provided.
  • the dog 3910 would interrupt detection beams 56A and 56B.
  • the interruption of detection beams 56A and 56B is detected by a beam detector 32, in response to which transmitter 1116 transmits a wireless signal, e.g., to remote central processing unit 3800, either directly or via one or more of other tower detection devices 3200 and/or dedicated repeater devices 3600.
  • Remote central processing unit 3800 determines that the intruder is an animal, based on the fact that only beams 56A and 56B were interrupted, and transmits a warning signal to a dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 to provide a warning in the form of a shrill noise, such as a siren.
  • a dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 to provide a warning in the form of a shrill noise, such as a siren.
  • an airborne intruder such as bird 3920 were to pass between two tower detection devices 3200 into intrusion detection zone Z, the bird might only interrupt one detection beam, e.g., one of detections beams 56B, 56C and 56D, without interrupting detection beam 56A.
  • the interruption of the detection beam 56B, 56C or 56D is detected by a beam detector 32, in response to which transmitter 1116 transmits a wireless signal, e.g., to remote central processing unit 3800, either directly or via one or more of other tower detection devices 3200 and/or dedicated repeater devices 3600.
  • Remote central processing unit 3800 may then determine that the intruder is a small airborne intruder based on the fact that only one beam was interrupted and that beam 56A was not interrupted, and transmit a warning signal to a dedicated remote intruder warning device 3400 to provide a warning in the form of a shrill noise, such as a siren.
  • remote central processing unit 3800 may be programmed to not send a warning signal in response to the detection of an airborne intruder.
  • further embodiments of the present application may be alternatively or additionally directed to different animals of interest, including deer, alligators, crocodiles, armadillos, and others that may pose a hazard if present on or near a roadway, bike path, or trail -just to name a few examples.
  • Two or more detection devices such as devices 3200, may be positioned relative to the roadway, path or trail for detection.
  • an appropriate warning device(s) to warn a driver or other human user of the presence of such animal is provided without or without a warning selected to scare away or otherwise alter the behavior of the detected animal.
  • a central processing unit may be provided as a unit with a detection, such that it is not remotely located relative to it. Additionally or alternatively, the warning device may be located remote from the detection devices as appropriate and/or may be provided with a central processing unit remote from one or more detection devices. In one variation, signage is provided that is illuminated or otherwise altered to indicate the presence of the detected animal.
  • a system comprises: a plurality of spaced apart towers to define an intrusion detection area and a processing unit in wireless communication with at least one of the towers to provide an indication when intrusion is detected with one or more of the towers.
  • the towers each include: a respective beam generator and a respective beam detector, the respective beam detector of a respective one of the towers receiving an intrusion detection beam from the respective beam generator of another of the towers; a respective wireless communication device including a transmitter operable to send signals corresponding to intrusion status; and a respective electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel, the respective electric power source being structured to provide electric power to the respective beam generator, the respective beam detector, and the respective wireless communication device.
  • FIG. 1 Another example of a system according to the present application, comprises: a plurality of spaced apart towers to detect intrusion, the towers each including respective detection equipment and a respective tower electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel; a first one of the towers including a first tower wireless communication transmitter to transmit signals over a first wireless communication range; a second one of the towers including a second tower wireless communication receiver within the first wireless communication range to receive the signals from the first wireless communication transmitter and a second tower wireless communication transmitter to retransmit the signals from the first wireless communication transmitter over a second wireless communication range; and a processing unit with a processing wireless communication receiver outside the first wireless communication range, the processing unit being responsive to the signals retransmitted by the second tower wireless receiver over the second wireless communication range to indicate when an intrusion is detected with the respective detection equipment of one or more of the towers.
  • a different example relates to a perimeter security system comprising: a processing unit, and several detection towers spaced from one another and the processing unit.
  • the towers each include: means for detecting an intruder, means for communicating with the processing unit, and means for providing electrical power to the detecting means and the communicating means, the providing means including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel.
  • Another example is directed to a method, comprising: operating a number of spaced apart intrusion detection towers, the towers each including detection equipment coupled thereto; providing electric power to operate the detection equipment of each of the towers with a corresponding solar panel; wirelessly transmitting signals from one or more of the towers to a processing unit; and in response to the signals, providing an indication of intrusion status with the processing unit to an operator.
  • Yet another example includes: a number of spaced apart intrusion detection towers, the towers each including detection equipment coupled thereto; means for providing electric power to operate the detection equipment of each of the towers with a corresponding solar panel; means for wirelessly transmitting signals from one or more of the towers to a processing unit; and means for providing an indication of intrusion status with the processing unit to an operator in response to the signals.
  • a further example is directed to a method, comprising: operating a number of spaced apart intrusion detection towers, the towers each including a respective solar panel and respective detection equipment; providing electric power to operate the respective detection equipment of each of the towers with the respective solar panel to define an intrusion detection zone with the towers; wirelessly transmitting a signal from one of the towers; and providing the wireless communication signal to a processing unit by relaying the signal between two or more other of the towers, the processing unit being outside of a communication range of the one of the towers and being within a communication range of one or more of the other of the towers.
  • Yet a further example comprises: a number of spaced apart intrusion detection towers, the towers each including a respective solar panel and respective detection equipment; means for providing electric power to operate the respective detection equipment of each of the towers with the respective solar panel to define an intrusion detection zone with the towers; means for wirelessly transmitting a signal from one of the towers; and means for providing the wireless communication signal to a processing unit by relaying the signal between two or more other of the towers, the processing unit being outside of a communication range of the one of the towers and being within a communication range of one or more of the other of the towers.
  • Another example includes a system, comprising: a plurality of spaced apart towers each including respective detection equipment to define an intrusion detection zone between each different pair of the towers, a respective tower wireless communication transmitter operable to send signals corresponding to intrusion detection, and a respective tower electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel; and a processing unit responsive to the signals from the respective tower wireless communication transmitter of any of the towers to indicate when an intrusion is detected with one or more of the towers, the processing unit including a processing wireless communication receiver structured to receive the signals from the respective wireless tower transmitter of at least one of the towers.
  • a further example is directed to an apparatus, comprising: a tower to monitor a vehicle or portion thereof while resting at a designated site, the tower including: a detection arrangement including a optic cable engaged with the vehicle and structured to be separated if the vehicle is removed from the designated site; a wireless communication device including a transmitter operable to send signals corresponding to removal status of the vehicle; and a respective electric power source including a solar panel, the respective electric power source being structured to provide electric power to the detection arrangement and the wireless communication device.
  • the vehicle can be a watercraft and the designated site can be a boat dock, the optic cable can extend through an aperture defined by the vehicle, and/or the optic cable can include a number of break away couplers.
  • the detection arrangement is applied to a moveable access point structure, such as a door, gateway, or the like.
  • Yet a further example is a method, comprising: providing a tower to monitor a vehicle or portion thereof while the vehicle is resting at a designated site, the tower including a detection arrangement with an optic cable, a wireless transmitter, and a solar power source; engaging the optic cable with the vehicle; coupling the optic cable to the tower; detecting the optic cable has been separated when the vehicle has been removed from the designated site; and wireless transmitting information from the transmitter to report the detecting.
  • the vehicle can be a watercraft and the designated site can be a boat dock, the optic cable can extend through an aperture defined by the vehicle, and/or the optic cable can include a number of break away couplers.
  • the detection arrangement is applied to a moveable access point structure, such as a door, gateway, or the like.
  • Still other embodiments of the present invention are envisioned, such as a system that includes a plurality of spaced apart detection devices, each including respective detection equipment to define an intrusion detection zone between each different pair of the detection devices, a respective detection device wireless communication transmitter operable to send signals corresponding to intrusion detection, and a respective detection device electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel.
  • the system also includes a processing unit responsive to the signals from the respective detection device wireless communication transmitter of any of the detection devices to indicate when an intrusion is detected with one or more of the detection devices, the processing unit including a processing wireless communication receiver structured to receive the signals from the respective wireless detection device transmitter of at least one of the detection devices.
  • the system includes a dedicated remote intruder warning device spaced apart from the detection devices, the dedicated remote intruder warning device including a remote intruder warning device power source having a remote intruder warning device solar panel and a remote intruder warning device electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the remote intruder warning device solar panel, the dedicated remote intruder warning device being structured to receive a wireless warning signal indicating an intruder breach of at least one of the intrusion detection zones and structured to provide a warning to an intruder from a location disparate from the locations of the detection devices.
  • the system may also include means for warning the intruder.
  • the dedicated remote intruder warning device may include, in combination, an aural warning device and an aural warning driver module, the combination being structured to provide an audible warning to the intruder.
  • the aural warning device may include a speaker and/or a siren, and may be structured to output at least one of a live transmitted human voice, a recorded human voice and a synthesized human voice.
  • the remote intruder warning device may further include a visual warning device, such as a strobe light.
  • the dedicated remote intruder warning device may also include a delay timer structured to delay the warning provided to the intruder for a predetermined amount of time after receiving the wireless warning signal indicating the intruder breach.
  • the processing unit may also include a processing unit wireless communication transmitter structured to transmit the wireless warning signal in response to an intrusion detection by one or more of the detection devices; and the dedicated remote intruder warning device further including a remote unit wireless communication receiver structured to receive the wireless warning signal from the processing unit wireless communication transmitter.
  • the dedicated remote intruder warning device may further include a remote unit wireless communication receiver structured to receive the wireless warning signal from the respective detection device wireless communication transmitter.
  • the system may further include a dedicated repeater device structured to extend a range of the dedicated remote intruder warning device, the dedicated repeater device being powered by a repeater device power source having a repeater device solar panel and a repeater device electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the repeater device solar panel, the dedicated repeater device being structured to receive the wireless warning signal and to repeat the signal for subsequent reception by the dedicated remote intruder warning device.
  • a dedicated repeater device structured to extend a range of the dedicated remote intruder warning device, the dedicated repeater device being powered by a repeater device power source having a repeater device solar panel and a repeater device electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the repeater device solar panel, the dedicated repeater device being structured to receive the wireless warning signal and to repeat the signal for subsequent reception by the dedicated remote intruder warning device.
  • the dedicated remote intruder warning device may also be structured to provide the warning to the intruder only at night, and may include a controller and a photovoltaic unit, the dedicated remote intruder warning device being structured via the controller and the photovoltaic unit to provide the warning based on sensed ambient light.
  • the photovoltaic unit may be the dedicated remote warning device solar panel.
  • a system may include a plurality of spaced apart detection devices each including respective detection equipment to define an intrusion detection zone between each different pair of the detection devices, a respective detection device wireless communication transmitter operable to send signals corresponding to intrusion detection, and a respective detection device electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel.
  • the system may also include at least one dedicated repeater device structured to extend a range of the detection devices, the dedicated repeater device being powered by a repeater device power source having a repeater device solar panel and a repeater device electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the repeater device solar panel, the dedicated repeater device being structured to receive from one or more of the detection devices the signals corresponding to intrusion detection and to repeat the signals for subsequent reception.
  • the system may further include a remote processing unit responsive to the signals corresponding to intrusion detection to indicate when an intrusion is detected with one or more of the detection devices, the remote processing unit including a processing wireless communication receiver structured to receive the signals corresponding to intrusion detection and to generate indications of intrusion based on receiving the signals.
  • embodiments of the invention may include an additional dedicated repeater device arranged in series with the at least one repeater device, the additional dedicated repeater device being powered by a respective repeater device power source having a respective repeater device solar panel and a respective repeater device electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the repeater device solar panel, the additional dedicated repeater device being structured to receive the signals corresponding to intrusion detection and to repeat the signals for subsequent reception.
  • the at least one dedicated repeater device may be structured to repeat a signal sent by at least one of the detection devices for subsequent reception by the processing unit.
  • the at least one dedicated repeater device may be structured to repeat a signal sent by at least one of the detection devices for subsequent reception by another of the detection devices.
  • a system may include a plurality of spaced apart detection devices to define an intrusion detection area and a processing unit in wireless communication with at least one of the detection devices to provide an indication when intrusion is detected with one or more of the detection devices.
  • Each of the detection devices may include a respective plurality of beam generators and a respective plurality of beam detectors, each beam detector of a respective one of the detection devices receiving an intrusion detection beam from at least one beam generator of another of the detection devices; a respective wireless communication device including a transmitter operable to send signals corresponding to intrusion status; and a respective electric power source including a solar panel and an electrical energy storage device in electrical communication with the solar panel, the respective electric power source being structured to provide electric power to the plurality of respective beam generators, the plurality of respective beam detectors, and the respective wireless communication device.
  • the system may also include a processing device structured to indicate intruder-type information based at least in part on the which of the plurality of beam detectors on one of the detection devices experience an interruption in the respective intrusion detection beam
  • the respective plurality of beam generators and the respective plurality of beam detectors may be distributed vertically and include a bottom beam detector, a top beam detector and at least one other beam detector disposed therebetween.
  • the processing device may be further structured to indicate the intruder-type information in the form of an intruder size, based on which of the plurality of beam detectors experience the interruption, and based on the vertical spacing between the beam detectors.
  • the processing device may be structured to indicate that the intruder-type is an airborne intruder if the bottom beam detector does not experience the interruption.
  • the processing device is structured to indicate that the intruder-type is an animal if only one of the bottom beam detector and a bottom group of beam detectors experiences the interruption, and to provide a warning to the intruder based on the intruder-type.
  • the warning may vary with the intruder-type.
  • a method may include operating a number of spaced apart intrusion detection devices, the detection devices each including a respective solar panel and respective detection equipment; providing electric power to operate the respective detection equipment of each of the detection devices with the respective solar panel to define an intrusion detection zone with the detection devices; detecting an intruder breach of the intrusion detection zone with the respective detection equipment of one of the detection devices; wirelessly transmitting a signal from one of the detection devices in response to the intruder breach; and providing a warning to the intruder from a location disparate from the locations of the detection devices in response to the wireless signal, wherein the warning is at least one of an audible warning and a visible warning.
  • the wireless signal may be a wireless warning signal; and the method may include receiving the wireless warning signal at a dedicated remote intruder warning device positioned at the location disparate from the locations of the detection devices.
  • the method may also include receiving the wireless signal at a remote central processing unit; transmitting from the remote central processing unit a wireless warning signal in response to receiving the wireless signal; and receiving the wireless warning signal at a dedicated remote intruder warning device positioned at the location disparate from the locations of the detection devices.
  • the method may further include determining the intruder size based at least in part on the vertical spacing between the intrusion detection beams.
  • the intruder-type information may include designation as a human intruder, a land animal intruder and an airborne intruder.
  • the type of the warning may be tailored to the intruder-type, and the type of warning may be at least one of a live transmitted human voice, a recorded human voice, a synthesized human voice and a siren.
  • the method may also include providing the warning in the form of a human voice for a human intruder-type and providing the warning in another form for a non-human intruder-type, such as where the other form is a siren.
  • a further embodiment of the present application includes: operating a number of spaced apart intrusion detection devices, the detection devices each including a respective solar panel and respective detection equipment; providing electric power to operate the respective detection equipment of each of the detection devices with the respective solar panel to define an intrusion detection zone with the detection devices; detecting an intruder that breaches the intrusion detection zone with the respective detection equipment of one or more of the detection devices; in response to the detecting of the intruder, discriminating between a first intruder type and a second intruder type different than the first intruder type; and providing a first type of warning in response the first intruder type and a second type of warning in response to the second intruder type.
  • the first intruder type is a human being and the second intruder type is an animal.
  • Still a further embodiment is directed to a system, comprising: a number of spaced apart intrusion detection devices that each include a respective solar panel and respective detection equipment; means for powering the respective detection equipment with electrical energy from the respective solar panel; means for defining an intrusion detection zone with the respective detection equipment of each of the detection devices; means for detecting an intruder that breaches the intrusion detection zone with the respective detection equipment of one or more of the detection devices; means for discriminating between a first intruder type and a second intruder type different than the first intruder type in response to the detecting means; and means for providing a first type of warning in response the first intruder type and a second type of warning in response to the second intruder type.
  • Another embodiment includes: operating a number of spaced apart intrusion detection devices each including a respective solar panel and respective detection equipment; providing electric power to operate the respective detection equipment of each of the detection devices with the respective solar panel to define an intrusion detection zone with the detection devices; providing a warning device responsive to the respective detection equipment of one or more of the detection devices; establishing activation of the warning device for a designated time period; during the designated time period, detecting an intruder that breaches the intrusion detection zone with the respective detection equipment of the one or more of the detection devices; and in response to the detecting of the intruder, delaying initiation of a warning from the warning device by a predefined amount of time.
  • Yet another embodiment is directed to a system comprising: a number of spaced apart intrusion detection devices each including a respective solar panel and respective detection equipment; means for providing electric power to operate the respective detection equipment of each of the detection devices with the respective solar panel; means for defining an intrusion detection zone with the detection devices; means for providing a warning device responsive to the respective detection equipment of one or more of the detection devices; means for establishing activation of the warning device for a designated time period; means for detecting an intruder that breaches the intrusion detection zone with the respective detection equipment of the one or more of the detection devices during the designated time period; and means for delaying initiation of a warning from the warning device by a predefined amount of time in response to the detecting means.
  • a further inventive embodiment is directed to a method, comprising: operating a number of spaced apart intrusion detection devices, the detection devices each including a respective solar panel and respective detection equipment; providing electric power to operate the respective detection equipment of each of the detection devices with the respective solar panel; positioning the detection devices relative to a roadway, bike path, or trail to define an animal intrusion detection zone inclusive of at least a portion of the roadway, bike path, or trail; detecting an intruder breach of the animal intrusion detection zone with the respective detection equipment of one of the detection devices; wireless Iy transmitting a signal from one of the detection devices in response to the intruder breach; and providing a warning from a location disparate from at least one of the locations of the detection devices in response to the wireless signal, wherein the warning is at least one of an audible warning and a visible warning.
  • the intruder being a species of one of the following: an alligator, crocodile, deer, armadillo, wolf, bear, buffalo, cattle, horse, sheep, camel, goat, lama and/or other livestock.
  • the warning may be selected to inform a human user of the roadway, bike path, or trail of the potential presence of a hazard in the vicinity; and/or to alter behavior of the intruder to reduce the hazard.
  • Any theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding stated herein is meant to further enhance understanding of the present invention and is not intended to make the present invention in any way dependent upon such theory, mechanism of operation, proof, or finding.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système 100 de sécurité employant des piquets solaires 120 afin de détecter un intrus 28. Le système 100 de sécurité comprend une unité 20 de réception / traitement et d’émission communiquant avec des dispositifs électroniques placés dans les piquets 120 à rayonnement solaire, l’unité 20 de réception / traitement et d’émission étant dotée d’une antenne 22, d’un boîtier 24 et d’un indicateur 26. Dans des versions spécifiques du système 100 de sécurité, l’unité 20 de réception / traitement et d’émission peut être une unité monobloc (comme un transpondeur) dotée d’une antenne 22, d’un boîtier 24 et d’un indicateur 26. Dans d’autres versions, l’unité de réception, l’unité de traitement et l’unité d’émission sont distinctes, chacune étant reliée séparément à une antenne 22 et à un indicateur 26. Ledit indicateur 26 comprend des informations sur l’emplacement d’une intrusion.
PCT/US2009/004956 2008-09-02 2009-09-02 Système de sécurité à alimentation solaire WO2010027462A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN200980143085.6A CN102197416B (zh) 2008-09-02 2009-09-02 太阳能供电的安全系统
CA2735732A CA2735732A1 (fr) 2008-09-02 2009-09-02 Systeme de securite a alimentation solaire
AU2009288674A AU2009288674A1 (en) 2008-09-02 2009-09-02 Solar powered security system

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US19073708P 2008-09-02 2008-09-02
US61/190,737 2008-09-02

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010027462A2 true WO2010027462A2 (fr) 2010-03-11
WO2010027462A3 WO2010027462A3 (fr) 2010-05-27

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ITPI20110065A1 (it) * 2011-06-10 2012-12-11 Davide Bennardo "un apparato per il rilevamento e l'eventuale allontanamento di roditori"
CN104183075A (zh) * 2014-08-08 2014-12-03 国家电网公司 一种用于箱式变压器的智能防护栏
WO2015055873A1 (fr) * 2013-10-16 2015-04-23 Proytecsa Security, S.L. Dispositif de détection d'intrusion dans des clôtures de sécurité
CN112438249A (zh) * 2020-11-26 2021-03-05 贵州电网有限责任公司 一种基于地下光缆与电缆的管道驱鼠系统及方法

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CN107909758B (zh) * 2016-12-02 2019-05-24 国网山东省电力公司新泰市供电公司 一种近电作业警示装置及方法
JP7088059B2 (ja) * 2019-02-07 2022-06-21 トヨタ自動車株式会社 制御盤に固定されている固定構造
CN111243239B (zh) * 2020-01-16 2021-08-17 中科星控(河北)信息技术有限公司 一种基于卫星遥感图像的自然灾害风险监测装置

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Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ITPI20110065A1 (it) * 2011-06-10 2012-12-11 Davide Bennardo "un apparato per il rilevamento e l'eventuale allontanamento di roditori"
WO2015055873A1 (fr) * 2013-10-16 2015-04-23 Proytecsa Security, S.L. Dispositif de détection d'intrusion dans des clôtures de sécurité
CN104183075A (zh) * 2014-08-08 2014-12-03 国家电网公司 一种用于箱式变压器的智能防护栏
CN112438249A (zh) * 2020-11-26 2021-03-05 贵州电网有限责任公司 一种基于地下光缆与电缆的管道驱鼠系统及方法

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WO2010027462A3 (fr) 2010-05-27
CA2735732A1 (fr) 2010-03-11
CN102197416B (zh) 2014-02-12
AU2009288674A1 (en) 2010-03-11
CN102197416A (zh) 2011-09-21

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