WO2013017576A1 - A security device - Google Patents

A security device Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2013017576A1
WO2013017576A1 PCT/EP2012/064907 EP2012064907W WO2013017576A1 WO 2013017576 A1 WO2013017576 A1 WO 2013017576A1 EP 2012064907 W EP2012064907 W EP 2012064907W WO 2013017576 A1 WO2013017576 A1 WO 2013017576A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
room
primary
signal
security device
person
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2012/064907
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Noel O'BRIEN
Original Assignee
Mcdonnell, David
MCDONNELL, Rosanne
HANNAN, Darina
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 Mcdonnell, David, MCDONNELL, Rosanne, HANNAN, Darina filed Critical Mcdonnell, David
Publication of WO2013017576A1 publication Critical patent/WO2013017576A1/en

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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
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/19—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using infrared-radiation detection systems
    • 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
    • G08B25/008—Alarm setting and unsetting, i.e. arming or disarming of the security system
    • 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
    • G08B25/01—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
    • G08B25/10—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium using wireless transmission systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/16—Actuation by interference with mechanical vibrations in air or other fluid
    • 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
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • 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
    • G08B25/01—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems characterised by the transmission medium
    • G08B25/016—Personal emergency signalling and security systems
    • 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
    • G08B25/14—Central alarm receiver or annunciator arrangements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B29/00—Checking or monitoring of signalling or alarm systems; Prevention or correction of operating errors, e.g. preventing unauthorised operation
    • G08B29/02—Monitoring continuously signalling or alarm systems
    • G08B29/04—Monitoring of the detection circuits
    • G08B29/046—Monitoring of the detection circuits prevention of tampering with detection circuits

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a security device, and in particular, to a personal security device.
  • Personal security is always of high importance and a large number of devices and systems have been devised to assist with personal security. Normally these devices and systems are either carried by the individual and are activated when the individual is attacked, or, the device is installed in the individual's home or car to protect the individual from attack whilst in their home or car.
  • One area where personal security devices are lacking is when the individual is staying in a temporary location which does not justify the installation of a permanent personal security device. For example, when on holidays and staying in a hotel room, it would be better if a personal security device could be provided in the hotel room to alert the guest staying in a hotel room if there is an individual in their hotel room. On numerous occasions a hotel guests have returned to their room and disturbed a thief. If the guest cannot activate the personal security advice which they are carrying, or if they are not carrying a personal security device, the thief may attack the quest.
  • a hotel intruder alarm is known from U.S. Patent Number US3787831 (GORDON) where an alarm system is affixed to a hotel door and an individual must know the key code to disarm the alarm and enter the hotel room.
  • GORDON U.S. Patent Number US3787831
  • Such a devise is useful but does not combat individuals or intruders who gain access to the hotel room through other opes such as a window or a fir exit. In this case the intruder would be in the hotel room without any visible sign to the guest and the guest may mistakenly enter the hotel room and disturb the intruder, thus inadvertently creating the possibility that the intruder could attack and possibly harm them.
  • a security device comprising a primary element and a secondary element, the primary element comprising a sensing means adapted to detect the presence of a person in a room, and to output a signal indicative of the presence of a person being detected in the room, a primary control means adapted for reading the output of the sensing means, the primary control means being further adapted for producing a first signal indicative of the presence of a person being in a room while the signal read from the sensing means is indicative of the presence of a person in the room, and for maintaining the first signal for a first predefined time period from a time at which the signal read from the sensing means changes from being indicative of the presence of a person being in the room to being indicative of the person no longer being in the room, and a primary wireless transmitting means operable under the control of the primary control means for transmitting signals produced by the primary control means, the secondary element comprising a secondary wireless receiving means for receiving signals from the primary element, and being adapted to produce a first human sensory perceptible signal indicative of
  • the advantage of this device is that the security device can be temporarily set-up in a hotel room for example, and a guest returning to the hotel room can be alerted if there is or has been an intruder in the room.
  • the primary control means is adapted to produce second signal in response to the first predefined time period having timed out, the second signal being indicative of the fact that a person had been in the room.
  • the secondary element is adapted to produce a second human sensory perceptible signal in response to the second signal.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to intermittently transmit the second signal.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at intervals of at least ten seconds.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at intervals of at least five seconds.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at intervals of at least three seconds. In another embodiment of the invention the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at intervals of at least one second.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to intermittently transmit the first signal.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means for transmitting the first signal at intervals of at least ten seconds.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means for transmitting the first signal at intervals of at least five seconds.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means for transmitting the first signal at intervals of at least three seconds.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means for transmitting the first signal at intervals of at least one second.
  • the second signal is intermittently transmitted.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at predefined time intervals of at least ten seconds.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at predefined time intervals of at least five seconds.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at predefined time intervals of at least three seconds.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at predefined time intervals of at least one second.
  • the one of the sensing means and the primary element is adapted to produce a tamper indicating signal in response to tampering therewith, and the primary control means is adapted to produce a third signal indicative of the tampering therewith.
  • the secondary element is adapted to produce a third human sensory perceptible signal in response to the third signal.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to intermittently transmit the third signal, and preferably, the primary transmitting means is operated to transmit the third signal at intervals of at least ten seconds, and preferably, at intervals of at least five seconds, and advantageously, at intervals of at least three seconds, and ideally, at intervals of at least one second.
  • the primary control means is adapted to produce a fourth signal indicative of the fact that the sensing means has not detected any person in the room since the sensing means had been activated.
  • the secondary element is adapted to produce a fourth human sensory perceptible signal in response to the fourth signal.
  • the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to intermittently transmit the fourth signal, and preferably, the transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the fourth signal at intervals of at least ten seconds, and advantageously, at intervals of at least five seconds, and preferably, at intervals of at least three seconds, and ideally, at intervals of at least one second.
  • the primary element comprises a primary wireless receiving means for receiving a wireless activating signal
  • the secondary element comprises a secondary transmitting means for transmitting the activating signal.
  • the primary control means is responsive to reception by the primary receiving means of the activating signal for operating the transmitting means to transmit an appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals.
  • the primary element comprises a storing means for storing the appropriate ones of the first, second, third and fourth signals indicative of the current status of the signals being read by the primary control means from the sensing means.
  • the primary control means operates the transmitting means to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals in response only to the activating signal received by the primary receiving means.
  • the secondary element comprises a secondary control means for controlling operation of the secondary transmitter to transmit the activating signal.
  • the secondary element comprises a means for inputting a signal to operate the secondary control means to produce the activating signal
  • the means for inputting the signal comprises a button activated switch
  • the secondary control means operates the secondary transmitter to produce the activating signal for so long as the button operated switch is operated in the closed state.
  • the primary control means operates the primary transmitter to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals only for so long as the activating signal is being received by the primary receiver.
  • the first predefined time period is not less than two minutes, and preferably, is not less than five minutes, and advantageously, is approximately ten minutes.
  • the secondary element comprises a light producing means for producing the first, second, third and fourth human sensory perceptible signals.
  • the light producing means is operated by the secondary control means in response to signals received by the secondary receiving means.
  • the light producing means comprises at least one light emitting diode, and preferably, two light emitting diodes.
  • one of the light emitting diodes is adapted for producing the first human sensory perceptible signal
  • the second light emitting diode is provided for producing the second human sensory perceptible signal.
  • the first, second and third light emitting diodes are all adapted for producing the third human sensory perceptible signal.
  • the light producing means comprises a third light emitting diode for producing the fourth human sensory perceptible signal.
  • the sensing means comprises a movement sensor, which preferably, comprises an ultrasonic sensor.
  • the sensing means comprises a heat sensor, and advantageously, an infrared sensor, and preferably, a passive infrared sensor.
  • the sensing means comprises a sound sensor.
  • the sensing means comprises any one or more of a movement sensor, a heat sensor and a sound sensor.
  • the primary and secondary elements are portable, and ideally, the secondary element is of the size of a key fob, and preferably, the primary element is of size substantially similar to that of a mobile phone.
  • the secondary element is releasably engagable with the primary element for facilitating transporting of the primary and secondary element.
  • the present invention is further directed towards a security device for temporary installation in a room, the security device comprising a room-based element and a portable element; the room-based element being capable of wirelessly transmitting an alarm signal to the portable element when a movement sensor in the room- based element detects the presence of an intruder in the room.
  • the room-based element and the portable element are battery powered.
  • the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting an intruder present alarm signal the portable element.
  • the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting an intruder was present alarm signal the portable element.
  • the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting a tamper alarm signal the portable element.
  • the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting an all clear signal the portable element.
  • the room-based element comprises a tamper switch capable of detecting if the room-based element is tampered with.
  • the tamper switch comprises a spring loaded plunger in a bore, wherein contact by the spring loaded plunger with a predefined inner face portion of the bore causes the tamper switch to be activated.
  • the tamper switch comprises an inertia switch.
  • the room-based element and the portable element communicate with each other using a standard mobile telephone network.
  • the room-based element transmits the alarm signal, in the form of a text message under the short messaging service protocol, to one or more preselected mobile telephone numbers.
  • Figure 1 is a block representation of a security device according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side elevational view of a detail of the security device
  • Figure 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side elevational view of the detail of the security device of Figure 2, illustrating the detail of Figure 2 in a different position;
  • FIG 4 is a block representation of a security device according to a further embodiment of the present invention.
  • a security device according to the present invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 .
  • the security device 1 is suitable for indicating whether or not a person is or has been in a room (not shown).
  • the security device 1 comprises two elements, namely, a primary element indicated generally by reference numeral 3 and a secondary element indicated generally by reference numeral 5.
  • the primary element 3 is adapted for placement in the room which is to be monitored for the presence of a person therein.
  • the secondary element 5 is adapted to be carried by a person leaving the room and who intends re-entering the room subsequently.
  • the primary element 3 monitors the room for the presence of a person therein and produces signals indicative of the status of the room.
  • the signals are received by the secondary element 5, and the secondary element 5 indicates if a person is in the room or has been in the room and also if the primary element has been tampered with.
  • both the primary element 3 and the secondary element 5 are portable and are relatively small.
  • the primary element 3 is approximately the size of a mobile phone, while the secondary element 5 is of the size of a key fob, and is adapted for attaching to a key ring.
  • the secondary element 5 may comprise a clip to allow the secondary element 5 to be attached to a keycard as are commonly used in hotels.
  • the form factor of the secondary element 5 may comprise a sleeve portion to allow a keycard to be inserted into the sleeve portion of the secondary element 5 for safe keeping.
  • the primary element 3 comprises a primary housing 7, typically of plastics material, and which is suitable for placing on a table or any other suitable surface in the room to be monitored.
  • a sensing means comprising a movement sensor, in this embodiment of the invention an ultrasonic sensor 8 is located in the primary housing 7.
  • a primary control means in this embodiment of the invention a primary programmable logic controller 10 is located in the primary housing 7 and reads signals outputted by the ultrasonic sensor 8 for determining if a person has been detected in the room by the ultrasonic sensor 8.
  • a primary transmitting means namely, a primary wireless transmitter 1 1 also located in the primary housing 7 is operated by the primary controller 10 for transmitting signals produced by the primary controller 10 indicative of the status of the room, as will be described below.
  • a tamper indicating means namely, a tamper indicating switch 14 is located in the primary housing 7 and comprises a spring loaded plunger 15 which is slidable in a bore 16 in a sub-housing 17 of the tamper indicating switch 14.
  • the plunger 15 is urged outwardly from a base 18 of the primary housing 7 by a compression spring 19.
  • the tamper indicating switch 14 remains in an open circuit state.
  • the tamper indicating switch 14 is operated in a closed circuit state.
  • the primary programmable logic controller 10 on receiving a signal from the tamper indicating switch 14 determines that the primary element 3 has been tampered with, and operates the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit an appropriate signal as will be described below.
  • a primary battery 12 powers the primary element 3.
  • the spring loaded plunger 15 may not be solely confined to substantially horizontal movement within the bore 16 of the sub- housing 17; the spring loaded plunger 15 and associated bore 16 may be dimensioned so as to allow movement of the spring loaded plunger 15 in any direction within the bore 16, whereby contact of the spring loaded plunger 15 against any of the inner faces of the bore 16 results in the closed circuit state, thus operating the tamper indicating switch 14.
  • inertia switches which have a pendulum-like movement may be used for providing the tamper indicating switch 14.
  • the secondary element 5 comprises a secondary housing 20 within which a secondary control means, namely, a secondary programmable logic controller 22 is located.
  • a secondary wireless receiver 23 is also located in the secondary housing 20, and the secondary controller 22 reads signals received by the secondary receiver 23.
  • the secondary receiver 23 operates co-operatively with the primary transmitter 1 1 .
  • the secondary element 5 also comprises a light producing means, in this embodiment of the invention first, second and third light emitting diodes 25, 26 and 27 for producing human sensory perceptible signals, namely, light signals indicative of the status of the room being monitored by the primary element 3.
  • the first light emitting diode 25 emits red light
  • the second light emitting diode 26 emits amber light
  • the third light emitting diode emits green light.
  • a secondary battery 29 powers the secondary element 5.
  • the primary controller 10 is programmed to read signals outputted by the ultrasonic sensor 8, and on the signal read from the ultrasonic sensor 8 being indicative of a person being in the room, the primary controller 10 is programmed to produce a first signal which is indicative of the presence of a person being detected in the room.
  • the primary controller is programmed to operate the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit the first signal.
  • the primary controller 10 at intervals of approximately one second continues to transmit the first signal while the signal read from the ultrasonic sensor 8 is indicative of the presence of a person in the room.
  • the primary controller 10 When the signal read by the primary controller 10 from the ultrasonic sensor 8 changes from being a signal indicative of the presence of a person in the room to being a signal indicative of the person being no longer in the room, the primary controller 10 is programmed to continue outputting the first signal for a first predefined time period of ten minutes, and to operate the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit the first signal at one second intervals during the predefined time period. After the expiration of the first predefined time period, the primary controller 10 is programmed to transmit a second signal which is indicative of the fact that a person had been in the room since the primary element had been activated, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 5 last left the room.
  • the primary controller 10 is programmed to operate the primary transmitter 1 1 to continuously transmit the second signal intermittently at intervals of approximately one second 12 until the primary element 3 is powered down or until a person is again detected in the room.
  • the primary controller 10 is also programmed to produce a third signal in response to a signal from the tamper indicating switch 14 being indicative of tampering with the primary element 3.
  • the primary controller 10 operates the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit the third signal intermittently at approximately one second intervals until the primary element 3 has been powered down.
  • the primary controller 10 is programmed to produce a fourth signal which is indicative of the fact that no person has entered the room since the primary element 3 had been powered up, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 5 last left the room.
  • the primary controller operates the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit the fourth signal intermittently at intervals of approximately one second for so long as the signal read by the primary controller 10 from the ultrasonic sensor 8 is indicative of no persons being in the room.
  • the secondary controller 22 is programmed so that on reception of the first signal by the secondary receiver 23, the secondary controller 22 powers up the first red light emitting diode 25 to indicate that a person is presently in the room, or has been in the room within the past ten minutes, and thus, it may not be safe to enter the room.
  • the secondary controller 22 detecting reception of the second signal by the secondary receiver 23, the secondary controller 22 powers up the second amber light emitting diode 26 to indicate that a person has been in the room since the primary element 3 had been powered up, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 5 last left the room, and it may or may not be safe to enter the room.
  • the first green light emitting diode 25 and the second amber light emitting diode 26 and the third green light emitting diode 27 are all powered up, thus indicating that the primary element 3 has been tampered with, and it may not be safe to enter the room.
  • the secondary controller 22 On the secondary controller 22 detecting reception by the secondary receiver 23 of the fourth signal, the secondary controller 22 powers up the third green light emitting diode 27 to indicate that there is nobody in the room, nor has there been anybody in the room since the primary element 3 had been powered up, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 5 last left the room.
  • a person leaving a room for example, a hotel bedroom, places the primary element 3 on a table or other suitable surface and powers up the primary element 3.
  • the secondary element 5 is disengaged from the primary element 3 and is taken by the person leaving the room.
  • the person inspects the secondary element 5 in order to identify the status of the room.
  • the third green light emitting diode 27 powers up on its own, then this indicates that nobody entered the room while the person was away from the room. If the first red light emitting diode 25 powers up on its own, this indicates that a person is presently in the room or was in the room within the last ten minutes. If the second amber light emitting diode 26 powers up on its own, this indicates that a person has been in the room since the primary element was powered up, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 3 last left the room.
  • the primary element 3 transmits only one of the first, second, third and fourth signals. Initially, once the door of the room has been closed, and for so long as nobody enters the room, the primary element 3 transmits the fourth signal, which is transmitted until a person is detected in the room, at which stage the primary element 3 commences to transmit the first signal. When the person is no longer detected in the room, the first signal continues to be transmitted for the first predefined time period of ten minutes. At the end of the ten minute period the second signal is transmitted. However, if during the period while the primary element 3 has been powered up the tamper indicating switch 14 indicates that the primary element 3 has been tampered with, from the time tampering has been detected, the primary element 3 outputs the third signal.
  • a security device according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40, also for detecting the presence of a person in a room.
  • the security device 40 is substantially similar to the security device 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals.
  • the main difference between the security device 40 and the security device 1 is that the security device 40 is a low power consumption device.
  • the primary element 3 of the security device 40 does not continuously transmit signals, but rather only transmits signals when an activating signal is received from the secondary element 5 of the security device 40.
  • the primary element 3 comprises a memory 42 in which the current status of signals produced by the ultrasonic sensor 8 are stored and updated at millisecond intervals by the primary controller 10.
  • the primary element 3 also comprises a primary wireless receiver 43 for receiving the activating signal from the secondary element 5 in order to activate the primary controller 10 to operate the transmitter to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third or fourth signals.
  • the secondary element 5 comprises a secondary transmitter 45 for transmitting the activating signal for reception by the primary element 3.
  • An input means, in this embodiment of the invention provided by a push button switch 46 is provided in the secondary element 5 and signals from the push button switch 46 are read by the secondary controller 22.
  • the secondary programmable logic controller 22 On the secondary programmable logic controller receiving a signal from the button operated switch 46, the secondary programmable logic controller 22 operates the secondary transmitter 45 to transmit the activating signal.
  • the primary controller 10 On reception of the activating signal by the primary receiver 43, the primary controller 10 reads the current status of the signals from the ultrasonic sensor 8 stored in the memory 42, and operates the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals to the secondary element 5. Thereafter operation of the secondary element 5 is similar to that of the secondary element 5 described with reference to Figure 1 .
  • the person operates the push button switch 46 in order to operate the secondary programmable logic controller 22 to transmit the activating signal through the secondary transmitter 45, which on being received by the primary receiver 43 of the primary element 3 operates the primary element 3 to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals.
  • the secondary controller 22 powers up the appropriate one or two of the first, second and third light emitting diodes 25, 26 and 27.
  • the security device 40 and its operation is similar to that of the security device 1 .
  • control means which are provided by programmable logic controllers
  • any other suitable control means may be used, for example, microprocessors.
  • any other suitable means for producing human sensory perceptible signals may be provided, besides light emitting diodes.
  • other suitable light means besides light emitting diodes may be provided, or alternatively, a sounder or sounders may be used to provide sound signals, or a combination of light and sound signals may be used.
  • the security device has been described as comprising one primary element and one secondary element, it is envisaged in certain cases that the security device may be provided with more than one primary element, for example, in the case where one wished to have a number of rooms monitored, for example, in an apartment or a small house, it is envisaged that more than one primary element would be provided, and typically, one primary element would be provided for each room. In which case, either a corresponding number of secondary elements may be provided, or alternatively, a single secondary element would be provided which would be configured to indicate the status of each of the rooms from signals received from the respective primary elements.
  • a plurality of additional movement sensors may be provided with wireless transmitters which would transmit signals similar to those produced by the movement sensor in the primary element, and those signals transmitted by the additional movement sensors would be received by the primary element, and in which case, the primary element would be provided with a wireless receiver for receiving signals transmitted from the wireless transmitter of the additional movement sensors.
  • the security device would be used in a house or an apartment with a plurality of rooms, or indeed, in a hotel suite with a number of rooms, whereby the primary element would be located in one room and the additional movement sensors would be located in others of the rooms.
  • the primary element could then be adapted to transmit similar signals for reception by the secondary element which would merely indicate the status of the house, apartment or hotel suite, as the case may be, as a single unit.
  • the primary element could be provided with further intelligence, which would permit the transmission of signals indicating the status of the respective rooms.
  • the secondary element would then be provided with corresponding additional intelligence and most likely additional human sensory perceptible indicating means, such as additional light emitting diodes, which would allow the secondary element to indicate to a user the status of the individual rooms being monitored.
  • human sensory perceptible indicating means have been described as comprising light emitting diodes, any other suitable human sensory perceptible indicating means may be provided, for example, quartz lights, tungsten filament lights, semiconductor light emitters, or any other such indicating means.
  • the red light emitting diode could be powered up, and to indicate that a person had been in the room since the primary element had been powered up the amber light emitting diode may be powered up.
  • the green light emitting diode will be used to indicate the absence of any person in the room in which the primary element is located, and the amber light emitting diode is powered up to indicate that a person had been in the room since the primary element had been powered up, it is envisaged that when the status of the room is that at the time the secondary element is activated to receive signals from the primary element indicative of the status of the room, where no person is presently in the room but a person had been previously in the room both the green and amber light emitting diodes will be powered up.
  • the green light emitting diode only would be powered up.
  • the secondary element has been powered up to obtain the status of the room and none of the light emitting diodes power up, this would be taken to indicate a malfunction in either the primary element or the secondary element, or that the primary element had been removed from the room.
  • the movement sensor has been described as comprising an ultrasonic sensor, it is envisaged that the movement sensor may be any other suitable type of movement sensor, for example, an infrared sensor or a microwave sensor. In particular, it may be preferable to provide the movement sensor as a passive infrared sensor.
  • the secondary element 5 may be formed by running a specific app on a mobile telephone, using the wireless transmission capabilities, the processing capabilities and the speaker and/or screen of the mobile telephone to take the place of the secondary receiver 23, the secondary programmable logic control 22, and the light emitting diodes 25, 26, 27.
  • both the primary element 3 and the secondary element 5 may comprise radio frequency transmission means and a subscriber identity module (SIM) card slots respectively to allow the secondary element 5 to receive data from the primary element 3 over a standard telecommunications network, such as a GSM network, a mobile WiMax network and/or a LTE network.
  • SIM subscriber identity module
  • the primary element 3 may send a text message notification to the secondary element 5 in lieu of the primary element 3 transmits any of the aforementioned first, second, third or fourth signals.
  • the primary element 3, having the radio frequency transmission means and the SIM card may be programmed to transmit a text message to a number of preset mobile telephone numbers. The text message can alert the mobile telephone operator as to whether there is an individual in the room, an individual has just left the room, there has been an attempt to tamper with the primary element 3 or that all systems are operational and no individual has attempted to enter the room nor is in the room.
  • the secondary element 5 may comprise a panic button which, when activated, will cause an audible alarm to be emitted from the secondary element 5.
  • GPS Global Positioning System
  • room has been used to define any space where monitoring of individuals in that space is desired.
  • the term should not be strictly construed to areas defined by walls, ceilings and floors.
  • the present invention may be equally used in an outdoor environment, such as a patio area or the like, where valuables may be temporarily left.

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  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Alarm Systems (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention is directed towards a security device comprising a primary element and a secondary element; the primary element comprising a sensing means adapted to detect the presence of a person in a room, and to output a signal indicative of the presence of a person being detected in the room; a primary control means adapted for reading the output of the sensing means, the primary control means being further adapted for producing a first signal indicative of the presence of a person being in a room while the signal read from the sensing means is indicative of the presence of a person in the room, and, for maintaining the first signal for a first predefined time period from a time at which the signal read from the sensing means changes from being indicative of the presence of a person being in the room to being indicative of the person no longer being in the room; and, a primary wireless transmitting means operable under the control of the primary control means for transmitting signals produced by the primary control means; the secondary element comprising a secondary wireless receiving means for receiving signals from the primary element, and being adapted to produce a first human sensory perceptible signal indicative of the presence of a person in a room in response to the first signal.

Description

"A security device"
Introduction
The present invention relates to a security device, and in particular, to a personal security device.
Personal security is always of high importance and a large number of devices and systems have been devised to assist with personal security. Normally these devices and systems are either carried by the individual and are activated when the individual is attacked, or, the device is installed in the individual's home or car to protect the individual from attack whilst in their home or car.
One area where personal security devices are lacking is when the individual is staying in a temporary location which does not justify the installation of a permanent personal security device. For example, when on holidays and staying in a hotel room, it would be better if a personal security device could be provided in the hotel room to alert the guest staying in a hotel room if there is an individual in their hotel room. On numerous occasions a hotel guests have returned to their room and disturbed a thief. If the guest cannot activate the personal security advice which they are carrying, or if they are not carrying a personal security device, the thief may attack the quest. In some cases, the thief has caused bodily harm to the guests and tragically in a few cases the guests in a hotel have suffered death as a result of disturbing a thief in their hotel room. A hotel intruder alarm is known from U.S. Patent Number US3787831 (GORDON) where an alarm system is affixed to a hotel door and an individual must know the key code to disarm the alarm and enter the hotel room. Such a devise is useful but does not combat individuals or intruders who gain access to the hotel room through other opes such as a window or a fir exit. In this case the intruder would be in the hotel room without any visible sign to the guest and the guest may mistakenly enter the hotel room and disturb the intruder, thus inadvertently creating the possibility that the intruder could attack and possibly harm them.
It is a goal of the present invention to provide a device that overcomes at least one of the above mentioned problems.
Summary of the Invention
According to the invention there is provided a security device comprising a primary element and a secondary element, the primary element comprising a sensing means adapted to detect the presence of a person in a room, and to output a signal indicative of the presence of a person being detected in the room, a primary control means adapted for reading the output of the sensing means, the primary control means being further adapted for producing a first signal indicative of the presence of a person being in a room while the signal read from the sensing means is indicative of the presence of a person in the room, and for maintaining the first signal for a first predefined time period from a time at which the signal read from the sensing means changes from being indicative of the presence of a person being in the room to being indicative of the person no longer being in the room, and a primary wireless transmitting means operable under the control of the primary control means for transmitting signals produced by the primary control means, the secondary element comprising a secondary wireless receiving means for receiving signals from the primary element, and being adapted to produce a first human sensory perceptible signal indicative of the presence of a person in a room in response to the first signal.
The advantage of this device is that the security device can be temporarily set-up in a hotel room for example, and a guest returning to the hotel room can be alerted if there is or has been an intruder in the room.
In one embodiment of the invention the primary control means is adapted to produce second signal in response to the first predefined time period having timed out, the second signal being indicative of the fact that a person had been in the room.
Preferably, the secondary element is adapted to produce a second human sensory perceptible signal in response to the second signal.
In one embodiment of the invention the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to intermittently transmit the second signal.
In another embodiment of the invention the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at intervals of at least ten seconds.
In another embodiment of the invention the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at intervals of at least five seconds.
In another embodiment of the invention the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at intervals of at least three seconds. In another embodiment of the invention the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at intervals of at least one second.
In another embodiment of the invention the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to intermittently transmit the first signal. Preferably, the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means for transmitting the first signal at intervals of at least ten seconds.
Advantageously, the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means for transmitting the first signal at intervals of at least five seconds. Preferably, the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means for transmitting the first signal at intervals of at least three seconds.
Ideally, the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means for transmitting the first signal at intervals of at least one second.
In a further embodiment of the invention the second signal is intermittently transmitted. Preferably, the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at predefined time intervals of at least ten seconds.
Advantageously, the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at predefined time intervals of at least five seconds.
Preferably, the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at predefined time intervals of at least three seconds.
Ideally, the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the second signal at predefined time intervals of at least one second.
In another embodiment of the invention the one of the sensing means and the primary element is adapted to produce a tamper indicating signal in response to tampering therewith, and the primary control means is adapted to produce a third signal indicative of the tampering therewith.
In another embodiment of the invention the secondary element is adapted to produce a third human sensory perceptible signal in response to the third signal.
In one embodiment of the invention the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to intermittently transmit the third signal, and preferably, the primary transmitting means is operated to transmit the third signal at intervals of at least ten seconds, and preferably, at intervals of at least five seconds, and advantageously, at intervals of at least three seconds, and ideally, at intervals of at least one second.
In another embodiment of the invention the primary control means is adapted to produce a fourth signal indicative of the fact that the sensing means has not detected any person in the room since the sensing means had been activated.
Preferably, the secondary element is adapted to produce a fourth human sensory perceptible signal in response to the fourth signal. In one embodiment of the invention the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to intermittently transmit the fourth signal, and preferably, the transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit the fourth signal at intervals of at least ten seconds, and advantageously, at intervals of at least five seconds, and preferably, at intervals of at least three seconds, and ideally, at intervals of at least one second.
In another embodiment of the invention the primary element comprises a primary wireless receiving means for receiving a wireless activating signal, and advantageously, the secondary element comprises a secondary transmitting means for transmitting the activating signal. Preferably, the primary control means is responsive to reception by the primary receiving means of the activating signal for operating the transmitting means to transmit an appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals.
Preferably, the primary element comprises a storing means for storing the appropriate ones of the first, second, third and fourth signals indicative of the current status of the signals being read by the primary control means from the sensing means.
In a further embodiment of the invention the primary control means operates the transmitting means to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals in response only to the activating signal received by the primary receiving means.
In another embodiment of the invention the secondary element comprises a secondary control means for controlling operation of the secondary transmitter to transmit the activating signal.
Preferably, the secondary element comprises a means for inputting a signal to operate the secondary control means to produce the activating signal, and advantageously, the means for inputting the signal comprises a button activated switch, and advantageously, the secondary control means operates the secondary transmitter to produce the activating signal for so long as the button operated switch is operated in the closed state.
Advantageously, the primary control means operates the primary transmitter to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals only for so long as the activating signal is being received by the primary receiver.
In one embodiment of the invention the first predefined time period is not less than two minutes, and preferably, is not less than five minutes, and advantageously, is approximately ten minutes.
In another embodiment of the invention the secondary element comprises a light producing means for producing the first, second, third and fourth human sensory perceptible signals.
In a further embodiment of the invention the light producing means is operated by the secondary control means in response to signals received by the secondary receiving means. Preferably, the light producing means comprises at least one light emitting diode, and preferably, two light emitting diodes. Advantageously, one of the light emitting diodes is adapted for producing the first human sensory perceptible signal, and the second light emitting diode is provided for producing the second human sensory perceptible signal. Preferably, the first, second and third light emitting diodes are all adapted for producing the third human sensory perceptible signal. Advantageously, the light producing means comprises a third light emitting diode for producing the fourth human sensory perceptible signal.
In one embodiment of the invention the sensing means comprises a movement sensor, which preferably, comprises an ultrasonic sensor. In an alternative embodiment of the invention the sensing means comprises a heat sensor, and advantageously, an infrared sensor, and preferably, a passive infrared sensor.
In a further embodiment of the invention the sensing means comprises a sound sensor.
In a further embodiment of the invention the sensing means comprises any one or more of a movement sensor, a heat sensor and a sound sensor.
Advantageously, the primary and secondary elements are portable, and ideally, the secondary element is of the size of a key fob, and preferably, the primary element is of size substantially similar to that of a mobile phone. In another embodiment of the invention the secondary element is releasably engagable with the primary element for facilitating transporting of the primary and secondary element.
The present invention is further directed towards a security device for temporary installation in a room, the security device comprising a room-based element and a portable element; the room-based element being capable of wirelessly transmitting an alarm signal to the portable element when a movement sensor in the room- based element detects the presence of an intruder in the room. In another embodiment of the invention, the room-based element and the portable element are battery powered.
In another embodiment of the invention, the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting an intruder present alarm signal the portable element.
In another embodiment of the invention, the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting an intruder was present alarm signal the portable element.
In another embodiment of the invention, the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting a tamper alarm signal the portable element.
In another embodiment of the invention, the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting an all clear signal the portable element. In another embodiment of the invention, the room-based element comprises a tamper switch capable of detecting if the room-based element is tampered with.
In another embodiment of the invention, the tamper switch comprises a spring loaded plunger in a bore, wherein contact by the spring loaded plunger with a predefined inner face portion of the bore causes the tamper switch to be activated.
In another embodiment of the invention, the tamper switch comprises an inertia switch.
In another embodiment of the invention, the room-based element and the portable element communicate with each other using a standard mobile telephone network.
In another embodiment of the invention, the room-based element transmits the alarm signal, in the form of a text message under the short messaging service protocol, to one or more preselected mobile telephone numbers.
Detailed Description of Embodiments
The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments thereof, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 is a block representation of a security device according to the present invention;
Figure 2 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side elevational view of a detail of the security device;
Figure 3 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional side elevational view of the detail of the security device of Figure 2, illustrating the detail of Figure 2 in a different position; and,
Figure 4 is a block representation of a security device according to a further embodiment of the present invention. Referring to the drawings and initially to Figures 1 to 3 inclusive, there is provided a security device according to the present invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 1 . The security device 1 is suitable for indicating whether or not a person is or has been in a room (not shown).
The security device 1 comprises two elements, namely, a primary element indicated generally by reference numeral 3 and a secondary element indicated generally by reference numeral 5. The primary element 3 is adapted for placement in the room which is to be monitored for the presence of a person therein. The secondary element 5 is adapted to be carried by a person leaving the room and who intends re-entering the room subsequently.
The primary element 3 monitors the room for the presence of a person therein and produces signals indicative of the status of the room. The signals are received by the secondary element 5, and the secondary element 5 indicates if a person is in the room or has been in the room and also if the primary element has been tampered with. In this embodiment of the invention both the primary element 3 and the secondary element 5 are portable and are relatively small. The primary element 3 is approximately the size of a mobile phone, while the secondary element 5 is of the size of a key fob, and is adapted for attaching to a key ring. Although it will also be understood that the secondary element 5 may comprise a clip to allow the secondary element 5 to be attached to a keycard as are commonly used in hotels. Alternatively, the form factor of the secondary element 5 may comprise a sleeve portion to allow a keycard to be inserted into the sleeve portion of the secondary element 5 for safe keeping.
The primary element 3 comprises a primary housing 7, typically of plastics material, and which is suitable for placing on a table or any other suitable surface in the room to be monitored. A sensing means comprising a movement sensor, in this embodiment of the invention an ultrasonic sensor 8 is located in the primary housing 7. A primary control means, in this embodiment of the invention a primary programmable logic controller 10 is located in the primary housing 7 and reads signals outputted by the ultrasonic sensor 8 for determining if a person has been detected in the room by the ultrasonic sensor 8. A primary transmitting means, namely, a primary wireless transmitter 1 1 also located in the primary housing 7 is operated by the primary controller 10 for transmitting signals produced by the primary controller 10 indicative of the status of the room, as will be described below.
A tamper indicating means, namely, a tamper indicating switch 14 is located in the primary housing 7 and comprises a spring loaded plunger 15 which is slidable in a bore 16 in a sub-housing 17 of the tamper indicating switch 14. The plunger 15 is urged outwardly from a base 18 of the primary housing 7 by a compression spring 19. For so long as the plunger 15 is pushed up within the bore 16 in the sub- housing 17 by the surface on which the primary housing 7 is supported, the tamper indicating switch 14 remains in an open circuit state. However, on lifting or movement of the primary housing 7 sufficient to allow the smallest movement of the plunger 15 downwardly within the bore 16, the tamper indicating switch 14 is operated in a closed circuit state. The primary programmable logic controller 10 on receiving a signal from the tamper indicating switch 14 determines that the primary element 3 has been tampered with, and operates the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit an appropriate signal as will be described below. A primary battery 12 powers the primary element 3.
It will be further understood that the spring loaded plunger 15 may not be solely confined to substantially horizontal movement within the bore 16 of the sub- housing 17; the spring loaded plunger 15 and associated bore 16 may be dimensioned so as to allow movement of the spring loaded plunger 15 in any direction within the bore 16, whereby contact of the spring loaded plunger 15 against any of the inner faces of the bore 16 results in the closed circuit state, thus operating the tamper indicating switch 14. In further embodiments, inertia switches, which have a pendulum-like movement may be used for providing the tamper indicating switch 14.
The secondary element 5 comprises a secondary housing 20 within which a secondary control means, namely, a secondary programmable logic controller 22 is located. A secondary wireless receiver 23 is also located in the secondary housing 20, and the secondary controller 22 reads signals received by the secondary receiver 23. The secondary receiver 23 operates co-operatively with the primary transmitter 1 1 . The secondary element 5 also comprises a light producing means, in this embodiment of the invention first, second and third light emitting diodes 25, 26 and 27 for producing human sensory perceptible signals, namely, light signals indicative of the status of the room being monitored by the primary element 3. The first light emitting diode 25 emits red light, the second light emitting diode 26 emits amber light, while the third light emitting diode emits green light. A secondary battery 29 powers the secondary element 5.
In this embodiment of the invention the primary controller 10 is programmed to read signals outputted by the ultrasonic sensor 8, and on the signal read from the ultrasonic sensor 8 being indicative of a person being in the room, the primary controller 10 is programmed to produce a first signal which is indicative of the presence of a person being detected in the room. The primary controller is programmed to operate the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit the first signal. The primary controller 10 at intervals of approximately one second continues to transmit the first signal while the signal read from the ultrasonic sensor 8 is indicative of the presence of a person in the room.
When the signal read by the primary controller 10 from the ultrasonic sensor 8 changes from being a signal indicative of the presence of a person in the room to being a signal indicative of the person being no longer in the room, the primary controller 10 is programmed to continue outputting the first signal for a first predefined time period of ten minutes, and to operate the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit the first signal at one second intervals during the predefined time period. After the expiration of the first predefined time period, the primary controller 10 is programmed to transmit a second signal which is indicative of the fact that a person had been in the room since the primary element had been activated, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 5 last left the room. The primary controller 10 is programmed to operate the primary transmitter 1 1 to continuously transmit the second signal intermittently at intervals of approximately one second 12 until the primary element 3 is powered down or until a person is again detected in the room. The primary controller 10 is also programmed to produce a third signal in response to a signal from the tamper indicating switch 14 being indicative of tampering with the primary element 3. The primary controller 10 operates the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit the third signal intermittently at approximately one second intervals until the primary element 3 has been powered down.
Additionally, the primary controller 10 is programmed to produce a fourth signal which is indicative of the fact that no person has entered the room since the primary element 3 had been powered up, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 5 last left the room. The primary controller operates the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit the fourth signal intermittently at intervals of approximately one second for so long as the signal read by the primary controller 10 from the ultrasonic sensor 8 is indicative of no persons being in the room.
The secondary controller 22 is programmed so that on reception of the first signal by the secondary receiver 23, the secondary controller 22 powers up the first red light emitting diode 25 to indicate that a person is presently in the room, or has been in the room within the past ten minutes, and thus, it may not be safe to enter the room. On the secondary controller 22 detecting reception of the second signal by the secondary receiver 23, the secondary controller 22 powers up the second amber light emitting diode 26 to indicate that a person has been in the room since the primary element 3 had been powered up, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 5 last left the room, and it may or may not be safe to enter the room.
On the secondary controller 22 detecting reception of the third signal by the secondary receiver 23, the first green light emitting diode 25 and the second amber light emitting diode 26 and the third green light emitting diode 27 are all powered up, thus indicating that the primary element 3 has been tampered with, and it may not be safe to enter the room.
On the secondary controller 22 detecting reception by the secondary receiver 23 of the fourth signal, the secondary controller 22 powers up the third green light emitting diode 27 to indicate that there is nobody in the room, nor has there been anybody in the room since the primary element 3 had been powered up, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 5 last left the room. In use, a person leaving a room, for example, a hotel bedroom, places the primary element 3 on a table or other suitable surface and powers up the primary element 3. The secondary element 5 is disengaged from the primary element 3 and is taken by the person leaving the room. On returning to the room, the person inspects the secondary element 5 in order to identify the status of the room. If the third green light emitting diode 27 powers up on its own, then this indicates that nobody entered the room while the person was away from the room. If the first red light emitting diode 25 powers up on its own, this indicates that a person is presently in the room or was in the room within the last ten minutes. If the second amber light emitting diode 26 powers up on its own, this indicates that a person has been in the room since the primary element was powered up, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 3 last left the room. If the first red light emitting diode 25, the second amber light emitting diode 26 and the third green light emitting diode 27 all power up, this indicates that the primary element 3 has been tampered with since it was powered up, in other words, since the person with the secondary element 5 last left the room.
It should be noted that in this embodiment of the invention while the primary element 3 is powered up, the primary element 3 transmits only one of the first, second, third and fourth signals. Initially, once the door of the room has been closed, and for so long as nobody enters the room, the primary element 3 transmits the fourth signal, which is transmitted until a person is detected in the room, at which stage the primary element 3 commences to transmit the first signal. When the person is no longer detected in the room, the first signal continues to be transmitted for the first predefined time period of ten minutes. At the end of the ten minute period the second signal is transmitted. However, if during the period while the primary element 3 has been powered up the tamper indicating switch 14 indicates that the primary element 3 has been tampered with, from the time tampering has been detected, the primary element 3 outputs the third signal.
Referring now to Figure 4, there is illustrated a security device according to another embodiment of the invention, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40, also for detecting the presence of a person in a room. The security device 40 is substantially similar to the security device 1 and similar components are identified by the same reference numerals. The main difference between the security device 40 and the security device 1 is that the security device 40 is a low power consumption device. In this embodiment of the invention the primary element 3 of the security device 40 does not continuously transmit signals, but rather only transmits signals when an activating signal is received from the secondary element 5 of the security device 40. Accordingly, in this embodiment of the invention the primary element 3 comprises a memory 42 in which the current status of signals produced by the ultrasonic sensor 8 are stored and updated at millisecond intervals by the primary controller 10. The primary element 3 also comprises a primary wireless receiver 43 for receiving the activating signal from the secondary element 5 in order to activate the primary controller 10 to operate the transmitter to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third or fourth signals.
The secondary element 5 comprises a secondary transmitter 45 for transmitting the activating signal for reception by the primary element 3. An input means, in this embodiment of the invention provided by a push button switch 46 is provided in the secondary element 5 and signals from the push button switch 46 are read by the secondary controller 22. On the secondary programmable logic controller receiving a signal from the button operated switch 46, the secondary programmable logic controller 22 operates the secondary transmitter 45 to transmit the activating signal. On reception of the activating signal by the primary receiver 43, the primary controller 10 reads the current status of the signals from the ultrasonic sensor 8 stored in the memory 42, and operates the primary transmitter 1 1 to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals to the secondary element 5. Thereafter operation of the secondary element 5 is similar to that of the secondary element 5 described with reference to Figure 1 .
Accordingly, on a person returning to a room, for example, a hotel bedroom, prior to entering the room, the person operates the push button switch 46 in order to operate the secondary programmable logic controller 22 to transmit the activating signal through the secondary transmitter 45, which on being received by the primary receiver 43 of the primary element 3 operates the primary element 3 to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals. On reception of the appropriate one of the first, second, third or fourth signals, the secondary controller 22 powers up the appropriate one or two of the first, second and third light emitting diodes 25, 26 and 27.
Otherwise, the security device 40 and its operation is similar to that of the security device 1 .
While the primary and secondary elements have been described as comprising control means which are provided by programmable logic controllers, any other suitable control means may be used, for example, microprocessors.
It will be appreciated that any other suitable means for producing human sensory perceptible signals may be provided, besides light emitting diodes. For example, other suitable light means besides light emitting diodes may be provided, or alternatively, a sounder or sounders may be used to provide sound signals, or a combination of light and sound signals may be used.
While the security device has been described as comprising one primary element and one secondary element, it is envisaged in certain cases that the security device may be provided with more than one primary element, for example, in the case where one wished to have a number of rooms monitored, for example, in an apartment or a small house, it is envisaged that more than one primary element would be provided, and typically, one primary element would be provided for each room. In which case, either a corresponding number of secondary elements may be provided, or alternatively, a single secondary element would be provided which would be configured to indicate the status of each of the rooms from signals received from the respective primary elements.
It is also envisaged that as well as providing the security device as comprising a primary element and a secondary element, it is envisaged that as well as the primary element comprising an in-built movement sensor, a plurality of additional movement sensors may be provided with wireless transmitters which would transmit signals similar to those produced by the movement sensor in the primary element, and those signals transmitted by the additional movement sensors would be received by the primary element, and in which case, the primary element would be provided with a wireless receiver for receiving signals transmitted from the wireless transmitter of the additional movement sensors. This would permit the security device to be used in a house or an apartment with a plurality of rooms, or indeed, in a hotel suite with a number of rooms, whereby the primary element would be located in one room and the additional movement sensors would be located in others of the rooms. The primary element could then be adapted to transmit similar signals for reception by the secondary element which would merely indicate the status of the house, apartment or hotel suite, as the case may be, as a single unit. Alternatively, the primary element could be provided with further intelligence, which would permit the transmission of signals indicating the status of the respective rooms. The secondary element would then be provided with corresponding additional intelligence and most likely additional human sensory perceptible indicating means, such as additional light emitting diodes, which would allow the secondary element to indicate to a user the status of the individual rooms being monitored.
While the human sensory perceptible indicating means have been described as comprising light emitting diodes, any other suitable human sensory perceptible indicating means may be provided, for example, quartz lights, tungsten filament lights, semiconductor light emitters, or any other such indicating means.
While specific colours of light emitting diodes have been described for indicating the different states of the room in which the primary element is located, and also while specific combinations of light emitting diodes have been described for indicating the state of the room, any other colours of light emitting diodes, and any other combinations of colours of light emitting diodes for indicating different states of the room may be used. For example, in order to indicate that the primary element had been tampered with, it is envisaged that all three light emitting diodes on the secondary element may be powered up. To indicate that a person is presently in the room or was in the room within the previous ten minutes, the red light emitting diode could be powered up, and to indicate that a person had been in the room since the primary element had been powered up the amber light emitting diode may be powered up.
While the green light emitting diode will be used to indicate the absence of any person in the room in which the primary element is located, and the amber light emitting diode is powered up to indicate that a person had been in the room since the primary element had been powered up, it is envisaged that when the status of the room is that at the time the secondary element is activated to receive signals from the primary element indicative of the status of the room, where no person is presently in the room but a person had been previously in the room both the green and amber light emitting diodes will be powered up.
When the status of the room is that nobody has been in the room since the primary element had been powered up, the green light emitting diode only would be powered up. When the secondary element has been powered up to obtain the status of the room and none of the light emitting diodes power up, this would be taken to indicate a malfunction in either the primary element or the secondary element, or that the primary element had been removed from the room.
While the movement sensor has been described as comprising an ultrasonic sensor, it is envisaged that the movement sensor may be any other suitable type of movement sensor, for example, an infrared sensor or a microwave sensor. In particular, it may be preferable to provide the movement sensor as a passive infrared sensor.
In a further embodiment, it is envisaged that the secondary element 5 may be formed by running a specific app on a mobile telephone, using the wireless transmission capabilities, the processing capabilities and the speaker and/or screen of the mobile telephone to take the place of the secondary receiver 23, the secondary programmable logic control 22, and the light emitting diodes 25, 26, 27.
In a further preferred embodiment, both the primary element 3 and the secondary element 5 may comprise radio frequency transmission means and a subscriber identity module (SIM) card slots respectively to allow the secondary element 5 to receive data from the primary element 3 over a standard telecommunications network, such as a GSM network, a mobile WiMax network and/or a LTE network.
For example, the primary element 3 may send a text message notification to the secondary element 5 in lieu of the primary element 3 transmits any of the aforementioned first, second, third or fourth signals. In another embodiment, the primary element 3, having the radio frequency transmission means and the SIM card, may be programmed to transmit a text message to a number of preset mobile telephone numbers. The text message can alert the mobile telephone operator as to whether there is an individual in the room, an individual has just left the room, there has been an attempt to tamper with the primary element 3 or that all systems are operational and no individual has attempted to enter the room nor is in the room.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the secondary element 5 may comprise a panic button which, when activated, will cause an audible alarm to be emitted from the secondary element 5.
Global Positioning System (GPS) means may be provided in the primary element 3 so that should the primary element 3 be moved or stolen, the location of the primary element 3 can be tracked using the GPS means. A RFID tag or card may also be set in the primary element 3.
It will be understood that throughout the preceding specification, the term "room" has been used to define any space where monitoring of individuals in that space is desired. The term should not be strictly construed to areas defined by walls, ceilings and floors. For example, the present invention may be equally used in an outdoor environment, such as a patio area or the like, where valuables may be temporarily left.
The terms "comprise" and "include", and any variations thereof required for grammatical reasons, are to be considered as interchangeable and accorded the widest possible interpretation.
It will be understood that the components shown in any of the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and, like parts shown in several drawings are designated the same reference numerals.
The invention is not limited to the embodiments hereinbefore described which may be varied in both construction and detail.

Claims

A security device comprising a primary element and a secondary element; the primary element comprising:
a sensing means adapted to detect the presence of a person in a room;
a primary control means connected to the sensing means and adapted to produce a first signal indicative of the presence of a person being in the room when a signal read from the sensing means is indicative of the presence of a person in the room; and, a primary wireless transmitting means operable under the control of the primary control means for transmitting signals produced by the primary control means; the secondary element comprising:
a secondary wireless receiving means for receiving the signals from the primary wireless transmitting means, and being adapted to produce a first human sensory perceptible signal indicative of the presence of the person in the room in response to the first signal being received.
A security device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein, the primary control means is adapted to maintain the first signal for a first predefined time period starting from a time at which the signal read from the sensing means changes from being indicative of the presence of a person being in the room to being indicative of the person no longer being in the room; and, the primary control means producing a second signal in response to the first predefined time period having timed out, the second signal being indicative of the fact that a person had been in the room.
A security device as claimed in claim 2, wherein, the secondary element is adapted to produce a second human sensory perceptible signal in response to receiving the second signal. A security device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to intermittently transmit the signals from the primary element to the secondary element.
A security device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the primary transmitting means is operated by the primary control means to transmit signals from the primary element to the secondary element at intervals of at least ten seconds.
A security device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the primary element is adapted to produce a tamper indicating signal in response to tampering therewith, and the primary control means is adapted to produce a third signal indicative of the tampering; and, the secondary element is adapted to produce a third human sensory perceptible signal in response to receiving the third signal.
A security device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the primary control means is adapted to produce a fourth signal indicative of the fact that the sensing means has not detected any person in the room since the sensing means had been activated.
A security device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the primary element comprises a primary wireless receiving means for receiving a wireless activating signal; and, the secondary element comprises a secondary transmitting means for transmitting the activating signal to the primary element; wherein, the primary control means is responsive to reception by the primary receiving means of the activating signal for operating the transmitting means to transmit an appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals.
A security device as claimed in claim 8, wherein, the primary element comprises a storing means for storing the appropriate ones of the first, second, third and fourth signals indicative of the current status of the signals being read by the primary control means from the sensing means.
A security device as claimed in claims 8 or 9, wherein, the primary control means operates the transmitting means to transmit the appropriate one of the first, second, third and fourth signals in response only to the activating signal received by the primary receiving means.
A security device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the secondary element comprises a light producing means for producing the first, second, third and fourth human sensory perceptible signals.
A security device as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein, the light producing means comprises at least three light emitting diodes.
A security device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the sensing means comprises a movement sensor.
A security device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the movement sensor comprises an ultrasonic sensor.
A security device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the movement sensor comprises a heat sensor.
A security device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the movement sensor comprises an infrared sensor.
A security device as claimed in claim 13, wherein, the movement sensor comprises a passive infrared sensor.
A security device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, the sensing means comprises a sound sensor.
A security device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein, secondary element is portable, and is of the size of a key fob.
20. A security device for temporary installation in a room, the security device comprising a room-based element and a portable element;
the room-based element being capable of wirelessly transmitting an alarm signal to the portable element when a movement sensor in the room-based element detects the presence of an intruder in the room.
21 . A security device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the room-based element and the portable element are battery powered.
22. A security device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting an intruder present alarm signal the portable element.
23. A security device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting an intruder was present alarm signal the portable element.
24. A security device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting a tamper alarm signal the portable element.
25. A security device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the room-based element is capable of wirelessly transmitting an all clear signal the portable element.
26. A security device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the room-based element comprises a tamper switch capable of detecting if the room-based element is tampered with.
27. A security device as claimed in claim 26, wherein, the tamper switch comprises a spring loaded plunger in a bore, wherein contact by the spring loaded plunger with a predefined inner face portion of the bore causes the tamper switch to be activated.
28. A security device as claimed in claim 26, wherein, the tamper switch comprises an inertia switch.
29. A security device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the room-based element and the portable element communicate with each other using a standard mobile telephone network.
30. A security device as claimed in claim 20, wherein, the room-based element transmits the alarm signal, in the form of a text message under the short messaging service protocol, to one or more preselected mobile telephone numbers.
31 . A security device comprising a primary element and a secondary element; the primary element comprising:
a sensing means adapted to detect the presence of a person in a room, and to output a signal indicative of the presence of a person being detected in the room;
a primary control means adapted for reading the output of the sensing means, the primary control means being further adapted for producing a first signal indicative of the presence of a person being in a room while the signal read from the sensing means is indicative of the presence of a person in the room, and, for maintaining the first signal for a first predefined time period from a time at which the signal read from the sensing means changes from being indicative of the presence of a person being in the room to being indicative of the person no longer being in the room; and,
a primary wireless transmitting means operable under the control of the primary control means for transmitting signals produced by the primary control means; the secondary element comprising:
a secondary wireless receiving means for receiving signals from the primary element, and being adapted to produce a first human sensory perceptible signal indicative of the presence of a person in a room in response to the first signal.
PCT/EP2012/064907 2011-07-29 2012-07-30 A security device WO2013017576A1 (en)

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Cited By (1)

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CN103258396A (en) * 2013-04-22 2013-08-21 哈尔滨惠恩科技开发有限公司 Anti-theft detection device and anti-theft detection method

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US5570079A (en) * 1995-04-24 1996-10-29 Dockery; Devan Home security system for detecting an intrusion into a monitored area by an infrared detector

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US3787831A (en) 1972-06-19 1974-01-22 C Gordon Alarm system
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US5854588A (en) * 1995-04-24 1998-12-29 Dockery; Devan Home security system for detecting an intrusion into a monitored area by an infrared detector

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CN103258396A (en) * 2013-04-22 2013-08-21 哈尔滨惠恩科技开发有限公司 Anti-theft detection device and anti-theft detection method

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