WO2016075469A1

WO2016075469A1 - Detection system

Info

Publication number: WO2016075469A1
Application number: PCT/GB2015/053433
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick BYERS
Original assignee: D J Byers Limited
Priority date: 2014-11-13
Filing date: 2015-11-12
Publication date: 2016-05-19
Also published as: GB2547379A; GB2547379B; GB201707731D0; GB201420219D0

Abstract

A detection system (102) for monitoring activity in an area around a shoreline (104) or pipeline. The detection system (102) comprising a plurality of detection modules (110a - 110g) configured to detect the presence and/or movement of objects in the area, the detection system (102) also comprising a control facility (106) configured to receive data generated by the detection modules (110a - 110g) and to send data to the detection modules (110a - 110g), the detection system (102) also comprising a plurality of relay modules (108a - 108c) operable to transfer data between the detection modules (110a - 110g) and the control facility (106).

Description

DETECTION SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a detection system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a radar guided detection system.

There is an on-going and growing requirement to provide detection systems to monitor activity around valuable areas, such as ports, pipelines, site perimeters and borders. Areas such as these can be vast and stretch across several countries and types of terrain.

Monitoring of such areas can also require a high degree of security and reliability. As the areas to be monitored grow larger it can be difficult to monitor such areas in a co-ordinated, secure and reliable manner. Furthermore, the area to be monitored may regularly change, requiring that the detection systems are flexible.

It is therefore an object of aspects of the present invention to provide a solution to one or more of the above or other problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a detection system for monitoring activity in an area around a shoreline or pipeline, the detection system comprising a plurality of detection modules configured to detect the presence and/or movement of objects in the area, the detection system also comprising a control facility configured to receive data generated by the detection modules and to send data to the detection modules, the detection system also comprising a plurality of relay modules operable to transfer data between the detection modules and the control facility.

Suitably, the detection system is a radar detection system, suitably a military grade radar detection system, preferably, a radar and camera detection system.

In use, a detection system according to the first aspect of the present invention is operable to monitor a large area using the plurality of detection modules, each of which are operable to monitor an area smaller than the total area monitored by the detection system, the detection system being operable to transfer the data obtained to a central point, the control facility. Using such an arrangement, a large area may be monitored centrally and responses co-ordinated centrally. Suitably, at least a portion of an area over which a detection module is operable to generate data is an area not covered by another detection module. By "covered" it is meant an area over which a detection module is operable to generate data in relation to the presence and/or movement of physical objects.

The detection system of the present invention comprises a plurality of detection modules. Preferably, ground based detection modules. Suitably, the detection modules are operable to generate data in relation to the location of physical objects in the surrounding area. The detection modules may be operable to track movement or the location of objects in the surrounding area and/or provide means for identifying the objects, such as visual identification.

A detection module may comprise one or more detection members, such as radar detection members and camera detection members, suitably thermal camera detection members.

The detection system may comprise a plurality of detection modules, wherein at least one, preferably at least 5 or 10, is arranged at least 5km from a control facility, such as at least 10km, 20km or 30km.

The detection system may comprise a first detection module spaced at least 5 km apart from a second detection module, for example at least 10km, 20km, 30km, 40km or 50km apart. Suitably, the system may comprise a series of detection modules, such as 3 to 100, for example 3 to 50 or 3 to 20 detection modules, each spaced at least 5 km apart, for example at least 10km, 20km, 30km, 40km or 50km apart.

The system may comprise a variety of detection modules containing different types and/or combinations of detection members. For example, the system may comprise a first type of detection module having radar detection members, a second type of detection module having camera detection members, and/or a third type of detection modules having both radar and camera detection members. Typically, the detection modules of the first type or third type are spaced further apart from modules of the same type than the detection modules of the second type are spaced from each other. Typically, the system comprises a greater number of detection modules comprising camera detections members than detection modules comprising radar detection members.

In certain embodiments the detection modules may comprise a thermal camera detection member configured to detect thermal radiation. Suitably, the thermal detection member may be spaced up to 5km apart from each other.

Suitably, the control facility is operable to receive data from substantially all of the detection modules. The Control Facility may comprise display means operable to display data generated by the detection modules. The data provided by all the detection modules of the detection system may be operable to be displayed all at once in the Control Facility and/or the Control Facility may be operable to display any of the data provided by any of the detection modules.

The Control Facility may be operable to process the data obtained by two or more detection modules such as to form a combined data set of the presence and/or movement of objects in the combined areas of the respective detection modules. In certain embodiments, camera and radar data can be merged to provide combined data input regarding activity in the area.

Suitably, the Control Facility is operable to transmit response communications to a detection module and/or a response unit, if present. Suitably, the relay module is operable to transfer data between the detection modules and a Control Facility.

The relay module may be operable to relay data obtained by a detection module that is arranged a significant distance from the Control Facility, for example, 5 km, 10km, 20km, 30km, 40km, 50km or 100km from the control facility.

Suitably, the relay module is ground based, preferably comprising a series of discrete Relay Towers, these Relay Towers are operable to relay data in series between respective adjacent relay towers. It will be apparent that for the terminal relay tower of the relay module, that is a relay tower adjacent or in range of the control facility, an adjacent module is the control facility. The relay towers of the relay module may each be spaced between 5 - 30km apart, such as between 7 and 25km apart or between 10km - 19km apart. In certain embodiments, the relay modules, suitably towers, may each be spaced at least 5 km apart, such as at least 7km apart or at least 10km apart. In certain embodiments, the relay modules, suitably towers, may each be spaced up to 30km apart, such as up to 25km or 20km apart, for example up to 19km apart.

The relay module may be configured to enable line of sight communication between the respective adjacent relay modules, the detection modules and/or the control facility. Preferably, the relay module may be autonomously adjustable to allow line of sight communication, such as by automatically arranging the relay modules to provide line of sight communication with one or more of detection modules that are within range of the relay module, suitably the relay tower. Suitably, the relay modules comprise communication apparatus arranged at a height of at least 50ft, such at least 70ft or at least 100ft above the detections modules and control facility, suitably above the immediate ground level, in use. The relay tower may comprise a lattice tower preferably comprising a staged workable platforms and/or safety rails. In certain embodiments, the detection system comprises at least one spine of relay modules, the spine comprising a plurality of adjacent relay modules, such as relay towers, suitably a linear line of relay modules.

Suitably, the relay modules are not detection modules.

The detection system may further comprise response modules. The response modules are typically operable to provide means for providing a physical response in the area in light of the activity data generated by the detection modules. The response modules may comprise a human response unit, a land or water-type vehicle response unit, a helicopter response unit, an acoustic hailing device, preferably integrated with a detection module, and/or a weapons system, such as tear gas dispensers. The acoustic hailing device may be operable to provide long range acoustic hailing and/or short range acoustic weapon facility. Typically, a response module comprises communication apparatus configured to at least receive data over the detection system. The response module may be arranged in proximity to a detection module relative to a Control Facility. Suitably, the detection modules, control facility and relay modules each comprise communication apparatus operable to transfer data between the members of the detection system. Typically, the communication apparatus comprise wireless communication apparatus. Optionally, the communication apparatus may comprise wired communication apparatus, such as Fibre Optic, Multi Pair, Ethernet or Analogue Coaxial. The communication apparatus may comprise a combination of wired and wireless communication apparatus.

The wireless communication apparatus may be line of sight wireless communication. The wireless communication apparatus may comprise a transmitter and receiver. Suitably the wireless communication apparatus comprise a broadband transmitter and receiver. Typically, data is transmitted between modules of the detection system using line of sight wireless broadband communication apparatus arranged on the detection modules, relay modules, control facility and response module, when present.

Typically, the broadband communication apparatus is operable to transmit and, optionally, receive broadband at speeds of greater than 1 Gbps, such as greater than 1.3Gbps or 1.6Gbps. Preferably, the communication apparatus of the relay means have a higher DBI rating than the communication apparatus of the detection modules. As such, the communication apparatus of the relay modules may be operable to transmit and receive wireless broadband at a bandwidth of greater than 1 Gbps, such as greater than 1.3Gbps or greater than 1.6Gbps over a distance of between 10 - 1000km.

The communication apparatus of the detection modules, and optionally the response modules, may be operable to transmit, and optionally receive, wireless broadband at a bandwidth of greater than 1Gbps, such as greater than 1.3Gbps, or greater than 1.6Gbps over a distance of between 10 - 50km Advantageously, the units mounted to the detection modules are much smaller and may enclosed in the housing of the detection module. This means they are both lighter and require less power to operate.

Suitably, the detection modules of the detection system are operable to encrypt the generated data at 256bit prior to transmission, preferably over a dedicated frequency of 4.5GHz or 27Ghz. In such an embodiment, suitably the control facility is operable to decrypt the encrypted data.

The communication apparatus may be auto-aiming. The term "auto-aiming" when used herein should be interpreted to mean automatically adjusting to maintain line of sight and optimal signal strength. The communication apparatus may comprise a mobile auto-aiming broadband unit operable to automatically connect to the communication network on power up of the module. Typically, power may be supplied to the autoaiming unit by one or more of wired power, wind turbine and/or, solar panels. Preferably, the autoamining unit has a battery configured to provided a backup power supply.

Preferably, the detection system is self-contained. "Self-contained" when used herein in relation to the detection system should be interpreted to mean that data is transferred between the members of the system using only the dedicated communication apparatus of the detection modules, relay towers, control facility and response module, when present. As such, data is transferred between a detection module and a control facility directly via the relay modules, i.e. without the use of components external to the system, such as mobile 3G or Satellite uplinks. Advantageously, a self-contained detection system enables use in areas where communication systems are not present and increases security, as well as reliability. A self-contained system also improves flexibility as modules may be easily added and/or removed. Typically, a self-contained detection system is provided using wireless line of sight broadband communication apparatus between the modules of the system.

The detection system, or part thereof, may be deployed in a temporary, semi-permanent or substantially permanent manner. The detection system may comprise components configured to be relatively permanent and components configured to be relatively temporary, for example components configured to be mobile. For example, the detection system may comprise a series of substantially permanent relay modules and a plurality of detection modules configured to be mobile. In such an arrangement, the detection system provides flexibility by permitting the establishment of a centralised detection system over a large area by the provision of a series of relay modules whilst also permitting the detection area to be altered according to the circumstances and/or number of detection modules.

Suitably, the detection system comprises at least one cluster of detection modules, wherein the cluster is operable to communicate with the same relay module. Typically, the detection system may comprise at least two clusters of detection modules, each cluster being arranged such as to be in communication range of different relay modules, preferably, each detection cluster is arranged out of communication range of relay modules in communication range of another cluster. Preferably, a cluster of detection modules comprises at least two types of detection members, such as at least one radar detection member and at least one camera detection member. Typically, a cluster comprises at least two mobile detection modules, for example at least one mobile detection module comprising radar detection member and at least one other mobile detection module comprising a camera detection member.

In certain embodiments, the detection system comprises relay modules operable to directly receive data from a plurality of detection modules.

The mobile detection modules may in the form of a container, suitably conforming to an ISO standard size. It will be appreciated that the size of the container of the mobile detection modules will vary in size depending on the required detection distance. In certain embodiments, the short range mobile detection units are of a 10ft ISO container size, and the long range mobile detection units are of a 20ft ISO container size. As such, the detection modules of the present invention may be quickly, conveniently and economically relocated over a large distance in response to changes in circumstance.

The detection system of the present invention may be used in any industry that requires monitoring of an area. For example, the detection system may be used to monitor shipping routes along a coastline or around a port, to monitor activity around a pipeline, an off shore oil platform, or suitably provide border protection in or around any site perimeter.

All of the features contained herein may be combined with any of the above aspects in any combination.

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the following experimental data. /drawings and figures

The invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic drawing of a first embodiment of a detection system according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a schematic drawing of a second embodiment of a detection system according to the present invention. Reference is first made to the first embodiment of the present invention as given in figure 1. The detection system 102 is arranged along the land-side of coastline 104. The detection system 102 comprises control facility 106, relay spine 107, detection clusters 109a, b and c, and response module 1 14. Relay spine 107 is spaced inwardly from the coastline 104 and runs substantially parallel thereto. Relay spine 107 contains four relay towers 108a, b, c and d, the relay towers 108a, b, c and d being arranged in linear series along the coastline 104. Detection clusters 109a, b and c are spaced in linear series along the coastline

104. The detection clusters 109a, b and c being arranged between the coastline 104 and the relay spine 107.

Detection clusters 109a, b and c contain several Integrated Visual Detection Modules (I VDM) 110a - 1 10g of both long and short range designs. The IVDMs 1 10a - 1 10g have an integrated radar system, the Kelvin Hughes SXV or Sharpeye Long Range radar system having a 9.2GHz operating frequency ground radar array with 360° and sector scanning. The radar system is available in both long and short range designs. The radar system is interference and jamming resistant and has automatic air and surface target acquisition. The detection range of the radar system is 20km for a medium sized vehicle and 5km for a walking human. Each radar system may detect up to 32 moving targets using 32 detection analytic filters. The radar system contains solid state electronics. The IVDMs 1 10a - 11 Oh further contain an integrated camera system (not shown), the camera system having a 5km range thermal and 2km 2 Megapixel Colour Camera positioning systems, the cameras being operable to rotate about 360°. The IVDMs 110a - 1 10h further include a long range acoustic hailing device.

Each of the IVDMs 1 10a - 1 10g contain a main control system (not shown). The main control systems contain local broadband control unit, CCTV encoder, PA amplifier and radar server. The CCTV encoder converts the analogue camera signals into an IP Stream. The Radar server processes the Radar data at each IVDM, this process reduces the bandwidth required to transit the detected data. The broadband control unit monitors the signal received by the antenna. In the event the signal becomes weak the broadband control unit automatically adjusts the antenna to improve the signal. The PA amplifier provides the input signal into the acoustic weapon system. This can either be a voice command or a MP3 track. The main control system is contained inside a temperature controlled container. The IVDMs 1 10a-g are operable to function within the range of -40 to 50°C.

The relay towers 108a, b and c each contain a high powered wireless auto aiming broadband unit (not shown). Each relay tower would consist of 4 number wireless units 2no. facing each direction to form a backhaul. The 4no. units allow separation of the bandwidth (Load Balance) and also provide redundancy in the event of failure. The wireless broadband units are arranged towards the top of respective 30m lattice towers. The broadband units are operable to provide a line of sight communication link between the relay tower having a bandwidth in excess of 3.2Gbps at a frequency of 6GHz. IVDMs 1 10a - g each contain mobile auto aiming broadband units. These are of a smaller light weight design which benefits both transport and installation. The broadband units of the IVDMs 1 10a - g automatically connect to the communication link of the relay towers on power up via line of sight. As such, the IVDMs 1 10a - g may be positioned anywhere along the relay spine within a 6 mile radius. Control facility 106 also contains 2no. wireless broadband units of the same design as the relay towers. Alternatively, in the event the control facility is centrally located 4no. wireless broadband units would be installed. The control facility 106 further contains diagnostic software operable to provide real time information in relation to the communication link speed and operational condition of all connected devices. This is provided in the form of a graphical display on the main control desk.

Response unit 114 contains a local response team (not shown) able to attend to maintenance/relocation of the detection modules and/or to detected activity in the area. The response unit 1 14 has an aircraft mounted version of the smaller wireless broadband unit. The response unit 114 may receive all of the data of the detection modules and/or receive instructions from the control facility 106 via the communication link.

In use, the detection modules are arranged such as to cover the desired area to be monitored. Ships entering and present within the monitored area will cause one or more detection modules to generate detection data. Generally, the further reaching radar member will be the first to detect a ship (indicated by the broken line between an IVDM and a ship. The solid lines indicated camera coverage). The broadband unit of the detection module(s) then sends the generated data to the nearest relay tower. The relay tower receives the data and transmits it to the nearest adjacent relay tower. This pattern continues until the data reaches the control facility. As the ship moves through the area covered by the detection system, the ship will come into, and leave, areas covered by respective detection modules and the different detection members of the detection modules. Each time the ship comes within the area of a detection module the module transmits the live data generated to the control facility via the relay spine. In this manner, the control facility receives data from a plurality of detection modules and is able to monitor the ship as it moves between detection modules and detection clusters. The line of sight wireless communication apparatus of the system mean that external communication systems are not required. Furthermore, the data is encrypted whilst being transmitted to and from modules. Should the area to be monitored change, further detection modules/clusters may be added or relocated from other areas to anywhere along the relay spine. Additionally, further relay towers may be added to extend the relay spine and/or form a new relay spine extending in a different direction. Figure 2 shows a detection system 202 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Detection system 202 is substantially structurally and functionally identical to the detection system 102 of the first embodiment. The significant difference between the first and second embedment is the conformation of the relay modules and detection clusters.

The detection system 202 is arranged along the land-side of opposing stretches of the coastline 204. The detection system 202 comprises control facility 206, relay spine 207, detection clusters 209a, b and c, and response module 214. Relay spine 207 is spaced inwardly from the coastline 104. The three relay towers 108a, b, c of the relay spine 207 are arrange in a curved series.

Detection clusters 109a, b and c each contain at least two IVDMs, IVDMs 210a and 201 b in cluster 209a, IVDMS 210c, d, e, f, g and h in cluster 209b and IVDMS 210i and 210j in cluster 209c. The IVDMS of clusters 109a, b and c are arranged to form a curved series of IVDMS around relay spine 207.

Thus, the detection system of the second embodiment allows ships to be detected and tracked centrally along separated stretches of coastline.

Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive. Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A detection system for monitoring activity in an area around a shoreline or pipeline, the detection system comprising a plurality of detection modules configured to detect the presence and/or movement of objects in the area, the detection system also comprising a control facility configured to receive data generated by the detection modules and to send data to the detection modules, the detection system also comprising a plurality of relay modules operable to transfer data between the detection modules and the control facility.

2. A detection system according to claim 1 , wherein the detection modules comprise one or more detection members, such as a radar detection member and/or a camera detection member, suitably a thermal camera detection member.

3. A detection system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least one of the detection modules, preferably at least 5 or 10 of the detection modules, is arranged at least 5km from the control facility, such as at least 10km, 20km or 30km.

4. A detection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection system comprises a first detection module spaced at least 5 km apart from a second detection module, for example at least 10km, 20km, 30km, 40km or 50km apart.

5. A detection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection system comprises a greater number of detection modules comprising camera detections members than detection modules comprising radar detection members

6. A detection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the control facility is operable to process the data obtained by two or more detection modules such as to form a combined data set of the presence and/or movement of objects in the combined areas of the respective detection modules.

7. A detection system according to any preceding claim, wherein relay modules are ground based, preferably comprising a series of discrete relay towers, wherein the relay towers are operable to relay data in series between respective adjacent relay towers.

8. A detection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the relay modules are each spaced at least 5 km apart, such as at least 7km apart or at least

10km apart.

9. A detection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection system comprises response modules.

10. A detection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection modules, control facility and relay modules each comprise communication apparatus operable to transfer data between the members of the detection system, typically, the communication apparatus comprise wireless communication apparatus.

1 1. A detection system according to claim 10, wherein the communication apparatus comprises wireless broadband communication apparatus, suitably operable to provide direct line of sight communication between the detection modules, relay modules and control facility..

12. A detection system according to claim 1 1 , wherein the broadband communication apparatus is operable to transmit and, optionally, receive broadband at speeds of greater than 1 Gbps, such as greater than 1.3Gbps or 1.6Gbps.

13. A detection system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the communication apparatus of the relay means has a higher DBI rating than the communication apparatus of the detection modules.

14. A detection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection system is self-contained.

15. A detection system according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection system comprises a series of substantially permanent relay modules and a plurality of detection modules configured to be mobile.

16. A detection system according to claim 15, wherein the mobile detection modules are in the form of a standard size container, suitably conforming to an ISO standard size, for example a 10ft ISO container size and/or a 20ft ISO container size.