Fiber optic based security system

• US 20020130776A1
• Filed: 03/11/2002
• Published: 09/19/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Entreprises Lokkit Inc.
• Original Assignee: Entreprises Lokkit Inc.
• Inventors: Houde, Claude
• Granted Patent: US 6,888,461 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/541
• CPC Class Codes: E05B 45/005 Chain-locks, cable-locks or padlocks with alarms
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/126 for a housing, e.g. a box, a safe, or a room
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/1463 Physical arrangements, e.g. housings devices to prevent theft or loss of purses, luggage or hand carried bags A45C13/18
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/186 using light guides, e.g. optical fibres

Abstract

A fiber optic based security system is disclosed, including a light emitter, a light detector, an optical fiber and a threshold detector. Light is injected at one end of the optical fiber and received at the other end. The optical fiber is looped or secured about an object to be protected. If someone attempts to steal the object by tampering with the optical fiber or cutting it altogether, the light received at the light detector will fall below a predetermined threshold. When this happens, the threshold detector is adapted to trigger an alarm, alerting the proper persons of the theft. Preferably, the system is contained in a portable housing, and the system is preferably useful for protecting objects located outside a building, such as a trailer, bicycle, motorcycle, snowmobile, etc., where conventional security systems would be prohibitive to install.

Claims

1. A fibre optic based security system, comprising:

a length of optical fibre having two opposite ends;

a light emitter optically coupled to one of the opposite ends of said fibre for injecting light therein;

a light detector optically coupled to the other of said opposite ends of the fibre for detecting a level of light transmitted by said fibre;

threshold means connected to said light detector for determining if the level of light transmitted by the fibre is below a predetermined threshold level;

a power source for powering said system; and

an alarm operatively associated with said threshold means, said alarm being triggered when said level of light transmitted by said fibre falls below the threshold level.

2. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 1, wherein said light emitter, said light detector, said threshold means, and said alarm are housed in a portable casing, said casing being further adapted to store said optical fibre when not in use.

3. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 1, wherein said alarm is a visual alarm.

4. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 3, wherein said visual alarm includes a LED.

5. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 1, wherein said alarm is an audible alarm.

6. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 1, wherein said alarm is a visual and audible alarm.

7. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 1, wherein said power source includes a conventional electrical outlet.

8. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 7, wherein said power source further includes a backup battery.

9. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 2, wherein said system includes an output for an external loudspeaker.

10. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of said optical fibre is integrated in a link of a padlock and is connectable to a balance of said fibre through a connector integrated with said padlock.

11. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 1, wherein said light emitter, said light detector, said threshold means and said alarm are integrated into an electronic circuit.

12. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 1, wherein said light emitter is a LED.

13. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 1, wherein said optical fibre is made of glass or plastic.

14. A fibre optic based security system according to claim 1, wherein said system further includes a LED for indicating proper functioning of said system.