Intruder/escapee detection system

• US 20030107484A1
• Filed: 10/17/2002
• Published: 06/12/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 10/17/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Auratek Security, LLC
• Original Assignee: Auratek Security, LLC
• Inventors: Gagnon, Andre
• Granted Patent: US 7,019,648 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/552
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19632 Camera support structures, e.g. attachment means, poles
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19641 Multiple cameras having overlapping views on a single scene
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19697 Arrangements wherein non-video detectors generate an alarm themselves
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2474 Antenna or antenna activator geometry, arrangement or layout loop antennae H01Q1/22
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2497 using transmission lines, e.g. cable

Abstract

A detection system for detecting intruders moving in the vicinity of a defined path comprises a distributed antenna, for example an open transmission line, extending along the path, and an array of discrete antennas extending alongside the distributed antenna and within a predetermined distance therefrom. The discrete antennas and the distributed antenna define a plurality of detection zones. A radio frequency transmitter is connected to each of the discrete antennas, and a complementary receiver in a control unit at a remote location is connected to the distributed antenna. The control unit also controls the transmitters, and the array of antennas to exchange radio frequency energy between the distributed antenna and the discrete antennas and analyzes the energy received from the discrete antennas so as to detect perturbations caused by an intruder moving adjacent said path and adjacent a particular antenna. A plurality of cameras are associated with the plurality of discrete antennas, and coupled to the control means for transmission of video signals thereto. The control means selects for display a signal from a particular camera in dependence upon the detection of a perturbation from an adjacent discrete antenna.

Claims

1. A detection system for detecting intruders moving in the vicinity of a defined path comprises a distributed antenna, for example an open transmission line, extending along the path, and an array of discrete antennas extending alongside the distributed antenna and within a predetermined distance therefrom, the discrete antennas and the distributed antenna defining a plurality of detection zones, a radio frequency transmitter connected to each of the discrete antennas, a complementary receiver connected to the distributed antenna, and control means for controlling the transmitters, receiver and array of antennas to exchange radio frequency energy between the distributed antenna and the discrete antennas and to analyze the energy received from said the discrete antennas so as to detect perturbations caused by an intruder moving adjacent said path and adjacent a particular antenna, a plurality of cameras associated with the plurality of discrete antennas and coupled to the control means for transmission of video signals thereto, the control means further comprising means for selecting for display a signal from a particular camera in dependence upon the detection of a perturbation from an adjacent discrete antenna.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein the cameras are disposed in a plurality of pairs, each pair located at one of the discrete antennas, the antennas in each pair being directed in opposite directions so that each camera captures an image of at least part of a neighbouring detection zone, and the control means, in response to detection of a perturbation indicating an intruder in said neighbouring detection zone, selects two cameras, one from each of two pairs associated with discrete antennas adjacent said neighbouring zone, so as to capture two different images of said neighbouring detection zone.

3. A system according to claim 1, wherein each antenna unit comprises a pair of antenna elements having radiation fields directed away from each other and towards a neighbouring antenna unit and a pair of cameras, each camera having a field of view generally similar to a radiation field of a respective one of the antenna elements, and the control means is responsive to perturbations in received signals corresponding to antenna elements spaced one each side of a detection zone to select video signals from two cameras associated with those spaced antenna elements and having their fields of view directed towards that detection zone.