Portable Boundary Sensor System and Method

• US 20110012734A1
• Filed: 07/20/2010
• Published: 01/20/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/20/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Utah State University
• Original Assignee: Utah State University
• Inventors: Reese, James T., Hughes, Rickey D.
• Granted Patent: US 8,432,281 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/541
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19 using infrared-radiation detection systems G08B13/194 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2491 Intrusion detection systems, i.e. where the body of an intruder causes the interference with the electromagnetic field

Abstract

A method and system that creates a boundary with an alert and deterring function when the boundary is crossed. The system employs a base unit and one or more portable IR motion sensors which are capable of discriminating between objects of differing physical characteristics, and notifies the user when the parameters for sufficient obstruction have been met. Both sensors and base unit have audio and visual deterring capabilities to frighten away unwanted intruders. The method and system can be utilized in camping situations to deter dangerous wildlife and can be configured to notify users when children exit from an area. The system can be used to create a contiguous perimeter, or any boundary arrangement desired.

Claims

1. A boundary warning device comprising:

one or more portable motion sensors, each with sensitivity adjustment and wireless transmission capabilities;

said motion sensors positioned in series to form a boundary such that each subsequent sensor is located within the field of view of the previous sensor, and the first sensor is within the field of view of the last sensor,

a portable base unit, with wireless receiving and transmission capabilities;

said motion sensors in communication with said base unit; and

a microcontroller in said base unit to analyze information received from said motion sensors, perform object discrimination functions, and trigger a warning when the parameters for sufficient boundary obstruction are met.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein said warning is a visible light.

3. The device of claim 1 wherein said warning is an audio signal.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said warning is both a visible light and an audio signal.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said warning is a message sent to a mobile phone, land line phone, computer, pager, personal electronic or other communication device.

6. The device of claim 1 further comprising battery sources in said motion sensors and said base unit.

7. The device of claim 1 further comprising an indicator light on each said motion sensor to identify which said motion sensor initiated communication with said base station.

8. The device of claim 1 further comprising an indicator light on said base unit to identify which said motion sensor initiated communication with said base station.

9. The device of claim 1 wherein said object discrimination functions comprise an adjustable time delay parameter that allows field of view obstruction for a user defined period of time before said microcontroller triggers said warning.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein said object discrimination functions further comprise adjustable motion sensitivity parameters.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein the field of view parameter of each said motion sensor can be adjusted.

12. The device of claim 1 wherein said communications between said motion sensors and said base unit is at a selected and adjustable frequency in the radio frequency range.

13. A method for monitoring the breach of a boundary comprising:

creating a boundary by positioning one or more motion sensors in series such that each subsequent sensor is located within the field of view of the previous sensor, and the first sensor is within the field of view of the last sensor;

setting the sensitivity parameter on each said motion sensor to a user defined level;

sending a communication signal from one of said motion sensors, that detects motion, to a base unit when the motion threshold level corresponding to said sensitivity parameter of said motion sensor is exceeded;

analyzing the time said motion threshold level is exceeded;

emitting a warning signal if said time is greater than a user defined critical value; and

identifying which of said motion sensors initiated said warning signal.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said warning signal is an audio signal.

15. The method of claim 13 wherein said warning signal is a light signal.

16. The method of claim 13 wherein said warning is both a visible light and an audio signal.

17. The method of claim 13 wherein said warning is a message sent to a mobile phone, land line phone, computer, pager, personal electronic or other communication device.

18. The method of claim 13 wherein said user defined critical value is adjustable.

19. The method of claim 13 wherein an indicator light is illuminated on the sensor that detected the breach to identify which of said motion sensors triggered said warning.

20. The method of claim 13 wherein an indicator light is illuminated on said base unit to identify which of said motion sensors triggered said warning.

21. The method of claim 13 wherein said field of view of each motion sensor can be adjusted to various widths.

22. The method of claim 13 wherein creating said boundary may comprise positioning said field of view a distance above the ground so as not to detect small objects.

23. A method for monitoring the breach of a boundary comprising:

creating a boundary by positioning one or more motion sensors in series such that each subsequent sensor is located within the field of view of the previous sensor, and the first sensor is within the field of view of the last sensor;

setting object discrimination parameters;

sending a communication signal from one of said motion sensors, that detects motion, to a base unit when motion is detected;

evaluating said communication signal based on said object discrimination parameters to determine an obstruction level; and

emitting a warning signal if said obstruction level is greater than a user defined critical value.

24. The method of claim 23 wherein said discrimination parameters comprise a sensitivity adjustment in said motion sensors and an adjustable delay time in said base unit.

25. The method of claim 23 wherein said warning signal is an audio signal.

26. The method of claim 23 wherein said warning signal is a light signal.

27. The method of claim 23 wherein said warning is both a visible light and an audio signal.

28. The method of claim 23 wherein said warning is a message sent to a mobile phone, land line phone, computer, pager, personal electronic or other communication device.

29. The method of claim 23 wherein an indicator light is illuminated on the sensor that detected the breach to identify which of said motion sensors triggered said warning.

30. The method of claim 23 wherein an indicator light is illuminated on said base unit to identify which of said motion sensors triggered said warning.

31. The method of claim 23 wherein said field of view of each motion sensor can be adjusted to various widths.

32. The method of claim 23 wherein creating said boundary may comprise positioning said field of view a distance above the ground so as not to detect small objects.