Structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system

• US 5,657,003 A
• Filed: 02/26/1996
• Issued: 08/12/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 02/26/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alfredo Fuentes
• Original Assignee: Alfredo Fuentes
• Inventors: Fuentes, Alfredo
• Primary Examiner(s): Hofsass, Jeffery
• Assistant Examiner(s): Rushing, Mark S.
• Application Number:
  US08/606,922
• Time in Patent Office: 533 Days
• Field of Search: 340/540, 340/557, 340/686, 340/689, 340/690, 348/125, 348/128, 348/129, 348/130, 382/107, 382/141, 356/373, 356/375
• US Class Current: 340/690
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 11/16 for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. optical strain gauge
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 15/00 Surveying instruments or accessories not provided for in groups G01C1/00 - G01C13/00
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/50 Systems of measurement based on relative movement of target
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 17/89 for mapping or imaging

Abstract

A structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system is disclosed utilizing a convention surveyor'"'"'s laser transit. The transit is leveled and positioned to "shoot" across a structure that requires emergency monitoring, such as a building wall. The vertical reference position being established by the light beam, a video camera system is utilized to maintain a real-time image of the monitored area through the telescope of the transit. Using a computer for comparing, monitoring, and alarming, this visual image is digitized and referenced with a comparison grid. At regular intervals, a new visual image is compared to the reference grid to determine the location of the structure, as well as any relative movement from the reference position. Audio and visual alarms can then be activated immediately upon the determination that the position of the monitored structure has changed past acceptable limits.

Claims

1. A structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system for surveying a wall or other structure for structural integrity, said system comprising:

a laser transit assembly for generating a laser beam which produces a light spot upon or adjacent to the wall or other structure being monitored such that said wall or structure will move in relation to said light spot when further degradation of the wall or structure occurs;

a high resolution video camera for monitoring the movement of said wall and said light spot in relation to said wall or structure, said video camera further being capable of withstanding outdoor use;

a video motion analyzer capable of "grabbing" a video image and converting to a format which can be readily stored in a computer;

a video signal cable for carrying electrical video images from said video camera to said video motion analyzer; and

a computer for receiving said converted video images from said video motion analyzer, for analyzing said converted images and for determining differential movement between said wall or structure and said light spot in said converted images from said video motion analyzer, said computer being in communication with said video motion analyzer via a computer graphics input cable and alarm means for alerting rescue workers and others around the disaster site that futher structural degradation is imminent and for audibly or visually indicating any movement in the monitored wall or structure.

2. The structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system as described in claim 1, wherein said laser transit assembly is provided of the type similar to laser transits used in construction trades comprising:

a laser module for producing said laser beam;

a mounting cradle assembly for holding said laser module which is capable of being locked at any angle; and

a surveyor'"'"'s transit tripod for providing a stable platform for the laser module.

3. The structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system as described in claim 1, wherein said high resolution video camera is further equipped with a lens system of at least 6-60 mm resolution such that a total field of view of 80 feet is attainable.

4. The structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system as described in claim 1, wherein said high resolution video camera includes the ability to use infrared technology for night use.

5. The structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system as described in claim 1, wherein said high resolution video camera further includes the ability to change sensitivity settings to different levels.

6. The structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system as described in claim 1, wherein said high resolution video camera further includes slow scan capability to allow for predetermined panning of the camera'"'"'s direction.

7. The structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system as described in claim 1, further comprising a tripod for mounting said high resolution video camera.

8. The structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system as described in claim 1, wherein said alarm means comprises:

said video motion analyzer being further capable of direct output of an alarm signal upon direct detection of movement of the wall or the light spot beyond preset parameters via a first alarm input cable;

an alarm annunciator module with transmitter in communication with said first alarm input cable for transmitting an alarm signal to a remote, wireless location; and

an alarm reception module for receiving said alarm signal from said alarm annunciator module and transmitter and providing an audible alarm.

9. The structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system as described in claim 1, wherein said video motion analyzer further can convert a video image into a computer image on a regulated time interval on the order of every five to ten seconds.

10. The structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system as described in claim 1, further comprising:

said video motion analyzer further providing a "live" video picture;

a high resolution video monitor for displaying said "live" video picture, said monitor for aiming of the high resolution video camera as well as providing a means of visual inspection of the wall or structure from a distance in areas of interest such as cracks or supporting structural members; and

a video monitor cable in communication between said video motion analyzer and said video monitor.

11. A method of structure movement monitoring and emergency alarming comprising the steps:

a. generating a light spot upon the wall or other structure being monitored such that said wall or structure will move in relation to said light spot when further degradation of the wall or structure occurs;

b. monitoring the movement of said wall and said light spot in relation to said wall or structure with a video camera;

c. converting a video image from said video camera into a plurality of consecutive stationary images of a format which can be readily stored in a computer;

d. consecutively comparing each successive stationary image to each preceding stationary image; and

e. producing an alarm signal upon determination that differential movement between said structure and said light spot exceeds a predetermined tolerable amount.

12. In a structure movement monitoring and emergency alarm system for surveying a wall or other structure for structural integrity having a laser transit assembly for generating a laser beam which produces a light spot upon the wall or other structure being monitored such that said wall or structure will move in relation to said light spot when further degradation of the wall or structure occurs, wherein the improvement comprises:

a high resolution video camera for monitoring the movement of said wall and said light spot in relation to said wall or structure, said video camera further being capable of withstanding outdoor use;

a video motion analyzer capable of "grabbing" a video image and converting to a format which can be readily stored in a computer;

a video signal cable for carrying electrical video images from said video camera to said video motion analyzer;

a computer for receiving said converted video images from said video motion analyzer, for analyzing said converted images and for determining differential movement between said wall or structure and said light spot in said converted images from said video motion analyzer, said computer being in communication with said video motion analyzer via a computer graphics input cable; and

alarm means for alerting rescue workers and others around the disaster site that further structural degradation is imminent and for audibly or visually indicating any movement in said monitored wall or structure.