System and method for detecting an intruder

• US 5,980,123 A
• Filed: 09/29/1998
• Issued: 11/09/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 01/08/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rafael - Armament Development Authority Ltd.
• Original Assignee: State of Israel--Ministry of Defence Armament Development Authority Rafael
• Inventors: Heifler, Nahy
• Primary Examiner(s): BLANKENSHIP, HOWARD BENNETT
• Application Number:
  US09/101,339
• Time in Patent Office: 406 Days
• Field of Search: 396/419, 396/427, 348/143, 348/152, 348/153, 348/154, 348/155, 340/541, 340/565, 340/567, 250/DIG. 1
• US Class Current: 396/427
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19608 Tracking movement of a target, e.g. by detecting an object predefined as a target, using target direction and or velocity to predict its new position
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19641 Multiple cameras having overlapping views on a single scene
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19652 Systems using zones in a single scene defined for different treatment, e.g. outer zone gives pre-alarm, inner zone gives alarm
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/19695 Arrangements wherein non-video detectors start video recording or forwarding but do not generate an alarm themselves

Abstract

A system and method for detecting an intruder into an area to be guarded is provided. The system includes a plurality of detection units, each of the plurality of detection units having at least one infrared sensor and having a first field of view external to and directed generally along the perimeter, and located within the area to be guarded. The infrared sensor may be a passive sensor. The detection units include a camera for recording intrusion within a second field of view and a controller. The controller is responsive to output of the infrared sensor, for determining when an intruder has entered the first field of view, whereupon an operator activates the camera.

Claims

1. A system for detecting at least one intruder proximate to an area to be guarded, said area having a perimeter, the system comprising:

a. a plurality of detection units, each of which includes at least one passive infra-red sensor having a first field of view external to and directed generally along said perimeter, said plurality of detection units, being positioned within the area to be guarded, creating a pre-emptive detection zone external to said perimeter for detecting said at least one intruder before said at least one intruder reaches said perimeter; and

b. at least one camera for viewing and recording said at least one intruder within a second field of view, said second field of view being wider than said first field of view.

2. A system according to claim 1 and further comprising:

a. a controller, responsive to output of said at least one passive infra-red sensor, for communicating with a central control and command unit when said at least one intruder has entered said first field of view; and

b. an operator activating said at least one camera.

3. A system according to claim 1, and wherein each of said plurality of detection units additionally comprises a spotlight for illuminating movement within said second field of view during poor light conditions.

4. A system according to claim 2 wherein each of said plurality of detection units additionally comprises a spotlight, for illuminating movement within said second field of view during poor light conditions, said spotlight is responsive to the activation of said at least one camera.

5. A system according to claim 1 wherein said first field of view is within a range of 10°

±

3°

.

6. A system according to claim 1 wherein said second field of view is wider than said first field of view by an angle within a range of 2°

-22°

.

7. A system according to claim 1 and wherein said first field of view of a first one of said plurality of detection units overlaps said first field of view of a second one of said plurality of detection units, said first and second detection units being adjacent detection units.

8. A system according to claim 2 and wherein each of said at least one cameras is activated by said central control and command unit.

9. A system according to claim 8 and wherein said central control and command unit comprises:

a. a control and command system coupled to a plurality of said at least one camera;

b. a digital communication channel coupled to said control and command system, for controlling the plurality of said cameras;

c. a plurality of video recorders, each of which is coupled to said control and command system, each video recorder recording the output from one of the respective cameras; and

d. a plurality of video monitors, each of which is coupled to said control and command system, each monitor displaying the output from one of the respective cameras.

10. A system according to claim 9 and wherein said central control and command unit further comprises a video motion detection unit coupled to said control and command system.

11. A system according to claim 10 and wherein said video motion unit comprises a plurality of channels, each channel is coupled to a corresponding video output from one of the respective cameras.

12. A method for detecting at least one intruder before said at least one intruder reaches the perimeter of an area to be guarded, the method comprising of:

a. placing a plurality of detection units within said area to be guarded, each of said plurality of detection units including at least one passive infra-red sensor having a first field of view external to and directed generally along said perimeter at a pre-determined distance apart, the plurality of detection units thereby creating a pre-emptive detection zone external to said perimeter for detecting said at least one intruder;

b. communicating an intrusion to a central control and command unit; and

c. activating a camera for viewing and recording said at least one intruder, said camera having a second field of view;

said second field of view being wider than said first field of view.

13. A method according to claim 12 wherein said activating said camera is controlled by said central control and command unit.

14. A method according to claim 12 and further comprising illuminating movement within said second field of view during poor light conditions.

15. A method according to claim 14 wherein said illuminating is responsive to said activating of said camera.

16. A method according to claim 12 and wherein said activating said camera when an intruder has entered said first field of view, activates a camera of at least one other detection unit.

17. A method according to claim 13 further comprising:

a. transmitting an identifier for said camera to a central control unit; and

b. transmitting said recording to said central control unit.

18. A method according to claim 12 and further comprising displaying said recording images.

19. A method according to claim 12 and further comprising recognizing said activated camera.

20. A method according to claim 12 and further comprising tracking said detected intruder.

21. A method according to claim 12 and further comprising tracking a plurality of intrusions.