GB2266799A

GB2266799A - Intruder warning alarm system

Info

Publication number: GB2266799A
Application number: GB9208703A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Albert Hala
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1992-04-22
Filing date: 1992-04-22
Publication date: 1993-11-10
Also published as: GB9208703D0

Abstract

A warning alarm system comprising of a programmable computer 22, intruder detectors 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and deterrents or warnings activated by an intruder. Detectors such as pyro-electric infra-red devices, signal the computer which triggers warnings and deterrents. The property 1 is divided into a number of zones 6, 8, 10, 12, 14. Each zone categorised into highly critical, critical and non critical areas. Warnings and deterrents include generated sounds, which differ in each detection zone, sounding as a discrete on/off buzz/beep, or as psychological warning sounds which deter an intruder. The deterrents or warnings may be switched on or off and timed and controlled by the hardware and software which may be modified by use of a keypad. The programmable computer also has the capability of being upgraded and updated with revised software. <IMAGE>

Description

INTRUDER WARNING ALARM SYSTEM This invention relates to Intruder Warning Alarm Systems and methods of deterring intruders Intruder Alarms protect property both domestic and commercial, also vehicles. The properties concerned may be any type or design including terraced, semi-detached, detached. The general Intruder Alarm comprises of detectors which detect body heat, sensors and switches in a circuit, connected through an electronic control panel all of which are usually fitted inside the house. Externally an audible device such as a siren is fitted. Once one or more detectors in an activated circuit have sensed movement, heat, shock or vibration, the circuit is disturbed and the alarm is set off. If connected to a monitoring station the police can also be informed.

The Intruder Alarms audible warning device which is generally a siren is set off by an intruder attempting t break in or actually having broken their way in. By the time the siren has been activated, considerable damage inconvenience and expense may have been caused, whether or not valuables have been stolen. Whilst alarm bell boxes may b a visible deterrent, there is rarely warning or deterrent given to the intruder to indicate to them whether or not the alarm is switched on, or if in fact is installed, prior te them breaking in and the siren sounding.

Previous inventions have been relatively unsophisticated and unintelligent with limited scope as complete systems, producing a simple restricted range o sounds with which an intruder could become familiar with, tus increasing the possibility of a break in. Also previous inventions have not been as comprehensive in protecting a property from every angle and side of attack on its periphery.

It is the object of the present invention to provide an intruder warning alarm system which may alleviate the above problems and provide a flexible and comprehensive system comprising of a l,r.,gr-ammalDle computer with control panel, detectors, deterrents and warnings to deter intruders from breaking in.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided an intruder ring alarm system comprising of a programmable computer and control panel, intruder detectors and deterrents and/or warnings which are activated prior to breaking or attempting to break into a property or vehicle. This may be achieved by use of any suitable detector or detectors such as for example passive pyro-electric infra-red devices, which signal to a programmable computer and control panel, which is and can be programmed to intelligently control and trigger a deterrent or deterrents depending on the actions of the intruder or intruders.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of deterring and/or warning an intruder including the process of detecting the intruder in one or more zones covered by one or more detectors in each specific zone prior to breaking or attempting to break into a property or vehicle.

Detection may be achieved by use of any suitable detector or detectors such as for example passive pyro-electric infra-red devices, which signal to a programmable computer and control panel which has been programmed to intelligently control and trigger a deterrent or deterrents depending on the actions of the intruder or intruders. The property or vehicle is divided into an appropriate number of zones with an individual detector in each zone, each zone being categorised as highly critical, critical or non critical areas enabling all around protection and producing warnings and/or deterrents which may include generated sounds.

These may alter in response progressively according to the category of the zone in which the intruder is being detected. In response to an intruder being detected, deterring and/or warning sounds when activated may sound as a discrete on/off buzz, or other similar or appropriate sounds. Such as psychological warnings and/or deterring sounds which deter and/or frighten an intruder causing him/her to retreat. These psychological sounds and effects may include those mentioned in the detailed description which follows, or any noel feature or combination of features hereinbefore and hereinafter described. The deterrents andfor warnings may he switched on or off and timed as deemed appropriate and controlled by hardware and/or software through the programmable computer and control panel.Which has pre-programmed software, is also capable of being programmed after installation, and has the capability of being upgraded, that is by use of eprom, smart cards, flash cards, or ramZrom cards, with updated revised or new software. The software program may also be capable of being modified by programming after upgrading, by use of a keypad which may be attached to the programmable computer and control panel.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of the first example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: - Figure 1 shows in plan view looking from the top, the intruder warning alarm system with detectors and deterrents in position on a detached domestic or commercial property with garage; Figure 2 shows a block diagram of a programmable computer and control panel with detectors, deterrents and some of the possible options for a domestic or commercial property.

A specific embodiment of the invention will be described by way of the second sample with reference to the accompanying drawing in which: Figure 3 shows in plan view looking from the top, the intruder warning alarm with detectors and deterrents in position on a typical four wheel passenger vehicle; Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a programmable computer and control panel with detectors, deterrents and some of the possible options for a passenger or commercial vehicle.

Referring to the drawing Fig 1. and Fig 2. the intruder warning alarm system comprises of a programmable computer and control panel 22, intruder detectors and deterrents and/or warnings which are activated prior to breaking or attempting to break into property 1. This is achieved by use of any suitable detector or detectors, which signal to a programmable computer, which intelligently controls and triggers a deterrent or deterrents according t the actions of the intruder or intruders. The memory storage in the programmable computer for deterrent and warning sounds may be digital comprising of a recording onto RAM, ROM, PROM, E-PROM devices.Recordings may be played back through a speaker from a commercially available speech synthesizer which may be controlled by a programmable array logic device (PAL) or suitable alternative, this may then be integrated into the programmable computer and control panel. The electronic components of the intruder warning alarm system may be powered by mains and/or battery operated.

In order to deter or warn the intruder see Fig i. Fig 2. an appropriate number of detectors are positioned and fitted securely around the property. The detectors 5,7,9,11, and 13, are preferably passive pyro-electric infra-red devices which detect infra-red energy radiated by an intruder. Alternately the d--t Ctor-s 5,7,9,11, and 13, may be switches that are activated when a gate or dor is opened, and/or pressure sensitive pads, and/or a light beam that is interrupted by the pressure of an intruder andyor an ultra sound or microwave device which responds to the energy reflected b an intruder.

Detectors are placed in positions such that the property may be divided into different zones 6,S,10, 12, and 14, which may cause different deterrents or warning devices to be activated depending on the scale of critical response allocated to each zone. Each zones by definition, is an area created by its detector beam which may he projected from a passive device which detects infra-red energy. To expand further, a zone from which an intruder is highly unlikely to attempt to break into the property from would be categorised as non critical, a zone from which an intruder is likely to attempt to break into the property from would b categorised as critical.A zon from which an intruder is highly likely to attempt to break into the property from would be categorised as highly critical. Each of the zones which have been created may be individually allocated to any specified category.

For example detector 5 covering zone g, may be classified as non-critical, as in most cases, dependant on the design features of the property, an intruder would not attempt to break in from the front.

On detection of the intruder a signal would be input into the programmable computer and control panel, further activating an output signal to the deterrent and/or warning producing device which may be housed in the casing of the detector 5, 7, 9, li, and i3, or any other appropriate housing and/or in the bell box 15 which may be conventionally fitted with a siren, tamper proof switch and flashing light. The deterrent producer itself may be in the form of a piezo electric audible warning device or solid state beeper/buzzer, or speaker i9, which when activated, for example in zone 6 by detector 5, at the front of the building by an intruder, may sound a discrete on/off alternating sounding beep/buzz or other similar or appropriate sounds.Such as for example, sounds which will be psychologically warning or frightening to an intruder. These psychological sounds and effects may include; - music, discordant music, the sound of footsteps getting closer, ghostly sounds and effects, any animal or bird calls and sounds, the sound of wind blowing, the sound of thunder. other sounds made by nature, whispering sounds, sudden loud bangs or noises, the sound of gunfire, the sound of explosions, the sound of wailing and/or crying, voices which address the intruder warning him/her that the property is alarmed, or warning him/her to leave the premises within a certain timespan otherwise the siren will sound, or any other message deemed appropriate, human or non-human sounding voices and conversations, or any novel feature or combination of features hereinbefore described. Other deterrent producing devices may include sirens and/or loudspeakers.

It is intended to have sounds and messages updated by modifying or replacing software on Eprom, Smart card, Flash card, RomfRam cards, or suitable alternatives to enable the production of a continuously changing variety of warning and/or deterrent sounds.

These warning sounds communicate to the intruder that he or she have been detected and are being monitored, alternately a speaker 19 may be employed to broadcast any pre-programmed message deemed appropriate. However should the intruder remain at the front without retreating then after a pre-programmed time because the detector 5 was still picking up the intruder in zon 6 the discrete on/off alternating sounding buzz may change to a continuous beepfbuzz and/or a speaker may broadcast a more threatening warning. Should the intruder continue to ignore this more severe warning, then after a pre-determined and pre-programmed time the siren may go off in the bell box 15 thus causing the intruder to retreat.

Should the intruder on being detected by detector 5, ignore the initial warning and proceed to one of the two sides of the house then detector 7 on the left hand side or detector 9 on the right hand side of the house would detect the intruder in zone 8 or zone 10, these two zones may be categorised as critical as there is a greater chance of the intruder breaking in. The discrete on/off alternating sounding beep/buzz may change to a continuous beep/buzz or other similar or appropriate sounds, such as those designed to psychologically warn or frighten an intruder as mentioned previously, but because the category had changed the warning sounds would also change so that the intruder was under greater pressure, due to the more severe warnings. However should the intruder remain at the side of the house without retreating, then after a pre-programmed time because the detector 7 or g was still picking up the intruder the continuous sounding beep/buzz may change in volume or a speaker may broadcast a more threatening warning. Should the intruder still ignore this more severe warning then after a pre-determined and pre-programmed time the siren may go off in the bell box 15 thus causing the intruder to retreat. If the intruder on being detected by detector 7 or 9 ignores these warnings and proceeds to the rear of the house then detector 11 would detect the intruder in zone 12, this zone would be categorised as highly critical as there is the greatest chance of the intruder breaking in, due to zone 12 being out of sight.As warnings have already been given which have been ignored, an appropriate response from the speaker 9 such as 'Stop thief' may be sounded, together with the siren going off in the bell box 5.

It may also be possible to protect other areas of a property such as a shed or garage 2, as illustrated in Fig 1. which may be protected by detector 13 creating zone 14. The response in zone 14 may be categorised appropriately according to the wishes of the occupier and thus any of the previous warnings may be sounded as hereinbefore documented.

Detectors may be so positioned and designed that they do not register small animals and pets. For example in the case of passive pyro-electric infra-red detector devices, by masking the fresnel lens or by using a suitably designed fresnel lens which keeps the beam at a suitable distance from the ground.

Other deterrents which may be incorporated into the system are floodlights 16 and 17, video camera 20 and still digital camera 21.

The programmable computer and control panel 22 as illustrated in Fig 2. may contain within its housing the following components;- a speaker 3, a beeper/buzzer 24, a keypad 25, a remote control receiver t, a tamper poof switch 27, a speech synthesizer module 8, battery back up 29, a modem 30 to allow connection to a monitoring station, a main processor printed circuit board assembly with microprocessor and other electronic components and necessary modules 33, and a replaceable eprom, smart card, flash card or other memory device 34 to allow programming ador upgrading, also any other device as deed appropriate to the system.

The programmable computer and control panel 22 may have the following signals input;- signals and data from detectors 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13, a signal from the tamper proof switch in bell box 15, internal passive pyro-electric infra-red devices 3i protecting rooms within the house, internal switches covering doors and windows 32 and inputs from video camera 20 also still digital camera 21.

The programmable computer and control panel 22 may output the following signals;- signals and data to deterrents which may be housed in detectors 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13, signals to the siren in the bell box 15, signal outputs to floodlights 16 and 17, outputs to additional internal speaker i3 and external speaker 19, output to video camera 20 also still digital camera 21.

On having detected intruders, each detector, see Fig 1. signals to the programmable computer and control panel 22, which is fastened to an appropriate inside wall within the building or premises, see Fig 1. and Fig 2. The programmable computer then processes the signals, and responds by signalling to the appropriate deterrent which may be activated for an appropriate length of time and then continuously monitored until no further detection is observed.

Referring to the drawing Fig 3. and Fig 4. the intruder warning alarm system comprises of a programmable computer and control panel 60. intruder detectors and deterrents and/or warnings which are activated prior to breaking or attempting to break into a vehicle 50. This is achieved by use of any number of suitable detectors, which signal to a programmable computer, which then intelligently controls and triggers deterrents and/or warnings depending on the actions of the intruder or intruders. The intruder warning alarm system for vehicles may be broadly similar to that used to protect properties as previously described.

However it may differ by using components which are smaller in size therefore more appropriate to the operating conditions and more compact size of a vehicle. The intruder warning alarm system may operate from 12 volts, 24 volts, or any other suitable voltage. The vehicle 50, may be fitted with more than four detectors though only four are shown in Fig 3. and Fig 4. Detector 51 may be fitted to one side of the vehicle creating zone 52, detector 53 may be fitted to the other side of the vehicle creating zone 54. Detectors 55 and 57 may be fitted to the front and rear of the vehicle creating zones 5t and 58. The siren 59 and programmable control panel 60, internal speaker 61 and piezo electric warning device er solid state beeper/buzzer 62, may be fitted inside the vehicle.An internal passive pyro-electric infra-red device 63 and internal switches 64, lights or lamps 65, keypad or onfcff switch 66 may be located within the programmable computer and control panel, or anywhere else in the passenger compartment.

The programmable computer and control panel 60 as illustrated in Fig 4. may contain within its housing the following components;- a speaker Sl, a piezo electric audible warning device or solid state beeper/buzzer 62, a keypad or on/off switch 66, a remote control receiver 67, a speech synthesizer module b, battery back up 69, a main processor printed circuit board assembly with microprocessor and other electronic components and necessary modules 70, and a replaceable eprom, smart card, flash card, romfram card or other memory device 71, also any other device as deemed appropriate to the system.

The programmable computer and control panel 60 may have the following signals input;- signals and data from detectors 51, 53, 55, and 57, internal passive pyro-electric infra-red device 63, internal switches covering doors and windows 64.

The programmable computer and control panel 60 may output the following signals;- signals to the siren 59, signals and data to deterrents and warnings which may be broadcast through internal speaker 61 and piezo electric device or solid state beeper/buzzer 62 and internal lights 65.

There are various different types of deterrents and/or warning devices see Fig 1, Fig 2, Fig 3 and Fig 4 which may be fastened securely both inside and/or outside the property or vehicle, and which when activated light up and/or make sounds;- piezo electric warning devices or solid state beepersfbuzzers, speakers mounted externally and speakers mounted internally, sirens, lamps/lights, speakers using synthesized sounds such as mentioned previously which either give the impression that the property is occupied, or warn, frighten, scare and deter intruders from breaking into the property or vehicle.

In general the invention relies on a combination of the following features;- An intruder warning alarm system comprising of a programmable computer and control panel; Intruder detectors and deterrents and/or warnings which are activated prior to breaking or attempting to break into a property or vehicle; The property or vehicle is divided into an appropriate number of zones, created by beams from detectors, with an individual detector in each zone, each zone being categorised into highly critical, critical or non critical areas enabling all around protection and producing warnings and/or deterrents which increase progressively as before mentioned, in response to an intruder being detected; Deterring and/or warning sounds which when activated may sound as a discrete on/off beep/buzz or other similar or appropriate sounds;Psychological warning andfor deterring sounds which deter andfor- frighten an intruder causing himfher to retreat; These psychological sounds and effects may include those mentioned previously or any novel feature or combination of features hereinbefore described; The ability for deterrents or warnings to be switched on tr off and timed as deemed appropriate and controlled by hardware and/or software through the programmable computer and control panel.Which may be pre-programmed and capable of being programmed after installation and/or having the capability of being upgraded, that is by use of eprom, smart card, flash card or am/em cards with updated, revised or new software which may be capable of being modified by programming after upgrading by use of a keypad which may be attached to the programmable computer and control panel.

The advantages of the present invention are that the property or vehicle is protected around its whole perimeter and that particularly in the case of a property, an intruder may be warned progressively as he enters from a non critical zone to more critical zones, which may ultimately culminate in the siren sounding from the bell box. This warns and deters the intruder causing him/her to retreat from the property and preventing the risk of damage caused by a break in. The property is comprehensively protected against intrusion from every direction.

That is deterrents are generated even if an intruder enters from the back or sides, as this system seeks to provide complete perimeter protection from every angle, quarter, and side. The system proposed is intended to both supplement existing alarm systems and may be a complete intruder warning alarm system for installation in properties or vehicles. Wherein the intruder warning alarm system may detect, deter or warn intruders, but still protect conventionally by retaining the capacity to sound sirens and switch on lights or send a signal to a monitoring station should the intruder be determined to break into and damage a property or vehicle. The external detectors may be positioned in such a way that zones are specifically created to enable legitimate callers such as postmen, milkmen and refuse collectors to be ignored.Also it may be possible to program the programmable computer and control panel to delay deterrents and/or warnings activated by specific detectors and their zones, between specific time spans when legitimate callers call. The delay would enable legitimate callers to come and go before activating deterrents and warnings, but an intruder who violated the programmed delay by remaining on the property longer than programmed for, would cause the detector to time him or her and send a signal to the programmable computer thus activating deterrents and warnings. The deterrents and warnings may be composed of an infinite number of sounds which may be programmed to produce a different sound for every intrusion if so required. This ensures that an intruder who tries more than once may be presented with different warnings and deterrents. Thus lack of familiarity may discourage a break in.

Also that, during times when the house is unoccupied, warnings and/or deterrents as sounds may be generated to make the house appear lived in, particularly by using an internal speaker 18 to create typical sounds one would assume were being made within. The volume of sound produced may be modified to provide acceptable levels for individual requirements, during night and day operation.

Modifications and improvements may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Many modifications are possible to the intruder alarm discussed above, for example the alarm system could be used to warn of intrusion into a property whilst owners were in the back garden or garage, or indeed anywhere within the property itself.

Claims

1 An intruder warning alarm system comprising of a programmable computer and control panel, intruder detectors and deterrents and/or warnings which are activated prior to breaking or attempting to break into a property or vehicle. This may be achieved by use of any suitable detector or detectors such as for example passive pyro-electric infra-red devices, which signal to a programmable computer and control panel which is and can be programmed to intelligently control and trigger warnings and deterrent or deterrents depending on the actions of the intruder or intruders. The property or vehicle is divided into an appropriate number of zones, with an individual detector in each zone.Each zone may be categorised ito highly critical, critical or non critical areas enabling all around protection and producing warnings and/or deterrents which may include an infinite variety of generated sounds, which alter in response progressively according to the category of the zone in which the intruder is being detected.

An intruder waring alarm system as claimed in Claim 1 wherein any reasonable number of detectors can be placed around the property or vehicle.

3 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in Claim 2 wherein the detectors can be positioned and fastened in any suitable position around the property or vehicle.

4 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein any intruder detector may be suitable for use, such as by mechanically actuated detectors, light beams, radiation detection, ultrasound or microwave devices, image scanning, video cameras, still digital cameras, radar beams, which could be added to supplement the system or be used instead of.

5 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the property may be effectively protected whether it is domestic or commercial and that the properties concerned may be any type or design including terraced, semi-detached, detached.

Likewise any goods, vehicles or possessions on the land of the property which could also be effectively protected. In the case of a vehicle, may be any type or design including two wheel motorbike, scooter or caravan, three wheel car or van, four wheel car or van, any commercial van, truck, lorry, trailer or wagon.

6 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in Claim i wherein any suitable number of warnings or deterrents may be broadcast from any suitable position around the property or vehicle.

7 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in Claim 6 wherein the warning and deterrent producers may be positioned and fastened in any suitable position around the property, whether inside and/or outside any buildings. In the case of a vehicle the deterrents can be positioned and fastened in any position whether inside or outside.

S An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the deterrents or warnings may be switched on or off and timed as deemed appropriate and controlled by hardware and /or software through the programmable computer and control panel, whether pre-programmed and/or capable of being programmed or not after installation and/or having the capability of being upgraded, that is by use of eprom, smart card, flash card or ram/rom cards, with updated, revised or new software which has been programmed, and may be capable of being programmed after upgrading by use of a keypad which may be attached to the programmable computer and control panel.

9 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in Claim 8 wherein there may be various different types of deterrents and/or warning sounds and/or devices, which when activated may light up and/or make sounds produced by piezo electric audible warning devices or solid state beepers/buzzers, sirens, lamps/lights, speakers using synthesized sounds. Deterring and/or warning sounds when activated, may sound as a discrete alternating sounding on/off beep/buzz, a continuous beep/buzz, or other similar or appropriate sounds such as psychological warning and/or deterring sounds which deter and/or frighten an intruder causing him/her to retreat from the property or vehicle.These psychological sounds and effects may include;- music, discordant music, the sound of footsteps getting closer, ghostly sounds and effects, any animal or bird calls and sounds, the sound of wind blowing, the sound of thunder, sounds made by nature, whispering sounds, sudden loud bangs or noises, the sound of gunfire, the sound of explosions, the sound of wailing and/or crying, voices which address the intruder warning him/her that the property is alarmed, or warning him/her to leave the premises within a certain timespan otherwise the siren will sound, or any other message deemed appropriate, human or non-human sounding voices and conversations, or any novel feature or combination of features hereinbefore described.

10 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in Claim 7 or Claim S wherein the deterrents or warning devices can also warn occupants of an intrude.

11 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in Claim 10 wherein any intrusion detected and deterred can be stored in memory and recalled or warned of, on return of the occupants.

12 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in Claim 11 wherein any intrusion detected and deterred can be stored in memory and recalled on return of the occupants from outside the property or vehicle, by use of an optional handheld remote control device, which would interrogate the programmable control unit causing it to signal outside the property or vehicle using deterrents ie; lights or sounds in suitable pre-determined code.

13 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in Claim 12 wherein the remote control device could be operated by any suitable means such as radio, infra-red or ultra sonic waves.

14 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in Claim 9 wherein the deterrents or warnings may be modified, upgraded or varied by programming of, or by replacement of memory devices such as eproms, smart cards, flash cards or ram/rom cards.

15 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in any preceding claims wherein the property or vehicle is divided into an appropriate number of zones, each created by beams from detectors, with an individual detector in each zone. Each zone may be categorised into highly critical, critical or non critical areas enabling all around protection and producing warnings andfor deterrents which may include generated sounds, which alter in response progressively according to the category of the zone in which the intruder is being detected.

16 An intruder warning alarm system as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the deterrents or warnings may be linked to a monitoring sub-station, or monitoring devices, which could inform the police or the occupiers.

17 A method of deterring and warning intruders substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

18 Any novel feature or combination of features as hereinbefore described.

19 An intruder warning alarm system substantially as described herein with reference to Figures 1-4 of the accompanying drawings.