|
(11) | EP 1 939 830 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
|
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | Detecting device for anti-intrusion systems |
| (57) A detecting device for anti-intrusion systems comprising a sensor (11) to detect
a predetermined alarm condition; an operating module (10) to generate and transmit
operating signals directed to said sensor (11) and/or to a control apparatus (3);
a processing unit (20) to verify whether a first operating signal (100) generated
by said control apparatus (3) is addressed at least to said device (1) and, if so,
to allow powering of said operating module (10) and cause transmission of a second
operating signal (110) as a function of said first operating signal (100); a feeding
unit (30) to power at least said processing unit (20) and operating module (10).
|
[0002] The invention further relates to a control apparatus adapted to co-operate with said device in an anti-intrusion system and to an anti-intrusion system made up of said apparatus and said device.
[0003] It is known that anti-intrusion systems generally consist of a plurality of detecting devices, distributed in the structure or volume to be monitored, and of a control apparatus with which all devices are operatively associated for transmitting possible alarm signals thereto.
[0004] Then the control apparatus generates suitable notification signals that can consist in activation of sirens (and/or of other signallers) to draw the attention of anybody is in that neighbourhood, or in a communication to a remote monitoring station, where people in charge of the surveillance are made acquainted with the event and are put in a conditions to take the most appropriate measures.
[0005] Each detecting device is provided with a sensor and a circuitry associated therewith to control operation of same.
[0006] Detecting devices that are also provided with an independent feeding unit (such as a battery, for example) are also known, said devices being able to communicate with the control apparatus through wireless technology, so as to enable the greatest freedom in positioning and mounting the devices themselves.
[0007] In particular, communication between said detecting devices and the control apparatus can take place in one direction alone: in this case, the detecting device is only able to detect intrusions, attempts of unauthorised access, etc. and to send suitable signals to the control apparatus, without being able to receive any type of signal or information from the latter.
[0008] In this case it is the control apparatus that is entrusted with the task of evaluating the different "potential alarms" generated by the different devices, depending on the operating conditions in which the system is. For instance, if the system is deactivated because the inhabitants or proprietors are at home (i.e. in the house where the system is mounted), the different devices in any case do not stop detecting the presence of movements in the different rooms, opening of doors, etc. and sending respective signals to the control apparatus. The control apparatus will "ignore" these alarms as it knows that the system is not active.
[0009] In addition, since the devices cannot receive a confirmation of the occurred reception of their signals by the apparatus, each device sends each of said alarms a plurality of times, so as to reasonably increase the likelihood of success of the communication.
[0010] It is apparent that under these circumstances there is a great and useless power waste, both because a multiplicity of superfluous alarms are generated and because each alarm is transmitted several times.
[0011] To remedy this waste at least partly, it is provided that, after each series of transmissions for a single alarm, the device be deactivated for some minutes to avoid signals being continuously transmitted with reference to the same alarm situation.
[0012] However, in this manner a period of dark that is potentially very risky is generated, during which it is impossible for the device and the respective sensor to detect true intrusion situations.
[0013] It will be also recognised that, for performing an ordinary supervision operation, i.e. updating the control apparatus about the operating state of each device, each device sends a "fictitious" alarm signal to the apparatus every 3-4 hours, to confirm its presence and activity.
[0014] In this case, there is both an excessive waste of power (again the signal is transmitted several times), and a quite unacceptable updating time, since a possible malfunction of one or more sensors is notified to the system with a delay that can even be of some hours, during which period any type of unauthorised action can take place in the area monitored by the devices that are not in operation.
[0015] Therefore, devices have been conceived which comprise sensors associated with bi-directional radio components enabling a more complete and reliable communication with the control apparatus.
[0016] The most expensive operating step in terms of power is that of the ordinary supervision, because it is the one occurring more often; during this step the apparatus "queries" the different devices and requests suitable response signals to verify the correct operation of each device.
[0017] There is therefore a need in this specific field for protocols capable of simultaneously enabling a communication between the monitoring station and the different detecting devices that is reliable and at the same time as inexpensive as possible in terms of power utilised for the different processing operations to be performed and for generation and transmission of the different signals to be exchanged.
[0018] Accordingly, the present invention aims at providing a device for anti-intrusion systems that is able to communicate with the monitoring station in a reliable manner while minimising power consumptions.
[0019] In particular, it is an aim of the invention to provide a device that can co-operate with the respective monitoring station for performance of periodical supervision operations with sufficiently high frequencies while keeping reduced power consumptions.
[0020] It is a further aim of the invention to make available a device having a reduced bulkiness, limited manufacturing complexity and limited manufacturing costs.
[0021] The foregoing and still further aims are substantially achieved by a detecting device for anti-intrusion systems according to the features recited in the appended claims.
[0022] Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a detecting device for anti-intrusion systems in accordance with the invention.
[0023] This description will be set out hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, given by way of non-limiting example, in which:
- Fig. 1 is a bloc diagram of a system in which a device in accordance with the invention is used;
- Figs. 2 and 3 show time diagrams relating to periods of activation/deactivation of components of the system in Fig. 1.
[0024] With reference to the drawings, a detecting device for anti-intrusion systems in accordance with the invention has been generally identified with reference numeral 1.
[0025] Device 1 as above specified is suitable for use in anti-intrusion systems that can be employed in different places, both in private houses, and in structures such as offices or warehouses and generally in any place where unauthorised access, intrusions, etc., are required to be detected.
[0026] Fig. 1 shows a system 2 in which device 1 can operate. System 2 comprises a control apparatus 3, and one or more detecting devices 1 operatively associated with said apparatus 3.
[0027] Advantageously, communication between device 1 and the control apparatus 3 is of the wireless type.
[0028] Each device 1 is entrusted with the task of detecting possible intrusions or unauthorised-access attempts within a predetermined area.
[0029] If an intrusion is detected, device 1 generates an alarm signal that is received by the control apparatus 3; the latter, in turn, can both activate suitable signalling members (such as sirens and/or other warning signals of the acoustic-visual type), and generate a further alarm signal, directed to a remote monitoring station where operators in charge are suitably informed and can undertake the necessary actions depending on the received alarm.
[0030] To this aim, device 1 is provided with at least one sensor 11, adapted to detect possible anomalous circumstances and to generate a corresponding notification signal 12.
[0031] Then, if necessary, an alarm control module 13 preferably included in device 1 generates a true alarm signal 14 directed to the control apparatus 3.
[0032] By way of example, sensor 11 can be an infrared sensor, adapted to detect the presence of persons/objects within a predetermined area, or an anti-intrusion sensor associated with a door, a window, etc.
[0033] The operating modes for transmission of the alarm to the control apparatus 3 will be described in more detail in the following.
[0034] Apparatus 1 further comprises an operating module 10 for generating and transmitting operating signals directed to sensor 11 and/or to the control apparatus 3.
[0035] An operating signal directed to sensor 11 can be an activation/deactivation signal, to pilot sensor 11 in the correct requested operating condition in relation to the requests of the control apparatus 3.
[0036] An operating signal directed to apparatus 3 can be a response signal to a request signal generated by the apparatus 3 itself during a supervision step.
[0037] Device 1 further comprises a feeding unit 30 designed to power sensor 10 and the other modules being part of device 1.
[0038] Advantageously, the feeding unit 30 comprises one or more batteries, so as to make device 1 independent of the electric network.
[0039] Device 1 is further provided with a processing unit 20 adapted to verify whether an operating signal 100 generated by the control apparatus 3 is addressed at least to device 1.
[0040] If so, the processing unit 20 allows feeding of the operating module 10 so as to enable the same to generate and transmit a second operating signal 110. The second operating signal 110, as above mentioned, can be directed to sensor 11 (signal 110a) or to the control apparatus 3 (signal 110b). Preferably, the second operating signal 110 is generated as a function of the first operating signal 100.
[0041] In particular, when the second operating signal 110 is directed to the control apparatus 3 it is a response signal 110b to the first operating signal 100 and can incorporate a consumption/autonomy level of the feeding unit 30, for example.
[0042] In this manner the control apparatus 3 can be readily informed about a possible imminent depletion of the feeding unit 30 of device 1 and can therefore notify this situation in due time to the operators in charge.
[0043] Alternatively, the second operating signal 110a can be addressed to sensor 11 to pilot operation of the latter depending on said first operating signal 100. Piloting can concern activation/deactivation of sensor 11, and/or entering of operating parameters of the sensor 11 itself.
[0044] Preferably, device 1 further comprises a reception block 40, designed to be activated at predetermined time intervals T2 to verify transmission of an activation signal 120 by the control apparatus 3 and to generate, if so, a switching-on signal 130 to activate an at least partial feeding of the processing unit 20 (Fig. 2). In other words, the processing unit 20 is normally deactivated, so that no useless consumption of energy supplied by the feeding unit 30 occurs.
[0045] When there is a need for the control apparatus 3 to communicate with device 1, said apparatus generates an activation signal 120.
[0046] The reception module 40, once received said activation signal 120, in turn activates an at least partial feeding of the processing unit 20 so that the latter can receive the first operating signal 110 generated by the control apparatus 3 and act consequently.
[0047] It is to be pointed out that the frequency at which the reception module 40 is activated may be included between 1 and 5 times/second, and preferably can be equal to twice/second (once every 500 ms); in other words, the switching-off interval T1 of the reception module 40 can be included between 1 second and 200 ms, and preferably is of 500 ms.
[0048] Generally, the time duration of the activation signal 120 generated by the control apparatus 3 must be longer than the switching-off interval T1 of the reception module 40, so as to ensure reception of this activation signal 120 by the latter.
[0049] By way of example, the reception module 40 has a switching-off period T1 of 500 ms and a switching-on period T2 of 30 ms; the activation signal generated by the control apparatus 3 can have a duration of 530 ms.
[0050] Therefore, generally, the time duration of the activation signal 120 generated by the control apparatus 3 can be equal to the sum of the switching-off interval T1 and the switching-on interval T2 of the reception module 40 of device 1.
[0051] In order to further optimise the energy made available by the feeding unit of each device, organisation of the different devices takes place based on a structure that is then employed to address the devices themselves through the operating signals generated by apparatus 3.
[0052] The devices can be first of all divided into groups; each group is associated with a respective control apparatus.
[0053] Preferably a control apparatus is dedicated to a specific room or space; division into groups can be useful to distinguish devices that are substantially identical but positioned at different locations or rooms, i.e. interlocked with different control apparatuses.
[0054] For instance, it will be useful to distinguish into two separate groups, the devices installed in neighbouring flats and interlocked with different control apparatuses.
[0055] Therefore, device 1 can be identified by a code made up of several portions:
- a first portion representative of the group to which the device belongs;
- a specific ID code univocally associated with the single device.
[0056] Likewise, the first operating signal 100 will contain all necessary information to direct the first operating signal 100 to the correct addressee/s. The first operating signal 100 can be addressed to device 1 alone, or also to several devices depending on the type of information that must be transmitted.
[0057] The first operating signal 100 also contains a portion relating to the true contents of the signal (request for a given type of information, adjustment instruction, etc.).
[0058] Preferably, the processing unit 20 comprises at least two modules that are fed separately and can be activated in cascade, if necessary, as a function of the first operating signal 100 and the addressee/s specified therein.
[0059] In more detail, the electronic processing unit 20 may comprise a first verification module 21 to verify whether the first operating signal 100 is addressed to at least one device belonging to a group of devices to which at least device 1 belongs. In other words, the first verification module 21 carries out a comparison between the first portion of the first operating signal 100 and a reference code 21a stored in a suitable storage register 21b.
[0060] This reference code 21a is representative of the group to which device 1 belongs; therefore if the first operating signal 100 is directed to at least one device being part of this group, the first verification module 21 gives a positive response.
[0061] This means that, if so, the first verification module 21 generates an activation signal 21c to enable powering of a second verification module 22 so that interpretation of the first operating signal 100 and of the addressee thereof can go on.
[0062] On the contrary, if the first module 21 supplies a negative response, the processing operation is stopped, the processing unit 20 is de-energised and becomes inactive, preferably waiting for the reception module 40 to receive a new activation signal 120 and to activate the processing unit 20 again. In other words, the second verification module 22 is selectively powered as a function of an activation signal 21c generated by the first verification module 21 and representative of the fact that the first operating signal 100 is directed to at least one device being part of the device group to which device 1 belongs.
[0063] The second verification module 22 has the task of verifying whether the first operating signal 100 is directed, within the identified group, at least to device 1 and, if so, to enable powering of the operating module 10 and generation of the second operating signal 110. In other words, the second verification module 22 carries out a comparison between the ID code (or codes) contained in the first operating signal 100 and a reference code 22a stored in a suitable storage register 22b.
[0064] This reference code 22a is univocally representative of the device 1 to which it belongs; therefore if the first operating signal 100 is directed at least to device 1, the second verification module 22 gives a positive response. Consequently if device 1 is really among the addressees of the first operating signal 100, the operating module 10 is suitably powered for generation of the second operating signal 110, depending on the modalities required by the specific case.
[0065] In the embodiment described above, the first verification module 21 is preferably connected to the second verification module 22 in a direct manner to activate the same through the activation signal 21c (therefore in this embodiment the functional blocks represented in chain lines are not present).
[0066] In a more complex embodiment, each group of devices can then be divided into a plurality of sub-groups.
[0067] Said sub-groups can be defined following different criteria (for instance, devices associated with sensors of the same nature, devices positioned on the same floor of a house, etc.) but can also be defined randomly, in order to further divide recognition of the operating signals into levels, as clarified in the following.
[0068] In this case the code identifying each device further has an auxiliary portion representative of the sub-group to which the device belongs.
[0069] Likewise, the first operating signal 100 has an auxiliary addressing portion in which it is specified the sub-group to which the addressee/s of the signal belongs/belong.
[0070] By way of example, a group of 32 devices divided into 8 sub-groups of 4 devices each can be associated with each control apparatus 3.
[0071] The processing unit 20 is therefore provided with an auxiliary verification module 23 to verify whether within the group identified by the first verification module 21, the first operating signal 100 is addressed to at least one device belonging to the sub-group of devices to which device 1 belongs.
[0072] The auxiliary verification module 23 is selectively powered depending on an activation signal 21c generated by the first verification module 21 and representative of the fact that the first operating signal 100 is directed to at least one device belonging to the group to which device 1 belongs. This means that, when the first verification module 21 gives a positive response, it allows powering, and therefore activation, of the auxiliary verification module 23 for continuation of the processing operation.
[0073] Preferably, the auxiliary verification module 23 carries out a comparison between the auxiliary addressing portion of the first operating signal 100 and a reference code 23a stored in a suitable storage register 23b. This reference code 23a is representative of the sub-group to which device 1 belongs; therefore if the first operating signal 100 is directed to at least one device being part of such a sub-group, the auxiliary verification module 23 gives a positive response. This means that, if so, the auxiliary verification module 23c generates an activation signal 23c to enable powering of the second verification module 22, so that interpretation of the first operating signal 100 can come to an end.
[0074] Then, in this second embodiment, the second verification module 22 is selectively powered depending on an activation signal 23c generated by the auxiliary verification module 23 and representative of the fact that the first operating signal 100 is directed to at least one device belonging to the same sub-group to which device 1 belongs.
[0075] Due to the above described structure, there is a great reduction in the consumptions of the circuitry included in each device 1.
[0077] The control apparatus 3 comprises an activation module 50 to generate an activation signal 120 directed to a plurality of detecting devices. In this manner, the detecting devices receiving this activation signal 120 can power their processing units to process possible signals received at a subsequent moment.
[0078] As widely discussed above, the devices form at least one group which in turn is preferably formed of a plurality of sub-groups.
[0079] Apparatus 3 further comprises a first transmission module 60 to generate at least one first operating signal 100 directed to the devices belonging to a first sub-group.
[0080] Apparatus 3 further comprises a response module 70 to receive second operating signals 110 generated by the devices belonging to such a sub-group and defining response signals 110b to said first operating signal 100.
[0081] By so doing the control apparatus 3 asks the devices being part of such a sub-group to supply a response signal 110b (the above mentioned second operating signal 110), so that apparatus 3 is able to detect possible failures or malfunctions of one or more devices in good time, which failures and malfunctions emerge in a clear manner when a device does not reply.
[0082] Apparatus 3 is therefore provided with an auxiliary transmission block 80 to generate an alarm signal 81, should not the response module 70 receive the second operating signal 110 from one or more of the detecting devices belonging to the addressed sub-group.
[0083] Preferably, apparatus 3 further comprises an auxiliary module 90 to receive alarm signals generated by said detecting devices. In fact, apparatus 3, apart from the above described communication relating to the first and second operating signals 100, 110 preferably used for periodical supervision operations, also has the task of receiving the different alarm signals generated by the devices following detecting operations carried out by their sensors and transmitting these alarms to the remote monitoring station.
[0084] However, also the energy consumptions of apparatus 3 need to be minimised, mainly due to the fact that the backup battery provided in apparatus 3 must always ensure some autonomy and, since it is not possible to know a priori whether said battery is used or not at a given instant, it is in any case useful to maintain the energy employed to a minimum, where possible.
[0086] In fact apparatus 3 is provided with a reception block 95 designed to be activated at predetermined time intervals T4 to verify transmission of an activation signal 140 from at least one of the devices associated with apparatus 3 and to generate, if so, a switching-on signal to activate at least said auxiliary module 90.
[0087] In this way the auxiliary module 90 is activated only when strictly necessary on reception and possible retransmission of an alarm.
[0088] Preferably, the reception block 95 for each second is activated a number of times included between 5 and 50, and equal to 10 for example.
[0089] The activation signal 140 generated by the device that must transmit an alarm will therefore have a duration included between about 20 ms and about 200 ms, equal to about 100 ms for example.
[0090] More specifically, this activation signal 140 can have a duration of about 120-130 ms, which duration takes into consideration both the switching-off period T3 and the switching-on period T4 of the reception block 95 of apparatus 3.
[0091] In this manner it is possible to be sure that the activation signal 140 will be able to at least partly overlap the switching-on period T4 of the reception block 95 in terms of time, and apparatus 3 will be able to correctly receive the detected alarm.
[0092] In the light of the above it is apparent that device 1 is provided to communicate in a bi-directional manner with the control apparatus 3 according to a protocol enabling energy consumptions of device 1 and apparatus 3 to be minimised.
[0093] Advantageously, communication between device 1 and apparatus 3 takes place through a coded signal; preferably a 128- or 256-bit TEA algorithm is utilised.
[0094] In the preferred embodiment, in addition to use of symmetric keys, insertion of a progressive number for each signal generated is provided, which progressive number is combined with all other information in the coding process.
[0095] It is therefore substantially impossible for two signals to be equal to each other, which will make a possible decoding operation by unauthorised subjects (that is not in possession of the keys) more complicated.
[0097] First of all, the device of the invention is able to communicate with the control apparatus according to a bi-directional protocol, in a reliable manner and with minimised energy consumptions.
[0098] In particular, the energy consumptions are greatly reduced in performing the periodical supervision operations, although these operations are carried out with sufficiently high frequencies in order not to impair efficiency and reliability of the system.
1. A detecting device for anti-intrusion systems comprising:
- a sensor (11) to detect a predetermined alarm condition;
- an operating module (10) to generate and transmit operating signals directed to said sensor (11) and/or to a control apparatus (3);
- a processing unit (20) to verify whether a first operating signal (100) generated by said control apparatus (3) is addressed at least to said device (1) and, if so, to allow powering of said operating module (10) and cause transmission of a second operating signal (110) as a function of said first operating signal (100);
- a feeding unit (30) to power at least said processing unit (20) and said operating module (10).
2. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said second operating signal (110) is a response signal (110b) to said first operating
signal (100) and is addressed to said control apparatus (3).
3. A device as claimed in claim 2, characterised in that said second operating signal (110b) incorporates a consumption/autonomy level of
said feeding unit (30).
4. A device as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that said second operating signal (110a) is addressed to said sensor (11) to control operation
of same as a function of said first operating signal (100).
5. A device as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that it further comprises a reception block (40), designed to be activated at predetermined
time intervals to verify transmission of an activation signal (120) by said control
apparatus (3) and to generate, if so, a switching-on signal in order to activate an
at least partial feeding of said processing unit (20).
6. A device as claimed in anyone of the preceding claims, characterised in that said processing unit (20) comprises a first verification module (219 to verify whether
said first operating signal (100) is addressed to at least one device belonging to
a group of devices to which at least said device (1) belongs.
7. A device as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that said processing unit (20) further comprises a second verification module (22) to
verify whether said first operating signal (100) is directed, within said group, to
at least said device (1) and, if so, to allow powering of said operating module (10)
and generation of said second operating signal (110).
8. A device as claimed in claim 7, characterised in that said second verification module (22) is selectively powered as a function of an activation
signal (21c) generated by said first verification module (21) and representative of
the fact that said first operating signal (100) is directed to at least one device
belonging to the group of devices to which said device (1) belongs.
9. A device as claimed in claim 6, characterised in that said processing unit (20) further comprises an auxiliary verification module (23)
to verify whether, within said group, said first operating signal (100) is addressed
to at least one device belonging to a sub-group of devices to which said device (1)
belongs.
10. A device as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that said auxiliary verification module (23) is selectively powered as a function of an
activation signal (21c) generated by said first verification module (21) and representative
of the fact that said first operating signal (100) is directed to at least one device
of said group of devices.
11. A device as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterised in that said processing unit (20) further comprises a second verification module (22) to
verify whether said first operating signal (100) is directed, within said sub-group,
to at least said device (1) and, if so, to allow powering of said operating module
(10) and generation of said second operating signal (110).
12. A device as claimed in claim 11, characterised in that said second verification module (22) is selectively powered as a function of an activation
signal (23c) generated by said intermediate verification module (23) and representative
of the fact that said first operating signal (100) is directed to at least one device
of said sub-group of devices.
13. A control apparatus for anti-intrusion systems comprising:
- an activation module (50) to generate an activation signal (120) directed to a plurality of detecting devices, said devices forming at least one group of devices, said group being in turn formed of a plurality of sub-groups of devices;
- a first transmission module (60) to generate at least one first operating signal (100) directed to devices belonging to a first sub-group of said plurality of devices;
- a response module (70) to receive second operating signals (110) generated by said devices and defining response signals (110b) to said first operating signal (100);
- an auxiliary transmission block (80) to generate an alarm signal, should not said response module (70) receive said second operating signal (110) from one or more of said detecting devices.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13, characterised in that said transmission module (70) is designed to send a first operating signal (100)
in time succession to each sub-group of devices.
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or 14,
characterised in that it further comprises:
characterised in that it further comprises:
- an auxiliary module (90) to receive alarm signals (14) generated by said detecting devices;
- a reception block (95), designed to be activated at predetermined time intervals to verify transmission of an activation signal (140) from at least one of said devices and generate, if so, a switching-on signal to activate at least said auxiliary module (90).
16. An anti-intrusion system, comprising:
- at least one control apparatus (3) as claimed in anyone of claims 13 to 15;
- a plurality of detecting devices as claimed in anyone of claims 1 to 12.