GB2503454A - A patrol logging system - Google Patents
A patrol logging system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2503454A GB2503454A GB201211322A GB201211322A GB2503454A GB 2503454 A GB2503454 A GB 2503454A GB 201211322 A GB201211322 A GB 201211322A GB 201211322 A GB201211322 A GB 201211322A GB 2503454 A GB2503454 A GB 2503454A
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- Prior art keywords
- patrol
- code
- logging unit
- information
- logging
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C1/00—Registering, indicating or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
- G07C1/10—Registering, indicating or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people together with the recording, indicating or registering of other data, e.g. of signs of identity
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- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
- G07C1/00—Registering, indicating or recording the time of events or elapsed time, e.g. time-recorders for work people
- G07C1/20—Checking timed patrols, e.g. of watchman
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Alarm Systems (AREA)
- Telephonic Communication Services (AREA)
Abstract
A system comprises a plurality of patrol logging units 103, wherein each patrol logging unit is assigned a unique identification and comprises an output, such as a display, 202 and processing circuitry 201 including a controller 203, an internal local clock 204 and a code generator 205. The controller is operable to generate a code to be output in response to being activated; the code being based on time information provided by the clock and the unique identification of each patrol logging unit. The internal local clock of each patrol logging unit is autonomously independent and so is unpredictable from the time information of other internal local clocks of other patrol logging units. The code given by the logging unit can be transmitted to a central station 101 via a mobile telephone 102 of a security guard patrolling the site. The central station can obtain the unique identifier and the time from the code, as well as identification of the user from a mobile telephone number, and so record that a certain guard was at a certain location at a certain time. The invention provides a system and method for checking the patrol of a guard.
Description
A patrol logging system The present invention relates to a patrol logging system and related devices and methods, suitable for providing a security guard patrol logging system. It also provides easily scalable maintenance of the logging system to an administrator of such a system.
Security guards are frequently employed to patrol premises. As the employer is often absent when the security guards carry out their duties, it is difficult to know whether the security guards are indeed carrying out their duties effectively or not. In the case of patrolling, it is difficult to check whether the security guards took the appropriate routes at appropriate time intervals, optimised for the security of the premises or not.
Various systems developed to address some of these issues tend to require a supervisor to check the times and routes of the security guards patrolling, while the logging of the times and the locations of the security guards usually rely on logs of permanent code, such as a barcode, which can easily be memorised or copied.
Many attempts have been made to implement systems to facilitate optimised patrolling with varying degrees of success. However these implementations have shown further problems to be solved before they can be used effectively in practice. An example of such issues is the potential for the security guards to circumvent checks while another could be difficulty in maintaining and administering a system for carrying out such checks.
It is an aim of embodiments of the present invention to address these and other issues
with the prior art.
According to the present invention there is provided a system and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent
claims, and the description which follows.
For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how embodiments of the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a patrol logging system in use according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a patrol logging unit used in a patrol logging system according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a patrol logging method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 1 shows a control system 101, a guard on patrol 102, a patrol logging unit 103, and a supervisor 104. The supervisor 104 may be a head guard, an administrator of the patrol logging system, a client or anyone whose interest lies in the manner of the execution of the patrol or the integrity of the patrol logging system.
As shown in Figure 2, the patrol logging unit 103 comprises processing circuitry 2Oland an output means 202. Suitably the output means comprises a display. The processing circuitry 201 comprises a controller 203, an internal local clock 204 and a code generator 205. The controller 203 controls the processing circuitry 201 to generate a code to be outputted via the output means 202. Suitably the code generator 205 produces a code based on coding information. The code generator 205 generates a code periodically. The period thereof may be every few seconds or every few minutes. Alternatively the code is generated at random intervals. Alternatively the code is generated when prompted. Suitably the patrol logging unit 103 further comprises a battery 209. The battery 209 supplies power to the processing circuitry 201 and the output means 202. Suitably the battery 209 is a standard electrical battery.
Alternatively the battery 209 is a rechargeable electrical battery. Suitably a solar panel recharges the battery 209.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of patrol logging units 103 are provided. Suitably the patrol logging units 103 may be installed at various locations.
The installation locations may be chosen at random or by their strategic importance in determining the manner of the execution of the patrol. The patrol logging unit 103 is autonomous once installed. Once the patrol logging unit 103 is installed, the internal local clock 204 may be allowed to keep its own time independent of any input from the control system 101. Suitably the patrol logging unit 103 does not communicate with the control system 101 directly. Suitably the patrol logging unit 103 only communicates with the guard 102 or the supervisor 104.
The internal local clock 204 provides temporal information. Suitably the temporal information comprises either time or time and date. As the internal local clock 204 of each patrol logging unit 103 is autonomously independent, the internal local clock of each patrol logging unit 103 can be set asynchronously to the internal local clocks of the other patrol logging units so that the temporal information from each internal local clock 204 is different, or at least unpredictable, from the temporal information from other internal local clocks. This asynchronism can be achieved by setting each internal local clock 204 with different temporal information. Suitably the temporal information of the internal local clock 204 may be set to a random value whilst being securely stored inside the patrol logging unit 103. Alternatively the temporal information of the internal local clock 204 may be set according to a formula whereby the asynchronism can be adopted.
The output means 202 outputs the code generated by the processing circuitry 201.
Suitably the output means 202 only outputs the code for a predetermined period. Suitably the predetermined period can be adjusted by the supervisor 104. Suitably the predetermined period is less than 1 minute. Suitably the predetermined period is less than 30, 20 or 10 seconds. Suitably the controller 203 may control the output means 202 to output further information. The further information outputted may comprise the next location the guard 102 must patrol. The further information outputted may comprise a message to the guard 102, the control system 101 or to the supervisor 104. The message may indicate an internal state of the patrol logging unit 103 or the processing circuitry 201. The internal state may be an error.
Alternatively the internal state may be a lack of an error. Suitably the output means is a display and outputting comprises displaying of the information.
Suitably the message to the guard 102 may comprise an instruction to the guard whereby the guard 102 carries out an action according to the instruction. Suitably the instruction may relate to the patrol route, safety check, required observational delay or other relevant information in assisting the site security. Suitably the instruction may depend on location. Suitably the instruction may advise the guard 102 to check, for instance, a fuel level if a fuel store is nearby the patrol logging unit 103 or to check all vehicles are secure and locked if a car park is nearby the patrol logging unit 103. Suitably the instruction may ask the guard 102 to record data of some kind. Suitably the data to be recorded isa temperature if the patrol logging unit 103 is nearby a cold/hot storage facility or a thermometer.
The processing circuitry 201 further comprises a storage means 206 to store the coding information. The coding information comprises temporal information provided by the internal local clock 204. Suitably the temporal information comprises either time or time and date. The coding information may further comprise a unique identification assigned to each patrol logging unit 103. The unique identification assigned to each patrol logging unit 103 may comprise an assigned serial number. Suitably the storage means 206 stores the generated code. Suitably the storage means 206 may also store the further information to be outputted via the output means 202. Suitably the storage means 206 may also store any other information required for an operation of the patrol logging unit 103. Suitably the controller 203 controls to store any information in the storage means 206.
The processing circuitry 201 may further comprise a magnetic induction coil 207 to activate the patrol logging unit 103, wherein a current is induced therein when a magnetic field is present in proximity. Suitably the magnetic field is introduced by a mobile phone. The mobile phone has a magnetic component which may be a magnet. Alternatively the magnetic field may be introduced by a swipe card or any other portable device. Suitably the induced current activates the patrol logging unit 103. Alternatively the processing circuitry 201 comprises other forms of technology for inducing an electromagnetic induction whereby the patrol logging unit 103 is activated. Suitably the activation of the patrol logging unit 103 also prompts the code generator 205 to generate a code. Suitably the activation of the patrol logging unit 103 alerts the controller 203 to prompt the code generator 205 to generate a code. Suitably the controller 203 deactivates the output means 202 after a predetermined period from the activation of the patrol logging unit 103. Suitably the predetermined period can be adjusted by the supervisor 104. Suitably the predetermined period is less than 1 minute. Suitably the predetermined period is less than 30, 20 or 10 seconds.
The processing circuitry 201 may further comprise a communication means 208 to establish a communication channel between the patrol logging unit 103 and an external device. Preferably the communication means 208 enables the external device to set or alter information stored in the patrol logging unit 103. The alterable information may comprise the temporal information of the internal local clock 204. The alterable information may further comprise any information relating to or used by the code generator 205. The alterable information may also comprise any information stored in the storage means 206. Suitably the alterable information may also comprise any information required for operating the controller 203. Suitably the communication means 208 establishes the communication channel with the controller 203. Suitably the external device operates the controller 203 to effect any setting or alteration to the information stored in the patrol logging unit 103.
Preferably the communication means 208 comprises wireless technology. The communication means 208 utilises an electro-mechanical transmitter/receiver for the communication. Suitably the communications means 208 uses electromagnetic radiation.
Suitably the communication means 208 uses an Infra-Red transmitter/receiver. Alternatively the communication means 208 uses a Radio-Frequency transmitter/receiver. Alternatively the communication means 208 uses a short range communication technology. The receiver may be positioned behind the output means 202 wherein the output means 202 may be transparent to the transmitted signal. Alternatively the receiver is positioned on the patrol logging unit 103 so that it can receive the transmitted signal.
The patrol logging unit 103 is a sealed unit wherein unauthorised access to the internal components therein is only possible after breaking the seal thereof. The patrol logging unit 103 may comprise a cover to hide the output means 202 of the patrol logging unit 103 from view.
Suitably the controller 203 may deactivate the output means 202 after a predetermined period from the activation of the patrol logging unit 103. Suitably the predetermined period can be adjusted by the supervisor 104. Suitably the predetermined period is less than 1 minute.
Suitably the predetermined period is less than 30, 20 or 10 seconds.
The patrol logging unit 103 may comprise an anti-tamper means to sense an attempt at breaking the seal thereof. The anti-temper means senses an unauthorised attempt at accessing the patrol logging unit 103 via the communication means 208. The processing circuitry 201 stores the record of the attempt thereafter and the output means 202 outputs a relevant error code. This error code may then be outputted when the patrol logging unit 103 is next activated. Alternatively the patrol logging unit 103 may erase all the data stored therein when the attempt is sensed. The anti-temper means may further comprise a program protection means whereby a reading of the program or data stored therein is prohibited once a "lock switch" is set and only erasing of the program or data in its entirety is permitted thereafter.
The patrol logging unit 103 may further comprise a fixing means to fix the patrol logging unit 103 to a desired location. The desired location may be chosen by its strategic importance in maintaining a certain level of security. The fixing means may comprise screws. The fixing means may further comprise an indicator whereby any attempt at trying to remove the patrol logging unit 103 from the desired location can be flagged. The indicator comprises an electrical sensor whereby the processing circuitry 201 of the patrol logging unit 103 can be flagged of such an attempt. The processing circuitry 201 stores the record of the attempt thereafter and the output means 202 outputs a relevant error code. This error code may be outputted when the patrol logging unit 103 is next activated. Alternatively the patrol logging unit 103 may erase all the data stored therein when the attempt is sensed.
The control system 101 comprises an administrative computer wherein log information is kept. The log information comprises an identification number for each patrol logging unit 103 with corresponding installation location details thereof. If the patrol logging unit 103 is not installed yet, the log information may record a default installation location detail. Suitably the default installation location detail is an empty data. The log information may further comprise the temporal information of each internal local clock 204 inside the corresponding patrol logging unit 103. Suitably the temporal information comprises either time or time and date. The temporal information thereof may be stored therein as an offset from that obtained from Greenwich Mean Time or a local clock of the control system 101. The log information may further comprise an identification number of each guard 102. The log information may further comprise an identification number of a supervisor 104. The identification number may comprise a mobile phone number of the guard 102 or the supervisor 104, wherein the number is registered to the mobile phone with which the patrol logging unit 103 can be activated.
Suitably the log information stores whether the identification number belongs to a guard 102 or a supervisor 104. Suitably the log information further comprises information on a level of access right a guard 102 or a supervisor 104 has for accessing or amending any information stored in the log information or the information stored in the patrol logging unit 103.
In order to determine the actual time and location of a guard 102 or a supervisor 104, a code generated by the patrol logging unit 103 and outputted via its output means 202 is used in conjunction with the log information by the control system 101. When the patrol logging unit 103 is activated by the guard 102 or the supervisor 104, the code generator 205 generates the code based on the coding information comprising temporal information from the internal local clock 204 and unique identification assigned to each patrol logging unit 103. After activating the patrol logging unit 103 and prompting it to output this code, the guard 102 or the supervisor 104 calls the control system 101 to input the code outputted by the patrol logging unit's 103 output means 202.
The control system 101 further comprises a caller identification means whereby the caller can be identified by his phone number using Calling Line Identification Presentation (CLIP). The caller identification means may perform a search to identify a match between the identification number of the guard 102 or the supervisor 104 and the caller's phone number, whereby the identity of the guard 102 or the supervisor 104 calling is verified. The control system 101 may further comprise a code recognising means whereby the caller's key presses are recognised using a Dual-Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) keypad-tone encoding/decoding system. The control system 101 processes the recognised code to identify the patrol logging unit 103 wherefrom the code was generated, whereby the actual time of code generation and the location thereof can be determined using the log information. The actual time and location of the guard 102 or the supervisor 104 can then be determined and recorded based on the time and location of the code generation. Suitably the actual time and location data of the patrolling guard 102 may be recorded in the log information. Suitably the actual time and location data of the supervisor 104 may be used to check the accuracy of the log information.
Suitably the actual time and location data of the supervisor 104 may also be used to update information stored in the log information.
Alternatively, when the caller is a trusted supervisor 104, the temporal information from the internal local clock 204 used for generating the code can be determined for a specific patrol logging unit 103 from the recognised code. The control system 101 can then update the log information to better reflect the actual temporal information of the internal local clock 204 inside the specific patrol logging unit 103. Suitably any other synchronisation required for synchronising the log information with information stored in each patrol logging unit 103 may be performed using the same method.
These features enable a guard 102 to swipe a patrol logging unit 103 with a mobile phone to activate the patrol logging unit 103, whereby a code is outputted thereon.
Alternatively the guard 102 could swipe the patrol logging unit 103 with any other portable device capable of activating the patrol logging unit 103 to the same effect. Then the guard 102 calls a control system 101 thereafter to key press the code outputted using a mobile phone recorded in the log information whereby the identity of the guard 102; and the guard's patrolling route or present location and time can be verified and logged by the control system 101. Suitably the supervisor 104 may also view the log information online.
Furthermore these features also enable a trusted supervisor 104 to swipe a patrol logging unit 103 with a mobile phone to activate the patrol logging unit 103, whereby a code is outputted thereon. Alternatively the trusted supervisor 104 could swipe the patrol logging unit 103 with any other portable device capable of activating the patrol logging unit 103 to the same effect. Then the supervisor 104 calls a control system 101 thereafter to key press the code outputted using a mobile phone recorded in the log information whereby the identity of the supervisor 104 and the temporal information of the internal local clock 204 inside a specific patrol logging unit 103 can be determined. Once the identity of the trusted supervisor 104 is verified and the log information indicates the level of access right of the trusted supervisor 104 comprises log information update rights, the control system 101 is then able to update its log information of the specific patrol logging unit 103 whereby any drift in the internal local clock 204 can be compensated for in the log information. Since the patrol logging unit 103 is autonomous once installed and the internal local clock 204 is allowed to keep its own time autonomously independent of any input from the control system 101, a drift in the temporal information of the internal local clock 204 from that predicted from the log information can occur. Above described process enables the trusted supervisor 104 to compensate for this drift by updating the log information.
The control system 101 may further comprise a patrol route program wherein the supervisor 104 indicates a preferred or desired patrolling route. This indication of the patrolling route comprises a time and location data for each guard 102. The patrol route program further comprises a patrol check means whereby the actual time and location data of the patrolling guard 102 is compared to the desired patrolling route. The desired patrolling route may also be set to a random route. The patrol check means may further comprise an assessment means to calculate the distances between various locations and to analyse the time taken to visit each locations, whereby the attainability of the recorded patrol route can be assessed. The patrol route program may further comprise a secure user interface whereby the supervisor 104 can access patrol data comprising the time and location data of each guard 102. The patrol data may relate to past or present data as well as the preferred or desired patrolling route data for the future. The secure user interface may only grant access to the supervisor 104 after a correct user name and password is entered. Suitably the patrol data accessible by the supervisor 104 depends on the access right of the supervisor 104. Suitably the access right of the supervisor 104 is dependent on a site of the patrol route or the identity of the guard 102.
The control system 101 may further comprise an alert means whereby the supervisor 104 or the administrator can be alerted of a noteworthy event. The alert means comprises a SMS texting, a voice messaging or an audio-visual display. The voice messaging comprises sending a pre-recorded audio information. The noteworthy event comprises deviation in the time period or in the location of the patrol guard 102 from the desired patrolling route. The noteworthy event may further comprise the assessment result of the attainability of the recorded patrol route. The noteworthy event may also comprise a result of comparing any information recorded in the log information with the actual data in the patrol logging unit 103.
Suitably the alert means may also send a message to the guard 102. Suitably the message comprises a SMS text or a voice message sent over a mobile network. The message comprises a confirmation of logging of the guard 102s call-in by the control system 101. The message may be sent when the guard 102's call-in is logged by the control system 101 or when the guard 102 terminates the call to the control system 101. The message may further comprise information on whether the guard 102's code has been accepted by the control system 101 or not. The message may further comprise information on any advisory details or instruction to the guard 102. The advisory details or the instruction may relate to the patrol route of the guard 102. The advisory details of the instruction may inform the guard 102 of any changes to the patrol route. The instruction may also relate to the guard's 102 interaction with the patrol logging unit 103. The instruction may ask the guard 102 to re-activate the patrol logging unit 103, acquire a new code on the output means 202 and re-send the new code.
Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a patrol logging method according to an embodiment of the present invention wherein the first step 301 is to provide a plurality of the patrol logging units 103 at desired locations and fixings thereof Suitably providing the patrol logging units 103 comprises strategically placing each patrol logging unit 103 at a specific location. The first step 301 may also comprise setting information in the patrol logging unit 103. Suitably this setting may be performed using a communication channel established via the communication means 208. Suitably the information to be set comprises temporal information of the internal local clock 204. Suitably the information to be set comprises identification of each patrol logging unit 103. The first step 301 may further comprise setting of an indicator or an anti-tamper means. The first step 301 may also comprise recording temporal information of each internal local clock 204 of each patrol logging unit 103 in log information stored in the control system 101. The first step 301 may also comprise recording any necessary information such as identification number of a guard 102 or a supervisor 104 in the log information.
In the second step 302, the control system 101 produces log information comprising temporal information according to each internal local clock 204; and associated patrol logging unit's 103 identification or a serial number thereof. Suitably a supervisor 104 may obtain a code from each patrol logging unit 10350 that the code can be used by the control system 101 to produce the log information. Suitably a supervisor 104 may also indicate a preferred or desired patrolling route in a patrol route program whereby the associated information may also be entered into the log information. The phone numbers of all the guards 102 on patrol are entered into a database. Suitably the phone numbers of all trusted supervisors 104 may also be entered into the database. The database may also contain the log information.
In the third step 303, a patrolling guard 102 activates a patrol logging unit 103 and a code is generated therein and outputted via the output means 202. The activation thereof is caused by swiping a mobile phone in proximity to the patrol logging unit 103, wherein the mobile phone may have a magnetic component attached to it. Alternatively the activation may be caused by swiping any portable device capable of activating the patrol logging unit 103.
In the fourth step 304, the guard 102 calls a number assigned to the control system 101 using his mobile phone and key presses the outputted code. The control system 101 verifies the caller using Calling Line Identification Presentation (CLIP) and receives the code using a Dual-Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) system. The code is verified for its authenticity in who is calling to supply the code and where it was generated. If the code fails in this authenticity verification sixth step 306 is taken. The received code is decoded to identify the patrol logging unit 103 wherein the code was generated, whereby the actual time of code generation can be calculated and the location thereof identified using the log information. The actual time and location of the guard 102 can then be recorded. The actual time and location data of the patrolling guard 102 is recorded in the log information. The desired patrolling route is compared to the actual time and location data to assess the correctness of the guard's 102 patrolling route. If correct, the code is accepted and fifth step 305 is taken thereafter. If incorrect, the code is rejected and the sixth step 306 is taken.
The fourth step 304 may comprise a recalibration step wherein a code representative of a time within a prescribed time period from the desired time in the desired patrolling route is accepted and used to update the temporal information of the internal local clock 204 stored in the control system 101, whereby a long-term drift of the internal local clock 204 can be compensated for in the log information. The prescribed time period may be 5 minutes on either side of the desired time.
Suitably the recalibration step can be performed by a trusted supervisor 104 carrying out the third and fourth steps at regular intervals. The regular interval for the recalibration may be a month. Alternatively the trusted supervisor 104 may perform the recalibration step at random intervals. When the caller is identified as the trusted supervisor 104 and the received code is decoded to reveal the temporal information of an internal local clock 204 inside a specific patrol logging unit 103 and the identity of the specific patrol logging unit 103, the control system 101 updates the log information to reflect the temporal information of the internal local clock 204 for that specific patrol logging unit 103. Such recalibration step keeps the log information in synchronisation with the data in the patrol logging units 103.
Suitably the recalibration step may further comprise updating the location information of a specific patrol logging unit 103 recorded in the log information, wherein the first step 301 and the second step 302 may be repeated. The same steps can also be taken to update any information recorded in the log information such as the guard 102 or supervisor 104 identification number. Such recalibration step keeps the log information in synchronisation with the actual deployment location of the patrol logging units 103 and any personnel changes.
Suitably the recalibration step may also comprise a trusted supervisor 104 setting or re-programming the patrol logging unit 103. The trusted supervisor 104 establishes a communication channel between a device and the patrol logging unit 103 via the communication means 208. Suitably the device is a laptop or a portable device of some kind with wireless communication capability compatible with that of the patrol logging unit 103.
Suitably the communication means 208 uses an Infra-Red transmitter/receiver. The trusted supervisor 104 positions a transmitter/receiver of the laptop of the portable device near the communication means 208 of the patrol logging unit 103 whereby the communication channel is established.
Using the laptop or the portable device, the trusted supervisor 104 then instructs the controller 203 to set or re-program the information stored in the patrol logging unit 103.
Suitably the information set or re-programmed relates to temporal information from the internal local clock 204. Suitably the information set or re-programmed comprises any information stored in the storage means 206. Suitably the information set or re-programmed also comprise any information required for operating the controller 203. This enables re-programming of the patrol logging unit 103 and any data stored therein. Once the re-programming of the patrol logging unit 103 is performed, the trusted supervisor 104 performs the third and fourth steps to update the log information stored in the control system 101. Alternatively the log information may be updated first at the control system 101 and the trusted supervisor 104 re-programs the patrol logging unit 103 according to this update using the method described above.
In the fifth step 305, the code is accepted and the guard's 102 patrolling route or regime deemed acceptable in accordance with the desired patrolling route. The guard's patrolling route is then entered into the database or the log information whereby the supervisor 104 may be able to view the patrolling route or regime online. The online view may be updated in real-time.
In the sixth step 306, the code is rejected and an appropriate action needs to be taken.
If the code failed on its authenticity the call is ignored and seventh step 307 is taken. The call and the related information may be recorded for future investigation. Suitably the appropriate action may comprise sending a text to the caller with the reasons for the rejection. Suitably the appropriate action comprises sending a text to the caller instructing him to return to the identified patrol logging unit 103 within a predetermined time period and performing the third step 303 onwards again. Suitably this communication sent to the caller is logged. If a code received for the second time reaches the sixth step 306 again, the seventh step 307 is taken.
The predetermined time period may be 30 minutes.
In the seventh step 307, a warning is issued. The warning may be in the form of a SMS text or an e-mail, automatically issued by the control system 101 upon executing this step. The warning may be issued to a guard 102 or a supervisor 104 or both.
Suitably the output means 202 comprises a transmitter configured to transmit information to a mobile phone. Suitably the output means comprises an audio and/or video output means. Suitably the output means 202 is a display. Alternatively the output means 202 is a speaker.
Embodiments of the present invention advantageously address problems associated with prior art patrol logging systems. In particular added security measures comprising asynchronous temporal information or date and/or time settings along with the automated check and alert system ensure easy administration and maintenance of a secure patrol logging system. Furthermore the system generates records and issues messages to illustrate its present status, for example an error message when tampered with, to facilitate a quick and effective maintenance thereof.
Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.
All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.
Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.
The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.
Claims (23)
- CLAIMS1. A system comprising a plurality of patrol logging units 103, wherein each patrol logging unit 103 is assigned a unique identification and comprises an output means 202 and a processing circuitry 201, and the processing circuitry 201 comprises a controller 203, an internal local clock 204 and a code generator 205, wherein: the controller 203 is operable to control the processing circuitry 201 to generate a code to be outputted via the output means 202 in response to being activated; the code generator 205 is operable to produce the code based on coding information; the coding information comprises temporal information provided by the internal local clock 204 and the unique identification of each patrol logging unit 103; the internal local clock 204 of each patrol logging unit 103 is autonomously independent, whereby the temporal information at each internal local clock 204 is unpredictable from the temporal information of other internal local clocks of other patrol logging units.
- 2. The system of claim 1, wherein: the processing circuitry 201 further comprises a storage means 206 operable to store the coding information and other information required for operation of the patrol logging unit 103; and the other information further comprises a message to be outputted via the output means 202 when the patrol logging unit 103 is activated.
- 3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the processing circuitry 201 further comprises a communication means 208 whereby a communication channel between the patrol logging unit 103 and an external device is established, enabling the external device to set or alter information stored in the patrol logging unit 103.
- 4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein: the patrol logging unit 103 is activated by a magnetic induction coil 207 wherein a current is induced therein when a magnetic field is present in proximity; the code is generated when the current from the magnetic induction coil activates the patrol logging unit 103; and the output means 202 outputs the generated code or a message.
- 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the magnetic field is introduced by a mobile phone comprising a magnetic portion.
- 6. The system of any preceding claim further comprising a control system 101 operable to maintain and manage log information comprising the assigned unique identification with corresponding installation location details thereof and the temporal information of each internal clock 204 inside each corresponding patrol logging unit 103.
- 7. The system of claim 6, wherein time and location of a guard patrolling the patrol route can be ascertained by comparing the generated code with information in the log information.
- 8. The system of claim 6 or 7, wherein, once the patrol logging unit 103 is installed, the internal local clock 204 is configured to keep its own time independent of any input from the control system 101 and the patrol logging unit 103 does not communicate with the control system 101 directly.
- 9. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the output means 202 is a display.
- 10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the temporal information comprises either time or time and date.
- 11. A method for patrol logging comprising the steps of: providing a plurality of patrol logging units 301; providing a control system which keeps log information comprising information relating to each of the plurality of patrol logging units, wherein in response to being activated each of the plurality of patrol logging units generates a code based on coding information which comprises temporal information provided by an internal local clock and a unique identification of each patrol logging unit 302; outputting the code 303; and transmitting the code to the control system, wherein the control system determines the temporal information and the unique identification from the code and records them 304.
- 12. The method of claim 11, wherein: the patrol logging unit comprises a magnetic induction coil; the patrol logging unit is configured whereby it is activated by a mobile phone comprising a magnetic portion; and current induced in the magnetic induction coil when a magnetic field is present in proximity is configured to activate the patrol logging unit.
- 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein transmitting the code to the control system comprises the steps of: a patrolling guard activating the patrol logging unit; the patrolling guard calling the control system using a mobile phone and key pressing the outputted code wherein the control system verifies the caller using Calling Line Identification Presentation (CLIP) and receives the code using a Dual-Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) system; and the patrolling guard's patrolling route comprising the time and location being entered into a database of the control system or the log information, wherein the received code is decoded to identify the patrol logging unit wherefrom the code was generated, whereby the time of code generation can be calculated and the location thereof determined using the log information so that the time and location of the guard can be recorded.
- 14. The method of claim 13 further comprising a step of code rejection 306 wherein a text is sent to the patrolling guard with the reasons for the rejection of the code or with an instruction to the patrolling guard to return to the identified patrol logging unit within a predetermined time period and to repeat the steps of the method from the activation of the patrol logging unit onwards.
- 15. The method of claim 13 or 14 further comprising a step of issuing a warning 307 wherein the warming may be in the form of a SMS text or an e-mail, automatically issued by the control system to a patrolling guard.
- 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the warning is also issued to a supervisor.
- 17. The method of any one of claims 11 to 16, wherein the control system comprises a patrol route program wherein a desired patrolling route can be indicated by entering associated temporal information and location into the log information whereby the desired patrolling route is compared to the time and location data of the guard to assess the correctness of the guard's patrolling route.
- 18. The method of claim 17 further comprising a recalibration step wherein a code representative of a time within a prescribed time period from the desired time in the desired patrolling route is accepted and used to update the temporal information of the internal local clock stored in the control system, whereby a long-term drift of the internal local clock can be compensated for in the log information.
- 19. The method of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein transmitting the code to the control system further comprises the steps of: a supervisor activating the patrol logging unit; the supervisor calling the control system using a mobile phone and key pressing the outputted code wherein the control system verifies the caller using Calling Line Identification Presentation (CLIP) and receives the code using a Dual-Tone Multi Frequency (DTMF) system to verify the authenticity of the caller and the code; and if the code determines the caller to the supervisor, updating the log information using information from the received code, wherein the received code is decoded to identify the patrol logging unit wherefrom the code was generated, whereby the location thereof and the temporal information relating to the code generation can be calculated and used to update information in the log information.
- 20. The method of any one of claims 11 to 19 further comprising a step of a supervisor setting or re-programming the patrol logging unit by establishing a communication channel between a device and the patrol logging unit via a communication means of the patrol logging unit to set or re-program information stored in the patrol logging unit, wherein the information set or re-programmed relates to the temporal information of the internal local clock.
- 21. The method of any one of claims 11 to 20, wherein the generated code is outputted via an output means comprising a display.
- 22. The method of any one of claims 11 to 21, wherein the temporal information comprises either time or time and date.
- 23. A system or a method substantially as herein described, having particular reference to the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201211322A GB2503454A (en) | 2012-06-26 | 2012-06-26 | A patrol logging system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201211322A GB2503454A (en) | 2012-06-26 | 2012-06-26 | A patrol logging system |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201211322D0 GB201211322D0 (en) | 2012-08-08 |
| GB2503454A true GB2503454A (en) | 2014-01-01 |
Family
ID=46704236
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201211322A Withdrawn GB2503454A (en) | 2012-06-26 | 2012-06-26 | A patrol logging system |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2503454A (en) |
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Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201211322D0 (en) | 2012-08-08 |
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