GB2611060A - Alarm apparatus & method - Google Patents

Alarm apparatus & method Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2611060A
GB2611060A GB2113655.1A GB202113655A GB2611060A GB 2611060 A GB2611060 A GB 2611060A GB 202113655 A GB202113655 A GB 202113655A GB 2611060 A GB2611060 A GB 2611060A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
lifi
light
space
sensor
sensors
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
GB2113655.1A
Other versions
GB202113655D0 (en
Inventor
Cooper John
Das Sovan
Ivanov Videv Stefan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Jc Electrical And Security Solutions Ltd
Original Assignee
Jc Electrical And Security Solutions Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Jc Electrical And Security Solutions Ltd filed Critical Jc Electrical And Security Solutions Ltd
Priority to GB2113655.1A priority Critical patent/GB2611060A/en
Publication of GB202113655D0 publication Critical patent/GB202113655D0/en
Publication of GB2611060A publication Critical patent/GB2611060A/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/1895—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems using light change detection systems
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
    • H04B10/11—Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
    • H04B10/114—Indoor or close-range type systems
    • H04B10/116—Visible light communication
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/181—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/183—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems by interruption of a radiation beam or barrier
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/181—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems
    • G08B13/187—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using active radiation detection systems by interference of a radiation field
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B13/00—Burglar, theft or intruder alarms
    • G08B13/18—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength
    • G08B13/189—Actuation by interference with heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength; Actuation by intruding sources of heat, light, or radiation of shorter wavelength using passive radiation detection systems
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B17/00—Fire alarms; Alarms responsive to explosion
    • G08B17/10—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means
    • G08B17/103—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means using a light emitting and receiving device
    • G08B17/107—Actuation by presence of smoke or gases, e.g. automatic alarm devices for analysing flowing fluid materials by the use of optical means using a light emitting and receiving device for detecting light-scattering due to smoke
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B25/00—Alarm systems in which the location of the alarm condition is signalled to a central station, e.g. fire or police telegraphic systems
    • G08B25/009—Signalling of the alarm condition to a substation whose identity is signalled to a central station, e.g. relaying alarm signals in order to extend communication range
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G08—SIGNALLING
    • G08B—SIGNALLING OR CALLING SYSTEMS; ORDER TELEGRAPHS; ALARM SYSTEMS
    • G08B29/00—Checking or monitoring of signalling or alarm systems; Prevention or correction of operating errors, e.g. preventing unauthorised operation
    • G08B29/02—Monitoring continuously signalling or alarm systems
    • G08B29/04—Monitoring of the detection circuits
    • G08B29/046—Monitoring of the detection circuits prevention of tampering with detection circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04B—TRANSMISSION
    • H04B10/00—Transmission systems employing electromagnetic waves other than radio-waves, e.g. infrared, visible or ultraviolet light, or employing corpuscular radiation, e.g. quantum communication
    • H04B10/11—Arrangements specific to free-space transmission, i.e. transmission through air or vacuum
    • H04B10/114—Indoor or close-range type systems
    • H04B10/1149—Arrangements for indoor wireless networking of information
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
    • H04Q—SELECTING
    • H04Q2213/00—Indexing scheme relating to selecting arrangements in general and for multiplex systems
    • H04Q2213/13163—Fault alarm

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Emergency Management (AREA)
  • Signal Processing (AREA)
  • Business, Economics & Management (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Computing Systems (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Computer Security & Cryptography (AREA)
  • Burglar Alarm Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Alarm system 10 comprising one or more control units 20 and one or more LiFi sensors. One or more of the LiFi sensors is a LiFi sensor module 14 adapted to connect to one or more existing light units 16. Also provided is a LiFi sensor module suitable for use with an alarm system, comprising a body, a light fitting attachment portion, a light bulb attachment portion, a sensor and a transmitter. Lastly, a method of detecting a presence within a space 26 using light and LiFi transmission comprising the steps of fitting one or more control units 20, attaching one or more LiFi sensors and wherein one or more of the LiFi sensors are LiFi sensor modules 14 to one or more existing light sources 16 within the space 26. The sensor may monitor a light signature of the space 26 and send a control signal from the sensor to one or more control units 20 depending on any changes of the light signature. The system 10 may be used as a burglar alarm by monitoring movement of persons 18 or objects within the space 26, or a fire alarm by monitoring build-up of smoke within the space 26.

Description

ALARM APPARATUS & METHOD
Description
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to alarms and alarm systems and methods 10 for carrying out same. The alarm systems may be used to monitor intruders, smoke, fires, etc.
Background to the Invention
is LiFi transmits data using optical frequencies, generally in the ultraviolet, visible light and infrared spectra. LiFi may be used for home intruder alarm systems to transmit information between a central control unit and individual sensors.
LiFi sensors may be setup to monitor access and egress points and persons or objects crossing the light pathways may be detected.
The disadvantage of prior art systems is that avoiding the set light paths may avoid detection by the system. Moreover, setting up such LiFi sensors includes additional cost in providing such sensors which may be better served by existing light emitting sources.
Summary of the Invention
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an alarm system comprising one or more control units and one or more LiFi sensors, wherein one or more of the LiFi sensors is a LiFi sensor module adapted to connect to one or more existing light units.
The alarm system may be adapted to monitor movement of persons or objects within a space, smoke or other pollutants, etc. The alarm system may therefore be used as a burglar alarm by monitoring movement of unauthorized persons within a space, as a fire lo alarm by monitoring build-up of smoke within a space.
The LiFi sensor module may comprise a body, a light fitting attachment portion, a light bulb attachment portion, a sensor and a transmitter is The sensor may be adapted to monitor a prevailing light signature of the space.
The sensor may be adapted to send a control signal via the transmitter to the control unit depending on any changes of the prevailing light zo signature.
The change of prevailing light signature may be subject to a threshold assessment.
The LiFi sensor module may then be attached between an existing LED or similar light bulb and the existing light fitting.
The existing light fitting may be a central downlighter, a wall mounted uplighter, a standing lamp, a table lamp, etc. The sensor and transmitter may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB).
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a LiFi sensor module suitable for use with an alarm system, comprising a body, a light fitting attachment portion, a light bulb attachment portion, a sensor and a transmitter.
lo The LiFi sensor module may be provided with an integrated light source attached to the light bulb attachment portion.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is a method of detecting a presence within a space using light and LiFi transmission is comprising the steps of: fitting one or more control units; attaching one or more LiFi sensors; wherein one or more of the LiFi sensors are LiFi sensor modules according to the second aspect of the present invention to one or more zo existing light sources within the space.
The space may have existing lights/light emitters or the LiFi sensor modules may provide a visible light source.
The method may further comprise creating a light signature of the space.
This light signature will be dependent on known physical attributes and objects within the space.
The light signature may be monitored for potential changes within the space, which may be indicative of a foreign body, person or substance being present within the space.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings, in which: lo Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a first embodiment system according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment system according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a schematic view of a third embodiment system according to the present invention; Fig. 4 is a side elevation of a LiFi sensor module according to the present invention; Fig. 5 is a further schematic representation of the system of Fig. 2; Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of the present invention; and Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the system in operation.
Referring to the drawings and initially to Fig. 1, an alarm system 10 for monitoring a space 26. The space 26 may be a room within a home, shop premises, a warehouse, etc. An existing light unit 16 is provided to illuminate the space 26. The existing light unit 16 comprises a light fitting and a light bulb. The light bulb is in the present embodiment an LED bulb. The LED bulb will have a defined light output in the visible spectrum to provide adequate lighting to the space 26.
The alarm system 10 comprises a LiFi sensor module 14 and a control unit 20. A line of sight 22 is provided within the space 26 between the LiFi sensor module 14 and the control unit 20. The control unit 20 is of lo an existing prior art type found within current LiFi alarm systems.
The LiFi sensor module 14 is adapted to connect to the existing light unit 16. The LiFi sensor module 14 has a line-of-sight path 22 to the control unit 20.
A person 18 is located within the space 26. The person 18 may be for example a burglar who has broken into the space 26 to remove something of value (not shown).
The LiFi sensor module 14 produces a signal that allows a room signature to be created based on the captured reflections from the environment within the space 26. The signature can be monitored and when a change between two subsequently observed signatures changes more than a pre-set threshold, the system would report an event. This may be for example person 18 walking within the space 26 and altering the light signature of the space 26.
Further to the above, the system could also be used in conjunction with specialized software that could be programmed to recognize certain room signatures (and/or sequences of signatures) and associate them with events/activities etc. thereby giving the system the ability to provide even more information.
A second embodiment alarm system 100 is depicted in Fig. 2. It will be understood that like numbered integers to the first embodiment share a similar purpose or function except prefixed with the number "1" such as the control unit being numbered 120. The second embodiment system 100 is likewise located within a space 126.
The second embodiment alarm system 100 comprises an integrated sensor/bulb unit 115, comprising a light emitting portion 114 and a sensor portion 116. This may be attached directly to any available light fittings within the space 126. A LiFi control unit 120 is provided which the is integrated sensor/bulb unit 115 has a line-of-sight 122 to. A second control unit 128 is provided in addition to the existing LiFi control unit 120. This second control unit 128 may provide an ethernet wifi/hardwired connection 124 and/or may also provide an addition LiFi line of sight transmission 124 vector for the system 100.
Fig. 4 depicts a schematic representation of the integrated sensor/bulb unit 115. Fig. 5 is a further schematic representation of the integrated sensor/bulb unit 115 providing light to the space 126 with the reflected light signature being monitored by the integrated sensor/bulb unit 115 and the control unit 120.
A third embodiment alarm system 200 is depicted in Fig. 3. It will be understood that like numbered integers to the first and/or second embodiment share a similar purpose or function except prefixed with the number "2" such as the control unit being numbered 220. The second embodiment system 200 is likewise located within a space 226.
The space 226 for the second embodiment alarm system 1200 comprises four integrated sensor/bulb units 215, 217, 219, 221 each comprising a light emitting portion and a sensor portion as per the second embodiment. These are attached directly to four available light fittings within the space 226. A LiFi control unit 220 is provided which the integrated sensor/bulb units 215, 217, 219, 221 have a line-of-sight to.
Moreover, each of the integrated sensor/bulb units 215, 217, 219, 221 have a line-of-sight to at least two other units within the system 200, and may have line-of-sight LiFi communication to all other units within the system 200.
A second control unit 228 is provided in addition to the existing LiFi control unit 220. This control unit 220 may likewise provide an ethernet wi-fi/hardwired connection 224 and/or may also provide an addition LiFi line of sight transmission 224 vector for the system 200.
A further control unit 230 is provided for the system 200. In this embodiment, the further control unit 230 is a laptop computer 230 which is connected to the integrated sensor/bulb units 215, 217, 219, 221 via a wireless ethernet (wi-fi) attachment 225.
Fig. 6 is a circuit diagram of the second embodiment. A FIR (passive infrared) sensor 150 detects changes in the ambient light environment, such as intruders/smoke/etc.
The circuit loop 152 shown in Fig. 6 for the alarm signal stays closed during normal background ambient light conditions. The circuit loop 152 is opened once a change in ambient light conditions is detected.
This System On Module (SoM) 154 therefore detects the presence of an intruder using the sensor 116 and transmits the relevant data through LiFi to the next SoM 156 which is interfaced to the alarm panel 120. The second SoM upon receiving the signal triggers the alarm panel 120, lo which activates appropriate alarm signals, such as a sonic alarm.
If the FIR sensor 150 is tampered with, the sensor 116 sets the circuit loop to open from closed. As with an alarm signal, the data is sent over the LiFi channel to SoM 156 which is interfaced to the alarm panel 120.
The alarm panel 120 sets off an alarm signal (such as a buzzer) for a tamper signal. If there is an attempt to block the the LiFi signal, the SoM 156 connected to the alarm panel 120 sends the tamper signal. This way the system has been made tamper resistant.
The SoMs 154, 156 are used to interface the LiFi system with the alarm system. Relay 158 and relay 160 are used to mimic the functions of the FIR sensors 150 so that the SoM can be interfaced with the alarm panel 120.
It will be understood that even though described in relation to the second embodiment system, this arrangement is similar for the arrangements on the other embodiments.
Fig. 7 depicts the flowchart of the system software 300. It will be understood that this will be indicative of software function for all described embodiments.
At the top, the system is armed at step 310 by pressing the necessary button or command input into the control panel. The system initially checks if the alarm circuit is open at step 320. If so, the control panel activates 340 the alarm signal at step 400.
If the alarm circuit is closed, the control panel checks whether it has LiFi connectivity to the various LiFi units at step 330. If it does not, the alarm signal is triggered at 350 to sound alarm at 400.
Assuming the alarm circuit is closed and there is LiFi connectivity, the system software 300 takes a reading of the ambient light conditions creating a signature at step 360 and also determines whether the tamper circuit is open at step 370. If the tamper circuit is open (indicating that the system has been tampered with) the system moves to step 350 where the alarm signal is triggered to sound alarm at 400.
The system 300 continues to monitor the ambient light conditions at step 360 until such times as it detects a change in these ambient light conditions. When such a change is detected, this causes the control 25 panel to activate 340 the alarm signal at step 400.
The system 300 may employ different alarm signals for the separate conditions of (a) lack of LiFi connectivity (b) ambient light change and (c) tamper circuit activation. I'

Claims (10)

  1. Claims 1. An alarm system comprising one or more control units and one or more LiFi sensors, wherein one or more of the LiFi sensors is a LiFi 5 sensor module adapted to connect to one or more existing light units.
  2. 2. An alarm system according to claim 1 wherein the LiFi sensor module comprises a body, a light fitting attachment portion, a light bulb attachment portion, a sensor and a transmitter.
  3. 3. An alarm system according to claim 2 wherein the sensor is adapted to monitor a prevailing light signature of a space.
  4. 4. An alarm system according to claims 2 or 3 wherein the sensor is 15 adapted to send a control signal via the transmitter to the one or more control units depending on any changes of the prevailing light signature.
  5. 5. An alarm system according to any preceding claim wherein the LiFi sensor module is attached between an existing LED or similar light bulb zo and an existing light fitting.
  6. 6. A LiFi sensor module suitable for use with an alarm system, comprising a body, a light fitting attachment portion, a light bulb attachment portion, a sensor and a transmitter.
  7. 7. The LiFi sensor module of claim 6 wherein an integrated light source attached to the light bulb attachment portion.
  8. 8. A method of detecting a presence within a space using light and LiFi transmission comprising the steps of: fitting one or more control units; attaching one or more LiFi sensors; wherein one or more of the LiFi sensors are LiFi sensor modules according to the second aspect of the present invention to one or more existing light sources within the space.
  9. 9. The method of claim 8 further comprising creating a light signature lo of the space.
  10. 10. The method of claims 8 or 9 wherein light signature is monitored for potential changes within the space, which may be indicative of a foreign body, person or substance being present within the space.
GB2113655.1A 2021-09-24 2021-09-24 Alarm apparatus & method Pending GB2611060A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2113655.1A GB2611060A (en) 2021-09-24 2021-09-24 Alarm apparatus & method

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB2113655.1A GB2611060A (en) 2021-09-24 2021-09-24 Alarm apparatus & method

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB202113655D0 GB202113655D0 (en) 2021-11-10
GB2611060A true GB2611060A (en) 2023-03-29

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Family Applications (1)

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GB2113655.1A Pending GB2611060A (en) 2021-09-24 2021-09-24 Alarm apparatus & method

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Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102722951A (en) * 2012-05-30 2012-10-10 深圳光启创新技术有限公司 LED lamp intrusion alarm based on visible light communication
WO2015148699A2 (en) * 2014-03-25 2015-10-01 Osram Sylvania Inc. Techniques for indoor navigation with emergency assistance via light-based communication
CN107644512A (en) * 2017-10-25 2018-01-30 佛山市宝粤美科技有限公司 A kind of firework display warning system based on street lamp
CN109272687A (en) * 2018-11-20 2019-01-25 安徽奕甲文化传媒有限责任公司 Put on display security alerting system
US20200073011A1 (en) * 2018-08-31 2020-03-05 Osram Sylvania Inc. Indoor Human Detection and Motion Tracking Using Light Reflections
CN111988086A (en) * 2020-08-31 2020-11-24 沈阳易达讯通科技有限公司 Fixed asset tracking system and method

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN102722951A (en) * 2012-05-30 2012-10-10 深圳光启创新技术有限公司 LED lamp intrusion alarm based on visible light communication
WO2015148699A2 (en) * 2014-03-25 2015-10-01 Osram Sylvania Inc. Techniques for indoor navigation with emergency assistance via light-based communication
CN107644512A (en) * 2017-10-25 2018-01-30 佛山市宝粤美科技有限公司 A kind of firework display warning system based on street lamp
US20200073011A1 (en) * 2018-08-31 2020-03-05 Osram Sylvania Inc. Indoor Human Detection and Motion Tracking Using Light Reflections
CN109272687A (en) * 2018-11-20 2019-01-25 安徽奕甲文化传媒有限责任公司 Put on display security alerting system
CN111988086A (en) * 2020-08-31 2020-11-24 沈阳易达讯通科技有限公司 Fixed asset tracking system and method

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