SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETECTION OF UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY TO A BODY OF WATER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for a pool alarm utilized for the detection of unauthorized entry to a body of water, and in particular, to such a system wherein the detection is provided by individualized signal processing techniques of an acoustic signals from within the body of water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Drowning can occur in any body of water or the like environments such as a pool, lakes, sea, ocean and even a bathtub. Drowning does not necessitate that the person does not know how to swim; other factors may come into play that lead to drowning, such as head trauma, orientation loss, disorientation and loss of consciousness.

Children of ages 2-9 are the high risk group for fatal drowning. Daily drowning statistics in the USA show that there are 16 drowning cases of which 120 receive first aid, 40 are hospitalized; 15 recover, 15 suffer irreversible damage and 10 are fatal cases.

Pool alarms have been used to try to reduce the number of drowning events by detecting when an individual has entered a body of water and/or pool at an unauthorized time, for example, when a lifeguard or the like supervision is not present. However, to date pool alarms have not been able to adequately detect such instances primarily due high rate of false positive where a pool alarm is triggered without just cause.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

There is an unmet need for, and it would be highly useful to have, system and method capable of identifying unauthorized use of and/or entry into an unattended body of water.

Embodiments of the present inventiOon provide a system and method capable of identifying unauthorized use of and/or entry into an unattended body of water. In some embodiments, the method and system are further capable of identifying and communicating the location of the entry point.

In some embodiments such unauthorized use and/or entry detection is communicated to emergency respondents such as police, firefighters, security guards, medical practitioners, or the like individuals and/or automated devices capable of treating or responding to such emergency events.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for detection of unauthorized entry into an unattended body of water by utilizing a system configured to listen for and detect an acoustic signal. Preferably when such unauthorized use is detected an alarm state protocol is implemented. The alarm state preferably includes at least one of sounding and alarm, alerting competent individuals for example including but not limited to first respondents, alerting emergency services, the like or any combination thereof.

In embodiments they system further provides for identifying the point of entry into the body of water.

In embodiments the system comprises an array of hydrophones that are submerged within a body of water that is being monitored that are functionally linked to and a processing device for performing digital signal processing and analysis of the signal provided by the hydrophone array. In embodiments the signal processing and analysis provide for detecting an acoustic signal indicative of unauthorized entry into a body of water embodiments the system may further comprise additional sensors external to the body of water. For example at least one or more microphone(s) may be placed external the body of water to determine background noise. For example in a pool setting a microphone may be placed near the pool's water-pump and filter providing additional data of the surrounding noise.

In embodiments the system may further comprise additional submersible and/or under water sensors to improve signal to noise ratio from noise emanating from within the body of water being monitored. Such an underwater sensor module may comprises sensors for example including but not limited to movement sensor, accelerometer, gyro sensor, depth sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, camera, optical sensor, the like, or any combination thereof configured to be submersible within the monitored body of water.

In embodiments the system may further be in communication with or functionally associated with at least one or more auxiliary devices for communicating an alarm state and/or sounding an alarm state. An auxiliary device may for example include but is not limited to a hom, an alarm, a communication device, a mobile communication device, a server, a first respondent call center, emergency services call center, the like or any combination thereof.

The system and method of the present invention preferably provides a safety measure against unauthorized entry into a body of water such as a pool, lake, ocean or the like body of water.

In embodiments the hydrophone array comprising a plurality of hydrophones may be distributed and/or arranged within the monitored body of water in any manner so as to provide sufficient coverage of the entire area of the body of water. For example the hydrophone array may be arranged in a grid arrangement, a concentric arrangement, a triangulation arrangement, single layer arrangement, multi-layered (depth) arrangement, the like or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments the hydrophone array may be arranged in a planar grid-like manner along a lower surface of the body of water, for example a swimming pool.

In some embodiments the hydrophone array may be arranged in multilayer arrangement wherein hydrophones are placed along a lower surface and along at least one or more side (wall) surface. For example, a first hydrophone array arrangement along the bottom surface of a pool and a second hydrophone array arrangement along the height of at least one or more walls of a pool.

In embodiments placement of each hydrophone is preferably provided with a unique location specific address for example a GPS address and/or coordinates.

In embodiments, individual hydrophones forming the hydrophone array may be further associated with a local sensor and/or transducer, for example including but not limited to a pH sensor and/or a temperature sensor, a light source, accelerometer, the like or any combination thereof. More preferably individual hydrophones may be associated with and/or adjacent to a temperature sensor to determine the ambient water temperature. In some embodiments a selective portion of the hydrophones array will be fit and/or functionally associated with a temperature sensor.

In embodiments the hydrophone array may be formed from a plurality of individual hydrophones that are functionally coupled with the processing center and/or device in a wired or wireless manner. Accordingly the hydrophones may be wireless and/or wired hydrophones that are functionally coupled and operational with the processing center and/or device.

In embodiments the processing center provides for implementing a proprietary signal processing method of the acoustic signals received from the hydrophone array and/or surface microphones in order to monitor, detect unauthorized entry into the body of water.

In embodiments, the processing center may provide for identifying the location of the unauthorized entry.

Within the context of this application the term hydrophone refers to an underwater microphone adept at obtaining acoustic signals under water. Any form of a hydrophone as is known in the art may be utilized.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements.

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention.

Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting.

Unless otherwise defined the various embodiment of the present invention may be provided to an end user in a plurality of formats, platforms, and may be outputted to at least one of a computer readable memory, a computer display device, and a printout, a computer on a network or a user.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present invention, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.

It should be noted that optionally any device featuring a data processor and/or the ability to execute one or more instructions may be described as a computer, including but not limited to a PC (personal computer), a server, a minicomputer, a cellular telephone, a smart phone, a PDA (personal data assistant), a pager, or the like. Any two or more of such devices in communication with each other, and/or any computer in communication with any other computer may optionally comprise a "computer network".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram of a system for the detection of unauthorized entry into a body of water according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. IB is a schematic block diagram of a system for the detection of unauthorized entry into a body of water according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 2-3 are schematic flow charts showing a method for the detection of unauthorized entry into a body of water with the system according to the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

The following figure reference labels are used throughout the description to refer to similarly functioning components are used throughout the specification hereinbelow.

20 auxiliary device(s);

100 monitoring system ;

101 hydrophone;

102 hydrophone array;

103 accelerometer;

104 processing center;

105 alarm signal;

106 external environmental sensor;

107 alarm module;

108 in-water auxiliary sensor module;

109 housing;

110 signal processing module;

112 individualization module;

130 electronics/circuitry module; 132 microprocessor sub-module;

134 power sub-module;

136 communication sub-module;

138 memory sub-module;

Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 1A shows a schematic block diagram of system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. System 100 provides a pool alarm system that provides for monitoring a body of water for unauthorized entry by implementing a processor mediated signal processing method for detecting and altering of unauthorized entry into a body of water. The body of water may be a pool, spa, Jacuzzi, designated areas and/or portions and/or segments of a natural body of water such as a lake, river, sea, and/or ocean

System 100 comprises at least one hydrophone 101, that is submerged in the body of water being monitored, a processing center 104, that provides for signal processing of the acoustic signals provided by the hydrophone array 101 so as to detect unauthorized entry for example when the body of water is not supervised and/or guarded, and an alarm module 107 for rendering an alarm state. In some embodiments system 100 may further comprise an additional sensor in the form of an accelerometer 103.

Accordingly in embodiment of system 100 a hydrophone 101 provides for obtaining sound from within the body of water so as to detect an alarm state when unauthorized entry is detected and classified. According to additional embodiments of system 100 further comprises an accelerometer 102 may be provided for detecting the water surface movement levels. In embodiments accelerometer 103 in combination with hydrophone 101 provide a system 100 capable of detecting generated sound from within the body of water while accelerometer 103 provides for detection movement of the water surface in such a manner system 100 provides a multilayer detection system so as to improve the identification of a potential alarm state.

In embodiments, hydrophone 101 may be take any form, and may be distributed and/or arranged within the monitored body of water in any manner so as to provide sufficient coverage of the entire area of the body of water. In some embodiments hydrophone 101 may be placed at a depth of at least 10cm below the surface. In some embodiments hydrophone 101 may be placed at a distance of 10cm away from a edge of a body of water for example a pool wall.

In embodiments alarm module 107 preferably provides a speaker and/or hom that is wirelessly associated and/or coupled hardwired with system 100. For example alarm module 107 provides for sounding an alarm when an alarm state is identified by processing center 104. In embodiments processing center 104 preferably produces an alarm signal 105 that is communicated to alarm module 107 so as to sound an alarm that is either wirelessly coupled and/or hardwired with system 100.

In some embodiments, system 100 may further comprise at least one or more optional sensor(s) in addition to the hydrophone 101 and accelerometer 103, for example as part of a non-aqueous sensor module 106 and/or an aqueous (in water) sensor module 108.

In embodiments sensor module 106 provides for improving detection of unauthorized use of a body of water. Sensor module 106 may for example include at least one or more optional sensors for example including but not limited to microphone, video cameras, thermal imaging device, infrared (IR) devices,

LIDAR, a video surveillance system, an image capturing device, the like or any combination thereof, Sensor module 106 may for example comprise at least one or more microphone that is placed external the body of water and may be utilized to facilitate and/or improve detection of unauthorized pool entry.

In some embodiments system 100 may be further fit with an auxiliary in water sensor module 108, including at least one or more submerged and/or underwater sensors and/or transducer to facilitate and/or improve the signal. Such additional submersible and/or under water sensors provided to improve signal to noise ratio from noise emanating from within the body of water being monitored. Such an underwater sensor module may comprise sensors for example including but not limited to additional hydrophones, hydrophones associated with a pool automated cleaning robot, depth sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, camera, optical sensor, light the like, or any combination thereof configured to be submersible within the monitored body of water.

In some embodiments system 100 may be provided in a housing 109 that may be provided in the form of a floating housing having a water surface portion featuring accelerometer 103 and/or portion of electronics circuitry 130 and a submerged portion including at least one hydrophone 101.

In some embodiments system 100 may be provided in a housing 109 that may be provided in the form of a floating housing having a submerged portion including at least one hydrophone 101. Optionally hydrophone 101 may be disposed at least 10 cm below the water surface.

In some embodiments system 100 may be provided in a housing 109 that may be provided in the form of a tethered and/or stationary housing that is disposed at a predefined location within the body of water and relative to at least one surface, for example a pool sidewall and/or floor (lower surface). Optionally hydrophone 101 may be disposed at least 10 cm below the water surface and at a distance of 10cm away from a hard surface such as a pool sidewall and/or floor.

In some embodiments housing 109 may be integrated with optional auxiliary devices 20 forming a portion of a pool system for example including but not limited to pool control system, pool valves, water feature subsystem (e.g.

waterfall), pool lighting system, pool sanitation system, pool cleaning robot, pool temperature control systems, pool pump system, pool sound system, pool filtration system, or the like pool system.

In embodiments system 100 includes a processing center 104 having processing and communication capabilities that provides for undertaking the communication and signal processing required to identify and trigger an alarm state when unauthorized use of a body of water is identified based on the signal(s) captured from the hydrophone 101 associated with device 100. In some embodiments processing center 104 provides for analyzing signals provided from both hydrophone 101 and accelerometer 103.

Processing center 104 implements a processor mediated method for identifying the acoustic signal associated with unauthorized entry into the body of water, as will be described in greater details with respect to FIG. 2-3.

In embodiments processing center 104 may be disposed within the body of water or external to the body of water being monitored.

In embodiments processing center 104 may be functionally associated with the hydrophone array in a wired or wireless manner. Accordingly the hydrophone 101 may be a wireless hydrophone and/or wired hydrophones that are functionally coupled and operational with the processing center 104 of system 100. Processing center 104 comprises a signal processing module 110 and an electronics/circuitry module 130 that provide for identifying an acoustic signal within the body of water and implementing an alarm procedure and/or state once unauthorized entry is identified so as to generate an alarm and/or to communicate an alarm signal 105.

Signal processing module 110 preferably provides for implementing the processor mediated method for identifying and classifying the acoustic signal provided by hydrophone 101 so as to identify an incident of unauthorized entry into the body of water.

The methods implemented by processing module 110 in order to identify an alarm state wherein a foreign body and/or object has entered the body of water monitored with system 100 is described in greater detail in FIG. 2-3. Signal processing module 110 provides for analyzing and identifying an alarm state that is identified with at least one hydrophone 101 and optional from data provided by both hydrophone 101 and accelerometer 103. Hydrophone 101 provides acoustic signals and/or data obtained from within the body of water that are analyzed. Optional accelerometer may provide data from the water surface of the body of water.

Processing module 110 provides for analyzing at least one of an acoustic signal obtained with hydrophone 101. In some embodiments processing module further provides for processing additional data obtained with accelerometer 103 so as to determine if a foreign body and/or object has entered the body of water being monitored.

Module 110 provides for processing acoustic signal 101 by implementing digital signal processing techniques that include filtering the signal, boosting the signal, segmenting the signal into a plurality of overlapping segments, applying model analysis of the segments in at least one and/or both of time-domain and frequency-domain, so as to determine a difference in the signal when comparing two consecutive signals relative to a threshold level so as to identify a potential alarm state, and thereafter classification of the potential alarm state.

In embodiments the time-domain model utilized is preferably an auto regressive (AR) model analysis.

In embodiments the frequency domain model utilized a Mel Frequency Cepstmm Model (MFCM). In embodiments processing module 110 may utilize both auto-regressive (AR) model analysis and Mel Frequency Cepstmm Model (MFCM) in order to analyze a particular acoustic signal.

In embodiments classification stage may be provided by a deep learning system that is configured to identify events by comparison to known and/or learnt and/or historic events.

In embodiments processing module 110 is associated with an individualization module 112 that is utilized to individualize processing module 110 relative to a particular body of water being monitored, for example including but not limited a pool. Accordingly module 112 provides for determine and/or fine tuning the specific coefficients utilized for the various stages of the processing module 110, accordingly determining at least one or more selected from: the filtering coefficients, the boosting filter coefficient; time-domain model analysis coefficient, frequency-domain model analysis coefficient, AR model coefficients, Cepstmm (MFCM) model coefficients, classification weights and /or coefficients, and any combination thereof.

Accordingly system 100 defines a system and method that provides for individualized pool alarm that is configured specifically for the body of water and pool configuration so as to improve sensing of a true alarm state.

In embodiments the individualization module 112 may require a period of time to ascertain and/or determine the individualize properties of the body of water being monitored to be utilized with and maximize the robustness and performance of processing module 110. In embodiments module 112 may be implemented with a learning algorithm and/or via experimental data.

Electronics/circuitry module 130 preferably provides the hardware and/or software necessary to implement the processing and communication necessary to monitor the body of water to identify the unauthorized entry acoustic signal.

Electronics/circuitry module 130 comprises a microprocessor sub-module 132, a power sub-module 134, a communication sub-module 136, a memory sub- module 138, the like or any combination thereof.

In embodiments processor sub-module 132 provides the necessary processing hardware and/or software necessary to render processing center 104 functional and/or to render system 100 functional. In embodiments power sub-module 134 provides the necessary hardware and/or software to power processing center 104 and/or system 100.

In embodiments communication sub-module 136 provides the necessary hardware and/or software to facilitate communication for system 100 with optional auxiliary device(s) 20 and/or the hydrophone 101.

In embodiments memory sub-module 138 provides the necessary hardware and/or software to facilitate operations of system 100 and/or processing center 104.

In embodiments system 100 may be in communication with and/or functionally associated with at least one or more auxiliary devices 20. Auxiliary device 20 may be utilized to receive an alarm signal 105 indicative of an alarm state and/or sounding an alarm state.

In some embodiments system 100 may be integrated with optional auxiliary device(s) 20 for rendering a pool alarm system.

An auxiliary device 20 may for example include but is not limited to a horn, an alarm, a video surveillance system, a camera, an image capturing device, a pool system device, a thermal imaging sensor, thermal imaging device, an infrared device, a Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a communication device, a mobile communication device, a server, a first respondent call center, emergency services call center, pool associated systems, the like or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments auxiliary device 20 may for example be realized in the form of a mobile communication device such as a smartphone, may be fit with necessary software and/or dedicated application (app) to receive an alarm state signal 105.

In some embodiments auxiliary device 20 may for example be realized in the form of a video and/or image surveillance system provided for image capture and/or analysis of the pool area.

In some embodiments auxiliary device 20 may for example be realized in the form of pool associated systems for example including but not limited to pool control system, pool valves, water feature subsystem (e.g. waterfall), pool lighting system, pool sanitation system, pool cleaning robot, pool temperature control systems, pool pump system, pool sound system, pool filtration system, or the like pool system.

In embodiments LIDAR or the like IR sensor may be utilized to confirm and/or determine if a body has entered a body of water by providing a proximity sensor. For example if processing center 104 indicates that an object has entered the body of water a LIDAR and/or the like IR sensor may be utilized to determine and confirm that a foreign body is at a given distance from system 100.

In embodiments a thermal imaging device and/or sensor may be utilized to facilitate identification of a foreign body within the body of water. For example if processing center 104 indicates that an foreign body and/or object has entered the body of water a thermal imaging device and/or sensor may be utilized to determine and confirm that a foreign body is within the body of water based on thermal imaging. Similarly, a camera and/or the like imaging device may be utilized to corroborate any alarm signal identified by processing center 104 so as to visualize any such foreign body. Accordingly such additional auxiliary sensors and/or devices may be used to either corroborate and/or identify a false positive alarm state identified by processing center 104.

FIG. IB is a schematic block diagram of system 100 provided for monitoring a body of water for unauthorized entry by implementing a processor mediated signal processing method for detecting and altering of unauthorized entry into a body of water.

System 100 comprises a hydrophone array 102 including a plurality of individual hydrophones (102 _{a n} ) including 'h' hydrophones where 'h' is at least two (n>l) that are submerged in the body of water being monitored, and a processing center 104 that provides for signal processing of the acoustic signals provided by the hydrophone array 102 so as to detect unauthorized entry.

In embodiments the hydrophone array 102 may be take any form, where the plurality of hydrophones may be distributed and/or arranged within the monitored body of water in any manner so as to provide sufficient coverage of the entire area of the body of water.

For example the hydrophone array 102 may be arranged in a grid arrangement, a concentric arrangement, a triangulation arrangement, single layer arrangement, multi-layered (depth) arrangement, the like or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments the hydrophone array 102 may be arranged in a planar grid-like manner along a lower surface of the body of water, for example a swimming pool.

In some embodiments the hydrophone array may be arranged in multilayer arrangement wherein hydrophones are placed along a lower surface and along at least one or more side (wall) surface. For example, a first hydrophone array arrangement along the bottom surface of a pool and a second hydrophone array arrangement along the height of at least one or more walls of a pool.

For example, a hydrophone array 102 disposed within a swimming pool may comprise at least four hydrophones 102n, that are organized in a grid-like manner, and distributed in two rows, wherein each row is disposed on the pool's floor and/or near the pool's wall, that is along opposite junctions of the pool's long edge. A first row disposed adjacent to the bottom of the left pool wall and a second row of hydrophones disposed opposite the first row, and placed adjacent to the bottom of the right pool wall.

In embodiments the number of individual hydrophones 102n may be a function of the pool's dimensions. For example, a hydrophone may be placed at set intervals of about 1 meter and up to about 3 meters along a pool's length.

In some embodiments placement of each hydrophone may be provided with a unique, location specific address, for example a GPS address and/or geographical coordinates. Preferably such a unique hydrophone address is provided to facilitate communicating the location of the unauthorized point of entry into the body of water. Optionally location may be communicated to an auxiliary device and/or system 20, and may be identifiable on a map.

In some embodiments, system 100 may further comprise at least one or more optional sensor(s) in addition to the hydrophone, for example as part of a non-aqueous sensor module 106 and/or an aqueous (in-water) sensor module 108.

Sensor module 106 provides for improving detection of unauthorized use of a body of water. Sensor module 106 may for example include at least one or more optional sensors for example including but not limited to microphone, video cameras, thermal imaging device, infrared (IR) devices, LIDAR, a video

surveillance system, an image capturing device, the like or any combination thereof, Sensor module 106 may for example comprise at least one or more microphone that is placed external the body of water and may be utilized to facilitate and/or improve detection of unauthorized pool entry.

In some embodiments system 100 may be further fit with an auxiliary in water sensor module 108, including at least one or more submerged and/or underwater sensors and/or transducer to facilitate and/or improve the hydrophone signal. Such additional submersible and/or under water sensors provided to improve signal to noise ratio from noise emanating from within the body of water being monitored. Such an underwater sensor module may comprise sensors for example including but not limited to movement sensor, accelerometer, gyro sensor, depth sensor, pressure sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor, camera, optical sensor, light the like, or any combination thereof configured to be submersible within the monitored body of water.

System 100 includes a processing center 104 having processing and communication capabilities that provides for undertaking the communication and signal processing required to identify and trigger an alarm state when unauthorized use of a body of water is identified based on the signal(s) captured from the hydrophone array 102 associated with device 100.

Processing center 104 implements a processor mediated method for identifying the acoustic signal associated with unauthorized entry into the body of water, as will be described in greater details with respect to FIG. 2-3.

In embodiments processing center 104 may be disposed within the body of water or external to the body of water being monitored.

In embodiments processing center 104 may be functionally associated with the hydrophone array in a wired or wireless manner. Accordingly the hydrophone array 102 may be wireless hydrophones and/or wired hydrophones that are functionally coupled and operational with the processing center 104 and/or system 100.

Processing center 104 comprises a signal processing module 110 and an electronics/circuitry module 130 that provide for identifying an acoustic signal within the body of water and implementing an alarm procedure and/or state once unauthorized entry is identified so as to generate an alarm and/or to communicate an alarm signal 105.

Signal processing module 110 preferably provides for implementing the processor mediated method for identifying and classifying the acoustic signal associated with unauthorized entry into the body of water, from the acoustic signal(s) provided by hydrophone array 102.

Electronics/circuitry module 130 preferably provides the hardware and/or software necessary to implement the processing and communication necessary to monitor the body of water to identify the unauthorized entry acoustic signal. Electronics/circuitry module 130 comprises a microprocessor sub-module 132, a power sub-module 134, a communication sub-module 136, a memory sub- module 138, the like or any combination thereof.

In embodiments processor sub-module 132 provides the necessary processing hardware and/or software necessary to render processing center 104 functional and/or to render system 100 functional.

In embodiments power sub-module 134 provides the necessary hardware and/or software to power processing center 104 and/or system 100.

In embodiments communication sub-module 136 provides the necessary hardware and/or software to facilitate communication for system 100 with optional auxiliary device(s) 20 and/or the hydrophone array 102.

In embodiments memory sub-module 138 provides the necessary hardware and/or software to facilitate operations of system 100 and/or processing center 104.

In embodiments system 100 may be in communication with and/or functionally associated with at least one or more auxiliary devices 20. Auxiliary device 20 may be utilized to receive an alarm signal 105 indicative of an alarm state and/or sounding an alarm state.

In some embodiments system 100 may be integrated with optional auxiliary device(s) 20 for rendering a pool alarm system.

An auxiliary device 20 may for example include but is not limited to a hom, an alarm, a video surveillance system, a camera, an image capturing device, a pool system device, a thermal imaging sensor, thermal imaging device, an infrared device, a Light Detection And Ranging (LIDAR) sensor, a communication device, a mobile communication device, a server, a first respondent call center, emergency services call center, pool associated systems, the like or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments auxiliary device 20 may for example be realized in the form of a mobile communication device such as a smartphone, may be fit with necessary software and/or dedicated application (app) to receive an alarm state signal 105.

In some embodiments auxiliary device 20 may for example be realized in the form of a video and/or image surveillance system provided for image capture and/or analysis of the pool area.

In some embodiments auxiliary device 20 may for example be realized in the form of pool associated systems for example including but not limited to pool control system, pool valves, water feature subsystem (e.g. waterfall), pool lighting system, pool sanitation system, pool cleaning robot, pool temperature control systems, pool pump system, pool sound system, pool filtration system, or the like pool system.

In some embodiments system, the hydrophone array 102 may be formed from a plurality of sub-arrays that are associated with processing center 104. For example to cover a large body of water a plurality of sub-arrays may be utilized with a single processing center 104.

In embodiments a hydrophone array and/or sub-array may be imbedded in a flexible platform and/or housing that maintains the arrangement of the individual hydrophone forming the array and/or sub-array. For example, such a housing and/or flexible platform may be a vinyl surface that is embedded with individual hydrophones and submerged within the body of water being monitored.

In embodiments, the flexible platform and/or may be functionally coupled with processing center 104 by wiring or wireless communication.

In embodiments, the housing and/or platform of the hydrophone array 102 and/or sub-array may further comprise a local electronics and circuitry module comprising a power source sub-module, processor sub-module, memory sub- module, and communication sub-module, and wherein the local electronics and circuitry module is functionally coupled with the processing center 104 by way of a wireless communication protocol and/or hard wiring.

In embodiments the platform and/or housing may be a flexible water impermeable material, for example including but not limited to vinyl.

In embodiments, individual hydrophones (102n) forming the hydrophone array 102 may be further associated with a local sensor and/or transducer, for example including but not limited to a light source, a pH sensor, a temperature sensor, and/or an accelerometer, the like or any combination thereof.

In embodiments individual hydrophones (102n) may be fit with a temperature sensor to determine the temperature in and around the individual hydrophone (102n) and the hydrophone array (102). In particular, such a temperature sensor could facilitate signal processing of the sound recorded with the hydrophones.

In embodiments individual hydrophones (102n) may be fit with an accelerometer to aid in signal processing, and in particular to improve on signal to noise ratio of the acoustic signal provided by array 102 and/or individual hydrophones 102n.

In embodiments individual hydrophones 102n may be fit with and or disposed adjacent to a light source, for example a Light Emitting Diode (LED). In embodiments, the LED adjacent to a hydrophone 102n may be a multi-color (RGB) LED. In embodiments system 100 may be configured to activate the light source selectively only if an incident of unauthorized entry is sensed. In embodiments, only the lights adjacent to the location of the entry point are activated.

FIG. 2 shows a flow chart of a method for identifying unauthorized entry into a body of water by way of detecting and identifying an acoustic signal in a body of water, for example a swimming pool, that is fit with and monitored with system 100.

First in stage 200 the body of water being monitored undergoes individualization so as to determine the optimal coefficients to be utilized with processing module 110 as previously described. Preferably during individualization processing module 110 of system 100 is individualized relative to the body of water so that the signal processing is optimized for detection. During individualization, provided with module 112, preferably at least one or more of the signal processing coefficients such as: the filtering coefficients, the boosting filter coefficient; time- domain model analysis coefficient, frequency-domain model analysis coefficient, AR model coefficients, Cepstrum (MFCM) model coefficients, classification weights and /or coefficients, and any combination thereof, are determined and finalized so as to optimize the performance of system 100.

Next in stage 201 following individualization, real time acoustic signals are received from system 100 via hydrophone 101 or hydrophone array 102. The data is communicated to and delivered to processing center 104 for processing substantially in real time.

Next in stage 202, processing center 104 and more preferably signal processing module 110 undertakes signal processing techniques to identify unauthorized entry into a body of water. Signal processing techniques are implemented on the clean signal to identify the acoustic signal so as to generate an alarm signal 105. Preferably such signal processing techniques comprise filtering, frame splitting, time-domain analysis, frequency domain analysis, artificial intelligence decision support analysis, or the like as discussed above. . In an optional stage 205, if a the acoustic signal is identified, the processing module may be further configured to identify the location of the entry point into the body of water. Optionally such location identification may be provided with the aid of additional sensors for example including but not limited to a network of hydrophones, imaging sensor, video analysis, an IR sensor, LIDAR sensor, thermal imaging sensor, the like or any combination thereof.

In optional embodiments, determining the location of the unauthorized entry may comprise, during installation, providing individual hydrophones with an address in the form of a geographical coordinates (GPS coordinates). Next determine from the acoustic data which of the hydrophones are involved in generating the acoustic signal. Finally, cross reference the hydrophones involved in generating the acoustic signal with the hydrophone's geographical coordinate address to define a protected area.

Next in stage 206, an alarm state signal 105 is communicated to at least one or more auxiliary device 20 associated with system 100, to undertake an alarm state protocol. Optionally an alarm state signal 105 may further comprise location of the unauthorized entry event based on location identified in optional stage 205. Preferably the location is provided in the form of geographical coordinates.

Now referring to FIG. 3 showing a details depiction of the signal processing technique utilized to identify an alarm state.

First in stage 300 individualization stage is undertaken and performed with individualization module 112 so as to ensure that the signal processing module 110 is properly configured for the specific body of water.

Next in stage 302 data acquisition is obtained with at least one or more sensor including at least one hydrophone and optional an accelerometer.

Next in stage 304 filtering and boosting is performed so as to obtain a clean and optimized signal on which further signal processing is performed. Preferably the filters utilized are individualized filters based on filter coefficients obtained in stage 300.

Next in stage 306 the filtered signal is segmented into a plurality of overlapping segments. Optionally the length of the segments may be individualized according to stage 300. Optionally the segments may be further overlapping. Optionally the degree of overlap may be determined during the individualization stage 300 as previously described. Next in stage 308 at least one and/or both of a time-domain and/or frequency domain modelling analysis is undertaken on each individual segments.

Next in stage 310 a comparison of two sequential segments is performed so as to identify any changes between the two, a change indicative of an event, and a potential alarm state event.

Next in stage 312 thresholding is performed so as to compare the different between the two segments relative to a predetermined threshold level. Optionally the threshold level may be an individualized threshold determined during stage 300. If threshold is not surpassed continue to monitor and revert to stage 302.

Next in stage 314 if the threshold is crossed (stage 312) a series of a plurality of sequential segments is obtained for further analysis and classification.

Next in stage 316 the signal provided in stage 314 is classified further to determine if an alarm state has indeed occurred of if it has not. If an alarm state is determined an alarm state signal is trigged in stage 318. If an alarm state is not identified monitoring is continued as is described in stage 302. As previously described in stage 316 determination of the alarm state may be provided and/or facilitated with additional sensors for example including imaging device, thermal imaging, IR sensors and/or a plurality of hydrophones.

In stage 318 if an alarm state is triggered alarm module 107 provides for sounding an alarm and/or sounding a silent alarm and/or contacting relevant individuals.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.

Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention defined by the appended claims.

Further modifications of the invention will also occur to persons skilled in the art and all such are deemed to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.