| US4870404A | 1989-09-26 | |||
| EP0366926B1 | 1993-12-29 | |||
| US5332196A | 1994-07-26 | |||
| US4829287A | 1989-05-09 | |||
| US7880630B2 | 2011-02-01 | |||
| US7471197B2 | 2008-12-30 |
| CLAIMS 1. Apparatus for securing a fence cover between fence posts, comprising a bracket and a strain gauge configured to measure pressure of an intruder in contact with the fence cover, wherein the bracket has a “Z” shape having a bottom horizontal element, a middle vertical element, and a top horizontal element, the bottom horizontal element configured to be mounted onto a wire conduit that extends between the fence posts, the middle vertical element attached to the strain gauge, and the top horizontal element configured to be mounted to an inner installation plate of the fence cover. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising the wire conduit configured to be mounted onto each of the fence posts. 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the wire conduit passes a trunk of electric wires from the strain gauge to an intrusion detection processor. 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the top horizontal element is configured to be mounted by mounting bolts to the inner installation plate of the fence cover. 5. Apparatus for mounting a fence cover between fence posts, comprising a bracket and a strain gauge configured to measure pressure of an intruder in contact with the fence cover, wherein the bracket further comprises a top, horizontal element, configured to connect to the fence cover, and a bottom, vertical element configured to be inserted into and mounted in a hollow fence post, and wherein the strain gauge is mounted to an underside of the horizontal element. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a width of the vertical element is smaller than an inner width of the hollow fence post. 7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a width of the horizontal element is smaller than an inner width of the fence cover. 8. The apparatus of claim 5, configured to be mounted in a hollow, round fence post. 9. The apparatus of claim 5, configured to be mounted in a hollow, square fence post. 10. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a length of the horizontal element is greater than a width of the vertical element, such that the bracket has a “T” shape. 11. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein a length of the horizontal element is equal to a width of the vertical element, such that the bracket has an “L” shape. 12. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising a wire conduit, wherein the bottom, vertical element is configured to be inserted into and mounted to the wire conduit, wherein the wire conduit is configured to be inserted into and mounted in the hollow fence post. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the wire conduit passes a trunk of electric wires from the strain gauge to an intrusion detection processor. 14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the top horizontal element is configured to be mounted by mounting bolts to the inner installation plate of the fence cover. |
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention generally relates to intrusion detection and in particular to intrusion detection by pressure sensing.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Systems for intrusion detection may rely on detecting a ground pressure or a vibration caused by an intruder. Load cells, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, and strain gauge sensors, may be installed around perimeters of buildings and outdoor areas to detect such pressure changes. However, current installations for the purpose of intrusion detection may have several disadvantages. For example, if placed underground, access to such sensors for repair may be difficult, especially if the ground is subsequently covered by a material such as ceramic tiles, wood decking, glass, or vegetation, or other indoor or outdoor floor coverings. When placed outdoors, movement of the earth may cause the orientation of a sensor to change, affected the sensitivity. When placed on external structures, such as fences, the accuracy of pressure readings may be affected by outdoor conditions and structural variations. More convenient, accurate installation systems are desirable.
SUMMARY
[0003] Embodiments of the present invention provide apparatus for intrusion detection, that is, for securing a perimeter of an area, in a manner that simplifies installation and maintenance. Systems herein disclosed include apparatus for detecting intrusion with high accuracy, based on a bracket that serves both as a structural element of a fence and as a device that indicates when an intruder puts weight on the fence. [0004] Apparatus provided by the present invention for securing an area perimeter includes a bracket and a strain gauge configured to measure pressure of an intruder in contact with the fence cover. The bracket may have a “Z” shape that has a bottom horizontal element, configured to be mounted onto a wire conduit that extends between the fence posts, a middle vertical element, to which the strain gauge is mounted, and a top horizontal element, configured to be mounted to an inner installation plate of the fence cover. The wire conduit is configured to be mounted onto each of the fence posts and to pass a trunk of electric wires from the strain gauge to an intrusion detection processor. The top horizontal element is configured to be mounted by mounting bolts to the inner installation plate of the fence cover.
[0005] Also provided is apparatus having a strain gauge configured to measure pressure of an intruder in contact with the fence cover and a bracket having a top, horizontal element, configured to connect to the fence cover, and a bottom, vertical element configured to be inserted into and mounted in a hollow fence post, and wherein the strain gauge is mounted to an underside of the horizontal element. Typically, a width of the vertical element is smaller than an inner width of the hollow fence post. A width of the horizontal element is smaller than an inner width of the fence cover. The apparatus may be configured to be mounted in a hollow, round fence post or in a hollow, square fence post. [0006] A length of the horizontal element may be greater than a width of the vertical element, such that the bracket has a “T” shape. A length of the horizontal element may be equal to a width of the vertical element, such that the bracket has an “L” shape.
[0007] The apparatus may include a wire conduit, wherein the bottom, vertical element is configured to be inserted into and mounted to the wire conduit, and wherein the wire conduit is configured to be inserted into and mounted in the hollow fence post. The wire conduit may conduct a trunk of electric wires from the strain gauge to an intrusion detection processor.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008] For a better understanding of various embodiments of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings. Structural details of the invention are shown to provide 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.
[0009] In the accompanying drawings:
[0010] Figs. 1A, IB, 1C and ID are schematic illustrations of brackets for intrusion detection, viewed from side and front orientations, according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0011] Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of a bracket for intrusion detection, mounted inside a wire conduit, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0012] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of a bracket for intrusion detection, configured to be mounted inside a wire conduit, which in turn is configured to be mounted inside a hollow pole, according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0013] Figs. 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of a bracket for intrusion detection, mounted inside a pole, and to which a top fence cover is mounted, according to some embodiments of the present invention; [0014] Figs. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of a bracket for intrusion detection, mounted inside a wire conduit, which in turn is configured to be mounted inside a round, hollow pole, according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0015] Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a bracket for intrusion detection, mounted inside a wire conduit, which in turn is mounted inside a square pole of a fence, as viewed from a side of a fence, according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0016] Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of a bracket for intrusion detection, mounted inside a wire conduit, which in turn is mounted inside a square pole of a fence, from a view from inside the fence cover, the view being in the direction of the fence cover, according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0017] Figs. 8A and 8B are schematic illustrations of a Z-shaped bracket for intrusion detection, for mounting a fence cover (i.e., fence rail) to a fence pole, according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0018] Fig. 9 is a schematic illustration of a Z-bracket for intrusion detection, mounted on a wire conduit, which in turn is mounted on a square pole of a fence, as viewed from a side of the fence, according to some embodiments of the present invention;
[0019] Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of a Z-bracket for intrusion detection, mounted on a wire conduit, which in turn is mounted on a square pole of a fence, from a view from inside the fence cover, the view being in the direction of the fence cover, according to some embodiments of the present invention; and
[0020] Fig. 11 is a flow diagram of a process supporting intrusion detection, according to some embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] It is to be understood that the invention and its application are not limited to the system and methods described below or to the arrangement of the components set forth or illustrated in the drawings, but are applicable to other embodiments that may be practiced or carried out in various ways.
[0022] Figs. 1A, IB, 1C and ID are schematic illustrations of brackets for intrusion detection, viewed from side and front orientations, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Figs. 1A and IB show a T-bracket 20, from a side view (Fig. 1A) and from a front view (Fig. IB). As indicated, the T-bracket 20 includes a top horizontal element 22, and a bottom vertical element 24. A strain gauge 26 is mounted to the underside of the top horizontal element 22. The T-bracket 20 includes multiple mounting bolts 28, which, as described below, secure the T-bracket 20 to a fence top rail, i.e., a fence “cover,” and to a fence pole, thereby serving as a connector between the fence cover and the fence pole. The T-bracket 20 also includes strain gauge wires 30, which are connected to leads of the strain gauge and which transmit the strain gauge signal to a processor, as described below.
[0023] Figs. 1C and ID show an L-bracket 32, from a side view (Fig. 1C) and from a front view (Fig. ID). The L-bracket 32 has essentially the same configuration as the T- bracket 20, including the top horizontal element 22 and the bottom vertical element 24, the only difference between the brackets being that the top horizontal element 22 of the L- bracket 32 has a width that is an extension of the width of the bottom vertical element 24. Like the T-bracket 20, the L-bracket has strain gauge 26 mounted to the underside of the top horizontal element 22. The L-bracket 20 also includes the same multiple mounting bolts
28, which, as described below, enable the L-bracket, like the T-bracket, to secure a fence “cover” to a fence pole. The L-bracket 20 also includes strain gauge wires 30, which are connected to leads of the strain gauge 26 and which transmit the strain gauge signal to a receiver, such as a processor, as described below. Hereinbelow, wherever the T-bracket is shown, the L-bracket may me mounted in the same manner.
[0024] Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic illustrations of the T-bracket 20 for intrusion detection, showing how the T-bracket is mounted inside a wire conduit 34, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As described above, the strain gauge wires 30 are conveyed from the strain gauge 26 to a receiver, such as a processor or wireless transmitter. The wires are typically conveyed as a trunk through the wire conduit 34. Fig. 2A shows the T-bracket 20 positioned above the wire conduit 34, with the bottom vertical element 24 positioned so as to be inserted into the wire conduit 34. Fig. 2B shows the T- bracket with the bottom vertical element 24 positioned inside the wire conduit 34. Mounting bolts secure the bottom vertical element 24 inside the wire conduit 34. Although the T- bracket rather than the L-bracket is indicated in the figure, the L-bracket is typically installed in the wire conduit 34 in the same manner as the T-bracket.
[0025] Fig. 3 is a schematic illustration of the T-bracket 20 for intrusion detection, configured to be mounted inside a wire conduit 34, which in turn is configured to be mounted inside a hollow square pole 40, according to some embodiments of the present invention. The square pole 40 is a vertically positioned pole that typically supports a portion of a fence intended to prevent intrusion. The wire conduit 34 is placed inside the square pole 40 and typically extends through some or all of a length of the pole, until reaching an exit point, which may be underground. From the exit point, the strain gauge wires 30 continue to the receiver, as described above. [0026] Figs. 4A and 4B are schematic illustrations of the T-bracket 20 for intrusion detection, mounted inside a square pole 40, to which a fence cover 42 is mounted, according to some embodiments of the present invention. In Fig. 4A, the fence cover 42 is shown as two sections. Typically, each section extends to a respective additional fence pole, such that each section of fence cover 42 is on top of each section of a fence between adjacent fence poles. Also shown is a fence cover installation plate 44, shown on the inner, underside of the fence cover 42. Typically, the mounting bolts 28 of the top horizontal element 22 are mounted to the fence cover installation plate 44, which is secured to the fence cover after installation of the strain gauge.
[0027] In Fig. 4B, the two sections of fence cover 42 are shown after being mounted to the T-bracket 20. The inner width of the fence cover is typically larger than the outer width of the fence pole, such that the fence cover partially overlaps the fence pole. Alternatively, the fence cover may have the same width as the fence pole, so as to join the fence pole without any overlap.
[0028] Figs. 5A and 5B are schematic illustrations of the T-bracket 20 for intrusion detection, mounted inside a wire conduit 34, which in turn is configured to be mounted inside a hollow, round pole 50, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 5A shows the T-bracket 20 positioned above the round pole 50, with the bottom vertical element 24 positioned so as to be inserted into the wire conduit 34, which is already mounted in the round pole 50.
[0029] Fig. 5B shows the T-bracket with the bottom vertical element 24 positioned inside the wire conduit 34, which is inside the round pole 50. Mounting bolts secure the bottom vertical element 24 inside both the wire conduit 34 and the round pole 50. Although the T-bracket rather than the L-bracket is indicated in the figure, the L-bracket is typically installed in the same manner as the T-bracket.
[0030] Fig. 6 is a cut-away schematic illustration of the T-bracket 20 for intrusion detection, mounted inside a typical wire conduit 34, which in turn is mounted inside a typical square pole 40 (or alternatively a round pole 50). The figures is a side view, showing the two segments of fence cover 42 extending to the left and right of the pole 40. The mounting bolts 28 attach the top horizontal element of the T-bracket 20 to the fence cover installation plate 44 of each segment of the fence cover 42.
[0031] Fig. 7 is a cut-away view, schematic illustration of the T-bracket 20 for intrusion detection, mounted inside wire conduit 34, which in turn is mounted inside a square pole 40 of a fence (or alternatively a round pole 50), from a view from inside the fence cover 42, the view being in the direction of the length of the fence cover, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Note that such a view of the L-bracket 32 would look identical.
[0032] As seen in the figure, one or more of the mounting bolts 28 secure the fence cover installation plate 44 to the top horizontal element 22 of the fence cover 42. Also, one or more mounting bolts 28 secure the bottom vertical element 24 to the wire conduit 34 and to the square pole 40 of a fence (or alternatively a round pole 50).
[0033] Figs. 8A and 8B are schematic illustrations of a Z-shaped bracket 60 for intrusion detection, for mounting a fence cover 42 (i.e., a cove rail of a fence) to a fence pole, according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig.8A shows the Z-bracket 60, from a side view and Fig. 8B shows the Z-bracket from a front view.
[0034] As indicated, the Z-shaped bracket 60, like the T- and L-brackets, has a top, horizontal element 22, which, as described below, also attaches to the fence cover installation plate 44, as is the case with the T- and L-brackets. However, unlike the T- and L-brackets, there is no bottom, vertical element. Rather, there is a middle element 62, onto which the strain gauge 26 is typically mounted, and a bottom, horizontal element 64. Like the T- and L-brackets, the Z-bracket includes strain gauge wires 30, connecting the strain gauge to a receiver or processor.
[0035] Fig. 9 is a side, cut-away view, schematic illustration of the Z-bracket 60 for intrusion detection, viewed from a side of a fence. The Z-bracket 60 is mounted on a wire conduit 72. which runs along a length of the fence cover 42, rather than inside the square fence pole 40 (or round fence pole 50). As indicated, the bottom horizontal element 64 of the Z-bracket is mounted to the wire conduit 72, while the top horizontal element 22 is mounted to the fence cover installation plate 44 of the fence cover 42 by means of mounting bolts 28. The Z-bracket is thus an essential element of the fence construction, required for mounting of the fence cover. Strain gauge wires 30 are conveyed from the strain gauge to a receiver through the wire conduit 72.
[0036] Fig. 10 is a schematic illustration of the Z-bracket 60, when mounted on a fence pole 40, from a view from inside the fence cover 42, the view being in the direction of the fence cover. As indicated above with respect to Fig. 9, the Z-bracket 60 is mounted on top of the wire conduit 72. The Z-bracket 60 is mounted to the underside of the fence cover installation plate 44.
[0037] Fig. 11 is a flow diagram of a process supporting intrusion detection, according to some embodiments of the present invention.
[0038] At a step 102, strain gauge 26 senses a pressure on the fence cover 42 and transmits by wires 30 a signal indicative of the pressure sensed to a processor (also referred to as a controller) typically in proximity to a fence along which the fence cover 42 runs. Wires 30 may also lead to a wireless transducer (“receiver”) for wirelessly communicating the signal to a remote processor. The processor may analyze the signal, for example, comparing the pressure reading with a prior reading, or comparing the analysis with a “profile” of intrusion, at a step 104. Then, at a step 106, a determination may be made as to whether the signal indicates an intrusion, for example, if there is a relatively abrupt change in the reading, to a level in a pre-defined range, which would indicate an intruder. If yes, then at a step 108, an alarm indicating intrusion is operated. If not, then at a step 110, the readings may be determined to be caused by environmental factors (such as plant movement, animal/human activities, and climate conditions, like strong wind or snow fall). In addition, the processor may determine, from pressure readings from brackets on multiple fence poles along a perimeter fence, which brackets indicate the intrusion, thereby indicating between which fence poles (e.g., between which pair of fence poles) an intruder is located.
[0039] By positioning the strain gauge on the T-, L-, and Z-brackets, consistency of signals indicative of intrusion is achieved, thereby improving system accuracy.
[0040] Summary of schematic elements shown in figures:
[0041] It is also to be understood that the scope of the present invention includes variations and modifications thereof which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and which are not disclosed in the prior art.