Security staff such as security guards are used and deployed at a site requiring security monitoring or surveillance. The security guards monitor a site for unauthorised personnel, intruders, accidents, emergencies etc. and take appropriate action as the situation requires. Security monitoring is often required at night and at other times and when no others, or few others, are on the site thus security guards often work alone.

Monitoring usually takes the form of checking specific areas of the site at predetermined intervals, and can be carried out using systems such as close-circuit television (CCTV) cameras relaying pictures to a security guard station or similar location. In addition monitoring can require security staff to make a physical ("on the ground") inspection of the site. A common inspection technique involves the guard proceeding along a predetermined security check route on the site. The check can be carried out on foot, or on larger sites, by car.

In view of the fact that security staff often work alone without direct supervision whilst on duty, it is important to ensure that staff do actually proceed along

the check route on the site and that a desired level of monitoring is maintained.

The check route may comprise a series of location markers known in the art as check or tag points, placed along the route. Therefore, a system of indicating that a check or tag point has been visited by the security staff is important.

Conventional check or tag points have been implemented using a key carried by the security guard on duty or a switch system which the security guard must engage or activate manually on passing the tag point, indicating that a check has been made.

More recently, radio frequency systems have been used.

Radio frequency location marker tags placed along a check route are monitored and interrogated by radio frequency identity (RFID) scanners. RFID scanners collect and store information scanned from RF tags, the scanned information can then be downloaded onto a computer and/or communicated to a control or monitoring centre at the end of the check route or at some convenient point along the check route. Conventional RFID scanners are hand held devices carried by security staff.

In existing security systems, there is very little communication between staff and a supervisor or other authority. In addition there is no built-in facility whereby a supervisor is able to verify check points visited by security staff along a check route and very little support, for example in an emergency situation, is provided for the staff.

It is therefore desired to provide an improved security apparatus and security system.

The present invention provides a portable security apparatus including data collecting means for collecting data from at least one location marker and further including means for communicating the data to a remote site.

Thus a remote site or supervisor is able to verify and keep a record of activities carried out by a security guard with a data collecting means. The security system of the present invention ensures that any lapse in security monitoring can be detected.

The security apparatus may include means for storing the data.

Thus, if there is a loss of communication between the remote site and the security apparatus, for whatever reason, the security apparatus can store the data and communicate the information later once the communication link is re-established.

The apparatus may include means for sending a distress signal to the remote site. Thus, a security guard in difficulties can alert a supervisor at the remote site of his plight and the remote site can deliver or arrange assistance.

The apparatus may further include location tracking means, such as a satellite based location tracking system

for example GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) technology. The location tracking means may also include assisted GPS systems which include means for using data signals to assist the GPS system locating and using the satellites of the system. The location tracking feature of the security apparatus advantageously provides information about the movement of the apparatus and facilitates tracking of the apparatus and the person using it by the remote site. With such a location tracking means provided in the security apparatus the remote site is able to detect if a security guard leaves the site requiring security monitoring whilst on duty, or deviates from the check route. Thus the apparatus increases the level of security guaranteed for the check route and site under surveillance.

The security apparatus may include a motion detector for detecting when the security apparatus is immobile. This feature advantageously provides information about a lack of movement of the apparatus to the remote site or supervisor. Thus, if the apparatus is immobile for a long period of time, perhaps suggesting that the apparatus has been dropped or the security guard has fallen asleep with the apparatus, appropriate action could be taken by the remote site. Advantageously, this increases the security provided at the site under surveillance.

The apparatus may further include means for receiving data from the remote site. Thus, information can be communicated from a supervisor at the remote site to the security guard using the security apparatus.

The security apparatus may further include means for receiving a signal to activate or deactivate the security apparatus, turning the apparatus on'only when the security guard is on duty. Thus staff can be provided with, and be responsible for, their own apparatus which is only activated while they are at work. This avoids equipment sharing, mislaid and unaccounted for apparatus and encourages a responsible attitude to the security apparatus.

The data collecting means of the security apparatus may include radio frequency scanning means. Thus, the security apparatus may be compatible for use with radio frequency location marker tags.

The apparatus may further include biometric identifying means. Biometric identification techniques use biological characteristics of the human body such as fingerprints, vocal details, eye or iris details to obtain information specific to a person or group of people. The information can then be stored and later used to identify and verify a person or group of people.

Thus, the remote site may be able to identify and verify staff at the site under surveillance using the security apparatus, in combination with biometric databases held at the remote site.

The security apparatus may be wearable, and in particular the security apparatus may be worn on the wrist.

Security staff currently use hand held security apparatus, such as hand held RFID scanners. Thus, security staff monitoring a site with the apparatus of the present invention are not restricted or encumbered

with a hand held device. Therefore, they can use both hands to operate doors, lights, alarms etc and for dealing with unauthorised personnel on the site making it more difficult for the security staff to be overpowered.

The means for communicating data from the security apparatus to the remote site may include mobile communication techniques and systems. Mobile communication systems include wireless communication for example communication by bluetooth technology, RF communication, also mobile telecommunication systems used in mobile telephones over a telephone network, for example General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) and Global System for Mobile communications (GSM) technology.

Mobile telecommunication systems may include tracking and positioning means to assist the telecommunication system in communicating over a telephone network. Such tracking and positioning means include network and/or base station locating means, for example by base station triangulation, such as GSM assisted base station locating means (cell ID).

The security apparatus may include any one or more of a number of different location and tracking means, or a combination of such means, to assist in communicating data from the security apparatus to the remote site and to provide information about the movement of the apparatus and thus facilitate tracking of the apparatus.

The communication means may include means for sending data signals and/or voice signals.

The invention also provides a security system including security apparatus as described above in combination with at least one location marker and a computer at a remote site.

The security system may include a means for interrogating the security apparatus and a means for synchronising the data stored by the security apparatus with the data held by the computer.

The computer of the security system may include a database of users, a biometric database of users, means for comparing a characteristic of a user with a characteristic stored in one of said databases and means for identifying and authorising a user of the apparatus.

The invention also provides a method of operating a security system including sending data from a remote site to a security apparatus, activating the apparatus using a signal from a remote site, including collecting data at the apparatus from at least one location marker and communicating the data from the apparatus to the remote site, further including receiving data at the remote site from the apparatus and the at least one location marker and storing the data at the remote site.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a security apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 shows a diagram of the components of a security system including a security apparatus of the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown security apparatus 1 including an RFID scanner 8, an example of data collecting means, for collecting data from at least one location marker 20 and further including mobile communication apparatus 4 for communicating the data to a remote site 30.

Figure 1, shows an embodiment of the security apparatus of the present invention wherein the security apparatus is wrist mountable. The security apparatus shown generally as 1 comprises a body 2 and a strap 3. The apparatus may be secured to the user, for example on the wrist, by use of the strap 3 and suitable clasp means, not shown. The body 2 may include a face and/or suitable display means, such as a liquid crystal display, not shown.

The embodiment shown in Figure 1 comprises a controller and data processor 4, distress signalling system 5, GPS location tracking system 6, motion detector 7, radio frequency identity scanner 8, biometric identification system 9, clock and alarm system 10, battery-life indicator 11, microphone 12 and alerting system 13.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the internal components and the operation of the security apparatus in accordance with the invention will now be described.

Means 4 provided for communicating data from the security apparatus may be a microprocessor including mobile communication technology and may include both GPRS and GSM communication apparatus.

A mobile communication system such as GPRS provides an "always on"communication link for data transfer. The communication service provider charges only for the amount of data sent over the link. In contrast communication technology and systems such as GSM or similar can transfer both data and voice signals but do not provide an"always on"link between mobile communication devices. Instead, a link is established each and every time communication is required between the mobile communication devices and the communication service provider charges for the length of time that the link is established for. Methods of communicating data over a GSM link include packaging the information into a short message service (SMS) signal.

A worker, such a security guard, is issued with the security apparatus of the present invention. In the preferred embodiment the apparatus 1 is wrist mountable.

The worker may wear the security apparatus 1 at all times.

On arrival at the workplace, or security site, the worker first makes contact, usually by a telephone call via either a land line or a mobile telephone, to the remote site 30. The worker is now"on-duty". The identity of the worker is verified at the security apparatus using biometric identification system 9, such as a fingerprint scanner, and biometric databases and worker information held at the remote site 30, for example fingerprint

databases or voice recognition databases may be used.

This ensures only authorised personnel access the site and potentially sensitive site details.

Once identification is confirmed the computer 40 at the remote site 30 has confirmed site location, security apparatus identity information and security guard personnel details. An activating data signal is sent by the computer 40, at the remote site 30, to the communication apparatus 4 at the security apparatus 1.

The activating signal activates GPRS communication apparatus at the security apparatus 1. The worker is then able to receive data signals sent from the computer 40 at remote site 30 via a GPRS communication link.

Features of the security apparatus such as distress signalling system 5, location tracking means 6, motion detector 7, radio frequency identity scanner 8 and microphone 12 are activated and data signals are transferred from the remote site 30 to the worker via the security apparatus 1 and vice versa.

The data may include details of the check route, rota information, a time that a check telephone call to the remote site 30 must be made, an alarm prompt for that time and other information relevant to the particular site or worker. The alarm prompt is set using the alarm system 10 and alerting means 13, The check call is made via a mobile communications device or a land line telephone at a predetermined time.

As the security guard proceeds along the predetermined security check route the guard passes location markers (RF tags) 20. The RF ID scanner 8 in the security

apparatus 1 collects location information from the RF tag 20 and communicates the data, via the GPRS communication link, to the remote site 30. As mentioned previously, with this embodiment of the present invention there is no need for the security guard to make physical contact with the RF tag 20 and the means of collecting data is"hands free".

Additional features of the preferred embodiment of the security device will now be described. If the worker requires assistance whilst on-duty they may activate distress signalling system 5 at the security apparatus 1.

This sends a distress signal to the remote site 30 requesting assistance for the worker. The distress signal may include location based information (provided by satellite (GPS) location tracking system 6) so that the remote site 30 may efficiently and effectively provide assistance to the workers position. The remote site 30 may also have the ability to send a data signal to the microphone 12 of the security apparatus 1 to remotely open the microphone 12 in order to listen in and ascertain the level of danger and distress the worker may be in.

In addition, whilst the worker is on duty, location tracking system 6 sends data signals to the remote site 30, so that the remote site 30 can check the position of the worker on the site and ensure that they remain on the site throughout their duty.

A motion detector 7, provided on the security apparatus 1 monitors a lack of movement of the worker. If no movement is sensed, for example if the worker has become

incapacitated, or the security apparatus 1 has been removed, the motion detector 7 sends a data signal via the communication system 4 to the remote site 30.

Battery life indicator 11 provides information for the worker as to when the security apparatus is low in power.

The security apparatus may operate with a rechargeable or replaceable power supply means, for example batteries.

If the security apparatus 1 is in a region of the site where there is no network to support GPRS communication then the data in the above-mentioned data signals may be stored until GPRS network coverage is regained or packaged into SMS and sent using a mobile communication system such as GSM, if there is a GSM network service available. If there is no GSM network service available the data is stored in the security apparatus 1. When the security apparatus 1 next enters a region of the site where network service supporting GPRS is available the computer 40 at the remote site 30 communicates via GPRS and checks and synchronizes the data stored on the security apparatus 1, or the data that has been sent by the SMS, with that stored at the remote site 30. If necessary data is re-sent.

Data signals associated with distress signalling system 5, may be given high priority and communicated to the remote site 30 first. The receipt of the distress data signal by the remote site 30 may be acknowledged by an indication message"message received"communicated to the worker via the display of the security apparatus 1. If the sending of a distress data signal is not possible or fails an indication message"message not sent"may be

communicated to the worker via the display of the security apparatus 1. The indication message may include an alarm indication by alarm system 10 and/or an indication by alerting system 13. The alarm system 10 and alerting system 13 may be audible and/or may include vibrating means.

At the end of the worker's period of duty the worker contacts remote site 30 using mobile communication device or a land line telephone and"clocks"off duty. The computer 40 at the remote site 30 sends a data signal to the communication system 4 on the security apparatus 1 in order to deactivate certain features of the security apparatus 1. The worker receives an indication that deactivation has taken place.

After deactivating the security apparatus 1, the GSM communication means may be the only part of the security apparatus 1 that remains activated. Thus, the security apparatus 1 is merely a GSM communication device 6 whilst the worker is off duty and the remote site 30 cannot track the worker using a location tracking system, for example GPS.

The computer 40 at the remote site 30 is preferably able to be accessed by the employer, who is able to view data about employees including, for example, absence, late attendance, number of hours worked, past, present and future work rotas, etc. , amend and add worker details and communicate with workers via GSM communication.

Maintaining an active GSM communication system and link in the security apparatus 1 at all times enables the

remote site (and the employer) to communicate information and send a message to an employee off duty via SMS using GSM technology. The message can be read at the worker's leisure and can include, for example, security site amendments or instructions, weekly duty rotas, codes for access to restricted areas of the site. Information communicated in this way can, if required, be available to the worker for a limited period only. The worker can also return a SMS message to the remote site 30 (and the employer) to indicate that the information has been received.

If a worker wishes to take a job or work duty communicated via SMS to the security apparatus 1, the worker must communicate via a mobile communication device or a land line telephone with the remote site 30 which then, in due course, activates the security apparatus as described above.

It will be appreciated that the above described embodiments are given by way of example only and that various modifications thereto may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

For example, a security device as described above but without RF ID scanner 8 could be used by a lone worker, providing security for that worker and ensuring that health and safety legislation relating to the protection and safety of employees is complied with by the employer.

If the worker required assistance whilst alone at'work a distress signal generated by distress signalling system 5

could be communicated via communication system 4 to a remote site 30.

In addition, a lone worker or security guard could use the security apparatus 1 in combination with a PDA (Personal (or Palmtop) Digital Assistant) or a Bluetooth pen, for example a bluetooth pen made by Anoto.

Incidents written into the security guards log book with such a pen, or noted in a PDA, could be communicated in real time to the remote site 30, using the GPRS link of communication system 4 for example.