Methods and apparatus for intrusion detection having improved immunity to false alarms

Abstract

A multisensor intrusion detection system having greatly improved immunity to false alarms is disclosed. This system employs a first sensor for sensing an intrusion in a volume of space by a first physical phenomenon and a second sensor for detecting an intrusion in the volume of space by a second physical phenomenon different from the first physical phenomenon. The first sensor generates a first signal in response to the detection of an intrusion into the volume of space, and the second sensor generates a second signal in response to a detection of an intrusion. A microcontroller generates an alarm signal upon the occurrence of one first signal and one second signal within a first interval, the occurrence of another first signal within a subsequent second interval and the occurrence of another second signal within a third subsequent interval.

Description

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an improved method and apparatus for detecting intrusions and more particularly to a method and apparatus that uses a plurality of sensors. The methods and apparatus of the present invention provide for improved immunity to false alarms.

Intrusion detection systems having a plurality of detectors to improve immunity to false alarms are well known in the art. For example, an intrusion detection system will typically use a passive infrared sensor directed to detect intrusion in a volume of space by sensing infrared radiation, and a microwave detector directed to detect intrusion in the same volume of space by sensing the frequency of reflected microwave radiation in comparison to the frequency of incident microwave radiation. When a signal is simultaneously generated by both of the sensors, signal processing circuitry gates the signals and generates an alarm signal.

Another example of an intrusion detection system employing a plurality of sensors is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,853,677 (see also U.S. Pat. No. 4,928,085). There, a single microphone detects both the audible sound of breaking glass and the subsonic sound of pressure on the glass being flexed both before and during breakage. Here again, although a single microphone is used, two different types of physical phenomena are detected (audible sound waves and low frequency pressure waves) to provide a detection system with greater immunity to false alarms.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,107,249 shows an intrusion detection system having a first sensor and a second sensor, with the second sensor being less susceptible to the generation of false alarms than the first sensor. When the second sensor detects an intrusion, the second sensor generates an output signal and this output signal is held. The held output signal is supplied to a logic gate that receives the signal directly from the first sensor. When the first sensor is activated within the period of time that the output signal is held, the logic gate generates an alarm signal. However, this solution is less than ideal because random events that trigger the second sensor will cause the system to become a single technology device for the period of time that the output signal is held. Worse yet, during the period of time that the output signal of the second sensor is held, the system effectively operates as a single technology system that is dependent upon the less reliable technology.

Accordingly, in the present invention, an improved intrusion detection system having a plurality of sensors that is more immune to false alarm generation is disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward a method and apparatus for a multiple sensor intrusion detection system having improved immunity to false alarms.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a first sensor consists of a microwave detector and a second sensor consists of a passive infrared detector. In this embodiment, an alarm sequence requires that both the microwave detector and the passive infrared detector each, in any order, sense an intrusion within a first interval. Then, within a second subsequent interval, the passive infrared detector must sense an intrusion, and then, within a third interval that is subsequent to the second interval, the microwave detector must sense an intrusion to thereby initiate an alarm. Depending upon the given volume of space and type of intrusion to be detected, the types of sensors used could be different from a passive infrared sensor and a microwave sensor. The type of first and second sensors most effective for a given volume of space will depend upon not only the environmental conditions of the volume of space but also upon the expected forms of intrusion into that space (that is, human, other mammal, reptile or robot). For example, to sense an intrusion by a robot in contrast to a warm blooded animal, it may be preferable to use as a first sensor a differential magnetic field sensor and a passive radio frequency signal detector as a second sensor.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a backup capability in the event any of the sensors or their associated circuitry become disabled. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, in the event either the microwave detector or the passive infrared detector is disabled, an alarm will still be initiated if, with respect to the still operative detector, an intrusion is repeatedly sensed within a predetermined interval.

A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawing that sets forth an illustrative embodiment in which the principles of the invention are used.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIGS. 1(a), 1(b), 1(c), 1(d), 1(e), 1(f), 1(g), 1(h), 1(i), and 1(j) are a detailed schematic diagram of the preferred embodiment of the improved intrusion detection system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a detailed schematic diagram of a microwave transceiver that is utilized in conjunction with the intrusion detection system of FIG. 1.

FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are detailed charts showing the possible states of the intrusion detection system of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the relationship of each software module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

Referring now to FIGS. 1(a) through 1(j) there is shown a preferred embodiment of an intrusion detection system. The system includes a microcontroller 12 which is available from Motorola under the part number MC68HC05P9. The microcontroller 12 is a 28 pin device that supervises the operation of and the collection of data from the circuits and sensors that are connected thereto and as is further described herein. In further detail, the microcontroller 12 includes a central processor unit, memory mapped input/output registers, an electrically programmable read only memory and a random access memory. In addition, the microcontroler 12 includes twenty bidirectional input/output ports and one input only port, a synchronous serial input/output port, an on-chip oscillator, a timer, and a four channel eight-bit analog-to-digital converter.

A power supply of the system 10 has an input 14 that is connected to an unregulated 8.5-14.2 volt DC power source which is typically external to such systems and located within a control panel (not shown). Power is supplied to the input 14 and is filtered by a capacitor 15. Additionally, the power is filtered by a capacitor 16 to attenuate any AC components, commonly known as "hum," from the supplied power. A suppressor 18 provides overvoltage protection and a diode 20 provides reverse voltage protection. Power at the junction of the capacitor 16 and the diode 20 is provided to an emitter of a PNP transistor 24. Power from the junction of the capacitor 16 and the diode 20 also passes through a resistor 23 and is preregulated by a zener diode 25. This preregulated power is provided to the input of a voltage regulator 22. A resistor 26 is connected between the emitter and base of the transistor 24. A capacitor 27 is connected in parallel with the zener diode 25. An output of the regulator 22 serves as a reference for a pair of voltage regulator circuits. In particular, the output of the regulator 22 is fed through a resistor 28 to the inverting input of an operational amplifier 30. A capacitor 29 is connected between the output and input of the voltage regulator 22. The output of the operational amplifier 30 drives the base of the transistor 24 through a diode 32 and a resistor 34. A collector of the transistor 24 is connected to a voltage output port 36, which in the preferred embodiment of the invention supplies a potential of about 8.1 volts.

The collector of the transistor 24 is also connected to a capacitor 38, which provides further filtering and voltage regulation. In addition, the collector of the transistor 24 is connected to a test point through a resistor 39. The collector of the transistor 24 is also connected to a voltage divider circuit consisting of a resistor 40, a potentiometer 42 and a resistor 44. This voltage divider circuit provides a way of adjusting the potential at the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier 30 to thereby set voltage at the voltage output port 36. A capacitor 45 is connected between common and the noninverting input of the operational amplifier 30. A capacitor 41 and a capacitor 43 each operate to attenuate any AC components that may be present at the non-inverting and inverting input ports of the operational amplifier 30.

The output of the voltage regulator 22 is also fed through a resistor 46 to the non-inverting input of an operational amplifier 48. A capacitor 49 further filters the power provided to the operational amplifier 48. The operational amplifier 48 together with a transistor 50 operate as another voltage regulator to provide a potential of +5 volts that is available at an emitter of the transistor 50 and is used throughout the system 10. In further detail, an output of the operational amplifier 48 is connected through a resistor 52 to the junction of the base of the transistor 50 and a resistor 54. A resistor 56, which is connected to the junction of the emitter of the transistor 50 and the resistor 54, provides a feedback path to an inverting input of the operational amplifier 48. A capacitor 57 provides RFI immunity. A capacitor 58 provides further filtering at a voltage output port 60, and a capacitor 62 operates to provide filtering to the power source for the operational amplifier 48.

In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an amplifier 64, which amplifies the PIR electrical signal, is partially encased within an RFI shield constructed of tin plated steel materials. The amplifier circuit 64 includes a double element passive infrared detector 66. A set of lenses (not shown), positioned in front of the passive infrared detector 66 determines radiation patterns that can be sensed by the detector 66. A mirror may also be employed to define radiation patterns that can be sensed by the defector 66. The passive infrared detector 66 has a grounded gate with its drain connected to the output voltage port 36 through a resistor 68. A capacitor 69, which is connected between common and the junction of the resistor 68 and the drain of the passive infrared detector 66, operates to provide filtering of RF signals.

The source of the passive infrared detector 66 is connected through a resistor 70 to a non-inverting input of an operational amplifier 72. The resistor 68 operates to block RF from reaching the drain of the passive infrared detector 66. The resistor 70 similarly operates to block RF from the passive infrared detector 66 into the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier 72. A resistor 74 operates as a load resistor for the passive infrared detector 66. A capacitor 76 provides RFI suppression.

An output of the operational amplifier 72 is fed through a coupling capacitor 78 and a resistor 80 to an inverting input of an operational amplifier 82. A capacitor 83 is connected between common and the inverting input of the operational amplifer 72. The values of a resistor 84 and a resistor 92 are selected to set the gain of the operational amplifier 72. Furthermore, a resistor 92 and a capacitor 94 operate with the resistor 84 and a capacitor 86 such that the operational amplifier 72 functions as a band pass filter. The values of the resistor 84 and the capacitor 86 set the low pass corner frequency. The resistor 92 and the capacitor 94 set the high-pass corner frequency. Similarly the operational amplifier 82 operates as a bandpass filter with the lower or high pass corner set by the capacitor 78 and the resistor 80 and the upper or low pass corner set by resistor 88 and the capacitor 90. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the frequency response of each of these bandpass filters is very similar.

A capacitor 96 operates to provide filtering of the power source connected to the operational amplifier 72. A non-inverting input of the operational amplifier 82 is connected to the output of the regulator 22 through a voltage divider network consisting of a resistor 98, a resistor 100 through a coupling resistor 102. A capacitor 104 provides further filtering from any noise that may be present at the voltage divider network. The resistors 98 and 100 thereby set the DC bias point of an output of the operational amplifier 82. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the DC bias point is +2.5 volts that is approximately in the middle of an analog-to-digital converter input 106 (AN.0.) of the microcontroller 12.

A resistor 108 couples the output of the operational amplifier 82 to the A-to-D converter of the microcontroller 12 through the input port 106. The resistor 108 also serves to isolate the microcontroller from the power supply used to power the operational amplifier 82. A resistor 109 couples the input port 106 to a test point and provides electrostatic discharge protection and short circuit protection.

In operation, when the passive infrared detector 66 senses a human moving through a volume to be sensed, the signal is amplified by the previously described amplifier, and the signal at the output of the operational amplifier 82 is semi-sinusoidal in form, having a peak amplitude of about .+-.0.5 to 2.5 volts centered about the bias voltage of 2.5 volts.

A resistor network consisting of a resistor 110 a resistor 112, a resistor 114 and a resistor 116 operate to provide a reference voltage to the non-inverting input of a set of comparators 118, 120 and 122 and to the inverting input of an comparator 124. The comparator 118 has an inverting input connected to a port 126 (PA.0.) of the microcontroller 12. The potential of this port 126 is normally low, but goes high when a passive infrared event is detected. When the port 126 goes high (+5 volts), the output of the comparator 118 goes low. When the output of the comparator 118 goes low, an LED 128 is energized to thereby indicate a detection of passive infrared radiation. A resistor 129 acts as a current limiting resistor for the LED 128. Similarly, the inverting input of the comparator 120 is connected to an output 130 (PA1) of the microcontroller 112. When a doppler signal is detected by the microwave detector and signal conditioning, as further described herein, the potential of the output port 130 goes high. This causes the output of the comparator 120 to go low causing an LED 130 to be energized to indicate such an event. A resistor 131 acts as a current limiting resistor for the LED 130. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the LED 128 emits green light and the LED 130 emits yellow light.

An inverting input of the comparator 122 is connected to an output port 132 (PA2) of the microcontroller 12. As explained further herein, when an intrusion is detected according to a predetermined pattern, the microcontroller 12 will cause a potential of its output port 132 to go high thereby causing the output of the comparator 122 to go low thereby energizing an alarm LED 134. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the alarm LED 134 emits red light. A resistor 135 acts as a current limiting resistor for the LED 134.

A command input 136 is connected through a resistor 138 to a non-inverting input of the comparator 124. A resistor 140 insures that the non-inverting input of the comparator 124 remains in a high state until the command input 136 is shorted to common. A pair of diodes 142 and 144 are normally reverse biased to thereby provide electrostatic discharge protection and over voltage protection.

In operation, when the command input 136 is shorted to common, the non-inverting input of the comparator 124 goes low causing its output to go low thereby forcing an input 146 (PC1) of the microcontroller 12 to also go low. Such shorting of the command input 136 provides a self-test sequence for each of the sensor circuits of the system 10. The non-inverting input of the comparator 124 is also connected through a capacitor 148 to common. This capacitor 148 acts to attenuate any RF signals present at said inverting input. A capacitor 150 similarly act as a filter for the power supplied to the comparator 124. A resistor 151 provides the pull up for the junction of the output of comparator 124 and the microcontroller input 146. A capacitor 153 provides bypass filtering at a power input port of the comparator 118.

An output 152 of the microcontroller 12, through a resistor 154, drives a base of a transistor 156. A resistor 157 couples the collector of a transistor 156 to a trouble terminal 158. A suppressor 159, connected between the collector of the transistor 156 and common, suppresses undesired transients to the trouble terminal port 158. In normal operation the transistor 156 is not conductive and may operate in parallel with an external normally open tamper switch that senses the removal of an external cover of the system 10.

The trouble terminal port 158 may be externally connected to a terminal 160 of the tamper switch 162. If a cover of the system 10 were removed, the tamper switch 162 which is normally open would close thereby shorting terminal 160 to common. This condition may be displayed by an external display within a control panel to indicate problems with the system 10. Alternatively, if the microcontroller 12 for some reason determined the existence of a problem, the port 152 of the microcontroller 12 would go high causing the port 158 to be conductive to common.

The trouble terminal 158 functions as a trouble output, going low if either a self test error is detected or if an error is encountered because of a "fault condition." A "fault condition" can occur because of a failure of a sensor or its associated subsystem. Another source of failure which would cause a fault condition is improper alignment of sensors, since sensors, in a multiple technology system, must detect the presence of an intrusion in the same space or proximate location. Yet another source of failure which would cause a fault condition is tampering, typically by a would-be intruder. For example, such a would-be intruder might mask or intentionally disable a sensor subsystem. U.S. Pat. No. 4,710,750. FAULT DETECTING INTRUSION DETECTION DEVICE, issued Dec. 1, 1987, assigned to the assignee of the present invention, discloses and explains the detection of such fault conditions, and said patent is incorporated herein by reference.

Referring now in further detail to the microcontroller 12, a reset port 164 (RESET) is connected through a resistor 166 to an RC circuit consisting of a resistor 168 and a capacitor 170. When the system 10 is first powered, the resistor 168 and capacitor 170 ensure that the reset terminal 164 is held at a sufficiently low potential to hold the microcontroller 12 in reset until power is up. An external interrupt port 172 (IRQ) is connected to a port 174 (PA7). The port 174 can function as either an input or output port. In the preferred embodiment of the invention the port 174 remains as an input. After power up, the port 174 driven by the output of the comparator 176. A port 178 (PA6), a port 180 (PA5) and a port 182 (PA4) are each connected through a resistor 184, 186 and resistor 188, respectively, to common. These ports are not utilized in the preferred embodiment of the invention. However, to prevent excessive current and potential latch up from floating inputs, it is preferable to terminate such unused ports. Additionally, in the unlikely event of a potential charge on common, the resistors 184, 186 and 188 provide current limiting.

As previously described, the port 152 (PA3) drives up the base of the transistor 156 thereby causing the transistor 156 to become conductive. Also as previously described, the ports 132 (PA2), 130 (PA1) and 126 (PA.0.) drive the inverting inputs of the comparators 122, 120 and 118 respectively.

An alarm output 190 (PB5), through a resistor 192, drives the base of a switching transistor 194. When the signal at the port 190 goes high, the transistor 194 conducts and thereby causes current to flow from a transistor 196 through a diode 197 and through a field coil 198 of a relay 200, thereby closing a set of contacts 202 of the relay 200. The relay 200 is normally energized (no alarm). When the contacts 202 open, this condition indicates an alarm.

A pair of resistors 204 and 206 and a zener diode 208 operate to set the limit of potential at the base of the transistor 196. When the contacts 202 are closed, an alarm signal path is provided at a pair of outputs 210 and 212. This signal path may, if desired, be used to energize a siren, horns, lights or any other electrical device that is reasonably expected to gain the attention of an attendant.

A diode 214 operates to limit the voltage developed cross the field coil 198 when the coil 198 is de-energized. A pair of varistors 216 and 218 are each connected to one side of the contacts 202 to thereby limit transients which may be coupled to the contacts 202.

A port 220 (PB6) is unused and is terminated to common through a resistor 222. A port 224 (PB7) selectively drives the passive infrared detector 66 through a transistor 226. In further detail, the port 224, through a resistor 228, drives the base of the transistor 226. A capacitor 230 provides filtering, while a resistor 232 terminates the port 224 to common on power up. When the base of the transistor 226 is driven high, the transistor 226 becomes conductive thereby providing a path to common for the voltage divider that consists of the resistor 68 and a resistor 234 to common.

A ground pin 236 (VSS) of the microcontroller 12 is connected to common.

A port 238 (VRH) is used to provide a 5 volt reference potential to the analog-to-digital converter within the microcontroller 12. A resistor 240 and a pair of capacitors 242 and 244 provide filtering of the 5 volt reference supply.

The ports 106 (AN.0.), 246 (AN1), 248 (AN2) and 250 (AN3) provide the input of a four channel multiplexer contained within the microcontroller 12. The processor 12, through firmware (detailed further herein), selects to which channel the A-to-D converter of the microcontroller 12 will be connected. In further detail, the port 106 is connected to and dedicated to the passive infrared detection module 64. The port 246 is connected to and dedicated to the microwave test node. Port 248 is connected to and dedicated to a thermistor test node.

Referring again to the port 248, the port 248 is connected to the junction of a resistor 250 a capacitor 252 and a thermistor 254. This circuit functions to provide temperature compensation information (for passive infrared detection) to the microcontroller 12. In operation the microcontroller is programmed to read the input port 248, in response to that reading which is indicative of temperature, the microcontroller 12 adjusts its internal comparator set points for the passive infrared radiation detector 64.

A port 250 of the microcontroller 12 is an A-to-D input which reads the reference voltage from the junction of the resistor 116 and the non-inverting input of the comparator 176. The comparator 176 has its inverting input connected through a resistor 256 and a resistor 258 to the power supply port 60 and to the output of a comparator 260. The output of the comparator 176 is connected to the junction of a resistor 261 and a resistor 262. The resistor 262 couples the output of the comparator 176 to the inputs 172 (IRQ) and 174 (PA7) of the microcontroller 12.

In operation the comparator 260 toggles every time a microwave pulse is detected. This keeps the inverting input of the comparator 176 below the threshold provided to its non-inverting input. If the microwave pulses stop, the inverting input of the comparator 176 goes high causing the output of the comparator 176 to go low, thereby indicating a "no microwave" self test error.

A port 264 (PC2) is connected directly to a port 265 (TACP). These ports are used by the microcontroller 12 to determine microwave events. A port 266 (PC.0.), is used as an input port for a user invoked self test that is actuated by shorting with a jumper 267. In contrast to a signal provided at the command input 136, if a stored error code exists, but the error codes are no longer displayed, a user invoked self test will initiate a display of the error codes and provide service personnel a recent history of any system faults. In normal operation +5 volts is applied to the port 266 through a resistor 268 and a resistor 269. When the jumper 267 is shorted to common, the port 266 goes low, thereby initiating a self test sequence.

A port 270 (PD5) could be used to disable an oscillator of the microwave transmitter as further described herein, however, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the port 270 does not provide this function. The port 272 (TCMP) is unused. The port 266 (TCAP) is utilized to provide an external interrupt and is configured to be negative edge or falling edge triggered. When a falling edge occurs, such an edge interrupts the microcontroller 12 and provides an indication that a microwave event (a doppler signal) has occurred. Microwave event processing of the present invention is interrupt driven, and because it is only edge sensitive it is necessary to sense the output of the microwave circuitry through the port 264 (PC2).

A port 276 (OSC1) and a port 278 (OSC2) are connected to a resistor 280 a quartz crystal 282 and a pair of capacitors 284 and 286. The quartz crystal 282 is selected to operate the clock of the microcontroller 12 at a frequency of 4 megahertz. A port 287 of the microcontroller 12 is connected to the output port 60 the power supply. Bypass filtering at the port 287 is provided by a capacitor 288.

The base of a transistor 289 is connected through a resistor 290 to the port 270. The collector of the transistor 28 is connected to the junction of a capacitor 292 and the input of a Schmidt trigger 294. The Schmidt trigger 294 utilizes a feedback path consisting of a resistor 296, a resistor 298 and a diode 300 to provide an oscillation period of 500 microseconds having a pulse width of 10 microseconds.

The signal oscillates at or about 2 kilohertz and the pulse is about 10 microseconds in duration. The output of the Schmidt trigger 294 is fed both to the input of a Schmidt trigger 302 and also through a diode 304 and a resistor 306 to the input of a Schmidt trigger 308. The diode 304, the resistor 306 and a capacitor 310 operate to delay the transition of the output of the Schmidt trigger 294 to the Schmidt trigger 308. The output of the Schmidt trigger 302 is fed to the input of each a Schmidt trigger 312 a Schmidt trigger 314 and a Schmidt trigger 316. A diode 317 a resistor 318, a capacitor 319 operate to delay the edges of the signal at the output of the Schmidt trigger 302. This configuration is related to achieving proper sampling waveforms of the detector with respect to the transmitter.

The output of the Schmidt triggers 312, 314 and 316 are paralleled into a capacitor 320, a resistor 321 and a capacitor 322. A junction of the capacitor 320 and the resistor 321 is fed to the base of a transistor 324. The collector of the transistor 324 provides a substantially square pulse to a Gunn diode (as explained further herein with reference to FIG. 2) through a terminal 326.

With reference now to FIG. 2, a microwave transceiver 500 is shown. The microwave transceiver includes a Gunn diode 502, which when provided with DC power oscillates with a nominal power output of 8 milliwatt. The transceiver also includes a Schottky mixer diode 504 which is mounted inside a waveguide/antenna 506. The transceiver 500 also includes a resistor 508.

Referring now to both FIGS. 1 and 2, in operation the collector of transistor 324 provides a relatively square pulse to the Gunn diode 502. The Gunn diode 502 thereby generates microwave frequency signal in a range between 9 to 11 gigahertz, depending upon the amplitude of the pulse. The microwave frequency signal is propagated by the antenna 506. Reflected microwave energy is collected by the antenna 506 and provided to the Schottky mixer diode 504. The mixer diode 504 mixes the microwave signal from the Gunn diode 502 with the reflected signal to produce a signal with a certain phase. As a person moves within the sensed volume of space the phase changes thereby creating the doppler signal. This signal is provided to the inverting input of the comparator 260 and to a sampling field effect transistor 330. The non-inverting input of the comparator 260 is connected to a voltage divider network consisting of a resistor 332, a resistor 334 and a capacitor 336. This voltage divider network sets the threshold of the comparator 260. The capacitor 336 is a bypass capacitor.

The output of an operational amplifier 360 provides a relatively low frequency signal representative of doppler shift resulting from movement of an object within a space which is monitored. The doppler signal has a frequency generally between 5 and 70 Hertz.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the output of the Schmidt trigger 294 is fed to the input of the Schmidt trigger 309 through the shaping network consisting of the diode 304 the resistor 306 and the capacitor 310. The output of the Schmidt trigger 308 is fed to the gate of a sampling field effect transistor 330.

In operation the sampling field effect transistor 330 samples the pulse from the Schottky mixer diode 504 only during the period that the pulse is fed to the sampling field effect transistor from the Schmidt trigger 308. Stated differently, the sampling field effect transistor 330 begins sampling at the leading edge of the pulse from the Schmidt trigger 308 and stops sampling at the falling edge of the pulse from the Schmidt trigger 308.

The output of the sampling field effect transistor 330 is fed through a filter consisting of a capacitor 338, a capacitor 340 and a capacitor 342 to the non-inverting input of an operational amplifier 344. A capacitor 346, a resistor 348, a resistor 350 and a capacitor 352 together enable the operational amplifier 344 to function as a bandpass filter. A resistor 354 provides a bias to the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier 344 while a resistor 356 and a potentiometer 358 provide a bias to the output of the operational amplifier 344.

The center arm of the potentiometer 358 is connected to the non-inverting input of an operational amplifier 360 through a resistor 362. A capacitor 364 is connected between the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier 360 and common. Power is provided to the operational amplifier 360 from the power output port 36, and such power is filtered with a bypass capacitor 365.

A resistor 366, a capacitor 368, a resistor 370 and a capacitor 372 operate to enable the operational amplifier 360 to function as a bandpass filter. The output of the operational amplifier 360 is fed to a pair of back-to-back diodes 374 and 376 and also to the inverting input of an operational amplifier 378 through a resistor 380. A resistor 382 sets the gain of the operational amplifier 378. The output of the operational amplifier 378 is fed to a pair of back-to-back diodes 384 and 386. These diodes 384 and 386 conduct during the negative portion of a waveform. Similarly, the diodes 374 and 376 conduct during the negative part of a waveform such that as diode 374 pulls low it turns off diode 376. At this point a pair of time constants set by a capacitor 388 and a capacitor 390, in conjunction with a resistor 418, a resistor 420 and a resistor 422, begin to decay, and cross over a point at which comparator 396 flips and provides a low output. The arrangement of the transistor 398 and the comparators 396 and a comparator 406 provides a hysterisis effect. In operation, when the output of the comparator 396 goes low, this causes the output of the comparator 406 to go low.

This turns on the transistor 398 which causes the non-inventing input of the comparator 396 to go high, which in turn causes the output of the comparator 396 to return to high.

A resistor 400 operates to set a bias point for the diodes 374 and 376 and contributes to a time constant with a capacitor 416. Only a continuing doppler signal will cause the potential of non-inverting input of the comparator 396 to begin to decay again. Hence, any noise will not cause false microwave events because the hysteresis opens the threshold back up. A resistor 402 couples the junction of the diodes 374 and 376 to a test point 404.

The operational amplifier 378 forms part of an absolute value circuit, providing fullwave rectification to the negative peak detecting floating threshold circuit connected to the comparator 396. The comparator 396 provides a pulse out of the microcontroller 12 and provides immunity to noise.

As the signal provided to the inverting input of the comparator 396 decays, the output of the comparator 396 flips and goes low and is then translated by a comparator 406 whose output is fed to input 266 of the microcontroller 12. Additionally, an operational amplifier 408 samples the signal at the inverting input of the comparator 396 and provides an output operative to determine whether the signal at the inverting input of the comparator 396 is within a certain tolerance. This within tolerance confirmation signal is provided to the input port 246 of the microcontroller 12.

Referring again to the comparator 406, the output of the comparator 406 is provided to a feedback path consisting of a resistor 410, a filter capacitor 412, and the transistor 398. The collector of the transistor 398 is connected to the non-inverting input of the comparator 396. A capacitor 414 provides bypass filtering at the emitter of the transistor 398. The capacitor 416 operates together with the resistor 400 to provide filtering of signals from the output of the operational amplifiers 378 and 360. The resistor 418 couples the diode 376 to both the inverting input of the operational amplifier 396 and, through a voltage divider consisting of the resistor 420 and a resistor 422, to the non-inverting input of the comparator 408. A resistor 424 is used to balance the bias current of the operational amplifier 408. A bypass capacitor 426 provides filtering of power supplied to the operational amplifier 408. A resistor 428 couples the output of the operational amplifier 408 to the port 246 of the microcontroller 12.

A voltage divider consisting of a resistor 430 and a resistor 432 sets the bias at the inverting input of the comparator 406. A capacitor 434 provides filtering at the inverting input of the comparator 406. A capacitor 440 together with the resistors 436 and 438 provide an RC delay. A capacitor 442 provides bypass filtering at the power input port of the comparator 406. A resistor 444 operates as a pull up resistor at the output of the comparator 406. A resistor 446 provides a positive feedback hysteresis to the non-inverting input of the comparator 406. Stated differently, the resistor 446, as a function of the output of the comparator 406, shifts the bias point of non-inverting input of the comparator 406.

Referring now to FIG. 3A there is shown a state diagram that visually illustrates an alarm processing sequence of the preferred embodiment of the invention. In particular, when the passive infrared circuitry senses an intrusion within a given volume of space this intrusion is called a "passive infrared event." Similarly when the microwave circuitry of the system 10 senses an intrusion within a given volume, this is called a "microwave event." In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the system 10 is initially in state 0. If either a microwave event or a passive infrared event occurs and is followed by the other event separated by a time period greater than 4 seconds, the system 10 remains in state 0. When a microwave event or a passive infrared event occurs, and is followed by the other event within a period of less than 4 seconds, the system 10 enters state 1.

While in state 1, if there is no occurrence of a passive infrared event of the same polarity within 15 seconds of the commencement of state 1, the system 10 returns to state 0. If a passive infrared event occurs within 15 seconds while the system 10 is in state 1, the system 10 advances to state 2. While in state 2, if no microwave event occurs within 4 seconds of the commencement of state 2, the system 10 returns to state 0. However, if a microwave event occurs within 4 seconds of the commencement of state 2, then an alarm signal is generated. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the alarm signal has a duration of 5 seconds after which the system 10 reverts to state 0. Whenever the system 10 is in state 0, the entire alarm processing sequence can be repeated.

In summary, an alarm is generated only by the occurrence of the following sequence of events:

1. Either a microwave event or a passive infrared event occurs and is followed by the other event within four seconds; and 2. Thereafter, a passive infrared event of the same polarity occurs within fifteen seconds; and 3. Thereafter, a microwave event occurs within four seconds.

Thus a total of four detection events (two passive infrared events and two microwave events) within prescribed time periods must occur before an alarm signal is generated. The requirement of numerous events being detected before an alarm signal is generated can be seen with reference to the condition if one of the sensors and its circuit malfunctions.

Referring now to FIG. 3B, in the event either the passive infrared portion of the system 10 or the microwave portion of the system 10 malfunctions, the system 10 enters a single technology mode that is illustrated by FIG. 3B. While in this mode the system 10 relies upon the sensing technology that is still operational. Initially, the system 10 is in state 0. If the operational technology detects the occurrence of an event, the system 10 moves from state 0 to state 1. Such an initial detection need not occur within any predetermined period. If the operational technology does not then detect an event within 4 seconds of the commencement of state 1, the system 10 reverts to state 0. If however, the operational technology detects an event within 4 seconds of the commencement of state 1, the system 10 generates an alarm signal. The alarm signal has a duration of 5 seconds, after which the system 10 returns to state 0. At that point the system 10 reverts to state 0, and is ready to repeat this alarm processing sequence.

As can be seen, in the event one of the sensor subsystems malfunctions, the remaining operative subsystem would not trigger an alarm signal based upon the detection of a single event. The remaining operational sensor generates an alarm signal if two detections occur within a predetermined time period. Although in the preferred embodiment of the invention this predetermined time period is also four seconds as is the first time period used when both sensor systems are operative, the predetermined time period for this back-up mode of operation may be a different length, for example, seven seconds. In addition, different length predetermined time periods may be utilized when both the passive infrared and microwave portions of the system 10 are operative.

FIG. 4 illustrates various modules of the computer program utilized in the preferred embodiment of the invention and how each of the modules relate to the others. "Variables" are stored in RAM within the microntroller 12 and are available to these modules. "Vectors" contains addresses of interrupt routines and the start address of the program (Init) which is initiated on a Reset. As detailed in the source code listing below, the alarm algorithm is contained within the background (BCKGND) module. INIT refers to initialization, BASELN refers to the baseline subroutine and AVER refers to the averaging subroutine.

The following is a source code listing of the computer program for the microcontroller 12 in accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention: ##SPC1##

It is apparent from the foregoing that a new and improved method and system have been provided for intrusion detection using multiple types of sensors. While only certain preferred embodiments have been described in detail, as will be apparent to those familiar with the art, certain changes and or modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An intrusion detection apparatus comprising:

a sensor for detecting an intrusion in a volume of space by a physical phenomenon and for generating a plurality of detection signals in response thereto;

means for receiving said plurality of detection signals generated during a time period, and for generating an averaged signal based upon a time average of said plurality of detection signals generated during said time period; and

means for comparing said averaged signal to a threshold signal;

wherein the result of said comparison is indicative of fault of said apparatus,

wherein said comparing means compares said averaged signal to a first threshold signal and wherein said apparatus is deemed to be faulty in the event said averaged signal exceeds said first threshold signal, and

wherein said comparing means compares said averaged signal to a second threshold signal and wherein said apparatus is deemed to be faulty in the event said averaged signal is below said second threshold signal.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor is a microwave detector.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said sensor is a passive infrared detector.

4. A method of determining fault status in an intrusion detection system comprising:

generating a plurality of detection signals during a time period, each detection signal being a response to a sensor detecting an intrusion in a volume of space by a physical phenomenon;

time averaging said plurality of detection signals generated during said time period to generate an averaged signal; and

comparing said averaged signal to a threshold signal to determine fault status in said intrusion detection system;

wherein said averaged signal is compared to a first threshold signal, and a fault is determined in the event said averaged signal exceeds said first threshold signal, and

wherein said averaged signal is compared to a second threshold signal, and a fault is determined in the event said averaged signal is below said second threshold signal.

5. The method of claim 4 further comprising the step of:

digitizing each of said plurality of detection signals to produce a plurality of digitized detection signals; and

wherein said averaging step averages said plurality of digitized detection signals.

6. An intrusion detection system comprising:

a detector for detecting an intrusion in a volume of space by a physical phenomenon and for generating a plurality of detection signals with each detection signal generated in response to a detection;

means for digitizing said plurality of detection signals to produce a plurality of digitized detection signals;

means for receiving said plurality of digitized detection signals generated during a period of time and for generating an averaged signal, which is a time average of said plurality of digitized detection signals generated during said time period; and

microcontroller means for receiving said averaged signal and for comparing said averaged signal to a threshold signal and for determining fault in said intrusion detection system;

wherein said microcontroller means compares said averaged signal to a first threshold signal and wherein said system is determined to be faulty in the event said averaged signal exceeds said first threshold signal, and

wherein said microcontroller means compares said averaged signal to a second threshold signal and wherein said system is determined to be faulty in the event said averaged signal is below said second threshold signal.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said detector is a microwave detector.

8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said detector is a passive infrared detector.