Patent Application
20090040307
The present invention relates in general to a surveillance system. In particular, the present invention relates to a surveillance system for detecting forbidden movement that takes place along a predetermined path.
There are many kinds of activities or movements that are generally forbidden, each of which may take place at a different location along a path and may violate one or more laws. One type of forbidden movement may take place along a road, by vehicle operators as well as by pedestrians. If left undetected, certain activities may directly or indirectly cause harm, resulting in monetary damages and/or physical injury.
For instance, it is widely known that traffic violations, including improper lane changes, passing on the wrong side or without sufficient distance, following too closely (tailgating), failing to obey traffic signals, changing speed suddenly, traveling over the speed limit, turning from the wrong lane, etc. may result in crashes that, in many cases, are fatal.
Police forces throughout the world utilize various tactics to catch and penalize traffic violators. One method is for a police officer to be manned with a radar gun and to be strategically stationed along the side of a road in order to detect and catch a speeding vehicle. Additionally if the officer notices any other type of traffic violation occurring, he may pursue the violator.
However, since the officer is situated at a fixed location, he is only capable of through his fixed field of view. Violations that occur elsewhere, or while the officer is not paying careful attention, remain undetected.
Alternatively, a police officer may patrol the road, typically either via car or motorcycle, in order to detect traffic violations.
Prior art surveillance systems for detecting forbidden movement typically comprise stationary as well as mobile cameras.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,863 discloses a remotely operated camera system that is mounted on a motorized carriage, which is suspended from a suspension cable. The carriage is driven by a series of pulleys, which thereby drives the camera along the suspension cable.
U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,448 discloses an unmanned visual monitoring system for patrolling large regions. A surveillance camera is mounted underneath a carriage. The carriage rides along two spaced parallel track cables, and is driven by two facing propellers that are each powered by an electric motor. The cables are supported above the ground by a superstructure that extends between the cables and is mounted to an upright vertical member such as a wooden utility pole.
In all prior art surveillance systems, the camera, whether fixed or mobile, is only capable of detecting activity along a fixed plane and at a fixed distance from the road. For cases where a vehicle may be tailgating, the detection of the license plate is difficult due to the angle of the camera with respect to the vehicle.
Other surveillance methods include providing an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,382, which is remotely controlled, and comprises a payload consisting of a camera and data transmission means.
Some problems associated with surveillance airplanes include mishaps that occur especially during landing and takeoff. During surveillance, these airplanes generally achieve relatively high speeds. During the landing process the airplane must reduce its speed as it nears the landing area. When flying with reduced speed, a loss of aerial stability occurs, and as such, these airplanes are extremely sensitive to aerodynamic changes and disturbances (e.g. changes in wind speed or direction). Hence, it is crucial that the landing area be capable of receiving these airplanes in a safe environment in order to avoid damage to the aircraft.
Additional examples of forbidden movement that take place along a path or road, and which require surveillance and detection include criminal activities carried out by pedestrians, such as car break-ins and/or theft, pickpocketing, mugging, etc. If a police officer is in the vicinity of the criminal activity, he may be alerted to the activity and pursue the criminal. However, when the criminal is out of sight of the police officer, the activity may be performed undetected.
Additional forbidden movement may take place along extended predefined pathways including a canal or defined waterway for boats or irrigation. Boats may be transporting illegal products, and/or they may not be sailing according to the rules of the particular canal or waterway. In cases where the canal extends over a long distance, the coastguard may not have the capability to keep the entire length of the canal under surveillance.
Additional forbidden activities or movement may take place along a network of pipes or ducts that transport materials such as gasoline or the like. Such activities may include vandalism by puncturing the pipe, or in order to illegally siphon off a quantity of the transported material.
In some cases, the path, or road, along which forbidden movement takes place, is an area outside of a restricted area. It is well known that even a physical barrier, such as a wall or a barbed wire fence, is often not enough to prevent intruders from entering a restricted area. A clever intruder will find a way to bypass the barrier and enter the area, while remaining unnoticed. One method of overcoming this problem is to provide manned or unmanned patrol land vehicles for traversing the boundary of the restricted area, thereby enabling the patroller to detect any would-be intruders and prevent them from entering area.
However, this type of patrolling system is generally not fully effective, since the intruder must merely wait until he is out of view of the patroller, before attempting entry to the area. Additionally, land vehicles may find it difficult to traverse certain terrain, thereby hindering their patrolling capabilities.
As described above, U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,863 discloses a remotely operated camera system that is mounted on a motorized carriage, which is suspended from a suspension cable. The carriage is driven by a series of pulleys, which thereby drives the camera along the suspension cable. The elevated camera avoids the difficulties associated with land vehicle patrols. However, an intruder may bypass the camera in a similar manner as with land vehicles, by remaining undetected until he is not in the camera's field of view.
A similar drawback exists with the invention of U.S. Pat. No. 6,339,448, as described herein above.
An additional problem associated with prior art surveillance systems, especially those situated within a restricted area, is that when the camera is stationary and positioned below the height of the fence, the outer, unrestricted area, is partially obstructed by the fence itself. Moreover, when the camera travels along the perimeter of the fence, when reaching certain speeds, and depending on the size of the openings in the fence, the camera's view of the unrestricted area may be essentially completely obstructed by the fence. Even if the camera is situated above the fence so as not to be obstructed by the fence, by mounting the camera within the restricted area, undesirable dead space outside of the area results, where a potential intruder may hide without being detected.
Other surveillance methods include providing an unmanned airplane, such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,035,382, which is remotely controlled, and comprises a camera and data transmission means. However, an unmanned remotely controlled airplane, or, UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) typically comprises additional, costly and heavy control systems, and are typically not limited to merely traveling around the boundary of a predetermined area. Additionally, since UAV's are limited in the amount of time that can be spent in flight, they must spend valuable time and fuel traveling to and from the landing field, which is generally located at a distance from the area requiring surveillance.
Other problems associated with surveillance airplanes include mishaps that occur especially during landing and takeoff, as described herein above.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system and method for detecting forbidden movement that takes place along a predetermined path.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system for detecting traffic violations that take place along a road.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system for detecting criminal activity that takes place along a road.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system that is capable of detecting forbidden movement from various angles with respect to the activity.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system that is capable of observing an area from a non-elevated position from the ground.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system for detecting potential intruders outside of a restricted area.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system that is capable of observing an area from an elevated position from the ground.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system that may be controlled by a remote user.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system that requires minimal take off and landing procedures.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system that comprises a safe landing environment.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system that enables a camera to reach a desired area in a short amount of time.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system that enables a camera to be situated at a desired area for an extended amount of time.
It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a surveillance system that is capable of providing continual power to a flying object.
Additional objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent as the description proceeds.
The present invention relates to a surveillance system for detecting forbidden movement in any direction at one or more locations along a road. The system comprises:
Preferably, the mechanical connector may be chosen from any one of the group consisting of:
The camera is preferably further mounted on a remotely controlled secondary platform, wherein the secondary platform is capable of independent motion, and is connected to the mobile platform by the cable.
The remotely controlled secondary platform may be chosen from any one of the group consisting of:
Optionally, the camera is mounted on a secondary platform that creates or is acted upon by aerodynamic forces, and may be chosen from any one of the group consisting of:
The mobile platform preferably further comprises a take off/landing mechanism for the secondary platform to land thereon and to take off therefrom. The take off/landing mechanism preferably comprises at least a pad and an extendible arm for connecting the pad to the mobile platform. The take off/landing mechanism preferably further comprises a system for guiding the secondary platform to the take off/landing mechanism, wherein the guiding system comprises:
Optionally, the take off/landing mechanism further comprises an extendible and foldable net for receiving and securing the secondary platform during landing. Optionally, the take off/landing mechanism further comprises a cushion for absorbing the impact of the secondary platform during landing.
Preferably, the secondary platform is powered by electricity supplied from a remote electrical energy source and transferred to the secondary platform through the mechanical connector. The secondary platform may be powered by any one of the group consisting of:
At least one motor is preferably connected to propulsion mechanism, for causing the secondary platform to move or hover.
According to the present invention, the path along which the mobile platform travels comprises at least one of any one of the group consisting of:
According to the present invention, the mobile platform is driven by any one of the group consisting of:
Optionally, the secondary platform further comprises a banner attached thereto, having a public service announcement.
The mobile platform may be towed along the path by the secondary platform.
The present invention preferably further comprises a transferring system comprising at least one transfer platform for transferring at least one mobile platform from one portion of the path to another portion of the path, thereby enabling one of the platforms to pass another. The transfer platform preferably comprises:
Preferably, the secondary platform further comprises a reel for paying out and wounding in the cable, a spring mechanism at the end that is connected to the reel and a sensor for preventing the cable from being fully paid out.
The reel preferably further comprises a sensor for detecting the distance between the mobile platform and the secondary platform.
The present invention preferably comprises a mechanism for disconnecting the cable from the secondary cable.
Optionally, the secondary platform comprises a stabilization system for stabilizing the movement of the platform.
According to some embodiments, the secondary platform comprises wings that are foldable or retractable.
The control station of the present invention preferably comprises a computer comprising an input device and an output device. The control station may further comprise a PDA. The control station preferably controls the movement of the mobile platform, the secondary platform and the camera.
Preferably, the mobile platform is movable along the cable or rail by a system of wheel members comprising upper vertical wheels, lower vertical wheels and horizontal wheels. The lower vertical wheels are separatable from the upper vertical wheels by a spring mechanism.
The present invention optionally further comprises an outer area, outside of a restricted area, wherein at least one mobile platform is situated in the restricted area, and the camera is capable of being positioned at least in the outer area in order to view at least a portion of the outer area.
The present invention is further related to a surveillance system for detecting forbidden movement in any direction at one or more locations along a road, the system comprising:
The present invention further relates to a method for detecting forbidden movement in any direction at one or more locations along a road, the method comprising;
a illustrates schematically, a side view of the fifth embodiment of the first example of the present invention, wherein the camera is attached to an airplane, and the airplane is attached to a woundable flexible cable;
b illustrates the third embodiment according to
c illustrates a virtual hemisphere indicating the flight path of the airplane of
d illustrates the disconnecting mechanism of the present invention by which the cable may be disconnected from the airplane;
a and 7b illustrate schematically two additional aspects of the fifth embodiment, wherein at least one net is provided for assisting in the landing of the airplane;
a-8d illustrate a preferred aspect of the transferring mechanism of the present invention, wherein at least one mobile platform may interchange positions with another mobile platform along the cable;
a illustrates schematically, a fifth embodiment of a second example of the present invention, wherein the camera is attached to an airplane, and the airplane is attached to a woundable flexible cable;
b illustrates the third embodiment according to
The present invention is defined by the claims, the contents of which are to be read as included within the disclosure of the specification, and will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures.
The present invention is directed to a surveillance system for detecting forbidden movement that takes place in any direction at one or more locations along a predetermined path. Many types of forbidden movement or activity can take place at different locations along a path, for instance, a long road. Nevertheless, due to financial and/or manpower constraints, among others, only a limited number of law enforcers or cameras are positioned along such an area in order to detect such activities. By providing a surveillance system having at least one camera capable of traveling along the length of the road, forbidden movement or activity can be detected at all locations along the area.
The term, “road” as used herein, includes, and is interchangeable with the term, “path” and is understood to include any defined path, including a highway, street or thoroughfare, or passageway along or across which a vehicle, a pedestrian and/or an animal may travel, as well as a canal or waterway along which a boat may sail, as well as a pathway having a system of pipes through which a predetermined material is transported, and where forbidden movement may take place.
The term, “forbidden movement” as used herein, includes traffic violations, as well as all types of unlawful activity such as criminal activity including mugging, pickpocketing, car break-ins and/or theft, as well as unlawfully transporting goods or transporting unlawful goods. “Forbidden movement” also includes any movement that may be lawful, yet forbidden on other grounds, such as movement of animals outside of a predefined area or path. Additionally, the term, “forbidden movement” may refer to activity that, although presently may not be forbidden, may potentially lead to or result in unlawful activity, such as the activity of a potential intruder. The detection of “forbidden movement” may also refer to the detection of the status of one or more objects, either stationary or in motion where forbidden movement may potentially occur at a future time, for instance, a crack or leak in a pipe or system of pipes through which a material is transported.
The term, “restricted area” as used herein, refers to a defined area having a dividing structure or demarcation, real or virtual, such as a fence, wall or stretch of unoccupied land, delineating the restricted area's border, and for preventing unwanted entry into the restricted area.
The term, “border” as used herein, refers to the perimeter of the restricted area. The restricted area is situated on one side of the border, and the outer area is situated on the other side of the border.
The term, “outer area” as used herein, refers to the area outside of the restricted area, in which activity is observed via the camera of a surveillance system.
The term, “camera” as used herein, refers to any image acquisition device which is capable of receiving optical rays (stills, video) or electromagnetic radiation (RADAR based), reflected from an object and generate a visible image of this object.
The term, “dead space” as used herein, refers to a portion of the outer area, in which activity is unable to be observed via the camera of a surveillance system.
The terms, “aerodynamic force”, “buoyant force” and “lift force” are used interchangeably herein, and describe forces that keep an airborne mechanism in the air.
Although the below description of an application of the system of the present invention is presented in the first example particularly in terms of a system of detecting traffic violations, it is understood that the system may be utilized for all types of unlawful activity, and along all types of roads, as described above, mutatis mutandis.
Reference herein to the position of the camera relates in particular to the physical location of the camera device, and not the angle at which the lens is oriented relative to the ground. Nevertheless, the lens angle may be controlled remotely and repositioned and/or reoriented accordingly, as described herein below.
A first example of an application of the present invention is shown in
Mobile platform (16) may be a trolley-type transporting device, such as that described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,863, which travels along the path of a track via cable line (12).
Typically, camera (14) comprises at least one of IR, UV and/or day/night capabilities, as well as voice and motion sensors.
Cable line (12), which may consist of any elevated railway system, including a conventional rail containing at least two cables, rails or tracks, or a monorail, may be supported by the light posts (12a), (12b), (12c), as shown, or by any existing support structures along the length of a road, such as a fence, dedicated supporting posts situated along the length of a fence, electrical poles, trees, etc., or a combination thereof. Alternatively, cable line (12) may travel along cables or tracks that run essentially along the ground, or slightly elevated therefrom. The support structure may be situated along either side of the highway, as shown, or, for two-way highways, along the divider between lanes. Additionally, cable line (12) may run above, below or along the side of mobile platform (16), or, alternatively, cable line (12) may run through mobile platform (16), as in U.S. Pat. No. 5,225,863. When utilized along a canal or waterway, supporting structures may extend upwards from the bed of the waterway. Additionally or alternatively, the cable line (12) may be supported by any system of floating bodies that run along the length of the waterway.
The length and angle of shaft (22) with respect to mobile platform (16) is determined in connection with the elevation of mobile platform (16) off the ground and distance from highway (10), and height of a fence (not shown).
A second embodiment of the first example of the present invention is shown in
A third embodiment of the first example of the present invention is shown schematically in
The position of camera (14) in
When camera (14) is connected to mobile platform (16) via, for example, a kite, the aerodynamic force is created by the existing wind, as well as the lift that is produced by the wind that flows over the kite as mobile platform (16) travels along cable line (12), and pulls the kite through the air.
For the second and third embodiments of the first example of the present invention, in order to correct distortion of the images received by camera (14) due to instability of the camera resulting from the blowing of the wind, a camera having fast image gathering capabilities, is utilized.
By utilizing woundable flexible cable (42) the user is capable of positioning the camera (14) at locations at which he is unable to position the camera (14) of the first and second embodiments.
A fourth embodiment of the first example of the present invention is shown schematically in
A fifth embodiment of the first example of the present invention is shown schematically in
In the fifth embodiment of the first example, airplane (65) is capable of positioning camera (14) at desirable angles with respect to a vehicle moving along road (10). This is necessary in cases where the vehicle's license plate is otherwise obstructed or difficult to detect, for instance, when the vehicle is tailgating or being tailgated.
According to a preferred embodiment, electrical energy is transferred to the airplane (65) from an external source through woundable cable (42), which is utilized to fly airplane (65) as well as to power the camera and other onboard equipment. Additional control signals and data are transferred between a remote control center and the airplane (65) (and camera 14) via woundable cable (42). This allows virtually unlimited time in the air, as opposed to the less favored, but possible alternative of using a gasoline engine.
It should be further emphasized that the arrangement of joining airplane (65) to mobile platform (16) via cable (42) runs counter to the conventional and intuitive methods of utilization of a UAV, which typically make use of the capability of the aerial vehicle to fly without limitation by a defined path. The many advantages associated with the arrangement of the present invention, as described herein, have not been exploited until now, and are therefore inventive over all known prior art UAV systems. For instance, the airplane of the present invention does not require a costly backup flight system in cases of failure of the main system, as described herein below. Additionally, a complex flight control system is not necessary since the flight course is limited to a predetermined path.
According to another aspect of the fifth embodiment of the first example, any other powering means, such as solar, battery or fuel cell may be preferable, such as when requiring a back-up or replacement energy source. According to one aspect of the fifth embodiment of the first example (
According to one aspect, an internal power source, such as a motor (not shown), drives mobile platform (16) along cable line (12). Alternatively, cable line (12), which is comprised of electrical cables, provide power in order to drive mobile platform (16) along cable line (12).
Airplane (65) optionally comprises an automatic take off and landing mechanism, stall protection, and an uncomplicated control system, as known according to prior art aerial systems.
Airplane (65) preferably comprises a stabilization system having a dynamic parameter set that adjusts the stabilization parameters in accordance with weather conditions, the strength of airplane (65), weight changes, etc. One such stabilization system is described in WO 2006/035429, and incorporated fully herein by reference.
Preferably, reel (41) comprises at least one sensor for preventing woundable cable (42) from being fully paid out until it becomes taut. Factors such as wind speed and direction, the strength of airplane (65), the distance of airplane (65) from mobile platform (16) and the length of cable (42) are taken into account. When airplane (65) is in flight, a taut cable (42) may prevent airplane (65) from proper flight. Therefore it is preferable to maintain the length of the paid out cable (42) greater than the distance between airplane (65) and mobile platform such that cable (42) has slack at all times. Additionally or alternatively, a spring is situated at the end of cable (42) fixed to reel (41) for preventing cable from becoming taut in case cable (42) is fully paid out.
c schematically shows a virtual hemisphere indicating the flight path limit of airplane (located at the origin of the coordinate axis as shown by arrow (64)) when attached to a mobile platform (not shown) via a cable (not shown). When stationary, the maximum distance that airplane (64) may fly is indicated by dome (66). It is understood that there exists a similar dome below cable (12) limiting the flight path of airplane (64), but for purposes of clarity, only the upper dome (66) and flight path is shown and described. Airplane (64) may travel along all directions of the planes formed by the x- y- and z-axes. Additionally, the movement of boundary dome (66) of airplane (64) exists along cable (12) when airplane (64) travels therealong.
Referring to
The present invention may additionally be used for identifying and tracking foot prints or other prints in the ground by flying in close proximity to the ground. Land mapping and/or scanning, and geomining using a Geographic Information System (GIS) may also be performed using the present invention. GIS may additionally provide information regarding surrounding objects in proximity to airplane (65), such as a tree or pole, which may limit its flight path.
According to a preferred embodiment,
As described above, loss of stability resulting from low flying speeds during landing may lead to a crash landing. In the present invention, because airplane (65) lands on a moving platform, air speed relative to the ground does not become zero, and therefore, airplane (65) maintains stability during landing, thereby reducing the chances of a crash landing. Alternatively, airplane (65) may land while mobile platform (16) is stationary.
The present invention comprises a further advantage over conventional UAV's in that whereas some UAV's may be incapable of flying during extreme weather conditions, and are therefore, essentially useless as surveillance tools during this time, airplane (65) may patrol around a desired path while in a landed position on pad (68), thereby at least partially performing its mission even during non-optimal weather conditions.
Landing guide (76) joins pad (68) to cable (42) for further assisting in guiding airplane (65) along a desired path during landing. Landing guide (76) may alternatively be connected to arm (70) or mobile platform (16) itself. Additionally or alternatively, cable (42) may be further stabilized by a controllable mechanism, which comprises base (77) and guide (79), rotatably joined by pivoting member (78).
Additionally or alternatively, a system for guiding airplane (65) to land on pad (68) is provided, comprising at least one sensor (not shown) joined to take off/landing mechanism, which is preferably a transmitter/receiver that sends and receives signals to and from a receiving/transmitting sensor located on the underside of airplane (65). The system interprets the sensed signals and uses them to generate control signals to fly (or, pull) the plane to a safe landing, for instance, by indicating the paid out length of cable (42) and the distance of airplane (65) from pad (68). The transmitter may additionally transmit data between objects, such as additional surveillance airplanes, that are within range of airplane (65).
According to a preferred embodiment, airplane (65) comprises an automatic flight control system, which utilizes GPS as well as autopilot, for guiding and positioning during flight with respect to other mobile platforms (16) that are present in the surveillance system, to identify the location of the gathered images, etc. A global control system, for verifying open air space for the flight path is possible but not required. Additionally or alternatively, sensors (not shown) are positioned at a plurality of locations along the path of mobile platform (16), such as at the supporting posts of cable (12) for providing a signal indicating the precise geographic coordinates of each sensor. Thus, when a mobile platform (16) is situated at or near a particular sensor, the geographic coordinates of that mobile platform may be known.
Optionally, airplane (65) comprises a visual instrument such as RADAR for detecting surrounding objects.
According to a preferred embodiment, airplane (65) comprises an emergency landing mechanism, wherein the mobile platform stops traveling along cable (12) and airplane (65) is immediately forced to land, in cases such as loss of power from the energy source or loss of communication with the GPS signal. Additionally or alternatively, a back-up power source is provided, as described above, to either allow airplane (65) to continue to fly, or to avoid airplane (65) from crashing as it performs its emergency landing.
In order to minimize the number of movements that airplane (65) is required to perform, particularly during the landing procedure, mobile platform (16) is preferably positioned along cable (12) at the closest location to airplane (65) without allowing cable (42) to become taut, as described herein above.
According to one aspect of the fifth embodiment of the first example, a banner (not shown) having a public service announcement is attached to airplane (65).
According to another aspect, one or more additional cameras (not shown) is directly affixed to mobile platform (16).
According to another aspect of the fifth embodiment of the first example, an expandable net (90) is shown in
b shows an alternative aspect of the fifth embodiment of the first example, wherein pad (68) comprises two surfaces (69) that extend towards reel (41). Each of two nets (91) is hingedly attached at its one end to each surface (69), and at its other end to arced members (84). Cushion (94) is situated along the longitudinal edges of pad (68), for absorbing the impact of the wings of airplane (65) during landing. When cable (42) further pulls airplane (65) (not shown in the figure), the wings contact nets (91). If desirable, nets (91) may be rotated inwardly about their hinges, thereby causing arced members (84) to fold over and secure the wings on pad (68).
Optionally, the wings of airplane (65) may be foldable or retractable subsequent to landing to avoid potential damage to the wings while not in use.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, more than one mobile platform (16) travels along cable line (12), wherein each mobile platform (16) may comprise any one of the embodiments as described above. Since all mobile platforms (16) travel along the same cable line (12) like beads on a string, the only way for one mobile platform (16) to switch positions or to pass each other along the cable line (12) is to be removed from cable line (12) and replaced at a different location along the cable line (12).
a shows two mobile platforms (16a) and (16b), with remotely controlled airplanes (65a) and (65b) connected respectively to each platform (16a), (16b) via cable (42). When it is desired for mobile platform (16a) to interchange positions with mobile platform (16b) along cable (12), transferring system (100) of the present invention is utilized, as described herein below.
It should be noted that although cable lines (12), (12b)-(12d) shown in
As seen in
Mobile platform (16a) travels along cable (12) to cable (112a′), which is supported by end rail (112a) (as best seen in
Simultaneously, or separately, mobile platform (16b) travels onto fixed end portion (106) of transfer platform (110a) by traveling along cable line (12c) or (12d), each of which continues to cable (112c′) or (112d′), respectively. Mobile platform (16b) continues to travel until it reaches stoppers (106c) or (106d). When mobile platform (16a) is not situated on transfer platform (110a), sliding central portion (108) can be shifted to align central rail (112b) with end rail (112c) or (112d), thereby allowing mobile platform (16b) to continue traveling along cable (112b′) until reaching stoppers (106c′) or (106d′). Sliding central portion can then be shifted to align central rail (112b) with end rail (112a), thereby allowing mobile platform (16b) to continue traveling to cable (12).
Transfer platform (110b), although not shown in the figures, is essentially the mirror image of transfer platform (110a), and performs the same operations as described above, for transferring mobile platform (16b) from cable line (12) to end rails (112c) or (112d) accordingly, and for transferring mobile platform (16a) from one of end rails (112c) or (112d) to cable line (12).
In an alternative arrangement, only one transfer platform (110a) or (110b) may be provided in order to allow mobile platforms to travel in different directions along the same cable line. In this case, mobile platforms (16a) and (16b) travel to fixed end portions (104) and (106) respectively. While mobile platform (16b) is situated on cable (12d) or cable (112d′), mobile platform (16a) travels to cable line (12c) according to the operations as described above.
Depending on the nature and length of the highway (10) that is under surveillance, as well as the number, type and speed of the mobile platforms, a plurality of transfer systems (100) may be provided along the highway (10) at predetermined distances from each other.
Additionally, it should be noted that the process as described above may take place while airplane is in a landing position on mobile platform, or airborne. When landed, the width of the transfer platform (110a) is wide enough to accommodate both airplane (65a) and airplane (65b).
For all embodiments, a control station (not shown in figures) is provided for receiving and processing data from and transferring data to camera (14). In particular, the control station is capable of controlling the movement of camera (14), including the angle at which the lens is positioned relative to the ground, as well as the position of other movable components. The control station additionally controls the movement and operation of other movable components of the present invention, including mobile platform (16), airplane (65), motor (49), rigid shaft members (52a), (52b), etc. The control station may be remotely located, or situated in proximity to cable line (12). Additionally, the control system may be mobile or stationary. Additionally, the mechanical connector of all embodiments provides a transfer means for transferring control signals, power, and data between camera (14) and the control station.
The control station typically comprises at least a computer having an input device for inputting data and/or instructions required to be transferred to the above mentioned movable components. Information may be transferred over a wire/cable, or wirelessly. The control station preferably additionally comprises an output device such as a display monitor for indicating relevant data regarding the movable components. The display monitor preferably visually indicates at least the position of airplane (65) with respect to other components of the surveillance system of the present invention, as well as with respect to the surroundings.
Since the path or road along which the forbidden movement is detected is predetermined, the control station preferably displays a detailed three dimensional image of the topography of the path or of the object of interest 210, which is a building with windows. Thus, a particular location or scene (In this example, a window 211 may be previewed in three dimensions, for instance by the PDA 212, prior to the camera reaching the location. The person who wishes to obtain the desired view can define the desires zoom and aspect of view by using a graphical representation, such as a virtual 3-D cone 213 with respect to an image 214 of building 210. The size of base 215 of cone 213 is graphically controllable and defines the required zoom. The vertex of cone 213 points on the image of window 211. The desired 3-D orientation of cone 213 around its vertex is graphically controllable, as well, and defines the required aspect of view. The virtual cone 213 is then transmitted and translated to an enlarged virtual cone 216, which corresponds to the physical 3-D orientation of the arrival path of airplane 65. Thus, the person can use the graphical capability of the PDA 212 to fully predefine the desired 3-D arriving path of camera 14.
Using a satellite system such as GPS, specific coordinates or alternatively a particular object 211 desired to be viewed are input to the input device of the control station and the airplane may be automatically directed to said coordinates or object using automatic pilot system and automatic stabilizing system (VTOL). The camera 14 attached to the airplane 65 may be oriented to view the desired object 211 accordingly, without further instruction from the control station.
When airplane (65) of the fifth embodiment is preparing to land on mobile platform (16), the display monitor of the control station preferably displays the preferred flight path to be used, in order to aide the user situated at the control station to guide airplane (65) to land safely on mobile platform (16). The flight path may be indicated by displaying virtual preferred boundaries on either side of airplane (65) as it appears on the monitor, leading to mobile platform (16), to prevent deviation from the preferred path during landing.
According to all embodiments of the present invention as described herein, for both the first example and the second example as described herein below, it is understood that the mechanical connector creates a projection of the spatial distance between the camera and the mobile platform. In the first embodiment (of both examples), the mobile connector, and in turn the projection, is fixed and is typically longer than the width of the surveillance road. Thus, the length of the projection is greater than or equal to the total distance of the projection of the spatial distance between the camera and the location of the forbidden movement, and of the projection of the spatial distance between the location of the forbidden movement and the mobile platform. In all other embodiments the length of the projection is adjustable by altering the position of the camera by moving the mechanical connector and/or the secondary platform as desired.
A second example of an application of the present invention is shown in
The embodiments and each of the components described herein below for the second example comprise all of the features and advantages of the embodiments as described herein for the first example, mutatis mutandis.
A schematic cross-sectional side view of a prior art surveillance system is shown in
A potential intruder (19) may hide behind an object (18) such as a tree, or, a potential intruder (21) may stand in the dead space (4), marked by hatch lines, wherein neither location is within the camera's (14) visual range, and thereby remain undetected.
A first embodiment of the second example of the present invention is shown in
The length and angle of shaft (22) with respect to mobile platform (16) is determined in connection with the elevation of mobile platform (16) off the ground and distance from fence (11), and the height of the fence. For applications where the system is utilized in patrolling territorial borders, camera (14) must only be situated in an area that is permissible according to international law.
A second embodiment of the second example of the present invention is shown schematically in
A third embodiment of the second example of the present invention is shown schematically in
By utilizing woundable flexible cable (42) the user is capable of positioning the camera (14) at locations at which he cannot position the camera (14) of the first and second embodiments. This allows observation of movement, which cannot be obtained from camera (14) of the first and second embodiments, which, in turn, minimizes the amount of dead space in outer area (2).
A fourth embodiment of the second example of the present invention is shown schematically in
A fifth embodiment of the second example of the present invention is shown schematically in
It should be noted that a VTOL aircraft is advantageous for use with the present invention, particularly during landing procedures, due to its hovering capabilities.
Depending on the nature of the restricted area, and the length of the border that is under surveillance, as well as the number, type and speed of the mobile platforms, a plurality of transfer system (100) may be provided along the border at predetermined distances from each other.
The control station (not shown in the figures) as described herein above regarding the first example, may be remotely located, or situated in proximity to fence (11).
Referring to
Referring to
As seen in
Preferably, although not necessarily, all of the motors utilized in the present invention are electrical motors, due to the lower wear and tear associated theirwith in contrast to mechanical motors.
Among the many advantages of the present invention over prior art stationary surveillance systems, as described herein above, the present invention provides the ability to substitute a broken or damaged item such as the camera, mobile platform and secondary platform, without requiring to physically replace the object. In prior art stationary surveillance systems, a broken or damaged object of the system along the surveillance path must be physically removed and replaced in order to restore the system to its optimal efficiency. According to the present invention, however, the mobile platform may be shifted along the path to allow for an alternate mobile platform to be located at the area of the broken object.
While in the foregoing description describes in detail only a few specific embodiments of the invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto and that other variations in form and details may be possible, for example, adding a device that is capable of capturing the UAV after fulfilling its mission, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention herein disclosed or exceeding the scope of the claims.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 169487 | Jun 2005 | IL | national |
| 170124 | Aug 2005 | IL | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind | 371c Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/IL2006/000764 | 6/30/2006 | WO | 00 | 12/21/2007 |
