AN ALARM SYSTEM

Abstract: An alarm system includes a plurality of sensors (1, 10, 11), each of which is adapted to deliver signals and actuate logic B so as to activate an alarm (9) either directly or through the medium of a time delay circuit (7). At least one of the sensors has the form of an activating unit (1) that includes an indicator (4) whichis adapted to show several different signal pictures (21-25). The logic (8) is adapted to cause the activating units to show a first signal picture (21) when the system is in a normal state (30). When activated, each sensor delivers to the logic a first activating signal (31), wherein the logic causes a corresponding second signal picture (22) to be shown on the indicators of all activating units (21), and wherein the logic causes the alarm (9) to be triggered through the medium of a time circuit (7) subsequent to the expiration of a time period set in the time circuit. Upon receipt of a second activating signal (32) within the time period running from the time of the first activating signal (31), the logic (8) causes the indicator (4) of each unit to show a corresponding third signal picture (23). Subsequent to a third activating signal (33) received within the time period, the logic (8) resets all logics to the normal state (30), wherewith each unit (1) is caused to show the first signal picture (21) on its indicator (4) and the logic (8) causes an alarm (9) to be triggered upon receipt of a fourth signal (34) within the time period set by the time circuit (7).

Description: AN ALARM SYSTEM The present invention relates to an alarm system of the kind defined in the preamble of Claim 1. The amount of available money in society continues to increase. The various financial institutions have made considerable investments in endeavours to reduce the exposure of ready cash at bank and post office counters. The admission of personnel to the various safe deposits is controlled by different code and time-delay systems. The amount of ready cash kept at a teller counter has thus been greatly reduced. However, the fact remains that an ever greater sum of money must be kept in these places, a fact of which potential thieves and violent criminals are well aware. It is fully logical that robbers, etc., will choose the easiest and quickest route to available cash. The easiest route in present-day situations is to force personnel to co- operate in collecting the cash available under the threat of violence. The situation would appear to be worse in commerce than in banks and post offices. Departmental stores and other commercial places continue to operate with open tills and the personnel are often required to take charge of the combined days' " takings. Similar circumstances also apply to the transportation of valuables. The danger of threatening actions against the personnel of these various activities has therefore become more acute. An employee seldom feels safe in his/her working environment during a working period or on the way to and from his/her place of work. Such persons may also justifiably feel unsafe in his/her own home in view of the danger that a thief may call upon an employee and force him/her to co-operate actively in opening doors and providing access to various valuable-storage places in his/her place of work against the threat of violence. Furthermore, a violent criminal/robber is quite likely to have prepared during the night access to a building in which work is carried out during the day, and to await the arrival of the first person to enter the building in the morning. Situations are known in which a person or persons with robbery in mind will accost the personnel one by one as they enter the building. Accordingly, one object of the invention is to provide an alarm system that includes a plurality of actuators which function to trigger an alarm through the medium of a time delay circuit, such that an employee is able to initiate triggering of an alarm through the medium of a time delay circuit at a point in time when the employee is merely suspects that a robbery may be imminent. In order for such a system to function effectively, we have found that it must be extremely simple to operate and, in spite of this, be able to manage a number of normally occurring situations with respect to supervision and preparedness, and also to keep as many as possible of the personnel present, or all of the personnel, informed of the ominous or threatening pictures that one of the personnel has observed and responded to by corresponding actuation of an actuating unit. We have also found that the inventive alarm system will preferably have indicators/displays that indicate the threatening picture noted by one of the personnel, preferably an optical coded indication, so that other personnel are able to sharpen their awareness in the presence of the imminence of danger. To this end, the inventive alarm system has the general construction defined in the following Claim 1. The inventive alarm system is based on a signal that is triggered manually or by means of a sensor when the risk of an emergency situation arises, such as the risk of a robbery or like offence. This signal activates an alarm after a given time-lapse However, an operator is able to prevent the triggering of an alarm prior to expiration of this time delay, by actively actuating the system (apply a further signal) . Signal triggering of time periods can therefore be referred to as a "primary alarm" state which will automatically result in the triggering of an alarm when left passive. Consequently, an employee who has triggered a "primary alarm" in an early stage need not place himself/herself at risk with a confronting robber or like person. Personnel are trained daily in the use of the system, by triggering a "primary alarm" time in conjunction with leaving their place of work for instance, therewith also checking that the system functions. This is a prerequisite for the inventive alarm signal to be functional in practice, i.e. on the day that it actually needs to be triggered. Each actuator unit will preferably include at least one indicator that is adapted to show several different signal images which correspond to the respective different threatening pictures or levels of preparedness that have been established by the collective effect of the plurality of signals that are delivered to the logic and in dependence on when the individual signals have been delivered to said logic. An activating unit may, of course, include a plurality of indicators/displays that are connected to show the same signal picture simultaneously, wherein these indicators/displays may be mounted in the various working places of the premises concerned. However, there is preferably provided an indicator/display together with an activating unit in each of the chosen workplaces, so that any one of the personnel will be able to activate said unit easily and without needing to move away from his/her position to any great extent. In the simplest case, the activating unit may have the form of a box provided with one single activating button or switch which, when activated, triggers a signal to a logic unit. Alternatively, an external sensor can be adapted to send a signal direct to the logic unit when activated. The logic is connected to a time delay circuit. The logic may be constructed such that a first signal delivered by the activating unit or by a responder activates time circuits in a manner to trigger an alarm after the expiration of a given time period. A second signal delivered to the unit within this time period influences the signal picture and the logic. An alarm is initiated when the full time period has lapsed. A third signal delivered to the logic unit within said time period changes the signal picture and causes the logic to be reset to a normal mode or state at the end of said time period. The normal logic state is the state of the logic prior to the first signal. However, if a fourth signal is delivered to the logic unit before the logic has returned to its normal state subsequent to delivery of the- third signal, the logic will trigger an alarm, preferably directly. The indicator/display may be adapted to show a first signal picture in the normal state, a second normal picture after delivery of the first signal, a third signal picture after delivery of the second signal, a fourth signal picture after delivery of the third signal, and a fifth signal picture when the fourth signal is delivered before the logic has returned to its normal state. The fifth signal picture may conveniently correspond to a state in which the displays are extinguished. This alarm system can be readily used in several different, frequently occurring situations, as described in the following examples. One important property of the inventive system is that a sensor or an employee initiates a primary alarm in a situation in which a threatening scenario is vague, so that an alarm will be triggered after a given time period has lapsed, by virtue of the system remaining passive, i.e. none of the persons present has activated the activating unit to deliver another signal. Because the signal pictures are coded (illuminated or extinguished lamps, steady or flashing lights, different coloured lamps), a "robber" will be totally unaware of the significance of respective signal images or patterns to the personnel present. Naturally, the significance of the signal pictures may be different in different systems. The invention and further developments thereof are defined in the following Claims. The invention will now be described by way of examples with reference to the course of events in an inventive alarm system and in different occurring situations. Fig. 1 illustrates the manner of operation of the system when a first person enters a premises through a closed door. Fig. 2 illustrates the events that take place when a situation is felt to be threatening. Fig. 3 illustrates the situation in conjunction with personnel leaving the premises through a rear door. Fig. 4 illustrates the situation when the guarded door of a premises must be kept open whilst the premises are in use, e.g. for loading or like purposes. Fig. 5 illustrates the events that take place in the inventive system when the first signal delivered to the system is generated by a sensor that, e.g., senses activation of a time lock on a strong room, cash dispenser, or some other valuables storage facility. Fig. 6 illustrates schematically premises in which an inventive alarm system is installed. Referring first to Fig. 6, there is shown a room 12 having a door 13. The room 12 may be a room in bank premises, for instance. Disposed in the room 12 are a plurality of activating units 1, each comprising an apparatus housing 2 having a push- button 3, a display 4 that Includes two lamps 5, 6. The units 1 are connected to a timer 7 and to logic 8 that controls an alarm 9. The alarm 9 may be adapted to send an alarm to a police station or to a security firm and/or to produce optically and/or electrically an alarm signal such as to show the same signal pictures or patterns on the displays 4, said signal pictures being represented by the two lamps 5 and 6. In one preferred arrangement, the lamp 5 is yellow and the lamp 6 is green and the lamps may be arranged to adopt an extinguished state A, a steady light B and a flashing light C respectively. External sensors 10, 11 are connected to the logic unit 8. These sensors 10, 11 may be adapted to deliver a signal to the logic unit 8 such as to activate the alarm 9 subsequent to the lapse of a time delay set on the timer 7, in the same way as a signal that is established by manual activation of a button 3. The signals established through the sensors 10, 11 and the button 3 may be simple signal pulses, and the logic 8 may therefore also be relatively simple. However, it will be understood that the sensors 10, 11 or the buttons 3 may be caused to deliver addressed signals that trigger time periods of mutually different lengths previously set in the timer, for instance. The construction of the logic 8 and its function will be apparent indirectly from one of the Figs. 1-5. The system operates in the following manner, starting from a normal state: The display/indicator 4 shows a first picture 21 in the normal state, referenced 30. A first signal 31 delivered by one of the sensors 10, 11 or in response to manual activation of the push-button 3, influences the logic so as to show a new picture 22 on each indicator 4. The logic 8 is adapted to trigger an alarm 9 after a time period set on the timer 7. Thus, unless no additional measures are taken, (passivity is indicated by block 50) the primary alarm 9 will be triggered upon the lapse of a predetermined time period from the time of receiving the signal 31 (as indicated by the clock marking 7 closest upstream of the primary alarm 9, wherein the passivity in question is governed by or controlled by the situation being felt as being unsatisfactory (block 41) from a threatening or hazardous aspect. However, if a further signal 32 is delivered in response to pressing the button 3 within the time period set on the timer 7, i.e. because the situation has become satisfactory (block 40) from a threatening or security aspect, the logic unit 8 will be actuated and a corresponding signal picture 23 shown by or on the indicators 4. If still a further signal 33 is delivered after the signal 32, within the time period defined by the timer 23, a new signal picture 24 will be shown on the indicators 4. The logic 8 is also caused to ensure that the alarm system will revert to its normal state 30 (and the corresponding picture 21 then shown on the indicators 4) at the end of the time period determined by the timer 7, provided that no further signal 34 is delivered within the time period determined by the timer 7. When wishing to trigger an alarm quickly after the first signal 31, the button 3 can be pressed three times so as to deliver respective signals 32, 33 and 34, wherein the signal 34 shall be delivered within the time period initiated by the signal 31. In conjunction with the signal 34, the logic unit 8 establishes a signal picture 25 on the indicators 4 and triggers an alarm upon receipt of the signal 34, preferably immediately. Each of the signal pictures 21-25 is different from the other signal pictures and is associated with a specific event stage in the function of the alarm system, so that everyone who is able to visually observe a unit 1 (i.e. the unit indicator 4) can be informed of the prevailing threatening picture or scenario and adapt his/her awareness of what is happening in the surroundings on the basis of this information. The inventive alarm system can be used easily by each person associated with the workplace/premises in question and for all normal occurring events. Thus, Fig. 1 illustrates the situation in which the premises/room 12 is empty, the door 30 is closed and the alarm system is in its normal state, indicated by the signal picture 21 on the indicator 4 of respective units 1. The first authorised person to enter the room 12 is able to disconnect any burglar alarm that may have been initiated and to unlock and open the door 13. The sensor 11 is therewith actuated to deliver the first signal 31. The primary alarm 9 will now be triggered within the pre-set time period commenced by the sensor in question, unless no other measures are taken. The person concerned utilizes this time period to enter the room 12 and check that everything is in order. The person then presses the button 3 two times in order to deliver the signals 32, 33, whereafter the system returns to its normal state 30. If something unexpected should happen after the first pressing of the button (signal 32), the person concerned can permit the primary alarm to be triggered, by not pressing the button to deliver the corresponding signal 33. Thus, the primary alarm can be triggered immediately when the button is pressed for a second time (signal 33) and a third time (signal 34) within the time period commencing from the time of opening the door (actuation through the medium of the sensor 11). Fig. 1 shows a complete signal picture, whereas Figs. 2-6 on the other hand show only the illuminated lamps and a picture 25 showing only an extinguished lamp. Fig. 2 illustrates a possible sequence of events which can be experienced as threatening by one or more personnel in the room 2. If the person in question considers that the prevailing situation is not hazardous or ominous (block 70) , he/she will press the button 3 so as to cause the delivery of a first signal 31. He/she will then have time in which to evaluate the situation further, this time period corresponding to the time period determined by said timer. If the situation is not felt to be entirely ominous, he/she is able to press said button so as to deliver a further signal 32 which changes the signal picture, so as to give mn lmM WO 97/24703 10 corresponding information to colleagues watching the display. If the situation then quietens down within the time perio d determined by the timer, he/she may again press the button 3 to deliver the signal 33 that resets the alarm system to its normal state unless no other measures are taken. However, if the situation (Fig. 2) is felt to be ominous, (block 71) he/she is able to manually trigger a primary alarm immediately, by pressing four times on the button 3 with the system starting from a normal state. Fig. 3 illustrates the case when one of the personnel wishes to leave the room 12 through the door 13. Opening of the door 13 will cause a sensor to deliver the first signal, wherewith a corresponding pre-set time period on the timer 7 begins to run, as a result of the door being opened. The person concerned then presses two times on the button 3 within the ongoing time period and leaves through the door 13 and closes the door. Closing of the door does not generate a signal. Rapid activation of the primary alarm can be accomplished by pressing the button 3 three times after the first signal 31. As will be evident from Fig. 4, when the door 13 must be left open during the daytime for loading or off-loading purposes, i.e. arbitrary time periods, the door 13 is first opened and the first signal 31 delivered to the logic unit. Provided that no threatening or ominous picture is observed, i.e. the situation is felt to be normal or acceptable (block 40) , the button 3 is then pressed to deliver the signals 32 and 33 while the door is kept open, therewith setting the system to its normal state 30. The door 13 can now remain open for any chosen length of time. Nothing happens when the door is closed upon completion of a loading/off-loading operation; the normal state prevails. When the door has been opened and the signals 32, 33 have been delivered and the system has then adopted its normal state 30 with the door 13 open, any one of the personnel present is able to trigger a primary alarm by manually pressing the button 3 four times. Fig. 5 illustrates how the first signal 31 can be generated by a sensor 10 which senses that a bank vault (safe) is open, that a cash dispenser is open, that a door/shutter leading to any particular space is open, or that a time lock on the bank vault/cash dispenser or said space is activated. These sensors may be adapted to established an individual primary alarm trigger time period different to the time period established by the timer 7 in response to actuation through the medium of the button 3, for instance. Thus, the sensor 10 may deliver an addressed first signal 31 that causes the timer 7 to trigger a pre-set time period, such as an alarm triggering delay. Thus, addressable sensors may be adapted to initiate time periods of mutually different lengths in the timer. Although the sensor 10 is shown mounted in the room 12 (Fig. 6), it will be understood that said sensor may also be mounted externally of the room. The sequence of events (subsequent to the sensor 10 having delivered a first signal) follows the pattern illustrated in one of the Figs. 1-4. A second signal (delivered in response to activation of a button 3) actuates the logic and triggers a new signal picture. A third signal (triggered by re- actuation of a button 3) triggers a new signal picture and causes the logic to reset the system to its normal state.

Claims: CLAIMS 1. An alarm system comprising a plurality of sensors (1, 10, 11), each of which is adapted to deliver signals and to cause logic (8) to activate an alarm (9) either directly or through the medium of a time delay circuit, characterized in that at least some of the sensors have the form of an activating unit (1) which when activated deliver a signal to the logic (8) and that have an indicator (4) which is adapted to show several different signal pictures (21-25); in that the logic (8) is adapted to cause a first signal picture (21) to be displayed on the activating units in a normal state (30); in that each sensor is adapted to deliver, when actuated, a first activating signal (31) to said logic, wherein said logic will cause a second signal picture (22) to be displayed on the indicators of all activating units (1) in response to said first activating signal, and wherein said logic is adapted to trigger the alarm (9) through the medium of a time circuit (7) upon expiration of a time period set in said time circuit; in that the logic (8) is adapted to cause the indicator (4) of each unit to show a third signal picture (23) in response to a second activating signal (32) delivered to said logic within the time period commencing from the time of the first activating signal (31); in that the logic (8) is adapted to be reset to its normal state (30) at the end of the time period after the delivery of a third activating signal (33) within said time period, provided that said logic does not receive a fourth signal prior to the expiration of said time period, wherewith each unit (1) is adapted to show the first signal picture (21) on the indicator (4); and in that the logic (8) is adapted to trigger the alarm (9) upon its actuation by a fourth signal (34) delivered within said time period triggered by the time circuit (7) . 2. An alarm system according to Claim 1, characterized in that the indicator is adapted to show a fifth signal picture (25) when the alarm (9) is triggered. 3. An alarm system according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the signal indicator (4) of each unit includes a first lamp (5) and a second lamp (6), wherein each lamp may be illuminated, extinguished or flashing. 4. An alarm system according to Claim 3, characterized in that the first and the second lamps (5 and 6) of the signal indicator have mutually different colours. 5. An alarm system according to Claim 3 or 4, characterized in that in the first signal picture (21) corresponding to the normal state (30) of the alarm system, the first lamp (5) is extinguished and the second lamp (6) is illuminated; in that in the second signal picture (22) the first lamp (5) flashes and the second lamp (6) is illuminated; in that in the third signal picture (23) both lamps shine with a steady light; in the fourth signal picture (24) the first lamp is extinguished and the second lamp flashes; and in that the arrangement is such that both lamps (5, 6) are extinguished when an alarm is triggered. 6. An alarm system according to any one of Claims 1-5, characterized in that each activating unit (1) has a manually actuable operating unit (3) by means of which a signal (31- 34) can be delivered to the logic (8). 7. An alarm system according to any one of Claims 1-6, characterized by a sensor (11) which functions to sense when a door (13) of a room (12) protected by the system is open and to deliver a signal (31) to the logic (8) in accordance therewith. 8. An alarm system according to any one of Claims 1-7, characterized in that the signal picture indicators (4) on all units (1) are adapted to show like signal pictures (21- 25) simultaneously. 9. An alarm system according to any one of Claims 1-8, characterized by a sensor (10) adapted to sense an event, such as the opening of a valuables storage unit or the activation of a time lock of a valuables storage unit, and therewith deliver a signal to the logic together with information as to the duration of the time period to be set on the timer, this time period being chosen to suit the event that the sensor concerned is adapted to sense.

Inventors: PERSSON GUNNAR OSKAR, PERSSON, GUNNAR, OSKAR
Applicants: PERSSON GUNNAR OSKAR, SPC SYSTEMUTVECKLING AB, PERSSON, GUNNAR, OSKAR
Application year: 1996
Main classification: G08B13
IPC codes: G08B25, G08B29