Abstract:
An alarm apparatus for detecting an intrusion or compromise situation upon critical equipment or private areas. The apparatus detects an unauthorized radio transmitter (like a wireless camera), or the covering of a critical piece of equipment. Fiber optics, solar cells and special radio antennas are used to detect intrusion remotely and a delay timer will allow normal activity to occur, while reducing false alarms. This alarm apparatus will notify an existing system of the intrusion or compromise when limits are exceeded. This alarm apparatus also addresses privacy concerns of wireless cameras and recording devices in areas like changing rooms, bathrooms, or boardrooms. The apparatus addresses security issues for critical devices like smoke alarms and ATM machines.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
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   FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
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   SEQUENCE LISTING 
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   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   This alarm apparatus involves alarm systems, fiber optics, basic electronics, light sensors, and radio frequency detection. The issues are protection of privacy and security of data and equipment. 
   2. Background of the Related Art 
   The privacy of the individual is being compromised by new wireless video cameras. They are being used illegally or improperly in or around private places such as changing rooms, bathrooms, motel rooms, and in public places like ATM machines and showers. Locating these have been accidental or at great cost. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,021,269 instructs that radiation transmitting devices (“Bugs”) may be located by searching the area with specialized equipment. These “bugs” are a threat to the privacy of the individual and businesses. Leaky data cables may also be located as they are a security and reliability problem in communications. This method of detection is very expensive and provides for neither continued security nor guaranteed future privacy. 
   A radio transmitter may be located with a broadband radio. Some types of broadband radios include: radio scanner (a common device that looks at one specific frequency at a time), a spectrum analyzer (looks at many frequencies at the same time and is very expensive) and radio frequency (RF) detector (“bug detector”, which also looks at many frequencies but costs much less). The original crystal (one diode) radio is a type of bug detector as it locates the strongest signal in its frequency range and converts the radio energy to audio. A person can carry around a modem bug detector and hope that the RF detector circuitry is current. 
   The alarm industry typically looks for an intrusion or abnormal condition. This may be accomplished with mechanical or magnetic switches. Alarms may also monitor interruption or interference with some form of energy such as, light, microwave, and sound. U.S. Pat. No. 5,854,588 incorporates a delay timer, which will allow the property owner time to exit or enter. These commercial alarm systems normally do not defend against a specific device being installed such as a radio transmitter (“wireless bug”). They do not protect critical devices (such as a smoke detector, emergency switch or card reader) from being modified, covered, or compromised. 
   Reliable lighting will provide security, especially in areas around ATMs. General area lighting is important for operation of an ATM machine and for the users feeling of safety. U.S. Pat. No. 5,821,853 describes an alarm system for monitoring the ambient lights in a general area, using a timer circuit and opto-isolated output for alarming if the average lighting drops below a predetermined level. This will comply with codes that require ambient lighting to be at a certain level, but does not monitor specific equipment. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,218,953, and 6,305,602 places light monitors in different non-specific locations and utilizes a controller or computer to monitor for a reduction of ambient lighting. The ATM may be shut down from lighting problems, which alerts the criminal to protection and causes any illegal activity to move to less protected equipment. If a fake fascia is placed over the authorized machine, there is no alarm to alert the security of possible breach with those ambient light monitors that are not installed on the front of the ATM machine. 
   One of the reasons that ATM ambient lighting became important was due to safety and security of the ATM user. The criminal technique of watching the ATM user and noting the PIN number, is known as skimming. When the criminal sees the PIN, they physically grab the card and run to another machine and start to withdraw money. The increase in lighting reliability tries to address that problem. However, with newer technology the criminal can wait in the car and collect all the information needed, email the information across the country and the customer does not even realize the bank account has been compromised. This is done with an unauthorized card swipe (fraud) device and a video camera illegally installed at the ATM machine. 
   U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,766,943 and 6,491,216 provides security against some fraud devices by monitoring light inside the card reader slot. 943 informs us that criminals are ingenious and have produced reading devices that can interpret credit card data and may be able to conduct unauthorized transactions with the consumer card number. Such external reading or recording devices may be made to appear to be a part of the normal ATM fascia. The 943 solution is to illuminate the card reader slot with radio, light, and/or vibration and have the computer sense if a fraud device has been attached. Preventing this criminal technique is known as “anti-skimming”, however it will not detect the unauthorized card reader or wireless camera located a short distance away. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,715,673 shows how a device other than an ATM can take money or a credit card and dispense something of value, like a parking lot ticket. This type of apparatus could benefit from anti-skimming protection as this invention could provide. 
   Any equipment that takes a credit or debit card can be “skimmed”. Examples include a gas pump, or theater ticket dispenser. Existing locations would require major re-work and/or module or controller replacement to protect such equipment from skimming. A simple solution would be very desirable. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,583,813 describes the security and skimming problems and presents solutions with multiple video cameras, complex systems, and a need for network with large bandwidth for communications. This will only work for the newer ATM machines with good communications, but will not support older ATM machines. 
   The solutions considered for security of ATM operations involve adding complex new features into the card reader slot and increasing the controller programming. Proposed designs include generating oscillation, vibration, and jitter at the card reader slot, then monitoring to see if it has changed. Also to set up infrared and visible light generation at the card reader slot with sensors to see if something unauthorized has been added. These are very complex methods to protect the ATM machine and require factory installation, alignment, and new computer programming. The suggested methods would be difficult to incorporate in the older machines. Any monitor at the card reader slot will not detect the unauthorized wireless camera or recording device that has been placed at a location away from the card reader. 
   Another solution that banking industry has considered is to publish a warning for the public to remain aware of anything unusual about the ATM machine and not to use it if it looks fishy. There are many new styles of machines being produced daily that look different from the older machines and could “look fishy”. This suggestion could be confusing to the average ATM user. 
   Fiber optic technology is common in telecommunications for data transfer and in entertainment for light illumination. U.S. Pat. No. 4,297,684 uses a fiber optic cable in an intrusion alarm system and uses the fiber as a transmitter of light. 
   Solar cell technology has been improving in efficiency and reliability for many years. One improvement has been in the field of flexibility. Ambient light may be monitored by concealing a small quantity of flexible light sensing material, such as solar cell material, inside or behind a sticker or label. Using fiber optics to monitor ambient light is not common and therefore the application is unique. Using a light detection material like a solar cell to monitor ambient light is not common and therefore the application is unique. This could provide security for critical equipment that should remain in service. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is an object of the present invention to provide an alarm apparatus. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alarm apparatus that is reliable, flexible, and easy to install and maintain. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to provide an alarm apparatus that protects the privacy of the public. 
   It is a further object of the present invention to protect an area or equipment from illegal or immoral use of wireless cameras or recording (fraud) devices. Issues of privacy and security have been discussed for many years but intrusion and compromise are more common than the solutions. 
   The three features of this invention includes; 1) the remote monitoring for the absence of ambient light through the use of a light detector, 2) remote monitoring for the absence of ambient light through the use of fiber optics, and 3) remote monitoring for an unauthorized radio transmitter. These three features are each supported by a delay timer, the combination of which is unique and will allow normal activity to occur. Exceeding time limits will activate an alarm system to alert security personnel when pre-set limits are exceeded. 
   The use of solar material has been in use for many years as a source of energy gathering and battery charging, but is not common for light detection. The thinner material will allow ease of attachment onto an existing surface without affecting the operation. The light detecting material may be a solar cell or photo-resistor. The amount of solar cell material needed is very small because no current is required. The solar cell or other light sensitive material may be disguised as a sticker or label. 
   Another unique feature of this invention is the combination of the fiber optic cable with a light detector such as a photo-transistor, and a delay timer. This combination will allow normal activity to occur so that an alarm will be tripped if critical equipment is covered or concealed for a period of time. Use of the fiber optic material has been in common use to transmit light for data and for entertainment, but seldom for monitoring purposes. 
   When the fiber is installed at an angle it will detect a major portion of light in the direction of the hole and not perpendicular to the surface. This is unexpected and will allow the detection of light to be very specific in coverage without interfering with the operation of the equipment protected. 
   The alarm apparatus may be installed in a secure location using the fiber optic cable to monitor and protect the critical equipment remotely. The end of the fiber is installed into a very small Oust-fit) hole with only the end (cut flush) showing. A fiber optic installation (about ½ millimeter) is about the size of the dot on the letter “i”. The fiber is easy to install and difficult to detect. 
   An ATM may have a fiber optic cable installed below a card reader at an angle which will alarm if even a piece of paper is placed over the card reader. A vibration or oscillation detection device installed at the card reader slot will not detect that type of cover. This fiber optic cable installation will not interfere with the operation of the card reader. 
   Light monitoring with the fiber optics and the light sensor techniques does not infringe upon security or privacy. The present invention will protect the equipment and persons from illegal or immoral wireless and digital monitoring. 
   The present invention may use a broadband radio detection method, which can range from a diode (crystal) radio principle to a commercial bug detector. The desired area coverage and transmitter detection needed will determine the level of design requirement. The bug detector is not within the scope of this invention. 
   A unique feature of this invention is the combination of a remote antenna with a (broadband) radio detector and a delay timer. The radio detection circuit will monitor a remote area and allow normal radio activity to occur. A radio transmitter (unauthorized device) that is left turned on close to the remote area (common in wireless video camera and data equipment) will trip the alarm. The range of the radio detection is dependent upon the quality of the radio detector, type of coax, design of the antenna, and the power of the unauthorized device. 
   The remote antenna will allow installation of the alarm apparatus in a secure location, while monitoring for the radio intrusion at a remote location. The antenna design may be a commercial (scanner type) antenna or a field assembled design. Some suggestions are in the detailed description. The antenna is installed behind non-conductive (plastic or wood) material to allow radio detection while not being obvious. 
   Radio detection with the remote antenna and delay timer technique does not infringe upon security or privacy. The present invention will protect the equipment and persons from illegal (or immoral) wireless and digital monitoring. 
   The methods and circuits are common and will be obvious to one skilled in the art, however the combination of a remote monitoring feature and a delay timer is unique and will offer protection of privacy and solutions to security problems. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     These and other more detailed and specific objects and features of the present invention are more fully disclosed in the following specification, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  shows the general schematic with the basic components. 
       FIG. 2  shows a room with two applications. 
       FIG. 3  shows details of a protected smoke detector. 
       FIG. 4  shows details of non-contact equipment protection. 
       FIG. 5  shows details of a critical equipment protection. 
       FIG. 6  shows some ATM protection ideas. 
       FIG. 7  shows a scanner antenna. 
       FIG. 8  shows an antenna field construction. 
       FIG. 9  shows a leaky coaxial cable detail. 
       FIG. 10  shows antenna and trim ideas. 
       FIG. 11  shows details of two fiber optic assemblies 
       FIG. 12  shows details of a fiber optic installation method. 
       FIG. 13  shows details of a light sensor installation. 
       FIG. 14  shows protected ATM card reader details 
       FIG. 15  shows the side view I—I of protected ATM card reader. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     FIG. 1  shows a schematic of the alarm apparatus  10 . The three features (remote monitors) of this invention are: a light detector using a Fiber optic cable  42 , a light sensor  30 , and radio detector  64  with a remote antenna  60 . Each uses a delay timer  12 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the alarm apparatus  10  will contain one or more of the three features. An application may have multiple cases of any one feature. Each feature will have a remote monitor and a delay timer  12 , which will drive an isolated alarm output  14 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the alarm apparatus  10  monitors ambient light at a remote location and trips the alarm output  14  if the ambient light level drops to a pre determined value for a predetermined length of time. In one embodiment a light sensor  30  monitors the ambient light sending the signal through wiring  32  and/or  36  to the voltage divider  34 . The light sensor  30  may be thin and flexible and may be a surface mounted photo-resistor or a solar cell 
   In a preferred embodiment, the alarm apparatus  10  monitors ambient light from the fiber optic installation  40  through the fiber optic cable  42  to a sensor, such as the phototransistor  46  at the fiber optic assembly  44 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the alarm apparatus  10  monitors remote radio activity at an antenna  60  through a coaxial cable  62  to the radio frequency detector  64 . The alarm apparatus  10  trips the alarm output relay  14  when radio activity exceeds a predetermined level for a predetermined length of time, set by the delay timer  12 . 
   In a preferred embodiment, the alarm apparatus  10  assembly is constructed in a container or box to provide easy installation. 
   In an alternate embodiment, the alarm apparatus  10  assembly is constructed onto a card, which may be inserted into an existing rack. This will provide a compatible interface to existing equipment. 
   The following paragraphs describe the techniques to manufacture this invention. 
   In  FIG. 1 , the operational amplifier (op amp)  16  may be used as a driver, buffer or as a delay timer. An alarm apparatus  10  construction could use almost any op amp  16  such as an LM2900 Quad op amp. The specific circuitry may be found in the specification sheets and will be obvious to one skilled in the art. 
   The delay timer  12  may consist of timing circuitry with a capacitor. This will allow normal activity to occur for 1 to 10 minutes or 5 to 50 minutes before tripping the alarm. The setting will be determined by the needs of the situation. The isolated output  14  may be a relay or an opto-isolated device. 
     FIG. 2  shows a room  122  with two applications of the alarm apparatus  10 . The wiring from existing alarm and/or control systems use wiring harness  204  to the alarm apparatus  10  and are not within the scope of this invention. The combined wiring  20  includes cables  32 ,  42 , and/or  62  from the remote monitors. 
   In  FIG. 2 , the equipment container  124  has one alarm apparatus  10 , which monitors one radio trim/antenna  70  (which contains antenna  60  per  FIG. 10 ), one fiber optic installation  40  and one light sensor  30 . 
   In  FIG. 2 , the ceiling has one alarm apparatus  10  supporting a smoke detector  126  and a protected critical device  120  on the wall. Both smoke detector  126  and critical device  120  has a light sensor  30  and a fiber optic installation  40 . The room  122  has a radio trim/antenna  70 , which contains antenna  60  per  FIG. 10 . The ceiling alarm apparatus  10  may be attached to the ceiling, above the ceiling, or in a remote secure location. 
   In a preferred embodiment,  FIG. 3  shows the details of a smoke detector  126  protected by a fiber optic installation  40  and a light sensor  30 . A strain relief  160  holds the wiring  32  and the fiber optic cable  42 . 
   In a preferred embodiment,  FIG. 4  shows a critical device  120  mounted on a wall  122 . The remote monitors (light sensor  30  and fiber optic installation  40 ) are not attached to, but are protecting the critical device  120 , which is similar to card reader  120  protection in  FIG. 6 ,  FIG. 14  and  FIG. 15 . 
     FIG. 5  shows the details of remote monitors for light, similar to the room  122  wall critical device  120  in  FIG. 2 .  FIG. 5  shows the light sensor  30  and fiber optic installation  40  on the same critical device  120  that is being protected. The light sensor  30  may be a flexible material and has a means of attachment to a surface. A flexible strip  36  carries the signal from the light sensor  30  to the wiring  32 . The use of the flexible strip  36  is optional and would allow unobtrusive installation without interfering with operation. A strain relief  160  holds the wiring  32  and fiber optic cable  42  to the equipment. An example of this critical device  120  is an emergency shutdown switch. 
   The fiber optic installation  40  offers a solution, which is not obvious, that the area protected is not necessarily directly over (or perpendicular to) the surface of the fiber optic installation  40 . The light in the direction of the hole will be monitored and only a small percentage of perpendicular (to the surface) light will be monitored. Trimming the fiber optic cable  42  at an angle only slightly affects the direction of light. In  FIG. 12 , the fiber is installed at an angle pointing across or in front of the critical device  120  being protected (card reader, video camera, emergency switch, or smoke detector) at a source of ambient light. This feature will allow protection of the critical device  120  while not attached to, or interfering with, operation of said critical device  120 . 
   In  FIG. 11  The preferred embodiment for fiber optic assembly  44  uses a holding method such as a commercial holder  156 . The holder  156  provides a means for holding the fiber  42  (core) in the correct position and includes the photo-transistor  46 , which is attached to the circuit board  152 . 
   An alternate embodiment of the fiber optic assembly  44  may be assembled in the field. In  FIG. 11 , the fiber optic cable  42  is terminated at the photo-transistor  46  by a support brace around the core similar to commercial core holder. In the example, shrink fit tubing  162  may be placed over the fiber optic cable  42  (core), such that the fiber end is polished or cut flat. The fiber optic cable  42  flat (core) end is held in proximity to, and pointing directly at the light-sensing device (photo-transistor  46 ). An electrical screw binding post can be used for a holding device  154  and the phototransistor  46  is soldered to the circuit board  152 . 
   In  FIG. 12  the fiber optic installation  40  is shown in three steps: the hole is drilled at a diameter (drill  164 ) sized so that the fiber optic cable  42  (core) will just fit and will point to a source of reliable ambient lighting and across the protected critical device. The fiber optic cable  42  (core) is placed into the hole and a small quantity of a bonding material like glue  166  will hold the core in place. When the glue  166  is dried, the core end is cut flush with the surface of the protected critical device  120  with a very sharp tool such as a razor blade  168 . The fiber optic cable  42  is supported by shrink fit tubing  162  (if bare core) and a strain relief  160 . Fiber optic cable  42  material is available with bare core and with single, or multiple coating (sheath) for protection. 
   The preferred embodiment of the fiber optic cable  42  material is plastic core and there are several diameters available. The plastic fiber optic cable  42  may be small diameter (0.5 mm or smaller, which is less detectable in mounting but more difficult to work with in the field) or larger diameter (example, 0.6 mm or larger). The larger fiber is easier to work, route, and tie down. This type of fiber is common in commercial and entertainment applications, like flower lighting displays and audio equipment. 
   There are several types of fiber optic cable  42  core available, however the use of communications (glass core) fiber is not recommended as it is much smaller to work with (example 0.125 mm), the glass is a hazardous material, and special equipment is needed to make the ends suitable for light gathering. 
   The length of the fiber optic cable  42  may vary from less than a meter to many meters and the routing should be away from a bright light source if the core is bare (don&#39;t run next to a light bulb). Fiber optic cable  42  may be run along with power lines or any wiring without any interference either way. Manufactures specifications will have recommendations for the desired radius around corners and how to make bends and flex points for hinges. 
   In  FIG. 13  the preferred method of light sensor  30  installation is by adhesive backing and a surface coating such that the light sensor  30  blends and/or bends with the surface. The new flexible solar cells and other photo-sensing materials are very thin and will bend easily. The installation may be placed near to a mounting grove or edge and the connecting flexible strip  36  with adhesive backing, may be run over the edge. The flexible strip  36  is optional and will be tied to the regular wiring  32 , which is supported by a strain relief  160 . The light sensor  30  may be covered by a translucent label or sign, which conceals the nature of the light detecting material. 
   The use of fiber optic installation  40  or the light sensor  30  does not encroach on security or privacy issues while the use of this invention can protect critical equipment, which needs to remain in service. 
     FIG. 1  shows a radio frequency detector (diode detector)  64  for sensing radio frequency transmitters. Detection methods of Radio Frequency (RF) energy can range from a diode and capacitor to the more complex circuitry from off-the-shelf devices. A situation could require a band (like cellular) to be blocked if the alarm apparatus  10  is located close to a cellular tower or at a high radio usage location. In this case, a commercial bug detector or radio detector with band-pass and/or band-block circuitry could be used. Some circuitry suggestions may be found in the specification sheets for the components used. Some wireless cameras use 1.2 Ghz or 2.4 Ghz frequencies and future frequencies may be higher such as 5.8 Ghz. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the antenna  60  will be a broadband type. In the example shown in  FIG. 7 , the antenna  60  may be a commercial scanner antenna with a BNC connector  74 . In this example, the coax  62  will be terminated in a BNC female connector  72 . 
   There are many types of coax  62 . The common (and economical) types like CATV and audio/video cable will work well for shorter distances. A common coax RG58/U will work for most locations. Other small diameter types of coax  62  like RG174/U and M17/128-RG400 may be considered. The primary deciding factors in antenna  60  and coax  62  design are the broadband signal reception desired and the coax cable  62  signal loss per foot. 
   In  FIG. 8  the field construction of an antenna  60  can be accomplished by stripping back 3 to 7 centimeters of the shield  76 , revealing the center conductor  78 , then covering the shield  76  with a ground plane like metal foil tape. The dimensions will vary with frequency bands desired and the type of coax  62 . The center conductor  78  may have coils or bends depending upon frequency band desired. 
   In  FIG. 9 , a larger area of radio detection may be accomplished by converting the coax  62  into a ‘leaky coax’ antenna  60  by separating or splitting the shield  76  and pulling out the center conductor  78  for about 3 centimeters every 0.3 to 0.9 meters. Separating the shield  76  in this manner allows some of the RF energy to enter at intervals, which spreads out the area covered. The end of the antenna  60  will need to have a termination  68  and be insulated. This is similar to the leaky cable design used in mines and elevator shafts for radio relay and repeater operation 
   In a preferred embodiment,  FIG. 2  shows the trim/antenna  70  assembly should be placed as high as possible in the overhead, ceiling or top of equipment, such as the container  124  (or ATM  100 ), so as to detect and report on radio transmitting devices in the area In  FIG. 8 , the antenna  60  would have short range (for a small location) and an antenna  60  designed as in  FIG. 9  would have greater area coverage. Coax  62  routing should be done in a manner compatible with the manufacturers standards. 
   In a preferred embodiment, the antenna  60  would be mounted behind or inside a non-conducting surface (like wood or plastic), such that the radiation (RF) energy will be allowed to be monitored. In  FIG. 10 , the antenna  60 , is inside the trim/antenna  70  and should be a distance away from the metal frame of an enclosure or metal walls of an equipment, such as the equipment container  124 . A wood frame room  122  would be the easiest installation and the metal box would be the most challenging with special trim/antenna  70  or additional non-conducting fascia cover. The antenna  60  should not be placed next to a fluorescent light fixture or other RF radiating devices. In some cases a metal trim could be replaced with similar looking non-conducting trim/antenna  70 .  FIG. 10  shows several trim/antenna  70  side views, each with an antenna  60  inside, and one commercial antenna  74 . 
   In a preferred embodiment,  FIG. 6  shows a typical ATM  100  installation, which will have a plurality of fiber optic installations  40 , a plurality of light sensors  30 , and at least one radio detection trim/antenna  70 . The card reader  104  may be protected without attaching this alarm apparatus  10  or the remote monitors to the card reader  104  as detailed in  FIG. 14 , and  FIG. 15 . The card reader  104  protection is also similar to the  FIG. 4  critical device  120  installation. Other equipment on an ATM may be protected such as the keypad  106 , camera, deposit slot, and the display screen. This invention provides an easy addition for older machines as well as a method to protect other areas or critical devices  120  from intrusion or compromise. 
     FIG. 14  shows an example of an ATM  100  with card reader  104  and a manufacturers protection  110  at the card reader slot  102 . A preferred embodiment of this invention is the fiber optic installation  40  below the card reader  104 .  FIG. 15  is a side view I—I of the card reader  104 . An alternate embodiment of the invention has the light sensor  30  above and/or to the side of the card reader. Some fraud devices are also installed at those locations. 
   The above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims. From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the spirit and scope of the present invention.