Patent Publication Number: US-2022230520-A1

Title: System and method for detecting and responding to premises serial active-shooter events

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to a system and method for detecting premises serial active-shooter events and in particular to such a system and method for responding to such events. 
     2. Description/Discussion of the Prior Art 
     The following are relevant prior art patent references: 

 
     A review of the above-cited patent references reveals that such references do not appear to disclose applicant&#39;s claimed invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
     Separate rooms or designated areas of the premises are each provided with a module being monitored and controlled by the remote computer/communications system. 
     Each module comprises: an audible alarm; video sensing means; audio sensing means; and motion sensing means. Each module may be remotely configured bu the control system to project or display via a screen or a monitor a “left exit” command; a “right exit” command; and/or a “window exit” command. 
     In a first configuration, a module may display a “left exit” command; a “right exit” command; and a “window exit” command. 
     In a second configuration, a module may display a “window exit only” command. 
     In a third configuration, a module may display a “right exit” command; and a “window exit” command. 
     In a fourth configuration, a module may display a “left exit” command; and a “window exit” command. 
     In a fifth configuration, a module may display a “stay in room” configuration. 
     A module&#39;s audio sensing means in conjunction with the computer/communications/control system may detect a first active-shooter event in a first room or first designated area. In such case such module will be activated by the computer/communications/control system into a configuration for alerting and directing the occupants of such first room or first designated area. Simultaneously, the computer/communications/control system will activate modules in other rooms and other designated areas into other configurations as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Simultaneously, the audible alarms in the rooms and designated areas are activated by the control system. 
     A second module&#39;s audio sensing means in conjunction with the computer/communications/control system may detect a second active-shooter event in a second room or second designated area. In that case such second module will be activated by the computer/communications/control system into a configuration for alerting and directing the occupants of such second room or second designated area. Simultaneously, the computer/communications/control system will activate modules in other rooms or other designated areas into other configurations as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Simultaneously, the alarms in the rooms and the designated areas are activated. 
     All modules are connected to the control system via bi-directional wired or wireless communications means. Further, the control system is connected via bi-directional wired or wireless communications means to law enforcement. The aforementioned configurations of the modules may change as the active-shooter events progress physically throughout the premises. Such progression of active-shooter events are detected by the respective proximate modules in order and such detections are transmitted in order to the control system. In turn, the control system receives such serial module detections and effects changes in the module configurations as pre-programmed in the control system. Upon the detection of each consecutive active-shooter event, the control system transmits a unique code to law enforcement via the communications means thereby allowing law enforcement to enter the control system and thereby allowing law enforcement monitor the latest active-shooter scene via the audio sensing means and the video sensing means of the latest activated module. 
     Objects of the Present Invention are to 
     To provide occupants the latest directions and latest instructions to reach safety. 
     To provide law enforcement sequential information about progressing active-shooter events and allowing law enforcement to monitor serial active-shooter events. 
     Advantages of the present invention are that it provides instantaneous instructions and directions to premises occupants; 
     Provides instantaneous capability to law enforcement to monitor active-shooter events. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will be better appreciated from a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the drawing in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a premises layout; 
         FIG. 2  is a first configuration of a module display; 
         FIG. 3  is a second configuration of a module display; 
         FIG. 4  is a third configuration of a module display; 
         FIG. 5  is a fourth configuration of a module display; 
         FIG. 6  shows that a first active-shooter event has occurred in room r 101 ; 
         FIG. 7  shows that a second active-shooter event has occurred in room r 110 ; 
         FIG. 8  shows that a third active-shooter event has occurred in room r 115 ; 
         FIG. 9  shows that a fourth active-shooter event has occurred at end h 101  of the hallway; 
         FIG. 10  shows that a fifth active-shooter event has occurred in the middle h 110  of the hallway; 
         FIG. 11  shows that a sixth active-shooter event has occurred at end h 115  of the hallway. 
         FIG. 12  shows the connections between modules m 101  through m 118 , hm 101  and hm 115  to control system cs 118  of room  118 ; and shows the connection between control system cs 118  and law enforcement le 118 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
       FIG. 1  shows a premises such as a school comprising rooms r 101  through r 118 . Rooms r 101  through r 114  may be classrooms. Room r 115  may be the school&#39;s office. Room 116  may be the school&#39;s storage and file room. room r 118  may be the school&#39;s equipment and computer/communication/control room. Rooms r 101  through r 118  respectively comprise: windows w 101  through w 118 ; doors d 101  through d 118 ; and modules m 101  through m 118 . 
       FIG. 2  is a first configuration of a module showing: an alarm; video sensing means; audio sensing means; and motion sensing means. As to such first configuration the module&#39;s front area monitor or screen displays a “left exit” command; a “right exit” command; and a “window exit” command. Such left and right commands may be left and right pointing arrows with black lettering and a blue fill for “code blue”. 
       FIG. 3  is a second configuration of a module showing: an alarm; video sensing means; audio sensing means; and motion sensing means. As to such second configuration the module&#39;s front area monitor or screen displays a “window exit only” command. 
       FIG. 4  is a third configuration of a module showing: an alarm; video sensing means; audio sensing means; and motion sensing means. As to such third configuration the module&#39;s front area monitor or screen displays a “right exit” command; and a “window exit” command. 
       FIG. 5  is a fourth configuration of a module showing: an alarm; video sensing means; audio sensing means; and motion sensing means. As to such fourth configuration the module&#39;s front area monitor or screen displays a “left exit” command; and a “window exit” command. A fifth module configuration may display a “stay in room” command. 
       FIG. 6  shows the school premises and indicates that the audio sensing means of module m 101  in conjunction with the computer/communication system of room r 118  has detected a first active-shooter event in room r 101 . In such case module m 101  is activated by the computer/communication system into the fourth configuration for alerting and directing the occupants of room r 101 . Simultaneously the computer/communication system activates module m 102  of room r 102  into the first configuration, the second configuration, the third configuration, or the fourth configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates module m 103  of room r 103  into the first configuration or the third configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously the computer/communication system activates module m 104  of room r 104  into the second configuration or the fourth configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates modules m 105 , m 107 , m 109 , m 111 , m 113  and m 115  of respective rooms r 105 , r 107 , r 109 , r 111 , r 113 , and r 115  into the first configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously the computer/communication system activates modules m 106 , m 108 , m 110 , m 112 , m 114  and m 116  of respective rooms r 106 , r 108 , r 110 , r 112 , r 114 , and r 116  into the fourth configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. 
       FIG. 7  shows the school premises and indicates that the audio sensing means of module m 110  of room r 110  in conjunction with the computer/communication system of room r 118  has detected a second active-shooter event in room r 110 . In such case module m 110  is activated by the computer/communication system into the first configuration for alerting and directing the occupants of room r 110 . Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates module m 109  of room r 109  into the second configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously the computer/communication system activates module m 108  of room r 108  into the second configuration or the third configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates module m 112  of room r 112  into the second configuration or the fourth configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates modules m 107  of room r 107  the second configuration or the fourth configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously the computer/communication system activates modules m 111  of room r 11  into the second configuration or the third configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates modules m 101 , m 103 , and m 105  respective rooms r 101 , r 103 , and r 105  into the fourth configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously the computer/communication system activates modules m 113  and m 115  of respective rooms r 113  and r 115  into the third configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates modules m 102 , m 104 , and m 106  in respective rooms r 102 , r 104 , and r 106  into the third configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates modules m 114 , m 116  and m 118  of respective rooms r 114  r 116  and r 118  into the fourth configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors.  FIG. 8  shows the school premises and indicates that the audio sensing means of module m 115  of room r 115  in conjunction with the computer/communication system of room r 118  has detected a third active-shooter event in room r 115 . In such case, module m 115  is activated by the computer/communication system into the first configuration for alerting and directing the occupants out of room r 115 . Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates module m 113  of room r 113  into the second configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates module m 118  of room r 118  into the second configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates module m 116  of room r 116  into the second configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates module m 113  of room r 113  into the second configuration or the fourth configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates module m 114  of room r 114  into the third configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates modules m 101 , m 103 , m 105 , m 107 , m 109  and mill of respective rooms r 101 , r 103 , r 105 , r 107 , r 109  and r 111  into the fourth configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. Simultaneously, the computer/communication system activates modules m 102 , m 104 , m 106 , m 108 , m 110  and m 112  of respective rooms r 102 , r 104 , r 106 , r 108 , r 110  and r 112  into the third configuration as previously programmed for optimum speed and safety. Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors.  FIG. 9  shows the school premises and indicates that the audio sensing means of module h 101  in conjunction with the computer/communication system of room r 118  has detected a fourth active-shooter event at end h 101  of the hallway. In such case room modules m 101  through m 118  are simultaneously activated by the computer/communication system into the second configuration for alerting and directing the occupants of rooms r 101  through r 118 . Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. 
       FIG. 10  shows the school premises and indicates that the audio sensing means of modules h 101  and h 115  in conjunction with the computer/communication system of room r 118  has simultaneously detected a fifth active-shooter event at the middle h 110  of the hallway. In such case room modules m 101  through m 118  are simultaneously activated by the computer/communication system into the second configuration for alerting and directing the occupants of rooms r 101  through r 118 . Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. 
       FIG. 11  shows the school premises and indicates that the audio sensing means of module h 115  in conjunction with the computer/communication system of room r 118  has detected a sixth active-shooter event at end h 115  of the hallway. In such case room modules m 101  through m 118  are simultaneously activated by the computer/communication system into the second configuration for alerting and directing the occupants of rooms r 101  through r 118 . Such configuration choice will be dictated by physical dimensions and other factors. 
       FIG. 12  shows the connections between modules m 101  through m 118 , hm 101  and hm 115  to control system cs 118  of room  118 . Modules m 102 , m 104 , m 106 , m 108 , m 110 , m 112 , m 114 , m 118 , hm 101  and hm 115  are connected via bi-directional communications means cm 1181  to control system cs 118  of room  118 . Modules m 101 , m 103 , m 105 , m 107 , m 109 , mill, m 113 , and m 115  are connected via bi-directional communications means cm 1182  to control system cs 118  of room  118 . Further control system cs 118  of room  118  is connected via bi-directional communications means cm 1183  to law enforcement le  118 . The aforementioned configurations of modules m 101  through m 118  may change as the active-shooter events progress physically throughout the premises. Such progression of active-shooter events are detected by the respective proximate modules in order and such detections are transmitted in order to control system cs 118 . In turn, control system cs 118  receives such module detections and effects changes in the module configurations as pre-programmed in control system cs 118 . Upon the detection of each consecutive active-shooter event, control system cs 118  transmits a unique code to law enforcement via communications means cm 1183  thereby allowing law enforcement le 118  to enter control system cs 118  and directing law enforcement le 118  to the current active-shooter scene via the audio sensing means and the video sensing means of the current active module. 
     While the present invention has been described in terms of specific illustrative embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many other embodiments and modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the disclosed principles.