Abstract:
A building security system includes a visible video camera and a hidden video camera in each room. Personnel in each room carries a portable signaling device that includes a level sensor to automatically generate a signal indicating the personnel is down. Each room has remotely controlled door locks. All cameras, signaling devices and locks are linked to a security station including a router and computer. Police are provided with secure codes to obtain access to the computer, view the video and communicate with selected rooms in the building.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to the field of security systems, and more particularly to security systems having internal audio and video communication equipment. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   It has become too common that an armed individual enters a school or other building and threatens or injures occupants. The individual is often an outsider, as in the case of the Amish school incident, or a school student, as in the Columbine killings. This problem occurs also in offices, banks, and many other public or semi-public buildings. Public buildings such as courthouses have installed metal detectors and posted guards. Many larger schools have hired guards or actual police. These security measures have been somewhat effective, but those who are sufficiently motivated or deranged tend to find ways to circumvent the gatekeeping protections. 
   Once an incident has begun, the security personnel or police that arrive are unaware of the details of the situation within the facility. This lack of current information hinders resolution, since the police or security may not know the number of intruders, type and number of weapons, and the actual conditions. Attempts to negotiate with the intruder and bargain a solution are critical. This can only be helpful if a communication link is accessible. When the threat occurs in a school building, direct communication with a specific room is often not available, and broadcasting negotiations to multiple rooms is likely to add panic to the situation. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The building security system of the present invention relates to any public or semi-public building. A security station connects each room, e.g. classroom, via a router to a computer. Each room and hall contains a visible camera and a second camera that is hidden from view. Each room and hall also has a door that may be locked from a remote location to prevent threatening intruders from exiting the room. Each room has a portable signaling device, preferably carried by room personnel, i.e. a teacher, by which a signal may be sent manually or automatically in case the teacher falls. The signal alerts security personnel who confirm the existence of a threat and contact police. The police are able to obtain audio and video information of the endangered room through the computer and communicate with the intruders. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The present invention is best understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawing figures in which like elements are identified by similar reference numerals and wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic floor plan of a building having plural segregated areas equipped with the security system of the invention. 
       FIG. 2  is a flowchart listing of steps involved in practicing the security system of the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a building, for example a school building, is illustrated in diagrammatic plan view as having a number of segregated areas, such as a security station A, a plurality of classrooms B-F, and two intersecting hallways G and H. Classroom E is shown highlighted to indicate the existence of a possible security threat therein. While the preferred embodiment of the invention relates to security in a school building, it is to be understood that the invention relates to any building, public or private, where improved security protection is desired. 
   Each classroom B-F is similarly equipped. Referring now to endangered classroom E, a first camera  18  is mounted in plain view in a location from which a view can be taken of the major portion of classroom E. Camera  18  is a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera that is either hard wired or wireless, as is known. Whereas security cameras are well known and an intruder intent on causing a threat or injury could incapacitate camera  18 , a second camera  40  is mounted at a second location. Second camera  40  is mounted in a manner to be virtually invisible, for example within a wall-mounted clock, a hung picture, or within the wall structure. Hidden camera  40  is also a CCTV type and either wired or wireless. In each of classrooms B-F, hidden cameras  34 - 42  are illustrated as being encased in an obscuring elliptical housing. The presence of a hidden camera  40  ensures a view of the endangered area independent of the visible camera. Security station A contains a router  50  to which all cameras and other audio and video equipment are connected. Router  50  may be wired or wireless, or a combination of both, depending on the needs of the system being used. A computer  54  is also located in security station A and in operative communication with router  50  for recording of video and audio data and for communication with external devices. Router  50  and computer  54  operate cooperatively as a communication center, enabling transmission of audio and video with each of classrooms B-F as well as hallways G and H. Visible camera  18  and hidden camera  40  operate independently to capture situations in classroom E, and are viewed on receipt of a signal, or randomly during the course of the day. Security station A is equipped with visible camera  10  as well as hidden camera  32  to provide a view for police of this area. 
   Returning to classroom E, a signaling device  66  is available to personnel, e.g. a teacher. Signaling device  66  is preferably wireless and secretly worn by the teacher in order to enable an emergency signal from any location in classroom E. Signaling device  66  is adapted with a level sensor to automatically generate a signal should the teacher wearing signaling device  66  fall to the floor, causing the level sensor to change from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation. When a signal is generated by signaling device  66 , either by intentional contact or by the teacher falling, the signal is transmitted to security station A where security personnel are alerted. On the possibility that the teacher may fall due to tripping or other non-threatening event, signaling device  66  includes a delay in the level sensor circuit before activating a signal. The security personnel will first use computer  54  to display the scene from one or both of visible camera  18  and hidden camera  40  to determine the nature of the situation. Computer  54  is programmed with software for simplified viewing of classroom camera images and communication to a single classroom or multiple classrooms as well as the remote controlling of classroom locks. A building security person or an outside police officer is thus able to readily view and respond to a problem by clicking a menu tab displayed on the screen. If the situation warrants, for example an armed intruder in the signaling classroom, a further signal is transmitted by secure linkage to a local police station. The security personnel would then scan other classrooms B-F and hallways G and H to determine the extent of the situation. Police cars today are equipped with laptop computers that can communicate with computer  54  in security station A. Other wireless communication devices, such as a Blackberry®, are also usable. Police or other appropriate authorities are provided with a secure password to be used in order to remotely connect to computer  54  and view the building plan, the location of the endangered classroom and the transmitted pictures from various cameras. Police will also be able to communicate by VOIP (voice over internet protocol) link through computer  54  to endangered classroom E or other areas in the building. Displaying to security personnel and police the actual situation in the endangered area, how many intruders, whether the intruders are armed, type and mannerism of intruders, helps to eliminate police guesswork therefore improving the chance of a successful resolution. All audio or video communications are handled by router  50 , whether to computer  54  or directly to a classroom. The system capability of allowing security personnel or police to speak directly with the intruders, rather than through a phone that may not be available or functioning, improves the quality of communication and also the resolution of the situation. 
   Classroom E is equipped with a remotely controlled lockable door  82 . Door  82  may be remotely locked to prevent an intruder from entering classroom E. In addition, an intruder can be confined to hallway G after locking door  82  and outer door  86 . All door locks  74 - 86  are controlled through computer  54 , either from security station A or from a police communication device. It is preferred that door  74  of security station A remain generally locked because of the special importance of this area. All classrooms B-F have similar cameras, remotely lockable doors and portable signaling devices as described in relation to classroom E. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a process chart of the steps involved in the invention method are described. In step  1 , a threat in the form of an armed intruder in a classroom is perceived and video of the situation is obtained and transmitted to the security station. Personnel in the classroom, for example a teacher, activates a silent alarm in step  2  either by touching a switch or by falling to activate the level sensor switch. In step  3  the alarm is received in the security office and the video display corresponding to the endangered classroom is reviewed. The security personnel determine whether a threat exists. If no actual threat exists (alarm accidentally triggered/teacher fell) the alarm is deactivated in step  5 . If a threat exists, security personnel contact police in step  6 , lock appropriate doors to prevent the intruder from escaping and check other areas of the building by camera scan techniques. Security personnel activate an automated taped message to the endangered classroom and alert other classrooms of the situation in step  7 . Help in the form of police arrive in step  8 , access video information of the inside situation, review a building plan and assess the threat. Police establish voice contact with the intruder via VOIP in step  9 . Police resolve the threat in step  10 . The locked areas are opened and an all clear message is communicated to all areas of the building in step  11 . 
   While the description above discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is contemplated that numerous variations and modifications of the invention are possible and are considered to be within the scope of the claims that follow. Further, the description of the invention in the context of a school is presented as a preferred embodiment and not as a limitation, it being understood that the invention has application to buildings of various functions.