Abstract:
An optical motion detector detects changes in scene lighting indicative ofotion and is also capable of detecting surveillance by active night vision devices using near-infrared light. The detector includes two photodetectors which each provide data to a signal processing network. One photodetector is sensitive to visible light; the other is sensitive to near-infrared light. Both signal processing networks are identical and include a sample-and-hold, a comparator network, and a pulse stretcher. The output of a photodetector is provided to the sample-and-hold and comparator network. The comparator network compares a voltage corresopnding to the instantaneously detected ambient lighting scene with a voltage corresponding to a reference lighting scene. The pulse stretcher receives the output of the comparator network and in turn provides an output to a logical processor. The logical processor compares the outputs of both signal processing networks and provides an output indicating surveillance with near-infrared light. The logical processor also indicates any perturbations in the intensities of incandescent and fluorescent light.

Description:
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST 
     The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention generally relates to the field of optical motion detectors and more particularly to detecting motion with the ability to distinguish among incandescent, fluorescent, and near-infrared ambient lighting conditions. 
     There are many benefits afforded by the application of automation in the physical security and surveillance role. The advantages of a system that will not tire, become distracted, frightened, or even subversive are obvious. Potential functions assigned to an automated system can be categorized into three general areas: (1) detection, (2) verification, and (3) assessment. Detection is readily addressable by a multitude of commercially available sensors which can detect, for example, vibration, heat, sound, light, and motion. Verification involves evaluating the outputs of multiple sensors to lessen the probability of a false alarm. The assessment function responds to data provided by the sensors to ascertain the nature of the disturbance, usually in order to determine if a response is necessary. 
     The types of sensors employed in an automated security system are dependent upon the specific application. Such sensors include those specifically configured to detect intruders. Intrusion is most easily recognized through the use of some type of motion detection scheme; several exist. 
     A very simple type of passive motion detector responds to changes in background light level. One such detector is a Sprague D-1072 which is a 16 pin DIP (dual inline package) integrated circuit which incorporates a built-in lens that enable it to receive data within a cone-shaped detection field. After a brief settling period upon power-up, the D-1072 adjusts itself to ambient light conditions and establishes a reference condition. Any subsequent deviations from that reference will result in an alarm output. The low cost and directional field-of-view of that device allow them to be arrayed in order to establish unique detection zones which can pinpoint the relative position of a suspected security violation. The ability to provide geometric resolution of the intruder&#39;s position can be invaluable in tailoring an appropriate response in minimal time. 
     However, the D-1072 suffered two significant drawbacks which limited its utility and contributed to its eventual discontinuation. The current consumption of the device is in excess of 200 milliamps per unit, which is too large for practical battery powered operation. Also, it responded only to visible light. Furthermore, the D-1072 was incapable of sensing near-infrared light of the optical spectrum. Therefore, an intruder using an active-source night vision device would not trigger an alarm even if the night vision illumination source was directed at the sensor at point blank range. There are no systems in place even today at high security facilities employing elaborate automated security systems which warn that an area is being illuminated with near-infrared light. 
     Thus, a need exists for an optical motion detector which can detect surveillance by night vision devices. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a low power optical motion detector which is also capable of detecting surveillance of an area by active night vision devices. The low power draw of the present invention is approximately 25 milliamps, which makes it suitable for remote, mobile, or robotic applications. These performance advantages are achieved as a result of the unique configuration of the present invention which includes two detectors sensitive to different portions of the light spectrum which provide separate voltage outputs to a signal processing network. One detector is responsive to visible light; the other detector responds to near-infrared light. The output of each detector is functionally related to the intensity of light detected. Outputs of the signal processing networks are received by a logic processor which compares and analyzes the inputs in order to output information of an intruder alert, and identifies the nature of the perturbated light in terms of the general region of the light spectrum with which it is associated. 
     Each signal processing network also includes a low pass filter connected to receive the output of a detector which blocks detector outputs having frequencies slightly less than 40 Hz or higher. The output of the low pass filter is provided to a sample-and-hold and to a first input of a voltage comparator network. The output of the sample-and-hold is directed to a second input of the comparator network. The sample-and-hold stores a voltage, used as a reference, corresponding to the detected ambient lighting having the greatest intensity. The comparator network compares the voltage corresponding to the instantaneously detected scene light with the reference voltage. If the difference between the reference and instantaneously detected voltages exceeds a predetermined limit, ε, then the output of the comparator network goes low. In this circumstance, the output of the pulse stretcher also goes low, causing the pulse stretcher to provide a pulse into the logical processor. When the logic processor receives a pulse from either signal processing network, it provides an intruder alert warning. When the logic processor receives a pulse from both signal processing networks so that the outputs of the pulse stretchers are both simultaneously low, the logic processor provides a warning of an intruder alert detected under incandescent lighting conditions. The logic processor also provides an output indicating whether an intruder alert is detected with infrared or fluorescent light, and also provides a warning if the security area is being illuminated with near-infrared light. 
    
    
     Thus, one object of the present invention is to provide an optical motion detector which operates with a low current draw. Another object of the present invention is to provide an optical motion detector which can detect surveillance by near-infrared light generating devices. A further object of the present invention is to provide an optical motion detector which can identify a changing incandescent lighting background scene. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention. 
     FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the present invention. 
     FIG. 3 is flow chart of the programming of the logical processor. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring to the drawing wherein like reference numerals designate like or similar parts throughout the several views, there is illustrated in FIG. 1 a block diagram of motion detector 10 having signal processing networks 15 and 20, logic processor 25, and detectors 30 and 55. 
     Detectors 30 and 55 provide voltage outputs that are functionally related to the intensity of the instantaneously detected light illuminating them. Detector 30 is a photodetector sensitive to visible light and insensitive to near-infrared light and may be a cadmium sulphide photocell such as Radio Shack Model No. 276-116. Detector 55 is a photodetector sensitive to near-infrared light and insensitive to visible light. References to visible light are directed to light having a wavelength between 400 and 800 nanometers. References to near-infrared light are directed to light having a wavelength greater than 800 nanometers. Detector 55 may be a silicon pin photodiode such as Radio Shack Model No. TIL413. However, it is to be understood that the scope of the present invention includes the use of detectors other than those specified above. For example, detectors 30 and 55 may be implemented as pin photodiodes, phototransistors, or silicon solar cells utilized in conjunction with appropriate optical filters. An optical filter used in conjunction with detector 30 must be transparent to visible light and opaque to near-infrared light. Likewise, an optical filter used in conjunction with detector 55 must be transparent to near-infrared light and opaque to visible light. Such optical filters are well known and are commercially available. Substitution of pin photodiodes, phototransistors, or silicon solar cells for photodetectors 30 and 55 is well within the level of ordinary skill of those who practice in this art. 
     The output of detector 30 is directed to low pass filter 35 of signal processing network 15, which also includes sample-and-hold 40, comparator network 45, and pulse stretcher 50. Filter 35 blocks outputs of detector 30 having frequencies slightly less than 40 Hz or higher in order to avoid the effects of any nearby 60 Hz commercial power, fluorescent lights, and other high frequency noise. Limiting the frequencies that will produce an intruder alert increases the probability that the low frequency perturbations are induced by intruder motion. The output of low pass filter 35 is provided to sample-and-hold 40 and as a first input to voltage comparator network 45. The output of sample-and-hold 40 is provided as the second input to comparator network 45. Sample-and-hold 40 stores a voltage, which serves as a reference, functionally related to the ambient light detected by detector 30 having the greatest intensity. The instantaneous voltage output of detector 30 is stored as a reference voltage by sample-and-hold 40 whenever it exceeds the immediately preceding voltage stored by sample-and-hold 40. The instantaneous voltage output of detector 30 is less than the voltage stored by sample-and-hold 40 when the intensity of the detected light diminishes, a strong indication of an intrusion. Comparator network 45 compares the voltage output of detector 30 with the reference voltage from sample-and-hold 40. 
     The voltage output of comparator network 45 is provided to pulse stretcher 50 which in turn provides an output to logic processor 25. When the difference between the voltage output of detector 30 and voltage stored by sample-and-hold 40 is less than a predetermined limit, ε, the output of comparator network 45 is an open circuit, which is considered a logic &#34;high&#34;. When the voltage output of comparator network 45 is &#34;high&#34;, the voltage output of pulse stretcher 50 is &#34;high&#34;. If the difference between the reference and detector output voltages exceeds ε, the output of comparator network 45 changes to 0 vdc, which is a logic &#34;low&#34;, causing the output of pulse stretcher 50 to also be 0 vdc, or &#34;low&#34;. 
     Signal processing network 20 is identical to signal processing network 15. However, signal processing network 20 receives an output from detector 55 rather than from detector 30. 
     Logic processor 25 is disposed to receive any outputs of signal processing networks 15 and 20 from pulse stretchers 50. At steady-state lighting background conditions, the output states of pulse stretchers 50 of signal processing networks 15 and 20 are high. If the output state of signal processing network 15 alone goes low, logic processor 25 provides an output indicating an intrusion detected with fluorescent light. If the output state of signal processing network 20 alone goes low, logic processor 25 provides an output indicating surveillance of the security area with near-infrared light. If the output of signal processing networks 15 and 20 both go low simultaneously, logic processor 25 provides an output indicating an intrusion detected with incandescent light. 
     Considering motion detector 10 in greater detail, as illustrated in FIG. 2, detector 30 is connected to signal processing network 15 between a direct current power source and low pass filter 35 comprising resistor 100, which may have a resistance of 1 k ohms, connected in series with capacitor 105 having, for example, a capacitance of 1 microfarad. Filter 35 shunts transient voltages having frequencies slightly less than 40 Hz or higher through capacitor 105 to ground. Filter 35 also includes resistor 106, connected in parallel to capacitor 105, and enables capacitor 105 to charge, while allowing low frequency voltages to be provided to sample-and-hold 40 and comparator network 45. The resistance of resistor 106 may be 22 k ohms. The output of filter 35 is connected to sample-and-hold 40 at the input of diode 110. The output of diode 110 is connected to the positive input of analog amplifier 125 of comparator network 45. Capacitor 115, having a capacitance which may be 1 microfarad, is connected between the output of diode 110 and ground. The output of amplifier 125 is fed back to its negative input to provide amplifier 125 with unity gain. The output of filter 35 is also provided to comparator network 45 at variable resistor 120 which in turn is connected to the positive input of analog amplifier 130. The purpose of variable resistor 120 is to adjust the sensitivity of motion detector 10 so as to minimize false triggering while maintaining sufficient sensitivity to detect changes in background lighting most probably caused by an intrusion. The output of amplifier 135 is fed back to its negative input to provide amplifier 130 with unity gain. The outputs of amplifiers 125 and 135 are directed to the negative and positive inputs, respectively, of digital comparator 140. The purpose of amplifiers 120 and 130 is to buffer the inputs into digital comparator 135 and preserve circuit symmetry so as to eliminate dependence of the two voltages being compared by digital comparator 135 on temperature effects. The purpose of diode 110 is to prevent capacitor 115 from discharging back through filter 35 or through resistor 120. 
     Still referring to FIG. 2, the output of digital comparator 135 is connected to pulse stretcher 50 between resistor 155 and capacitor 160 and is directed to the positive input of digital comparator 140, as shown in FIG. 2. A reference voltage of approximately 1.7 volts is directed to the negative input of comparator 140, which by way of example, may be provided from a voltage divider consisting of resistors 145 and 150. It is to be understood that the scope of the invention also includes the use of a reference voltage source other than the voltage divider specifically described herein, as is would be well known by those skilled in this technology. Pulse stretcher 50 also includes resistor 155 connected between digital comparator 140 and processor 25, and the voltage source. 
     The above discussion of the physical description of signal processing network 15 is equally applicable to signal processing network 20, except that signal processing network 20 receives an output from detector 55 rather than from detector 30. 
     The outputs of digital comparators 140 of signal processing networks 15 and 20 are each provided to separate inputs, A and B, respectively, of logical processor 25, which may be a 6502-based single-board microcomputer such Model No. MMC-02, manufactured by R. J. Brachman, Assoc. Logical processor 25 is programmed in accordance with the flow chart shown in FIG. 3. 
     Analog amplifiers 130 and 125 may be type 741 or dual package type 1458. Digital comparators 135 and 140 may be type LM339. 
     OPERATION OF THE INVENTION 
     Initially, with regard to each signal processing network 15 and 20, filter 35 receives a voltage output from a detector, 30 or 55. The voltage output of filter 35, reduced slightly by the forward bias voltage drop across diode 110, charges capacitor 115 to a steady-state value which is provided to the positive input of amplifier 130. Thus, the voltage stored by capacitor 115 is a reference functionally related to the intensity of the detected scene light having the maximum intensity. The output voltage of filter 35 is attenuated by variable resistor 120 and provided to the positive input of amplifier 130. The resistance of variable resistor 120 is adjusted in order to set the sensitivity of motion detector 10 so that false trips are minimized while retaining sufficient sensitivity to detect anticipated stimuli resulting from active surveillance by near-infrared light or changes in background light levels associated with intrusions. 
     Where the detected background lighting does not diminish from the reference background, the voltage output of amplifier 130 is normally less than the output of amplifier 120. In this case, the output of digital comparator 135 will be an open circuit, allowing capacitor 160 to be charged at a rate determined by resistor 155 to an eventual voltage level corresponding to +8 volts, the power level voltage of the preferred embodiment. The instantaneous voltage of capacitor 160 is detected at the positive input of digital comparator 140. At steady-state conditions, the voltage output of digital comparator 135 will be greater than the 1.7 vdc reference voltage. Therefore, the output of digital comparator 140 will be an open circuit &#34;high&#34;. In this case approximately 5 vdc will be provided through resistor 165 to the corresponding inputs, A and B of logical processor 25. 
     In a transient condition, where the detected intensity of scene lighting is less, by at least a predetermined minimum amount, than that of the normal ambient lighting corresponding to the reference voltage previously stored in capacitor 115, the voltages provided by amplifiers 130 and 125 to digital comparator 135 will be sufficiently different so as to cause the output of digital comparator 135 to go low. When this occurs, capacitor 160 of pulse stretcher 50 discharges through digital comparator 135. This causes the positive input of digital comparator 140 to be less than the reference voltage provided to its negative input. The output of digital comparator 140 becomes a logic &#34;low&#34;, resulting in the voltage applied to resistor 165 to be shunted to ground and causing the previous 5 vdc input to logical processor 25 to change state to 0 vdc, signalling an alarm condition. When the difference between the inputs to digital comparator 135 becomes less than a predetermined limit, so that the output of digital comparator 135 becomes a logic &#34;high&#34;, capacitor 160 charges to 8 vdc at a rate determined by the resistance of resistor 155 and the capacitance of capacitor 160. When the voltage on capacitor 160 as applied to the positive input of digital comparator 140 becomes greater than the reference voltage applied to its negative input, the output of digital comparator 140 goes &#34;high&#34;, resulting in a 5 volt logic level being applied to the corresponding input of logical processor 25. 
     Processor 25 is disposed to receive the outputs of digital comparators 140. When the outputs of either or both digital comparators 140 change from high to low, processor 25 provides an output indicating detection of lighting background perturbations, as well as the type of background light which varied in intensity, i.e., near-infrared, fluorescent, or incandescent. Such perturbations correspond well with motion due to an intrusion. Furthermore, if either or both of the output states of digital comparators 140 change from high to low so that they are both low simultaneously, processor 25 provides an output indicating perturbation of detectors 30 and 55 with incandescent light. The outputs of logical processor may be provided to a display such as a printer, or serve as the inputs to another logical processor. 
     Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.