Method and apparatus for space monitoring by means of pulsed directional beam

Claim 3

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: altering as a function of time coordinates of said at least one virtual line or virtual surface in relation to a fixed absolute reference point.

Claim 4

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: altering as a function of time coordinates of said at least one virtual line or virtual surface in relation to a movable relative reference point.

Claim 5

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: storing the coordinates of at least part of said certain points which are fixed in space.

Claim 6

The method as defined in claim 4, further including the steps of: determining for at least one of said certain points, which itself is not defined by stored coordinates, its related coordinates based upon a functional correlation.

Claim 7

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: deriving from the transmitted measuring beams information concerning the distance to the object to be identified; and processing such distance information to determine movement criteria of the object.

Claim 8

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: monitoring the transmitted measuring beams; determining the absence of reflected energy at least at one of the transmitted measuring beams; obtaining upon determination of the absence of reflected energy at least at one of the transmitted measuring beams stored distance vectors providing information concerning the distance to the object to be identified; and processing such information to determine movement criteria of the object.

Claim 9

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: deriving from the transmitted measuring beams information concerning the distance to the object to be identified; and processing such distance information to selectively determine at least any one of the size, configuration, or both, of the object.

Claim 10

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: monitoring the transmitted measuring beams; determining the absence of reflected energy at least at one of the transmitted measuring beams; obtaining from such determination of the absence of reflected energy at least at one of the transmitted measuring beams stored distance vectors containing information concerning the distance to the object to be identified; and processing such information to selectively determine at least any one of the size, configuration, or both of the object.

Claim 11

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: measuring the intensity of reflected energy of the transmitted measuring beams; and utilizing the measured intensity of the reflected energy of the transmitted measuring beams as a criterion for the recognition of a predetermined object.

Claim 12

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: deriving various information from the transmitted measuring beams concerning the object to be identified; and processing the obtained information in predetermined logical combinations in order to derive criteria for the recognition of a predetermined object.

Claim 13

The method as defined in claim 11, further including the steps of: comparing the derived criteria with stored information to obtain still further criteria for the recognition of a predetermined object.

Claim 14

The method as defined in claim 12, further including the steps of: utilizing as the stored information data which selectively characterizes at least any one of the movement behavior, size, configuration and nature of the object to be identified.

Claim 15

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: comparing said at least one determined parameter with stored data; evaluating the comparison operation to obtain criteria with respect to at least any one of the residence time, penetration, or both, of the object into one of said partial surfaces or one of said partial spaces; and signalling the presence of the identified object.

Claim 16

The method as defined in claim 1, further including steps of: deriving from said at least one determined parameter for said identification of at least one object magnitudes derived from distance vectors concerning the distance to the object to be identified; comparing and processing the derived magnitudes with reference values while determining the timewise sequence of occurrence of measured values derived from the transmitted measuring beams in order to determine and identify the object which has penetrated into a given part of the monitored region.

Claim 17

The method as defined in claim 15, wherein: said given part of said monitored region defines a warning zone into which the object to be identified has penetrated.

Claim 18

The method as defined in claim 15, wherein: said given part of said monitored region defines a protective zone into which there has penetrated the object to be identified.

Claim 19

The method as defined in claim 15, further including the steps of: triggering an alarm upon identification of the object which has penetrated into the monitored region.

Claim 20

The method as defined in claim 15, further including the steps of: automatically triggering defensive measures upon determination of penetration of at least one predetermined object into the monitored region.

Claim 21

The method as defined in claim 19, further including the steps of: triggering the defensive measures selectively in consideration of at least any one of the site, the movement, or both, of the object which has pentrated into the monitored region.

Claim 22

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: transmitting the measuring beams as directional radiation in different directions.

Claim 23

The method as defined in claim 21, wherein: said steps of transmitting the measuring beams as directional radiation in different directions encompasses utilizing a movable transmitter.

Claim 24

The method as defined in claim 21, wherein: said step of transmitting the measuring beams as directional radiation in different directions encompasses utilizing movable beam deflection elements operatively associated with a transmitter.

Claim 25

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: transmitting the measuring beams in the form of directional radiation in different directions by means of a plurality of transmitters which transmit the measuring beams in different directions.

Claim 26

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: transmitting the measuring beams in the form of directional radiation in different directions by utilizing at least one transmittter with which there is operatively associated a beam splitter for splitting the transmitted directional radiation.

Claim 27

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: transmitting the measuring beams in the form of individual radiation pulses in different directions in accordance with a predetermined program; receiving spatially selective in succession signals reflected at the related radiation direction; and individually evaluating the reflected signals.

Claim 28

The method as defined in claim 26, wherein: the pulses are transmitted in a transmitter channel and the reflected signals are received in a receiver channel; and utilizing as the transmitter channel and the receiver channel channels which are mutually decoupled with respect to one another.

Claim 29

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: transmitting the measuring beams in the form of radiation pulses transmitted in groups simultaneously in different directions and in accordance with a predetermined program; receiving in groups reflected energy of the transmitted radiation pulses; and evaluating in groups the received reflected energy.

Claim 30

The method as defined in claim 28, further including the steps of: detecting a change in the received signal of the reflected energy due to penetration of an object into the region of transmission of the radiation; and utilizing the detected change of the received signal as criteria for tripping an alarm.

Claim 31

The method as defined in claim 29, further including the steps of: utilizing a beam splitter for splitting the transmitted measuring beams.

Claim 32

The method as defined in claim 29, further including the steps of: utilizing at least two beam splitters for the splitting of the radiation of the transmitted measuring beams into different surfaces; evaluating the timewise difference of the change of an output signal in said at least two beam splitters in order to determine the direction of movement of an object which has penetrated into the region to be monitored; and employing such determined change as criteria for the directional-dependent tripping of an alarm.

Claim 33

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: transmitting the measuring beams by electromagnetic energy which is transmitted in the form of pulses.

Claim 34

The method as defined in claim 32, further including the steps of: utilizing pulse-like laser radiation to obtain the transmitted measuring beams.

Claim 35

The method as defined in claim 33, further including the steps of: transmitting pulses in the range of invisible light to form the transmitted measuring beams.

Claim 36

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: focusing the radiation of the transmitted measuring beams as a function of the direction of transmission of such radiation.

Claim 37

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: determining said at least one parameter by measuring reflected energy of the transmitted measuring beams; and selectively controlling at least any one of the transmission output of the transmitted radiation or receiving sensitivity of the reflected radiation as a function of the direction of the radiation.

Claim 38

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: determining said at least one parameter by measuring the reflected energy of the transmitted measuring beams; and selectively controlling at least any one of the transmission output or receiving sensitivity as a function of a predetermined magnitude.

Claim 39

The method as defined in claim 37, wherein: said predetermined magnitude constitutes the magnitude of distance vectors derived from the transmitted measuring beams and the reflected energy or absence of reflected energy.

Claim 40

The method as defined in claim 37, wherein: said predetermined magnitude constitutes the intensity of the reflections of the transmitted measuring beams.

Claim 41

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: deriving said at least one determined parameter from the reflection capability of the object with respect to the radiation of the transmitted measuring beams.

Claim 42

The method as defined in claim 40, further including the steps of: processing such obtained reflection capability in order to detect the object.

Claim 43

The method as defined in claim 41, wherein: said processing steps entails determining the reflection capability of the object in relation to at least selectively any one of other objects or the background.

Claim 44

The method as defined in claim 40, further including the steps of: separately detecting objects having greater reflection capability from the totality of all objects or the background by intentionally reducing the transmission output of the transmitted radiation or the received sensitivity of the received radiation reflection by the object.

Claim 45

The method as defined in claim 1, wherein: said step of fixing certain points in space to define at least one virtual line or virtual surface comprises the steps of: temporarily erecting reflectors which reflect the transmitted measuring beams in the form of reflected radiation energy; determining the reflected radiation energy which is temporarily reflected by the erected reflectors during a certain time span; deriving from the reflected radiation energy distance vectors correlated to related ones of said certain points; temporarily evaluating only such received distance vectors; and storing such distance vectors and the related coordinates of said certain points.

Claim 46

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: correlating said at least one virtual line or virtual surface to a travel path for objects in the form of vehicles; detecting the crossing of the virtual line or penetration of the virtual surface by at least one vehicle; and evaluating and recording such detection step.

Claim 47

The method as defined in claim 1, further including the steps of: monitoring a surface or a space with respect to a condition to determine possible changes thereof; and evaluating changes of the determined condition.

Claim 48

The method as defined in claim 46, wherein: said condition is a constant condition.

Claim 49

The method as defined in claim 46, wherein: said condition is a changing condition.

Claim 50

The method as defined in claim 46, further including the steps of: fixing said at least one virtual line or virtual surface so as to lie upon the surface of an object which is to be monitored.

Claim 57

The method as defined in claim 52, further including the steps of: storing data regarding the plotted imaginary light fence; transmitting measuring beams at defined intervals and in predetermined directions in the direction of the light fence and to the region to be monitored; comparing reflected energy or absence of reflected energy of said transmitted measuring beams at least with said stored data regarding the plotted imaginary light fence to determine whether or not energy of said transmitted beams is reflected to obtain data indicative of the condition of the region to be monitored; and processing said obtained data and stored data to determine the condition of the region to be monitored.

Claim 58

The method as defined in claim 53, wherein: said condition to be monitored is whether there has occurred an unauthorized intrusion at the region to be monitored.

Claim 59

The method as defined in claim 53, wherein: said condition to be monitored is whether there is any change in the physical characteristics of the region to be monitored.

Claim 60

The method as defined in claim 53, wherein: said condition to be monitored is the appearance of at least oe object at the region to be monitored.

Claim 63

The apparatus as defined in claim 57, wherein: said computer means is operative for the timewise change of coordinate values stored therein of at least one virtual line or virtual surface; and said directional radiation emitter having a fixed erection site.

Claim 64

The apparatus as defined in claim 57, wherein: said computer means is operative for the timewise change of coordinate values stored therein relating to at least one virtual line or virtual surface; and said directional radiation emitter has a movable erection site.

Claim 65

The apparatus as defined in claim 57, wherein: said evaluation device comprises storage means for the reception of information for the recognition of predetermined objects.

Claim 66

The apparatus as defined in claim 57, further including: output means operatively associated with said evaluation device and serving for the indication of an alarm.

Claim 67

The apparatus as defined in claim 57, wherein: said directional radiation emitter comprises a beam deflection element; said directional beam emitter further comprises an upper portion containing said pulse transmitter, said receiver and said beam deflection element; said directional beam emitter still further comprising a lower portion secured at an erection site; and means rotatably mounting said upper portion about an axis with respect to said lower portion.

Claim 68

The apparatus as defined in claim 62, further including: a regulation and control device operatively associated with at least any one of said pulse transmitter and said beam deflection element; said directional radiation emitter further including a rotational transmitter; said regulation and control device being operatively associated with said rotational transmitter; and said regulation and control device controlling the point in time of outfeed of radiation pulses of the pulse transmitter while taking into account and correcting angular errors of at least any one of the rotational movement of the upper portion and the angular errors of the beam deflection element.

Claim 69

The apparatus as defined in claim 62, wherein: said directional radiation emitter includes means arranged after the pulse transmitter for feeding radiation of the pulse transmitter to said beam deflection element.

Claim 70

The apparatus as defined in claim 64, wherein: said beam deflection element is structured to define a controllable beam deflection element.

Claim 71

The apparatus as defined in claim 64, wherein: said feeding means comprises a parabolic mirror.

Claim 72

The apparatus as defined in claim 64, wherein: said feeding means comprises a controllable vario-optic means.

Claim 73

The apparatus as defined in claim 64, wherein: said beam deflection element comprises an oscillating mirror which is reflectively coated at both of its faces; a pivot device cooperating with said oscillating mirror; a regulation and control device for controlling said pivot device in order to pivot the oscillating mirror through essentially exactly defined angular values; and one face of the oscillating mirror being impinged with the transmitted radiation and the other face with the received reflection radiation.

Claim 74

The apparatus as defined in claim 68, wherein: said oscillating mirror has an essentially elliptical configuration.

Claim 75

The apparatus as defined in claim 66, wherein: said directional radiation emitter includes: a deflection mirror arranged after the beam deflection element; said deflection mirror outwardly directing the transmitted radiation as a function of the momentary position of the beam deflection element through a varying elevation angle; a second deflection mirror arranged forwardly of the beam deflection element; a further parabolic mirror; and said second deflection element delivering reflected transmitted radiation energy from the outside by means of the beam deflection element and said further parabolic mirror to the receiver from a direction which is opposite the direction of the transmitted radiation beam departing from the directional radiation emitter.

Claim 76

The apparatus as defined in claim 70, wherein: said directional radiation emitter includes a narrow-band interference filter tuned to the wave-length of the transmitted radiation and arranged forwardly of the receiver.

Claim 77

The apparatus as defined in claim 57, wherein: said directional radiation emitter comprises a distance measuring device operating according to the principle of transit times of the transmitted energy.

Claim 78

The apparatus as defined in claim 57, wherein: said directional radiation emitter is structured to selectively either follow by means of its transmitted measuring radiation at least one virtual line or samples of at least one virtual surface and to receive and evaluate reflected radiation energy.

Claim 79

The apparatus as defined in claim 57, wherein: said computer means comprises: a central computer for performing the operations of monitoring and determining changes in the monitored region and containing: a first input/output device; a second input-output device; a central processor unit; a programmable storage; a first read-write storage; a second read-write storage; a first multiple bus; a satellite computer for performing operations on data representative of said changes in the monitored region and received from the central computer in order to enable said central computer to continue said monitoring and determination operations without interruption and containing: an input/output device; a central processor unit; a programmable storage; a read-write storage; a second multiple bus; a collecting bus-control unit operatively associated with both multiple buses; a transmitter-receiver device operatively associated with said multiple buses; a rotational transmitter; a regulation and control unit; a beam deflection element; a real time clock; a control unit; an input unit; an output unit; said computer means together with said rotational transmitter, said regulation and control unit, said beam deflection element, said real time clock, said control unit, said input unit and said output unit being operatively connected with one another; a drive unit; current supply means; said drive unit and said current supply means being connected with said input unit; and means providing a connection between the current supply unit and the control unit.

Claim 80

The apparatus as defined in claim 57, wherein: said directional radiation emitter comprises a beam splitter system operatively associated with the pulse transmitter and the receiver for dividing the transmitted energy in different directions and for the directed reception of reflected energy from such directions.

Claim 81

The apparatus as defined in claim 75, wherein: said beam splitter system contains a beam splitter element and a beam collector; said beam splitter system is provided with a transmitter coupling element for coupling said beam splitter system with the pulse transmitter; a transmission conducting system for conduction of the transmitted energy to said beam splitter element and said beam collector; a receiver coupling element for coupling the receiver to said beam collector; a receiver conductor system for the conduction of the received energy by means of said receiver coupling element to the receiver and with which there is operatively associated said computer means for the evaluation of received signals.

Claim 82

The apparatus as defined in claim 76, wherein: said pulse transmitter comprises a laser pulse transmitter having a lense arrangement as the transmitter coupling element for coupling the laser pulse transmitter at said transmission conducting system; said transmission conducting system being structured as a glass fibre bundle for further conducting the transmitted energy which has been divided at individual fibres of said glass fibre bundle to said beam splitter system connected with the glass fibre bundle; said lense arrangement comprising transmitting lenses each having a differently directed axis; said beam collector comprising receiving lenses each having a differently directed axis; and a further glass fibre bundle having fibres operatively associated with said receiving lenses and serving as said receiving conductor system for the further conduction of received energy by means of a further lense arrangement constructed as said receiver coupling element.