Communications – electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices – Distance or direction finding – With time interval measuring means
Reexamination Certificate
1998-09-04
2001-05-29
Lobo, Ian J. (Department: 3662)
Communications, electrical: acoustic wave systems and devices
Distance or direction finding
With time interval measuring means
C367S129000, C367S118000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240051
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to surveillance devices. More particularly, the invention relates to an apparatus and a method for passive or active acoustic surveillance.
There are many situations in which surveillance devices, or other devices that are capable of providing information about the location and movement of people, are valuable tools. One exemplary situation occurs when rescuers are attempting to locate disaster victims. Other examples include criminal or terrorist situations where hostages have been taken or where police must enter a building in which an armed or dangerous suspect may be hiding. These types of situations present dangerous scenarios for both the hostages and the police or other law-enforcement agents who are responsible for handling the situation. The danger arises, in large part, because the law enforcement agents typically cannot detect with certainty the number and location of individuals within the building. In addition, the law enforcement agents often cannot detect a precise location of particular individuals, such as suspects, within the building thus complicating the agents' ability to resolve the situation.
Therefore, surveillance devices capable of providing detailed information about the number, location, and movement of the individuals within the building can aid the law enforcement agents in making tactical decisions in these types of situations. If the agents are able to monitor the location and movement of those inside the building, the agents make better decisions on how to resolve the situation quickly and safely.
Most surveillance devices operate on a line of sight principle, requiring visual detection of individuals. However, if a clear view into the building is not available, the law enforcement agents must resort to other types of surveillance methods to gather information about the number, location, and movements of the individuals within the building. A surveillance device using radar signals to locate and track people within the building is one possibility. However, radar signals do not travel well through metal. Thus, if the building contains metal structures, as often occurs, the information provided by the radar surveillance may not be capable of detecting individuals in the building with a reasonable degree of accuracy.
In light of the foregoing there is a need for a method and device for providing surveillance information about sources of acoustic energy positioned behind a structure.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for detecting an acoustic energy source located on a far side of a structure.
A first method consistent with the present invention involves sampling a plurality of points on a near side of the structure to detect the vibrations that result from the propagation of sound waves from the acoustic energy source through the structure. The relative elapsed time differences between detection of the vibrations is measured. Based upon the measured time differences and the known positions of the sampled points on the structure, an estimate of the position of the acoustic energy source with respect to the structure can be determined.
A second method consistent with the present invention includes transmitting a sound wave through the structure from a near side of the structure and sampling a plurality of points on the near side of the structure to detect vibrations resulting from reflections of the sound wave from the object on the far side of the structure.
A third method consistent with the present invention includes tracking and classifying an acoustic energy source located on a far side of a structure. The method includes sampling a plurality of points on a near side of the structure to detect vibrations that result from the propagation of sound waves from the acoustic energy source through the structure. The acoustic energy source is classified based upon identifying characteristics of the vibrations.
An apparatus consistent with the present invention detects an acoustic energy source located on a far side of a structure. The apparatus includes a receiving device for sampling a plurality of points on a near side of the structure to detect vibrations resulting from propagation of sound waves from the acoustic energy source through the structure. A device is coupled to the input device for measuring relative elapsed time differences in detection of the vibrations. The device also determines an estimate of a position of the acoustic energy source with respect to the structure based upon known positions of the sampled points on the structure and the measured time differences.
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Dye, Lee, Press Release “Invention More than a Blip on the Radar Screen,” www.ABCNEWS.com.
Anderson Floyd E.
GTE Service Corporation
Lobo Ian J.
Suchyta Leonard Charles
Weixel James K.
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