Nicholas C Nicholas

US Patent:

6731210, May 4, 2004

Filed:

May 2, 2002

Appl. No.:

10/137615

Inventors:

David C. Swanson - State College PA
Nicholas C. Nicholas - State College PA
David Rigsby - Fairfax VA

Assignee:

The Penn State Research Foundation - University Park PA

International Classification:

G08B 1300

US Classification:

340566, 340561, 340668

Abstract:

A vibration detection and classification system and associated methods are disclosed. The system includes a waveguide in operative contact with a boundary, such as a security fence. At least one sensor for sensing vibrations such as acoustic waves is operatively connected to the waveguide, the waveguide extending the range of the sensor. At least one control circuit is operatively connected to the one or more sensors and is adapted for detecting and classifying vibrations. The method includes securing an area protected by a boundary by mechanically transmitting a vibration from a portion of the boundary to a waveguide, transmitting the vibration along the waveguide to a sensor, sensing the vibration at the sensor, determining at least one characteristic associated with the vibration, and using the at least one characteristic associated with the vibration to determine if the vibration is indicative of an intrusion.