Self-propelled monitoring device
A self-propelled monitoring device for autonomously patrolling a region includes a drive unit, a power supply system, at least one sensor for detecting a surrounding area, a control unit for evaluating data supplied by the sensor and for ascertaining an action to be carried out next, and a signal generating device. An image of the surrounding area is captured by the at least one sensor, and the sensor image is analyzed by the control unit. The position of a person present in the surrounding area is ascertained, and a signal which is directed towards the ascertained position is output by the signal generating device.
1. A self-propelled monitoring device for autonomous patrolling of an area, comprising:
a drive unit;
an energy supply;
at least one sensor for detecting a surrounding area and capturing a sensor image;
a control unit for evaluating data supplied by the sensor including the sensor image, and for ascertaining an action to be carried out next; and
a signal generating device;
wherein:
the control unit analyses the sensor image and, if a person is present in the sensor image, determines a position of the person in the surrounding area,
the signal generating device emits a signal directed to the determined position, and
the control unit assigns a degree of threat to a detected, unauthorized person with the aid of at least one of:
an observed behavior, and
a detection of a dangerous object or a weapon.
2. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit is prepared for identifying/classifying detected persons into authorized and unauthorized persons.
3. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the signal comprises:
an acoustic signal;
a speech warning;
a light signal; or
a light signal having a dazzling effect.
4. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 3 , wherein the signal comprises the speech warning, which comprises at least one of:
a recorded human voice, and
a computer-generated voice.
5. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of:
an optical sensor,
a camera,
an infrared camera,
an infrared motion detector,
an acoustic sensor,
a microphone,
a radar sensor, and
a lidar sensor.
6. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the sensor comprises at least one of:
at least three wheels,
caterpillar tracks,
vertically and horizontally pivotable wheels, and
legs.
7. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the energy supply comprises at least on of:
a rechargeable battery, and
a fuel cell.
8. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit comprises at least one of:
commercially available CPUs, and
freely programmable FPGAs.
9. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit uses a neural network for at least one of detecting obstructions, detecting humans, and classifying humans.
10. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , further comprising a transmitter and receiver unit for radio signals configured for at least one of:
receiving remote control signals, and
establishing a wireless communication link.
11. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 10 , wherein the device is configured to exchange sensor data or coordinate actions with another self-propelled monitoring device.
12. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the identification/classification of persons takes place based on one of:
facial recognition,
voice recognition, and
a transponder signal.
13. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein, on identification of an unauthorized person, a message is transmitted to at least one of:
a selected person,
a security service, and
the police.
14. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit determines an action to be carried out next depending on the degree of threat of the identified unauthorized person.
15. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 14 , wherein, at a relatively high threat level, the signal generating device emits a signal serving for deterrence in the form of a loud acoustic signal or a light signal with a dazzling effect.
16. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , further comprising a smoke detector.
17. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , further comprising a fire extinguisher.
18. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 1 , further comprising a manipulator arm.
19. A self-propelled monitoring device for autonomous patrolling of an area, comprising:
a drive unit;
an energy supply;
at least one sensor for detecting a surrounding area and capturing a sensor image;
a control unit for evaluating data supplied by the sensor including the sensor image, and for ascertaining an action to be carried out next;
a signal generating device; and
at least one non-lethal weapon selected from the group consisting of a water cannon and a tear gas cannon,
wherein:
the control unit analyses the sensor image and, if a person is present in the sensor image, determines a position of the person in the surrounding area, and
the signal generating device emits a signal directed to the determined position.
20. The self-propelled monitoring device according to claim 19 , further comprising a smoke detector and/or a fire extinguisher.