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The basic task of Patrol Guard tour system is to monitor the movement of guards during patrol. Patrol consists of a monitoring device and checkpoints. The guards patrol a route fixed in advance with the monitoring device, and when they arrive at a checkpoint, they are requested to approach the device to the checkpoint. The device then logs this point of time together with the code of the checkpoint, and stores it in its internal memory. When the guards finish their patrol, the data accumulated in the monitoring device can be downloaded to a computer. Communication between the device and the computer is provided by another device named „cradle”, which can be connected to the parallel port of the computer. Downloaded data may be organized, filtered and printed by a software named PatConf. Furthermore, the entire system can be configured with this software. We can assign guards, checkpoints, routes, and we can download data with it to the monitoring device, or from the monitoring devices to the computer. |
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Detailed description
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The basic task of Patrol Guard tour systemis to monitor the movement of guards during patrol. Patrol consists of the following components:
Monitoring devices
Every guard carries a monitoring device powered by an accumulator during the patrols, which records the completed route. When the guards finish patrolling, the data accumulated in the monitoring device can be downloaded to a computer. Monitoring devices can be used by more than one guard in turns.
Checkpoints
The guards patrol a route fixed in advance, and when they arrive at a checkpoint, they are requested to turn on the device, and make it read the relevant checkpoint. The device then records the time of this reading together with the code of the checkpoint, and stores (logs) it in its internal memory. The checkpoint is passive, which means that it does not have any own energy resource. Generally, checkpoints are black, orbicular or square plastic objects.
The cradle
This is the device with which the monitoring device can be connected to the computer via the parallel port. When the monitoring device is placed on the cradle, its accumulator is continuously recharged. The recharging unit is a device similar to the cradle, with which the monitoring devices can be recharged.
Configuration and Log Viewer software
Besides inspecting and printing log-data accumulated during the patrols, the settings of the patrol-surveillance system (for example names of guards, checkpoints etc.) can be modified by this software.
- Nations
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Reading of checkpoints
Recording the code of the checkpoint by approaching the switched-on monitoring device towards the checkpoint.The PatKonf software
A computer software, with which connection with the monitoring devices can be maintained, thus it is possible to name them, or to assign some time for them, or to query the log of contacting the checkpoints, or the status of the devices. Besides the above-mentioned, the software is also responsible for the processing and evaluation of the logs.Data collection
Query and processing of the logs recorded about the checkpoint-readings of the device. Each reading of the device means a separate log entry, from amongst which the consecutive readings concerning the same point are only recorded as a single log entry, recording only the time of arrival and departure in case of a certain checkpoint. Processing means the classification of the checkpoint-logs into patrols, which is automatically done by the PatKonf software.Patrol logs
Given series of processed checkpoint-logs constitute patrols. Individual log-entries contain the codes of the guards on patrol, the beginning and end of the patrols, together with any possible errors. After categorization, recognized patrols receive an individual serial number. Notes can be attached to each patrol log entry.
- Operation
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The monitoring device operates from an accumulator; its basic parts are the reading antenna, the memory storing log files, and the module communicating with the computer. In order to save a significant amount of accumulator-energy, the monitoring device is only activated in case the user tilts it from a vertical position to a horizontal one.
In case we make the device read a checkpoint, or after 6 seconds the device automatically turns itself off. It means that the device at the checkpoint can be turned on by lifting it – on-mode is indicated by a green light – and then the device has to be moved towards the checkpoint to a distance of 0-1 cm.
The device then reads the checkpoint as described above, and then turns itself off. The reading of the checkpoint is confirmed by two consecutive beeps and the flash of a red LED with a high light power..
In case the memory of the checking device is almost full, or the battery is about to be dead, then the reading of the checkpoint is accompanied by only one beep. When the time allotted for reading expires, the green LED goes off, and the device has to be turned on again for the next reading.
- Hardware and software requirements
- PatKonf is a user interface based on a simple database manager programme, thus hardware and software requirements are similar to the no too strict ones being ordinary in the case of systems around the same size and complexity. Hardware
- IBM PC computer. As far as speed and capacity are concerned, even a configuration based on a Pentium 166 CPU may be satisfactory, but proportionate to the quantity of data to be processed and stored, using faster computers might be more suitable.
- At least 10 MB of free disc space is required, alongside with an annual space of 5-6 MB for the log entries. The latter, of course, strongly depends on the frequency and length of the patrols.
- Resolution: at least 640x480, but 800x600 is recommended.
Szoftver- Windows XP/ Vista operation system
