Device, system and method for monitoring an environment

Abstract

A monitoring device (1) configured to be positioned in an area (Za-Zc) of an environment (ENV), the monitoring device (1) comprising: at least one sensor module configured to perform a plurality of measurements in the area (Za-Zc) according to a configuration parameter, at least one processing module configured to determine at least one relevant signal from the plurality of measurements, at least one communication module configured to transmit the relevant signal to a central computer (CDC) via a high-speed network, the communication module being configured to receive at least one signal from a primary sensor (2) or from another monitoring device (1) on a low-speed network, and at least one configuration module configured to update the configuration parameter according to the at least one signal received. Abstract figure: Figure 1

Description

Title of the invention: Device, system and method for monitoring an environment Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of monitoring an environment to be protected, for example an energy production site, a data center, a forest, an infrastructure, etc.

[0002] In a known manner, to monitor a given environment, it is necessary to position monitoring devices in different areas of said environment. For example, a monitoring device comprises one or more sensors, for example, cameras, microphones, etc. In practice, the different monitoring devices are connected to a command center by a wireless link in order to transmit all the data from the sensors to the command center. To analyze said data, the command center must then have a central computer with significant computing resources, which increases the cost of the command center.

[0003] Such surveillance devices also have several drawbacks. First of all, they are very bulky, which hinders their ability to be camouflaged in areas of the environment. Their camouflage may require human intervention and therefore exposure of personnel to dangers. In addition, they impose significant data traffic which is likely to reveal their position. One solution would be to store the data locally but this would prohibit any real-time monitoring. In addition, this would require retrieving the data on site, which may not be possible depending on the context. Another drawback is the high cost of deploying surveillance devices in one or more large areas to be monitored.

[0004] In the prior art, it is known to abandon small, easily camouflaged surveillance devices intended to monitor radio frequencies in order to transmit the captured information directly to a command center. These surveillance devices, however, have the disadvantage of having a short range and of sending a very large quantity of information to the command center. Such surveillance devices are then easily detectable and require a central computer in the command center to have significant computing resources. In addition, these surveillance devices have reduced autonomy, limiting the surveillance duration.

[0005] The invention aims to eliminate at least some of these drawbacks. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The invention relates to a monitoring device configured to be positioned in an area of ​​an environment, the monitoring device comprising: • At least one sensor module configured to carry out a plurality of measurements in the area according to a configuration parameter, • At least one processing module configured to determine at least one relevant signal from the plurality of measurements, • At least one communication module configured to transmit the relevant signal to a central computer via a high-speed network, the communication module being configured to receive at least one signal from a primary sensor or another monitoring device on a low-speed network, and • At least one configuration module configured to update the configuration parameter based on at least one signal received.

[0007] The invention advantageously makes it possible to process the measurements in a distributed manner and thus to lighten the load on the central computer. The localized processing of the measurements makes it possible to reduce the mass of information and to transmit only a relevant signal. This advantageously makes it possible to avoid resorting to a central computer with high computing power. The communication module advantageously allows discreet and barely detectable use thanks to the use of a low-speed network. It also advantageously allows remote centralized processing thanks to the use of a high-speed network. The configuration parameter and the configuration module advantageously make it possible to refine the measurement taking and thus to determine a more precise and more reliable relevant signal.

[0008] According to one aspect, the sensor module performs the plurality of measurements in an observation area around a primary sensor.

[0009] According to one aspect, the received signal comprises information on the characteristics of the observation area, and the configuration parameter is updated by the configuration module according to the characteristics of the observation area. This advantageously makes it possible to modify the configuration parameter if the characteristics of the environment of the surveillance device are different from those of the observation area, so as to optimize the observation of a target or an intruder. Adapting the configuration of the surveillance device to the local conditions around a target advantageously allows optimal observation of said target, regardless of the position of the target and the surveillance device.

[0010] According to one aspect, the monitoring device comprises at least one power supply battery. This makes it possible to ensure autonomy for the monitoring device without connecting it to a bulky power supply, which may not apply according to the environment.

[0011] According to one aspect, a sensor module is a geolocation module. This advantageously makes it possible to transmit the location of the monitoring device by the communication module. This also makes it possible to detect the position of the monitoring device, and in particular to detect whether the latter is in an abnormal position. This advantageously makes it possible to process the information of the relevant signal by taking into account the spatial alteration of the monitoring device.

[0012] According to one aspect, at least one sensor module is configured to not perform measurements in the area according to an energy-saving configuration. This advantageously makes it possible to save energy of the monitoring device, in particular when no center of interest or intruder has been detected.

[0013] Preferably, the relevant signal can thus comprise the geolocation of the surveillance device, which allows automatic deployment and configuration. An intruder can thus be precisely located.

[0014] The invention also relates to a monitoring system comprising a plurality of monitoring devices as described above connected to a central computer via a high-speed network. This makes it possible to ensure dense monitoring of the environment.

[0015] According to one aspect, the central computer is configured to merge the relevant signals from the monitoring devices. This makes it possible to make the information from the relevant signals robust and easy to exploit, by exploiting their redundancy in order to exclude, for example, chromatic aberrations or false detections. The relevant signals are crossed to increase reliability and allow rapid decision-making.

[0016] The invention also relates to a monitoring system as described above comprising a plurality of primary sensors configured to transmit raw signals to at least one monitoring device. This makes it possible to increase the range of the monitoring system and to better cover larger areas of the environment.

[0017] According to one aspect, each primary sensor comprises at least one sensor module. This allows primary measurements to be taken and transmitted to the monitoring devices in order to refine the update of the configuration parameter and the relevant signal. This allows for more precise, robust measurements to be taken, and for enhanced data fusion.

[0018] According to one aspect, at least one of the sensor modules is a brightness sensor. This advantageously makes it possible to transmit the brightness of the environment around the primary sensor to the monitoring device. It is thus possible to know the light intensity near an intruder. This allows, for example, the device to monitor ensuring that it switches between an infrared camera and a daytime camera depending on the environment around the primary sensor, particularly when the latter detects an intruder.

[0019] According to one aspect, at least one of the sensor modules of the surveillance device is a camera configured to adjust its zoom and / or focus. This makes it possible to zoom and adjust the sharpness from raw signals. This advantageously makes it possible to capture images and videos of an intruder, and thus to be able to use shape or movement recognition algorithms. Preferably, the zoom / focus adjustment makes it possible to obtain quality images of the intruder when a precise location of the intruder is available, in particular, provided by one or more primary sensors.

[0020] This also allows for better understanding of the intruder by visually detecting whether it is a threat or a known individual, and thus better adapting the response. This also advantageously allows for observing and tracking an intruder as soon as it is detected by a primary sensor, while maintaining high image quality during tracking.

[0021] According to one aspect, the sensor module is a low-resolution camera. This makes it possible to capture first short-range images useful to the surveillance devices and the central computer to determine the relevant information. Their short range makes it possible to take images that would not be capturable by the surveillance devices alone. This also makes it possible to coordinate the other primary sensors on the same point of interest, for example a license plate. The primary sensors advantageously make it possible to have several viewing angles of an intruder.

[0022] According to one aspect, the processing module of the monitoring device is configured to determine at least one relevant signal from the plurality of measurements and a plurality of raw signals from the primary sensors. This advantageously makes it possible to determine the relevant signal in a robust and precise manner.

[0023] The invention also relates to a monitoring method implemented by a monitoring device as described previously, the monitoring device being positioned in an area of ​​an environment, the monitoring method comprising steps consisting of: • Carry out a plurality of measurements in the area according to a configuration parameter, • Determine at least one relevant signal from the plurality of measurements, • Transmit the relevant signal to a central computer via a high-speed network, • Receive at least one signal from a primary sensor or other monitoring device on a low-speed network, and • Update the configuration parameter based on at least one signal received.

[0024] According to one aspect, the method is implemented by a monitoring system as described above and comprises steps consisting of: • Detect an intruder by at least one primary sensor, • Take at least one local brightness measurement using the primary sensor, • Emit a raw signal, including the local brightness measurement, by the primary sensor, • Receive the raw signal by a monitoring device, • Update the configuration parameter based on the measurement of local minosity so as to have optimal observation of the intruder.

[0025] According to one aspect, the monitoring device having a camera having a configuration, the monitoring device is configured to change the configuration of the camera based on the local brightness measurement, in particular, switching between a daytime and nighttime configuration.

[0026] According to one aspect, the monitoring device being configured to carry out a general brightness measurement, the monitoring device is configured to modify the configuration of the camera according to the global brightness measurement and the local brightness measurement, the local brightness measurement having priority.

[0027] According to one aspect, the method is implemented by a monitoring system as described previously and comprises steps consisting of: • Detect an intruder by at least one primary sensor, • Take at least one measurement of the distance between the primary sensor and the intruder by the primary sensor, • Emit a raw signal, including the distance measurement, by the primary sensor, • Receive the raw signal by a monitoring device, • Update the configuration parameter based on the measurement of the distance provided by the raw signal, so as to have optimal observation of the intruder.

[0028] In one aspect, the monitoring device having a camera having a configuration, the camera having an adjustable zoom and / or focus, the monitoring device is configured to change the configuration of the camera based on the distance measurement. PRESENTATION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] The invention will be better understood on reading the description which follows, given by way of example, and referring to the following figures, given by way of non-limiting examples: mitatives, in which identical references are given to similar objects.

[0030] [Fig.l] is a schematic representation of a monitoring system in an environment to be monitored comprising several zones.

[0031] [Fig.2] is a schematic representation of a primary sensor.

[0032] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a monitoring device.

[0033] [Fig.4] is a schematic representation of a first example of implementation implementation of a surveillance system.

[0034] [Fig.5] is a schematic representation from above of the monitoring device according to a first configuration.

[0035] [Fig.6] is a schematic representation from above of the monitoring device according to a second configuration.

[0036] [Fig.7] is a schematic representation of a second example of implementation of a monitoring system.

[0037] [Fig.8] is a schematic representation of a third example of implementation of a monitoring system.

[0038] It should be noted that the figures set out the invention in detail to implement the invention, said figures can of course be used to better define the invention where appropriate. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] With reference to [Fig.l], there is shown schematically a surveillance system 100 according to an embodiment of the invention for the surveillance of an ENV environment comprising different zones Za, Zb, Zc (represented by ellipses). In this example, the ENV environment is in the form of a historical site, in particular, a castle and its surroundings. The ENV environment can be in the form of an energy production site (nuclear site, dam, power plant, electrical transformation site, etc.), a data center, a forest, etc. The invention has mainly civilian applications but it goes without saying that military applications could also be envisaged.

[0040] In this example, only three zones Za, Zb, Zc are shown, but their number could be different. In this example, each zone Za, Zb, Zc comprises a single monitoring device 1a, 1b, 1c, but it goes without saying that they could comprise several. In this example, each zone Za, Zb, Zc further comprises several primary sensors 2 in order to fully monitor each zone Za, Zb, Zc. The monitoring system 100 further comprises a central computer CDC belonging to a command center which is generally remote from the environment ENV.

[0041] With reference to [Fig.l], the monitoring system 100 comprises several primary sensors 2 in each monitoring zone Za, Zb, Zc.

[0042] With reference to [Fig.2] schematically representing a primary sensor 2, each primary sensor 2 comprises at least one sensor module 21 configured to carry out primary measurements N. The sensor module 21 may be in various forms, for example, a low-resolution camera, a low-resolution camera, a radar, an infrared detection sensor, a GPS, etc. It goes without saying that a primary sensor 2 may comprise one or more sensor modules 21 in order to obtain measurements of different natures. Preferably, the primary sensors 2 have sensor modules 21 which are chosen according to their positioning in a monitoring zone Za, Zb, Zc. According to one aspect, the sensor modules 21 have low energy consumption so as to allow autonomous use of the primary sensor 2 for a long period.

[0043] Each primary sensor 2 further comprises a processing module 22 configured to determine a raw signal Sb from the primary measurements N obtained by the sensor module(s) 21. The processing module 22 can implement processing rules which are predetermined, for example, a license plate detection, or recognition algorithms, tracking of objects in a scene, detection of anomalies.

[0044] Each primary sensor 2 further comprises a communication module 23 allowing the raw signal Sb to be sent over a low-speed network. The primary sensor 2 preferably comprises an electric battery 24 for powering the sensor module 21, the processing module 22 and the communication module 23. Still with reference to [Fig. 2], the primary sensor 2 comprises a protective housing 20 in which the sensor module 21, the processing module 22, the communication module 23 and the power supply battery 24 are mounted.

[0045] Still with reference to [Fig.2], a primary sensor 2 emits a raw signal Sb on the low-speed network when an intruder is detected in a determined short-range detection zone around the primary sensor 2. This low-speed network advantageously makes it possible to transmit the raw signal Sb without being detected while consuming little energy. The raw signal Sb preferably contains information relating to the position of the primary sensor 2 having detected the intruder. According to one aspect, the raw signal Sb contains information relating to the position of the intruder. Preferably, the signal Sb contains a low-resolution image of the intruder.

[0046] In this example, a network is said to be "low speed" if it has a speed lower than 50 kbits / s so as to reduce its energy consumption. The low speed network is for example of the Lora type. Preferably, the low speed network is of the Zigbee type (between 20 and 250 kbits / s), in which the relevant information is drowned in the noise of the signal, which advantageously allows you to avoid detection.

[0047] According to one aspect, with reference to [Fig. 2], the communication module 23 of each primary sensor 2 can be configured to receive external signals, in particular, from other primary sensors 2 or from monitoring devices 1.

[0048] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the primary sensors 2 are preferably distributed around one or more monitoring devices 1 so as to be able to supply them with information and / or to wake them up from a low-power standby configuration. The mesh of primary sensors 2 makes it possible to broadcast a raw signal Sb from near to far so as to be able to activate a remote monitoring device 1 as illustrated in [Fig.7]. This advantageously makes it possible to distribute the energy consumption over the entire mesh network, and therefore to reduce the nominal energy consumption of each primary sensor 2.

[0049] A monitoring device 1 will now be presented. In this example, for the sake of clarity and conciseness, the monitoring devices 1a, 1b, 1c have an identical structure. It goes without saying that the monitoring devices 1a, 1b, 1c could have different structures depending on the area to be monitored and the information to be extracted from the area Za, Zb, Zc. For the sake of clarity and conciseness, a monitoring device will be presented which will be referenced 1 without taking into account its area of ​​belonging which will be generically designated Z.

[0050] According to one embodiment, with reference to [Fig. 3] schematically representing a monitoring device 1, the monitoring device 1 is configured to operate according to a configuration parameter C1 which can change over time depending on the needs as will be presented later. Each monitoring device 1 thus has a configuration parameter C1 which is specific to it.

[0051] The monitoring device 1 comprises at least one sensor module 11 configured to carry out a plurality of measurements M in the zone Z according to the configuration parameter CL. The sensor module 11 may be in various forms, for example, an image acquisition sensor, a daytime camera, a nighttime (infrared) camera, a video acquisition sensor, a microphone, a radar, a lidar, a seismometer. It goes without saying that a monitoring device 1 may comprise one or more sensor modules 11 in order to obtain measurements of different natures. It also goes without saying that the monitoring devices 1 may comprise sensor modules 11 of different natures.

[0052] According to a preferred aspect, a sensor module 11 is a geolocation module for determining the position of the monitoring device 1 as well as its orientation. The geolocation module also makes it possible to detect whether the monitoring device 1 is raised or fallen. The geolocation module comprises a set of geolocation sensors, for example a GPS, a compass and a set of accelerometers.

[0053] Each sensor module 11 is adapted to operate according to several configuration parameters C1 which are preferably determined by a processing module 12 which will be presented later. Several configurations advantageously make it possible to adapt the operation of the sensor module 11 in order, for example, to carry out enhanced monitoring by increasing the frequency or duration of the measurements, by orienting the camera, by reducing the energy consumption, by reducing the frequency or duration of the measurements, by specifying a type of monitoring by activating, for example, only a microphone or an infrared acquisition camera, etc. Preferably, each camera preferably comprises an adjustable zoom and / or focus.

[0054] According to one embodiment, with reference to [Fig. 5], the monitoring device 1 comprises a rest configuration parameter C1=R, in which at least one sensor module 11 is deactivated, preferably the majority or all of them. This advantageously allows the monitoring device 1 to consume less energy, in particular when no intruder has been detected, and thus to have greater autonomy. With reference to [Fig. 6], the monitoring device 1 comprises a targeting configuration parameter C1=A, in which at least one sensor module 11 is activated and precisely oriented. This advantageously allows the monitoring device 1 to obtain measurements that are very relevant.

[0055] With reference to [Fig. 3], the monitoring device 1 comprises a processing module 12 comprising one or more processors in order to carry out computer operations. The processing module 12 is in particular configured to process the plurality of measurements M according to at least one set of rules which depends on the configuration C1 so as to determine at least one relevant signal Sa. Preferably, a set of rules is associated with each configuration parameter C1. This advantageously allows the monitoring device 1 to provide a relevant signal Sa which depends on the context and the target to be monitored. The relevant signal Sa to be determined may vary depending on the context. The processing of the data and the determination of a relevant signal Sa by the processing module 12 of the monitoring device 1 advantageously makes it possible to distribute the processing of the information and thus to lighten the load on the central computer CDC.Localized data processing advantageously reduces the bandwidth and thus the energy consumption dedicated to communications of the monitoring device 3.

[0056] The monitoring device 1 comprises a communication module 13 configured to at least receive raw signals Sb from primary sensors 2 via a low-speed network and to transmit relevant signals Sa via a high-speed network. The communication module 13 is also configured to receive signals relevant Sa from other surveillance devices 1.

[0057] In this example, a network is said to be “high speed” given that it has a speed greater than 200 Mbits / s so as to transmit a greater quantity of information. For this purpose, the communication module 13 is preferably equipped with a Wi-Fi card or a 4G card.

[0058] The monitoring device 1 further comprises a configuration module 15 configured to update the configuration parameter C1 as a function of the raw signals Sb and the relevant signals Sa. The monitoring device 1 can thus reconfigure itself automatically. The monitoring device 1 can thus recognize a predetermined event obtained from a raw signal Sb and activate the necessary functions (sensors, processing, etc.) to remove the doubt.

[0059] Preferably, the monitoring device 1 uses the data from its environmental sensors to automatically adapt its configuration according to the known limitations of the components (detection range, brightness, wind, rain, etc.). The monitoring device 1 can, for example, modify its acoustic parameters according to the wind strength, stop its optronic sensors when the lux meters indicate low values, and reduce the range of the detection, recognition, and identification algorithms in the presence of rain. It can also deactivate its thermal camera in the event of high heat where it would not be effective. This thus advantageously makes it possible to adapt the energy consumption of the monitoring device 1 by using only its relevant functions taking into account its environment and the data from the relevant signals Sa and the raw signals Sb.The use of multiple monitoring devices 1 that can be reconfigured independently allows for great flexibility in using the network in different environments. This also ensures the quality of relevant Sa signals across the entire network.

[0060] According to one aspect, it is also possible to program one or more updates of the configuration parameter C1 by the operator before using the monitoring device 1. The operator programs the different configurations of the monitoring device 1 according to the times of day, based on knowledge of the future weather and the environment. This advantageously allows the monitoring device 1 to reconfigure itself despite a malfunction of its environmental sensors or in the absence of a raw signal Sb or relevant signal Sa.

[0061] Preferably, the monitoring device 1 has at least one energy saving configuration and one active observation configuration.

[0062] When the monitoring device 1 is in the energy saving configuration, it does not transmit an image via its relevant signal Sa. This configuration can for example be used when no intruder has been detected by the different sensors primary 2 distributed across the different Z zones. This saves a large part of the bandwidth and thus greatly reduces the energy consumption of the monitoring device 1.

[0063] When the monitoring device 1 is in active observation configuration, all of its sensor modules 11 are available and activated depending on the environment, as presented previously. This configuration can for example be used when an intruder has been detected in the zone Z associated with the monitoring device 1.

[0064] Preferably, the monitoring device 1 has a passive observation configuration. When it is in the passive observation configuration, the monitoring device 1 determines the best low-resolution image among those received in the different raw signals Sb, and transmits it by its relevant signal Sa. This configuration can for example be used when an intruder has been detected by a primary sensor 2 in another zone Z, or by another monitoring device 1. This advantageously makes it possible to use little bandwidth while allowing better observation of the zones. This also allows an operator near the central computer CDC to better check the information of the relevant signal Sa if necessary.

[0065] The monitoring device 1 comprises a power supply battery 14 in order to power the sensor module 11, the processing module 12, the communication module 13 and the configuration module 15.

[0066] Preferably, the monitoring device 1 comprises a motherboard on which the sensor module 11, the processing module 12 and the communication module 13 and the configuration module 15 are mounted. The power supply battery 14 supplies the motherboard.

[0067] Still with reference to [Fig. 3], the monitoring device 1 comprises a protective housing 10 in which the sensor module 11, the processing module 12, the communication module 13, the power supply battery 14 and the configuration module 15 are mounted.

[0068] With reference to [Fig. 4], an example of a monitoring system 100 is shown in which three primary sensors 2-1, 2-2, 2-3 are connected to a monitoring device 1 by a low-speed network. The monitoring device 1 is itself connected to the central computer CDC by a high-speed network. In a manner similar to the network of primary sensors 2, the meshing of the network of monitoring devices 1 makes it possible to limit the transmission power necessary to send the relevant signals to the central computer CDC. This advantageously makes it possible to reduce the energy consumption of each monitoring device 1.

[0069] Preferably, the monitoring device 1 merges the data from the different primary sensors 2, from the different raw signals Sb received. This advantageously allows target tracking from one zone Z to another, while advantageously allowing the relevant signals Sa to be determined more robustly. This also allows the configuration of the monitoring device 1 to be better adapted. According to one aspect, the data fusion is only done from the low-resolution images of the raw signals Sb. This advantageously saves the energy of the power supply battery 14, and requires less computing power.

[0070] Preferably, the central computer CDC merges the data from the different monitoring devices 1 from the different relevant signals Sa received. This advantageously makes it possible to make the different information collected robust and easy to use.

[0071] In this example, the monitoring device 1 receives several raw signals Sbl, Sb3 from the primary sensors 2-1, 2-2 which have detected an intruder 3. The monitoring device 1 is configured to determine a configuration parameter Cl via its configuration module 15 ([Fig.3]) as a function of said raw signals Sbl, Sb3.

[0072] In this example, with reference to [Fig.5], the monitoring device 1 initially had a rest configuration parameter C1=R and did not carry out measurements N via its sensor module(s) 11.

[0073] With reference to [Fig.6], the raw signals Sbl, Sb3 make it possible to define a new configuration parameter C1=A which activates the sensor modules 11 of the monitoring device 1 and configures them so as to be oriented towards the intruder 3 detected by the primary sensors 2-1, 2-2. In this example, the raw signal Sbl includes the position of the primary sensor 2-1 but also the position of the intruder 3.

[0074] With reference to [Fig.7], the use of a primary sensor 2-3 as a gateway is shown to relay to the monitoring device 1 a raw signal Sb4 from a primary sensor 2-4. The mesh of primary sensors thus makes it possible to optimally cover an area Z.

[0075] With reference to [Fig.8], there is shown the transmission of a raw signal Sb3 from a primary sensor 2-3 to several monitoring devices 1-1, 1-2 but also the transmission of relevant signals Sal, Sa2 between the monitoring devices 1-1, 1-2.

[0076] Referring to [Fig.9], a use case is shown in which the monitoring device 1 is located in a monitoring device environment E1 having specific characteristics, such as a particular brightness and temperature, such as a clearing with high sun exposure. A primary sensor 2-1 is located in a primary sensor environment E2 having specific characteristics different from those of the monitoring device environment E1, such as the interior of a dense forest having very low brightness.

[0077] Still with reference to [Fig.9], an intruder 3 is detected by the primary sensor 2-3 at a distance d2 from said primary sensor 2-1. This distance d2 is communicated to the monitoring device 1 by the raw signal Sb emitted by the primary sensor 2-1. The monitoring device 1 can thus modify its configuration parameter C1 so as to move into a new, more suitable configuration C1=A1. This advantageously makes it possible to refine the orientation of the monitoring device 1 and thus the observation of the intruder 3. This also allows the monitoring device 1 to reconfigure its zoom and focus parameters, so as to optimize the size of the intruder and its sharpness in the images captured by the monitoring device 1.

[0078] With reference to [Fig. 10], the intruder 3 moves in the primary sensor environment E2 and is detected by the primary sensor 2-1 at a new distance d3. This new distance d3 is communicated to the monitoring device 1. The monitoring device 1 can thus modify its configuration parameter C1 so as to move into a new, more suitable configuration C1=A2. This advantageously allows the monitoring device 1 to track the intruder 3 and to adapt its zoom and sharpness levels, so as to optimally track the intruder 3.

[0079] The primary sensor 2-1 also communicates to the monitoring device 1 by the raw signal Sb the specific characteristics of the environment surrounding it, here those of the primary sensor environment E2. These characteristics are extracted from the environment by the sensor modules 21 of the primary sensor 2. Preferably, they can also be deduced by the monitoring device 1 by analyzing the raw signal Sb, in particular the low-definition image, in order to, for example, deduce the brightness of the primary sensor environment E2, if the brightness sensor of the latter is faulty. Thus, if an intruder 3 is detected in a forest environment with almost nocturnal conditions while the monitoring device 1 is in a clearing lit by the sun, the monitoring device 1 will activate its infrared camera so as to be able to observe the intruder 3.

[0080] This advantageously allows the monitoring device 1 to modify its configuration parameter C1 if the characteristics of the environment of the monitoring device E1 are different from those of the primary sensor environment E2, so as to optimize its observation of the intruder 3. Adapting the configuration of the monitoring device 1 to the local conditions around the intruder 3 advantageously allows optimal observation of said intruder 3, regardless of the position of the intruder 3 and of the monitoring device 1. Preferably, the relevant signal Sa emitted by the monitoring device 1 includes information relating to the characteristics of the environment around the intruder 3. This advantageously allows the other monitoring devices 1 to adapt their configurations according to the characteristics of the environment around the intruder 3, even if it was not detected by a primary sensor 2 of their respective Z zones.

[0081] A method of using a monitoring system 100 according to one embodiment of the invention will now be presented.

[0082] An intruder 3 enters one of the zones Za-Zb ​​of the ENV environment monitored by the surveillance system 100.

[0083] The intruder 3 is detected by the sensor modules 21 of one of the primary sensors 2 present in the zone Z in a wooded area with very dense vegetation. It is notably detected at a certain distance d2-d3 from the primary sensor 2. The primary sensor 2 determines by its processing module 22 a raw signal Sb containing information making it possible to determine the position of the intruder 3 from the primary measurements N of the sensor modules 21. It detects in particular that the intruder 3 is in an area with very low light. The primary sensor 2 then transmits by its communication module 23 on a low-speed network the raw signal Sb.

[0084] The surveillance device 1 of the zone Z, arranged in a clearing with high luminosity, receives the raw signal Sb via its communication module 13, and updates its idle configuration parameter C1=R to its targeting configuration parameter Cl, so as to monitor the intruder 3. In particular, it directs its sensors towards the intruder 3 and switches from a daytime camera to an infrared camera so as to obtain a quality image of the intruder 3. The surveillance device 1 also updates its configuration parameter Cl so as to zoom in on the intruder and adjust its sharpness according to the distance d2-d3 provided by the raw signal Sb. The sensor modules 11 of the surveillance device 1 acquire several measurements M relating to the intruder 3 according to the configuration parameter CL. The processing module 12 determines from the measurements M and the raw signal Sb a relevant signal Sa on a high-speed network.

[0085] The intruder 3 moves and is detected by another primary sensor 2 at a new distance d2-d3. The latter is located in a better sunlit area and this brightness is detected by the primary sensor 2. It transmits this information to the various surveillance devices 1 via its raw signal Sb. The surveillance device 1 which was already tracking the intruder 3 receives this information and updates its configuration parameter Cl so as to switch back to daytime camera mode and adjust its zoom and sharpness.

[0086] In parallel, other primary sensors 2 receive the raw signal Sb through their communication module 23 and relay it. In this way, other monitoring devices 1 are awakened and activated, and emit relevant signals Sa.

[0087] Similarly, each monitoring device 1 receives relevant signals Sa from the other monitoring devices 1, and adapts its configuration parameter Cl accordingly.

[0088] The relevant signals Sa are received by the central computer CDC of the command center. Due to the processing, the relevant signals Sa have a reduced weight, which avoids the need for a central computer CDC with high computing power. The central computer CDC performs data fusion from the relevant signals, so as to make the information relating to the intruder 3 robust and easy to exploit.

Claims

Claims

1. Monitoring device (1) configured to be positioned in an area (Za-Zc) of an environment (ENV), the monitoring device (1) comprising: • At least one sensor module (11) configured to perform a plurality of measurements (M) in the area (Za-Zc) according to a configuration parameter (Cl), • At least one processing module (12) configured to determine at least one relevant signal (Sa) from the plurality of measurements (M), • At least one communication module (13) configured to transmit the relevant signal (Sa) to a central computer (CDC) via a high-speed network, the communication module (13) being configured to receive at least one signal from a primary sensor (2) or another monitoring device (1) on a low-speed network, and • At least one configuration module (15) configured to update the configuration parameter (Cl) according to the at least one signal received.

2. Monitoring device (1) according to claim 1 comprising at least one power supply battery (14).

3. Monitoring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 2 in which a sensor module (11) is a geolocation module.

4. Monitoring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one sensor module (11) is configured not to carry out measurements (M) in the area (Za-Zc) according to an energy-saving configuration.

5. Monitoring system (100) comprising a plurality of monitoring devices (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4 connected to a central computer (CDC) via a high-speed network.

6. Monitoring system (100) according to claim 5, wherein the central computer (CDC) is configured to merge the relevant signals (Sa) from the monitoring devices (1).

7. Monitoring system (100) according to one of claims 5 to 6 comprising a plurality of primary sensors (2) configured to transmit raw signals (Sb) to at least one monitoring device (1).

8. A monitoring system (100) according to claim 7, wherein each primary sensor (2) comprises at least one sensor module (21).

9. A monitoring system (100) according to claim 8, wherein at least one of the sensor modules (21) is a brightness sensor.

10. Surveillance system (100) according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein one of the sensor modules (11) of the surveillance device (1) is a camera configured to zoom and adjust its sharpness from the raw signals (Sb).

11. Surveillance system (100) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein at least one sensor module (21) is a low resolution camera.

12. Monitoring system (100) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the processing module (12) of the monitoring device (1) is configured to determine at least one relevant signal (Sa) from the plurality of measurements (M) and a plurality of raw signals (Sb) from the primary sensors (2).

13. Monitoring method implemented by a monitoring device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, the monitoring device (1) being positioned in an area (Za-Zc) of an environment (ENV), the monitoring method comprising steps consisting of: • Carrying out a plurality of measurements (M) in the area (Za-Zc) according to a configuration parameter (Cl), • Determining at least one relevant signal (Sa) from the plurality of measurements (M), • Transmitting the relevant signal (Sa) to a central computer (CDC) via a high-speed network, • Receiving at least one signal from a primary sensor (2) or another monitoring device (1) on a low-speed network, and • Updating the configuration parameter (Cl) according to the at least one signal received.

14. Monitoring method according to claim 13, implemented by a monitoring system (100) according to one of claims 9 to 12, comprising steps consisting of: • Detect an intruder by at least one primary sensor, • Take at least one local brightness measurement using the primary sensor, • Emit a raw signal, including the local brightness measurement, by the primary sensor, • Receive the raw signal by a monitoring device, • Update the configuration parameter based on the local brightness measurement in order to have optimal observation of the intruder.

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