A method and apparatus for detecting door intrusion stimuli

Abstract

A method of detecting a vibration event associated with for example, the drilling of a lock, the method comprising the steps of: detecting an acceleration event 101; determining an acceleration value associated with the acceleration event 102; determining whether the acceleration value is indicative of the vibration event 103; determining the length of time of the acceleration event 104; determining whether the length of time of the acceleration event is greater than a minimum vibration length 105; alerting the detection of the vibration event 106. Can also be used to detect a blowtorch event.

Description

Field of Invention The present invention is in the field of intrusion detection methods and apparatus for doors and / or door locks. More preferably, the present invention is in the field of detection methods and apparatus for stimuli associated with common intrusion techniques on doors and / or door locks. Background There are many ways in which an intruder can weaken and break through a door or door lock. These include, but are not limited to, forcefully impacting, drilling or heating (blowtorching) a portion of a door or door lock. Each of these acts produce a stimulus, or a series of stimuli, that may be detected as part of a detection system or apparatus and communicated to an alarming or other security system to alert a user / homeowner of the intrusion act. This would in turn serve to dissuade an intruder from beginning any such act or halting one from continuing it. These stimuli may be mechanical (such as repeating strikes on a door generating a series of impulses or a drilling machine sending vibrations through the door or door lock) or they may be thermal (heat or fire from a blowtorch adjacent a door lock). As well as the accurate detection of these stimuli, there is a further requirement placed on such detection methods and apparatus whereby the systems employed must reliably and consistently distinguish between a stimulus derived from an intrusion act and one produced during normal use. As such, such systems not only require the means to detect the stimuli but further process and study them in order to gauge a distinction between these two types of events. There is no such means currently available that provides a detection method associated with the most common door intrusion stimuli and that can be integrated within a normal use of a door or door lock. Aspects of the present invention provides solutions that addresses at least some of these issues and needs. Statements of Invention Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims. Optional features are set out in the dependant claims. In accordance with a first aspect of invention there is disclosed a method of detecting a vibration event associated with the drilling of a lock, the method comprising the steps of: detecting an acceleration event; determining an acceleration value associated with the acceleration event; determining whether the acceleration value is indicative of the vibration event; determining the length of time of the acceleration event; determining whether the length of time of the acceleration event is greater than a minimum vibration length; alerting the detection of the vibration event. Advantageously, this method may allow for effectively distinguishing between the vibrations of a vibration event associated with the drilling of a lock and the vibrations due to normal use of a door lock. This may be a result of comparing two separate parameters of the detected acceleration event, one of which is related to the duration of the acceleration event and one related to acceleration values of the acceleration event, against the requirements of a vibration event. Optionally, wherein determining an acceleration value associated with the acceleration event comprises determining a rolling average of acceleration detected by an acceleration sensor. This may allow a further parameter to be introduced into the methodology. This may allow for a greater range of analysis to be conducted and therefore a more effective determination of the vibration event. Optionally, wherein determining an acceleration value associated with the acceleration event comprises determining a series of local maxima values, and determining a rolling average of local maxima. This may be the most effective and least computationally intense way of collecting acceleration data from the door using an easily implantable device such as an accelerometer. Furthermore, this may also be the least computationally intense way of calculating a rolling average from the detected acceleration. Optionally, wherein the rolling average comprises an average of local maxima detected during a set timespan, or a rolling average of a pre-determined number of local maxima, for example wherein the predetermined number is 7. This may allow for a reliable rolling average to be deduced that is representative of an acceleration event. The N value may also strike the balance between computational efficiency (that would otherwise be compromised with a higher N value) and an accurate representation of an acceleration event. This may also be representative of a vibration frequency. Optionally, wherein determining whether the acceleration value is indicative of the vibration event comprises determining if the acceleration value is above a vibration start threshold. This comparison may allow an effective means to determine if either the local maxima values of acceleration detected, or the rolling average, are above an amplitude threshold for a vibration event. Furthermore, this arrangement may allow a user to set and adjust this minimum vibration threshold such that a vibration event is detected in line with the sensitivity required for a specific door application. Optionally, wherein the vibration start threshold is between 0.1 and 0.6g, wherein g is the acceleration due to gravity on earth. Optionally wherein the vibration start threshold is 0.225g. The arrangement of the above two statements may cover an adequate range of acceleration values in line with the vibrations produced by most common drills used in an intrusion event so that a vibration event may be consistently detected. Optionally, wherein the minimum vibration length is between 2 and 4 seconds. Optionally wherein the minimum vibration length is 2.5 seconds. The arrangement of the above two statements may ensure that an acceleration event is suitably long enough in duration to warrant being a vibration event and being communicated / alerted to a user. Optionally, wherein the method further comprises detecting a peak acceleration value above a maximum threshold acceleration level; creating a peak count of detections of acceleration values above the maximum threshold acceleration level. This arrangement, in particular the peak count of detections, is indicative of the frequency of the acceleration event. This step therefore enables a frequency analysis. Optionally, wherein the method further comprises determining that the ratio between the peak count and the length of time the acceleration event is above a set threshold. The step advantageously acts as a frequency analysis and allows for an effective distinguishing between vibrations associated with a vibration event and that of a knock (or other normal use vibrations) incident upon a door. A frequency analysis may be useful as the frequency of the vibrations between the two acts are substantially different. Optionally wherein the set threshold is 5. This threshold may accurately capture the frequency of a vibration event and be distinct from that of a normal use of a door. Optionally, wherein the peak count of detections is indicative of the frequency of the vibration event. A frequency analysis may be useful as the frequency of the vibrations between the two acts are substantially different. Optionally, wherein the method further comprises ending the detection of the vibration event if the ratio is below the set threshold. This allows for a frequency analysis to take place. Optionally, wherein the method further comprises determining that the acceleration value is below a vibration end threshold, and ending the vibration event. This allows for the detection of only relevant acceleration events that meet the criteria of an acceleration magnitude for a vibration event (either in terms of local maxima detected or the rolling average). This method step may also be used to determine whether an acceleration event has ended. Optionally, wherein the vibration end threshold is half of the vibration start threshold. Optionally wherein the vibration end threshold is between 0.05g and 0.3g. Optionally wherein the vibration end threshold is 0.1125g. The above three aspects may ensure that an acceleration event is only ended for acceleration values (or vibrations) that are sufficiently below the criteria for being a vibration event. The purpose of this step may also be to determine if the acceleration event has ended. Optionally, wherein the acceleration is determined at a regular interval. Optionally, wherein the time is measured in increments of the regular interval. Optionally, wherein the regular interval is 20ms. The above three statements may ensure that a vibration event is not missed. Optionally, wherein the method further comprises detecting a striking event associated with the striking of a door comprising the lock, the method further comprising: determining whether the acceleration value is above a hit threshold; determining whether the length of time of the acceleration event is greater than a minimum hit length; alerting the detection of a striking event. These additional method steps may work in conjunction with the method steps of the first aspect and provide an effective detection system across a full range of mechanical intrusion stimuli. These method steps once again provide a multi-faceted assessment of a striking event to ensure a distinguishing between an acceleration event due to normal door use. Optionally, wherein the method further comprises detecting a second distinct acceleration event if the acceleration value rises to over a new hit threshold. This may ensure that a separate successive strong force strikes onto a door are determined as separate events. Optionally, wherein the new hit threshold is 3 multiplied by the average of the acceleration value during the acceleration event. This may allow the method / algorithm to determine a change in intensity of the strikes and introduce a further metric of detecting a striking event. This may also determine a second striking event in a more timely manner due to this increase. Optionally, wherein the method further comprises ending a striking event if the acceleration drops below a minimum hit threshold. This may ensure only acceleration values of appropriate magnitude (either in terms of local maxima or the average) are detected as striking events. Optionally, wherein the minimum hit threshold is 0.6 multiplied by the hit threshold. This may ensure that an acceleration event is only ended for acceleration values (or vibrations) that are sufficiently below the criteria for being a striking event. Optionally, wherein the method further comprises ending a striking event if the average of the acceleration across the duration of the acceleration event drops below a minimum average hit threshold. This may ensure only acceleration values of appropriate magnitude are detected as striking events. The purpose of this step may be to determine if the hit event has ended. Optionally, wherein the minimum average hit threshold is 0.6 multiplied by the hit threshold. This may sufficiently mark the end of a strike event. Optionally, wherein the hit threshold is between 0.5 and 3g. Optionally wherein the hit threshold is 1.125g. The above two statements may cover an adequate range of acceleration values so that a striking event may be consistently detected. Optionally, wherein the method further comprises detecting a blowtorch event, the method further comprising: determining the temperature of a sensor at a first time; detecting the temperature of the sensor at a second time; comparing the difference between the temperature values, and determining the time between the determinations; determining whether the rate of increase of the temperature between the first time and the second time is above a blowtorch sensitivity parameter; alerting the detection of a blowtorch event. These additional method steps may work in conjunction with the method steps of the first and second aspects and provide an effective detection system across a full range of mechanical and thermal intrusion stimuli. These method steps provide means of a detecting a blowtorch event based on a blowtorch sensitivity parameter that may be set by a user dependant on the climate the door is in. Optionally, wherein the blowtorch sensitivity parameter is between 1.5 degrees Celsius per minute and 9.5 degrees Celsius per minute. Optionally, wherein the blowtorch sensitivity parameter is 3.5 degrees Celsius per minute. The above two aspects may provide a range of the rate of temperature increase that distinguishes a blowtorch event from a normal temperature increase associated with the environment. Optionally, wherein a second blowtorch event detection is only detectable after a pre-set time period from a first blowtorch event detection. This may prevent a user from being flooded with alerts should a first blowtorch event be detected. Optionally, wherein the method further comprises the step of comparing the temperature at either the first or the second time with a fire sensitivity threshold; alerting the detection of a fire event if the temperature is above the fire sensitivity threshold. This may provide the detection system with yet another mode of functionality by being able to detect a fire proximal to a door. Optionally, wherein the fire sensitivity threshold is between 45 degrees Celsius and 85 degrees Celsius. Optionally wherein the fire sensitivity parameter is 55 degrees Celsius. The above two statements define a threshold that is substantially above room temperature and can be adjusted based on the local environment the door is in. In accordance with a second aspect of invention, there is disclosed a method of determining a striking event associated with the striking of a door, the method comprising the steps of: detecting an acceleration event; determining an acceleration value associated with the acceleration event; determining whether the acceleration value is above a hit threshold; determining the length of time of the acceleration event; determining whether the length of time of the acceleration event is greater than a minimum hit length; alerting the detection of a striking event. These method steps once again provide a multi-faceted assessment of a striking event to ensure a distinguishing between an acceleration event due to normal door use. The optional features listed above in relation to the first aspect, particularly concerning the striking event, may be optional on this second aspect. In accordance with a third aspect of invention, there is disclosed a method of detecting a blowtorch event, the method comprising the steps of: determining the temperature of a sensor at a first time; detecting the temperature of the sensor at a second time; comparing the difference between the temperature values, and determining the time between the determinations; determining whether the rate of increase of the temperature between the first time and the second time is above a blowtorch sensitivity parameter; alerting the detecting of a blowtorch event. These method steps provide means of a detecting a blowtorch event based on a blowtorch sensitivity parameter that may be set by a user dependant on the climate the door is in. The optional features listed above in relation to the first aspect, particularly concerning temperature, may be optional on this third aspect. In accordance with a fourth aspect of invention, there is disclosed an apparatus for the detection of mechanical means of intrusion, the apparatus comprising: an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration event; a controller configured to perform the method steps of any of the firsts second, or third aspects. Optionally, further comprising further comprising a high pass filter to filter the output of the accelerometer. This may reduce the interference or noise levels associated with the detected acceleration and hence may reduce the computational resource needed to process the acceleration data. Optionally, wherein further comprising a stillness detector module to identify any movement of the lock. Optionally, further comprising a switch, the switch configured to turn on the accelerometer and / or the controller once movement above a switch threshold level is detected. This may allow for a more cost efficient method due to less energy being wasted that would otherwise with the continuous recording of acceleration values by the accelerometer. Optionally, further configured to remove acceleration associated with gravity from the measured acceleration. This may simplify the processing of the acceleration values and reduce computational strain. Optionally, further comprising a temperature sensing means. This may allow for a blowtorch event to be detected. Optionally, wherein the apparatus is configured to carry out the method of any of the first, second or third aspects. In accordance with a fifth aspect, there is disclosed a lock comprising the apparatus of the fourth aspect. In accordance with a sixth aspect, there is disclosed a door comprising the lock of the fifth aspect. Brief Description of Figures Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method of detecting a vibration event associated with the drilling of a lock. Figure 2 shows a graph of acceleration values detected in relation to a vibration event such as drilling. Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a method of detecting a vibration event associated with the drilling of a lock through a frequency analysis of the vibration. Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method of detecting a striking event associated with the striking of a door. Figure 5a shows a graph of acceleration values detected from vibrations related to an intruder kicking a door. Figure 5b shows a graph of acceleration values detected from vibrations related to an intruder hammering a door. Figure 5c shows a graph of acceleration values detected from vibrations related to the normal knocking of a door. Figure 6 shows a flowchart of detecting a blowtorch event. Detailed Description of Figures Figure 1 shows a flowchart of a method of detecting a vibration event associated with the drilling of a lock, the method comprising the steps of: detecting an acceleration event; determining an acceleration value associated with the acceleration event; determining whether the acceleration value is indicative of the vibration event; determining the length of time of the acceleration event; determining whether the length of time of the acceleration event is greater than a minimum vibration length; alerting the detection of the vibration event. The method of Figure 1 is implemented with the understanding that an activity such as the drilling of a door or door lock causes vibrations to travel through a door which then leads to the localised perturbation and displacement of the door particles in situ. The acceleration of these localised displacements can then be detected by an acceleration sensor (not shown). Furthermore, as touched upon previously, an aspect of the present invention relies in the accurate differentiation between a vibration experienced by the door during normal use and that during an intrusion event such as drilling. To communicate the differences between these clearly, this specification refers to a vibration event as being the acceleration detected that is specific to vibrations of an intrusion event (such as the drilling of a lock). Whereas, an acceleration event refers to the acceleration that relates to all of the vibrations (or localised acceleration) detected within a door by the acceleration sensor. As part of this differentiation, method 100 seen in Figure 1 is aimed at determining two separate metrics that are used to gauge a vibration event from the detected acceleration event. Figure 1 also shows the method steps that lead to this final determination. Of the two metrics, one is related to the duration of the acceleration event and the other relates to a further parameter of the acceleration event. This further parameter may relate to the magnitude or frequency of the acceleration event and gives rise to a plethora of separate determination procedures that may be conducted to determine the vibration event. These are explored below. A first step 101 of method 100, shows the detection of an acceleration event. This may typically be the raw data of acceleration detected by the accelerometer and in this embodiment relates to the local maxima of acceleration magnitudes detected against a time of their occurrence (this is seen in the graph of Figure 2). A second step 102 shows the determination of an acceleration value associated with the acceleration event and 103 shows the step of determining whether this acceleration value is indicative of the vibration event. Corresponding steps of determining the length of time of the acceleration event and whether this length of time is indicative of the minimum vibration length of a vibration event form steps 104 and 105. As mentioned, this dual metric arrangement, with one of the metrics being duration, enable for a number of different vibration event determination procedures and that too with a great variety in the implementation of steps 102 and 103. One way in which the determination of steps 102 and 103 may be implemented relates to the direct magnitude comparison of the detected local maxima values of Figure 2 with a representative magnitude threshold. Here, the magnitude threshold may be defined at a value such that it distinguishes between the magnitude of vibrations likely associated with a vibration event and that encountered during normal operation of a door. With reference to the graph of Figure 2, this threshold may be placed at a y value (acceleration magnitude value) that "catches" the elevated values of acceleration seen in regions A and A' (and denoting a vibration event), yet allowing the values of acceleration (or lack of) due to the normal use of a door (seen in regions B) to escape the threshold. A similar comparison may also take place between the rolling average of the detected acceleration event and a separate threshold. These magnitude based comparisons, along with the criteria of meeting a minimum vibration length (duration) of steps 104 and 105, is merely one, yet easily executable, way in which vibration event may be determined. It is seen in Figure 2, an initial period of the region A comprises high magnitudes of vibrations / accelerations, whereas the period after this (denoted A') comprises substantially lower values of vibrations. This may be due to the manner in which a drill is operated in the vibration event. For example, more aggressively (with a greater force) at the start and eventually less so (with a lower force). The representative magnitude threshold may in some embodiments be placed such that it only catches this higher magnitude period of region A, and in others it may be placed such that it catches all of the vibrations due to the vibration event. In which case, this representative magnitude threshold may be at a much lower value within the amplitude range of region A'. Alternatively, the local maxima values may be processed further to distinguish between a vibration event and a different acceleration event on grounds of frequency. Step 103 may be cast as determining whether the acceleration value is indicative of the vibration event, wherein said determination comprises a frequency analysis of the acceleration event. Differentiating by frequency, or through a frequency analysis, may be particular beneficial for such application as frequency may be a substantial point of difference between vibrations associated with a vibration event such, as drilling, and those with normal use, such as knocking or opening a door. This difference may be more substantial than that of magnitude and time. For this, the local maxima values detected may be transformed and processed to provide a parameter capable of a frequency analysis and representative of the frequency of the acceleration event. The generation of a frequency parameter (which may be a changing or rolling value) may involve a Fourier transform of the local maxima values detected by the accelerometer (and those seen in Figure 2) into the frequency domain. This determination of the frequency parameter may form part of step 102. This may then be followed by a threshold comparison step as explained above (constituting part of step 103) but with a threshold that utilises a value representative of a frequency in between a vibration event and a normal acceleration event. This frequency parameter, or analysis in general, may also be conducted in another manner that is less computationally expensive than such Fourier transform. Another method of implementing steps 102 and 103 may include determining the variance of the raw data of the acceleration event. This may be seen as an acceleration value. The raw data then may be additionally processed to form a rolling average. The variance of this rolling average may also be found. Comparing these values may form step 103. Where the variance of the rolling average is still high this may indicate a significant amount of peaks (which indicates a high frequency which is likely to be associated with vibration). Combined with a high variance of the raw data this may indicate a vibration event. If the raw data has a high variance, but the rolling data does not then this may be more likely to be noise. Where the rolling data has a high variance, but the raw data does not, this may be associated with door knocking or the like. Another less computationally expensive process of conducting a frequency analysis is seen in Figure 3. Figure 3 also provides additional steps associated with the implementation of a more detailed system that is built on the principles discussed in the method 100. It is also understood, the method of Figure 1 and 3 are implemented by a controller, wherein the controller is in communication with the accelerometer. The acceleration value to be determined in the method of Figure 3, and that corresponds to step 102 of Figure 1, has two components in this methodology. These two components will be outlined throughout the specification for clarity. In Figure 3, method 300 begins with the communication of acceleration data detected by the acceleration sensor to the controller. This detected data is the data seen in Figure 2. This data represents the acceleration event and includes the local maxima values of acceleration recorded by the acceleration sensor and the rolling time, or timestamp, associated with the recorded acceleration. The local maximum value of the most recent local maximum is referred to as a peak value. This peak value is a first component of an acceleration value used in the method of Figure 3 and is referenced as AE(peak). Furthermore, a further parameter that is implemented in the method of Figure 3 (but may not be in other embodiments) relates to the rolling average of the acceleration event. This rolling average is a second component of the acceleration value used in the method of Figure 3. This rolling average may be calculated from a series of the most recent local maxima recorded by the acceleration sensor, or acceleration event. This series may be N number of values of local maxima long, wherein N may be a predetermined number, such as 7. Alternatively, this rolling average may be determined from an average of the local maxima detected during a set time period. Alternatively, this rolling average may be delivered directly from the acceleration sensor to the means (controller) executing the method of Figure 1. This rolling average may be determined from a portion of the total local maxima values detected in region A of the graph of Figure 2. Once the rolling average extends beyond the period of the acceleration event seen in region A of Figure 2, the rolling average may be determined from acceleration values in region B and reduce in value. Once more, although all three of these parameters have an active part in the embodiment of the method seen in Figure 3, the invention is not intended to be limited to the utilisation of all three of these parameters. It is entirely possible for further embodiments to utilise only the raw data of the acceleration values, for example the local maxima values only for the remaining the method steps without accounting for a rolling average or determination of a frequency parameter. Alternatively, other embodiments may only utilise the rolling average and make immaterial variations to the upcoming steps. That being said, once all three parameters are either received or determined in the embodiment of Figure 3, 302 shows the step of determining whether the first component of the acceleration value is above a vibration start threshold. This step therefore compares the peak, or most recent local maximum value of the detected acceleration, against the vibration start threshold. This vibration start threshold may be any value between 0.1 and 0.6g, wherein g is the acceleration due to gravity on earth, and is 0.225g in the embodiment of Figure 3. This value may be adjusted manually by a user. This value may be set before the method is implemented in practice. Should this first component of the acceleration value be less than the vibration start threshold, the method is truncated before entering any further stage. Alternatively, should this first component of the acceleration value be above the vibration start threshold, step 303 of the method acknowledges the start of an acceleration event that is of interest (AE of Interest), the start time of the acceleration event (the AE Start Time as referenced, which it equates as the recorded time), and sets a peak count of acceleration values above a maximum threshold acceleration level to 0. This peak count is referred to as the peak count in Figure 3. Alternatively, step 302 may be executed instead with a comparison of the rolling average of the acceleration event (second component of acceleration value) against a separate vibration start threshold. This separate vibration start threshold may have a lesser magnitude than the vibration start threshold seen in step 302 of Figure 3. Furthermore, the peak count mentioned above refers to the number of the first component of the acceleration values (peaks of the recorded acceleration) that are detected as being above a maximum threshold acceleration level (referenced as Max Threshold in Figure 3). This detection is conducted in step 304. Step 305 (should the condition of 304 be met) then creates a peak count of these values detected above this maximum threshold acceleration level. Should the AE(peak) be less than this maximum threshold acceleration in step 304, the method is truncated (false reading for vibration event). It is to be noted that this maximum threshold acceleration level is a function of the rolling average of the acceleration (or the second component of the acceleration value). As such, this peak count is proportional (and indicative) of the frequency of the acceleration event. More particularly, this maximum threshold acceleration level is 10% of the rolling average of the acceleration in this embodiment. Alternatively, this maximum threshold acceleration may be a different percentage for other embodiments dependant on the sensitivity of the vibration event the system / algorithm wishes to detect. This step, by virtue of the counting aspect as well as a threshold being in a time domain, introduces to the system, a computationally efficient way to determine a frequency appreciation of the detected acceleration event. This prevents the need for a more resource intensive frequency domain analysis. For embodiments that do not include a frequency analysis, the steps relating to the determination of this peak count may be excluded. As mentioned, this frequency analysis is a useful metric of analysis that readily distinguishes with a knock on a door during normal use. As this determined peak count will be used alongside the acceleration event length (AE length) to determine the presence of the vibration event later in this methodology, step 306 determines the acceleration event length. It does so by subtracting the timestamp of the acceleration event start time (determined in step 303) from the rolling time it has been recording from step 301. The peak count may be determined directly from raw acceleration data, and may be a count of acceleration peaks above a set level. This may be limited to a number of peaks within a specific time period. Alternatively, the peak count may be a count of the number of peaks above a set level in the rolling average of the acceleration data. Alternatively, as per this embodiment the peak count may be a count of the rolling average of the maxima detected in the rolling average of the acceleration data. Whilst this last use of peak count has been found to be preferable, and to yield fewer false positives, all uses of peak count work to identify the majority of vibration events. A final step in the determination of the vibration event from the acceleration event is seen in step 307. This step collates the parameters determined in the previous steps (304-306) to deduce the presence of a vibration event on two metrics. A first that relates to the frequency of the acceleration detected (and as represented by the Peak Count) and a second that relates to the duration of the acceleration event (as represented by the length of time of the acceleration event or AE length). The first metric of step 307 involves determining the ratio between the peak count and the length of time of the acceleration event (AE length) and comparing it with a set threshold. This threshold in the method seen is 5. In other embodiments, this ratio may be altered. The criteria of a vibration event is that this ratio is determined to be above the set threshold. In simple terms, this step checks if the acceleration event has a high enough frequency to be detected as a vibration event. This "High enough" threshold can be set and adjusted by a user beforehand. The second metric of step 307 involves comparing the length of time of the acceleration event against a minimum vibration length. Whereby, the length of time of the acceleration event is required to be above the minimum vibration length for the criteria of a vibration event to be met. If either of the metrics of step 307 fail to meet the vibration event criteria the method is truncated without notification of a vibration event. The minimum vibration length is between 2 and 4 seconds. In the embodiment of Figure 3, it is 2.5 seconds. Alternatively, for embodiments that do not implement the frequency analysis above, and instead opt to determine the vibration event from the acceleration event using peak values and the rolling average of the acceleration event (first and second components of the acceleration values), steps 304, 305 and 307 can be replaced with a straightforward comparison with a separate threshold (as explained in the description of Figure 1). Wherein this form of analysis may rely on determining the vibration simply on the amplitude of the vibration event and its length (duration)- or its average amplitude and length. Some forms of vibration event detection means may simply execute step 102 to determine a peak acceleration above a threshold and the duration of the acceleration event to determine the vibration event. Alternative embodiments may also implement a different means to execute a frequency analysis to that seen in steps 304-307. This may involve a more computationally expensive form of analysis such as a Fourier transform of the acceleration data collected by the acceleration sensor. Additional steps that are not seen in Figure 3 but that may be included in the method relate to determining if the acceleration event has ended. These steps may take place after steps 305 and 306 in Figure 3 or run alongside them. Said steps may compare the rolling average of the acceleration (or the second component of the acceleration value) with a vibration end threshold value. If the rolling average is lower than the method and the current acceleration event is truncated (and therefore so is the detection of the vibration event). Alternatively, if the rolling average is greater than the vibration end threshold, the methodology is continued with. It is noted that this step may be left out entirely in other embodiments of the present invention. It may alternatively be implemented with raw data from the acceleration detection such as the values of the local maxima or peaks for embodiment that do not utilise or determine the rolling average. This vibration end threshold may be predefined and user adjusted. The vibration end threshold may have a value of half the vibration start threshold and may hence be in the range between 0.05g and 0.3g. In the embodiment of Figure 1, it is 0.1125g. Another such checking step that determines either the continuation of the methodology or its truncation for the current acceleration event may also be included into the method of Figure 3 (but is not shown). This step relates to the acceleration event length, as determined in step 306, being compared to the minimum check time. This minimum check time relates to the regular interval in which the method determines an acceleration (or acceleration event) taking place. It is a criteria to be met within this method step that the acceleration event length is greater than this minimum check time. If it is not, the methodology is truncated. The minimum check time, and therefore the regular checking interval, is 20ms in this embodiment. A further comparison may also involve the Peak Count to ensure it is above 0 for the method steps to continue. The determination or detection of the vibration event can be communicated through an alarm of a security system or other alerting means. This detection of the vibration event is represented by the "True" block in Figure 3. This detection can also be synced to a mobile app to notify a homeowner of a likely intrusion act. All "False" blocks represent a failed detection of a vibration event, with failed meaning the acceleration event is due to the vibrations falling within the normal use of the door or door lock. The acceleration sensor used in the above method steps of this embodiment is a 3-axis accelerometer capable of measuring the amplitude of the acceleration at 10-800 values per second. In other words, it has a measuring range of 10-800 Hz. This provides an accurate detection of the vibrations travelling through the door or door lock. The location of this acceleration sensor, or accelerometer is positioned such that it is proximal to the portion of the door likely to be drilled in the event of a potential intrusion. This may be on, within or proximal a lock cylinder. This position may coincide with other existing circuitry within the door's security system, in which case the accelerometer may be positioned within an existing PCB of an existing locking system. This may be a PCB within a locking cylinder (not shown). Figure 4 shows a flowchart 400 of a method to further detect a striking event associated with the striking of a door comprising the lock. These striking events are represented in the graphs of Figures 5a and 5b, whereby Figure 5a shows one acceleration event that is a striking event and Figure 5b shows a series of acceleration events that are striking events. The method steps of Figure 4 may be used alongside the method steps of Figure 3 and using the same acceleration sensor. The striking event, like the vibration event of Figure 3 may be determined using a plurality of parameters associated with the detected acceleration. This may include both the raw data, i.e. the local maxima values of the detected acceleration event and an average of these local maxima values (this may be the average of the acceleration across the duration of an acceleration event). The implementation of this average of average acceleration is not seen directly in Figure 4 as it relates to additional steps to the core concept seen of method 400. However, it is understood that in alternative embodiments to this core concept may otherwise be implemented using this average of the acceleration across one acceleration event with the local maxima values of acceleration (peaks) instead being used as the additional steps. The determination of the peak values may be done in the same way as that explained for the method Figure 3 but with acceleration data seen in Figure 5 a-c. As such, peak values still represent the last local maxima value of an acceleration event and is referred to as the first component of the acceleration value used in the method of Figure 4. Like with the detection of the vibration event, the detection of the striking event is determined (or gauged) on two metrics. In the embodiment seen of Figure 4, a first of these relates to the first component of the acceleration event being greater than a hit threshold. This hit threshold can be any value between 0.5g and 3g and is 1.125g in the embodiment seen. Should the first component of the acceleration event be below this hit threshold, the detection of the striking event is ended (this is step 402). In alternative embodiments, this metric may instead be the average of the acceleration across the duration of an acceleration event (one acceleration event), and a separate threshold value. For this comparison, the separate threshold value may be 60% of the hit threshold value. The second metric of determining the striking event in this embodiment is determining whether the length of time of the acceleration event (AE length) is greater than a minimum hit length. This determination and comparison is seen in step 405 of Figure 4. The minimum hit length may be set at 30ms or a similar time period. Once both of these metrics are met, an alert may be sent out indicating the successful determination of the striking event such as that of Figures 5a and 5b. Although this step is not seen in Figure 4, an additional step that may be implemented relates to the detection of a second distinct acceleration event to that from a first detected acceleration event (this may be especially useful in detecting a strike pattern as that in Figure 5b showing repeated hammer strikes). This detection may involve a comparison of the first component of the acceleration value (of the new strike acceleration event) with a new hit threshold. This criteria of a second distinct acceleration event is met if this first component of acceleration value is greater than this new hit threshold. The value of this new hit threshold may be three times the rolling average of the acceleration (across all the detected acceleration events). This rolling average may be calculated in the same way as in the method of Figure 3 (referred to as the second component of the acceleration value) and relates to the average of the acceleration across the duration of the multiple acceleration events in the case of Figure 5b. Another of these further steps not seen in Figure 4 but that may be included in the method involves ending a striking event if the rolling average of the acceleration drops below a minimum average hit threshold. The minimum average hit threshold is 0.6 multiplied by the hit threshold in this embodiment. The purpose of this event is to determine if the hit event has ended. The method seen in Figure 4 can also be used independently from the method of Figure 3 for applications only concerned with the detection of a striking event and not a vibration event. Figure 6 shows a flowchart outlining the method steps for detecting a blowtorch event. Once again, the method steps seen in Figure 6 can be implemented in addition to the method steps of Figures 3 and 4 and as part of a system that has functionality to detect all three stimuli (a vibration event, a striking event and a blowtorch event). Alternatively, the method of Figure 6 may be independently implemented to the previous two vibration and strike detection systems as its functionality is not linked to the methodologies of Figures 3 and 4. The sensor used to detect the heat change associated with the blowtorch event in this embodiment is a temperature sensor. Like the accelerometer, this temperature sensor may be located on a PCB in a control box within the lock. The temperature sensor be embedded within the accelerometer used in the above two Figures, and as such be used for both mechanical and heat intrusion detection. The temperature sensor used in the method steps of Figure 6 can measure temperature from - 40 °C to 85 °C and at the same frequency as the accelerometer. The method of Figure 6 determines a blowtorch event based on whether the rate of the increase of the temperature of a sensor between a first and second time is above a blowtorch sensitivity parameter. This is the final step of the method shown in step 604. The steps seen in Figure 6 preceding this step are implemented to set up this final determination equation. A first step 601 relates to the communication of sensor temperature to the algorithm or controller implementing the method. These temperature values relate to the sensor temperature at a first time, denoted as Temperature (tl) in the flowchart, and a sensor temperature at a second time, denoted Temperature (t2). Step 602 involves determining the temperature and time difference between the two temperature values to then determine the rate of increase of temperature associated with the (potential) blowtorch in step 603. This is denoted Rol in the flowchart. And as mentioned, this rate of increase of temperature is compared against the blowtorch sensitivity parameter. An alert is issued to a user should this rate of increase be above the aforementioned parameter. No alert is issued if the rate is below this parameter value. The blowtorch sensitivity parameter value may be between the range 1.5 °C per minute and 9.5 °C per minute and is 3.5 °C per minute in the present embodiment. Additionally, further step that may be implemented into the method of Figure 6 but is not shown includes a repetition limiter. This repetition limiter may ensure that a second blowtorch event detection is only detectable after a pre-set time period from a first blowtorch event detection. This step is implemented to ensure a user is not flooded with alerts as the temperature continues to rise during a blowtorch event. As part of this step, repetition limiter may comprise a time delay that delays the time between alerts of a first blowtorch event and a second blowtorch event. The method step of Figure 6 may also account for fire detection. This may be based on the sensor temperature at any point registering a temperature above the fire sensitivity threshold. The fire sensitivity threshold may be between 45 °C and 85 °C and is 55 °C in the embodiment of Figure 6. Should this be the case, an alert of a fire event may be sent. As has been previously discussed, the method of Figures 3 and 4 may be implemented by a controller in communication with an accelerometer. This may as part of an apparatus or detection device configured to reside within a door or door lock. Additionally, apparatuses also including the method of Figure 6, that of a blowtorch or fire event detection, may further comprise the addition of a temperature sensing means to this apparatus. The apparatus, or accelerometer may further comprise a high pass filter to filter the output of the accelerometer. This may reduce the noise / interferences in the detected acceleration values and allow for more computationally efficient processing. The accelerometer or apparatuses may also comprise a means to remove the acceleration associated with gravity from the measured acceleration. A switch that is configured to turn on either the accelerometer or the controller once movement (or a vibration) is detected above a switch threshold level. This may allow for a more cost efficient method due to less energy being wasted that would otherwise with the continuous recording of acceleration values by the accelerometer. This may be implemented alongside a stillness detector module to identify any movement of the lock. The above embodiments are to be understood as illustrative examples. Further embodiments are also envisaged. It is to be understood that any feature described in relation to any one embodiment may be used alone, or in combination with other features described and may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the embodiments, or any combination of any other of the embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the invention, which is defined in the accompanying claims. In some examples, one or more memory elements can store data and / or program instructions used to perform the methods described herein. This may particularly relate to a processor used to determine the steps to be performed, and when each step has been completed. Embodiments of the disclosure provide tangible, non-transitory storage media comprising program instructions operable to program a processor to said method. The processor / controller of such method of use (and any of the methods, activities or instructions outlined herein) may be implemented with fixed logic such as assemblies of logic gates or programmable logic such as software and / or computer program instructions executed by a processor. Other kinds of programmable logic include programmable processors, programmable digital logic (e.g. a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or any other kind of digital logic, software, code, electronic instructions, flash memory, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD ROMs, magnetic or optical cards, other types of machine-readable mediums suitable for storing electronic instructions, or any suitable combination thereof.

Claims

1. A method of detecting a vibration event associated with the drilling of a lock, the method comprising the steps of:detecting an acceleration event;5 determining an acceleration value associated with the acceleration event;determining whether the acceleration value is indicative of the vibration event;determining the length of time of the acceleration event;determining whether the length of time of the acceleration event is greater10 than a minimum vibration length;alerting the detection of the vibration event;wherein determining an acceleration value associated with the acceleration event comprises determining a series of local maxima values, anddetermining a rolling average of the local maxima values.LO(XJ15 2. The method of claim 1, wherein determining an acceleration value associatedQQ with the acceleration event comprises determining a rolling average of acceleration ¢2¾ detected by an acceleration sensor."!“ 3. The method of claims 1 or 2, wherein the rolling average comprises an average oflocal maxima detected during a set timespan, or a rolling average of a pre-20 determined number of local maxima, for example wherein the predetermined number is 7.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein determining whether the acceleration value is indicative of the vibration event comprise determining if the acceleration value is above a vibration start threshold; optionally25 wherein the vibration start threshold is between 0.1 and 0.6g, wherein g isthe acceleration due to gravity on earth, optionally wherein the vibration start threshold is 0.225g.

5. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the minimum vibration length is between 2 and 4 seconds, optionally wherein the minimum vibration length is 2.5 30 seconds.

6. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising detecting a peak acceleration value above a maximum threshold acceleration level;11 08 25creating a peak count of detections of acceleration values above the maximum threshold acceleration level.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising determining that the ratio between 5 the peak count and the length of time the acceleration event is above a set threshold, optionally wherein the set threshold is 5.

8. The method of claims 6 or 7, wherein the peak count of detections is indicative of the frequency of the vibration event.

9. The method of any of claims 6-8, further comprising ending the detection of the 10 vibration event if the ratio is below the set threshold.

10. The method of any preceding claim, determining that the acceleration value is below a vibration end threshold, and ending the vibration event, optionally wherein the vibration end threshold is half of the vibration start threshold, optionally wherein the vibration end threshold is between 0.05g and 0.3g, optionally wherein 15 the vibration end threshold is 0.1125g.

11. The method of any preceding claims, wherein the acceleration is determined at a regular interval; optionallywherein the time is measured in increments of the regular interval, optionally, wherein the regular interval is 20ms.20 12. The method of any preceding claim, the method to further detect a strikingevent associated with the striking of a door comprising the lock, the method further comprising:determining whether the acceleration value is above a hit threshold;determining whether the length of time of the acceleration event is greater 25 than a minimum hit length;alerting the detection of a striking event.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising detecting a second distinct acceleration event if the acceleration value rises to over a new hit threshold, optionally,30 wherein the new hit threshold is 3 multiplied by the average of the acceleration value during the acceleration event.

14. The method of claims 12 or 13, further comprising ending a striking event if the acceleration drops below a minimum hit threshold; optionallywherein the minimum hit threshold is 0.6 multiplied by the hit threshold.

15. The method of any of claims 12 to 14, further comprising ending a striking event if the average of the acceleration across the duration of the acceleration event drops below a minimum average hit threshold; optionallywherein the minimum average hit threshold is 0.6 multiplied by the hit threshold; optionallywherein the hit threshold is between 0.5 and 3g, optionally wherein the hit threshold is 1.125g.

16. The method of any preceding claim, the method to further detect a blowtorch event, the method further comprising:determining the temperature of a sensor at a first time;detecting the temperature of the sensor at a second time;comparing the difference between the temperature values, and determining the time between the determinations;determining whether the rate of increase of the temperature between the first time and the second time is above a blowtorch sensitivity parameter;alerting the detection of a blowtorch event.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the blowtorch sensitivity parameter is between 1.5 degrees Celsius per minute and 9.5 degrees Celsius per minute, optionally wherein the blowtorch sensitivity parameter is 3.5 degrees Celsius per minute.

18. The method of any of claims 16 or 17, wherein a second blowtorch event detection is only detectable after a pre-set time period from a first blowtorch event detection; and / orfurther comprising the step of comparing the temperature at either the first or the second time with a fire sensitivity threshold;alerting the detection of a fire event if the temperature is above the fire sensitivity threshold; optionallywherein the fire sensitivity threshold is between 45 degrees Celsius and 85 degrees Celsius, further optionally wherein the fire sensitivity parameter is 55 degrees Celsius.11 08 2519. An apparatus for the detection of mechanical means of intrusion, the apparatus comprising:an accelerometer configured to detect an acceleration event;a controller configured to perform the method steps of any of claims 1-15.5 20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a high pass filter to filter theoutput of the accelerometer; and / orfurther comprising a stillness detector module to identify any movement of the lock; and / orfurther comprising a switch, the switch configured to turn on the10 accelerometer and / or the controller once movement above a switch threshold level is detected; and / orfurther configured to remove acceleration associated with gravity from the measured acceleration; and / orfurther comprising a temperature sensing means; and / or15 configured to carry out the method of any of claims 16 to 18.

21. A lock comprising the apparatus of any of claims 19 or 20.

22. A door comprising the lock of claim 21.

Images