Abstract: A method and apparatus for guiding a vehicle into an optimal position within a parking space. A first linear ray of light is projected along the centerline of a parking space. A second linear ray of light is projected at an angle to and intersecting the first linear ray within the parking space. The first linear ray of light guides the driver while moving into and through the space when the driver aligns an indicator on the vehicle with the first linear ray of light. As the driver nears the optimal position, the second linear ray of light will move towards the indicator. When the indicator coincides with the intersection of the first and second linear rays of light, the vehicle is in the optimal position.

Abstract: A dispersion light smoke detector has a structure for providing a definite measuring volume, the structure being formed as two light receivers or an imaging optical system for one light receiver.

Abstract: A perimeter monitoring system is arranged to detect passage across a perimeter of an area. The system primarily includes an emitter, a retroreflector, a detector and an alarm. The emitter provides a modulated visible laser beam. The retroreflector is arranged to direct the beam along a segment of the perimeter and return the beam along the segment. The detector includes a device that blocks reception of light outside an angle of less than 5 degrees. One or more local or remote alarms are activated in response to the signal. For example, a remote alarm is located on the inside of a residence window where it is activated by another visible laser beam. Alignment of the peripheral monitoring system is less costly and false alarms are less likely than with known systems.

Abstract: A very reliable alarm system is comprised of transceiver node devices interconnected via infrared links forming a secure perimeter, whereby each transceiver node in the perimeter receives an infrared transmission from a previous transceiver node, and itself transmits an infrared signal to the next transceiver node in the perimeter. If a break of an infrared link occurs, such as would happen if an intruder enters the perimeter area, an indication of the break is communicated around to a base unit device either by each subsequent node device inhibiting its infrared transmission, or changing its transmission to that of a special alarm signal. Upon receiving an indication of a perimeter break the base unit device alerts alarm signaling devices such as audible or visual alarm indicators.

Abstract: A vehicle alert system (100) alerts a driver of a vehicle about objects within a predetermined distance from the vehicle. The vehicle alert system (100) has at least two sensors (102) that detect objects within a predetermined distance of the sensor using light and changes in light. When an object is detected near the vehicle, an amplifier (104) activates an alarm circuit (107) to alert the driver that the blind spot is obstructed.

Abstract: An optical sensor arrangement includes a transmitter that emits light rays and a receiver that receives light rays reflected from an object. A deflection unit deflects the transmitted light rays to periodically sweep across a monitoring range. An evaluation unit stores parameters of several safety zones that form respectively predetermined areas of the monitoring range. An object detection signal is generated in the evaluation unit in dependence on receiving signals at the receiver output, which object detection signal indicates whether or not an object is located within an activated safety zone. A communication interface is coupled to the evaluation unit and is operative for bi-directional data transmission with an external unit. At least one of the stored safety zones is activated by reading into the evaluation unit activation signals from the external unit via the communication interface.

Abstract: A dual technology motion or occupancy sensor, and a method for using the same, to control a lighting circuit to activate and deactivate lights in a monitored area. The sensor employs an infrared energy sensor, a microwave energy sensor, and a controller. The infrared energy sensor outputs an infrared energy detection signal indicative of detection or non-detection of infrared energy, and the microwave energy sensor outputs a microwave energy detection signal indicative of detection or non-detection of microwave energy. The controller outputs a control signal to control activation and deactivation of the lighting circuit in response to a condition of the infrared energy detection signal and a condition of the microwave energy detection signal.

Abstract: A light curtain system is provided for establishing a protective light curtain for a tool in a system for processing objects such as wafers, and is particularly provided as a safety device for an operator of the tool. The light curtain system includes a first light curtain component of invisible light beams. A receiver and an emitter form edges of the protective light curtain from the invisible light beams. In addition, a second light curtain component of visible light beams is provided. The visible light beams are directed and transmitted adjacent and in parallel to the light beams of invisible light for forming a part of the protective light curtain and for making the protective light curtain visible for an operator. The second light curtain component of visible light beams is activated at least temporarily.

Abstract: Sensor(s) may be such that light-projecting component(s), at which light is irradiated from one or more light-projecting elements by way of lens group(s); and light-receiving component(s), at which at least a portion of light irradiated from such light-projecting component(s) is incident on one or more light-receiving elements by way of lens group(s) after having been reflected, are arrayed therein. Lens group(s) is/are divided into a plurality of lens sets comprising a plurality of lenses. A plurality of lens sets are arranged so as to be inclined in V-shaped fashion such that a plurality of lenses occupy respectively symmetric locations.

Abstract: For the attention control for an operator of technical equipment, a display device for displaying action-relevant information in the form of images or symbols is implemented in which the duration of the display of the specific image or symbol lies below a conscious and above an unconscious perception threshold of the operator, and in which the specific image or symbol is displayed at those locations of the field of vision of the operator at which objects are located to which his/her attention is to be drawn. The advantage of the present invention consists in that the operator does not need to turn his/her view away from the scene to be monitored and in that he/she is not unnecessarily disturbed by the representation of information.

Abstract: A multi-beam photoelectric sensor (10) includes a light emitter and a photo detector each having an elongate casing (13). At least one of opposite lengthwise ends of the casing (13) is configured to receive a cable (53) for electric coupling. The casing (13) has a mount (20) located around its back surface within the length of the casing (13) to fix the casing (13) to an external structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moving assembly for a working system, said assembly including: a boom (22) extending along an axis between first and second ends (31, 33) and a working head (30) mounted on said boom; first and second lateral obstacle sensor systems (40, 42, 77, 83, 90, 92, 100, 102) mounted at each end of the boom; and respective first and second optical systems (50, 52, 60, 62, 75, 79) fixed to the first and second lateral obstacle sensor systems to detect the presence of an obstacle on the path of the boom and movement and/or deformation of one lateral obstacle sensor system relative to the other one.

Abstract: A multiple dimension vector-based occupancy sensor. One or more sensors (for example, ultrasonic and/or infrared sensors) are used to produce one or more occupancy estimator vectors. The individual dimensions of the one or more occupancy estimator vectors are combined using a fusion based detection algorithm to produce a combined estimator signal. The combined estimator is then used to switch electrical loads when the combined estimator signal is above a predetermined threshold. The result is an occupancy sensor that has a very high probability of occupancy detection and a low probability of false tripping.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating an object. In one embodiment, the occurrence of a plurality of transitions between a first light level and a second light level is detected. If a time period between at least some of the transitions is determined to be less than a predetermined value, an alert signal is emitted. In another embodiment, the alert signal is emitted if an ambient light level is detected to be below a predetermined threshold and the object is detected to not be in a predetermined axial orientation.

Abstract: In a light curtain generating device comprising a pair of pillar assemblies for supporting arrays of light emitting and receiving units which are placed opposite to each other so as to form a light curtain for detecting an object between the pillar assemblies, the light emitting and receiving unit arrays each consist of a group of single-beam optical modules so that the length of the arrays of light emitting and receiving units and the pitches of the individual light emitting and receiving units can be selected at will. Therefore, the light curtain generating device can readily adapt itself to each particular application at low cost and in a highly precise manner.

Abstract: Device for guiding flows of individuals in mass transportation systems, containing at least the following components: A) a guidance system in embarking and disembarking areas interacting with at least one of the following devices: a) a guidance system in the means of transportation. b) a blocking device between the embarking/disembarking areas and the means of transportation.

Abstract: An opto-electronic apparatus for the monitoring of a protection area which has at least one protection device, which works in a non-contact manner, is described. The protection device, which works in a non-contact manner, has an evaluation unit for the generation of an object detection signal on the intrusion of an object into the protection area. An image detection unit is coupled to the protection device, which works in a non-contact manner, for the detection of an areal or spatial image detection area, with a secondary monitoring area disposed close to the protection area, but outside the protection area, being detected by the image detection unit. The protection device, which works in a non-contact manner, is controllable by the image detection unit.

Abstract: An active safety barrier circuit is disposable in series with an electrical conductor at a barrier between an adverse environment and an outside environment for passing an analog signal over the electrical conductor across the barrier while preventing potentially dangerous electrical threats from entering the adverse environment over the electrical conductor.

Abstract: An optical axis adjuster 7 is provided to change the optical axis direction of a transmitter unit having a transmitter element 65. A restriction member 9 is latched in an external thread 71 which is formed in the outer circumferential surface of the adjuster 7. The adjuster 7 is held by a rotation/revolution support member 74 and rotatable around its central axis O. The rotation/revolution support member 74 is rotatable around a rotation axis 8 extending perpendicularly to the central axis O. Stepped adjustment of the optical axis is effected by revolving the adjuster 7 around the revolution axis 8 such that the restriction member 9 climbs over a thread ridge. Stepless adjustment of the optical axis is conducted by moving the adjuster 7 in cooperation with its rotation around the central axis O, with the restriction member 9 keeping a latched engagement with a thread groove.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for obtaining status information from a portable medical device and communicating said status information to a remote system or user. In one embodiment, the system comprises a sensing device that comprises an optical receiver for receiving status information from at least one status indicator of the portable medical device. The optical receiver is positioned in sufficient proximity to the status indicator to allow optical communication between the optical receiver and the status indicator. A circuit couplable to the optical receiver communicates the status information represented by the status indicator to the remote system or user. In another embodiment, the sensing device comprises a microphone to receive audible status signals from the portable medical device. In yet another embodiment, the sensing device is mounted to a housing, which allows sensing device to sense the status information of an enclosed portable medical device.

Abstract: To provide an anti-thief security sensor assembly wherein an optical axis adjustment of a beam projector can be accurately achieved merely by physically opening a cover of a beam projecting unit while a cover of a beam receiving unit is not opened physically, the anti-thief security sensor assembly includes a beam projecting unit (1) for emitting an infrared beam IR and having a projector cover (21A) mounted on a projector base (20A) so as to cover and protect a sensor circuit. This beam projecting unit (1) includes an opening detecting switch (7) for detecting the physical opening of the projector cover (21A) and a transmission request generating circuit (8) operable in response to the detection by the opening detecting switch (7) to output a received beam level transmission request signal B to the beam receiving unit (2).

Abstract: A mounting apparatus for mounting optics of a light curtain. The apparatus includes a light curtain optics housing and a mounting bracket. The housing includes a curved mounting surface that extends along a portion of a length of the housing. The mounting bracket is connected to the curved mounting surface such that the mounting bracket can be longitudinally adjusted with respect to the optics housing. The mounting bracket includes a curved surface and an adjustment slot that allow for rotational adjustment with respect to the mounting bracket.

Abstract: Communicating apparatus to be provided between an intermediate line and transmission lines to establish data communications, the intermediate line and the transmission lines having in combination data pass therethrough, the transmission lines including first line and second line, comprises: first receiving means 111 for receiving the data via the first line, second receiving means 121 for receiving the data via the second line, interface means 101 for transmitting via the intermediate line the data received by the first receiving means via the first line and the data received by the second receiving means via the second line, and for receiving the data transmitted by an other communicating apparatus via the intermediate lines, first transmitting means 112 for transmitting via the second line the data transmitted via a first receiving means of the other communicating apparatus, first detecting means 113 for detecting the data transmitted via the second line, first controlling means 114 for controlling the firs

Abstract: An adapter (10) for a light fixture (F) has a socket (16) into which the base of the light bulb (L) is screwed. The adapter has a base (12) sized to be inserted in a socket of the light fixture for attaching the adapter to the light fixture. The adapter further includes a housing (14) in which is installed an audio alarm (20) for a security system. The audio alarm is electrically operated and connected in parallel with the light bulb. Electrical current routed to the adapter through the light fixture simultaneously illuminates the light bulb screwed into the socket of the light holder and the audio alarm.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for enabling the selective monitoring of various regions of an aperture having a powered closure operative therein. Each of plural, individually selectable emitters is adapted to provide a narrow beam whose angle with respect to a horizontal plane is offset from the other emitters. All of the radiated beams lie in substantially the same plane in azimuth. A controller responds to certain stimuli to selectively activate one or more of the emitters. The energy thus produced is monitored by a receiver preferably disposed within the same housing. The receiver output is analyzed by the controller to identify the presence of an obstacle in that portion of the aperture illuminated by the selected emitter(s). A variety of systems may provide input to the controller for the purpose of influencing which of the plural emitters are to be activated for object detection.

Abstract: An above-the-water system for and method of finding targets, both animate and inanimate, in a marine environment, especially by determining the distance and depth of targets at, above or below the surface of, the water. An optical transmitter transmits infrared and ultraviolet light beams toward different zones of coverage on the water. An optical receiver equipped with a segmented detector separately detects return target reflections. An indicator, including range and depth indicators, provides information as to the distance to the target and, if it is below the water, its depth. A rotating deviation prism increases the target search area.

Abstract: A method for implementing a video tripwire includes steps of calibrating a sensing device to determine sensing device parameters for use by the system; initializing the system, including entering at least one virtual tripwire; obtaining data from the sensing device; analyzing the data obtained from the sensing device to determine if the at least one virtual tripwire has been crossed; and triggering a response to a virtual tripwire crossing.

Abstract: A guard means for machines, more particularly pressbrakes, guillotines, stamping machines and the like in the case of which a first machine part (10) performs working movements toward a second machine part (11). Between the machine parts a photoelectric detector arrangement {19 and 20) is positioned and is attached to the moving machine part (10), a stop means being adapted to halt working motion of the moving machine part on interruption of a light beam. A control means for the working movement of the moving machine part (10) reduces the speed immediately prior to light beam interruption by the other machine part (11) to below a threshold limit speed. By means of a speed measuring means (25 and 26) the working speed is measured and the stop means is deactivated below the predetermined threshold limit speed at least partially in order to be able to complete the working movement even in the case of interruption of the light beam by the other machine part (11).

Abstract: A covering and mounting structure for mounting a motion detector having electronic adjustment controls, light emitting diodes (LEDs), and at least one motion detector lens, provides for selectively covering the controls, LEDs and a motion detector lens. The structure can be cylindrical or non-cylindrical in shape, and disposed in pendant or standing-post arrangement. Furthermore, the structure includes a telescopic structure or an exterior cover for the selective covering. In one embodiment, the structure includes one downwardly viewing first motion detector lens and a laterally viewing second PIR motion detector lens.

Abstract: A safety apparatus and method for protecting an object entering into the path of a moving blade in a press brake (10) is provided, which includes laser emitters (22) and receivers (24) for mounting in fixed relationship to the leading edge (36) of the blade (18) to provide a plurality of light beams (26) in advance of the blade (18). A controller (51) including halting means (57) for halting advancing movement of the blade in response to certain contingencies is also provided, wherein the contingencies may include those involving interruption or obstruction of the light beams (26) and those which are indicative of a fault with the press or the safety apparatus itself. The controller (51) also includes laser control and processing means (54), blade movement control means (56), blade position processing means (58) and vibration sensing means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an event detector using an array of passive infrared detector elements, which uses interchangeable spectral filters and lenses to permit detection of a range of event types, which normally each require individual detectors with specific spectral/optical designs.

Abstract: A photoelectric switch device for detecting an object within a field of detection on the basis of a position of the object is presented. The position is determined on the basis of a value relating to light that is reflected by the object. The photoelectric switch device has a light projecting and receiving optical arrangement disposed on a front wall of a box shaped casing, a display unit and a push type of adjusting switch disposed on a rear wall of the box shaped casing. The photoelectric switch device also has a push type of selecting fixing setting switch and an indicator disposed on one of walls of the box shaped casing, except the front and rear walls, and an output cable extending from a corner between the rear wall and another wall opposite to the one wall. The selecting fixing setting switch is used to select types of information that is to be displayed on the display unit in order to set and fix the value. The adjusting switch is used to adjust the value of information displayed on the display unit.

Abstract: To provide an anti-thief security sensor assembly in which the angle of an optical unit can be adjusted over a wide range without increasing the size thereof and in which an optical axis can easily be adjusted, the security sensor assembly includes an optical unit (14) mounted at its lateral sides on a support member (9) of a device body (4) for rotation about a horizontal pivot axis (24) for projecting or receiving a detecting wave. A drive gear (29) is rotatably mounted on the support member (9) and positioned laterally of the optical unit (14) and adapted to be manually turned. A driven gear (39) is mounted on a lateral side of the optical unit (14) and is drivingly meshed with the drive gear (29). The driven gear (39) is rotatable together with the optical unit (14) about a horizontal pivot axis (11).

Abstract: A perimeter monitoring system is arranged to detect passage across a perimeter of an area. The system primarily includes an emitter, a retroreflector, a detector and an alarm. The emitter provides a modulated visible laser beam. The retroreflector is arranged to direct the beam along a segment of the perimeter and return the beam along the segment. The detector includes a device that blocks reception of light outside an angle of less than 5 degrees. One or more local or remote alarms are activated in response to the signal. For example, a remote alarm is located on the inside of a residence window where it is activated by another visible laser beam. Alignment of the peripheral monitoring system is less costly and false alarms are less likely than with known systems.

Abstract: A method for monitoring an entrance to a hazardous area comprising sensing a signal pattern generated by light barriers when an object passes the entrance and comparing the sensed signed pattern with at least one predetermined signal pattern. The object is admissible if the signal patterns are identical and under certain other conditions.

Abstract: An intrusion sensor which has a first light guide arrangement (2) and a second light guide arrangement (5) for detecting the severity of an accident in a vehicle is described. An interval (8) having a width (h) is positioned between the two light guide arrangements (2, 5). In this case, the first light guide arrangement (2) is positioned in the direction of an intrusion side. The second light guide arrangement (5) is positioned in the direction of the vehicle interior side.

Abstract: Method for configuring the operating mode of an optical detector, by recognition, following an emission in a first operating mode M1, by means of the receiving system. The latter then confirms the detector in the first operating mode or switches it over into a second operating mode M2 according to whether there is recognition of the first mode. Automatic validation or validation carried out by the operator confirms the recognized operating mode. Application to multimode optical detectors able to operate in barrier, reflex, proximity, background suppression proximity mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for detecting fire with light section image to sense smoke. Infrared radiation arrays (1) and infrared cameras (2) are provided in a monitored area. The images of the infrared light spots transmitted by the infrared radiation arrays (1) are converted into video signals by the infrared cameras (2), and transferred to a video switcher (3). The video switcher sends the video signals received from the infrared cameras to a computer (4) one by one. The computer processes the signals. If fire is sensed, the computer controls the alarm unit (5) to alarm by a linkage.

Abstract: A coordinate input apparatus includes light sources, a reflecting member, light receiving members, a signal analyzing mechanism, and a coordinate determining mechanism. Each light source is fixed around a perimeter of a predefined input region at a fixing position different from others and is configured to emit light extending in a deltaic form centered at the fixing position and approximately in parallel to the input region. The reflecting member is fixed around the perimeter of the input region and is configured to recursively reflect the light so that the light returns towards the light sources. The light receiving members are fixed around the perimeter of the input region and are configured to receive the light recursively reflected from the reflecting member and to convert the light into an electric signal. The signal analyzing mechanism analyzes the electric signal to detect a position of an obstacle when the obstacle is placed in the input region and blocks the light.

Abstract: A trigger circuit including a light source supplying a first beam of light having a first frequency, a frequency altering device positionable to receive the first beam of light. The frequency altering device receiving the first beam of light and transmitting a second beam of light having a second frequency. A frequency sensitive component operable in response to the second beam of light having the second frequency, the frequency sensitive component being positioned to receive the second beam of light and provide a trigger signal. A transmitter transmits an initiation signal upon receipt of the trigger signal, and a remote receiver receives the initiation signal and triggers the remote system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for detecting and monitoring the distance between a patient and a reference point on an inflatable air mattress and for controlling the air supply to that mattress in relation to such distance. The patient distance sensing system includes a rigid support frame such as a bed frame, an inflatable air mattress positioned atop the bed frame with the upper surface of the inflatable air mattress forming a patient support surface, an air supply operable to provide controlled variations in air supply, and a series of patient distance sensing devices. Such devices including a heterodyning proximation detector, a force responsive distance sensing device, and a light responsive sensing device. Each device is operable to act separately or cooperatively in maintaining a therapeutically beneficial patient support surface through variable control of the delivery of inflation pressure to the air mattress.

Abstract: An infrared detection and alarm system for the bottom shelf of shopping carts having attached to the bottom shelf an infrared emitter which shall emit therefrom infrared light which shall be received by an infrared detector when no merchandise is located on the bottom of the cart and if a piece of merchandise is located on the bottom shelf the light shall be interrupted. Upon interruption of the light, a transmitter shall communicate a code to a receiver mounted on the checkout stand at which point said receiver shall activate an LED warning light to communicate to the sales clerk the presence of merchandise on the bottom shelf of the shopping cart.

Abstract: A security sensor 1 having a disturbance detecting capability capable of detecting the presence of an obstacle purposefully applied to the sensor 1 in an attempt to fool or tamper the sensor 1 includes a carrier body A having an infrared sensor element 4, an incident side enclosure 5 mounted on the carrier body A, a light projecting element 11 for projecting a disturbance detecting beam L1, a light receiving element 12 for receiving disturbance detecting beam L1, first and second light guide members 8, 9 operatively associated with the light projecting element 11 and the light receiving element 12, respectively, said first and second light guide members 8, 9 being cooperative with each other to define an optical path L along and adjacent an outer surface of the incident side enclosure 5 or an outer surface of the carrier body A adjacent the incident side enclosure 5, a detecting circuit 15 for detecting a presence or absence of an obstacle, applied to at least one of the first and second light guide members 8

Abstract: A presence detector includes an optical emitter for emitting optical radiation, an optical detector for detecting a presence of an object based on receiving the optical radiation, and a microcontroller for controlling the optical emitter and processing the optical detector output, such that a range adjustment and range hysteresis based on the object are provided by software in the microcontroller.

Abstract: This invention has as an object thereof to provide an overhead-traveling carrying apparatus which is capable of inexpensively incorporating countermeasures for detecting the presence of an obstacle such as a human being or a carelessly placed object during the lowering of an object to be carried onto the load port of a semiconductor manufacturing device prior to the contact of the obstacle with the object to be carried, thereby avoiding such contact. A structure is adopted in which obstacle detecting sensors which scan the raising and lowering path between a carriage and the load port of each semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, and which detect the presence of obstacles, are provided on the carriage with attached hoist.

Abstract: An object locating system for automatically locating a hidden or lost wireless object. This is applicable to objects such as remote controls for TVs and VCRs and the like. An ambient light photosensor is located on the object. The object locating system also includes an alarm located on the wireless object, which is electrically connected to the ambient light photosensor. The ambient light photosensor senses ambient lighting conditions. The alarm is actuated when the ambient light photosensor detects ambient light below a predetermined level.

Abstract: A highway lane position detector including a photodetector for determining the existence of highway lines, wherein the detection circuitry maintains its detection ability over a wide range of ambient light conditions from bright sunlight to dim artificial light in ambient darkness, by providing a dynamic resistance element in series with the photodetector wherein the dynamic resistance element compensates for changes in the photodetector due to changes in ambient light conditions to maintain the photodetector in a detection condition (avoiding saturation) regardless of the ambient light condition. In the preferred embodiment of the detector, the dynamic resistance element is at least one reversed biased zener diode. In currently preferred circuitry of the invention, the detector detects the presence of intermittent lane dividing lines and provides an alarm when such lines are no longer detected.

Abstract: A battery operated refrigerator alarm having a light sensor for sensing light, a timer, a temperature sensor for sensing temperature, and an alarm indicator. The alarm indicator may have an audio and/or visual indicator. The refrigerator alarm can placed in the refrigerator or mounted to an interior surface or onto a shelf.

Abstract: A security sensor 1 having a disturbance detecting capability capable of detecting the presence of an obstacle 8 purposefully applied to the sensor 1 in an attempt to fool or tamper the sensor 1 includes a carrier body A having an infrared sensor element 4, an incident side enclosure 5, such as a lens defining a detection area B, mounted on the carrier body A, a light projecting element 11 for projecting a disturbance detecting beam L1 from inside of the incident side enclosure 5 towards the incident side enclosure 5, a light receiving element 12 for receiving the disturbance detecting beam L1 reflected from the incident side enclosure 5, and a detecting circuit 15 for detecting a presence or absence of the obstacle 8 on the incident side enclosure 5, based on an amount of light received by the light receiving element 12.

Abstract: A fiber optic based security system is disclosed, including a light emitter, a light detector, an optical fiber and a threshold detector. Light is injected at one end of the optical fiber and received at the other end. The optical fiber is looped or secured about an object to be protected. If someone attempts to steal the object by tampering with the optical fiber or cutting it altogether, the light received at the light detector will fall below a predetermined threshold. When this happens, the threshold detector is adapted to trigger an alarm, alerting the proper persons of the theft. Preferably, the system is contained in a portable housing, and the system is preferably useful for protecting objects located outside a building, such as a trailer, bicycle, motorcycle, snowmobile, etc., where conventional security systems would be prohibitive to install.