Access Control
& Security Systems

Researchers at Penn State University have developed a system to equip new or existing fences with the ability to detect, locate and classify intruders. Senior research associate Dr. David C. Swanson says the approach is appropriate for use on large fenced areas, such as those around airports, schools, cattle ranches, military bases and embassies.

The system uses tensioned wire as an extended sensor, which is used to monitor vibrations in the fence. The approach uses geophones, a ground sensor technology, attached to the tensioned wire.

The accompanying software enables end-users to suppress background or environmental vibrations, sort through the signal carried by the wire and pinpoint information that indicates intrusion.

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