Collapsible smart fence

Abstract

The invention relates generally to a collapsible smart fence and uses thereof. Specifically, the invention relates to a collapsible smart fence for effectively detecting and handling crowd behaviors.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A collapsible fence comprising:
 one or more sensors, wherein each sensor is capable of sensing one or more parameters;   a plurality of connecting mechanisms,
 wherein each connecting mechanism is capable of connecting a plurality of fence components when one or more of the sensed parameters do not breach a predetermined threshold limit and 
 capable of disconnecting said plurality of fence components when one or more of the sensed parameters breach said predetermined threshold limit, and 
   
       wherein said fence collapses when said plurality of fence components are disconnected. 
     
     
         2 . The fence of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 an analysis unit, said analysis unit comprising
 a data receiving module that receives data associated with said one or more parameters from said sensor; 
 a determining module that determines whether a predetermined threshold limit for said one or more parameters is breached; 
 a triggering module that triggers one or more of said connecting mechanisms to disconnect their corresponding fence components, in response to a breach for said one or more parameters, thereby collapsing said fence. 
   
     
     
         3 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said one or more sensors is a gyroscope, a speedometer, an accelerometer, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said one or more sensors is capable of sensing an individual's leaning over said fence. 
     
     
         5 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said one or more sensors is capable of sensing a movement. 
     
     
         6 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said one or more sensors is capable of sensing an individuals crashing onto said fence. 
     
     
         7 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said one or more sensors is capable of sensing an impact. 
     
     
         8 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said one or more sensors is a tilt sensor capable of sensing whether said fence is standing up straight, tilting, or lying on the floor. 
     
     
         9 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said one or more sensors is a velocity sensor. 
     
     
         10 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said one or more sensors is a contact sensor. 
     
     
         11 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein at least one said one or more parameters are associated with crowd behaviors. 
     
     
         12 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein at least one said one or more parameters is an individual's leaning over said fence, an individual's movement, an individual's crashing onto said sensor, an impact by an individual or object, angular position of said fence, velocity of an object or individual impacting said fence, a contact pressure, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         13 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein said predetermined threshold limit is a limit for at least one of said one or more parameters. 
     
     
         14 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein said fence component is a supporting post, a rail, a picket, a wire, a mesh, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         15 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein said connecting mechanism magnetically connects one fence component to another fence component. 
     
     
         16 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein said connecting mechanism mechanically connects one fence component to another fence component. 
     
     
         17 . The fence of  claim 1  wherein said connecting mechanism comprises an actuator. 
     
     
         18 . The fence of  claim 1 , further comprising a geographic positioning unit that facilitates determining the geographic location of said fence. 
     
     
         19 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein said fence is made of material capable of resisting an individual standing on said fence. 
     
     
         20 . The fence of  claim 1 , wherein the height of said fence ranges from about 2 feet to about 10 feet. 
     
     
         21 . The fence of  claim 2 , wherein said analysis unit is present locally in said fence. 
     
     
         22 . The fence of  claim 2 , wherein said analysis unit is present in a remote processor or server. 
     
     
         23 . A collapsible fence system comprising:
 one or more sensors, wherein each sensor is capable of sensing one or more parameters;   a plurality of connecting mechanisms, wherein each connecting mechanism is capable of connecting a plurality of fence components;   an analysis unit, said analysis unit comprising
 a data receiving module that receives data associated with said one or more parameters from said sensor; 
 a determining module that determines whether a predetermined threshold limit for said one or more parameters is breached; 
 a triggering module that triggers one or more of said connecting mechanisms to disconnect their corresponding fence components, in response to a breach for said one or more parameters, thereby collapsing said fence. 
   
     
     
         24 . A method for making a collapsible fence, the method comprising:
 providing one or more sensors, wherein each sensor is capable of sensing one or more parameters;   providing a plurality of connecting mechanisms,
 wherein each connecting mechanism is capable of connecting a plurality of fence components when one or more of the sensed parameters do not breach a predetermined threshold limit and capable of disconnecting said plurality of fence components when one or more of the sensed parameters breach said predetermined threshold limit, and 
   
       wherein said fence collapses when said plurality of fence components are disconnected. 
     
     
         25 . A method for managing a crowd, the method comprising:
 providing a collapsible fence of  claim 1 ,   receiving data associated with said one or more parameters from said sensor;   determining whether said predetermined threshold limit for said one or more parameters is breached;   when no breach occurs, keeping the connections of one or more of said plurality of connecting mechanisms, in order to connect with said plurality of components of said fence to provide an intact fence;   when breach occurs, turning off said one or more connecting mechanisms to disconnect the plurality of components, thereby triggering said fence to collapse.