The Feasibility of a Light and Sound System for Delaying Intruders into Secure Facilities
Abstract
The present paper explores the feasibility of using light and sound stimuli as an intruder deterrent device by generating confusion, discomfiture, and disorientation, and hence impairing the intruder's efficiency at performing tasks, or deterring him from proceeding further with his mission. The advantage of such a system is that the light and sound stimuli can be generated with readily available equipment and, by careful design, can interfere with intruder behaviors in a manner that is clean, safe, and efficient. There is no residue to dispose of afterwards and no risk of permanent physiological damage in case of false activation or accidental exposure. The data indicate that the chosen stimuli have a significant delay factor for certain types of intruder tasks. They have a substantial impact on eye-hand coordination, fine motor control, and the ability to rapidly read, search, and make decisions associated with finding target documents in a filing system. In addition, they almost totally disrupt voice communication. However, the particular stimuli chosen do not affect the ability to walk. Given that the light and sound stimuli were conservatively safe for human exposure, and that the test conditions could not duplicate the apprehension associated with a real intruder situation, the results appear to be quite encouraging. It is not possible to extrapolate these data to predict the delay factor at higher exposure levels. However, it is reasonable to assume that the effectiveness of the stimuli at degrading task performance should increase - perhaps substantially - with increasing levels.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 16, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADP001599
Entities
People
- Ben H. Sharp
- John A. Molino