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News
San Diego Area Firm Invents High-Tech Anti-Graffiti Device, Spots Ultrasonic Signature of Spray Cans Used By Vandals, Relays Info to Cops
(March 8, 2003) -- A San Diego area firm has developed a high-tech anti-graffiti device that spots the ultrasonic signature of a spray can used by a graffiti vandal...and relays the information to a remote location to alert authorities.
The "Taggertrap," developed by Traptec, Inc. of Escondido, is offered in two models: mobile and permanently affixed.
 According to the firm's web site, the mobile unit ("Stinger") runs on battery power, augmented by solar energy and "may be linked with other surveillance or communication equipment, including cell phones, pagers, or, in remote locations like national parks, by GPS [global positioning satellite]."
A company fact sheet says in part:
"The Stinger is a portable system, which is set up at "hot spots" where graffiti has been applied on numerous occasions. When the alarm sounds, law enforcement officers respond immediately to make arrests...The Stinger Beta Model Cell-200 detects the application of graffiti and alerts authorities through cell phone communications.
The basic product consists of four (4) detectors connected to the Base Unit Module. The base unit module can communicate via cell phone with police units directly or to any number programmed into the unit including pager numbers. The unit can call up to four phone numbers in succession. Each detector can cover an area 15 feet high by 50 feet long."
 The fixed unit ("Surveyor") "may be linked with existing alarm systems to provide yet another level of security and enhance the effectiveness of those systems."
A fact sheet indicates in part:
"The Surveyor Model LH-100 detects the application of graffiti and alerts authorities through existing security panel communications means. The basic product consists of a single Lamp Housing Module (LH-100) with two sensors and one associated base module
(BB-100). The base module can connect up to four lamp modules. Each lamp module is connected
to a separate zone for reporting to the security administrator. One lamp module can cover a wall area approximately 15 feet high by 80 feet long."
A Traptec fact sheet indicates all Surveyor unit sales "are made to licensed security companies. Site surveys and installation procedures must be made under Traptec guidelines. If a user desires to directly own the equipment, they can purchase or lease it through a security
company."
Traptec says all Stinger units "will be sold only to Federal, State or Municipalities for use with law enforcement activities."
Some cities are reportedly testing the devices.
Traptec's web site says the firm, founded in April, 2000, "designs and sells detection devices utilizing leading edge electronic technology to target sonic and ultrasonic signatures of criminal or hazardous activity. This technology is aimed at providing law enforcement and other agencies the means of actively respond to various threats to life and property."
The company web site says the firm was founded "to develop and market systems that use acoustical and ultrasonic means to sense and evaluate activity, pertinent to law enforcement, security, and defense industries. These systems are specifically tailored to identify the acoustical and ultrasonic signatures of spray cans, firearm discharge, tire leaks, intrusion sounds, and voice-initiated alarms."
It adds, "Traptec's technology not only affords a flexible and fully integrated security system, but also provides for real-time wireless communication to law enforcement or security personnel."
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