Communications: electrical – Condition responsive indicating system – With particular coupling link
Reexamination Certificate
2000-02-01
2001-06-26
Pope, Daryl (Department: 2736)
Communications: electrical
Condition responsive indicating system
With particular coupling link
C340S507000, C340S536000, C379S039000, C379S045000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06252504
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to alarm control panels and in particular, to a simplified alarm control panel that uses a local data channel to communicate with a remote line seize module.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Alarm security systems traditionally have an alarm control panel located in a secure area to reduce the possibity of defeating the system by destroying the control panel before an alarm condition can be reported. The control panel includes a line seize module as part thereof, or has a line seize module in immediate proximity to the alarm control panel. The control panel upon identifying an alarm condition uses the line seize module to seize the telephone line and dial the remote monitoring station. In this way, the processing circuitry for determining alarm conditions and communicating those alarm control conditions to a remote monitoring station over the telephone lines our located in a secure environment and cannot be immediately destroyed. With this arrangement the control panel communicates with a wireless key pad or a hardwire key pad typically located near an entryway. The control panel is also in communication with various sensors distributed throughout the premise.
Wireless alarm control systems have the distinct advantage of being easy to install as it is not necessary to physically connect the individual sensors and the keypad with the control panel. Furthermore, after installation, if there is a problem with the location of a sensor, it can easily be moved to a new location and the sensor continues to communicate with the control panel. The components of wireless systems tend to be more expensive to manufacture but the installation of wireless systems is more cost effective, requires less skill, and is easily changed if necessary.
A cost effective security systems has been proposed which includes an all in one system combination control panel located near the entryway to the premise. The combination control panel combines the control panel, key pad, line seize module, and sounder as a single unit. This combination control panel communicates with wireless sensors distributed throughout the house. This combination unit also includes an input/output port to connect the unit to the telephone system. The integration of all these components into a single unit makes the installation quite simple and substantially reduces the manufacturing costs. Unfortunately, it also greatly increases the risk that the alarm system can be compromised before an alarm signal is transmitted to the telephone company by physically destroying the unit.
The present invention provides many of the advantages of the combination control panel while rendering the system less vulnerable to defeat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An alarm system according to the present invention comprises an alarm unit having a transmitter receiver, a control panel function, a key pad, and an input/output port for connection to a telephone line. This alarm unit is placed in close proximity to an entryway of the premise to be protected. The alarm unit cooperates with a separate and distinct line seize module which is placed in a secure location where it is connected to a telephone line. The line seize module includes its own input/output communication port connected to the local telephone line and as such, can communicate with the alarm unit over this existing network. Communication is at a high frequency above the audible range, and as such, can be simultaneous with use of the line for its conventional purpose. The line seize module also includes control logic, a line seize arrangement and an automatic dialer. The control logic is connected to the input/output port and signals are sent by the alarm unit to the line seize module and are received and processed by the control logic. When an alarm condition occurs, the control logic receives the signal from the alarm unit and then takes the appropriate steps to contact a remote monitoring station via the telephone system. This two part alarm system which communicates over the local data channel reduces the vulnerability of the system during a break in.
The line seize module can be placed in a relatively secure position and communication from the alarm unit to the line seize module can happen essentially instantly, or certainly, prior to destruction of the alarm unit.
In a preferred aspect of the invention, the line seize module includes logic for determining whether the alarm unit is active and should the alarm unit not send a heartbeat type signal to the line seize module, the line seize module can determine that an alarm condition exists and act on its own to contact the remote monitoring station and report the condition.
The above arrangement has relatively low manufacturing costs as many of the components have been integrated into a single alarm unit which cooperates with a separate and distinct line seize module.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the line seize module also includes a filter for limiting any signals between the alarm unit and the control logic of the line seized module to the local data channel within the premise being protected. As such, signals are not transmitted beyond the premise and will not interfere with the telephone system.
The local channel is the telephone wiring within the premise and the alarm unit and the line seize module share this channel with existing equipment however in the preferred embodiment the existing equipment are isolated during reporting of an alarm.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5283816 (1994-02-01), Diaz
Digital Security Controls Ltd.
Pope Daryl
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