Security system with call management functionality

[0002] The present invention relates generally to security systems and more particularly to a security system with call management functionality.

[0003] Because of increased security concerns many homeowners have a home security system. Many of these home security systems can be configured so that each resident is assigned a unique passcode. In operation, these individual passcodes can be used to change security system status or make ad hoc changes to system parameters. For example, security system status is commonly changed from “standby” to “arm” when the occupants are away. Similarly, system parameters are commonly changed to, for example, permit the security system to be in “night mode” even though there are open windows.

[0004] Security systems receive passcodes a number of different ways. Typically, a security system receives passcodes and system commands through a keypad. Recently, however, it has been suggested that security systems receive passcodes and system commands a variety of ways. For example, a user could be identified automatically by carrying a transponder, or by using a magnetically coded house key, or by using voice recognition.

[0005] Besides home security systems, many homeowners subscribe to a variety of call management services. These service range from call waiting and caller ID, to voice mail and restricted 900 number access. These services are not typically related to any individual's presence in the home. A number of additional services could be provided to a homeowner if these call management services were integrated with a home security system.

[0006] Thus, there exists a need for a security system that can integrate the security system with the call management services already found in many homes.

[0007] In order that the invention may be well understood, there will now be described some embodiments thereof, given by way of example, reference being made to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a house having a security system with call management functionality according to the present invention.

[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, a block diagram of a house 10 having a security system 12 with call management functionality according to the present invention is illustrated. Security system 12 is located in house 10 and includes two major components comprising a security controller 14 and a call management controller 16.

[0010] Security controller 14 is located in house 10 and is coupled to a plurality of sensors 18 to provide security system functions. The security controller 14 and sensors 18 are conventional. For example, sensors 18 are located in various positions in house 10 and include window and door position sensors and motion detectors to detect unauthorized entry into house 10. Security controller 14 is also coupled to several devices that are used for user identification and system commands. Additionally, security controller 14 is conventionally also tied to a phone line to contact 911 or a monitoring center. Each user of security system 12 has a unique ID or passcode.

[0011] Call management controller 16 is located in house 10 and is coupled to at least one handset 26 and a telephone network 28, which provides at least one phone line 30. Call management controller 16 is also coupled to security controller 14. By using information from security controller 14, call management controller 16 can provides a variety of new call management services as is more fully described below.

[0012] In the present invention, user identification is accomplished through a keypad 18, a card reader 20, a radio frequency receiver 22, a voice processing system 24 or the like. Keypad 18 can be located anywhere in house 10 and identifies users and changes system settings through input of unique passcodes and command codes. Card reader 20 is usually located near an entrance to house 10 and identifies users through a magnetically coded door key that is unique to each user. Radio frequency receiver 22 is located so that it can receive a signal from a unique transponder (not pictured) carried by any user of security system 12. Users are identified through communication between the individual transponder and radio frequency receiver 22. Voice processing system 24 is located so that it can receive voice commands from security system users. Voice processing system 24 includes a speaker verification module to identify individual users and a speech recognition module to process verbal commands.

[0013] The user identification devices allow security system 12 to identify individuals and monitor their presence in house 10. Thus, each individual not only has an identity, but also has a specific security status associated with their identity. Knowing which users are in house 10 and knowing each individual's security status and the security status of security system 12 allows call management controller 16 to define and customize call management services. These novel services can include night mode privacy, automated attendant, “follow me” service, “kid kontrol”, “maid minder”, and voice mail delivery.

[0014] In operation, the night mode privacy service functions in the following manner. When the security system 12 has been placed in night mode, all calls will be answered and the caller will be advised to leave a message unless it is an emergency. If the caller insists the call is important, the telephone 26 will ring. In the preferred embodiment, the telephone 26 will ring with a distinctive ring to denote an emergency call.

[0015] The automated attendant service functions in the following manner. Each user has a unique telephone number. When a call comes for a specific user, the telephone 26 rings as usual if the user is present in house 10. User presence is determined, as above, by the identification device. If the user is not present in house 10, an automated attendant offers to take a message without ringing telephone 26. If a call for a user known to be present in house 10 is not answered, then the automated attendant answers the call and takes a message. In this case, the automated attendant may also page the intended user, or ask the caller to hold the line and continue ringing telephone 26. If a user is on a call and another comes through, the user would get a call-waiting signal. Preferably, this call-waiting signal would be unique for each user.

[0016] The “follow me” service functions in the following manner. Multiple security systems may be interfaced to monitor several locations for user presence. In such a case, the security system distinguishes whether, for example, a user is occupying house 10, a neighbor's house or a work location. Thus, the security system controller 14 is aware when the user leaves or enters a location. In this manner, calls are directed toward a telephone 26 nearest the user location. Alternatively, calls could be transferred to voice mail if the user is not present, or forwarded to a known location, such as a cellular or mobile phone or other location.

[0017] The “kid kontrol” service functions in the following manner. Because each individual not only has a unique identity, but also has a specific security status associated with their identity, the presence of only minor children in house 10 can be determined. When this is determined, outbound telephone calls can be restricted in one of several ways. For example, toll calls can be prohibited or limited in length, total number of calls can be limited, duration of individual calls or total time on telephone 26 could be limited, etc. Another example of this service is “maid minder” that will limit numbers or types of calls when only service personnel are in the residence.

[0018] The voice mail delivery service functions in the following way. When a user enters house 10 and is identified, the security system could notify them that they have voice mail, e-mail, facsimiles or other messages. The call management system 16 could then offer to deliver these messages. Preferably, voice-processing system 24 would verbally notify the user and commence playback of any messages. Alternatives include using a speaker integrated with keypad 18, where the user is notified of messages upon manual passcode entry. If the user's identity is established using some device that requires no active involvement by the user, i.e., a radio frequency receiver/transponder, then the voice mail delivery service rings telephone 26 and notifies the user that they have messages. Preferably, the voice mail delivery service uses a distinctive ring.

[0019] From the foregoing, it can be seen that there has been brought to the art a new and improved security system with call management functionality. It is to be understood that the preceding description of the preferred embodiment is merely illustrative of some of the many specific embodiments that represent applications of the principles of the present invention. Clearly, numerous and other arrangements would be evident to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the following claims: