Security system with remote indication device

[0002] The present invention relates to security systems and in particular to wireless security systems having a remote indication device that provides system status as feedback to a user.

[0003] Security systems in use today typically can provide system status via a display console that is permanently mounted near an entry door. It may be desired, however, to implement a remote device, separate and apart from a console, to provide status of the security system to a user. For example, it may be desired to provide such a remote indication device near an alternate entry point that does not have a console in place, without the expense of installing an additional console. In addition, it is desired for the remote indication device to operate in a wireless fashion, thus allowing its location virtually anywhere the installer desires. It is likewise desired to provide such a remote indication device that can provide the latest system status, in real time, without the user having to actively request the status (i.e. without the user having to press a button). For example, it would be highly desirable for a user to be able to obtain system status as he approaches the remote indication device without delay, so that the latest status is displayed just as the user is within viewing distance of the display.

[0004] A first aspect of the invention is a method and device for providing status of a security system to a user by a remote indication device in response an external stimulus. A status request trigger signal is generated as a result of the stimulus, and status data is then retrieved from an externally located central control unit in response to the status request trigger signal. The status data is then presented via the remote indication device to the user, either by providing a visual display or sounding an audible representation of the status data.

[0005] In one embodiment, the external stimulus is the motion of a user within proximity of the remote indication device, and the generating of a status request trigger signal includes the detecting of the motion of the user by a motion detector such as a PIR or a microwave detector. In another embodiment, the external stimulus is the opening of a door, and the generating of a status request trigger signal includes detecting the opening of the door, such as by a door closure detection switch or a magnetic reed switch assembly. In another alternative embodiment, the external stimulus is a radio frequency signal generated by a remote control device operated by the user.

[0006] The remote indication device normally operates in a reduced power level mode to conserve battery power, and it then switches to an increased power level mode in response to the status request trigger signal. The remote indication device subsequently switches from the increased power level mode back to the reduced power level mode after a timeout period has lapsed.

[0007] The status data is retrieved from the central control unit by the remote indication device transmitting a status request signal to the central control unit and then receiving a status signal including the status data from the central control unit. The status data is stored in the remote indication device for a timeout period; it may then be re-presented to the user in response to a subsequent status request trigger signal prior to lapse of the timeout period.

[0008] In a second aspect of the invention, the remote indication device is a “listen-only” device; i.e. it does not have an RF transmitter for sending a status request signal to the central control unit. Instead, the central control unit receives the status request trigger signal directly as a result of the external stimulus, and then sends the status data to the remote indication device. Thus, in this second aspect, the invention is a security system and method of operation that includes a central control unit, a remote indication device in wireless communication with the central control unit, and a plurality of security system peripheral devices in communication with the central control unit. As a result of a stimulus external to the central control unit, a status request trigger signal is generated by a security system peripheral device in communication with the central control unit. The central control unit receives the status request trigger signal from the peripheral device, and then it transmits an RF status signal including the status data of the security system. The remote indication device receives the RF status signal and extracts the status data from the status RF signal. The remote indication device then presents the status data to the user.

[0009] The peripheral device generating the status request trigger signal may be a motion detector in communication with the central control unit, wherein the stimulus external to the central control unit is the motion of a user within proximity of the motion detector. The method peripheral device may also be a door closure detection switch or a magnetic reed switch in communication with the central control unit, wherein the stimulus external to the central control unit is the opening of a door being monitored by the door closure detection switch or magnetic reed switch.

[0010] The peripheral device may also be a remote control device operated by the user, wherein the stimulus is an RF remote control signal generated by the remote control device. The remote indication device may be adapted to receive the status request trigger signal transmitted by the peripheral device. The remote indication device may normally operate in a reduced power level mode, wherein the remote indication device switches to an increased power level mode in response to receiving the status request trigger signal from the peripheral device. The remote indication device would then switch from the increased power level mode to the reduced power level mode after a predetermined time has expired.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a building utilizing a wireless security system in accordance with the present invention;

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the components of the remote indication device of the present invention;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a data flow diagram of the process utilized by the wireless security system of the present invention.

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates the application of a wireless security system in a building 12 comprising at least one door 14 and a plurality of windows 16. The wireless security system comprises a remote indication device 20, a central control unit 26, and peripheral devices such as alarm sensors 34 located at each door 14 and window 16. Other prior art alarm sensors such as motion detectors 17 may be connected to the system as desired to monitor motion or detect changes in state inside the facility. The alarm sensors 34, 17 detect entry into the doors 14 and windows 16 or motion within the facility by any of various means well known in the art (e.g., closure detectors; magnetic reed switches) and transmit signals representing this to the central control unit 26 by a wired and/or wireless connection as well known in the art.

[0015] The security system also includes a central receiver 22 and a central transmitter 24 for enabling communication by the central control unit with the remaining components of the system. A central station dialer 28, a siren 30, and a console 32 are also shown interconnected to the central control unit as well known in the art.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the remote indication device 20 includes an a processor/memory unit 44, a means for presenting status to a user including a display 36 and/or a speaker 37, a receiver 38 for receiving data from the central control unit, a transmitter 40 for transmitting data to the central control unit and a power supply 39 such as a battery. The processor 44 includes several inputs for status request trigger signals, such as from an internal motion detector 17aand from an external device such as a door closure switch, magnetic switch, or external motion detector.

[0017] The remote indication device 20 is generally located in such a way as to permit the user to access it before or soon after entering a building to read the display 36 (and/or listen to the speaker 37) and may include input means 41 such as a keypad to disarm or otherwise interact with the alarm system. The motion detector 17ais included in the remote indication device 20 to recognize when a user approaches the console and generate a status request trigger signal to send to the central control unit. The sensitivity of the motion detector may be modified to affect the range of detection of the motion detector. In the preferred embodiment, the motion detection range should be set to be activated between 40 to 0 feet.

[0018] The remote indication device 20 normally operates in a reduced power level mode while waiting for a trigger signal from the motion detector 17a(or from an external source) where only the sensor circuit and processor are initially enabled. When the motion detector 17ais activated, power is enabled to the circuitry of the remaining components of the remote indication device 20. In one embodiment, the circuit first directs power to the transmitter 40 to request status information from the central control unit via an RF signal. After transmission, power is then directed to the receiver 38 to receive the status data signal from the central control unit. In another embodiment, the transmitter and receiver are activated simultaneously in response to a disturbance indicated by the motion detection sensor 17a. Since the motion detector 17aindicates a disturbance when the user is at some distance from the remote indication device 20, the remote indication device 20 has time to wake and switch to the increased power level mode in order to transmit a request for status. By the time the user gets to the remote indication device 20 the status information is indicated upon a display 36 or is processed by the processor 44 for delivery to the display 36 contained therein.

[0019] Ideally, the remote indication device 20 is entirely wireless and operates from a battery, shown as the power supply 39. A completely wireless remote indication device 20 is significantly easier and less costly to install than one requiring AC power. In addition, an optimal mounting location, in terms of radio frequency propagation and motion detection visibility for the remote indication device may be chosen for the device without regard to the location of a low voltage or AC power source. However, in order to operate solely on batteries the device must draw a minimum of current. The range of reduced current receivers is typically very poor and such receivers cannot generally operate at high sensitivity. The remote indication device 20 of the present invention does not need to receive signals from all of the wireless sensors 34, 17 in an alarm system. It only needs to transmit and receive the intermittent status requests and status messages to and from the central control unit. The receiver 38 may therefore, be chosen based on the signal strength of the central transmitter 24 and the expected distance of the device from the central transmitter or auxiliary transmitters.

[0020] FIG. 3 will be used to refer to the process steps performed by the processor unit of the remote indication device. The motion detection sensor is a very low current design that is substantially continuously enabled. The motion detector 17ais typically a low-cost passive infrared (PIR) detection device, or a microwave based sensor or equivalent design well known in the art capable of indicating a disturbance in the field of view. When the sensor detects motion by an approaching user, the system switches to the increased power level mode and wakes the transmitter 40 in the remote indication device 20. A status request is sent by the transmitter 40 to the central control unit 26. The receiver 38 is enabled and optionally the transmitter 40 may be disabled. A status signal is generated by the central control unit 26 and is routed through the transmitter 24 of the central control unit 26. The receiver 38 of the remote indication device 20 receives the signal and processes the incoming status information. In a simplified implementation of this invention, the status information is received by the receiver 38 of the remote indication device 20 and is displayed on the display panel 36 of the remote indication device

[0021] The receiver 38 is typically a superheterodyne receiver, which consumes too much current to be enabled during the reduced power level mode. However, since the receiver 38 is enabled for only a relatively short time during the increased power level mode, the remote indication device 20 may continue to operate entirely from battery 39. The central control unit 26 transmits an RF status data signal to the remote indication device 20 via the central transmitter 24, which is received by the receiver 38. As a consequence of this message, the remote indication device provides an appropriate display to the user for a short period of time after which it shifts back into reduced power level (low-current) mode. Low current mode may be characterized by the disabling of the entire remote indication device 20 with the exception of the motion detection circuit and processor. The remote indication device 20 remains in the reduced power level mode until another signal is received from either the motion detector or an external trigger such as a door contact switch. In a typical scenario, the remote indication device 20 would be mounted so that the motion detection sensor may be activated by the approach of the user.

[0022] The remote indication device may use an internally configured motion detector 17aas described above, or it may use an external detector 17bin the alternative. In this case, an existing detector 17 of the system may be coupled to the remote indication device, wither by a wired connection or a wireless connection (via second receiver 38aas shown in FIG. 2). An external motion detector 17bmay be mounted outside the building to monitor the approach (and perhaps turn on a light as well). Similarly, a door contact switch or magnetic reed switch could be connected (wired or wireless) to the remote indication device so that status data is requested when a user opens the door 14. Any of these events will provide the status request trigger signal as described above.

[0023] In addition, in another embodiment that uses the RF remote control device of the applicant's U.S. Pat. No. 6,255,944 (which is incorporated by reference herein) the remote indication device optionally may include circuitry to receive an RF remote control device signal that operates with the second receiver 38a. It is required that the enabled second low power receiver 38aoperate on relatively low current while waiting for transmission of the remote control signal. As previously discussed, upon receipt of the trigger signal from the remote control via a remote radio frequency signal, an increased power level mode is entered wherein the second receiver 38acould optionally be disabled while the remainder of the elements of the remote indication device 20 (i.e. the transmitter 40, receiver 38, processing unit 44 and display 36) are enabled as previously disclosed. In the case of receiving a remote control signal at the second receiver 38a, the transmitter 40 then transmits a second radio frequency signal representative of the remote control radio frequency signal to the central receiver 22 to perform the functions associated with the remote control. In the alternative to using a separate receiver 38a, all of the RF receive functions may be accomplished by a single receiver 38.

[0024] Upon receipt of the second radio frequency signal by the central receiver 22, the central receiver 22 transfers information regarding the second radio frequency signal to the central control unit 26. The central control unit 22 then generates a status message and transfers the status message to the central transmitter 24. The status message may comprise information related to the status of the security system or any additional information appropriate for display to the user.

[0025] In summary, the user transmits the first remote radio frequency signal via the remote control device, which is received by the second receiver 38ain the remote indication device 20 during a reduced power level mode. The remote indication device 20 then switches to the increased power level mode, which enables the first receiver 38, the transmitter 40, the processing unit 44 and optionally disables the second receiver 38a. The transmitter 40 then transmits an RF status request signal to the central control unit 26 via the central receiver 22. The central control unit 26 then transmits the status message back to the remote indication device 20 via the central transmitter 24. The remote indication device 20 provides a display of the contents of the status radio frequency signal on the display 36 before returning to the reduced power level mode in which the receiver 38, transmitter 40, display 36, processing unit 44 are disabled and the receiver 38aare enabled.

[0026] The central transmitter 24 transmits the status message as an RF status signal to the receiver 38 in the remote indication device 20. The processing unit 44 in the remote indication device receives the status message from the receiver 38 and transfers all or a portion of its contents to the display 36 for presentation to the user. At a predetermined time following display to the user the remote indication device 20 will again enter the reduced power level mode by disabling the transmitter 40, receiver 38, processing unit 44, and display 36 in order to conserve battery power.

[0027] The remote indication device is generally located in a place convenient to the requirements of the user and/or as dictated by the interconnections with the remaining components of the system. One convenient placement would be to locate the remote indication device so that the display 36 is viewable through an exterior window that is close to the entry door. This will allow a user to see the system status on the display as he approaches the building. In this event, the installer may decide to mount a motion detector 17 on the exterior of the building so that the field of view is the approach to the building. As the user walks towards the entry door, the motion detector will sense the approach and cause the display 36 to present the system status as described above.

[0028] The remote indication device can redisplay the contents of the status message within the timeout period by, for instance, storing this information in a temporary location in memory within the processing unit. The power to the temporary memory location could be removed and/or the location could be cleared following the timeout period according to system requirements. Thus, the user is provided with an additional chance to see the display for some period of time while not requiring additional battery power in enabling the transmitter and second receiver.

[0029] In the case where a response is not received from the central control unit the remote indication device would indicate that the central control unit was non-responsive. Any or all of the audible or visible status indicators that are part of the presentation means of the remote indication device may be activated if a response is not received from the central control unit in a timely manner or if an unknown device responds to the status request transmission.

[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, a limited range motion detector may also be incorporated into the remote indication device. In this mode of operation the standard motion detector would be used to cause the remote indication device to connect to the central control unit as previously described to request and receive status. If the presentation means of remote indication device contains light emitting devices in addition to a display panel for textual information, the lights may be enabled as a function of the first long-range motion detection sensor. This would allow a distant user to see some type of indication without standing immediately in front of the remote indication device. If the user approaches to within range of the second motion detection unit, the display panel would then be enabled such that it may be read. The power for the second motion detection unit may be enabled as a function of sensing motion at the first motion detection device. In another embodiment, the presentation means may be an audible signal representative of the status information received. For example, a speaker may be enclosed in the remote indication device that will be directed to output preprogrammed voice synthesized sound.

[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, each unit of the system may be given a unique address that may be included in the transmitted signals used by the system. In this manner, if more than one remote indication device is used, the remote indication device that either transmits or receives the broadcast is identified in the signal. This address information may be used by the central control unit to generate a specific message for the addressed remote indication device. The remote indication device may also interpret the message address attached to or embedded in a transmission it receives to determine whether the message is directed to it and may additionally determine where the message was sent from by matching the address of the sending unit to a locally stored address of authorized central control units.

[0032] In a second aspect of the invention, the remote indication device operates in a “listen only” mode, meaning that it does not include the RF transmitter 40 and therefore is unable to send a status data request signal to the central control unit. Instead, the central control unit is itself adapted to listen for the status request trigger signal, which will be transmitted from a peripheral device such as a motion detector, door closure switch, magnetic reed switch, or from an RF remote control device. Once the trigger is received, then the status data is sent as an RF message to the remote indication device for display to the user. In this aspect of the invention, the remote indication device may or may not operate in a reduced power level mode as described above. If it does operate in a reduce power level mode, then it will require a wake-up input, which may be in the form of the status request trigger signal itself (for example when the remote indication device is also configured to receive the trigger signal, e.g. from the RF remote control). The remote indication device may also be configured to switch to increased power level mode on actually receiving the RF status data signal from the central control unit so it can present it to the user as desired.

[0033] Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to best mode embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions in the form and detail thereof may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.