CZ20003411A3 - Remote monitoring system - Google Patents

Abstract

The remote monitoring system comprises a signal transmitter (10), means (12) for detecting the signal, means (16) for transmitting the signal via the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and remote means (18, 20) for receiving the transmitted signal.

Description

Remote monitoring system

Technical area

The invention relates to a remote monitoring system, in particular, but not exclusively, to an alarm system.

' Prior art

There are challenges in protecting abandoned properties from intruders or other hazards such as fire and flood. For example, abandoned properties may not have a source of electrical power to power the alarm system. In addition, the alarm sound or visual signals themselves may not be responsive due to the considerable distance of the property from the nearest neighboring residence or because security patrol personnel have to supervise several properties. As a result, the response time to an alarm signal can be too long.

An abandoned property can be equipped with an alarm system that transmits a radio signal to a radio receiver that is programmed to transmit this signal to a central monitoring unit that locates the source of the alarm signal. Therefore, the speed of response to an alarm signal depends on the speed of the telephone connection between the central monitoring unit operator and the security response unit. The disadvantage of this alarm system is that the local receiver and the central radio monitoring unit must be set to the monitoring alarm signal and f

maintained in this setting.

Standard consumption meters, e.g. water, gas, electricity, must be regularly read directly from the meter. However, if the meter is * in

tf · · · ··· · · • » ···· inaccessible and consumption readings are communicated by telephone, consumption is determined by estimation, which can lead to incorrect results, especially if the reading has not been taken for a long time. It is therefore disadvantageous to read the meters remotely.

Patent documents WO-A-93 16452 and WO-A-89 05553 describe a remote monitoring system which includes a signal transmitter, means for detecting the signal, means for transmitting the signal through a global system of interconnection of several mobile networks and means for receiving the transmitted signal.

The essence of the invention

The object of the invention is an improved remote monitoring system that can be used in security applications or for remote monitoring of other signal transmission systems.

This objective is achieved by a remote monitoring system that includes a signal transmitter, means for detecting this signal, means for transmitting the signal through the global system for connecting several mobile telephone networks (GSM system), and remote means for receiving the transmitted signal, the essence of this remote monitoring system being that the signal is transmitted in digital form.

The system according to the invention may further comprise means for receiving a signal from a remote source for checking the function of any apparatus, device or other system which is connected to the monitoring system. This system may be, for example, a central heating system which may be regulated in this way.

The transmission of signals to and from the remote monitoring system according to the invention is preferably carried out via a short message server which is part of the GSM system.

In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the signal transmitter is formed by an alarm condition detector, such as an intrusion alarm indicator, a fire alarm detector or a smoke detector.

Commonly used intrusion alarm indicators in connection with the invention include passive infrared (PIR) detectors, pressure pads, and contact switches on doors or windows.

The monitoring system according to the invention can be used to read values from conventional measuring instruments, in which case the signal transmitter is a conventional measuring instrument, such as an electricity meter, gas meter or water meter. The dial of the measuring instrument can be observed using a radio camera, the signal of which is transmitted via the GSM system.

The monitoring system according to the invention may transmit signals to a telephone via the GSM system, but it is advantageous if the system further comprises a modem at a remote location for receiving the transmitted signal and a computer programmed to store the received signals and optionally to prompt a response to the received signals.

The computer is preferably programmed to poll the remote signal transmitter at random or predetermined intervals.

In the case where the monitoring system includes means for receiving a signal from a remote signal source to control a function, then the function to be controlled may consist of resetting a signal detector or the operation of a home appliance. In this case, this function of the home appliance in * • » · »e · may be controlled by a control signal transmitted through a radio network or a fixed wire network connected to the home appliance.

The computer is preferably programmed for remote transmission of voice or digital signals via the GSM system, whereby a monitor operator, such as a security guard, homeowner or building manager, can control the functions of the system connected to the monitoring system or query the system.

The means for transmitting signals preferably has a backup battery power source. When the backup battery power source is in operation, the signal transmission to the means for receiving the transmitted signal is preferably activated. The monitoring system of the invention has means for sending a message to a designated receiver upon receiving a signal from the backup battery power source. The designated receiver may be a telephone and the message may be a pre-recorded voice message.

While the monitoring system according to the invention has a primary use in the security of industrial premises, it can also be used in other areas, in connection with security applications or without this connection. These other areas of use include, for example, reading of measuring instruments, remote control of power functions or image transmission. The system according to the invention can use mobile phones in SMS format and a transmission data format for transmission in the GSM system. Information to and from the remote signaling unit can be sent or. received via a call center or directly from a mobile phone operating in the GSM system.

Another object of the invention is an alarm system that includes an alarm condition detector that transmits a dialer signal for connection with the alarm condition to a designated telephone number.

The designated telephone number may be a telephone number of a handset or a computer modem. Thus, the alarm condition signal may be transmitted directly to the telephone of a person capable of responding to the alarm condition or to a computer in a monitoring center.

The alarm condition detector is ideally a remote device which is preferably battery powered rather than mains powered. A long life battery may be used as the battery, however means may be provided for automatically calling a designated telephone number when the battery power reaches a predetermined low level.

The alarm system according to the invention advantageously stores a pre-recorded message or signal for transmission to a telephone or computer with a designated telephone number.

The pre-recorded message or signal may indicate the source of the alarm and, optionally, the type of alarm situation. For a system using analog signaling, it may be advantageous for the pre-recorded message to be an audible message, such as a message such as Motion was detected at alarm device No. X . For a system using digital signaling, the message may be in encoded form for transmission to a computer modem for display on a computer monitor. The signal may be the telephone number of the dialer itself, which includes the source of the alarm signal.

The alarm detector can be of any suitable type. Passive infrared detectors are ideal for abandoned properties, although pressure pad detectors, door contacts, etc. can also be used. Other types of alarm detectors include:

6 • ♦ · · * .... .. ·· ·· • · 4 · • · · * 44 44 for the invention, fire and smoke may be mentioned. water detectors and detectors Alarm system according to invention advantageous includes means for delayed alarm activation system to

ensuring the possibility of entering or exiting the property or property equipped with an alarm system.

The alarm system according to the invention can be turned off remotely from a designated telephone, e.g. by pressing a single key or by a combination of several keys.

The alarm system may also include audible and/or visual alarm signals responsive to an alarm condition.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, an alarm system suitable for use in an abandoned property comprises one or more battery-powered passive infrared presence detectors for transmitting a radio signal to a remote radio receiver, ideally situated in the same property, a dialer programmed to dial a predetermined telephone number and means for activating the dialer responsive to receiving a signal from the remote radio receiver.

The radio receiver and selector are preferably arranged in a separate unit with its own battery power source.

Overview of images in drawings

The invention will be described in the following part of the application by way of example, in which reference will be made to the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. 1 schematically shows an alarm system according to the invention, a second embodiment of the invention, a third embodiment of the invention, and a fourth embodiment of the invention.

Fig. 2 schematically shows Fig. 3 schematically shows Fig. 4 schematically shows

Examples of embodiments of the invention

Fig. 1 shows one or more passive infrared presence detectors 10, which are placed at suitable locations in an abandoned property for the purpose of detecting an unwanted presence, e.g. an intruder. It is obvious that instead of infrared presence detectors, other detectors can also be used that detect the presence of an intruder or a hazardous condition, such as a fire or flood. The detectors 10 are battery-powered and have built-in transmitters for transmitting a radio signal in response to the presence, e.g. an intruder, to a radio receiver 12, which is powered by its own battery and is arranged in a control unit 14. The radio receiver transmits a signal to a pre-programmed dialer 16, which, upon receiving this signal, dials a predetermined telephone number. The telephone number selected may be a cellular telephone 18 owned by the security personnel, whereby the security service can immediately proceed to the abandoned property after the alarm signal is sent, since the alarm signal is delivered directly to a person capable of responding to the signal. The selected telephone number may optionally be the telephone number of the computer modem 20 of the control central computer 18/. This computer may be monitored by the security personnel or may be programmed to send instructions to a competent person to respond to the alarm signal.

The selector is arranged to transmit a pre-recorded message indicating the source of the alarm signal or, in the case of a digital selector, the selector number may be automatically transmitted in the form of a signal or part of a signal.

The control unit includes a delay circuit so that the entry into or exit from the property of a person who is authorized to operate or control the alarm system does not activate the alarm signal.

The dialer is also arranged to dial a designated telephone when the battery supply reaches a predetermined value, so that the battery supply can be replaced before it is completely discharged.

Installing an alarm system is simple, as it involves simply attaching passive infrared presence detectors (or other alarm condition detectors) in a suitable location, attaching the control unit in another hidden location, entering a designated phone number, and setting the alarm.

Fig. 2 shows a remote system for abandoned properties, which includes a security enclosure 50 that surrounds a lead-acid battery as the system's power source, a passive infrared detector for detecting an intruder, an external connection for auxiliary alarms, an interconnection and control circuit for detecting alarms and subsequently changing the information in data and also in a GSM mobile phone by the data link method.

Information from the security enclosure is transmitted to a host unit 52 comprising a personal computer 54 connected to a GSM modem unit 56. Information from the alarm system is transmitted using a GSM mobile phone in SMS format or data transfer format via an SMS-based network server 58. This enables detection of the status of .····:·: :: :

.:.. ..· ........

remote systems and display information to the connection manager or subsequently make a test call to remote systems or also an auxiliary call to the administrator or security officer.

Fig. 3 shows a system for business premises. This system comprises a security unit 100 (similar to the security cover 50 in Fig. 2), a remote control module 102 and a remote meter reading module 104. The system provides the user with security equipment connected to a central station and advantageously provides for the immediate transmission of an intruder message through this equipment using SMS-based services to GSM mobile phone users. The detection of an intruder and the setting/restoration are carried out on a two-wire line called Microlan. This uses specific addressing for all devices on the local network, and can detect the presence or absence of devices on the local network and can also switch devices on the local network to switch lights or heating controls on or off. This provides the additional advantage of, for example, remote heating control through the same system with additional modules equipped with remote control from a standard telephone 106 the advantage being remote meter reading to the supplier, e.g. by sending a request

GSM.

Another device that allows the public electricity supplier to immediately read the meter reading. Reading the meter reading can be done in two ways, either by obtaining a video recording or by extracting information from the IR port on the front panel of the meter. Remote reading allows the public supplier to either completely interrupt the supply or regulate the supply tariff, which otherwise often requires a personal visit by a competent worker who must perform 2měnU • · • ♦ · • · · · · · · φ

·· *

·»·· • » · ··♦ t » · · • · · ·« via IR type port.

As in the previous embodiment, the host unit 108 comprises a personal computer 110 equipped with customer software and connected to a GSM modem unit 112. This allows the status of remote systems to be detected and the information to be displayed to a central manager.

All standard alarms involving the transmission of remote control base network resources use any image information to read the measuring instrument, which format.

and status information transfers to the home based on SMS together with the detection of an intruder or is sent in a data

Fig. 4 shows another system for business premises. The essence of the system is a security device 200 connected to a central station, which is able to warn the local administrator or security service via an SMS-based network connected to a GSM telephone 201.

This system also includes a unit 202 for remote reading of the meter, as was the case in the embodiment of Fig. 3.

Likewise, the host unit 204 includes a personal computer 206 equipped with customer software and connected to a GSM network modem unit 208. This allows for detection of the status of remote systems and displays information for the central manager. All standard alarm and status transfers use an SMS-based network with any visual information for intruder detection and meter readings being sent in data format.

Claims (22)

A remote monitoring system comprising a signal transmitter (10), a signal detection means (12), a signal transmission means (16) through a global interconnection system of several mobile telephone networks (GSM system) and a remote means (18) for receiving the transmitted signal. characterized in that the signal is transmitted as an image in digital form. The remote monitoring system of claim 1, further comprising means (104) for receiving a signal from a remote source to control any function. A remote monitoring system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the signal is transmitted through a short message server of the GSM system. Remote monitoring system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the signal transmitter (10) is constituted by an alarm situation detector. 5. The longitudinal monitoring system of claim 4, wherein the alarm situation detector comprises an intruder alarm indicator. «> · · Φ φ φ φ φ φ · ♦ ·· ··· 6. The remote monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the intruder alarm indicator is a passive infrared detector. 7. The remote monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the intruder alarm indicator is a pressure pad; 8. The remote monitoring system of claim 5, wherein the intruder alarm indicator is a contact switch on the door or window. A remote monitoring system according to claim 4, characterized in that the alarm situation detector comprises a fire and / or smoke detector. Remote monitoring system according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the signal transmitter (10) is formed by a measuring device. A remote monitoring system according to claim 10, characterized in that the meter comprises an electricity meter, a gas meter or a water meter. A remote monitoring system according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising a radio camera for reading the dial of the meter and transmitting the read data through the GSM system. A remote monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a modem (20) to receive the transmitted signal and a computer (18 ') programmed to store the received signal and optionally stimulate a response thereto. A remote monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that it comprises means for remote interrogation of the signal transmitter (10) at randomly selected or predetermined intervals. A remote monitoring system according to any one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that the function to be controlled is to reset the signal transmitter (10). A remote monitoring system according to any one of claims 2 to 14, characterized in that the controlled function is the operation of a home appliance. A remote monitoring system according to claim 16, characterized in that the control signal is transmitted via a radio system or a fixed wiring to a home appliance. A remote monitoring system according to any one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that the computer (18 ') is programmed for distance control through a GSM telephone using voice or digital signals. A remote monitoring system according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized in that it comprises a backup battery source for the signal transmitting means (16). A remote monitoring system according to claim 19, characterized in that operation of the backup battery source activates signal transmission to the means (18) for receiving the transmitted signal. 21. The remote monitoring system of claim 20 including means for transmitting a message to a designated receiver upon receipt of a signal from a backup battery source. 22. The remote monitoring system of claim 20, wherein the designated receiver is a telephone and the message is a pre-recorded voice message.