GB2380041A

GB2380041A - Smoke alarm system using mobile phone technology

Info

Publication number: GB2380041A
Application number: GB0220056A
Authority: GB
Inventors: James Lawrence Campbell
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2001-08-29
Filing date: 2002-08-28
Publication date: 2003-03-26
Also published as: GB0220056D0

Abstract

A smoke alarm system is proposed that comprises a smoke detector 3 and a telephone 11 which uses mobile phone technology to dial an emergency number when the smoke detector is activated. The system is purchased as a self-contained standalone unit and on installation the location of the unit is registered with an emergency operator. On triggering off the alarm 7 the mobile telephone 11 dials up the number of the emergency operator and transmits a code unique to the unit in question which enables the location of the unit to be identified, whereupon the emergency services can be directed to the correct address. Also included is a test button for performing a system check.

Description

Title : Improvements in and relating to smoke alarms DESCRIPTION The present invention relates to smoke alarms.

Self contained battery powered smoke detectors are readily available for purchase by homeowners for installation in domestic premises. Smoke detectors are effective for signalling the early stages of a fire by triggering an audible alarm. However, they rely on somebody hearing the alarm and being in a position to contact the fire brigade.

Commercial alarm systems are known which are linked to a central monitoring station by a telephone line so that in the event of a fire alarm being triggered emergency services are contacted automatically. However, such systems are expensive and out of reach of domestic consumers.

The present invention aims to provide an improved smoke alarm system which has the advantage of automatic signalling, whilst being readily suited to the domestic consumer.

Accordingly, the present invention proposes a smoke alarm system comprising a smoke detector and a telephone which uses mobile phone technology to dial an emergency number when the smoke detector is activated.

The detector preferably incorporates an audible alarm means, such as a horn. Conveniently, the alarm means and the telephone are wired to the detectors circuit in a way which allows them to operate in unison.

The telephone incorporates memory means and is programmed to dial a

prescribed emergency number when the unit is activated. Preferably this is built into the unit i. e. pre-programmed into its memory. Preferably a memory chip is provided for this purpose. Each unit will have a unique identification code which is programmed into the unit. Preferably at least part of the identification code is indicated on the unit or on packaging supplied with the unit to facilitate registration as discussed further hereinafter. The code transmitted may include information identifying the maker of the unit and/or the operator of the emergency call system, e. g. the air time provider.

The emergency number is that of a prescribed emergency operator. The address at which the detector is situated is conveyed to the emergency operator on installation by the user. Several systems are proposed for instigating registration with the emergency operator. Normally, on purchase and installation, the purchaser will be required to telephone the emergency operator to register the address at which the unit is installed. In the event of the alarm being activated the emergency operator is telephoned by the in-built unit automatically and the unique code of the unit transmitted to the emergency operator, and would appear on the emergency operator's display, thereby enabling the operator to determine the location of the alarm and pass on details to the emergency services, e. g. fire brigade. This may be done manually, e. g. by consulting a register, or by a computerised system or a combination thereof. Preferably the receiving fire control operator is able to read from their screen, both the fire warning and the address of the fire.

In effect the purchaser is buying an air time contract. That contract is

initiated on purchase of the device and/or registration with the emergency operator. The emergency operator may be a mobile phone operator, but could be a specialist emergency operator that subcontracts air time usage with the mobile phone operator. The contract may be for specific periods, for example, annual contracts. The emergency operator may send out renewal contracts towards the end of the contract period and means may be provided to warn the user that the smoke alarm contract is coming to an end, for example, by operation of a light or an audible alarm.

In its simplest form the smoke alarm unit does not have any voice communicating circuits. Registration is performed using a separate telephone.

Whilst we refer above to a smoke alarm system, it is to be noted that other types of detector suitable for sensing a fire could be used and is therefore embraced by the term smoke detector, including for example, a heat detector.

The present invention will now be described further by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings; in which :- Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a smoke alarm system in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention, Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a telephone unit using the embodiment of Figure 1, and Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a smoke alarm system in accordance with another embodiment.

Referring firstly to figure 1, the smoke alarm system according to the present invention comprises a casing 1, which houses a smoke sensor 3

associated with electronic circuitry represented by a circuit board 5, a horn 7, a battery 9 and a telephone unit 11. The telephone unit is shown in more detail in figure 2, and comprises a memory chip, a dialing unit 15 and a transmittor 17. Details of the telephone unit are not described in any detail as they follow conventional practice. The memory chip contains a unique code for the unit and stores the emergency number to be called when triggered. Programming controls operation of the dial up unit, and the transmitter when triggered for operation by an alarm signal on lines 18 or 19.

In operation, triggering of the smoke detector 3 causes a signa ! to be sent to the alarm unit 7, and also to the telephone unit 11. The signal to the telephone unit initiates the pre-programming causing the unit to dial up the number of the emergency operator using the wireless communication system built into the unit.

On receipt of the signal, the emergency operator correlates the identification number transmitted with the information located on a database identifying the location of the smoke alarm, and relays the information to the emergency services.

Figure 3 illustrates an alternative embodiment of smoke alarm system which has additional features. It comprises a smoke sensor 3', control circuitry 5', and an audible alarm 7'and a battery 9'powering the alarm circuitry.

Line 20 leads to a telephone unit which in this embodiment has a separate battery 21. As previously, the telephone unit 11'comprises a transmitter, dial up unit and memory chip. A signal on line 20 will trigger operation of the telephone unit as previously described. However, in this

embodiment, a test button 23 is provided. Operation of the test button will send a signal to the telephone unit and will cause the telephone transmittor to call up the emergency services. However, to distinguish the signal from an actual alarm situation either an alternative code is transmitted or the telephone unit is programmed to dial up a different number. The test is intended to be carried out on initial installation, and subsequently by arrangement with the emergency operator. On installation the user registers the purchase by telephoning the emergency operator using a separate telephone line. Operation of the test button serves to ensure that the telephone unit is functioning and that its signal is capable of being received by the emergency operator.

A further feature for a directional transmitter is a tuning facility to enable the user to tune the transmitter to give a best signal output direction without having to reposition the smoke detector. For this purpose a dial 25 is provided to rotate the transmitter antenna.

A light emitting device 27, is illustrated and may be arranged to illuminate when the test button has been activated. It may be programmed to illuminate as part of signal strength checking circuitry if there is a good signal reception strength and hence a good chance of a transmission. Preferably the control circuitry includes a time delay to close the transmittor ciruit for a prescribed period of time to allow the test transmission to be carried out. The test button may be spring loaded.

As has been mentioned above, the consumer is effectively purchasing a self contained unit, including potential for an air time contract subject to

registration. The phone/code number of each alarm will be labelled on the detector for the customer to quote when registering. The details of the address at which the alarm is located are kept on a computer database logged against the ID code and a recognition program may be operated by a computer which activates a search when receiving transmissions. The test transmissions can be carried out periodically be arrangement. If the test signal failed to register than a technical department could be informed to investigate the problem further with the customer. in one embodiment, a top up card scheme or subscription arrangement is preferably employed. A computerised answering service can be employed to determine whether a caller is applying to register an installation or to arrange a test transmission or to renew an existing account.

Because the phone unit lies dormant for most of the time there should be no excessive demands on the battery and a regular battery can be used for the phone unit, rather than a rechargeable battery. This avoids the need for a mains connection and in built recharging circuitry.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. A smoke alarm system comprising a smoke detector and a telephone which uses mobile phone technology to dial an emergency number when the smoke detector is activated.
2. A smoke alarm system as claimed in claim 1 in which the detector incorporates an audible alarm means.
3. A smoke alarm system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the alarm means and the telephone are wired to the detector circuit in a way which allows them to operate in unison.
4. A smoke alarm system as claimed in any one of claims 1,2 or 3 in which the telephone incorporates memory means and is programmed to dial a prescribed emergency number when the unit is activated.
5. A smoke alarm system as claimed in claim 4 in which the emergency number is pre-programmed into the unit's memory.
6. A smoke alarm system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which each unit has a unique identification code and at least part of the identification code is indicated on the unit or on packaging supplied with the unit.
7. A smoke alarm system as claimed in claims 4 or 5 in which the emergency number is that of a prescribed emergency operator.
8. A smoke alarm system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the address at which the detector is situated is conveyed to the emergency operator on installation by the user.

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9. A smoke alarm system as claimed in claim 8 in which instigating registration with the emergency operator requires the purchaser to telephone the emergency operator to register the address at which the unit is installed and this information is recorded by the emergency operator against the unique code of the unit concerned.
10. A smoke alarm system as claimed in any one of the previous claims and further comprising a light or an audible alarm to signal to the user that a contract period is coming to an end.
11. A smoke alarm system as claimed in claim 9 in which registration is performed using a separate telephone.
12. A smoke alarm system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and further comprising a test button 23 which when operated sends a signal to the telephone unit and causes the telephone transmittor to call up the emergency services using an alternative telephone number or an alternative code.
13. A smoke alarm system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims and further comprising a directional transmittor having a tuning facility which facilitates rotation of the transmittor antenna to enable the user to tune the transmitter to give a best signal output direction without having to reposition the smoke detector.
14. A smoke alarm system as claimed in any of the preceding claims and further comprising light emitting means that illuminates when the test button has been activated and that is programmed to illuminate as part of

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signal strength checking circuitry if there is a good signal reception strength and hence a good chance of a transmission.
15. A smoke alarm system as claimed in claim 12, and further comprising a time delay circuit to close the transmittor circuit for a prescribed period of time to allow the test transmission to be carried out.
16. A smoke alarm system constructed and arranged and adapted to operate substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.