HK1026328A - Intermittent, low bandwidth, wireless data network and method of operation thereof - Google Patents

Description

Intermittent, low bandwidth wireless data network and method of operation thereof

The present invention relates generally to wireless data communications, and more particularly to a wireless data network that operates intermittently and a method of operating the same.

Security systems are widely used in commercial and residential settings. Most security systems register alarm signals at local and central detection stations, which are typically located in the same city or region as the alarm. The central detection station may be a local law enforcement or private service, where the private service typically notifies the police station of the alarm. Typically, an alarm is triggered and the security system activates a local alarm and notifies the central detection station of this via a conventional telephone line.

Many security systems use cellular backup in addition to the usual landline communication when the alarm is triggered. Cellular backup is attractive because existing telephone lines are subject to some unauthorized act (e.g., theft). If the existing telephone line is not currently available, the system switches to cellular backup, establishing a cellular connection with the central test station to alert the central test station. Moreover, some systems establish both existing telephone line connections and cellular telephone connections with a central testing station. Cellular fallback is essentially a commercial cellular telephone that requires and requires reception of a high quality wireless voice communication channel.

With the popularity of cellular backup, cellular backup also has some shortfalls that limit its commercial viability. One disadvantage associated with existing cellular backup systems is that communication is limited to only one-way outgoing messages. These backup systems cannot connect to the backup individually because the backup cannot receive information from external sources. As previously described, when an event-driven alarm occurs, the system establishes a cellular connection with the associated central detection station and sends an alarm signal. If the security system is so defective that it cannot trigger an alarm (e.g., due to a power loss, sensor failure or internal circuit failure), the alarm will not be sent and the central detection station will not be able to establish a connection with the alarm system to verify the system status.

Another disadvantage encountered with existing cellular backup systems is the need to use a wide bandwidth to transmit the relatively small alarm signal. Existing cellular fallback systems must use the same baud rate and bandwidth as commercial personal cellular communication systems (typically referred to as cellular telephones). Commercial cellular lines are designed for voice and image transmission (continuous media) and therefore require a wide bandwidth and little or no interruption in baud rate to provide the required quality of service. Customers using a security system with cellular fallback need to pay for high quality, continuous media cellular services, however in practice it is sufficient for the customer to use a security system with a relatively small bandwidth.

To address this problem, recent security system designers have considered the use of Cellular Digital Packet Data (CDPD) technology to overcome the bandwidth usage problem. CDPD can be broadly described as a new process for cellular applications as a means of data transmission. With CDPD technology, data packets can be sent along any channel of an existing cellular voice network. Also, data packets can be transmitted at high speed during the gaps of a cellular telephone call. By incorporating CDPD into existing cellular systems, cellular operators can quickly transmit data without having to seek a separate data transmission line (please access the internet site http: \ \ www.cdpd.org if more information about CDPD is desired).

CDPD, however, also has several drawbacks that make it a poor solution to the problem encountered. While CDPD technology can use "gaps" in cellular communications even during peak usage periods, wide bandwidths are still required for transmission. Moreover, when there is no communication "gap", the CDPD acquires a full cellular channel, thereby exposing the user to the same inefficiencies as when using a wide bandwidth commercial cellular line.

Finally, energy supply and battery backup are another consideration when using existing cellular backups. The use and maintenance of cellular backup requires expensive energy supplies and battery backup, which further burdens the user. Since commercial cellular systems require continuous transmission with little or no interruption, it is important to maintain system power. The use of commercial quality cellular lines exacerbates the waste of resources and increases the associated inefficient drain on the energy system, since the security system transmits only a small amount of data.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for an improved alarm system that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art discussed above.

To overcome the above-mentioned deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides an alarm system for a wireless network and a method of operating the same. In one embodiment, the alarm system comprises: (1) a local transceiver for establishing a reduced bandwidth wireless connection with a wireless central detection station in the wireless network in response to the received signal and (2) a local controller for receiving commands from the wireless central detection station over the wireless connection, wherein the controller is coupled to the transceiver for bi-directional communication.

The present invention also introduces the broad concept of using reduced bandwidth transceivers in a wireless alarm network capable of two-way communication. In the present invention, a "reduced bandwidth wireless connection" is defined as a wireless connection having a bandwidth insufficient to provide a commercially acceptable quality of service standard for voice communications. Existing cellular telephones have not been able to establish wireless connections with reduced bandwidth.

In one embodiment of the invention, the local transceivers and the wireless central detection station exchange data in groups. In the present invention, a "group" is a discontinuous portion of a complete transmission. Groups are not suitable for transmitting continuous (streaming) media, such as real-time voice. Of course, the local transceiver and the wireless central detection station may be used throughout a group of communication tasks.

In one embodiment of the invention, the stimulus is an alarm event transmitted from the local controller to the local transceiver. In another more specific embodiment of the present invention, the local event is selected from the group consisting of: (1) a user-triggered alarm event and (2) an intruder-triggered alarm event. In addition, the local event may be a given time (possibly days) or an informational event that does not necessarily generate an alarm, such as would occur if an (authorized) user opened a door or opened an oven.

In one embodiment of the invention, the signal is a command transmitted from the wireless central detection station to the local transceiver. In another more specific embodiment of the invention, the wireless central detection station establishes a wireless connection with the local transceiver separately. In another more particular embodiment of the invention, the wireless central test station broadcasts commands to a plurality of transceivers, including a local transceiver. Broadcasting, for example for synchronizing local alarm system clocks, saves significant bandwidth.

The foregoing has outlined, rather broadly, the best mode and other features of the present invention so that those skilled in the art may better understand the detailed description of the invention that follows. Other features of the invention will be described in the following claims. It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for designing or modifying other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the present invention. Those skilled in this art will recognize that similar structures do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

For a more complete understanding of the present invention, the parameters will be used in the following description in conjunction with the following drawings, in which:

fig. 1 illustrates a wireless network employing an embodiment of an alarm system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates an alarm system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention; and

fig. 3 shows a flow chart of a method of operating an alarm system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

Referring initially to fig. 1, wherein fig. 1 illustrates a wireless network employing an embodiment of an alarm system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Network 100 includes a Wireless Central Monitoring Station (WCMS)110, wherein 110 is wirelessly coupled to a plurality of alarm systems (each indicated at 120) for communication. Each alarm system 120 includes a local transceiver 122 coupled to a local controller 124 for bi-directional communication. The transceiver 122 is capable of establishing a reduced bandwidth wireless connection with the WCMS 110 and the controller 124 is capable of transmitting commands and data to and receiving commands and data from the WCMS 110 via the established wireless connection. The transceiver 122 and the WCMS 110 exchange data in groups, where a group includes discontinuous portions of a complete transmission. In a wireless connection, group transmission allows for a reduction in bandwidth in the wireless connection, since the group does not require real-time voice quality communication lines.

The WCMS 110 may connect to each individual alarm system 120 to "poll" the individual systems 120. During polling, the WCMS 110 establishes a wireless connection with the transceiver 122 to forward commands to the controller 124, which may include downloading data not related to alarms (e.g., opening doors) to routine maintenance and diagnostics (e.g., setting a system clock). The WCMS 110 may remotely detect the operational status of the system 120 by allowing two-way communication with different alarm systems 120. In some cases where wide bandwidth is required, the required maintenance and diagnostics will only be performed during non-peak periods of operation (e.g., night/early morning).

Additionally, the two-way communication allows the WCMS 110 to remotely upgrade system software in the alarm system 120. To distribute the upgraded software in the network 100, the WCMS 110 communicates the software to the alarm system 120 in a small geographic area, or to some type of user dispersed throughout a primary area, where such user subscribes to additional functions/services, or to individual users who subscribe to a particular or dedicated service. The use of wireless connections for system upgrades reduces the burden of dispatching personnel to various locations for software upgrades and unifies all software management, testing and security responsibilities at a central location under the control of the system administrator. Thus, such a system may have significant benefits in terms of cost, security, and integrity of the wireless network 110 and the enterprise.

Turning now to fig. 2, wherein fig. 2 illustrates an alarm system constructed using principles according to the present invention. The alarm system 200 includes a local transceiver 210 coupled to a local controller 220 that allows bi-directional communication. The transceiver is also wirelessly coupled to a Wireless Central Monitoring Station (WCMS)230 that is part of the wireless network. Further, the controller 220 is coupled to various sensors 240, a user activated "panic button" and various controlled devices 260.

The sensor 240 provides information that is typically detected by an alarm system (e.g., unauthorized entry or breaking of glass). Those skilled in this regard will recognize that the condition detected by his sensors can be almost any detectable condition and is not limited to only those conditions that are typically detectable by alarm systems. The panic button 250 is a user-activated device that may be used to activate an alarm system to alert the WCMS 230. The controlled device is a device whose function is affected by a signal from the controller 220 when an alarm is triggered, wherein the alarm is triggered by a user or a predetermined alarm state.

Such systems may be used in a variety of environments, including residential, commercial, and automotive settings. In residential and commercial settings, the sensors 240 may be motion sensors, pressure plates, and window or door detection devices. The sensors may detect motion in a residential or commercial location, door opening, window opening, moving objects (e.g., artwork), temperature, air quality, or any other detectable condition.

In an automobile, the sensors 240 may detect doors, windows, compartments and hoods. Moreover, the sensor 240 may also detect the engine, tires, exhaust hoods or even the alarm system itself. Currently, car thieves can interfere with many car alarm systems by cutting off the system power. Sensors within the system may detect internal energy and register energy consumption.

The emergency button is used when the user remotely activates the alarm system. In the residential setting, the user may activate the emergency button 250 when the user believes that an intruder has entered the home, when a fire endangers the user or the home, or when the user "falls and fails to stand".

When an alarm occurs, the controlled device 260 is enabled/disabled by the controller 220. In the residential site, when the controller 220 determines that the oven is not closed through the sensor 240, an alarm message may be transmitted through the transceiver 210, and then the controlled device, i.e., the oven, may be turned off, thereby possibly preventing a fire. The controlled device 260 may be a switch in the residential premises to turn on all lights when the user actuates the emergency button to scare away the intruder.

In commercial and residential settings, the sensor 240 may be a smoke detector, the emergency button may be a hand-activated fire alarm, and the controlled device 260 may be a water sprinkler system. Upon receiving a signal from the sensor 240 or the emergency button 250, the controller 220 activates the sprinklers, i.e., the controlled equipment 260, and the controller will instruct the transceiver 210 to transmit an alarm signal to the WCMS 230, wherein the WCMS 230 may be a local fire department transmitter.

In an automobile, controlled device 260 may be a disabled ignition, or controlled device 260 may be a horn and headlights that are turned on when a thief breaks the glass or removes the lock detected by sensor 240. In addition, when the user is concerned about an attack by an attacker, the controlled device 260 is activated by pressing the emergency button 250, and the attacker is scared by continuously sounding a horn and flashing the headlight. Once the system 200 generates a local alarm, the controller 220 will command the transceiver 210 to establish a wireless connection with the WCMS 230 to transmit the alarm data.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the alarm system 200 includes a camera for transmitting image data to the WCMS 230. Like the sensors 240 or the controlled devices 260, the cameras are also coupled to the local controller 220 so that data may be transmitted to the WCMS 230 through the local transceiver 210. Through the internet or other communications medium with appropriate security protocols, a traveler or remote user can connect to WCMS 230 and view the conditions of residential or commercial alarm system 200. Moreover, the user may even physically view a room in a residential or commercial location at a remote location by accessing image data from the camera. The bandwidth required for the wireless connection is minimal because voice data or system status data may be transferred to the WCMS 230 over the reduced bandwidth connection and then transferred to the user over the existing data transfer means.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the alarm system 200 includes an information system that is accessible through the WCMS 230 using a reduced bandwidth wireless connection. Similar to the above embodiments, the user may access information in the form of voice or data generated in a residential or commercial location. In such an embodiment, the telephone line in the residential or commercial location is detected and answered by an automated system (e.g., an answering machine). The recorded information is uploaded and stored in the controller 220 and retrieved by the remote user in a similar manner to the retrieval of image data in the above-described embodiment.

Finally, in another embodiment of the present invention, the alarm system 200 allows multiple users to access or receive system status data from a central location. Rather than allowing multiple users to access data at a remote residential/commercial site or requiring the remote site to transmit data to multiple recipients, the remote site transmits data to the WCMS 230, which in turn, the WCMS 230 authorizes access to the selected users. Once the WCMS 230 receives data from a suspect site, the WCMS 230 transmits the data to the user or allows authorized users access to the received data over the Internet or other communications media.

Turning now to fig. 3, fig. 3 illustrates a flow chart of a method of operation of an alarm system constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention. With continued reference to FIG. 2, the operation of the alarm system 200 is as follows. The method starts at a start step 300. The transceiver 210 detects a signal from the controller 220 or the WCMS 230, at a receive signal step 310. If there is a local alarm, the controller informs the transceiver 210 to establish a connection with the WCMS 230 to forward the alarm, including whether the alarm is user-triggered (via an emergency button) or intruder-triggered. Conversely, if the WCMS 230 wants to check the status of the alarm system 200, the WCMS 230 establishes a connection with the transceiver 210 to receive data from the controller 220.

Once the transceiver 210 detects the alarm signal, a reduced bandwidth wireless connection is established between the transceiver 210 and the WCMS 230 in a establish wireless connection step 320, wherein step 320 is for the bi-directional exchange of information and associated commands. The controller 220 transmits the data to the transceiver 210, and the transceiver 210 then forwards the data to the WCMS 230, typically in a group, at an exchange communication step 330. Once the WCMS 230 receives the data, the WCMS 230 sends a command to the transceiver 210 and the transceiver 210 forwards the command to the controller 220. Also, when the WCMS 230 establishes a wireless connection, the WCMS 230 may instruct the controller 220 to download required information or execute commands through the transceiver 210 even if there is no alarm condition. The WCMS 230 may communicate with the alarm system 200 individually or broadcast commands to multiple alarm systems as described in fig. 1.

In execute command step 340, the controller 220 executes the received command. These commands include downloading data selected by the controller 210 (e.g., the number of door opens), synchronizing internal clocks, issuing control commands to the controlled device 260, and so forth. For example, if there is an alarm, such as a fire alarm, the WCMS 230 will issue a command to the controller 220 to activate the water spray system if the water spray system has not been activated by the program within the controller 220. Also, when no alarm condition exists, the WCMS 230 may issue commands to the controller 220 to turn on and off lights in the room to block possible intruders when the owner is not present through a predetermined schedule. Once the received command is executed, the method of operation ends at step 350.

It can be seen from the above description that the present invention provides an alarm system for a wireless network and a method of operating the same. In one embodiment, an alarm system comprises: (1) a local transceiver for establishing a reduced bandwidth wireless connection with a central detection station in the wireless network in response to the received signal and (2) a local controller coupled to the transceiver for bi-directional communication for receiving commands from the wireless central detection station over the wireless connection.

Although the present invention has been described in detail, those skilled in the art should understand that they can make various changes, substitutions and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (21)

1. An alarm system for a wireless network, comprising:

a local transceiver for establishing a reduced bandwidth wireless connection with a wireless central detection station in the wireless network in response to the received signal; and

a local controller coupled to said transceiver for bi-directional communication for receiving commands from said wireless central detection station over said wireless connection.

2. An alarm system as claimed in claim 1 wherein data is exchanged between the local transceivers and the wireless central detection station in groups.

3. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein said signal is an alarm event transmitted from said local controller to said local transceiver.

4. The alarm system of claim 3, wherein the local event is selected from the group consisting of:

a user-triggered alarm event, and

an intruder triggered alarm event.

5. The alarm system of claim 1, wherein the stimulus is a command transmitted from the wireless central detection station to the local transceiver.

6. An alarm system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the wireless central detection station establishes a wireless connection separately from the local transceiver.

7. The alarm system of claim 5, wherein said wireless central detection station broadcasts said command to a plurality of transceivers, including said local transceiver.

8. A method for operating an alarm system in a wireless network, comprising the steps of:

establishing a reduced bandwidth wireless connection between a wireless central detection station and a local transceiver in the wireless network and in response to the received stimulus; and are

Receiving commands received from the wireless central detection station via the wireless connection into a local controller, wherein

A local controller is coupled to the transceiver for bi-directional communication.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising the step of exchanging data in groups between the local transceivers and the wireless central detection station.

10. The method of claim 8, wherein the stimulus is an alarm event communicated from the local controller to the local transceiver.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the local event is selected from the group consisting of:

a user-triggered alarm event, and

an intruder triggered alarm event.

12. The method of claim 8, wherein the stimulus is a command transmitted from the wireless central detection station to the local transceiver.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein said step of establishing a connection further comprises the step of separately establishing said wireless connection between said wireless central detection station and said local transceiver.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the step of establishing a connection further comprises the step of broadcasting, by the wireless central detection station, the command to a plurality of the local transceivers.

15. A wireless network, comprising:

a wireless central detection station;

a plurality of alarm systems wirelessly coupled to the central detection station for communication, wherein each of the alarm systems comprises:

a local transceiver for establishing a reduced bandwidth wireless connection with said wireless central detection station in response to the received stimulus; and

a local controller coupled to said transceiver for bi-directional communication for receiving commands from said wireless central detection station over said wireless connection.

16. The alarm network of claim 15, wherein data is exchanged between the local transceivers and the wireless central detection station in groups.

17. The alarm network of claim 15, wherein the stimulus is an alarm event transmitted from the local controller to the local transceiver.

18. The alarm network of claim 17, wherein the local event is selected from the group consisting of:

a user-triggered alarm event, and

an intruder triggered alarm event.

19. The alarm network of claim 15, wherein the stimulus is a command transmitted from the wireless central detection station to the local transceiver.

20. An alarm network according to claim 19 wherein the wireless connection is established solely between the central detection station and the local transceivers.

21. The alarm network of claim 19, wherein the wireless central detection station broadcasts the command to the plurality of alarm systems.