WO2003001469A1

WO2003001469A1 - A property protection system

Info

Publication number: WO2003001469A1
Application number: PCT/GB2002/002870
Authority: WO
Inventors: James Kevin Meagher
Original assignee: Intamac Systems Ltd
Current assignee: Intamac Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2001-06-26
Filing date: 2002-06-24
Publication date: 2003-01-03
Anticipated expiration: 2003-12-26
Also published as: GB0115619D0; GB2377068A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system for protecting property. The invention provides a security system comprising a sensor for detecting the occurrence of an unauthorised event and means for communicating to a location remote from the sensor a detection by the sensor of an unauthorised event. The security system further comprises means for communicating electronically with an electronic device separate from the security system; and means for sending a signal between said electronic device and a location remote from said electronic device. The signal sending means comprises means for sending said signal via a remote internet server.

Description

A PROPERTY PROTECTION SYSTEM

The present invention relates to a system for protecting property.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a security system comprising a sensor for detecting the occurrence of an unauthorised event and means for communicating to a location remote from the sensor a detection by the sensor of an unauthorised event, wherein the security system further comprises means for communicating electronically with an electronic device separate from the security system; and means for sending a signal between said electronic device and a location remote from said electronic device, the signal sending means comprising means for sending said signal via a remote Internet server.

Thus, a security system according to the present invention provides property protection in a conventional manner by means of a sensor for detecting the occurrence of an unauthorised event such as an unauthorised entry into a property. However, a security system according to the present invention also provides protection for a property by allowing electronic communication between a device (such as a video recorder or television) located within the property and a remote location. Thus, if the power supply to said device is removed (for example, because the device has been unplugged from a mains supply), then this event can be communicated to a remote location via an Internet server. The property owner may then be made aware of an event such as a potential theft.

When said signal is being sent to said electronic device, the signal may be adapted to operate said electronic device. Also, when said signal is sent from said electronic device, the signal may be adapted to provide data regarding the status of said electronic device. Thus, a security system according to the present invention may allow an electronic device such as a video player or television to be operated from a remote location and may also allow the status of such devices (e.g. current settings) to be remotely determined. Faults with an electronic device may also be determined from a remote location.

The security system may also comprise means for allowing operation and interrogation of the system from a remote location via an Internet server. Accordingly, an unauthorised event detected by the sensor may be communicated to a remote location by means of the Internet. The electronic device or sensor may comprise a thermistor or means for detecting a flood. In this way, a property owner may be alerted to a fire or flood at the protected property.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a security system comprising a sensor for detecting the occurrence of an unauthorised event, wherein the security system further comprises means for allowing operation and interrogation of the system from a remote location via an Internet server.

Thus, the present invention provides a security system which can be operated and interrogated in a manner similar to that with a conventional security system but from a remote location via an Internet server. The present invention therefore allows the property owner (located potentially anywhere in the world) to set and unset an alarm system at his property and interrogate the alarm system so as to determine whether or not an alarm has been triggered.

The security system may also comprise means for automatically communicating a detection of an unauthorised event by said sensor to a remote location via said Internet server. The sensor may comprise a thermistor and/or electrical means for detecting a flood.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of providing protection for a property comprising the steps of (i) providing said property with means for allowing communication of electrical signals between one or more electrical devices within said property and a remote Internet server; (ii) interpreting a signal received by said Internet server from one of said electrical devices and determining whether predetermined criteria is satisfied; and (iii) sending a message to a predetermined person if said predetermined criteria is satisfied.

It is preferable for said interpreting of a signal, said determining of whether predetermined criteria is satisfied, and said sending of a message to be undertaken automatically. These automatic functions may be undertaken by the Internet server. The message may be sent to a predetermined person as a verbal telephone message or as an SMS text or e-mail message. The person to whom the message is sent may be the owner of the property and/or a third party. The third party may be the police and/or independent security officers. The method may comprise the further step of sending a message to a further predetermined person in the event that a message has been previously sent to a predetermined person without this predetermined person confirming receipt of said message to the remote Internet server or elsewhere.

An embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown in the accompanying Figure 1. The illustrated embodiment connects a traditional security system to a web server so as to enable events to be monitored using Internet technologies. Through this connection, a system according to the invention can remotely monitor a property and provide users with a novel range of capabilities.

This system provides an advanced form of security monitoring. In the event that an alarm is triggered, the illustrated system provides an automatic response by sending warning messages via phone, text message, or e-mail to one or more contacts. If the contacts fail to respond to the messaging system, an operator will manually intervene. All messages give detailed information regarding a series of events and the system allows a contact to dial in and receive further updates on a given situation. The provision of regarding events and the timing thereof will help users to identify false alarms. This greatly reduces the cost and inconvenience of false alarms. Low cost web cameras may also be integrated into the system so as to provide confirmation of events.

The system extends the capability of traditional security systems and enables a control panel to embrace a wider range of sensors. The system can monitor events such as temperature rises, flooding or power failure to machines or appliances in a property. Any sensor that can be made to provide a simple open/closed circuit signal to the panel can be used to transmit warnings. The system can be used to provide a means of monitoring all electrical systems in a property.

The system is supported by other services such as a manned guard response. For example, if a guard response is required due to a forced entry into a property, messages can be transmitted direct to guard officers who can then visit the property and, armed with up to date information on events, inspect the point of entry. Officers can also act in response to other warnings regarding flooding and electricity/gas/water supply failure so as to limit damage to a property.

The system may be provided using a traditional alarm system without making any hardware changes to the security control panel. Although in the illustrated system the traditional panel appears to be sending messages, it is in fact simply sending self generated alarm data (or data generated by a sensor or other device separate to the traditional alarm system) to a web server. The logic and programming of the system at the web server then determines whether to send a message, the type of message to be sent and, finally, to whom the message should be sent.

There are other benefits of using Internet technologies linked to a conventional security system. The use of a web server gives a property owner (customer) the ability to programme system parameters from a remote location. A user may instantly change account details such as their contacts or the call sequence from a remote location via the Internet.

The call sequence can be different for each type of alert. For example, in the case of a break-in, the system may sequentially call each of the contacts and warn the system operator if none of the contacts respond. For a fire alarm, the system may immediately alert all contacts at the same time. However, when a flood warning has been detected, it may be appropriate to merely contact the property owner either directly via a home telephone or a mobile telephone.

An appropriate web site can also provide access to information on a property showing who has set/unset an alarm. Package of services and advice may be offered through the site.

It is also possible to transmit signals to the control panel and, through the panel, to devices (such as washing machines and video recorderss) so as to switch then on or off either in response to an event or simply for convenience. It is also possible to programme the panel so as to enable an associated security alarm to be switched on and off remotely. Finally, the system can be used to network devices and provide basic remote fault diagnosis. These capabilities extend to the function of a panel and make it a gateway box into the property.

In summary, the illustrated system extends the capabilities of conventional security alarms by linking them to Internet technologies. The system can provide improved security management for a property but, more importantly, can also allow remote property management. A control panel can be directly linked to other services such as manned security or maintenance. Users can programme their own systems and tailor them to meet their specific needs using their own web pages on the Internet.

The system specifications are as follows: When an event is detected, a signal is transmitted via Standard Telephone Line (PSTN) from the panel in the property to the monitoring system using an industry standard protocol such as Security Industries Association Standard (SIA2). This signal is forwarded to centrally based monitoring hardware which authenticates and translates the protocol and forwards the signal via serial connection to a server based database. Once this event data is received into the database, the following systems interact to respond accordingly: Monitoring System

This is a MS Visual Basic 6 program which constantly monitors entries into the events database. Located on the main database server, this program acts as the mechanism to trigger event responses via a Call Centre System, Web User Interface and Computer Telephony Interface (CTI) - see below. The Monitoring System is also responsible for initiating e-mail and Short Messaging Services (SMS) text messages to the recorded contacts at specified time intervals. It also contains agreed logic programmes for all responses. For example, the Monitoring Systems has different response programmes for fire, personal attack, security or any other sensor input. In many cases, this can be changed by the property owner (customer) using the web interface.

Call Centre System

This is a web-based system written using MS SQL and MS Visual Basic 6 webclasses. This system provides information on sensor/alarm activation to the appropriate staff who are on-call. Information provided includes member details, alarm activation details and automated response status. This allows the staff to monitor events and intervene as required as per the service levels agreed with each property owner (including immediate correspondence with third-party guarding, insurance and service companies). Web User Interface

This is a web based front-end interface allowing designated users (e.g. customers and suppliers) to review and maintain their account details. Account details include property, contact user, insurance, keyholder and guarding period information. Using this interface, the user has instant access to change or update details as often as they wish. A facility is also provided allowing a change in settings so the system can respond differently to meet user needs. This information, held in SQL databases, is utilised throughout the system. Users can monitor the most recent events and review information fed from appliances in their property. Given the flexibility of the Internet, all these activities can be initiated from any Internet access terminal. The web interface may also provide the user with a wide package of benefits relating to the home. For example, a web site may be made available providing advice and support on a range of issues and services relevant to user needs. Computer Technology Interface (CT

This allows customers less familiar with the Internet to benefit from the core capabilities of the system. The CTI has been adapted to be operated using just a telephone. Software programs activate both automated recorded voice telephone messages and automated recorded "text to speech" telephone messages to a property and contacts of a user whose control panel has notified an event. This system also provides an interface for incoming calls from users allowing them to provide notification that they are responding to an event or enabling them to review recent messages/events via text to speech.

The present invention is not limited to the specific embodiment and method described above. Alternative arrangements will be apparent to a reader skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method of providing protection for a property comprising the steps of (i) providing said property with means for allowing communication of electrical signals between one or more electrical devices within said property and a remote internet server; (ii) interpreting a signal received by said internet server from one of said electrical devices and determining whether predetermined criteria is satisfied; and (iii) sending a message to a predetermined person if said predetermined criteria is satisfied.

2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein said interpreting of a signal, said determining of whether predetermined criteria is satisfied, and said sending of a message is undertaken automatically.

3. A method as claimed in claim 2, wherein said automatic functions are undertaken by the internet server.

4. A method as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein said message is sent to a predetermined person as a verbal telephone message or as an SMS text or e-mail message.

5. A method as claimed in claim 4, wherein the predetermined person is the owner of the property.

6. A security system comprising a sensor for detecting the occurrence of an unauthorised event, wherein the security system further comprises means for allowing operation and interrogation of the system from a remote location via an internet server.

7. A security system as claimed in claim 6, further comprising means for automatically communicating a detection of an unauthorised event by said sensor to a remote location via said internet server.

8. A security system as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein said sensor comprises a thermistor.

9. A security system as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein said sensor comprises electrical means for detecting a flood.

10. A security system comprising a sensor for detecting the occurrence of an unauthorised event and means for communicating to a location remote from the sensor a detection by the sensor of an unauthorised event, wherein the security system further comprises means for communicating electronically with an electronic device separate from the security system; and means for sending a signal between said electronic device and a location remote from said electronic device, the signal sending means comprising means for sending said signal via a remote internet server.

11. A security system as claimed in claim 10, wherein, when said signal is sent to said electronic device, said signal is adapted to operate said electronic device.

12. A security system as claimed in claim 10 or 11 wherein, when said signal is sent from said electronic device, said signal is adapted to provide data regarding the status of said electronic device.

13. A security system as claimed in any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising means for allowing operation and interrogation of the system from a remote location via an internet server.

14. A security system as claimed in any of claims 10 to 13, wherein said electronic device comprises a thermistor.

15. A security system as claimed in any of claims 10 to 14, wherein said electronic device comprise means for detecting a flood.

16. A method as claimed in claim 14, wherein the predetermined person is a third party.

17. A method as claimed in claim 16, wherein the third party is the police or an independent security officer.

18. A method as claimed in any of claims 14 to 17, the method comprising the further step of sending a message to a further predetermined person in the event that a message has been previously sent to a predetermined person without this predetermined person confirming receipt of said message to the remote internet server or elsewhere.