GB2220779A - Automated neighboorhood security system - Google Patents

Description

n 2 2 2 0 /:7 AUTOMATED NEIGHBOURHOOD SECURITY SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a security system and more particularly to an automated neighbourhood security system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR

Various security systems for the home and business environments have been developed over the years. Most known systems comprise a plurality of sensors connected to a control unit which is itself connected, either directly or through the public telephone network to a monitoring station which is in many cases the local police.

Conventional burglar alarm systems protect doors and window openings with contacts, foils or other similar devices which must be installed on every door and window that appears vulnerable to a break-in. Installation costs can be quite high. These devices are interconnected by wiring directly to a central control unit usually located in a remote area of the property. Such systems remain with the property and cannot be easily removed when the owner sells the property.

Although a typical burglary in a residence will last only a few minutes (approximately 4 to 6 minutes), the average national response time for police personnel to arrive is approximately 17 minutes after being alerted to a "burglary alarm". This delay is due to the increasing use of alarm systems which on the whole have a very high rate of false alarms (very often more than 95% of all calls).

Because of this, it is highly preferable to detect an intruder prior to the break-in in order to attempt to deter the intruder while this possibility exists. If the break-in has occurred,, then response time becomes the crucial element and 17 minutes is too long.

It is ironic that as more home owners install alarm systems connected to a central monitoring station, police response and protection is declining due to the additional work load generated by the increasing number of false alarms. Burglars are likely to become aware of the situation and the incidence of homes that have alarm systems being violated will probably increase.

One way to reduce the response time is to connect the detectors to a central security headquarter provided with the manpower to respond promptly to an alarm signal from the protected premises. For example, see U.S. Patent 3,852,740 (Haymes) which describes an alarm system having both radio and power line communication links between protected premises and a monitoring station. Intrusion alarm monitoring equipment at the monitoring station is activated to respond to radio alarm signals from the protected premises by "activate" signals that originate at the protected premises and that are transmitted over the power lines to the monitoring station. The monitoring station signals back to the protected premises over the power lines the fact that it is "armed" or activated as to intrusion alarm signals from those premises, and also signals any intrusion alarm detected at said protected premises.

Another example is described in U.S. Patent 3,925,763 (Wadhwani et al). The disclosedsystem comprises sensors responsive to the occurrence of abnormal or emergency conditions which transmit digitally-cc4ed messages including information on self identification and the nature of the emergency to a line converter. The line converter decodes the signal and then adds on information identifying its own location and synthetizes a combined digital message which is then transmitted along power lines to a master controller. The master controller receives and decodes digitally coded messages transmitted by the line converters and adds further location information and synthetizes an appropriate digitally coded message which it communicates to one or more central stations using a telephone line, coaxial cable, radio or external power line. Each central station services a plurality of master controllers in different protected areas. This system is said to be useful in high-rise apartment complexes and public institutions such as schools and hospitals.

Still other systems are described in U.S.

Patents 3,906,491 (Gosswiller et al), 4,455,551 (Lemelson), 3,886,534 (Rosen et al) and 4,446,458 (Cook).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INT1

WION The present invention is designed to provide a neighbourhood protection network by electronically connecting the homes in a neighbourhood through the existing power lines or by signals. Approximately a transformer and thus distribution system. it communicate with all those the use of radio frequency dozen homes have a common form a secondary power is therefore possible to homes using this secondary power distributor system. By placing a transmitter/receiver control unit ('"sometimes referred to as a "Master" or a nMaster Control Unit") in each home of the protection network. it is possible to send a signal simultaneously to all the homes on the same transformer. Each protected home is also provided with one or more detection units and one or more alarm interface units.

The detection units comprise a sensor portion and a signal transmission portion. The sensor portion may be any known sensor device while the transmission portion may transmit the occurence of an alarm state to the master by a coded signal transmitted via any known means such as hardwiring, radio frequency signals or power lines. However, radio frequency signals are preferred because of the greater flexibility.

The alarm interface units comprise a human interface or indicator and a receiver portion. The human interface may be any known device such as a horn, speaker, light or a visual display. The receiver portion comprises means to decode encoded messages transmitted by the master and activate the human interface when a predetermined signal is received.

Thus, a security system for a predetermined number of homes or dwellings in a neighbourhood which form a protection network in accordance with this invention comprises:

a) security breach detecting means actuable responsively to the occurrence of a breach condition within one of said dwellings and comprising means for encoding and transmitting first self-identification signals responsively to actuation of said breach detection means; b) a control unit for each said dwelling comprising receiver means for receiving said first self -identification signals, means for encoding and transmitting second selfIdentification signals responsively to the reception of said first self-identification signals, receiver means for receiving second self-identification signals from another control unit connected to said network and decoding same; c) alarm interface means comprising receiver means for receiving said second selfidentification signals and decoding same; d) first communication means between said control unit and said detection means; e) second communication means between said control unit and said interface means; and f) third communication means between all control units in said network.

This security oyster allows homes equipped with a master and detection units to inform neighbouring homes having a master of the occurence of any problem such as break and enter, fire, flood or another emergency. The first home responding to the message informs the others in the same protection network that he/she has taken the alarm and will proceed to get assistance as per a pre-arranged procedure. The masters may also be programmed to communicate via the phone lines to one or more neighbouring protection networks and/or the police or a central protection station.

This system is relatively low cost,, easy to install and move and allows extremely short response times. Because A.C. power lines are much less likely to be cut than regular phone lines. this system provides a better security level.

The alarm to others in the same protection network may also be sent via a radio signal. Such transmission should of course be in compliance with all then current gouvernmental requirements.

Another important advantage of this system is that it would be a very strong phychological deterrent to the would-be intruders as they would be most apprehensive in violating a home were tripping the alarm places a good part of the neighbourhood on immediate alert. Such a home would undoubtedly fall in the category of least desirable for the burglar.

Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following description of a presently preferred embodiment that is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 Is schematic view of a plurality of homes connected to the same transformer and forming a protection network.

Figure 2 is a block diagram of a slave unit.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of the master control unit.

Figure 4 is one embodiment of the external aspect of a master control unit.

DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBOD

Although radio frequency signals may be used to transmit the alarm signal from a master control unit to the various members of a protection network, the use of the secondary power distribution system is preferred when feasible. Indeed, many modern household devices function with radio frequency signals and there are a great variety of other possible interferences including neighbouring homes equipped with security devices which render such a system more complex to control. The preferred embodiment described herein uses A.C. power lines to transmit an alarm signal from a master control unit to all masters and alarm interface units.

The security system is a wireless security system which works using the A. C. power lines with or without the telephone network to indicate that an alarm occurred at a specific location. The system can be used as a stand alone security system but is designed to be used as a component of a complete security network grouping several houses or other dwellings 21, 22, 23 in a single protection network 10 without having to install special wires.

The A.C. power line 15 is used as a media to send signals to alarm interface units 41, 42, 43 (which will sometimes be called Oslaves"), all connected to the same protection network. In fact, a protection network can group the several houses 21, 22,23 on the same A.C. transformer 12 so that several neighbours would know, at the sane time, that an intrusion has occurred in a neighbourts house. The system uses detector units 31, 32, 33 which comprise known sensor devices. These detector units are used to start an alarm sequence by sending a coded signal to a master control unit 51, 52, 53 if it enters into its detection condition. For example, infra-red detectors or sound-discriminatory detectors can be used for intrusion detection while a special smoke detector can be used to indicate the presence of a fire. The master unit 51, 52, 53 is preferably 'microprocessor based and will decide whether to start the alarm sequence or not.

The slave 41, 42, 43 is used to indicate that an alarm is occurring by switching on or off any desired indicator such as a horn, light, siren, speaker, display or any other human interface.

A network 10 may be composed of any number of masters, slaves and detector units. Each master, slave and detector unit has its own personal code. This code will be used to indicate the location where a problem occurred. In the same way, each network 10 will have its own code to avoid interferences between networks.

These codes are preferably set by entering the codes through a keypad, dip-switches or other similar means to allow the masters, slaves and detector units to be moved from one network 10 to another or from one home to another.

Once a master, for example 51 is in its alarm state, it will automatically send an encoded message via the A.C. power lines 15 to all the other masters 52, 53 and all the slaves 41. 42, 43 connected to the same protection network 10. A slave may also be connected in a neighbourFo home (in the event that he does not own a master) so that he will be informed as soon as an alarm situation occurs. Each slave will respond only to a predetermined coded signal. Normally, only the slaves connected to a particular master will be activated by an alarm signal originating from this master. However, any other desired arrangement may be made.

No special wires are need as all the communications between masters 51. 52, 53 and slaves 41, 42, 42 are done over the A.C. power line 15. The detector units 31, 32, 33 are preferably battery operated and send a radio-frequency signal to "their" master 51, 52 or 53 so that even if they are disconnected from the A.C. outlet, they will be able to activate "their" master 51, 52 or 53. This is important as it eliminates the possibility of someone attempting to disable the detector unit by unplugging it. Again, such radio frequency signals must be in compliance with all applicable governmental requirements.

The same master 51, 52 or 53 can accommodate a plurality of different types of detector units 31, 32, 33. The master 51, 52, 53 will differentiate which type of detector signal it receives and preferably from which detector it originates. Indeed. the detector units connected to one master should transmit on a predetermined frequency which is different from the frequency used by the other detector units which may be in use in other homes within the transmission range.

Preferably, each detector unit will transmit an encoded signal to which only a predetermined master will react.

The master is a microprocessor-based control unit which supervises all the necessary operations to perform a environment.

complete surveillance over a defined Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the master's internal architecture of one embodiment of the master control unit. The most important block is the micro-controller. This contains the microprocessor. ROM and RAM, and the communication interface. It controls all the operations and links between inputs and outputs. Its ROM contains the main program and, if desired, the data for voice or displayed messages.

The radio frequency receiver is designed to receive and decode messages coming from external detector units 31, 32, 33 over a narrow frequency band. It passes the decoded data to the micro-controller, indicating from which detector unit it received a signal.

Next comes the switches, keypad or other means which will be necessary to program different parameters used by the master (such as codes and optionally telephone numbers) and enable/disable intrusion detection.

The optional voice synthetizer receives the appropriate data from the micro-controller and converts it into voice messages via the speaker. This could also 25be a convenient way to interface humans to the system by passing explanations and informations via the speaker. Messages like "SYSTEM NOW ACTIVATED" or "ENTER YOUR PASSWORD PLEASE" would ease the programing sequence. Voice messages could also be used to communicate over 30the telephone lines. In fact, after sending encoded signals to slaves and other masters, the master and/or other masters could be programmed to try to reach a predetermined number of telephone numbers and send a. voice message like "INTRUSION DETECTED AT LOCATION 1234H.

The A.C. power line interface converts encoded digital messages coming from the micro-controller into frequencies adapted to pass over the A.C. power line. This message is thus sent to the slaves dedicated to this particular master to indicate an alarm state. This interface is also used to receive messages from other masters which are transformed into a digital signal which is sent to the micro-controller. The microcontroller then issues its own message via a display, speaker or any other interface means.

The last block contains the optional telephone interface circuit. This block is necessary to connect to the telephone line, dial telephone numbers and send voice messages on the telephone line as described above.

As shown in figure 2, the receiver portion of the slave is composed of two main blocks: the control logic and the A.C. power line interface. Control Logic is used to turn the human interface or indicator (shown as "output" in f igure 2) on or off depending on the message received from the master. The output could be a horn or light, or a speaker or a more sophisticated digital display which could show the place where the alarm was triggered.

The A.C. power line interface decodes frequencies received from the A.C. outlet where it is connected. These frequencies are transmitted by the master everywhere in the network 10. It could be in the same house or in a neighbour.s house. As described above, some types of slaves will be turned on or off by any master on the same network, and other slaves will answer to only one master in the network. You may want a horn installed on your roof to be turned on only by your master, not the neighbours. or you may want a slave installed in your neighbourOs house to indicate,, by voice or otherwise. that somebody broke into your house.

The alarm sequence is initiated when the radio-frequency receiver installed in the master decodes an alarm signal coming from one of its detector units.

The master then checks if the detector unit which initiated the alarm is a delay one or not. If so, the master will remain in standby for a preprogrammed delay, allowing time for the user to disable it before the alarm signal is sent. If the user does not stop the master by entering the proper codes, the alarm signal is transmitted after that delay. If no delay is allowed, the alarm signal is transmitted immediately. The master first transmits an encoded alarm message on the A. C. power line to all the masters and slaves connected to the same A.C. network 10. All the masters and slaves having the same network code will indicate that an alarm has been detected and the location where the alarm was triggered.

A master receiving an alarm message from another master, for example,, could continuously send a voice-synthetized message. On the other hand, the slaves which are programmed to react to an alarm signal from the transmitting master could switch on a horn outside the intruded house. Then,, the master (in the nalarmedll house or in a neighbouring house if the telephone line of the "alarmed" house is down) could try to reach preprogrammed telephone numbers by its telephone interface. When a number has been reached, the master would send a voice synthetized message indicating than an alarm has been detected at a particular location.

There is only one way to stop the master and the corresponding slaves and that is by entering the proper codes via the keypad or switches. The masters which received an alarm from another master may be disabled simply by pressing a key.

To enable the detection of intruders, the user would have to enter his password before leaving his home. The password is composed of a predetermined number of digits such as 4 or 8 and is user programable. once the password is entered, the master could send a voice message or other signal indicating that the system will be enabled in about 30 seconds (or any other predetermined delay). After that period of time, any signal coming from an intrusion detector will activate the master, and an intrusion alarm will be sent to all the slaves and to all the other masters on the same network. Some intrusion detectors will wait for few seconds after detection before activating the master. This is necessary to avoid false alarms when the user enters his home. The user must disable intrusion detection on the master within those few seconds by entering his password on the master's heyboard or by other predetermined means.

The second most important emergency detection is f ire. Contrary to intrusion, f ire detection is always enabled. A smoke detector equipped with a transmit ter may be used. After smoke had been detected, the master indicates this fact to the user by a voice message or other means and will allow the user 15 seconds (or any other predetermined delay) to cancel the alarm by pressing a special key. After that delay, - 14 the master transmits a f ire alarm to its slaves and to other masters in the network 10 and then tries to reach the preprogrammed telephpne numbers as described above.

-Any other kind of detection can be 5 accomplished by adding an appropriate transmission portion to any known sensor or detector.

If somebody already owns a complete wired alarm system, it will be possible to add the powerful features of the invention by simply installing an joappropriate transmitter inside his existing control unit and placing a master anywhere in his house near an A.C. and optionally a telephone outlet. No special connections should be necessary.

Although a certain preferred embodiment has 15been shown and described, it should be understood that many changes and modifications may Pe made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the security system has been described in conjunction with homes. However, it should be readily 20apparent that it may be used in any environment where neighbours can cooperate with each other to provide constant monitoring. The security system may be used in appartment buildings and other dwellings.

Claims (1)

1 claim:

A security system for a predetermined number of dwellings in a neighbourhood which together form a protection network comprising:

a) security breach detecting means actuable responsively to the occurrence of a breach condition within one of said dwellings and comprising means for encoding and transmitting first self -identification signals responsively to actuation of said breach detection means; b) a control unit for each said dwelling comprising receiver means for receiving said first selfidentification signals, means for encoding and transmitting second self-identification signals responsively to the reception of said first selfidentification signals, receiver means for receiving second self -identification signals from another control unit connected to said network and decoding same; c) alarm interface means comprising receiver means for receiving said second self-identification signals and decoding same; d) first communication means between said control units and said detection means; e) second communication means between said control unit and said interface means; and f) third communication means between all control unit in said network.

C 2. A security system according to claim 1 wherein said third communication means comprise the lines of a secondary power distribution system.

3. A security system according to claim 1 wherein said third communication means comprise radio frequency signals.

4.

A security system according to claims 1. 2 or 3 wherein said f irst communication means comprise radio frequency signals.

A security system according to claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said second communication means comprise the lines of a secondary power distributor system.

6. A security system as claimed in claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said human interface means comprise one or more of the following:

speaker means; lighting means; sound emitting means; visual display means.

7. A security system according to claim 3 wherein said control unit further comprises microprocessor means, user interface means, an A.C. line interface and a radio frequency receiver.

8. A security system according to claims 1, 2 or 7 wherein said control unit further comprises telephone interface A method for providing increased security to neighbouring dwellings comprising the steps of:

a) installing security breach detecting means actuable responsively to the occurrence of a breach condition within each of said dwellings which comprises means for encoding and transmitting first self-identification signals responsively to actuation of said breach detection means in each said dwelling; b) installing in each dwelling a control unit comprising receiver means for receiving said first self-identification signals, means for encoding and transmitting second self-identification signals responsively to the reception of said first selfidentification signals, receiver means for receiving second self -identification signals from another control unit connected to said network and decoding same; c) installing in each such dwelling or in close proximity thereto alarm interface means comprising receiver means for receiving said second selfidentification signals and decoding same; d) providing first communication means between said control unit and said detecting means; e) providing second communication means between said control unit and said interface means; and f) providing third communication means between all control units part of said network.

10. dwellings network, operate A security system for a predetermined number of in a neighbourhood which together form a the system being constructed and arranged to substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

11. A method for providing increased security to neighbourhood dwellings as described in relation to the accompanying drawings.

Published 1989 at The Patent Office, State House, 66171 High Holborn, London WCIR 4TP. Further copies maybe obtained from The Patent Office. Sales Branch, St Mary Cray, Orpington, Rent BR5 3RD. Printed by Multiplex techniques ltd, St Mary Cray. Kent, Con. 1187