Patent ID: 7425946
Filing Date: 2008-09-16
Classification: G06F,G08B

Abstract:
1. An automatic premise-monitoring alarm system, comprising: a control panel; a plurality of remote sensors linked to the control panel for communicating alarm events; a remote glass keypad linked to and providing a user interface for exchanging inputs and outputs with the control panel; said glass keypad comprising a planar screen formed predominantly of see-through glass and having a peripheral edge spacing inboard and outboard faces wherein the planar screen is adapted for mounting relative to a vertical support surface or wall such that the inboard face is generally flush thereagainst or closely gapped therefrom, said glass keypad further comprising operative circuitry and devices as well as a diminutive housing that conceals the operative circuitry and devices and is mounted to the peripheral edge and/or outboard face; said glass keypad's operative circuitry and devices including a source of illumination such that said glass keypad has an display mode as well as a sleep mode; wherein the display mode illuminates a display on or in the screen which display includes illuminated keys that respond to a user's keystroke or apparent keystroke with an operative signal, such that one or more keystrokes allow entry of inputs to the control panel; wherein the sleep mode switches the illumination to a reduced power state such that the keypad display is invisible, thereby disguising the glass keypad's utility from unsuspecting passersby.