Abstract:
A system and method for implementing a configurable security monitor utilizing an integrated information portal are provided. A premises server is in communication with a variety of information sources that produce monitoring data for a defined monitoring target, such as a premises. The premises server transmits the monitoring data to a central server that receives the data and traverses one or more logical rule sets to determine whether the inputted data violates the rules. The rules are generally specified by a user, such as a system administrator to define the level of monitoring desired and an appropriate response in the evaluation of the monitoring data against the rule. Based on an evaluation of the rules, the central server then generates outputs in the form of communication to one or more authorized users via a variety of communication mediums and devices and/or the

Description:
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/236,282 filed Sep. 28, 2000. Provisional Application No. 60/236,282 is specifically incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    The present invention relates generally to a security monitoring network and, in particular, to a system and method for providing variable, remote monitoring of a locally detected event utilizing an integrated information portal.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0003]    Generally described, electronic security systems are configured to provide a wide range of security services in both residential and commercial settings. The types of monitoring devices utilized by a particular security system to perform the system service depend greatly on the sophistication of the security system configuration and the overall function of the security system. A majority of conventional security systems include intrusion detecting devices, such as door or window contacts, glass break detectors, motion detectors and the like. In a commercial setting, closed-circuit television (CCTV), badging systems, asset tracking, and access control devices and sensors are also utilized.  
           [0004]    The configuration of the security system is based on the function the system will serve. For example, in one aspect, a typical electronic security system may be utilized to provide smoke, fire, and/or carbon monoxide detection. Accordingly, the system would utilize one or more smoke, fire and/or carbon monoxide detectors within one or more locations on the premises. In another aspect, the security system may also be utilized to provide motion or access detection as well as general video and audio monitoring of the premises. Accordingly, the system would utilize ingress or egress sensors and/or video cameras within the premises.  
           [0005]    While the conventional art generally discloses utilizing multiple monitoring devices to perform various functions, conventional systems are deficient in having a lack of data management functionality and integration. Security data from different monitoring device types is generally not integrated to affect the system reporting and control. Instead, the conventional security system is built around independent stand alone devices that require human control and interpretation.  
           [0006]    In one security configuration, contract or in-house security guard and patrol services are employed in a range of industrial commercial, public and private settings. The primary functions of the security guard may include direct visual surveillance, the monitoring of security cameras or other security devices, a reception or access control and authorization function, and incident response. A security guard may also serve as a monitor of close circuit television (“CCTV”), arranged as a number of televisions in a bank formation. Accordingly, the security guard accepts the variety of inputs and makes a determination of a security alert, such as an unauthorized entrance.  
           [0007]    Use of dedicated monitoring services, such as a security guard, however, is prohibitively expensive and unavailable for a majority of individual homeowners or small business users. Additionally, if the guard is distracted, absent or inattentive, a security event may go unreported. Furthermore, the monitoring device data, such as the CCTV data, is typically available only to the dedicated premises monitor and cannot be utilized concurrently by additional users, such as a remote monitor, a quality control supervisor, the owner of the premises, or emergency or public safety authorities. Moreover, a single security guard may not be capable of processing all of the possible monitoring data sources simultaneously, thereby reducing the effectiveness of multiple monitoring devices.  
           [0008]    Another security system configuration utilizes external monitors to provide the security services. Generally described, external monitoring systems are more cost effective than a dedicated on-premises monitor. However, most external monitoring systems have a limited effectiveness in being unable to extensively provide and/or review detailed security information. For example, most conventional external monitoring systems cannot incur the expense of providing a sufficient amount of communication bandwidth to transmit continuous video/audio feeds from every monitored premises. Accordingly, if the external monitoring service detects an unauthorized entry into a premises, such as through a signal from a detecting device, the monitoring service typically dispatches emergency or public safety authorities to investigate and determine the extent of the detected event. In a vast majority of cases, the alarm is false and the premises owner incurs a fine for having the authorities verify the incident. Additionally, in the event of an actual emergency, the monitoring service cannot provide the public safety authorities with sufficient information to assess the situation with monitoring devices, thereby putting the authorities at greater risk.  
           [0009]    Similar to the dedicated on-premises monitoring, the remote monitoring service also cannot concurrently process the device information to multiple authorized users for various purposes. For example, a premises owner may need to access video data to locate a pet within the premises, while emergency or public safety personnel would need to access the same video data to identify the location of a victim. In both cases, the monitoring service likely cannot provide the information to the user on a wide scale basis.  
           [0010]    Some conventional security system configurations attempt to integrate at least some security monitoring devices to better detect alarm conditions from a remote user. For example, a security system monitor (either remote or on-premises) may detect an unauthorized entry from a motion detector and confirm it by utilizing a video camera. Generally however, these systems are directed towards a combination of video surveillance and are limited into being processed solely for the detection of an intrusion or the verification of an intrusion. These systems generally cannot accept additional non-security information inputs that relate generally to the management of the premises and that are outside of the scope of conventional security-type monitoring. Moreover, these systems are deficient in that the data cannot be processed concurrently or distributed to multiple authorized users.  
           [0011]    In addition to the above-mentioned deficiencies in the conventional art, some monitoring systems, either with a on-premises guard or an external monitor, further are deficient in creating an uncomfortable environment by monitoring (and often recording) on a continuous basis. For example, it may be advantageous to have video access to a public restroom in the event of a medical emergency. However, one skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the constant monitoring of a public restroom creates an uncomfortable environment for patrons utilizing the facilities during non-emergencies. Additionally, continuous monitoring of areas not prone to have a high rate of emergencies quickly becomes expensive. For example, the constant monitoring of a parking lot during typically off-peak hours presents a great expense to a parking lot provider. Accordingly, many parking lots are left to be monitored by attendants that may have a variety of functions, such as collection, access control, etc.  
           [0012]    Thus, there is a need a security monitoring system that can provide flexible levels of information monitoring.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0013]    A system and method for implementing a configurable security monitor utilizing an integrated information portal are provided. A premises server is in communication with a variety of information sources that produce monitoring data for a defined monitoring target, such as a premises. The premises server transmits the monitoring data to a central server that receives the data and traverses one or more logical rule sets to determine whether the inputted data violates the rules. The rules are generally specified by a user, such as a system administrator to define the level of monitoring desired and an appropriate response in the evaluation of the monitoring data against the rule. Based on an evaluation of the rules, the central server then generates outputs in the form of communication to one or more authorized users via a variety of communication mediums and devices and/or the instigation of a variety of acts.  
           [0014]    In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a method for monitoring information in an integrated information portal in communication with a number of monitoring devices is provided. The integrated information portal obtains a set of user defined monitoring rules. The user defined monitoring rules establish an event threshold for a rule violation and a corresponding response. The integrated information portal obtains monitoring device data from one or more of the monitoring devices and processes the monitoring device data according to the user defined monitoring rules. The integrated information portal generates an output corresponding to the user defined monitoring rules, wherein the output may include no output.  
           [0015]    In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a system for monitoring information is provided. The system includes a number of monitoring devices operable to capture and transmit monitoring device data, a central processing server operable to obtain monitoring device data and process the data, and a rule event database in communication with the central processing server. The rules database includes user defined rules allow the central processing server to generate customized outputs corresponding to a processing of the monitoring device data with the one or more user defined rules.  
           [0016]    In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, a method for providing security monitoring in an integrated information portal in communication with a number of monitoring devices is provided. The integrated information portal obtains a request for monitoring of a remote site. The integrated information portal obtains monitoring device data corresponding to the request for monitoring. The integrated information portal then processes the monitoring device data according to a set of user-defined rules. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    The foregoing aspects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will become more readily appreciated as the same become better understood by reference to the following detailed description, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an Internet environment;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an integrated information portal in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative architecture for a premises server in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative architecture for a central server in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrative of a monitoring device data processing routine in accordance with the present invention;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrative of a device event processing subroutine in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0024]    [0024]FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow diagrams illustrating an asset/resource event processing subroutine in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0025]    As described above, aspects of the present invention are embodied in a World Wide Web (the “WWW” or “web”) site accessible via the Internet. As is well known to those skilled in the art, the term “Internet” refers to the collection of networks and routers that use the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (“TCP/IP”) to communicate with one another. A representative section of the Internet  20  is shown in FIG. 1, in which a plurality of local area networks (“LANs”)  24  and a wide area network (“WAN”)  26  are interconnected by routers  22 . The routers  22  are special purpose computers used to interface one LAN or WAN to another. Communication links within the LANs may be twisted wire pair, or coaxial cable, while communication links between networks may utilize 56 Kbps analog telephone lines, 1 Mbps digital T- 1  lines, 45 Mbps T- 3  lines or other communications links known to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, computers and other related electronic devices can be remotely connected to either the LANs  24  or the WAN  26  via a modem and temporary telephone or wireless link. It will be appreciated that the Internet  20  comprises a vast number of such interconnected networks, computers, and routers and that only a small, representative section of the Internet  20  is shown in FIG. 1. One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that aspects of the present invention may be practiced on Internet networks, such as an Intranet.  
         [0026]    The Internet has recently seen explosive growth by virtue of its ability to link computers located throughout the world. As the Internet has grown, so has the WWW. As is appreciated by those skilled in the art, the WWW is a vast collection of interconnected or “hypertext” documents written in HyperText Markup Language (“HTML”), or other markup languages, that are electronically stored at “WWW sites” or “Web sites” throughout the Internet. A WWW site is a server connected to the Internet that has mass storage facilities for storing hypertext documents and that runs administrative software for handling requests for those stored hypertext documents. A hypertext document normally includes a number of hyperlinks, i.e., highlighted portions of text which link the document to another hypertext document possibly stored at a WWW site elsewhere on the Internet. Each hyperlink is associated with a Uniform Resource Locator (“URL”) that provides the exact location of the linked document on a server connected to the Internet and describes the document. Thus, whenever a hypertext document is retrieved from any WWW server, the document is considered to be retrieved from the WWW. As is known to those skilled in the art, a WWW server may also include facilities for storing and transmitting application programs, such as application programs written in the JAVA® programming language from Sun Microsystems, for execution on a remote computer. Likewise, a WWW server may also include facilities for executing scripts and other application programs on the WWW server itself.  
         [0027]    A consumer or other remote consumer may retrieve hypertext documents from the WWW via a WWW browser application program. A WWW browser, such as Netscape&#39;s NAVIGATOR® or Microsoft&#39;s Internet Explorer, is a software application program for providing a graphical consumer interface to the WWW. Upon request from the consumer via the WWW browser, the WWW browser accesses and retrieves the desired hypertext document from the appropriate WWW server using the URL for the document and a protocol known as HyperText Transfer Protocol (“HTTP”). HTTP is a higher-level protocol than TCP/IP and is designed specifically for the requirements of the WWW. It is used on top of TCP/IP to transfer hypertext documents between servers and clients. The WWW browser may also retrieve application programs from the WWW server, such as JAVA applets, for execution on the client computer.  
         [0028]    Referring now to FIG. 2, an actual embodiment of an integrated information system  30  in accordance with the present invention will be described. An integrated information system  30  is a subscriber-based system allowing a number of monitoring devices within one or more premises to be processed at a single control location. Additionally, the data from the monitoring devices is processed according to one or more rules. The control location customizes output of the processed data to a number of authorized users dependent on the preferences and rights of the user. While the system of the present invention is utilized to integrate traditional security monitoring functions, it is also utilized to integrate any information input in a like manner.  
         [0029]    With reference to FIG. 2, the information system  30  includes a premises server  32  located on a premises. The premises server  32  communicates with one or more monitoring devices  34 . In an illustrative embodiment, the monitoring devices  34  can include smoke, fire and carbon monoxide detectors. The monitoring devices  34  can also include door and window access detectors, glass break detectors, motion detectors, audio detectors and/or infrared detectors. Still further, the monitoring devices  34  can include computer network monitors, voice identification devices, video cameras, still cameras, microphones and/or fingerprint, facial, retinal, or other biometric identification devices. Still further, the monitoring devices  34  can include conventional panic buttons, global positioning satellite (GPS) locators, other geographic locators, medical indicators, and vehicle information systems. The monitoring devices  34  can also be integrated with other existing information systems, such as inventory control systems, accounting systems, or the like. It will be apparent to one skilled in the relevant art that additional or alternative monitoring devices  34  may be practiced with the present invention.  
         [0030]    The premises server  32  also communicates with one or more output devices  36 . In an illustrative embodiment, the output devices  36  can include audio speakers, display or other audio/visual displays. The output devices  36  may also include electrical or electro-mechanical devices that allow the system to perform actions. The output devices  36  can include computer system interfaces, telephone interfaces, wireless interfaces, door and window locking mechanisms, aerosol sprayers, and the like. As will be readily understood by one skilled in the art, the type of output device is associated primarily with the type of action the information system  30  produces. Accordingly, additional or alternative output devices  36  are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 3 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative architecture for a premises server  32 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the premises server  32  includes many more components then those shown in FIG. 3. However, it is not necessary that all of these generally conventional components be shown in order to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the premises server  32  includes a network interface  38  for connecting directly to a LAN or a WAN, or for connecting remotely to a LAN or WAN. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the network interface  38  includes the necessary circuitry for such a connection, and is also constructed for use with the TCP/IP protocol, the particular network configuration of the LAN or WAN it is connecting to, and a particular type of coupling medium. The premises server  32  may also be equipped with a modem for connecting to the Internet through a point to point protocol (“PPP”) connection or a SLIP connection as known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0032]    The premises server  32  also includes a processing unit  40 , a display  42 , an input/output (I/O) interface  44  and a mass memory  46 , all connected via a communication bus, or other communication device. The I/O interface  44  includes hardware and software components that facilitates interaction with a variety of the monitoring devices via a variety of communication protocols including TCP/IP, X10, digital I/O, RS-232, RS-485 and the like. Additionally, the I/O interface  44  facilitates communication via a variety of communication mediums including telephone land lines, wireless networks (including cellular, digital and radio networks), cable networks and the like. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the I/O interface is implemented as a layer between the server hardware and software applications utilized to control the individual monitoring devices. It will be understood by one skilled in the relevant art that alternative interface configurations may be practiced with the present invention.  
         [0033]    The mass memory  46  generally comprises a RAM, ROM, and a permanent mass storage device, such as a hard disk drive, tape drive, optical drive, floppy disk drive, or combination thereof. The mass memory  46  stores an operating system  48  for controlling the operation of the premises server. It will appreciated that this component may comprises a general-purpose server operating system as is known to those skilled in the art, such as UNIX, LINUX™, or Microsoft WINDOWS NT®. The memory also includes a WWW browser  50 , such as Netscape&#39;s NAVIGATOR® or Microsoft&#39;s Internet Explorer browsers, for accessing the WWW.  
         [0034]    The mass memory  46  also stores program code and data for interfacing with various premises monitoring devices, for processing the monitoring device data and for transmitting the data to a central server. More specifically, the mass memory stores a device interface application  52  in accordance with the present invention for obtaining monitoring device data from a variety of devices and for manipulating the data for processing by the central server. The device interface application  52  comprises computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the premises server  32  obtains and transmits device data as will be explained below in greater detail. The mass memory  46  also stores a data transmittal application program  54  for transmitting the device data to a central server and to facilitate communication between the central server and the monitoring devices  34 . The operation of the data transmittal application  54  will be described in greater detail below. It will be appreciated that these components may be stored on a computer-readable medium and loaded into the memory of the premises server using a drive mechanism associated with the computer-readable medium, such as a floppy, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM drive, or network drive.  
         [0035]    Returning to FIG. 2, the premises server  32  is in communication with a central server  56 . Generally described, the central server  56  obtains various monitoring device data, processes the data and outputs the data to one or more authorized users. In an illustrative embodiment, the communication between the central server  56  and the premises server  32  is remote and two-way. FIG. 4 is a block diagram depicting an illustrative architecture for a central server  56 . Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the central server  56  includes many more components then those shown in FIG. 4. However, it is not necessary that all of these generally conventional components be shown in order to disclose an illustrative embodiment for practicing the present invention.  
         [0036]    As shown in FIG. 4, the central server  56  includes a network interface  58  for connecting directly to a LAN or a WAN, or for connecting remotely to a LAN or WAN. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the network interface includes the necessary circuitry for such a connection, and is also constructed for use with the TCP/IP protocol, the particular network configuration of the LAN or WAN it is connecting to, and a particular type of coupling medium. The central server  56  may also be equipped with a modem for connecting to the Internet  20  through a point to point protocol (“PPP”) connection or a SLIP connection as known to those skilled in the art.  
         [0037]    The central server  56  also includes a processing unit  60 , a display  62  and a mass memory  64 , all connected via a communication bus, or other communication device. The mass memory  64  generally comprises a RAM, ROM, and a permanent mass storage device, such as a hard disk drive, tape drive, optical drive, floppy disk drive, or combination thereof. The mass memory  64  stores an operating system  66  for controlling the operation of the central server. It will appreciated that this component may comprises a general-purpose server operating system as is known to those skilled in the art, such as UNIX, LINUX™, or Microsoft WINDOWS NT®.  
         [0038]    The mass memory  64  also stores program code and data for interfacing with the premises devices, for processing the device data and for interfacing with various authorized users. More specifically, the mass memory  64  stores a premises interface application  68  in accordance with the present invention for obtaining data from a variety of monitoring devices and for communicating with the premises server. The premises interface application  68  comprises computer-executable instructions which, when executed by the central server  56 , interfaces with the premises server  32  as will be explained below in greater detail. The mass memory  64  also stores a data processing application  70  for processing monitoring device data in accordance with rules maintained within the central server. The operation of the data processing application  70  will be described in greater detail below. The mass memory  64  further stores an authorized user interface application  72  for outputting the processed monitoring device data to a variety of authorized users in accordance with the security process of the present invention. The operation of the authorized user interface application  72  will be described in greater detail below. It will be appreciated that these components may be stored on a computer-readable medium and loaded into the memory of the central server using a drive mechanism associated with the computer-readable medium, such as a floppy, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM drive, or network drive.  
         [0039]    It will be understood by one skilled in the relevant art that the premises server  32  may be remote from the premises or may omitted altogether. In such an alternative embodiment, the monitoring devices  34  transmit the monitoring data to a remote premises server  32  or alternatively, they transmit the monitoring data directly to the central server  56 .  
         [0040]    Also in communication with the central server  56  is a central database  74 . In an illustrative embodiment, the central database  74  includes a variety of databases including an event logs database  76 , an asset rules database  78 , a resource rules database  80 , an asset inventory database  82 , a resource inventory database  84 , an event rules database  86  and an active events database  88 . The utilization of the individual databases within the central database  74  will be explained in greater detail below. As will be readily understood by one skilled in the relevant art, the central database  74  may be one or more databases, which may be remote from one another. Additionally, it will be further understood that one or more of the databases  74  may be maintained outside of the central server  56 .  
         [0041]    With continued reference to FIG. 2, the central server  56  communicates with one or more notification acceptors  90 . In an illustrative embodiment, the notification acceptors  90  include one or more authorized users. Each authorized user has a preference of notification means and rights to the raw and processed monitoring data. The authorized users include premises owners, security directors or administrators, on-site security guards, technicians, remote monitors (including certified and non-certified monitors), customer service representatives, emergency personnel and others. As will be readily understood by one skilled in the art, various user authorizations may be practiced with the present invention.  
         [0042]    In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the central server  56  communicates with the notification acceptors  90  utilizing various communication devices and communication mediums. The devices include personal computers, hand-held computing devices, wireless application protocol enabled wireless devices, cellular or digital telephones, digital pagers, and the like. Moreover, the central server  56  may communicate with these devices via the Internet  20  utilizing electronic messaging or Web access, via wireless transmissions utilizing the wireless application protocol, short message services, audio transmission, and the like. As will be readily understood by one skilled in the art, the specific implementation of the communication mediums may require additional or alternative components to be practiced. All are considered to be within the scope of practicing the present invention.  
         [0043]    Generally described, the present invention facilitates the collection and processing of a variety of premises information for distribution to one or more authorized users. The system of the present invention obtains monitoring data from any one of a variety of monitoring devices  34 . In actual embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring device data is processed according to one or more user/monitor defined rules to detect a specified event. Specified events can include security events or confirmation of activities.  
         [0044]    In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the monitoring device data is categorized as asset data, resource data or device data. Asset data is obtained from a monitoring device corresponding to an identifiable object that is not capable of independent action. For example, asset data includes data obtained from a bar code or transponder identifying a particular object, such as a computer, in a particular location. Resource data is obtained from a monitoring device corresponding to an identifiable object that is capable of independent action. For example, resource data includes data from a magnetic card reader that identifies a particular person who has entered the premises. Event data is obtained from a monitoring device corresponding to an on/off state that is not correlated to an identifiable object. Event data is a default category for all of the monitoring devices. As will be readily understood by one skilled in the relevant art, alternative data categorizations are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0045]    The monitoring device data is obtained by the monitoring devices  34  on the premises server  32  and transmitted to the central server  56 . The central server  56  receives the monitoring device data and processes the data according to a rules-based decision support logic. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the central server  56  maintains databases  74  having logic rules for asset data, resource data and event data. Moreover, because the monitoring device data is potentially applicable to more than one authorized user, multiple rules may be applied to the same monitoring device data. In an alternative embodiment, the rules databases  74  may be maintained in locations remote from the central server  56 .  
         [0046]    In the event the processing of the monitoring device rules indicates that action is required, the central server  56  generates one or more outputs associated with the rules. The outputs include communication with indicated notification acceptors  90  according to the monitoring device data rules. For example, an authorized user may indicate a hierarchy of communication mediums (such as pager, mobile telephone, land-line telephone) that should be utilized in attempting to contact the user. The rules may also indicate contingency contacts in the event the authorized user cannot be contacted. Additionally, the rules may limit the type and/or amount of data the user is allowed to access. Furthermore, the outputs can include the initiation of actions by the central server  56  in response to the processing of the rules.  
         [0047]    [0047]FIG. 5 is a flow diagram illustrative of a device decision support process support routine  500  for processing the monitoring device data in accordance with the present invention. At block  502 , the central server  56  obtains an input from a monitoring device. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the input is obtained from the premises server  32 . Alternatively, the input may be received directly from the monitoring device  34  or the central server  56  may poll individual devices (or the premises server  32 ) for an input. At block  504 , the central server  56  identifies the device processing the data. The identification may be accomplished by determining a network address from which the input originated and which is assigned to the specific devices, or by reading other identification data that can be included with the data input.  
         [0048]    At decision block  506 , a test is performed to determine whether the device data includes intelligence data. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, intelligent data is characterized as asset data or resource data, because the data contains information identifying the object. On the other hand, data that does not contain any information identifying an object is not considered intelligent. If the device is not determined to be intelligent or if the device cannot identified, at block  508 , an event log database  76  is updated to reflect the input data. At block  510 , the central server  56  processes the data according to a process device event subroutine. The routine  500  terminates at block  512 .  
         [0049]    [0049]FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrative of a process device event subroutine  600  in accordance with the present invention. At block  602 , the central server  56  obtains the monitoring device rules. In an actual embodiment, the monitoring device rules are stored in a database  86  in communication with the central server  56 . The rules contain data indicating one or more ranges for determining a rule violation. In a broad sense, a rule violation indicates that an event has occurred for which a notification is required. The ranges correspond to the type of data produced by the monitoring device. For example, if a monitoring device  34  is capable of only two stages (e.g., on or off), the rule may indicate that existence of one stage, e.g. “on”, is a violation. The rules may also include an indication that one or more monitoring device rules must also be considered before the rule is determined to be violated. For example, a rule corresponding to a glass break detector may indicate that a motion detector signal must be detected before the rule is violated. As will be readily understood by one skilled in the relevant art, additional or alternative rule types are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.  
         [0050]    At decision block  604  a test is performed to determine whether a device rule is found. If no rule is found, the process terminates at block  606 . If, however, a device rule is found, at block  608  the central server  56  evaluates the rule according to the data received from the monitoring device  34 . In an illustrative embodiment, the rules may include preset or default rules maintained by the central server  56 . Additionally, the rules may include independently created rules by one or more authorized users. Moreover, one or more authorized users may be given the authority to modify or update rules via a user interface.  
         [0051]    At decision block  610 , a test is performed to determine whether the device rule is violated. If the rule is violated, at block  612 , the central server  56  creates a rule violation output. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the rules violation output instructions are included in the rule. The instructions include a list of the authorized users to notify in the event of a rule violation and a hierarchy of which communication medium and devices should be utilized to contact each authorized user. For example, the rules may be in the form of logical if/then statements implementing an iterative hierarchy for establishing communication with an authorized user. Moreover, the instructions may also indicate the extent of the data that that authorized user has access to. For example, the output may include the generation of a call to the premises owner&#39;s mobile device, the paging of an on-site monitor and a land-line telephone call to the public authorities. Alternatively, the central server may also maintain an output database indicating the output instructions corresponding to each rule.  
         [0052]    In addition to generating communications, the rules violation output may also instigate an integrated system response. For example, in the case of an intrusion, a dye may be sprayed on the intruder from an aerosol sprayer. Additionally, the system may sound an audible alarm and directly dial emergency personnel. In an other example, if the system rules violations is a medical emergency, the central server  56  may call an ambulance, turn on lights within the premises, and unlock the doors to facilitate entry by the emergency personnel.  
         [0053]    Once the central server  56  has generated the rules violation output at block  612  or if the event rule is not violated at block  610 , the subroutine  600  terminates at block  614 .  
         [0054]    Returning to FIG. 5, if at block  506 , the device data includes intelligence information, at block  514 , the intelligence is translated from the monitoring device data. At block  516 , the log event database  76  is updated to reflect the input data. At block  518 , the central server  56  processes the data according to a process asset/resource event subroutine. The routine  500  terminates at block  520 .  
         [0055]    [0055]FIGS. 7A and 7B are flow diagrams illustrative of a process asset or resource event subroutine  700  in accordance with the present invention. With reference to FIG. 7A, at decision block  702 , a test is performed to determine whether the input signal is asset data. If the signal is identified as asset data, at block  704 , the asset rules are obtained. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the asset rules are maintained and retrieved from an asset rules database  78 . At block  706 , a test is performed to determine whether an asset rule is found. If no asset rule is found for the asset, the monitoring device data is processed as a device event at block  708 . In an actual application of the present invention, the device event is processed as described above with respect to the device event processing subroutine  600  (FIG. 6). In an illustrative embodiment of the present application, in the event the asset rule processing cannot be completed, the monitoring device is still processed as a device-level event.  
         [0056]    If an asset rule is found, at decision block  710 , a test is performed to determine whether the asset rule is violated. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the asset rule contains data allowing the central server  56  to determine a rule violation. For example, an asset rule may contain information indicating a requirement of both a particular object (e.g., a computer) performing an action (e.g., logged into a network) for a violation. Additionally, the asset rule may indicate that additional device, resource or asset rules may be considered prior to determining whether the rule has been violated. As explained above, the rules may include preset rules maintained by the central server and user implemented/modified rules.  
         [0057]    If the rule has not been violated, the monitoring device data is processed as a device event at block  708 . It will be generally understood by one skilled in the relevant art, that processing the rule as a both an asset and a device event allows for multiple purpose processing of the monitoring device data, such as the detection of a specific object and the detection of an object.  
         [0058]    If the asset rule has been violated, at block  712 , the central server  56  reads a known asset inventory to identify the asset. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, central server maintains and reads from an asset inventory database  82 . At decision block  714 , a test is performed to determine whether the asset is found in the asset inventory. If the asset is not found, the system defaults to processing the monitoring device data as a device event at block  708 . If the asset is found in the asset inventory, at block  716 , central server  56  outputs the asset violation. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the asset rule contains instructions for generating output in the event of a rule violation to one or more authorized users. The instructions also contain a hierarchy of communication mediums and communication devices to attempt to contact the authorized user. Additionally, the instructions may contain alternative contact personnel if central server cannot contact the authorized user. Moreover, as explained above, the output may also instigate action by the integrated system. At block  708 , the monitoring device data is processed as a device event.  
         [0059]    With reference to FIG. 7B, if the signal is not determined to be asset data at block  702  (FIG. 7A), at decision block  718 , a test is done to determine whether the inputted signal is resource data. If the signal is not identified as resource data, at block  720 , the monitoring device data is processed as a device event. In an actual application of the present invention, the device event is processed as described above with respect to the device event processing subroutine  600  (FIG. 6). If the signal is identified as resource data, at block  722 , the resource rules are obtained. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the resource rules are maintained and retrieved from a resource rules database  80 . At block  724 , a test is performed to determine whether a resource rule is found. If no resource rule is found for the resource, the monitoring device data is processed as a device event at block  726 .  
         [0060]    If a resource rule is found, at decision block  728 , a test is performed to determine whether the resource rule is violated. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the resource rule contains data allowing the central server to determine a rule violation. Additionally, the resource rule may indicate that additional device, resource or asset rules may be considered prior to determining whether the rule has been violated. If the rule has not been violated, at block  726 , the monitoring device data is processed as a device event. It will be generally understood by one skilled in the relevant art, that processing the rule as a both a resource and a device event allows for multiple purpose processing of the monitoring device data.  
         [0061]    If the resource rule has been violated, at block  730 , the central server  56  reads a known resource inventory to identify the resource. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, central server  56  maintains and reads from a resource inventory database  84 . At decision block  732 , a test is performed to determine whether the resource is found in the resource inventory. If the resource is not found, the system defaults to processing the monitoring device data as a device event at block  726 . If the resource is found in the resource inventory, at block  734 , central server  56  outputs the resource violation. In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the resource rule contains instructions for generating output in the event of a rule violation to one or more authorized users. The instructions also contain a hierarchy of communication mediums and communication devices to attempt to contact the authorized user. Additionally, the instructions may contain alternative contact personnel if central server  56  cannot contact the authorized user. Moreover, as explained above, the output may also instigate action by the integrated system. At block  726 , the monitoring device data is processed as a device event.  
         [0062]    In an actual embodiment of the present invention, the integrated information portal  30  is utilized to provide security monitoring services. Specifically, the present invention may be implemented in manner that facilitates selective monitoring specified by one or more users of the integrated information portal  30 . One skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that in an integrated information portal services a variety of users, each may have a different set of monitoring needs. By utilizing user-specified rules, the integrated information portal  30  can provide customized monitoring services to each user subscribing to the system.  
         [0063]    In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a user configures a monitoring rule to detect a threshold amount of movement in a monitored area, such as a room or a parking lot. The detection of movement may be made with any one of a variety of motion detectors and/or with video motion detectors. The threshold level of movement selected by the user is commensurate with the type of monitoring desired and an overall budget for monitoring services. For example, in areas of higher security and/or safety risk, the user may specify in the device, asset or resource rules that upon any detection of motion, the integrated information portal  30  should output video to a human monitor.  
         [0064]    In another embodiment of the present invention, the user may specify in the device, asset or resource rules that live video monitoring is to be providing upon obtaining an indication from a person. In this embodiment, the integrated information portal  30  instantiates live monitoring upon receiving and processing audio indications, such as “monitor me”, from various audio monitoring devices.  
         [0065]    Additionally, the integrated information portal  30  may have voice recognition processing rules set to identify and monitor specific individuals. In this embodiment, the one or more video cameras may be trained by the user to track a specific individual to an assigned parking space in a parking lot. Accordingly, the integrated information portal  30  identifies the individual with biometric monitoring devices and follows a preset monitoring routine. Additionally, the biometric monitoring devices may also be utilized to control ingress/egress of individuals from secure areas. Moreover, as will be described in greater detail below, the biometric sensors assist the integrated information portal  30  with billing services.  
         [0066]    In a further embodiment of the present invention, the integrated information portal  30  may have voice stress processing rules for determining and reacting to heightened individual stress situations. In this embodiment, the integrated information portal  30  includes audio monitoring devices that can detect user stress levels, such as height voice patterns, louder audible signals, or stress related words, to detect an emergency. Accordingly, the integrated information portal  30  initiates live monitoring and/or recording upon detecting such a stress level.  
         [0067]    In another aspect of the present invention, the integrated information portal  30  is utilized in conjunction with the existing security configurations, personnel, and surroundings to supplement security monitoring. For example, a store may maintain a security guard at a main entrance. However, there may be need for additional monitoring at other areas within the store. Accordingly, the device, asset and resource rules may be set forth to more heavily monitor in areas not readily accessible to the security guard. Accordingly, upon detection of a rule violation, integrate information portal  30  contacts the security guard and may transmit the monitoring information for an appropriate response.  
         [0068]    In an another illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a user may maintain different rule sets for a variety of areas within a single premises. For example, the user may implement a set of rules to be utilized during normal business hours (e.g., 9:00 am to 5:00 p.m.) and a second set of rules to be utilized during the remaining period of time.  
         [0069]    In a further aspect of the present invention, a provider of the integrated information portal  30  may implement user billing commensurate with an actual amount of time the user utilizes the monitoring service. For example, the integrated information portal  30  utilizes various biometric sensors to identify individual users, or a class of users and keep a record of the amount of monitoring a particular individual utilizes over a given period of time, such as per month. Accordingly, the integrated information portal  30  would generate a service fee commensurate with the time utilized by the individual. Alternatively, a organization may be charged for use by all identifiable members of the organization. Additionally, in an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the integrated information portal  30  provider may charge varying rates dependent on the specific monitoring devices utilized. For example, a specific cost scale may be used for video monitoring, while a different cost scale may be used for video recording.  
         [0070]    The present invention facilitates the integration of a variety of monitoring devices such that monitored data may be processed by a system applying multiple rules. By evaluating the monitored data by one or more rules having different outputs, the same monitoring data may be utilized by different authorized users, having different access rights, for different purposes. This also allows the system to be customized for different privacy regulations.  
         [0071]    While an illustrative embodiment of the invention has been illustrated and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.