System and method for monitoring security at a premises using line card

A security system includes at least one audio sensor and alarm panel, each located at a premises and generating alarm report data through a communications network to at least one alarm receiver located at a central station remote from the premises. A line card receives the alarm report data. An alarm receiver processor receives and processes regulated alarm report data in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories 1610 requirements. A line card is operable for receiving non-regulated alarm report data that is not regulated in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories 1610 requirements and establishing a bi-directional link for the non-regulated alarm report data between any central station automation system and the alarm panel at the premises until the bi-directional link is no longer required.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to alarm systems, and more particularly, this invention relates to alarm systems in which alarm signals as alarm report data are forwarded from an alarm panel at a premises to a central station.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,391,315, the disclosure which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses a security system that uses various audio sensors as audio microphones located at one or more premises. In one non-limiting embodiment set forth in the '315 patent, the audio sensors receive audio signals and convert the audio signals to digitized audio signals. An audio sensor can receive audio signals and converts the audio signals to digitized audio signals, which can be processed at a central processor. In some aspects, the remote security or fire alarm systems can generate “reports” and transmit the reports to a central station alarm receiver.

The central station alarm receiver (hereinafter identified as an “alarm receiver”), accepts incoming calls or connections with “reports” from remote security or fire-alarm systems, through a variety of communication paths. The most common communications paths are PSTN dial-up circuits, point-to-point radio circuits and/or the internet. The “reports” generated by conventional security or fire-alarm systems include alarm messages, equipment status messages, and periodic communications-check messages.

For connections over PSTN dial-up and point-to-point radio circuits, some models of alarm receivers use plug-in circuit boards called “line cards”, or “channel-cards”, to allow flexibility in the number and/or type of communication circuits supported by the alarm receiver. In general, line cards have an interface to the alarm receiver main processor system, and implement one or more modem circuits than can communicate with the remote security or fire-alarm systems. For each modem, the line card typically also has a physical interface connector for the corresponding communications circuit.

In the United States, central station facilities generally only use alarm receiver systems that are listed under UL (Underwriters Laboratories) standard 1610: “Central Station Burglar-Alarm Units,” the disclosure which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. If the central station operates as a UL-listed facility, it is mandatory to use alarm receivers listed under this UL standard.

The UL-1610 standard requires that an alarm receiver be able to operate independently of any central station “automation software.” The most practical way to meet this requirement is for the alarm receiver to process internally any and all reports it receives from remote security or fire alarm systems, regardless of the communications path (PSTN dial-up, point-to-point radio, internet) through which the report was received.

In addition to validating the received report, and generating any automatic message-receipt acknowledgement required by the remote system, the alarm receiver must be capable of independently performing these actions:

a) presenting the report information (including the unique account-number information identifying the reporting system) on a display device built into the alarm receiver;

b) generating an audible and/or visible annunciation of new reports;

c) logging the report information in a non-volatile memory system, for later review or further processing;

d) providing some mechanism for a human operator to acknowledge physically receipt of the report; and

e) directing a copy of each report to a printing device, which may be a part of the alarm receiver or electronically connected to the alarm receiver.

It should be understood that the UL standard allows operator-managed acknowledgement to be performed at an operator console that is part of the central station automation system, which is a software-based system. However, the alarm receiver must be capable of reverting to local (front-panel) operator-managed acknowledgement if the automation system becomes unavailable.

After the alarm receiver has accomplished these processing functions, it can optionally forward the alarm report data to any “automation software” that is in use at the central station.

In practice (particularly where several alarm receivers are installed in a central station facility), operators don't normally interface directly with alarm receivers. Instead, they handle received alarm reports on computer workstations that are part of the automation system. However, alarm receiver conformance to the UL 1610 standard ensures that the central station can respond to alarms if the automation system becomes unavailable.

In this UL-specified framework for communications between alarm receivers and conventional remote security or fire alarm systems, there are some important common characteristics of PSTN dial-up and/or point-to-point radio connections between the remote system and the central station:

a) except for a few special cases, the data-flow is unidirectional . . . from the remote system at the premises to the alarm receiver in the central station;

b) each connection is maintained only long enough for the remote system to transmit the report and receive any automatic message-acknowledgement from the alarm receiver; and

c) report data (alarm messages, remote system status messages, periodic communication-check messages) are always processed internally by the alarm receiver, before the report information is forwarded to any central station “automation software.”

These special cases are unique features in the remote system that can be controlled from the central station. To allow the bi-directional communications necessary for these remote system features, matching non-standard communications protocols and processes should be implemented on both the remote (premises) system and the alarm receiver. For the alarm receiver to retain its necessary UL listing, these non-standard protocols and processes must be compliant with the UL 1610 standard.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A security system includes at least one audio sensor and alarm panel, each located at a premises and generating alarm report data through a communications network to at least one alarm receiver located at a central station remote from the premises. A line card receives the alarm report data. An alarm receiver processor receives and processes regulated alarm report data in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories 1610 requirements. A line card is operable for receiving non-regulated alarm report data that is not regulated in accordance with Underwriter Laboratories 1610 requirements and establishing a bi-directional link for the non-regulated alarm report data between any central station automation system and the alarm panel at the premises until the bi-directional link is no longer required.

The bi-directional link can be formed of audio data transmitted back and forth between the central station and the premises. The non-regulated alarm report data can comprise at least one of digitized audio and control messages. The regulated alarm report data comprises at least one of account data from the premises, audible or visible enunciation of an alarm report, and acknowledgements. The alarm report data can also be formed as audio data collected at the at least one audio sensor and transmitted from the alarm panel.

In one aspect, the alarm panel is operative for digitally encoding alarm report data and transmitting the digitally encoded alarm report data across the communications network to the at least one alarm receiver. The line card comprises a modem processor that forwards the digitally encoded alarm report data to the central station automation system. The line card further comprises a modem processor for receiving alarm report data from legacy alarm panels as analog communication signals using Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) signaling, and digitizing the analog communication signals as digitally encoded data and forwarding the digitally encoded data to the central station automation system. A terminator circuit has a plurality of analog front end devices and communications interface devices for interfacing with the communications network comprising a Public Switch Telephone Network (PSTN). The bi-directional link can be terminated when a central station operator determines that the bi-directional link is no longer required.

In another aspect, a central station alarm receiver that includes a receiver back plane and line card received in the receiver back plane with the alarm receiver processor is set forth. A method aspect is also set forth.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Central station alarm receivers can now include a line card that solves the technical problems described above. In accordance with a non-limiting example, a computational subsystem is implemented on the line card to analyze communications from the remote calling system. This subsystem detects any report information that is “regulated,” and directs the corresponding report data to the alarm receiver for processing. In one aspect, the report data within the “regulated” communications is directed to a backplane connector on the line card, where it is available to the main-processor of an alarm receiver. In this case, the alarm receiver processes the report information in the same manner as it would for any conventional remote security or fire-alarm system.

When the computational subsystem detects report information from the remote system that is “non-regulated”, the resulting information is directed through an alternate path to central station automation software. The alternate path bypasses the alarm receiver main processor.

Upon receiving the “non-regulated” information, the central station automation software can establish a bi-directional link to the remote system through the line card modem system and communications-circuit interface. The central station automation software system can maintain this bi-directional link until an operator or some automatic process determines it no longer needs to be maintained.

The computational subsystem can be implemented on a separate processor device on the line card, or can be implemented in software on a processor that performs any or all of the other line card tasks.

In yet another aspect, a secondary communications channel is physically implemented on the line card to provide a path for “non-regulated” communications to be routed exclusively to the central station automation software system, and not to the main processor of the alarm receiver.

In one aspect, the line card includes a secondary communications channel that is implemented as a single Ethernet connection on the back panel of the line card and supports “non-regulated” communications simultaneously for a plurality of PSTN dial-up connections implemented on the line card (four in a non-limiting example).

When the computational subsystem and secondary communications channel are applied to the line card, they can be supported with minor changes in the alarm receiver software and operation. These alarm receiver changes can be implemented in a manner that does not impair the alarm receiver's ability to meet the requirements of the UL-1610 standard. After the alarm receiver changes have been applied and the alarm receiver has been retested by UL for conformance to the UL-1610 standard, later changes to the line card design or firmware do not necessitate any further tests of the alarm receiver.

Thus, according to one aspect, a network interface, such as an Ethernet interface, is implemented on the line card to communicate non-alarm panel signalling such as digitized audio and control messages to the central station automation software. In yet another aspect, the line card “operating system” is implemented to control the routing of alarm-message signals to the receiver system and route non-alarm alarm-panel signalling such as the digitized audio and control messages to the central station automation-software through the line card network interface.

FIG. 1shows a block diagram of an alarm system20that can be modified to use a line card in accordance with non-limiting examples and explained in further detail below, and showing part of the premises21and central station23that includes various servers and an alarm receiver23such as a Bosch/Lantronics receiver box connected with an RS-232 automation bus to a central station receiver24that includes several line cards such as modem line card25, legacy line cards26and other line cards27. These line cards could include the line card as described below with regard toFIGS. 3A,33and4. The switch30can be a core component and connected to various servers and terminals, such as an IP automation terminal31, IP server32and IP up/down load server33and a speaker/display34. The switch30is also connected to the alarm receiver23and through the IP audio bus to the central station receiver24as illustrated. The switch30is also connected to the phone system recorder34that could be located at the premises or central station. The switch30is also connected to a firewall35that is connected to the communications network, which could be different types of communications network. The switch30can be an integral part of the receiver23,24. The network36is connected to the intellibase panel37with IP capability through the communications connections, which in this instance is an Ethernet connection38. The switch30is also connected to a neural net training machine and server39that works with the Internet Protocol, which in turn is connected to a 56K modem bank40for up/downloading. The central station receiver is connected through a telephone communications line to a public switched telephone network equipment41, which in turn, could be connected to different panels such as through a legacy telephone communications interface connection42in a 3000/4000 series panel42for analog audio and an intellibase panel44with a 56K baud socket modem45and digital panels46with a 300 baud modem47in one non-limiting example.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bshow basic components of an alarm system that could be located at a premises21, including an intellibase control panel48that can connect to an IP network49such as the internet, a public switched telephone network (PSTN)50and a wireless network51. The intellibase control panel48can include various inputs and outputs and other functions as indicated and connect to various power supplies52and hubs52a, audio modules53, single access (door-control) modules (SAM's)54and readers55as part of a premise bus56. The control panel48also can connect through a bus to a keypad56and input/output expansion modules57and quad access (door-control) modules (QAM)58as indicated. As will be explained below, different features can be included on the control panel48and various circuit boards, including a line card.

The premises portion of the alarm system could include the intellibase control panel48, including its various inputs that are connected to different hubs and different digital audio sensors (DAS). A DSP or other processor could be located on a control panel and act as a neural network analyzer. The digital audio sensor can operate as an audio conversion system. An equivalent digital audio sensor could be used for hardware and software built into a control panel. The digital audio sensor could have four or eight or more microphones or subsystems. The system could include an acoustic (audio) recognition engine (ARE). It should be understood that different microphones can be enabled and disabled through a control mechanism in the control panel. Five-second sound clips can be sent independently to the acoustic recognition engine. The signals from microphones are candidates for recognition by the acoustic recognition engine. For each microphone, a set of coefficients can be determined, corresponding to the rate-of-rise or average amplitude coefficients. Each digital audio sensor could send captured sound clips as packets over the Ethernet. These messages could arrive at the acoustic recognition engine. A digital signal processor at each digital audio sensor could determine if the sound clips should be analyzed. This could be similar to an event trigger. The content can be analyzed to determine if further analysis is required. There is some correlation of parameters, for example, determining the difference between a gunshot and thunder.

The five-second sound clips are evaluated by a digital signal processor or other processor on each digital audio sensor to determine if they are eligible for further analysis. The microphones can be identified by the input that they are connected to at each digital audio sensor module and have a unique address in the system to be enabled and disabled. Once the system determines that the event qualifies as an alarm, the five-second clip can be forwarded to the central station either through an IP connection or through a modem connection. High quality MPEG4 compression can be used.

The acoustic recognition engine and the neural network analysis can determine if threshold conditions are met for further analysis and the information and data from microphones can be mixed digitally to provide an aggregate signal to a central station monitoring system. One stream of data can extend from an alarm panel to the central station as a digital stream and compressed. Mixed audio can be digitally mixed at each digital audio sensor. The digital streams can be digitally mixed at each stage where a digital audio sensor is located on the network. Digital streams can be combined at each stage. It is a linear system in one aspect. The data can arrive as an aggregate mix at the alarm panel at which the acoustic recognition engine circuit is located.

In one aspect, the line card is formed as part of a receiver line card subsystem, for example, a Bosch receiver as described above. The card can be placed into a receiver back plane. The receiver can store different alarm reports and include an IP connection and Ethernet interface. The receiver can be part of a monitoring station and include a display, printer and control panel operated by an individual. There could be a serial-to-Ethernet converter to allow the connection of the receiver to the central station. The receiver can forward the alarm message to the central station as part of an automated system.

The line card can process the Ethernet message. The acoustic recognition engine can be in a control panel illustrated as an intellibase control panel. Different coefficients can be used as part of an analysis system that analyzes the audio clips before compression and extract coefficients used in the processing. A coefficient development system can be implemented such that coefficients can be analyzed at different sites and nuisance sounds removed. Parameterization can be accomplished to determine if different sound parameters justify further analysis of alarms. The algorithm can look at the characteristics of the sound parameters. Sounds can be run through a training system to create a training set. There could be artificial intelligence learning in the system used with training sets.

FIGS. 3A and 33show a line card circuit60in accordance with a non-limiting example that can be included on one circuit board and received within a central station alarm receiver. OnFIG. 3A, basic components are illustrated including a switching power supply61, the receiver host-bus or backplane connector62, host-bus interface circuitry63and line card host processor64. The host-bus interface circuit63includes a SRAM dual-port circuit (DP-RAM)64such as a CY7C135-55 circuit that is operative with an L-buffer/address sequencer65and R-buffer/level shift66as part of left and right ports. The L-buffer/address sequencer65is operative with a semaphore latch67and level shift circuit68.

The line card host processor64includes a digital signal processor69such as an Analog Devices Blackfin BF-532 DSP that is operative with a reset supervisor circuit70, a 2 (two) megabyte SPI flash RON71in one non-limiting example, a 128 megabyte SDRAM72, and crystal oscillator (25 MHz)73. The components are interconnected as illustrated with the various communication circuits and interrupt lines, address lines and other bus lines.

FIG. 3Bshows the continuation of the line card processor circuit60including a modem processor74and E-net interface circuit75as an Ethernet processor, a terminator card connector76and LED latch77for status LED's as illustrated. The modem processor74could include an Analog Device Blackfin BF-532 DSP78that is operable with a 128 megabyte SDRAM79similar to what is shown inFIG. 3Awith the line card host processor64and crystal oscillator80. The E-net interface circuit75includes a WIZNET W3100A silicon E-net protocol stack81that is operable with an oscillator82, such as a 25 MHz oscillator. The LED latch77connects to different LED's83. The different bus connectors and communications interface circuits are illustrated.

FIG. 4illustrates basic components that could be included on a terminator circuit board84that includes a line card connector85, power supply86and four analog front-end (AFE) devices87that are interfaced to separate RJ-11 telephone company jacks88through a transformer direct access arrangement (DAA) circuit89and line-monitoring circuits90. The circuit board includes an Ethernet PHY91device and RJ45 jack92with embedded magnetics, which implements a direct Ethernet communications path between each line card pair and a central station automation system such as shown inFIG. 1, including possibly the use of the terminals that include the IP automation terminal31, IP server32, IP up/down load server33and IP neural net training machine and server39as non-limiting examples.

The line card system includes line terminator circuit board84and line card processor circuit board60, together forming the line card system. These boards could be installed as an inter-connected pair in any of the line card “slots” of a central station alarm receiver such as Bosch D6600 alarm receiver as a non-limiting example. In one non-limiting example, there are eight line card slots.

Each line card pair60,84(hereafter referred to simply as “line card” for purposes of description and referred generically by the description numeral193) can support up to four concurrent dial-up calls from either legacy alarm panels, or new “Intellibase” alarm panels such as shown and described inFIGS. 1,2A and2B. For either type of calling alarm panel, the line card93makes the basic alarm-report data available to the host processor64in the receiver through the receiver backplane. This basic alarm-report information is then processed by the receiver and forwarded to the central station automation system in the same manner as for dial-in alarm reports received from conventional alarm panels by conventional Bosch D6640 or D6641 line cards.

When reporting an alarm event, the alarm panels differ from “conventional” alarm panels in that they will typically also transmit audio signals from one or more microphones (the “audio sensors”) located at the protected premise. Legacy alarm panels transmit this audio to the central station as an analog signal. The Intellibase panels transmit audio to the central station as a digitally encoded signal. The line card93makes the audio information from either legacy or Intellibase alarm panels37available to the “IP” central station automation system through an Ethernet port that in one aspect is an integral part of the line card.

While conventional alarm panels will typically hang-up the telephone connection immediately after successfully delivering an alarm report to a central station receiver, the telephone connection with the alarm panel, in accordance with a non-limiting aspect, will normally be maintained until a central station operator determines that it is no longer necessary to continue monitoring audio from the protected premise.

The modem subsystem such as the included modem processor74in the line card93receives alarm calls from legacy alarm panels using Bell-103 FSK signaling as a non-limiting example. When legacy alarm panels transmit analog audio to the central station, the modem digitizes the received audio, so that it can be communicated to the IP central station automation system through a line card 10BASE-T/100BASE-TX Ethernet port. In the case of calls from Intellibase alarm panels, such as37inFIG. 1, which communicate with V.34 modem technology, the digitally-encoded audio signal from the alarm panel is forwarded through the line card Ethernet port to the automation system.

Two Analog Devices Inc. “Blackfin” ADSP-BF532 DSP-controller devices as processors69,78are used on the line card such as shown inFIGS. 3A and 3B. One of these devices functions with other components as the line card “host” processor63a(FIG. 3A), and the other functions as the modem processor74(FIG. 3B) for different dial-up modem channels in this example, four channels. For all four lines, most modem signal and protocol functionality is implemented as DSP software. This includes V.34 negotiation (signaling-and-connection handshake) with Intellibase alarm panels, and the Bell-103 signaling, tone detection and audio digitization required for communication with legacy alarm panels. The modem system also supports advanced telephony features such as caller-ID decode, DTMF decode and encode, and cut-line detection.

The description proceeds relative to a Bosch alarm receiver system as described above in a non-limiting example. Eight line card slots can be included on the receiver backplane connector62and implemented as an electrical subset of the PC 8-bit ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) bus in a non-limiting example.

An example of the ISA-bus signals that can be bussed across the slot connectors are DATA 0-7, IO_ADDR 0-2, /IOR, /IOW, and RESET as non-limiting examples. A separate/SELECT signal can be provided to each line card slot connector. Each line card slot connector carries an individual interrupt-request request signal from the line card to a receiver CPU (processor). This subset of ISA signals allows the receiver CPU to communicate with the line card via x86 byte IO instructions.

Other than power connections, none of the other ISA and proprietary signals that are provided on the line card slot connectors are used by the line card. Each slot connector would typically have three ground pins, and two pins for each of the +5V, +12V and −12V power-supply voltages in a non-limiting example.

The B_RST line card reset signal as shown inFIG. 3Aat the connector62is generated by the receiver CPU, and is presented on pin15of every slot connector. When B_RST is asserted, it causes all of the installed line cards to be reset. On each line card, B_RST can be buffered.

A semaphore latch circuit67can be reset in the dual-port (DP) RAM64. An asserted LC_RESET condition as shown from the level shift68and reset circuit70inFIG. 3Acan be generated. LC_RESET is the reset control for all of the line card processor-controlled electronics. A level shift as from the level shift circuit68can be provided between the 5V logic of the receiver interface and the 3.3V logic of the host-processor system.

Communication between the receiver CPU and the line card is transferred through the dual-port (DP) RAM64and associated host-bus interface63. The heart of this subsystem is a Cypress Semiconductor CY7C135-25 dual-port (DP) SRAM64. This device has a 4K×8 static Random Access Memory (SRAM) array that can be independently accessed with two separate sets of address, data and control signals. The two different sets of interfaces are typically identified as the left and right ‘ports’ and includes the address sequencer65and level shift66. This circuit does not include any arbitration circuitry and it is possible to perform simultaneously a “read” on one port while performing a “write” access to the same byte location on the other port. The results of such an operation are undefined. On the line card, arbitration for access to the dual-port memory subsystem is managed by the separate semaphore latch circuit67.

The receiver CPU (processor)29accesses the dual-port SRAM through address-sequencer circuits65connected to left port address inputs. The line card host processor64accesses the dual-port SRAM64through a right port circuit including buffer66in a non-limiting example. Addressing is routed through buffers. Right port data is transferred into or out of the SRAM through any buffer circuit.

Any of the byte locations (4096 in this example) in the DP-SRAM64can be addressed by either the receiver or the line card host-processor circuit63a. In a current receiver implementation, only the first 1024 locations of DP-SRAM are used.

The dual-port SRAM64does not include any internal arbitration logic. A “read” on one port at the same address where the other port is undergoing a “write” can result in incorrect data being read from the device. To prevent conflicts due to simultaneous DP-SRAM left and right access, semaphore latches have been implemented on the line card, a receiver-CPU DP-SRAM access latch, and a line card host-processor DP-SRAM access latch (only one is illustrated as67).

The receiver backplane provides +5V and ±12V power-supply voltages at each slot connector. Because the interface at the slot connector operates at 5V logic levels, the Dual-Port RAM subsystem and companion semaphore-latch logic operate at 5V. All other components of the line card operate at 3.3V power-supply and logic levels. Voltage translation occurs in a buffer and transceiver devices.

With a 5V ±10% supply voltage, the DP-SRAM circuit has the following logic-level specifications as a non-limiting example:

A data-bus transceiver can operate from a line card 3.3V supply, and offers the same VOHand VOLcharacteristics as any buffer devices. For the receive direction (when the host-processor circuit63ais reading data from the DP-SRAM64), the minimum VIHis 2.0V, and the maximum VILis 0.8.

With the host-processor63aasynchronous-interface timing characteristics set to allow for reasonable settling times (primarily allowing for capacitive loading), this combination of buffer and transceiver devices provides adequate margins for the interface between the line card 5V and 3.3V logic systems.

A National Semiconductor LM2852Y-3.3 fixed-voltage switching regulator can provide 3.3V power used on the line card in a non-limiting example. This integrated device is laser-trimmed to operate at a chosen output voltage, and requires very few external components. The inductor and capacitor values can be chosen to operate optimally at 650 mA output current, with a nominal 5V input.

The line card host-processor including the DSP as69an Analog Devices Inc. Blackfin BF-532 controller in one non-limiting example. The core section of this device can operate at up to 300 MHz. The controller (DSP)69in one non-limiting example has 80K bytes of internal high-speed memory that can be configured as instruction or data cache and/or SRAM. The extensive set of on-board10hardware supports external SDRAM, asynchronous memory and IO devices, serial devices and SPI devices. Almost all of these peripherals can be supported by the DMA capabilities of the controller. Other built in peripherals include two flexible timer systems, 16 general-purpose IO pins, and two high-speed serial communication ports.

The reset input of the host processor69is managed by a Texas Instruments TPS3820-33 Power-On Reset Controller70in one non-limiting example. This reset controller will assert its active-low reset output during power-on while the supply voltage is less than 2.93 volts. Also, after the reset output has been negated (allowing the processor to start operation), any time the supply voltage drops below the 2.93 V threshold, the controller will re-assert the reset output.

The reset controller70(also termed reset supervisor circuit) can have a watchdog input. After the controller comes out of reset, an uninterrupted stream of pulses can be received on the watchdog input, or the controller will generate a momentary reset. A useful feature of the watchdog function is that it does not start operating until at least one pulse occurs on the watchdog input. This greatly simplifies debugging any watchdog keep-alive software.

The reset controller70also has a Master Reset input that can be used to force a reset when the supply voltage is above the 2.93V threshold and a valid watchdog keep-alive signal is present. On the line card, this active-low Master Reset input is driven by the LC_RESET signal. The LC_RESET signal is produced by a receiver backplane reset circuit and extend through the backplane connector62.

A CM309-series 25 MHz crystal73controls the clock frequencies of the host-processor63a. This crystal drives a software-configurable PLL in the processor69, and the core clock and system-clock for any processor peripherals are generated with software-configurable dividers running off of a phase-locked loop (PLL) in a non-limiting example (not shown).

A ST M25P40 4 Mbit SPI-serial Flash ROM71is connected to the host DSP processor69through a SPI bus as illustrated. This flash ROM contains firmware for both the host processor69and the modem processor that includes the DSP processor78. The host DSP processor mediates the transfer of the modem processor firmware from this Flash ROM71to the modem processor74.

The host DSP processor69can have different pins, which can be used for the following functions:

The host DSP processor69communicates with the modem DSP processor78through the host DSP processor's SPORT0high-speed serial communications interface as illustrated. The host DSP processor SPORT0interface is connected to the modem DSP processor SPORT1interface. Both the primary and secondary channels of these SPORT interfaces are interconnected.

The host DSP processor69boots from the SPI Flash ROM71. A boot-loader program first loads a small “exe” file that contains the program to load the remainder of the host processor firmware from the Flash ROM. The host processor63aoperating firmware then transfers the operating firmware for the modem processor74from the Flash ROM with the modem processor in the processor “boot from SPI Host” mode. The modem DSP processor71is also an Analog Devices Inc. BF-532 controller, identical to the line card host DSP processor69in this non-limiting example. The core section of the modem DSP processor78can be powered by a switching regulator controller built into the processor.

A CM309-series 24.576 MHz crystal73as noted before controls the clock frequencies of the host processor63a. This crystal drives a software-configurable PLL (not shown) in the processor, and the core clock and system-clock for the peripherals are generated with software-configurable dividers running off of a PLL. This crystal frequency has been chosen to allow operation of the modem processor74SPORT0interface at the correct frequency for driving a AFE serial-bus daisy-chain.

Different pins (not all illustrated) on the modem processor74are used for the following functions in a non-limiting example:

PF0SPI_SSELinput - SPI interface to host processor - SelectPF1SPI-SLFLGinput - SPI interface to host processor -Activity flagPF2AFE-RSTOutput - reset control for AFE daisy-chainPF3MDM_INT_1Output - interrupt request 1 to host processorPF4MDM_INT-2Output - interrupt request 2 to host processorPF5NO_TERMinput - detection of the presence of a TerminatorcardPF6NCUnusedPF7NCUnusedPF8NCUnusedPF9NCUnusedPF10SER_DBG_4undefined - handshake line 1 for serial debugPortPF11SER_DBG_3undefined - handshake line 2 for serial debugPortPF12NCunusedPF13NCunusedPF14NCunusedPF15NCunused

The four AFE's87(FIG. 4) are connected to the modem processor74on the processor's SPORT0high-speed serial data-bus. This data-bus is routed through the processor circuit board60to terminator circuit board84interconnect as the lien card connector85. The AFE's87are connected to the single high-speed serial-bus through a TDMA daisy-chain arrangement in one non-limiting example. All clocks for operation of the AFE's are provided through this high-speed serial bus.

The firmware for the modem processor74can be stored in the SPI Flash ROM71connected to the host DSP processor69. After the host DSP processor69has completed its boot process, and begins execution of the firmware, it moves an image of the modem processor firmware to the host processor SDRAM72. The host DSP processor69then releases a modem processor reset, and loads the firmware into modem DSP processor78memory spaces. The host DSP processor69acts as the SPI master for a “slave boot operation.”

In non-limiting examples, there are four identical telephone-line interface circuits that include the parallel AFE's87on the terminator circuit board84as shown inFIG. 4. These circuits connect to the central station phone system through the tip and ring terminals of the RJ-11 “telco” jacks88. Coupling transformers89are used as illustrated.

On the terminator circuit board84, each AFE87can be a separate Teridian 73M1903C AFE (Analog Front End) device, which performs digitization of audio signals on the secondary side of the coupling transformer as shown inFIG. 4.

The four AFE's87are connected to the modem processor74on the processor's SPORT0high-speed serial data-bus. This data-bus is routed through the processor circuit board to a terminator circuit board interconnect85. The AFE's are connected to the single high-speed serial-bus through a TDMA daisy-chain arrangement. All clocks for operation of the AFE's are provided through this high-speed serial bus.

In addition to its signal-conversion functions, each AFE87has eight general-purpose IO pins (not illustrated in detail). On the line card design, four of these lines on each AFE are used for these purposes:

AFE analog transmit and receive signals are connected to the secondary side of a coupling transformer89through several RC networks (not shown). The purpose of these networks is to optimize the interface between the APE and the connected telephone “loop” over the range of expected impedance conditions and signal levels, for the chosen coupling transformer. AN analog power-supply pin of each APE87is decoupled from the digital supply with a ferrite bead.

The various Ethernet and internet networking protocols supported by the line card are implemented with a Wiznet W3100A “Silicon Protocol Stack” circuit81. This device provides protocol functionality via a hardware implementation. The protocol stack circuit81is interfaced to the host-processor63athrough the processor's asynchronous memory system, using a host-processor AMSO synchronous-memory select as a non-limiting example. The clock for the protocol stack circuit is a 3.2×5 mm 25 MHz oscillator82in a non-limiting example.

The protocol stack circuit81communicates with an Ethernet PHY91on the terminator circuit board, through a standard MII interface. The MII signals are routed between the two circuit boards through a 48-pin interconnect.

A physical-layer 10BASE-T/100BASE-T Ethernet interface can implemented using a Teridian 78Q2123 PHY device91as a non-limiting example on the terminator circuit board ofFIG. 4in a non-limiting example. The Ethernet PHY91is managed by the protocol stack device through a MII interface. In addition to providing the physical layer Ethernet interface, this device controls the link-status LED's in the Ethernet jack. The clock for the PHY device is controlled by a 25 MHz CM309 crystal.

A RJ-45 jack92with integrated magnetics provides the physical connection to the network. This jack includes built-in link-status LED's (FIG. 4).

The four bi-color LED line-status indicators (FIG. 3B) can be controlled by outputs of a latch. The LED color can be selected by setting the polarity of the four pairs of latch outputs. Latch outputs can be set by the modem-processor writing to any address within the range controlled by the processor's AMS0asynchronous-memory select output. The clock signal for the latch is produced by the combination of a modem-processor AMS0asynchronous-memory select and a modem-processor AWE asynchronous-memory select.

There now follows a description of security systems such as described in the incorporated by reference and commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,391,315. Those described circuits, components and modules can be modified to use the line card93as described relative toFIGS. 3A,3B and4.

FIG. 5shows a security or alarm system120located in a customer premises121in which the audio sensors122are formed as analog audio modules having microphones and connect into an analog control panel124. The audio modules122are operative as analog microphones and may include a small amplifier. Door contacts126can also be used and are wired to the control panel124. Other devices127could include an ID card reader or similar devices wired to the control panel. This section of a customer premises121, such as a factory, school, home or other premises, includes wiring that connects the analog audio modules122direct to the control panel124with any appropriate add-ons incorporated into the system. The phone system128as a Plain Ordinary Telephone System (POTS) is connected to the control panel124, and telephone signals are transmitted over a 300 baud industry standard telephone connection as a POTS connection to a remotely located central monitoring station130through a Remote Access Device (RAD)132. The central monitoring station typically includes a computer or other processor that requires Underwriter Laboratory (UL) approval. The different accounts that are directed to different premises or groups of alarm devices can be console specific.

In this type of security system20, typical operation can occur when a sound crosses a threshold, for example, a volume, intensity or decibel (dB) level, causing the control panel126to indicate that there is an intrusion.

A short indicator signal, which could be a digital signal, is sent to the central monitoring station130from the control panel126to indicate the intrusion. The central monitoring station130switches to an audio mode and begins playing the audio heard at the premises121through the microphone at the audio sensors or modules122to an operator located at the central monitoring station130. This operator listens for any sounds indicative of an emergency, crime, or other problem. In this system, the audio is sent at a 300 baud data rate over regular telephone lines as an analog signal.

In a more complex control panel124used in these types of systems, it is possible to add a storage device or other memory that will store about five seconds of audio around the audio event, which could be a trigger for an alarm. The control panel124could send a signal back to the central monitoring station130of about one-half second to about one second before the event and four seconds after the event. At that time, the security or alarm system120can begin streaming live audio from the audio sensors122. This can be accomplished at the control panel124or elsewhere.

This security system120transmits analog audio signals from the microphone in the audio sensor or module122to the control panel124. This analog audio is transmitted typically over the phone lines via a Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) line128to the central monitoring station130having operators that monitor the audio. The central monitoring station130could include a number of “listening” stations as computers or other consoles located in one monitoring center. Any computers and consoles are typically Underwriter Laboratory (UL) listed, including any interface devices, for example phone interfaces. Control panels124and their lines are typically dedicated to specific computer consoles usually located at the central monitoring station130. In this security system120, if a particular computer console is busy, the control panel124typically has to wait before transmitting the audio. It is possible to include a digital recorder as a chip that is placed in the control panel124to record audio for database storage or other options.

FIG. 6is a fragmentary block diagram of a security system140at a premises142in which a processor, e.g., a microcontroller or other microprocessor, is formed as part of each audio sensor (also referred to as audio module), forming a digital audio module, sensor or microphone144.

The audio sensor144is typically formed as an audio module with components contained within a module housing144athat can be placed at strategic points within the premises142. Different components include a microphone146that receives sounds from the premises. An analog/digital converter148receives the analog sound signals and converts them into digital signals that are processed within a processor150, for example, a standard microcontroller such as manufactured by PIC or other microprocessor. This processing can occur at the central station in some embodiments, where the receiver such as shown inFIGS. 1-4could have processing capability. The processor150can be operative with a memory152that includes a database of audio signatures152for comparing various sounds for determining whether any digitized audio signals are indicative of an alarm condition and should be forwarded to the central monitoring station. The memory152can store digital signatures of different audio sounds, typically indicative of an alarm condition (or a false alarm) and the processor can be operative for comparing a digitized audio signal with digital signals stored within the memory to determine whether an alarm condition exists. The audio sensor144can also receive data relating to audio patterns indicative of false alarms, allowing the processor150to recognize audio sounds indicative of false alarms. The processor150could receive such data from the central monitoring station through a transceiver154that is typically connected to a data bus155that extends through the premises into a premises controller as part of a control panel or other component.

The transceiver154is also connected into a digital/analog converter156that is connected to a speaker158. It is possible for the transceiver154to receive voice commands or instructions from an operator located at the central monitoring station or other client location, which are converted by the processor150into analog voice signals. Someone at the premises could hear through the speaker158and reply through the microphone. It is also possible for the audio sensor144to be formed different such that the microphone could be separate from other internal components.

Although the audio sensor shown inFIG. 7allows two-way communication, the audio sensor does not have to include such components as shown inFIG. 6, and could be an embodiment for an audio sensor144′ that does not include the transceiver154, digital/analog converter156, and speaker158. This device could be a more simple audio sensor. Also, some digital audio sensors144could include a jack160that allows other devices to connect into the data bus155through the audio sensors and allow other devices such as a door contact162to connect and allow any signals to be transmitted along the data bus. It should be understood that all processing could be accomplished at the central receiver or other location distant from the premises.

Door contacts161and other devices can be connected into an audio sensor as a module. The audio sensor144could include the appropriate inputs as part of a jack160for use with auxiliary devices along a single data bus155. Some audio modules144can include circuitry, for example, the transceiver154as explained above, permitting two-way communications and allowing an operator at a central monitoring station162or other location to communicate back to an individual located at the premises142, for example, for determining false alarms or receiving passwords or maintenance testing. The system typically includes an open wiring topology with digital audio and advanced noise cancellation allowing a cost reduction as compared to systems such as shown inFIG. 5. Instead of wiring each audio sensor as a microphone back to the control panel as in the system shown inFIG. 5, the audio sensors are positioned on the addressable data bus155, allowing each audio sensor and other device, such as door contacts, card readers or keyed entries to be addressable with a specific address.

It is possible to encode the audio at the digital audio sensor144and send the digitized audio signal to a premises controller166as part of a control panel in one non-limiting example, which can operate as a communications hub receiving signals from the data bus55rather than being operative as a wired audio control panel, such as in the system shown inFIG. 5. It should be understood that the premises can include an intellibase panel with IP capability as shown relative toFIGS. 1-4and Ethernet capability. Thus, audio can be digitized at the audio sensor144, substantially eliminating electrical noise that can occur from the wiring at the audio sensor to the premises controller166. Any noise that occurs within the phone system is also substantially eliminated from the premises controller166to the central monitoring station162. As shown inFIG. 6, a video camera168, badge or ID card reader170and other devices172as typical with a security system could be connected into the data bus155and located within the premises142.

Some digital phone devices multiplex numerous signals and perform other functions in transmission. As a result, a “pure” audio signal in analog prior art security systems, such as shown inFIG. 5, was not sent to the central monitoring station130along the contemporary phone network128when the 300 baud analog audio system was used. Some of the information was lost. In the system shown inFIG. 6, on the other hand, because digitization of the audio signal typically occurs at the audio sensor144, more exact data is forwarded to the central monitoring station162, and as a result, the audio heard at the central monitoring station is a better representation of the audio received at the microphone146.

As shown inFIG. 6, the premises controller166can be part of a premises central panel, and can include PCMCIA slots174. In another example, the premises controller66can be a stand-alone unit, for example, a processor, and not part of a control panel. In this non-limiting illustrated example, two PCMCIA slots174can be incorporated, but any number of slots and devices can be incorporated into a control panel for part of the premises controller166. The slots can receive contemporary PC cards, modems, or other devices. The PCMCIA devices could transmit audio data at 56K modem speed across telephone lines, at higher Ethernet speeds across a data network, at a fast broadband, or wireless, for example, cellular CDMA systems. A communications network176extends between the premises controller166and the central monitoring station162and could be a wired or wireless communications network or a PSTN. The PCMCIA slots174could receive cellular or similar wireless transmitter devices to transmit data over a wireless network to the central monitoring station162. As illustrated, a receiver178is located at the central monitoring station162, and in this non-limiting example, is designated a central station receiver type II inFIG. 6and receives the digitized audio signals. A receiver for analog audio signals from a control panel in the system120ofFIG. 6could be designated a central station receiver type I, and both receivers output digitized audio signals to a local area network182. Other premises184having digital audio sensors144as explained above could be connected to receiver178, such that a plurality of premises could be connected and digital audio data from various premises184-184nfor “n” number of premises being monitored.

It is also possible to separate any receivers at the central monitoring station162away from any computer consoles used for monitoring a premises. A portion of the product required to be Underwriter Laboratory (UL) approved could possibly be the central station receiver178. Any computer consoles as part of the central monitoring station could be connected to the local area network (LAN)182. A central station server194could be operative through the LAN182, as well as any auxiliary equipment. Because the system is digital, load sharing and data redirecting could be provided to allow any monitoring console or clients190,192to operate through the local area network182, while the central station server194allows a client/server relationship. A database at the central station server194can share appropriate data and other information regarding customers and premises. This server based environment can allow greater control and use of different software applications, increased database functions and enhanced application programming. A firewall196can be connected between the local area network182and an internet/worldwide web198, allowing others to access the system through the web198and LAN182if they pass appropriate security.

FIG. 8is another view similar toFIG. 6, but showing a service to an installed customer base of a security system180with existing accounts, replacing some of the central monitoring station equipment for digital operation. The analog security system120is located at premises121and includes the typical components as shown inFIG. 5, which connect through the PSTN128to a central station receiver type I180for analog processing. Other devices200are shown with the digital security system140at premises142. For existing security systems120that are analog based, the central station receiver type I180is operative with any existing and installed equipment in which analog signals are received from the analog audio modules122, door contacts126or other devices127, and transmitted through the control panel126at 300 baud rate over the telephone line128. The system at premises144, on the other hand, digitizes the analog sound picked up by audio sensors144transmits the digitized data into the central monitoring station162and into its local area network182via the premises controller174. Data processing can occur at the premises controller174, which is digitized and operative with the digital audio sensors144. Data processing can occur at the central station.

At a central monitoring station162, an operator typically sits at an operator console. The audio is received as digitized data from the digital audio sensors144and received at the central station receiver type II178. Other analog signals from the analog audio modules122, control panel126and telephone line128are received in a central station receiver type I180. All data has been digitized when it enters the local area network (LAN)182and is processed at client consoles190,192. The clients could include any number of different or selected operators. Load sharing is possible, of course, in such a system, as performed by the central station server194, such that a console typically used by one client could be used by another client to aid in load balancing.

FIG. 9shows the type of service that can be used for remote accounts when a phone problem exist at a premises120, or along a telephone line in which it would be difficult to pass an analog audio signal at 300 baud rate from the control panel126. A digitizer202is illustrated as operative with the control panel126and provides a remedy for the analog signals emanating from the control panel over a standard telephone line to the central monitoring station162, when the signals cannot be received in an intelligible manner. The digitizer202digitizes the analog audio signal using appropriate analog-to-digital conversion circuitry and transmits it at a higher data rate, for example at a 56K baud rate to the central monitoring station162. In other embodiments, the digitizer could transmit over an Ethernet network connection, or over a wireless CDMA cellular phone signal to the central monitoring station162. The signal is received in a central station receiver type II178, which is operative to receive the digital signals. This improved system using the digitizer202in conjunction with a more conventional system could be used in the rare instance when there is poor service over existing telephone lines. The digitizer202could be part of the control panel126within the premises or located outside the premises and connected to a telephone line.

FIG. 10shows different security systems120,120′ and140in which legacy accounts using the analog audio modules122have been provided for through either the digitizer202that transmits signals to the central station receiver type II178or the use of the central station receiver type I180, which receives the analog signals, such as from the security system120′. Other individuals can connect to the central monitoring station162through the internet, i.e., worldwide web198as illustrated. For example, a remote client210could connect to the central station server194through the web198, allowing access even from a home residence in some cases. Data back-up could also be provided at a server212or other database that could include an application service provider (ASP) as an application host and operative as a web-based product to allow clients to obtain services and account information. Technical support214could be provided by another client or operator that connects through the web198into the system at the central monitoring station162to determine basic aspects and allow problem solving at different security systems. Because each audio sensor144is addressable on the data bus155, it is possible to troubleshoot individual audio sensors144from a remote location, such as the illustrated clients190,192,210or technical support214.

Problem accounts are also accounted for and software services provide greater client control, for example, for account information, including a client/server application at the application host212, which can be a web-based product. Customers can access their accounts to determine security issues through use of the worldwide web/internet198. Data can pass through the firewall196into the local area network182at the central monitoring station162and a customer or local administrator for a franchisee or other similarly situated individual can access the central station server194and access account information. It is also possible to have data back-up at the application host (ASP)212in cooperation with a client application operated by a system operator. Outside technical support214can access the central monitoring station162local area network182through the internet198, through the firewall196, and into the local area network182and access the central station server194or other clients190,192on the local area network. Technical support can also access equipment for maintenance. The system as described relative toFIG. 10can also allow account activation through the application host212or other means.

FIG. 11shows a system with a different business model in which the central station server194is remote with the database and application host (ASP)212and accessed through the internet/web198. The central station server194in this non-limiting example is connected to the internet198and different numbers of servers194could be connected to the internet to form a plurality of central monitoring stations, which can connect to different client monitoring consoles (with speakers for audio). Different client monitoring consoles could be owned by different customers, for example, dealers or franchisees. A corporate parent or franchiser can provide services and maintain software with updates 24/7 in an IP environment. Franchisees, customers or dealers could pay a service fee and access a corporate database.

FIG. 12shows that the system has the ability to monitor at a remote location, load share, late shift or back-up. A remote operator220as a client, for example, can connect through the internet198to the local area network182. As illustrated, the remote client220is connected to the internet198via a firewall222. Both clients210,220connect to the web198and to the central monitoring station182via the firewall196and LAN182. At the central monitoring station162, if an operator does not show for work, load sharing can be accomplished and some of the balance of duties assumed by the clients210,220. Also, it is possible to monitor a client system for a fee. This could be applicable in disasters when a local monitoring station as a monitoring center goes down. Naturally, a number of local monitoring stations as monitoring centers could be owned by franchisees or run by customers/clients.

There may also be central monitoring stations owned or operated by a franchisee, which does not desire to monitor its site. It is possible to have monitoring stations in secure locations, or allow expansion for a smaller operator. With a web-based, broadband based station, it is possible to monitor smaller operators and/or customers, franchisees, or other clients and also locate a central monitoring station in a local region and do monitoring at other sites. It is also possible to use a virtual private network (VPN)230, as illustrated inFIG. 13. Central monitoring station receiving equipment132as servers or computers could be remotely located for functioning as a central monitoring station (CS), which can be placed anywhere. For example, when a local control panel (premises controller)166activates, the system could call an 800 number or a local number and send data to the more local monitoring location where a central monitoring station232exists. Thus, it is possible to place a central monitoring station in the locality or city where the account is located and use the internet move data. This allows local phone service activation and reduces telephone infrastructure costs. It should be understood that the virtual private network230is not a weak link in the system and is operable to move data at high speeds. Appropriate firewalls234could be used.

FIG. 14shows that remote monitoring in the security system can be accomplished with any type of account, as shown by the premises at240, which includes a control panel as a premises controller242for monitoring a security system243having a design different from the design of other security systems as described above. There could be some original equipment manufacturer accounts, for example, users of equipment manufactured by Tyco Electronics, Radionics Corporation or other equipment and device providers. It is possible in the security system to monitor control equipment provided by different manufacturers. This monitoring could be transparent to the central monitoring stations through an OEM central monitoring station receiver244. It is possible with an appropriate use of software and an applicable receiver at the central monitoring station that any alarm system of a manufacturer could be monitored. This can be operative with the control panel as a premises controller, which can receive information from other digital security alarms. A central monitoring station receiver could be Underwriter Laboratory approved and operative as a central monitoring station receiver244for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

FIG. 15is a logic diagram showing an example of software modules that could be used for the security system of the present invention. A central station receiver type I180, central station receiver type II178, and central station receiver OEM244are operative with respective central station receiver communications module250and central station digital receiver communications module252. Other modules include an install assistance module254to aid in installing any software, a net communications module256that is operative to allow network communications, and a logger module258that is operable for logging data and transactions. A schedule module260is operable for scheduling different system aspects, and a panel message module262is operative for providing panel messages. Other modules include the resolve module264and navigator module266. A database268is operative with a database interface270, and a bouncer program272is also operable with the client274that includes a user interface276and audio278. The database268can be accessed through the web198using the ASP212or other modules and devices as explained above. The bouncer272could be operative as a proxy and also act to “bounce” connections from one machine to another.

FIG. 16shows different types of field equipment that can be used with a security system140. As illustrated, field equipment for a monitored premises142is illustrated as connected on one data bus155. The equipment includes audio sensors144′, door contacts161, keypads300and card readers302, which can connect on one bus155through other sensors144. Some third party systems could be used, and relays304for zones305and wireless receivers306could be connected.

It should be understood that some pattern recognition can be done at the audio sensor144as a microphone with appropriate processing capability, but also pattern recognition could be done at the premises control panel or at the central station or a combination of these. For example, if common noises exceed a certain threshold, or if a telephone rings, in the prior art system using analog audio sensors122such as shown inFIG. 5, the noise could trip the audio. For example, a telephone could ring and the audio would trip any equipment central monitoring station, indicating an alarm. The operator would listen to the audio and conclude that a phone had rung and have to reset the system.

In the security system as illustrated, there is sufficient processing power at the audio sensor144with associated artificial intelligence (AI) to learn that the telephone is a nuisance as it recognizes when the phone rings and does not bother to transmit a signal back to the central monitoring station via the premises controller. There could be processing power at the central station for such functions if complicated audio sensors as described are not used.

There are a number of non-limiting examples of different approaches that could be used. For example, intrusion noise characteristics that are volume based or have certain frequency components for a certain duration and amplitude could be used. It is also possible to establish a learning algorithm such that when an operator at a central monitoring station162has determined if a telephone has rung, and resets a panel, an indication can be sent back to the digital audio sensor144that an invalid alarm has occurred. The processor156within the digital audio sensor144can process and store selected segments of that audio pattern, for example, certain frequency elements, similar to a fingerprint voice pattern. After a number of invalid alarms, which could be 5, 10 or 15 depending on selected processing and pattern determination, a built-in pattern recognition occurs at the audio sensor. A phone could ring in the future and the audio sensor144would not transmit an alarm.

Any software and artificial intelligence could be broken into different segments. For example, some of the artificial intelligence can be accomplished at the digital audio sensor144, which includes the internal processing capability through the processor150(FIG. 6). Some software and artificial intelligence processing could occur at the control panel as the premises controller166or at the central station. For example, the digital audio sensor144could send a specific pattern back to the premises controller166or central monitoring station162. In one scenario, lightning occurs with thunder, and every audio sensor144in many different premises as monitored locations could initiate an alarm signal as the thunder cracks. In a worse case scenario, a central monitoring station162would have to monitor, for example, 500 alarms simultaneously. These alarms must be cleared. Any burglar who desired to burglarize a premises would find this to be an opportune time to burglarize the monitored premises because the operator at a central monitoring station162would be busy clearing out the security system and would not recognize that an intruder had entered the premises.

An algorithm operable within the processor of the premises controller166can determine when all audio sensors144went off, and based on a characteristic or common signal between most audio sensors, determine that a lightning strike and thunder has occurred. It is also possible to incorporate an AM receiver or similar reception circuitry at the premises controller166as part of the control panel, which receives radio waves or other signals, indicative of lightning. Based upon receipt of these signals and that different audio sensors144generated signals, the system can determine that the nuisance noise was created by lightning and thunder, and not transmit alarm signals to the central monitoring station162. This could eliminate a logjam at the central monitoring station and allow intrusion to be caught at the more local level.

The field equipment shown inFIG. 16indicates that digital audio sensors144digitize the audio at the audio sensor and can perform pattern recognition on-board. Audio can also be stored at the audio sensor using any memory152(FIG. 6). Audio can also be streamed after an alarm signals. As illustrated, different devices are situated on one data bus and can interface to other devices to simplify wiring demands. These devices could be programmed and flash-updateable from the premises controller166or the event more remotely. There can also be different zones and relays.

The digital audio sensor144could include different types of microprocessors or other processors depending on what functions the digital audio sensor is to perform. Each audio sensor typically would be addressable on the data bus155. Thus, an audio sensor location can be known at all times and software can be established that associates an audio sensor location with an alarm. It is also possible to interface a video camera168into the alarm system. When the system determines which audio sensor has signaled an alarm and audio has begun streaming, the digital signal could indicate at the premises controller166if there is an associated camera and whether the camera should be activated and video begin from that camera.

As indicated inFIG. 16, door contacts162could be connected to the digital audio sensor44, enhancing overall security processing and wiring efficiency. Some rooms at a premises could have more than two audio sensors, for example, a digital audio sensor with the microprocessor, and another auxiliary sensor as a microphone122, which could be analog. The signal from this microphone122could be converted by the digital audio sensor144. Keypads300and keyless entries302could be connected to the digital audio sensor to allow a digital keypad input. There could also be different auxiliary inputs, including an audio sensor that receives analog information and inputs it into the digital audio sensor, which processes the audio with its analog-to-digital converter. Door contacts162can include auxiliary equipment and be connected into the digital audio sensor. The security system could include different relays304and zones305and auxiliary devices as illustrated. A wireless receiver306such as manufactured by RF Innovonics, could receive signals from the RF transmitters indicative of alarms from wireless audio digital sensors. This would allow a wireless alarm network to be established. There is also the ability to accomplish two-way communication on some of the digital audio sensors, in which the monitoring station could communicate back as explained above. It is also possible to communicate using Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) from the premises controller to the central monitoring station and in reverse order from the central monitoring station to a premises controller, allowing greater use of an IP network.

It should be understood that intrusion noises include a broad spectrum of frequencies that incorporate different frequency components, which typically cannot be carried along the phone lines as analog information. The phone lines are typically limited in transmission range to about 300 hertz to about 3,300 hertz. By digitizing the audio signals, the data can be transmitted at higher frequency digital rates using different packet formats. Thus, the range of frequencies that the system can operate under is widened, and better information and data is transmitted back to the central monitoring station, as compared to the analog security system such as shown inFIG. 5.

FIG. 17shows the security system140in which customers400can interact with a web IEG SP1 secure site402, which in turn is operative with a colocation facility404, such as a Verio facility, including an application server406database server408and data aggregation server410. These servers connect to various remote central monitoring stations412through a web VPN network414. Advanced Suite software could be used.

Enhanced operating efficiency could include load balancing, decreased activations, decreased misses, increased accounts per monitor, and integrated digital capability for the alarm system. Disaster recovery is possible with shared monitoring, for example, on nights and weekends. This enables future internet protocol or ASP business modules. The existing wired control panel used in prior art systems is expensive to install and requires difficult programming. It has a high cost to manufacture and requires analog technology.

The premises controller166as part of a control panel is operative with digitized audio and designed for use with field equipment having addressable module protocols. The 300 baud rate equipment, such as explained with reference toFIG. 5, can be replaced with devices that fit into PCMCIA slots and operative at 56K or higher rates. Written noise canceling algorithms can enhance digital signal processing. This design can be accomplished with a contemporary microcontroller (or microprocessor). The system also supports multiple communications media including telephone company, DSL, cable modem and a digital cellular systems. It enables a series topology with full digital support. There is a lower cost to manufacture and about 40% reduction in the cost of a control panel in one non-limiting example. It also allows an interface for legacy control panels and digital audio detection and verification. It allows increased communication speeds. It is IP ready and reduces telephone company infrastructure costs.

There are many benefits, which includes the digitizing of audio at the audio sensors. Digital signal processing can occur at the audio sensor, thus eliminating background noise at the audio sensor. For example, any AC humming could be switched on/off, as well as other background noises, for example a telephone or air compressor noise. It is also possible to reduce the audio to a signature and recognize a likely alarm scenario and avoid false alarm indications for system wide noise, such as thunder. The digital audio sensors could record five seconds of audio data, as one non-limiting example, and the premises controller as a control panel can process this information. With this capability, the central monitoring station would not receive 25 different five-second audio clips to make a decision, for example, which could slow overall processing, even at the higher speeds associated with advanced equipment. Thus, a signature can be developed for the audio digital sensor, containing enough data to accomplish a comparison at the premises controller for lightning strikes and thunder.

Although some digital audio can be stored at the premises controller of the control panel or a central monitoring station, it is desirable to store some audio data at the digital audio sensors. The central monitoring station can also store audio data on any of its servers and databases. This storage of audio data can be used for record purposes. Each audio sensor can be a separate data field. Any algorithms that are used in the system can do more than determine amplitude and sound noise level, but can also process a selected frequency mix and duration of such mix.

There can also be progressive audio. For example, the audio produced by a loud thunder strike could be processed at the digital audio sensor. Processing of audio data, depending on the type of audio activation, can also occur at the premises controller at the control panel or at the central monitoring station. It is also possible to have a database server work as a high-end server for greater processing capability. It is also possible to use digital verification served-up to a client PC from a central monitoring station server. This could allow intrusion detection and verification, which could use fuzzy logic or other artificial intelligence.

The system could use dual technology audio sensors, including microwave and passive infrared (PIR) low energy devices. For example, there could be two sets of circuitry. A glass could break and the first circuitry in the audio sensor could be operative at microamps and low current looks for activation at sufficient amplitude. If a threshold is crossed, the first circuitry, including a processor, initiates operation of other circuitry and hardware, thus drawing more power to perform a complete analysis. It could then shut-off. Any type of audio sensors used in this system could operate in this manner.

The circuit could include an amplitude based microphone such that when a threshold is crossed, other equipment would be powered, and the alarm transmitted. It could also shut itself off as a two-way device. It is possible to have processing power to determine when any circuitry should arm and disarm or when it should “sleep.”

As noted before, there can be different levels of processing power, for example at the (1) audio sensor, (2) at the premises controller located the control panel, or (3) the central monitoring station, where a more powerful server would typically be available and in many instances preferred. The system typically eliminates nuisance noise and in front of the physical operator at a central monitoring station. Any type of sophisticated pattern recognition software can be operable. For example, different databases can be used to store pattern recognition “signatures.” Digital signal processing does not have to occur with any type of advanced processing power but can be a form of simplified A/D conversion at the microphone. It is also not necessary to use Fourier analysis algorithms at the microphone.

This application is related to copending patent application entitled, “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING SECURITY AT A PREMISES USING LINE CARD WITH SECONDARY COMMUNICATIONS CHANNEL,” which is filed on the same date and by the same assignee and inventors, the disclosures which is hereby incorporated by reference.