System and method for automatic enrollment of two-way wireless sensors in a security system

A system and method are disclosed for enrolling two-way wireless security system devices (alarms, detectors, lights) in a security system. A controller is provided and is capable of exchanging wireless signals with the two-way wireless devices. The system has an enroll mode where the two-way wireless devices transmit enroll signals to the controller. The enroll signals contain an identifier associated with each device. An installer uses a keypad or other interface device to confirm enrollment of each of the devices. The controller sends an enroll confirmation signal back to the two-way wireless devices confirming that the devices have been enrolled. In response, each of the devices emits an audible or visual enroll confirmation signal to the installer.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention relate to the field of wireless security systems employing two-way wireless system devices. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method for automatic system enrollment of two-way wireless security system devices.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

Typical building alarm systems often include a number of sensors positioned throughout a building to alert occupants of fire and non-fire emergencies. These sensors may include smoke detectors, fire alarms, security alarms, emergency lighting, strobe lighting, door contacts, motion detectors, and the like. The sensors are usually connected to a system controller that contains specific information regarding each sensor, so that when a signal is received from a sensor, the controller immediately knows what area of the building is affected and what type of condition is occurring (e.g., open window, smoke, fire). In addition, for systems employing two-way wireless sensors in a zoned configuration, the controller must know which sensors are part of that controller's zone so that only the sensors in that zone will be acted upon.

To provide the controller with the necessary sensor information, during system installation it is necessary to “enroll” the sensors with the controller. Enrolling the sensors can require extensive manual input of information identifying each sensor in the system. This technique, aside from being arduous, is subject to errors since the installer often must read the serial number from a plate on the sensor and then must correctly type that serial number into a keypad associated with the controller.

Automated systems for enrolling wireless sensors may be similarly cumbersome in that they often require the individual sensors to be operated in a unique manner (e.g., reducing sensor power to a predetermined level), or they may require the sensors to be passed very close to the controller in order for the controller to read the serial number, or they may require the sensors to be enrolled in a specific predetermined sequence.

There is a need for an improved system for efficiently enrolling two-way wireless sensors in security systems. The system should minimize the total amount of manual action required, should eliminate errors associated with current manual input techniques, and should provide a simplified automated enrollment process for systems employing a plurality of two-way wireless sensors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The disclosed system and method increase the efficiency of enrolling wireless security system devices by reducing the amount of manual intervention required with prior systems. Specifically, the disclosed system and method automatically enrolls two-way wireless (RF) devices, provides serial numbers and/or other information relating to the devices, and informs the system of the enrollment status of the devices.

A method is disclosed for enrolling two-way wireless devices in a security system, comprising: receiving, at a controller, a wireless signal from each of a plurality of two-way wireless devices, the wireless signal from each two-way wireless device containing a unique identifier associated with that two-way wireless device; storing the unique identifiers in memory associated with the controller; and transmitting, from the controller, a wireless signal to each of the plurality of two-way wireless devices, the signal confirming enrollment of the plurality of two-way wireless devices.

A system is disclosed for enrolling wireless devices in a security system, comprising a controller having a processor, and a plurality of two-way wireless devices. The controller may perform the steps comprising: receiving, at a controller, a wireless signal from each of a plurality of two-way wireless devices, the wireless signal from each two-way wireless device containing a unique identifier associated with that two-way wireless device; storing the unique identifiers in memory associated with the controller; and transmitting, from the controller, a wireless signal to each of the plurality of two-way wireless devices, the signal confirming enrollment of the plurality of two-way wireless devices.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG. 1, a security system1for a commercial or residential building may include a plurality of two-way wireless devices2positioned throughout the building or a portion of the building, and a system controller4configured to receive signals from the devices2. A non-limiting exemplary list of such two-way wireless devices2includes, heat, smoke, fire and toxic gas detectors, fire alarms, security alarms, emergency lighting, strobe lighting, door contact detectors, motion detectors, and the like. At least one of the devices may be a hard wired or two-way wireless key pad3. The two-way wireless devices2may be capable of sending wireless signals to the controller4indicative of one or more alarm or status conditions. Communications between the devices2, keypad3and the controller4may be via one or more wireless (e.g., RF, infrared, laser, ultrasound) communications links.

The two-way wireless devices2may be battery powered, and may be configured to transmit a signal representative of the status of the devices (e.g., alarm condition or other status). The devices2may also be configured to transmit an identification signal that enables the system controller4to recognize the particular device, or the type of device (e.g., door contact, motion detector) being enrolled. In one embodiment, the identification signal represents a unique serial number or other unique identifier associated with the device2. The identification signal may also include information regarding wireless signal strength of the device, and/or the type of device being enrolled, or any other pertinent information regarding the device.

Referring toFIG. 2, the controller4may have a processor6and local memory8(e.g., a buffer) for storing a variety of information relating to the system1and the two-way wireless devices2. The controller4may have separate zones for different devices4being monitored. In one embodiment, a first zone is used for a front entry door contact, a second zone is used for a patio door contact, a third zone is used for a motion detector and a fourth zone is used for a smoke detector. Typically, a single wireless zone has a single detection device, such that that zone has a specific functionality (e.g., entry/exit door contact, smoke detector, motion detector).

A keypad3or other user interface device may be in communication with the processor6to enable a user to manipulate the system controller4. The keypad3and/or controller4may have a graphical display12for communicating system status or other information regarding the controller4or one or more of the devices4to the user. The keypad3may be connected to the system controller4via a hard wired bus or a two-way wireless communication so that the keypad3can be mounted at a location remote from the controller. This is helpful where it is desired to mount the keypad near the front door of the building being monitored, while the controller4is mounted in a remote location such as the basement, closet or service space.

The security system1may have local and/or remote two-way wireless alarm outputs. Local alarms may include indoor and/or outdoor bells or sirens and/or lights/strobes, which may be used to signal an evacuation notice or to scare off an intruder. The controller4may be housed in a security system panel14(seeFIG. 1) associated with the monitored building. The controller4and panel14may be in communication with a central monitoring facility16via a wireless or hard wired communication link15. The communication link15may be any of a variety of analog or digital communications forms. Thus, the communications link may be an analog phone line or it may be a digital transmission line. In addition, a portion or all of the communications link may be a hard wired or wireless connection. A non-limiting list of exemplary technologies making up the communication link includes analog or digital phone lines, fiber optic lines, T1 or T2 lines, public/private networks, wireless (Radio Frequency (RF)), cellular and/or satellite connections. In addition, a portion of the communication link15may be a public or private network (e.g., the Internet).

The central monitoring facility16monitors the status of the security system1and initiates appropriate action (e.g., alert building personnel, alert appropriate local authorities) when an alarm condition exists, as indicated by one or more of the two-way wireless, or hardwired devices2. Typically the central monitoring facility16is geographically remote from the building or buildings being monitored, and in practical application the central monitoring facility16will often simultaneously monitor a plurality of different buildings.

The controller4may have a variety of operating modes, including an enroll mode which is used to enroll the two-way wireless devices2, by zone, in the security system1. The controller4may also have a monitoring or operating mode for receiving a plurality of signals from the enrolled two-way wireless devices2indicative of their status. The signals transmitted from the devices2to the controller4may inform the controller4of the status of the particular device2, including alarm conditions, low power conditions, power cycling conditions, enrollment requests, and the like.

During installation, a technician may mount the system panel14(including controller4), and two-way wireless devices2(including keypad3) at desired locations throughout the monitored building. In one embodiment, each two-way wireless device2is configured to automatically send its identifying information when the device2is snapped into its mounting bracket. It will be appreciated that other techniques can also be used to initiate sending of the enroll command, such as manually cycling (e.g., by finger press) of the device's tamper switch. The enroll command may be sent intermittently and/or continuously until the device2receives a confirmation signal from the controller4that enrollment was successful.

FIG. 3shows an exemplary arrangement for actuating a device's tamper switch upon engagement of the device in an associated wall bracket As illustrated, the two-way wireless device2is snapped into engagement with an associated wall bracket18that has been pre-attached to a wall20or other support structure. The bracket18may have a protruding member22that is sized and positioned to depress a switch24on the device2when the device is snapped into engagement with the bracket (such as by pressing in the direction of arrow “A”). In one embodiment, the switch24is the device's tamper switch, but another switch could also be used.

For devices that do not utilize such wall brackets (e.g., for door contacts), the device's tamper switch (or other switch activating the enroll command) is automatically depressed when the battery door of the device is closed (again, by providing a protrusion on the door that engages the switch when the door is closed). In either case, the enroll command is sent when the switch is automatically depressed.

Referring again toFIG. 1, in an exemplary embodiment, the system1comprises a two-way wireless keypad3for mounting near the front entry door of a residence that will be monitored. The system1also includes a plurality of two-way wireless devices2, including door contacts, window contacts, smoke detectors and motion detectors mounted throughout the first and second floors of the residence. The controller4and control panel14may be mounted locally, or they may be mounted in a remote location such as the basement.

With the disclosed system and method, the installer may configure the controller4in enroll mode. The first device to be enrolled may be the two-way wireless keypad3, which may be enrolled by snapping the keypad3into its mounting receptacle near the front door. The keypad3sends its wireless enroll signal to the controller4, which assigns it to the first keypad/device slot and sends out a confirmation signal indicating that the keypad has been successfully enrolled. The confirmation signal may be displayed as a textual message displayed on the graphical display12of the keypad3(seeFIG. 4).

Once the wireless keypad is enrolled, the installer can use it as a mobile device to confirm enrollment of each of the remaining two-way wireless devices2that will be installed as part of the system1. To do so, the installer simply removes the enrolled keypad3from the wall bracket and carries it to the next device to be enrolled. For example, the installer may next enroll a front door contact2by snapping the contact into its mounting bracket (or by closing the battery door, or by manually pressing its tamper switch). The front door contact2will then send its enroll signal to the controller4which will send back an enroll confirmation signal to the door contact2and/or the keypad3. The installer can view, via the keypad display12, a textual message (or other confirmation)26indicating that the door contact2has been successfully enrolled (seeFIG. 4). The installer can then proceed to each of the remaining two-way wireless devices in series, again carrying the keypad with him) to enroll, and confirm enrollment of, each of the devices2in the system1in series. When the last device2is enrolled, the installer can carry the keypad3back to its mounting receptacle near the front door, snap the keypad3back into receptacle, and the enrollment process is complete.

In another embodiment, predetermined zones are set in the controller4prior to enrolling the devices2. This may be useful for large buildings, such as apartment or condominium complexes that have multiple monitored units each having identical devices installed in identical locations. In such an arrangement, the controller4may be pre-programmed to expect that the first two devices2enrolled will be door contacts (e.g., for a patio door and a main door). As such, these devices may be automatically assigned to the first and second zones. A third zone may be automatically assigned to a motion detector (installed third), and a fourth zone may be assigned to a smoke detector (installed last). Thus arranged, the installer need only snap each device2into place, in sequence, and all information is automatically programmed into the controller. This method can reduce the total amount of identifying information sent by each device2, since the controller already knows which device to expect when a wireless signal is received.

Referring now toFIG. 5, in one exemplary embodiment of the disclosed method, an installer (e.g., technician or other user) may place the controller4into an enroll mode at step100. At step200, the installer may power up and mount a two-way wireless devices2to be enrolled. At step300, the device2may send a wireless signal containing unique identifying information to the controller4. At step400, the controller4sends back an enrollment confirmation signal to the device2confirming that it has been successfully enrolled. At step500the device2and keypad3receive the enrollment confirmation signal from the controller4, and a visual and/or audible indication is provided to alert the installer that the device2has been successfully enrolled in the system. Where a visual indication is provided, it may include a message appearing on the keypad display12. Where an audible indication is provided, it may be a sound emitted by the keypad3, the device2(for devices capable of producing sounds), or a local siren blast. The audible alert can be a series of pulsed sounds that provide the installer with specific information relating to the success of the enrollment. For example, a single pulse may represent low wireless signal strength between the two-way wireless device2and the controller4; two pulses may represent good wireless signal strength, and three pulses may represent excellent wireless signal strength. If, after the device2has been snapped into its mounting bracket causing the device to send its enroll command, the installer does not hear/see a notification that the device has been enrolled, the installer may, at step600, elect to remount the device in its bracket, thus inducing the device to resend its enroll signal to the controller. If the device2still fails to enroll, it may indicate that the wireless signal being sent by the device is not being received by the controller4. In such a case, at step700the installer may select a new mounting location for the device2, and then proceed to re-run the enroll sequence, starting again at step200. When the device is successfully enrolled, steps200-700are repeated in series for each of the remaining two-way wireless devices2to be installed in the system.

When all devices2and the keypad3have been enrolled, the controller4is switched into operating mode at step800. In operating mode, the controller is configured to receive operational (e.g., alarm) signals from the devices2and keypad3.

The wireless signal sent by the two-way wireless devices2can contain the serial number, other unique identifier, or any additional useful information relating to the device2or the type of device being enrolled. Examples of such information include battery power, wireless signal strength, and the like.

The enroll confirmation signal may instruct the devices to begin and/or resume normal operations (e.g., motion detectors look for motion, smoke detectors start to monitor for smoke).

The device enrollment process can be performed for a plurality of different zones and systems using the aforementioned method.