Remote control of a speaker phone device as a standalone device or as part of a security system

A telephone device such as a speaker phone or message recording device is remotely controlled either as a standalone device or as part of a security system. The telephone device can be controlled by a key fob or other user-operated transmitter that a user actuates to answer a call by speaker phone, end a call, place a call, or control functions of the message recording device such as playing back messages. The key fob transmits a wireless signal that is received and processed by a security system. In response, the security system controls the telephone device. The key fob may control security functions as well. In another approach, the key fob may control the telephone device directly without intervention of a security system. Or, the key fob may control the telephone device via a home automation network.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates generally to telephone devices and, more particularly, to a method and apparatus for remotely controlling a telephone device such as a speaker phone or telephone message recording device which is a standalone device or part of a security system.

2. Description of Related Art

Telephone devices such as a speaker phones and telephone message recording devices have become commonplace in home and business settings. The speaker phone allows the user to engage in a hands free conversation. To receive a call on a speaker phone, the user typically presses a function button on the base station or cordless handset to receive the call and activate the speaker phone microphone and speaker. To place a call, the user presses a function button to activate the speaker phone microphone and speaker. When a dial tone is heard, the user enters the telephone number on a keypad. However, the user is required to get up and walk over to the speaker phone to make, receive, or terminate a call. This may not be possible or convenient when the user is far away from the phone, is involved in other tasks, or has limited mobility. As a result, the user can be inconvenienced by missing a call or having a telephone message recording device being unnecessarily activated while trying to answer a call. Similarly, the user is required to get up and walk over to a telephone message recording device to perform functions such as playing back messages, changing the outgoing message, erasing messages, or leaving a voice memo for other family members, for instance.

A solution is needed that allows a user to remotely control a telephone device that addresses the above and other issues. It would further be advantageous to provide a solution that leverages the capabilities of a security system or a home automation network to allow a user to remotely control a telephone device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides the above and other advantages.

In one aspect of the invention, a security apparatus includes at least one control for controlling a security system that secures a building, and at least one receiver for receiving a first signal from at least one sensor in the security system, and for receiving, from a user-operated transmitter, a user-generated signal for controlling a telephone device. The at least one control is responsive to the at least one receiver for triggering an alarm when the first signal is received, and for controlling the telephone device responsive to the user-generated signal.

In another aspect of the invention, a telephone device includes a first control for controlling a telephone function of the telephone device, and a receiver for receiving a first signal from a second control in a security system for securing a building. The second control is responsive to a user-generated signal received from a user-operated transmitter for controlling the telephone function, the first signal is provided by the second control responsive to the user-generated signal, and the first control is responsive to the first signal for controlling the telephone function.

In another aspect of the invention, a user-operated transmitter includes at least one user-actuable component, and a transmitter responsive to the at least one user-actuable component for transmitting a user-generated signal for controlling a telephone device to at least one receiver associated with a security system that secures a building. The at least one receiver is provided for receiving a second signal from a sensor in the security system, and the security system includes at least one control that is responsive to the at least one receiver for controlling the telephone device responsive to the user-generated signal, and triggering an alarm responsive to the second signal.

In another aspect of the invention, a telephone device includes a first control for controlling a telephone function of the telephone device, and a receiver for receiving a first signal from a transceiver via a home automation network. The transceiver is responsive to a user-generated signal received from a user-operated transmitter for controlling the telephone function, and the first control is responsive to the first signal for controlling the telephone function.

In another aspect of the invention, a user-operated transmitter includes at least one user-actuable component, and a transmitter responsive to the at least one user-actuable component for transmitting, to a transceiver associated with a home automation network, a user-generated signal for controlling a telephone function of a telephone device. The transceiver is responsive to the user-generated signal for transmitting a second signal via the home automation network to a receiver associated with the telephone device for controlling the telephone function of the telephone device.

In another aspect of the invention, a telephone device includes a receiver for receiving a wireless signal from a user-operated transmitter for controlling a telephone function of the telephone device, and a control associated with the receiver that is responsive to the wireless signal for controlling the telephone function of the telephone device.

In another aspect of the invention, a user-operated transmitter includes at least one user-actuable component, and a transmitter responsive to the at least one user-actuable component for transmitting, to a receiver associated with a telephone device, a wireless signal for controlling a telephone function of the telephone device. The receiver is responsive to the wireless signal for controlling the telephone function of the telephone device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1illustrates an overview of an example security system for providing remote control of a telephone device, according to the invention. Many buildings such as houses, apartments, small businesses and other structures today are secured by security systems that deter intruders and detect fires or other hazards such as carbon monoxide. A security system100includes a central control panel110that communicates with a number of sensors via a wired or wireless path. For example, the control panel110may receive signals from motion sensors125that detect when a person enters a room. Signals received from fire sensors130, such as smoke or heat sensors, indicate that a fire has been detected. Signals received from window and door sensors135indicate that a window or door has been opened.

Signals received from a peripheral user interface device140, e.g., including a keypad and display, may arm and disarm the system, as well as trip an alarm via a panic button feature. The user interface device140may be the primary interface between the human user and the security system100. The user interface device140typically includes components that are analogous to the control panel110, including a control, memory and power source. Optionally, the user interface device140includes a transceiver. The user interface device140is commonly provided as a wireless device to allow it to be permanently installed in the home without running wire, such as by affixing it to a wall. Or, the user interface device140may be a portable unit that can be placed on a table, for instance. Moreover, multiple user interface devices may be provided in a home, such as in different rooms. The control panel110generally is a larger component that may be installed in an unobtrusive location in the home, such as a closet or basement. However, it is not necessary for the user interface device140to be separate from the control panel110, or to communicate by wireless signals with the control panel110. For example, the user interface device140may be integrated into the control panel110. Optionally or additionally, a user interface device may be hardwired to the control panel110.

Various other components may communicate with the control panel110, such as a user-operated transmitter160that is used to control the security system100and/or a telephone device150, as discussed further below. For instance, the user-operated transmitter may be a handheld portable transmitter such as a key fob transmitter. The control panel110may also transmit signals to components of the security system100. For example, signals may be transmitted to a siren120to activate the siren when an alarm condition is detected. Signals may be sent to the user interface device140to display status information to the user, such as whether the system is armed or disarmed, or whether a specific door or window has been opened. The control panel110may also have the ability to notify local emergency services of an alarm condition via a telephone dialer122or other means, such as long range radio, cellular telephone, etc.

To facilitate installation and avoid the need to install wiring in a home, wireless security system components may be employed. Some components only transmit or receive. For example, the motion sensors125, fire sensors130, and window and door sensors135typically only transmit back to the control panel110when they are tripped, while the siren120only receives a signal from the control panel110when the control panel110detects an alarm condition based on a signal received from one of the sensors. The user interface device140may have both transmit and receive capabilities to communicate with the control panel110. The wireless security system components may use radio frequency (RF) signals. One system uses signals at 345 MHz to provide a nominal indoor range of 200 feet. Different manufacturers may use different proprietary schemes for communicating data. For example, different coding and modulation techniques may be used.

The control panel110may include a local transceiver (transmitter and receiver)112for transmitting and receiving wireless signals. Or, the transceiver112may be external to the control panel110, and connected via a wired or wireless path to the control panel110. The control114includes a microprocessor that may execute software, firmware, micro-code or the like to implement logic to control the security system100. The control panel110may include a non-volatile memory115and other additional memory116as required. A memory resource used for storing software or other instructions that are executed by the control114to achieve the functionality described herein may be considered a program storage device. A dedicated chip such as an ASIC may also be used. Generally, each wireless component of the security system must be “learned” by the control114. In the learning process, data is stored in the non-volatile memory115that identifies the characteristics of each sensor, including the sensor type, serial number or other identifier, and what type of action to take based on signals received from each sensor. For example, the action may be to provide a status message to the user, store data for subsequent maintenance purposes, or trip an alarm. A power source118provides power to the control panel110and typically includes a battery backup to AC power.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a telephone device150such as a speaker phone or message recording device can be controlled by a user via the security system100. For example, existing wireless communication components and transmitting and receiving protocols of the control panel110, user interface device140and user-operated transmitter160can be used to allow a user to control the telephone device150. The user can answer an incoming telephone call via a speaker phone, end such a call by hanging up the speaker phone line, and dialing a number to place a call using the speaker phone. Any other telephone feature can similarly be controlled, such as call forwarding, hold, conferencing, mute and so forth. Features of a message recording device that can be controlled include playing back messages one at a time, advancing ahead to later messages, erasing messages, recording an outgoing message, and leaving a voice memo for family members in a voice mailbox. Such features are commonly available on current telephone devices but require the user to get up and walk over to the telephone device to access the features by pressing buttons on the telephone device. This can be inconvenient or difficult when a user is involved in a task or has limited mobility, for instance. By enabling the user to access the telephone device via a security system, the functionality of the security system is leveraged and the user's convenience is enhanced.

In another aspect of the invention, the telephone device150is remotely controlled directly by the user such as by using the user-operated transmitter160. In this case, the security system100is not used. Generally, the transmitter160may be used to control a telephone that is provided, e.g., as an independent standalone device (FIG. 6), a device that is coupled to a security system or home automation network (FIG. 7), or a device that is embedded into a security system (FIG. 8) or home automation network (FIG. 9).

When the security system100is used, the user may provide commands in different ways for controlling the telephone device. In one approach, the user presses keys or actuates other user-actuable components on the user-operated transmitter160to enter desired commands. In response, the user-operated transmitter160sends a wireless user-generated signal, such as an RF or infrared signal, to the transceiver112of the control panel110, using a desired communications protocol, including desired coding and modulation. The communications protocol may be compatible with that already used by the wireless sensors. In a variation, the user-generated signal is received by the user interface device140and relayed to the control panel110. Optionally, the control panel110sends a confirmation signal to the user-operated transmitter160to confirm that the command has been received. The user-operated transmitter160may include a mechanism such as a light or sounder that is activated when the confirmation signal is received to confirm to the user that the user-generated signal has been received. SeeFIG. 2andFIG. 3for further details of the user-operated transmitter160. In another approach, the user-operated transmitter is the user interface device140, which allows the user to control the security system100as well as the telephone device150by pressing keys or actuating other user-actuable components on the user interface device140to enter desired commands. SeeFIG. 4for further details of the user interface device140.

The user interface device140may include a microprocessor that executes software, firmware, micro-code or the like stored in memory, or a dedicated chip such as an ASIC, to control the security system100. Thus, the intelligence for controlling the telephone device150can be carried out at different locations in the security system100, such as at the control panel110and at one or more peripheral user interface devices140. For example, the user interface device140can send commands to the control panel110, such as to command the transceiver112to transmit a signal to control the telephone device150. Or, the user interface device140can control the telephone device150by commanding its own local transceiver to transmit a signal to the telephone device150.

FIG. 2illustrates an example handheld user-operated transmitter according to the invention. The user-operated transmitter160, which is shown as being a key fob transmitter, can be any portable device that can be easily operated by the user. The user-operated transmitter160includes a number of user-actuable components such as keys that allow the user to enter desired commands for controlling the telephone device150and, optionally, the security system100. In one approach, the user-operated transmitter160includes keys210for controlling the security system100. These keys may include an ON key for arming the security system, an OFF key for disarming the security system, a PANIC key for triggering a panic alarm, and a LIGHT key for turning lights in the home on or off. The user-operated transmitter160also includes keys250for controlling the telephone device150. These keys may include an ANS key for answering an incoming call via the speaker phone of the telephone device150, an END key for ending a call that was made on the speaker phone, and a MSG key for controlling the message recording device. For example, the MSG key may be pressed once to playback messages, twice to record an outgoing message, and three times to leave a voice memo. The keys250optionally include a telephone keypad with digits 0-9 for placing a call via the speaker phone by pressing the keys that correspond to a desired phone number to be dialed. Keys M1, M2and M3may store phone numbers in memory to allow one-touch dialing. The arrangement shown inFIG. 2is an example only as various other key configurations may be used. A voice interface may be used as well. Moreover, the user-operated device160need not be a key fob but can be any convenient device. For example, the functions of the user-operated device160may be incorporated into a television remote control or other device that is found around the home or office, whether the device is portable or not.

FIG. 3illustrates an example block diagram of the user-operated transmitter160ofFIG. 2according to the invention. The user-operated transmitter160includes a keypad330, such as one that includes keys210and250as shown inFIG. 2, which allows the user to enter commands for controlling the security system100and/or the telephone device150. A control320is responsive to the keypad330for controlling a transmitter portion of a transceiver300to transmit an encoded wireless control signal via a built-in antenna for controlling the security system100and/or the telephone device150. As discussed below, this user-generated wireless signal can be received at different locations, including the control panel110, user interface device140, home automation network900(FIG. 9), or directly at the telephone device150. The transceiver300includes a receiver portion for receiving a wireless confirmation signal, e.g., from the security system, home automation network900, and/or telephone device150that confirms receipt of the user-generated signal. The control320may activate a sounder310and/or a light in response to receipt of the confirmation signal as an indication to the user. Note that optionally the user-operated device160includes only a transmitter instead of the transceiver300when it is not necessary to receive the confirmation signal.

In one approach, when the control114in the security system100receives the user-generated signal, the control114decodes the data in the received signal to verify that it is from a known source. For example, the user-generated signal may include an identifier of the user-operated device160. The control114compares the received identifier to one or more known identifiers stored in the memory115to determine if there is a match. If so, processing of the user-generated signal can proceed. The control114knows the identifier and other characteristics of the user-operated transmitter160since it is learned into the control114. The user-generated signal may also be encoded with data for carrying out the commands made by the user via the keypad330for controlling the telephone device150and/or the security system100. The control114carries out the desired commands. For example, in the security system100, the control114may change a control mode, such as setting an armed mode. The control114can also communicate a signal to the telephone device150for controlling it as requested by the user via the user-operated device160. Different techniques for achieving this communication with the telephone device150are discussed further below.

FIG. 4illustrates an example user interface device according to the invention. As mentioned, the user interface device140can be provided, e.g., as a peripheral to the main control panel110, or as part of the main control panel110. Thus, the functionality that is described herein as being provided by a user interface device may be provided wholly locally to the device140, or partially remotely, such as at the associated control panel110. The user interface device140includes a user input component such as a keypad420and/or microphone440for speech recognition in a voice-activated system, and a user output component such as a display410and/or speaker430. The display410may be a multi-line, multi-character LCD display, for instance.

Advantageously, the user interface device400may be of the type that is used for controlling a home security system so no re-design, e.g., to provide additional keys on the keypad420, is necessary to achieve the additional functionality of controlling the telephone device150. It is also possible to provide the user interface device140as a device that is dedicated to controlling the telephone device150. In one approach, functions can be assigned to existing keys to accommodate the functionality of the present invention. Each key can have more than one function as well by employing double function or soft keys. For example, keys can have functions similar to those of the user-operated device160(FIG. 2). Specifically, the “off” key can have the additional function of ANS for answering a call, the “away” key can have the additional function of END for ending a call, the “stay” key can have the additional function of MSG for controlling a message recording device, and the “aux” or “auxiliary” key can have the additional function of “select” to select a pre-set telephone number to dial. Thus, the “off”, “away”, “stay” and “aux” keys are associated with the conventional security system features, while the ANS, END and MSG keys are associated with the telephone device150.

In one possible approach, after pressing “select”, the display410provides a list of the pre-set telephone numbers. The user can scroll through the numbers using the keys in the keypad420having an up arrow or down arrow to reach the desired number, then press “select” again to dial the number. Each of the additional functions can be accessed by pressing a “shift” or “function” key or the like, for instance. Note that, optionally, dedicated keys can be provided for controlling the telephone device150. Any appropriate menu display and logic may be used to achieve the functionality described herein. A voice interface may also be used.

When the user enters the desired commands for controlling the security system100and/or telephone device150, a transmitter associated with the user interface device140sends a user-generated signal via a wireless and/or wired path that is encoded with the user-selected command. Generally, the user interface device140may include the functionality of the user-operated transmitter160as discussed in connection withFIG. 2andFIG. 3.

FIG. 5illustrates an example block diagram of a telephone device according to the invention. As mentioned, the telephone device may include a speaker phone and/or message recording machine, and may be a standalone device or integrated, e.g., embedded, into the security system100. The telephone device160includes a receiver510for receiving a signal from, e.g., the user-operated transmitter160, the user interface device140, or the control114, that is encoded with data that identifies one or more user-specified commands to be carried out, such as answering a incoming call on a speaker phone, ending such a call, dialing a number to place a call on a speaker phone, or controlling message recording functions. The receiver510may receive such a signal via any type of communication path, including wired and/or wireless.

The control540processes the received signal to carry out the desired command by controlling, e.g., a speaker phone function560, a message recording function570, and/or a dialing function580. Any type of circuitry may be used for this purpose. For example, the speaker phone function560can receive an incoming call by using similar circuitry as used in a conventional phone for answering a call by speaker phone. Such circuitry acts to answer the incoming call by closing the hook switch to connect the telephone to the telephone network, and activate the speaker and microphone of the speaker phone. Similarly, the call can be ended and the speaker phone disconnected by opening the hook switch to disconnect the telephone from the telephone network, and de-activating the speaker and microphone. The message recording functions570can be provided by using similar circuitry as used in a conventional message recording device for recording message from incoming telephone calls or recording a voice memo. Typically, the messages are recorded in a digital format. The dialing function580can be provided by using similar circuitry as used in a conventional telephone for dialing a number to place a telephone call. For instance, the number can be dialed by using a frequency generator to generate a different frequency or tone for each digit in the telephone number, e.g., according to the dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) system that is recognized by the public switched telephone network (PSTN).

However, the telephone device150may communicate by any type of telephone network, including the PSTN, the Internet or other computer network, cell phone network, a satellite link and so forth. The interface520to the telephone network provides the outgoing calls in a format that can be recognized by the telephone network, while also receiving the incoming calls from the telephone network. For example, when the telephone network is the PSTN, the interface520may include the hook switch and frequency generator. When the telephone network is the Internet, the interface520may include a network interface circuit. When the telephone network is a cell phone or satellite network, the interface520may include a radio transmitter and receiver.

A memory530may be used to stored data for use by the control540, such as instructions that are executed by the control540. Data from the control signal received by the receiver510may be stored as well.

FIG. 6illustrates an example arrangement where a user-operated transmitter160controls a standalone telephone device650according to the invention. In one possible approach, the user-operated transmitter160transmits a wireless signal, e.g., an RF or infrared signal, directly to the receiver510for controlling the telephone device150. RF signals advantageously do not require the user-operated transmitter160to be aimed at the telephone device650and do not require a clear line of sight to the telephone device650. In this case, the telephone device650is analogous to the device150ofFIG. 5, and the receiver510receives the wireless signal. The standalone telephone device650generally is provided in its own housing that is separate from any security system since no interaction by the security system is needed.

FIG. 7illustrates an example arrangement where a user-operated transmitter160controls a standalone telephone750via a security system according to the invention. The user-operated transmitter160transmits a wireless user-generated signal to the security system100, such as to the control114, as discussed previously. In one approach, the control114is responsive to the received signal for providing a further signal to a gateway720for controlling the telephone device750. The gateway720includes software and/or hardware for linking the security system100with the telephone device750. The gateway720converts the signal provided by the security system100into a format that can be recognized by the telephone device750. Thus, the gateway720communicates on one side with the security system100and, on the other side, with the telephone device750. The gateway720can be a separate device, or can be included in the security system100and/or the telephone device750. In another approach, the control114is responsive to the received signal from the user-operated transmitter160for providing a further signal directly to the telephone device750for controlling-the telephone device750. In this case, the signal provided by the security system100is already in a format that can be recognized by the telephone device750. Thus, the gateway720and direct connection730can be used separately or together. The telephone device750is analogous to the device150ofFIG. 5, where the receiver510receives the signal from the control114either via the gateway720or directly from the security system100.

FIG. 8illustrates an example arrangement where a user-operated transmitter160controls an integrated security system and telephone device850according to the invention. The integrated security system and telephone device850generally include the components of the control panel110and/or the user interface device140, and the telephone device150, in a common housing. The telephone device850is analogous to the device150ofFIG. 5, where the receiver510receives the signal from the user-operated transmitter160directly. The Ademco Lynx, available from Honeywell Corp., is an example of an integrated security system and telephone device that can be modified to achieve the functionality described herein. In this case, a common control may be used to control both security and telephone device functions. Moreover, the circuitry for achieving the functionality described herein can be provided on a common circuit board, providing further space and cost benefits.

FIG. 9illustrates an example arrangement where a user-operated transmitter160controls a standalone telephone device950via a home automation network900according to the invention. Various types of home automation networks are currently available for controlling different functions in the home, such as heating and cooling, lights, home entertainment, kitchen appliances, and computers. For example, the X10 standard uses the existing power lines in a home as a network media904to carry data. A transceiver902plugs or wires into one location in the home to send control signals to a receiver906which has been plugged or wired into another location in the home. A compatible device communicates with the transceiver902to send a control signal, while another compatible device communicates with the receiver906for receiving, and responding to, the control signal. For example, a wall switch may send a wireless signal to the transceiver902to turn a light on or off, or set a dimming level. The receiver906is typically connected to the light by a wired path for controlling the amount of electricity that is provided to the light. The transceiver902and receiver906include respective controls908,910for achieving the desired functionality.

The present invention can take advantage of such networks as follows. For example, the user-operated transmitter160can be configured to transmit, to the transceiver902, a wireless signal with a command for controlling a telephone device950. The transceiver902transmits a corresponding signal to the receiver906via the existing power lines904. The receiver906then communicates a corresponding signal to the telephone device950to implement the command. The telephone device950is analogous to the device150ofFIG. 5, where the receiver510receives the signal from the receiver906. It is also possible for a user-actuable component for providing the command, such as a keypad or switch, to be wired to the transceiver902rather than communicating with the transceiver902by a wireless signal. Various other approaches using home automation networks are possible.

FIG. 10illustrates details of one of the arrangements ofFIG. 7according to the invention. In this approach, the security system100communicates with the telephone device750using a gateway720as an intermediary. The gateway720can be one or various peripheral devices that are connected to the security system100. The security system100communicates directly with the gateway720via dedicated lines1010, including a line from a battery (BAT) and other control lines (OTHER). A TIP line and a RING line communicate directly with the telephone device750. The security system100also communicates with the gateway720via system bus lines1020. TX denotes a transmit line, RX denotes a receive line, PWR denotes a power line, and GND denotes a ground line. The system bus lines1020communicate with a system bus1000, which may connect to other peripheral devices. The gateway720communicates with the telephone device750, which in turn communicates with a telephone network, as discussed previously.

The invention has been described herein with reference to particular exemplary embodiments. Certain alterations and modifications may be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention. The exemplary embodiments are meant to be illustrative, not limiting of the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.