A device for the verification of an alarm

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device to be connected to any standard alarm control panel for the verification of the actuated alarm, said device being one or two printed circuit board(s), preferably one, which is located within a housing or integrated within the alarm control panel, on which board are located an alarm panel interface receiving the alarm signal from the alarm control panel, a specially programmed microcontroller, a non-volatile memory, an audio selecting matrix being connected to at least one remote microphone unit and a public switch telephone networth (PSTN) interface which is connected to a telephone line through which the interface module communicates with the control station. Said device may comprise many additional pieces of equipment, such as an audio storage unit; an integrated plug-in picture transmitter; a modem; a voltage free tamper output; an auxiliary voltage free nc/no relay(s) output; "power-on", "on-line", "failure" and "alarm" indicators; and external unit enabling the testing and setting the audio level of the inputs of the audio channel(s) and of any other parameters. The central station may comprise, inter alia, a PSTN line interface; listening equipment; remote control facilities; picture receivers; and talking back facilities.

Description: The present invention relates to a device which enables the audio verification and other possibilities of verification and detection of an alarm caused by a burglar attacking a protected premise, or by other means, e.g. a "panic button" in a robbery. In commercially available guarding devices when a burglar tries to break in a protected premise, he actuates an alarm signal in the alarm control panel. This alarm may be actuated by other means, e.g. a "panic button". Said signal is sent to a central station, (herein-after called C.S.) e.g. a police station, a post of a guarding station, etc. However, this is not always sufficient in view of the high rate of false alarms. Thus very often one or more additional operations are optionally required, such as: a. audio verification of the alarm, b. acoustic detection of said alarm, c. a "stored audio" feature enabling the CS operator to listen-in, for a predetermined period of time, to the recording of the sounds prior to the alarm activation in addition to the real-time audio (option a), d. a two-way speech, i.e. enabling talking between the CS operator and the person(s) being in the protected premise, and e. video verification of the alarm. It is readily understood that not all the above possibilities are always required. However, in connection with the present invention, the device should at least have the possibility of alarm verification. There is known a device which can be used for some of the above possibilities. However, said device cannot be connected to any of the standard alarm control panels, but requires a special one. Such a device is known from EP 236 170 A1. This device needs at least two telephone lines to operate. Also, it requires its own proprietary transmission protocols as well as special detectors adapted to the installation of such a device. It has thus been desirable to design a device which can be connected to any standard alarm control panel and, if desired, to be adapted to all the possibilities. This is achieved by a device according to claim 1. The present invention thus consists in a device (hereinafter called "Interface Module") to be connected to any standard alarm control panel for the verification of the actuated alarm, said device being one or two printed circuit board(s), preferably one, which is located within a housing or integrated within the alarm control panel, on which board are located an alarm panel interface receiving the alarm signal from the alarm control panel, a specially programmed microcontroller, a non volatile memory, an audio selecting matrix being connected to at least one remote microphone unit and a public switch telephone network (PSTN) interface which is connected to a telephone line through which the interface module communicates with the CS. The present invention will now be illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings without being restricted by same. In said drawings: Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the arrangement of CS, alarm control panel and interface module in the protected premises, including optional equipment; Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of interface module with optional equipment; Fig 3 shows a schematic block diagram of an audio/video receiver with optional equipment; Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of a remote computerised microphone unit being connected to an audio bus; Fig. 5 shows a schematical block diagram of the interface module card; and Fig. 6 shows the flowchart of the software of the interface module. The diagram illustrated in Fig. 1 shows a general illustration of the verification system, all the options thereof and its integration with a commercially available alarm system. The diagrams shown in Figs. 2 to 4 show the various units illustrated in Fig. 1 and the optional equipment in detail. The control of the interface module(s) according to the present invention by the CS equipment is preferably based upon dual tone multiple frequency (DTMF) signals, enabling the CS using a touch-tone keypad. However, the control may also be achieved by a computer control, e.g. a dedicated PC or the CS computer. The interface module may transmit the verification signals to the CS via the PSTN lines used for the alarm panel communication or it may dial to a group of PSTN lines dedicated for audio verification. Another option is dialing-in from the CS to the interface modules in the protected premises. When the interface module according to the present invention is to be used not only for the verification of the alarm, but also for the detection thereof, the remote microphone units should preferably be a computerised type of microphone units, preferably being connected via an audio bus and an audio bus interface to said audio selecting matrix, being part of the "Interface Module". An audio bus means, in connection with the present invention, multiple remote microphone units mounted on a single cable connected to the "Interface Module". Via the audio bus, each remote microphone unit communicates individually with the "Interface Module". Alternatively, said units may be mounted on more than one cable, i.e. said bus means may extend parallel to each other. When the recording of the alarm for a predetermined period of time is required, an audio storage unit, comprising an audio recorder, which is connected to the audio selecting matrix, is part of the interface module according to the present invention. The audio storage unit records the audio for said predetermined period of time, e.g. 32 seconds, before the alarm activation (if the delay is 0) or a few seconds before the alarm and a few seconds afterwards. The division of times before or after the alarm is selectable by a preset delay and in the present example the audio is stored for 32 seconds altogether. Any termination of the verification process, e.g. a "disconnect command" from the CS, automatically reactivates the audio recorder, thus erasing the stored audio. The interface module stores the audio following the "alarm signal" which is sent by the alarm control panel the moment it is triggered by any detector. The interface module according to the present invention may also comprise an integrated plug-in picture transmitter module. Said module comprises a video transmitter and an internal cameras interface. Said internal cameras interface may be a camera selector being connected directly to the remote cameras units or a video bus interface being connected via a video bus to remote computerised camera units. Said video transmitter is connected to a video transmitter interface being part of the interface module. Video bus in connection with the present invention means remote computerized camera units mounted on a single cable, individually communicating with the Interface Module. In addition an external remote camera interface may be integrated in the remote camera units, and may comprise video storage means for a predetermined number of successive pictures of the camera, e.g. 4,. The video storage means may also be integrated in the interface module itself. This enables the CS operator to look at the stored or live video of each camera according to his requirements. The CS operator may select the desired camera and/or the live or stored video. The video storage might also be part of the plug-in video transmitter, being an integral part of the Interface Module. The CS operator may also select picture resolution for the live video. The interface module according to the present invention may comprise a modem on the board enabling further features of operation, utilising high speed communication. An example of a modem application is an "audio-map" transmitted to the CS, enabling the CS operator looking at the map of the protected premises on a computer screen, where noisy remote microphone units are emphasised and this "audio-map" is continuously up-dated, reflecting current noisy zones in the protected premise. Said modem may be used also for downloading the parameters of the interface module and of complete new software thereof. The interface module and the remote microphone units are suitably 12V powered. Said power is supplied by the alarm panel. However, if required, an external power supply may be added. The interface module may comprise an internal power supply which supplies power to remote microphone units and/or remote camera units. The channels between the microphone units and the verification interface shall support the alarm industry standard cable, preferably up to a length of 200 m or even more. The interface module according to the present invention may have optionally one or more of the following additional features: a. a voltage free tamper output, b. an auxiliary voltage free nc/no relay(s) output for reporting its on-line status to an external user and other applications (e.g. silencing the bells by a command from the CS), c. "power-on", "on line", "failure" and "alarm" indicators, d. an external unit, e.g. a computer terminal, enabling the testing and setting the audio level of the inputs of the audio channel(s) and of any other parameters. e. additional input and output digital ports either as part of the Interface Module card or as a plug-in card. The present invention consists also in a modification of the above interface module, in which the PSTN interface is functionally replaced by an audio input and output being connected to the alarm control panel. In this case at the end of the alarm communication, the alarm control panel keeps on seizing the PSTN line and the entire verification communication is performed via the alarm control panel and its lines. For this possibility special hardware and software are required in the alarm control panel. If desired, both the PSTN interface and said input and output are located on the printed circuit board of the Interface Module. Each remote microphone unit may have an optional tamper output for protection against the opening of the housing and the removal of the unit off the wall. The remote microphone units may be used also for acoustic detection and may have an alarm output. It has optionally visual display (LEDs) of the "power-on" and "on-line" (listening-in) states and an "alarm" LED (when the acoustic detection option exists.) The remote microphone units may also comprise self-test means for testing its functioning and reporting the test results to the Interface Module. The remote microphone units are controllable by the CS operator via the Interface Module. The interface module according to the present invention may be triggered by any commercially available alarm control panel. The interface module according to the present invention may be controlled from any commercially available CS for the verification of the alarm, provided said CS comprises special equipment. Said equipment may be, e.g a handset being connected to the incoming telephone lines and being thus useable for audio verification purposes; and for two-way speech. For any other purpose a special receiver unit (hereinafter called "audio/video receiver" ) has to be available which is also part of the present invention. Said audio/video receiver is identical with the interface module but is controlled by another software defined by other parameters. When the audio/video receivers are used, they might be controlled by other CS control equipment, e.g. a desk-top control unit comprising, e.g. a DTMF keypad, an external loud speaker, an internal or external microphone and several control switches. The audio/video receivers in the CS might be controlled by other means, e.g. a dedicated PC or the CS main computer. The basic audio/video receiver contains only the Interface Module card, enabling audio verification and two-way speech. In order to enable video verification as well, a plug-in video receiver module is required, integrated within each audio/video receiver. The interface module(s) according to the present invention are fully controllable from the CS, enabling downloading and changing their parameters and also updating the complete software. The additional CS equipment for verification, which is also part of the present invention may comprise: a. PSTN line interface for holding the line, answering an incoming call or dialing out. Said interface may be, e.g a DTMF handset. In most cases said PSTN line interface will be audio/video receiver(s) which may share the line with the alarm receiver or have their own line, b. Listening-in equipment, e.g a handset, an audio amplifier with loudspeaker and/or headphones , c. remote control facilities e.g. a DTMF keypad or a computer, d. picture receivers and TV monitors (optional), and e. talking back facilities (optional), e.g. a handset or a microphone. The interface module according to the present may operate in various manners, such as: a. when the alarm communication has been terminated the verification interface module dials to the CS. A dedicated group of telephone lines is used for the verification and the alarm receiver and its line will be ready immediately for another alarm call, the moment the alarm communication terminates. The CS equipment may consist of a DTMF handset which upon ringing will be picked up by the CS operator. Said equipment may also be the audio/video receiver picking up said verification receiving line automatically and signalling the CS operator by a visual (and optionally audible) signal, being controlled by a control equipment, e.g. the desk-top control unit. b. using the alarm panel lines for immediate audio/video verification. The interface module is connected to the PSTN line of the alarm panel and seizes it at the end of the alarm communication. The PSTN line of the alarm receiver is engaged until the end of the audio/video verification, as said line is seized by the audio/video receiver. c. when the alarm communication has been terminated the CS operator calls the verification interface using a DTMF handset, a computer or the above desk-top control unit. The following optional features may be considered: a. Talking back (two-way speech): If a handset or a headset is used for listening-in and DTMF control, it may be used for talking to the protected premises from the CS. Otherwise a microphone will be used. The audio/video receiver has,if required, an audio input for an optional external microphone, and the interface module and/or the remote microphone units have, if required, an audio output for an optional external loud speaker unit. Said external loudspeaker unit may comprise also a remote microphone unit, both units together forming a two-way speech unit. b. Call In: The interface module is called from the CS for the following purposes: downloading of parameters or software; testing; and listening in and looking for additional verification by the initiative of the CS operator. c. Callback: Dialling to the telephone line to which the verification interface is connected and ringing a preset number of rings causes the module to dial-back to the the audio/video receiver. The audio/video receiver is preferably 12V powered by an external power supply unit. It is preferably also a single printed circuit board being located within a housing. Each receiver may be located within a separate housing or optionally be located in a rack containing e.g. 8 audio/video receivers and a power supply. It has optionally visible "power-on", "on-line" and "failure" indications and a display of the account number (the code of the protected premise). Moreover it has optionally an audio output for a loudspeaker and a microphone input. It may have a serial port for communication with a computer. This port enables to connect several audio/video receivers to a single serial port of the computer ("multidrop"). Said port is also used for setting the parameters of the audio/video receiver using a computer terminal. For video verification a plugged-in picture receiver module is required to be integrated within the audio/video receiver via its on-board video receiver interface. The pictures may be displayed e.g. on a TV monitor or on a PC screen. Both the interface module and the audio/video receiver comply with the relevant standards of the countries in which they are used.

Claims: Alarm device, having an interface to a telephone line of a public switch telephone network (PSTN) through which the device communicates with a control station, characterized in that an alarm control panel interface is provided which has an alarm signal input adapted to any standard alarm control panel, that it is adapted to seize the telephone line when an alarm is detected and the alarm communication is made via the telephone line, to allow alarm verification during the same call, said device having a verification means for verification of the actuated alarm comprising an audio selecting matrix being connected to at least one remote microphone unit and having plural inputs and outputs, for selectively connecting the at least one microphone unit to selected audio devices and/or the telephone line. Alarm device according to Claim 1, characterized in that said remote microphone units are computerised remote microphone units connected via an audio bus and a bus interface to said audio selecting matrix. Alarm device according to Claim 1 or 2, which comprises an audio storage unit comprising an audio recorder which is connected to the audio selecting matrix. Alarm device according to any of Claims 1 to 3, which comprises an integrated plug-in picture transmitter module, which module comprises a video transmitter and an internal cameras interface, the video transmitter being connected to a video transmitter interface being part of the alarm control panel interface. Alarm device according to Claim 4, wherein said internal cameras interface is a camera selector being connected directly to remote camera units. Alarm device according to Claim 4, wherein said internal cameras interface is a video bus interface being connected via a video bus to remote computerised camera units. Alarm device according to any of Claims 4 to 6, wherein an external remote camera interface is integrated in the remote camera units, and comprises picture storage means. Alarm device according to any of Claims 1 to 7, comprising a modem. Alarm device according to any of Claims 1 to 8, comprising a voltage free tamper output. Alarm device according to any of Claims 1 to 9, comprising an auxiliary voltage free nc/no relay(s) output. Alarm device according to any of Claims 1 to 10, comprising "power-on", "on-line", "failure" and "alarm" indicators. Alarm device according to any of Claims 1 to 11, comprising an external unit enabling the testing and setting the audio level of the inputs of the audio channel(s) and of any other parameters. Alarm device according to any of Claims 1 to 12 being connected to a control station comprising one or more of the following pieces of equipment: a. a PSTN line interface, b. listening-in equipment, selected among a handset, an audio amplifier with loudspeaker and/or headphones, c. remote control facilities, selected among a DTMF keypad, and a computer, d. picture receivers and TV monitors, and e. talking back facilities, selected among a handset and a microphone. Alarm device according to Claim 13, wherein the PSTN interface is a DTMF handset. Alarm device according to any of Claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the PSTN interface is functionally replaced by an audio input and output being connected to the alarm control panel. Alarm device according to Claim 15, wherein both the PSTN interface and the audio input and output are located on a printed circuit board. Alarm device according to Claim 13, wherein the PSTN interface is an audio/video receiver being identical with the interface as claimed in Claim 1 but controlled by a different software. Alarm device according to one of the preceeding Claims, characterized in that said alarm control panel interface is interfaced to a specially programmed microcontroller comprising a non-volatile memory.

Inventors: COHEN MOSHE, COHEN, MOSHE
Applicants: A O A AMERICA ISRAEL LTD, A.O.A. (AMERICA-ISRAEL) LTD.
Application year: 1995
Main classification: H04M11
IPC codes: G08B25