Abstract:
A method and system for blocking an incoming telephone call based upon at least one predetermined criterion. The system includes a security device having a user device for imputting a first control signal to block the incoming telephone call, and for inputting a second control signal for controlling at least one feature of the security system, at least one sensor for detecting an emergency event within a protected area. The sensor generates an alarm signal. The system further includes a control section for processing the first and second control signals. The control section generates a control signal based upon the first control signal. Based upon this control signal, a line seizure means opens or closes a connection between an incoming telephone line and a telephone device. The security system has continuous access to the incoming telephone line, even though the line can be isolated from the telephone device.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of Invention  
         [0002]     The invention relates generally to a security device, and, more particularly, to a method and a system for selectively blocking an incoming telephone call based upon at least one predefined criterion, using the security device.  
         [0003]     2. Description of Related Art  
         [0004]     Telephone devices are an integral part of today&#39;s residential and commercial society, allowing for worldwide communication. When a telephone call is incoming, the telephone device typically will indicate the incoming call using an audible tone. However, there are situations where it is desirable not to be disturbed or situations where a called party does not want to receive a call from a specific person or group of persons.  
         [0005]     There are several methods available for monitoring or controlling the flow of incoming calls. First, the telephone device can be turned off, preventing any incoming calls. However, any high priority calls or emergency calls will also be prevented. Additionally, the telephone device is not ready for communication. Second, the incoming call can be screened using a caller ID device that is attached to the telephone device. The caller ID device is a feature wherein a telephone number is associated with data to provide information to the called party regarding the calling party. Caller ID information is typically provided between the first ring signal and the second ring signal. However, the use of an external or internal caller ID device as a screening device still requires the phone device to produce an audible tone or ringing sound and requires the user to walk to the phone to determine whether or not to take the call. Therefore, the user is still disturbed.  
         [0006]     A third method requires the user to provide a telephone company with a list of names and/or numbers from which the user does not wish to receive calls or which the user wishes to block. Any incoming call from a person on the list will be blocked by the telephone company.  
         [0007]     However, the user must affirmatively provide the telephone company with an updated call block list, and update the list regularly. Additionally, the user will still be disturbed during certain times of the day when they do not want to receive a telephone call.  
         [0008]     Accordingly, there is still a need for a homeowner or business user to be able to block or screen a call automatically without having to walk to a phone to determine whether or not to answer a call. Additionally, there is a need to block the call such that the telephone device does not ring or generate an audible tone. Further, there is a need for a user to schedule or set a period of time that all calls can be blocked, i.e., a “do not disturb period.”  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     Accordingly, disclosed is a security system that can be programmed or configured to selectively block an incoming telephone call. The security system comprises a user device for inputting a first control signal to block an incoming telephone call, and for inputting a second control signal for controlling at least one feature of the security system, and at least one sensor for detecting an emergency event within a protected area. The at least one sensor is operable to generate an alarm signal. The security system further includes a control section for receiving the first and second control signals and for processing the first and second control signals. The control section also receives the alarm signal from the at least one sensor. The control section generates a telephone line control signal based upon the first control signal. The security system also includes a line seizure means for opening or closing a connection between an incoming telephone line from a telephone company and a telephone device based upon the telephone line control signal received from the control section.  
         [0010]     The security system maintains access to the incoming telephone line, even when the incoming telephone line is isolated or disconnected from the telephone device, to allow for an emergency call to be placed.  
         [0011]     The line seizure means can be one or more double-pole, double throw relays. Each relay will have two positions, a first position that corresponds to an open connection to said telephone device, and a second position that corresponds to a closed connection to said telephone device.  
         [0012]     By switching the relay, the security device can prevent the telephone device from ringing and disturbing a user. The user can program the security to selectively block calls based upon at least one blocking criterion. The blocking criterion can be a predefined period of time, a scheduled period of time, the caller identification, or the security system status.  
         [0013]     Additionally, the blocking criterion can be all call, i.e., a do not disturb mode. If the criterion is a specific time of period, the line seizure means will open the connection from the incoming telephone line to the telephone device during the specific period of time.  
         [0014]     The security system can be programmed to block a call immediately via a do not disturb mode or a call in the future. For the do not disturb mode, the user can set a specific sleep period for blocking all incoming calls. Alternatively, a default period can be used.  
         [0015]     The user can program the security system to block the incoming call using a user device. The user device can be a user interface device or a user operated transmitter. The user-operated transmitter can be any type of wireless remote control device.  
         [0016]     The security device further includes a memory section for storing all user programmed instructions. This memory section is used for storing a preprogrammed list of caller identifications which is used to determine whether to block an incoming telephone call, a programmed blocking schedule or the assigned security system status for blocking all incoming calls.  
         [0017]     The control section includes a comparison means and a caller identification means. The caller identification means acquires the caller identification corresponding to a calling party, when an incoming telephone call is received. This caller identification information is compared within the preprogrammed list of caller identifications stored in memory using a comparison means. If the caller identification matches a caller identification from the preprogrammed list, control section causes the line seizure means to open the connection from the incoming telephone line to the telephone device temporarily.  
         [0018]     Once the connection is open, the security system can do nothing, disconnect the call or play an outgoing message. The security system further includes a recording means for recording an outgoing message to be played back when an incoming call is blocked and a reproducing means for playing message the outgoing message, when the incoming call is blocked. The outgoing message is stored in memory.  
         [0019]     The telephone device can be a separate standalone telephone. Alternatively, the telephone device can be integrated into the security system.  
         [0020]     Also disclosed is a corresponding method for blocking all incoming calls during a do not disturb period or selectively blocking calling in the future. Additionally, a method of programming the security system to selectively block incoming calls is disclosed. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0021]      FIG. 1   a  illustrates an overview of an exemplary call blocking security system according to the invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 1   b  illustrates an diagram of the connection between the security system, the telephone device and incoming telephone line according to the invention;  
         [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a user interface device according to the invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates an example of a user-operated transmitter according to the invention;  
         [0025]      FIG. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate a flow chart for the do not disturb mode/sleep mode according to an embodiment of the invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates a flow chart for programming the security system to block calls; and  
         [0027]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate a flow chart for the operation of the call-blocking feature according to user programmed instructions. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0028]      FIG. 1   a  illustrates an overview of an exemplary call blocking security system  1  according to the invention. The call block security system  1  includes at least one telephone device  150  and a security system  100 . For purposes of the description of the invention one telephone  150  will be used, however, any number of telephone devices  150  can be implemented in the call blocking security system  1 . The telephone device  150  is connected to telephone network via a wall jack  10  using a telephone cord. In the preferred embodiment, the walljack  10  is an RJ11 standard modular phone Jack.  
         [0029]     A plain old fashion telephone system (“POTS”), i.e., dial-up hard-wire communications, is the security systems  100  primary communications means using the telephone dialer  122 . The security system  100  is connected at the entry point for phone service to the premises using a RJ31X jack  70 . Typically, the RJ31X jack  70  is located in close proximity to control panel  110 . This wiring is depicted in  FIG. 1   a  as element  20 . However, the attachment point can be at any location that permits the security system  100  to have control over the telephone line prior to the telephone device  150 . This wiring arrangement permits “line seizure”, a condition wherein the security system  100  can effectively disconnect all of the downstream telephone service to the premises and capture the line for its own purposes in order to permit uninterrupted communications during a security event, using a line seizure means  128 . This line seizure means  128  will effectively relay or redirect the telephone service to the security system  100  and disconnect the telephone service to the telephone device. This redirection and disconnection is general for a short period to allow for the security system  100  to communicate with a remote monitoring station (not shown). For example, during this “seizure” period, the security system  100  can transmit an alarm signal to the central station.  
         [0030]     In general, the line seizure means  128  is used to seize the communication means whenever the security system needs to contact the central monitoring station without interference from another communication using the communication means. Specifically, the line seizure means  128  is a relay that can cut off both incoming and outgoing communications.  
         [0031]     A security system  100  includes a control panel  110  that communicates with a number of sensors  125  via a wired or wireless path. For example, the control panel  110  may receive signals from motion sensors that detect when a person enters a room. Signals received from fire sensors, such as smoke or heat sensors, indicate that a fire has been detected. Signals received from window and door sensors indicate that a window or door has been opened. The control panel  110  includes a control section  112 , which can be a microprocessor, memory  114 , a power source  116  and a transceiver  118 , a dialer  122  and a line seizure means  128   
         [0032]     The control section  112  includes a memory  114  for storing software or other instructions that are executed by the control section  112  to achieve the functionality described herein may be considered a program storage device.  
         [0033]     The control section  112  also includes an external clock that maintains the time and date for the security system  100 . Additionally, the control section  112  can include a timing means and a comparison means to implement the functionality described herein. The control panel  110  may also transmit signals to components of the security system  100 . For example, signals may be transmitted to a siren  120  to activate the siren when an alarm condition is detected. Signals may be sent to the user interface device  140  to 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.  
         [0034]     The control panel  110  can include a user interface device  140  integrated with the control panel  110  or a separate peripheral device can be connected to the control panel  110 . The user interface device  140  is commonly provided in the home such as by affixing it to a wall or placing it on a table, for instance, while the control panel  110  generally is a larger component that may be installed, e.g., in a closet or basement. However, it is not necessary for the user interface device  140  to be separate from the control panel  110 , or to communicate by wireless signals with the control panel  110 . For example, the user interface device  140  may be integrated into the control panel  110 . Optionally or additionally, a user interface device may be hardwired to the control panel  110 .  
         [0035]     Signals received from a peripheral user interface device  140 , e.g., including a keypad and display, may arm and disarm the system, as well as trip an alarm via a panic button feature. Typically, the user interface device  140  is the primary interface between the human user and the security system  100 . The user interface device  140  typically includes components that are analogous to the control panel  110 , including a control, memory and power source. Optionally, the user interface device  140  includes a transceiver.  
         [0036]      FIG. 1   b  depicts the connection of the security system  100 , telephone device  150  and the RJ31x Jack  70  according to the invention. The incoming telephone line from the telephone company has two portions, a TIP  50  and a Ring  50   a . Tip is a nickname for an electrically positive terminal and Ring is a nickname for an electrically negative terminal.  
         [0037]     TIP  50  and ring  50   a  are coupled to the RJ31x Jack  70 . The security system  100  is connected to the RJ31x Jack  70  using the direct connect cord  55  and plug  56 . The direct connect cord  55  includes four distinct wires, a red wire, which is the incoming security ring wire  55   a  (hereinafter “security ring  55   a ”), a green wire, which is the incoming security TIP wire  55   b  (hereinafter “security TIP  55   b ”, a brown wire, which is the outgoing handset TIP wire  55   c  (from the security system to the telephone) device  150  (hereinafter “outgoing handset TIP  55   c ”) and the gray wire, which is the outgoing handset ring wire  55   d  (hereinafter “outgoing handset ring  55   d ”). The security ring  55   a , security TIP  55   b , outgoing handset TIP  55   c , outgoing handset ring  55   d  are connected to the control panel (connections are depicted as  21 - 24  respectively.) The telephone device  150  is coupled to the RJ11 Jack  10 , which is electronically connected to the RJ31x using a TIP wire  15   a  and a ring wire  15   b.    
         [0038]     The security ring  55   a  wire and the outgoing handset ring  55   d  wire can be connected by the line seizure means  128  to close a ring circuit. The ring circuit with respect to the telephone device will include the security ring  55   a  wire, the outgoing handset ring  55   d  wire, the ring wire  15   b  and the ring  50   a  wire from the telephone company.  
         [0039]     Additionally, the security TIP  55   b  wire and the outgoing handset TIP  55   c  wire can be connected by the line seizure means  128  to close a TIP circuit. The TIP circuit with respect to the telephone device  150  will include the security TIP  55   b  wire, the outgoing handset TIP  55   c  wire, the TIP wire  15 , and the TIP  50  wire from the telephone company.  
         [0040]     The line seizure means  128  can be a relay device.  FIG. 1   b  depicts two double-pole, double throw relays  75 ,  75   a . One relay device controls the ring and other control the TIP. The double-pole, double throw relay  75  can open or close the connection for the ring, i.e., security ring  55   a  wire and the outgoing handset ring  55   d . The double-pole, double throw relay  75   a  can open or close the connection for the TIP, i.e., security TIP  55   b  wire and the outgoing handset TIP  55   c.    
         [0041]     Each double-pole, double-throw relay  75 , and  75   a  has two positions, a first position and a second position. In a first position the incoming telephone line from the telephone company, either the TIP  50  and/or a Ring  50   a  will be directly coupled to the security device  100  and the connection to the telephone device  150  from the telephone company will be open (open circuit with respect to the telephone device  150 ). In a second position the incoming telephone line from the telephone company, either the TIP  50  and/or a Ring  50   a  will be coupled to the telephone device  150 . In either position, the security system  100  has access to monitor the incoming telephone line for an incoming call.  
         [0042]     The control section  112  can separately control each double-pole, double throw relay  75 ,  75   a  as needed or control both relays together. In the preferred embodiment, both double-pole, double throw relay  75 ,  75   a  will be switched together.  
         [0043]     According to the invention, a user can actuate a user interface device  140  to block a incoming call by using the line seizure means  128 , i.e., double-pole, double throw relay  75 ,  75   a  to open or close a connection to the telephone device  150 .  FIG. 2  illustrates an example of a user interface device  140  that can be used with the instant invention.  
         [0044]     As mentioned, the user interface device  140  can be provided, e.g., as a peripheral to the main control panel  110 , or as part of the main control panel  110 . Thus, the functionality that is described herein as being provided by a user interface device may be provided wholly locally to the device  140 , or partially remotely, such as at the associated control panel  110 . The user interface device  140  includes a user input component such as a keypad  220  and/or microphone  240  for speech recognition in a voice-activated system, and a user output component such as a display  210  and/or speaker  230 . The display  210  may be a multi-line, multi-character LCD display, for instance. Additionally, user interface device  140  can include a graphic keypad user interface.  
         [0045]     Advantageously, the user interface device  140  may 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 keypad  220 , is necessary to achieve the additional functionality of controlling the telephone line connection to the telephone device  
         [0046]     It is also possible to provide the user interface device  140  as a device that is dedicated to blocking calls to the telephone device  150 . In one approach, functions can be assigned to existing keys to accommodate the functionality of the present invention. For example, assigning a key to be depressed for the “do not disturb/sleep mode” or several keys for programming the security system to execute the blocking feature.  
         [0047]     When the user enters the desired commands for controlling the security system  100 , a transmitter associated with the user interface device  140  sends a user-generated signal via a wireless and/or wired path that is encoded with the user-selected command.  
         [0048]     Alternatively, the user interface device can be a user-operated transmitter may be a handheld portable transmitter such as a key fob transmitter.  FIG. 3  illustrates an example handheld user-operated transmitter according to the invention. The user-operated transmitter  160 , 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 transmitter  160  includes a number of user-actuatable components such as keys that allow the user to enter desired commands for pre-programming the security system  100  to block calls from the telephone device  150 , based upon programmed blocking criterion or isolate the line from the telephone device  150  immediately for a sleep or do not disturb mode. In one approach, the user-operated transmitter  160  includes keys  310  for controlling the security system  100 .  
         [0049]     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.  
         [0050]     The user-operated transmitter  160  also includes keys  350  implementing the functionality desired for either immediately blocking all calls to the telephone device  150  or programming the security system  100  to block call to the telephone device. These keys may include a predefined key for “do not disturb mode/sleep mode”, resetting the security system  100 , and recording an outgoing message. Additionally, keys  350  will include a telephone keypad with digits 0-9 for entering a caller identification number for use by the security system  100  to block a call.  
         [0051]     A voice interface may be used as well. Moreover, the user-operated transmitter  160  need not be a key fob but can be any convenient device. For example, the functions of the user-operated transmitter  160  may 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.  
         [0052]     The security system  100  will include a program installed in the control panel  110  that allows the security system  100  to implement the do not disturb mode/sleep mode and pre-programmed call blocking. This program will also configure the control panel  110  to instruct the line seizure means  128  open or close a relay affecting a change in the connection between the incoming telephone company line, TIP  50  and ring  50   a , and the telephone device  150  based upon the mode of operation and blocking criterion stored in memory  114 .  
         [0053]     This program or software package can be installed into the control panel  110  at the time of installation or when manufactured. Alternatively, the program can be uploaded to the control panel  110  from a remote location after installation.  
         [0054]     By using the line seizure means  128  in this manner the security system  100  can block any incoming calls.  
         [0055]     In an embodiment of the invention, the user can block all call, i.e., prevent the telephone device  150  from receiving the call and ringing, by simply depressing a predefined key on the user interface device  140  or user-operated transmitter  160 . The control panel  110  will cause line seizure means  128  to open the connection between the Ring  50   a  and/or TIP  50  wires from the telephone company and the telephone device  150 .  
         [0056]     In this embodiment, the security system  100  will continue to block all incoming calls from reaching the telephone device  150  until the user resets the security system  100  by depressing another predefined button on the user interface device. As used in this application “resetting” means an indication that the user does not want to block a telephone call anymore.  
         [0057]     Alternatively, the user can define a specific sleep period. The sleep period can be a time increment, in minutes or hours. A timer means, in either the control section  112  or user interface device  140  will countdown the sleep period. The sleep period will be stored in the memory of the user interface device  140  or memory of the control panel  110 . Alternatively, the user can select a default sleep period. For example, the default sleep period can be two hours.  
         [0058]     The security system  100  will seize the communication line for the entire sleep period, open at least one circuit to the telephone device. In one embodiment, the control section  100  can instruct the line seizure means  128  to open the ring circuit to the telephone device  150 , i.e., first position of double-pole, double-throw relay  75 . The telephone device  150  will be prevented from ringing. In another embodiment, the control section  100  can instruct the line seizure means  128 , i.e., relays, to open both the ring and TP circuit to the telephone device, first position for both, double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a . Any call received during this sleep period will be automatically blocked according to one of the above-identified manners.  
         [0059]     Optionally, the user can record an outgoing message informing an incoming caller that the user does not want to receive any incoming telephone calls during the “do not disturb” or “sleep period”. This outgoing message can be played when an incoming telephone call is received. Alternative, a pre-stored default message can be played, e.g., “do not disturb”.  
         [0060]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrates a flow chart for the do not disturb mode/sleep mode in accordance with the invention.  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are labeled as “S” followed by the step number to save space; however, for descriptive purposes the invention will be described using the term “Step” followed by the step number.  
         [0061]     At Step  400 , the control section  112  will determine if the user has actuated a predefined key to initiate the do not disturb mode. If the control section  112  detects that the predefined key has not been actuated, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to maintain the connection of both the TIP and ring circuit to the telephone device  150 , at step  405 . If the control section  112  detects that the predefined key has been actuated, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to open at least one of the TIP and ring circuit to the telephone device  150 , at step  410 , thereby routing the incoming telephone line, i.e., TIP  50  and/or ring  50   a  away from the telephone device. Specifically, either one or both the double-pole, double throw relays  75  and  75   a  will move to the first position. The control section  112  will then determine if the user entered a predefined sleep time, at step  415 . If it is determined that the user entered a predefined sleep period, the control section  112  will initialize a timing means to count down the sleep period, at step  420 . Additionally, the control section  112  will activate the timing means, at step  420 . The control section  112  continuously monitors the timing means to determine if the sleep period expires, at step  425 . If the control section  112  detects that the sleep period expires, i.e., the value of the timing means equals zero, then the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to close the opened circuit to the telephone device  150 , at step  435 , i.e., either the TIP circuit and/or the ring circuit. Specifically, either one or both the double-pole, double throw relays  75 ,  75   a  will move to the second position. The connection to the incoming telephone company line, TIP  50  and ring  50   a  will be restored and the telephone device  100  will be able to receive calls. Additionally, the control section  112  will notify the user that the sleep period has expired, at step  440 . This notification can be an audible siren or tone, a digitized voice message or a visual light indicator. The user will have the option to continue the do not disturb mode/sleep mode by depressing the predefined key on the user interface device  140  or user-operated transmitter  160 . In one embodiment, the new sleep period can be the same value as used prior. Alternatively, the user can enter a different time for the sleep period.  
         [0062]     If the sleep period has not expired, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to maintain the open circuit to the telephone device  150 , at step  430 .  
         [0063]     The control section  112  will then determine if the user has reset the security system, instructing the security system to stop blocking calls, at step  445 . If the user has depressed the reset key, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to close all open circuit with respect to the telephone device  
         [0064]     The telephone device will be able to receive calls. Additionally, the control section  112  will notify the end user that the security system  100  is reset and no longer in “do not disturb mode/sleep mode”, at step  440 .  
         [0065]     If the control section  112  determines that the user has not reset the do not disturb mode/sleep mode, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to maintain the open circuit with respect to the telephone device  150 , at step  450 , i.e., at least one of the double-pole, double throw relays  75 ,  75   a  will remain in first position. In one embodiment, during the do not disturb mode, the control section  112  monitors the incoming calls (step  455 ). If the control section  112  detects an incoming telephone call, when the security system is operating in “do not disturb mode/sleep mode”, the control section  112  will determine if an outgoing message has been recorded for playback. Specifically, the control section  112  will search the memory  114  for any recorded message. If there is an outgoing message, the control section  112  will play the recorded message, at step  470 . The control section  112  will briefly answer the incoming call to play the recorded message. Once the recorded message has been played, the control section  112  can optionally disconnect the incoming telephone call.  
         [0066]     If there is no recorded message, the control section can disconnect the incoming telephone call, at step  465 . Step  465  is an optional step.  
         [0067]     As mentioned above, if the control section  112  determines that the user input a specific sleep period, the control section  112  will initialize the timing means with the input value, at step  415 . However, if no such specific sleep period was input, the control section  112  will then determine if the user indicated that a default time should be utilized, at step  500 . If, at step  500 , the control section  112  determines that the default value should be used, the control section  112  obtains this value from memory  114 . Using the value obtained from memory  114 , the control section  112  will initialize the timing means to count down the default time as the sleep period, at step  505 . Additionally, the control section  112  will activate the timing means, at step  505 .  
         [0068]     The control section  112  will continuously monitor the timing means to determine if the sleep period expires, at step  510 . If the control section  112  detects that the sleep period expires, i.e., the value of the timing means equals zero, then the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to close the open circuit to the telephone device  150 , at step  435 , i.e., both of the double-pole, double throw relays  75 ,  75   a  will be in second position. The telephone device will be able to receive calls. Additionally, the control section  112  will notify the user that the sleep period has expired, at step  440 .  
         [0069]     If the sleep period has not expired, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to maintain the open circuit to the telephone device  150 , at step  515  i.e., at least one of the double-pole, double throw relays  75 ,  75   a  will remain in first position.  
         [0070]     The control section  112  will then determine if the user has reset the security system  100 , instructing the security system  100  to stop blocking calls, at step  520 . If the user has depressed the reset key, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to close the open circuit with respect to the telephone device  150 , at step  525 , i.e., both of the double-pole, double throw relays  75 ,  75   a  will be in second position. The telephone device will be able to receive calls. Optionally, the control section  112  can notify the user that the security system  100  is reset and no longer in do not disturb mode/sleep mode.  
         [0071]     If the control section  112  determines that the user has not reset the “do not disturb mode/sleep mode”, the control section  122  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to maintain the open circuit with respect to the telephone device  150 , at step  530  i.e., at least one of the double-pole, double throw relays  75 ,  75   a  will remain in first position.  
         [0072]     In an embodiment of the invention, the control section  112  continuously monitors the redirected telephone line  15  for any incoming calls (step  535 ). If the control section  112  detects an incoming telephone call, the control section  112  can determine if an outgoing message has been recorded for playback, at step  540 . The control section  112  will search in memory  114  for any recorded message and if there is a recorded message, the control section  112  will cause the message to be played, at step  545 . The control section  112  will briefly answer the incoming call to play the recorded message. Once the recorded message has been played, the control section  112  can disconnect the incoming telephone call, at step  545 .  
         [0073]     If there is no recorded message, the control section can optionally disconnect the incoming telephone call, at step  550 .  
         [0074]     If neither a specify sleep period nor a default sleep period is selected, the do not disturb mode/sleep mode will continue for an indefinite period of time, at step  555 . A timing means will not be used. The user can stop the do not disturb mode/sleep mode by resetting the mode, i.e. depressing a predefined key. The control section  112  will monitoring the system to determine if the user depresses the defined reset key, either on the user interface device  140  or the user-operated transmitter  160 . If the control section  112  detects that the defined reset key has been depressed, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means to close all open circuits with respect to the telephone device  150 , at step  565 , i.e., both of the double-pole, double throw relays  75 ,  75   a  will be in second position. The process will then process to step  400 .  
         [0075]     If the control section  112  determines that the user has not reset the do not disturb mode/sleep mode, the control section  122  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to maintain the open circuits with respect to the telephone device, at step  570530  i.e., at least one of the double-pole, double throw relays  75 ,  75   a  will remain in first position.  
         [0076]     In an embodiment of the invention, the control section  112  continuously monitors redirected telephone line  15  for any incoming calls (step  575 ). If the control section  112  detects an incoming call, the control section  112  will determine if a outgoing message has been recorded for playback, at step  580 . The control section  112  will search in memory  114  for any recorded message and if there is a recorded message, the control section  112  will cause the message to be played, at step  585 . The control section  112  will briefly answer the incoming call to play the recorded message. Once the recorded message has been played, the control section  112  can disconnect the incoming telephone call, at step  585 .  
         [0077]     If there is no recorded message, the control section  112  can optionally disconnect the incoming telephone call, at step  590 .  
         [0078]     In another embodiment of the invention, the control section  112  can monitor if the user attempts to initiate an outgoing telephone call by using the telephone device  150 . If the control section  112  detects such operation of the telephone device  150 , the control section  112  can instruct the line seizure means  128  to close all open circuits with respect to the telephone device  150  to enable as outgoing telephone call, i.e., both of the double-pole, double throw relays  75 ,  75   a  will be in second position.  
         [0079]     In an embodiment of the invention, before any call is disconnected the control section  112  can determine the source of the incoming call. This is to prevent a call from the central monitoring station or the downloader from immediately being disconnected.  
         [0080]     According to an embodiment of the invention, the user can program or configure the security system  100  using the user interface device  140  or user-operated transmitter to block, in the future, one or more incoming calls based upon at least one predetermined criterion. Once the predetermined criterion have been programmed into the security system  100  and stored in memory  114 , the security system  100  can block an individual call or all calls without the user depressing any key to initiate the blocking. The predetermined criterion can be a caller ID of the calling party. This will allow a user to block an incoming telephone call from a specific calling party based upon the calling party&#39;s telephone number. This will prevent a user from receiving unwanted phone calls, e.g., telemarketers, ex-wives, etc. . . In another embodiment, the user can create a list of allowable callers by programming certain numbers or identification information into the security system. Once this list is programmed into the system, the list is stored in memory. The list can be updated, however, once a number has been entered, the number does not have to be reprogrammed.  
         [0081]     Alternatively, the predetermined criterion can be a time of the day or a specific time period (T). Thus, the user can create a “do not disturb schedule”. An advantage of the “do not disturb schedule” is that a user can not be disturb by an telephone call during certain times of the day, e.g., during family meals, naps, studying, watching TV, night, or studying. Specifically, the user can generate a schedule where the security systems will automatically, block all calls. For example, the user can program the security system to block all calls after 10PM and before 7AM, during the business week, and all calls after 12AM and before 10AM on the weekends (except from the central station or downloader).  
         [0082]     In another embodiment of the invention, the predetermined criterion can be the status of the security system. For example, when the security system is armed or in sleep mode, all telephone calls can be blocked. Specifically, the user can program the security system  100  to block all incoming telephone calls based upon the status of the security system  100  (except from the central station or downloader).  
         [0083]     When the predetermined criterion is a caller ID, the security system  100  obtains the caller ID information between the first and second ring for the incoming call. This caller ID information is compared with a list of numbers stored in the memory  114  of the control panel  110 . When the caller ID information matches a number or other identification information stored in memory  114 , the security system  100  will either block or allow the incoming call by opening or closing at least one of the TIP or ring circuits to the telephone device  150  using the line seizure means  128 , depending on the predetermined criterion.  
         [0084]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart showing the sequence of programming a security system  100  to block an incoming telephone call, to create a schedule for blocking all incoming telephone calls or to assign the blocking function to a specific status of the security system. In operation, the user inputs at least one predetermined criterion for blocking an incoming through the user interface device  140  or user-operated transmitter  160 . Depending on the selected predetermined criterion, the user interface device  140  will prompt the user to input other information used to block an incoming telephone call.  
         [0085]     The process begins at step  600 . The user will select the call blocking mode using the user interface device  140  or user-operated transmitter  160 . The user enters the programming mode by using the keys or buttons on the user interface device  140  or user-operated transmitter  160 . Once in programming mode, the user interface device  140  or user-operated transmitter  160  can optionally prompt the user to select at least one predetermined criterion, at step  610 . As described above, the predetermined criterion can be a specific time, a particular party or group of calling party, status of security system).  
         [0086]     Once the predetermined criterion is selected, the user interface will prompt the user to enter at least one corresponding blocking parameter for the criterion. Each different predetermined criterion has its own set of blocking parameter.  
         [0087]     If the predetermined criterion is a specific time schedule period or blocking schedule, the blocking parameters are units of time and a date. The user will program a schedule, including the date and start and end time for call blocking, at step  615 .  
         [0088]     If the predetermined criterion is a caller ID, the blocking parameters are telephone numbers or identification information. The user can use a plurality of telephone number or caller IDs, at step  615 . Specifically, the user can enter a telephone number or identification information, using the keys on the user interface device  140  or user-operated transmitter  160 . The telephone number or identification information can correspond to the specific person. Alternatively, the entered number can represent a group of numbers or caller IDs or identification information in which the end user does not want to receive an incoming call, e.g., all 800 numbers. To block all 800 number the end user would enter 800-XXX-XXXX as the telephone number. The security system  100  would then block all calls where the caller ID began with 800. Furthermore, the user can program the security system  100  using the user interface device  140  or user-operated transmitter  160  to block all calls where the call ID number is unavailable or private. This list of numbers or identification information is stored in the memory of the user interface device  140  or memory of the control panel  110 .  
         [0089]     In operation, the security system  100  will open at least one of the TIP and ring circuits to the telephone device  150  each time the caller ID matches one of the programmed telephone numbers stored in memory.  
         [0090]     The user can program a plurality of telephone number or caller IDs, at step  615 , for a person or group of persons, which the user will allow incoming calls. The process of entering the list of number is the same as set forth above.  
         [0091]     In operation, the security system  100  will open at least one of the TIP or ring circuit to the telephone line  15  and only close the opened TIP and ring circuit to the telephone device  150  if the caller ID matches one of the programmed telephone numbers stored in memory.  
         [0092]     In an embodiment of the invention, the user can determine whether to block an incoming telephone call base upon the status of the security system  100 . This will be accomplished by selecting the call blocking feature for a particular security system status. For example, the end user can block all incoming telephone calls if the security system is armed. Additionally, if motion is detected when the system is armed, the security system can be programmed to unblock all calls, i.e., close TIP and ring circuits with respect to the telephone device  150 .  
         [0093]     The security system  100  still has the ability to send reports to the central station via the primary communication line even though the TIP or ring circuit with respect to the telephone device  150  are open.  
         [0094]     Once all of the blocking parameters have been enters and the security system  100  initialized, the system is ready to block the incoming telephone calls. The blocking parameters only have to be programmed once. Therefore, after all of the parameters have been entered for any of the predetermined criterion, the user can simply walk over to the user interface device or operate the user-operated transmitter  160  and hit a few keys to updated the blocking information, such as to change the criterion. The security system  100  will automatically block the incoming call without any other activity from the user.  
         [0095]      FIG. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate a flow chart for the operation of the call-blocking feature according to the user programmed instructions.  
         [0096]     The control section  112  will monitor the telephone line  15  for any incoming telephone calls, at step  700 . If the control section  112  detects an incoming telephone call, at step  700 , the control section  112  will determine whether to block the call based upon the predetermined criterion stored in memory  114 . The control section  112  will search the memory  114  to determine if a predetermined criterion has been programmed and whether the predetermined criterion is a general blocking criterion or an individual blocking criterion. A general blocking criterion is one where all calls are block regardless of the caller identification, whereas an individual blocking criterion is dependent on the caller identification. For example, a general blocking criterion is the status of the security system  100  or a predefined blocking schedule. An individual blocking criterion includes blocking the incoming based upon the caller identification of the incoming telephone call or enabling the call to be answered based upon the caller identification of the incoming telephone call.  
         [0097]     The control section  112  determines the categories of the blocking criterion at step  705 . If the control section  112  determines that the blocking criterion is an individual blocking criterion, then the control section  112  will determine the type of individual blocking criterion, i.e., caller identification block or caller identification enabled.  
         [0098]     Depending on the result of this determination, the process proceeds to either step  715  (caller identification blocking) or step  740  (caller identification enabling). For caller identification blocking, the control section  112  will determine if the caller identification corresponding to the incoming call was programmed by the user to be blocked. The control section  112  will obtain the caller identification for the incoming call between the first and second tone using a caller identification means  129 . Once the caller identification has been obtained, the control section  112  will retrieve a user defined caller identification list from memory  114 . A comparison means will compare the obtained caller identification with the caller identification list. If there is a match, control section  112  will cause the incoming call to be blocked. Specifically, the control section  112  will determine the status of the TIP and ring circuits, i.e., the connection to the telephone device  150 , at step  720 . If the either the TIP or the ring circuit is open, i.e., one of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  is in first position, then the control section  112  maintains the status or position, i.e., do nothing. The process will return to step  700 . If the both the TIP and ring circuits are closed, i.e., both the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  are in the second position, then the control section  112  will cause the line seizure means  128 , e.g., either the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  to move from the second position to the first position opening at least one of the ring or TIP circuit to the telephone device  
         [0099]     The opened circuit is for a period of time long enough for called to be disconnected, either by the caller hanging up their telephone or the security system  100  disconnecting the incoming telephone call.  
         [0100]     Once the control section  112  the incoming telephone is disconnected or terminated, the control section  112  will instruct or cause the line seizure means  128  to close the opened circuits with respect to the telephone device  150 , i.e., both the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  switched to the second position. The process will proceed back to step  700 .  
         [0101]     If, the obtained caller identification does not match any of the caller identifications stored in memory  114 , i.e., on the caller identification list, the control section  112  will not block the incoming telephone call. The control section  112  will determine the status of the TIP and ring circuits, at step  730 . If the either of the TIP and ring circuits are opened, then the control section  112  will close them. In other words, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128 , e.g., either the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a , to stop seizing the line and allow incoming telephone calls to be routed to the telephone device  150 . The process will return to step  700 . If both the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  are in the second position, i.e., ring and TIP circuit closed with respect to the telephone device  150  then the control section  112  will do nothing. The process will return to step  700 .  
         [0102]     Similarly, for caller identification enabling, the control section  112  will determine if the caller identification corresponding to the incoming telephone call was programmed by the user to be received by the telephone device  150  and answered by the user, i.e., enabled, at step  740 . The control section  112  will obtain the caller identification for the incoming call between the first and second tone using caller identification means  129 . Once the caller identification has been obtained, the control section  112  can retrieve the user defined caller identification list from memory  114 . A comparison means (not shown) will compare the obtained caller identification with the caller identification list. If there is a match, control section will cause the incoming call to proceed to the telephone device  
         [0103]     Specifically, the control section  112  will determine the status of TIP and ring circuit, i.e., position of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  with respect to the telephone device  150 , at step  745 . If the either of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  in first position, i.e., open circuit with respect to the telephone device  150 , then the control section  112  will cause the corresponding circuit and double-pole, double-throw relay to change its position, i.e., to the second position. The process will return to step  700 . If the both circuits are closed with respect to the telephone device  150 , then the control section  112  will maintain the connection, i.e., do nothing. The process will proceed back to step  700 .  
         [0104]     If, the obtained caller identification does not match any of the caller identifications stored in memory  114 , i.e., on the caller identification list, the control section  112  will block the incoming telephone call. The control section  112  will determine the status of the TIP and ring circuit, i.e., position of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  with respect to the telephone device  150 , at step  755 . If either of the circuits are opened with respect to the telephone device, i.e., either of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  in first position, then the control section  112  maintains this status or position, at proceed to step  700 , i.e., do nothing. If both the TIP and ring circuit with respect to the telephone device  150  are closed, i.e., both of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75  and  75   a  in second position, then the control section  112  will cause the line seizure means  128 , e.g., at least one of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75  and/or  75   a  to moves to the first position, to prevent the telephone device  150  from ringing and/or to disconnect the incoming call. This switching in relay position is temporary. The process will proceed back to step  700 .  
         [0105]     If the control section  112  determines that the predetermined criterion is a general blocking criterion, at step  710 , the process will proceed to step  800 . The control section  112  will determine the type of general blocking criterion, i.e., security system status or predefined blocking schedule.  
         [0106]     Based upon this determination, the process will proceed to either step  840  (security system status) or step  805  (predefined blocking schedule).  
         [0107]     For the predefined blocking schedule, i.e., program schedule for blocking all incoming telephone calls, the control section  112  will determine if the current time is equal to the predefined blocking schedule, at step  805 . The internal clock within the control section  112  determines the current time. The current time is compared, using a comparison means, with the predefined blocking schedule. If there is a match, i.e., the current time is within the predefined blocking schedule, then the control section  112  causes all calls to be blocked. Specifically, the control section  112  will determine the status of the TIP and ring circuits with respect to the telephone device  150 , i.e., position of both double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a , at step  810 . If either circuit is open with respect to the telephone device  150 , i.e., one of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a , in first position, then the control section  112  maintains the status or position of the relay, i.e., do nothing. The process will return to step  700 . If both the TIP and ring circuit are closed with respect to the telephone device  150 , i.e., both double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a , in second position, then the control section  112  will cause the line seizure means  128 , e.g., at least one of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  to change its position, opening the corresponding circuit with respect to the telephone device  150 , at step  815 . The switching is for the entire predefined scheduled blocking period. Optionally, in an embodiment, the control section  112  can disconnect and terminate the incoming telephone call. In another embodiment, the control section  112  can play a recorded outgoing message. This may be desired to inform the calling party that the called party does not want to receive any calls as this time. The recorded message is stored in memory.  
         [0108]     The control section  112  then monitors the remaining time left in the predefined blocking schedule, at step  820 . Once this predefined blocking schedule expires, the control section  112  causes the opened circuit with respect to the telephone device to be closed. In other words, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to stop seizing the line. The process will then proceed to step  700 .  
         [0109]     If, the current time does not match any of periods included in the predefined blocking schedule, the control section  112  will not block the incoming telephone call. The control  112  will determine the status of the TIP and ring circuits, i.e., position of both double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a , at step  830 . If the either the TIP or ring circuit is open with respect to the telephone device  150 , then the control section  112  will cause the opened circuit to be closed with respect to the telephone device, at step  835 . In other words, the control section  112  will instruct the line seizure means  128  to stop seizing the line and allow incoming calls to be routed to the telephone device  150 , i.e., both double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  in second position. The process will return to step  700 . If both the TIP and ring circuits are closed with respect to the telephone device  150 , then the control section  112  will maintain the status and position of the relay. The process will return to step  700 .  
         [0110]     If the control section  112  determines that the predetermined criterion is the status of the security system  100 , the control section  112  will first determine the status of the system, at step  840 . Based upon this determination, the control section  112  will compare this status with a status-blocking list stored in memory  
         [0111]     If there is a match, i.e., user determined that for the current status, all calls should be blocked; the control section  112  will block all calls. Specifically, the control section  112  will determine the status of the TIP and ring circuits, i.e., position of both double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a , at step  850 . If either of the TIP or ring circuit is open with respect to the telephone device, i.e., one of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  in first position, then the control section  112  maintains the status or position of the relay, i.e., do nothing. The process will return to step  700 . If both of the TIP and ring circuits are closed, then the control section  112  will cause the line seizure means  128 , e.g., at least one of the double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a  to change its position to the first position, at step  855 . In an embodiment of the invention, the control section can then disconnect and terminate the incoming call. The process will then return to step  700 .  
         [0112]     If the user did not intend for any calls to be blocked for the current status, i.e., no match in the status blocking list, then the control section  112  will not block the incoming telephone call.  
         [0113]     The control section  112  will determine the status of the TIP and ring circuits, i.e., position of both double-pole, double-throw relays  75 ,  75   a , at step  860 . If either circuit is open with respect to the telephone device, then the control section  112  will cause the circuit to be closed, at step  865 . The process will return to step  700 . If both are closed, then the control section  112  will maintain the status, i.e., do nothing. The process will return to step  700 .  
         [0114]     In the above-identified embodiments, the telephone device  150  has been described as being a separate standalone device, however, it is within the scope of the invention to integrate the telephone device  150  within the security system  100 . Additionally, the invention has been described with respect to a telephone line as the communication means, however, this description is only by way of example. The call blocking method and do not disturb mode, i.e., line seizure, can be implemented into any communication network where a signal can be redirected and routed. For example, the communication network can be a computer network. The telephone service can be provided by a cable company or other source using Voice-over-the-Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology. The control panel  110  would be connected to the communication network or incoming line in the same manner, but the connection would be to a cable modem or to another type of device used to facilitate communication.  
         [0115]     In an alternate embodiment, even if the security system  100  has been programmed to block all calls for a specific period or all calls for a specific security system status or all calls in do not disturb mode, the control section can leave the TIP and ring circuits closed and only temporarily switch the relays when a call is incoming, during one of the above-identified conditions. This will allow a user to be able to access the telephone line to make an outgoing telephone call even if one of the above set conditions exists using the telephone device  150 .  
         [0116]     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.